Green Clay Collection, 1810-1823 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Deborah L. Boggs

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Collection Overview

Title: Green Clay Collection, 1810-1823

Primary Creator: Clay, Green (1757-1828)

Extent: 2.0 Folders

Date Acquired: 03/27/2003. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Clay, Green, 1757-1828., Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826--Correspondence., Kentucky--History--War of 1812., United States--History--War of 1812--Campaigns., War of 1812.

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Green Clay collection is an artificial collection that consists of four documents; photocopies of originals are found in this collection, along with transcriptions of each. Three of the four documents are correspondence to or from Green Clay. Two letters are correspondence with Thomas Jefferson regarding a questionable treaty with the Cherokee Indians. The other letter is from J. Bledsoe to Green Clay. The fourth document is General Green Clay's General Order book during the War of 1812.

Collection Historical Note

"The life of General Green Clay [14 Aug 1757-31 Oct 1828] has been overshadowed by the accomplishments of his son Cassius Marcellus Clay. The elder Clay, a Revolutionary War solder, was not like most of this pioneers who emigrated to Kentucky in the 18th century; he was able to make a success from the 'Dark and Bloody Ground.' Prompted by the spirit of adventure, Green left Virginia before he was twenty years old as a poor young man. Clay learned, as many of his fellows did not, that the secret of success in the wilderness of 'Kaintuck' was land, well chosen, and properly recorded. He died in 1828 as one of the richest men in Kentucky." From White Hall State Shrine: Home of General Green Clay and his son General Cassius Marcellus Clay by David C. Greene. Located in Special Collections and Archives (E415.9.C55 G73 1972).

Subject/Index Terms

Clay, Green, 1757-1828.
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826--Correspondence.
Kentucky--History--War of 1812.
United States--History--War of 1812--Campaigns.
War of 1812.

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Accruals: Purchased 2 letters from William Miller dated 1810 and 1817. See 2014-020.

Access Restrictions: Use photocopies first

Acquisition Source: N/A

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Folder:

[Folder 1],
[Folder 2],
[All]

Folder 1

Barcode: 31234013927841

Item 1: J. Bledsoe to General Green Clay, 25 Mar 1810

March 25th, 1810 Dear Genl I have sent by Wm. Gravess Waggon for a load of the apple trees you were good enough to promise me; finding it inconvenient to send an additional one; I wish about 20 of the eating fruits and the balance Crabs. They will require I suppose to be trimd and I should prefer them to be entirely reduced to the single principal stock with the main sprouts or bud untouched as they will soon put out branches again and the tree will be more vigorous and taller. I should be much Obliged if you add to your goodness by affording some assistance by one of your boys in taking them or and if it will not be too much trouble in seeing them loaded as otherwise they may be rubbed spoiled in carriage. [Illegible] I am told will preserve them. I hear you have gained your suit with Brooks I think it's a safe case. I am respectfully Yr. Friend and Obt Servt J. Bledsoe.

Item 2: Green Clay to Thomas Jefferson, 4 May 1823

(Photocopy only, original located at the Library of Congress)

Madison County. KY May 4, 1823

Sir)

I hardly Expect you recalled me, I am the Brother of Parson Charles Clay once of Albermarle Co. I went out with a troop of [light?] horse to the Northward in company with you Brother Randolph: in 1778. from your house.

The Object of this letter is to enquire of you if you have a knowledge or recollection of any Treaty made with the Cherokee Indians which was in force in 1779 at the opening of the land Office under the Comm[onweal]th of Virga. The first Treaty we have any knowledge of is the Treaty of Hopewell of the 3rd Jany 1786.

We think a Treaty might have been made with the Cherokees after the Decl[a]ration of Independence, which might not have been published: if such was the fact, we know of no person more likely to possess a knowledge of it, than yourself: The lands below the Tennessee River now the subject of controversy between Kentucky and Virga. May be effected by such a Treaty so far as respects Individuals only. The land law of Va. Expects from location of Treasury warrants The country and limits of the Cherokee Idns. & c[etc.] any Information in your power, which you may be pleased to give us on this subject will confer a lasting Obligation on Many Persens in this State and Virginia deeply Interested in this question. May God give you many days yet, in health and much happiness.

Green Clay

Item 3: Photocopy of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Green Clay, 23 May 1823

Monticello May 28.23

Sir

Your favor of the 4th is just now received, and I am sorry it is not in my power to give you any information on the subject of your enquiries. Such a length of time has elapsed, so much is my memory impaired by age, and so much other matter has since past through it, dislodging what had preceded, that not a trace remains of any treaty with the Cherokees concerning the lands you mention. if such a one was concluded with the U.S. if would be found with their laws; if by the state of Virginia, it may have been among the records destroyed by the British, in which case it could only be found among the Cherokees, who may have preserved it. With my regret that I cannot aid you with any recollections be pleased to accept assurances of my high respect and esteem

Ths Jefferson

Item 4: Photocopy of the General Order book during the War of 1812, 29 Mar 1813-Apr 1813

Item 5: Major William Miller to Green Clay, 15 Nov 1810

Letter discussing brigade returns for a division of soldiers.

Item 6: William Miller to Green Clay, 15 Sep 1817

William Miller is resigning as aide to Major General Green Clay.

Folder 2

Barcode: 31234013927858

Item 1: Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Green Clay, 23 May 1823
Item 2: General Order Book during the War of 1812, 29 Mar 1813-Apr 1813