The Virginia Historical Society finds many slaves listed in private letters . The unpublished letters are from Virginians ' homes , basements and desk drawers . and Mimy and three children $ 2505 . ` ` We sold all the negros here in 1860 at astonishingly large prices , '' an 1858 letter says . One user of the society 's free database of slaves finds the owner of his great - great - great - grandfather .
The Virginia Historical Society finds many slaves listed in private letters . The unpublished letters are from Virginians ' homes , basements and desk drawers . ` ` We sold all the negros here in 1860 at astonishingly large prices , '' an 1858 letter says . One user of the society 's free database of slaves finds the owner of his great - great - great - grandfather .