A Guide to the William Cobbs Letters, 1827-1841

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

William Cobbs Letters, 1827-1841, consist of correspondence used as evidence in the Lynchburg, Va., Chancery cause styled John Motley & wife, Etc. vs. John P. Cobbs, Etc. which excuses William of inadequately fulfilling his role as executor to Robert Cobbs, his father's, estate.

The letters are primarily between William Cobbs and William R. Cox and concern Cox's management of his finances and primarily concern William Cobbs' affairs as an enslaver. The correspondence highlight white enslaver's treatment of enslaved Black individuals as chattel. Many of the letters concern the most advantageous hiring out agreements for Harry, George and Peter, three Black men enslaved by Cobbs. Additionally, there are mentions of Harry's poor mental health, the self-emancipation of Ned and Tom and their pursuit to flee to Ohio or Canada, death of Moses, and sale of Stephen.

Biographical / historical:

William Cobbs was born March 2, 1792 in Campbell County, Virginia. He attended Hampden-Sydney College. After graduating, Cobbs managed his father's plantations in Campbell and Bedford Counties and his business activities in Kanawha Salines in present-day West Virginia. In 1828, he purchased Poplar Forest from Thomas Jefferson's grandson, Francis Eppes. Cobbs died September 6, 1852 in Bedford County, Virginia.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from the City of Lynchburg.
Physical description:
21 pages [Photocopies]; Digital Images