23 April 1811
Smith, Philander, 1764-1824
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Jedediah Smith
Writes to his brother in Massachusetts and sympathizes with his maladies. Informs that the family is all well but complains about the restrictions on commerce which if continued, threaten to hurt business in the Mississippi territory. The embargo has caused the price of cotton to go down for three straight years. Criticizes the administration and laments that many still support it despite its policies. " . . . it is a melancholy fact that four fifths of mankind are incapable of thinking for themselves and therefore become the instruments of the designing demagogue." Fears a war with…
GLC04601.06