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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterFinding Aid Authors: Special Collections Staff.
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Mss. Acc. 2007.109. A portion of this collection was previously part of the University Archives Faculty-Alumni File Collection. It was rehoused 1/21/10.
Robert Saunders Letters, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Gift.
Addition to this collection accessioned and minimally processed by Mindy Gipson, SCRC volunteer, in January 2010.
Robert Saunders was born January 25, 1805 in Williamsburg, Virginia. He attended the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. Saunders served as professor of mathematics at William and Mary from 1833 to 1848 and was president of the college 1847-1848. He was a captain in the Confederate States Army, head of Eastern State Hospital, mayor of Willamsburg, vestryman of Bruton Parish and served in the Virginia State Senate. Saunders married Lucy Burwell Page in 1828 and had, among other children, Roberta Saunders and Robert Page Saunders. He died 11 September 1868. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
This collection consists of 66 letters written by Robert Saunders of Williamsburg, Virginia to his wife Lucy Burwell Saunders (60 letters) and his daughters Lucy Page Saunders (three letters) and Roberta P. Saunders (two2 letters) from 1829-1867. There is also a letter written on May 4, 1847 to Overton Bernard, the father of College of William and Mary student Jesse Talbot Bernard.
The correspondence is arranged chronologically.
Lucy is staying with her sister Margaret (called Peggy). Expresses wish that his wife and infant daughter Mariana Barbara are in good health. Reports on the health of his father, her mother, and sister Barbara. Hopes she has received the gift sent by Mr. Botts for Mariana Barbara. Refers to Miss Gatliff (?), Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Browne, Mr. Snipie(?) and his family, Mr. Peachy, Judge Semple, Miss Eliza Waller all of whom are sick or recovering from sickness. Henry Rogers arrived in town and carries a letter from Betsy Kennon for Lucy. Encloses the letter. Not present here. Talks of a "turnpike" from her "mother's door along the path past our door and across the green to Mr. Browne's gate" made by Old Nat that has "spoilt the green." Spent the morning making brandied peaches with Aunt Lucy and enjoyed the experience.
Weather is very warm, concerns over health matters. Looking forward to being reunited with Lucy and Mariana Barbara. The Empie family and Mrs. Peachy are recovering from the sickness. News of Williamsburg. Mrs. Browne and family back in Williamsburg. Judge (?) is expected soon. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have left for Philadelphia. Mrs. Peachy expecting visit from Mrs. Jane Cary and Mrs. Newsum. They are to settle in Tennessee. Mrs. Peachy received letter from Aunt Tucker reporting Mrs. Robertson will visit Aunt Tucker in winter and Mr. and Mrs. Cabell are well. Miss Mary Pryor to marry. The Coles will attend the wedding Eliza Waller is ill, recovering at Dr. Warren's. Mathew Pierce ("my old relation") is very ill and not expected to recover. Mrs. Dabney Browne and her daughter have been sick but recovering. Mr. Browne has painted his house and has used "bona fide paint, not whitewash." Mr. and Mrs. Edloe arrived in town. He has read the Devereux and liked it very much.
Betsy Kennon "our beloved & lovely friend" has died due to complications in childbirth. Very upset. Expresses sympathy for Captain Kennon. Suggests Lucy write to him soon. Received the news from Dr. Peachy at the post office. Expresses gratitude that Lucy and the children are well. Encloses $20. Talks of his father's health as being "tolerably well." The servants have recovered from their sickness.
Happy she and the children are comfortable at Fauquier Springs. Expresses desire to join them, but fears his health won't allow it. Writes of a "sickness that has taken place much later than usual." Speaks in unkind terms of the Judge(?). Others at the springs include Mr. Dew, "Judge C. & Miss Martha and the boys" and Barbara. Expresses love for his daughters Marianna and Lelia. Glad to hear that she has "gotten thro' her teething." Mentions the death of Hughella Page.
Writing after a trip to Washington DC. He mentions cousin Charlotte, Mary Ann, and Peggy. Explains he accomplished more than anticipated in Washington. Had dinner with Commodore Warrington. Attends a reception at White House. Introduced to President James K. Polk, Mrs. Polk and Beau Hickman. Finds Polk to be a "very ordinary looking person, of very ordinary manners…" and Mrs. Polk a "lady of fine manner." Spoke to "Old Mrs. Madison" at reception for a time and then "backed out of the presence of Royalty & descended among the common herd."
Went to St. Paul's in Richmond to hear Bishop John Johns preach. Disappointed by the appearance of someone else preaching in place of Johns. John's appointment (as President of the College of William and Mary) is much talked about in Richmond. Would not know what to say to Johns if they met. Is more and more inclined to leave the college "after the next course" because of the actions of the Visitors. Will see Holmes again in reference to the situation at the college. Lucy is to have Edmund send oysters via Mr. Whitaker.
Sleepy from a boring sermon given by Dr. Jones. Jokingly will seek to make such sermons illegal. Expresses worry about Lelia's cold. Reminds Lucy of the "hereditary weakness of the lungs in his family." Gives his impressions of Senate and role in it. Letter has literary references to The Arabian Nights. Went to see Peggy and Mrs. Botts. They have gone to Cambridge. Hasn't seen Marianna.
Nothing accomplished in the legislature since his absence as he thought. Was to attend an astronomy lecture at the Athenaeum but found it postponed. Spent evening at the home of Gustavus Myers near the Athenaeum. No regrets about missing a gentleman's party at Halyburton's.
Hastily written letter after long, laborious Senate session. Coming to Williamsburg, Senate business permitting, via Coke's wharf on Saturday.
Met Senator Mc Sweeney of Wheeling on boat to Richmond. Rode in a hack with Senator and Mrs. Deneale. Mrs. Senator Deneale " as rough a specimen (he) ever met with." Busy with Senate work. No time to meet with Mrs. Cabell. Mrs. Greene has left Mr. Barton's and has gone to Philadelphia. Invited to take a trip to Baltimore by officers of the Fredericksburg Railroad with other Senators. Will go if he can spare time away from Senate and continue on to Philadelphia to see his friend Robinson and Mrs. G. Supposes the wedding party has returned to Williamsburg and "little lady feels sufficiently married." Will call on Mr. and Mrs. Henley, Ms. Henley and John A. Henley staying at the American Hotel. James River flood up to the lower end of Rocketts due to recent heavy rains causing flooding on the Susquehanna and Potomac also.
Everyone is well except Barbara. Concerned about Lucy nursing her to health alone. Barbara's old friends Patty Wilson, or Mrs. Ware, or Mrs. Wise or Mrs. Larke should help. Should Barbara complain as to the lack of attention, Lucy is to tell her that he has decided the issue. Attended church and complains of sleep inducing sermon by Dr. Jones. He meets Mrs. Stanard and Mrs. Claiborne. Mrs. Stanard offers accommodations during the approaching convention. Will the children come? Where shall they stay? Suggests Lucy not come to Richmond on the steamboat Augusta to Port Walthall and rail to Richmond, rather via steamboat "Curtis Peck" to Richmond. Talks about "…present perplexities of the Whigs as to national politics", busy with the Senate. Death of a member of House of Delegates from Prince George County. Not heard from Mr. Greene. Presumes Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson have left Williamsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Coles are at the Exchange. Jokes of Mrs. Coles "nose which seemed…unnecessarily long" Talks of an unsuccessful attempt to visit Mr. and Mrs. Henley.
Mr. Stanard offers invitation of lodging during the upcoming convention and Mrs. Cabell offers to take care of Barbara and Marianna Lelia can stay with Miss Betty Blair. Arrangement details left to Lucy. Busy with ordinary business of Senate. Writing letters to politicians about the upcoming presidential elections. Received a letter from Mrs. Greene. Mentions the death of John Sergant
Coming home to Williamsburg with Mrs. Dunbar. Requests that Lucy send the carriage to Coke's wharf to pick him up. Happy that Bob's cold is better.
Senate holding evening sessions. Has not had time to see anyone. Barbara is at Dr. Cabell's. Curious as to the results of the recent elections. Who was elected Sheriff of James City County? Was Bob Shields elected Sheriff of York County? Judge Clayton won by landslide. Sends a $10 check, written as part of the letter, and it is removed. Asks that Mr. Vest cash it for her. Virginia legislature to adjourn on the 7th.
Will be coming home via Coke's wharf. Sally Galt and Lelia Shield traveling with him. Barbara will not be coming down.
Will be arriving on Saturday at King's Mill. Asks that Lucy not meet him there unless it is "perfectly convenient"; for her.
Cold snap in Richmond. Considerable snow, freezing rain. 15 degree temperatures. Affection for his grandchildren Ann, Mary , Georgy and Breckenridge.
Talks of approaching Party conventions. Believes the Democrats will choose Stephen Douglas as the candidate at the party convention in Charleston.
Sent hams and shad to Marianna via Ringgold Station. Peggy is well. Mr. Botts returned to White Sulphur Springs, but didn't see Barbara there. Betty Blair to marry W. Mosely of Buckingham County. Dr. Cabell engaged to Miss Peggy, a music teacher. Mrs. Caskie, wife of Congressman John Caskie, a debased drunkard" and sister of Marmaduke Johnson died. Rumors she was brutally treated by her husband supported by Dr. Peterkin sermon at funeral. Heard Judge Douglas speak on the Capital square and thinks he made a "forcible speech." Mr. Botts is going to speak in Pittsylvania later in the month. Hearing that Mr. Gatewood was preaching at St. Paul's, went to worship at St. James. Heard Dr. Peterkin preach for first time. Disappointed. Mr. Minnigerode and Mr. Woodbridge "taking water in the mountains." Mr. Eyler returning to summer home in Hampton. Mrs. Semple returned to Brooklyn in better health. Little news from Williamsburg. Mr. Thomas Lindsey's son died, Mr. Bunting is better.
Hopes to leave Williamsburg and be with the family week after next. Discussion of Bob's school clothes. Wishes "Bob to be decently & abundantly furnished, but fine clothes would be…out of place at a country school." Glad Bob is keeping a diary.
Steamboat taking him to Richmond is decorated with flags in his honor. Dr. Cabell is married.
Unreliability of mail due to the condition of the railroad damaged by heavy rains, snow and winds. Very busy in Richmond. Bob had difficulty leaving Williamsburg by the York River. Went up the James the next day. Comments on the state of the Union and the Virginia convention to consider secession.
Comments about George Washington at Washington's Birthday celebration in Williamsburg. Not enjoying entertaining members of General Assembly on railroad trip.
Writes of the excessive heat in Williamsburg.
Suffering from a "hurt." Responds to Lucy's concerns. Explains reasons for going to Richmond are to find work to support family. Thankful children are helping out. Never doubted their devotion. Desperate for work. Looking for employment within Confederate government. Not optimistic about his prospects.
Thinks of his granddaughter Lucy Page when he sees a child. Dreads separation from family. Surmises will get accustomed to it. Busy at his "office." Shares space with two workers. Call him "Professor." Working six hours a day. Found room on 3rd St. between Clay and Leigh and board across the street where Williamsburg friends John Hurley Charles Hansford, William Waller and Sydney Smith live. Asks she address letters to the Ballard House. Sent a package via Mr. Joynes. Hopes she received it and likes the calico.
Asks Lucy write in care of "Captain Charles Morris A.Q.M." in the future. Hopes she has received the sewing cotton in his last letter. Has taken residence in a boarding house with some Williamsburg friends. Is comfortable considering difficulty of obtaining accommodations and their price. Not accustomed to work. Has not had the opportunity to visit anyone. Hopes to see General Ewell and Minnigerode tomorrow. Visited Drewry's Bluff (Fort Darling) to see Major James Semple. Boards and inspects the ironclad CSS Richmond and the batteries on the bluff. Meets Captain Lee, commander of the naval station at the bluff. Points out he is the brother of General (Robert E.) Lee.
Raining in Richmond and has a cold. Only going between his room and the boarding house. Didn't go to church. Spending time writing letters. Has sent Bob the permission he desires to go to church "out of ranks." Daughters are coming to Richmond to see him and stay at Mrs. Clayton's. Doesn't see much of other boarders. Has not been out at night except to get oysters. Has seen only Mr. Branch, Mr. Custis and Alfred Shield. Intends to visit acquaintances soon. Misses Lucy, the grandchildren. Offers regards to Mr. Wilmer and friends. Writes of the possibility of promotion in his branch of the Treasury. Robert Taylor trying to find a position for him in his department. Not optimistic about his prospects. Mr. Waller has left the department and returned to Williamsburg. Writes of "little fight" between Confederate cavalry and Yankees on road from Williamsburg in James City County.
Has seen Lelia and Peggy and was comforted by their visit. Sending money to Lucy and asks she to write if she needs more. Received a letter from General Smith. Bob is acting up and he has written Bob not to throw away "his only chance for a gentleman's education." Writes of the death of Dr. Cabell's mother and Mr. Hurley.
Snow, hail and cold in Richmond. "One of the worst days that (he) has known for several years." Writes of the disposition of some of the servants. "Little Jim" is staying with the Wilmer's. Saunders is grateful to Wilmer for keeping him. Asks that Wilmer use his judgment as to letting Jim stay with "Old Fortune" or place him elsewhere. Does not intend to sell Fanny at this time. She is with Mrs. Hurley. "Old acquaintance" in his office Lucy inquired about is Mr. Gilliam, of Prince George County, an older man and member of Minnigerode's Episcopal church. Met Mr. Marshall, Kate Edloe's husband. Nothing else to report about Williamsburg. Has not heard from Bob.
Sending shirts to Lucy for repair via Mr. Johnson. Provides instructions. Weather has been bad, but his cold is gone. Henry Burwell is sick and of some trouble to Lucy and Mr. Wilmer. Hopes Georgy is better. He is clerk in the 2nd Auditor department and doing a good job, but working below his abilities. Chief clerk would like to promote him. Would relish a promotion and cares only for the increased salary it will bring. Hears nothing of consequence about Williamsburg except "the Yankees have carried the Hofheimer's to Old Point for selling goods in the country."
Encloses a check for $25. Promises to send more. Disturbed that they can't find fresh provisions and fears they will become scarcer. Prices for board are rising. Heavy rains and thunderstorms. Minnigerode received a letter from his daughters. Sending letter by Gilmer or Semple and will try to send some sugar via Gilmer soon. Mentions Georgy, Breck and "darling Lucy Page." Offers remembrances to Dr. Martin and the Visitors {?}.(?). Mrs. Coleman servants, Bella, Mira and Beverly have run off. Hopes Lucy doesn't communicate that to their servants.
Sending 10 pounds of sugar, 10 pounds of rice, some paper, spools of cotton, shoestring, and candy for the grandchildren. Encloses a $25 check. Went to see Lizzie Ewell. She wasn't at home. Weather cold and clear expecting snow or hail. "I have not heard from Bob, have you?"
Weather is bad. Has not gone out, not even to church. "… the devil has been permitted to rule the weather for 6 or 7 weeks." Wrote Bob and received a reply. He had been suffering from diphtheria but has recovered entirely. Treated by Dr. Robert Madison of "the Institute" who was formerly a student "of the first order." Upset that Breck is sick and his hearing is affected. Gratified to hear of Col. Martin's promotion and marriage. Has seen Mr. Semple. He would love to visit them, but wants to be firmly established at the Treasury department. Glad the girls can go to their "French School."
Snow storm, nearly 12 inches deep, the deepest in 20 or 30 years. Offices are closed. Sorry to hear that Ann and Mary are sick. Col Randolph Harrison who told him, according to Mr. George Wise, that Lelia was very sick. Has not heard the same from Mr. Wilmer. Assumes Wise is mistaken. John Gilmer to carry a shirt in need of repair next trip. Sending 4 pairs of summer stockings for darling Lucy Page. Cannot get the eggplant seed she requested...but will keep trying. Dr Coleman has resigned, gone to Warrenton NC. Mrs. Tucker intends to return to Williamsburg. John Barlow lost his wife. his family was in New Kent County. Has seen Mr. Morecock and his brother-in-law Captain Taylor.
Distressed to hear that Ann and Mary are still sick. Sending 5 pounds of sugar, some soda, and a few "dough nuts for the darling children" and a harmonica for Georgy and Breck and a fan for Lucy via Mr. Wilmer. Not been able to procure the egg plant seed. Reports no news of consequence from Williamsburg. Heard a sermon from Minnigerode and saw Bishop Johns confirm people at St. Paul's. "I hope you have heard from Bob."
Mr. Patton. Purchased 31 yards of unbleached cotton (at $1.75/yard) and will send to Mr. Pollack. Has little to do in the afternoon and will be pleased to hunt for articles for them. News from Williamsburg via Mr. W. H. Pierce who has heard it from others. Pierce is afraid to go into Williamsburg since he sells goods secretly. Pierce bought a letter from Mr. Sweeney. Sweeney took 5 mules from the Saunders property. The Yankees stole one, two to Isham for use on the farm, one to Gawian for use on Mrs. Henley's and one to Mrs. Sydney Smith. Isham claims slaves that remain in Williamsburg will wait for their masters' return and are unhappy at the treatment of the Yankees. Jacob (Mrs. Tucker's servant) has left for Hampton.
Received the shirts she sent by Mr. Lefebvre. Will be sending a package back via him to include white cotton for 4 shirts for Bob and a piece of linen. Met Martha Page. Mr. Sheldon had just come up from Gloucester with news that the Yankees had committed more deprivations in that county. Met Mrs. Peachy for the first time since leaving Williamsburg. Presumed that she was unhappy to see him looking well and in health. Heard that General Wise has gone down to Williamsburg and was driving the Yankees south. Presumes that Wise has taken Fort Magruder. Sees Julia Johns. Memminger says he sorry about his position and that he could not find something more worthy. Doubts sincerity of remark. The bread riots were real…"is war not a bread riot…" war is "…merely the pretext for plunder.."
Diphtheria epidemic. Concerned that Lucy is tired caring for the sick especially the servants who don't know how to "attend to each other." Sending a plate to Lelia as to replace one of Mrs. Lefebvre's broken at the Rectory. Inventory of what box he has sent. An old towel, shirts, small quantity of Passover bread from Mrs. Heller, a doll for Lucy Page, caps for Georgy and Breck, 31 yards of unbleached cotton (at 1.75/yd), shoestrings, 20lbs sugar, 20 lbs of rice, 6lbs coffee (at $3.50 which is "cheap! by a dollar", 1lb green tea, ½ lb black tea and 2 oz of soda, a tin horn for Georgy and a whistle for Breck, candy and $50. Nothing more specific from General Wise at Williamsburg. Minnigerode's son James has a warrant as midshipman.
Sending a sample of fabric ($5.50/yd). Sent Lelia a box of Beckwith's Pills. Jim and Cyrus have been hired at a tobacco factory. Relieved Wilmer is free of their support. Heard accounts of deprivations of Yankees in Gloucester and of people fleeing.
Happily hears of Lucy's recovery from Mr. James Semple. Paid broker $105 for $21 in gold to purchase article for Lucy. Semple hired out his slave, Jim, in Danville. Jim had run away once and was with the Yankees. Glad Jim has not the chance to tell other slaves of his escape. Heard nothing of slaves Molly and Elia. All their servants in Williamsburg, except Sam, who was hired at the lunatic asylum, are still in place. All slaves at the farm, except Jacob, are still there. Jacob "enticed away" by his wife a servant of Mrs. Tucker. All Mrs. Tuckers' slaves have run off. Thinks Yankees will abandon the lunatic asylum. If so, Lee would make some arrangements for its support. A battle is near at Fredericksburg (Chancellorsville). Funeral tomorrow, at St. Paul's, for Channing Price, killed near Fredericksburg. Does not "repine" or "brood over his affairs." Would need only to see Lucy the children and grandchildren to be happy as anyone could be during the war. The war "enrages rather than depresses" him. Strongly angered, filling him with "desire to see the Yankee race exterminated." Will attempt to get a promoted position when the members of Congress are gone. Believes it will be easier to approach Secretaries at that time.
Suffering with acute diarrhea. Misses Lucy terribly. Spent an evening with General (Richard Stoddart) Ewell. Ewell 's been promoted to Lieutenant General a day or two after being married to Mrs. Brown. Ewell has gone to join General Lee's army and take command of Gen Jackson's old command. Mr. Botts lost his slaves.
Recovered from diarrhea, but many of acquaintances still ill. Has not heard from Bob. Has seen Mr. Semple who offered regards to the family. There is nothing new from Williamsburg. Has seen Mr. Jonas, Mr. Penick, Henry and John Dix. Has not been able to get shoes the girls asked for but "the importation of blockade goods is expected during the present week. " Rumors from Vicksburg are not good news. Has seen a dispatch from General Johnston, but the information it contains cannot fully be authenticated.
Sending unbleached cotton on Tuesday. Mr. Custis daughters had seen Lucy and Page. Sent the shoes they asked for. Has not heard from Bob. Miss Judith Carter Nelson says all servants from Shelby are gone had gone except the carriage driver and wife. Has not seen Lizzie Ewell. Has seen I. Custis and Mrs. Miles Selden. Yankee commander has given Dr. Garrett permission to return home.
Accepted a position as quartermaster of the Pittsylvania District and will be relocated to Danville. Will stop at Pittsylvania on his way to Danville. Was offered a higher paying position but turned it down to be able to go to Danville and be close to the family. Eventually he will hold the rank of captain and that will reward him with a higher salary. Then he can buy from the commissary "sugar, bacon, flour, salt, etc. and this not for myself, but for my family." at government prices.
Preparing to leave Richmond to assume duties in the Quartermaster Corps collecting the tax in kind. Believes new position will be anything but sedentary, but "rather laborious" and require a great deal travel. for a month Feels ready for the task. Happy she received bundle and Mr. Wilmer liked the shirts. Sends regards to Miss Lizzie who he hopes to see again soon. Will try and get things Lucy requested, but he believes the blankets and the "iron things" will be difficult to procure. Has not heard from his daughters and hopes to before he leaves Richmond. Will not be able to go to Lexington, because he will be too busy organizing "a new business not only to (him) but to the whole corps of quartermasters in the same service." Expresses regards for his grandchildren Anne and Mary. Hopes to see them at "the Rectory" before they leave, and to Georgy, Breck who he'll bring "a spelling book a piece" and candy for "darling Lucy Page." Unable to see Lizzie Ewell or Colonel and Mrs. Munford.
Salutation to "My beloved wife." Send subsequent letters to Danville. Wants to hear from Bob. General Pendleton has not been injured. Mrs. Gilmer lost brother, Col. Henry Carrington, Col. Rawley Martin is wounded and a prisoner, Col. Whittle and James Poindexter are wounded again, Col. Tazewell Patton reportedly killed or wounded.
Setting up districts in Pittsylvania County for the administration of the collection of the tax in kind. Has no clerk. Offered the position of county agent to Mr. Gilmer, but he declined. Then offered it to Mr. Johnson. Will travel, go to Franklin and Bedford Counties next week to organize them Lucy is to direct her next letter to Bedford County, in care of Captain Charles Mallory. News of Pittsylvania Court House relatives and friends at Pittsylvania Court. Colonel Carrington wounded in the hand and captured, Colonel Martin is assumed dead, and Captain James Poindexter and Lt. Hutchins captured. Colonel Whittle wounded but not taken prisoner, Col. Whittle and Col. Patton, wounded and imprisoned. The Poindexter and Carter boys are at home and slightly wounded. All are well at the Rectory, "darling Lucy Page as sweet as ever." News of Williamsburg in a letter from Mr. Sydney Smith. Mr. Sweeney told him their servants "were still all in place & contented." Old Mr. Pettitt has died according to Dr. Wise.
Discusses travel plans. Very busy and doesn't have time to write. Suggests that several routes from Lexington to Danville and asks that she inform him of her travel plans. Concerned the Bob "must get some certificate from Gen(eral) Smith to keep with him until he gets back to Lexington, to avoid possible delay by enrolling officers." Asks that Lucy not spend any time with Lizzie Nelson who has "come all the way from the South" and wants her full attention adding "Circumstances force one to be selfish. My mind is as strained as have ever had it, and I cannot support an additional burden." Reports the death of Colonel Tazewell, the brother of Mrs. John Gilmer and has heard nothing about members of Lucy's family.
Happy that she will go to Botetourt and will be comfortable there. Will be traveling all month. Sent her a check for $100 and hopes she has received it. Lelia wrote of the death of poor Mrs. Munford. He has written to Bob. Details recent travels and is now staying in Liberty for two or three days with Captain Mallory. Intends to go to Wytheville when he leaves Liberty, "if the Yankees are not about," and then to Carroll, Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties. Will try to meet Bob at the Rectory. Asks that she direct her letters to Danville. Includes a biographical note stating that Captain Mallory, the brother of Dr. Mallory, is from Hampton.
Sent a "passport" to Mr. Wilmer. Hopes he has received it. Rode from Danville to Henry Court House by stage. Stayed "in a fine large room in an old fashioned tavern built of logs." Is comfortable there as opposed to not being so in his other travels. Dined with an attorney Mr. Wootten, an old student at the college, and acquaintance. Wootten helping him with his business. Will resume his travels to Patrick and Franklin Counties before returning to Danville. Hopes to be reunited with Lucy before the end of next week. Has, happily, seen Mrs. Neel and Miss J. Bucktrout, daughters of Mrs. I. Bucktrout from Williamsburg. Spoke to Rev. William Lee and he is well.
Finding it difficult traveling from Henry Court House to Patrick Court House. "There are no horses to be hired…and there is no public conveyance to Patrick Court House from any point on the globe." Travel has generally agreed with him and he is "entirely well." Not suffering from gout and neuralgia he has endured in previous years at this time of the season.
Lucy Page at the home of Mrs. Michie in Staunton. She has a beaux there, a Dr. Rush. Considers him "an entirely respectable young man at his position & and has the reputation of being a very worthy one." Has traveled more than 1000 miles from end of July to 26 September. Has used more than 200 stamps on letters relating to official business. Regrets not having written her but uses the large amount of official correspondence as an excuse for not having the time to do so. Has a fond remembrance of Mrs. Jones, the former Miss Nanny Marshall. Asks to be remembered to "Capt. Bagby" although he is not sure that that is his name, but is sure he knows him.
Is as busy in Richmond as he was previously. Disappointed to hear that Colonel Rawley Martin was not among the exchange prisoners. Bob has asked for information on how to join the army. Richmond at this time is "very disagreeable and every thing is awfully high & things to eat are scarce." He manages, thanks to his friends. Mr. James Lyon's house in Richmond has burned to the ground.
Bob's division is expected to be ordered to Gordonsville. Hopes to see him before he leaves. Major Baker P. indicates that Bob is well and that Pickett's Division, was to be reviewed by General Lee. Colonel Benjamin S. Ewell, has been by to see him. Expects to join Lucy on Saturday, but travel is uncertain."
Informs Lucy that he is well at the home of Charles Waller in Williamsburg. Traveled from Danville to Richmond, stayed with Mr. Sweeney, then to Williamsburg. The Waller invitation to lodging was one of many invitations he received. Has seen many friends and they are well. Has many things on his mind and cannot express them in a hastily written letter. Saunders Expresses his love for his wife, children and grandchildren and old friends and writes "servants very kind."
Gilmer for free. Grateful to him as he didn't have the money to pay for it. Sent the application, along with the regular applications for pardon, to Washington, by way of Richmond where it was signed with a recommendation for acceptance by Governor Pierpont. Received his " property in town without difficulty", but is concerned about York County land holdings. Anxious that the pardon be accepted and for the complete restoration of property. Suspects he will have to go to Washington to see to the matter. Of Williamsburg he writes "there is nothing doing here, nor is there any prospect, for some time at least for any one to do any thing in any department of human employment to support himself. " "Everything is disjointed and in a languishing condition…" and he would not return to Williamsburg this year if he "could get something to do which would barely support life in Pittsylvania or …elsewhere for the next year." The families of Colonel Munford, Dr. Mercer and Dr. Canius (?). are the only one's to return to Williamsburg. Envelope addressed to Lucy, care of Mr. J. Clarke, Esq. Danville attached.
Had dinner with Peggy and her husband, William Botts in Richmond. They and their grandchildren are well. Botts has given him a letter to the President, which he delivered "without being able to say much." Will attempt an interview, but is not hopeful it will occur tomorrow and he may be in Washington a few days before it occurs. Is "as active as a steam printing press and shall not relax (his) efforts until (he ) succeeds in getting (his) property restored…or come to a dead halt." Confident it will be restored.
Happy she survived the "disagreeable circumstances attending the unusually uncomfortable journey from Richmond to Pittsylvania Court. House" She is with Miss Sallie and is staying with Miss Mary away from the "ennui of Williamsburg." Sends regards to Mr. Whittle and Mr. D. Coles. Judge and Mrs. Gilmer. Indicates great affection for his friends at Pittsylvania Court House.
Secured the breast pin Lucy had forgotten. Met Col. Ewell and thanked him for his kindness "as to the carriage."
Encloses $5. Mother leaving for Mr. Botts after arriving at Richmond. Informs her that she, the Munfords, Custises and Sherwells are all well. Prof. Taliaferro and John Henley have died. Charles Waller's baby died. Prof. Millington a "grand old man" who is dying gradually.
Bob came down from Richmond by steamboat and got a chill. Administered quinine. Sending the $5 to Roberta Page. Mr. Keatts, the shoemaker, of Pittsylvania Court House came to visit. She is at Richmond with granddaughter. Williamsburg is improved in health. Their immediate friends the Mumfords, Custises and Sherwells are well. Mrs. Maupin has is at the College Hotel. and Mr. Darlington from York County is renting her house.
Apparently she's at Pittsylvania with Lucy Page , Peggy. Tells of Bob's chills.
Bob returned to Williamsburg with a 'chill and fever' which was treated with quinine and other pills. Will stay with the Pettitt's for a couple of days. Pleased that Lucy is 'in pleasant places, away from the labor of keeping house at a time when labor is to take the places of means, and when there are no servants to depend upon.' The 'unhealthfulness of this region, including the town exceeds any thing that I have ever known' 'Chills and fever' epidemic in Williamsburg. Asks her not to come back too soon.
Mrs. Vest has died suddenly. Very sad over it. Mentions 'her robust frame, exuberant life and her (apparent) defiance of misfortune.' Died of 'diarrhea which terminated congestion and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.' Robert Taylor, steward of the Lunatic asylum and son in law of Mrs. Pettis, also has died. Confined to the house with gout. Being treated by Dr. Carmen. Has not been able to prepare the house for Lucy's return even though Bob is helping. How much it will cost to bring her back from Richmond. Happy to learn that Dr. Millington is doing better. Expresses good wishes and sentiments, love for his old friend. Conveys "great gratitude" to Mr. and Mrs. Blankenship for their kindness.
Transferred from the Faculty-Alumni File Collection.