Augusta, Jan, 26th 1850

This day has been one of the most delightful
of a season of fine weather. The shady side of
the street is ? most agreeable--thermometer
? 76° F- some like! Trees? are piling?
birds are singing Green grass is shining. Above
? ? one feels nature teeming with
formation. Friday indoors Irksome. I started
for a walk with Pease sauntering slowly down
the long broad street of the city- we made a
turn to the left by the market house & found
ourselves at the bridge. An old colored woman
Salutes Massa Pease & would he like some
nice potatoe pies fresh! not a bad idea
he take some for which she thanks us kindly.
we pass on over the river and we are in Honburg?
S.C. A long low & brown building upon the
bank is the slave market- it has a
wide portico- marching forward to back upon
it are about 150 negroes. "following the leader though
a step somewhat intricate? & keeping time to one of these
peculiar chants & all joining in the refrain-
A fellow with the bones is the leader

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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George Fuller, an artist from Deerfield, Massachusetts, took several trips through the South in the 1850s, documenting the sights and sounds with vivid letters and sketches. With the eye of an artist, Fuller describes in this letter the cruelty of an impending slave auction. He notes with irony how the slaves appear well dressed and fed but also that this condition serves their master's interest since it will make them more appealing to potential buyers. He surmises about the slaves' state of mind and notices the particular sadness and helplessness of one young woman. He then contrasts this disturbing scene against the beautiful and serene Southern landscape surrounding him.

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