Lot 15
Mississippi Territory Dr. Rush Nutt: 13½ pp., Docketed and Silked. Original Tribute to Thomas Jefferson's Presidency & Inauguration of James Madison. Remarkable original manuscript of a tribute (almost a eulogy) of the administration of Thomas Jefferson given by Dr. Rush Nutt of Greeenville, Mississippi (1781-1837) on the occasion of James Madison's inauguration, March 4, 1809. Nutt, a physician by education, proved a brilliant mind in agriculture developing two strains of cotton, notably the Petit Gulf cotton hybrid, developed as they were easier to pick. In 1809, while expanding his property ownership and commencing building what was to become Laurel Hill Plantation in Jefferson County, Mississippi, Nutt already was a central figure in Mississippi and delivered this speech before the citizens of Greenville. The speech eloquently highlights Jefferson's accomplishments and integrity. But it is the closing pages that Nutt's passionate oratory achieves heights idealism that inspire addressing (dramatically) education, science, and laws while always being vigilant to protect the freedoms and sovereignty of the nation.
"It was the great proficiency and general dissemination of Science & Literature in America, which paved the way for our glorious Revolution and for the first dawn of that liberty* which the Philanthropist must hope will never set, but will continue to propagate its rays, till the beneficent influence penetrates the farthermost corners of the Earth". Blank inside page is signed elaborately "Dr. Rush Nutt, Greenville, Mip-Territory" (upside down)
Manuscript is overall very fine condition aided immeasurably by professional silking holding in check some edge chipping. Extremely legible with the occasional small stains.
*By 1860 the Nutt Family controlled 42,947 acres and owned 800 slaves. Estimated Value $250 - 500
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| Realized $252 |
