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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04601.07 |
| 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, politics and the War of 1812 |
| Date | 1 January 1816 |
| Author | Smith, Israel (1763-1821) |
| Recipient | Smith, Jedediah |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Apologizes to his brother in Massachusetts for not writing back sooner. States that although he has not seen Jedediah since he was very young, he has fond memories of him and the place where he was born, Massachusetts. Mentions that his two sons have settled in Louisiana and formed a company with other men there. Discusses their accomplishments in service. Remarks that because he thinks for himself, he is called a Tory. The war (War of 1812) has taken its toll on his family because trade and communication has been virtually shut down. Relays that they must pay very high prices for all goods. Criticizes the administration for leading them into a war without good cause. Updates him on the lives of all his children. |
| Subjects | Children and Family Politics War of 1812 Military History Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Merchants and Trade Finance Commerce Government and Civics |
| People | Smith, Israel (1763-1821) Smith, Jedediah (1752-1816) |
| Place written | Natchez, Mississippi |
| Theme | Children & Family; Government & Politics; War of 1812; Merchants & Commerce |
| 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. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |