Speaking of the First 13TH. Amendment the Corwin Amendment did not Lincolne state from the begining of the war until his “death” that the South could and should return to the Union and ensure the passage of the 13TH amendment? Again this refers to the first 13TH amendment, the Corwin Amendment.

“If there be those who would not save the Union, unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not agree with them. If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time destroy slavery, I do not agree with them. My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that”.

I’ve always believed that the Civil War, and everything that happened during those terrible times, is still current and important to us here today. Your words only enhance that belief of mine.

You have helped my readers to Learn Civil War History!

Thank you,

…Jonathan R. Allen

I’ve recently learned that at least one of my forebears was a servant/enslaved at Liberty Hall, the plantation of Alexander H. Stephens.

Stephens himself mentions my fourth generation great grandfather, Fountain, on two instances in his Recollections piece.

Just before Stephens is arrested after the War, he instructs Fountain and George on how to manage the farm.

Another instance occurs when Stephens is at Fort Warren in Boston. He has a dream in which Fountain figures. Stephens is telling the servants about their newfound freedom and gives advice in getting along. Stephens indicates that he was quite emotional during the dream and afterwards he longs to go home to Liberty Hall.

I located Fountain and his wife Fereby during research of the 1870 US Fed Census. At the time, Fountain had a personal value of $525. This was an astronomical amount for him given the times and circumstances.
(The 1880 Census shows his widow Fereby with a “servant” of her own.)

It’s intriguing to think that the reason for Fountain’s small fortune may be due to A.H. Stephens.

Also, Harry and Eliza were favorite servants of A.H. Stephens. They were mentioned in his will, as well as their children. One of their daughters, Dora, in her own will mentioned cousins of mine.

Most astonishingly, Dora mentioned the United Daughters of the Confederacy, “who are and have always been good friends to me.”

There is no absolution in history, it seems. The slave narrative by one Georgia Baker is powerful testimony of the seeming benevolence of Stephens. Yet, as you mention, the fact is that Stephens owned human beings and profited from their bondage.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m seeking info as to whether there’s been any genealogical research done into the descendants of Liberty Hall enslaved/servants.

Best Regards-Great Site!

thank you