2-949-876 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Report of South Carolina State Auditor reviewing facts and making settlement of $2,000 for loss of slave, 1863-12-04. T. (or S. or J.) Warren Nelson was the owner of a slave named Laurens who was impressed in May 1862 during the US Civil War...'to work...on the military fortifications...near Charleston [in South Carolina]. Laurens was 'sound and healthy and a very valuable blacksmith'. But '...he contracted Congestive fever, was attended by Dr. [J.H. Mellichamp?], and under his treatment continued until he died...he died of the disease so contracted, without the default of his owner...the just and true value of the said slave...was two thousand dollars...The death of the slave, from disease contracted while in the public services, and the circumstances attending the same, are verified by the affidavits of Dr. [J.H. Mellichamp?]...I find the facts...to be as hereintofore stated, and...allow...said claim'. James Tupper, auditor.