Robert William Hughes Papers, 1818/1900

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

Robert William Hughes Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Summary

Extent:
103.00 Linear Feet
Creator:
Hughes, Robert William
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Robert William Hughes Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Background

Scope and content:

Papers, mainly 1865-1900, of Robert William Hughes (1821-1901), journalist, Republican politician, and United States District Judge, of Abingdon and Norfolk, Va. Included are family momentoes relating to Hughes' foster father, General Edward C. Carrington (1790-1855), and to Mrs. Hughes' father and brother, Charles C. (1795-1832) and John Preston Johnston (1821?-l847), articles written by Hughes on Virginia politics, newspapers, and horses, a few letters to Mrs. Hughes, and a scrapbook containing pamphlets and newspaper clippings of articles by Hughes or on subjects that interested Hughes, as well as a letter from J.H. Platt, Jr., Secretary, Union Congressional Republican Executive Committee, Washington, D.C., to Hughes, 17 Sept. 1870, concerning Virginia Republican politics. Prominent correspondents include Louis Agassiz, Chester A. Arthur, George Bancroft, Benjamin F. Butler, Lewis Cass, Claudius Crozet, J.M.L. Curry, John Moncure Daniel, John Warwick Daniel, J.D.B. DeBow, Benjamin S. Ewell, Ulysses S. Grant, James Barron Hope, G.P.R. James, Joseph E. Johnston, W.H.F. Lee, James Longstreet, John S. Mosby, Bishop Alfred Magill Randolph, and William Fanning Wickham (concerning his father John Wickham and members of the Richmond Bar including John Marshall.)

4 items.

1p. Document signed.

Invitation to a ball at West Point; and concerning the lack of letters from Eliza and relations. 3 pp. Printed letter and Autographed letter signed.

Invitation to a West Point ball. 1 p. Printed letter signed.

1 p. Document signed. See Oversize File.

9 items.

Invitation to dinner written in the third person. 1 p. Autograph letter.

Scope and Contents

Concerns Agassiz's proposed publication on the natural history of the fishes of the United States. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Discussion of a financial situation involving him [McDowell] as an administrator of a certain account. 1 p.

3 pp. Autograph document signed.

Scope and Contents

Concerning papers forwarded to R.W.H. received from Mr. Floyd. 3 pp.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the Hughes' European trip and Richmond news, especially the Wise-Clement duel. 4 pp.

Scope and Contents

Asks him to deposit interest due in the Exchange Bank in Richmond. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Encloses informational abstract which he feels will be of sufficient importance to the public. 1 p.

Asks him to deposit in the Exchange Bank of Richmond the principle and interest due on Conway's purchase of a house. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

12 items

Scope and Contents

Asks Conway to deposit the semi-annual interest in the Exchange Bank in Richmond. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerns the construction of a railroad and difficulties encountered in obtaining materials. 1 p.

Receipt for $1150.00 for purchase of two negro slaves, Myra and child, Longa. 1 p. Document signed.

Exemption from military service by reason of being an employee of the Richmond Examiner. 1 p. Printed document signed.

2 pp. Printed document signed. See Medium Oversized File.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the cost of reprints of an article by Hughes in DeBow's Review. 1 p.

Regarding a canal from Virginia to the Ohio River. 9 pp. Autograph draft signed. Including a Typewritten copy. 6 pp.

Scope and Contents

Concerning "your letter" which throws light on the political situation in Virginia, expressing confidence in Grant and his election; requesting that "My Dear Sir" write a letter every week or ten days "on varying aspect of affairs -- political, economical, social, and general -- in Va. and the South ?"; and the temper of the Republican party. 3 pp.

Concerns a proposed literary work of Hughes and the enfranchisement of Negroes in the current political climate. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Concerning ports and shipping on the East coast. 4 pp. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Expresses his sympathy to Hughes concerning the defeat of the Republican party in Virginia. 4 pp.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the removal of political disabilities from Robert W. Hughes. 1 p. Letter signed.

28 items.

Thanks Hughes for the check for $350.00 and his expressions of congratulations on the restoration of his health. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Discusses Virginia state finances. 3 pp.

Concerns the resignation of Mr. Slater as Hughes' assistant. 2 pp. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Discusses his financial concerns, including meeting a note due to Hughes in January. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Asks Hughs' support for his nephew, Henry C. Brownlow, of Abingdon, for the office of Postmaster. 3 pp.

Scope and Contents

Requests Hughes to prepare resolutions and an address for party platform. Believes Hughes will be nominated without serious opposition. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the charges made by Col. Withers in his "Warrenton speech" against Longstreet. 4 pp.

Thanks Hughes for his note of acknowledgement of his [Lewis'] favor [confirmation of Hughes as Judge]. 1 p.

Asks Hughes to return Hableton's Life of Wise. 1 p. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Requests Hughes' assistance in obtaining a government position. 3 pp.

Scope and Contents

Acknowledges receipt of opinion regarding the Petersburg, Virginia election cases. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Complains about the condition of the division fence between Hughes and Lynch's mother. 1 p.

Requesting information about possible charges against L. H. Chandler. 1 p. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the postponement of an appointment until the President [Grant] can see Hughes. 1 p.

Thanking Hughes for his letter and generous interest. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Encloses autograph of William H[enry] Harrison as frank on an envelope addressed to Benjamin Harrison, Berkeley, Charles City C[ourt] H[ouse], Virginia, and postmarked Washington, D.C., 18 March, n.y., giving details and authentification. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning Hughes' attendance at Petersburg, Virginia, in November for the purposees mentioned in Section 1988 of said Revised Statutes. 1 p. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Regrets to inform Hughes that he really has "very little, indeed of all that I have to me, that is worthily embodied," [for publication], relating to his work. 4 pp.

Discussion of upcoming resignation of Forbes[?] and filling the vacancy. Also relates opinions in the "Olen case." 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the appointment of Mr. Potts as Postmaster at Petersburg; Hughes' letter on the Petersburg matter has been referred to the President [Grant]. 1 p.

Received Hughes' note, and is appreciative of his verification of the state of things [?]. even though sorrowful. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Has received Hughes' opinion of the Lee vs. Kaufman case, and is appreciative. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning the Arlington case and Hughes' conclusive opinions to which "You can, I think, safely afford to rest your judicial reputation upon it."; and Robertson's plan to attend the sale of the C. O. Railroad in Virginia, on the 2nd of April. 1 p.

Concerning the trial of Dr. Baylor [?] in Denver, Co., and Bela Hughes' grandfather who lived in Augusta Co., Va. 3 p. Autograph letter signed.

Acknowledges receipt of two newspaper articles by Hughes concerning currency questions. 2 pp. Letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Reminisces about his father and his friends, including John Marshall, William Wirt, George Hay, William Call, George K. Taylor, and others, and their days as members of the Bar. 3 pp.

Hopes to visit him and Mrs. Hughes in Norfolk. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Concerning the Arlington case and Mr. Willoughby's brief. 8 pp. Autograph letter signed (signature clipped).

22 items.

Scope and Contents

Discusses texts and methods of teaching lectures used at Harvard Law School, at which he is a professor. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Reference question concerning legal books and their whereabouts. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning John Tyler, Jr.'s request to provide a position for a Mr. Spitzer, the President's [R. B. Hayes] concurrence, and Sharman's election to the Senate. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Robby [R. W. Hughes] on the arrival of a little boy. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning Republican politics and the Presidential election of 1880. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Thanks Hughes for a copy of a letter he wrote and states his desire to use it, if published, to teach the students of William and Mary. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning a thank you for "A Chapter of Personal and Political History," written by Hughes. Comments about conclusions reached by RWH in article, and Field's explanation of his differing view of certain points in the article. 10 pp.

Lists the itenerary of her travels in Ireland, Scotland, and England; has enjoyed seeing the autographs of great men. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Is sending the Landmark with extracts from his verses. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Received Hughes' letter of the 7th and will give it due consideration. 1 p. Letter signed.

Received Hughes' letter regarding Judge L. Lewis for the United States Attorney for the Norfolk District, and wil give it due consideration. 1 p. Typewritten letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Paul's election as judge is being contested and he will not withdraw under fire. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Concerns Judge Hughes' decision in th Washington case, and Mr. Shipman's re-argument thereof. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Asks advice on the purchase of law books relating to federal practice. 2 pp.

Thanks Hughes for his letter about the Coles family, and praises Gov. Edward Coles for his work for the state of Illinois. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Concerning recommendation for admitting of Edward J. Fox into the Bar and his character and integrity. 1 p.

Concerns publication of Lucas' address on John Randolph. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Regarding an ecclesiastical law case.

Scope and Contents

Regarding an ecclesiastical law case. 2 pp.

Reply to letter concerning the death of a horse, Gabriel. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.

Scope and Contents

Has been busy preparing a report for the Secretary of the Interior. Hopes to visit them and see the growth "of the town of which I have heard much." 3 pp.

Hughes' letter received concerning his [Lee's] absence from the caucus; as soon as election is over, will comply with his request. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

16 pp. Autograph draft.

5 items.

Scope and Contents

Noticed that Hughes recently heard a case concerning the consitutionality of the Virginia Dressed Beef Law, and comments that he too will be handing down an opinion shortly involving a similar case from Minnesota, with Indiana also involved. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Concerning Curry's inquiry and receipt of documents for use in an address; information regarding his relationship with General Joseph E. Johnston; and duties during Mr. Buchanan's administration. 3 pp.

Scope and Contents

Concerning expenses for a stenographer, silver and politics, and mention of McKinley. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Acknowledges receipt of a pair of socks knitted by Mrs. Hughes. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Thanks Hughes for the manuscripts and papers concerning the [Civil War], and relates the feeling of his club as one of "much to learn on the great question which split North and South." 3 pp.

7 items.

Scope and Contents

Explains that he cannot give editorial support in elections. 1 p.

Received Hughes' letter of the 5th and comments on the date that the Judiciary Bill will be introduced to the Senate. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Called to see but Hughes wasn't in; enclosed the pedigree of "Skidaddle," which he requested. 1 p. Autograph note signed.

Asks him to meet Dr. Mackay at four o'clock. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

[Contains drawing of proposed monument]. 1 p. Printed material.

1 p. Card.

Concerns an order furnished by Mr. Forbes in the case of Smith, a bankrupt, in United States District Court. 1 p. Autograph letter signed.

Printed material. 9 items.

Newspaper. 1 item. See Oversize File.

Scope and Contents

Newspaper. 1 item. See Oversize File. Including 4 Copies of Newspaper clippings of the aforementioned letter printed in The State, Richmond, Virginia, 1881 February 11.

Printed in a Richmond newspaper. Newspaper clipping. 1 item. See Oversize File.

2 copies of Newspaper clippings. See Oversize File.

2 copies of Newspaper clippings. See Oversize File.

2 Copies of Printed volume.

Newspaper clipping. 1 item. See Oversize File.

Scope and Contents

Contains pamphlets and newspaper clippings of various articles by him, and articles that interested him. Also includes J. H. Platt, Jr., Secretary, Union Congressional Republican Executive Committee, Washington, D.C., to R. W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 1870 September 17.

Biographical / historical:
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Gift: 103 items, 10/14/1937.

Processing information:

Box and folder list compiled by Meredith Ramey in October 2011.

Arrangement:

Organization: This collection is organized into 2 Series: 1. Correspondence, and 2. Printed Material and Manuscript Volumes. Arrangement: This collection is arranged by date with those items without dates located at the end of the series. Series 1 is divided into subseries mostly by ten year increments.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard