The Seely Letters
Collection Summary
Title: The Seely Letters
Dates (Inclusive): 1825 - 1829
Creator(s): David Seely, Hiriam B. Seely, Gilbert James, Phinehas James, James C. H.
Language: English
Abstract: The collection contains handwritten letters, mostly between the brothers David and Hiriam Seely, as well as from some friends and acquaintances.  The letters detail family matters and dwell upon life in St. Louis, Galena, Illinois (and the Seven Rivers Mines), and New Orleans. 
Collection Number: M-330
Size: 0.5 linear feet
Location: Special Collections 
St. Louis Mercantile Library at UM – St. Louis 
Thomas Jefferson Library Building 
One University Boulevard 
St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Biographical Note:  David and Hiriam Seely were brothers.  David spent time employed at the Seven Rivers Mine in Galena [Illinois], while Hiriam was more itinerate, travelling between Galena, St. Louis, and New Orleans.  An 1829 letter has David’s place of residence listed as Green County, perhaps in Kentucky, or referring to Greene County, Missouri.
Scope and Content Note:  The collection contains 14 letters, mostly between the brothers David and Hiriam Seely.  Three letters are written by other people; Gilbert James, Phinehas James, and James C. H., all of who appear to be friends or acquaintances of the Seely brothers.  The letters span from 1825 – 1829 cover facets of life in St. Louis, MO., Galena, IL., and New Orleans, LA.  The letters cover work, family matters, money-making schemes and money problems.  
Restrictions: 

Access Restrictions:  Some of the material in Special Collection M-330 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition.

Copyright Information: The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Citation:  When citing material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri − St. Louis.

Subject Headings:

United States – Missouri – St. Louis
United States – Illinois – Galena
United States – Louisiana – New Orleans
United States – History – 1815-1861

Contents List:

	Date	To	From
	11/21/1825	H.B. Seely, St. Louis	David Seely
	6/12/1826	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis	David Seely, Seven Rivers 
			Mines
	6/14/1826	Brother [David Seely, Seven Rivers 	H.B. Seely, St. Louis
	Mines]
	2/7/1827	Atwood and Merry, Memphis, 	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis
	Tennessee
	7/20/1827	Hiriam B. Seely	Gilbert James
	8/14/1827	David Seely	Hiriam B. Seely, New Orleans
	8/24/1827	Hiriam B. Seely	Phinehas James
	1/14/1828	David Seely	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis
	3/14/1828	[Hiriam Seely, New Orleans]	James C. H., St. Louis
	3/27/1828	David Seely, Galena, Seven Rivers	Hiriam B. Seely, New Orleans
	4/28/1828	David Seely, Galena, Seven Rivers	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis
	5/2/1828	David Seely, Galena	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis
	5/5/1828	David Seely, Galena, Seven Rivers	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis
	3/24/1829	Hiriam B. Seely, St. Louis	David J. Seely, Green County