2010MS046 : [identification of item], William P. Duval, Bardstown, letter to Andrew Hynes, Nashville : autograph manuscript signed, 1810 May, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
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William P. Duval, 1784-1854, was a resident of Bardstown, Kentucky. Admitted to the bar in 1804, Duval would practice law when not serving in public office. In 1804, he married Nancy Hynes, a Bardstown native with whom he had eight children. Duval was elected representative for Kentucky's 10th congressional district in 1812. In 1822, he was appointed by President James Monroe to serve as Governor of the Florida Territory. He served in this position until 1834 after which he returned to his law pratice. In 1848, Duval and his family relocated to Texas where most of his children would spend their lives.
A friend of Washington Irving; Duval is featured in Irving's, "The Early Experiences of Ralph Ringwood" (set in Kentucky), published in Wolfert's Roost and Other Stories.
The majority of this three page, signed letter is a discussion of poetry with a brief mention of Duval's professional life and family.