Resources in Early American History
Manuscript Essays in genre [X]
Exploration. in topic [X]
Sorted by:  
Results:  5 Items   Page: 1
1Author:  Bénard de La Harpe, Jean Baptiste, 1683-1765Requires cookie*
 Title:  Journal historique concernant l'établissement des Francais à la Louisianne, 1699-1723     
 Dates:  1699-1723 
 Abstract:  This volume appears to be a record of early French colonization efforts in Louisiana (1699-1723). Historical Collections of Louisiana published in 1851 contains a translation of this journal.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.976.3.B43 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals 
2Author:  Newman, John.Requires cookie*
 Title:  A short account of the situation, soil, production, etc. of the state of Tennessee, 1797     
 Dates:  1797 
 Abstract:  Written in 1797, this essay discusses Tennessee's soil, climate, and environment. The tract appears to be promotional – noting that "no other milk or butter has such flavor and richness as that afforded from the cows that feed" in the state – but also reflects the enthusiasm many Americans held for the opportunity these western lands afforded them. The essay includes a map of settlements near William Dunbar on the Natchez River as well, providing a snapshot of a recently settled frontier community.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.68.N46 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Land and Speculation | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys 
 Subjects:  Agriculture -- Tennessee. | Crops and soils. | Natchez Indians | Plant growing media -- Tennessee. 
3Author:  Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826Requires cookie*
 Title:  Chronological series of facts relating to Louisiana; its limits and bounds, 1804     
 Dates:  1804 
 Abstract:  This bound volume contains two discreet documents written by Thomas Jefferson (which have been subsequently printed in various sources). The first is a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Peter Du Ponceau dated Monticello, December 30, 1817. In it, Jefferson discusses his acquisition of Louisiana, his Indian vocabularies, and Meriwether Lewis' contributions to it.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.973.4.J35c 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Diplomatic History | Exploration. | Language and Linguistics | Military History 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. 
4Author:  Byrd, William, 1674-1744Requires cookie*
 Title:  The history of the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina, 1728     
 Dates:  1728 
 Abstract:  The collection of William Byrd's writings consists of two leather bound, handwritten copies of Byrd's History of the Dividing Line Run in the Year 1728 (Mss.975.5.B99h) and A Secret History of the Dividing Line (Mss.975.5.B99s). The former was likely written for public audiences and contains the details of drawing the lines, interactions with Indians, observations of the flora and fauna of the area, the health and culture of settlers, and the official actions of the commissioners. Byrd regularly wrote Peter Collinson, an English scientist, about his journal and his hope that it would be of interest and benefit to a wide audience. The Secret History, on the other hand, contains a wealth of the more personal, private, and often humorous anecdotes of the trip. Neither manuscript was published in Byrd's lifetime, although both were eventually published.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.975.5.B99h 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Native America | Natural history | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Boundaries, State. 
5Author:  Byrd, William, 1674-1744Requires cookie*
 Title:  The secret history of the line between Virginia and North Carolina, [1728]     
 Dates:  Circa 1728 
 Abstract:  The collection of William Byrd's writings consists of two leather bound, handwritten copies of Byrd's History of the Dividing Line Run in the Year 1728 (Mss.975.5.B99h) and A Secret History of the Dividing Line (Mss.975.5.B99s). The former was likely written for public audiences and contains the details of drawing the lines, interactions with Indians, observations of the flora and fauna of the area, the health and culture of settlers, and the official actions of the commissioners. Byrd regularly wrote Peter Collinson, an English scientist, about his journal and his hope that it would be of interest and benefit to a wide audience. The Secret History, on the other hand, contains a wealth of the more personal, private, and often humorous anecdotes of the trip. Neither manuscript was published in Byrd's lifetime, although both were eventually published.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.975.5.B99s 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Land and Speculation | Natural history | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys | Official Government Documents and Records | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Boundaries, State.