Expresses his happiness at receiving Nelly's letters and love for her. "I do not object to the whole world knowing that I love you."

Must defer visit to Exeter for four or five days due to appointments. His mother will visit Nelly on her way up to Leesburg.

Feels pain at parting from Nelly. Cousin William [Turner] distraught over his intention to marry Betty [Selden].

Arrived Christmas day. Distressed at being apart from Nelly. Saw the family at Mount Ida [Wilson Cary Selden, Sr.'s family] on Saturday.

Love letter. "…as the dearest moments of my life have been with you, so the happiest hopes that my soul can form, have you for their reigning star."

Will probably not see or hear from Nelly until their wedding. Discredits stories that his relative Thomas Turner mistreated his family and servants.

Is unable to return to Jefferson until the middle or end of next week. Gives instructions for Dick [Richard Blackburn Washington] regarding delivery of wheat, receipts, and a shingles order. Mentions Bushrod Washington and West Ford.

Changed route after leaving Nelly. Hopes Nelly recovers from her headaches. Did she get the box from Stabler's safely?

"Time hangs heavily on me when you are absent…" Updates on relations. A new academy is to be built opposite Mr. Burr Harrison's. Leaves for Jefferson tomorrow.

"…not having been aware of my right to vote out of the county in which I resided, at the Presidential election I made arrangements to return home…" Hyacinths planted.

His case came up in Court and estate committed to Augustine's hands. Encloses ten dollars to entertain Dick and Christian Washington. Two or three snowstorms since his arrival at Blakeley. Scarlet fever prevailing.

Scarlet fever disappeared. Direct West [Ford] to tell William Hayes to procure eggs or chickens, "but know the price beforehand, or he will charge you double."

Absence of Gabriel and desertion of some of the hired hands. Has decided not to sell Gabriel. "If it were possible to without them [slaves], I do not think I could own one, but situated as we are, landed property would be almost valueless without them, and it is a matter of necessity to have their labor."

Sowing wheat. "I have never had soft crabs in perfection before." Asks if mother [Jane C. B. Washington] has received money on his wheat. Offers two sets of names for Dick and Christian Washington's daughter.

Sale of Exeter will not take place until spring. Dr. Alexander struggling with debt.

"I have not seen our friends here, but hear that Bentley bought Cousin Eliza's negroes at $1,200.00."

Mother [Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington] ill. His letter will be taken to Nelly "by two negro men who I have purchased, and by Julia whom I send down. I wish West to set them to getting rails…"

"I left the negroes I got in Alexandria, where I had an offer of $650.00 for them from a negro trader, but I prefer selling to a private person if I can do so. I found several of the servants sick, and Phil who was very low, died this evening."

Servants recovering. Nelly's cloak was dyed mazarine blue. Shall begin seeding wheat.

West [Ford] has taken sick this morning. "The stockings and socks for the negroes are nearly done…The coat patterns are eaten up by the rats…"

Got up to Blakeley night before last accompanied by Charles Washington. "I have the prospect of employing an overseer for next year."

He has been trying to procure signatures for a "petition for the division of our county." The sale of Woodlawn and the Quakers who are to settle on it.

Received Nelly's letter of September 18th. Has succeeded in obtaining an overseer "at the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars a year."

Relates journey to Blakeley. Was delayed as Turbeville Stuart had typhus or nervous fever. Pneumonia and typhoid fever "prevailing through this neighborhood."

Augustine is losing his overseer due to his marriage to a widow, Ms. Spence. Discusses case at the Alexandria Superior Court.

"Between pleasant company and bad weather I was detained in the lower country some days longer than I expected." Pleased with Gloucester. Disappointed in Old Point. Gabriel's duties and tasks.

Has been twice at church. Hopes Nelly received a package with silk, a bottle with slips, and peach stones. Preserves and pickles are done.

Describes weather and damage caused by drought and storms. Mr. Turner informs him that he can probably obtain an overseer but "the chance of getting a tenant is not so good."

Returned home yesterday from trip to Maryland. Visited Mr. Sewall at Poplar Hill. Went to visit Dr. Crawfort but he was absent, so went to Mr. Shipley's. Recommends Nelly go to Baltimore. Presumes Elizabeth Blackburn was married today.

Wheat machine broke. Sends thirty dollars. Colonel Bailey Peyton is to marry Julia Thompson. Employed three Irish workers to see if they could replace slaves but the "experiment" failed.

Sends a carriage up for Nelly. He shall leave tomorrow or the next day for Jefferson.

Relates arrival in Baltimore and journey to Mount Vernon. Steamboat brought five hundred visitors during the week. Misses Nelly: "…I feel a constant yearning to have you at my side, to hear you, to see you…"

Dreams of Nelly. Monuments were erected at the vault. Steamboat continues to come full. President Filmore and his cabinet postponed visit. Plasterer to come and fix dining room and cellars.

Will be down tomorrow accompanied by William Turner and two other gentlemen.

Is obliged to go to Fairfax Court House to "sue out attachments against Mr. Whitehall's property."

Writes in haste. Ephraim died yesterday evening. Too hazardous for Nelly to come down until epidemic subsides. Sends a package containing a fan and dress.

Will be in Alexandria on Friday. Dick [Richard Washington] unwell with attack of erysipelas. Fears John Washington will be deformed. New steamboat for the Mount Vernon route will not begin trips until the week after next.

Short letter. Will not be in Alexandria before Saturday. Needs to attend to business with "Brother" Thomas [Blackburn Washington]. Families at Blakeley are well.

Short letter. Mother [Jane C. B. Washington] is "dangerously ill." Requests a carpet bag with clean clothes. "Send John [Michum] up tomorrow morning for my Buggy."

Mother is better but still weak. Gives instructions for Mr. Stowell regarding corn for mules at Marshall Hall.

Mother is better. "I have been purchasing negroes—and am in negotiation for others…" Gives instructions for "grubbing and ploughing." Overseer position. Includes letter to daughter Louisa on same sheet regarding various cousins.

Sends Jim up with the carriage today for Nelly. Augustine writes he is "completely tired of bacheloring."

Heard of Mrs. [Eleanor Parke Custis] Lewis' illness. Describes journey with stops in Berryville and Chantilly. Harriet subject to fainting attacks. Threshing machine is set. Negotiations with Mr. Stowell as overseer. Death of General Roger Jones

Health of Aunt Eliza and Mr. Lloyd. Railroad festival at Salem [now Marshall]. Cary, Fontaine and John hunting and fishing. Describes flowers in Louisa's garden. Wharf and buildings being put up at the White House for the steamboat and visitors.

Going to Alexandria to sell a load of wheat. The slave Eliza was injured when she "ran a needle in her arm and broke it off…" Ends with proclamation of undying love: "Indeed as I grow older my heart seems to cling closer to you…and never do I feel this more deeply than when you are absent from me."

Finished ploughing in Maryland. Tried to sell the slave Matilda but she was unwilling. Has employed a German gardener. Gives updates on the steamboat, visitors, and construction of new wharf.

Attaches a check for fifty dollars for travel expenses by canal. Good weather to begin work again. Heard through West [Ford] of Cousin Esther's death. Health of servants

Mount Vernon and other farms have lost one third to one half of harvest due to rains. Has finally engaged a Maryland bricklayer and plasterer.

Was unable to write due to a cold. Noblet Herbert's death. Disappointed in sale of mountain land. Instructions for sowing and sale of clover seed.

He cannot get up to the house. Requests beef, ham, knives and forks, Worcestershire sauce, and cream or milk.

Sold Matilda and her family to Mr. Bevin. Augustine has had attacks of ague. Cases of scarlet fever and dysentery. Gives instructions for Mr. Stowell regarding sheep and wheat machine.

Brief letter. Getting on slowly with work. Will probably not come down tomorrow.

"Brother T's [cousin Thomas Washington] corpse has not yet arrived." John Alexander has dysentery.

Thomas Washington's body arrived and was buried at Charlestown. John Alexander's death. Will conclude funeral arrangements tomorrow.

Servants sick. Bought and forwarded a dress for Louisa. Will take Louisa to Bath after sale of Richwoods [home of Thomas Blackburn Washington].

"Richard [Washington] was rather better last night." Brief letter.

He is detained a few days longer due to Dr. Alexander's absence. Asks Nelly to send the wagon up for coal. Has sold corn at three dollars.

Arrived in Charlestown yesterday. Restaurants in Charlestown and Harper's Ferry filthy. Richard [Washington] sold about 300 acres of his land at $60.00 per acre.

"Alexandria May 18" crossed out at top. His health continues to improve, will join her in a few days. Requests pills and tea.

"My cold is broken and a great deal better." Regrets that sickness prevents him from joining her as planned.

Augustine writes he will be down on Thursday or Friday. Direct Mr. Browner to get ready to kill the hogs next Saturday.

Has commenced hauling today. Encloses check for fifty dollars. Sends up a swan.

Augustine writes that though his health has improved, he's still unable to return.

Sends bacon, shad and fish by West [Ford]. Wrote a short note to Nelly this morning to be delivered by girl Maria. Son Lawrence and the baby [Eleanor] are well.

Encloses a letter from California. Has had stormy weather. Requests that Nelly tell Cousin Sally or the doctor to inform him how she is.

Stormy and rainy weather prevented his going to see Nelly. Weather unfavorable for fishing.

Forwards check for $100.

Instructions to send several servants [enslaved workers?] from Mount Vernon to Alexandria.

The slave Sarah "had run off from Mr. Taylor and had gone home this morning." Has not heard from Richmond [regarding sale of Mount Vernon to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association]

Regarding negotiations with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.

Relates his visits with the children to the University, Monticello, Farmington, and the "Asylums for the Insane and for the Blind and the Deaf and Dumb."

Relates visit to Wyers Cave. Saw John Selden and his children. Visited Cousin Ann and Miss Mary Peter. Saw Sister Hannah and Jenny. "My farm as usual will yield but a small rent, and I have half made up my mind to sell it."

Brief letter. Is detained until Monday and "then have to go to Balt[imore]. If I do not get home on Tuesday in the boat, send up for me Wednesday morning."

Must travel to Baltimore with Mr. Herbert. Instructs William Ford to meet him in Alexandria to show him lots [of timber?] to be labeled.

Encloses letter from Magruder Mason. Gives instructions for delivering slaves George, Charlotte and Milly who have been hired out.

Has requested Mr. Price send down game and fish. Expects to meet Willie Rogers and Mr. Robinson on Saturday.

Christian Washington's baby had an operation on her lip. Heavy fall of snow. Gives instructions regarding clover seed, ploughs, and windows of hot beds.

Shall leave tomorrow for Frederick and Fauquier and be home Friday or Saturday. Bad weather prevented his visiting friends in Audley and Berryville. Has arranged matters with Mr. Richardson about Joe [a slave boy].

Describes journey to Chicago: stops and sights. Unsure if he can make an investment in Chicago or not.

Relates investigation of investments with Mr. Wright and Mr. McFarland. Describes geography of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and river and its relation to property value. Visited a Mr. Kerfoot. Describes scenery.

Has bought two pieces of property. Gives instructions regarding harvest. Inquires after cradles and rakes.

Richard and Bushrod Washington came down with him. "I fear I shall be disappointed in selling Marshall Hall to the person who I expected to buy it."

Constant rains on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Will go to Washington to meet John F. Lee. Thinks they can move to Waveland by the first of December.

"This box contains the correspondence between my wife and myself from October 1842 to October 1860. From the time of our engagement to her Death - John A. and E. L. Washington."

Dr. Lloyd's funeral will take place tomorrow. Requests suit of black clothes.

Description of journey from St. Louis to Chicago. Fertility of the prairie and poverty of inhabitants. Business in Chicago remains uncertain.

Received Nelly's letter of April 1st. Has not made much progress in his business. "I went out yesterday about 35 miles on the Milwaukee Railroad branch…"

Has rented a part of his property. Ogden suit will come up in a few days. Dined at Mr. Kerfoot's. Describes a "feat of house lifting" he witnessed.

His lawyers are confident in winning the Ogden Suit [Malebon D. Ogden vs. John A. Washington and William F. Turner]. Met with friends and relations; mentions Cassins, Grahams, and Mr. Morgan Johnson. Says he is "wife sick or love sick."

Expects to leave tomorrow night or Saturday for Indianapolis and Louisville. Encloses flowers. "I regret to hear that Miss Cunningham's enterprise turned out indifferently. It was I thought rather inconsiderate in her to attempt anything of the sort while we are living there, but I suppose she did not think of this."

Forgot trunk key and requests to have Nelly mail it. Has sent up boxes of silver, white and brown sugar, and soap. Gives instructions regarding a box of stolen sugar.

Going to Leesburg this morning with friends. Postscript "Thursday morning."

"Mr. Turner though still very unwell is going about a little, and we are engaged in sowing wheat…" Bought a carpet for the library. Has sent up stair carpet rods.

Augustine writes he had intended going up to Waveland yesterday but "as I have some little unfinished business here and have not had an opportunity of seeing Cousin H[arriet] I shall wait until tomorrow and accompany them up."

Reports he will not return as soon as planned. Encloses ten dollars.

After receiving her father's permission to respond to Augustine's letter, she writes that she has never before attempted such a letter. Expresses her feelings for him.

Disappointed in trip to Walnut Farm. Supposes Augustine has arrived at Mount Vernon. Death of Mrs. Mason.

If Augustine is detained, their separation will be nearly three weeks. Delivered messages to Dick. Recent storm caused flooding and destroyed fencing.

Spent yesterday at Mount Vernon. Whitewashing has improved the appearance of the yard. Longs for the twenty-sixth to come. Miss Morey [Maury] leaves tomorrow.

Bridal party arrived [for wedding of Christian Maria and Richard Washington]. Asks Augustine to get a new pair of boots or have his mended.

Augustine's last letter dated the 10th. Pleased he employed a white overseer.

No time fixed for Dick's [Richard Washington] marriage. Will Augustine get the baby a pair of shoes? Penciled note by Augustine possibly noting property lines.

When did Augustine leave Loudon? Louisa has learned several words. Nelly has visited several friends.

Intends to have her tooth drawn. Weather very cold. Louisa learned waltzing.

Discusses weather. Mr. Stuart arrived. "Louisa has completely retrieved her character since you left." Letter continues September 2nd. Nelly "left Blakeley yesterday morning to spend this week with Aunt Maria and Anne.

Louisa's health. "I was really gratified to hear you did not find it necessary to sell Gabriel." Louisa has "several times mistaken persons down the street for you…"

Delivery and payment of wheat. Louisa is well. Christian Washington already named her daughter Elizabeth. Old Mr. [John] Sinclair died and his slaves are to be sold.

Dined with Ellen Powell. Louisa "fell against the table and nearly broke her nose…"

Nelly writes she had a bad cold on Monday. Louisa's arm is almost entirely well. West [Ford] was in town yesterday. Charles Lee and Anne Gardener are engaged.

Daughter Jenny [Jane Charlotte Washington] sick with fever and welts.

Daughter Jenny and other family members illl. Cousin Thomas and Noblet returned last week. Postscript asking for money for children's dresses.

Aunt Eliza doing well. Nelly went to hear Hertz play: He is "one of the most celebrated performers on the piano." Does not understand Anne's letter.

Short letter. Chastises Augustine for not writing. Asks "is it because your wife is not of sufficient importance to you to write to her."

"I shall be ready to go any day that you can come for me." Asks for mutton suet and cat mint.

"Mr. George Turner, starts for Boston tomorrow, and I have determined to go under his escort." Discusses meetings with friends and relatives. Cousin Rebecca had a son.

Discusses harvest and rain. Jack and Anne drove up this morning. "If there are any damsons, I wish you would have some preserved."

Hopes Augustine had a pleasant trip and "felt no evil effects from crabs and oysters." Nelly treated Louisa's illness with calomel and oil. Sorry to hear that Mr. Moore the overseer took a wife. Enclosed note and postscript regarding letter from Sister Mary.

Inquires if the slave Mary has washed the bedstead. Will try to get a larger sheet of paper. Postscript regarding daughter Louisa's tin cow.

"It has been nearly three weeks since my confinement…" Uncle Bushrod [Washington] leaves for the Salt Sulphur on Monday.

Nelly and Augustine have been apart nine weeks. Describes her recovery and the new baby [Eliza]. General Rust [new owner of Exeter] traveled up on Sunday.

Requests Augustine have a log cabin built. "Our children are well, having two babies keeps me pretty constantly employed." Postscript regarding poor pen and Aunt Eliza's confinement.

"Our dear child is quite well again [Louisa]." Hopes to hear from Augustine soon. Postscript, "Dear little Molly [Mary Selden Page] continues I think to improve."

Short letter. Aunt Eliza gave birth to a girl yesterday, about three o'clock.

Family news. Asks Augustine set a date for her to return to Mount Vernon.

Cary was thrown over his horse's head. Mrs. Carter died last night. Daughter Eliza goes looking for Augustine. Nelly makes requests and gives instructions for making preserves, "and please don't forget my hen house."

Arrived Thursday evening. Requests more money to buy things for the winter. Mentions Aunt Maria, Rebecca and Dr. Tabb, and Aunt Eliza.

Daughter Eliza sick past ten days. "Louisa and Jenny talk incessantly about you." Nelly has been walking a good deal.

Uncle Cary's death. Discusses children and weather. Passes on Mr. Lloyd's questions regarding hiring an overseer such as salary and privileges.

"Old Dolly gave me the letter I enclose about ten days ago…" Sister Mary wrote after her confinement. Today is Harriet's wedding day.

Boat landed with 50 or 60 visitors. Susan, a slave, prefers being sold.

She shall "be down in the boat tomorrow to see you." Shall not bring the children.

Visitors. No one is sick. "The boat had just come in sight and it is beginning to rain right fast…"

Anxious to hear about Mother [Jane C. B. Washington]. A man came "to apply for situation as overseer, at Marshall Hall…" Note at end of letter written by Louisa Washington. Misses her father. Writes about dogs, birds, and sheep.

Has heard rumors and is unsure if Mrs. [Eleanor Parke Custis] Lewis is dead or alive. Went to Charlestown on Sunday. Visited with relations. Describes wellbeing of her daughters: "Maria has five teeth."

Expresses her happiness at receiving Augustine's last letter. Sorry to hear of Eliza's injury. Describes children's party. Would be glad if he could finish the threshing.

"Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Alsbone… appear very nervous about the state of our slaves. They think the negroes hate the whites so much, that we are in constant danger."

Louisa has measles. Dr. Lloyd shipwrecked twice and lost everything. Scarlet fever and whooping cough going around.

Daughters Jenny, Lily [Eliza] and Maria all have measles. Distressed to hear about Augustine's wheat and corn. Begs for a letter from him; "I am miserable."

Steamboat quite full today with sixty or seventy persons. Tomorrow is Louisa's birthday. Spoke to Susan [a slave] and "she prefers being sold."

"Aunt Eliza had a little girl last night, she and the child are both doing well."

Arrived at Cave Farm on Monday. Heard that "Mr. Alexander was so extravagant that if you were not careful, Cousin Hannah's property would all in short time go." Louisa looks forward to a child's party. Nelly requests vanilla.

Instructions to have her black bonnet sent up as well as a night gown, linens, and visit cards. Went to hear Dr. Butler's sermon. "Don't forget the butter from Maryland…"

Encloses letter from Mr. Davis. She is visiting Richard and Christian. Asks Augustine to bring the "baby's sucking bottle." Gives instructions for the slave Sarah to make a brine to drop the butter in.

Richard returned from town and says that court will begin on the second Monday of October, and the sale at Claymont will take place on the following Wednesday.

Daughter [Anna] Maria broke her left arm.

Infant [Lawrence] very ill. Family news.

Nursery chimney caught on fire yesterday. Son Lawrence has been ill. Mr. Turner salted hams. Wants to see Christian and the children this winter.

Is very concerned about Lawrence's fever. Asks that Augustine send for a doctor.

Has heard that his Uncle Augustine was unwell. Requests word on how he is. Sends a bottle of castor oil.

Regrets to hear that his health has not improved. Lawrence is better.

Nelly reports that she is ready to go home and regrets that she be sent for.

Her health continues to improve, hopes to be able to return soon. Letter sent with West [Ford].

Clara [Heilman] has arrived. Nelly is disappointed that the weather keeps her away. "I am as well as ever, look very fat…and right strong."

Lawrence's health improves. Postscript regarding Edith and Mrs. Powell.

Their niece Anne, daughter of Augustine's brother Richard Blackburn and Christian Washington has died.

Gives preserving instructions for slaves Sarah and Matilda. Secret engagement of Andrew Kennedy. Asks about having the dining room fixed. Anne is sick with dysentery.

"The baby [George Washington] improves every day." Watermelons in the ice house.

Dined with Harriett Cazenove. "Everything is going on at home here as usual."

"Everybody is leaving so fast that by Thursday everyone will be gone…" She can be at Walnut Farm on Saturday.

Daughter Nelly had fever and boils. Nelly writes she is delighted she left [Capon Springs] as the "house keeper, servants and all were dismissed and the stages taken off the line on Friday." Instructs Augustine to bring clothes for the children.

Louisa and Jenny went to a concert. Yesterday a crowd with Masons came by boat and made a speech. Received a letter from Miss [Ann Pamela] Cunningham requesting permission for an address.

Much rain. Wheat looks well. Family news.

Summer weather. Had first dish of asparagus yesterday. Miss [Ann Pamela] Cunningham's address is Saturday with Dr. Hawks of New York as orator.

"Yesterday was the day fixed on by Miss Cunningham for her grand doings here…. There were benches enough to accommodate six hundred but I don't think there could have been more than one hundred and fifty or two hundred at most on the grounds."

Received his sixth letter this morning. Mrs. Robert [Mary Anna Custis] Lee staying with them. Son George has not learned to say a word since Augustine left. "Wishing you happy dreams and hoping I may be the burden of them as you are of mine."

Nelly writes she cannot find the trunk key Augustine requested. She delivered his message to Mr. Lunsford [overseer at Waveland].

Mr. Lunsford finished seeding and now setting strawberry plants. Cabbage plants have come up but they look like kale. Received letters from ladies applying for "the situation" [teaching position?]. Requests jonquil roots, hairpins, and tea toweling.