Creator: Territorial Governor (RG 2).

Collection Summary: Papers relating to the cause of Elizabeth Hutchins seeking a divorce from John Hutchins, including petitions to the Governor and the Territorial Legislature, correspondence from John and Elizabeth Hutchins and other parties involved, and depositions and testimonies of witnesses attesting to the divorce proceedings.

Access Restrictions: Original records in this series are restricted due to age and/or fragility. 

Date(s): 1799.

Volume: 0.50 Cubic Feet.

Finding Aid Created By: Colby Cox in March 2025.

Related Materials: TBD.

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

1799: Correspondence & Petitions Relating to Divorce16564
1799: Petition Relating to Divorce29402