Box 1

Bolling Hall (1767-1836) was, at the time of writing, a U.S. congressman from Georgia and a political ally of William Crawford. Here he discusses George M. Troup (1780-1856), then serving as a state legislator in Georgia, and Troup's prospects of attaining a Congressional seat.

At the time of writing Jared Irwin (1750-1818) was governor of Georgia. The letter authorizes Milledge and Crawford to contract for arms and ammunition for the Georgia militia.

At the time of writing Robert Smith (1757-1842) was U.S. Secretary of State. The letter authorizes Crawford to select and pay an individual qualified to execute the "policy of the President in relationship to the Floridas." There were more details in an enclosed letter, not present.

John Randolph of Roanoke, Virginia (1773-1833) served in the U.S. Congress from 1799-1813. He writes in response to Crawford's letter of 28 March 1811. The letter begins with a discussion of recent newspaper attacks against Crawford, which Randolph finds repugnant. It then moves on to discussions of local elections and political machinations. It closes with other gossip about likely mutual acquaintances.

George Matthews (1739-1812) was a former Georgia governor who, at the time of writing, was embroiled in the U.S. government's scheme to provoke an uprising against the Spanish in East Florida. In the letter, Matthews seeks to arrange a meeting with Crawford.

Tattnall (1788-1832), a future member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia, writes seeking Crawford's influence in obtaining a captaincy in the U.S. Army.

At the time of writing Jones (c1763-1825) owned a plantation, Spring Hill, near what is now Athens, Alabama. He was a pioneer of Oglethorpe County, Georgia and a close friend of Crawford. In this densely written letter he offers Crawford financial assistance; discusses the possible division of Mississippi Territory and the War of 1812; and speaks of personal and family matters.

Abbott (1766-1826) writes Crawford to promote his theory of magnetism, whereby ". . . Longitude will be practically explained to the most unskillful mariner . . . ."

Gibson brings Crawford (then in Paris) up to date on regional and national public events, especially politics and the war.

At the time of writing Hughes (1786-1849) was secretary for the American delegation negotiating the Treaty of Ghent. Hughes writes to introduce two friends who will shortly be in Paris.

Directives from the commissioners at Ghent.

At the time of writing Sumter (1768-1840) was U.S. minister to Portugal. He writes to introduce General Manuel Belgrano and Don Bernadino de Rivadavia, leaders in the fight for Argentine independence.

Notes the arrival of Neptune to return Crawford to America.

An update on the health of former Ghent commissioner James A. Bayard of Delaware (1767-1815), who had travelled with Crawford on Neptune. Bayard died on 6 August.

At the time of writing Dr. Henry Jackson was serving as U.S. chargé d'affaires at Paris, following Crawford's departure. This is a cover letter for diplomatic papers, and an unofficial request to be replaced.

Ingraham seeks Crawford's support, as Secretary of War, in affirming his appointment as consul general of the U.S. for the Western District of England.

At the time of writing David R. Williams (1776-1830) was governor of South Carolina. The letter's political content mostly concerns the South Carolina militia.

Finley (1772-1817) writes regarding his appointment as president of the University of Georgia, and the proposed salary.

In French. Vail replies to Crawford with particulars of his school in Baltimore.

Retained draft of instructions on negotiations with Native Americans in Indian Territory.

George M. Bibb (1776-1859) was a former U.S. senator from Kentucky who at the time of writing was working as a lawyer in Frankfort. He writes to lobby for Robert Trimble's appointment as federal judge for the Kentucky District.

At the time of writing Peter Early (1773-1817) was serving in the Georgia state senate. He informs Crawford of local support for various applicants for the position of federal agent to the Creek Nation, among other political matters.

At the time of writing Jared Mansfield (1759-1830) was professor of mathematics and experimental philosophy at West Point. From 1803 to 1812 he served as Surveyor General of the United States. These three letters constitute an extended report to Crawford on circumstances at the U.S. Military Academy. They are especially critical of academy superintendent Capt. Alden Partridge.

At the time of writing Thomas Worthington (1773-1827) was the Republican governor of Ohio. He writes of his support for Crawford and of circumstances surrounding the Republican congessional nominating caucus of the previous year.

A long-winded request by Tatham (1752-1819) for employment in the Treasury Department (granted when he was appointed military storekeeper at the U.S. Arsenal near Richmond).

Thomas Appleton (1763-1840) was U.S. consul at Leghorn (Livorno) in Tuscany from 1798 until his death in 1840. In these letters he seeks Crawford's aid in obtaining financial considerations from the government, and emphasizes the benefits for the U.S. of trading for goods through his port. The letters are dated March 5, May 1, and August 1.

Local and national political scuttlebutt, from the Republican mayor of Savannah, Georgia, Thomas Charlton (1779-1835).

Col. Cumming (1788-1863), an Augusta planter and veterean of the war of 1812, respectfully declines an unspecified appointment.

Charles Tait (1768-1835) was a longtime political ally of Crawford's, and at the time of writing U.S. senator from Georgia. In response to a letter from Crawford, Tait comments on the reduction of the national debt, the Florida question, the position of Secretary of War, land in Alabama, and other matters.