8 January 1830

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: to Andrew Jackson

Defends the character of a certain Mr. Slacum (possibly George W. Slacum) who stood accused of an unspecified allegation. Discusses a clerkship that was offered to him by Jackson. Expresses pleasure in hearing of the planned removal of the Seminole Indians and discusses the removal of the Seminole Indians from Florida, which precipitated the second Seminole War. Docket signed by Jackson with initials.

GLC03198

February 7, 1833

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gen. Charles Gratiot

Requests funds for improvements needed to make the St. Marks River more easily navigated.

GLC01462

9 March 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Scolds his Secretary for not writing by the last mail. Expresses disappointment over the Committee on Foreign Affairs' slowness in passing the treaty due to the "absorbing" Nebraska debate. Feels that the President's amendments will return an unfavorable vote from the committee, which he will not take lying down. Continues in this vein and links this possible outcome to Ward, who he feels is continuing to betray him. Postmarked 8 March (differs from Gadsden's dating), Washington, DC. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a capitol building surrounded by "Congress, Platmer & Smith."

GLC03587.10

22 March 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Tells his Secretary that the treaty is still being decided upon by the Committee on Foreign Relations and hopes for a speedy decision. Rants about politics and opines as to the way things should be done. Discusses personal news. Postmarked 22 March, Washington, DC., and 5 April, Vera Cruz, Mexico. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a capitol building surrounded by "Congress, Platmer & Smith."

GLC03587.11

7 May 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes about his voyage back to Charleston and how the sea air reminds him of home. Reports having received a letter from Washington discussing "angry correspondence on both sides-this must either be Marcy or Pickett." Asks Cripps to store his belongings. Encloses letters for Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother) and Mr. Cavallier (not included). Imprint in upper left corner reads "G&F, Vera Cruz."

GLC03587.16

23 May 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary about his longer-than-expected journey from Vera Cruz. Discusses his family and personal news. Mentions an upcoming lecture given by Dr. Lynch on the Toleration of Catholicism. Mentions the possibility, and fear, of a war with Great Britain. Talks about politics and the most current issues in Washington: Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Democratic National Convention of which President Pierce should be watchful. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms surrounded by laurels, above "Paris."

GLC03587.17

22 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Gadsden writes to his Secretary about an upcoming meeting with President Pierce where Secretary of State Marcy "may find himself impeached." Discusses the deception in Washington and is wary of nearly everyone. Imprint in upper left corner is illegible.

GLC03587.18

23 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Letter

Title: to John Cripps

Written in the hand of John T. Pickett. Gadsden writes to his Secretary to promptly fix what will become Gadsden's recall. He writes that his recall is wanted by Hargous, Aspinwall, and Marcy so they may plunder Mexico without being watched. Postscript discusses a letter from ex-consul Forbes to Secretary of State Marcy that was printed in the New Orleans Picayune regarding the "lawless enterprises" lead by Gadsden. Imprint in upper left corner from Willard's Washington, D.C. Hotel.

GLC03587.19

30 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Scolds his Secretary for not sending a letter in several weeks. Mentions a meeting with Secretary of State Marcy who was "as gruff as a bare, and as inflated with its growlings when pricked." Claims Marcy bullied him and ended the conversation by reminding Gadsden that all evidence pointing to a recall was before President Pierce. Imprint in upper left corner from Willard's Washington, D.C. Hotel.

GLC03587.20

24 October 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary about his lack of correspondence. Has had to rely on newspapers for information about the state of affairs in Mexico. Mentions that the possession of Cuba takes precedence over Mexican diplomacy and that Spain and Great Britain will be placated with payments on their claims in Mexico. Discusses the dirty politics that have claimed Washington. Mentions that all the cities that have been claimed by the United States were once missions and wonders if those lands are transferable to him for colonization purposes. Imprint illegible.

GLC03587.37

8 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Expresses disappointment with his Secretary's ambiguous reports from Mexico, especially since the President and Senate look to Gadsden for information. Has had to rely on the "published speculations of fillibusters." Is surprised to hear that Cripps has begun to rely on Doyle, a person who hopes to maintain poor relations between Mexican and U.S. officials. States that the treaty was dismissed but it is rumored that the Senate will create a new one. Discusses politics and news. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below "Paris."

GLC03587.13

30 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary after arriving in Vera Cruz with Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother), Mrs. Gadsden and two family friends. Asks for news regarding acceptance or rejection of the treaty.

GLC03587.14

31 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary more fully after yesterday's hasty note (GLC03587.14). Discusses the toll the trip to Mexico has taken on Mrs. Gadsden but hopes the rest of their journey will be smooth. Reminds him to set up a bed for himself, Mrs. Gadsden, and Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother). Mentions the possibility of more guests so Cripps may be prepared. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon under "Paris."

GLC03587.15

1 November 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Upset with his Secretary because he has not returned to Mexico to surrender their posts. Adds that Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother) is beside herself and that he has offered to be her protector in Mexico and will not abandon her. Writes that he has had to deal with his personal business on his own and reports having to wrestle his furniture away from Mr. Baranda, who Gadsden claims was trying to rob him. Discusses the process of surrendering documents and the sale of his possessions. Discusses learning of his wife's death on 8 October, just after he had sent her a letter describing how…

GLC03587.22

18 July 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary after receiving what he feels is a short and objective letter regarding the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the work that needs to be done with regards to the government and people of that country. Fears that the new government will prevent harmony in Mexico. Imprint illegible.

GLC03587.26

19 July 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E. Burr

Discusses his past letters that have not reached Dr. Burr. Requests a report detailing the conditions in Mexico. Says that Mrs. Monk informs him that Burr refused to deliver Cripps' goods. Hopes that there was a misunderstanding. Would like Burr to let him know which of his possessions are still for sale. Gadsden had left property in Mexico and periodically inquired as to how his sales were getting along. Imprint illegible. Date inferred from mention of news from Mrs. Monk, Cripps' mother, who died December 1857.

GLC03587.27

7 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Disappointed with his Secretary for not sending any letters reporting on the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the reclamation of their losses before the government steps in and Gadsden is forced to discuss the matter with President Buchanan. Mentions the newly acquired territory with which he is willing to bargain to keep both governments content. Wants Cripps to do the bargaining. Adds personal news about the weather and Cripps' mother.

GLC03587.28

8 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary as an addendum to yesterday's letter (GLC03587.26) that the entire idea behind bargaining for the strip of land is to "get the right to import free of duty into any of the Ports of the Gulf Cotton, Rice, flour, Corn and lard."

GLC03587.29

2 October 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esthur Monk

Writes to John Cripps' mother about his trip in the French Broad and describes the beauty of the land and the kindness of the people. Discusses the deaths of a friend and his wife. Includes news.

GLC03587.31

7 January 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to Cripps regarding his lack of correspondence and sends this letter care of the U.S. envoy to insure its arrival. Expresses his sympathy over the sudden death of Cripps' mother, Mrs. Monk. Is sorry for their misunderstanding regarding Gadsden's "plundered property."

GLC03587.35

9 January 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J.T. Leguarenne

Writes regarding the delivery of Cayuacan. Would like Leguarenne to act in his interests in this last of his affairs in Mexico. Postmarked 8 January (differs from Gadsden's dating), Charleston, South Carolina. Includes a ten-cent paid stamp. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms.

GLC03587.36

7 March 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding a successful journey. Encloses public documents that require attention (not included). Is disappointed because Secretary of State William Marcy has not drawn up a Treaty of Extradition. Gadsden feels that his successful work in Mexico will be hailed in Washington. Reports that his recent meetings with Ward, Escandon, and L.S. Hargous, the U.S. Consul in Vera Cruz, have gone well and that he holds the upper hand. Mentions having dealt with the Mexican government regarding a treaty that is honorable to both parties. Asks Cripps to send the minutes of…

GLC03587.01

6 January 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding an upcoming reception at which he does not want to be present. Forwards a letter from J.B. Crocket of San Francisco (not included) who he wants Cripps to assist in deciphering a grant. Is still awaiting the notes from a conference Cripps was to send and explains that he may need to "make war" with Ward, using the notes as leverage. Mentions an upcoming interview with President Pierce and is concerned about his silence on the breach of trust, the center of which Gadsden believes is Ward and his cohorts. Promises that he and his treaty "will stand erect"…

GLC03587.07

February 5, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Annoyed with his Secretary regarding the conference notes he has been expecting since possibly March 1853 (see GLC03587.01 and .07). He has exposed Ward, and President Pierce has taken Gadsden's side. Gadsden is only disappointed that the provision regarding "the grant" has not been struck from the treaty, even after Ward had been outed. Rants about Ward being obtuse and treacherous and includes his thoughts on others' betrayals. Included clipping rebuts the rumor that Cripps became Gadsden's Secretary and Minister to Mexico because they were related. No postmark. Imprint in upper left…

GLC03587.08

February 22, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary reporting that the treaty is before the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations and expects a favorable decision which he hopes will upset Ward. Recaps the road to their success but adds a few caveats relating to unwanted amendments to the treaty. Discusses the importance of keeping the people involved in the treaty process honest and why it is their duty to do it. Notes that they want to replace Black enslaved people and enslave indigenous and Mexican people. Mentions the inevitable possession of Cuba. Adds personal news. Postmarked 22 February, Washington, DC.,…

GLC03587.09