The Mississippi Territory in 1806 was a frontier region and there could have been trouble on any number of fronts: native tribes (esp. Chickasaws & Choctaws), the neighboring Spanish were not so far removed that from time to time they crossed borders (sometimes claiming territory was really theirs). But my guess is the trouble was domestic. In 1806 Mississippi Territory was one of the centers of the Burrite conspiracy. Burr was put on trial in Washington (MS Territory) -- was released on account of the paucity of direct evidence, and then, when new information came to light, tracked down and captured. He was sent to Richmond for trial for treason. The case was heard by Chief Justice Marshall himself. It was the most important trial for treason in US history, divided public opinion about the former veep's guilt or innocence and cast a long shadow over the loyalty of western parts of the country (where Burr was very popular -- esp. after gunning down Alexander Hamilton). I can well imagine your ancestor being mobilized with the militia as conspirators seemed to be lurking behind every tree. David Kiracofe College of Charleston On Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:11:55 -0400 Diana Bennett wrote: > Dear Listers: > > Sorry I ask so many questions but you all are so learned. My question > now is one of my ancestors "served as a Pvt. in the 1st (Claiborne's) > Regt MS Territorial Militia in 1806-7 ." What was or problems was Miss > having then? > > Thank you very much (in advance) > > Diana Kercheval Bennett > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions > at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html David Kiracofe To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html