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In 1870, several relatives and friends from Tennessee went on a hunting expedition through Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The hunting party included Richard D. Edmondson (1848-1871), Robert Edmondson (Richard's uncle), George Dick, and Captain George D. Brewster. Some of the men were veterans of the Confederate States Army. Other individuals joined the expedition at various times throughout the journey. The company crossed into Florida on December 16, 1870, near Campbellton in Jackson County. They remained in the state until March 2, 1871. Following their extensive hunting in Florida, the company crossed into Thomas County, Georgia, and returned home on September 27, 1871.
Summary:
The collection consists of a 35-page typescript account of a hunting expedition in north Florida written by Richard D. Edmondson of Tennessee. The entries begin on October 31, 1870, as the hunting party, often referred to in the text as the "company," leaves Clarksville, Tennessee. The near-daily entries record miles traveled, locations of camps, weather, illnesses, types of game, geographical observations, and descriptions of people and places. The final entry dates September 27, 1871, near Nashville, Tennessee.
Edmondson mentions many settlements and locations in north Florida in the journal. The hunting party travelled through the areas in Florida that are now part of Jackson, Washington, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Leon, Taylor, and Madison counties.
A one-page preface is available at the beginning of the typescript. It provides more information about the men and the diary, including details of its discovery in 1970.
Finding Aids:
Additional Physical Form:
Reproduction Note:
Photocopies.
Location of Originals/Duplicates:
In possession of donor.
Associated Materials:
Language Notes:
Ownership/Custodial History:
Diary found in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Edmondson of Clarksville, Tennessee.
Publication Note:
General Note:
Electronic Records Access:
Subject Access Fields:
Hunting Florida Outdoor recreation Florida
Diaries. aat
Bay County (Fla.) Calhoun County (Fla.) Florida Description and travel Franklin County (Fla.) Gadsden County (Fla.) Gulf County (Fla.) Jackson County (Fla.) Jefferson County (Fla.) Leon County (Fla.) Liberty County (Fla.) Madison County (Fla.) Taylor County (Fla.) Washington County (Fla.) Wakulla County (Fla.)
for detailed listing.