Hannah Valentine was an enslaved woman who served the Campbell family in Abingdon, Virginia. When David Campbell became governor and moved to Richmond, he took Hannah’s husband, Michael, and children with him while Hannah stayed behind to care for their home. This is an excerpt from a letter she wrote to her husband while they were away. The Cambells, along with Hanna’s husband and other family members, later returned to Abingdon, along with their niece, Virginia Campbell Shelton.
Excerpt:
Abingdon January 30, 1838
My dear husband
I begin to feel so anxious to hear from you and my children… I heard through Mr Gibson last week that you were all well, but hearing from you in that way does not satisfy me. I want a letter to tell me what you are doing and all about yourself and Eliza & David. Mr Nat Barker sent to let me know that he would set off to Richmond in the stage to day, but I could not get my letter ready in time for home this morning, but if he has put it off until the next stage, as I think he probably has I can still send it by him, or if he is gone, by mail... Miss Ellen I believe intends staying with Mrs Railey until the spring. She has been up to see me several times. Tell Miss Virginia I wish she was here that she might become acquainted with her. We have had a very sick family. Mr Lathum and all the children had the measles at the same time. They were all very sick for a few weeks, but not all enough to call in a physician. Mr Lathum's Father came up and attended to his son's business while he was sick. There is now a great deal of sickness in town & country. The measles are still spreading, and some that have taken cold after having had them are very sick. Our children are very well and are free from the cough which usually succeeds the measles. Tell Eliza her children grow very fast. They do not talk much about her now, but seem to be very well satisfied without her. I begin to feel anxious to see you all. I am afraid my patience will be quite worn out if you do not come back soon.
Note:
Eliza and David were two of Hanna’s children.