Surveying the Early Republic

The Journal of Andrew Ellicott, U.S. Boundary Commissioner in the Old Southwest, 1796-1800

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Surveying the Early Republic by , LSU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780807163443
Publisher: LSU Press Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: LSU Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780807163443
Publisher: LSU Press
Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: LSU Press
Language: English

In Surveying the Early Republic, Robert D. Bush contextualizes the firsthand account of Andrew Ellicott, the United States Boundary Commissioner appointed by President George Washington in 1796. Ellicott and his Spanish counterparts established the boundary line between the United States and Spanish territory in North America after the United States and Spain signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo, opening the door to navigation of the Mississippi River and the export of American goods from the Spanish-held port of New Orleans. Over the course of this multiyear surveying project (1796–1800), Ellicott found himself entangled in the politics of these frontier lands, including an insurrection by inhabitants who favored the United States against the existing Spanish regime. He also reported to his superiors on various rumors, plots, and political intrigues as well as on the secret activities of individuals in the pay of Spain, including U.S. Army General James Wilkinson.

Regrettably, the widespread acclaim that followed the publication of Ellicott’s journal in 1803, a year prior to the commencement of Lewis and Clark’s expedition, faded over time. In this first edited and annotated version of that journal, Bush illuminates the commissioner’s day-to-day narrative of events in what later became the Mississippi Territory and thus deepens our understanding of early American expansionism. In addition, Ellicott’s accounts of personalities, plots, counter-plots, and Indian affairs depict with unparalleled clarity the tumultuous diplomatic experiences faced by President John Adams’s administration as it pushed the bounds of America’s frontier. Bush’s deft treatment of this valuable primary source provides a critical contribution to the study of the history of early America.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Surveying the Early Republic, Robert D. Bush contextualizes the firsthand account of Andrew Ellicott, the United States Boundary Commissioner appointed by President George Washington in 1796. Ellicott and his Spanish counterparts established the boundary line between the United States and Spanish territory in North America after the United States and Spain signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo, opening the door to navigation of the Mississippi River and the export of American goods from the Spanish-held port of New Orleans. Over the course of this multiyear surveying project (1796–1800), Ellicott found himself entangled in the politics of these frontier lands, including an insurrection by inhabitants who favored the United States against the existing Spanish regime. He also reported to his superiors on various rumors, plots, and political intrigues as well as on the secret activities of individuals in the pay of Spain, including U.S. Army General James Wilkinson.

Regrettably, the widespread acclaim that followed the publication of Ellicott’s journal in 1803, a year prior to the commencement of Lewis and Clark’s expedition, faded over time. In this first edited and annotated version of that journal, Bush illuminates the commissioner’s day-to-day narrative of events in what later became the Mississippi Territory and thus deepens our understanding of early American expansionism. In addition, Ellicott’s accounts of personalities, plots, counter-plots, and Indian affairs depict with unparalleled clarity the tumultuous diplomatic experiences faced by President John Adams’s administration as it pushed the bounds of America’s frontier. Bush’s deft treatment of this valuable primary source provides a critical contribution to the study of the history of early America.

More books from LSU Press

Cover of the book George Mason by
Cover of the book The Butlers of Iberville Parish, Louisiana by
Cover of the book The Liberty Party, 1840-1848 by
Cover of the book Music Theater and Popular Nationalism in Spain, 1880-1930 by
Cover of the book Atomic Testing in Mississippi by
Cover of the book Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, 1861–1865 by
Cover of the book Lottie Moon by
Cover of the book Billy Cannon by
Cover of the book Abbott Awaits by
Cover of the book Old Hickory's Nephew by
Cover of the book Chickasaw, a Mississippi Scout for the Union by
Cover of the book The Keeper's Voice by
Cover of the book Dangerous Hoops by
Cover of the book Tomorrow is Another Day by
Cover of the book Mary Boykin Chesnut by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy