Creator: Territorial Governor (RG 2).

Collection Summary: Records pertaining to the acquiring of passports required for travel in the Mississippi Territory. Sworn statements of identification and purpose were required to obtain a passport which authorized travel beyond Mississippi territorial boundary lines or through Indian territory, or into Mississippi territory from surrounding areas. A few actual passports are included in these records, but generally the collection contains passport affidavits, applications, requests, evidence, and related correspondence. Many of these records relate to efforts to obtain passports for the purpose of transporting slaves from one area to another. An extensive abstract of these documents (with the exception of Documents #4 and #67) can be found in the book Passports of Southeastern Pioneers, 1770-1823, by Dorothy Williams Potter (MDAH Library Call No. 929.374, P866p). A calendar of documents (a listing of each item by number accompanied by a brief abstract) can be found below.

Access Restrictions: Access to original materials is limited due to age and fragility. A microfilm copy is available.

Date(s): 1811-1814.

Volume: 0.25 Cubic Feet.

Finding Aid Created By: Colby Cox in April 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

Affidavits, Applications, Requests, Correspondence00084 (MF #4766)
Calendar of Documents - Territorial Passport Records
Doc. #DateAbstract

1

UndatedPassport affidavit, Lieutenant Colonel Neilson before Jesse Talbert, attesting to Mr. Nail's residence and good behavior as he departs with family and slaves to Tennessee

2

Feb. 6, 1811Passport evidence, David  Legett, issued by Tho. Godbold, et al., Marion District, South Carolina, certifying citizenship and good behavior

3

May 4, 1811Passport affidavit, William McGee before D. Rawlings, Adams County, to take the Negro Jack to Tennessee

4

May 6, 1811Passport evidence, Isaac Jackson and Lawrence (Lawrance) Moore, Anson County, North Carolina, issued by Governor Mitchell, Milledgeville, Georgia, granting permission to travel through the Creek Nation

5

May 7, 1811Passport affidavit, John Durbin, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, asking to take "his Negro fellow Ceasar" home

6

May 7, 1811Passport affidavit, Moses F. Smith, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, stating his plan to take his Negro boy Edmund to Kentucky

7

May 8, 1811Passport affidavit, Jacob Cardwell (Caldwell), Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, stating his intent to take John, the property of Simon Welch and Company, to Kentucky

8

May 8, 1811Passport affidavit, Wilson Maddox before D. Rawlings, asking to take Jim, the property of John Morris of Kentucky, to that state for Morris

9

May 15, 1811Passport affidavit, Darling Hall before ?, asking to bring a Negro woman, being detained by Silas Dinsmoor, from Tennessee into the Territory

10

May 15, [1811]Passport affidavit, Jeremiah Doxey?, Tennessee, before D. Rawlings, swearing that three Negro children are the property of his brother and they wish to take them to Tennessee

11

May 16, 1811Passport application, Humphrey Warren before Davenport Wiseman, Claybour [sic] County, swearing that the Negro man Tony is his property; Note, Humphrey Warren to Governor Holmes, setting forth his need for a passport

12

May 17, 1811Passport application, Josiah Moss?, Kentucky, before ?, asking to take a Negro man back to his legal owner in Kentucky

13

May 18, 1811Passport application, George Mackey before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that he wishes to take the Negro boy Jerry to his owner in Kentucky

14

May 18, 1811Passport application, Zachariah Green, Tennessee, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that the Negro Bill is his property and that he wishes to take him to Tennessee

15

May 20, 1811Passport application, John Judy, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, swearing that a Negro man is the property of his father, Martin Judy, and he wishes to take him to his father

16

May 20, 1811Passport affidavit, Daniel McDaniel, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Aaron is a free Negro of Kentucky and wishes him to accompany him to that state

17

May 20, 1811Passport application, George W. Clark, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that a Negro fellow Spencer is the property of John Lewis who wishes Clark to bring Spencer to him

18

May 22, 1811Passport application, James Miller, Tennessee, before Jno. Wood, Adams County, swearing that the Negro man Abel is his property and that he expects to take him to Tennessee

19

May 27, 1811Passport affidavit, John Harod, Tennessee and Franklin County, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that the Negroes whom he left at the Choctaw Agency are his property and that he wishes to bring them to the Mississippi Territory

20

June 2, 1811Passport application, Hurial Tungate, subscribed by Horatio Mayberry, et al., certifying Tungate's ownership of Ben whom he wishes to take through the Indian nation to Kentucky

21

June 3, 1811Passport application, Valentine (Valentino) Haepser (Haesser or Haessren)?, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that the Negro Harry is his property and that he wishes to take him to Kentucky

22

June 4, 1811Passport affidavit, William Childs, Mercer County, Kentucky, before ?, Adams County, deposing that the Negro man Abram is the property of James Gates of Kentucky and Childs wishes to return him to Gates

23

June 6, 1811Passport affidavit, Richard Hooker before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that John J. Michael, of Tennessee, is the owner of the Negro girls detained at the Choctaw Agency and they wished to bring them to the Mississippi Territory

24

June 6, 1811Passport affidavit, Robert Barnet before B. W. Casey, parish of Orleans, swearing that Daniel was the property of his brother who resides in Kentucky and who desired that Daniel be allowed to pass unmolested through the Indian Nation to Kentucky

25

June 8, 1811Passport affidavit, John Mirriclo?, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, stating that the Negro James is the property of Joseph ?, of Kentucky

26

June 28, 1811Passport affidavit, William Woodruff, Ohio, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Jacob Harrison was a free black man and as to his business

27

July 6, 1811Passport affidavit, John Knight, Rutherford County, Tennessee, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, deposing that Robert, a Negro man, is his property and he intends to take him to Tennessee

28

July 9, 1811Passport affidavit, William Boone, Illinois Territory, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, regarding Boone's ownership of Peter and his taking him to the Illinois Territory, regarding protest over fees

29

July 24, 1811Passport affidavit, Benjamin Harrison, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing as to the Stephens Taylor's ownership of a slave and plans to have him brought to him in Kentucky

30

July 26, 1811Passport affidavit, Francis Moore before D. Rawlings, swearing as to his ownership of David and his desire to take him to his home

31

Aug. 24, 1811Letter, John L. Taylor, Rapid Cy.?, to Governor Holmes, asking for a passport for the slave of Thomas H. Jones

32

Oct. 9, 1811Affidavit, William Dudley, Tennessee, before Joseph Reed, Livingston County, Kentucky, deposing regarding his stolen slave

33

Oct. 24, 1811Passport affidavit, Burwell B. Quimby, Adams County, swearing that Isaac and Anthony are his slaves and he wishes to take them to Tennessee

34

Nov. 3, 1811Letter, Alex Graham, Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky, to Governor Holmes, regarding Anderson Long's Negro boy being detained for lack of a passport; cover sheet

35

Nov. 3, 1811Cover sheet to Letter, Alex Graham to Gov. Holmes (Doc. #34, Series 501)

36

Nov. 4, 1811Passport affidavit, George Cammack before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, swearing that Jacob, a Negro man, was put in his charge by his owner,            ? Stockton, of Kentucky, and that he wishes to send him back to Kentucky in the charge of some other person

37

Nov. 14, 1811Passport application, Hugh Gallagher before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing as to the ownership of Tim and his plans to return him to his owner

38

Nov. 19, 1811Passport affidavit, Henry Hunter before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing concerning his ownership of a slave and desire to take him to Kentucky

39

Dec. 11, 1811Passport affidavit, John W. Hamilton before James Kempe, Adams County, deposing concerning his ownership of two Negroes and his desire to take them to Tennessee

40

Dec. 13, 1811Passport affidavit, Derrell Martin, Georgia, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing as to his and his brother's ownership of slaves, detained in the Choctaw Nation for lack of authority to pass through, and his design to bring them to the Mississippi Territory

41

Dec. 13, 1811Passport affidavit, Derrell Martin before D. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Josiah Martin, of Georgia, is the owner of fifteen Negroes being detained in the Choctaw Nation whom he wishes to bring to the Mississippi Territory

42

Dec. 13, 1811Passport affidavit, Derrell Martin before Dan Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Aaron Martin is the owner of a Negro "fellow," now being detained in the Choctaw Nation, and that he intends to bring him to the Mississippi Territory

43

Dec. 13, 1811Passport affidavit, Derrell Martin before Dan Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Hyram Terral is the owner of three Negroes being detained in the Choctaw Nation

44

Dec. 17, 1811Passport affidavit, John Dudly before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that "a certain Negro woman" is his property and he wishes to take her to Tennessee

45

Dec. 18, 1811Passport affidavit, Nathan Hooker and John James Michael before Dn. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that Joe and Frank are Hooker's property and he wishes to take them to Tennessee

46

Dec. 20, 1811Passport affidavit, Robert Makmson?, Ohio, before Da. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that he knew Michael Mitchell as a free man and that they were on their way to Ohio

47

January 4, 1812Passport affidavit, William Newell before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Offy was the property of Charles B. Nelson, of Nashville, and that the slave was to be sent there in the charge of Mr. Philips

48

March 9, 1812Passport affidavit, William Whitworth before Robt. H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that he wished to take Isaac, the property of Thos. Watson, through to his owner in Tennessee

49

March 23, 1812Passport affidavit, John Barnes and Lazarus Morris before Robert H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that they wished to take two Negroes, their property, to Tennessee

50

April 10, 1812Passport affidavit, Samuel Massey (Massie) before Robt. H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that Littleton is his property and he wishes to take him to Tennessee

51

April 13, 1812Passport affidavit, Joseph Campbell before Robert H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing concerning certain Negroes which he wished to take to Tennessee

52

April 23, 1812Passport affidavit, James Gorsouch before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing concerning Thos. Daley whom he wishes to take to his master in Kentucky

53

April 27, 1812Passport affidavit, Walter Astin before Andw. Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Caesar was the property of John Johnson, of Kentucky, and was now being returned to him by Astin

54

May 7, 1812Certificate to obtain passport, William E. Parker, Clerk of Superior County Court, Jefferson County, certifying that Tom was the property of William Kirkland

55

May 26, 1812Passport affidavit, Thomas Roberts before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that a certain Negro is his property an he wishes to take him to Kentucky

56

May 28, 1812Passport affidavit, Henry Watkins before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that he wishes to take certain Negroes to Tennessee

57

May 30, 1812Passport affidavit, Michael Youce (Yonce) before Robt.  [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that he wishes to take Frank, the property of John Cowan, to him in Kentucky

58

May 31, 1812Letter, R. W. Caldwell to the Governor, asking that he give Hardin Thomas protection for his two Negroes to pass through the Indian County

59

June 3, 1812Passport affidavit, Hugh Glen before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take a certain Negro man to Ohio

60

June 9, 1812Passport affidavit, Robert Hood before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, swearing that he wishes to take Sam, the property of Joseph Burten, to Kentucky

61

June 17, 1812Passport affidavit, David Russell before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Tom, a Negro man, to Tennessee

62

June 21, 1812Passport affidavit, Elijah Hagg and John  (Fentress) Fontress?, Kentucky, before Da. Rawlings, Adams County, swearing that James is the slave of Hagg and they wish to take him to Kentucky

63

June 30, 1812Passport affidavit, George Wade before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Abraham, his property, to Tennessee

64

July 15, 1812Passport affidavit, Sampson Bridgers before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Lusey, his property, to Tennessee

65

[Aug. 5, 1812]Affidavit, Rolly Morgan before ?, Adams County, relative to Mr. Dinsmoor's stopping a Negro

66

Sept. 26, 1812Letter, Robert Witherspoon to Governor Holmes, recommending Robert Bell who was to call upon him for a passport for his Negro man Sandy

67

Oct. 4, 1812Passport, issued by Governor Willie Blount, Nashville, Tennessee, for Mark R. Newell, to pass through the Chickasaw and Choctaw Countries enroute to Natchez with his Negro boy; cover sheet

68

Oct. 20, 1812Passport request, Saml. L. Winston to Governor Holmes, for Major Neal and his Sam to pass through Indian County

69

Nov. 9, 1812Passport affidavit, George Flynn before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing concerning taking Negroes, some his property and others, the property of Samuel Arandell, to Kentucky

70

Nov. 10, 1812Passport affidavit, Henry Temple before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that Tempy is the property of his father Jesse Temple who wishes to take Tempy to Kentucky

71

Nov. 11, 1812Passport affidavit, John Muirheid before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wished to take Betsy, his property, to Tennessee

72

Dec. 6, 1812Passport affidavit, Joseph Maxwell before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Mager, his property, through to Kentucky

73

Dec. 20, 1812Passport affidavit, David Robinson before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to bring a Negro girl, the property of his brother, back from the Choctaw Agency

74

Dec. 31, 1812Passport affidavit, John Duley before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wished to take Tom, his property, through the Kentucky

75

January 20, 1813Passport affidavit, Benjamin Wright before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Frank, his property, through to Tennessee

76

Feb. 4, 1813Passport affidavit, William Todd before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take George, a black man, to Jefferson County, Kentucky

77

Feb. 10, 1813Letter, Isaac Ross, Jefferson, to Governor Holms, requesting a passport for Bill, a Negro boy, to make the trip to and from Tennessee

78

March 3, 1813Passport affidavit, Robert Love before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to "take"? Ishmal, his property

79

March 11, 1813Passport affidavit, John Erwin before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Stephen, his property [somewhere?]

80

April 30, 1813Passport affidavit, Walter Crow before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that John is a free Negro man and will be traveling with him to Kentucky

81

May 5, 1813Passport affidavit, Joseph Price before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposes that he wishes to take two Negroes to Tennessee where their owners live

82

May 7, 1813Passport affidavit, James Burks before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Daniel is his property

83

May 7, 1813Letter, Peter Sibert, Port Gibson, to Governor Holmes, enclosing affidavit for passport (see Doc. #84, Series 501)

84

May 7, 1813Passport affidavit (enclosed with Doc. #83, Series 501), Peter Sibert before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Edkin? is his property

85

May 8, 1813Passport affidavit, Moses David Bates before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that "a certain Negro boy" was his property and he intended sending him to Kentucky in the charge of Charles Worthington

86

May 12, 1813Passport affidavit, Benjamin Orr before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that Samuel Davis is a free man of color and is to travel with him to Ohio

87

June 1, 1813Affidavit, Jacob Hyland before E. Turner, Adams County, deposing regarding John McNeel, a fugitive from justice

88

June 2, 1813Passport affidavit, Richard Saunders, Sumner County, Tennessee, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Will was his property and that the Negro woman in his care was the property of David Trigg, swearing that he intended taking the Negroes to Kentucky

89

June 16, 1813Passport affidavit, James Trahern, Brunswick County, Virginia, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Billy and Alex are his property and that he intends to take them to Virginia

90

Aug. 18, 1813Passport affidavit, James Morrison before Andrew Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that a Negro man is his property: he intends taking him to Kentucky

91

Oct. 13, 1813Passport affidavit, James McQuire, Indiana Territory, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, swearing that Jerry, Nelly, and two children were his property and that he intended taking them through the wilderness to the Indiana Territory

92

April 30, 1814Passport affidavit, Williamson Toole, Madison County, Kentucky, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Canaan Going? is a free man of color and he is accompanying him to Virginia

82

May 7, 1813Passport affidavit, James Burks before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Daniel is his property

83

May 7, 1813Letter, Peter Sibert, Port Gibson, to Governor Holmes, enclosing affidavit for passport (see Doc. #84, Series 501)

84

May 7, 1813Passport affidavit (enclosed with Doc. #83, Series 501), Peter Sibert before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Edkin? is his property

85

May 8, 1813Passport affidavit, Moses David Bates before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that "a certain Negro boy" was his property and he intended sending him to Kentucky in the charge of Charles Worthington

86

May 12, 1813Passport affidavit, Benjamin Orr before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that Samuel Davis is a free man of color and is to travel with him to Ohio

87

June 1, 1813Affidavit, Jacob Hyland before E. Turner, Adams County, deposing regarding John McNeel, a fugitive from justice

88

June 2, 1813Passport affidavit, Richard Saunders, Sumner County, Tennessee, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Will was his property and that the Negro woman in his care was the property of David Trigg, swearing that he intended taking the Negroes to Kentucky

89

June 16, 1813Passport affidavit, James Trahern, Brunswick County, Virginia, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Billy and Alex are his property and that he intends to take them to Virginia

90

Aug. 18, 1813Passport affidavit, James Morrison before Andrew Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that a Negro man is his property: he intends taking him to Kentucky

91

Oct. 13, 1813Passport affidavit, James McQuire, Indiana Territory, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, swearing that Jerry, Nelly, and two children were his property and that he intended taking them through the wilderness to the Indiana Territory

92

April 30, 1814Passport affidavit, Williamson Toole, Madison County, Kentucky, before Andw. [Andrew] Marschalk, Adams County, swearing that Canaan Going? is a free man of color and he is accompanying him to Virginia