Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) [Memorandum book]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00715.03 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 26 June - 2 August 1852 Pagination: 34 p. ; 15 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Signed and dated on front cover by Semmes, 26 June 1852. Concerns a trip to Arkansas to buy a plantation and slaves. Records that he left to go to Memphis on 28 June 1852. Keeps an account of his finances. Makes notes on land for sale and pertinent details such as the county, crops, etc. On page two he writes, "Look at the negroes bought by Fawlks." He later writes, "Mr. Morey engages to buy negroes for me at $10 per head...all acclimated & good negroes accustomed to making cotton…" On 2 August 1852 he details what he is looking for in a property, land that will not flood and that is near to the Military and Plank Road. Sheep on paperboards. Graphite and ink. With loose receipt dated 25 July 1852.
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.