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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 Although it failed and was repealed in 1809 by Jefferson, it greatly enhanced America's industries.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