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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterJennifer Veley and Karen Woodall.
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James Fenton Bryant Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Gift of 121 items (Acc. 1985.43) and 25 items (Acc. 1987.04) by Rev. and Mrs. Joseph J. Jones, Jr. in memory of their daughter Martha Randolph Jones.
Processed by Jennifer Veley and Karen Woodall during 1987-1988. Box and Folder List compiled by Amy White, SCRC Staff, in October 2010.
James Fenton Bryant was a physician, mayor, school superintendent and candidate for Congress who lived in Franklin, Virginia.
Correspondence, 1873-1903, of Dr. James Fenton Bryant. Chiefly, 1885-1888, with Margaret (Gunter) Bryant of Enfield, North Carolina who became his second wife. The letters concern their courtship and marriage. The collection also includes some letters from Margaret Gunter's sister, and her cousins at Richmond, Virginia, Lynchburg, Virginia and Tarborough, North Carolina; account books and a diary of Dr. Bryant.
Scope and Contents Recieved her cousins letters but was unable to respond until now due to having the "chills"; Mamie and Edward visited there; Saw Willie Whitaker; supposes Sallie is homesick; would love to hear from Caddie and Leila; will perhaps get a black velvet suit; Mama and Claiborne send love; send puzzle in which Gen. Grant's face will appear; asks her to destroy this letter. 4pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents Still waits to hear from her; has not been able to go to shool for two days because of all the snow; is enjoying sledding in the evening; worries about Mama because she had a bad cold and near pneumonia; tells of her Christmas and New Year's holiday; heard that Miss Willie Bogart was actually getting married this time; would like new from Enfield, North Carolina; the family sends greetings to her. 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Recieved her letter and thinks her "a real nice little girl" for writing and next time she sees her she wil "court" her and give her a "buss"; she was the one who sent the "sweet little Valentine"; mentions passing all her examinations; recieved a long letter from Sallie [Branch] who wants her [MG] to write; grieves the death of her uncle; sends greetings from her mother. 4pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Heard from her father that she likes chewing gum and therefore takes great pleasure in sending her some "Elastic Article"; would like to hear from her soon; wonders if she remembers what she promised him last time they met. 2 pp. ALS
Expects to leave soon for New Orleans with a group chaperoned by Judge Howard and his wife; was invited to wait on Kittie Norfleet and Mr. Stimach from Raleigh; has heard through Madame Grundy that Mr. McG. is very devoted and she [Lillie] wonders if they [MG and Mr. McG] will be married; went out to a dinnner party with John R. Pender; they are the same as ever- just sweethearts; gives detailed report of Governor Jarvis' and his wife's visit to Tarborough. 6pp. ALS
Mentions hearing news of her [MG] through Henry Bryan; mentions having been sick for a good part of the summer with typhoid fever but is almost recovered; relates accounts of her visit at Effie's; Lucy Norton sent her [Lillie] flowers while she was sick; Nellie Hayes was at Nags Head this summer; disappointed at not seeing her at dances held at Battle [?] in the spring; asks her [MG] to write soon. 8pp. ALS
Offers to accompany her to the Baptist Church if she has no previous engagement. 1p ALS.
Offers to accompany her to the entertainment at the Masonic Hall. 1 p. ALS
Scope and Contents Would like her to accompany hi on a ride in the evening or to the service at the Methodist Church if she is not already engaged for either event. Includes 22 April 1888, Maggie (Margaret) Gunter "River Lawn" Franklin, Virginia, to Dr. James Felton Bryant, Franklin, Virginia. Thanks him and accepts his invitation to go riding that evening. 1p. ALS
Thanks him for his invitation to the entertainment but has a previous engagement and cannot accept.
Scope and Contents Requests the honor of her company on a ride Sunday evening. 1 p. ALS Including 27 April 1888 "Maggie" (Margaret) Gunter, "River Lawn", [Franklin, Virginia] to Dr. James Felton Bryant. [Franklin, Virginia]. Thanks him for the invitation Sunday evening but has a previous engagement. 1p. ALS
Accepts his invitation to church on Sunday evenin; invites him up to see her. 1p ALS
Scope and Contents Will be "at home" and very glad to see him.
Scope and Contents Arrived home safely; apologizes for seeming cool towards him in the morning before but was very nervous about seeing him; Levy told her all about how he would soon tire of he [MG] and that his children would never look up to her as they were too close in age; Mr. Bryant doesn't seem to care either way [about the courtship better MG and JFB]; thinks it sensible that his children can feel at home with; would like Nellie to look at her [MG] as an older sister; Dick and Fenton ought to have someone to tell their troubles to; has said all her life she never expected to mary a young man; is glad he will see Mrs. Bryant for although she must know that she promised to have him; Mrs. Bryant says she [MG] has not treated Robbie Pretton right, but she [MG[ sees nothing wrong with her behavior; love him "two thimbles full" this evening; spent a long time looking at his picture and will send him a pricture of herself soon snd wishes to hear about his trip to Norfolk
Scope and Contents is sorry to hear that little Harrie is sick; is anxious to know what he and Mrs. B[ryant] said about her; is glad to know he thinks she [MG] has such a "noble character" and hopes he will never be disappointed in her and he will love her better every day not less; hopes he has kept his promise to read a chapter in the Bible every Sunday; thinks they should have regular days of writing each other so they will always know when to expect a letter and will never be disappointed. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Wonders what was wrong with her in her last letter [20 May 1888] because she seemed so reserved and troubled about something; grieved him to think that his "innocent, sweet-hearted little girley" would be troubled about anything; has fears about his ability to make her happy; Harry and Dick have both recovered from their illness; Mrs. Bryant chattered pleasantly about her [MG] and though she still opposes the match said that if they were married she would love them and be as good a friend as before; has no intention of marrying until he met her and at first sight his love was irrestible, and he would rather die than than keep it from her; Mrs. Bryant had told him before her [MG's] arrival that she [MG] was "one of the sweetest, prettiest, and most admirable young ladies she had ever met"; Mrs. Bryant hadn't expected him to fall in love; saw Crawley Vaughn and his bride and both looked fine; remembered his promis to read a chapter in the Bible each Sunday; troubled by the tone of her last letter and hopes she has not grown colder to him; had brought "the ring" in Norfolk; would like an exchange of at least two letters every week and she can select the days most convienvent to her; wonders if she has mentioned anything to her mother, relatives, or friends about their affair. 9pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Sorry to have sounded cool and troubled because she felt neither; has not yet grown cold towards him; recieved a letter for Mrs. B[ryant] who did not mention his name but had right much to say about Craley and his marriage to Miss Keith, and does not think age matters; is jealous of anyone who recieves Mrs B[ryant]'s love and does not think she [Mrs. Bryant] will think so much of her as in the past; says Mrs, Bryant told her that if they were married she could never feel the same towards him because she could not stand the idea of him loving anyone; wonders what 'the ring' looks like; invites him to visit the first Saturday before the first Sunday in June; says her Mama will give consent if he is "as nice and loveable" as she [MG] says; "told Mama. Aunt Joe Branch, and sister Bessie about 'our affair'"- aunt Joes is pleased and Bessie says he "can't possibly have her sister" 7pp ALS
Scope and Contents The Band excursion just returned after an hour or two delay due to dense fog; wanted to go but his business prevented it; has she been there nothing would have prevented its growing; saw Mrs. Bryant who complimented her and thought he should marry her [MG] if "he could get her"; "the ring" is a plain gold band; thinkis the greatest taste he could have ever displayed was in selecting his "own, sweet little girley- Mag"; hopes to come the Saturday before the first Sunday in June; Nell wrote her a letter; Miss Nettie sends her lovel sees very little of Mrs. Flora L. Jacksn who seems to have busied her self since marriage; send regards to Aunt Joe Branch. 7pp ALS
Scope and Contents Troubled as to his inability to visit in early June; two patients are very ill; attended the Methodist Church and walked home with Sister Bogart who mentioned she had not recieved a reply to her letter; Nell wants her to write; Annie Bettie Gay does not know whether to call her "Aunt" Mag, Cousin, or Sister Mag. 3pp. ALS
Nell is sick and causing him much uneasiness; mentions seeing Miss Joe Bachelor who inquired about her and paid her many compliments; has heard nothing from Dr. McG. about the license; heard from Dick who seemed quite homesick; has not yet told Dick of Nell's condition as he [JFB] does not want to disturb him. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Asks if he can stand being teased about her; wonders if Mrs. B[ryant] really said he ought to marry her [MG] if he could; is happy that "the ring" is a plain old band; "am beginning to want to see you, what will you think of me for coming right out and telling you?"; has answered Nellie's letter and sends her love to Sister Nettie; it isn't everyone she meets that she can open her heart to and tell everything so when she does she has plenty to say; wonders if he feels he can trust her with all his troubles, pleasures, "and most everything that you would like to impart to another" 7pp ALS
Scope and Contents Says he does not tire of being teased about her and never expects to; has "the blues" because he cannot visit her as Mrs. [Joe] Gay is very sick and begs him not to leave; has only recieved four letters from her in the three weeks she has been gone from Franklin and asks her to do better; incessant floods of the past few days have stopped all the trains and there have been "washouts" on the roads; Nell recieved her [MG's] letter and is quite proud of it; is proud to now that she begins to want to see him; wants to see her and hear her sweet voice and if he has any regrets about meeting her it is a fear he will not be able to make her as happy as he would like to; comments on the "miserable old widowers" who visit her, but has so much confidence in her that he is not very uneasy as of yet. 6pp ALS
Scope and Contents Disappointed that he could not visit on Saturday and says he must come the following Saturday; the young men plan to give a "pic-nic" on Wednesday and she looks forward to it with great anticipation; expects to have her picture taken that morning and will send him one as soon as she gets them; is sorry Miss Cora Vaughn and Mrs. Joe Gay are sick; wonders how many people he has told of their engagement and reminds him that she did not give him permission to tell many people; does not want him to read and reread her letters as they will not bear so much inspectin as she is "afraid I always write straight as I talk." 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Had a very gloomy day on Saturday because he could not visit his "dear sweet little girly" and her sadness added to the gloom; Mrs. [Joe] Gay is feeling much better but Miss Core [Vaughn] may have a protracted spell; is feeling jealous of all of her other visitors; mentions two charming widows have moved to town but reassures her she she is the only one he loves; wants her to write a letter to Sister Bogart soon as she complains of recieving no response to her letter; sends her a kiss and will bring another if she gives him permission. 5 pp. ALS
Thanks him for the box of beautiful flowers; went to a dance and had a spendid time; her escort was a nice young man studying pharmacy in Baltimore; wore some of the flowers to the dance; wrote to Mrs. Bogart; scolds him for telling so many people of their engagement; wonders what his children say about their engagement; wonders who Miss Lelia has been going around with so often. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Asks what she will do about dancing when he moves to Franklin as all the people are either married or intensely religious so it is near impossible to get up a dance; may not be able to visit on Saturday as "I have my hands full of sick people...and I am nearly broken down with fatigue"; has not told many people of their engagement but everyone seems to know; Nell and Fent are devoted to her; Nell often says he "has no right to say sweet things of anyone except Miss Mag, and if you don't quit it, I will write and tell her of it"; Dick says little about the arrangement. 4pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received his letter and has has the "blues" all evening since reading that he may not visit on Saturday; read his words and a few tears came to her eyes; cannot excuse him if he does not come Saturday; wonders if Dick will always be stiff in her company or if he will like the home he has now better than the one he will soon have; detected a little sarcasm in his last letter when commenting on her dancing and escorts; thanks maybe she should not tell him of her escorts; if he does not come on Saturday she will not let him have one of her photographs; feels she could "weep a barrel of tears, my heart is heavy as lead"; says she would not give up her friends as many other couples seem to do, but Dr. McGingan says she will be so devoted to her home that she will forget there is anyone else alive; asks him to tel Nell to keep an ear open to hear how many "sweet things" he says to the widows. 7pp ALS
Very sorry to hear he was sick; disappointed he could not visit; must come as soon as he is ableand if he is sick for too long he must get Nell to write him; went to church with Dr. McGingan; asks if he recieved her picture; wonders if he has seen Mrs. Bogart; read a letter from Mrs. Bogart to her [MG's] cousin Sir Whitaker in which she [Mrs. Bogart] said she felt so decied by some people she thought were her friends; wonders who Mrs. Bogart means. 3pp. ALS
Very sorry to he is not well and hopes he is not getting typhoid fever; heard that he receieved a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Bogart; Nell wrote and said her [MG's] letter did him more good than medicine; is much obliged to Nell for writing while he has been sick; Dr. Smith visited and gave them away when he told he has seen them riding and at church quite often and thought it must mean something; begs him to get well as she wants a letter from him so much. 5pp ALS
Went to a feast organized by the young men of the baseball club and had a spendid time; will begin working on some of her clothes next week; wonders when he will be able to write; the young men are planning another dance but does not intend to go; wonders if he has thought of her since he has been sick; asks hm not to let her letters lie around.
Scope and Contents The attack of sickness he had was quite violent, perhaps the most severe he has had in twelve years; is now fully restored except his strength; the picture she sent was for a time misplaced but has been found and often inspected ever since; "Absence will never conquer the love which I bear for my sweet Marguerite, and if anything should prevent our marriage, I shall love you still, to the end of my days"; did not intend to sound sarcastic when he spoke of her going dancing with another escort; knows of no one except his children, himself, and Mr. Bogart's Family who dance; if Mrs. Bogart continues to object to his loving her [MG] "then she [Mrs. B] must object, that's all"; gratified that she thought of him at the feast on Friday but hops she did not miss the dancing afterwards because of him; had six doctors and four preachers visit him during his sickness; wonders if he can visit her during the week as he does not think he can wait until Saturday. 13 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Has been terribly disappointed at not recievng a letter from her in several days; would like to visit her in several days; would like to visit her on Saturday and call on her before and after supper; is about well and has resumed regular work, "though I have not quite regained my flesh"; was at the Bogart's on Tuesday night but neither one mentioned her. 4pp ALS
Scope and Contents Wonders if his "little girley" is sick, too, as he has recieved no letter from her all week; if recoeves a letter from her that evening then will visit her the next day either on the morning train or the Raleigh Express; asks her to write right away to relieve his troubled mind. 3pp ALS
Scope and Contents Her letter reached him and made him very sad with the news she had been sick; her sickness presents yet another obstacle in his visiting, and he wonders how long this will continue; intends to perservere until every last obstacle is overthrown; went on a river boat excursion organized by Mr. Bogart; chatted with some of the young ladies but spent most of his time among the married couples with whom he is very popular; says that if the "miserable doctors" in Enfield don't cure her soon he will go and take charge of the case himself; wonders what Mrs. Bogart said in her letter to her [MG]; will go to Norfolk and V[irginia] Beach if he cannot visit her. 5pp ALS
Scope and Contents Her health has improved though she feels "right bad from the medicine"; asks if he can visit her on Tuesday or Wednesday; is quite anxious to see himl before she got sick she was "sewing some of my wedding garments"; wants to see him as soon as his train arrives in Enfield. 2pp ALS
Scope and Contents Is just about well; wants to see him "terribly bad" and asks him to visit the next evening if he camn; will not thank him for the flowers he sent but will tell him all about them when he visits; has so many things to tell him that "I am afraid I will talk you most to death." 3pp ALS
Her letter informing him of her recovery afforded him great pleasure; will visit as soon as she tells him when he should come; just recieved her letter of the 24th and will visit the 27th of June. 3 pp. ALS
Received his letter and is glad of his arrival on the following day; while she was visiting in Franklin a man opened a livery stable with lovely horses so they can go riding when he visits; is not tired of his letters and loves to read them. 3pp ALS
Scope and Contents Arrived home safely and upon his arrival found many anxious people sick at home so he was kept busy until ten that evening; his visit to Enfield was one of the happiest memories of his life, and his thoughts often linger there; "the dignified, pleasant and agreeable manner of your mother- and the innocent lively, girlish and captivating spirit of your 'big-little' sister, added largely to the pleasure of my visit, and I really felt while with them that I was in the house of my friends"; Mr. Bogart continues to tease him and asked many questions about his [JFB's] trip; is more anxious to see her than he was before he went to Enfield and cannot stand the idea of not seeing her for two or three months; tried hard to conceal his "really sad feelings when I left you" as there were several hours around; wonders if she feels the same sadness; Nell complains of not receiving a letter from her. 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Recieved his letter and hopes he does not break himself down again tending to all the sick people; everyone that met him liked him so much; Walter and Caddie thought him splendid and Walter said "while I am not at all anxious to get rid of you, it would give me pleasure to give you away to him"; went to visit Cousi Sir Whitaker who tried to tease her about him; Cousins Minnie and Joe Whitaker visited the other evening and Minne played the piano which made her [MG] wish he had been there; Mr. McGignan has given her a tonic to rid of the chills and to clear her "complection"; wonders if he feels more convinced since his visit that she is the one for him to lovel reminds him that should he find someone else he feels he can love better than he must tell her an dif she knows it is the best for him then she can bear it; the young men in the town now understand why she does not go out often; Mama and Bessie were pleased with him and thought he did not seem a bit like a stranger; would be glad to see him any time and would like him to come during the week again; does feel a growing love for him and the more love he shows his love for her the more her love for him grows. 11pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received her letter and was delighted to hear from his "little girley"; there is no use in giving him permission to break their engagement as he loves her too well; as she is so much the younger of the two it is she who might grow tired of the arrangement; "it is my desire and my prayer, with my whole heart, that you may never regret your promise to marry me, and if you are sure that you love me, well enough to make me your life long companion, then you need fear nothing else"; Mrs. B[orgart] spoke very affectionately of her and wondered when they were to be married; Mrs. J.C. Parker is still ill with typhoid fever and he feels very uneasy about her; would like to visit during the week he may see the most of her. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received his letter and his "quarrel" but is afraid she cannot write a long letter this time either; Dr. McGingan took her to church Sunday evening; asked Dr. McGingan how hw liked him [JFB} and the response was positive; Mr. Pittman meant, when he said that he [JFB] would be "devoured" on his next visit to Enfield, that because he was so well liked in town on his next visit he would be taken away from her; another "pic-nic" at Bellamy's Mill; heard that Nell and Mrs. B[ogart] could not get home one night due to a storm; is sewimg more garments and reading Scribner's Magazine; the weather is melting and dusty. 5pp ALS
Scope and Contents Wonders if she is angry with him and hesitates to call her "my own little girley" since she only addressed him as "my dear friend" and closed with "your true friend" in the last letter; wonders why she is so formal unless she doubts his sincerity; is pleased with the compliments her friends have paid him; Dr. Smith wonders when he [JFB] will visit Enfield again; had little time to entertain Mr. Smith as he was too busy; thought many times how i needed you to preform this service"; the children send their love to Miss Mag; Dick is very anxious to go to Lexington, [VA] and attend the Virginia Military Institue; would like to visit about the first of August; writes a love poem expressing his sorrow at her abscence from him; thinks she will think him foolish for writing such a poem; the weather has been "as hot as old so I can make it"; is warned of the necessity of closing [the letter] as it is nearly train time. 7pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Has not lost confidence him; was not was not worried at all about the "quarreling"; asks if he mean what he said about her ability to entertain, and he did then she takes it as quite a compliment; is much oliged to Miss Flora for the invitation to hurry and move to Franklin; wonders if she [Miss Flora] will visit often and explain how he likes things prepared; knows little about housekeeping but will do the best she can; would like him to visit anytime he likes to come; "the little piece of poetry was mighty sweet"; Caddie [Pittman] and Dr. McG[ingan] have prepared a hymn for Sunday's service and she wishes he could hear it as "you are so fond of music"; reminds him that he had said he would be so busy in October that he would rather put off their marriage, "now perhaps you will be busy in November, too. Now I want you to be candid with me, hadn't you rather be married in the spring?... I mean will it be more convenient for you?" 9pp ALS
Scope and Contents Mentions that November provides him with as much leisure as any other month, and he does not need to postpone their marriage until the spring unless the postponement is more in accordance with her wishes; is still very busy with the sick; Dr. Smith brought him a nice frame for her photograph; feels she could "entertain handsomely in any society... you must not let your natural modesty prevent you from showing your real worth"; is not trying to make her jealous, but he took a very pretty young lady out riding and would like her to guess who she was; expects all young house keepers to be awkward at first, but "I will exercise that patience, which my love for you and your inexperience suggests, feeling fully assured that with proper time you will be equal to the best." 8pp ALS
Scope and Contents Thought that if they waited until the spring to be married this would give him time to find out if he really loves her as much as he says he does; she has always said she would rather be married in the fall than any other time of the year; cannot guess you the "pretty young ladie" he took riding was; is not jealous that he goes with the pretty young ladies as he goes with as she goes out with the young men and her being jealous would not be fair; has been out in the country with Mama and Bessie "most two weeks"; Aunt Joe [Branch] will leave soono to visit Sallie who she has not seen since her [Sallie's] marriage; thinks Dr. Smith looks feeble and is worried he cannot stand long drives in the warm weather. 9 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Cannot get time to go to Norfolk as he is still overwroked; he has three or four cases of typhoid fever on hand; she has given him all the opprotunites to "break off" their engagement if he so desires- asks her she doubts that he really loves her; wonders if she wants him to break off their engagement or she would like to; "I did not make the proposal to you because I speciffically desired to get married, but solely for the reason that I loved you so intesely that I could not resist it"; wants to know frankly what she thinks of the matter and would not bind her unless she felt fully satisfied that she loves him and could be happy with him; his faults outnumber hers tenfold; if she has found someone who would be more congenial then asks her to let him know and "I will release you no matter how bitter the dissapointment"; cannot tell her the name of the young lady he took riding; wishes to go to Norfolk again before he visits her so he can finalize matters with the rings; hopes Dr. [A.S.] Smith will be able to perform the ceremony at their marriage; Mrs. Bogart is organizing a play called "Among the Breakers" for an entertainment at the Episocopal Church- Dick and Nell are in the play; sends his love to her mother and sister. 9pp ALS
Scope and Contents Received his letter and drank in every word; knows from the tone of his letter that she had wounded his feelings and she feels very sorry for it; begs his pardon "a thousand thousand time" for giving him extra worries; has never met anyone she liked half as much as her "dear doctor"; promises to marry him in the first part of November; fears he will get sick from being so busy; since she moves to Franklin she will try to make the best of it when he is busy and "always be at the front door with open arms to receive you"; wants to see him so much especially now she has hurt his feelings; doesnot get lonely out in the country as she keeps busy and their is company opten. 8pp ALS
Scope and Contents Compares the number of sick patients he has to the old adage "when it rains, it pours" and his work is on the increase rather than the decrease; does not remember ever seeing such an epidemic of typhoid fever; Mr. J.C. Parker's mother died oh typhoid fever and his wife and sister have the same illness; fears Dick will be sick for he has had some chills and often complains; her letter was so full of apologies that he could not recieve them all, but freely forgives all she asked him to forgive her for; his feelings were not wounded by her letter [17 July 1888] he merely thought she doubted his sinceity or wanted to be released from the engagement; fears she has lost her fondness for amusment as she has not been to any of the Balls or parties all summer. 7 pp ALS
Has not got time to write him a long letter as she must help Aunt Joe [Branch] get ready to go out; Aunt Joe received a letter from Mr. Bogart asking if she would take Mrs. Bogart and the children to ward for several weeks as Franklin is so sickly he is anxious for them to leave, and if Aunt Joe could take them he wondered if Walter and Caddie [Pittman] could; Caddie does not want to ward them because she is so young and very little experienced at such a thing; visited with Sadie McGuigan the other day; gives her love to Nell, Dick, and Fent. 5pp. ALS
Supposes she has returned to the country eith her mother by now where she [MG] amuses herself with sewing and reading; "I believe you are quite domestic and industrious. That is very nice in veiw of the probably change from Miss Maggie Gunter to Mrs.--"; notices that she has become quite Methodistic; Mrs. Bogart has abandoned the idea of leaving Franklin for the summer; hopes to see her soon. 3pp ALS
Scope and Contents Is staying with her neighbor, Mrs. Parker, whose daughter is away and she [Mrs. Parker] is so lonely wants her [MG] to stay with her for a long time; visited Caddie [Pittman] who is doing well; received a letter from Mrs. Bogart who has the "blues"; is real glad he thinks her domestic and industrious; loves to sew and keep house in order but does not know a great deal about it; if he loves chocolatecake she can make that anytime for him; wishes he will get in the habit of going to church every Sunday; wants him to give Dick medicine before he gets sick in bed. 5pp ALS
Scope and Contents Is becoming weary of his constant rounds to the sick; presents her witha little "quarrel" and complains of her short letter in response since she has more time than he; hope to see her again in a week or two if the epidemic of [typhoid] fever does not set in again; Mrs. Bogart opnly speaks of her in kindness and with affection now; will be pleased to go to church with her accompanying him, but reminds her that there is no day of rest for Doctors on the Sabbath day too; Miss Marnie Parker has been so ill with typhoid she has not even been told of her mother's death; was caught in the rain without an umbrella and now has a severe cold; felt a little lonely the other day and whenever he feels lonely "my little girley is the first thought that ever enters my head" Dr. Barnes, an old friend, visited the other evening and spied her picture on the wall and wondered what he must do to get into the good graces of the pretty girls; told Dr. Barnes that Providence must work for him as it did him [JFB]. 7 pp. ALS
Wonders how he feels; Saturday [28 July 1888] was her birthday and she turned 21; received a lace colar as her only gift which Mrs. Parker gave her; fears Marnie Parker will not survive the typhoid fever and feels sorry for Mr. J.C. Parker; is very pleased he wishes for her to drive away the lonely hours; apologizes for the short letters but cannot seem to write at the moment. 4pp. ALS
Heard from Nell that he was sick and that she [Nell] had been sick today; tells him to hurry and get well and come to Enfield; Dr. McGuigan visited the other night and his fear of having to go home in a rain storm turned out to be unneeded because they never had a storm just wind and not even a particle of rain thought it is much needed; dreamt the other night that he came to her and said he did not love her but loved her Cousin Lic Whitaker; Sue Whitaker is boarding with them in Enfield; asks how Marnie Parker is getting on; hopes he gets well soon. 5 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is happy to hear through Nell he is getting better; a dance is planned soon but she does not plan to attend because she has concluded she no longer likes dancing; wants to see him "real much"; has tried for three or four days to get flowers to send him but the dry weather makes them impossible to find; received two letters from Miss Flora and greatly appreciates them; asks him to hurry and write. 7pp. ALS
Since everybody in the house is napping she decided to take the opprotunity to write him; spent the day first reading the Bible then reading a book entitled The Young Christian; for the remainder of the day when no one was talking to her she spent her time thinking about him; is thinking of visiting a cousin of hers soon and spending a few days; wishes she knew something funny to write and make him laugh and forget being sick; wonders if he had the typhoid fever; Bessie [Gunter] sends her kidest regards. 7pp ALS
Heard from Nell that he was very much better and was delighted to hear this; decided not to visit her cousin; received an invitation from a young man who is a distant cousin to go up to Warrenton, [VA] but declined his offer; if Nell cannot write asks him to have Dick or Miss Flora write. 3pp. ALS
Hears from Miss Flora that he is much better and hopes he will get well soonas he has been sick for so long; greatly appreciates the many letters Nell and flora have written keeping him informed as to his sickness; has heard Dick plans to go to Lexington [VA], [to attend Virginia Militiary Institute], and knows he [JFB] will miss him [RBB] dreadfully; heard from Mrs. Bogart recently. 4pp. ALS
Managed to gather some flowers together for him and willl send them by the evening post; misses his letters and hopes he will be better soon and can write; Aunt Joe [Branch] should be home again in two or three weeks; sends her love to all. 3pp. ALS
Requests her to go to the Express office that evening. 1p. ALS
Is happy to hear he can sit up again and begs him not to do anything imprudent and cause a relapse; is sorry to hear that Dick is sick; had a gentleman caller who stayed and stayed making her think she would never have a chance to write him; Dr. McGingan looks dreadful and has been sick. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Thanks her for her "sweet remembrance" of him during his long and tedious illness; the illness he just passed through surpasses anything he has ever had- six weeks in bed and unable to go out; Dick has been ill with the same fever the past two weeks; the fever is distinctively new and he has nicknamed it the "D[evi]l's fever"; Dick feels his illness may interfere with his going to V[irgini]a Miltary Institute; his long illness has demorlaized him as he is so far behind in his work and has suffered many heavy losses; weighed 185 lbs. before his illness and now weighs 130; will visit to see her as soon as his strength returns and he can put on a repectable appearance; the extent of hisillness had not been made known to her until he was out of danger. 4pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Delighted at receiving a letter from him after his long spell of fever; warns him not to go out too soon and catch cold or stay out after the dew fals in the evening; wonders if he couls not get someone to help him in his office; cannot help but give him advice because she is so intersted in his welfare; Aunt Joe [Branch] has not yet returned home; is sorry about Dick's being sick; feels sorry for poor Mrs. B[ogart] who does not feel as though she has anyone to tell her problems to; Mrs. Bogart never mentions his name in letters to her [MG]; has made all the "wedding garments"; tells him to "hurry and get your strength and tale a tonic as so to get your flesh"; heard that Mr. Campbell died and it made her sad to hear of a young person's death; asks him not to let her letters get scattered around as "someone might get hold of them and be very much amused." 9pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Can see from his handwritting that he is somewhat nervous which is the result of his illness; cannot walk from his house to his office yet so he take a horse and buggy; will probably take him six to eight weeks to recover his strength and vitality; would like to visit her the first of next month [Oct.] if Dick's condition permits it; Dick is brokenhearted about the thought of being able to attend school [Virginia Military Institute] this session; he may have to wait a year and this could affect his whole future; her letters were well taken care of during his sickness and promptly locked up after being read; Mrs. B[ogart] visits Dick often; the last time she [Mrs. Bogart] visited she remarked that her [MG's] picture did not do her justice; everyone in town while he was sick said " Miss Maggie would cure me much sooner than the doctors"; thinks she will "suit splendidly for a poor man's wife"; Fent says they should appoint the [wedding] day as he is anxious for them to marry; since Mr. Campbell's death no arrangements have been made for a new male teacher; had his bed turned so he could face her picture and has been reminded of her constantly during his illness. 9pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Delighted that he can go down to his office now; is sorry to hear about Dick and wonders if he [JFB] cannot give him something to cure that "miserable old fever"'; wonders if the fever will disappear when they have frost; is glad Mrs. Bogart likes her; remembers Mrs. Bogart's attitude towards them the morning after that night they stayed up so late; Aunt Joe [Branch] came home Monday; wonders if Miss Marnie Parker ever fully recovered from her fever; asks if Mr. Brownly ever teases him about her as Mr. Brownly sees exactly how many letters he [JFB] receives from her; sends her love to the children. 6pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is able to walk to the office but it tires him out; is gradually recovereing "my flesh and strength"; Fent really wants to see them married and wants her to come home as soon as possible; Nell says she [MG] treats her mean because she [MG] no longer writes to her since he has been well; Dick is somewhat better though his fever is still not checked; he [Dick] is becoming quite restless; wrote to General Smith [President of Virginia Military Institute] to find out if Dick could enter in the middle of October; Mr. Brownly knows of the frequency of their correspondence as do Mr. Knight and Mr. [Walter] Urguhart; Miss Marnie Parker has fully recovered; remembers that the size of the ring she wanted, made of her old family jewelry, would just fit over his little finger, but also remembers her saying something about having the band flat, square, or round and wonders which; wonders if the engagement right was not to be a little smaller; has had an extraordinary bad luck this year; but has one bright episode which more than compensates for all the clouds- "my good fortune in meeting my 'little girley'"; Mr. Bogart is down with another attack of rheumatism; notes that her last letter was a little brief and asks if she can't write a longer one next time. 8pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents Went to Brinkleyville to visit a cousin and a schoolmate and had a real pleasant visit; Dr. Smith's home is near where she stayed and on Saturday night two young men called on her; sone night while there several of the young ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood heard she was there and stopped to visit; the young ladies took turns on the piano and there was music all during the evening; thought of him during the evening because she remembers his fondness for music; has not been to visit Aunt Joe [Branch] yet; is glad that his children like her as she would hate it if they did not; does not care that he has people of him engagement as she expects if she ever goes to Franklin again it will be as a "Mrs" so it really makes no difference who knows; wonders what he will do about Mr. Bogart being sick so much; asks if he thinks Mr. Bogart can hold out much longer if he drinks as he did last winter; is happy to know that she can be the means of brightening up the cloudy spots in his pathway; wonders if they must be married after the first of November and wants him fully restored and in good health; also about the date because she has written to a friend in Richmond [VA] for the wedding dress and the freiend said if she wanted to make the dress she would have a better idea what the fall styles are; the ring he would like to have fixed for her fitover his little figner and she would like a round band that is not very wide; the "engagement ring" did not quite fit over his little finger; was disappointed he did not mention when he would come see her; sends her best love to the children. 10 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received her letter and had suspected the cause of its delay; is glad that she enjoyed her stay in Brinkleyville and is always happy when he knows that his "dear little girley" is happy; asks if she is drifting away from her "dear doctor" after so long an abscence and being with the nice young men; knows how true his "little girley" is and is not afraid to trust her anywhere; Dick's condition is improving; hopes to go to Norfolk soon; would like to visit hr the 10th or 11th of October; is recuperatingrapidly now; does not know how they will fix a definite time for thir marriage until he sees her; as far as his arrangements are concerned for the happy event everything remains to be done; hopes to arrange a wedding date sround the 15th or 20th of November; Fent is very much afraid that he [JFB] will do something to displease her; there has been aprotracted meeting at the Methodist Church and there have been three or four converts. 10pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Was happy to receive his letter; hopes he does not do anything to set his health back; the fall has come and he wonders if he ever has the "blues" in the fall; thik it sad to see all the leaves fall, the flowers fie, and everything looks sad; wonders how many books he has read in his Bible and tells him not to depend on her for what is right and just because she does not always do what is right and just; is glad he was only jesting in his letter about drifting from her "dear doctor"; is glad Dick is better and wondres if he will be able to go to school in the middle of October; Mr. Bullock has a farm near Enfield and he always liked her father, and, as he always liked her father, he always visits her family when in Enfield; does not want him to work himself to death for their marriage, and she cn wait to be married until after Christmas; tells him to hurry and visit because she has many things to tell him and to ask him; tells him to find the time to attend the protracted meeting [at the Methodist Church]. 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received her letter; led to believe at the letter's beginning that she was troubled about something as the subject of the "blues" was introduced; knowing that his "little girley" was sad left him in the same condition; has not read any books in the Bible only a few chapters; will resume reading as time permits him as he has not forgotten his promise; went to Norfolk and met a nice young lady he chatted with for half an hour and when they parted Fent threatened to "tell Miss Mag how you carry on with other girls"; purchased the "engagement ring" and ordered the other ring which should be ready on the 10th [October]; plans to visit on the 10th or 11th; Dick is improving gradually; was pleased at how thoughtful and considerate she was regarding his difficulties during the year and her willingness to do whatever is best under the circumstances confirmed in him the "essential characteristics which go to a true woman in you";cannot secrue a carpenter to do the bathroom until spring; Nell is complaining as usual because she [MG] does not sit down immeadiately upon receipt of her lettters and answer them; Nell anxiously awaits her 12th birthday which occues on the 14th [October]. 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is visiting Aunt Joe [Branch] who has been telling her all about her [JB's] pleasant trip; cannot write a long letter because she has shoppig to do for her mother and wants to go before the crowd gets there; "There is always such a crowd of darkeys in town on Saturdays this time of year"; received a not from her dressmaker to please send the dresses by the 15th [October] so she can have them ready on time [for the wedding] ; has many things to arrange but cannot do so until she sees him and they can decide on the exacting [wedding] time; tells hmi to tell Fent that it is right for him [JFB, jr} to report to her how many girls he [JFB] flirts with; will get Nell a birthday present; the weather is pleasant and the Enfield air might do him good. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Wrote a note to her telling her to enquire for a package at the Express office; expects to visit on Wednesday the 10th [October]; Dick is still confined to his bed and the fever continues though it has lessened; is regaining his weight rapidly but his lost strength is returning slowly; is at the office every night until 1 o'clock and is "becoming heartily tired of it" 3pp ALS
Scope and Contents Received the box of flowers which was "the lovliest box of flowers I ever say"; showed them to several ladies visiting Aunt Joe [Branch]; thinks him so nice to remember her; is delighted he is coming to visit; Dr. McGingan asks him to feel free to come and visit while he [JFB] is in Enfield; tried to buy a book of poems for Nell but found nothing suitable so bought "a glove, and handkerchief box" 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Went to church for the first time since his sickness; could have worked all day, but the remembrance of her and the "commandment to keep the holy day" restrained him from working; Nell was highly delighted with her present; Mrs. Bogart visited for an hour after church and "joked me very nicely and pleasantly about you.: 3pp. ALS
Had the most lonely feeling the day he left [Enfield]; visited Caddie [Pittman] who entertained her [MG] very nicely; Caddie expressed regrets at not being able to go see him; Dr. McGingan visited Sunday and wished her a lot of good wishes in the future and payed [sic] him [JFB] high compliments; says he [JFB] found the way to the hearts of a good many of her friends; told Dr. McGingan all of their [wedding] plans; her dresses arrived and she took them to her dressmaker who had begun to work on them; mentions her navy blue travelling dress and crimson morning dress; has not decided if she will attend to the [Wheldon] Fair in Franklin; sends her love to the children. 7pp. ALS
Wonders why he has not written; Cousin Liv Whitaker asks her all about him, and so she [MG] told her the day and hour [of the wedding]; asked Miss Mattie Whitaker to play the wedding march; has asked four ushers but has only heard from Cousins Jow Whitaker and Sam Whitfield who hate for her to get married soon and are sorry she is leaving soon; wants him to invite all his gentlemen friends [to the wedding]; will write to Mrs. Bogart and tell her of their plans; cannot go to the [Wheldon] Fair in Franklin; sends her love to the children. 7pp ALS
Has not forgotten her; has been absent from home for two or three days- went to Jerusalem [VA]; went to attend a public examinatio of teachers and now has a mass of papers to examine; they must be content knowing they will be inseparable soon; must go to Norflk, VA soon to put his tailor to work; the ring he had made of her old jewelry is very pretty; has at last engaged a carpenter to do the bathroom; is gradually regaining his strength; Dick has imrpved in health; if it is too late for Dick to attend [Virginia Military Institute] this session he will send him [RB] to William and Mary College; Mrs. Bogart is silent to him on the subject [ of their wedding] but is always quizzing the children; Mr. and Mrs. Walthour- Mr. Bogart's sister and brother-in-law - are visitng for two or three weeks; they [ the Bogart's and Walthour's] were teasing Nell and asking her when her new mother was coming and if she [NB] loved her; has told Flora, Net, Cousin Mollie, and Aunt Bet all about their marriage plans and Nettie and Aunt Bet will accompany him to Enfield on the 5th of December [their wedding day]; if she can come to the [Wheldon] Fair he will take the time to go; Fent is very anxious to receive a letter from her; heard the [Wheldon] fair will be a failure as the Director and stockholders "have done nothing this year to give it a boane." 15pp
Scope and Contents Had only one good day for the Franklin [Wheldon] Fair and this last day is "miserably unfair"; the drizzling rain kept the crowds back; met her [Aunt Joe] Branch in the Fair grounds and they pleasantly chatted; has worked himself nearly to death in trying to catch up with his work; does not believe she wants to see his work; does not believe she wants to see him before the 5th of December [their wedding day]; both his brother [ Benjamin Bryant] and Mr. Robert J. Camp have accepted to "wait on them" [JFB and MG] at the wedding; Mr, Bogart and Mr. Walthouse convinved him to take a trip down the river for the day; Fent prizes her letter highly; will go to Norfolk to see his tailor and have her ring changed; Dick wants her to write him a letter too; the children send their best love. 7pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Was surprised but gratified at her prompt reply to his asking her to write; as he has not been to school for several months and has "never learned to write but a little, I have secured the services of "Pa-Pa" to as as mny scribe "and will the writing, and dictation is his the ideas are mine"; watched pa-Pa very closely at the Wheldon Fair and he behaved himself nicely; Dick is much metter; Nell is sick some but he hopes she will not be too sick as they had their share of sickness for the year; "You just ought to see what a stout, tall and hearty boy I am"; is very anxious to start school, but Pa-Pa has not yet decided where he and Nell will go; Mr. Campbell's [his former teacher] made him very sad. 5pp.ALS
Scope and Contents Did not manage to finish all his business in Norfolk so will have to return at another time; took "little Kitty" [Lydia Gabriella Bryant, JR. his daughter] to Norfolk with him; Mrs. Bogart told Dick that she [MG] did not love him [JFB] and that they were both very foolish and would regret [getting married]; also said that she [MG] was too young for him; wants her to weigh well all the objections other people seem to find with their marriage; Mr. Bogart teased him and said the whole thig was absurd; both of them speak of her in complimentary terms; will attend a Democratic meeting in Jerusalem, [VA] at which J[ohn] RandolphTucker and Senator John W. Daniel will speak; tells her she must have a prayer book on hand to drill him in the [wedding] ceremony. 9pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Received the rings which fit beautifully; is sorry Mrs. Bogart does not know her better; as when he asked her to marry him she weighed the question quite seriously in her mind, and when she said yes she meant every word and has not had one moment's regret; tells him to ask Dr. Smith to marry them; is sorry to have come between his and Mrs. Bogart's friendship;, but did not realize she was doing so until it was too late; is almost ready for their wedding; has told him "right much" about her feelings and will tell him more one day. 9pp. ALS
Is sorry to have caused her worry by telling her what Mrs. Bogart said; is glad the rings fit so nicely; does not want her to pay him for the rings as soon as she, rings and all, would be in his possession which is the same as payment; his sincere love will cause him to strive to make her content and happy; Dick tells him plainly that he does not approve of Mrs. Bogart's words to him; his friends, Mr. John Pettigrew advised him to let no one influence their plans; will get Dr. McG[uigan] to attend their marriage license; Nell is still quite sick;the children send their love. 7pp. ALS
Though Mrs. Bogart's words did worry her, they did not change her mind about what she thought was right ; will enclose a letter from Mrs. Bogart but asks him not to mention it to anyone; has not invited Mrs. Bogart to the wedding because she [Mrs. B] said that if she [MG] married him she would not attend the wedding; Mrs. R.O. Edwards wanted to visit and attend the Wheldon Fair; hopes he does not get sick again; admires and admires her ring; would like to have Ellen and Mr. Beauman at the dining; thinks that selecting a companion for life is something everyone can judge best for themselves; hopes he likes the hat that goes with her traveling suit; wonders where Dick will go to school. 13pp ALS
Scope and Contents Mrs. Bogart says she is done with her opposition to their marriage; will ask Mr. and Mrs. Bogart to their dining [reception] and to their wedding; Nell's health has improved; Dick said thart he has not been turned against her; his suit [ for the wedding] will be black; the children send their love; mention the upcoming elections and believes that "the salvation almost, of the entire country depends on [Grover] Cleveland's election". 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is very pleased to receive her [Maggie's] letter as he is upset about the "Black Republicans" defeating their President; fears this political surprise will ruin the country; praises her saying he will "get decidedly the best of the bargain" when they marry; didn't go to Norfolk due to his depression over the presidental defeat; is also troubled because Dick is to leave next week for Lexington; the carpenters continue to work on the bathroom; Nell has almost recovered from her illness and will start back to school next week; hopes they will have good weather on the 5th; the children send their love. 7pp. ALS
Wants to write as nice letters as he writes; feels sorry for him about the election; wonders if he went to Norfolk; understands him [James] not wanting to send Dick to Lexington but she will look forward to having him [Dick] home with them next summer; wants to see Dr. Smith's reaction when he [James] asks Dr. Smith to marry them since he is so fond of marrying people; glad Nedd is well again; asks him to ask her [Nell] to write to her [Maggie] before she is back in school; Dr. NcGuigan came to see her and thought her ring was lovely; he is helping with some of the details with the hrses and carriage so he [James] won't be bothered; sends love to the children and especially to him. 5pp. ALS
Bessie received her [Maggie's] letter and answered it; they have fun looking for Maggie's letters; she has been trying to make a dress for Bessie even though she cannot get much sewing done, she wants to get it done by Christmas and then come see her [Maggie]; very anxious to see Andrew; Aunt Annie looks so much better than she did in the summer; Mrs. Davis moved her things to Wheldon where she will live;a lot of people from Enfield went to the Rocky Mount Fair; sends her lvoe and a kiss from Andrew. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is preparing to leave that evening or tomorrow to take Dick to school; saw Dr. Smith who said he would be honoured to marry them and that she was a sweet girl; he wants to invite many people but also wants it to be "quiet for a while" since they will proably be tired from their trip; is worried Dr. Smith isso old he may forget the wedding day and time; will send a letter to him in a week or two. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Must tell her all about his trip to Richmond; glad he has given up the idea of the family "dining" at the wedding since they will be tired and also thinks "those kinds of things so stiff and formal"; Cousin Liv Whitaker came last Sunday and asked about him and wanted to know when he first told her [Maggie] of his love; Liv thought the ring was beautiful; teased him about falling asleep in chuch; received a sweet letter from Miss Flora; Walter and Caddie Pittman went to Richmond yesterday; inquires if he saw them; asks if Dick hated leaving home; hopes he knows leaving is for the best; Nell hasn't sent a letter yet; is sorry the mail got confused and he didn't get a letter; afraid he will think she forgot him; she was sick but is better now.
Scope and Contents Is very concerned she has been ill; missed the connection with the Baltimore and Ohio R.R.; missed the Conference of Superintendents in Richmond; enjoyed the trip to Lexington with Dick; Dick seems pleased to be at VMI; asks why she didn't tell him more of Liv Whitaker's "funny questions" about him; remarks how Dick is an "ambitious boy"; little Nell is sick again; she [Nell] concealed her sickness at first so as not to interfere with his plans; asks about the "near approach of the 5th"; Franklin will be quiet after Christmas since nearly everyone there is married; hopes there will be some excitement; Fent is now intersted in catching rabbits; wishes he [Fent] could catch one as it would delight him [Fent]. 7pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Thought of him and how Nell was feeling this morning; expects a letter from him that evening; Aunt Joe consoled her last night; is obliged to Cousin Joe Batchelor for the nice compliments"; hopes Dick isn't too homesick; assumes he will write to Dick to cheer him [Dick]; inquires if Mrs. Bogart has stayed with Nell; Remarks what a lovely day it is and hopes it will continue to be lovely. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is with Cousin Liv Whitaker this morning; is feeling well again; expresses she is a bit frightened since the wedding is so close; asks if he is scared at all; hopes he will be "perfectly cool and composed" when the time is at hand; afraid Nell won't like it if she [Maggie] tells her [Nell] what is "right and proper"; Cousin Liv leaves for Henderson tomorrow to the Methodist Conference; Liv sends her kindest regards to him; two weeks will be the day they are married. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Looks forward to her letters that he feels "something is missing" unless he receives a letter from her; is hopeful she will be over her fears by the 5th; remarks he expects to keep cool; the weather is continually bad which has complicated his work and the work of the carpenters; recevied a letter from Dick for the first time; Dick is homesick and has concluded "there is no place like home"; Nell wants as well; sends regards to Liv Whitaker; Mr. and Mrs. Bogart have been invited on the 5th but will probably decline; there was a tournament there last Tuesday with only a small crowd due to the weather. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is staying with Sadie McGuigan; will go to Aunt Joe Branch's tonight; thought it might snow; asks him what is the reason he asks her questions she already has answered in letters; is glad he expects to "be cool" on the 5th; wants Nell to "get well and strong"; she [Nell] must have been in cold weather without proper attire which made her [Nell] ill; will see Ellen later; the marriage license has been bought; is sorry Dick is homesick; wants a long sweet letter from him; is becoming "right anxious to see my dear doctor." 7pp. ALS
Always reads her letters several times; the reason he asked again about her health was because he was still concerned; is glad the [license] has been made; is always thinking about her; is extremely concerned about Nell's condition; Nell seems sick much like Lizzie was; he didn't tell her of Nell's serious illness as he didn't want to disturb her and hoped Nell would get better; will write everyday about Nell's condition; hasn't told Dick how sick Nell is; Mrs. Bogart has visited Nell very often and Mr. Bogart two or three times; Nell doesn't want to disrupt their plans; Fent wishes she were there now; "just one kiss, would be worth a million to me." 8pp. ALS
Scope and Contents The doctors have just been to see Nell; they all agree she is much better than yesterday; hopes he can leave her on the 4th; "it [Nell's sickness] is about all that I can bear up under". 2 pp ALS
Is extremely troubled about the news of Nell; wishes she could be there to help; if the marriage were postponed, everyone would understand; she is with Aunt Joe this week; thinks he should tell Dick of Nell's condition; he must tell her everything; Dr. McGuigan went to Suffolk last week and saw Mr. Bryant; Cousin Liv thinks she [Maggie] is very much in love with Dr. Bryant and she [Maggie] thinks she [Liv] is right; hopes everything will be all right. 6pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is very glad Nell is better; hopes their wedding day will be as lovely as that day; Aunt Joe had a letter from Ellen which said she saw Nell and she [Nell] looked "quite sick"; hopes Fent won't get sick since he is the only one in the family who hasn't. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents If they put the marriage off it shoudb be "some indefinite time" since Nell could be sick for a while; he should tell her honestly what he wants to do; wants to comfort him; afraid his love for her has brough him more uneasy moments then pleasant"; is worried about him that he will get sick as well; being together would put them in better spirits; tell Nell how sorry she [Maggie] is for her [Nell] and not to worry that she is ill at this time. 7pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is difficult to decide what to do under the circumstances; proposes to put off the marriage for one week and wed on 12 December; thinks Nellie will be better by that time; wants to enjoy the marriage and the trip North free of worry; thinks their "beginning in life together, should if possible be undder a clear sky, and not clouded ith trouble and gloom"; hopes she will agree. 4pp. ALS
Is he glad he has decided to postpone the wedding until Nell is better; she will let everyone know; he must tell people there as well; he should write to Dr. Smith. 2pp. ALS
Thinks Nell has improved since he wrote on Saturday; the symptoms that resembled Lizzie's so much have disappeared; he feels more confident Nell will reover; plans to marry on the 12th; should be fine; wishes they could have married as planned on the 5th; the weather is lovely; notified the appropriate people about the postponement; the Bogarts "talk very nicely now about our marriage." 3pp ALS
Scope and Contents Wishes the lovely weather of that day will continue throuhg next week; is wanting a letter from her; the train gets in later, so the mail is disrupted; Nell is "gradually improving"; is so glad they will soon be together. 4 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is sorry he didn't receive a letter when he expected one; hopes Nell got the flowers she [Maggie] sent; the white flowers were sent to her by an Aunt in Fla. for the assumed wedding on the 5th; wonders if Nell will be well enough that they may take a trip North; Dr. McGuigan told her to tell him [James] that everything is "all right"; thinks it was he who brought the lovely weather yesterday; is pleased Mr. Bogart is accompanying him [James] next week; asks him to write everyday. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Wonders why he hasn't received "a line" from her since Monday; Nell received a "sweet box of flowers" with no card or postmark; they believe they are from her [Maggie]; he now thinks Nell may be out of danger; Miss Judie [the housekeeper] has left him due to the death of her only sister; Molly and Nettie are keeping house now and nursing Nell; Dick wrote him [James] and said he [Dick] is sorry he can't be at home when she comes; he will go to Norfolk tomorrow; Mr. B[ogart] is apparently on one of his "high horses" and has frightened his family; there was a big fire in town last night and several buildings were damaged. 4pp. ALS
He gladly received a letter from her on his return from Norfolk; thinks they will be able to take their trip but will cut it shorter than planned; Nell loves her flowers; he also fears bad weather next week; hopes they will be ready next week; will wrtie on Monday a last letter before they are married. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents She rushed to get the flowers for Nell in the mail that she "clear forgot to put my card in"; is sorry about Judie's misfortune and leaving; wants him to still watch Nell closely; feels sorry for Mrs. B[ogart] that her husband is being disagreeable; if he [Mr. Bogart] keeps on she [Maggie] does not want him to come next week; she broke a piece of her tooth off and will go to the dentist to have it fixed. 5pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Remarks this is the last time he will write to her as "Miss"; is sorry the weather is "gloomy" and was so nice before; asks if she is scared; feels a bit himself; Dr. Smith will stop in Enfield; asks her to make arrangements; if there are any changes in the schedule; Nell is still improving; will see her [Maggie] tomorrow. 3pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Wonders what he is doing; thinks they will be together tomorrow; has had lovely presents given to them; Aunt Joe saw Dr. Smith who said he could come up with you on Tuesday; can't realize that she won't be "Miss" any longer; looks forward to his letter that evening. 3pp. ALS
Has found her gloves and will come that night if that is all right. 1p. ALS
Scope and Contents Her letter reminded him of when they corresponded when courting; went to the barber shop; made his monthly report last night; have been visiting patients; they [the family] all miss her very much; remarks that she has "won their hearts, as well a mine"; is "anxious for the two weeks to pass off as rapidly as possible"; hopes she will have a good time; sends his love to everyone there and especially her. 3 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is glad she is enjoying her trip; is lonely without her; went to court yesterday at Jerusalem; Mrs. B[ogart] asked about her [Maggie]; saw Mr. Bogart on Sunday night and it reminded him of :old times"; doesn't know what has "gotten into" Dick; didn't go to church on Sunday; is anxious for her return; doesn't know if he can meet her in Wheldon; wants to know if Bessie would come with her back to Franklin. 3pp. ALS
Wonders if she will write him that evening; will write Monday whether to expect him in Wheldon; misses her "more and more everyday."
Is glad she will be home soon; has to go to [Brandville] on Sunday to see a patient; can't meet her in Weldon; Mr. Edwards will meet her. 1 p. ALS
Hopes she arrived safely; inquires how Bessie and her baby are; Nell went to a prayer meeting that night; [Fanny Bretlow] is improving; he wasn't angry she has to leave; doesn't like having her not there. 2 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Has had a hard time since she left; saw several patients; made out monthly report; there was a surprise marriage between an old widow and widower in Franklin; it was the ["slyest"] thing he had ever heard of; hopes that Bessie and her baby's conditions are better; Fent was sorry he didn't get to say "good-bye" to her; asks her to write everyday. 2pp ALS
Is sincerely sorry about the death of Bessie's baby Lizzie; advises Bessie that she must have courage and know that time will heal her sorrow; hopes Bessie herself will recover soon; if she wants to stat longer than do; Cousin Mollie us wuth them at home until she [Maggie] returns. 3 pp ALS
Is very sorry to hear about Lizzie's death; sends her love to Bessie; she [Maggie] needn't come home until she's ready to leave. 2 pp. ALS
Scope and Contents Is glad she arrived safely; is glad her sister and mother are well; is adopting "Fent's style" of merely eating and sleeping at home; a heavy rain storm caused him to postpone his trip; is pleased her friends think she is looking so well; has not decided whether or not to go and see Nell in Norfolk; nothing much has happened since she left; is looking forward to her mother returning with her; wants to know all about her old friends.
Scope and Contents Misses her and thinks of her coming home; wants to know which day she will come home; he sends $200 which he thinks is enough for the trip in addition to what she has; went to the "poor house" and also to Norfolk; Kitty travelled with him; Nell was dissapointed that she didn't get a "Thanksgiving box"; Rev. Royall, who was a missionary in China, is their new minister; Mr. Hobday will leave for Albemarle County; asks her to come home soon.
Scope and Contents Was about "half mad" when he found out she wouldn't be home before Thursday; is glad that her mother will come as well; is disapponted that Kitty didn't get in touch with him; heard Mr. Hobdy at church preaching his farwell sermon; the Hobdays are sorry they cannot say goodbye to her; put up the stove and the feather bed "was plaed in position"; Rosa prepares all the meals; will go to Courtland to meet with the Board of Supervisors; there hasn't been too much sickness lately.
Has been sick since Christmas; is glad she (Mama) liked her work box; wants to go up for a visit; since (Teresa) has taken Sarah's place, Ruth has been taking care of Martha; send her love to all at Aunt Fannie's.
Scope and Contents Arrived safely there; met friends in Norfolk; took a steamer up to the Potomac; saw their Congressman Mr. Tyler; is cloudy and wet; will leave tomorrow evening; hasn't accomplished anything yet as far as his "mission" is concerned; will reach home either Saturday morning or night.
Wishes he had heard from her; has seen patients; has a meeting at the Co. school board; hopes she is having a good time; has a lot of work; Nell is sick and at Cousin Mollie's; thinks she should write since she has more time than he does; sends regards to friends; all send their love; is anxious for her return.
Scope and Contents Only writes on Sundays; wants to know everything she's up to; mentions Polly; she will make Polly a dress; has her room fixed up "sweet"; would like her (Maggie) to pay her (Fencie) a visit.
Has time to write since the baby is asleep; Mama is at church; asks how they are getting on in the hot weather; Mama and herself (Bessie) have sewn some; wants a pattern of Maggie's; Mary Mann lost her baby; Aunt Annie came over; wants to know when she will have her baby's (Andrew's) picture taken.
Disappointed Maggie couldn't come for a visit; hopes she will come next fall; Claude is improving a lot; is sewing a lot; Cousin Leila has had a little girl; Aunt Annie came to visit; Cousin Clifton is home on a week's holiday; likes her new home very much; she (Bessie) has had a toothache; the dentisit was afraid to pull it; thinks she (Maggie) if fortunate to have such a good nurse; Mama says she will write soon.
Scope and Contents Claude has a "dreadful raising in his head"; believes Maggie knows of the pain since she once has that herself; will get Claude a dark blue cloak; Aunt Bee is with them; she has an abcess at the root of her tooth; wants to know all she (Maggie) is doing.
Nell had a violent attack two hours after she [Maggie] left; she had another but is doing better now; Fent went to Suffolk; he [Fent] is making arrangements to study law at University; Fent misses her and Andrew a lot; Kitty is doing well at housekeeping.
Scope and Contents Opened a bureau in Paris; supplies "reliable information" on expenses and accomodations for the exposition; feels he is qualified to assist fellow teachers; offers his assistance.
Scope and Contents Expresses "great bereavement" over the death of Nell; thought she was a "beautiful character" wants to comfort him (James); wishes there had been good news; knows Andrew must be sad; sends love to everyone.
James F. Bryant agrees to rent the house and lot where William Camp resided provided the house will be put in complete order, the property rented for two years, and payments made accordingly. Signed and sealed by the aforementioned. Cy of DS
Scope and Contents Is completely outraged that his mother-in-law (Mary R. Barrett) is claiming he (James) owes her money when in fact it is she who is very much in debt to him; at the beginning of his marriage to "Gabi" they were required to pay $40 per month for room and boardl; explains many professional services rendered that were never paid by his mother-in-law; find it inhumane "to take the very bread out of the mouths of her own flock, to put it in the mouths of others"; states various accounts that prove his point.
Scope and Contents Account book of James Fenton Bryant, 1863-1867, listing various common articles purchased, payments of services rendered, meals and food bought, and medical expenses while studying at the University of Virginia, 1865-1866, and the University of New York, 1866-1867. Also including the diary, 1866 ,of James F[enton] Bryant, describing briefly his social and academic life while studying at the University of New York. 97 pp. MsV
Diary of James F. Bryant. 6pp. TCy of MS
Miscellaneous items including receipts of Dr. Bryant kept in the back of his account book. Also Dr. Bryant's calling card and cardboard tag labeled 5261. VA.
Scope and Contents Photograph, black and white, 5 1/1" X 3 3/4", of Dr. James Fenton Bryant (P1)
"Three Rebels Write Home Including the Letters of ... James Fenton Bryant (June 20, 1861-December 30, 1866)..." April, 1955. 20 pp. TCy of PM
Scope and Contents Biographical material on the Bryant Family including Dr. Bryant's first wife Gabie L. Bryant who died September 20, 1882 and a xerox copy of "Leaves from the Family Tree. Being an attempt to trace briefly the history of the Jackson-Bryant family down to July, 1939" 22 pp. XCy of PM
3/4" In artifact file
7 1/4 X 6 1/2 X 2 1/4" In artifact file