Browse Items (12 total)
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Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 25 August 1789
In a letter to St. John de Crevecoeur, dated 25 August 1789, Tardiveau discusses his activities in Kentucky, events occurring there, the state of agriculture, manufacturing, and trade (specifically mentions Kentucky trading with the Spanish settlements on the Mississippi) the climate of Kentucky versus that of Cumberland (Tennessee) for growing certain crops, and the economic future of Kentucky and the United State in general. He also mentions frequent Native American activity along the Green River and southward. He states how surprised his brother (Pierre Tardiveau) and other friends were upon his and a fellow travelers return to Danville after a trip to Cumberland; they were three weeks overdue and those in Danville assumed they had been killed by the Indigenous peoples. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 20 April 1789.
In this letter, Tardiveau expresses his upset at having not received any letters from his friends in the post, stating he is convinced he had been forgotten. He had hoped to receive letters so he could include his farewell in the response, but that was not the case. Talks of a hot spring in the area but he hadn't gotten a chance to visit it yet. Updates Crevecoeur on a Captain Hutchins, who is in the late stages of consumption. Also included is a letter for Crevecoeur's wife, Fanny, inquiring whether she wants to continue correspondence with him or end it entirely. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 7 October 1789
In second letter dated 7 October 1789 Tardiveau writes St. John de Crevecoeur regarding the growing of cotton in Kentucky and Cumberland (Tennessee), trade possibilities with Spanish Louisiana, and the planned manufacture of cotton cloth in Kentucky for local use and export, including the establishment and activities of a manufacturing "society." He also relates the suicide of a Major Dunn in Kentucky due to an unfaithful wife. Everyone is trying to depict him as a madman but Tardiveau does not agree. Tardiveau asks Creveoeur not to mention it to John Brown because his friend Harry Innes was Mrs. Dunn' s "Knight-errant in this affair." Tardiveau relates that it is hard for him to collect the topographical data he would like to send him. "Those of our surveyors whom I asked promised a great deal, but are in no hurry to keep their word; and they all live at such great distances from here and from each other that it's very seldom I have a chance to see one of them. The area Tardiveau was interested in was apparently Kentucky and Cumberland (Tennessee). -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 25 May 1789
Tardiveau discusses his activities in Kentucky, including in Danville, events occurring there, the state of agriculture and climate for certain crops, especially as compared to Cumberland (Tennessee), Society for Kentucky Manufacturers, and the economic future of Kentucky and the United State in general. Tardiveau also writes that he has learned that John Brown is held in great esteem by the people of Kentucky. His friends want him to take on a political career and competent people believe he is inferior only to James Madison in his legal ability. He reminds Crevecoeur that living in Kentucky they are "banished to the other end of the earth," and that no dependable news reaches them. He therefore asks Crevecoeur to go into heavy detail about what is happening in Europe, specifically France. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, n.d. Philadelphia
French letter from Tardiveau to Crevecoeur discussing exports from Philadelphia to Canton and India, and the troubles learning the contents of the cargo aboard the ship. In general, contents include wine, iron, brandy, ginseng, cloth, and piastres. He updates him on the conditions of the exchange between Philadelphia and England, New York, and Boston, as well as the monetary exchange rate. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 7 October 1789
Incomplete French language letter. Tardiveau expresses his upset at not receiving frequent letters from his friends, and wants to know if they want to hear from him less. Talks of troubles regarding politics in his region. States that they're still waiting on Governor St. Clair to arrive. Expresses his anticipation to move somewhere more satisfactory than Danville once he and his brother have wound up their business. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 19 January 1789
Tardiveau writes of religious matters among the French Catholics in the Illinois country. He mentions correspondence he has had with John Carroll in an attempt to influence the current ecclesiastical quarrels occurring in the Illinois country. At that time Carroll was the Perfect-Apostolic for the United States. He later became a bishop and archbishop. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 15 January 1789
In this letter, Tardiveau expresses his joy at receiving letters from his friends. Talks of his Memorial on the Mississippi, and whether or not one Monsieur de Gardoqui has read it. He also discusses Congress. States that he is short on money and that is what has kept him in Philadelphia so long, as he cannot afford a horse to get home. He contemplated walking home but suffers from gout in his foot. He asks for a loan of 50 piastres from Crevecoeur, which he will pay back in a year's time. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 9 December 1788
Tardiveau gives friendly updates and formalities regarding Crevecoeur's family. Mentions that he is stuck in Philadelphia at least until the wagons come. Inquires about Crevecoeur's daughter, Fanny. Relates a description of one Mr. Wharton, a cousin of Mme. de Bardois, who is moving to France soon. Tardiveau wishes to know more about Crevecoeur's position, as it's causing some uneasiness for him. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 16 February 1788
Refers to verses he had written in response to what Crevecoeur had written him. Verses not included in letter. -
Letter from Barthelemi Tardiveau to St. John de Crevecoeur, 19 February 1789
Apologizes for the delay in responding to his correspondences. Mentions a ship being repaired, which delayed some letters going to France.