African-American Studies Resources in the Special Collections Research Center: Colonial/Revolution/Early National

The Richard Blow papers include a great deal of information on slave work. As a merchant, Blow also bought and sold supplies such as "Negro" clothing. His accounts relating to shipping from the Revolution through the War of 1812 also may have information on African Americans in the maritime trades.

The Blow family owned estates in Southampton and Sussex Counties. The papers include rich materials for the study of slavery, including lists of slaves owned, medical treatment, and Nat Turner's Rebellion. There also is material related to the slaves of Robert Waller of Williamsburg in the early 1800s.

Negative photostats of papers, 1730-1817, of the Bray Associates, a division of the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, which was instrumental in providing libraries for the churches in America and setting up schools for the Christian education of blacks.

This list of slaves owned by the College of William and Mary, circa 1780, includes the slaves working at the College as well as slaves hired out. A transcription of this list is available in the folder "Slaves owned by the College" in the University Archives Subject File Collection (UA 9) and should be used by researchers.

The ledger of this Caroline County planter includes records of slaves.

1780 Henry leased Georgia slaves from Mr. Habersham during the American Revolution.

The Jerdone papers contain letters and financial accounts relating to slavery throughout this period. In the finding aid, do a keyword search for slave. Topics include slave health and deaths, work, favorite slaves, sale and hiring out, and resistance to slavery. There was an attempt by slaves to kill Jerdone family members in 1794. Other letters refer to Gabriel's Rebellion in 1800.

This King George County collection includes a letter, possibly from a slave driver, 1801, several documents relating to runaway slaves, and other slave-related content.

This Elizabeth City County, Virginia, account book includes record of sale of slaves.

This Virginia Quaker's letterbook includes correspondence with Anthony Benezet and others about abolition and slavery as well as a deed of manumission.

The papers of this Virginia military officer include discussions of the Battle of Great Bridge and also of Lord Dunmore and his freed black soldiers.

Records of a Norfolk minister and his family, including extensive records about leasing out slaves in late 1700s.

This huge family collection for the Skipwiths of Prestwould Farm includes many items about slaves owned by the family.