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John Campbell Letter

A description of his letter at Syracuse University


Finding aid created by: LMD
Date: 25 January 2010

Biographical History

John Campbell was a British man, possibly a settler or merchant, who was living in St. Croix at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The John Campbell Letter contains a handwritten letter dated 11 October 1775. The letter is badly damaged with most of the top right corner missing, but a typewritten transcript is included that transcribes some of the ruined portions. According to the transcript, the header of the letter once read "Bafo Ends, Santa Croia, 11th October 1775." Santa Croia is presumably the island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, then under Danish control but home to many British settlers. Campbell also mentions the Caribbean islands of Tobago and Tortola in the letter.

The letter is addressed to "Mamma" and contains news about John Campbell's life and acquaintances in St. Croix. He is concerned that "the American Affairs" may interrupt his correspondence as ports have been closed since 10 September 1775. Campbell mentions that he has been attending many weddings and is also planning for his own, although he is waiting until he is better off financially "as I shall want some furniture and can't afford to give such exorbitant prices as they ask here." He also discusses a bad lightning storm that occurred on the island.

Arrangement of the Collection

Single item.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Subject Headings

Persons

John, Campbell.

Places

United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783.
Virgin Islands of the United States -- History -- 1775-1783.
Virgin Islands of the United States -- Saint Croix -- History.

Genres and Forms

Correspondence.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

John Campbell Letter,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of Audrey Olesh, 1985.

Table of Contents

Correspondence

Inventory