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 Toulmin briefly mentions plans to establish a salt works nearby, and then he criticizes Caller's recent efforts to prevent the division of the Mississippi Territory before statehood: "That the whole Mississippi Territory never will be...
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 explains that Caller's son, Robert, has been selected to serve in the military "and to draw for money for the purpose of recruiting." Because Robert has not answered the order, the captain who issued it assumes that he...
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...
James was a Scotsman living in the Choctaw nation in Noxubee County, Mississippi. In the letter he complains that Creek warriors have recently stolen horses from settlers: "I want you to put a stop to it as we want to keep in friendship." He...
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 Dale discusses several scouting expeditions he has made recently, and he reports that "I am under a full belief there is no Indians of the disaffected in this quarter." He then asks about the future of the fort he established in...
In the advertisement Phillips describes each slave's physical appearance and disposition. He offers $50 for their return and discusses their motives for leaving: "The subscriber thinks it probable that some white person has been instrumental in...
In the letter Stewart explains that he is trying to borrow money from the bank at Tuscaloosa, and he asks Dellet to recommend him for the loan. His describes his financial situation: "...I have negroes & land to the amount of 2 or 3000 dollars,...
Porter served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1832 to 1834 and from 1837 to 1839. In the letter he describes events during the current session of congress, including the establishment of a bank in north Alabama; the repeal of a law...
In the letter Puryear describes a "handsome lott of Negroes" he has just received, and he asks if Dellet would be interested in purchasing any: "I am retailing them fast at $900 but if you would take largely I would afford them for something less...
In the letter McLemore explains that a number of Indians in the area have been "manafesting warlike symptoms"; in response, he has called out the militia and constructed two forts to protect the county. He describes recent events but reports that...
In the letter Walker argues that the removal of the Creek Indians has been delayed by the chief Hopoethleyahola (Opothleyaholo) and not by the merchants who have been contracted to provide them with supplies for their journey: "we have agents...
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...
In the letter Clay discusses Creek Indians who have escaped from removal camps and are hiding in their old territory: "It is...impossible to ascertain satisfactorily how many of these deluded savages, are still lurking within our limits, but I am...
In the letter Davison, an overseer for Dellet, discusses weather, livestock, and harvesting crops. He also describes punishing two slaves. He whipped a woman and shot a man in the leg; according to Davidson, "...I went to whip him and he told me if...
In the letter James discusses life in camp; upcoming troop movements; the formation of a local regiment; and his expected term of service ("I have volunteered for twelve months unless sooner discharged & if we are not discharged before the...
During the Mexican-American War, Moore organized and led the Eutaw Rangers, a group of volunteers from Greene County, Alabama. In the letter he discusses the upcoming transportation of troops to Burita or Matamoras, Mexico, and he describes the...