An Open Letter

A doctor, born a slave, gives a brief account of his history and a recent incident where some men he drinks with steal from him.

Doctor Coles of Newtown came from Halifax Co. His master’s name was James Medley. His mother’s name was Sylvia. Father’s name Stephen Coles. He never was known to be a roguish boy. I propose to give the history of my life. I was never before in court. There never was a dirty trick served on me before last Friday. I treated ten men and out of the ten men I treated two men three times, and myself with wine. I was not drunk and yet they stole Four Dollars from me. One was seen fooling with my pockets. I know who took my money very well and caused me to use words which I do not use. I did not want to have a fuss. The bald-headed man had my money.
Signed: Doctor Coles, WM. Morgan.

“An Open Letter,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed October 9, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/215.