Collections : [The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon]

Anne S. Frobel's father, John Jacob Frobel, was Ann Washington's music teacher, and lived for a short time at Mount Vernon (circa 1804-1806) with Bushrod and Ann Washington. The diary includes reminiscences of her childhood visits to Mount Vernon.Part I of the diary covers the Civil War years, 1861-1865. It constitutes almost 90% of the diary and deals with Anne and her sister Elizabeth's experiences as two female southern sympathizers alone on a farmstead, "Wilton Hill," outside of Alexandria, Va. Frobel describes the occupation of northern Virginia by Union soldiers, as well as their own house and grounds by the Union Army.She reveals both their fears and courage as she describes problems with Union soldier raids, and her attempts to get protection from Union officers. She relates the hazards of travelling to Alexandria, difficulties obtaining passes, and the desertion of slaves to the army. She also relates her own deteriorating relationship with her slaves, and their relationship to the soldiers.Part II of the diary describes a six-year period after the war, 1873-1879, detailing Elizabeth's and her financial hardships and the difficulty of collecting rent from tenants. She also relates their attempts to sell their farm.

Manuscript diary of Civil War soldier Private James A. Minish, 105th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. With spiral-bound, typescript transcription of the diary and additional letters, edited and annotated by M. L. Brown. The diary includes descriptions of Minish's visits to Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon.

A Reconstruction-era manuscript journal kept by Helen Josephine Dike Stearns, wife of a prominent New York merchant. The journal includes descriptions of a visit to Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon in April 1870.

Small book bound in leather, entitled "The American Repository of Useful Information containing a Calendar of the present Year ...", engraved on front is "Autograph of General Washington" and "Given to C. Hughes at Mount Vernon, 1825, Judge B. Washington". Originally pasted in front were two letters, one dated December 24, 1825, Bushrod Washington to G.C. Washington, and one December 23, 1825, George Corbin Washington to C. Hughes [see letters under proper date]. The letter were removed from the diary during conservation treatment.

Westervelt's journey was made in 1839, recorded in 1841 and the dedication to Hon. Richard Rover is dated Dec. 18, 1842. Bount cursory descriptions of the principal cities between N.Y. and Society Hill ... 15 p. description of Mount Vernon, grounds, tomb, Mansion: interior and exterior ... appalled at the ruined condition of the estate.

The first entry in the diary is a 3 page "List of negros", belonging to John Augustine Washington. The list includes names, birthdates, and sources of acquisition. Other entries in the diary are regarding business, financial matters, and the management of Mount Vernon.

Journal of weather conditions and events taking place at Mt. Vernon under supervision of Bushrod Washington--[Cannon was evidently an overseer]--acct. of Birthday celebration in Alexandria-- acct. of many persons coming to Mt. Vernon to "view the situation"--mentions visiters and family and financial matters--enmity for Dutchman Frobel--hire of a German gardener--Mr. Jackson "... took his [runaway] Negroe in Philada. but he was taken away from him again by the mob." Bound diary, in front is name "John Brazier Cannon Mount Vernon February 20th 1806" (There is also a bound typescript in library).Bound Manuscript. 182 pages.