Matthew Fontaine Maury Papers 1833-1873

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions

Preferred citation:

Matthew Fontaine Maury Papers, MS 0103, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.

Summary

Abstract:
The Matthew Fontaine Maury Papers consist largely of personal letters written by Maury to various members of his immediate family, 1840-1873.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Matthew Fontaine Maury Papers, MS 0103, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

The Matthew Fontaine Maury Papers consist primarily of letters written by Maury to various members of his family, including daughter Diana Fontaine Maury Corbin, son-in-law Spotswood Wellford Corbin, and wife Ann Herndon Maury. Other correspondents include Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, and Empress Carlotta. In addition to personal and domestic matters, topics include Maury's lecture series, his career at the National Observatory in Washington, D.C., Confederate service in Richmond, activities in England, colonization efforts in Mexico, and his professorship at the Virginia Military Institute. The papers also include misc. related correspondence, and printed material.

This correspondence series was given to VMI as a single donation by a descendant of Nannie Maury Corbin, a daughter of Matthew F. Maury.

The abbreviation MFM is used in this finding aid to refer to Maury. Frequent correspondents include his wife Ann, his daughter Diana (Nannie) Maury Corbin, and son-in-law S. Wellford Corbin.

Place: Fredericksburg, VA; MFM to his mother, relating news of his children and other household news; presidential election.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to S. Wellford Corbin, his daughter Diana's (Nannie) suitor. States that Nannie must wait one year before an engagement can take place.

Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria to MFM; thanks Maury for sending a copy of Sailing Directions.

Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria to MFM; thanks Maury for sending a copy of Sailing Directions.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter Nannie, who has recently married Mr. Corbin. He provides advice for a happy marriage.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter Nannie. Relates family news.

Place: White Sulphur, VA; MFM to his wife Ann Herndon Maury. Relates family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter Nannie Corbin. Relates family news; will soon begin lecture series in Ohio and plans to use the money for son's schooling and to pay bills; will help to furnish Nannie's home (Farley Vale).

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter Nannie Corbin. Happy that Nannie is to visit; family news; is preparing grape vines and rose cuttings for her to take home to Farley Vale.

Place: Rochester, NY; MFM to wife, Ann. Lecture series is going well, "large and attentive audience".

Place: Chicago, IL; MFM to wife, Ann. Relates itinerary for rest of lecture series; snowstorm in Chicago.

Place: Kalamazoo, Michigan; MFM to wife, Ann. Poor turnout at Chicago lecture due to weather; made only $50.

Place: Chicago, IL; MFM to wife, Ann. Talks generally about lecture series and distance he has traveled since leaving home.

Place: Chicago, IL; MFM to wife, Ann. Good audience at last lecture; leaving for Cincinnati.

Place: Cleveland, OH; MFM to daughter Nannie. Thanks her for writing her mother.

Place: Cleveland, OH; MFM to wife, Ann. Received letters; disruption in train schedule led to travel in a private car supplied by the president of the railroad.

Place: St. Louis, MO; MFM to wife, Ann. Movements for next week uncertain; going anywhere "the most money can be made".

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Sends Nannie the solution to a rebus (puzzle) enjoyed by the family.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Sending rose plants and vines; general family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Discusses loss in transit of plants sent to Corbins.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Discusses loss in transit of plants sent to Corbins.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Continuing discussion of loss in transit of plants sent to Corbins.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. General family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to daughter, Nannie. General family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Alludes to legal matters regarding the management of the estate.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his wife, Ann. Misses her; general family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his daughter, Nannie Corbin. His ankle is injured and he has ordered crutches; talks of childrens' schools lessons; will send her plants.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Discusses Nannie's "desponding mood"and asks Wellford to bring her to her mother for care.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Discusses Corbin's legal matters; family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his daughter, Nannie Corbin; postscript by Ann Maury. Family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's legal matters.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's legal matters.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his daughter, Nannie Corbin. Family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his daughter, Nannie. Family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC; MFM to his wife, Ann Herndon Maury. Family news.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC.
MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin.
Regarding signing a deed of trust upon the estate Farley Vale.

Place: Naval Observatory, Washington, DC.
MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin.
Regarding political situation in Virginia as it may affect property.
"...it would be better for you Nannie and me if I had a lien also on your negro property as collateral for the land..."

Place: London; MFM to his wife. Happy to receive letters; will return on the New YorkNovember 28.

Place: At Sea; MFM to his daughter, Nannie. Rough passage on his way home; describes stay in England; address before Geographical Society

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Outbreak of Civil War;
"You can best serve the cause by staying at home, planting corn and potatoes...don't come."

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his wife. Family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Explains plan to organize home guard:
"...of all the remaining white population in the border and tidewater counties...to act in case of inroads and marauders as guerrillas...I think so highly of this plan that I have sought to have it turned over to us navy officers looking upon it as the most honorable and useful service that the times offer to us";
advises Corbin to consider this service... "your whole fortune is imperiled, and it will require all the personal attention and the best management..to save you from ruin."

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's war service plans; failure of "guerilla scheme."

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his wife. Discusses war news; troops at Norfolk

Place: Charlottesville, Virginia; MFM to his daughter, Nannie. Mentions Mr. Corbin's plans for service; looking for place to live, nothing suitable in Charlottesville;
waiting "word to go ahead with submarines."

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his wife. General news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Corbin's leave is extended to Jan 1.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his daughter, Nannie.
"Private and Confidential."Death of Milly a "sad blow"; Corbin may be able to get commission in Navy; looking for housing.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to his wife. Family news; trying to get Corbin a commission.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Regarding Dave's appointment.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin.
Your "duties for the moment are and ought to be the all absorbing subjects with you...The enemy has the power to possess himself of Richmond - of the Miss. River and of all the Tidewater country. Look upon that as more than likely."

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Acknowledges receipt of letter.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: not given; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Dick slightly wounded in battle and will be out 6 weeks.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin.
"Jackson gives us a bright spot. In all the directions around the horizon the clouds lower upon us."

Place: not given; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Short note relaying family news.

Place: not given; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Short note relaying family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Short note relaying family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia, Exchange Hotel Room No. 12; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Short note relaying family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia, Exchange Hotel Room No. 12; MFM to son-in-law, Lt. Wellford Corbin. Regarding situation in Fredericksburg (Pope's order to arrest those who will not swear allegiance).

Place: Bowdon, England; MFM to son-in-law, Wellford Corbin. Personal news; sees no end to war; Yankees trying to raise money in England.

Place: London, England; MFM to daughter, Nannie. Regarding trip to Paris; is depressed because of lack of progress:
"...I am kept here all the time with hands tied for the want of means...told to build this and buy that as tho' I had the Bank of England to draw from."

Place: Bowdon, England; MFM to daughter Nannie. References to circumstances surrounding the death of his son John Herndon Maury (Davy), who died Jan. 1863.

Place: England; MFM to [?]. Family news

Place: England; MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Brief note.

Place: Bowdon, England; MFM to daughter, Nannie Corbin. Regarding capture of her husband

Place: The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London N.W., England; MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Short note.

Place: The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London N.W., England; MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Has been ill.

Place: At sea, off San Domingo; MFM to ? Discusses end of the war.
"...I was utterly astounded at the brick-row tumble of our armies; and at the ignoble end of the Confederacy I am grieved and mortified beyond expression....The soil of Virginia has now for me no charms save those which memory flings around it....In my judgment the only course...that is left to those noble sons and daughters who have graced the fall of the noble old state is expatriation....And I go from Havana with the design of finding for them a new country...."

Place: Mexico. Author: Emperor Maximilian (contemporary copy).
Decree regarding immigration and benefits granted to immigrants; regulations regarding use of laborers;
... "Under the laws of the Empire, all persons of colour are free...."

Place: Mexico. Author: Emperor Maximilian (MFM's copy). Additional regulations concerning immigration and colonization.

Place: Mexico. (MFM's copy of) Addendum to emperial decree, in which Maury outlines the climate, economy and other features of Mexico for the information of prospective immigrants.

Place: Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin. Comments about colonization effort and false rumors that he has requested a pardon from the U. S. government.

Place: Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. MFM to son-in-law Wellford Corbin; copy by Rutson Maury, with notations. Identical content to above item (folder 73).

Place: Office of Colonization, Mexico. MFM to his wife, Ann. References to going to England; situation in Virginia; colonization.

Mexico. MFM to his daughter, Nannie. Urges her and Corbin to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.

Mexico. MFM to his daughter, Nannie. Further discussion possibility of Nannie and husband settling in Mexico.

Place: Mexico. Document announcing offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.

Place: Colonization Office, Mexico. Document concerning offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.
"The Hacienda offered herewith known to have been one of the finest and most celebrated in Mexico. It presents, especially to the former planters of the South, a fine opportunity for establishing a flourishing American settlement."

Place: Colonization Office, Mexico.

Letter fragment in hand of Richard Maury.
"Va. is not a fit place to live in now. All must come to Mexico...."

Letter fragment, copied by Nannie Corbin. Regarding colonization.

Place: Mexico. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Continuing discussion of Corbin's possible settlement in Mexico.
"It will be more consistent with your self respect to abandon that country at least for the present. Don't stay there and help fasten the yoke upon y'r own neck that my precious Davy Jones gave up his life in trying to shake off...."

Place: Mexico. Copy of letter from MFM to Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) regarding colonization and internal improvements.

Place: Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Copy of letter from Emperor Maximilian to MFM, regarding his family's settlement in Mexico. In Spanish.

Place: Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Copy of letter from Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) to MFM, regarding his leave of absence in England.

Place: Mexico. MFM to children.
Is leaving for England; colonization going forward with various settlement.

Place: Mexico. MFM to children.
Describes his stage and rail journey across Mexico to seaport; discusses ongoing colonization in Mexico and political situation in Virginia.

Place: Paris, France. MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Problems back in Mexico with regard to colonization.
"Now I tell you and Nannie confidentially, that what has happened since I left Mexico has shaken my resolution about going back."

Place: England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Has decided not to return to Mexico; discussion of Corbin's legal affairs with regard to Farley Vale estate

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Nannie.
Family news; references to the Corbins' financial and legal affairs.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Approves of his decision to abandon the rebuilding of Farley Vale; pessimistic about future of the South--extensive discussion of his views.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Mentions possible business opportunity for Corbin; family news.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Mentions renting of Farley Vale

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England MFM to Wellford Corbin. Mentions renting of Farley Vale

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Regarding Corbins' future plans and possibility of Maury taking position at University of the South in Tennessee.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Family news.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Family news; illness of baby.

Place: 3 Belsize Square, London, England.
MFM to Wellford Corbin.
Family news; baby is better; plans to help revive industry in Virginia with steam agricultural machinery.

Place: Liverpool, England MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family is ready to embark on trip home.

Place: Liverpool, England MFM to Wellford Corbin, with note by Rutson Maury dated 13 July. Regarding family luggage; note by R. Maury reports weather at sea.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding legal matters.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to daughter Nannie. Fragment.

Place: Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. MFM to daughter Nannie. Family news; VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith will come tomorrow to take him to Lexington, where he will be officially installed on the faculty of the Virginia Military Institute. Will then return to Rockbridge Baths and then on to Richmond. "I go to work immediately in preparing a preliminary report of the natural wealth and c. of Va. such as its climates, productions and favored position."

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Short note containing family news; mention of Corbin's court case; wants Corbin to send him average prices of wheat, corn etc.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Thanking him for statistics regarding grain prices; family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding insolvency of Corbin's tenant; family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding insolvency of Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding insolvency of Corbin's tenant and resulting problems; Christmas greetings.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Mentions Corbin's business problems; family news.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Mentions Corbin's business problems; discusses publication of his report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. References to publication of his report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Additional discussion of the publication of his Physical Survey of Virginia.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. References to Corbin's business plans.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Note regarding Corbin's business activities.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's business activities; possibility of trading with Holland.

Place: Richmond, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding the acquistion of household goods for move to Lexington (piano, carpets).

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding move of household to Lexington, furnishings, etc. Maury has been offered Presidency of University of Alabama, which he is considering.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Note regarding bills for household goods.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding carpets for home in Lexington.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding 6 dozen napkins for home in Lexington.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Napkins received; waiting for new cook; children well.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's business prospects.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Corbin to enter insurance business; discussion of potential for plantations in San Domingo.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Maury is sending money.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding Corbin's financial matters.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to daughter Nannie. Regarding the situation at the University of Alabama and whether or not he will take the position there.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news; reference to University of Alabama position.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. References to to University of Alabama position and business matters.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding travel plans; misc. family matters.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to daughter Nannie. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to grandson John Maury Corbin. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to daughter Nannie. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news; wants to leave Lexington and settle in eastern Virginia; inquires about a house.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news; mentions search for an affordable house.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Is traveling to St. Louis; hopes to get out of Lexington by fall.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Nannie and Wellford Corbin. Family news; still considering plans to leave Lexington.

Place: St. Louis, Missouri. MFM to wife Ann. Regarding his speech, and travel plans.

Place: St. Charles County, Missouri. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding his travel plans.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: VMI, Lexington, Virginia. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Family news.

Place: Knoxville, Tennessee. MFM to wife, Ann. Regarding his trip and travel plans.

Place: Knoxville, Tennessee. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding financial matters.

Place: Knoxville, Tennessee. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Regarding financial matters.

Place: New York (Jim's). MFM to wife Ann. News of trip, including note by Eliza Maury.

Place: St. Louis, Missouri. MFM to Wellford Corbin. Is ill and cannot continue journey home.

Place: St. Louis, Missouri. MFM to Wellford Corbin. "Expect us by train tonight."

Biographical / historical:

Matthew Fontaine Maury (b. 1806 d. 1873), naval officer and oceanographer known as the "Pathfinder of the Seas," was notable for his pioneering scientific work in the fields of navigation, hydrography, and meteorology. He joined the United States Navy at age 19 and in 1842 was named head of the Navy's hydrographical office and of the United State Naval Observatory. Beginning in the 1830's, he published a number of significant works on the Gulf Stream, ocean currents, and navigation, and was involved in research concerning deep-sea sounding and transoceanic cables.

A native of Virginia, Maury resigned his commission as Commander in the U. S. Navy at the outbreak of Civil War in April 1861. He entered the Confederate Navy and undertook research in the new technology of torpedo warfare; he was subsequently ordered to England as a special agent with instructions to purchase ships for the Confederate government. At war's end he was enroute to the United States with a cargo of torpedo equipment when, upon arriving in port at Havana, he learned that the war had ended. Maury then went to Mexico, where he served Emperor Maximilian, and later returned to England where he worked until 1868.

The last five years of Maury's life were spent as a Professor of Physics at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. At VMI, Maury did not have regular classroom duties, but instead gave occasional lectures to the cadets and was primarily involved in overseeing an extensive physical survey of Virginia. He died in 1873.

Acquisition information:
The bulk of the collection was donated to the VMI Archives in 1989 by James Corbin.
Physical description:
The collection consists of approximately 175 items.