Browse Items (6 total)
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Flax hackle, circa 1800
Flax hackle. Flax was a significant crop during the colonial and frontier eras. It was harvested to make linen and flaxseed oil. Hackling was one of several steps used to release fiber from the flax plant. Fibers were pulled through different-sized combs, working from coarse to fine. Home production of flax increased during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 due to trade embargoes. Free and enslaved women prepared and spun the flax into a usable yarn that was woven into sheets, blankets, and clothing. Surplus textiles and clothes were sold locally and sent down the Ohio River via flatboats to the Port of New Orleans. Historian Hazel Yearsley Shaw noted that in 1810-1811, during nine months, 8,140 yards of country linen passed through the falls of the Ohio River. -
Letter from William Clark to Jonathan Clark, 22 and 24 November 1808
Clark writes his brother Jonathan a lengthy letter from St. Louis regarding foreign affairs, politics, Native American affairs, and land investment and resources such as lead mining and salt springs. He has placed some the people he enslaved and one indentured person Ben Gee/McGee (formerly enslaved) to work in various ways or what he intends to do regarding them, including York and Scipio. Discusses selling land owned by their brother George and some William owns and some of the proceeds benefitting George. Reviews prices of livestock and goods locally and reiterates his desire to enter into business with his nephew John. Reports on the state of Julia's health and Meriwether Lewis' plans to go to Philadelphia to finish the expedition history. -
Letter from William Clark to his brother, April 1805
Letter from William Clark to his brother talks of sending his journal to the President and the Secretary of War, documenting his voyage and discoveries. Includes note stating he has included with the letter: one shirt worn by the Mandan Indigenous women, a few pairs of moccasins, some Mandan "legins", hides from several different animals, corn, tobacco seeds, a Mandan pot, and more, from the western country. He sends compliments from Meriwether Lewis to him and his lady. -
Receipt to William Ingram/Ingles, 14 October 1774
Receipt issued to William Ingram or Ingles signed by Josiah Ramsey verifying that he drove cattle for the expedition against the Shawnee. -
Letter from Frederick Edwards to William Christian, 7 May 1785
Letter from Frederick Edwards to William Christian reporting on news from Kentucky, especially from the Louisville/Beargrass settlement area and conflict with Native Americans. Discusses plans for the operations at Saltsburg and Nicholas Meriwether taking over as the manager, and driving cattle down to Kentucky. -
Letter from Henry Massie to Helen Bullitt Massie
Letter from Henry Massie to his wife, Helen Bullitt Massie, in which he writes of matters for her to attend to while he is in Ohio. He relays information about livestock, planting dates for corn and tobacco, and money affairs.