Newberry Library - Sir Alexander Cuming papers, 1734-1767

Sir Alexander Cuming papers, 1734-1767

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Title Sir Alexander Cuming papers, 1734-1767

Creator Cuming, Alexander, Sir, 1690?-1755

Date 1734-1767

Subjects Cherokee Indians, Debt, Imprisonment for, Great Britain, Indians of North America, Indigenous peoples

Description formerly known as Ayer MS 204a.
formerly known as Ayer MS 204.2.
printed form filled in, on vellum, with revenue stamps and evidence of seal, formerly known as Ayer MS 204.1.
has cover-title: Georgia and the Cherokees (Sir A. Cumming [sic.]).

Summary 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.

Biographical/Historical Note 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)

Format Appointments, Commonplace books, Correspondence

Archival Collection Title Edward E. Ayer Collection, Edward E. Ayer Manuscript Collection

Citation Please refer to the catalog record or finding aid for citations. Though it is not required when repurposing Newberry content, please use the credit "From the Newberry Library," and provide a link back to the item in our digital collections website. This helps us track how our collections are used, and provides justification for adding more digitized content in the future

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number VAULT Ayer MS 204

BibID 129657

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Manifest

Unique Identifier NL11ORHW

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