A. T. Burnley Papers1849-1858

Author

Staff

Title

A. T. Burnley Papers

Date

1849-1858

Repository

Kentucky Historical Society. Special Collections & Archives.Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-1931

Conditions Governing Access note

Access at KHS only. Use microfilm, transcriptions or images when available.

For microfilmed copies see Clift number(s): 0136

Preferred Citation Note

[Identification of item], A. T. Burnley Papers, 97SC83,Library Special Collections and Archives, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort.

Extent

15 items

Biography/History

Albert Triplett Burnely was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1800. At the age of twenty-two, Burnley migrated to Frankfort, Kentucky, and studied law under George M. Bibb, but found this type of work uninteresting. He gave up law to buy coal mines with his Uncle Robert near Owensboro, Kentucky. Burnley became interested in the Republic of Texas. He was commissioned, in 1832, to negotiate a loan for the Republic, but was unable to accomplish this task. The loan action was later withdrawn by Texas, only to be reinstated in 1839. He was unable to secure a loan from England, France, or Spain. Burnely returned to Kentucky in 1842, but remained in business in New Orleans and Texas. He spent his winters going between the two places. He continued in this vain until he developed tuberculosis and died in May 1861.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of fifteen letters concerning business and family matters of Alfred Burnley. One letter, written by John J. Crittenden, is dated October 23, 1850. It discusses a business opportunity that Burnley should investigate. Oter business letters discuss land transactions, debt repayment to the Bank of New Orleans, and powers of attorney. A letter from Burnley to General A. Sidney Jackson, dated May 24, 1849, asks Jackson to consider taking the position of Paymaster General in Texas. The other letters are to his wife, as he travels around Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. They discuss familly life, their plantation, travel, and Burnley's health. Also included in this collection is a biographical sketch of Burnley's life and a copy of his wife's will.

Arrangement: Correspondence is arranged chronologically.

Subjects

• Texas--Description and travel--19th Century
• Louisiana--Description and travel--19th Century
• Mississippi--Description and travel--19th Century
• Wills--Kentucky--19th Century
• Texas--Politics and government--19th Century
• Family--Social life and customs
• Crittenden, John J., (John Jordan), 1787-1863
• Jackson, A. Sidney