Mémoire sur le district du Ouachita dans la province de la Louisianne, [1803]

Mss.917.6.Ex7

Date: Circa 1803 | Size: 1 volume(s), 1 volume, 43 p.
Special Request | On-site Photography Request
Collections Home | APS Home

Abstract

This item is a detailed description of the geography, population, natural resources, and agriculture of the Ouachita River area of the Louisiana Territory. Describes mounds; mentions Cataoulou Indians; also gives figures as to numbers of white and Indian hunters. These pages are a record of travel on a road built between Choctaw and Chickasaw country, with comments on the condition of Indian-white relations, the increase in white population, and Wilson's stay, at Muscle Shoals, with Cherokee chiefs Doublehead and Skiowska. Wilson finds the Indians have good farms, furnishings, fences, and stock, and one Indian runs an inn.

Background note

Paulmier (aka: d'Annemours, d'Anemours, and Danmours) was the consul general of France for Virginia and Maryland.

James Patriot Wilson was a clergyman, and was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1814.

Digital objects note

This collection contains digital materials that are available in the APS Digital Library. Links to these materials are provided with context in the inventory of this finding aid. A general listing of digital objects may also be found here.

Collection Information

Physical description

1 volume, 43 p.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access:

Restrictions apply; consult the repository.

Provenance

Presented by Thomas Jefferson and accessioned, 1805 (50595).

General note

In addition to the original, there is a 1973 translation by Robert H. Cain (20 p.).

Early American History Note

This collection includes three different travel accounts to the Louisiana Territory in the early 19th century.

The first is a Journal up the Red and Washita River by George Hunter as he traveled with William Dunbar. That portion of the collection is described separately under "Hunter."

The collection also houses the "Observations" of James Patriot Wilson while traveling through Indian Country in the South. This short account provides a rich window into life in these areas. Wilson opens with a story about a man that he met who had been shot by a "half-breed" out of "revenge" for the loss of his brother. He then describes the operation of various political offices in the area, grist mills, and the importance of "military roads." This brief account does provide insight into the way the United States attempted to establish its political authority in frontier areas.

The third collection, and subject of this entry, is the account of the Louisiana Territory written by Paulmier D' Danemours, who was France's general consul to Virginia and Maryland. The original is in French, but the APS has a translation done by Robert Cain in 1973. Paulmier's journal provides a very detailed account of the geography of the Louisiana, especially its waterways. The Ouachita District is the primary focus of his report. He describes its geography in much detail and also some of its crops and economic potential. In addition, Paulmier does provide a series of observations about Indian culture and history in the area, including trading cultures and hunting patterns.

Indexing Terms


Family Name(s)

  • Cain, Robert H., -- tr.
  • Doublehead.
  • Skiowska.

Genre(s)

  • Travel Narratives and Journals

Geographic Name(s)

  • Louisiana -- Description and travel.
  • Ouachita County (Ark.) -- Economic conditions -- To 1803.
  • Ouachita County (Ark.) -- Population -- To 1803.
  • Ouachita River (Ark. and La.)

Subject(s)

  • Alabama -- History
  • Cherokee Indians
  • Chickasaw Indians
  • Choctaw Indians
  • Exploration.
  • Indians of North America -- Social life and customs
  • Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration.
  • Mines and mineral resources -- Arkansas.
  • Mississippi -- History
  • Native America
  • Travel


Detailed Inventory

 Journal up the Red and Washita Rivers, with William Dunbar, by order of the U.S. with list of common names of some of the trees and vegetables from the River Washita;
  

Other Descriptive Information: Accompanying this particular journal are three leaves that comprise lists of plants. These are separate from the pagination of the journal. The two lists are: (1) "Common Names of some of the Trees, Plants, Shrubs &cc growing in the Country adjacent to the Ouachita. viz." [2 leaves]; and (2) "List of Vegetables (perhaps non-descripts) from the River Washita" [1 leaf].

 Wilson, Patrick, Reverend. Wilson, James P.(James Patriot.
Observations while passing thro' the Choctaw, Chickasaw & Cherokee nations
circa 1803 

Explorations in the Louisiana country. Record of travel on road built between Choctaw and Chickasaw country; notes condition of Indian-white relations, increase of white population. At Muscle Shoals he stays with Cherokee chiefs Doublehead and Skiowska. Finds Indians have good farms, good furnishings, good fences, good stock. One Indian runs an inn.

Other Descriptive Information: Donated by Reverend J. P. Wilson. The author of this item has been identified at different times as either James Patriot Wilson or Reverend Patrick Wilson.

Access digital object:
https://diglib.amphilsoc.org/islandora/object/text:159886

 Anmours, Charles-François-Adrien Le Paulmier, Chevalier d', 1742-1809.
Memoire sur le district du ouachita dans la province de la Louisianne
  

"Mémoire sur le district du Ouachita dans le province de la Louisianne." Explorations in the Louisiana Country. Charles Francois Adrien Le Paulmier, Chevalier d'Annemours was France's general consul to Virginia and Maryland. His journal provides a detailed account of the geography of the Louisiana territory, especially its waterways. The Ouachita District is the primary focus of his report. He describes its geography, crops, and economic potential, and provides a series of observations about indigenous cultures and histories in the area, including trading cultures, hunting patterns, and mounds. Mentions "Catahoula" Indians. May pertain to the Caddo, Choctaw, Tunica, and Ofo.  D. 43p. and end. Accompanied originally by a letter from Jefferson; May 5, 1805, to J. Vaughan. (see B:J35.Le, no.41.)

Access digital object:
https://diglib.amphilsoc.org/islandora/object/text:161263