George H. Proffit collection
Collection — Folder: S1087
Identifier: S1087
Scope and Contents
This collection contains a photostat as well as a xeroxed copy of handwritten daily journal entries by George H. Proffit, from August 20 until October 27, 1837. These entries document the removal of the Potawatomi Indians from a camp on Crooked Creek on August 20 until the last entry made in Harmony, Missouri on October 27. Mr. Proffit calls his entries "Journal of Emigration." He gives number of miles traveled, rations issued, and facts about the trip.
On September 22, he wrote: "Andrew Jackson this day joined the party." September 23, Mr. Proffit noted: "Being apprehensive of further difficulty with Jackson and considering his life in danger, sent him to Mr. Davis, the Agent for the Pottawattomis."
The final entry states: "I have the honor to inform you, that the emigrating party under my charge arrived at their destination on the 23rd and were received by the Agent Mr. Davis. I much regret that the movements of the party have been less speedy than was anticipated. The almost continued rains caused the river and creeks of the country through which we travelled for a long time impassable. We were obliged to encamp on the bank of Grand River nine days, there being neither a bridge or ferry across that stream."
On September 22, he wrote: "Andrew Jackson this day joined the party." September 23, Mr. Proffit noted: "Being apprehensive of further difficulty with Jackson and considering his life in danger, sent him to Mr. Davis, the Agent for the Pottawattomis."
The final entry states: "I have the honor to inform you, that the emigrating party under my charge arrived at their destination on the 23rd and were received by the Agent Mr. Davis. I much regret that the movements of the party have been less speedy than was anticipated. The almost continued rains caused the river and creeks of the country through which we travelled for a long time impassable. We were obliged to encamp on the bank of Grand River nine days, there being neither a bridge or ferry across that stream."
Dates
- 1837
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Legal title, copyright, and literary rights reside with Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN. All requests to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Rare Books and Manuscripts.
Biographical Note
George H. Proffit was born on September 4, 1807, in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1828, he moved to Petersburg, Indiana, where he sold merchandise both there and in Portersville. After studying law, George was admitted to the Bar and practiced in Petersburg. At the time, he wrote this journal about the emigration of the Potawatomi Indians. In 1837, he was Assistant Agent for the Potawatomi Removal. Mr. Proffit was a Whig, who served in the Indiana House of Representatives as well as the United States Congress. President Tyler appointed him as Minister to Brazil, where he served from 1843-1844. He died in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 7, 1847.
Extent
0.01 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is arranged chronologically.
Custodial History
This collection was received by Rare Books and Manuscripts as a donation from the National Archives.
Accruals
No further additions are expected.
Processing Information
Collection processing and finding aid completed 2014/09/25 by Nikki Stoddard Schofield.
- Title
- George H. Proffit collection
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact:
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
