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  • | Letter

    William P. Jarman's Affidavit, October 27, 1854

    When two slaves were killed on the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, the Board of Public Works attorneys sought sworn affidavits from white men who knew the enslaved men to determine their value for compensation to the slaveholders. The legal process regularized and the practice of industrial slavery on the railroads.

  • | Letter

    William M. Sclater's Proposal to the Board of Public Works, November 1, 1854

    When labor shortages slowed the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, Claudius Crozet solicited proposals from local contracting agents to supply slave labor.

  • | Letter

    William M. Sclater's Affidavit, October 28, 1854

    When two slaves were killed on the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, the Board of Public Works attorneys sought sworn affidavits from white men who knew the enslaved men to determine their value for compensation to the slaveholders. The legal process regularized and the practice of industrial slavery on the railroads.

  • | Letter

    Thomas W. Wood's Affidavit, October 27, 1854

    When two slaves were killed on the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, the Board of Public Works attorneys sought sworn affidavits from white men who knew the enslaved men to determine their value for compensation to the slaveholders. The legal process regularized and the practice of industrial slavery on the railroads.

  • | Letter

    Thomas E. Calvert 1888 strike remarks

    Following the strike of 1888, railroad officials were careful to avoid hiring union members and employees who had "behaved badly" during the 45-day strike. Thomas Calvert, as General Superintendent in Lincoln, worked with railroad officials to help in the process of regulating re-employment.

  • | Letter

    Telegram regarding travel of enslaved African Americans via railroad.

    In this June 24, 1862 telegram between a Mr. Young and E. H. Stokes, Young informs Stokes that he has "sent you by train three (3) negroes," which cost $1,800.

  • | Letter

    Samuel G. White's Affidavit, October 27, 1854

    When two slaves were killed on the Blue Ridge Tunnel project, the Board of Public Works attorneys sought sworn affidavits from white men who knew the enslaved men to determine their value for compensation to the slaveholders. The legal process regularized and the practice of industrial slavery on the railroads.

  • | Letter

    S. E. Crance to W. F. Merrill, strike violence

    In the wake of the 1888 strike, railroad officials worked to compile lists of violent protesters and their victims; in this report, S. E. Crance lists violence at strategic points along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad line.

  • | Letter

    S. E. Crance to W. F. Merrill, strike violence

    In the wake of the 1888 strike, railroad officials worked to compile lists of violent protesters and their victims; in this report, S. E. Crance lists violence at strategic points along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad line.

  • | Letter

    Request for passes for African American railroad workers

    Passes for African American railroad employees requested of W. J. Stevens, Superintendent of the Military Railroad, Nashville.

  • | Letter

    Quarterly Report

    In one of the first reports to the Board, Claudius Crozet explains the dangerous conditions in the construction and advises against using sink shafts on the project. Crozet refers to Col. Randolph, probably Thomas Jefferson Randolph, grandson of Thomas Jefferson and contractor of slaves to the project.

  • | Letter

    Note from McCrary to Carroll

    On July 21, 1877, Secretary of War George W. McCrary sends a message to Maryland Governor John L. Carroll telling him that federal troops are coming to his aid.

  • | Letter

    McCrary Updates Carroll

    On July 21, 1877 Secretary of War George W. McCrary informs Maryland Governor John L. Carroll of the troops that are coming to his aid.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Willard Grant to George P. Cather, undated

    In this letter, Willard Grant asks George P. Cather numerous questions about life in Nebraska, including the method for constructing a good sod house, the possibility of raising fruit, the availability of water and timber, and the opportunities for additional work as a mason.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Wealthy A. Hathaway to Husband, April 17, 1880

    In this April 17, 1880 letter, Wealthy Hathaway writes to her husband about her Aunt Sarah's final days and the settling of her affairs. She proposes several scenarios for different relatives visiting and staying with the Sim family, and leaves the date of her return up to her husband.

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. W. McCafferty to J. H. Devereaux, January 29, 1864

    An inquiry about re-hiring a blacksmith for the military railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. W. McCafferty to F. P. Lord, November 19, 1863

    McCafferty notes damage done to Engine Rapidan by contrabands.

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. P. Smith to J. W. Garrett, August 8, 1862

    The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Master of Transportation, W. P. Smith, writes to the firm's president of the "rough" removal of a nurse from a B and O train.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster to Samuel B. Reed, August 20, 1860

    In this letter from August 20, 1860, Thomas M. Isett and William C. Brewster write to Samuel Reed seeking his opinion of a business proposition made to them by the Keokuk and Des Moines Valley Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from station/road masters to Adna Anderson, October 16, 1864

    Labor bosses ask Adna Anderson to pressure the Quarter Master to approve the sale of winter clothing to contrabands.