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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterLisa Lee, Elizabeth Engelken, Karen King, SCRC 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.
Baytop-Fitzhugh Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acc. No. 86-36; Gift: 60 items, 09/24/1986.
Processed by Lisa Lee and Elizabeth Engelken in 1989.
The inventory includes letters, 1851-1861, and accounts, 1840-1866, of Rufus King Fitzhugh and his wife Henrietta Ellen (Baytop) Fitzhugh of Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia. Most letters to Henrietta are from her mother Lucy Taliaferro (Catlett) Baytop, and her sisters Rowena, Lucy Ann, and Eugenia, all of Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia. The collection also includes letters from her sister-in-law Mary F. Fitzhugh of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The letters relate various aspects of nineteenth century farm life, such as men and women's separate responsibilities on the farm, illnesses and treatments, childbirth and its complications, and social activities. There are comments on slaves, tensions between the slave states and the federal government and the abolitionists, and the eventual Civil War. Letters to Rufus King Fitzhugh are generally from business associates or his brother George Fitzhugh, of Port Royal, Virginia. Both his letters and business accounts offer insight into his affairs, such as land speculation, mining for coal, slaves as investments, as well as deeds, receipts of purchase and payment of property, and tax receipts. An undated item records his property in Jackson County, Arkansas, that was destroyed by the Union Army.
The letter discusses a "last effort" will be made to earn some profit from the copper mine at Stony Man which has been "condemned...as worthless;" seeks Fitzhugh's advice on where Mrs. Williams can board while he is at the mine; and the availability of "Blasting powder" in the area. Includes typescript.
The letter sends news of family and friends; tells of excitement about making a "missionary quilt for Mr. Payne our African Missionary" with neighborhood women and girls; gladly accepts invitation to visit "next summer" if Ma's health and spirits are good; invites Hettie to visit. Includes typescript.
This document spans three letters: James Baytop writes how his family will travel to Gordesville; physical ailments bothering him and his wife. Includes typescript. The letter from Lucy Taliaferro Baytop to Hetty Henrietta Baytop concerns health of family; travel plans; hot, dry weather, and its effects on their crops. Includes typescript. The letter from "Bunn" Baytop to Hetty Henrietta Baytop concerns "Kit's" travels to King and Queen, County, Virginia and his efforts to find a wife; went to an Indian concert and saw five Indians who were descendants of the Black Hawk and Oscola tribes; Indians showed them "the manners and customs of the Oregon Indians;" saw the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia River; and a prairie which was on fire; went crabbing; Cousin Sarah T. of Hampton, Virginia has two beaux and dances every night in Old Point, Hampton, Virginia. Includes typescript.
The letter from Rowena Baytop, Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia to Hetty Henrietta Fitzhugh, no place, December 9, 1851, describes parties, with dinner and dancing, of the Christmas season; festivities are over and "we are all at work again;" hopes for an invitation to Miss Ann Martin's wedding; Mr. Sinclair is selling Wilson Creek to pay off his debts; is encouraging "father" to go to Texas. Includes typescript.
The letter from Lucy Baytop, Springfield, Gloucester, Virginia to "My Dear Child", Henrietta Fitzhugh, no place, no date, details the food and decorations of the Christmas parties; everyone is sick as a result of the hectic schedule of parties and bad weather; slaughtered 16 hogs and one cow; longs for past Christmases when the children were young; related family news; asks if "Mr. Fitzhugh" moves to Texas, "beg him to try to get Mr. Baytop in the notion too." Includes typescript.
The letter from George Fitzhugh, no place, to Rufus Fitzhugh, describes how the farm is beginning to reap profits; $80-owed for "interest paid Catlett" is needed; land is expensive and "Belmont" would bring $4500. Includes typescript.
The letter from Mary Indiana Winborn Baytop to Hetty E. Fitzhugh discusses how Christmas has passed and work must resume; "great deal of sickness in the county, colds and pleurisys are very prevalent."
A letter from Lucy Taliaferro Baytop to Hetty Fitzhugh, is included. She discusses the division of Concord Negroes which will bring $250. Includes typescript.
The letter from Sallie Champe Fitzhugh, Port Royal, Virginia to "my dearest uncle," no place, discusses her hopes to encourage uncle to visit; Papa is expecting him and Aunt Ona to visit in the spring; gossip about weddings. Includes typescript.
The letter from Lucy A. Baytop, no place, to Hetty Fitzhugh, Gloucester, Virginia spreads news of family and friends; the young minister from Bellmeys, preached before a great crowd; Judy[?] had a baby which died a month after birth of unknown causes and is depressed; Mr. Baytop is busy farming and studying to prepare for the ministry. Includes typescript.
The letter from Lucy Taliaferro Baytop,Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia to "My Dear Child," Hetty Fitzhugh, Standardsville, Greene County, Virginia discusses how the circuit court is in session and "Thit is summoned as a witness"; father and Mr. Sinclair are going to Washington to see about getting Mr. Sinclair's claim allowed; describes fuss electing persons for different offices as clerk commissioner of the revenue, constable sheriff and c.; "the guinea people have brought out Jefferson Stubbs for clerk and it is thought he will stand a very good chance to be elected. Includes typescript.
The letter from an unknown person at Woodside, to Mrs. Hetty E. Fitzhugh, Standardsville,Greene County, Virginia discusses how Father and Mr. Sinclair were in Washington; "Father has given up all hope of his military claim." Includes typescript.
The letter from Lucy Taliaferro Baytop,Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia to "My Dear Child", Hetty Fitzhugh, no place, reports the sicknesses of Rowena, Eugenia, and Lucy Ann; Lucy Ann left to visit Tom Taliaferro and then to travel to Wilson's Creek; reports news about births, visits, farm business of friends; comments on the treatment of "Bob" a slave?, who "has a better master this year." Includes typescript.
The letter discusses Hettie's trip to visit which should not be postponed until February; she had travelled to Baltimore, but cannot describe it adequately "from the pen of so ignorant a creature as myself"; there are many gentlemen available for marriage; Pa has gone to sell a dozen turkeys to Mr. Folk; Lucy's baby is "one of the sweetest babies you ever saw." Includes envelope and typescript.
The letter from Lucy Ann Baytop,Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia to Hetty Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia, discusses how the pressures of work and business have kept her from writing; reports marriages of "Cousin Tom Field and his bride Miss Davis"; Mr. Shackelfor and Miss Hester Rowe; "Sister" has had another baby boy, as did Aunt Fanny, Martha Waller, and Clara ?; Clara has a "riseing breast," and "the horses could not go out of a walk for fear of the jar to her breast...Dr. Jones stays with her to attend her"; her brother is in the Sonora mine in California and doing well mining for gold; looks forward to her visit this winter. Includes typescript.
Scope and Contents Folder 2 A. G. G[?], Christiansburg, [Virginia] to Rufus K. Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Green[e] County,Virginia, 27 August 1853. 1 page.ALS. Has surveyed land tracts of 100,000 acres and 40,000 acres near which there is coal; encourages Fitzhugh to buy land; expects to be in Charlottesville, [Virginia] by Friday; asks him to send his horse to Charlottesville. Folder 2 A. G. G[?], Madison, Virginia To Rufus K. Fitzhugh, n.p., 9 October 1855. 2 pages. autographed signed letter. Admonishes Fitzhugh for not keeping his word on a business deal involving the purchase of land. Folder 2 A. G. G[?], Madison, [Virginia] to Rufus K. Fitzhugh, n.p., October 1855. 1 page. Autographed letter signed. Complains of Fitzhugh not sending a deed on the "Hettick" [?] land which he had promised to do. Folder 2 L[ucy] A[nn] Baytop, Gloucester [County, Virginia] to Hetty [Fitzhugh], Stanardsville, [Greene County], Virginia, 4 April 1857. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed. Is busy making soap, tending geese and fowl; Mr. Rose and Dr. Williams are going to the Worlds Fair; news about births and deaths and visits of family and friends; a camp meeting is being organized and the date will be announced at the quarterly meeting. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Includes autographed letter signed from T. C. Baytop, n.p., n.d. to "Hetty] Fitzhugh, n.p. telling her that her friends inquire about her well being; has planted corn and will plant marl soon; has planted watermelon for the camp meeting; Brook [a slave?] "is the most industrious fellows we have." 1 page Includes typed copy of document. Folder 2 Edgar Macon, Richmond, [Virginia] to R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhugh,[Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia], 20 July 1858. 1 page. Autpgraphed letter signed. Acknowledges receipt of check for $1,000.00; sends deposit slips from the Farmers Bank and the Planters Savings Bank; quotes prices for manufacturing tobacco; "Millers are anxious" to buy wheat stock. Includes typed copy of document. Folder 2 Geo[rge] Fitzhugh, Port Royal, [Virginia] to Rufus [K. Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia], 1 October 1858. 1 page. Autographed letter signed. Acknowledges receipt for a check of $50.00; is writing for DeBows Review and can "make a fortune by my pen"; planning visit for following year; transfers "title and interest" in estate of Haywood Foote to Rufus K. Fitzhugh. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 James W. Shields, Christiansburg, [Virginia] to Scott [?], 15 April 1859. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed. letter has caused "no little trouble"; Grayson Estate sale pending; Crocket Farms may be sold and is an "active farm in perfect order in every respect"; description of land. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 L[ucy] T[aliaferro] Baytop,Springfield, [Gloucester County, Virginia] to Hetty [Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia], 25 March 1860. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed. Has been sick with a "congestion of wind"; relates loss of a slave girl who died from burns sustained in a fire; elaborates on struggle between Mr. Booth and Mr. Sinclair establishing ownership and value of the slave girl; comments, "disunion War or abject submission. I am a wonder to myself how I stand so well, once the mere talk of an insurrection would fill me with terror, now we have a white war and a servile one to dread..." Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 Lucy Stubbs, Valley Front, [Virginia] to Hetty [Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Virginia], 19 March [18]61. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed. Unexpected snow storm has killed the fruit; "since Virginia has acted so ridiculously I almost wish that I could forsake her borders..." "The Old Dominion is endeavoring to throw off the galling yoke of Old Lincoln"; secession is impending; "abolitionists certainly can't flourish among us"; Rufus Fitzhugh is considering moving to Arkansas; mother has finished her quilting; cold weather and quilting should never go together; news of family and friends. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 Mary F. F[itzhugh],[Fredericksburg, Virginia] to Rufus K. Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Green[e] County,Virginia, 19 February [?]. 1 page. Autographed letter signed. Arrival in Fredericksburg has been harried; invites him and family to visit; their mother's health is bad - lists symptoms and treatments by Dr. Wallace. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 Mary F. Fitzhugh, Fredericksburg, Virginia To Hettie Fitzhugh, [Standardsville, Greene County, Virginia], 30 December [?]. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed. Friends and family have made them feel welcome; inquiries about Cousin Mary's "delicate health"; Ma's heath has improved; does not know if their income will support them; lists costs for rent and food. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 2 "Bun" [Baytop], Springfield, Virginia To Mrs. Hetty [Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia], December [?]. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed. Party given in honor of Tom Field and his bride; accident with carriage left them in a muddy ditch; Christmas festivities. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Includes autographed letter signed from J[ames] C. Baytop, n.p. to Hetty [Fitzhugh], n.p., n.d. thanking her and Rufus Fitzhugh for recommending him to Mr. Taliaferro; will wait to make a decision until Taliaferro sends him an offer. 1 page. Includes typed copy of document.
The letter from A.G.G[?], Christiansburg, Virginia to Rufus K. Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County,Virginia, tells that he has surveyed land tracts of 100,000 acres and 40,000 acres near which there is coal; encourages Fitzhugh to buy land; expects to be in Charlottesville, Virginia by Friday; asks him to send his horse to Charlottesville.
A.G.G. writes to Fitzhugh and admonishes him for not keeping his word on a business deal involving the purchase of land.
A.G.G. complains of Fitzhugh not sending a deed on the "Hettick" [?] land which he had promised to do.
Lucy is busy making soap, tending geese and fowl; Mr. Rose and Dr. Williams are going to the Worlds Fair; news about births and deaths and visits of family and friends; a camp meeting is being organized and the date will be announced at the quarterly meeting. Includes typescript.
A second message is included on the document: T. C. Baytop, no place to Hetty Fitzhugh, no place, telling her that her friends inquire about her well being; has planted corn and will plant marl soon; has planted watermelon for the camp meeting; Brook [a slave?] "is the most industrious fellows we have." Includes typescript.
Macon acknowledges receipt of a check for $1,000.00; sends deposit slips from the Farmers Bank and the Planters Savings Bank; quotes prices for manufacturing tobacco; he notes the "Millers are anxious" to buy wheat stock. Includes typescript.
George acknowledges receipt for a check of $50.00; is writing for DeBows Review and can "make a fortune by my pen"; planning visit for following year; transfers "title and interest" in estate of Haywood Foote to Rufus K. Fitzhugh. Includes typescript.
James notes that the letter has caused "no little trouble"; Grayson Estate sale pending; Crocket Farms may be sold and is an "active farm in perfect order in every respect"; description of land. Includes typescript.
Lucy hHas been sick with a "congestion of wind"; relates loss of a slave girl who died from burns sustained in a fire; elaborates on struggle between Mr. Booth and Mr. Sinclair establishing ownership and value of the slave girl; comments, "disunion War or abject submission. I am a wonder to myself how I stand so well, once the mere talk of an insurrection would fill me with terror, now we have a white war and a servile one to dread..." Includes typescript.
Lucy relates that an uUnexpected snow storm has killed the fruit; "since Virginia has acted so ridiculously I almost wish that I could forsake her borders..." "The Old Dominion is endeavoring to throw off the galling yoke of Old Lincoln"; secession is impending; "abolitionists certainly can't flourish among us"; Rufus Fitzhugh is considering moving to Arkansas; mother has finished her quilting; cold weather and quilting should never go together; news of family and friends. Includes typescript.
Mary's arrival in Fredericksburg has been harried; she invites him and family to visit; their mother's health is bad - lists symptoms and treatments by Dr. Wallace. Includes typescript.
Mary writes that friends and family have made them feel welcome; inquires about Cousin Mary's "delicate health"; Ma's heath has improved; does not know if their income will support them; lists costs for rent and food. Includes typescript.
Bun describes a party given in honor of Tom Field and his bride; accident with carriage left them in a muddy ditch; Christmas festivities. Includes typescript. The letter includes an addition message: James C. Baytop, no place, writes to Hetty Fitzhugh, no place, thanking her and Rufus Fitzhugh for recommending him to Mr. Taliaferro; will wait to make a decision until Taliaferro sends him an offer. Includes typescript.
Lucie sends a recipe for salting butter and preserving eggs; congratulates her on birth of son; looks forward to seeing her. Includes typescript.
She sends recipe for salting butter and preserving eggs; congratulates her on birth of son; looks forward to seeing her. Includes typed copy of autograph letter signed.
This folder contains documents on foodstuffs, farming supplies and equipment charged by Rufus Fitzhugh; notes borrowing money signed by Lucinda Fitzhugh, George Fitzhugh and Rufus Fitzhugh; receipt for purchase of a small child's coffin; receipt of payment on loans of cash and also on the use of slaves. Includes typescript.
Scope and Contents Folder 3 Account of Rufus K. Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, [Virginia] with W[illia]m H. Guns and Co.,[Stanardsville, Virginia?], 2 July 1840. 2 pages. For the purchase of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, clothing and housewares. Includes typed copy of document. 2 pages. Folder 3 Accounts, 21 December 1840-January 1866. 14 pages. On foodstuffs, farming supplies and equipment charged by Rufus Fitzhugh; notes borrowing money signed by Lucinda Fitzhugh, Geo[rge] Fitzhugh and Rufus Fitzhugh; receipt for purchase of a small child's coffin; receipt of payment on loans of cash and also on the use of slaves. Includes typed copy of document. 4 pages. Folder 3 Accounts and receipts of Mr. R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhugh, 13 April 1843-19 May 1859. 5 pages. For the purchase of shrubbery, trees and bee hives. Folder 3 Annual tax receipts of Rufus K[ing] Fitzhugh, 1845-1865. 11 pages. Paid to the Sheriff of Greene County for land, slaves; horses, county and parish levies. Folder 3 Receipt of payment by R[ufus] K[ing] F[itzhugh], 14 January 1852-4 January 1854. 2 pages. For $70.00; receipt of payment by Rufus K[ing] Fitzhugh for $30.22 1/4; receipt of payment by R[ufus K[ing] Fitzhugh for $90.00. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 3 Account of Thomas Carpenter, dec[ease]d, 22 April 1852. 1 page. For lodging and meals as settled by John Weaver, Adm[inistrator]. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 3 Accounts of R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhugh,guardian of the Children of Mary Ann Conway, October 1852-1 January 1853. 2 pages. Includes typed copy of document. 2 pages. Folder 3 Receipt of Rufus K. Fitzhugh for bonds from the estate of Verlinda T. Conway, dec[ease]d as distributed by Battalie F. T. Conway, 4 January 1853. 1 page. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 3 Receipts of R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhugh, 21 April 1856-15 March 1858. 2 pages. For furnishings and carriage accessories bought in Richmond, [Virginia] and New York [N.Y.]. Folder 3 Account of R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhughwith Gibbons and Mitchell, 15 May 1860-19 January 1861. 2 pages. For material, hardware, clothing, school books, and candy. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 3 "A list of R[ufus] K[ing] Fitzhugh,Jackson County, Arkansas, n.d. 3 pages. Of propherty [sic] destroyed and taken off by the Federat[e]d Army commanded by Gen. Curtis"; list includes "seven Negro men," the house, farm animals, tools, and crops. Includes typed copy of document. 1 page. Folder 3 Lucie [Baytop, Springfield, Gloucester County, Virginia] to "my dear sister," [Hetty Fitzhugh, Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia], n.d. 2 pages. Sends recipe for salting butter and preserving eggs; congratulates her on birth of son; looks forward to seeing her. Includes typed copy of autpgraphed signed letter. 1 page. Folder 3 Receipt [of Rufus K. Fitzhugh], n.d. 1 page.D. For the purchase of trees, shrubbery and flowers.
Account of the purchase of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, clothing and housewares. Includes typescript.
Accounts and receipts of Mr. Rufus King Fitzhugh for the purchase of shrubbery, trees and bee hives.
Account of Thomas Carpenter, deceased, for lodging and meals as settled by John Weaver, Administrator. Includes typescript.
Accounts of Rufus King Fitzhugh, guardian of the children of Mary Ann Conway. Includes typescript.
An account of Rufus King Fitzhugh with Gibbons and Mitchell for material, hardware, clothing, school books, and candy. Includes typescript.
Receipt of payment by Rufus King Fitzhugh for $70.00; receipt of payment by Rufus King Fitzhugh for $30.22 1/4; receipt of payment by Rufus King Fitzhugh for $90.00. Includes typescript.
Receipt of Rufus K. Fitzhugh for bonds from the estate of Verlinda T. Conway, deceased, as distributed by Battalie F. T. Conway. Typescript included.
A receipt for furnishings and carriage accessories bought in Richmond, Virginia and New York, N.Y.
Receipt of Rufus K. Fitzhugh for the purchase of trees, shrubbery and flowers.
Annual tax receipts of Rufus King Fitzhugh paid to the Sheriff of Greene County for land, slaves, horses, county and parish levies.
A list of Rufus King Fitzhugh, Jackson County, Arkansas, of property destroyed by the Federated Army commanded by Gen. Curtis. The list includes "seven Negro men", the house, farm animals, tools, and crops. Includes typescript.