Smith, Israel, 1763-1821 to Jedediah Smith
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.07 Author/Creator: Smith, Israel, 1763-1821 Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1816 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Apologizes to his brother in Massachusetts for not writing back sooner. States that although he has not seen Jedediah since he was very young, he has fond memories of him and the place where he was born, Massachusetts. Mentions that his two sons have settled in Louisiana and formed a company with other men there. Discusses their accomplishments in service. Remarks that because he thinks for himself, he is called a Tory. The war (War of 1812) has taken its toll on his family because trade and communication has been virtually shut down. Relays that they must pay very high prices for all goods. Criticizes the administration for leading them into a war without good cause. Updates him on the lives of all his children.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.