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 auction of enslaved people. He notes with irony how the enslaved appear well dressed and fed but also that this condition serves their enslaver’s interest since it will make them more appealing to potential buyers. He surmises about the state of mind of the enslaved 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.
Fuller, George. Letter to Aaron Fuller from son George re: slave market. January 26, 1850. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l05-061/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
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