Stuart-Baldwin Papers 1786-1862

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred citation:

Stuart-Baldwin Papers, Accession 10378, Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library

Summary

Creator:
A. Stuart Robertson, Jr.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Stuart-Baldwin Papers, Accession 10378, Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library

Background

Scope and content:

This accession is comprised of thirty-six items, 1786-1882, primarily letters to Briscoe G. Baldwinand Alexander H. H. Stuart, lawyers in Staunton, Virginia. Also included are a dinner invitation from the Minister of Franceto Alexander H. H. Stuart; two certificates of membership for Alexander H. H. Stuartin the Virginia Historical Society; a handwritten poem entitled "Hope"; two newspaper clippings, one regarding the Whig party in 1844 and another regarding Southern debts owed to Northerners after the Civil War; and an unsigned printed petition, 1848-1849, regarding internal improvements in Virginia.

The letters to Briscoe G. Baldwinare primarily from his wife, Martha S. Baldwin, or his daughter, Frances C. Stuart, regarding family matters but there are also letters from others regarding legal and business matters. These correspondents include J. E. Brown, M. F. Eskridge, and Alexander H. H. Stuart. Letters to Alexander H. H. Stuartregard business and legal matters and a variety of political topics including secession, reconstruction, the "Negro problem,' and Fillmore's cabinet. Correspondents include Charles Francis Adams, Jr., J. Lidball, R. W. Clelland, Joseph Baldwin, Nathan K. Hall, James H. Dooley, Thomas Hall, and George C. Whiting. One letter, September 20, 1786, was written by Thomas Hallto Archibald Stuart( Alexander H. H. Stuart's father) and concerns Hall's supposed drinking problem, family news, the last military expeditions of George Rogers Clark, the desire of Kentuckyto separate from Virginia, and local politicians Joseph Crockettand John Fowler.

Biographical / historical:

Briscoe Gerard Baldwinwas born on January 18, 1789, in Winchester, Virginia, the eldest son of Cornelius Baldwinand Mary Briscoe. He attended William and Mary Collegeand later studied law under Judge William Danielin Cumberland County, Virginia. During 1818-1820 he served in the Virginia House of Delegatesas representative for Augusta Countyand in 18291830 was a member of the constitutional convention. He returned to the House of Delegates during 1841-1842. On January 29, 1842, Baldwin was elected a member of the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginiaand held that position until his death on May 18, 1852.

Acquisition information:
This accession was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. Stuart Robertson Jr. , of Orange, Virginia , on April 29, 1980 .
Processing information:

Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities

Physical location:
Physical description:
36 items