In the introduction, Pickett explains his method of gathering information: "I have taken many of the following notes down on paper in a great hurry, as fast as the people narrating would speak, and there are many mistakes in grammar, spelling &...
In the letter Dr. Thomas discusses problems he has had with their slaves. He explains that he wants to resolve the situation peacefully and that he has no intention of harming Martha: "John I believe was influenced to run away by Matilda...I could...
In the letter Johnstone describes the citizens' negative reaction to the Stamp Act and their subsequent hostility toward him. He writes to defend himself against allegations of misconduct from several of his colleagues: "It may perhaps be alleged,...
In the letter McGillivray describes American attempts take Indian lands: "The gaining of these Creeks Nations over to them is more immediately an object of their policy & to effect which purpose they have held forth the most tempting baits to my...
In the letter Lee explains that he has been very ill and that he hopes to travel "below Mobile with intention of a restoration of health." He cannot afford the trip, however, so he asks Caller to lend him some money: "I cannot get the necessaries I...
In the letter Fitts introduces Caller to two men who plan to settle in the Mississippi Territory ("any services rendered them by you will confer an additional obligation on me"), and he discusses the will and estate of Green Duke, who died...
In the letter Claiborne discusses recent attacks by Indians on white inhabitants in the territory: "The conduct of your Creek neighbours for some time past has been observed, and merit, in my opinion, exemplary punishment, and had I the power, they...
In the letter Lee explains his plans to travel toward Natchitoches, Louisiana, "in order to try my fortune there." He needs money before leaving, however, so he asks Caller to help him get credit so he can borrow: "I am prepared only on the...
In the letter Winston introduces Caller to man from Virginia, who has recently been appointed as a land commissioner east of the Pearl River. He mentions the "probability of a speedy admission" of the Mississippi Territory as a state, and he...
Manrique served as the governor of Spanish West Florida from 1813 to 1815. In the letter he responds to the Indian's recent request for provisions, which he submitted to a military commander in Cuba; Manrique assures him that that the goods will be...
In the letter Coffee, who is Surveyor General of the northern section of the Mississippi Territory, carefully describes his proposed boundary lines between the United States and the Indian lands; he subtly reproves his fellow commissioners, who...
In the letter Parkin discusses the musical instruments Parker has sent for him to sell, and he thanks him for several issues of a EUTERPRIAD, a music magazine Parker publishes: "We have not many musical characters here, but those who have seen it...
In the letter Kelly commends the negotiation efforts of the Alabama representatives on the Georgia-Alabama Survey Commission; he does not give specific details, but he alludes to tension between the two states. Though not a commissioner himself...
In the first letter, written July 11, 1830, Lewis discusses the conflict between Governor Gabriel Moore and Colonel John McKinley. McKinley allegedly did not support Moore's nephew for the post of U.S. marshal, and Lewis predicts that "this...
In the letter Moore discusses a conversation he had with Coffee and President Andrew Jackson the previous summer, regarding the conflict between himself and Colonel John McKinley. (McKinley allegedly did not support Moore's nephew for the post of...
In the letter McKee warns the men of a new slave in Mobile who had been banished from North Carolina because of "seditious conduct" the year before: "While acting as Magistrate of Police last August my attention...was called to the circulation of...
Audubon wrote the letters while on an expedition in eastern Canada, which included excursions to Nova Scotia, Labrador, and many islands. In the letters he describes the men who are on the trip; the food, clothing, accommodations, and...
After learning from an acquaintance that the "indians intended to go to war, when the trees put out their leaves," Freeman traveled through the Creek nation in Alabama to observe their behavior. In the letter he reports activities among the Indians...
In the letter Clay responds to a message he has just received from Currie, which was sent almost two months before ("What can have been the cause of this delay, I am wholly unable to explain"). He explains that he has called several companies of...
The gift is conditional, however: "That if myself or Edwards [sic] mother my wife should in the events of life consider that either of us should stand in need of said negroes--then either of our own judgements [sic] shall rule and take the said...