The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04601.04 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of 15 items related to the Mississippi territory, the Smith family, and the treason trial of Aaron Burr |
| Title | Israel Smith to Jedediah Smith regarding family matters and politics in the Mississippi territory |
| Date | 15 November 1808 |
| Author | Smith, Israel (1763-1821) |
| Recipient | Smith, Jedediah |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes that he was very happy to hear from him since almost two years have past since their last correspondence. Discusses a Colonel Trash who traveled to Jedediah's area (Massachusetts) but did not bring back word. He is sorry to hear Jedediah has suffered some family misfortune. Reports on family news and states their brother, Philander, has been elected to the legislature again. Another brother, Calvin and himself are in the military. Comments upon the divided state of politics in the Mississippi territory where he lives. There are Tories, Burrites, and Democrats but the democrats are losing ground. Mentions the practice of rabble rousing to win elections and fears the effects Jefferson's embargo might have on their area. Mentions the weather and the cotton crops. Removal of the seal has resulted in some text loss on 3rd and 4th page. |
| Subjects | Children and Family Politics Election Government and Civics Military History Democratic Party Embargo War of 1812 President Commerce Merchants and Trade Economics Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Cotton |
| People | Smith, Israel (1763-1821) Smith, Jedediah (1752-1816) Smith, Philander (ca. 1764-1824) |
| Place written | Natchez, Mississippi |
| Theme | Children & Family; Government & Politics; War of 1812; The Presidency; Merchants & Commerce; Foreign Affairs; Agriculture |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Jedidiah Smith (1726/27-1776), a minister from Granville, Massachusetts, left New England in 1776 with 11of his children. They became one of the first settler families of colonial Natchez, Mississippi territory. A member of the Smith family, Philander Smith, served as foreman on the grand jury trying Aaron Burr for conspiracy. Jefferson passed the Embargo Act on 22 December 1807, which prohibited virtually all exports and most imports and was designed to coerce British and French recognition of American rights. Although it failed and was repealed in 1809 by Jefferson, it greatly enhanced America's industries. Forbidden to trade, Americans had to make their own products. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |