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Sir Alexander Cuming papers

 Collection
Identifier: VAULT-Ayer-MS-204

Scope and Contents

Commonplace books, memorials, note, and military appointment of Sir Alexander Cuming, 1734-1767, mainly concerning Cuming's attempts during 1755 to extricate himself from debtors' prison and his past services to the crown. In addition to the many draft letters and memorials noting Cuming's efforts to bring the Cherokees under British sovereignty, signs of royal favor, etc., there are numerous versions of insolvency claim statements listing properties in South Carolina and the Cherokee region, and variously dated essays and notes on such diverse topics as the conversion of pagans and Jews, visions, national banks, and sums of infinite mathematical series. Correspondents include Stephen Theodore Janssen (Lord Mayor of London), the Lords of the Regency, the Earl of Harrington, William Morehead, and George Lewis Scott. The 1734 military appointment, possibly signed by the first Duke of Newcastle, designates Cumings a captain in an independent company of foot in Jamaica.

Dates

  • Creation: 1734-1767

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Second baronet of Culter, eccentric Scottish promoter and visionary, Royal Society member, and self-proclaimed king of the Cherokees. Born in Scotland around 1690 and briefly a member of the Scottish bar (1714-1718), Sir Alexander Cuming is best known for his unofficial mission (1729-1730) to the Cherokees, which resulted in his crowning as king and return to England accompanied by seven Cherokee chiefs. Cuming then spent several years hoping to be confirmed as overlord of the Cherokees, advocating various banking and settlement plans, and experimenting with alchemy. Following a lengthy imprisonment for debt and ten years as a poor brother of the Charterhouse, Cuming died in 1775.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (7 items in 1 box and 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Commonplace books, memorials, note, and military appointment of Sir Alexander Cuming, 1734-1767, mainly concerning Cuming's attempts during 1755 to extricate himself from debtors' prison and his past services to the crown. In addition to the many draft letters and memorials noting Cuming's efforts to bring the Cherokees under British sovereignty, signs of royal favor, etc., there are numerous versions of insolvency claim statements listing properties in South Carolina and the Cherokee region, and variously dated essays and notes on such diverse topics as the conversion of pagans and Jews, visions, national banks, and sums of infinite mathematical series. Correspondents include Stephen Theodore Janssen (Lord Mayor of London), the Lords of the Regency, the Earl of Harrington, William Morehead, and George Lewis Scott. The 1734 military appointment, possibly signed by the first Duke of Newcastle, designates Cumings a captain in an independent company of foot in Jamaica.

Ownership and Custodial History

Forms part of the Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection (Newberry Library).

Bibliographic References

Butler, R.L. Check list of the mss. in the Ayer Coll., 204.

Processing Information Note

Commonplace books, 1739-1765 and 1755 (17 p.) formerly known as Ayer MS 204a. Memorials and note formerly known as Ayer MS 204.2. Military appointment, printed form filled in, on vellum, with revenue stamps and evidence of seal formerly known as Ayer MS 204.1. Commonplace book, 1755 (59 p.), has cover-title: Georgia and the Cherokees (Sir A. Cumming [sic.]).

Status
Catalog Record Only
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the The Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
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