Nicholas Cresswell Journal, 1774-1824.

Access and use

Location of collection:
Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Summary

Creator:
Nicholas Creswell;1750-1804.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Journal made from rough notes taken during Creswell's trip to America, 1774-1777. While traveling, he visited or lived in Barbados, Maryland, Virginia, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Philadelphia, and New York. Often, there are lengthy observations on the towns he visited, frontier techniques and customs, and the social customs of both Indians and whites. The journal is especially valuable for detailing the growth of the Revolutionary movement. Among the many people mentioned are Capt. Buddecomb, Capt. George Clark, Capt. [Christopher] Gist, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Neville, and George Rice.

Biographical / historical:

Nicholas Cresswell (1751-1804), of Derbyshire, England, came to America hoping to acquire land and settle permanently, but personal difficulties, the uncertain state of affairs, and the Revolutionary War, caused him to return to England.

Acquisition information:
Purchase, 1961.
Arrangement:

Chronological.

Physical description:
4 v.