Smith, Israel (1763-1821) to Jedediah Smith
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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 ; 25 x 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.
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 for conspiracy.
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