AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED, FROM WASHINGTON, GEORGIA, 1 MARCH 1877, EXPLAINING THE ADVANTAGES OF AUGUSTA FOR A YOUNG LAWYER

Washington, Georgia, 1877. Two pages, entirely in Toombs's ink manuscript, signed at the end, 'R. Toombs.' Laid down, Very Good.

Robert Toombs was a leading Southern Whig, and then Southern Rights Democrat, before the War. A lawyer and U.S. Congressman, he built a successful practice in Washington, Georgia, and owned a plantation with many slaves. After Lincoln's election as President, Toombs advocated Secession and, if necessary, Civil War. He served briefly as Confederate Secretary of State. After the War, he was active in the movement to restore Georgia to white supremacy. His bitterness toward Yankee Reconstruction and its "mongrel race" is obvious in this Letter to a young lawyer on his prospects for a successful practice in Augusta:
"Your letter of the 26th inst. was received last night. Augusta is not an active, thriving go-a-head place, but it has a great deal of solid wealth, good society, and it is backed by one of the finest agricultural sections of country in the Union. I think it has seen its lowest point of depression and that it will steadily improve. Its commerce is the least --- element in its future prosperity, while are many very clever respectable gentlemen of the bar in that city. Its bar is not strong nor is its business concentrated in strong permanent hands and I think it is one of the best if not the very best locations in the state for a lawyer of your abilities & experience. I do not doubt but that you could make a very satisfactory income there, besides its many other advantages including those to which you refer. The practice of law in the State is now exceptionally dull, but this must be temporary. The country from which Augusta draws its support has always been one of the --- & most prosperous portions of the United States. Will continue so, especially after we shall have broken their accursed chains, which binds us to the meanest mongrel race on Earth. Therefore I must advise you to come here. My wife's health is improving & she joins me in our kindest regards to Eva & yourself... R. Toombs