Finding Aids >> MUM00122

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Access Restrictions

Use Restriction

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Folder 1
Typescripts of the original documents that comprise the Evans Collection.

Folder 2
March 3, 1808. Indenture by Alijah Hunt [?] of Natchez to Thomas Brockhurst Barclay and George Sakeld of Great Britain.

Folder 3
November 13, 1812. Muster Roll for company under command of Capt. John Milliken, 18th Regiment, Louisiana Militia.

Folder 4
December 30, 1813. Bond of William Christie of Claiborne County to Lewis Evans of Adams County for borrowed money.

Folder 5
January 1, 1821. Bill of sale from Daniel Vertreir to Thomas Brockhurst Barclay and George Pearked Barclay for 38 slaves.

Folder 6
June 3, 1828. Bill of sale from Jas. B. Campbell to Hugh Bell for a slave named Martha.

Folder 7
n.d. ALS Elizabeth and William Cunningham of Scotland to William Young, Esq. of Port Gibson, MS.

Folder 8
November 21, 1806. ALS Turner Brashears at Halfway River to William Lindsey.

Folder 9
December __, 1806. ALS Turner Brashears to William Lindsey.

Folder 10
March 19, 1808. ALS R. Stockton Jr. of Barren County, KY to William Lindsey.

Folder 11
July 30, 1808. ALS Thos. Barnes to William Lindsey Esqr.

Folder 12
August 15, 1808. ALS J. Moore of G. Port to William Christie near Natchez.

Folder 13
June 18, 1812. Elijah J__ith of Gibson Port to William Christie of Big Black.
Folder 14
December 8, 1812. ALS Lewis Evans of Natchez to William Christie of Grindstoneford, Claiborne County.

Folder 15
January 22, 1814. ALS Lewis Evans of Natchez to William Christie of Bruinsburg.

Folder 16
February 13, 1814. ALS Lewis Evans of Natchez to William Christie of Gibson Port.

Folder 17
May 2, 1814. ALS Lewis Evans of Natchez to William Christie in Bayou Pierre.

Folder 18
February 14, 1821. ALS Wm Gould of Choctaw Agency to Eden Brashears Esq. at Port Gibson.

Folder 19
March 29, 1832. ALS John Watt of Natchez to William Young of Port Gibson.

Folder 20
July 4, 1832. ALS James Stevenson of Scotland to William Young of Port Gibson, MS.





[Document in Folder 2]

This Indenture bearing date on the third day of March in the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight between Abijah Hunt of Natchez in the Mississippi Territory of the one part and Thos. Brockhurst Barclay and George Salkeld of the Kingdom of Great Britain Merchants of the other part witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of sixty thousand dollars inhand will and truly paid by the parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted bargained and sold, assigned transferred and set over and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell, assign transfer and set over unto the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns all and singular that certain plantation, tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the county of Claiborne in the Territory aforesaid commonly known and distinguished by the name and description of Abijah Hunt's Bayou Piere Plantation bounded as follows, to wit, by the Bayou Piere and Clarks Creek on two sides and on the other sides by lands of Samuel Gibson, Abner Green, and Baanes and containing from one thousand to twelve hundred _____ of land, be the same more or less. Together with the cotton gins, mill, and screw presses and other buildings thereon erected and made, and also the Negroes on the said plantation amounting in number from sixty one to sixty five, thirty mules and horses, from six to eight yoke of oxen, two or three wagons, one cart, about twenty ploughs, a variety of farming utensils, a stock of horned cattle from one hundred to two hundred head, and a stock of hogs from one hundred to one hundred and fifty head large and small with all the other appurtenances to the said plantation belonging or in anywise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof To have and to hold the said premises unto the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns to the only proper use benefit and behoof of the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year _____ above written.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of : David B. Morgan & Wm Butler [?]

Mississippi Territory __: Abijah Hunt party to the above and bargaining deed personally approved before me the ____ ____ and the Superior Judges for ___ Territory and acknowledged the ___ deed to be his ___ and but for the uses and purposes herein Expressed Witness my hand this 8th day of April in the year of the Christian ___ 1808. and in the 32 years of the Independence of the U. States. Thomas Rodney.

[Seals affixed beside each of the signatures below]
Abijah Hunt
T. Barclay
George Salkeld


[On reverse side]

Received on the day of the date of the within written indenture of and from the within named parties of the second part the sum of sixty thousand dollars that being the consideration within mentioned to be paid by them to me. Abijah Hunt

Witness --
David B. Morgan
&
Wm B___

Mississippi Territory
Claiborne County
I John Patterson Clerk of Claiborne County do hereby certify that the Indenture from Abijah Hunt to Thomas Brockhurst Barclay and George Salkeld, was this day received into my office, and is together with the foregoing certificate of acknowledgment, and receipt of the consideration thereon _____ duly entered on record in my said office. This 9th day of April 1808 John Patterson Clk.


[Document in Folder 3. This typescript only lists the men named and the remarks beside those names -- see original document for other information]

Henry D. Downs 1st Lieut.
Martin Price 2nd Lieut.
John Dana no arms of any kind
Tod Cameron
Joseph Downs ____ _____
William C___
John Rosen
Andrew Sougaire
Thomas Gibson
Samuel Wallice
Hiram Downs
Jeremiah Gould [?]
Charles Dana
David Hurdle
John Cameron
Peter Smith
Frederick Smith
David G. Humphreis
George W. Humprheis
Lewelin Price
William Wright
James Noland
John Sutton
William States
Joseph Turner a man of color
Turner B. Barsheirs
John Robertson about to remove out of the state
Thos. Wallice
Ralph Price
James Clark a man of color
George Sorrels
Ruben Smithers
Abner Bent
Joshua Marsh
John Hofman
Nath. Rogers
Charly Walton
Turn over


[on reverse]

John Hall
Jacob Robertson Absence from sickness
Benj. James Absent
BillyG. ____ --out of the state
Enos Hurdle sick
Hugh Jonston Absent
John Saslic on his way to Natchez
George Downs

[Totals given as: 47 men, 19 rifles, 4 shotguns, 23 pouches].

The above _______ a correct return of the company under my command as mustered on the 12th ___ at a regimental muster at Thos. Gibson's in Warren Parish 13th Novr 18th.
John Milliken Capt in the 18th Regt.
Lousiana Militia Company
Signed

[Document in Folder 4]

Know all men by these Presents that I William Christie of Claiborne County in the Mississippi Territory am held and firmly bound unto Lewis Evans of Adams County and Territory aforesaid in the sum of Four Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Six Dollars to be paid to the said Lewis Evans his executors administrators or assigns for which payment I bind myself my heirs executors and administrators firmly by these presents sealed with my seal and dates this thirteenth day of December in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen. The condition of this obligation is such that if the above bonnden M____ Christie his executors or administrators shall and do well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the said above named Lewis Evans his executors administrators or assigns the sum of Two Thousand three hundred and thirty three Dollars on the first day of January which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and ____
Signed Sealed and
Delivered in presence of Wm. Christie
Ly. Harding

[on reverse]
Recd on the written Bond One Thousand Dollars in the return of the property in part for which it was given. Lewis Evans
21 Dec 1816

Recd. One Thousand Three Hudnred and Thirty Three Dollars in a Drafted or Written ______ ______ in full.
Lewis Evans
Jany 11th 1817


Wm Christie to Lewis Evans Bond

Wm Christie Bond

[Document in Folder 5]

For and in consideration of the Sum of Twenty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars to me in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, I do grant bargain & sell and by these presents have granted bargained sold and delivered unot Thomas Brockhurst Barcley and George Pearked Barclay and to them assigns the Thirty Eight following Negro and mulatto Slaves to wit. Tom & Nancy (his wife) Isaac & Phoebe (his wife) and Isaac, Martha, & Salude their children, Bucked Mury, his wife, Antoine & Doriah (his wife), Matilda and Eliza and Jack (her children) Terry and Puck his wife and Frances their child, Mingo and Arena Robert and Louisa (his children) Joe & Betsey (his wife) Jess & Hannah (his wife), Harriet Jack Logan & Rose, Nancy -- Watson & Jill his wife & Ben their child Sam and Milly his wife and Hamilton their child and Fortune and Mary his wife -- And I do hereby bond myself my heirs __ to warrant and defend the aforesaid Negroes and mulattoes against the lawful claim or claims of all and every person or persons whatsoever claiming or to claim them or any or either of them and also that they are slaves for life. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this first day of January One thousand Eight hundred & Twenty one.
Signed sealed & delivered
In the presence _____ D. Vertier
Rich Stickton
Geo Robinson

[on reverse]
Mem. If Negro Fortune named in the within bill of sale who is at present run away is not returned in the three months his valuation 1200 dollars is to be returned from the amount within specified.

State of Mississippi
Claiborne County ___
Before me the subscribed a ____ of the ____ and ____ in and for said County Personally appeared Richard Stickton him one of the subscribing witnesses to the written Bill of Sale and being duly sworn in depose say that he heard Daniel Vertier the Grantor therein named acknowlede that he signed here & Delivered the same or his Act & Deed. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand ___ this 4 day of January AD 1821
__ Moore _______

38 Negroes
Daniel Vertrier
T Pd to GB Barclay

Bill Sale
Claiborne County clerks office this certifies that the written Bill of sail was received for record 4th January 1821 and is with its acknowledgment truly Recorded in Book ___ No 6. page 291
P.A. Van Doren clk

Fees $1.65.

Recd for record Jany 4th 1821
P.A.V.D.

[Document in Folder 6]

For and in Consideration of the sum of Four hundred Dollars, receipt of which I hereby acknowledge, I have sold to Hugh Bell a Negro Girl named Martha aged about fifteen years, slave for life, the title to whom he warrants and defend, __ also that she is free from all the vices and maladies prescribed by law --
New Orleans. 3rd June 1828
Jas. B. Campbell


[Document in Folder 7]

Wm Cunningham
To
Wm Young

William Young Esq.
Port Gibson
State of Mississippi
America

[on other half of leaf]
_________ West ___________
Dear Sir
I take the liberty of addressing you altho in a distant land I am proud that you have not forgot me altho an old woman, you could hardly imagine what I felt when I received your hansome preasent of __ L for which I return you my sincere thanks, I may say like Naomie you have not left off your kindnesss to the dead nor the living. Your worthy Father and my dear Husband were long and dear Friends Likewise your Dear Mother and me, there are all gone to that land from which no travelar ever returns, and to which we must soon follow. I hope you have not forgot that good and pious example you had set before you in youth. I here with pleasure the Lord has been pleased to bless you with a competency of the good things of this life, and had doubled all your store with a kind and loving wife I here that you and her intends visiting Scotland in the course of next yeare when you will have

[on reverse]
many kind friends to receive you and if the Lord spare me I hope to be one of them. Your Friends here are all well, your uncle and his Family with your Sister Margaret drank tea hwere Last night with us. Margaret is a very pleasant girl and my Family's your Sisters always kept up the correspondence. All my Family of which I have Jean who is comfortable marred and lives in Stevenston and Robert who is also marred and has the Farm of may field nere Stevenston Janet Williams David are still with me. Toms ___ __ in kind love to you and Mrs Young
I remain your sincer well wisher
Elizabeth Cunningham


[on other half of same side]
Dear Sir
I to take the liberty to address you I have many reasons for remembering you and none of the beast of them is the Respect I have to the me[m]ory of your departed Brother, he and I as our Mother told us were of an age and ever always dere companions, my mother has sent you[r] preasent of a small Cheese as a token of Respect we have had it inclosed in a tin Case and hope it will come safe to hand. We have been busy with our har[v]est which we have got nearly concluded the cropes in this part of the Country are in general pretry good. I should have a pleasure in corresponding with you as often as you should find it convenient. Remember me to Mrs Young & Mr Watt
I Remain Dear Sir your Truly
William Cunningham

[Document in Folder 8]

Halfway River Nov 21 the 1806
Mr William Lindsey
Dier Sir I have nothing worth Riting I am full of bisaness and Raysed my house yesterday and hurt my Back that I can cars move but harty Ohher wise you will Send by Mr Fletcher the within in bill if you cannot get Shugar and coffee in that Place you will send to natches for it and the Led you will despach Flecher as soon as you can I have Perlhed from Patter 100 galliones of whiskey his order is good for the other 20 gallions I have Sent to C. George Humphres a Reed feather which I wis you to Deliver him you will Send me my Round if it is fell in your hands ----

[on reverse]

I shall be in Soon but I cannot name the time I am in grate need of Supplise and I don't wont to be diapinted in my horses For the next time I send I shall brang my skins and ___ I remain yours
Turner Brashears

[on other half of same side]

Mr. William Lindsey

T. Brashears

[Document in Folder 9]

T. Brashears


Wm
William Lindsey

________

NB
Please to let the bearer have one Bag Salt JB


[on other half of same side]

December ___ 1806
Mr William Lindsey

Sir, I received yours This day and the articles all but one bar of Led which was Lost in the Settlement. I have heard nothing of your mare I cut my knee yesterday with an ax So that I cannot walk one step The barer is employ By Jo Carrey how is to take Charge of the --
Whiskey which you promist to furnish a boate to carrey it a way whish is four barrels you will Let him have one more which will be fine he will Return the Boat again if the water will not carrey it you will find a Cart to transport it to water Carrey I have nothing of the neagro you mention nither has Petchlym past yet I Beg you to have nothing to Say to the Opining the rode in __ with home you name

[on reverse]
And Lend the Barer one Largr ___ ___ if it gits damaged I will see you paid fore it and four Dollars worth of Corn you will send fifty weight of Led in the boat as fletcher lost on bar of led in the Settlement I shall be in as soon as I get able to ride a __ P Re me
Sire yours be True
Turner Brashears

[Document from Folder 10]
Barren County Kentucky March 19th 1808
Mr. Lindsey
Sir
I rec'd a letter from Mr Patterson Stateing to me that he had not Collected my money that the little mare was sold for and further states that there [hole in paper] been time for those [hole in paper] to me to sell there Crop [hole in paper] And wished that I had [hole in paper] Mr Bishop to take Cotton I did not think that Mr Bishop would like to trouble himself with Cotton as he was at Such a distance from home and I now think that it would not be generous to ask Such a favor of that Gentleman Tho by this time every man has a Chance of Making Sale of his produce and I want you if you please to try to collect the money dew me in your County for I am in much nead of money at this time I have promised money on the faith of getting wat is dew me in that Terreytorry Sir any Servises you may Render me in my Buisness Shal be ever Remembered by me please to Collect my money and Send it by Mr. Bishop on his Return from neworleans Give my Compliments to Mrs. Linsey and Mr. Patterson and all acquaintances Sir I am your old friend
R. Stockton Jr.
Sir as to particulars I will refer you to Mr. Bishop

[on reverse]
Mr
William Lindsey Esqr
___ faver Claiborne County
Mr Bishop
Mr ____________


[Document from Folder 11]

William Lindsay, Esq.


30th July 1808
Dear Sir
Mr Bullock informs me that you have an opportunity of selling your plantation for the price you intended asking me & that you wished me to go over & determine whether I would purchase -- I intend going to see you this day, but was taken a few days ago with a violent cold of which I am so unwell that I am not able to ride to see you today, but will the first day I am able which I hope will be in a few days

[on reverse]
I would esteam it a favor if you will put of the sale with the other Gentleman until I can see you if you can do it without injury to your self as I think it more than likely that I will purchase from you from the recommendation I have had of the place from Mr Regan Mr Bullock & others
I am yours respectfully
Thos. Barnes
[Document from Folder 12]

___ Moore __
Mr. William Christie
At M Over____
Near Natchez
Mail

[on other half of same side]

G. Port Augt 15th 1808
Dear Sir
I recd you favour post marked 12th August and am pleased to hear of your welfare should be glad to see you the roan horse you mention has not come to hand. If he should be committed to my Charge shall be well treated and forwarded by the first conveyance -- In reply to Mrs. Wallace's request I am sorry to inform her Mr Wallace's grave has not even had a fence round it but lies in an open common liable to be trampled upon by every cow & horse that passes -- to the bitter shame & disgrace of his unworthy partner Mr __ Robertson Jr. Had I known this circumstance from my acquain

[on reverse]
tances with Mr Wallce & the regard I have for his amiable relict I should certainly have made at least a fence or some kind of enclosure around his grave -- however Er you inquire this I will have a handsome paling constructed of Mulberry poasts & Rails & alnut paling. As the expense will at no rate amount to more than Ten Dollars which Sum I will cheerfully advance for Mrs Wallace --- Mrs. Moore returning her compliments is well & beleve me will Sentiments of pure Regard & Esteem I remain Your Sincere Fr & H___ __
J. Moore
M W. Christie
[Document from Folder 13]

Mr William Christie
Big Black

[on other half of same side]

Gibson Port 18th June 1812
Mr. Wm Christie
Sir
I have frequently applyed to Mr Over____ with your order for the payment of B. Truly's note which I took out of Bank, but can get no recompensement from him. Some time ago I liern from Mrs Overosker that you had gone to New Orleans and I rested easy under the expectation that you would call [hole in page] return and ___ ___ ___ ____ to my disappointment I lately ____ that you had passed Natchez on your way up without calling on me. I beg you will make some speedy arrangements for the payments of said sum and let me know as soon as possible when I may expect to receive it
Your Obed Servent
Elijah J___ith

[Document from Folder 14]
20
Mr William Christie
Grindstoneford
Claiborne County
Mail [postmarked Dec 8]


[other half of same side]

Dear William Natchez 8th December 1812
It was not until yesterday I received the enclosed from Mr Turner. You will see by that that tho the freight costs more then we expected the cane can be had for less. That no time is yet lost and that little doubt can reasonably be entertained as to the success of the undertaking in the making of at lest rum and molasses from which articles if not too generally undertaken perhaps a greater profit would accrue to the cultivator then from the sugar itself.
Viddle on the other side of the river has made a contract nearly such as was contemplated by your brother _____ yourself and me Viddle puts 20 Negroes on the farm the manager puts 10, the stream sawmill is attended by him as well as all the concern of the plantation the expense is made a general charge and the mill profits are divided. Viddle two and the manager takes the other third the agreement is for 4 Years, extending the the term of the agreement and making some other alterations I think this might serve for an out line for us should you be able to arrange your business so as to undertake at Bruinseburg at any rate as the season is fast advancing it is high time we should come to some final conclusion. If you should undertake you will see by Turners letter the absolute necessity of your personal attention in the purchase as well as freight of the cane.
Your draft was duly honored and paid I suppose on this. I shall be in hopes of a full communication from you an the above subject by return mail. I shall only add I think the business may be profitable to you and which is my great object make me to proceed with the family to Philadelphia in the course of the next year. All well Bob and his Poney both fat & harty
I am dear William very truly and affectionately yours
Lewis Evans

[Document from Folder 15]

Mr. William Christie
Bruinsburg

[unclear]


[on other half of same side]

Dear William Natchez January 22nd 1814
By John I sent you the agreement I made with Joseph Kerr as I knew it important to aim in works to have a smith on the place & if I had not engaged him some other would I was oblidged to enter into the contract without consulting you. I have purchased Iron, steele and other articles for the shop (bills of which shall be sent you) to the amount upwards one hundred dollars & in order to get it cheap have paid cash somewhat to my own inconveniencing. There is no rush but he will have a great plenty of work to do from the neighborhood but many of them I know from experience will never pay if they can avoid it. To prevent trouble as well as loss some rule either by taking their notes for my job or working for cash only should be instituted. I can find Iron & steel, & edge tools will always sell and so when not otherwise profitably employed he can make such & put them by until disposed of & then at the end of the year we should at least be marked to pay him wages from the products of his labor. Harry had better be put in the shop as a striker he is good at the business & without such an hand, is kept constantly in the shop but little can be done.
I am strongly of the opinion that the next crop will be worth at lest fifteen cents, a variety of circumstances lead to this conclusion, the most weighty of which is, the probable continuation of the war, the certainty of the imbargo, and the consequent increase of our manufactorys. ____nearly eager ____for the consumption of all the cotton we can make every exertion these must be made to have as much as possible the Mount, the mill and at lest all the lower part of the river field I think should


[on reverse]

should be planted in cotton the present pasture could be put in corn for all the timber is milled & if planted in the last of May would certainly buy good corn. You will also perceive a large quantity of land adjoining the mill field also nearly cleared ___ of when I think might be tended without much labor we must have corn plenty or we shall have no stock and without cotton no money so both must be _____ -- if possible.
I begin to think that for the present we had better have chimneys of the mud kind to the Negro houses. All can not be done in one year particularly the first. I want to altho I think for the present put up a mud chimney in the house the corn is in for your residence Bruin will expect 100 dollars for year for the one at present and & its not I am sure fit to live in. The Smith shop & coke pit an Kiln you know the importance of having immediately. In short you have your hands full I will come up to see you some time in the Spring if I can in the mean time you must inform me of all your wants and difficulties to supply the one & to help you out of the other share be the constant ____ of _____.
Your Very Truly
Lewis Evans
A Rumor with her _____ ____ is busy today spreading the news that 500 more Creeks have fallen __ ___ ___ lost 250 Georgia Militia.


[Document from Folder 16]

Mr William Christie
Of by Clark Esquire
Gibson Port
[postmarked Natchez Feb 15]


[on other half of same side]

Dear William Natchez 13th February 1814
The inclosed papers was handed me last night late by Mr Harding with a particular injunction that you should have them this day. This I found impossible to do & presuming you could not suffer much from any advantage that could be taken in the ___________ of the Testimony tomorrow (as yout attorney J.G. Clarke lives in Gibson Port) I concluded to send to that place by mail as the ____ made, as well as most expeditious of conveyance. Harding urges much the _____ ____ ___ ______ in procuring the testimony he has printed out to which yourself & attorney will no doubt attend the copy of the bill he wishes sent again sworn for the government of Thompson where he shall take testimony as the importance of the cause in every way is to your ____. I think no ______ should be wanting as I find on reading the bill your reputation as well as property is at stake & both will suffer if proof shall not be produced to substantiate all your _______
I am Dear William Very Truly Yours
Lewis Evans

[Document in Folder 17]

William Christie Esquire
Bayou Pierre
Mr. Thornton

[on other half of same side]

Dear William Natchez 2d May 1814
I am now just able to hold the pen and the family sufficiently recovered to let me have the use of it undisturbed for a few moments. Sickness and death has been our visitant for the last ten days poor Ann Whiting is the pray of the last, and was on Thursday laid by the side of her mother, Salley at school was the first of the family who was violently attacked by the disease for some time making such horrid ravages throughout all the U.S. in the mean time Eliza, Cathrine and Bob were taken at home Salley's life being for some days despaired of Your aunt took up her ____ on Second Creek and my business was to ride Post between her and them, on this night week an end was put to my incursion and before tusday morning it was thought a few hours would put an end to all my troubles. Happily prognosters of even wil some time miss, for two or three days a total derangement took place at the end of which I awoke as from a troublesome dream and on Saturday with Sally returned to the place where I found your Aunt bad with the disorder & Betsy Patton just taken the latter is fast on the recovery but Sarah is far from being out of danger Yet the doctor thinks he can in a good way four of the Negroes have had the disorder but none but one badly. Thus you see we have had a miserable time of it yet on the whole perhaps we may be accounted fortunate considering the number taken and the extreme malignancy of the disease.
I started George for the plantation the next day after the trial but he returned the next day with a report the water could not be crossed as a new trial was moved and at last obtained for the Negro who was condemned for some fault in the indictment he was kept on until the


[on reverse]

the situation of the family made him be lost sight of altogether he is now complaining and I think it most prudent to see the result dispatch him lest he should be taken and perish on the road he has also lost his mule but which he says you don't ___
I sent you 76 ____ of Baron weighing 10000 pounds on not ___ so some might be stolen before it was sent a way which indeed we did suspect John Man Phil for doing. I also sent a pear or two & paid Mr Greg the freight, my reason for not always doing so before was to have some hold if all was not as it should be on the delivery of articles put into the charge of the boatmen, too often careless & sometimes dishonest.
I have this morning paid Mr Thornton your order as I had previously that in favor of Wragsdale, hes gone I suppose John substitute is gon too. -- to the other world. John has been I am told here a week and like a kind harted fellow as he is has never shown his face in the house or near it even to inquire as to my or the health of the family. This is pleasing to one who has ever and would to do by him as a father and taken a lively interest in all that concerned him, but time will teach the young man that friends may be lost or will as usefull he has certainly of his father disposition in which the ___ the quality of the ____ but one (industry) was predominate.
I am sorry your cotton at the moment does not do as well as you could wish the fine weather will I hope bring it on. As peace is I think purty certain in the fall Cotton will no doubt be a good & comparing to latter year a great price. Keep all you have got and get all you can & so say to Robert. In the meantime the Gov should I think undergo a thorough repair the rags ____will be some time in June and begin the next crops

[on other half of same side]
everything should be in ample order for good cotton badly gined is but midley at best and a worse quality better put up will always command quicker sale in the market. To want to do repairs when the crop should be at market horribly inhances their value & a shakley gin like an old watch is always in want of mending [blot] like that is always out of order -- As to the crop or its management I have not one word to say, as both you are the best and must be the only prayer for this year at least. Weakness alone will keep me long away and a thousand causes may prevent me from seeing you except at this place, in the mean time any thing by which I can be useful may be safely calculated on. I value not ___ [hole] in your care it is _____ ______ ___ [hole] start your comforts, as your wishes far fear at is . When you can with convenancy let me see, or hear from you. I sent all the Laws to be had the two small from the Governor the digest from myself, if more can be had more shall be sent you
Adieu god bless you
Lewis Evans

PS I paid Breedlove for the cotton.

[Document from Folder 18]

Should Mr Brashears not be in the neighborhood of Port Gibson, the Postmaster is requested to forward this letter to Natchez.

Choctaw Agency
Feb 14
Eden Brashears Esq.
Port Gibson

[on other half of same side]

Choctaw Agency
February 14, 1821

My dear Brashears,
I have been compelled at last to appoint the 10th day of March for delivering the Annuity. It is now stored at Dean's near the Line, and I must depend upon your advice and experience to determine how I am now to proceed. How far over the Line would you recommend having the goods hauled, and do you think any measures can be taken to prevent the Indians from getting whiskey. The friends of Puckshunubbee are very much afraid that the ill will a great many of the Choctaws bear the chief, would amount to something serious if they should get drunk and be displeased at his arrangements for the distribution of the goods. -- Tommy Harrison was here yesterday and told me he should consider old Puck in danger of losing his life unless they could be kept sober until after the business was finished. --
I sincerely hope your business will allow you to assist me at the distribution -- and in the mean time I shall be extremely obliged to you for any advice on the subject. -- I have not heard from you for a long time -- and am ignorant whether you have yet returned from Natchez -- but I shall hope to hear from you soon in answer to this. --
Col. McKee has written to me twice since he arrived at the Hill of Houth -- he is delighted with the situation, but from what he says of the neighborhood, I think it is not much preferable













[on reverse]

to the one he left. -- I have heard nothing from Washington since the news of the ratification of the Choctaw Treaty -- who is to be agent, or when he will get here, the Lord only knows. -- The Colo. Appointment as Register was long since confirmed by the Senate -- and I thought of course one appointment would soon follow the other but thus far I have been disappointed. I think I never in my life was placed in so disagreeable a situation -- If I knew how long I was to remain here I could make up mind to bear it patiently -- but I am looking every day for news -- and the state of suspense I can assure you is extremely unpleasant.
Pray write me soon -- and believe me
Sincerely your friend
Wm Gould


Eden Brashears Esq.

[Document from Folder 19]

Confidential Natchez 29th March 1832

My Dear Cousin,
Your valued favor of 16th only came to hand on the 21st _____ & I beg to apologize for the delay in answering it -- __ my feelings to be described I am confident you would at ___ Exonerate me from insufficiency of respect or negligence -- Since I wrote you last I became engaged to Miss Ann Macrery which engagement I regret to say has been dissolved by her & at our last meeting it was eventually agreed the subject should not again be introduced. There are two circumstances only by which I can account for her conduct that she loved me most ardently till this moment I have no more doubt than the pen I now hold in my hand. One of which is this. Her father & mother suspected the engagement importuned her to have it consummated before the Doctor was to leave (15th ___ ) in Such a manner as to create in her mind some considerable alarm & it was her fixed determination not to be married before Fall -- the other circumstance I believe to be this -- She knows my affections an devoted to her & that I would not easily give up the ship & at this time is only sporting with me, but of this I have some doubts for I can scarcely think she wd be guilty of wounding my feelings intentionally --

[on reverse]

Since our last interview -- & which was one both to her & me one probably of the most heartrending. Either will Ever meet with again -- her Father has called on men & introduced the subject of matrimony -- He informed me that he was afraid Some breach had transpired with Ann & myself but that it would be mended he had no doubt. That Ann had told her Mother she expected me at Rowland in a few days & he the Doctor hoped I would visit the Family frequently -- that this is an ____ I have not the smallest doubt & I have made up my mind to see her once more but I shall not introduce the subject until I see how matters stand.
She is to be Town tomorrow I probably will spend a day or two. I then shall write you the result of our meeting -- in the mean time I wear a Ring she gave me at our last interview & she keeps one of mine. This circumstance alone is almost enough to make me believe my affections are returned. At our parting the poor girl actually shed tears as I held her hands.
I am sorry to say to you that W. Fisk does not approve of the match. He has been absent for two weeks but will be home today or tomorrow. When you come to Natchez which I trust will be soon I will give you his view more fully.

[on other half of same side]

I wrote James Watt a few days ago in which I stated your intention to make a remittance in 4 or 6 weeks. Shall I get a Bill now or wait a while longer?
I am willing to add L25 to the Bill for the use of ______James Stevenston & will obtain an _______ on whenever you desire. With affectionate remembrance to Mrs. Young James & all friends I remain my dear sir
Your affectionate Cousin
Jn Watt
Do you intend remaining in the Country the approaching Summer --- I wd strongly urge you to visit the North.


Kilmann House 4th July 1832

Mr. Young

Sir
On Saturday last I was informed by Mr. Watt of Glasgow that he was authorized to pay me L25, being a sum which you had requested him to present to me. Mr. Watt mentioned in a very kind manner some considerations that had influenced you in sending this donation but which, as they depend upon no merit of mine, only serve to enhance the obligations under which I am laid by receiving such a substantial proof of your generosity. I therefore, Sir, take this opportunity of expressing to the deep gratitude which I feel; and if may tend to give greater emphasis to my feeble acknowledgements, I may add that my mother, and the rest of our family unite with myself in paying you the tribute of sincere thanks for a gift as unexpected as it is purely generous. I mean not however to fill this sheet by ringing changes upon all the commonplace phrases consecrated to the expression of unfeigned gratitude, but too often perverted to serve the purposes of interested selfishness -- believing as I do, that the grateful, no more than the intensely sorrowful, feelings of the heart overflow in redundant loquacities. But as I am not personally known to you, and you can have heard little respecting me, I conceive that a short account of myself will serve to give me in your eyes somewhat more of individuality, and introduce you to some acquaintance with the undeserving recipient of your bounty.
I presume you know my mother, and some of her friends -- at all eents you will recollect my late Uncle David Baillie, who was long a teacher in Stevenston. It was under him Iacquired the elements of English reading when in my sixth year even at that tender age I had such a solemn or sagacious countenance that he jocularly predicted I would live to be a minister. After returning home to Kilmarnock I was sent to a Public School, where on account of the weakness of my bodily frame (for when I was a child I was extremely delicate) and a natural timidity, I was exposed to incessant and most vexatious persecution from my school fellows. So grievous and heart-rending even the miseries I then endured, that even now I can hardly avoid shrinking from the recollection of them. But while such was my depressed condition during the week, I was literally loaded with praises and honours in the Sabbath Evening School. Being possessed of a good memory, by dint of unwearied application, I learned by heart and repeated such large portions of the Bible and Religious Books, with occasionally the Heads of Sermons, that in my little sphere I was regarded as a kind of prodigy. My Sabbath Teachers advised my father to give me a superior education, but being in humble circumstances he contented himself with having me in-

[on reverse]

structed in the ordinary branches; after learning which I assisted him in his business. By my mnemonic power having attracted the notice of a dissenting clergyman, he very kindly began to teach me Latin; and at length in 1825 my father was prevailed upon to send me to a teacher under whom I prosecuted the study of that language. After the lapse of nearly two years and a half my prospects brightened considerably; and aided partly by the assistance of some friends whom my appearances in the Sabbath School had interests in me, I succeeded in entering the College of Glasgow in November 1827. By means of unremitting attention to the duties of the Latin Classes, and in particular by presenting to the Professor several Poetical compositions, I was so fortunate as to gain his favour, and acquired some consideration among my fellow students. My success in the following Session was still more marked -- for in the Logic Classs I carried off a very honourable Prize; and in Session 1829-30 I obtained the Highest Honours in Moral Philosophy Classs. For the Summer of 1830, I got a situation as Tutor in a family on the island of Mull, to which I returned likewise in the Summer of the following year but the Salary allowed was extremely small -- not exceeding L9 for ___ months after deducting the expenses of my voyage to and from the place. But despite of the narrowness of my resources I still persevered, and by employing the most rigid economy, I succeeded always in clearing my way. By the kindness of Providence I have now completed five years attendance at College and not without some credit to myself. For, to mention no more, I obtained at the close of last session, the highest Prize given for in the Junior Divinity Class. Attendance for three sessions longer is requisite before I complete my course. But I have this Summer a situation in the family of a clergyman (the Rev. John Roseburgh) which through not very lucrative is better than the one I formally had. And with the further assistance of your liberal present, I will be enabled for a considerable time to meet the increasing expenses in which an advanced student is necessarily involved. I am at present 21 year of age, and blessed with the enjoyment of good health. Upon the whole from a review of my past life I have great cause for thankfulness to the Supreme Disposer of events, who has raised me up friends often when I least expected them. And enabled me to overcome many difficulties which at first appeared to be insurmountable.
It is now high time to stop this torrent of egotism, which I fear will have entirely overwhelmed your patience -- perhaps excited your disgust by the unblushing complacency with which I have dilated on my own praises. I must acknowledge that his is the besetting sin of students, and if self-commendation be tolerable in any case, it may be pardonable in my present circumstances. It has been said that length of time makes us overlook in some measure the identity of persons so that the old man is excusable who vaunts of the exploits of his youth. Imperfect as is the analogy I beg leave to obtain the privilege in the case of distance of place, and to be allowed to write my own panegyric, when it is only to be read beyond 'the Atlantic wave.' The truth is, since you have made me an object of your generosity, I am desirous to show you that as I have not altogether misinformed the kindnesses of my friends hitherto you may the more readily believe me when I say, that it will be my ambition to conduct myself in such a manner in future as not to dis_______ your goodness, and never pervert to unworthy purpose the fruit of your beneficence. I conclude by sincerely wishing you the enjoyment of wealth and happiness through a long course of years, and may you at length after crowning 'a youth of labour with an age of ease'
Sink to the grave with unperceived decay
While resignation gently ____ the way,
And all your prospects brightening to the last
Feel Heaven commencing ere the world be past
Goldsmith

I remain
Sir
With highest respect
Your ever grateful servant
James Stevenson