Creator: Territorial Governor (RG 2).

Collection Summary: A letterbook in which copies of the territorial governor’s correspondence concerning Indian affairs were entered. Correspondence is both incoming and outgoing. Almost all of the territorial governors served during the period in which this journal was kept and are included therein: W.C.C. Claiborne, Cato West, Thomas H. Williams, Robert Williams, Cowles Mead and David Holmes. The correspondence pertains to such matters as peacekeeping (or warring) and trade and commerce with and among the several Indian tribes; safe passage through Indian territory; and salary discussions with the Indian agents and interpreters. There are frequent communications to and from the following persons: Silas Dinsmoor (Dinsmore), Agent to the Choctaws; Henry Dearborn, U.S. Secretary of War; Samuel Mitchell and Thomas Wright, Agents to the Chickasaws; Joseph Chambers, U.S. Factor for the Chickasaw nation; and James Wilkinson, Military Commander at Fort Adams. A register of appointments and commissions begins on page 116 of this journal immediately following the last journal entry on page 115. This register is described in Series 484.

Access Restrictions: This journal is restricted due to its fragile condition.  A microfilm copy is available in the Library Microfilm Room. 

Date(s): 1803-1808.

Volume: 0.25 Cubic Feet.

Finding Aid Created By: Colby Cox in March 2025.

Related Materials: Series 484: Appointments and Commissions.  1798-1818.

Record Group History: The Territorial Governor of Mississippi was the figure selected by the U.S. Congress to be the leading political figure of the Mississippi Territory. The Office of the Territorial Governor was created on April 7, 1798 when the creation of the Mississippi Territory was authorized. The Territorial Governor initially had full power over the creation of legislation until a general assembly was formed to represent the state in May of 1800. The Territorial Governor additionally served as the commander-in-chief of the Mississippi militia and was given authority over affairs with native peoples. The office was abolished once Mississippi became a full state in 1817.

Collection Inventory:
Box Content 

Box Number

Indian Affairs Journal, 1803-1808 [MF 2040]00092