Papers of Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie, December 15, 1857 and November 15, 1865

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
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

In a letter, 1857 Dec 15, to [Henry Theodore] Tuckerman, Anna Cora [Ogden Mowatt] Ritchie discusses in detail: controversy over who should complete the equestrian monument to George Washington started in Richmond by Thomas Crawford before his death; her response to an article by Tuckerman about the controversy. Discusses briefly: Henry Alexander Wise; art appreciation in Virginia; earlier cases where works by Crawford and Randolph Rogers were combined; a precedent for one artist completing another's work; how Rogers was selected; plans to publicly read a poem Tuckerman sent; Ruth's children; a tribute to Crawford. Mentions: Louise Cutler Ward Crawford; the Albion; Boston, MA; statues by Crawford and Rogers in Boston and the Capitol building; Washington, D.C.; Rome; Lorenzo Bartolini and statue of Columbus; Florence; William Foushee Ritchie; the Richmond Enquirer; Rosa Gibson Rogers; Mr. Thompson (poet) (ALS, 7 p.).

In a second letter, 1865 Nov 15, to Miss Wright, Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie discusses in detail: supporting herself with writing; ill health preventing her return to the stage; no intention of returning to America; Ion Perdicaris' health and painting; Frank Slayton and his wife. Discusses briefly: difficulty obtaining Miss Wright's address; Miss Wright's accident; William Foushee Ritchie's financial problems forcing him to consider joining a colony in Brazil; success of Fairy Fingers; need for another copy of the Mute Singer. Mentions: Florence; London; Paris; New Orleans; Savannah; the Civil War; Ion Perdicaris' mother and father; Frank Slayton's father; Mrs. Mattein; Florence and her father; Dresden; Hester (ALS, 4 p.).

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased by the Library on January 6, 1982.
Physical description:
This collection consists of 2 items.