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BOX ONE -- BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, FREEDMEN'S BUREAU
This box contains material pertaining to Benjamin Montgomery, formerly slave and overseer of Hurricane and Briarfield, Joseph E. Davis' plantations, near Vicksburg. The majority of the letters describe Montgomery's efforts to keep land and people together and working as near normally as possible. His letters to Davis detail his attempts to work with the occupying forces and later with the Reconstruction government. In addition, he describes the physical condition of the lands and the crops and weather. Also included in this box are the records concerning the problems encountered by both Davis and Montgomery in dealing with the Freedmen's Bureau.

The organization remains as the material was delivered.
Material is arranged in acid free folders, within organizational folders provided by the donor.

Folder l Ben Montgomery Letters - 1865-1870

Folder A1 - 1865
l. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Jan,
crossed note on verso, undated

2. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 Oct

3. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 10 Nov

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 25 Nov

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 14 Oct
"Master J.E. Davis" mentions money enclosure and that all farming implements had been confiscated.

6. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 18 November
Montgomery is very concerned about Davis' agitation in the matters of the plantations.


Folder A2 - 1866

1. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 2 Jan

2. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 8 Jan
(Dear Master)

3. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 22 Jan
(Kind Master) discusses attempts by Freeman's Bureau to "drive him off"

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 5 Feb
(Dear Master)

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 19 Feb
(Dear Master) regarding planting and illness.

6. B. Montgomery to J. W. Nicholson, 22 May

7. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Jun

8. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 11 Jun

9. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 27 Jun

10. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 2 Jul

11. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 5 Jul
(Dear Master)

12. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 19 Jul
Dear Master)

13. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 23 Jul

14. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 6 Aug,
with unfranked envelope-note discussing
duplicitous merchants.

15. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 Aug

16. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 16 Aug

l7. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 27 Aug

18. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 3 Sept

19. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 6 Sept

20. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 10 Sept

21. J.E. Davis to attys August and Yerger, 24 Sept
verso of above, August and Yerger to J.E. Davis, 25 Jul. also Enclosure - August and Yerger to J.E. Davis, 27 Apr

22. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 3 Oct
discussing people and land rent/"cotton hunters"

23. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 7 Oct
discussion of difficulties and monies, first discussion of purchasing Brierfield.

24. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 10 Oct
writes of rent collectors

26. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Oct

27. B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis, 19 Oct

28. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 5 Dec

29. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 31 Dec

Folder A3 - 1867


l. B. Montgomery to J.E.Davis, 24 Jan

2. Henderson Newton to J.E. Davis, 24 Jan
(former slave, to "Dear Master")

3. Montgomery & Son to Mr. Jos D.
Nicholson

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 31 Jan

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 11 Feb

6. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 16 Feb

7. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 28 Feb
envelope, dated 1 Mar

8. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 21 Mar
envelope, dated 23 Mar

9. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 28 Mar
envelope, dated 28 Mar

10. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Apr
part. informative re relationship bet. Davis and Montgomery.

11. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 18 Apr

12. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 22 Apr
envelope, dated 22 Apr. re lost freight. On verso, note from J.B. Johnson re same.

13. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 6 May

14. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 May

15. W. Watt to J.E. Davis, 19 May
former slave petitioning for a loanof 150.00 to replace a lost horse and envelope, dated 19 May.

16. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 3 Jun
an accounting. envelope, n.d..

17. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis
death of Julian Hutton. envelope, dated 10 Jun.

18. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 13 Jun
taxes and the attempts by "others" to induce hands to work elsewhere

19. B. Montgomery to General Ord, HQ, Vicksburg
25 Jun, re taxes.

20. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Jul
agricultural difficulties and taxes

21. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 8 Jul
death of Louis, illness. envelope

22. J.D. Nicholson to Dr. McKay, 18 Jul
(noted on verso as copy) disput re medical services rendered to slaves formerly owned by Nicholson

23. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 18 Jul
envelope, dated 23 Jul. death of Sammy Briton and taxes.

24. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 1 Aug
re gin equipment and government agents.

25. J.E. Davis to Messrs, Gunnison, Chapman & Co., Greenville, MS, 5 Aug. re above.
with envelope, n.d. "by Isaiah"

26. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 8 Aug

27. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 Sep

28. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 16 Sep
envelope, dated 23 Sep. Montgomery describes
his reluctant acceptance of the position of Justice of the Peace. envelope, dated 23 Sep

29. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 24 Sep
envelope, n.d.

30. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 Sep
three envelopes, one dated 27 Sep, one dated 28 Sep and one, undated, addressed "Commission of B. Montgomery" and from HQ, 4th Military Dist.

31. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 14 Oct
envelope, n.d.

32. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 14 Nov envelope, n.d. death of Jim Green;
continual problems with hands being enticed "across the river" by promises of cash in hand. difficulties in harvesting, writes of a "community system" in which he has hope.
33. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 11 Dec
envelope, n.d. expresses concern at the poor yield and resulting lack of funds and rents.

34. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 19 Dec and envelope, n.d.
crop failures and economic difficulties.

35. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 Dec.
envelope, date illegible. particulars regarding continued financial and labor difficulties.

36. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis
envelope only - dated 1(2)Apr

Folder A4 - 1868

1. B. Montgomery t J.E. Davis, 6 Jan
economic woes

2. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 23 Jan

3. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 11 Feb
envelope, dated 12 Feb.

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 23 Mar
inability to meet taxes

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 13 Apr

6. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 Apr
envelope, dated 1 May.

7. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 May
taxes.

8. J.R. Hicks & R.O. Leary to J.E. Davis, 9 May
envelope, n.d. enclosure. re medical supplies and services from Dr. E.G. Banks for part of the year 1863.

9. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 18 May
envelope, dated 18 May.

10. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 25 May
taxes, mentions enclosed telegram, not
found.

11. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Jun
envelope, dated 4 June.

12. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 8 Jun
sending cash by son, Isaiah, writes of
Davis lands sold for taxes.

13. Simon Gailor(sp?) to J.E. Davis, 11 Jun
almost certainly by another hand. former
slave of Davis, seeking loan of a mule

14. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Jun

15. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 29 Jun
envelope, dated 29 Jun.

16. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 23 Jul

17. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 July
envelope, dated 1 Aug.

18. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 6 August

19. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 13 Sept

20. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 24 Sept
disastrous crop failure due to "worms"

21. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Oct

22. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 22 Oct

23. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 26 Oct

24. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 2 Nov
partially legible.

25. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 30 Nov

26. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 Nov

27. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 25 Nov

28. George Green to J.E. Davis, 2 Dec
(by Isaiah)

29. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 17 Dec

30. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 21 Dec

31. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 23 Dec

32. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 31 Dec


Folder A 5 - 1869

l. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Jan

2. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 25 Jan
envelope, dated 25 Jan.

3. B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis, 4 Feb
envelope, dated 4 Feb

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Feb

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 18 Feb
envelope, dated 18 Feb.

6. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Mar
envelope, dated 4 Mar.

7. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 15 Mar
envelope, dated 15 Mar.

8. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 22 Mar

9. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 5 April

10. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 26 April
requesting advice from Davis re incident
involving former slaves in legal trouble

11. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 Aug

12. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 9 Sep
envelope, dated 10 Sep

13. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 4 Nov

14. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 29 Nov
envelope, dated 29 Nov. mentions enclosure, not found.




Folder A-5 - 1869

NOTE: Additionally there are three envelopes. Although there is not a year date on them, they were originally arranged with the items dated 1869 and will remain stored in their proximity.
15. from Hurricane, MS to J.E. Davis, 15 Jul
envelope only.
16. from Hurricane, MS to J.E. Davis, 18 Jul
envelope only.
17. from Hurricane, MS to J.E. Davis, 29 Jul
envelope only.

Folder A-6 - 1870
l. Montgomery & Sons to J.E. Davis,
envelope only, handfranked 27 Jan.

2. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 3 Feb
envelope, dated 3 Feb.

3. B. Montgomery to J. E. Davis, 10 Feb
envelope, dated 10 Feb.

4. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 17 Feb
envelope, dated 10 Feb.

5. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 21 Feb
envelope, dated 21 Feb. enclosure mentioned,
not found.

6. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 27 Mar
envelope, dated 28 Mar. discusses cotton
varieties.

7. B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis, 31 Mar
envelope, dated 31 Mar. attached a clipping
"from a Vburg(sic) paper" re Internal Revenue.

8. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 7 Apr
envelope, dated 7 Apr.

9. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 29 May
envelope, dated 30 May.

10. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 5 Jun

11. B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, 13 Jun
envelope, dated 13 Jun

12. Montgomery & Sons to J.E. Davis
envelope only, handfranked 16 June

Folder A-7 - documents
1. Accounting Sheet, dated 1861 - 1867. Detailing indebtedness of B.T. Montgomery to Joseph E. Davis.

2. Bill of Sale, November 15, 1866. To Benjamin T. Montgomery, a record of the sale of Briarfield and Hurricane plantations.

3. List of leaseholders and rents due for the Davis Bend plantation, 1866.


4. Transcript of proceedings of petition for tax relief by Benjamin Montgomery, et al. Warren County, 8 July, 1867. envelope with following inscription - "B.T. Montgomery, Thornton Montgomery, Isaiah Montgomery, mortgage to J.E. Davis,(rubbed out) bearing date 19th November A.D. 1866 for which they hold a deed of even date with the said mortgage.

5. Summons, 2 December, 1867. for Joseph E. Davis to answer a complaint of Dr. A. L. McKay for bill, past due.

6. Summons, 2 June 1868. for Jefferson Davis to answer a complaint of Dr. A.L. McKay for bill, past due, with attached transcript of proceedings.


Folder A-8 - Freedman's Bureau

This first folder contains material which is undated. As Joseph Davis' difficulties with the Freedmen's Bureau began and ended in 1865, it can be assumed that these items are from that year.

l. fragment, 2.5" x 7.6". handwritten message, "Important Government Documents", n.d.

2. envelope, Depot Quartermaster's Office to Joseph E. Davis, Esq.

3. l pp. Col ____ to Col. Samuel Thomas, Assistant Comm., Freedmen's Bureau, Vicksburg.
n.d. (embossed with Congressional -- )

4. 2 pp. Complaint of J.E. Davis regarding the occupation of his plantations and the expulsion of the negroes inhabiting them. May be a fragment, possibly notes for a formal complaint, as there are insertions and corrections. n.d. (embossed with---)

5. l pp. fragment. appears to be another draft of J. E. Davis' Complaint. n.d. (embossed with ---)

6. l pp. folded sheet. "Questions to be asked of Beuford (sp?) and Capt. Norton. n.d.( embossed with ---)

7. 2 pp. Statement signed by Benjamin Montgomery in support of the complaint of J. E. Davis. dated only 1865.

8. 1 pp. folded sheet. detailed list of claims of J. E. Davis against the Bureau. n.d. (embossed, etc.)

9. 4 pp. "Complaint of J. E. Davis vs Col. Sam Thomas, Asst Commissioner and the Freedmen's Bureau for Miss.

10. fragment, a request for an accounting of the leases - see Folder A-7 for the listing. n.d.

11. fragment, n.d.

12. 11 pp. "Notes of the testimony...." before the board of inquiry regarding the claims of J. E. Davis. (appear to have been previously sewn into a binding. pages numbered 12, but only 11 pages of text), n.d.

13. 1 pp. List of witnesses to the Board Hearing.

14. 9 pp. "Notes on the Testimony" appears to be more detailed and has many corrections. n.d.

15. fragment, 2 pp. illegible for the most part but
appears to be connected with the Davis complaint.


16. Letter of protest, J. D. Davis to the Board of Officers of the Freedmen's Bureau of the State of Mississippi, re proceedings of the hearings to discuss J. E. Davis' petition, n.d.

Folder A-9 - FREEDMEN'S BUREAU
In 1865 the freedmen and J. E. Davis variously filed official complaints against the Freedmen's Bureau. It was their contention that the Bureau had wrongfully evicted the laborers on the Davis plantations, causing unneccessary hardship. Further, Davis and Montgomery contented that dwellings, machinery and various improvements on the plantations had been willfully and maliciously damaged and destroyed by Bureau personnel. The following papers are some of the records of the proceedings following these claims.

l. petition for return of lands, Elias West to Major General Dana. Marked as received l5 April 1865.
annotation by Stuart Eldridge, Provost Marshall, Freedmen [N.V.] and an official reply by John Ealand, Superintendant, Memphis, TN, 28 April 1865.

2. July 1865. Appears to be a draft petition by the "colored lessees of Hurricain (sic) Plantation Davis Bend Miss" signatures (all by same hand) W.T.Montgomery, J.H. Gla, B.T.Montgomery, Thomas Bland and Thomas Broadwater.

3. 15 July, 1865. Appears to be a later draft or a copy of the final petition. Addressed to Colonel Samuel Thomas and the committee listed in one hand.

4. 15 July 1865. As above, labelled 1st petition on the fold. First page declares it a copy.

5. 31 July 1865. " 2nd Petition." Pencil notation declares it a copy.

6. 3 August 1865 Office of the Assist. Comm. [Bureau] Refugees, Freedmen & Abandoned lands Miss. Reply to the petition, denying their petition. Labeled as copy.
5 pp.

7. August 1865. Reply to Col. S. Thomas. Includes specific complaints about equipment damage, etc., as well as a list of the planters by name. Labeled on the back, "The Colored Planter's reply to Col Saml Thomas' communication of 3rd Aug. 6 pp.

8. 3 September 1865, petition to Col. Samuel Thomas. For the use of a gin. 6pp.

9. 9 October 1865. a.l., salutation to "His Excellency [ ] Johnson Presdicent of the United States. would appear to be a draft of a letter from J. E.Davis to the President. It is barely legible but clearly dilineates Davis' discussions with Col. Thomas about the destruction of Briarfield.6 pp.

10. 17 October 1865. Report of John F. Donaly "Respecting the Machinery and Gin House on the Hurricane Plantation." 10 pp.

11. 21 October, 1865. Complaint to Col Thomas from J. E. Davis. regarding the abuse of persons and machinery on the plantations. Many corrections and deletions/additions - appears to be a draft. 7 pp.

12. 27 October 1865. to Maj. Deneral O. O. Howard, Comm. of Freedman's Bureau from [J. E. Davis] complaining that the "negroes left on the Hurricane and Briarfield plantations" were evicted by the Freedmen's Bureau, with dire results. 4 pp.

13. 30 October l865. a.l.s. President Andrew Johnson from J.E. Davis. expressing appreciation for the return of his lands and castigating the Freedmen's Bureau. 2 pp.

14. 16 November 1865. A. Burwel (sic) Esq from J. E. Davis. Mr. B---- had withdrawn as attorney for the Freedmen. This is J. E. Davis' acknowledgement and response. 1 pp.

15. 16 November 1865. a.l.s. As above. 1 pp.

16. 17 November 1865. a.n. notification of depostions preparatory of the case of the Freedmen v/s the Freedmen's Bureau. labeled as copy - possibly signed by Joseph E. Davis. 1 pp.

17. 18 November 1865. a.n. J. E. Davis request for an interview with General Thomas. 1 pp.

18. 18 November 1865. a.l.s. J. E. Davis to Hon Wm. L. Sharkey requesting assistance in regaining possession of his lands. 2 pp.

19. 19 November 1865. a.n.s. Chaplain James A. Hawley from J. E. Davis. Notification of intent to take depositions. 1 pp.

20. 24 December 1865. a.l.s. Senator M. Wilson of Massachusetts from Joseph E. Davis. requesting an investigation of the Freedmen's Bureau and citing continued abuse of the Freedmen. Possibly a draft, many corrections and deletions/insertions. 4 pp.



BOX TWO --

This box contains materials pertaining to Joseph E. Davis' attempts to regain his lands and make clear his financial obligations. Included are tax records for the war years on Briarfield and Hurricane and various legal suits involving Davis.

Folder 1. Efforts to Recover Lands

1. n.d. a.n. labeled "Hurricane 1866 White Occuplants of Houses. 1 pp.

2. n.d. a.l.s. J. E. Davis to Andrew Johnson, President U.S.A. Perhaps an early draft of a letter to Johnson requesting a restoration of his lands and citizenship. 2 pp.

3. 28 Jan 1866. a.l.s. J. E. Davis to an unknown person. Regarding the transgressions of the Freedmen's Bureau.

4. 28 Feb 1866. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to His Excellency the President of the U.S. insertions/deletions, corrections. obviously a draft of Davis' petitionary letter. 2 pp.

5. 1 Mar 1866. a.l.s. J. E. Davis to His Excellency... Mentions previous letters of petition, probably a draft of the following item.. 2 pp.

6. 1 Mar 1866. a.l.s. J. E. Davis to an unknown person with an enclosure of a letter to President Johnson. Davis requests the addressee to submit his appeal, in particular as "It may be proper to first state to you, that from age & infirmity I took no part in the war, neither bore arms, nor was a member of the legislature, nor convention, nor attended any public meetings & did contributed (sic) nothing, subscribed nothing,& nor made invested any in investment in the Confederate Securities Bond, .... 6 pp.

7. 11 Mar 1866. a.n.s. J. E. Davis to Maj Gen. O. O. Howard
from the text, a reply to Howard's offer to replace Col. Thomas. 1 pp.

8. 11 Mar 1866. a.n.s. J. E. Davis to Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard. as above, possibly two drafts. 1 pp.

9. 26 Mar 1866. a.l.s. C. E. Hooker to J.E. Davis, inquires about the restoration of his property and recommends Davis appeal to Judge Sharkey to plead with President Johnson. stamped envelope. 3 pp.

10. 21 Apr 1866. document labeled "copy of petition and endorsements" petition for restoration of rights and properties and oath of allegiance. attested by Judge D.V. Mervin; Benjamin G. Humphreys, Governor of MS (23 Apr); A. B. Johnston (23 Apr); W. Yerger (23 Apr). 4 pp.

11. 26 Jun 1866. a.l.s. M. B. Black to [J.E. Davis]. 1 pp.

12. 4 Jul 1866. a.l.s. (faint previous date of 12 June) J.E. Davis to President Andrew Johnson. A further reaction to the government's response to his petitions. In particular, he protests the determination that the property had been abandoned. Unfinished, perhaps an draft rather than a copy. 5 pp.

13. 2 Aug 1866. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to President Johnson.

14. Sept 1866. a.n. attesting continual ownership by Davis of the Briarfield and Hurricane plantations. 1 pp.

15. 8 Sept 1866. a.l. J.E. Davis to Major General Thomas J. Wood (Commander of the Department of Mississippi and Ex Officio Assistant Commandant of Freedmen's Bureau). Informing Gen. Wood of Davis' pardon and the restoration of his property by President Johnson. Possibly a draft - insertions/deletions. 2 pp.

16. 8 Sept 1866. a.l. J.E. Davis to Major General T.J. Wood
as above. 2 pp.

17. 8 Sept 1866. a.l. J.E. Davis to Major General T.J. Wood. 2 pp.

18. 11 Sept 1866. a.l.s. A.M. Preston [A.J.A. General]
Setting out the conditions required prior to the restoration of Davis' property. 2 pp.

19. 15 Sept 1866. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to President Johnson, labeled "Letter to Mr. Johnston, not sent. 2 pp.

20. 13 Nov 1866 (handwritten on the envelope, however, the envelope is canceled 31 Dec). document. J.E. Davis to
Postmaster General. Certification of residency at Davis Bend - unsigned. 2 pp.

Folder 2 - MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDANCE
This folder contains thirty-five pieces of correspondance, majorally concerning financial matters of J.E. Davis. Originally this material was prefaced by an undated fragment on the reverse of which was written "friendly letters." The material is arranged chronologically. Several items deserve individual comment.

30 June 1866. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to [ ] Davis is responding to previous correspondance and gives a short biography of Jefferson Davis. He asks that he not be mentioned publicly. 2 pp.

19 May 1867. a.l.s. [ ] to J.E. Davis. "My Dear old Master" petitionary letter from a former slave, possibly farming on "shares" with Davis at this time. l pp.

30 Nov 1868. a.l.s. J.H. Maury to J.E. Davis. regarding land sold for taxes.

21 Dec 1868. a.l.s. W.A. Broadwell to J.E. Davis. Regarding General Preston's request for information regarding Jefferson Davis. written on the back of a fragment of a letter signed by W.H. Dawson. 2 pp.

2 Jan 1869. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to General Wm Preston, Lexington KY. Preston had requested Jefferson Davis' address.
2 pp. envelope.

25 Jan 1869. a.l.s. J.H. Maury to J.E. Davis. regarding squatters on land Davis owned near Grand Gulf, MS. 2 pp.


Folder 3 - J. V. Payne (Payne, Huntington Co. and J.E. Davis Correspondance 1867 - 1870.

Payne, Huntington Co. were New Orleans cotton factors with whom Davis had business for several years.

Folder 4 - "McKay, Banks, Dixon, Rucks, Winn"

This folder contained items relating to various lawsuits involving J.E. Davis. 20 pieces.

Folder 4A - Court docket for December term 1868, listing the lawsuits in which J.E. Davis was a litigant.
Folder 4B - Correspondance regarding the claims of Dr. A.L. McKay for medical care rendered on the Davis Bend plantations during the year 1863.

Folder 4C - Correspondance regarding the claims of W.E. Banks, for services rendered J.E. Davis as overseer for the year 1862.

Folder 4D - Correspondance regarding the claims of J.E. Davis against the estate of Mrs. Lettitia Dixon for money loaned.

Folder 4E - Correspondance regarding the claims of Minor J. Winn. Winn held a promissory note from Davis in the amount of $2200.00. Davis had tried to pay him, in front of witnesses, the full amount in Confederate money and Winn had refused it. He was trying to collect in U.S. money.

There is nothing regarding a "Rucks Case" in our files.

Folder 5 - "BANK BOOKS RECEIPTS MEMORANDA CHECKS 1866 - 1870"

Folder 5A. Checks in a bundle tied with twine.

Folder 5B. envelope, labeled "Receipts Some important accounts and recipts examined May 1870." Includes several pieces of correspondance, as follows:

1. undated fragment. Discussing postwar conditions in Mississippi.
2. 27 Jun 1866. a.l.s. J.E. Davis to the Commissioner of U.S. District Tax. 2 pp.
3. 10 Dec 1866. a.l.s. John Jackson (Athens, AL) to J.E. Davis. Regarding the debts of Joseph Nicholson (who incurred them claiming relationship to the Davis's).

BOX THREE - LAND DISPUTES

This box contains correspondance and attendant materials regarding various land disputes of J.E. Davis.

Folder 1 - "ARKANSAS LANDS - JOE AND JEFF. DAVIS"
Annotated as :"Before the war Joseph and Jefferson Davis purchased a great deal of land in Ark. which Joesph struggled to save after the war ended."
Four folders. Folder 1-A contains an 1857 land patent. The folders subsequent contain tax records and correspondance with various parties concerning the Davis holdings. They are arranged chronologically within folders.

Folder 2 - "CATCHINGS CASE'
Annotated as: "Note: When dispossessed from Hurricane and Brierfield Jos. W. Davis acquired a tract near Bolton, Hinds County, Miss. and another nearby for Jeff'n Davis. Protracted litigation arose over payment to Dr. CAthings, seller, who claimed satisfaction in U.S. money while Davis payment had been made in Confederate money."


Folder 2A - "Court Papers in Catching's Case"

17 pcs.

Folder 2B - "Correspondance in Catching's Case"

2B - 1 - Colonel C.E. Hooker

2B - 2 - William Yerger

2B - 3 - E.L. Miles, U.M. Young Letters (Simrall)

2B - 4 - Catchings Letters

Folder 2C - "Jeff. Davis - Hinds County Prop E.P. Smith"

Folder 3 - "Van Bentheson - DeHaven Correspondance"

Folder 3A - "DeHaven"

Annotated: During the war Jos. E. Davis obtained certain advances. Disagreement arose as to payment and satisfaction."
13 pieces.

Folder 3B - "Van Bentheson Correspondance"

Annotated: Jos E. Davis married Eliza Van Bentheson of New Orleans and frequently aided her family. A loan was made to William Van Bentheson, probably her brother." ll pieces.