The correspondence and papers are divided into three chronological files: "Correspondence and Papers," "Military Papers," and "Copies of Papers." The file of "Correspondence and Papers" contains 1,357 pieces in 83 folders. The bulk of the material from 1812 to 1846 consists primarily of bills, receipts, notes and other business and legal papers. One letter dated May 21, 1846, written to Generals Houston and Rush, advises them of his desire to enter active military service in the event of war with Mexico. The letters for the period from Jan. 1848, to Mar. 1850, deal mainly with state and national politics. From Mar. 1850, to July 1855, the papers relate primarily to filibustering. After July, 1855, the papers are similar to those found in the files of a congressman of the period.

The papers in this file are divided by dates as follows: undated, 107 pieces; 1812, 1 piece; 1821-27, 11 pieces; 1830-39, 44 pieces; 1840-49, 327 pieces; 1850-59, 866 pieces; 1860, 1 piece

The file of "Military Papers" contains 984 pieces in 59 folders and covers the period from Jan. 8, 1846, to Dec. 31, 1847. Quitman commanded the Second Brigade of the First Field Division of Volunteers and later that division in the armies of Maj. Gen. Zachary Taylor and Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott in the Mexican War. The file contains maps, circulars, general orders, special orders, requisitions, casualty reports, guard reports, returns, receipts, accounts, and correspondence pertaining to these organizations and such subordinate units as the First Regiment of Alabama Volunteers, the First Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, the First Regiment of Mississippi Riflemen, the First New York Regiment of Volunteers, the First Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers.

Cite as: Z/0066.000: Quitman (John A.) and Family Papers.