Lewis Tappan to Edward Cross, December 2? [illegible], 1842, Edward Cross Papers (A2015-041.0005), South Texas Archives, James C. Jernigan Library, Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
New York, Dec. 2? [illegible], 1842
Hon. Edward Cross
- of C.
Sir,
Mr. Giddings writes to me, in reply to a letter I addressed to him, that you will give me any information of which you are or may be possessed in relation to Nelson Hackett, the person who was delivered by the governor of Canada.
I wrote to my brother, at the time that I wrote to Mr. Giddings, and he has replied that N. H. was taken to Arkansas—tried for stealing & publickly whipped—then delivered to his master by whom he was sold to some one in Texas. Your remarks to Mr. Giddings, as he has imparted them to me, shows that you are not cognizant of the facts—as stated (I presume by the Senators of your State) to my brother, or that there is some mistake. I will be greatly obliged to you if you will ascertain beyond question the facts, and inform me of the same. In all such matters I am desirous of procuring authentic statements & from the best sources.
Very respectfully, [illegible]
Lewis Tappan