Tobacco Break

A typical “tobacco break” in Lynchburg was described in the Richmond Enquirer in January 1810,

“One more more hogsheads are opened and a public signal is given, by the sound of a trumpet, that the gentleman speculators may attend. As many as may be in readiness come forward. The tobacco is broken open, and each one present inspects for himself, and makes up his own private opinion of its quality. The planter must then instantly sell to one of the persons present, for if the sale be deferred, he will be subject to another inspection.”

Resource:
Chambers S. Allen Jr. An Architercurtrial History of Lynchburg. The University Press of Virginia. 1981, p 8.

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