Inventory of the 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.

Terms of access:

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Summary

Creator:
Louis Agassiz, Chester Alan Arthur, George Bancroft, Benjamin F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin), Lewis Cass, Claudius Crozet, J.L.M. Curry(Jabez Lamar Monroe), John Moncure Daniel, J.D.B. De Bow(James Dunwoody Brownson), Benjamin Stoddert Ewell, Ulysses S. Grant (Ulysses Simpson), J.B.H. (James Barron Hope), Robert William Hughes, G. P. R. James (George Payne Rainsford), Joseph E. Johnston (Joseph Eggleston), James Longstreet, William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, John Singleton Mosby, Alfred Magill Randolph.
Abstract:
Papers, mainly 1865-1900, of Robert William Hughes (1821-1901), journalist, Republican politician, and United States District Judge, of Abingdon and Norfolk, Va.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, 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.)

Invitation to a ball at West Point; and concerning the lack of letters from Eliza and relations.

Invitation to a West Point ball.

Signed by W[illia]m H. Cabell, John B. Clopton [?], and P.M. Nicholas.

Invitation to dinner written in the third person.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asks him to deposit in the Exchange Bank of Richmond the principal and interest due on Conway's purchase of a house.

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

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

Receipt for $1150.00 for purchase of two negro slaves, Myra and child, Longa.

Exemption from military service by reason of being an employee of the Richmond Examiner.

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

Regarding a canal from Virginia to the Ohio River.

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 the varying aspects of affairs political, economical, social, and general in Virginia and the South ?"; and the temper of the Republican party.

Concerns a proposed literary work of Hughes and the enfranchisement of Negroes in the current political climate.

Concerning ports and shipping on the East coast.

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

Concerning the removal of political disabilities from Rob[er]t W. Hughes.

Thanks Hughes for the check for $350.00 and his expressions of congratulations on the restoration of his health.

Discusses Virginia state finances.

Concerns the resignation of Mr. Slater as Hughes' assistant.

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

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

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

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

Thanks Hughes for his note of acknowledgment of his [Lewis'] favor [confirmation of Hughes as Judge].

Asks Hughes to return Hambleton's Life of Wise.

Requests Hughes' assistance in obtaining a government position.

Acknowledges receipt of opinion regarding the Petersburg, [Virginia] election cases.

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

Requesting information about possible charges against L.H. Chandler.

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

Thanking Hughes for his letter and generous interest.

Encloses autograph of W[illiam] H[enry] Harrison as frank on envelope addressed to Benjamin Harrison, Berke1ey, Charles City C[ourt] H[ouse], Virginia, and postmarked Washington, D.C., 18 March, New York, giving details and authentification.

Concerning Hughes' attendance at Petersburg, Virginia, in November for the purposes mentioned in Section 1988 of said Revised Statutes.

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.

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

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

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

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

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. & 0. Railroad in Virginia, on the 2nd of April.

Concerning the trial of Dr. Baylor[?] in Denver, Co., and Bela Hughes' grandfather who lived in Augusta Co., Virginia

Acknowledges receipt of two newspaper articles by Hughes concerning currency questions.

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.

Hopes to visit him and Mrs. Hughes in Norfolk.

Concerning the Arlington case and Mr. Willoughby's brief.

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

Reference question concerning legal books and their whereabouts.

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

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

Concerning Republican politics and the Presidential election of 1880.

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

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.

Lists the itinerary of her travels in Ireland, Scotland, and England; has enjoyed seeing the autographs of great men.

Is sending the Landmark with extracts from his verses.

Received Hughes' letter of the 7th and will give it due consideration.

Received Hughes' letter regarding Judge L. Lewis for United States Attorney for the Norfolk District, and will give it due consideration.

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

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

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

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

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

Concerns publication of Lucas' address on John Randolph.

Regarding an ecclesiastical law case.

Regarding an ecclesiastical law case.

Reply to letter concerning the death of a horse, Gabriel.

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."

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

Noticed that Hughes recently heard a case concerning the constitutionality 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.

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

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

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

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."

Explains that he cannot give editorial support in elections.

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

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

Asks him to meet Dr. Mackay at four o'clock.

Contains drawing of proposed monument.

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

Discusses Robert W. Hughes' opinion of the constitutionality of the [Virginia] Funding Bill of 1871, which also had been published by the Valley Virginian[not included].

Discusses opinions expressed by Judge Robert W. Hughes to Maj. Thomas W. Doswell, 20 January 1881, about "Where to Breed the Thoroughbred Horse." Including 4 Cys of NC1s of the aforementioned letter printed in The State,Richmond, Virginia, 11 February 1881.

Printed in a Richmond newspaper.

Discusses Virginia as the home of the thoroughbred trotter.

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, 17 Sept. 1870.

Biographical / historical:

Robert William Hughes was born at Muddy Creek Plantation, Powhatan County, Va. in 1821. His parents died in 1822 and he was raised by Edward C. Carrington and Eliza Preston Carrington. He attended Caldwell Institute, Greensboro, N. C. and studied law in Fincastle, Va. He married Eliza M. Johnston, niece of Joseph E. Johnston and the adopted daughter and niece of John B. Floyd. Hughes' son was Robert Morton Hughes. Robert William Hughes was a newspaper editor and federal district attorney. Involved in post Civil War Republican Party politics, he was nominated for governor of Virginia and for Congress but did not win. He was appointed judge of the federal court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Chronology
Date Event
16 Jan. 1821 Born at Muddy Creek Plantation, Powhatan Co., Va.,the son of Jesse and Elizabeth Woodson (Morton) Hughes.
1822 Both parents died, and Hugheswas raised by Gen. Edward C. Carringtonand his wife, Eliza(Preston) Carringtonof Halifax Co., Va.(family relationship not known).
Ca. 1833-1837 "put to the carpenter's trade in Princeton, N.J."
Ca. 1837-1838 Attended Caldwell Institute,Greensboro, N.C.
Ca. 1839 Tutor, Bingham High School,Hillsboro, N.C.
1843 Studied law, Fincastle, Va.
1846 Began practice of law, Richmond, Va.
4 June 1850 Married Eliza M. Johnston,(1825-1908), niece of Gen. Joseph E. Johnstonand niece and adopted daughter of John Buchananand Sarah (Preston) Floyd.
1850 Began writing editorials for the Richmond Examiner.
1853-1857 Editor of the Richmond Examinerwhile regular editor in Europe.
1855 Birth of son, Robert Morton Hughes.
1857-1861 Editor of the Washington Union,and lived in home of Secretary of War John Buchanan Floyd.
1861 Birth of son, Floyd Hughes(2 other children died young)
1861 Because of "chronic disease" retired to a farm near Abingdon, Va.,where General and Mrs. Floyd1ived with the Hughes family.
1861-1864 Wrote for the Richmond Examiner,showing hostility toward Jefferson Davis' administration.
1865-1866 Edited the Richmond Republic,and generally pursued a course that considered "nimble"
1868 Delegate to National Democratic Convention.
1869-1870 Editor of the Richmond State Journal.
Ca. 1870 Wounded William E. Cameronin a duel.
1872 Named federal district attorney by Grant administration.
1872 Nominated for Congressbut did not win.
1873 Nominated for Governor of Virginiabut did not win.
1874 Named Judge of federal court for the Eastern District of Va.
1898 Resigned judgeship.
1901 Died at Abingdon, Va.

Source: Dictionary of American Biography; Preston-Johnston-Floyd-Hughes genealogical chart.

Acquisition information:
Gift: 103 items, 10/14/1937.
Arrangement:
Organization

This collection is organized into 2 Series: 1. Correspondence, and 2. Printed Material and Manuscript Volumes.

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.

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.

Physical description:
103 items.