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Start Over Creator Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891

Benson J. Lossing to Nancy Halsted, 1875 Box 82

A.L.S. The Ridge, Dover Plains. Advises restoring Mansion to original condition in form and materials, balustrade of wood, porch, refers to his sketch. Sees no need for restoring outbuildings. Comments on barns, fences, tomb, planting trees. His first visit to Mount Vernon was in 1844 when John A. Washington's mother owned it. Took notes on Morse's portrait of Mary Ball, he gave a complete history of the portrait, will try to get permission to have it copied, did not know Mrs. Morse had deposited it in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. ER-8, p. 158

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1874/1875

Benson J. Lossing to Nancy Halsted, 1875 Box 83

A.L.S. The Ridge, Dover Plains, New York. Has heard from Mrs. Morse's brother-in-law who thinks she will not mind having her painting of Mary Washington copies per the MVLA's request. But Mrs. Morse is in Europe and Lossing feels it is better to await her return and explain to her directly. ER-7, p. 286

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1875

Benson J. Lossing to Nancy Halsted, 1875 Box 83

A.L.S. The Ridge, Dover Plains, New York. Glad land bill for wharf was defeated. Her positive attitude concerning contributions is the secret to success in life. Does not agree with the idea of adding a view of Mount Vernon to the portrait of Mary Washington as it will take away from the main subject and also she did not live at Mount Vernon. ER-7, p. 286

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1875

Benson J. Lossing to Nancy Halsted, 1877 Box 87

A.L.S. Dover Plains, New York. Re Evening Post's article on James Grant Wilson's false statements of plaster case made of Washington's whole person and removal of Houdon bust from Mount Vernon. Also refutes MacDonald's claim to original. H-709

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1876/1877

Benson J. Lossing to Nancy Halsted, 1877 Box 88

A.L.S. Dover Plains, New York. Description of great circular barn, land cultivated, Washington's supervision of estate. Gives illustrations of false stories which are "muddying the springs of history." Refers to article in Evening Post on Houdon's statue. ER-8, p. 158

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1877

Benson J. Lossing to S.W. Tiffey, 1870 Box 70

A.L.S. Washington. Re publication of his Mount Vernon book, arrangements that may be profitable to MVLA and his publisher alike; suggests it be sold at Mount Vernon for benefit of "repairing and beautifying" fund. ER-8, p. 158

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1869/1870

Benson J. Lossing to S.W. Tiffey, 1870 Box 70

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Consulted General Garfield on best method of asking Congress for an appropriation for Mount Vernon. Plans to send petition to Congress in March. Postscript just added to "Mount Vernon" book, urges the estate be made attractive and the Mansion made "an unrivalled museum of momentos of that classic age." Hopes to visit Mount Vernon on March 1st. ER-8, p. 158

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1869/1870

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