DACS

nicholsabelbeach Inventory of the Abel Beach Nichols Papers, 1835-1850 Processed by: Danielle Moore; machine-readable finding aid created by: Danielle Moore David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library Duke University Durham, N.C., USA

Aleph Number: 004038488

Machine-readable finding aid derived from XML authoring program. Date of source: Semptember 2010Processed by Danielle Moore, September 2010; finding aid encoded by Danielle Moore, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University, Semptember 2010 Description is in English Finding aid was prepared using DACS and local Style Guide Inventory of the Abel Beach Nichols Papers, 1835-1850 David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27708-0185 USA

Descriptive Summary David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University Nichols, Abel Beach, 1796?-1868. Abel Beach Nichols Papers, 1835-1850 Material in English 0.1 Linear Feet 3 Items For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog. Abel Beach Nichols (1796/7-1868) was a merchant, farmer, slave owner and dealer from Bedford County, Virginia. The collection includes a small account book A. B. (Abel Beach) Nichols used to record financial transactions that occurred in Alabama from 1835 to 1836. Nine pages contain handwriting and several pages near the front and back of the book have been removed. Of particular interest are two pages with the heading, A list of the sales of negroes in the State of Alabama in 1835 & 1836, followed by a tabular listing of the number of slaves, their names, from whom purchased, cost, date, to whom sold, time, and amount. In all, Nichols bought and sold 42 slaves for a profit of $21,430.58. Headings such as A list of bonds bought in Alabama ... and Bond on ... in Alabama for articles sold are found on subsequent pages. Also included in the collection are two letters addressed to A. B. Nichols. The 1846 letter, from Pollard Hopkins & Co., describes efforts regarding the sell or hire of Nichols' slave, Henry, and the writer's intention to buy Henry a horse and dray, thereby giving him the means to eventually buy his freedom. The 1850 letter, from Henry, respectfully explains arrangements for acquiring the title to himself. Administrative Information Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Abel Beach Nichols Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Provenance

The Abel Beach Nichols Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2008.

Processing Information

Processed by Danielle Moore, September 2010

Encoded by Danielle Moore, Semptember 2010

Accession 2008-0259 is described in this finding aid.

Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.

Biographical Note

Abel Beach Nichols (1796/7-1868) was a merchant, farmer, slave owner and dealer. Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, he settled in Liberty (present day city of Bedford), Bedford County, Virginia, in 1820. In 1824 he built a store in Bedford Court House where goods imported from New York were sold, and a few years later began construction of his country house, Three Otters, which is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nichols is recorded in the U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedules as owning 48 slaves in 1860.

Collection Overview

The collection includes a small account book that A. B. (Abel Beach) Nichols used to record financial transactions that occurred in Alabama from 1835 to 1836. Nine pages contain handwriting and several pages near the front and back of the book have been removed. Of particular interest are two pages with the heading, A list of the sales of negroes in the State of Alabama in 1835 & 1836, followed by a tabular listing of the number of slaves, their names, from whom purchased, cost, date, to whom sold, time, and amount. In all, Nichols bought and sold 42 slaves for a profit of $21,430.58. Headings such as A list of bonds bought in Alabama ... and Bond on ... in Alabama for articles sold are found on subsequent pages. Also included in the collection are two letters addressed to A. B. Nichols. The 1846 letter, from Pollard Hopkins & Co., describes efforts regarding the sell or hire of Nichols' slave, Henry, and the writer's intention to buy Henry a horse and dray, thereby giving him the means to eventually buy his freedom. The 1850 letter, from Henry, respectfully explains arrangements for acquiring the title to himself.

Subject Headings

These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.

Nichols, Abel Beach, 1796?-1868. Slaveholders--Virginia--Bedford County. Slavery--Alabama. Slavery--Louisiana--New Orleans. Slaves--Alabama. Slaves--Emancipation--Louisiana--New Orleans. Slaves--Louisiana--New Orleans. Slaves--Prices--Alabama. Slaves--Prices--Louisiana--New Orleans. Slaves’ writings, American--Louisiana--New Orleans. Slave trade--Alabama. Slave traders--Virginia--Bedford County. Alabama--History--19th century. New Orleans (La.)--History--19th century. Account books. Business letters. Contents of Collection Abel Beach Nichols Papers, 1835-1850 (1 folder) 1Account book, 1835-1836 Letter from Pollard Hopkins & Co., 1846 Letter from Henry, 1850