ABOLITIONIST’S ANTEBELLUM DIARY FROM SLAVEHOLDING MISSISSIPPI WITH DETAILED EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE HORRORS OF SLAVERY

Handwritten abolitionist diary of William Wood, and later, other members of his family. Approximately 288 pages, 4to, original one-quarter calf over marbled boards. Entries primarily in ink and generally quite legible. First 47 pages are written regarding slavery directly prior to the Civil War.
 

An original and unpublished diary kept by William Wood, an ardent New York abolitionist, and comprising entries written between 1859 and 1892, including a substantial and especially significant portion recorded in slaveholding Mississippi on the eve of the Civil War. From the years following 1881, the journal would be continued by Wood’s family, documenting their lives during the Reconstruction Era of the United States. 

Writing every few days in great detail, the complete diary runs to nearly 300 pages, with the first 47 dedicated to his time in Mississippi, containing more captivating encounters and observations than could be included here. More transcriptions and images are available upon request. 

 
William Wood (1830–1903) was born in Butler, Wayne County, New York. He graduated Union College and went on to study law at the University of Albany from 1855 to 1857. After graduation Wood traveled first to Iowa, then from approx. September 1859 - July 1860 to Mississippi, where he attempted, without success, to sell atlases by subscription. This failure was plausibly attributable at least in part to the hostile reception he encountered from the Mississippi residents who strongly objected to his Northern roots and anti-slavery viewpoints. His diary offers a vivid, revealing, and often deeply disturbing account of slavery as he encountered it just before the onset of the Civil War. Written from the perspective of a hostile outsider to the slaveholding order, the journal preserves a rare primary account of Southern attitudes toward slavery, secession, race, and violence, as well as Wood’s own alarm at the brutal normalcy with which such practices were sustained.

OPEN HOSTILITY TO ABOLITIONISTS, THREATENED WITH LYNCHING
Upon his arrival in late 1859, he was immediately with open hostility and the threat of lynching, receiving an invitation to his own hanging. Despite the visceral threat of violence based on his mere presence, he writes with brisk alacrity on December 20th: ...I have been warned to leave the place as an abolitionist. I am told that I must leave the place tonight, that if I don’t leave by tomorrow morning at ten o’clock I will get a rope around my neck…It might have a different effect upon me if the threatener had not been a drunken man…”

As sectional tensions sharpened in the months immediately preceding the Civil War, Wood found himself in direct contact with white Southerners whose political and religious convictions were bound up with the defense of slavery. On 29 January 1860, he writes: “Some men are bound to dissolve the Union. One man, a Hard Shell Baptist, thinks that the Devil has its Headquarters at the North. Says that the Devil's sins start at the North. He thinks the North [has been] given over to their errors, that God has forsaken them. He argues that they are just as much warring against the Will/Pleasure of God in Abolitionism and is arguing to do away with the institution…”
 

THE EVERYDAY HORRORS OF SLAVERY - SLAVE HUNTERS, WHIPPINGS, & RUNAWAYS
As an outsider within a slaveholding community, Wood’s perspective allowed him to observe and record, in remarkable detail, the language, habits, and assumptions of those around him in a manner seldom encountered. As he moved among Mississippians, he preserved conversations that now stand as arresting primary evidence of the everyday realities of slavery. 

Particularly harrowing is his account of an encounter with a slave hunter, entered on 4 March 1860: “The man said he had followed hunting n—--rs five years of his life and had not shot but one. Said he had as leave shoot a n—-r as a bear if he turned upon him... A woman came to the door and called for her husband. He went out & immediately the crack of the whip and the howling and begging of the N—-- was heard. He probably got 8 or 10 blows. The man came back without a word or comment resumed what he was called off from…”
 
In the same entry, Wood describes the behavior of a determined runaway female slave upon which beating apparently had little deterrent effect. In part:"...Eliza quarreled with Henry and got whipped for it, was mad and ran away. Was brought back after 2nd day and locked up, got loose and ran away again chain and all...”

Elsewhere, Wood repeatedly records incidents of whipping and punishment, noting with particular force both the suffering of the enslaved and the chilling composure of their punishers. On 8 March 1860, he writes: “8 March 1860–Saw a n—-r whipped Monday. He took it without resistance but manifested a disposition to get away. Took the whip in his hand but did not squeeze it. Got about 8 blows…”

Wood recounts a harrowing observation of an enslaved man who had maimed himself, cutting off his own hand in an attempt to escape: “”… a load of 15 to 18 n—--s come in drawn by a train of 8 mules to be hired out for a year. The lot belonged to some minor children. After dinner 3 negroes were hired out to the highest bidder upon the inside steps of the Court House. Two brought $260 each another $270. Another was put up but would bring nothing being crazy of foolish & having lost the use of one hand...Tried to cut his own hand off..."

One of the cruel realities of the “peculiar institution” was that Black slaves and freedmen were often employed as foremen of the slaves, placing them in the position of control and punishment. Wood observes this on 4 February 1860, a sight apparently so common he hardly feels it worth remarking upon: “Gang of negroes clearing brush with a n—er driver carrying his n—-r whip tied around him is hardly worth naming.” 

On 26 February 1860, Wood encountered an enslaved man who had been captured. Through this interaction, Wood made note of the chains around his neck as well as documented a brief biography on the man’s life. These details, though harsh in nature, provide insight into the life of an enslaved–details which were not commonly recorded: “Mr. Pruit brought a runaway n—-r in last evening who had been gone from him…Had chain around his neck fastened by large padlocks, another at other end, chain 7 or 8 feet long. N—-r had good hat + shoes + pants, poor coat + shirt…he said he was attempting to go back to his old master Mr. John Johnson of Madison Co. from whom he said he was stole when 13 yrs old by a horse farm. Said his mother was a Squaw and his father was a slave.” 

SLAVE AUCTIONS - FAMILY SEPARATIONS, PREGNANCY, AND MORE 
Wood also witnessed numerous slave auctions, which he describes with exceptional precision and emotional force. His observations rank among the diary’s most compelling passages, documenting the sale of men, women, and children while also revealing the ways in which colorism operated within the slave market. Of one group offered for sale, he notes: “…In the lot of nine there was but one pure Black. The men bragged of themselves of what they could do, said they wanted good masters and then they would do their part. Give them enough to eat and treat him well and if he didn’t do his part he was willing to suffer the consequences…”

On 2 January 1860, Wood describes with emotional force: "…seeing negroes hired and sold on the block. One n----r sold for $1707, another 1500, another 1465 and a woman for 1255, the latter and first for cash no warranty. The latter 17 years old. Tears ran down her cheeks as she stood upon the block…”

In another instance, Wood records the remarkable appearance of a literate slave who was understandably uncooperative with his circumstances, having attempted self-emancipation twice. He is equally belligerent regarding the proceedings of his own auction. Wood writes on 9 January 1860: "…Saw a Negro sold at sheriff’s sale, described as 40 years old, can read and write and has made two attempts to get away. …when the sale is over the Sheriff remarks: “you have got a good master and he ought to half kill you” and the new owner remarks: “and I’ll do it too”. The negro says nothing, but the face expresses internal emotion…" Given the rarity of literacy among the enslaved, the circumstances of the individual and their ultimate fate invite speculation. 

Wood notes the dynamics of familial separation, and the lightness at which it was regarded by slave owners: “Then a woman brought 1410. Then her husband brought 1803. Sold to a different man. On being asked if he had a wife he said yes and pointed her out. A bystander informed the inquirer that he didn’t care anything for her ‘anyhow’.” Another instance: “A man about 31 years old brought $1955. Next, his wife + 3 children brought something over 2300. Mr. Tucker bought the man + Mr. Jones the woman + children.”

On another occasion, he records the sale of a woman and child in terms that highlight both the cruelty of the market and the open discussion of racial gradation within it: ”…Then a woman and child in her arms were put up and brought $1825. The child had blue eyes. A voice in the crowd said:” is the child black or white? Auctioneer:” Oh, the child is a little whiter than you are’.”

While many families were separated during auctions, Wood also documents the rare occasion at which families were kept together.

He writes on February 27th, in part: “” … Saw some n—--s sold. A man 54 years old brought $1315. A woman yellow, good features, 29 years old with child 3 years old $1800. She cried when on the block considerable seemed to be anxious about her boy who was put up next 7 years old, [The Child] brought $742 and bought by the same man who bought the mother. When they saw another bidding against him several went to him and solicited him to let the same man have him who had the mother. He seemed to be willing but wanted to make him pay what the boy was appraised at (800) The sheriff hastened to let the hammer fall. Another boy about the same size then sold for $810….”

The harsh reality of enslavement, especially after the Trans-Atlantic slavetrade was banned, was that the intentional breeding of enslaved women was a large part of the slave economy. While attending an auction, Wood overheard a bidders discussing the merits of a young pregnant woman on the block.  He writes on February 27th:”…Another good looking Creole wench 15 years old $1500. She acted cross and they agreed that she needed whipping. Trader said they had been playing her about being in a family way…It was discussed whether the Black girl was worth more or not [due to her pregnancy]…Some said it was worth something to know that she was capable of breeding..."

CHRISTMAS AMONG THE ENSLAVED
Wood took great care in describing the atrocities committed against the enslaved people he encountered, yet so did he in documenting the personal lives of enslaved communities. Wood was shocked by the opportunities slaves had to make and spend money for their own purposes. During the Christmas Season, Slaves were financially compensated for their work and were allowed to spend their earnings on whatever they wished. This appears to have been a tradition observed by the great majority of slaveholders.

On December 28th of 1859 Woods notes: “…The N....rs enjoy their Christmas. They all have their pocketbooks and change them too. Bill bought of one N.....r $21, and another $24 of Corn. His trade with them today amounts to over $50. The merchants trade comfortably with them…”

On the following day Wood describes seeing slaves come into town to spend their Christmas gains. In part:” ….Saw a gang of n.....rs come into town this morning belonging to Mister Ralph. 6 men and 9 boys, 8 of whom were yellow boys…Their master said they earned from his mill yesterday $87, and had come into town with them today to let them trade it out. They purchased boots, coats, hats, calico etc. All dressed exceptionally and well…”.

POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS & RETURN TO THE NORTH

Despite his status as an abolitionist, Wood was able to have candid conversations with the Southerner elites, and recorded their political opinions not only about slavery and abolitionism, but also the state of the Union. Already by 1859, animated discussions of secession pervaded the dialogue. He writes on 27 December 1859, recording a conversation among slave owners: “...he wants nothing that comes from North of Mason and Dickson's line. The papers are full of reports of men being whipped, tarred and feathered ...One man, an intelligent physician, tells me that he believes Harper's Ferry will be repeated in less than 3 weeks...Another says he thinks the Union will be dissolved in less than 12 months, and another within 4 years. Others think that it will stand…”

In the winter of 1860, discussions only escalated. Wood writes on 5 February 1860: “...been listening to talk about the Union, slavery, abolitionism. One is in favor of not allowing such papers as the tribune to be circulated in the South and not many dissent. They regard them as insurrectionary and dangerous. One of the "Opposition "says the Union will last forever. a Democrat says the new Union party will hinder the South from attaining its rights..."

In April, the political situation had escalated dramatically. He records conversation in response to the Charleston Convention, which would shortly declare secession from the Union. He writes on 9 April 1860: “Some think the Union is nearing its close, others that we approach more quiet times. Some think the Charleston Convention will break the Union into cinders…” He continues: “Some think a peaceable dissolution of the Union could be affected, others that war would be inevitable...Our doctor...said that no Northerner should breathe in his house. Some continue to turn the cold shoulder, others are cordial…”

Perhaps due to the death of his father in April 1860, or due to increasingly volatile sectional tensions, Wood appears to have returned to New York from Mississippi ca late 1860. Whether motivated by the horrors of slavery which he had witnessed firsthand and/or by a patriotic duty to serve his country, Wood would join the fight against slavery and the Confederacy. He enlisted as a captain on 8/24/1862 at Auburn, New York, in the 138th New York Infantry. In December 1862, the regiment was converted into a regiment of artillery and designated the 9th New York Heavy Artillery. Serving with Co. G, Wood and the 9th would participate in major engagements including Cold Harbor, Battle of Monocacy, the Third Battle of Winchester, Battle of Cedar Creek, and the Fall of Petersburg. Wood served valiantly, and is mentioned in multiple after battle reports. With regard to his conduct at the Fall of Petersburg, Lt. Col. James W. Snyder noted that "Major William Wood performed his duty nobly in urging the men forward to the assault, and, after carrying the works, in turning the enemy's guns upon the[m] with felling effect"; and of his conduct at Sailor's Creek, Snyder wrote that "The men and officers behaved with their usual gallantry....Major William Wood was severely wounded in the face while gallantly advancing under the enemy's fire." Seemingly neither death threats from Mississippi slaveholders nor Confederate fire could frighten William Wood. He mustered out at Washington, D.C. on 7/6/1865. Following the war, Wood became a farmer who acted when called upon to act as administrator and executor in settlement of estates. He died in Butler, New York, in 1903.

 
A historic journal preserving the unvarnished and chilling observations of a Northern abolitionist who found himself in intimate proximity to the institutions and daily brutalities he most abhorred. An important account. 

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