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Thomas Stephens notebooks
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Thomas Stephens notebooks | |
| Creator: Stephens, Thomas, agent for the people of Georgia | |
| Inclusive Dates: circa 1736-1742 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet (8 volumes in 7 folders) | |
| Collection Number: ms46 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
In 1742, Thomas Stephens (son of Georgia Trustee William Stephens) representing the Malcontents and other disaffected settlers from London, published a pamphlet entitled The Hard Case of the Distressed People of Georgia. The Malcontents believed that Georgia could not prosper without slavery and, in 1750, the Trustees passed a law allowing slavery.
For additional information see: William Stephens, New Georgia Encyclopedia, http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/william-stephens-1671-1753
Scope and Content
The collection consists of eight small manuscript notebooks attributed to Thomas Stephens; however, the author is unknown. The entries are undated, but were kept during the early years of Georgia's settlement. The writings document the arguments made by the Malcontents against the Georgia Trustees' administration of the colony. Notebooks contain handwritten entries, in pencil with ink overlaid, regarding tariff, slavery, voyages, rum, and the condition of Georgia.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Thomas Stephens notebooks, ms46, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2015.
General Notes
Donated by Felix Hargrett in 1950.