{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Washington%2C+Jane+Charlotte+Blackburn%2C+1786-1855\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1857\u0026view=compact","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Washington%2C+Jane+Charlotte+Blackburn%2C+1786-1855\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1857\u0026page=1\u0026view=compact"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":4,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_76.xml","title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1837-1861"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1837-1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1837/1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"text":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.","Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.","John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection","The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"collection_ssim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"unitid_tesim":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"has_online_content_ssim":["true"],"extent_ssm":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"extent_tesim":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"date_range_isim":[1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eArranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026amp; soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026amp; noble state.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSummerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026amp; eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026amp; West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026amp; entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026amp; renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026amp; the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026amp; faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026amp; Sarah.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026amp; friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026amp; keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026amp; West \u0026amp; … indeed all our household at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":168,"online_item_count_is":1,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_76.xml","title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1837-1861"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1837-1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1837/1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"text":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.","Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.","John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection","The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"collection_ssim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"unitid_tesim":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"has_online_content_ssim":["true"],"extent_ssm":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"extent_tesim":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"date_range_isim":[1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eArranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026amp; soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026amp; noble state.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSummerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026amp; eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026amp; West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026amp; entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026amp; renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026amp; the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026amp; faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026amp; Sarah.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026amp; friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026amp; keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026amp; West \u0026amp; … indeed all our household at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":168,"online_item_count_is":1,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76"}},{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, 1857","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137","ref_ssm":["vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137"],"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","parent_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","parent_ssim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76"],"title_filing_ssi":"Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington","title_ssm":["Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington"],"title_tesim":["Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, 1857"],"text":["Jane C. Washington to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, 1857","Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","box 4","folder 1857.01.08","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","English.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1857"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1857 January 8"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[1],"sort_isi":137,"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"collection_ssim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"containers_ssim":["box 4","folder 1857.01.08"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860"],"names_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860"],"language_ssim":["English."],"date_range_isim":[1857],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days."],"_nest_path_":"/components#136","timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_76.xml","title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1837-1861"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1837-1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1837/1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"text":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.","Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.","John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection","The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"collection_ssim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"unitid_tesim":["2019.SC.035","/repositories/3/resources/76"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"has_online_content_ssim":["true"],"extent_ssm":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"extent_tesim":["5.7 Linear Feet 4 manuscript boxes"],"date_range_isim":[1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eArranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["Arranged chronologically with undated material at the end of the collection."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers\nJohn Augustine Washington III and MVLA Collection\nLawrence Washington Collection of Washington family papers\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\nElswyth Thane Beebe Collection"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026amp; soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026amp; noble state.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSummerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026amp; eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026amp; West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026amp; entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026amp; renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026amp; the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026amp; faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026amp; Sarah.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026amp; friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026amp; keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026amp; West \u0026amp; … indeed all our household at M.V.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is family or personal affairs and Mount Vernon business with some discussion of the enslaved people owned by the Washingtons. Inclusive dates are 1837 to 1861.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Tells him of four family members with consumption. Also \"have no servant to dispose of who would suit her sister, unless Milly would be willing for one of her three elder daughters to go. It would be a sure and good home I believe.\" Discusses sale of corn crop and other family news. Mentions repairs being made by Mr. Skidmore at Mt. Vernon. We have two other letters dated 1837 November 23 and 1838 November 1 mentioning repairs made by Jesse Skidmore. In 1839 July 27, Lawrence Lewis paid Skidmore for work done on the new tomb at Mount Vernon.","A.L.S. She is enclosing another $10 note requesting it get charged and sent to her by him.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is unable to join him at Mount Vernon as her business would not fare well. Is sending a horse down as he is better fitted for the saddle than harness. Writes about sending him to Mount Vernon to \"relieve Maj. Lewis,\" who is working with Struthers and Strickland to build the new tomb. Writes of her \"deep veneration and gratitude to the memory of Genl Washington.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Upon her return home, she found things had not been taken care of on her farm. A fodder house for the cattle was not placed correctly at all. She encouraged her son to get a good education at Mr. Hallowell's school in Alexandria.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to inquire about an appointment for Lawrence Washington who needs employment. Inquires about his studies and the repairs on the \"old mansion.\" Gives some family news and wants him to call on Mary and Julia.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Reports on crop yields. Says there \"have been some difficulties between the overseer and the Negroes\" on the Mountain. Tells him of the impending purchase of a pair of draft horses. Talks of sending Willoughby and Gabriel to Mount Vernon, as well as Henry and Dolly. (This is likely Gabriel Johnson, about whom we have at least nine other letters in the collection.) Mentions letting his cousin have Jesse at \"whatever you think a reasonable price.\" Reports pork prices are down and is worried about the expenses of repairs to Mount Vernon. Was sorry to \"learn by a letter from West that our crop of corn at Mount Vernon has turned out so badly.\" Might need to employ West for another year. More family news and greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear of his illness and tells him to leave Mount Vernon in the hands of hirelings and not endanger his health further by riding there. Refers to reading about \"Mr. Calhoun's and Mr. Clay's conversations in the Senate on Mr. Calhoun's resolutions respecting abolition petitions.\" Much difficulty regarding Jessy – Cousin Jane has abandoned all idea of purchasing her.","A.L.S. with additional writing by Jane C. Washington. Blakeley. Tells of new animals being born, his schooling, and family news. Jane adds: glad to hear his schooling is going well. Asks if he participated in the February 22 celebration. Is sorry he gave up Greek. Wants him to send her a translation from Latin or French. Orders shoes to be made for Kitty.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She returned home safely and passes along some family news. Harvest had not been started, but since she returned they have begun on the wheat. Much gets lost by \"having inefficient hands as rakers,\" so she requests him to send Willoughby and Gabriel up immediately. \"Labourers cannot be procured, and wages are higher than ever before known to be.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes he will get to enjoy his job at the Library of the House of Representatives. Thinks it will be good for his future. She is unwell at present. Reports on Dr. Gates who is also not doing well.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is troubled about getting Richard to be an \"irregular Cadet\" or maybe to West Point. Reports on the death of Dr. Yates. Gives various instructions and requests.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes the water at White Sulphur Spring will prove beneficial. Describes a sermon on Communion Sunday and hopes he's hearing as good as that. Had a disappointing wheat crop. Contracted with Ford and Snyder for the crop. Gabriel is still there, with JAW's permission. Additional page from Aunt Judy Alexander, hoping he meets some young ladies.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants him to rent the Prospect Hill fields for three years to Mr. Anderson. George carried wheat and oats to him, as well as other items. Poor Tansel wants a place with him. He'll make rakes and \"I know he makes excellent shoes.\" Sends greetings to family.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. \"Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She relates the difficult journey of his sister to Blakeley. Is glad he is feeling better. Writes about selling enslaved people: \"I am sorry to tell you Milly I understand is unfit for hire, and we shall be obliged to keep her at home. Mr. Rutherford… will take Sally. She is said to be a first rate manager, a strict tho kind mistress. She is to give $35. Hannah I have as yet had no offer for. Closely confined at home without a way of getting out, I have not had it in my power to look out places for our hirelings and do not like to offer them at public hire.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Glad he got rid of his chills. The horse cart is so much in use it cannot be sent down to Mount Vernon. Will send George, Edmund, and Betty to him. Still been unable to get a place for Hannah whose character does not stand well as to docility or usefulness. More instructions as to how to deal with various servants.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. \"Dr. A. has determined to keep the servants. I hope they will continue faithful and useful to him. Willoughby is a grumbler, but I am sure he has no just cause of complaint. Dr. A is a human and liberal master. I think you give a high price for your wagoner. Negroes have generally hired lower than usual this year. Hannah is at present laid up, sd. I not be able to get a good and safe place for her, I will send her down by the first safe opportunity.\" \"Remember me most kindly to all our Mount Vernon household – dear Old Jenny especially and West Ford.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so happy to hear from Dr. A that his health is much improved. Discusses financial difficulties. \"We must all practice strict economy.\" Sends family news.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah's support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She hopes his health improves. Discusses disorder on banks, making business difficult. Is sorry this happened at the beginning of his life in business but hopes it will teach him. Tells of harvests and yields and gives some family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She's so glad he has recovered his health. Will be able to get clover seed shortly. Wants to plant the 90 acre field with oats. Sends greetings to Cary. Was able to hire Hannah out until Christmas.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George is off to Mount Vernon with a wagon full of goods. Requests various items to be brought back by him. Hopes his health remains good. His sister wishes to have Caroline whom she has hired brought down to Mount Vernon. She might come up with George. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny – West's servant at Mount Vernon.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sending this via Mr. Lamar requesting additional things for George to bring back. Describes a sermon given by Mr. Jones the previous Sunday. Hopes he will have \"our old establishment very clean white washed if not painted a little.\" Richard is not well but hopes he will join her when she goes down for a few days.","A.L.S. He is mortified that JAW might have been offended at not having received an invitation to dine with him, which was sent with a \"silly servant.\" He always values having his company and sends him some rhubarb with instructions as to its preparation.","A.L.S. Blakeley. George arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Disappointed various items from Mr. Hooff were not sent but instead sent via canal. Discusses prices of some items. Thanks him for fruit sent. Tells him to do what he thinks best with the greenhouse.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his hands from Mount Vernon as George Saunders Ned and Lewis are all laid up. Marie and Mary Jane are incapable of working out. Harvest has commenced. Wants him to send a barrel of white sand for plastering the pillars in the brick portico. Hopes he will come soon. Sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She had a good journey home with pleasant visits with friends on the way. \"You have a partial friend in Mr. S. altho' I think he would be pleased if you did not speak quite so loud.\" Richard says a man wants to rent the P.H. Farm but is unwilling to pay the terms requested. Describes two sermons she heard. Wants him to look in the study for letters which Uncle Bushrod says must be there.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Writes with suggestions for the furniture and carpet at Mount Vernon. She specifically mentions the \"little drawing room,\" \"parlor,\" \"front passage,\" \"little room,\" and \"old dining room.\" Fears she shall be left more largely in debt than ever yet been. A Dutch farmer wants to rent P. Hole farm.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Gives some financial information. \"If the work is all finished at Mount Vernon both Harry and Fanny had better come but if there is still any thing for Fanny to do, she can remain.\" Requests items to be brought up, including lemons and oranges. Family news, including that Uncle Bushrod remains confined to his couch.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not heard from him. Ordered various building supplies. Financial times are very difficult and strict economy is necessary. Will send him some of her horses until his can be matched. Since Mary Jane is sick, Fanny should return to care for her. \"Remember me most kindly to my Old Jenny and West.\"","A.L.S. Walnut Farm to Mount Vernon. She returned home on Saturday and deplored the roads in Harpers Ferry. \"It seems Mr. John Selden is anxious to purchase Harriet. She was appraised at $400 with her child. She is said to be an excellent servant, and if you can get her in place of Hannah, Julia, or Sally, I think you had better do so. Julia is now at Blakely, having laid up and then come off without Lake's permission… Dr. Cordell has been called out to see her twice and from his prescription I rather suppose thinks very little except hysteria ails her.\" Discusses crops and a sermon and sends family greetings.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has not been feeling well at all lately. Has heard from Cousin Lorenzo Lewis that Augustine looks very well. She would have liked to have heard that from him or his wife. \"The servants are becoming more and more worthless and disobedient. I really find it very difficult to govern them, or to have the most necessary domestic work attended to with any regularity.\" Family news. Wants him to send Harry up before harvest.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She's glad to hear that he and Nelly are doing so well. Much family news. \"Remember me very kindly to my good and faithful Jenny and Harry, also West and Eliza.\"","A.L.S. Bath to Blakeley. She is in Bath for the waters. It is very crowded, and all the houses are full. Heard two good sermons but then was ill again.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  She is concerned about poor Jenny and hopes the operation will give her a better chance of recovery. Many family members are ill. Another description of a sermon she heard.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She tells of travel difficulties. Relates some gossip. Made a deal for some provisions, but nothing has been delivered. She advanced the man $150. Family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lots of news about family and friends. Also mentions Hannah and Rebecca being still invalids and that Thomas has again gone to Maryland. \"The boys have bought a wagon and two or three servants.\"","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. She wants to know if certain lawyers are in Alexandria or Washington. Also wishes to subscribe to the Audubon works and asks him to see to that.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been anxious at not hearing from him. Wants him to send the rent check for $500 as soon as possible. Wants him to send the fish via the Misses Moore's boats on the canal. Mentions the subject of Julia's purchase. Family and friend news. Additional page following receipt of his letter. Sorry the fishery has been unsuccessful. Due to drought the strawberries gave poor yield.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She received the check from him. His carpenter is unwilling to go to Mount Vernon before late next autumn due to the climate there. Has tried to find out why the fish and shingles he was to send have not been found on the wharves for the Misses Moore's boats to bring.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Deals with settling the estate of Mr. Selden. Discusses his purchase of Mary, an enslaved woman who seems to be quite ill and therefore not worth more than $50 or $60. His wife does not want her sold away. Also wants to sell the corn crop at Exeter.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is glad he was able to go to Philadelphia. Mentions the death of the wife of Lewis Washington. His sister was with her at her death, and Jane was there through the funeral. Is anxious about Charles' daughter Catherine who was sent via stage to Mrs. Page who did not want her after all and seems unwilling to pay the stage driver for her passage. Discusses the hiring of a German gardener for Mount Vernon. Wants him to send a shoe she left at Mount Vernon and a quantity of cotton.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She is busy with pork business and will send two barrels of hams and one of lard. Complains about his brother and his wife coming without replying to her as to when they would arrive. Says her health is very infirm.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the articles send, including oysters and ducks. Discusses sale of corn and is keeping some back to get a better price in the spring. Gives family news and that Captain Symington \"is stationed at H.F. where the government intends having erected barracks for him.\" Discusses the benefits of religion. Wants him to give a \"piece of old bacon/shoulders to West, Jenny and Phill.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Lengthy discussion of the purchase of a house by Dr. Alexander and his sister. The finances of this are described.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is \"sorry to hear of the disturbances among the negroes, especially poor Alfred. I think you had better sell him. Perhaps you might do it advantageously to some one in Richmond, who wants a capable and trustworthy servant. I am told Jim is very much distressed at parting with his son. If the purchaser of Alfred is willing to take Jim and he wishes to go, I have no objection to it.\" Discusses various crop prices. Reports the death of one child from scarlet fever and how it sickens many in Charleston.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Discusses a few financial matters. \"Hannah was sick \u0026 soon gave birth to a still born infant a boy. It was a mercy the event occurred for decomposition had commenced.\" People are still getting sick with scarlet fever.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes the symptoms and illness with scarlet fever of Julia. She will be unable to attend Jane Davis's wedding. \"I have been in a most unsettled state for a long time. It seems difficult to get my family matters and business settled into any regular method again.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Julia Alexander died from scarlet fever. Others are also ill. She will not come to Mount Vernon for fear of bringing the disease with her and wants him to collect rents due her and pay various bills from that and send the rest to her.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discussion of finances and sale of stock. Gives medical advice to him for various people. Tells of recent election – not more than half of either party voted. Uncle Bushrod is going to Maryland to attend a meeting of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has \"the severest attack of Influenza I have had for two years.\" Kitty has discarded Lt. Hooe due to his poor conduct. Describes drought conditions badly affecting crops.","A.L.S. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Refuses permission to bring a party of military people to Mount Vernon by water. Does not want boats to dock there, but will allow them to enter if they arrive by land.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had much sickness. \"Thompson, Jerry and Mingo laid up; in consequence of which George is driving the wagon… Am now endeavoring to save what apples remain on the trees and prepare winter clothing for the servants.\" Wants him to come visit.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Have had an unusual degree of sickness. \"Poor old Mingo is thought to be dying!... Berkeley, Jerry, and Thompson are still on the sick list.\" Tells of death of a neighbor who shot himself by accident as he was mounting his horse. Is unable to bring the wheat to the mill as the mill was \"dangerously full.\" Describes a difficult journey by his aunt. At end \"Mingo is Dead.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She was still too ill at Christmas to visit others. \"We have still four or five cases of typhoid fever at the quarters. Charlotte among them she is still very sick. The Dr. hopes a favourable change has taken place in Selina, Saul and Jerry. Mary came out today. I have taken Sophy home and hope to be able to get on with her under Fanny's superintendance.\" Other descriptions of moving enslaved people around. Relates episode of Julia having escaped from Cousin H. and coming to her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him Col. and Mrs. Davenport intend to visit him at Mount Vernon. Wants them to entertain them well. Discusses politics – \"the great question of Annexation.\" Mr. Rivers' speech was a great production. \"He feels as we do, the waning power of our once great \u0026 noble state.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She returned from a ride feeling quite well again. Describes a beautiful snowfall. \"I am sorry to hear you have still sickness among your servants. It is also the case here, new cases constantly occuring. The Dr. has been a daily visiter with the exception of two or three days. Milly's youngest child is now ill.\" Describes the death of his cousin. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Describes her journey home from Mount Vernon, visiting friends on the way. \"Richard … is going Missouri and wishes to purchase Negroes to take with him. He has yet made no offer for Caroline, tho' we understand he wishes to get her. She I am told is averse to going.\" Describes a sermon and exhorts him to read the Bible. Family information. \"Excuse this blotted ill written scrawl. Read and burn it.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses the naming of his new baby girl. Nelly wanted to name her after Jane, but she thought she should be named after Nelly's recently deceased grandmother. Tells of financial difficulties of Dr. A. and the prices of crops. After her signature – \"Destroy this letter.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Writes to discuss ways to assist Dr. A. \"out of his present difficulties.\" Wants him to come visit soon with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has yet to hear back from him in answer to her letter about Dr. A. Tells him of what she wants to do for him. Gives instructions as to how he should travel to visit her with the family.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Tells him of money placed in bank \"for servants sold… (Humphrey, Shedrack, Thompson, Caroline, Little Daniel, Margaret, and John).\" \"I am not well and feel a good deal agitated at the sale tho' I believe it will be better for all concerned but it is distressing to break up families by sales.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sending notes to him and hopes he will return as soon as he arranges this business. Nelly and the girls are well, though Lou has still a cough.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine \"to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes family members' travels. Not a good wheat crop. Discusses the estate of Mr. Foote and how it treats his wife. Talks about the American B.S. and its efforts to bring the Bible to 10,000 families who have none. Asks him to pay some bills for her.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on getting much ice stored in his ice house as \"it is a luxury, essential to health, and economy in domestic management.\" \"I believe slaves will become less and less valuable; and unless we keep them in the hope of being able to liberate and provide for them: for pecuniary interest, it is best to own, only as many as are necessary for the ordinary work of our farms.\" Many hams were spoilt, so they cannot offer any.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Tells of various charges Richard made on his behalf. The weather has badly affected the crops. Wants to travel to Chicago in the summer. \"Richard has purchased West's little farm… West intends going West.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear about his return of chills. Their diet has been quite poor with a lack of vegetables and fresh meat. Thanks him for the check he sent, but he forgot to sign it. Describes another sermon. Requests him to send cypress shingles as soon as possible as the house leaks when it rains.","A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou's \"hooping cough.\" Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been \"a source of disquiet and distress to him.\"","Summerville, Gloucester County, Virginia to Alexandria. Tells him of a property coming for sale in the area. Also wants to make bricks and needs a \"responsible white man to superintend.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Congratulates him on the birth of another daughter. Gives news of Richard.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Nelly is recovering from childbirth, and the baby thrives. Nelly wishes him to remind Miss Entwisle about the dresses.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Gives prices of bushels of wheat from Mr. Burns and Mr. Snyder.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a wedding and the young guests at the dinner. Discusses an Irishman who came to sell her tablecloths which she did not want. Letter was written over several days. She really misses the family.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Won't give him the family news as she just passed that along to Nelly in a very recent letter. Thanks him for paying her bills. Discusses rental of the Ferry Landing fisheries and wants to rent to Mr. Whitall. Will let him decide whether to increase the fisheries.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Entreats him to take it easy in the winter. They have had much snow. Uncle Bushrod has much ice stored away and offered some to her as her pond had a defect which caused it to drain. Discusses finances. He may rent out North Farm. \"I fear however you will have many difficulties and vexations if you let the servants go with the farm.\" Tells of his sister having a tumour under her arm. Also their church burned. Tells him of the death of her true friend Mrs. Adams.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes different people reading the will. Hopes his brother and family reached Mount Vernon safely. \"I think if the ladies attend the Inauguration of our brave honest chief, they had better join Mrs. Madison – who I am sure would be gratified at their so doing, and render their visit much more agreeable.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Has been anxiously awaiting a reply from him to her letter of a month ago. Wants to know when the monuments would be brought to Mount Vernon and the sum of money to be obtained. Is sending George with barrels containing hams and some apples. Wants him to return with the horses only, leaving the carriage. There was a fire at Hannah's house which was extinguished.","A.L.S. Gives much family news. Discusses lower prices for wheat and increasing the salary of the woman who must cook for Mr. Graham and all who are on the farm. Wants his help hiring a new overseer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is waiting to hear from him as to the overseer and waiting to see if Mr. Graham will accept the terms offered. \"Richard intends hiring out the hands he employed on the farm hoping to derive more clear profit from the Hires than he has received from the farm.\" Questions whether she should do anything about the deed for Mount Vernon drawn up. His sister Maria continues to look quite ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Snyder has delivered in mill his rent wheat. Writes that she is sending the deed to Mount Vernon, which has officially been signed over to him. Discusses an interesting trial in Charlestown. \"A Negro hired by Anderson … made an assault on Anderson for which he was committed and is today to be tried. The gentlemen all seemed to consider the issue of high importance. It certainly is to the miserable prisoner whose fate will be selling, transportation, or Death! I trust the decision will be merciful.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Writes about acquiring copies of the free papers for a formerly enslaved man named William Lyons. He is hoping to travel to Tennessee to visit his parents. Tells him his sister continues to do poorly.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Relates the sending of the deed conveying Mount Vernon to him. Is preparing to have Maria come stay for a while.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Maria has been there for a week and continues to be very ill. Tells him his tenants have not honoured his orders. More family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Discusses difficulties with the harvest and procuring labourers. Dr. Alexander hired a tutor for Charlotte who is very well thought of. More neighborhood and family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Nelly will soon be able to travel and recommends she drink a tea (\"it can no doubt be had at Stablers\") as the best remedy in her case. \"The servants … are very much alarmed in regard to cholera.\" Wants him to get some good port and M. Wine. She can get good whiskey in C-town.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is very glad of the dividend declared by the Alexandria Bank. They have had severe colds but not cholera.","A.L.S. Caledon to Mount Vernon. Writing from Caledon and describes journey there. Their trunk did not arrive with them, so they have no change of clothes. Tells stories from the boat trip.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Much family news. Tells him a cousin died shortly after their visit. Richard \"seems to be a very happy man, he surely is blest in his wife \u0026 eight children.\" Dr. A has acquired an excellent housekeeper.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of Annie ill with scarlet fever and how the doctor has her rubbed with a piece of raw fat bacon. Is now much improved. Was in care of Miss Gantt, the housekeeper, whom she praises highly. Wishes she could have heard Miss Lind sing at Mount Vernon. Describes a sermon. More news about friends and relatives.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes the symptoms of \"our dear little John\" and is sure something is wrong with his spine. Tells of the route of the turnpike and how it will cut off some of his woodland. Much news about family and acquaintances. Is very pleased with \"our young minister\" and hopes his teachings will help everyone.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Top portion of first page cut away, incomplete letter. Wants him to see the plans for the turnpike as it might cut through his land. Mrs. Briscoe's son would like to visit Mount Vernon and will bring any letter or package there.","A.L.S. Blakeley. More on the Turnpike passing through his farm. Entreats him to not bring forward tempting articles which are stimulating and exciting during his brother's visit. She is unable to visit due to pressing business.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Met Dr. Alexander and family before church and invited them to dinner. Encloses a letter from Mrs. Moran who would like to stay at Mount Vernon on her way to visit Jane. Is sending George with fish to be pickled. Sends remembrances to \"your maids Sarah, Eliza, Fanny and Amanda.\"","A.L.S. Thanks him for the fish and oysters sent by wagon. George did not properly stack items on the wagon, and much was damaged. The prayer book for Louisa has finally arrived and will be sent as soon as possible.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses difficulties of Mr. Whitall and the fishery. Hopes to collect from Snyder and will send it to him. News about friends and family. Finished planting corn. Had snow recently.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him she got $200 from Mr. Rutherford which will be deposited in a bank in Charlestown. He informed them that the roof of the barn is in need of repair. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants Nelly and the children to visit after harvest and will send George with the carriage to get them. Hopes Augustine will be friends with Mr. Moran. Has been sick and taken \"an unusual quantity of opium for me.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is glad his servants have recovered and \"that you … have not suffered from your humane and close attendance on them.\" Was sorry to hear that Ephraim had fallen a victim. Tells him of a good friend who seems to be recovering. Gives a recipe for a remedy. Talks about the harvest and the various servants who are working on it. Is considering renting out her farm though she would retain part. Tells of Hannah's health.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Urges her not to think too much of home and to apply herself to her books and music. Gives family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is happy to hear they are all healthy. Relates family news and gives him business advice. Describes hearing a musician. Discusses Mr. Rutherford and his acquiring bone dust to use as fertilizer.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was so sorry to learn of the disaster that occurred to the vessel that was taking his wheat to market. Describes her journey home. At end, thanks him for the venison.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry about his heavy loss and prays that God will help him through it. More family news about various people being ill.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a sermon on intemperance. Discusses health problems of John and hopes he will improve when the weather gets better. Much family news.","A.L.S. Springland to Staunton, Virginia. Tells her that her last two letters appear to have been robbed. Gives news about her mother, grandmother, and sister.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Hopes Augustine is recovering. Much sickness in her house. Sent a new plough to Augustine. Hopes it arrives in time. Other family news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes a visit from Mrs. Powel and various other family members. Wants part of the rent on the fishery to go toward the purchase of a piano for Louisa and the rest sent to her to pay off some debts. Sends love to all and reports on a few deaths.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to the visit from him and his family in July. Describes harvesting of wheat and rye after much rain. Both had much desired Mr. Fillmore's election to the presidency. Wants Noblet to return from California.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is enclosing some stock certificates to Mr. Eaches to be her attorney. Glad Nelly and the children are safely home. Tells of the loss of Richard and Christian's children.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to Augustine's visit. Invited Kitty to spend the winter with her, but she will go elsewhere. News about various acquaintances. The disagreeable pork business is done, and she is sending three barrels of pippins via boat.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Thanks him for the $200 check which enabled her to pay her tax bill. Is again concerned about Noblet. Tells of Kitty Wright's trip to Winchester where her companion became ill with typhoid fever. Kitty \"is now with us, with three lovely children, and a good coloured girl (a slave) the one whom she hired.\" All her friends send their love.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. \"Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.\" Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard's pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.","A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children","A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the \"centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She was sorry to hear about the hail storm they had. Celebrated Hannah's birthday. Will send this letter with William Lyons who is leaving to see Augustine. Other family and friend news.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become \"acquainted with many of the influential members from the South \u0026 West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.\"","A.L.S. \tBlakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.","A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for \"my deal g.children at M.V.\"","A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that \"the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused \u0026 entangled state.\" Looking forward to her trip to New York.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping \u0026 renting Col. Devenport's House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who \"is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her \"dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.\" Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. \"The servants have been divided \u0026 the Cedar Lawn will be sold.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family \"and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.\" Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel's school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends \"kind regards to your good \u0026 faithful servant Eliza, Danny \u0026 Sarah.\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of \"Nellies Pickled Rockfish\" to share with neighbours \u0026 friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family \"this day week,\"","A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria's arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of \"our beloved Charlotte\" taking communion and becoming a member of the church.","A.L.S. Blakeley.  She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George's illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.","A.L.S. Requests he send him the cantaloupe seeds he talked about. Wants to talk about a system of patrols \"to try \u0026 keep our slaves at home.\" Says the slaves are stealing so much from them and taking it to Alexandria. Says everyone in the neighborhood of slave holders could contribute to hire 6 good men to patrol.","A.L.S. New Charlestown to Richmond. Sends family news and gives advice as to her traveling home. Tells of someone about to die, and that Fanny Griggs' school is broken up.","A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.","A.L.S. \tBlakeley to Mount Vernon. Had a tooth extracted. News of friends and neighbors. Has had influenza for 10 days.","A.L.S. White House. Gives his legal opinion as to a dispute among them. First the fact that the seine was not received by Mr. Washington at the appointed time, necessitating many difficulties. Second, the Hoopers did not receive the required loom but are entitled to some compensation for work done. His judgment is for $275 for Mr. Washington.","A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor's house \"but she looks consumptive.\" Describes a monument to two boys.","A.D.S. Fairfax County. Indicates full payment of judgment from JAW to William Mason.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses the route of the turnpike and that it should go through Mr. E's land. It would split it up, and so Mason wants to offer other alternatives. Much of the land is prone to flooding and marshy. It would be very expensive to put the road through that.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses his written ordinance about how to deal with people coming onto unenclosed land and hunting or fishing. Talks of a particular problem with land along waterways. Wants JAW to write to lawmakers and make this happen.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Before the Legislature meets, he encloses a proposed measure to be enacted. Discusses counties to be included – all along the Potomac and Rappahanoc.","A.L.S. Rose Hill. Discusses the hiring of an African American boy to do odd jobs and will pay $15.","A.L.S. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. \"I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Mason writes describing an incident he had with West Ford on his plantation. This remarkable letter highlights the way Ford, despite being a free man, was still treated like a slave by others: \"On the evening of the Monday after Whitsunday, I was about sunset standing at my stable, giving some orders for the morning's work, when there passed within three or four yards of me a Negro man, who I did not know, without touching his hat, or any other recognition of my presence. After he had passed, I called to him asking who he was, and who did he belong to? He walked on, taking no notice, until I repeated the question, when he said 'Washington.' I then said, I suppose you have a name, and can tell me what Mr. Washington you belong to? He replied, 'West Ford.' His manner was insolent and supposing he was drunk, I said to him, there is the road to the gate, go off my place at once… When he got to the corner of the house, he commenced whooping and continued doing so, till he got out of the gate, which I had to send and have closed after him. I said nothing further to him, as he was obviously drunk; but directed one of my servants to go and tell him never to put his foot on the place again… Had he been anyone's servant but yours, I shd. have immediately had him apprehended and flogged for his impertinence; but satisfied that it could only be necessary to report the facts to you, and that you would take measures to prevent his ever coming here again, or repeating it, I have taken no further steps in the matter.\"","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Sorry to hear that JAW is no longer a magistrate of the county. Will do what he can to get Mr. Herbert elected magistrate, so he can form the patrol necessary.","A.L.S. Spring Bank, Virginia. Heard that all will be done to keep out a Yankee for the office of Justice. Hopes Mr. Herbert will consent to serve.","A.L.S. Writes about the issue of county taxes which have become exceedingly high, mainly to pay for road construction. Found out that one group was destroying his trees and running a new road through his land to take business away from the turnpike.","A.D.S. Acknowledges receipt of payment in full on her account for boots and shoes for various named men.","A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.","A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.","A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.","A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. \"Old Jenny's was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho' old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.\"","A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly's illness. Gives other family news.","A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: \"Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon.  Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. \"Remember me most kindly to Jenny \u0026 West \u0026 … indeed all our household at M.V.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to \"let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.\"","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be \"useful and conduct themselves well.\" His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know \"whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.\" \"Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr. Shepperd to look out for a good place for her but I really think you had better take her down and either keep her at M.V. under your own eye as milker and washer or hire her out there. I think she and Alfred or Gabriel had better make a match.\"","A.L.S. All have been enjoying the visit from Augustine but regrets she and the children did not also come. Hannah is about to leave for New York for medical treatment, accompanied by Fanny. Thanks Louisa for the chow chow she made. News about a visit to cousin Ann Washington. Much talk of friends and family.","A.L.S. \"Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter's company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.\"","A.L.S. Anna writes of the death of an enslaved woman named Harry: \"she died on Monday last, after a short illness, inflammation of the brain and womb… Dr. Alexander and Straith examined her body and found the womb and other organs around it entirely diseased. Mother has lost a kind and faithful servant, a sincere tho humble friend. We shall all feel her loss, to mother it is irreparable, she has no servant who can take her place.\"","A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people's health problems.","A.L.S.\t Hollin Hall to Mount Vernon. Has heard there is little chance of the law they want passing in this session of the Legislature. Gives his thoughts about future elections of people who will assist them.","A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Wonders whether he has recovered his slave. If so \"make a stern and proper example.\" Tells Augustine to come to him for trials and punishments of slaves.","A.D.S. Autograph copy. Describes an ordinance stating consequences if anyone shall \"root, hunt, range, fish or fowl\" on private land."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Mason, George, 1797-1870","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Tabb, John Prosser","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862","Ford, West, approximately 1784-1863","Alexander, Anna Maria Washington, 1817-1850"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":168,"online_item_count_is":1,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_76_c137"}},{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_65.xml","title_ssm":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection"],"title_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1834-1957"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1834-1957"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1834/1957"],"normalized_title_ssm":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"text":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957","RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","The collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection.","(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)","John Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.","As the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life.","These visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000.","John Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence.","This diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection.","Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection","This collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals.","Descendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.","Lists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.","States they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.","Mrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.","She had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.","His mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"","Apologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.","Describes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.","Urges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.","Resolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.","Introduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.","Gives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.","Is sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.","Sends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.","Thanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"","Is against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.","Brief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.","Heard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.","Wants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)","Was glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)","Is in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.","Lists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.","Tells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.","Is worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.","Doubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.","Is horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026 Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)","Tells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.","Recommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.","First letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.","Discusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.","Discussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.","Discusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.","Answering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.","Discusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.","He wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.","Discusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.","Discusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"","Invites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.","Has been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"","(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.","First letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.","Wants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.","First letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.","An account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.","Discusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.","Acknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.","Agreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.","Has been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.","A committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.","Encloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.","Addressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.","Does not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.","Discusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.","(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.","Wants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.","The Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.","Draft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"","Draft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).","Encloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.","The state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"","As long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.","Feels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.","Urges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.","Has the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.","Assures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.","Encloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.","Invites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.","Is unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"","Reports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.","Feels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.","Mr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.","Wants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.","Gives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.","Encloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.","Is very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.","Gives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more","Will not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.","Tells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.","Discusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.","Discusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.","Wants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.","Is writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.","Wants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.","Urges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"","His musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.","Would love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.","He remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"","(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.","Again says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"","The Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.","Inquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.","Tells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.","Discusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.","Invites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"","Gives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.","(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026 cupidity of the timid \u0026 narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.","Says he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.","Reiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.","Again states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.","Urges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"","Is preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026 Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.","He deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.","(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.","Wants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.","He is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.","Again requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.","Agrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.","The first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.","Urges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.","Wants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.","Acknowledges his decline to the proposition.","Replying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.","As a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.","Writes to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.","Is involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.","Is amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.","First letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.","Hopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.","Tells him of payment to Burke \u0026 Herbert of $10,000 on that day.","Tells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.","Wants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.","Their project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.","Thanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.","Acknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.","The Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.","Tells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.","They wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026 Herbert for the last installment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.","(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"","Wants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.","Again asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"","Thanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.","Details work done on various dresses.","Is sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.","Cannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.","Wants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.","Will be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.","Wishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.","Makes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.","Is returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.","Is still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.","Thanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.","Sees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.","Tells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.","Sends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.","He is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.","Acknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.","Reports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.","Tells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.","Funeral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.","Asks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.","Two leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.","Full title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.","Wants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.","Photographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"","Small engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.","Hair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"","Small black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.","Black and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).","Boston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"","Diary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026 expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.","Photocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.","Handwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection.","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"collection_ssim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65"],"unitid_tesim":["RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"has_online_content_ssim":["true"],"extent_ssm":["3 Linear Feet 7 boxes"],"extent_tesim":["3 Linear Feet 7 boxes"],"date_range_isim":[1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThese visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)","John Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.","As the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life.","These visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000.","John Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information"],"processinfo_tesim":["This diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEarly Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eLists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStates they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eShe had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIntroduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDoubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026amp; Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAnswering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAddressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDoes not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDraft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDraft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFeels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAssures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFeels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWill not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWould love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026amp; cupidity of the timid \u0026amp; narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSays he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026amp; Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges his decline to the proposition.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReplying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrites to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of payment to Burke \u0026amp; Herbert of $10,000 on that day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTheir project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThey wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026amp; Herbert for the last installment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDetails work done on various dresses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWill be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMakes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAsks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSmall engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSmall black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlack and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBoston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026amp; expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHandwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and 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Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals.","Descendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.","Lists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.","States they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.","Mrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.","She had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.","His mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"","Apologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.","Describes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.","Urges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.","Resolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.","Introduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.","Gives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.","Is sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.","Sends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.","Thanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"","Is against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.","Brief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.","Heard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.","Wants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)","Was glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)","Is in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.","Lists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.","Tells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.","Is worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.","Doubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.","Is horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026 Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)","Tells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.","Recommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.","First letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.","Discusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.","Discussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.","Discusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.","Answering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.","Discusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.","He wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.","Discusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.","Discusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"","Invites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.","Has been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"","(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.","First letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.","Wants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.","First letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.","An account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.","Discusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.","Acknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.","Agreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.","Has been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.","A committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.","Encloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.","Addressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.","Does not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.","Discusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.","(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.","Wants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.","The Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.","Draft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"","Draft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).","Encloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.","The state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"","As long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.","Feels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.","Urges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.","Has the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.","Assures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.","Encloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.","Invites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.","Is unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"","Reports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.","Feels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.","Mr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.","Wants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.","Gives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.","Encloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.","Is very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.","Gives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more","Will not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.","Tells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.","Discusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.","Discusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.","Wants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.","Is writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.","Wants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.","Urges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"","His musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.","Would love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.","He remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"","(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.","Again says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"","The Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.","Inquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.","Tells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.","Discusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.","Invites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"","Gives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.","(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026 cupidity of the timid \u0026 narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.","Says he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.","Reiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.","Again states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.","Urges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"","Is preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026 Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.","He deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.","(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.","Wants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.","He is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.","Again requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.","Agrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.","The first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.","Urges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.","Wants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.","Acknowledges his decline to the proposition.","Replying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.","As a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.","Writes to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.","Is involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.","Is amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.","First letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.","Hopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.","Tells him of payment to Burke \u0026 Herbert of $10,000 on that day.","Tells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.","Wants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.","Their project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.","Thanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.","Acknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.","The Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.","Tells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.","They wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026 Herbert for the last installment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.","(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"","Wants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.","Again asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"","Thanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.","Details work done on various dresses.","Is sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.","Cannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.","Wants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.","Will be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.","Wishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.","Makes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.","Is returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.","Is still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.","Thanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.","Sees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.","Tells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.","Sends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.","He is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.","Acknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.","Reports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.","Tells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.","Funeral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.","Asks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.","Two leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.","Full title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.","Wants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.","Photographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"","Small engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.","Hair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"","Small black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.","Black and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).","Boston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"","Diary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026 expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.","Photocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.","Handwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":251,"online_item_count_is":12,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:17.917Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_65.xml","title_ssm":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection"],"title_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1834-1957"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1834-1957"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1834/1957"],"normalized_title_ssm":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"text":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957","RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","The collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection.","(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)","John Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.","As the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life.","These visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000.","John Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence.","This diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection.","Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection","This collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals.","Descendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.","Lists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.","States they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.","Mrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.","She had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.","His mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"","Apologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.","Describes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.","Urges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.","Resolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.","Introduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.","Gives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.","Is sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.","Sends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.","Thanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"","Is against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.","Brief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.","Heard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.","Wants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)","Was glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)","Is in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.","Lists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.","Tells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.","Is worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.","Doubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.","Is horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026 Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)","Tells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.","Recommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.","First letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.","Discusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.","Discussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.","Discusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.","Answering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.","Discusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.","He wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.","Discusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.","Discusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"","Invites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.","Has been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"","(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.","First letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.","Wants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.","First letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.","An account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.","Discusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.","Acknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.","Agreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.","Has been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.","A committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.","Encloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.","Addressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.","Does not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.","Discusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.","(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.","Wants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.","The Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.","Draft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"","Draft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).","Encloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.","The state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"","As long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.","Feels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.","Urges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.","Has the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.","Assures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.","Encloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.","Invites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.","Is unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"","Reports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.","Feels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.","Mr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.","Wants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.","Gives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.","Encloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.","Is very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.","Gives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more","Will not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.","Tells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.","Discusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.","Discusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.","Wants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.","Is writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.","Wants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.","Urges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"","His musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.","Would love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.","He remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"","(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.","Again says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"","The Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.","Inquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.","Tells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.","Discusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.","Invites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"","Gives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.","(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026 cupidity of the timid \u0026 narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.","Says he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.","Reiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.","Again states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.","Urges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"","Is preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026 Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.","He deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.","(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.","Wants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.","He is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.","Again requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.","Agrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.","The first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.","Urges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.","Wants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.","Acknowledges his decline to the proposition.","Replying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.","As a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.","Writes to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.","Is involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.","Is amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.","First letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.","Hopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.","Tells him of payment to Burke \u0026 Herbert of $10,000 on that day.","Tells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.","Wants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.","Their project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.","Thanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.","Acknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.","The Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.","Tells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.","They wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026 Herbert for the last installment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.","(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"","Wants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.","Again asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"","Thanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.","Details work done on various dresses.","Is sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.","Cannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.","Wants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.","Will be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.","Wishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.","Makes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.","Is returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.","Is still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.","Thanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.","Sees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.","Tells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.","Sends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.","He is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.","Acknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.","Reports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.","Tells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.","Funeral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.","Asks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.","Two leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.","Full title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.","Wants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.","Photographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"","Small engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.","Hair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"","Small black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.","Black and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).","Boston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"","Diary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026 expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.","Photocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.","Handwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection.","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"collection_ssim":["John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) collection, 1834/1957"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65"],"unitid_tesim":["RM.848","/repositories/3/resources/65"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"has_online_content_ssim":["true"],"extent_ssm":["3 Linear Feet 7 boxes"],"extent_tesim":["3 Linear Feet 7 boxes"],"date_range_isim":[1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The collection is arranged chronologically with undated material listed at the beginning in alphabetical order by folder title. Addenda, photocopies, and bound volumes are described at the end of the collection."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThese visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["(Taken from the Digital Encyclopedia entry by Matthew Costello, George Washington's Mount Vernon website)","John Augustine Washington III was the great-grand nephew of George Washington and the last private owner of Mount Vernon. The fourth of five children, he was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. John Augustine spent his young childhood at his parents' Blakeley plantation near present day Charles Town, West Virginia, but after the deaths of Bushrod Washington and his wife Julia in 1829, the Mount Vernon estate became the possession of Bushrod's nephew, John Augustine Washington II. As the son of a wealthy Virginia planter, John Augustine enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle at Mount Vernon, developing interests in politics, hunting, and agriculture. After John Augustine Washington II passed away in June 1832, the estate was left to his widow Jane Charlotte, who vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability without involving her children's inheritances. While John Augustine Washington III preferred his more aristocratic pastimes, Jane insisted that he attend college after his father's death. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, returning to Mount Vernon in September 1841 with a proposition to manage the estate for his mother. She agreed, loaning him twenty-two slaves and contracting his employment for five hundred dollars per year for seven years.","As the oldest living male heir, John Augustine Washington III positioned himself to take possession of Mount Vernon from his mother. While she did not pass away until 1855, she gave John Augustine the proverbial keys to the kingdom, granting him full autonomy to run the plantation as he saw fit. However, John Augustine quickly realized that the deteriorating Mount Vernon estate was a far cry from the profitable plantation that his great-great uncle George Washington once presided over. His primary means of income came from wheat and potato production, woodcutting, selling slaves and outsourcing slave labor, collecting land rents, and his herring operation on the Potomac River. However, soil degradation, poor harvests, temperamental weather, and the devastation of crops by insects and pests limited his agricultural returns. While he managed to slow Mount Vernon's financial decline, these endeavors were not enough to stop the downward spiral. In addition to facing these hardships, John Augustine also experienced constant interruptions by sightseers, many of whom wanted the meet the living descendent of General George Washington, see the Mansion, and ask questions about Washington's life.","These visitors were considered a nuisance to John Augustine's family, and their presence slowed plantation work for slaves, overseers, and hired farm laborers. Initially John Augustine followed the precedential policies of his mother, father, and uncle Bushrod, publishing trespassing notices around the property, requesting letters of introduction to enter the Mansion, and denying the landing of steamboats on the Potomac River. But with his lands yielding such little profit, John Augustine decided to embrace this historical tourism, implementing business strategies to extract money from the thousands of visitors who journeyed to the home of George Washington. In order to bring more people to the estate, he entered into a contract with the proprietors of the Thomas Collyer to permit their steamboat to dock directly at Mount Vernon. He also promoted and invested in the construction of the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Accotink Turnpike Road, which was designed to make travel easier to Mount Vernon over land. As more visitors descended upon the grounds, he instructed slaves and laborers to sell bouquets of flowers, fruit, milk, and hand-carved canes to tourists. Beyond the property boundaries, he went into business with James Crutchett, who purchased timber from the estate and manufactured wooden Washington trinkets near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in the nation's capital. While John Augustine Washington capitalized on the American fascination with George Washington, these sales were not substantial enough to convince him to retain Mount Vernon. He attempted to sell the property to both the federal government and the state of Virginia, but both bodies were deeply mired in sectional and political partisanship. Convinced that neither would meet his terms, he agreed to sell 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate, which included the Mansion, outlying buildings, and the family tomb to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) in 1858 for $200,000.","John Augustine and his family vacated Mount Vernon for their new home Waveland plantation in February 1860. About a year later the state of Virginia called for a convention to debate the issue of secession, and in April 1861, Virginia delegates responded to the firing on Fort Sumter by voting in favor of leaving the Union. John Augustine joined the Confederate Army as a lieutenant colonel, and he served as aide-de-camp to his relative by marriage, General Robert E. Lee. In September 1861, John Augustine was killed during a reconnaissance mission at the Battle of Cheat Mountain by a Union bushwhacker. In a letter to John's teenage daughter Louisa, Lee painfully informed her that her father \"fell in the cause to which he had devoted all his energies, and which his noble heart was earnestly enlisted.\" The two men had shared many conversations and moments together as tent mates, and Lee admired his unflinching \"devotion to Almighty God,\" assuring Louisa that \"He is now safely in Heaven.\" John Augustine was buried in the Zion Episcopal Churchyard in Charles Town, West Virginia, one of several Washington family members who fought and died for Southern independence."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information"],"processinfo_tesim":["This diary may not actually be part of accession RM-848 as it is not mentioned in the initial inventory/correspondence. However, it was in the same box as the other diaries and the almanac when found on the shelf, therefore it was described with the collection."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEarly Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nPapers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence ;\nJohn Augustine Washington III and Descendants Papers ;\nHistoric Manuscripts Collection"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eLists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStates they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eShe had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIntroduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDoubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026amp; Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAnswering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAddressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDoes not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDraft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDraft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFeels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAssures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFeels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWill not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWould love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiscusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026amp; cupidity of the timid \u0026amp; narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSays he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026amp; Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUrges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges his decline to the proposition.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReplying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrites to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFirst letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of payment to Burke \u0026amp; Herbert of $10,000 on that day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTheir project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThey wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026amp; Herbert for the last installment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAgain asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDetails work done on various dresses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWill be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMakes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAsks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSmall engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSmall black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlack and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBoston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026amp; expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHandwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and 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Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances. Other types of material in the collection include legal documents, receipts, photographs, and ephemera. Photocopies were made for most of the manuscripts and can be viewed as surrogates to the originals.","Descendants of John Augustine Washington III maintained ownership of these records until 1990 when they were sold to Gary Hendershott, a manuscripts dealer from Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the collection in October 1990.","Lists signatures and states that all members of Congress would sign if requested.","States they are now the \"best of friends.\" She is angry at people who denigrate his motives. Wants to make known his true nature.","Mrs. Ritchie requests he arrive at the theatre a little after 12:00 so all guests may be seated prior to the rise of the curtain.","She had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were \"greatfully\" received.","His mother wants help valuing her sheep. Describes one offer for Mount Vernon with great disdain. They want to have entertainments there. He has great respect for \"your manly pride.\"","Apologizes for having intruded too much on his privacy during a recent visit when Mrs. Ritchie and others of the ladies \"took forcible possession of me\" and requested cuttings of flowers. Hopes he will establish a Botanic Garden and suggests a location for a Mausoleum.","Describes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was \"highly derogatory to me.\" Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.","Urges sale of Mount Vernon to Virginia rather than to a private sale.","Resolution wants to change the site of the Military Asylum to Mount Vernon if a part of the estate can be purchased at a reasonable price.","Introduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.","Gives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.","Is sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.","Sends funds for completing the vault at Mount Vernon and authorizes him to take more money from his bank if necessary.","Thanks him for the many civilities experienced by them during their visit to Mount Vernon. Sends a piece of a branch of a fig tree cut from the birth spot of \"your immortal ancestor.\"","Is against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to \"every low idler.\" Discusses payments and what form they would take.","Brief note of regards, translated by J. Perkins.","Heard about people being charged to enter the garden. Wishes he would stop this.","Wants to know price and terms of sale of Mount Vernon. If not for sale, could it be leased. (Contains typed transcript.)","Was glad to hear that Mount Vernon was not for sale as it should remain in the hands of the Washington family. Wishes to \"establish a house of entertainment in the vicinity of Mount Vernon.\" Asks questions as to materials and location of such. (Contains typed transcript.)","Is in the market to purchase negroes as one of his men, Alfred, has run off. Wants to know whether she still wishes to dispose of her negroes and what her price would be. He could pay $500 cash and then pay off the principal in a year or two.","Lists names of executors and legatees and their shares and values.","Tells him of an upcoming visit to Washington and Mount Vernon by a \"highly respectable volunteer corps.\" They wish to arrive by boat and see the tomb of Washington. He understands permission to do so is necessary.","Is worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.","Doubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander's mother and others.","Is horrified to learn of auction of Wood Lawn. Proposes to run a steamboat between Washington to Wood Lawn, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, and the White House. Gives references. Pledges to bring members of Congress there and feels it would enhance the chances of the purchase of Mount Vernon by the government. Suggests it could be used as a summer home for the President. Discusses various items left by Washington and the soon to be completed Chesapeake \u0026 Ohio Canal. (contains typed transcript)","Tells him of a letter he received from an unknown man who wants to obtain a tree from Mount Vernon to transplant in France to shade the bench of Christopher Columbus which he possesses.","Recommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.","First letter discusses the Supreme Court taking on the suit of Mr. Hammond against General Washington. Bassett says he discharged all debts owed by Captain Lewis. There is another copy of the names of executors and legatees and their shares and values. Discussions of various debts owed to different people.","Discusses various suits, mostly Hammonds, against the estate and their current status. Many people have died since 1827 when they were last listed. Will take a long time to find people.","Discussion of the Hammond suit and payments still owed to various creditors, to be paid by all the legatees of General Washington's estate. Most dollar figures are left blank to be filled in later. Prompt payment by all legatees is required.","Discusses his father's will and his lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of various other people mentioned in JAW's letter.","Answering his inquiries as to various relatives. Suggests he write to the clerk of Kanawha County for the information he requires. Suggests he contact Andrew Parks who probably has all the facts.","Discusses sale of swamp land. He paid the taxes on it for the Washington heirs. The land is not worth much since the timber had been taken from it by many people over the years. Would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid.","He wishes to meet with him in the middle of November, at which time they can conclude their business.","Discusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles' upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.","Discusses the codicil of his father's will. Mrs. Washington is not compelled to sell. Upon her death, the heirs may sell despite the codicil. Suggests Mrs. Washington partition the land before her death in order that JAW may do \"what you please with the land.\"","Invites him to the wedding of his oldest daughter the next week.","Has been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some \"Rock.\"","(Typed transcription included) George Page and a surveyor from Maryland wanted to survey land in the Potomac River adjacent to Mount Vernon with the object of bringing steamboats there. Was notified he would be charged with some offense by Maryland. Makes him aware that the compact between the states means they have no claim on him.","First letter – wants to know if Mount Vernon Estate will be sold. Second letter – understands the government might become the owner of the estate and wants to meet.","Wants him to petition the Court to finally settle the estate of General Washington.","First letter – wants to examine Mount Vernon with a view to the establishment of a military asylum for the relief of soldiers. Second letter – tells him the price for Mount Vernon is too high, and purchase of a location nearer Washington will be undertaken.","An account by a boat company of receipts over the past year.","Discusses the landing of boats at Mount Vernon without JAW's previous knowledge. Wants them to be allowed to dock if they pay the usual fare to him.","Acknowledges payment for the pianoforte. Wants four walking sticks cut from near General Washington's tomb to be sent to monks in Italy.","Agreement to sell 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000. Includes all buildings and the tomb, as well as furnishings currently there. Also will allow heirs to be buried there. He may not sell the estate without first offering it to the U.S. Government and the State of Virginia for no more than $350,000.","Has been unable to contact other parties to the contract. Hopes to be able to do so soon.","A committee of the House of Delegates has been appointed to consider the purchase of Mount Vernon. Wants to meet him in Alexandria to discuss this.","Encloses a newspaper clipping about the acquisition of Mount Vernon by the State of Virginia. Tells him the committee of five will look into the will of the people as to this acquisition.","Addressed only to \"Mrs. Washington.\" Unclear whether it is addressed to Mrs. Jane C.B. Washington or Mrs. Eleanor L.S. Washington. (Typed transcription included) Has heard that Mount Vernon is for sale, possibly to northern people. Feels the Ladies of the South might instead procure it and wants to know the price.","Does not wish to part with Mount Vernon but wishes to keep it from the changeable fortunes of a family and to ally it to the State. Would sell 200 acres with stipulations for $200,000. If the State wants to establish a model farm there, he would sell an additional 1,000 acres for $300,000. Invites them to visit.","Discusses his offer to sell Mount Vernon to the state. Says $200,000 is less than the property could sell for on the market. Talks about having a model farm as nothing meant more to Washington than farming. Would welcome them to visit. Reminds them that his terms cannot be materially modified.","(Typed transcription included) Says he is asking less money of the state than he had been offered by others. Tells them of his desire for a model farm as the pursuit of an improved system of agriculture was of great importance to General Washington. Would welcome a visit from them.","Wants to clear up suggestions that he is falsely referring to higher offers for Mount Vernon.","The Committee feels the price for Mount Vernon \"is enormous.\" Would prefer the money to be used for a rail road.","Draft in writing of John Augustine Washington III. Addressed to \"Miss Cunningham\" but could also be a response to Louisa Cunningham's letter instead of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Praises the women of the south for their affection for Washington. Does not wish to dispose of the property except to the government of the United States or Virginia and so declines the proposition from the \"Ladies of the South.\"","Draft thought to be in the writing of Jane C.B. Washington. Identical text to previous letter (draft in the hand of John Augustine Washington III).","Encloses a power of attorney and some other letters. Has agreed to reduction of $50,000 on 1000 acres. Will accept nothing less than $200,000 for the 200 acres. Agrees to pay him 5% of what he gets from either government agency, provided it occurs in the current session.","The state might be willing to pay $50,000 per year for four years for Mount Vernon but not the total of $200,000 at once. Wonders what is happening with the federal government. \"Things are coming to a head rapidly.\"","As long as negotiations with Virginia remain open, it would not be proper for him to entertain any proposals from other parties for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Might be interested in the future in making an offer.","Feels priority should be given to Congress to purchase Mount Vernon, and therefore Virginia is holding off on more committee meetings. Wants him to be there for future committee meetings.","Urges him to meet with Arthur Taylor as his representative in the proposed sale of Mount Vernon. Requests that he not send papers to Col. Bissell before meeting with him.","Has the papers from Mr. Washington and wants to meet with him to discuss the sale of Mount Vernon to the U.S. Government.","Assures him that he has not given the letters from him to Mr. Bissell and has requested Mr. Taylor to come see him.","Encloses the previous letter and hopes they will be able to meet soon. Feels it best to not commit to any course with the U.S. until a definite answer comes from the Virginia Legislature.","Invites him to come to his lodgings at any time at 9 a.m.","Is unable to return to his \"hospitable roof\" at this time. Values the time she was there and having been \"entrusted with the training of such bright intelligences.\"","Reports on his share of earnings from \"Washington's Writings.\" Many copies of the book were destroyed in a fire, but the stereotype and engraved plates were in a fire proof vault.","Feels it is very important for him to communicate with the federal government and is willing to help in any way.","Mr. Taylor shared his letter proposing to bring the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon again before Congress. His terms are already known to him – the same as those agreed to for the State of Virginia.","Wants to bring up the purchase of Mount Vernon in Congress but wants to know just what terms he agreed to with Virginia. Wants the Northern States to purchase it.","Gives terms of sale, including that family members still living may also be buried there. Additional property to total 1000 acres may be purchased for $300,000, for a model farm as suggested by Gen. Washington. Tells him the state of Virginia had proposed the sale for less than he wanted which he refused.","Encloses a copy of the bill reported to the House of Delegates Committee for the purchase of Mount Vernon. He told them it would not meet with JAW's approval. Urges him to move quickly on the Turnpike matter for this session.","Is very desirous of having the State of Virginia take possession of Mount Vernon and \"have the sole control and ownership forever.\" Wants to know what terms he proposes.","Gives him the terms of sale. The Washington family shall be permitted to be buried on the site, and no remains shall ever be disturbed. The price shall be $200,000, with an additional 800 acres available for $100,000 more","Will not accede to propositions of the steamboat company. Will be busy for a few weeks but wants to see a copy of the agreement currently in effect.","Tells him of Mrs. Mason presenting \"a remonstrance against your turnpike.\" Wants access to $250 at Farmers Bank in Alexandria.","Discusses payments based on sales of \"Washington's Writings.\" Tells percentages paid to various legatees.","Discusses quarrelling and squabbling among the ladies purchasing Mount Vernon. Is concerned about security around the remains of George Washington.","Wants him to send a letter to him so he may correct disparaging remarks made about his impending sale of Mount Vernon.","Is writing to her as requested by JAW. Describes a woman mourning her deceased eight-year-old son. Includes a poem about grief and moving on after death of a child.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Mr. Mason very much wants to meet him and getting a letter from JAW that would announce the news of their \"progress.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for the kindness of him and Mrs. Washington on her recent visit to Mount Vernon. Urges him to send a letter to be published about the sale of Mount Vernon before the news is released by someone else.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Assures her he does not care what others say about him and remains hopeful of selling Mount Vernon to the State of Virginia.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Explains the absence of Mr. Toombs when JAW came to see him. Tells him why she is now dealing with Mr. Toombs rather than Mr. Mason.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes to meet him in Washington City as she will be there for a few days during her travel south. Wants a thorough understanding of his wishes and intentions before meeting with the governor of Virginia.","Wants him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter in the National Intelligencer and put the estate under the care of the State of Virginia. (This is a copy of a letter written by Anna's husband.) Second letter, dated March 5, 1857 on same paper: Refers to letter copied out by her. Is certain a sufficient sum will have been raised by February 22 to enable Virginia to purchase Mount Vernon.","Urges him to reconsider his determination as expressed in his letter to the National Intelligencer and consent to place the estate once more at the disposal of Virginia which has an arrangement with the \"Ladies' Mount Vernon Association of the Union.\"","His musical association played a concert on behalf of the \"Ladies Mt. Vernon Association\" at which $100 was raised. The musical group would benefit greatly from receiving this money back if Mr. Washington has no plans to sell to the Ladies Association.","Would love to spend time at Mount Vernon, but his schedule will not allow at this time. His book will be published during the winter and spring, but he doesn't feel a visit would add anything.","He remains willing to place Mount Vernon in the hands of the State of Virginia, under his terms which the state has not seemed to want to meet. The proposal to have Mount Vernon by under the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is unacceptable to him. Doubts they could maintain the estate in perpetuity. It would then be taken over by the state.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Identical to previous letter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Responding to his letter to Mr. Ritchie. Urges him to put out that the Ladies are to raise $200,000 on behalf of the State of Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not wish to publish parts of letters. Feels \"nothing but silent contempt can put them at rest.\"","(W.L. Underwood – most likely Warner Lewis Underwood, Kentucky Senator) Tells JAW that if his current negotiations for Mount Vernon should fall through that his organization would be pleased to enter into further discussions.","Again says he wishes Mount Vernon to go to the State of Virginia, to be decided upon by the current session of the General Assembly.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to know who told her that he was \"willing… for a pecuniary consideration to break engagements and promises.\"","The Masonic Brotherhood is interested in purchasing Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the tour the previous day. Apologizes for the bad behavior of one member and hopes that will not prejudice him against the Fraternity.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She met with the governor who told her the \"Extra Session\" of the Legislature was for the \"presidential contest,\" so the Legislature will not be meeting again until the next winter. Realizes this delay is not pleasing to him.","Inquires whether any action has been taken by the Legislature or is likely to be.","Tells him no action has yet been taken by the Legislature but feels sure it will be taken up after the Christmas recess, after which the ladies will be enabled to purchase Mount Vernon and have its title transferred to Virginia.","Discusses various prices for Mount Vernon and quotes JAW as vehemently denying that he wanted the remains of General Washington moved. He wishes the estate to be the property of the United States and all the people.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him she has been very ill but is sure that the Legislature will act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Tells him Gov. Wise is \"inimical to our 'cause'\" which is the reason the Legislature has not taken up the subject of the purchase of Mount Vernon.\" Talks of the financial crisis which is being felt by \"we victimized cotton planters.\" Tells him of the impending sale of copies of a portrait of Washington.","(Typed transcription enclosed) She writes of her illness and lack of strength. The Constitution of the Association was signed by the governor. Tells him various Masonic orders have decided to become allies of the Association. Hopes to have the contract signed between Virginia and him on the 22nd of February.","Invites recipient to the elevation of the Statue of Washington on February 22 in Richmond.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Is looking forward to the inauguration of the Washington statue. Wants him to vow that the Ladies of the Association are the \"very best friends you have in the world.\" Tells him that Gov. Wise is no friend to him or to her and this cause.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has a document that states Virginia will purchase Mount Vernon from him and encloses a copy of the bill. Is sure the governor will act strongly to defeat this. Wants him to attend the address by Mr. Everett a few days before the 22nd of February. Tells him how lucky he is to get $200,000 in \"these awful times.\"","Gives price of sale of $200,000 for 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate and pledges the MVLA to guarantee to not disturb any remains currently there and to allow descendants of JAW to also be interred there.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Praises him for agreeing that Mount Vernon is to be a public shrine and to limit interments there. Gen. Chapman included that in the third reading of the bill. Discusses the building of a new mausoleum for Washington which would not go against his will. Talks of her illness.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the disposition of family remains, as well as those of General Washington, are his biggest concerns in the sale.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Hopes he is happy about the bill as read in the Legislature. Tells him it is she and not the Committee who wants to arrange for a magnificent mausoleum. Closes by saying she is too exhausted to \"even give a hint of the nature of woman's revenge should you not be in a state of delight over our bill!!!\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Remains adamant as to a future mausoleum as Washington stated where he wished his remains to be. Cannot travel to Richmond at present due to the illness of Mrs. Washington.","(Agreement ends with reference to the 10th of February) Deals with payment of $6,000 to heirs of W.F. Alexander and Anna Alexander as a share of Mount Vernon. Expressly says none of these heirs have any claim to the proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon, other than the $6,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that though Gov. Wise is no friend to the Mount Vernon cause, he did not intend to put his remarks under the head of Lunatic Asylum. It was a complete accident.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses another article by Mr. Pryor who is \"using his art to arouse the fear, \u0026 cupidity of the timid \u0026 narrow minded of this Legislature.\" Asks him about his previous offer from a company to purchase the estate, and that he wanted to wait for Congress to act.","(Typed transcription enclosed) States that his price for Mount Vernon has always been $200,000, since he gained control of it in 1849. Asks whether he ever made an offer for Mount Vernon for $100,000. If so, under whose authority was it made?","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to confirm with him that his offer to sell Mount Vernon as a site for the Military Asylum in 1851 was for $200,000 and not $100,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of a contract with a gentleman to sell him 200 acres of Mount Vernon for $200,000 with the condition that the property should be offered to the U.S. and to Virginia. If neither purchased it, he should take the property. He then offered $50,000 to release him from that obligation, but JAW refused. Says he never has offered it for sale in public or private.","Says he was authorized by JAW to offer Mount Vernon for a Military Asylum for $100,000. Will search for papers to confirm this.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Advises that on March 25, 1851, he made an offer to sell about 150 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 for an Army Asylum or some other government purpose.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Labeled as Private. Thanks him for sending a copy of the correspondence of Gen. Scott. Miss C. is intensely engaged in getting past Mr. Pryor's malicious misrepresentation of the Bill. If he can defeat us, he will.","Reiterates that Alexander and his heirs have no claim to any proceeds arising from a sale of Mount Vernon beyond the agreed upon $6,000 and requests him to add a paragraph to that effect to the agreement they will both sign.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her in Richmond, despite his recent fall. Refers to the animosity of Mr. Pryor toward the bill. Wishes there could be an Extra Session for it to pass.","Again states his disagreement with Mr. McKenzie's assertion of his having offered $100,000 for Mount Vernon. No one else knew of such an offer. Gen. Scott agrees with JAW in his recollections. Tells her of a recent fall from a horse which will prevent his visit to Richmond on the 22nd.","Urges him and his family to attend the inauguration of the equestrian statue of Washington on the Capital Square in Richmond. Says he would be pleased to host them at their home near the city.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to Richmond and wants her to update him on matters related to the Bill as \"I have not in any manner approached\" any of his friends or acquaintances on the subject. It is important for her to convince members that the association only needs the name of the State which will not be called upon to pay any of the money for the purchase.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham begs him to attend Mr. Everett's oration and hopes to speak to him on the Square tomorrow.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Continues to be unwell. Introduces him to Mr. A.H.H. Dawson of Georgia, \"an eccentric genius.\" He is devoted to the purposes of the Association and has delivered an address about it in 30 towns in Georgia. Urges him to come to Richmond to meet with members of the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is sorry he was unable to call on her before leaving Richmond. Wants clarification about alterations Mr. Yancy thought necessary in the paper he left with her. He wants a decision by the Legislature, yes or no, soon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells him that the Legislature is \"in a row\" and will not pass any bills before an Extra Session. Wants him to bring a contract to her so they are prepared for any contingencies. Tells him of her illness of the lungs and her treatment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reiterates the importance of the sanctity of the family burying ground. Wants to have some alterations and additions of a substantial permanent character made to the present vault, with a durable enclosure around it. He is open to payment in stocks or cash for the estate. Says they should have an act of incorporation before signing a contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gen. Chapman was drawing up an act of incorporation before the bill comes up. He said Virginia must not hold the tomb; the Association must hold it. She remains very ill. \"yrs in much suffering\"","Is preparing a pamphlet to defend JAW against detractors and wants copies of correspondence he had with Gen. Scott and others about possible purchase of Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The bill in Virginia for the purchase of Mount Vernon, to be refunded by the MVLA, was defeated in the House of Delegates. In addition Congress cannot purchase land in a sovereign state without its consent. Tells him it should be the property of the Nation and should be sold to the MVLA. \"With grateful women pledged to guard the sacred ashes of Washington and to adorn his home for a national shrine.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Says it has become obvious that neither Virginia nor the U.S. wish to purchase Mount Vernon. Therefore \"the women of the land will probably be the safest as they will certainly be the purest guardians of a national shrine.\" He waits for her to make a proposal to him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham requests that he answer the letter she gave him relating to the purchase of Mount Vernon and to return it to her. She will give him a copy.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is returning her letter to him as it seemed to be improperly dated and lacked her signature. When she remedies those defects, he will send an answer.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants to meet with him on Saturday morning in Alexandria to sign the contract.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Is very unhappy about delays put forth by Messrs. Macfarland \u0026 Myers. They felt there had to be an acceptance of the contract by all or a majority of the Vice Regents before it could be signed. They can do this by telegraph, permitting Mrs. Ritchie to act for them.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to come without delay. It was thought things would be delayed as Mrs. Walton's husband had died, but now Mr. McFarland advised them to send for him at once. Miss Cunningham is not good and needs to bring matters to a close \"ere it be too late.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come see her that afternoon or evening as Dr. Beale \"considers it necessary to apply a severe blister without delay.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Upon reflection she feels the letter she sent him for publication is not to be published. She does not wish to \"make enemies even in a State which has given me so little cause to respect it.\" Mrs. Ritchie will work on a better worded one which she will send to him.","He deposited money to his credit for the contract and wants to know if this was correct. Tells him the pony he was inquiring about is not for sale. Also felt much concern about the accounts of the fisheries. Looks forward to a visit with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the plat of the 200 acres of land he agreed to sell to the MVLA. Wants him to sign it and return it.","(Typed transcription enclosed) About the plat, he is having the land resurveyed and \"have the necessary corners stones set.\" He will send it back with a signature after that. Also encloses her letter of March 12 and wants a copy of her letter as published with her signature.","Wants to know if George Thorburn may visit Mount Vernon in the 28th of May to inspect the grounds in regards to the improvements to be made. He is \"no doubt the first horticulturist in America\" and a plain, unpolished person. It would be good for JAW's surveyor to meet with Mr. Thorburn to go over the grounds.","He is \"exceedingly provoked\" at the newspaper coverage in connection with the sale of Mount Vernon. As a college friend he felt he had to contact an editor and correct the information. He hopes he did not make the situation worse.","Again requests he host the \"celebrated florist\" at Mount Vernon to look over the grounds before they come to Mount Vernon on the 29th for a few hours.","Agrees to have Mr. Thorburn come and meet with surveyors. Asks if Mr. Thorburn could be appointed the Agent of the Association in drawing up with the surveyors the lines of the 200 acres. He will \"grant any reasonable request of the Association.\" Hopes to see Mr. Ritchie and her while he yet resides at Mount Vernon.","The first attests to receipt of interest on the $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington. \tThe second is for $2,000 as part of the $6,000 owed.","Urges him to reduce the price of Mount Vernon to $150,000 so as to better fund all the expenses associated with its ownership by the MVLA. Tells him to buy land in \"some of the new states\" with that money.","Wants to know what stocks or bonds would be acceptable as part of the purchase price. Gives the current rate of Virginia stock.","Acknowledges his decline to the proposition.","Replying to a previous letter. Cannot answer the questions of Miss Lewis as he does not remember where Col. Fielding Lewis died. Her wishes are an illusion. Wonders if some land in Kentucky is what she is dreaming of. Hopes the Ladies will be able to preserve Mount Vernon after they complete the purchase.","As a new Mason, wants to know if he will amend the contract to state that the property will revert to the United States or the Masonic Fraternity in the event of a dissolution of the MVLA and not to the state of Virginia.","Writes to her cousin about an article in the paper that morning that was a \"vile abolition libel on you.\" Wants to assure her lady friends that it is untrue.","Is involved in illustrating an article about Mount Vernon as it is of interest to the American people. Wants to visit to sketch objects that have not been drawn. The MVLA is in favor of such an article to assist with their fund raising.","Is amazed at the scurrilous attacks made on him by Northern Papers which are calculated to embarrass the Mount Vernon Association.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Thanks him for his letter about the calumnies in some Northern newspapers but has no desire to enter into a controversy with the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants him to tell her of his agreement with Mr. Crutchett of Mount Vernon Cane Factory who was given permission to come and cut trees on the estate. Asks what value he puts on the remainder of the estate contiguous to the 200 acres.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Gives details of his contract with Mr. Crutchett which expired in February 1856. He was permitted to take more trees before January 1857. He has no right to \"come upon the property I have sold the Association to cut timber.\" Has not put a price on the remainder of Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for the hospitality given to him and his sister on their visit to Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham was happy to hear his account of the transactions with Mr. Crutchett. Wants him to come to Philadelphia to confer upon private matters of great importance to the Association and himself. She is equally interested in the final settlement of the boundary lines.","First letter (incomplete) congratulates him on the sale of Mount Vernon. Requests return of portrait of his mother. Second letter thanks him for agreeing to return the portrait. He and his family would very much like to visit Mount Vernon again before it becomes public.","Hopes he can come to Washington to meet with him. Wants Mr. Washington to stay with him to \"pay off the debt of visiting you at Mt. Vernon.\" Miss Cunningham is making arrangements to pay the first bond with interest in December.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Looks forward to making payment of the first installment. Mr. Riggs will pay sums of $5,000 as soon as it is raised. Hopes to be able to pay the remainder of 2d installment on 1st of January 1859. Begs him to keep these matters as a \"profound secret.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to make the first payment on December 14, the anniversary of Washington's death.","Tells him of payment to Burke \u0026 Herbert of $10,000 on that day.","Tells him the box containing the chairs has not yet arrived. He wants to be allowed to pay for the repairs necessary to the chairs. Invites him and his family to visit him in Richmond before they go farther away from it.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to make the first payment on the 1st, but this is a holiday. Urges him not to risk sending the plat executed by Washington himself but to have it be lithographed. Wants to clear up the boundaries. Tells him to keep the discussion of the sale of additional land private.","Wants to gather branches from the estate in order to make canes to sell to aid in the purchase of Mount Vernon.","Their project would require the consent of the Regent of the MVLA.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Confidential) Miss Cunningham is too ill to reply to his last letter. Lets him know his presence might be required on the 22nd but all arrangements must be kept private. The upcoming payment will be about $14,000.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Urges him to accept the money already paid to him (for the \"selling your relations bones.\") He already received more money than the estate was worth. Note on the letter states he ensured his control over the remains in \"such a way that they can never be sold by any one.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Does not want to go to Philadelphia unless it is absolutely necessary. He recently heard that Mrs. Esther M. Lewis (widow of Lorenzo Lewis) wants to present the harpsichord that was given to Nelly to the MVLA.","Thanks him for copy of the inscription on a bust. He realized he had not copied the pencil sketch of the Destruction of the Bastille. Would JAW please have a photograph of it sent to him for an upcoming book on the history of Mount Vernon. Will send a copy of the book to him in September when it is published.","Acknowledges receipt of $1,000 which completes the payment of $6,000 owed to Mrs. Jane Washington.","The Regent wants JAW to not allow any more sketches to be made of Mount Vernon or the grounds without her consent. Attached is a copy of an advertisement for sale of a portrait of Washington. The Mount Vernon Record gives an account of fund raising to date. Mr. Everett thanks Devereux for sending him a copy of the Farewell Address.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Requests her to send him definite instructions to enable him to prohibit people from making sketches of Mount Vernon.","Tells them he has written to the Regent requesting her instructions about the matter they raised with him.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent now feels that it would \"not be practicable for you to refuse privileges hitherto granted\" in the matter of sketches. There is also a newspaper clipping with letters from JAW and the Regent about the sale of Mount Vernon.","They wrote to him on the 14th as the Regent was prostrated. Requests any material he might have about the area in England where Washington's ancestor came from.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her of terms under which they ran their steamboat to Mount Vernon. They paid him money with the understanding that he would make repairs to the wharf and footway, under the agreement, but he did not. He ordered his captain to have it done and will retain that money.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses a copy of the previous letter and asks him to advise her as to her response to Mr. Bryan.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham much enjoyed his previous letter and its humor. Hopes he will waive the requisition of 10 days notice before receiving payments. Can give him at least 30 days notice before requiring possession, and hopefully 60 days. She has \"been very much of an invalid for many weeks.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Wants him to come to Philadelphia around the 10th or 12th so they may consult in regard to the future. They can have the boundary line settled and put many business affairs in order. Miss Cunningham intends to make a payment on the last installment as soon \"as you will receive it.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) He will travel to Philadelphia and meet with her on Wednesday. Will give directions to Messrs. Burke \u0026 Herbert for the last installment.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham wants him to arrive on Thursday and then accompany her to hear Mr. Everett in the evening. She and Mr. Everett would then meet with him on Friday.","(Typed transcription enclosed) He agrees to come to Philadelphia on Thursday and meet as she suggests.","(Typed transcription enclosed) The Regent wants him to \"have the kindness not to speak of the particulars of your interview with her.\" She also requests him to confer with Mr. Herbert, after which Mr. Herbert should meet with Mr. Riggs and let her know the arrangements he would be willing to make. \"This matter she particularly desires should be confidential.\"","Wants him to send him the photographs of the Picture of the Bastille and let him know what he owes for this service. Thanks him for his kindness in all this matter.","Again asks for the photograph of the Bastille picture as his book is finished, and he is only waiting for that.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham regrets that he and Mr. Riggs were unable to meet at Mount Vernon to discuss all it is possible to do without annoyance to the family. Would like to commence work on the outbuildings near the garden and to rebuild the roof and pillars of the piazza. Also wants to do work around the Tomb.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Apologizes for delay in responding to his recent letter, but the news of Captain Cunningham's decease has made it impossible for Miss Cunningham to \"think of even the most pressing business.\"","Thanks him for sending the photograph and encloses $5. Apologizes for keeping three documents for so long. Wants to return the documents and send him a copy of the book in September. Asks whether he may keep the Pohick elevation as it is in Washington's hand.","Details work done on various dresses.","Is sorry to hear that JAW will be leaving Mount Vernon before Hubard can get there to visit. Wants to know whether Mr. Mills does possess the moulds made by Houdon. Wants to see a cast made from the mould as he is convinced it is a fraud.","Cannot say whether the Richmond statue is accurate but to him the head looks identical to the Mount Vernon bust. Has never heard of the moulds being left at Mount Vernon and does not believe Mr. Mills would have removed anything without his permission.","Wants to clarify his original assertion that he feels Houdon did not use the moulds made from Washington's face as he asserts they are very different from the head of Houdon. Also wants to know whether the table on which Washington lay when the moulds were made is still at Mount Vernon.","Thanks him for sending money from the steamboat company for the MVLA.","Will be writing an article for Encyclopedia Britannica and is \"desirous of stating the facts relative to the emancipation of the Genl's slaves.\" Also wants to know whether Mrs. Washington left a will and whether she freed her slaves in it.","Wishes to obtain a copy of the inventory of General Washington's estate.","Makes assertion that General Washington was sued and judgment rendered against him. Also some northern papers are speculating that he lost his money and had mortgaged the Mount Vernon estate for $400,000. Encloses a copy of the certificate of the appraiser as entered in 1810.","Is returning the papers lent to him and sending a copy of his book on Mount Vernon. Thanks him for the use of the papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Reminds her that his request for her lawyer to sift through an abstract of his title to Mount Vernon has not been complied with. This would answer questions raised by anonymous persons which have \"caused you some uneasiness.\"","Miss Cunningham wants to conclusively prove the falsehood of assertions of the invalidity of his title to the estate. The Clerk of Fairfax County will attest to the truth but wants to see his father's will and evidence of the payment of $6,000 charged to the estate. Looks forward to putting to rest this falsehood.","Is still waiting for the certificate from the Clerk of Fairfax County. That will give the \"lie to any slander of title.\" Is unable to visit due to his duties in the Legislature.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham thanks him for sending the package of papers and hopes to be able to write herself in a few days about other matters.","Thanks him for sending the papers. Does not appear from them that \"Mrs. Washington emancipated the dower negroes.\" Requests more information on that point.","Sees that Miss Cunningham has published an abstract of title furnished her by the Clerk of Fairfax Court, so imagines she will not require further information. Will soon return the other papers.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Has forwarded to her a package of papers which he recovered, apparently detailing the kinds and locations of trees planted at Mount Vernon.","Tells her his lack of response to her letter is due to being away most of the month and having visits from friends, possibly for the last time at Mount Vernon. Pointed out the lines of the old vistas marked by ancient trees. The insurance policies he had were on the house only, not the outbuildings. Recommends she make a new road. Also recommends repairing the wharf.","Sends a newspaper copy of an advertisement she placed wishing to obtain a copy of the photograph taken the previous August at the tomb of Washington which included her daughter, now deceased. She would like to know if she could obtain a list of the attendees of that day so she might write and request this as it is the only photograph of her daughter.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Tells her the Association still must raise $140,000 to support the Estate which will require extraordinary effort on the part of the Association. Asks her to address visitors at Mount Vernon on the imperative nature of this.","(Typed transcription enclosed – labeled Private) Wants to arrange a \"Grand Ceremonial in connection with the taking of the title\" in order to let people know fund raising is not complete after the purchase. Refers to political turmoil and the impending dissolution of the Union and all the difficulties this will cause. Plans to be at Mount Vernon for 10 days and wants to meet with him to finalize things.","He is fine with executing a deed for the sale of Mount Vernon to the Association and feels there would be no difficulty in the event of his death. He worries about Virginia's seceding from the Union that she might object to selling part of her soil to a corporation composed \"in part of unfriendly foreigners.\"","(Typed transcription enclosed) Miss Cunningham is gratified that he concurs in her proposition and feels her decease would be the most serious difficulty to be apprehended. Wants to meet him at Mount Vernon to place the deed in escrow. Does not feel the possibilities for Virginia he suggested would form a significant barrier.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses an order to Mr. Riggs for steamboat receipts through December 31st. Would be happy to meet her at Mount Vernon.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Encloses the order on Mr. Bryan for the steamboat receipts. Has been paying insurance which continues until June next and has deducted that from the receipts.","Acknowledges his letter but does not need receipts for premiums of insurance.","Reports that Mr. Herbert only wants to clear the lot of land offered him. Also Mr. Norris has rented out his farm. Turner is not sure where he moved to in Kentucky. Discusses acquisition of material to make shirts for servants.","(Typed transcription enclosed) Had not replied to his earlier letter due to excessive fatigue from her journey from Columbia. Hopes to use patriotic influence to get the \"Agent\" to remit or reduce his fee.","Tells him of a minister who will be in Alexandria and is looking for a vacant church where he could officiate.","Funeral was conducted at Waveland. There is a description of the body and the family. Invoked the Gospel. JAW began family prayers following the death of his wife. Description of his activities over the following days.","Asks Mrs. Howard for a biographical sketch of her father (John Augustine Washington III) for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.","Two leaflets advertising the writings of Dr. Lyon G. Tyler.","Full title \"A Confederate catechism: The war of 1861-1865.\" Third edition, November 21, 1929. Series of 20 questions and answers about the war.","Wants to know whether the Ladies will discuss the purchase of the pictures and maps he has been offering. He will offer them elsewhere.","Photographic print, cabinet card of a drawing of the east view of the Mansion by unknown artist. Reverse side of card reads \"D.H. Naramore, Photographer, No. 321 King Street, Alexandria, VA.\"","Small engraving probably clipped from a publication. Unknown location or residence shown in image.","Hair clippings in envelope with note \"Hair of the late Lawrence Washington - 1856 - Found among articles bequested to MVLA by Miss Cunningham. Miss Comegys, Regent (1923) directs Supt. to send this to the widow of Mr. Lawrence W.\"","Small black and white photographic print showing the gravestone for Lt. Col. John Augustine Washington.","Black and white photographic print mounted on gray board. Shows Waveland residence with man, two women, and several children visible (unidentified).","Boston: Published by Charles Bowen. Front page signed \"Jane C. Washington, Mount Vernon, 1834.\"","Diary inscribed \"Account of all my recpts. \u0026 expenditures beginning with Sept. 16th, 1841, that being the date at which I came to Mount Vernon to reside.\" There are intermittent entries through November 1859. This is not as full a diary but includes lists of food, clothing, and china, table, and cookware.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details. Loose note at the front reads \"Extracts from the diary of my father\" with notes on this diary and previous ones.","Includes \"List of Negroes\" and Mount Vernon farming and maintenance details.","Photocopies of undated manuscripts from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1834-1838 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1841-1845 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1846-1849 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1851-1853 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1854-1855 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1856-1857 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (1 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1858 from the collection. (2 of 2)","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1859 from the collection.","Photocopies of manuscripts dated 1860-1861 from the collection.","Handwritten notes probably by a librarian or other Mount Vernon staff member including summaries of the letters within the collection."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Cunningham, Ann Pamela, 1816-1875","Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891","Everett, Edward, 1794-1865","Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854","Lewis, Lawrence, 1767-1839","Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852","Davis, Henry Winter, 1817-1865","Bassett, George Washington, 1800-1878","Johnson, Joseph, 1785-1877","Corcoran, W.W. (William Wilson), 1798-1888","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","McKenzie, Lewis, 1810-1895","Cunningham, Louisa Bird, 1794-1873","Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860","Taylor, John L. (John Lampkin), 1805-1870","Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866","Washington, Bushrod C. (Bushrod Corbin), 1839-1919","Tyler, Nathaniel, 1828-1917"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":251,"online_item_count_is":12,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:17.917Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_65"}},{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eA large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_70.xml","title_ssm":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers"],"title_tesim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1787-1932"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1787-1932"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1787/1932"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"text":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932","RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","Chronological, with undated material at the end.","Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.","John Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","Additional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection.","A large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.","Autograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.","Autograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.","Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 8 p.","Autograph document signed, 3 p.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.","Autograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"","A bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.","Autograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.","Autograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 9 p.","Typescript document signed, 6 p.","Typescript document signed, 4 p.","Partially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.","Typescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.","1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p.","Typescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.","Document signed, 11 p.","Typescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.","Autograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.","Cabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900","Typescript, 3 p.","2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform.","The original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives).","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"collection_ssim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70"],"unitid_tesim":["RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"acqinfo_ssim":["This collection of family papers was received as a gift in three installments from Lawrence Washington of Alexandria, a descendant of Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920. The gift was accessioned in 1977."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["2 Linear Feet"],"date_range_isim":[1787,1788,1789,1790,1791,1792,1793,1794,1795,1796,1797,1798,1799,1800,1801,1802,1803,1804,1805,1806,1807,1808,1809,1810,1811,1812,1813,1814,1815,1816,1817,1818,1819,1820,1821,1822,1823,1824,1825,1826,1827,1828,1829,1830,1831,1832,1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChronological, with undated material at the end.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["Chronological, with undated material at the end."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.","John Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eAutograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 8 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 3 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 9 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript document signed, 6 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePartially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument signed, 11 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript, 3 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["A large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.","Autograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.","Autograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.","Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 8 p.","Autograph document signed, 3 p.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.","Autograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"","A bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.","Autograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.","Autograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 9 p.","Typescript document signed, 6 p.","Typescript document signed, 4 p.","Partially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.","Typescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.","1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p.","Typescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.","Document signed, 11 p.","Typescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.","Autograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.","Cabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900","Typescript, 3 p.","2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["The original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives)."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":56,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","ead_ssi":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","_root_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","_nest_parent_":"vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/MV/repositories_3_resources_70.xml","title_ssm":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers"],"title_tesim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1787-1932"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1787-1932"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1787/1932"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"text":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932","RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70","This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.","Chronological, with undated material at the end.","Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.","John Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.","Additional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection.","A large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.","Autograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.","Autograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.","Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 8 p.","Autograph document signed, 3 p.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.","Autograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"","A bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.","Autograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.","Autograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 9 p.","Typescript document signed, 6 p.","Typescript document signed, 4 p.","Partially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.","Typescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.","1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p.","Typescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.","Document signed, 11 p.","Typescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.","Autograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.","Cabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900","Typescript, 3 p.","2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform.","The original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives).","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"collection_ssim":["Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, 1787/1932"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70"],"unitid_tesim":["RM-518.RM-523.RM-524","/repositories/3/resources/70"],"repository_ssm":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"repository_ssim":["The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon"],"creator_ssm":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920"],"creator_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"creators_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859","Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"acqinfo_ssim":["This collection of family papers was received as a gift in three installments from Lawrence Washington of Alexandria, a descendant of Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920. The gift was accessioned in 1977."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["2 Linear Feet"],"date_range_isim":[1787,1788,1789,1790,1791,1792,1793,1794,1795,1796,1797,1798,1799,1800,1801,1802,1803,1804,1805,1806,1807,1808,1809,1810,1811,1812,1813,1814,1815,1816,1817,1818,1819,1820,1821,1822,1823,1824,1825,1826,1827,1828,1829,1830,1831,1832,1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChronological, with undated material at the end.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["Chronological, with undated material at the end."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Lawrence Washington, 1854-1920:  Lawrence Washington was the fifth child and eldest son of John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Washington. He was born at Mount Vernon on January 14, 1854. He married Frances Willis Lackland on June 14, 1876, and the couple had twelve children, including Anne Madison and Patty Willis Washington, who inherited a large collection of Washington relics from their father.","John Augustine Washington III, 1821-1861: John Augustine Washington was the great-grandnephew of George Washington and the last Washington to own Mount Vernon before its sale to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA).  He was born on May 3, 1821 to John Augustine Washington II and Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840, and returned to Mount Vernon to manage the declining estate with his widowed mother's permission. In 1843, he married Eleanor Love Selden with whom he had seven children. He sold 200 acres of Mount Vernon to the MVLA in 1858 for $200,000, and he and his family moved to Waveland plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia in 1860. He served as aide-de-camp to General Robert E. Lee, but was shot by a bushwhacker and died one week later on September 13, 1861.\nJane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, 1786-1855: Jane Charlotte Blackburn was born on August 23, 1786 at Rippon Lodge, Prince William, Virginia to Major Richard Scott Blackburn and Judith Blackburn. She married John Augustine Washington II and had five children, three of whom lived to adulthood – Anna Maria Thomasina Washington Alexander, John Augustine Washington III, and Richard Scott Blackburn Thomas. The couple lived at Blakely plantation near Charles Town, West Virginia, until the death of Bushrod Washington in 1829, who left the property of Mount Vernon to John Augustine Washington II in his will. When her husband died in 1832, Jane Charlotte Washington inherited Mount Vernon and vowed to maintain the estate to the best of her ability. She insisted her oldest son, John Augustine Washington III, attend college to better prepare him to someday manage the family's properties. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1840 and a year later began overseeing all business at Mount Vernon for his mother. Jane Charlotte Washington died in 1855 and is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Name and date of item], Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Name and date of item], Lawrence Washington collection of Washington family papers, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional manuscripts related to John Augustine Washington III and his family can be found in the Historic Manuscript Collection, Elswyth Thane Beebe Collection of Washington Family Papers, John Augustine Washington III and Eleanor Love Selden Correspondence, John Augustine Washington III and descendants papers, John Augustine Washington III and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) Collection."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eAutograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 8 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 3 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph document signed, 9 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript document signed, 6 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript document signed, 4 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePartially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument signed, 11 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAutograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript, 3 p.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["A large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.","Autograph note, 1 p. Copied from the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.","Autograph letter, 1 p. with integral address panel. Macomb informs Lear, \"the house which the Count de Moustier occupied, is at the service of the President from the 1st of May next.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter of introduction for a visitor from England who wants to visit Mount Vernon. Story adds regards from Chief Justice John Marshall.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with integral address panel. Boston to Mount Vernon. Newell writes asking for clippings of \"green box\" or any other shrubbery from the garden of Washington at Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Washington City to Mount Vernon. Writes of politics and hopes John Augustine can visit him in the Federal City soon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with integral address panel. Washington to Mount Vernon.","Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington writes strongly refusing requests to land steamboats at Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Clay-Mont. Herbert writes to Washington about the portion of the estate of their deceased uncle, Bushrod Washington, that passed through the Herbert family line.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 8 p.","Autograph document signed, 3 p.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft with corrections. Washington responds to a proposal from the Board of Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress to purchase the estate of Mount Vernon as a military asylum. Washington hopes to retain part of the estate as a residence for his family.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington to Mount Vernon. A letter regarding purchasing Mount Vernon to turn it into an asylum for old veterans.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Washington. A letter regarding purchasing 200 acres of the Mount Vernon estate for $200,000 to create a military asylum.","Autograph letter signed, 3p. with integral address panel. Alexandria.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. About the possible sale of Mount Vernon to the state of Virginia.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. Richmond. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 3 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel. Richmond to Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 3 p. Retained copy. Mount Vernon. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon to the United States. Washington writes, \"A desire to know that Mount Vernon is placed beyond the chances and changes of Family fortune, in hands where it will be permanently preserved and taken care of, and never applied to any unworthy purpose, is the principal indeed I may say the only inducement I have to place it in the possession of the United States.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Correspondence about the sale of Mount Vernon. Taylor writes that the House has decided to establish the military asylum closer to Richmond and not to purchase Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Washington City. Parker writes on behalf of the directors of the steamboats George Washington and Thomas Collyer to renegotiate the fees paid to John Augustine Washington for landing at Mount Vernon. Parker writes that the route to Mount Vernon is \"not near as good as it was formerly\" because \"the great bulk of the citizens have visited the place.\"","A bill to incorporate the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, and to authorize the purchase of a part of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington issues a statement to the publishers of a journal regarding his sale of Mount Vernon. In a crossed out line, he mentions \"a Lady in South Carolina,\" Ann Pamela Cunningham.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. with autograph document, 1 p. Washington. A letter announcing the resolution of the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution from the Promotion of Agriculture. With a manuscript resolution from the fifth annual meeting of the Society held at the Smithsonian Institution, attested and signed by Marshall P. Wilder.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Draft copy. Mount Vernon. Washington responds to an offer from the United States Agricultural Society to purchase Mount Vernon to establish a National Institution for the Promotion of Agriculture.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Savannah. Request for proof that Mount Vernon was sold for $250,000 in order to defend Washington against critics.","Autograph letter signed, 2 p. Mount Vernon. Draft copy. Washington declines Lawson's request for correspondence regarding the sale of Mount Vernon.","Autograph letter, 2 p. New York. A rambling letter arguing for the protection of Mount Vernon as the seed of the spirit of Jesus Christ in George Washington. Docketed in the hand of John Augustine Washington III, \"a specimen of the nonsense I am subjected to.\"","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. with integral address panel.","Autograph note signed, 1 p. Receipt for $40.75 of interest from the estate of John Augustine Washington II.","Autograph letter signed, 4 p. with envelope. Richmond to Waveland. Washington writes his son about touring batteries in Norfolk with General Robert E. Lee.","Autograph document, 2 p. A list of the division of the property of John Augustine Washington III amongst his children, including lots from the Mount Vernon farm.","Autograph document signed, 4 p.","Autograph document signed, 9 p.","Typescript document signed, 6 p.","Typescript document signed, 4 p.","Partially printed, with manuscript additions, 2 p. An acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution for items received from Lawrence Washington: a bible signed by George Washington, an oil portrait of Lawrence Washington, and Lawrence Washington's naval commission.","Typescript letter signed, 1 p. Alexandria.","1 p. Acknowledgement of a \"Copy of a recently discovered Cipher used in Colonial times\" given by Lawrence Washington to the State Department Library.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p.","Typescript letter signed, incomplete, only page 2.","Document signed, 11 p.","Typescript signed, 1 p. Kittery, Maine to Washington, D.C. A letter commemorating the George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight to Commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Postal Service.","Autograph letter signed, 1 p. Written in a child's hand.","Autograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.","Cabinet card of the \"Residence of Lawrence Washington in Fauquier\" by Philips, Cole and Reed of Alexandria and Bedford City, Virginia, circa 1870-1900","Typescript, 3 p.","2 unidentified photographic portraits of men, one in a military uniform."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["The original donation of material included 54 letters to and from Ann Pamela Cunningham and John Augustine Washington III. These letters were separated and added to the Early Records of the MVLA collection (MVLA Archives)."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed"],"persname_ssim":["Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","Philips, Cole \u0026 Reed","Washington, John Augustine, III, 1821-1861","Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855","Washington, Lawrence, 1854-1920","Washington, Corbin, 1764-1799","Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816","Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897","Herbert, Bushrod Washington, -1888","Washington, John Augustine, II, 1789-1832","Custis, George Washington Parke, 1781-1857","Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866","Page, Thomas Nelson, 1853-1922","Washington, Hannah Bushrod, approximately 1738-1804","Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829","Washington, Julia Ann Blackburn, 1768-1829","Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792-1864","Davis, John Wesley, 1799-1859"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":56,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T07:03:28.541Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vimtvl_repositories_3_resources_70"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","value":"The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon","hits":4},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Washington%2C+Jane+Charlotte+Blackburn%2C+1786-1855\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1857\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=The+George+Washington+Presidential+Library+at+Mount+Vernon\u0026view=compact"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Washington%2C+Jane+Charlotte+Blackburn%2C+1786-1855\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1857\u0026view=compact"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 1837/1861","value":"Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington and John Augustine Washington III correspondence, 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