Yazoo County MsArchives Photo Document.....Lamb, Jonathan Capt. Letter From George W. Terrell April 27, 1840 Page 1 April 27, 1840
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Laura Van Ness lsvanness@gmail.com February 26, 2022, 4:24 pm

Source:             Laura Van Ness Personal Collection
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Letter	
Date: 	April 27, 1840 
From: 	George W. Terrell (1803-1846), San Augustine, Republic of Texas
To: 	Captain Jonathan Lamb , (abt. 1795 – 1848 or 1849), Benton, Mississippi
What we learn: 	Terrell has debts, and he believes his friend Garrett, is trying 
to swindle him, owes him $3,500. G.W. wants Captain Lamb to move to Texas and is 
offering his assistance.

Donated to:	Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Donated by:	From the collection of Laura Conrad White Stettbacher (1936-), 
2nd great-granddaughter of Jonathan Lamb
Transcription, formatted: Laura Byers Stettbacher Van Ness (1961-)
Last updated: 	19 Dec 2021

Envelope front: Capt Jnothn Lamb, Benton, Mississippi

Transcription, Page 1:
				San Augustine Texas
				Apl 27th 1840
	My Dear Lamb,
				I rec’d your letter by Dr. King 
only a few days since_ which is the first I have heard from 
you since I left. Your letter gives me much concern 
for it would be exceedingly disagreeable to me for you to 
be troubled on account of any of my debts_ and it pains 
me me [sic] greatly indeed to learn that an old friend, as Garrett  
is, should manifest a disposition to do his friends so much 
and such a wanton injury. It is always painful to me 
to break with an old friend_ and more so one with 
whom I have lived so long in habits of such intimacy 
and confidence, as I have with Garrett_ and more especially 
a man for whom I have done so much, as I have for him. 
Moreover I have written to Garrett two letters_ in both 
of which I directed him in what manner to pay that Moore 
debt_ and the means were placed within his control 
for that purpose. From all that I have learned lately I am 
compelled to believe that Garrett wishes, and is endeavoring 
to get into his possession every thing belonging to me, and 
hold on to it_ under the plea that he is ___d [bound?] for money 
for me_ this is a pretty plea in the mouth of a man who 
is so notoriously insolvent as to the entirety beyond the 
reach of the law_ and whom I myself sold out as(?) sheriff, 
before I left Mip [Mississippi]_ this is almost beyond endurance.
And I have determined to make every effort, and if I can 
possibly raise fifty dollars to do so upon, to come over 
there, and leave my people to starve here while I am gone. 
Garrett owes me at least $3500_ money in his hands 
and in no danger of suffering on my account_ and for him to assume
this attitude of hostility and things standing as they do, is what I will 
not submit to. The Moore execution [aka debt] is the oldest one in 
existence against me, and that is the one Garrett seemed to 
d__d [dread?] most when I left_ and that I wanted satisfied first of 
all. I understand that Garrett had had some of the negroes 
I left in Leake  sold for some of his executions, and has 
the balance in his clutches for some other debt_ This proves 
to me clearly that Garrett is trying to ruin me. The Moore 
execution is older than any he has, and if he sold 

Transcription, Page 2:

any of them it should have been under that execution, 
for I had written him, that Givin & King (to whom 
I had surrendered them) had agreed to save two of them 
for me_ and instructed him, if necessary to sell them but 
to pay the Moore debt_ after all this_ I think it extre
=mely hard treatment in Garrett_ to seise [sic] upon those 
negroes for any other debt_ and if he does not release 
them_ I will make him account for it – verbum Sat . 
If he is determined to have the negroes sold_ I would be 
very glad you would have your execution levied 
upon them, and sell them all_ and buy them in, for 
they will not bring any thing scarcely[?] under the circumstances. 
	I shall make every effort_ and if I can raise the 
necessary funds, by pledging property, or any other way 
I will be there in two weeks from the time you receive
this, and will have matters straitened some how. 
	If I can get there, I want you to come over 
here with me_ if I cannot, I want you to come 
any how_ and look at this country _ it is equal 
to anything you __ [you’ve?] heard of it. And I can get 
a half league (or league if necessary) of the finest land you 
ever saw_ either here or on the Trinity [River?], as you 
may like_ to settle upon_ where with your ___ 
you can make annually 300 bales of cotton, and 
never have a negro sick, unless by accident.
	I think I can manage it some how, to raise 
fifty dollars_ and if so, will be over very shortly_ if 
however, I cannot do so_ I will write you again.
		Your friend
		as ever
		G. W. Terrell



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