Scope and Contents From the Collection: 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...

Scope 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...

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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.

Scope 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...

Scope 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...

Scope 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...

Scope 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...

Scope 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...

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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.

Scope 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...

Scope 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...

Scope 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...