Cabell-Carrington Papers 1776-1852
- Abstract Or Scope
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Papers of the Cabell and Carrington families of Albemarle and Buckingham counties and Richmond. The letters of Agnes Gamble Cabell to her stepdaughter Louisa Cabell (later Carrington) are a rich source of ante- bellum family life. They provide insight into the life of a well-to-do young woman's life in early 19th century Virginia. Correspondence spans 1817-1862 and touches upon education, health and medicine, slave life, politics, gossip, mother and daughter relations, child-rearing and romance. One letter dated February 28, 1819, warns Louisa that one of her beaux is part Indian (Not Native-American) and she will have to pass him by as well as his cousin. However, Agnes also warns her daughter not to be too picky because "not, I would have you all to understand, that I am in a hurry to have you married, but, married you must be some time or other, as the world goes." Also a comment on Thomas Jefferson's grandson, Thomas Randolph, being stabbed severely by his brother-in-law, Bankhead," a worthless profligate fellow." Letters from 1819-1822 concentrate on Louisa's marriage and her child and also a mysterious illnesses that she succumbs to, which was called melancholia, but more likely post-partum depression. Her mother Agnes also gives birth during this time. Letter dated March 2, 1822 Agnes to Louisa contains much advice concerning Louisa's baby and she is sending baby caps, "for myself, I trust I shall have no further use for them." A letter dated May 25, 1824, Agnes admonished Louisa for trying to nurse her own child as it will cause her injury. Agnes would have sent Easter (presumably a slave) to nurse the child if she had known, "but we permitted her to dry up her milk." In November of 1825, Louisa gave birth to a girl after two sons, Agnes writes: "Will Paul and William be cast off for this little Miss?-not entirely-but I think you will perceive a difference in the kind of affection you will feel for your little girl-though not in the degree, you will love them all equally, but she will have more of your tenderness. (November 2, 1825)." A very strong collection. Related materials, the letters of Laura Wirt to Louisa Carrington, are in 2546. #2447
- Collection Context