Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

The collection is without restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Brown Family Papers, 1838-1853, Accession # 11462, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This collection was purchased by the Library on December 12, 1998, from David B. Robinson There are no restrictions.

Scope and Content Information

Letters, 1838-1843, from Edward S. Brown while a student at Randolph Macon College in Boydton, Virginia, to his mother, Nancy H. Brown, and siblings, Elizabeth A., Daniel, Mary C., and Thomas C. Brown, chiefly concern his personal and educational life at college. On February 18, 1838, Brown writes that he expects to stand his examination on Virgil, he dislikes the prospect of facing both Latin and Greek, a new grammar was introduced in the school, and the preparatory school is much larger this year. On April 14, 1838, Brown mentions brothers Henry and Robert planning to go to Missouri, the effects of the current revival of religion on the college, and reading Virgil. As the end of the spring session nears, he writes on June 4, 1839, requesting the family to send Charles to him as well as a small amount of money and a horse by the 19th of the month. A letter of September 27, 1841, discusses the health of his brother, Thomas, and his recovery at sea. On October 16, 1841, Brown writes that his professor suggests he stand an examination on some of his studies prior to leaving for the session; suggests plans for sending Charles to him; suggests Thomas go to Texas or Cuba instead of Rio for his health; and, mentions Texas favorably "as it is generally inhabited by our own countrymen..." A letter of January 30, 1842, discusses the effects of "neuro electric fluid" or "mesmeric fluid" on the human body; and refers to studying law along with regular duties and mentions the high cost of law books. On January 30, 1842, Brown mentions his brother Thomas' health and relates a secondhand account of the wedding of "Miss Harriet." A letter of May 15, 1842, mentions commencement, plans to send Charles to him, and news of the Randolph Macon College faculty, including Sims who went to Tuscaloosa to teach at the University of Alabama. The letter also mentions that the temperance reformation speeches given by Mr. Cary of Baltimore, Maryland are usually followed by a revival. On August 29, 1843, Brown is looking forward to completing his studies; he also discusses the Campbellites and other religions in Hopewell, Virginia. There is also a letter, March 25, 1844, from A. Clarke at Randolph Macon College to Edward S. Brown, giving his impressions of the study of astronomy, mental philosophy, and French; revealing that they are engaged in the calculation of the eclipse; expressing his mixed feelings toward commencement and revealing his plans following commencement. Clarke also mentions Governor [James] McDowell and details personal characteristics of his intended, a Miss Louise C. J. of Mecklenburg, Virginia.

Correspondence of the Brown family cover a variety of subjects. A letter of November 22, [1838], from A. D. Brown, Wythe Courthouse, to Fanny P. Brown, mentions their father going to Missouri, Leander Sanders bringing a store to Wythe, and the citizens of Wythe trying to get a female teacher from Washington City. A letter, October 21, 1845, from [C. M.] Garland, Rectory, Berryville, to Sarah C. Brown, concerns his trip to Charlottesville and "Castle Hill," and mentions Mr. [William?] Meade's church being occupied by Presbyterians while they were in town and hearing the new chaplain, [ ] Jackson, at the University of Virginia Chapel. On June 28, 1847, J. E. Brown, Richmond, writes to Jane S. Brown, with news of his stop in Lynchburg and his religious activities in Richmond, including hearing a sermon at St. Paul's Church, attending the anniversary of the Sunday School at Trinity Chapel (Methodist), and attending the First Presbyterian Church. A letter, September 29, 1847, from [Margaret Brown] Wilmer, Rectory, Berryville, to "Sally" [Sarah C. (Mrs. Robert L.) Brown], relates plans of her and her husband, [Richard Hooker] Wilmer, reveals that "Mammy" wishes to go to Charlottesville, and refers to the beautiful countryside. A letter, January 1, 1850, from James A. Forbes, Lovingston, to Robert L. Brown, discusses the purchase of the Tavern House and appurtenances of Captain Loving in the town of Lovingston. On September 26, 1850, J. E. Brown, Cobbler's Spring, Wytheville, writes to Jane S. Brown, mentioning that Miss Ruggles has commenced her school with the prospect of as many scholars as she had last year; giving personal, family and local news; and revealing arrangements for a trip to Charlottesville to see the University of Virginia and "Monticello." A letter, March 5, 1851, from E. O. Dance to Edward S. Brown concerns a deposition; a letter is written on this one from "Jinnie," Lynchburg, to Jane [M. Brown], concerning local religious activities: the new Episcopal Church where [John Cowper] Granbery preaches; Brother Walker preaching for the "coloured" people; and, there being no sign of revival among the churches. On August 4, 1851, Jane M. Brown, Woodlawn, Lynchburg, writes to Edward S. Brown, mentioning church attendance, [John Cowper] Granbery, personal and family matters, her love for the servants, and McGee's revival continuing. A letter of June 27, 1853, to Edward S. Brown, Powhatan, discusses a controversy between [Philip St. George] Cocke and Mr. Finch. On November 1, Fanny [P. Brown], Wytheville, writes to James E. Brown, Christiansburg, of personal and family news and mentions her improvement in health being due to either Townsend's Sarsparilla or the cool weather.