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Archiver > SOUTH-CENTRAL-KENTUCKY > 1998-02 > 0886627516


From: Dave Stagner <>
Subject: Re: SMITH MANUSCRIPT-3
Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998 16:25:16 -0500


Jess Daniels wrote:
> Flames cheerfully expected....

Hi Jess,
I agree with your opinions about the Indians and
how almost all 19th century writings have not done
justice to the truth.

I disagree with the rude way you stated your opinion
and your opinion of John C. SMITH.

You write:
> I would assume that the above date is a typo. Else I
> must assume that your learned John C. SMITH is a
> complete idiot as evidenced by the rest of his writing.

I believe the date is correct. John C. SMITH has done us
a service by taking pen in hand and writing those things
that he heard from family and friends and adding his opinion.

It's true that what he wrote is heresay and that his opinion
of the indians, in the light of history, was wrong, but the
value of his words should not be over-looked. It's very
likely he heard first person accounts of crossing the mountains
and settling Kentucky. And his opinions tell us much about the
culture of his time and give us insights to the culture of our
time.

When I read what you had wrote, I felt the words were those of
an ignorant, opininated person. My first thought was to dismiss
them and delete your e-mail. On second thought, thanks for
making me think. Although, I still have a higher opinion
of John C. SMITH, than I do of you.
--
** David E. Stagner 919-968-8355
** 12 Kendall Drive
** Chapel Hill, NC 27514-5644

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