Series 501: Territorial Passport Records. 1811-1814.
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, Correspondence 00084 (MF #4766)
- Calendar of Documents - Territorial Passport Records
Doc. # Date Abstract 1
Undated Passport 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, 1811 Passport evidence, David Legett, issued by Tho. Godbold, et al., Marion District, South Carolina, certifying citizenship and good behavior 3
May 4, 1811 Passport affidavit, William McGee before D. Rawlings, Adams County, to take the Negro Jack to Tennessee 4
May 6, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport affidavit, John Durbin, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, asking to take "his Negro fellow Ceasar" home 6
May 7, 1811 Passport affidavit, Moses F. Smith, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, stating his plan to take his Negro boy Edmund to Kentucky 7
May 8, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport application, Josiah Moss?, Kentucky, before ?, asking to take a Negro man back to his legal owner in Kentucky 13
May 18, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport affidavit, John Mirriclo?, Kentucky, before D. Rawlings, Adams County, stating that the Negro James is the property of Joseph ?, of Kentucky 26
June 28, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Letter, John L. Taylor, Rapid Cy.?, to Governor Holmes, asking for a passport for the slave of Thomas H. Jones 32
Oct. 9, 1811 Affidavit, William Dudley, Tennessee, before Joseph Reed, Livingston County, Kentucky, deposing regarding his stolen slave 33
Oct. 24, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Letter, 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, 1811 Cover sheet to Letter, Alex Graham to Gov. Holmes (Doc. #34, Series 501) 36
Nov. 4, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1811 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport affidavit, Joseph Campbell before Robert H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing concerning certain Negroes which he wished to take to Tennessee 52
April 23, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Certificate 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport affidavit, Henry Watkins before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, swearing that he wishes to take certain Negroes to Tennessee 57
May 30, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Letter, 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport affidavit, George Wade before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Abraham, his property, to Tennessee 64
July 15, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Letter, 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, 1812 Passport, 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, 1812 Passport request, Saml. L. Winston to Governor Holmes, for Major Neal and his Sam to pass through Indian County 69
Nov. 9, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport affidavit, John Muirheid before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wished to take Betsy, his property, to Tennessee 72
Dec. 6, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1812 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Letter, 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, 1813 Passport affidavit, Robert Love before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to "take"? Ishmal, his property 79
March 11, 1813 Passport affidavit, John Erwin before Robt. [Robert] H. Morrow, Adams County, deposing that he wishes to take Stephen, his property [somewhere?] 80
April 30, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport affidavit, James Burks before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Daniel is his property 83
May 7, 1813 Letter, Peter Sibert, Port Gibson, to Governor Holmes, enclosing affidavit for passport (see Doc. #84, Series 501) 84
May 7, 1813 Passport affidavit (enclosed with Doc. #83, Series 501), Peter Sibert before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Edkin? is his property 85
May 8, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Affidavit, Jacob Hyland before E. Turner, Adams County, deposing regarding John McNeel, a fugitive from justice 88
June 2, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1814 Passport 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, 1813 Passport affidavit, James Burks before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Daniel is his property 83
May 7, 1813 Letter, Peter Sibert, Port Gibson, to Governor Holmes, enclosing affidavit for passport (see Doc. #84, Series 501) 84
May 7, 1813 Passport affidavit (enclosed with Doc. #83, Series 501), Peter Sibert before James Wood, Claiborne County, swearing that Edkin? is his property 85
May 8, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Affidavit, Jacob Hyland before E. Turner, Adams County, deposing regarding John McNeel, a fugitive from justice 88
June 2, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1813 Passport 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, 1814 Passport 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