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William M. Russell Letter

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0852

  • Staff Only

In this letter to Dr. James Gower, William Russell (then near Nashville) reports that during his visit to Tennessee he has seen disease [cholera] in its most agonizing form and the minister of death in his blackest habiliments. As a result of this outbreak, the people are panicked and Russell expects a perfect stampede. He goes on to report on former President Polk's baptism, death, and burial. Russell believes that there is certainly not one patriotic bosom that does not heave with emotions of deep sorrow, when they are conscious of the irreparable loss, the whole united Republic has sustained by the death of that statesman and martyred patriot. Russell closes by asking his cousin for news from home.

Dates

  • 1849 June 16-17

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

In this letter to Dr. James Gower, William Russell (then near Nashville) reports that during his visit to Tennessee he has seen disease [cholera] in its most agonizing form and the minister of death in his blackest habiliments. As a result of this outbreak, the people are panicked and Russell expects a perfect stampede. He goes on to report on former President Polk's baptism, death, and burial and closes by asking his cousin for news from home.

Biographical/Historical Note

William M. Russell was born to James and Elizabeth (Gower) Russell in Davidson County, Tennessee in April 1784. He married Mary Ann Polly Kellum on September 13, 1805 in Tennessee and the couple had approximately ten children. Russell died in Missouri on September 26, 1856.

Arrangement

This collection consists of a single folder.

Acquisition Note

The University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville, Special Collections purchased this letter in 1975.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480