Valiniere, Pierre Huet de la (1732-1806) [Translation of a French letter from Pierre Huet de la Valiniere, Vicar General to Charles Thomson]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03440 Author/Creator: Valiniere, Pierre Huet de la (1732-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter Date: 3 February 1787 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31.9 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Body of the letter in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Original letter written from "Kaskaskias in the Illinois." Writes that he left New York to go west in May 1786 and has received very few provisions from Congress. Has enclosed a written piece (not included) regarding the fertility of the lands in this region and hopes the addressee will have it printed in the gazettes. Provides extensive information on the quality of the land, the crops that grow there, and the cultivation techniques necessary. Relates that the land "produces naturally and without labor excellent wine, sugar, and syrup, agreeable plumbs, wallnuts, alum mulberries of three sorts and strawberries in abundance." Discusses the location of the land, and the navigability of the Mississippi and other rivers in the area, in order to arrive at the location. Mentions that he showed Generals [Henry] Knox, [Moses] Hazen and Sinclair [perhaps Arthur St. Clair] a piece written in French & English on the subject. Asks for some money for transportation and a servant.
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