Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduFinding Aid Authors: Michael Foret.
Administrative Information
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Preferred Citation:
William and Peyton Short Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information:
Gift
Processing Information:
Processed by Michael Foret in 1983.
Biographical Information:
William Short was born in Surry County, Virginia, in 1759, the son of William Short and Elizabeth (Skipwith) Short. He graduated in 1779 from the College of William and Mary where he had been one of the founders of Phi Beta Kappa. He acted as Thomas Jefferson's private secretary in Paris and as secretary of legation and charge d'affairs. He was minister to The Hague. He participated in negotiations of the Pinchney Treaty with Spain. Short died in 1849. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
Scope and Contents
Dated 1783-1825. Letters, 1783-1825, primarily between William Short (1759-1849), American diplomat and financier, who, after a career in Europe, settled in Philadelphia, Pa., and his brother, Peyton Short (1761-1825), a native of Virginia who moved to Kentucky and engaged in extensive land speculation there and in Ohio. William gives advice concerning Peyton's career and the education of his children, and discusses other family matters, but is primarily concerned with various speculative land transactions in Kentucky and Ohio. Frequent litigation is involved, and, in the later years, William and Peyton's letters show an estrangement brought on by the latter's financial problems.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Correspondence
- Diplomats--United States--Correspondence
- Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
- Real property
- United States--Foreign relations--1783-1815
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- Virginia--History--18th century
General
Other Information:
A PDF document of this inventory is available online.
Additional information may be found at http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/findingaids/65_Sh9_Short__William_and_Peyton.pdf
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
- Short, Peyton, 1761-1825
- Short, William (1759-1849)
Container List
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124659
William Short, Richmond, [Va.], to Peyton Short, Williamsburg, [Va.].1783 October 3Scope and Contents
Urges him to stand for election in the fall, as best means to get his name before the public.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124662
William Short, Richmond, [Va.], to Peyton Short, Williamsburg, [Va.].1783 November 24Scope and Contents
Admonishes him to overcome his natural shyness if he is to be a lawyer.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124667
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, "near Cabin Point", Surry County, Virginia.1784 September 27Scope and Contents
Is leaving for Falmouth on British packet Oct. 7; has met some of fellow passengers, including secretary to Dutch legation; Spoke with Henry Laurens on conditions in Europe; directs that proceeds of sale of negroes be invested in lots in Norfolk.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124678
William Short, Paris, [France], to Peyton Short, [Surry Co., Va.?].1785 November 26Scope and Contents
Directs him to write in care of Benjamin Harrison, merchant of Richmond; has seen his advertisements in the Virginia papers concerning lands for sale in Virginia and Kentucky, and wonders the cause; inquires into [plantation?] sale to Col. [John] Harvie; awaiting statement of accounts and affairs from Harrison, his agent; desires to know of future plans; has given up idea of practicing law and representing Surry Co. in the legislature [?]; best to sisters and Major Edmonds.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124694
William Short, The Hague, [The Netherlands], to Peyton Short, [Lexington], Kentucky.1792 December 18Scope and Contents
Has received no word in so long, is sending this letter by way of [Thomas] Jefferson, who will be sure it is delivered; Jefferson reported receiving a letter to be forwarded which, however, had no enclosure; Jefferson sent news of the family, including marriage of sister, Jenny; pressed sister, Eliza, to send a letter, and assured her of its safe delivery, but to no avail; aversion of Americans to writing; anxious for safety of family in Kentucky because of Indian War; will leave Holland tomorrow for Spain via France; send letters to Jefferson or through J. Browne, merchant of Richmond; passage through France risky, because of present troubles; papers and library scattered; his European affairs entrusted to a Dutch concern; if problems arise, Jefferson can help; Col. [Henry] Skipwith, handling affairs in Va.; asks about Norfolk and western lands purchases; laments having ever left home.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 1 id124695
William Short, France, to Peyton Short, [Lexington?], Kentucky.1797 December 26Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Had hoped to be home long ago, but the President, [Washington] refused to accept resignation; then death of someone in Europe prevented departure; recently learned letters sent to America not reaching Kentucky; pained by lack of letters, but attributes it not to inattention, but Americans' almost universal aversion to writing; since the beginning of the [European] War, correspondence most precarious, even Jefferson not writing; Devilmont, arriving in Spain from Ft. Pitt, [Pa.], just when preparing to depart; spoke of family affairs, and of hazards of getting mail to Kentucky; would have written through Devilmont but he left Madrid two days sooner than expected, which occasioned having to write letters and dispatches over a 48 hour period; has been subject to headaches, some violent and incapacitating; is only health problem of consequence, thinks it a "family disorder" stemming from mother's side; glad Eliza married, since this is the "natural course to happiness, especially for women"; personal affairs are in sorry state, as had not made better arrangements before leaving, and does not have a good friend in Richmond; has no clue to state of affairs, management of which has passed from [Benjamin] Harrison to Col. [Henry] Skipwith, (who has not sent the accounting he promised eight years ago), and then to Messers. Donald and Browne; Jefferson now in charge of some affairs, but these out of his way.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id124698
William Short, Paris, [France], to Peyton Short, [Lexington, Kentucky?]1800 July 28Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Has received letter of 29 Nov [1799], and only sorry it did not contain more details of the family's life; interested in every detail, no matter how minute; has been lucky in life, but to be in one's own country, working towards a better life, under free government, the happiest life; alarmed to read brother contemplating trip to Europe, as it would take him away from affairs and would be dangerous and costly; hopes to return next summer or winter; if he writes while congress is in session, when Jefferson is absent, send mail through John Barnes, merchant of Philadelphia, through post from Kentucky; Barnes is agent appointed by Jefferson to handle affairs formerly administered by Skipwith; Col. [Henry] Skipwith has no been the best manager, but can find no fault with him in law or equity; recounts at great length problems in affairs and his attempts to have a reckoning of them; asks advice on how to collect money owed; cautions that he deal fairly and honestly with Col. Skipwith, as he is a relative and has always shown himself to be a friend; hopes to be home soon, but still wants this business begun as soon as possible; Jefferson has documents relative to Skipwith's agency which he will make available; asks about title to lands bought from Pasky [?]; questions about western land deals, and reflects on effects of "family disease" [Speculation] which has afflicted them both; observations on land use arrangements in Europe, including serfdom (which he compares to slavery) and metayers (sharecroppers); reflects on uncertain income of landlords and large farmers, and the evils resulting; happy to see his brother so prosperous; sorry to hear sad fate of negroes on Mush Island, who were sold; if had been in Virginia, would have put up money to buy those who could not find good masters, as Harvie ever was; if any of them can be found in the hands of cruel masters, buy them, and if they are capable of providing for their families, give them freedom; if not hire them out to good masters; give particular attention to female slaves; family slaves from Surry, are those most concerned about, wishes them seen to; expresses happiness that nephew Edmonds well provided for with a good guardian but hopes to be able to take over that position after arriving in America; Fulwar Skipwith has suffered a reversal of fortune since arriving in Paris and is embarrassed in his circumstances; has some money coming to him from Sir Peyton [Skipwith]; try to recover sum from Sir Peyton.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id124968
William Short, Paris, [France], to Peyton Short, [Lexington, Ky.]1800 August 11Scope and Contents
Refers to letter of July 28 1800,; as suspected, Fulwar Skipwith's letter indicates money must be gotten from Sir Peyton [Skipwith]; happy to receive letter of 29 Nov. 1799, with such a detailed account of brother's finances; reiterates opposition to brother visiting in Europe; discusses Col. [Henry] Skipwith's handling of his affairs, Paskie and western lands; encapsulates account of metayers (share croppers) of France, and the need to keep regular accounts.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125002
William Short, [sic] [La Roche Guyon, France], to his brother Peyton Short, [Lexington, Ky.?]1800 December 10Scope and Contents
Happy to receive letter of 29 Nov. 1799; has recently sent two large letters, largely concerning state of affairs with Col. [Henry] Skipwith; hopes it will be satisfactorily completed soon; has seen Dr. Watkins in Paris, and learned much about Kentucky and the family, especially as to mode of life, which never is revealed in letters; the family's prosperity all due to his better judgement, as himself had counseled against this enterprise; great happiness in having lands cultivated by tenants rather than slaves; would never have guessed that there were land so plentiful and cheap, so many could be found to work the land of others; this the best kind of property; wish had invested in such land long ago; sorry had not invested in Kentucky as you advised, but left it with [Col. Henry Skipwith], and which by now would have produced a fortune; would it still be possible to trade the 10,000 acres for land near his?; discusses profitability of rent vis-a-vis expenses; hopes plan of Dr. Watkins succeeds, and negotiations with the [Spanish] government successful; much land for sale in the U.S. north and south; has heard Kentucky lands four to six times more valuable since 1794.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125005
William Short , Paris, [France], to his brother, Peyton Short, near Lexington, Kentucky.1801 June 12Scope and Contents
Have received no letter of late; Mr. Barnes, near Georgetown, and Jefferson report no letters received; has had to postpone leaving one more year, may be next fall or spring; again counsels against a trip to Europe; leaving tomorrow for Auvergne, and waters of Vichy; if remain in Europe, not sure if will winter in Paris or take another voyage; has heard some report that Mr. Watkins has met with some misfortune in Spain; does not think his mission will be successful; please send letter through Barnes or Jefferson.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125006
William Short, Paris, [France], to his brother Peyton Short, near Lexington, Kentucky1801 October 14Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Expresses appreciation for travels on behalf of the Harvie deal, and promise of the same for the Paskie affair ; hopes to return next spring, but will not fix the time of arrival, as so often disappointed; time spent at waters and in mountains has been very good for health; observations and speculation on Col. [Henry] Skipwith affair, happy satisfied with agricultural observations; tells of difficulty of transporting a ram to Kentucky, and the experience of one Frenchman who tried sending some to his farm in New York, their rising price, along with that of their wool, due to efforts of the French Government; sassafras is a good crop for Kentucky mentioned to Dr. Watkins; reiterates inquiry about Mush Island Slaves; asks for another yearly account, as did last year, only more detailed; copy of agricultural arithmetic on Spanish ram production; will send letters to Jefferson, but under cover to Barnes; please do same; advised having sisters ratify division of father's negroes when they came of age; death of sister Sally gives other sisters claim on negroes left by her; has estate been settled?; what about Poythress, Peters, [Kerrs?]; problems the result of "ruinous" Negro property.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125016
William Short, Paris, [France], to Peyton Short, Woodford County near Lexington, Kentucky1801 December 19Scope and Contents
Expresses grief on loss of brother's wife [Maria (Symmes) Short]; on returning [to America] plan to go westward after taking care of long-neglected affairs; will probably arrive next spring, somewhere in the far north; happy Harvie lands purchased; laments extent of slavery in Kentucky; France to people the Spanish territories of the lower Mississippi River; might have been avoided by better [American] handling of foreign affairs; inadvisability of proceeding with Col. [Henry] Skipwith until return; mention of nephew [John T.] Edmunds.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125031
William Short, "Monticello," [Albemarle Co., Va.], to Peyton Short, [Lexington, Ky.?]1801 September 17Scope and Contents
Discusses journey from Winchester, [Va.]; opposed to sale of Jersey estate, and does not wish to purchase it; disparages speculation as a characteristic of Americans, especially Westerners; Wilson Cary Nicholas on way to Kentucky, but not sure where, or whether interested in purchasing his land; account with Sir Peyton Skipwith still uncertain; two sorrels and chair received; will dispose of the Grey as directed; estate papers from Col. [Henry] Skipwith may be lodged with George Jefferson of Richmond.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125032
William Short, New York, [N.Y.], to Peyton Short, Pittsburg[h], Pennsylvania.1802 December 18Scope and Contents
Bemoans brother's erratic travels as of late, and their not meeting; thanks for services of "Old Honest Joe," and worries about his return trip; happiness at brother's fortune [remarriage]; is collecting papers dealing with Col. Henry Skipwith's affairs.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125034
William Short, New York, [N.Y.], to Peyton Short, Lexington, Kentucky.1804 July 1Scope and Contents
Does not know whether to sue or not over Carneal's not having given title or patent to the 10,000 acres of land; if cannot write about this soon, please inform Mr. [Charles?] or Mrs. [Janes (Short)?] Wilkins about status and have them write; have out off trip to Europe; objects to delay in settling Carneal affair; would rather have $8,000 in cash than a bond for $10,000 at the end of the year; feels that sending his sons to the Atlantic states for schooling a good idea; eldest son [John Cleves Short] should go to Bishop Carroll's school near Baltimore , where he will study under French professors; the cost of $400 per year is expensive, but should not be considered impossible since it is considered the best school in the U.S.; write to Nazareth about son [Charles Wilkins Short]; as to bond loaned, had hoped it would go to discharge his debts, not to embarking on new speculative ventures; only desires it to be paid back a little at a time, through agents in New York, Lewis & Lawrence Brokers, Wall Street or Philadelphia George Taylor, Jr., Broker, Second Street, or to Mr. Charles Wilkins, merchant in Lexington, [Ky.], who will send it to Philadelphia; have not heard from sisters, Wilkins and Ridgely for some time.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125035
William Short, New York, [New York], to his brother Peyton Short, Lexington, Kentucky1804 October 15Scope and Contents
Discusses suit against Carneal for breach of contract and contract law; mention of Paskie land; reiterates advice to send sons to schools in Atlantic States, and soon; discusses a loan; please send mail to Philadelphia, where agent will always know whereabouts; have not heard from Ridgely or Wilkins since last visited, but heard from sister Wilkins that Ridgely is now a farmer and Wilkins is a merchant in Lexington; has not heard of John Edmonds since his marriage; has sent engravings for brother and sisters.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 2 id125042
Peyton Short, Woodford Co., [Ky.], to William Short, [New York, N.Y.?]1804 November 15Scope and Contents
Continued lengthy discussion of Carneal's breach of contract; comments that juries often consider a suit to compel a conveyance as a maneuver by obligee to convert the obligation into a money debt, so it must be proven that the title was demanded and not delivered; immigration is progressing with inconceivable rapidity; some lands in Ohio bought 3 years ago for $2 are now selling for $5-$10 per acre; Paskie lawsuit is at last stage with the decree to be given during present term; discusses speculation; Potomac affair a tactic to get closer to shore.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125045
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, "Greenfield", Woodford County, Kentucky.1806 May 28Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Does not know if Capt. Hall (according to Col. Lytle's letter) was able to sell the land as he had hoped; Gen. Wilkins confirmed his comment about selling lands; emigration good in that "quarter" so sales are good; also reports that the agent sold his land, used the money for his own purposes and then did not repay it when requested, a common occurrence; Capt. Hall should have received payment for sale, but no word of it; please send information on this matter; agent in Philadelphia is now George Taylor, Jr., South Second Street near the Pennsylvania bank; but while in country receive own money to avoid commission; if any money received, send it to the bank at Pittsburgh in care of Gen. Wilkins; keep apprised of Paskie's land, and prospect for its sale; also request information on Ohio lands; since ignorant of Western geography, indicate nearby watercourses or settlements for reference, has learned of very small inheritance due from Skipwith side of family; each brother's share one-seventieth of the whole estate; wondering about proposed sale of Potomac lands; accidentally learned from R. Peters about his suit against him; will help in any way possible.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125102
Peyton Short, Woodford [Co., Ky.], to William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.]1806 July 7Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Has just returned from a month's tour in Ohio, but was not able to meet with Capt. Hall; detailed discussions concerning a land sale payment plan, litigation in connection with Paskie lands and the possible sale of some land on the Ohio River; thanks for news on the North Carolina "windfall"; lengthy inquiry and information about Jack Edmunds, and debts owed by him; appreciates offer concerning Potomac affair; pointed comments about Sir Peyton Skipwith's estate settlement in connection with a 20-year old debt owed him; also mention of Fulwar Skipwith.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125105
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to [Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky.?]1807 March 6Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Inquires about news of Ohio and Cumberland land sales, troubles in Ohio country make their main officers, such as Col Lytle, hard to reach, making business hard to conduct; inquires as to Hall's agency, and the state of affairs regarding the lands under his disposal; discusses merits of having money in the bank at Pittsburgh or Philadelphia; has learned Paskie's land to be titled in his name; the Skipwith "windfall" is not enough to bother with; discusses character of George Skipwith; reflects on desire of everyone to go into business, and attendant evils; unhappy situation of a man dependent on foreign commerce or funds for his livelihood.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125107
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Lexington, Kentucky1807 April 21Scope and Contents
Inquires about plans for educating sons [John and Charles]; suggests Princeton as a good place; college costs less than $300 a year, with $450 necessary in supplies; surprised over sale of Ohio lands to Carneal at a discount, especially as he always pictured him as dishonest.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125112
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to [Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky.]1807 May 13Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Has inquired into various schools in the region [for John and Charles]; only one definitely to be rejected is Princeton, where students have recently revolted; "Southern" boys have so much money they are a bad example and taverns are so near the school, they are a constant temptation; prefers a local school, headed by the Frenchman, Carrè; however, he does not admit boys older than 13 years; requests information on Carneal sale.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125116
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky.1807 June 17Scope and Contents
More hopeful of embarking this summer than before; will do whatever possible to aid sons [John and Charles] in getting in a school; thinks that the plan of sending one before the other is a good one; Princeton is still in a state of insurrection, but if restructured better than formerly it is to be preferred; looking into Carlisle, and a school at Germantown run by a Catholic priest who does not meddle in religion; chose between three; describes tombstone made for parent's grave; will be leaving in a few days for New York; take care over Carneal sale; have Mr. Wilkins certify handwriting and sell Paskie tract for whatever price reasonable; has made a settlement with Col. Henry Skipwith for $6000, even though the amount should have been closer to $20,000; southern laxity extends even to the bench; to be paid in four installments by way of joint bonds in name of W. Skipwith and Ed. Harrison, who has married Col. [Henry] Skipwith's daughter; Peyton Skipwith and his wife, seen last year on way to Rhode Island, told of marriage; Col. Skipwith is in a bad way financially; his present wife's family says he has spent his wife's estate to pay his debts; pity him but cannot love him as once did.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125121
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Lexington, Kentucky1807 June 22Scope and Contents
Sends more precise information on Princeton program, which is better, and more strictly administered since the insurrection; have Mr. Wilkins certify handwriting on Paskie sale; Gen. Wilkins says John Kerr at Chillicothe a good man to handle affairs.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125124
William Short, New York, [N.Y.], to Peyton Short, "Greenfield", Woodford Co., Kentucky1807 October 9Scope and Contents
Just returned from the falls at Niagara; problems with the post to Kentucky; discusses evils of speculation, giving the examples of Robert Morris, prince of all [speculators] and George Nicholas; only Pasties tract remains; please press Mr. Wilkins to go to the next court for that.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125129
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, "Greenfield", Woodford [Co.], Kentucky1808 June 28Scope and Contents
States opinion of sending sons to Princeton if they desire to study law, rather than school in Philadelphia; mention of Carneal and Col. [Henry] Skipwith and debts owed by them; Paskie land issue.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125131
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, "Greenfield", near Lexington, Kentucky1808 September 27Scope and Contents
About to sail for [France?]; has written to Mr. Wilkins about dealings with Carneal; desires moneys to be deposited in Bank of the United States Philadelphia; is leaving a trunk at the U.S. Bank with papers; also in it will be a tin box with titles; his son has not arrived; if he arrives after his departure, he will be assisted by Mr. John Vaughan or Mr. Mahler (?) Dickenson; asks that he sell all of his lands as soon as possible.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125141
[Peyton Short], Fort Stoddert, [Ohio], to [William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.?]1809 December 29Scope and Contents
In a former letter, advised that horses sell easier and at a better price in Ohio than in Kentucky, and that his horses should be sent there, but has recently observed in the Frankfort Palladium that the horses were put up for public sale; good market for [iron?] castings there; could probably sell 20 or 30 tons assorted; Mr. Owens promised all or part of payment due next spring in tall kettles, and a lower price if collect them at furnace rather than Lexington; perhaps, if funds allow, should have a boat built there to go to New Orleans, and if unable to be sold there, forwarded here; should be converted into a handsome profit in six months; some castings sold just before departure from Kentucky for Whiskey, payable next spring; also sold John W. Hunt two tons at 40 per ton, also to be paid in whiskey; there is a bond to secure a riverboat to send whiskey and other goods from there to New Orleans or any other market down river for his account; has said nothing of contract with MacNale concerning the Woodford Distillery, which would bring in 6000 gallons of whiskey annually until estate sold at $1.25 per gallon wholesale at New Orleans; hopes the contract with George Brown carried out; wants to keep slaves, and reclaim those tricked out of by arch-fiend T. Hart; Suppose lands bought from Dr. Rumsay also on market, although had hoped to retire there; about March 1, an installment of $1000 due Dr. Rumsay is payable at the Russelsville [Ohio?] branch of the bank; think that may be raised in time from sale of lands on Elk River, [Tenn.]; agent there Mr. Hardy Holiman is an honest man; has notified him of land purchased in Christian County, [Ky.], and exhorted him to forward to that Bank the amount indicated to discharge debt; would like to go elsewhere than Kentucky, where not known as someone who has seen better days; contemporaries in Kentucky have been going up at same rate as I going down.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 3 id125143
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, New Brunswick, New Jersey1810 December 5Scope and Contents
Glad he is travelling by land; please advise as to route; suggests he go westward by way of Col. [James] Henry; should leave patents for the 20,000 acres and other papers with Col. Henry, or some other dependable person; send information as to titles and prices desired; should have stayed in Kentucky, at least in opinion of Dr. Ridgely and Mr. Wilkins; also would have saved living in taverns from Florida to New York these last twelve months; lengthy discussion of travel route and monetary matter.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125145
[Peyton Short], Beaver town, Pennsylvania, to [William Short Philadelphia, Pa.?].1811 February 24Scope and Contents
Planned to go to Kentucky by water, but it turned colder and snowed, so he went overland on foot and by sleigh; now there is ice everywhere; has booked passage to Lexington by boat, which will leave as soon as the river is navigable; mention of resettling at the mills near Frankfurt; lengthy discussion centering on the raising of sheep, the profits from the wool, and the prices of lambs and ewes; mention of Carneal's debts.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125146
[Peyton Short], Lexington, Ky., to [William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.]1811 MayScope and Contents
Discourse about misunderstanding of reasons why he should return to Lexington to live.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125147
Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky., to William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.1811 June 27Scope and Contents
Mention of Dr. Ridgeley and Mr. Wilkins; also confusion over dissolution of contract with Eastland; returning to Lexington in Summer 1809, passed through fertile lands of Cumberland and Green Rivers, and purchased of a Dr. Rumsey a handsome and valuable tract in the Western County; 6000 acres, some of it already opened by nature to cultivation; much land speculation discussed.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125149
William Short, Philadelphia, Pa. to Peyton Short, Lexington, Kentucky1811 July 6Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Bank of Pennsylvania arrangements concerning [Charles] Wilkins and involving George Taylor; discussion centering on sales and purchases of slaves, including not separating families; land sale comments; care of his [PS] children after his [PS] death; other comments about Charles Wilkins, Dr. Ridgely, Dr. Rush, and the "Stanley affair".
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125150
[Peyton Short], Lexington, Ky., to [William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.?]1811 July 10Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents [Ohio?] land sales discussion mentioning [Charles] Wilkins, Dr. Ridgely, and [Daniel C.?] Cooper and involving marketable price of flour and whiskey in "tight casks".
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125153
[Peyton Short], Lexington, [Ky.], to J. Forbes and Co., [Mobile, Ala.?]1811 AugustScope and Contents
Recently learned from Francis Scott Key, a lawyer in Washington, [D.C.], that Gen. James Wilkinson, who Key was prosecuting on his behalf, has assigned all his property to trustees for the benefit of his creditors; learned from his statement that he possessed an island off Mobile Bay; would like to learn more of it, as to name, value, quality of soil, etc.; will be travelling on Mississippi River this autumn; may visit your quarter.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125154
William Short, N. York, [N.Y.] to Peyton Short, [Lexington, Ky.]1811 November 23Scope and Contents
Sale of Ohio lands involving Charles Wilkins; discussion of disposition of his negroes including their aging and thus not bearing any more children, separating families, and selling them to masters of their own choosing.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125155
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky.1812 November 24Scope and Contents
Monetary matters; read in papers a movement in congress to extend payments, and another to lower the price on the sale of public lands, and how the War [of 1812] will affect their [Congress] time in making final decisions; land sales; John [Cleve Short] wishes to join the Army, and may be the aide to General William Henry Harrison.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125156
Peyton Short, Lexington, [Ky.], to William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.]1815 April 7Scope and Contents
Gives proposal to pay debts owed and provide for family after his death, involving sales of land, transfers of mortgages of land in Indiana and Kentucky, and use of negroes.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125158
[Peyton Short], Frankfort, Ky., to [William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.]1815 July 29Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents His [WS] idea of when he [PS] visited [William Branch] Giles was incorrect, for he visited him at his house in Amelia [Co., Va.] in 1802, and obtained titles to certain lands then; defends his actions in trying to "chase down" unpaid claims, rather than letting them go; mentions debts and claims involving Fulwar Skipwith, Gen. [James] Wilkinson, and Col. Henry (on behalf of his [PS] daughters by his second wife).
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 4 id125161
Peyton Short, Franklin, [Ky.], to William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.]1815 September 8Scope and Contents
Richard Boulware affair disappointing; sued in court, but could get back no more than property and, from a third person, $500; mills returned in a ruinous state; both our interests dictate repair of property; on advice of Charles Wilkins, have written son John for his aid; sorry the Eastland purchase so misunderstood by Wilkins and Ridgely; have been offered $8000 cash, $4000 less than value; if Boulware sale had gone through, it would have netted $20,000.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id125164
Peyton Short, Lexington, [Ky.], to William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.]1821 October 13Scope and Contents
Detailed plan for settlement of debts and estate; expresses gratitude for his support; sister, [Jane (Short) Wilkins] is dying.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id125166
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Hopkinsville, Kentucky.1821 October 29Scope and Contents
Latest debt and estate settlement proposals mostly agreeable; feels that he [PS] has only hurt himself [through his speculation]; sorry to hear about sister, but knows she will soon be in heaven.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126788
Peyton Short, Christian County, [Ky.] to William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.]1822 February 2Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents Charles [Wilkins Short] doing very well in Hopkinsville, Ky., with a lucrative practice; reviews past ten years of business matters mentioning matters such as the success of coal mines in Kentucky until after the War [of 1812], when the rest of the United States was in a state of depression, a mill that was razed during the earthquakes in the winter of 1811-1812, supporting his children in various matters, and the sales of land labor, and farm stock and produce; comment about invitation to move to Texas, but states that he is not a "man of war" and would only go "to cultivate the earth"; pledge to repay all money owed to him.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126789
Peyton Short, Hopkinsville, [Ky.], to his brother-in-law, Charles Wilkins, Lexington, Ky.1822 February 13Scope and Contents
If Wilkinson's and his case come up before his appearance, please have Mr. Wickliffe appear instead of Mr. Haggar, who might betray him; do not know if [Henry] Clay has, but thinks he has come near; can promise Wickliffe respectable fee; sorry about illness of last sister; has promised brother [William] an additional lien on estate to secure balance of payment due him.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126790
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, Hopkinsville, Kentucky1823 September 17Scope and Contents
Comment on continued breakdown of communication between one another; debt and mortgage information.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126791
William Short, Philadelphia, [Pa.], to Peyton Short, [Lexington, Ky.]1824 February 11Scope and Contents
Problems in communicating clearly despite being brothers; mention of Christian [Co., Ky.] estate; $1000 has been deposited in bank in Pittsburgh to be paid to him and will send more if it is necessary.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126792
Peyton Short, Lexington, Ky., to William Short, Philadelphia, Pa.1824 March 1Scope and Contents
Debt discussion; mention of Christian Co., [Ky.] land conveyance and dealing with the Clerk.
- Mixed Materials box: 1 Folder: 5 id126793
William Short, Philadelphia, Pa., to Peyton Short, near Hopkinsville, Ky.1825 May 23Scope and Contents
Has heard that he is purchasing a parcel of land in Lexington, [Ky.], and paying for it in cash; expresses shock and disbelief at his ability to do this after all of the previous correspondence concerning his enormous debt situation; other discussion centering on monetary solvency.