Smith, Israel (1763-1821) to Jedediah Smith
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.01 Author/Creator: Smith, Israel (1763-1821) Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 April 1799 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 31 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Writes to his brother in Boston that he was overjoyed to receive his letter as he never expected to hear from him since it has been 24 years. Gives information on how they can get letters back and forth to each other. Informs that he has a wife and three daughters. Discusses the Mississippi territory where he lives favorably and says he will not return to the cold of New England as it is easier to make a living here. Describes the fertile land and the crops that can be grown. Gives love to his family.
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.
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