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...

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Detailed plan for settlement of debts and estate; expresses gratitude for his support; sister, [Jane (Short) Wilkins] is dying.

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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.

Scope 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...

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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.

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Comment on continued breakdown of communication between one another; debt and mortgage information.

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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.

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Debt discussion; mention of Christian Co., [Ky.] land conveyance and dealing with the Clerk.

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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.