This section includes "very curious old" manuscripts, "being Bills of sale and other business papers made by the wealthy Creek Indians many years since." The documents were given to Pickett by Edward Hamrick of Montgomery.
Material includes notes; quotations; lists of distances traveled between points; lists of expenses; entries from journals and travel logs; fragments of reflective essays; and two descriptions of equipment (bolting machinery and a gristmill). Items...
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 this account Margaret Ervin Austill discusses her family's move from Georgia to Alabama; life on the frontier; and relations with the Indians. In particular she describes local reaction to the fall of Fort Mims in 1813: "Every heart became...
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 letters Hamilton asks for Caller's assistance in a murder trial of "a Mrs Cabbet who is charged with poisoning of her Husband." Testimony collected early in the case "is charged as a forgery," so he asks Caller to have statements "taken...
In the letter Bedell explains that several armed Indians have been seen in the area, causing "a general state of alarm." He urges Caller to provide military assistance, so the inhabitants will not have to abandon their crops and property: "Would it...
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 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 Hanes reports that he has selected an officer to collect weapons and ammunition from Fort Stoddert. He asks that the supplies be taken to St. Stephens if possible.
In the letter Hanes discusses petitions circulating in Washington County, regarding the proposed boundaries. Apparently, there are two petitions: one "for a devision of this county a cross the river" and another "for the devision by the river."...
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 Fitts introduces Caller to a man from North Carolina, who has recently been "appointed commissioner of land claims east of Pearl river & west of the Perdido."
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...
The book includes exercises and notes on several specific concepts. As an adult, Cumming moved with his wife and children from Scotland to North America, eventually settling in Alabama. His daughter, Kate, served as a nurse during the Civil War.
This section includes "Interesting Papers in relation to the Indian Hostilities in 1813-1814, the destruction of Fort Mims &c," which were found in the papers of General Ferdinand L. Claiborne. The documents were given to Pickett by Claiborne's...