Barret writes his father while traveling from Ampthill, Virginia south to Claiborne, Alabama. Barret is traveling with a number of slaves which he is transporting from his father's plantation to Alabama and in these letters provides an interesting look at travel conditions and more importantly at the relations between black and white, master and slave at the period. The letters document the breakup of an African American slave family due to their owner's commercial interests.

November 9, 1835, Pittsylvania Woods
"We left Ampthill on Tuesday the 3rd Inst. And traveled about 18 miles...I was soon aware of the extravagant estimate I had found of the rate at which we would proceed instead of thirty I will gladly compromise with 20 miles average per day...we are now encamped about 9 miles from Danville being 7 days from Ampthill...Thus far the trip has been without an incident of interest - I have tried Ned's present much to my satisfaction upon the squirrels killing five out of six and you may depend upon it they afforded no mean dish seasoned with some of your Cayenne...The next and only other article of fresh food the little piece helped me to was a couple of killdeer killed at the ferry across the Staunton there my cook made (as he had done the squirrels) into soup a rare dish and one I can recommend to the palate of epicures. By the way you have no idea what a cook I have in the mess - William astonishes me by his dexterity in the art from souping killdeer to baking bread - he is perfectly at home - I shall take him to Orleans and hire him to some Frenchman as one deep in the mysteries - The Boys all stand the journey well and continue cheerful - Indeed their only thought seems to be a bellyful of victuals - Mason & William send there love to Mother & Father & all say they are happy and will want to see all but wouldn't turn back. Corbin & Robert send the same message to their parents and friends - Peter sends his love to Mammy & Daddy, Master & Mistress and says good by!..."
The letter states that while Barret was feasting on seasoned squirrel and killdeer soup, the boys, including William were fed "boiled middling & bread."

November 30, 1835 Indian Springs, Georgia
"...My last letter I think was dated from a place some forty miles back in S. Carolina since then we have measured upwards of 120 of Georgia...Nothing keeps pace with us except such as are lightly equipt and furnished for riding altogether. We have left behind several traders with their gangs and moving families westward bound...To all friends, Black & White - The Boys continue well and in good spirits and are much cheered by the negroes telling them how much they make from their own cotton They are more impatient to be employed than I am to have them so. They send a heap of love to Mammies & Daddies & to the white family..."