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
HYANNIS – From Barnstable Police: On April 23rd, 2026 Barnstable Police Detectives, with the assistance…
COTUIT – A permit fire reportedly got out of control in Cotuit Friday afternoon. Fire officials…
Camera: iPhone 15 Location: Coast Guard Beach; Cape Cod National Seashore (Cape Cod), Eastham, Massa
PLYMOUTH – From Plymouth Police: At approximately 9:45 AM, Plymouth Police received multiple calls…
MASHPEE – From Mashpee Fire: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and MassWildlife, in cooperation with…
📘 Sandwich Annual Town Meeting – Warrant Articles Explained (2026)
Select Board Meeting | 4.23.2026
COTUIT – From Barnstable Police: On Sunday, 04/12/26, at about 11:30 AM, the Cotuit, Mashpee, COMM,…