The collection consists of one letter from John G.L. Shaffer to his friend, B.E. Buchlan, dated December 9, 1896. In the letter, Shaffer shares his opinion of Florida upon moving from West Virginia, describing the state's weather, wildlife, and sights. He also expresses his negative and racist opinion of African Americans living in Florida. While he finds Florida beautiful at first glance, Shaffer asserts throughout the letter that he does not enjoy living in the state and prefers West Virginia. At the time of writing the letter, Shaffer seems to reside in St. Augustine or Jacksonville, Florida. John G.L. Shaffer moved from West Virginia to Florida during the late 1800s. While not much is known about Shaffer, he is one of thousands of people who migrated to Florida during this era. Census reports show that Florida's population grew exponentially during the nineteenth century. The 1830 census – the first census taken in Florida after it became a state – shows that the population was initially 34,730. By 1900, the population had grown to 528,542, more than fifteen times its population in 1830. While the majority of these migrants to Florida were white, many of them were formerly enslaved people. African Americans faced much discrimination and racial prejudice in Florida and were subjected to Jim Crow laws.
