1849 RICHMOND VA LETTER From SLAVE AUCTIONEER ALBERT C. PULLIAM - GOOD CONTENT!

Description

Lengthy, 3-1/2 pg. letter, approx. 7-7/8" x 9-7/8", dated at Richmond, Va., March 26, 1849, from Albert C. Pulliam (signed "A.C. Pulliam"), to his cousin, John S. Clopton, at Wheatley, Fauquier County, Virginia.
The stampless folded letter has a red RICHMOND/Va. cds postmark with attached "5" rate at bottom.
The writer of this letter,
ALBERT CLOPTON PULLIAM
, (1828-1913), was a noted
Slave Auctioneer in Richmond
in the 1850's. In 1858, he was in partnership with Slave Auctioneer William Betts, and in 1860 was advertising his Slave Auctioneer business as Pulliam & Co., consisting of himself, his brother, R.P. Pulliam, and K. Weisiger. I found a clipping online for his Slave Auctioneer business which appeared in the Staunton Spectator in 1860 - see the last photo with this listing for the clipping (not included with this letter - it can be found online).
A well-written letter with
great content
, in which Pulliam writes of his cousin John S. Clopton's being engage, and of the lady's resemblance to Miss Sallie Weisiger (likely related to his partner in the slave auction business, K. Weisiger); He also writes of other friends and family members in Va., of
politics
- noting that there are two Whig candidates in the field from his district, but he wouldn't be surprised if a Loco Foco "went from our Whig district". He also writes of Thomas Carter having had his ice house and barn burned by arsonists.
Includes:
"Dear Cousin,
Your communication of the 22nd came duly to hand, and I assure you I take great pleasure in answering it. Your letter contradicts every report I have heard on the subject of your becoming a married man. You tried in one part of your letter to exculpate yourself of the charge of being in love or engaged, but in a few words farther on, you commit yourself by saying you would describe her if you were sufficiently poetical, thereby confessing you loved, to an intensity beyond your description, ah! my cousin, it does it not require a diplomatist to perceive that which you so strenuously strive to hide.
I think it would be as little as you could do to let me know how she looks. But never mind, it is possible I may come up between this and Christmas next, and I hope to get sight of her. I will promise before seeing the prize not to cut you out.
I rec'd a letter from Uncle David yesterday. He is well and in good spirits. If I do not go out until next fall, I intend to make you go with me, that is if you are not a married man. If you are married, I will not ask you, through fear of gaining your lady's everlasting displeasure. it is a charming country in the fall, and seems suited for men of romance, and love. You said if I would but remember how Miss Sallie Weisiger looked to me about two years since, I would know how your beloved looked to you at this time. You must know Miss Sallie did not look to me, or I to her, at all, two years since, for I never had the exquisite pleasure of her acquaintance until last fall twelve months.
Brother David says he will be married when he gets ready, and there's no use in saying anything more to him on that subject.
It is very cold this morning indeed. I came very near freezing this morning as I came over that old bridge. I sincerely hope the weather has not been as bad with you as with us this spring. The farmers can do nothing. Mr. Thos. Carter has been very unlucky within the last several days. Someone burnt his Barn and Ice house. He knows not who to suspect. Miss Louisianna Carter is well and asked after you, and your health. I am much obliged to Miss Mary J. Payne for thinking of me, and you will please tender my regards to her.
Everything is very dull at this time, except politics. The Whigs have two candidates in the field, and I would not be surprised if a Loco went from our Whig district.
I have nothing of importance to communicate as Uncle David generally says when he writes his three and four line letters, therefore I will merely beg an answer on receipt, and say all are well and send their love &c. My respects to Uncle Nat and say to him I hope to see him this summer. My love to all, and believe me
Your Cousin &c.
A. C. Pulliam
N.B.
I expect Susan will come up this summer. She had an attack of Bilious fever some short time since.
A.C. Pulliam"
Very Fine.
COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.
[JK]
NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.