Todd A. Herring Archival Collection

This digital collection consists of various items collected by Dr. Todd Herring including but not limited to: letters, travelers' accounts, estate records, slave lists, business records, and waybills. The items in this collection varies by subject including the history and culture of Mississippi and Louisiana plantations focusing particularly in Natchez and Adams County, and towns and communities in Jefferson, Claiborne and Wilkinson Counties.

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Letter, Prince Albert Ansah, Coomassie, Gold Coast, West Africa, to American Boy Scout Friend, 1915

Prince Albert Ansah

The Boy Scouts organization was founded in 1908 in England by Robert Baden-Powell, soon became popular around the world. Troops were founded in Britain, America and, and as this letter shows, the Gold Coast of Africa, then a British colony, and now the nation of Ghana. This letter, which may have been part of an international pen-pal program, covers scouting topics like hiking and camping, but also dips into the political arena. The author asks, at the end, ï¿½Please how do you think of the war which is so terrible and rageous? Is there nobody in your country who is going to cease them?ï¿½ This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Receipt for Mrs. Samuel Fagot

Bill for a wartime shipment of grocery items on the steamboat J. A. Cotten for the 'Uncle Sam' plantation managed by Emilie Fagot, widow of Samuel Fagot, 1861. Groceries include candles, salt, and lard.
Bill of Lading

John Hampden Randolph

Waybill for a wartime shipment of 20 hogsheads (about 135 bushels) of sugar from Nottoway, the plantation of John Hampden Randolph, a wealthy planter of Bayou Goula, Louisiana, to be shipped on the steamer Louisville to John Shelby & Co. in Memphis, Tennessee, 1861.
Letter, Nell TenBrook to Lucy Malindia Alexander; 1/7/1860

Ellen Mary TenBrook Bird

Letter from 17-year-old Ellen Mary 'Nell' TenBrook to her 17-year-old aunt, Lucy Malindia Alexander, in Paris, Illinois, January 1860. Nell is visiting her aunt (Lucy's sister), Jacintha 'Cinty' Alexander Judson, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and mentions her Uncle Willet Judson and her cousins Jennie Shields Judson, Mary Elizabeth 'Bessie' Judson, and a days-old infant who would eventually be named Emma Tenbrook Judson. Nell inquires after many family members and friends back in Paris, Illinois; describes the variable weather in Vicksburg; mentions visitors she's had, including 'the two Miss Emanuals' from 'the wealthiest family in town (with the exception of Mrs Smeads)'; and tells about seeing the steamboat Magnolia in the Mississippi River. She also relates an incident when her dog barked at a black woman in Jackson but 'won't go with anyone now but Ellen,' presumably a servant or slave. Written on one sheet, folded.
Letter, Thomas J. Connally, in China Grove, Mississippi to W.N. Whitehurst in Washington, Mississippi, March 1, 1855

Thomas J. Connally

This handwritten letter, written in script from Thomas J. Connally, in China Grove, Mississippi to W.N. Whitehurst in Washington, Mississippi discusses the anti-slavery movement in the north as well as Connally's views on political parties.
Letter, Fuley Jones in Oak Wood, Madison County, Mississippi to Buchannon Carroll and Company in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 12, 1855

Fuley Jones

This handwritten letter, written in script from Fuley Jones in Oak Wood, Madison County, Mississippi to Buchannon Carroll and Co., New Orleans discusses cotton sales and shipping and yellow fever in Canton.
Bill of Sale, William, Sold by Thomas G. James to E. J. Kent, Natchez, 1854

Enslaved and forbidden to learn to read or write until 1865, African-Americans most often appear in early written records as subject of a document, instead of the author. These are examples of bills of sale for enslaved persons. The 1854 document is notable for being pre-printed, with blanks for the seller to fill in. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter, Anonymous to Wife; 6/5/1853

Letter from an unidentified illustrator of Indians who is publishing a book, from Natchez, Mississippi, to his wife in Vermont, 1853. The writer criticizes the institution of slavery and believes that a civil war is the only hope of ending it. He pities both slaves and masters because the latter have 'indolent' sons and daughters who aren't being raised with good Christian examples. He mentions that the prices of slaves have doubled since Texas was annexed (1845). The writer goes into business matters, telling his wife about debts he is collecting and settling through businessmen in New Orleans and Mobile before he moves on to St. Louis. Written on one sheet, folded.
Letter, H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois, June 8, 1852

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 8, 1852, from H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois discusses news from their family, the leg amputation of a friend, and cases of both cholera and yellow fever in the area.
Letter, Samuel R. Browning in Millikens Bend, Louisiana, to A. H. Boyd in Lenox Castle, Rockingham County, North Carolina, March 30, 1849

Samuel R. Browning

This handwritten letter, written in script is from Samuel R. Browning in Millikens Bend, Louisiana, to A. H. Boyd in Lenox Castle, Rockingham County, North Carolina discussing business, cholera, and flooding.
Letter, H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois, May 13, 1839

H. Hinch

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated May 13, 1839, from H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois discusses the death of a family friend, a debt the writer had recently paid, and the current situation of a female friend. The writer goes on to share news from their uncle, his thoughts on Ben Hinch's job, and the presence of cholera in his town.
Letter, E. B. Web in Carmi, Illinois, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois, May 9, 1849

E. B. Web

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated May 9, 1849, from E. B. Web in Carmi, Illinois, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois discusses some legal matters within the probate court.
Letter, D. L. Woodruff in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to their Sister, Louisa D. Whittlesey in Port Gibson, Mississippi, June 11, 1849

D. L. Woodruff

This handwritten letter, written is script from D. L. Woodruff, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to their sister, Louisa D. Whittlesey, in Port Gibson, Mississippi discusses cholera in Baton Rouge, illnesses, and other deaths.
Letter, Dr. Joseph and Harriott Warren, Columbus, Mississippi, to Marcena Loring, Sumterville, South Carolina, May 29, 1848

This handwritten letter from Dr. Joseph and Harriott Warren in Columbus, Mississippi, to Marcena Loring, Sumterville, South Carolina, discusses a barn fire that killed a black child, whooping cough, and ointments for illness.
Putnam, C.G., to Dr. Caleb Swan, Boston, Mass.

Letter announcing Massachusetts Medical Society Meeting.
Letter, H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois, May 2, 1848

H. Hinch

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated May 2, 1848, from H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois discusses the state of crops, thoughts on slavery and emancipation, and the Mississippi River.
Letter, H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois, December 27, 1847

H. Hinch

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated December 27, 1847, from H. Hinch in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to Ben Hinch in New Haven, Illinois discusses a recent trip to the ""Big City"" where General Taylor had just arrived, seeing General Taylor, and thoughts on him running for president. The writer goes on discuss the desire to come for a visit, the weather, and news of their friends.
Letters, Booth R. E. Meade and Fanny Meade, Rose Cottage, Columbus, Mississippi, to Dr. Thomas T. Meade, Hamburg, Mississippi, July 13, 1846

These handwritten letters, written in script and dated July 13, 1846, from Booth R. E. Meade and Fanny Meade at Rose Cottage, Columbus, Mississippi, to Dr. Thomas T. Meade in Hamburg, Mississippi discusses sickness in Columbus and provides an update on the plantation. The ink on the pages has bled through making the letters appear to be superimposed. The first letter, written by Booth R. E. Meade is addressed ""Dear Brother"" and the second letter, written by Fanny Meade, is addressed ""Dear Cousin.""
Letter, H. Frances in Natchez, Mississippi to Samuel Henry, Prescott, Massachusetts, October 1, 1846

H. Frances

This handwritten letter, written in script from H. Frances in Natchez, Mississippi to Samuel Henry in Prescott, Massachusetts discusses the writer's friendship with Mr. Prescott, homesickness for friends, health and the lack of yellow fever cases in the south, mourning the death of a loved one and the lack of intention toward marriage.
Letter, Howell Adams in Lowndes County, Mississippi, to W.R. Smith in Scotland Neck, Halifax County, North Carolina, September 29, 1845

Howell Adams

This handwritten letter, written in script from Howell Adams to Mr. W. R. Smith, describes sickness, corn crops, the weather, Howell's thoughts on buying some land, and his dealings with the ""Estate.""
Letter, O.P. Hills in Plaquemine, Louisiana to Their Father Isaac Hills in New Hampshire, December 19, 1844

O. P. Hills

This handwritten letter, written in script from O.P. Hills in Plaquemine, Louisiana to their Father Isaac Hills in New Hampshire discusses yellow fever and life in the swamp.
W.L. Jones, Natches, to Mrs. Dr. W.L. Jones, Baltimore, Maryland

Letter detailing influenza in Natchez.
Letter, Jeannie in Natchez, to her Cousin, Edward North, in Patterson, New Jersey, January 27, 1842

This handwritten letter, written in script from Jeannie in Natchez, Mississippi to her cousin, Edward North, in Patterson, New Jersey discusses yellow fever, tornadoes, fires, and parties in Natchez.
Turpin, Laura S., Mt. Olivia Plantation, Grand Gulf, Mississippi, to James Archer, Hartford County, Maryland

Letter discussing family news and illness in Mississippi.
Freedom Papers, Joe Cornish, vellum, 1842

Board of Police, Adams County

This document, issues by the Board of Police of Adams County, enabled the recipient, a free man of color named Joe Cornish, to remain in the county. The document provides a physical description of Mr. Cornish, and attests to his good character. The importance of the document is in part conveyed by the materials used to create it: thick vellum, and the official seal of the Adams County Board of Police. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter, George Dunlop, Glasgow, to William Kennedy Lawrie, Redcastle, Near Castle Douglas, Galloway, Scotland, 1810

A letter from a "man of business" to his employer, William Kennedy Lawrie, a wealthy landowner with holdings in both Scotland and the Caribbean, regarding the hiring of a "farm servant." Dunlop names a specific man, John Smith, and the terms Smith has stated for his employment, which include 75 pounds in wages, the keeping of a cow, a house and garden, two pounds of meal a week and nearly the same in potatoes, plus two carts to get his family to the farm. Dunlop notes these terms are perhaps a little high, but that Smith is an excellent worker and "is among the best ploughmen we have here." This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Receipt, Whale Oil, 1840

This receipt reflects the use of preprinted forms by businesses and tradesmen in the 19th century. The top of the page, featuring many typefaces and the image of the little whale, indicates a wealthy business. The bottom, featuring neat and tidy script, indicates a well-educated clerk. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter, Mat Bolls at Oakland College in Lorman, Mississippi, to John Murdock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1840

Matt Bolls

This handwritten letter, written in script from Mat Bolls to John Murdock, describes his work on the farm, recent illnesses and the deaths of slave children.
Letter, Rev. John G. Jones in Sharon, Mississippi to Brother B.F. Jones in Fayette, Mississippi, May 11, 1838

John G. Jones

This handwritten letter, written in script from Rev. John G. Jones in Sharon, Mississippi to his brother, B. Franklin Jones, in Fayette, Mississippi, discusses bilious fever, farm crops, church, his health, and slavery. The letter bares visible damage from tape.
Letter, from John B. Hutchison in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, August 14, 1837

John B. Hutchison

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated August 14, 1837, to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, from John B. Hutchison in Vicksburg, Mississippi discusses the Louisiana Presbytery meeting.
Bill of Sale for Priscilla, Sold by Samuel Wakefield to Samuel Davis, Natchez, 1835

Enslaved and forbidden to learn to read or write until 1865, African-Americans most often appear in early written records as subject of a document, instead of the author. These are examples of bills of sale for enslaved persons. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter, Robert Van Arsdale to William Van Arsdale, From Florence, Italy, 1835

In this hastily scrawled missive, Robert van Arsdale describes for his brother William his trip from France to Italy, which was delayed by a 10 day quarantine at the port in Italy due to cholera in Marseilles. The trip may have been a Grand Tour, a type of travel often undertaken by wealthy young men, but van Arsdale mentions his health is quickly improving, so he could have been traveling on doctor's orders. The van Arsdales were among the first families of New York; Robert went on to become a lawyer and an accomplished amateur astronomer. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Price, Ann, Cincinnati, to brother John Hulme, Burlington, New Jersey

Letter detailing mortality and burial practices.
Letter, from W. B. in Natchez, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, June 26, 1932

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 26, 1932, to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, from W. B. in Natchez, Mississippi discusses the sale of some land in Amite County.
Letter, Eastman, Samuel in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Atkins in Hallowell, Kennebeck County, Maine, September 28, 1832

Samuel Eastman

This handwritten letter, written in script from Samuel Eastman in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Atkins in Kennebeck County, Maine discusses his thoughts on New Orleans, the deaths in the area due to the cholera epidemic, and his thoughts on marrying.
Letter, Ansel Humbphreys in Washington County, Mississippi to Samuel Bolling in Hartford County, Connecticut, October 27, 1832

Ansel Humphreys

This handwritten letter, written in script from Ansel Humphreys in Washington County, Mississippi to Samuel Bolling in Hartford County, Connecticut discusses his business dealings, his time in Mississippi, yellow fever in New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi, and cholera on the Mississippi River.
Letter, Van Merider in Bayou Black, Louisiana to His Father, Dr. John C. Smith in Natchez, Mississippi, November 9, 1832

Van Merider

This handwritten letter, written in script from Van Merider in Bayou Black, Louisiana to his father, Dr. John C. Smith, in Natchez, Mississippi discusses the cotton harvest, cholera, 1832
Letter, from His Wife, Pleasant Hill, Mississippi to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake in Louisville, Kentucky, September 17, 1830

S. T. H. Drake

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated September 17, 1830, to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake in Louisville, Kentucky from his wife in Pleasant Hill, Mississippi, discusses the health of her brother, managing their business/property, recent visitors, and sicknesses in the area.
Letter, from George Potts, in Natchez, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Liberty, Amite County, Mississippi, August 31, 1829

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated August 31, 1829, to Rev. James Smylie in Liberty, Amite County, Mississippi, from George Potts, in Natchez, Mississippi discusses the need for church minutes to be read and the writer's bought of malignant [yellow] fever.
Letter, from George Potts, in Natchez, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Liberty, Amite County, Mississippi, August 31, 1829

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated August 31, 1829, to Rev. James Smylie in Liberty, Amite County, Mississippi, from George Potts, in Natchez, Mississippi discusses the need for church minutes to be read and the writer's bought of malignant [yellow] fever.
Letter, from Thomas [?], in Harrodsburg, Kentucky to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, October 6, 1828

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated November 19, 1825, to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, from Thomas [?], in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, discusses the writer's concerns for his widowed sister, the theological seminary, and other personal matters.
Letter, from J.P Drake, Mount Vernon, Virginia to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 3, 1826

J. P. Drake

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated November 3, 1826, to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake in New Orleans, Louisiana from J.P Drake in Mount Vernon, Virginia, discusses illness and deaths in the county, a friend's recent visit, and the death of a cousin.
Letter, from Patrick Thomson, New Orleans, Louisiana to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake , September 8, 1826

Patrick Thomson

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated September 8, 1826, to Rev. Benjamen Michael Drake in Greenville, Kentucky, from Patrick Thomson, in New Orleans, Louisiana discusses the yellow fever epidemic and an illness referred to as ""cold plague"" in New Orleans, bickering in his Methodist church, some general community gossip, and the state of the Mississippi River.
Letter, Amelia Smylie in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Her Father, Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, November 19, 1825

Amelia Smylie

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated November 19, 1825, to Rev. James Smylie in Centerville, Amite County, Mississippi, from his daughter, Amelia Smylie in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discusses a recent visit from some family members, a recent ordination of a new pastor, her brother's recent illness, some recent deaths in the community, and the yellow fever epidemic. She goes on to describe her classes in school and her desire for her father to come visit her.
Letter, James Cotten, in Natchez, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Elysian Fields, Amite County, Mississippi, June 20, 1823

James Cotton

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 20, 1823, to Rev. James Smylie in Elysian Fields, Amite County, Mississippi, from James Cotten, in Natchez, Mississippi, discusses the cotton crop, his brother's recent trip to New York by ship, and other general gossip.
Letter, Thomas Cotten, in New York to Rev. James Smylie in Elysian Fields, Amite County, Mississippi, June 13, 1823

Thomas Cotton

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 13, 1823, to Rev. James Smylie in Elysian Fields, Amite County, Mississippi, from Thomas Cotten, in New York, discusses the writer's recent trip to New Jersey, his plans to move to Lexington, Kentucky, and his promise to come and visit the reverend.
Letter, Franklin E. Plummer, Copiah County, MS to Eunice Goodrich, Richmond, MA 1823

Franklin E. Plummer

Franklin E. Plummer, born in Massachusetts, initially moved to Mississippi to teach school. He went on to study law, and represented Mississippi in Congress from 1831 to 1835. He also founded the town of Pittsburg, now part of Grenada, MS. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Breeding, John, St. Francisville, Louisiana, to brother Thomas Breeding, Montgomery, Ohio

Letter detailing "sickly season" in Louisiana.
Letter, W. Patton, an Irishman Living in Natchez, Mississippi to Their Sister, Mrs. William Wightman, in Florence, Alabama, undated.

W. Patton

This handwritten letter, written in script from W. Patton, an Irishman living in Natchez, Mississippi to their sister, Mrs. William Wightman, in Florence, Alabama discusses their family situation, leaving Ireland, yellow fever and measles.
Wilson, James, to Dr. Rufus Wyman, Asylum for the Insane, Charlestown, Mass.

Letter to Dr. Rufus Wyman at the Asylum for the Insane in Charlestown, Mass.; seeking space in the asylum for a patient.
Letter, Margaret Lawrence to Isaac Forsyth, Elgin, Scotland, 1816

Margaret Lawrence

This letter is particularly interesting because it appears to have been dictated rather than written by the alleged author, which can be determined in part because the confident, educated hand of the letter is completely different from Lawrence's signature. In it, Margaret Lawrence, aunt and guardian of several orphaned children, writes to Forsyth to request his help in seeking money from distant relatives of the children to sustain them until they can earn their own livings. Notes at the end indicate her story and the condition of the family are confirmed by the minister and an Elder of her church and their signatures do match the author's hand. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
License to a Retailer of Domestic Spirits, Natchez, MS, August 1813

City of Natchez

However, even in Mississippi, not all African-Americans were enslaved. This tavern license issued to Amey Johnston, a free woman of color, mother of William Johnston, author of The Barber of Natchez. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter, Stephen Noble, Pearl River, Mississippi Territory, to Samuel Chapman, Choctaw Nation Agency, 1815

Stephen Noble

One of the industries in Mississippi both pre- and post-statehood was trapping and trading of animal pelts. This letter, written from one trapper-trader to another, reports that business is slow and the last round of pelts has not yet sold. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Handwritten Deposition of Three African Boys, Will, Bunjallah, and Sara to Robert Purdie, May 6, 1814, Sierra Leone, South Africa

This handwritten deposition of three African boys, Will, Bunjallah, and Sara to Robert Purdie, May 6, 1814, Sierra Leone, South Africa describes the boys having been purchased as slaves and all they witnessed during their enslavement, concerning other slaves and their buyers.
Handwritten Deposition of Two African Children, Loomba and Majig, to Robert Purdie, May 20, 1814

This handwritten deposition of two African children, Loomba and Majig, to Robert Purdie, May 20, 1814, describing their capture and having been sold into slavery to a man named Thomas and then Sam Pierre who put them on a ship with a number of other slaves.
Handwritten Deposition of Two African People, Tomly and Modu, to Robert Purdie, May 20, 1814

This handwritten deposition of to African people, Tomly and Modu, to Robert Purdie, May 20, 1814, discussing their experience having been sold into slavery.
Handwritten Deposition of an Enslaved Person in South Africa, Jarra, in the Colony of Sierra Leone, South Africa, July 9, 1813

This handwritten deposition of a slave named Jarra describes his life as a slave in South Africa and how he came to live with John McQueen and Robert Bostock. It goes on to describe how a ship full of men of war came and to protect the slaves from them, McQueen and Bostock sent Jarra to care for the slaves. The deposition is witnessed by Robert Parson and dated July 9, 1813.
Handwritten Incomplete Receipt for Delivery of Merchandise between Manuel Ruiz in Havana, Cuba and William Young in Charleston, South Carolina

This handwritten complete receipt for delivery of merchandize between Manuel Ruiz in Havana, Cuba and William Young in Charleston, South Carolina describes the shipment and delivery of unnamed merchandise. There are blank spaces where dates and other information would have been placed to complete the receipt. The receipt's time frame is described as March 8, 1813.
Handwritten Voluntary Deposition of John MacQueen to F. Hopkins, July 8, 1813

This handwritten voluntary deposition of John MacQueen describes MacQueen's life, including his business associations and his work in the slave trade in South Africa, specifically in his involvement with Robert Bostock in the slave trade and trafficking business. The deposition was witnessed by F. Hopkins, Registrar V Aomy, Court Sierra Leone, July 8, 1813.
Handwritten Voluntary Deposition of Robert Bostock to F. Hopkins, July 8, 1813

This handwritten voluntary deposition of Robert Bostock describes Bostock's business in the slave trade and trafficking in South Africa and his knowledge of Charles Mason's whereabouts. The deposition was witnessed by F. Hopkins, Registrar V Aomy, Court Sierra Leone, July 8, 1813.
Letter, Juan Norllogoh [?] to Robert Bostick, Montserrado, South Africa, May 20, 1811

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated May 20, 1811, to Robert Bostick in Monserado from Juan Norllogoh [?] discusses the a third party, Mr. Homel, and his refusal to pay what is owed.
Letter, J. Maxwell, in Greenville, Mississippi to Rev. James Smylie in Washington, Adams County, Mississippi, June 6, 1810

J. Maxwell

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 6, 1810, to Rev. James Smylie in Washington, Adams County, Mississippi, from J. Maxwell [Macaide], in Greenville, Mississippi, discusses the writer's failed courtship of a young lady, his thoughts on who may have negatively spoken of him with the lady in question, his thoughts on ""religious people"". The writer goes on to beseech the reverend to ""undo"" whatever negative opinions were set forth about the writer and opine about the difficulties of finding bride when one is poor. The writer concludes by describing the illness of a friend (fever). The last page (the address page) also includes a list of ""Those Unpaid"" and ""Those Unpaid"" with names and dollar amounts.
Letter, Daniel F. McNeil, at Yale College, New Haven Connecticutto to Rev. James Smylie in Washington, Adams County, Mississippi, , January 16, 1810

Daniel F. McNeil

This handwritten letter, written in script and addressed to Rev. James Smylie in Washington, Adams County, Mississippi discusses the writers plans to go to the Carolinas, the need for better communication with the reverend, and the wish to see him. The writer goes on to discuss his friendship with another minister, his thoughts on some other ministers, and his thoughts on marriage.
Indenture, William Caldwell and John Glassburn to Isaiah Packard, Natchez, Mississippi Territory, 1808

This indenture governing a land transaction in Mississipp uses different sizes of letters to emphasize certain words, including the names of the individuals bound by the indenture, stock legal phrases, and cardinal directions used to define the area of land at issue. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Deposition of Eli Kellogg, For a Suit in the Mayor's Court, Natchez, 1807

This three page document contains the sworn testimony of Eli Kellogg, a witness in the case of Joseph H. Titteringlow, defendant and Joshua Sanders, defendant, an action concerning accusations of assault and battery during a frolic on a boat on the Mississippi River. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Receipt, Mr. Mason for a Boat and Enslaved Person, Round Island, February 4, 1807

This hand written receipt, dated February 4, 1807, from Mr. Mason for a 40 foot high boat and a male slave in Round Island.
Receipt, Mr. Mason for a Boat and Enslaved Person, Round Island, February 4, 1807

This hand written receipt, dated February 4, 1807, from Mr. Mason for a 40 foot high boat and a male slave in Round Island.
Letter, from Juan Noeb Dobe [?] to Robert Bostock, undated

This handwritten letter, written is script, to Robert Bostock from Juan Noeb Dobe, discusses a debt dispute between the two men concerning some unpaid slaves and the proposition of a settlement. The letter is undated and the location is unidentified.
Letter, from S. Vincent to an Unidentified Royal Naval Officer in France, June 7, 1798

J. Vincent

This handwritten letter, written in script and dated June 7, 1798, is addressed to a royal navy officer requesting service to deliver ""His Majesty's"" store ships to the King's Naval store houses.
Receipt for Grocery Items for United States Troops, Kingsbridge, NY, October 1776

Continental Army

This receipt is for flour and pork delivered to Washington's Army at Kingsbridge, NY temporarily renamed here as Congressbridge and is signed by James Richardson on behalf of Joseph Trumbull, the commissary general of the Continental Army. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Indenture, Cordwainer Apprenticeship, William Stanton, New York City, 1747

Some indentures were completely handwritten; this one is a mixture of printing and handwriting. The printed text lays out the conditions of the agreement, suggesting they were set and unchangeable, and also interchangeable any master and prospective apprentice could use them. In this instance, the agreement is between cordwainer (shoemaker) Johannes Boone and William Stanton, son of William Stanton, aged about 9 years. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Hunting License, England 1700

Charles Beauclerk

Charles Beauclerk, natural son of King Charles I and his mistress Nell Gwynne was given the title of Duke of St. Albans in 1684. With the title came land, and the wild game living on it. This slip of paper grants permission for Christopher Roleston to hunt in the Dukeï¿½s parks. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Examination of a Witness, Charleston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, July 20, 1687

Simon Lynde

This document, signed by Simon Lynde, Justice of the Peace of Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay Colony, documents the testimony of Thomas Richards of Boston on the subject of his knowledge of an accusation of murder of a child against parties unknown. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Charter, [Plataresti Monastery], Bucharest, Romania, Prince Matei Basrab of Wallachia, 1642

Prince Matei Basrab

This document is a charter for a monastery in Romania. The specific monastery is unknown, but it may be the Plataresti Monastery, located outside Bucharest, Romania. The document is written in Moldovan using Cyrillic letters, and was issued by Prince Matei Basrab of Wallachia. Like most legal documents of the 17th century, it is on vellum, and beautifully illustrated. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letters Patent

Letters patent were legal documents normally issued by a head of state to grant something to the recipient, such as money, a title, or a right. This one was issued to William Blackstone (Blaxton), of Gibside in County Durham, squire to Sir Nicholas Tempest, Knight, also of County Durham, and a Mr. Chapman, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, during the reign of James I/IV. The purpose of the document is unknown. William Blackstone went on to become the first European settler of Boston and Rhode Island, in 1625. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Indenture, Anthony Tunsload, County of Derby With the Master of the Rolls, [vellum], 1568

Sir William Cordell

This indenture, written in Elizabethan Chancery Court hand, appears to govern a matter to do with land. While paper did exist in Elizabethan England, it was very rare, and this document is written on finely scraped vellum. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Letter to Sebenico, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia, 1496

This letter, written in Genoese, most likely concerns matters of trade. At the time the letter was written. Sebenico, one of the oldest towns on the Dalmatian Coast, was under the control of the Republic of Venice, and was a very busy port. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.
Song of Solomon

This page of the Bible, featuring the Song of Solomon was created in Bologna, Italy, in the 13th century, two hundred years before the advent of the printing press. Written entirely by hand on paper-thin vellum, it is beautifully illustrated, and very small. The complete text probably fit into its ownerï¿½s pocket. This item was included in the Scrawl and Order exhibit, http://lib.msstate.edu/exhibits/past/.

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