A Notorious Elizabethan Privateer, 1930s Mississippi Opium Taxes, and the American Revolution

What does a document signed by the infamous “Sea Dog,” Sir Walter Raleigh, have in common with a 1930s Mississippi Opium Tax ledger?

Honestly, absolutely nothing! Nothing, save for their longtime presence within the archival collections of the University of Mississippi’s Department of Archives & Special Collections.

The rarely displayed 1587 folio on parchment signed by Sir Walter Raleigh, a particular “favorite” of Queen Elizabeth I, is especially noteworthy. Although the piece lacks its original seal, Raleigh’s signature is clearly visible in the bottom mid-left corner. The intent of the item is mundane, being a deed for land sold by the privateer to “a Gentleman, of Derbyshire,” but its context is dramatic. The Crown granted the property to Raleigh immediately following the execution of its original owner, Anthony Babington, accused of complicity in an assassination plot against the Queen.

Other unique documents included in this bookcase are letters from notable celebrities, such as a satirical missive penned by Groucho Marx, a poignant letter from Helen Keller, as well as a significant note written by baseball legend, James “Cool Papa” Bell.

Early twentieth century diaries written by J.N. Merrill, a soldier for the Persian Army during the First World War are showcased, as well as an original 1777 map of the then up-to-date locations of the Colonial and British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The featured ledger maintained by a Mississippi pharmacist illustrates the state’s early tax laws regarding the medical uses of controlled substances.

Featured in this display:

• A Plan of the Operations of the British and Rebel Army in the Campaign, 1777
• Letter from Groucho Marx to Mrs. John Williford of Oxford, 7 March 1968
• J.N. Merrill Diary. 1914-1915, 2 vols.
• Sir Walter Raleigh, Original Document 1586, re: sale of land to "a Gentleman, of Derbyshire"
• Letter from Helen Keller to Kate A. Skipwith, 4 January 1943
• Handwritten card from James "Cool Papa" Bell to Mr. Danny Schlesinger, 3 August 1977
• Form for "Inventory of Opium", 17 June 1932
• Tax Stamp issued to "S. R. Towns, Union Church, Miss., 1930"
• Ledger for Internal Revenue Service of Order Forms for Opium, etc.