Alexander G. McNutt Letters

Collection

Identifier: M67

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains three original, signed letters from Governor Alexander G. McNutt. The first letter is dated June 20, 1838, and is written to J.M. Bullack, Secretary of State, Frankfort, Kentucky legislature. The other two letters are related in nature and are dated August 1 and 7, 1840. They are both addressed to Ralph North, probate clerk for Natchez, Mississippi. The two letters appoint three men as auctioneers for the Natchez District: Jacob Soria, E. Morrison, and John R. Stackman.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within June 20, 1838; August 1 and 7, 1840

Creator

McNutt, Alexander G. (Alexander Gallatin), Governor, 1802-1848 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Noncirculating; available for research.

Conditions Governing Use

This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Biographical / Historical

Alexander Gallatin McNutt was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in 1801 (2). He was educated at old Washington College and in the early 1820's moved to Jackson, Mississippi. With the intention of practicing law, McNutt soon moved to Vicksburg, where he opened a law office and also worked for a retired merchant collecting accounts. He became partners with a planter Joel S. Cameron, who was murdered in 1833 by his slaves. McNutt subsequently married Cameron's widow, Elizabeth Lewis Cameron.

McNutt's political career began in 1835 when he was elected to the state Senate. His greatest cause was reforming the banking system in Mississippi. In 1837 he was elected president of the Senate and as president signed the bill that established the Union Bank. During McNutt's term of office which began in 1838, he continued his reform plans. Unfortunately, the Union Bank failed, causing the collapse of Mississippi banks and leaving the state with a five million dollar debt.

McNutt retired from political life for a few years after his second term as governor ended in 1842 then in 1847 he waged an unsuccessful campaign for United States Senator against his lifelong nemesis, Henry S. Foote. In 1848 McNutt again campaigned state-wide to become a presidential elector. While at Cockrum's Crossroads, in Desoto County, he became ill and died on October 22, 1848.