We know that in 1800, Smith owned 199 slaves, although the only one we have the least bit of information about is Bob, who was approved to keep a gun on Orton to procure game and protect stock (Watson 2011:102; Brunswick County Court Minutes, July 1797).
In an 1812 letter, James Smith wrote John J. Swann, another area planter, he offered several slaves to Swann. Included were:
an elderly wench, a good field hand & good plantation Nurse & spinner. A young wench about 17 – her daughter. The two I would sell together for a note of $550. . . . a prime fellow, about 26 yrs. old – stout & tall, an excellent field hand & good plowman with harness – a young wench about the same age – a good field hand – 2 girls – one of 7, the other of 5 yrs old – An old fellow – the father – a half hand – I estimate these five at $1100 Cash (Letter from James Smith, July 22, 1812 to John J. Swann, Swann Family Papers #2827, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
Smith also asked Swann “to say nothing to the bearer about my offer for sale of Negroes.” It is possible that he was seeking to keep his financial situation out of public discussion, although he may also have been striving to prevent anger and resentment among his “people.”
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