Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Provenance

According to the record of sale, the letter was formerly the property of a private collector from Augusta County, Virginia.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Thomas A. Turk Letter, February 18, 1859, SC 0256, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Item was purchased at auction on November 10, 2017, from Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates and formed part of Lot #195.

Processing Information

The Thomas A. Turk Letter was separated from other documents in Lot #195, based on collection assessment at the time of purchase.

Bio/Historical Note

Additional records pertaining to Thomas A. Turk (1808-1871) reveal that he owned land, likely in Augusta County, Virginia. An 1850 letter written by lawyer and future Confederate general, John Daniel Imboden, to Alexander H.H. Stuart, discusses a lawsuit of Daniel Mosby against Thomas Turk over possession of a tract of land.

Pokahontas (Pocahontas) is in Tazewell County, in northwestern Virginia, near the West Virginia border.

Scope and Contents

This is a single-page letter, written by Thomas A. Turk to a Mr. Larry, dated February 18, 1859. Turk discusses an upcoming trip to Pokahontas, and requests that Larry relay information about a Mr. Lockridge, so that Turk can secure the purchase of an enslaved person from him. He states, "if you can find out which Lockridge that has the negroes for sale and where he lives it is likely that I can make it on my way to see him before I return."

Arrangement

One document housed in a folder.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
• Letters (correspondence)
• Slavery -- Virginia -- Staunton
• Staunton (Va.) -- History -- 19th century