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Preferred Citation:

James Rodgers Letter, 1876 May 31, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, William and Mary.

Content Description

Four page letter addressed to his son, Jim. In it, Rodgers recounts a raid staged by about 100 of the "darkies" in Petersburg, Virginia that was foiled by the police. He also comments that there are plenty of white voters in town who should be able to make the "colored rule gone forever." Other contents of his letter are of a personal nature. The last page of the letter is a note from his sister, Maud Mary Rodgers. She reports that their dog, Carlo, is alive and stashed at Mr. Walkers so the dog-catcher cannot find him. She also comments on school and personal activities.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Petersburg (Va.)--Social life and customs
• Racism -- United States -- History -- 19th century