William Jones papers
Descriptive Summary
Repository: Georgia Historical Society Creator: Jones, William, active 1809-1839. Title: William Jones papers Dates: 1809-1839 Extent: 0.25 cubic feet (7 folders) Identification: MS 0448
Biographical/Historical Note
William Jones (fl 1809-1839) resided at various times in different towns in Lincoln County and in Augusta, Georgia. During the War if 1812 he was a Captain in the 8th Regt. U.S. Inf. On recruiting service; he became Superintendent of the Minor Depot for Recruits for the 6th District. The Regiment was disbanded in June 1815. He was a Captain of the Independent Blues, a volunteer military company in Augusta, and rose to the rank of Colonel of Georgia Militia. He was a representative from Lincoln County in the Georgia Legislature, 1815 and 1823. Later he was cashier of the Augusta branch of the Bank of the State of Georgia, and in the Office of Discounts and Deposits. In 1827 he was appointed a justice of the Inferior Court of Lincoln County.
Scope and Content Note
William Jones' papers are of unusual interest as most of his correspondents were prominent Georgians of the period. They cover a wide range of subjects: national politics, Georgia politics, War of 1812, U.S. Navy in the War of 1812, Army supplies, recruiting orders, general orders, banking affairs, war with the Creek Indians, family letters, business letters, etc. One group of letters contains those of his nephew, Henry Gilliam, who was in the U.S. Navy, 1809-1817. Most of them were written on board the U.S. frigates President and Constitution, and describe battles and navy life.
Index Terms
Bank of the State of Georgia. Bank of the United States (1791-1811) Constitution (Frigate) County courts--Georgia--Lincoln County. Creek Indians--Wars Creek War, 1813-1814. Fort Hawkins (Ga.) Georgia--History--War of 1812. Georgia--Politics and government--1775-1865. Georgia. Legislature. Georgia. Militia. Gilliam, Henry, approximately 1790-1814. Indians of North America--History--19th century. Indians, Treatment of--United States. Invoices. Jack, Patrick, d. 1820. Jones, George, 1766-1838. Jones, William, active 1809-1839. Legal documents. Letters (correspondence) President (Frigate) Tenskwatawa, Shawnee Prophet United States--History--War of 1812. United States--Militia--History. United States. Navy--History--War of 1812. United States. Navy--Recruiting, enlistment, etc. United States. Navy--Supplies and stores. Yazoo Fraud, 1795.
Administrative Information
Custodial History
Unknown.
Preferred Citation
[item identification], William Jones papers, MS 448, Georgia Historical Society, Savannah, Georgia.
Acquisition Information
Unknown.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright has not been assigned to the Georgia Historical Society. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Division of Library and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Georgia Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
Publication Note
The group of letters between William Jones and Henry Gilliam were published in The Georgia Historical Quarterly, XXXIII, 46-66 (March 1954).
Sponsorship
Encoding funded by a 2012 Documenting Democracy grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Container List
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1 Correspondence, etc., 1809-1812 Online Inventory Contains Digitized Items John Milledge to William Jones. Washington, 1809 January 22, 1.0 p. Will get him an army command; has entered Henry Gilliam as Midshipman in U.S. Navy.
William Garrard to William Jones. Appaloosa, 1809 February 27, 2.0 p. Describes the Orleans Territory.
Richard Richardson to William Jones. Savannah, 1809 October 13, 1.0 p. Acknowledging receipt of collection in August for relief of distressed French in Savannah.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1809 December 23, 3.0 p. Regarding the insolent behavior of Mr. Francis J. Jackson, the British Minister in Washington.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1810 April 21, 2.0 p. Regarding contemplated reduction of army and debate in Congress over renewal of the U.S. Bank Charter.
Joel Crawford to William Jones. Sparta, Georgia, 1810 June 27, 2.0 p. Regarding national news.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1811 January 29, 2.0 p. Regarding consequences of the failure of the Congress to renew the U.S. Bank Charter, and differences with England.
John M. Kunze et al to William Jones. Augusta, 1811 June 17, 2.0 p. Offering the captaincy of the Augusta Independent Blues to Jones.
Joel Crawford to William Jones. Milledgeville, 1811 October 17, 3.0 p. Regarding payment of a debt, Georgia politics and national affairs.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1811 December 1, 3.0 p. Regarding Jones' candidacy as Quartermaster General and relations with England; mentions the encounter at Savannah between American and French seamen.
Bolling Hall to William Jones. Washington, 1812 January 11, 2.0 p. View online. Says the bill to raise additional troops has passed Congress; discusses relations with England.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1812 March 16, 1.0 p. Is sending Jones the notification of his appointment as Captain in the Army of the U.S.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1812 May 7 Regarding appointment of a paymaster for the regiment in Georgia; war with England eminent.
Alexander Macomb to William Jones. Adjutant General's Office, Washington, 1812 June 19, 1.0 p. Printed circular letter requesting officers to send record of former services.
Mossman Houstoun to William Jones. Savannah, 1812 July 1, 1.0 p. Orders to march recruits to Augusta to report to Captain D.E. Twiggs.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Augusta, 1812 June 12, 1.0 p. Orders Jones to Louisville to receive recruiting instructions.
Mossman Houstoun to William Jones. Augusta, 1812 June 25, 2.0 p. Recruiting orders, with enclosure.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Headquarters, 1812 September 9 Recruiting orders.
Thomas Bourke to William Jones. Savannah, 1812 September 10, 1.0 p. Sends money and requests receipt.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Headquarters, 1812 September 19, 2.0 p. Requests returns and sends new recruiting orders.
Otis Dyer to William Jones. Headquarters. Bath, 1812 October 10, 1.0 p. Orders.
Lawrence Manning to William Jones. Savannah, 1812 December 30, 2.0 p. Orders.
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2 Correspondence, 1813 Online Inventory Contains Digitized Items
Charles Tait to William Jones. Washington, 1813 January 11, 2.0 p. Regarding clothing for troops in the three Southern states.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Bath, 1813 January 21, 2.0 p. Sending appointment to Jones to take charge of recruiting service; orders. Thomas H. Cushing to William Jones. Adjutant Generals Office, Washington, 1813 February 19, 1.0 p. Regarding clothing requisitions.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Headquarters, Bath, 1813 February 21-August 18 Recruiting orders. 6 letters.
William Meriwether to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1813 August 27 Regarding movement of his troops.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Savannah, 1813 September 1, 1.0 p. Enclosing General orders.
Philip Cook to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1813 September 6 Regarding condition and discontent of militia encamped nearby; Indians fortifying their towns.
General Orders. Adjutant-Generals' Office, 6th District, Charleston, 1813 September 7 Copy. Regarding Stephen Ford and Mossman Houstoun.
Robert O. Marye to William Jones. Lincolnton, Georgia, 1813 September 14 Sending descriptive accounts and clothing receipts.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Savannah, 1813 September 15-October 4 View online. 5 letters. Regarding orders and regulations; last letter mentions good health of troops.
Philip Cook to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1813 October 8, 3.0 p. Has sent troops to protect the Creek Agency and his garrison is depleted; requests recruits; Governor has power to march the militia into the nation; Uchees, Hitchities and Seminoles have joined the Prophet's party.
Robert Brent to William Jones. Army Pay Office, Washington, 1813 October 11 Acknowledging receipt of recruiting account.
H. Simmons to William Jones. Department of War, Accountant's Office, 1813 October 11, 1.0 p. Acknowledging receipt of account and vouchers.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Savannah, 1813 October 14, 2.0 p. Regarding supplies.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Savannah, 1813 October 20-21, 3.0 p. Ordering recruits to reinforce Fort Hawkins; enclosing copy of miscellaneous regulations and General Orders of October 16.
William Strother to William Jones. Columbia, S.C., 1813 October 22, 1.0 p. Instructions.
Nicholas Long to William Jones. Near Augusta, 1813 October 29, 3.0 p. Sending instructions for Officers of the 43rd Regt. from North Carolina.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Savannah, 1813 November 11, 2.0 p. Regarding a deserter; Capt. Twiggs willing to give up his men and take a company from new recruit.
Philip Cook to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1813 November 14, 2.0 p. Reporting murders by Indians in Morgan County; deployment of troops.
John Long (?) to William Jones. Charleston, 1813 November 15, 1.0 p. Is forwarding his letter to Washington.
Patrick Jack to William Jones, 1813 November 15 2 letters. Regarding buttons, cockades and eagles for uniforms and other clothing.
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3 Correspondence, 1814 Online Inventory Contains Digitized Items
George V. Proctor, et al to General Thomas Pinckney. Savannah, 1814 March 22, 1.0 p. Recommending William Jones as Pay master of the 6th District.
Edward F. Tattnall to William Jones. Camp near Washington, 1814 March 22, 4.0 p. Is sending Ensign Lawson for recruits; derogatory remarks on Savannah.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1814 March 28, 1.0 p. Regrets he cannot obtain a transfer to Canada for Jones; bill for compromising the Yazoo claims finally passed; considering a national bank.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1814 March 30, 2.0 p. Cannot authorize removal of Jones' company to Fort Hawkins at present; impending fight with Indians.
George V. Proctor to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1814 April 3, 2.0 p. Explains his recommendation of Jones as Pay Master was too late; impending fight of the three regiments with the Indians at the juncture of the Tallapoosa and Coosaw rivers; mentions General Andrew Jackson's fight with the Okfuskees.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1814 May 1, 4.0 p. Regarding military and personal business; Indian war is over.
Lawrence Manning to William Jones. Point Petre, Camden County, Ga., 1814 May 2, 3.0 p. View online. Reports enemy vessels off St. Mary's Bar; preparations for a fight; suggests defense measure for Savannah.
George Jones to William Jones. Savannah, 1814 May 5, 2.0 p. Reports on precautionary measures in Savannah in expectation of enemy attack. George Jones was Mayor of Savannah.
E. Verlain (?) to William Jones, 1814 June 5, 3.0 p. Friendly letter.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Camp Jackson, Savannah, 1814 July 7, 1.0 p. Orders.
Patrick Jack to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1814 October 6, 1.0 p. Orders.
Philip Cook to William Jones. Fort Hawkins, 1814 October 19, 1.0 p. Instructions.
William W. Bibb to William Jones. Washington, 1814 October 31, 3.0 p. Discusses his plan regarding the military establishment; was must be continued.
Tobias Lear to William Jones. Department of War, Accounting Office, 1814 December 13, 1.0 p. Acknowledging receipt of recruiting and contingent accounts.
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4 Correspondence, 1815-1818
Richard Dennis to William Jones. Fort Johnston, 1815 January 4, 1.0 p. Regarding pay due two soldiers.
Robert Smith & Co. to William Jones. Philadelphia, 1815 April 19, 2.0 p. Business; notes that Jones has ended his military career; comments on Europe.
Richard Henry Wilde to William Jones. Augusta, 1815 October 29, 1.0 p. Introducing Walter Harris, a candidate for Harbor master of Savannah.
George Baillie to William Jones. Milledgeville, 1815 November 18, 3.0 p. Reporting conduct of British on St. Simons Island during the War of 1812 – seduction of African Americans, plundering, etc.
Richard Henry Wilde to William Jones. Washington City, 1816 February 3, 1.0 p. Says fate of bank bill doubtful; mentions friends.
Joel Crawford to William Jones. Milledgeville, 1816 February 17, 1.0 p. Regarding debt due Jones; will be a candidate for Congress.
Joel Crawford to William Jones, 1816 April 4 Account for settlement of the debt; discusses his candidacy.
Joel Crawford to William Jones, 1816 May 8 Same as Item 73; congratulated Jones on his marriage.
Daniel Brent to William Jones. Washington, 1816 November 13 Regarding business.
Commission of William Jones as Captain of the Augusta Independent Blues, 1817 June 9, 1.0 p.
John Forsyth to William Jones. Washington, 1818 March 3, 1.0 p. Regarding pension and land patent for Eldridge Roe. Second sheet contains printed regulations for pension claims.
Moses Wadell to William Jones. Willington, South Carolina, 1818 October 27, 3.0 p. Regarding his shares in the Bank of the State of Georgia.
William McWhir to William Jones. Sunbury, 1818 November 24, 3.0 p. Letter of thanks for Jones' kindness; prosperous state of religion at Midway.
William H. Crawford to William Jones. Washington, 1818 October 15, 1.0 p. Regarding accounts of Major Easter.
To The People of Lincoln County...Wm. Jones Regarding his candidacy for a seat in the State Legislature. Date 1818 inked in. Broadside.
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5 Correspondence, 1819-1821
Anthony Porter to William Jones. Savannah, 1819 April 24, 6.0 p. Regarding business of the Bank of the State of Georgia and the Office of Discounts and Deposits.
John Cumming to William Jones. Savannah and Baltimore, 1819 June 1, 1820 January 1, 1820 January 3 Three letters regarding business of the Office of Discounts and Deposits and the money situation.
Mathew Talbot to William Jones. Wilkes County, Ga., 1820 February 12, 1.0 p. Requests Jones to sell cotton for him; is hard pressed for money.
Robert Raymond Reid to William Jones. Washington, 1820 March 31, 3.0 p. Regarding the Missouri Compromise; no policy in regard to the Floridas; other congressional business mentioned.
William B. Bulloch to William Jones. Savannah, 1820 May 2, 2.0 p. Says Bank will avail itself of services of Mr. Wilde as a Director in the Augusta Office; other Directors elected.
J. & C. Holton (?) to William Jones. New York, 1820 September 9, 1.0 p. Will use Jones' services if the opportunity presents itself.
Stephen Upson to William Jones. Milledgeville, 1820 November 16, 3.0 p. Regarding the "precarious situation" of banks in Georgia.
William B. Bulloch to William Jones. Savannah, 1821 April 12, 1.0 p. Regarding bank business.
John Cumming to William Jones. Savannah, 1821 May 5, 2.0 p. Regarding purchase of bank shares.
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6 Correspondence, 1822-1839
Isaac Minis to William Jones. Savannah, 1822 April 16, 1.0 p. Has received the account which is correct. Thomas Flournoy to William Jones. Summerville, 1822 August 6, 2.0 p. Thanks Jones for his offer of horses.
Nicholas Ware to William Jones. Augusta, 1823 March 25, 1.0 p. Regarding titles to land in Florida.
John Forsyth to William Jones. 5th Auditor's Office, Washington, 1822 May 27, 1.0 p. Arrangements regarding Jones' confessing judgment.
Joel Crawford, et al, Cor. Committee. Milledgeville, Georgia, 1824 July 26, 8.0 p. Printed letter explaining why the citizens of Baldwin County take a stand of the Tariff bill, and enclosing The Tariff Report, &c Adopted at a Meeting of the Citizens of Baldwin County, Geo., July 3, 1824. Milledgeville, The Recorder Office, 1824.
Commission of William Jones as one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of Lincoln County, 1827 January 3, 1.0 p.
George M. Troup to William Jones. Milledgeville, 1827 January 24, 1.0 p. Regarding a law, not defined, which depends on concurrent action of South Carolina which has not been received.
George R. Gilmer to William Jones. Washington, 1829 February 21, 3.0 p. Regarding his differences with the Governor of Georgia; mentions President Jackson's selections for his cabinet.
John Cumming to William Jones. Savannah, 1830 May 1, 1.0 p. Suggesting remedies for Jones' disease.
Seaton Grantland to William Jones, Milledgeville, 1830 August 14, 1.0 p. Asking Jones' support in his candidacy for Congress.
George R. Gilmer to William Jones. Executive Department, Milledgeville, 1831 July 5, 1.0 p. Regarding Lincoln County's portion of the Poor School Fund.
William G. Gilbert to William Jones. Washington, October 6, 1.0 p.
Asking for amount of his dividends in stock of the Bank of Georgia.
John H. Pope to William Jones. Washington, February 10, 3.0 p. Regarding Army affairs and national politics. J.M. & M. Adams bill to Col. William Jones. Augusta, 1839 January 1, 1.0 p. For liquors and groceries.
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7 107- Henry Gilliam letters, 1807-1817 124 Regarding U.S. Navy in War of 1812. Published in The Georgia Historical Quarterly, XXXVIII, 46- 66 (March 1954).