Joseph D. Shields papers, 1802-1960 (bulk 1843-1897).

ArchivalResource

Shields, Joseph D. (Joseph Dunbar), 1820-1886. Joseph D. Shields papers, 1802-1960 (bulk 1843-1897).

Joseph D. Shields papers, 1802-1960 (bulk 1843-1897).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/244299952

The papers consist of personal, political, financial and plantation management correspondence and papers; original historical, literary, legal, and political manuscripts; and printed items of three generations of the Shields family. The collection reflects political sentiment and social and economic conditions in Natchez. Early correspondence of William Bayard Shields reflects Mississippi politics during its territorial period. Subsequent correspondence consists primarily of personal letters between Joseph D. Shields, his wife, and children. Letters written and received by Shields while attending the University of Virginia describe his studies, the faculty, and courtship of and engagement to Conway. Letters between Shields and Conway relate social activities, news of family and friends, and their feelings for each other. Letters Elizabeth received from relatives in Virginia and Kentucky detail social life, church-related activities, and family news. The Civil War letters of Joseph D. Shields, Jr., record his service and conditions in the Confederate Army in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. Other letters of the same period detail Joseph Shields, Sr.'s activities as a state legislator in Jackson, Miss. Post-bellum letters consist of correspondence with the overseer of Pecano Plantation regarding crops, laborers, and supplies, and with publishers and sources for Shields's LIFE AND TIMES OF SEARGENT SMITH PRENTISS. Other letters relate family news and economic, social, and Episcopal church activities in Natchez. A letterbook contains correspondence with a New Orleans commission firm, reflecting Shields's efforts to save Pecano financially. The letters of Mary Shields Dunbar discuss her family and life at Wakefield. Those of Elizabeth Dunbar Murray include congratulations for the success of her theatrical productions. Financial papers include receipts and accounts, documents relating to the sale of cotton and purchase of slaves, contracts with freedmen at Pecano and with lessees at Wakefield, and claims for capture of cotton from Wakefield. Shields's political, legal, and literary and historical writings, and speeches are present. Literary writings include poems, short stories, and manuscripts for publication. Manuscripts and scripts for historical productions by Elizabeth D. Murray are also found. Genealogical materials consist of biographical sketches of William Bayard Shields and Joseph D. Shields, Sr., and transcriptions of records and letters relating to Gen. John Willis. Printed items include newspaper clippings regarding Natchez history and homes, and family deaths and accomplishments; Confederate currency; periodicals; speeches; military orders; programs;invitations; and diplomas. Miscellaneous materials include a list of slaves furnished by Natchez area planters to work on Vicksburg fortifications, notice of impressment of cotton, vestry minutes, orders, and Shields's oath of allegiance. Photographic materials consist of photographs of an oil painting portraits of Joseph D. Shields, Sr., unidentified family members, and Natchez historical pageants. Manuscript volumes include a ledger for Wakefield plantation; a daily packet book recording subscribers; a law notebook, which includes a list of slaves owned by Shields in 1850; and a scrapbook of Shields's writings published in newspapers.

7.5 linear ft.

Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries