Smith, Philander, 1764-1824 to Jedediah Smith

Informs his brother in Massachusetts that their brother Philetus has died of an inflammatory illness. Comments on family members and his finances. Says he has withdrawn from public life for he is tired of the ignorance of both Democrats and Federalists. Discusses Aaron Burr's conspiracy and states that General James Wilkinson has denounced Burr as a traitor. Describes in detail Burr's attempted West Florida expedition and the subsequent capture of Burr. States that most inhabitants in the area feel the victory over Burr was overblown by the government. Indicates that he was foreman of the jury for the Burr trial. They felt the prosecution did not prove their case so they acquitted Burr. "A majority of the jury looked on Burr as the murderer of Hamilton and believed him capable of something the crimes that he was accused with or greatter if it flattered his ambition but this was not suficient for them to find him guilty without proof of his guilt." Reports that the jury was disgusted by the conduct of the government and did not feel the militia should have been sent after Burr. Informs that Burr was under recognizance to appear at court but tried to escape and was captured. Replies to an earlier remark of Jedediah about slaves to say that if Jedediah lived in Mississippi, he would make use of slaves and feel the same about slavery as he does.