Documents

William Short describes his upcoming trip to Europe and advises his brother on how to invest his money in real estate in Norfolk, Virginia.

A friend of William Short updates him on political, legal, and cultural events in Virginia and the backcounty, relays information about relations between Virginia and Maryland, and discusses British debt.

A friend of William Short relays news from home, including health issues, Virginia politics, and foreign relations, and he compares the culture of America with Europe.

A mentor of William Short relays news from Virginia and America.

William Short writes to an unknown person and describes events in Europe and Virginia, including his hopes for the abolition of slavery. This incomplete letter is perhaps the first instance of Short expressing his hopes for an end to slavery.

A cousin writes to William Short regarding some mutual financial matters, laments the tardiness of the mail, but indicates he is expecting letters and news from a ship recently arrived in Falmouth from the James River.

The secretary to the American legation in London writes to William Short, discussing political conditions, offering advice, and describing his concerns and hopes for America's future.