Jayda+Smith+-+Disease 

S - Paul discusses the health of family and slaves with two medications given to slaves (calomel and ipecac). Paul begins making plans to relocate slaves to Marengo, Alabama, purchasing supplies and clothing.
 * ** Source 1: Paul Cameron 1844-09-05 **

C – September 5th, 1844, a son is writing a letter to his father

I – It seems as if Paul is preparing the plantation for the winter. Few crops have been gathered because it hasn’t rained for 4 months. Oats, potatoes and turnips were going to be lost. From what I can tell, Duncan Cameron hasn’t been on the plantation for a while. This is one big update from his son.

M – I would like to know who Mildred is, as well as Mr. James Ruffin. || S – The overseer describes two dead slaves named Old Peter and William who died of congestive fever and colick respectively, many other slaves sick, putting up fodder, a good corn crop, and an indifferent cotton crop.
 * ** Source 2: Charles Lewellyn 1845-08-01 **

C – August 1st, 1845, an overseer is writing a letter to a master

I – It’s pretty clear that Greene County is being hit by tons of sickness. Multiple people are sick and unable to work. Two people have died since Mr. Ruffin left. It looks Charles Lewellyn has to take on some of the jobs of the slaves. It is still unclear who Mr. Ruffin is.

M - What is everyone sick with? || S - The overseer describes the condition of several crops and mentions the general health of several named slaves, including two sick children and Eaton who has seen a doctor for dropsy.
 * ** Source 3: Charles Lewellyn 1846-06-25 **

C – June 25th, 1846, an overseer is writing a letter to a master

I – I can infer that Charles Lewellyn is doing probably more than his fair share of labor. Formerly healthy slaves are literally dropping like flies and Charles has to pick up the slack.

M – What is “the dropsy?” Also can’t tell if the people he is talking are slaves or members of the family. || S - The overseer informs Paul that the slave Old Simon died of a congestive chill, a doctor was sent for but could not help, and slaves are dying on other plantations as well. He mentions several other sick slaves, and indicates they have packed 50 bales of cotton.
 * ** Source 4: Charles Lewellyn 1846-09-21 **

C – September 21st, 1846, an overseer is writing a letter to the master/plantation owner

I – Charles is doing his best to take care of everyone on the plantation. It’s pretty clear that sickness is afflicting the community because he talks about sick slaves on surrounding plantations.

M – What does the 65 killed hogs inscription mean on the front of the letter? || S - Dr. Ring asks Paul Cameron if he would be willing to ship his cotton via Captain Oliver's landing instead of Candys Landing. He also discusses treating four slaves and the death of one healthy 50-year-old male slave named Limon who collapsed somewhat unexpectedly with a fever.
 * ** Source 5: Dr. Ring 1846-09-23 **

C – September 23rd, 1846, a doctor is asking Paul Cameron for permission

I – It seems to me that Dr. Ring and Paul Cameron are definitely friends or at least acquaintances. He made sure to tell Paul that Limon’s sickness was not Charles’ fault so I feel like this is implying that Mr. Cameron is a busy man but also a strict man. Dr. Ring is a very busy man. M - Curious to know what disease could bring down a previously healthy strong man so quickly || The plantation is clearly struggling. Multiple slaves and servants have passed away due to sickness and Charles Lewellyn, the overseer has had to work harder to keep the plantation going and the crops flourishing. Surrounding plantations and farms are being afflicted with sickness. Whatever sickness everyone is catching is taking down seemingly large healthy men and quickly. This is a disease that doesn't just prey on the young, old or weak. Charles Lewellyn needs assistance but it doesn't seem like the master has returned or is coming back anytime soon. ||
 * ** Corroboration: **

I think that if I were to do an activity like this in a middle school classroom, I would definitely keep the assignment the same in that I would have students chose documents or letters that fit into a specific theme. I would give them a list of the themes that they could choose from just to prevent then from selecting themes that may not have much information that could be used. I wouldn't expect extremely lengthy responses for the SCIM part of the model, just evidence that shows the students have a clear understanding of the primary source.
 * Pedagogical Implications: **