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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterFinding Aid Authors: Special Collections Staff.
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Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Preston Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
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This inventory, chiefly 1786-1815, represents three generations of the Preston family, and likewise can be divided into the following:
Items relating to William Preston (ca. 1729-1783), 1755-1782, primarily photostats of appointments to various county offices (coroner, sheriff and surveyor) and to positions in the Virginia militia; but also including original appointments, 1763 and 1776; a surveyor's entry; 1774; and letters, 1773-1782, to Preston concerning land, the Cherokee Indians and a court martial.
Items, 1785-1819, relating to William's sons, Francis Preston (1765- 1836), lawyer, member of the Virginia Legislature and the U.S. Congress; and his brother John Preston (1764-1827), member of the Virginia Assembly and long-time Treasurer of Virginia, including letters from John Preston to Francis Preston as well as correspondence of the two men with other people. Subjects covered in the letters include politics; the War of 1812; a carriage; the College of William and Mary; duels; the building of a house; and Indians. These papers also contain a certificate, 20 September 1793, of emancipation for a slave signed by Francis Preston; and his appointment of two military aides.
Items relating to the correspondence of William Campbell Preston (1764- 1860), son of Francis Preston, and a member of Congress from South Carolina, including a circular and letter, 1827, concerning protest by citizens of South Carolina of a protective tariff.
Organization: This inventory has been organized into four Series: 1. William Preston Papers; 2. Francis Preston Papers; 3. John Preston Papers; 4. William C. Preston Papers. Arrangement: Each folder contains the papers of their creators/persons, identified by series title. Items are then arranged chronologically by date.
Other related material concerning the Preston family can be found in the Robert Morton Hughes Papers at Old Dominion University.
Several of the items in this collection have been reprinted. These include the letters written between 1786-1813, by John Preston to Francis Preston printed in the William and Mary Quarterly, 2nd Ser., Vol. 1, pp. 42-51 and Vol. 2, pp. 188-193. A list of these items is located below. A typed list is located in the first folder of the collection.
18 May 1786. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 1, pp. 42-45. 2 November 1786. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 1, pp. 45-47. 26 December 1786. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 1, pp. 47-49. 17 February 1787. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 1, Vol. 27, pp. 203-205. 31 May 1793. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 2, pp. 188-189 [dated as 3 May]. 25 Nov. 1794. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 2, p. 187. 14 May 1799. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 1, pp. 49-51. 19 December 1802. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 2, pp. 189-192. 3 March 1813. John Preston to Francis Preston. Series 2, Vol. 2, pp. 192-193.
Some letters are also available in typescript.
Other Information:
Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00012.frame
William Preston was appointed as "Captain of a Company of Rangers in Augusta County," Virginia. Signed by Robert Dinwiddie, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "Captain of a Company of Rangers." Signed by Francis Fauquier, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as : "Lieutenant Colonel of the Militia for the County of Augusta," Virginia. Signed by Francis Fauquler, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as Escheator for Augusta County, Virginia. Signed by Francis Fauquier, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "Colonel of the Militia for the County of Augusta," Virginia. Signed by Francis Fauquier, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "Colonel of the Militia of the County of Botetourt," Virginia. Signed by Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "one of our Coroners of our County of Botetourt," Virginia. Signed by Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, Williamsburg Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "Sheriff of the County of Fincastle County, later Kentucky, and Montgomery and Washington Counties, Virginia. Signed by John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Letter from William Campbell, Aspen Bottom, to William Preston. Letter concerns Captain Shelby's purchase of the land where Captain Bledsoe lives.
Surveyor's entry of Fincastle County, later Kentucky and Montgomery and Washington Counties, Virginia. Item mentions William Preston, surveyor of Fincastle. Signed by William Christian.
William Preston was appointed as "Lieutenant and Commander in chief of the Militia of the County of Fincastle [County, later Kentucky, and Montgomery and Washington Counties], Virginia" Signed by the Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia.
Letter from Anthony Bledsoe, Fort Patrick Henry, Virginia, to Colonel William Preston. Letter concerns the Cherokee Indians, their need of supplies, and their fear of coming to Williamsburg.
William Preston was appointed as "County Lieutenant of Militia in the County of Montgomery," Virginia. Signed by Patrick Henry, Williamsburg, Virginia.
William Preston was appointed as "Surveyor for the County of Montgomery," Virginia. Signed by Dudley Digges, Lieutenant Governor, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Letter from Charles Morgan to William Preston. Letter concerns a court martial of two men, Marshall Duncan and Timothy Roark, and the circumstances involved in the case; and men trying, to be struck from the muster roll in order to be relieved of their military duties.
Post bond for Joseph Achillberger before William Preston, Justice of the Peace, Montgomery County, Virginia.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston. Was only able to send 10 pounds because of the "great difficulty of procuring cash in this country"; mentions getting cash from "Uncle Tom" or tobacco from "Anderson" and converting that to cash; tobacco prices; discusses the loss Kentucky will feel at the death of Colonel Christian.
Letter from John Preston to "brother," Francis Preston, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. Discusses business dealings with Anderson tobacco, and obtaining the necessary materials and the carpenter recommended by Captain T. Smith to finish their house; wants to compare prices between the Academy at Botetourt Town and William and Mary; gives details of building a new academy at Greenfield and the prices which would be charged.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. More discussion about the constructing of their house; expresses concern about a possible suit against them for a debt unpaid, unless they raise money from Anderson's tobacco; tells of neighbors anxiously awaiting his Francis's return so that they might "profit from your knowledge," referring to Francis Preston's license to practice law, and so that he can be considered an eligible candidate; offers to campaign for him in his absence; relates feelings toward a duel fought between their cousin, James Breckenridge and [?] Younghusband.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. Sends news of large amounts of mail for him, mainly on the subject of friendship; election day has been moved to an earlier date in April, requiring him [FP] to come home earlier; hopes this doesn't interfere with his studies; gives itinerary and details about coming home; discusses the other candidates and the main issue of the campaign--the division of the country; tells rumor that Congress is about to "raise a great army, for what purpose, we know not."
Bill is for fabrics, clothes, and notions for "Sally B. Campbell," later Sarah Buchanan (Campbell) Preston, wife of Francis Preston.
Letter from John Preston to "brother" Francis Preston. Short note discussing the election and political side effects relating to it.
Letter from John Preston, Mr. McDowell's, to "Frank," Francis Preston, Montgomery County, Virginia. Discusses land transactions and the upcoming change in the Judicial districts west of the Blue Ridge; mentions the end of the Indian War and the government being settled.
Letter from John Preston, John Breckenridge's, Lexington, Virginia, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Comments on the reformed behavior of B. Smith, a commander at one of the frontier posts, who has "abandoned both women and wine forever"; discussion of affairs with the Indians--treaties, not trusting them, and hopes of continuing the war with them; General Wayne, however, has orders only to defend themselves, not attack; mention of land prices connected with investment possibilities.
Letter from John Preston, Lexington, Virginia to "brother" Francis Preston, Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. Business discussion about an unknown matter.
Emancipation certificate of John Broady, Negro servant of William Campbell, father-in-law of Francis Preston. Signed by Francis Preston.
Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia to "sister In-law," Sarah B. Preston, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mention of her domesticity; gossip of a rich widow, Mrs. Thomas Randolph, who has fallen in love with John Brown.
Letter from John Preston, no place, to "brother," probably Francis Preston. Gives election news of senators and governor; details about a duel between General Wood and W. Thomas Madison over the election of Governor Brook which led to defamations of character.
Letter from John Preston, no place, to Francis Preston, Congress, United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Concerning attention paid to brother William by General Wayne.
Letter from Bishop James Madison, Botetourt County, Virgina, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discusses power of attorney between H. Smith and himself; and business matters dealing with land.
Letter from John Preston, no place, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discusses business transactions, including buying some horses; shares feelings of wanting to be married.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother" Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discussion of business transactions with Governor Shelby.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Expresses concern over their brother "Tommy" not being able to attend school due to insufficient funds, and asks if Francis might be able to help in this area; mentions William and Mary as a good choice for Tommy to study law.
Letter from John Preston, Horse Shoe Bottom, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discussion about horses and John's son cutting teeth.
Letter from John Preston, Blacksburg, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Family news; grandmother has died; is still looking for the book, EVirginians Millwright, sent by Francis to use as reference for their spring water problem.
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to Francis Preston, Saltworks, Washington County, Virginia. Asks him to help with E. Madison's business affairs; house is half finished; hopes to pay off all debts soon and be as "independent as a freeman ought to be."
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Wagon arrived satisfactorily; sent 5 bushels of hemp seed and will send more if needed; borrowed from him a bundle of "nail rods" to lay the plank floor in his home; talk of the birth of "another fine son " who is quite handsome.
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to Francis Preston, Saltworks, Washington County, Virginia. Business news; cotton and salt arrived; has sent nail rods in a different, lighter wagon.
Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother" Francis Preston. Political discussion-including the possibility of Congressional redistricting of Botetourt and Montgomery counties, the disagreements between the Federalists and the Republicans, and how redistricting would affect John when elections come again; ironworks are shorthanded and he is willing to hire out seven "of my best negroe men"; wife has had the mumps and self has had a bout with rheumatism.
Letter from David Campbell, Campbella, Tennessee, to Sarah B. Preston, Saltworks, Washington County, Virginia. Expresses joy at Mrs. Preston's recovering her health; philosophical statements concerning life; fondness toward Mrs. Preston and family; mention of who will be in school at Abingdon for the next two years, if the school stays open.
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to "brother," Francis Preston, Saltworks, Washington County, Virginia. Salt was delivered and all was in good order; family news including the birth of a son, William Ballard Preston, to their brother James P. Preston.
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Asks if he can send his son, Carlton Radford, to Mr. Whaley's school, since Mr. Birch's school at Fort Chizwell has broken up; has taken care of money matters; more problems with rheumatism.
Letter from John Preston, Montgomery Court House Virginia, to "brother;" Francis Preston, Saltworks, Washington County, Virginia. Asks for his son, William, to be sent home since the family is free of the whooping cough; a Senate position is open, but heJohn declined since he thought that Francis wanted to run; discussion of war with Britain, and the election of a president; Virginia seems to be favoring Madison, but New York is doubtful; no plans yet for the Virginia militia to be called.
Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia to "brother," Francis Preston, Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. Business letter; alludes to wife's death; mother-in-law taking care of domestic business.
Letter from John Tyler, Governor of Virginia, "In Council Chamber," Richmond, Virginia, to Colonel Francis Preston, Abingdon Washington County, Virginia. Cover letter for a commission for Samuel Preston, and a duplicate for the magistrates.
Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Affectionate talk of family; money matters taken care of; carriage maker in Philadelphia has put the "Family Arms and Crests" on it, and has only the painting and the spring to take care of.
Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. Happy that he won the election, even though it was with some difficulty; discussion of the ingratitude and jealousy of the community of those who "serve the public"; money and construction matters; legal concern over the exchange of properties, the Briar Patch and Horseshoe; wife is quite ill and still grieves over the death of Louisa.
Letter from Peter Randolph, Nottoway County, Virginia, to Colonel Francis Preston, Richmond, Virginia. Concerning the addition of Mecklenburg into the 5th Circuit, Randolph's firm opposition to the plan requested by Judge Johnston to relieve Johnston of some duties of the 13th Circuit, and Randolph's reasons against the change of duties.
Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Concern over the Blockading Squadron of Great Britain, and description of naVirginial battles in Lynnhaven Bay; wishes Congress would impose an embargo on Great Britain.
Letter from Francis Preston, Brigadier General, 17th Brigade, 3rd Division, to John Tate. Appointment of Tate as Brigade Inspector of the 17th Brigade in the third division of the militia of the said Commonwealth. Including autograph document signed on verso by Francis Preston appointing Captain Francis Smith as his aide, 16 May 1816.
Letter from John Preston, Horseshoe Bottom, to "brother," Francis Preston, Abingdon, Virginia. Is still trying to locate the papers of W. P. Preston; more election news; introduces S. P. Sharp.
Letter from Patrick Henry, Richmond, Virginia, to John Preston, Montgomery County, Virginia. Concerning a serjeanty right granted by Lord Dumore, 10 to 12 years prior, to Henry for 200 acres on the Ohio River.
Receipt of David Price for 3 pounds received from John Preston. Including note on verso by John Preston, 17 April 1785, stating payment of 29 British pounds to William M. Miller.
Letter from James Blair, Abingdon, Virginia, to John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia. Blair's wife, Betsy, a cousin of Preston, is unable to appear at court in Botetourt County in a case involving Mrs. Elizabeth (Preston) Madison, because her son is ill, but has sent a deposition. Hopes that Dr. Humphries has inoculated Preston's sisters for smallpox.
Letter from John Preston, Fort Lee, Bluestone, to Governor Henry Lee. Explanation of Preston's actions taken in defending his posts by dispersing his men; also explanation of monies spent. Including document by John Preston, 13 June 1792, Fort Lee, Bluestone, Virginia, accounting for monies spent by him for his militia men.
Letter from Edmund Randolph, Richmond, Virginia , to General John Preston, Horse Shoe Bottom. Concerning legal proceedings at Staunton; and proceedings of the Richmond chancery court concerning the McKin case.
Letter from James Hoge, Buckingham County, Virginia, to General John Preston, Richmond, Virginia. Requests to have orders countermanded and have his troops transferred somewhere where they can recover.
Letter from John Floyd, Washington, D.C , to General John Preston, Richmond, Virginia. The appropriations bill is before Congress and is expected to pass this week or early next week; the estimate for the ordinance department is $1,037,200.
Land grant certificate of John Preston for 300 acres in Botetourt County, Virginia. Signed by Governor James P. Preston.
Circular letter transmitting memorials of the citizens of Columbia and Richland, South Carolina, to the legislature of South Carolina, and to the Congress of the United States, protesting against the protective tariff. Also includes the text of the memorials. Including letter from William C. Preston, Chairman, to William B. Giles, Governor of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 2 Nov. 1827, explaining the attached circular. Also including a newspaper clipping of the proceedings of the committee.
Asks name of a lawyer practicing in section in which General Joseph S. Shelton of South Carolina lives. The estate of Gilmer's grandfather is being sued and General Shelton is the principal debtor.
Letter from Epes Sargent, New York, New York, to William C. Preston. Letter from Thomas W. Gilmer, Capitol, Richmond, Virginia, to William C. Preston, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. Sargent is associated with Park Benjamin in publishing the New World, a New York newspaper, and discusses his efforts to bring about an international copyright agreement.