By TRB
This is a series of letters written by Rebecca Codwise who was the wife of a sugar plantation owner in St. Croix in the early 1800s. Rebecca's letters, which came down through the family, represent one of the larger collections of historically significant letters by a woman in early American history. In the letters she describes what it is like to be an abolitionist married to a slave owner - her husband James Codwise. She documents the slave rebellion and other historic events on St. Croix in these letters written to her son, a ship's surgeon stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. She includes her book of recipes as well as her directions for caring for medical problems. She lived on a sugar plantation named Bethlehem, the ruins of which are still visible today.
This is a photo of an oil painting by Henry Inman of Rebecca Codwise's eldest daughter, Agnes Marie. She sat for this painting in New York City in 1820.
A Child of Misfortunes
You are viewing: The Cape Cod Daily Blog
Sponsored Content
Advertise with us
Support this website
FALMOUTH – From Falmouth Police: Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a police…
DENNIS – From Dennis Police: Chief John Brady of The Dennis Police Department is proud to announce…
Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 249 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026 …HIGH…
CENTERVILLE – A car reportedly struck the Cape Cod Package Store at 1495 Falmouth Road (Route 28)…
DENNIS – The Dennis Police Department is attempting to locate Richard Johnson, 86, who was last…
OAK BLUFFS – From Oak Bluffs Police: We are looking to identify the vehicle and operator involved…
FALMOUTH – Two vehicles collided on Nathan Ellis Highway (Route 151) in Falmouth just east of Curlew…
PROVINCETOWN – A bicyclist was seriously injured after reportedly falling off their bike on the…
