William Webber and John Capidy Letters
This collection consists of two letters dated December 5 and 17, 1805, addressed to the Governor of the Louisiana Territory, James Wilkinson, from William Webber and John Capidy in regards to Cherokee land claims near the White River.
Webber begins his own letter by acknowledging Wilkinson’s desire for peace, and replies that the chief men amongst them also seek peace. Webber goes on to discuss the evil of the liquor being traded to his people and remarks that “the large quantities of liquor bought here proves the ruin of a number of our own people.”
John Capidy’s letter discusses a talk that he has asked John B. Treat to give to the Cherokee people as the leaders were away on a hunt. As he expected to be in Natchez when they returned, he gave his talk to William Webber “who is considered to be one of their principal men.”
Dates
- 1805 December 5-17
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
This collection consists of two letters dated December 5 and 17, 1805, addressed to the Governor of the Louisiana Territory, James Wilkinson, from William Webber and John Capidy in regards to Cherokee land claims near the White River.
Biographical/Historical Note
James Wilkinson was born to an upper-class family on March 24, 1757, in Maryland. He entered Pennsylvania State University to study medicine; however, his education was interrupted due to the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the war, he served in the Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion as captain and eventually was promoted to 5th and 8th Commanding General of the United States Army. He became the first Governor of Louisiana Territory in 1805 and served in this position for two years; he was later removed after accusations of abuse and court-martialed by President Madison but was found innocent. In the War of 1812, Wilkinson was promoted to Major General. After two failed campaigns in the war, he was removed from service but subsequent investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. Wilkinson published an autobiography in hopes of clearing his name. Wilkinson died on December 28, 1825.
Arrangement
This collection is in one folder.
Acquisition Note
This collection was purchased by Special Collections in 1999.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository