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Dr. William Fyffe Letters, 1752-1773

 Collection
Identifier: MC-1954-71

Scope and Contents

The major item here is a letter dated February 1, 1761, from William Fyffe a Scottish doctor who settled at George Town, South Carolina. It was written to his brother, John Fyffe, a merchant and banker of Edinburgh, Scotland, and contains an excellent description of the Cherokees-their manners, customs, troubles, etc. The lengthy letter of over 8000 words gives evidence that William Fyffe was a man of education and discernment.

The other two items are letters, one from each of the brothers to their sister, Miss Betty Fyffe in Dundee.

Dates

  • Creation: 1752 - 1773

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Access is by appointment only.

Extent

3 items

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The letter came originally from the Sir Leicester Harmsworth Library and was sold by Sotheby at auction, May 1948.

Related Materials

The Fyffe Family Papers, 1756-1847 are held at the Manuscripts Division, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan.

Physical Description

The letters are in excellent condition and enclosed in a half morocco portfolio.

Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Helmerich Center for American Research at Gilcrease Museum Repository

Contact:
1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd.
Tulsa Ok 74127
918-631-6441