Skip to main content

SCOUT

Special Collections Online at UT

Sarah Childress Polk Letter to General James Grant Wilson

 Collection
Identifier: MS-3930

  • Staff Only

Collection contains a two page letter written by Sarah Childress Polk on February 27, 1888. The letter, a response to General James Grant Wilson discusses a photograph of Sarah's husband, the late James K. Polk, about which the general had previously inquired. Polk explains in her letter that the photograph in question was taken a few months before her husband's death. James Polk died shortly after his leave from the White House, a time which Sarah discusses in this letter.

Dates

  • 1888 February 27

Language of Materials

English.

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact Special Collections.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Overview

Collection contains a two page letter written by Sarah Childress Polk on February 27, 1888. The letter, a response to General James Grant Wilson discusses a photograph of Sarah's husband, the late James K. Polk, about which the general had previously inquired. Polk explains in her letter that the photograph in question was taken a few months before her husband's death.

Biographical / Historical

Sarah Childress Polk was born on September 4, 1803, to Elizabeth Whitsitt and Joel Childress. As a child, Polk attended Moravians' Salem Academy. She married future president James K. Polk in 1823 after several years of courting. Polk was active in her husband's political career, and she served as First Lady of the United States from 1845 to 1849. The pair never had children, and Sarah died on August 14, 1891, at the age of eighty-seven.

James Grant Wilson (1832-1914) was an author, editor, bookseller, and publisher. During the Civil War, he served with the Union Army.

Arrangement

This collection is in one folder.

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