Biography/History:

John Girault, son of John and Perina Girault, was born in London, England, on February 24, 1755. Settling in the colony of Virginia prior to the Revolutionary War, Girault served under Colonel George Rogers Clark in 1778 and was later promoted to captain in 1781. Girault married Mary Spain, daughter of Helen and Francis Spain of Amelia County, Virginia, on May 1, 1788. The couple later settled in the Natchez District in present-day Adams County, Mississippi, where Girault established himself as a planter. Girault was also serving as secretary to Spanish colonial governor Manuel Luis Gayoso de Lemos y Amorin by July 1799. John and Mary Girault had thirteen children, including Francis Spain (b. October 23, 1790), John Ruffine (b. May 6, 1792), James Augustus (b. August 6, 1793), and Ann Mary (b. October 15, 1797). John Girault died at Bayou St. John, Louisiana, on May 28, 1813.

Francis Spain Girault, eldest son of John and Mary Spain Girault, was born on Retreat Plantation near present-day Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi, on October 23, 1790. A merchant and planter, Girault divided his time between Natchez and New Orleans. He married Jane Kempe, an aunt of future Confederate first lady Varina Howell Davis, on March 24, 1818. Francis Spain Girault died on Bellevue Plantation near Natchez in December 1833.

Ann Mary Girault, daughter of John and Mary Spain Girault, was born on Bellevue Plantation on October 15, 1797. She married Dr. George H. Hunter of New Orleans on August 14, 1816. The couple had one child, Mary Phoebe Hunter. Ann Mary Girault Hunter died in New Orleans in June 1819.

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of photocopies of Girault family correspondence dating between 1810 and 1820. The quality of the photocopies varies, sometimes impeding legibility.

Twelve letters were written by Francis Spain Girault, to his sister, Ann Mary Girault, both of whom lived in Natchez and New Orleans. Girault relates news of family and friends and offers advice on selecting a husband, even suggesting the names of a few gentlemen for his sister’s consideration. Girault also describes Natchez and New Orleans social events, including balls, carnivals, and parties. In an October 1, 1814, letter, Girault reveals the intention of his brother, John Ruffine Girault, to remain with the Adams Troops, Mississippi Dragoons, during the War of 1812. He also discusses his own participation in an unnamed volunteer unit responsible for protecting New Orleans while the regular troops were away. In a February 12, 1815, letter, Girault recounts a sea voyage to New York, including the detention of his ship in Havana, Cuba. He also comments on a production of “Macbeth” that he attended.

Of additional interest is an 1820 letter from John Ruffine Girault of Adams County, Mississippi, to his brother-in-law, Dr. George H. Hunter of New Orleans. Girault inquires when Dr. Hunter and his wife, Mary, will be visiting Natchez and about their purchasing various staples. He closes by relating how a duel in Natchez between T. B. Read and Dick Stockton was averted when a local judge became aware of the matter.

Series Identification:

1. Letters. 1810-1820. 1 folder.