Scope and Contents

Correspondence, telegrams, bills, and reports concerning a yellow fever epidemic outbreak in the town of Macclenny, Baker County, Florida. D. J. Watkins was the mayor of that town and the papers concern his appeal and efforts to care of the hundreds affected by the illness. Correspondence and replies include those from Clara Barton, then President of the American Red Cross, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Content Description Four page letter addressed to Cousin Sarah from Richmond, Va. Watson describes the abundance of food and goes into great detail of the description of their cook. His choice of words are a gross exaggeration of her appearance and quite offensive. He also mentions attending an auction selling enslaved individuals. He writes that all of the ladies for sale were dressed quite elegantly and fetched a large sum. In his closing comments he mentions that he feels well suited to the area like it...