Ninian Edwards served as Governor of the Illinois Territory (1809-18), U.S. Senator (1818-24), and Governor of Illinois (1826-30). This collection contains transcripts and copies of Edwards's papers and correspondence. The two volumes in this collection are copy books that contain 88 letters from friends and colleagues, including Albert Gallatin, John McLean, and William Wirt. The volumes also include 98 transcripts of drafts of letters from numerous correspondents in state and national politics. In addition, there is a copy of a June 19, 1817, indenture between Edwards and Jonathan Taylor, of Ky., for a lease of Salt Springs, as well as copies of speeches by Edwards.

The two volumes of copies of letters to Ninian Edwards were deposited in the Survey by Professor Avery O. Craven in 1928. They were the property of Ben E. McCoy, Champaign, Ill. In 1883, the letters, papers, and manuscripts of Gov. Edwards were presented to the Chicago Historical Society by his son, Ninian Wirt Edwards. The transcripts were made from volumes 49-51 of that collection.

Edwards, Ninian (1775-1833). Papers, 1799-1880

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