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Joseph E. Davis Collection (MUM00101)


MUM00101


Summary Information

Repository
University of Mississippi Libraries
Title
Joseph E. Davis Collection
Date
1865-1869
Extent
1.5 Linear feet (3 boxes)
Abstract
Collection consists of correspondence and various legal documents pertaining to the life of Joseph E. Davis, created from
1865-1869.

Preferred Citation

Joseph E. Davis Collection (MUM00101). The Department of Archives and Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The University
of Mississippi.

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Historical Note

This collection was given to the University of Mississippi Department of Special Collections after many years being stored
in a bank safe in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The owners were uncertain as to the exact date of its deposit and believed that
Joseph E. Davis or his heirs were the ones to request its safe-keeping. It was through W.R. Ferris, Jr. that the collection
was received by the University. There are few records prior to the Civil War. There is a detailed listing of those items pertaining
to the effects of the war on the fortunes of Mr. Davis, his relations with the Freedmen’s Bureau, as well as Davis’ correspondence
with Benjamin Montgomery, formerly a slave of Davis’ and his overseer and Montgomery’s and the other tenants’ struggles with
the Freedmen’s Bureau. In addition, there is a note about the items concerning attempts of Drs. McKay and to collect fees
for attending tenants on the Davis’ plantations. The financial records and correspondence with attorneys on land and tax matters
have been sorted chronologically and listed by folder only.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

University of Mississippi Libraries

Access Restrictions

This collection is open.

Use Restriction

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions
of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a
photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used
for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy
or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use”, that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

Processing Information

Processed by University of Mississippi Department Special Collections Staff. EAD encoded finding aid begun September 2005.
Revised by Susan Ivey in 2014.

Alternative Formats

A portion of this collection has been digitized to be included in the
Civil War Archive (University of Mississippi).

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Controlled Access Headings

Personal Name(s)

  • Davis, Joseph E.

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Collection Inventory

Box 1: Benjamin Montgomery, Freedmen’s Bureau, 1865-1870 

Scope and Content

This box contains material pertaining to Benjamin Montgomery, formerly slave and overseer of Hurricane and Briarfield, Joseph
E. Davis’ plantations, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The majority of the letters describe Montgomery’s efforts to keep land
and people together and working as near normally as possible. His letters to Davis detail his attempts to work with the occupying
forces and later with the Reconstruction government. In addition, he describes the physical condition of the lands and the
crops and weather. Also included in this box are the records concerning the problems encountered by both Davis and Montgomery
in dealing with the Freedmen’s Bureau.

The organization of the collection into folders remains as the material was delivered. Each folder has been arranged chronologically.

Folder 1: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1865 1865 

 1 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Crossed note on verso, undated 15 January 1865 

 2 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. “Master J.E. Davis” mentions money enclosure and that all farming implements had been confiscated. 14 October 1865 

 3 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 30 October 1865 

 4 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 10 November 1865 

 5 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Montgomery is very concerned about Davis’ agitation in the matters of the plantations. 18 November 1865 

 6 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 25 November 1865 

Folder 2: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1866 1866 

 1 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. “Dear Master”. 8 January 1866 

 2 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. “Kind Master”. Discusses attempts by Freemen’s Bureau to “drive him off”. 22 January 1866 

 3 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. “Dear Master.” 5 February 1866 

 4 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. “Dear Master.” Regarding planting and illness. 19 February 1866 

 5 B. Montgomery to J. W. Nicholson. 22 May 1866 

 6 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 4 June 1866 

 7 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 11 June 1866 

 8 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Dated Envelope. 27 June 1866 

 9 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 2 July 1866 

 10 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 23 July 1866 

 11 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Unfranked envelope. Note discussing deceitful merchants. 6 August 1866 

 12 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 9 August 1866 

 13 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 16 August 1866 

 14 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 27 August 1866 

 15 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 3 September 1866 

 16 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 6 September 1866 

 17 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 10 September 1866 

 18 J.E. Davis to attorneys August and Yerger. 24 September 1866 

 19 August and Yerger to J.E. Davis. 25 July 1866 

 20 August and Yerger to J.E. Davis. 27 April 1866 

 21 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Discussing people and land rent/”cotton hunters”. 3 October 1866 

 22 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Envelope and letter discussing difficulties and monies. First discussion of purchasing Brierfield. 7 October 1866 

 23 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Writes of rent collectors. 10 October 1866 

 24 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 15 October 1866 

 25 B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis. 19 October 1866 

 26 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Envelope and letter. 3 December 1866 

 27 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 5 December 1866 

 28 Single envelope. No date. 

Folder 3: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1867 1867 

 1 B. Montgomery to J.E.Davis. 24 January 1867 

 2 Henderson Newton to J.E. Davis. “Dear Master”. 24 January 1867 

 3 Montgomery and Son to Mr. Jos. D. Nicholson. January 1867 

 4 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 31 January 1867 

 5 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 11 February 1867 

 6 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 16 February 1867 

 7 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 1 March 1867 

 8 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 28 February 1867 

 9 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Letter dated 21 March 1867 with envelope dated 23 March 1867. 21 March 1867 

 10 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 28 March 1867 

 11 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, regarding the relationship between Davis and Montgomery. 15 April 1867 

 12 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 18 April 1867 

 13 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 22 April 1867 

 14 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 6 May 1867 

 15 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 9 May 1867 

 16 W. Watt to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 19 May 1867 

 17 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 3 June 1867 

 18 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 10 June 1867 

 19 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Taxes and the attempts by “others” to induce hands to work elsewhere. 13 June 1867 

 20 B. Montgomery to General Ord, HQ, Vicksburg. 25 June 1867 

 21 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Regarding agricultural difficulties and taxes. 4 July 1867 

 22 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 8 July 1867 

 23 J.D. Nicholson to Dr. McKay. Disput regarding medical services rendered to slaves formerly owned by Nicholson. Noted on verso
as copy. 18 July 1867 

 24 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 23 July. 18 July 1867 

 25 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Regarding equipment and government agents. 1 August 1867 

 26 J.E. Davis to Messrs, Gunnison, Chapman and Co., Greenville, Mississippi. Includes undated envelope. 5 August 1867 

 27 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 8 August 1867 

 28 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 9 September 1867 

 29 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 23 September. 16 September 1867 

 30 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 

 31 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 27 September. 30 September 1867 

 32 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 14 October 1867 

 33 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 14 November 1867 

 34 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 11 December 1867 

 35 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes undated envelope. 19 December 1867 

 36 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope (date illegible). 

 37 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Envelope only, dated 1 (2?) April. 

Folder 4: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1868 

 1 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, regarding economic woes. 6 January 1868 

 2 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 23 January 1868 

 3 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 12 February. 11 February 1868 

 4 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, regarding inability to meet taxes. 23 March 1868 

 5 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 13 April 1868 

 6 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope, dated 1 May. 30 April 1868 

 7 J.R. Hicks and R.O. Leary to J.E. Davis. Includes enclosure regarding medical supplies and services from Dr. E.G. Banks for
part of the year 1863. 9 May 1868 

 8 “To Kind Sir”. 11 May 1868. 

 9 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 18 May. 18 May 1868 

 10 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Regarding taxes. Mentions enclosed telegram, which is not found. 25 May 1868 

 11 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 4 June 1868 

 12 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Sending cash by son, Isaiah, writes of Davis lands sold for taxes. 8 June 1868 

 13 Simon Gailor to J.E. Davis. Almost certainly by another hand. Former slave of Davis, seeking loan of a mule. 11 June 1868. 

 14 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 15 June 1868 

 15 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 23 July 1868 

 16 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 29 June 1868 

 17 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 1 August 1868. 30 July 1868 

 18 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 6 August 1868 

 19 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 13 September 1868 

 20 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, regarding disastrous crop failure due to “worms”. 24 September 1868 

 21 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 15 October 1868 

 22 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 22 October 1868 

 23 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 26 October 1868 

 24 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Partially legible. 2 November 1868 

 25 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 9 November 1868 

 26 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 25 November 1868 

 27 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 30 November 1868 

 28 George Green to J.E. Davis. By Isaiah. 2 December 1868 

 29 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 17 December 1868 

 30 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 21 December 1868 

 31 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 23 December 1868 

 32 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 31 December 1868 

Folder 5: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1869 

 1 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 4 January 1869 

 2 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 25 January 1869 

 3 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 25 January 1869 

 4 B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 4 February 1869 

 5 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 15 February 1869 

 6 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 18 February 1869 

 7 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 4 March 1869 

 8 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 15 March 1869 

 9 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 22 March 1869 

 10 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 5 April 1869 

 11 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis, requesting advice from Davis regarding an incident involving former slaves in legal trouble. 26 April 1869 

 12 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 9 August 1869 

 13 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope dated 10 September. 9 September 1869 

 14 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 4 November 1869 

 15 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Includes envelope. 29 November 1869 

 16 From Hurricane, Mississippi to J.E. Davis. Envelope only. Although there is not a year date on them, they were originally
arranged with the items dated 1869 and will remain stored in their proximity. 

 17 From Hurricane, Mississippi to J.E. Davis. Envelope only. Although there is not a year date on them, they were originally
arranged with the items dated 1869 and will remain stored in their proximity. 

 18 From Hurricane, Mississippi to J.E. Davis. Envelope only. Although there is not a year date on them, they were originally
arranged with the items dated 1869 and will remain stored in their proximity. 

Folder 6: Benjamin Montgomery Letters, 1870 

 1 B. Montgomery and Sons to J.E. Davis. Envelope only, handfranked 27 January. 27 January 1870 

 2 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 3 February 1870 

 3 B. Montgomery to J. E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 10 February 1870 

 4 B. Montgomery to J. E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 17 February 1870 

 5 B. Montgomery to J. E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 21 February 1870 

 6 B. Montgomery to J. E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 27 March 1870 

 7 B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 31 March 1870 

 8 B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 7 April 1870 

 9 B. Montomgery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope (dated 30 May). 29 May 1870 

 10 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. 5 June 1870 

 11 B. Montgomery to J.E. Davis. Letter and envelope. 13 June 1870 

 12 Montgomery & Sons to J.E. Davis. Envelope only, handfranked 16 June. 16 June 1870 

Folder 7: Invoices 

 1 Accounting Sheet, dated 1861 – 1867. 

 2 Bill of Sale, Hurricane Plantation. 15 November 1866 

 3 List of leaseholders and rents due for the Davis Bend Plantation. 1866 

Folder 8: Freedmen’s Bureau 

 1 Fragment. Handwritten message, “Important Government Documents”. Undated. 

 2 Depot Quartermaster’s Office to Joseph E. Davis, Esq. Envelope only. 

 3 Col. [illegible] to Col. Samuel Thomas, Assistant Comm., Freedmen’s Bureau, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Undated. 

 4 Complaint of J.E. Davis regarding the occupation of his plantations and the expulsion of the negroes inhabiting them. May
be a fragment, possibly notes for a formal complaint, as there are insertions and corrections. Undated. 

 5 Appears to be another draft of J. E. Davis’ Complaint. Undated. 

 6 Folded sheet. “Questions to be asked of Beuford (sp?) and Captain Norton. Undated. 

 7 Statement signed by Benjamin Montgomery in support of the complaint of J. E. Davis. 1865 

 8 Folded sheet. Detailed list of claims of J. E. Davis against the Bureau. Undated. 

 9 Complaint of J. E. Davis vs Col. Sam Thomas, Assistant Commissioner and the Freedmen’s Bureau for Mississippi. 

 10 Fragment. A request for an accounting of the leases – see Folder 7 for the listing. Undated. 

 11 Fragment, undated. 

 12 “Notes of the testimony….” before the board of inquiry regarding the claims of J. E. Davis. Appears to have been previously
sewn into a binding. Pages numbered 12, but only 11 pages of text. Undated. 

 13 List of witnesses to the Board Hearing. 

 14 “Notes on the Testimony”. Appears to be more detailed and has many corrections. Undated. 

 15 Fragment. Illegible for the most part but appears to be connected with the Davis complaint. 

 16 Letter of protest. J. D. Davis to the Board of Officers of the Freedmen’s Bureau of the State of Mississippi, regarding proceedings
of the hearings to discuss J. E. Davis’ petition. Undated. 

Folder 9: Freedmen’s Bureau 

 1 Petition for return of lands, Elias West to Major General Dana. Marked as received l5 April 1865. Annotation by Stuart Eldridge,
Provost Marshall, Freedmen [N.V.] and an official reply by John Ealand, Superintendant, Memphis, Tennessee, 28 April 1865. 

 2 Appears to be a draft petition by the “colored lessees of Hurricain (sic) Plantation Davis Bend Miss”. Signatures (all by
same hand) W.T.Montgomery, J.H. Gla, B.T.Montgomery, Thomas Bland and Thomas Broadwater. July 1865 

 3 Appears to be a later draft or a copy of the final petition. Addressed to Colonel Samuel Thomas and the committee listed in
one hand. 15 July 1865 

 4 First page declares this a copy. Handwritten replica of previous letter in this folder. 15 July 1865 

 5 “Second Petition”. Pencil notation declares it a copy. 31 July 1865 

 6 Office of the Assist. Comm. [Bureau] Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned lands, Mississippi. Reply to the petition, denying their
petition. Labeled as a copy. 3 August 1865 

 7 Office of the Assist. Comm. [Bureau] Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned lands, Mississippi. First page declares this a copy.
Photocopied replica of previous letter in this folder. 3 August 1865 

 8 Reply to Col. S. Thomas. Includes specific complaints about equipment damage, as well as a list of the planters by name. Labeled
on the back, “The Colored Planter’s reply to Col Saml Thomas’ communication of 3rd August”. August 1865 

 9 Petition to Col. Samuel Thomas for the use of a gin. 3 September 1865 

 19 Complaint to Col. Thomas from J. E. Davis, regarding the abuse of persons and machinery on the plantations. Many corrections
and deletions/additions – appears to be a draft. 21 October 1865 

 11 Complaint to Col Thomas from J. E. Davis. First page declares this a copy. Photocopied replica of previous letter in this
folder. 

Folder 10: Freedmen’s Bureau 

 1 Report of John F. Donaly, “Respecting the Machinery and Gin House on the Hurricane Plantation”. 17 October 1865 

 2 First page declares this a copy. Photocopied replica of previous letter in this folder. 17 October 1865 

 3 J.E. Davis to President Andrew Johnson, expressing appreciation for the return of his lands and castigating the Freedmen’s
Bureau. 30 October 1865 

 4 J.E. Davis to A. Burwel (sic) Esq. This is J. E. Davis’ acknowledgement and response. 16 November 1865 

 5 To Major General O.O. Howard, Comm. of Freedmen’s Bureau from [J. E. Davis]. Complaining that the “negroes left on the Hurricane
and Briarfield Plantations” were evicted by the Freedmen’s Bureau, with dire results. 27 October 1865 

 6 First page declares this a copy. Handwritten replica of previous letter in this folder. 16 November 1865 

 7 Notification of depostions preparatory of the case of the Freedmen versus the Freedmen’s Bureau. Labeled as copy – possibly
signed by Joseph E. Davis. 17 November 1865 

 8 J. E. Davis request for an interview with General Thomas. 18 November 1865 

 9 J.E. Davis to Chaplain James A. Hawley. Notification of intent to take depositions. 19 November 1865 

 10 Joseph E. Davis to Senator M. Wilson of Massachusetts, requesting an investigation of the Freedmen’s Bureau and citing continued
abuse of the Freedmen. Possibly a draft, many corrections and deletions/insertions. 24 December 1865 

Folder 11: Folder 11: Joseph E. Davis Esq., Transcripts. 

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Box 2 

Folder 1: Efforts to Recover Lands 

 1 Labeled “Hurricane 1866 White Occupants of Houses”. Undated. 

 2 J. E. Davis to Andrew Johnson, President. Perhaps an early draft of a letter to Johnson requesting a restoration of his lands
and citizenship. Undated. 

 3 J. E. Davis to an unknown person, regarding the transgressions of the Freedmen’s Bureau. 

 4 J.E. Davis to His Excellency the President of the United States. A draft of Davis’ petitionary letter, with insertions/deletions
and corrections. 28 February 1866 

 5 J. E. Davis to His Excellency. Mentions previous letters of petition, probably a draft of Box 2, Folder 1, Item 6. March 1866 

 6 J. E. Davis to an unknown person with an enclosure of a letter to President Johnson. Davis requests that the addressee submit
his appeal, as “it may be proper to first state to you, that from age and infirmity I took no part in the war, neither bore
arms, nor was a member of the legislature, nor convention, nor attended any public meetings and did contributed (sic) nothing,
subscribed nothing, nor made invested any in investment in the Confederate Securities Bond.” 

 7 J. E. Davis to Major General O.O. Howard. A reply to Howard’s offer to replace Col. Thomas. 11 March 1866 

 8 J. E. Davis to Major General O.O. Howard. Possibly a second draft of Box 2, Folder 1, Item 7. 

 9 C. E. Hooker to J.E. Davis, inquiring about the restoration of his property and recommends that Davis appeal to Judge Sharkey
to plead with President Johnson. Includes envelope. 26 March 1866 

 10 Labeled “copy of petition and endorsements” for restoration of rights and properties and oath of allegiance. Attested by Judge
D.V. Mervin; Benjamin G. Humphreys, Governor of Mississippi; A. B. Johnston; W. Yerger. 21 April 1866 

 11 M. B. Black to [J.E. Davis]. 26 June 1866 

 12 J.E. Davis to President Andrew Johnson. A further reaction to the government’s response to his petitions. In particular, he
protests the determination that the property had been abandoned. Unfinished, perhaps a draft rather than a copy. Faint previous
date of 12 June. 4 July 1866 

 13 J.E. Davis to President Johnson. 2 August 1866 

 14 A note attesting continual ownership by Davis of the Briarfield and Hurricane Plantations. September 1866 

 15 J.E. Davis to Major General Thomas J. Wood (Commander of the Department of Mississippi and Ex Officio Assistant Commandant
of Freedmen’s Bureau), informing General Wood of Davis’ pardon and the restoration of his property by President Johnson. Possibly
a draft – insertions/deletions. 8 September 1866 

 16 J.E. Davis to Major General T.J. Wood. As Box 2, Folder 1, Item 16. 8 September 1866 

 17 J.E. Davis to Major General T.J. Wood. 8 September 1866 

 18 A.M. Preston. Setting out the conditions required prior to the restoration of Davis’ property. 11 September 1866 

 19 J.E. Davis to President Johnson, labeled “Letter to Mr. Johnston,” not sent. 15 September 1866 

 20 Document. J.E. Davis to Postmaster General. Certification of residency at Davis Bend – unsigned. Handwritten on the envelope.
The envelope is canceled 31 December. 13 November 1866 

Folder 2: Miscellaneous correspondence 

Scope and Content

This folder contains thirty-five pieces of correspondence, majorally concerning financial matters of J.E. Davis. Originally
this material was prefaced by an undated fragment on the reverse of which was written “friendly letters.” The material is
arranged chronologically. Several items deserve individual comment.

 1 J.E. Davis to […] Davis, responding to previous correspondence and gives a short biography of Jefferson Davis. He asks that
he not be mentioned publicly. 30 June 1866 

 2 […] to J.E. Davis. “My Dear old Master” petitionary letter from a former slave, possibly farming on “shares” with Davis
at this time. 19 May 1867 

 3 J.H. Maury to J.E. Davis. regarding land sold for taxes. 

 4 W.A. Broadwell to J.E. Davis. Regarding General Preston’s request for information regarding Jefferson Davis. Written on the
back of a fragment of a letter signed by W.H. Dawson. 21 December 1868 

 5 J.E. Davis to General Wm Preston, Lexington, Kentucky. Preston had requested Jefferson Davis’ address. Includes envelope. 2 January 1869 

 6 J.H. Maury to J.E. Davis, regarding squatters on land Davis owned near Grand Gulf, Mississippi. 25 January 1869 

Folder 3: J. V. Payne, Huntington Company, and J.E. Davis correspondence. 1867-1870 

General Note

Payne and Huntington Company were New Orleans cotton factors with whom Davis had business for several years.

Folder 4: McKay, Banks, Dixon, Rucks, Winn 

Scope and Content

This folder contained items relating to various lawsuits involving J.E. Davis. 20 pieces.

Folder 4B: correspondence regarding the claims of Dr. A.L. McKay for medical care rendered on the Davis Bend plantations during
the year 1863. 

Folder 4C: correspondence regarding the claims of W.E. Banks, for services rendered. J.E. Davis as overseer for the year 1862. 

Folder 4D: correspondence regarding the claims of J.E. Davis against the estate of Mrs. Lettitia Dixon for money loaned. 

Folder 4E: correspondence regarding the claims of Minor J. Winn. Winn held a promissory note from Davis in the amount of $2200.00.
Davis tried to pay him, in front of witnesses, the full amount in Confederate money and Winn refused it. He wanted to collect
in United States currency. 

Folder 5: Bank Books Receipts Memoranda Checks 1866-1870 

Folder 5A: Checks in a bundle tied with twine. 

Folder 5B: Envelope, labeled “Receipts Some important accounts and recipts examined May 1870.” Includes several pieces of
correspondence. 

 1 Undated fragment discussing postwar conditions in Mississippi. 

 2 J.E. Davis to the Commissioner of United States District Tax. 27 June 1866 

 3 John Jackson of Athens, Alabama to J.E. Davis, regarding the debts of Joseph Nicholson (who incurred them claiming relationship
to the Davis’s). 10 December 1866 

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Box 3: Land Disputes 

Scope and Content

This box contains correspondence and attendant materials regarding various land disputes of J.E. Davis.

Folder 1: Arkansas Lands, Joseph and Jefferson Davis. 

General note

Before the war, Joseph E. Davis and Jefferson Davis purchased a great deal of land in Arkansas, which Joesph struggled to
save after the war ended.

Folder 1A: Land patent. 1857 

Folder 2: Catchings Case. 

General note

When dispossessed from Hurricane and Brierfield, Joseph W. Davis acquired a tract near Bolton, Hinds County, Mississippi and
another nearby for Jefferson Davis. Protracted litigation arose over payment to Dr. Cathings, seller, who claimed satisfaction
in United States money, while Davis’ payment had been made in Confederate money.

Folder 2A: Court Papers in Catching’s Case 

Folder 2B: correspondence in Catching’s Case 

 a Colonel C.E. Hooker 

 2 William Yerger 

 3 E.L. Miles, U.M. Young Letters (Simrall) 

 4 Catchings Letters 

Folder 2C: Jefferson Davis – Hinds County Prop E.P. Smith 

Folder 3: Van Bentheson – DeHaven correspondence 

Folder 3A: DeHaven 

General Note

During the war Joseph E. Davis obtained certain advances. Disagreement arose as to payment and satisfaction. 13 pieces.

Folder 3B: Van Bentheson correspondence 

General note

Joseph E. Davis married Eliza Van Bentheson of New Orleans and frequently aided her family. A loan was made to William Van
Bentheson, probably her brother. ll pieces.

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