The Reuben Charles Papers, 1816-1832
from the Virginia Shaw Girardin and Meta Shaw Coleman Collection

This collection contains correspondence, bills of sale, merchandise lists and other information documenting the management of Moses E. Levy's Pilgrimage Plantation in Alachua County between 1824 and 1826.   Reuben Charles acted as Levy's manager.  Letters refer to planting and construction at the plantation. See also the David Levy Yulee Papers, held by the library.

Donated April 3, 1998, by Daniel S. Coleman, Wade H. Coleman, and David L. Girardin in memory of Virginia Shaw Girardin and Meta Shaw Coleman.
 
 

Davis Floyd to Reuben Charles concerning house construction, 8/17/1824

 
 
 

St. Augustine 17th Augt. 1824

Dear Sir

        Since the departure of Mr. Levy I have received a letter from Mr. Edwards the person who is engaged in building a house for Mr. Levy--it would seem from that letter that there is some misunderstanding on the subject and as Mr. Levy has not informed me the state of the case I am at a loss what to say.  This much I would suggest, that it is probable that Mr. Levy did intend with the team to furnish a driver and I would recommend, first that in no event should the crop be neglected, but should there be leisure times when the hands will be doing but little to have the Halling done, and not let the work stop on that account.  If Mr. Levy did promise Mr. Edwards to furnish a driver as well as a team and should have made no arrangement with you to do so, you are too well acquainted with his character for justice & honesty to imagine for a moment that he would hesitate for a minute to make you an adequate remuneration.
        Mr. Levy has written you that . . .

Mr. R. Charles

        Sir        Young Mr. Levy having determined to return to the plantation to stay, you will please provide for him in the manner pointed out by his father, and also let him have a horse for his own use.  I think if you can spare the waggon and team that you had better send soon for the wheat and oats to sow.  I would also advise that five or six bushels of the wheat should be sowed about the middle of October, the best way to sow is to flush up the ground well and sow on the grain and afterward harrow it in and if the land is stumpy to send a hand or two with hoes to chop around the stumps and have all the sprouts well cut off--I would also advise that one or two bushels of the wheat be retained to sow about the last of February, and all the oats to be sowed about that time, when the hands come down with a boat to Six Mile Creek.  I must have notice so that I may send out cart and horse to the landing.  I have given Col. Humphreys your note which I hope you will take up.

    I am respectfully, e& e&

David Floyd
1st Sep. 1825