Alexander Cuming facts for kids

Sir Alexander Cuming, 2nd Baronet (1691–1775) was a Scottish explorer and adventurer. He is best known for his journey to North America, where he visited the Cherokee people. He later returned to Britain with a group of Cherokee chiefs. Sir Alexander Cuming faced many challenges in his life, including spending years in a debtors' prison due to financial difficulties.

Early Life and Career

Alexander Cuming was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on December 18, 1691. He was the only son of Sir Alexander Cuming, who was also a Member of Parliament.

In 1714, Cuming became a lawyer in Scotland. He also held a position as a captain in the Russian army. For a few years, he received money from the British government. However, this payment stopped, which may have been because his ideas were seen as too unusual or impractical.

Journey to America and the Cherokee Delegation

In 1729, Cuming decided to travel to America. He wanted to explore the Cherokee mountains, which were located near South Carolina and Virginia. He left England in September and arrived in Charleston in December.

In March 1730, Cuming began his journey into the Cherokee lands. On April 3, 1730, at a large meeting in Nequisee, the Cherokee people chose him as their "lawgiver, commander, leader, and chief." He wrote about his experiences and explorations in his journal, and parts of it were published in a London newspaper.

Cuming returned to Charleston in April 1730. Seven important Cherokee chiefs, including Attakullakulla, traveled with him. They sailed to England and arrived in Dover in June. On June 18, Cuming introduced the chiefs to King George II at Windsor Castle. The chiefs showed their respect to the King, and they presented symbols of their victories.

The visit of the Cherokee chiefs caused a lot of excitement in England. Before they returned home, an "Agreement of Peace and Friendship" was signed on September 29. This agreement meant the Cherokees would trade only with Britain and, in return, would receive supplies like guns and gunpowder. This partnership helped Britain in future wars.

After his return, Cuming faced financial problems. His big plans, which included ideas for new banks and local money to help the American colonies, were not accepted by the government.

Financial Troubles and Imprisonment

Sir Alexander Cuming found himself deeply in debt. He even tried to experiment with alchemy, hoping to turn ordinary metals into gold.

By 1737, he was sent to the Fleet Prison, which was a prison for people who owed money. He stayed there for many years, until 1765.

In 1766, he was able to move to the London Charterhouse, a historic almshouse that provided housing for poor gentlemen. He lived there for almost ten years. He passed away in 1775 and was buried in the church of East Barnet.

Cuming had been elected a member of the Royal Society in 1720, which is a famous group for scientists. However, he was removed in 1757 because he did not pay his yearly fees.

Family Life

Sir Alexander Cuming married Amy Whitehall. They had a son named Alexander, born around 1737, and a daughter named Elizabeth, who died before him. Amy passed away while Cuming was in prison and was buried in East Barnet in 1743.

Their son, Alexander, inherited his father's title. He served as a captain in the army but later became ill. He died in poverty sometime before 1796.