![[logo]](http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/logos/uva-sc.jpg)
Special Collections, University of Virginia Library
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library© 2009 By the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.
Processed by: Special Collections Staff
There are no restrictions.
See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.
Papers of Notable Virginia Families, Accession #2988, Tracy W. McGregor Library, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
These papers were purchased by the University of Virginia Library for the Tracy W. McGregor Library on August 3, 1948, from James Lewis Hook of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Papers of Robert Beverley
The papers of Robert Beverley, executor of the estate of
William Augustine Washington, 1783-1831, 42 items, includes
letters, 1809-1810, from British minister
plenipotentiary Francis James Jackson (1770- 1814) concerning
the recall of David M. Erskine following the Chesapeake-Leopard affair,
Jackson's peace initiatives, and protests against a renewed
embargo; and an indenture and bond for Loudoun and Jefferson
County land signed by Ferdinando Fairfax. Most of the papers
are concerned with Beverley's settlement of the estate of
William Augustine Washington. Correspondents include John
Tayloe Lomax, Thomas B. Barton, Thomas Gresham, William
Brooke, William Macfarlane, Phillip Pendleton Barbour, Briscoe
Gerard Baldwin, Daniel Sheffey, Bushrod Washington, and Sarah
Tayloe Washington.
The Richard Henry Lee Estate
Papers
The papers of Richard Henry Lee, 1763-1810, ca. 50
items, chiefly concern the settlement of Richard Henry Lee's
estate, containing individual accounts with the estate and
accounts of sales of stock and household furnishings held at
Chantilly and at Westmoreland Court House, 1794-1795. It also
includes the will of Arthur Lee and accounts of John
Brockenbrough with Richard Henry Lee pertaining to his estate
and a letter, 1785, of Ludwell Lee. Papers of Henry Lee
include letters of John Potts to Lee regarding William
Augustine Washington's claim against Maryland, the case of
Russell vs. Henry Lee, and General Henry Lee's plea for help
to Bushrod Washington following his imprisonment for
debts.
The Lewis Family Papers
The papers of the Lewis family, includes the letters and
business papers of George Washington's nephew, Lawrence Lewis,
many of them related to the settlement of the General's estate
and to farming operations at Mount Vernon after his death.
Included are a receipt to Martha Washington from an Alexandria
bank, and correspondence of Lorenzo Lewis (1803-1847), son of
Lawrence Lewis, as a student in Philadelphia, among which is a
letter commenting on the election of 1824, and at "Audley,"
his plantation in Virginia, after his marriage. Other topics
include the War of 1812, the Embargo and related issues,
national politics, the running of a sugar plantation in
Louisiana, slavery, emancipated slaves, and family news.
The Madison Family Papers
The papers of the Madison family, 1768-1866, 153 items,
include correspondence of James Madison; draft of Madison's
second inaugural address; notes of a conversation between
James Madison and Colonel Beckwith concerning the Northwest
Indians; the Embargo; letter with notation from Thomas
Jefferson; papers relating to Montpelier and its inhabitants,
Madison's opinions on money, nullification, the convention
with France concerning shipping, the British navy and
impressment, and Andrew Jackson's participation in the War of
1812.
They also include the personal and business correspondence of Dolley Madison concerning the settlement of Madison's estate, the sale of Montpelier, and the use of the Madison papers, including deeds of gift, indentures, several versions of Dolley Madison's will, lists of books and paintings of Montpelier, resolution of the House of Representatives concerning Dolley Madison, papers relating to her estate, letters and documents of her son John Payne Todd, mostly relating to gifts from his mother; and letters, 1857-1866, from William Cabell Rives to J.C. McGuire pertaining to Madison's papers and biography.
James Madison's correspondents include James Barbour, John H. Cocke, George Dallas, Joseph Delaplaine, Lyman Draper, William Duane, Ferdinando Fairfax, John Forbes, Augustus John Foster, Alexander Hamilton, Jr., William Jarvis, Robert Levington, James Madison, Sr., John Mason, James Monroe, John Randolph of Roanoke, Elijah Russell, Thomas Ritchie, Fulwar Skipwith, David Triplett, and Isaac Winston.
Dolley Madison's correspondents include Augustus, Count of Wurttenburg, Mary Bagot, Robert Brent, John Campbell, M.K. Crittenden, Mrs. Albert Gallatin, James Hoban, L. de Kantzou, Thomas Law, Ann Maury, Annie Mifflin, Thomas Ritchie, Judith Page Walker Rives, Maria Mayo Scott, and William Tudor.
Other topics include the War of 1812, social occasions, the financial difficulties of John Payne Todd, diplomatic news and events, State Department matters, political appointments, the University of Virginia, the sale and publication of the papers of James Madison, national politics, the Louisiana Territory, state's rights, federalism, and slavery.
The Papers of the Washington
Family
Letters and business papers of George Washington's
nephew, Judge Bushrod Washington, and his cousin, William
Augustine Washington, including correspondence, accounts,
bills, indentures, and other papers, chiefly concerning the
settlement of the estates of George Washington, William
Augustine Washington, and Thomas Turner, but also including
correspondence pertaining to the estates of Richard Henry Lee,
Arthur Lee, and General Henry Lee. Also, letters, 1783, from Edmund Randolph re legislative procedures in the Virginia General
Assembly including a bill to pay off the Army debt. Also mentioned are slaves
freed by George Washington, western land claims, the War of
1812, negotiations with merchants from Lisbon, Portugal,
handled for Congress in 1785-1786 by Philip Mazzei,
legislative matters in Virginia, the Dismal Swamp Canal Company, plants for the garden at Mount Vernon, and
agriculture in Virginia and Louisiana. Also present is the
business correspondence of a Baltimore merchant, James Cox, at
the conclusion of the War of 1812.
This collection has been divided into five small series based upon the basic family involved, with correspondents arranged alphabetically within each series, including: Series I: The Papers of Robert Beverley (Box 1); Series II: The Richard Henry Lee Estate (Box 1); Series III: The Lewis Family Papers (Box 1-2); Series IV: The Madison Family Papers (Boxes 2-4); and Series V: The Washington Family Papers (Box 4). This guide will briefly summarize each series (pages 1-4) but a fuller item description will follow in the folder listing beginning on page five.
cannot represent him in the suit brought against him, as executor of William A. Washington (1757-1810), by Andrew Parks because he is presently representing Mrs. Parks.
discusses the lawsuits against Beverley concerning the Washington estate.
Reports on his progress in representing him at Fredericksburg in the case of Washington vs Beverley; sends a copy of the account of William A. Washington with his father, S. Barton (1821 April 18); and summarizes the case, "I have at length completed my report in the case of Washington vs Beverley & few more troublesome or voluminous cases have been returned to this court" (1822 May 17.
discusses the debt she is said to owe to the estate of her late husband and other related financial matters.
Writes concerning the payment of his fee in the Washington vs Andrew Parks case.
Advises him of a claim from Henry S. and Thomas Warner against the estate of William A. Washington and has not heard from Mr. Thompson concerning Washington's land.
discusses the claims of his client against the William A. Washington estate.
Asks if it is possible for Beverley to pay a bond he holds against the William A. Washington estate.
discusses the settlement of the judgment of Mr. Payne's administrator against Beverley which cannot be settled until the money is sent.
Informs Beverley that Judge Bushrod Washington has left Alexandria for the Shenandoah Springs in Jefferson County and then Philadelphia, not returning until November;and that Judge Washington was never the executor for the estate of Corbin Washington (1765-1800) but functioned as the guardian of his children.
British minister plenipotentiary sent to Washington in 1809 upon the recall of David Montagu Erskine, which he discusses along with the need to promote the common welfare of both countries (1809 November 30); discusses the measure brought up in the House of Representatives which he can call by no other name than "embargo in disguise" more interfering in trade than the former embargo and warns of the United States being excluded from European ports and blockaded (1809 December 23); expects to leave soon for New York where he will wait for a ship to take him back to England and warns about the influence of the violent party in America who do not care about good relations with England (1810 January 10); and discusses the possible passage of Macon's Bill No. 2 (1810 February 1).
Gives his advice about "ancient open claims" against the William A. Washington estate.
Writes concerning the sale of mortgaged land in Stafford County in the case of Russell vs Lee.
Teacher of William Washington requests funds for the furtherance of his education.
Since he has been retained on behalf of Andrew Parks (1770-1836) in the case concerning the William A. Washington estate, he cannot help Beverley.
The ending of the War of 1812 should now permit them to conclude the case concerning the William A. Washington estate and asks Beverley to deliver up his books and records about his administration.
Gives notice to take a deposition; discusses the mortgage on Laurel Grove.
Has asked John H. Peyton to assist him in presenting Beverley's case before the court in the Greenbrier Courthouse which he discusses regarding the William A. Washington estate.
The claim of William A. Washington upon the state of Maryland.
Writes concerning the claim of William A. Washington upon the state of Maryland and its settlement.
A suit concerning land in Stafford County, Virginia.
Asks for help while in the Spotsylvania Courthouse jail for debt.
Presently working as a county court lawyer, regrets letting their correspondence discontinue, sorry to hear the General has resigned his public service because men of integrity are still urgently needed, "we have brought our bark on shore but she is not yet safely moored".
Includes the receipts and accounts of his executors, William A. and Corbin Washington.
Writes that an injunction has been brought against the Loyal Company by some French claimants; although he obtained the permission of the committee, he was unable to fulfill the request of Lewis concerning his mother's removal due to the opposition of Mr. Gordon; and the foundation for the monument of [Mary Washington] was in the process of being laid.
Charles Bennett may be a partner in the business firm of Bennett & Watts, merchants of Alexandria, and these letters discuss the purchase of various articles, such as flour, and other business, including the possible suit of Eliza Custis against her former husband, Thomas Law (1832 February 23); asks for help in getting Mr. Rodgers, son-in-law of Eliza Parke Custis Law, to pay a debt (1833 February 25); mentions an attack on President Andrew Jackson by Lt. Randolph taken up by the grand jury (1833 May 6); and the necessity of Lewis owning at least a share in the [Bank of Potomac ?] if he is to remain on the Board of Directors (1835 January 22).
directions concerning the business affairs of Miss Lilly Harve.
Lists the trees he is shipping to Lewis by packet boat from Baltimore.
Writes concerning the claim of Lewis against the British government for the value of a slave, Michael [Lee?] , who was carried away by the British, requesting his surname so the log books and records of various ships can be searched.
Writes concerning the settlement of the estate of George Washington and the mortgage of Burdet Ashton.
Asks for permission to marry Frances, the daughter of Lawrence Lewis (1825 March 30); mentions invitations from Andrew Jackson to visit the Hermitage in Tennessee and discusses his chances in the election (1826 July 30); the birth of a son, his belief that a Jacksonian, Mr. Campbell of Ohio, might be elected to the Senate (1826 December 13); discusses the prospects for his Louisiana property, the safe arrival of Angela and Mrs. Lawrence, and the difficulties of Henry Clay in Kentucky (1827 August 30); his confidence in the promise of the sugar market and the return trip of Angela and Mrs. Lawrence to Virginia (1827 October 30); the possible purchase of a plantation with his brother-in-law, Mr. Bell (1827 December 14); the promise of racing sport with his dogs at Mount Vernon by Bushrod Washington (1828 October 27); description of his trip to Canada (1829 August 27); writing from the plantation at Herville, Louisiana, he discusses the sugar crop and new laws in Louisiana prohibiting the introduction of slaves into the state for immediate sale (1831 December 18); discusses the sugar crop and the birth of a daughter (1832 March 7, August 29); loading his molasses and sugar on the brig Malaga bound for Philadelphia (1833 January 28); discusses the Tariff Bill, John Calhoun and Henry Clay, the Resolutions of 1798-1799, nullification, and Andrew Jackson (1833 March 15); legal and logistical difficulties in purchasing slaves as field hands for his plantation and details of his debt to the Bank of Louisiana (1833 April 10 and May 6); the purchase of slaves at Richmond, Virginia (1833 June 11 and July 25); the good crop of sugar cane (1833 June 17); the ravages of cholera in Louisiana especially among the slaves (1833 July 25); the birth of Caroline Butler prior to the arrival of the midwife (1834 August 23); a news clipping concerning the slavery prohibition in Louisiana attached to letter describing his sugar crop (1834 November 8); and his negotiations with the Union Bank for a loan (1835 February 25).
Writing from Cincinnati, Ohio, shares her disappointment at his failure to visit them and her hopes of Butler securing a sugar plantation in Louisiana (1827 August 12); and her continued concern over her father's health and lack of visitation (1832 May 27; 1833 August 11).
Mentions her daughters, Otwayanna Carter (1805-?) and Eleanor Custis Lewis Carter Brown (1800-1845), and her son-in-law, George Tucker, and son, William Farley Carter (1797-?).
Her mother upset by the death of Uncle Robert Lewis of Fredericksburg, and notes the declining health of her mother and Henry Brown.
Writes concerning news of home.
Writes concerning his and Lewis' health, their trouble with gout, and his interest in the family (1832 June 21); prevented from visiting by the sudden illness of one of his slaves (1832 July 11); describes the bad weather and its effect on Alexandria and his happiness that Lewis was in Louisiana avoiding it (1834 January 14 and March 13).
Writes about the estate of George Washington and a share in the Potomac Company (1820 December 14, et al); mentions a religious revival, the poor health of Charles Lewis (1775-1829), the brother of his wife, [Nancy Davison?], and Charles' oldest daughter, who was handicapped from birth, the alcoholism of her brother, Robert Lewis (1782-?), and the insanity of Mrs. Iredale (d.1833), the third daughter of Alexander Eliot Spotswood (1829 February 15); the death of Charles Lewis and his daughter, Mrs. Iredale placed in the asylum in Lexington, Kentucky, and her children dispersed (1829 November 21; 1830 May 8); and the death of his daughter, who married Dr. Hansford, and the death of Mrs. Iredale (1833 December 6).
Asks if Archibald McClean is indebted to the estate of George Washington.
Mentions business related to the Shannon Mill and an agreement with D. Musselman.
Account for corn for "free Negroes," emancipated slaves from the Washington estate (1814 December 21); the sale of various slaves (1835 January 18); the beating of Mercer by Judge [John?] Scott, 1781-1850, with his stick (n.d.); and other business matters.
Account for corn for "free Negroes," emancipated slaves from the Washington estate.
An auditor in Richmond, discussing back taxes.
concerning the estate of George Washington.
Receipt on his account, mentions the return of peace following the War of 1812, and mentions having the concluding number of Alexander Wilson's Ornithology available.
Kercheval, the agent of Lewis, discusses the daily financial affairs of Lewis' farm in Frederick County, Virginia, including squatters, need for horses, debts, crops, etc. (all letters) and the case of Peck vs Lewis (1801 June 9); the illness of his slaves and activities of Elijah Kercheval (1802 March 10).
Arrangements for the return voyage of Mrs. Lewis and Angela from New Orleans.
concerning an agreement between, Andrew Lewis, Lawrence Lewis and Andrew Parks (1813) and attempts to obtain salt from saltwater (1818).
Writes concerning a share in the Potomac Company and his handicapped daughter.
Writes with concerns about taking care of her slaves.
Ellen, the widow of his brother, Howell, thanks him for the check (1825 December 27); writes of her finances (1827 January 26); and gives him news of her children (1834 September 24).
Writes concerning his financial affairs and the estate of George Washington.
discusses the sale of Columbia Bank stock, part of the estate of George Washington.
Advises him not to sell his land (1815 August 31); and furnishes examples of the price of land in recent sales in the area (1817 April 19).
Thanks him for collecting a debt for him in Louisiana and other financial matters.
Wool being sent to him.
Account for corn, house, and wood furnished the "free Negroes," emancipated slaves from the George Washington estate and other matters pertaining to the estate.
Full description of the quality of his wool.
Writes concerning money to be paid to the trustees of Mrs. E. P. Custis.
Inquires about two court cases involving the late Bushrod Washington at the chancery court at Clarksburg.
Provides information about the character and family of Benedict Dorsey.
early letters until his marriage in 1827 were written from Philadelphia, where he was being educated; discusses the conflict in Philadelphia over the election for President (1825 February 3); the unsuccessful attempt of John Peter to purchase slaves in Philadelphia due to lack of proper power of attorney (1825 December 13); concern over the condition of the plantation "Audley" (1825 December 27); instructions to his father for repairs and painting to be done at "Audley" at Battletown because of his upcoming marriage to Esther Maria Coxe (1804-1885) of Philadelphia (1827 April 25, August 25); his mare, Belinda, has produced an uncommonly fine colt, his need for a cook, and the sale of family slaves (1831 April 28); refers to wages of the emancipated slaves from the George Washington estate (1832 July 19); record of the account of money sent to Lewis by Allen Williams (1833 July 5); description of harvesting his wheat (n.y. July 18); the majority of his letters are of a personal nature and discuss activities at his estate "Audley".
His letters generally concern financial matters but also: the breaking of the engagement of Nancy Lewis and the estate of George Washington (1804 January 8); his purchase of the Hunter estate in Frederick County, Virginia (1804 March 17); made captain of the Washington Volunteer Company of Artillery and Infantry, created after the Chesapeake and Leopard affair took place, and mentions the Embargo and possibility of war (1807 December 24); the death of his youngest daughter and concern over incursions by the British forced a move to Stafford County(1814 September 9); the estates of brother Fielding Lewis and George Lewis (1822 March 22); the death of their brother-in-law, Charles Carter (1827 May 20); a check for Betty Carter and the sale of medals belonging formerly to the George Washington estate to Daniel Webster (1827 December 22); and the recovery of his daughter Betty (1828 January 17).
The estate of George Washington.
Informs him about the taxes on his western lands (1801 December 4); asks about the lands on Rough Creek (1810 January 22); doubts the wisdom of the Cabinet in siphoning off too many American soldiers during the War of 1812 to take Canada when they were needed at home for defense against the enemy (1814 August 21).
Asks to exchange sixty or seventy bushels of wheat.
discusses the price of a slave, William, and his wife.
discusses the sale of a slave.
Urges a speedy settlement of the estate of his father-in-law, Robert Lewis, rather than waiting on the outcome of a suit pending before the Supreme Court.
Writes concerning the settlement of accounts of Lewis in Battletown, Clark County, Virginia.
discusses the price of wool and the difficulties of the wool industry.
Attempts to locate a source for salt and to produce it for sale, and the use of salt pans versus cast [iron?] kettles to boil away the water.
discusses the estate of George Washington and the sale of the mare, Belinda.
Writes concerning the estate of George Washington and the Dismal Swamp land.
His daughter, Ellen Lewis, wife of Howell Lewis, is in Richmond investigating the interests of the family in the shares of the Loyal Company.
discusses his payments towards the purchase of the Rock Hall estate, five miles from Charles Town, in Jefferson County, [West] Virginia.
discusses business.
discusses the estate of the late Dr. Daniel Jenifer of St. Thomas.
A University of Virginia professor who married the niece of Lewis, Maria Bell Carter (1784-1823), mentions the accident suffered by his son, George (1806 February 27) and the sale of a slave, Billy (1822 July 8).
Gives advice concerning his suit in [Battletown?.
discusses the suit of Lawrence Lewis in Berkeley County against Mr. Taylor.
Writes concerning the death of his father, Captain Samuel Washington (1765-1831), (1831 August 28); the estate of George Washington and the claim of Mrs. [Mildred Washington?] Hammond (1832 April 24; June 30; July 12; September 20).
Son of George Steptoe Washington, concerning the the estate of George Washington.
concerning payment of his bond.
concerning payment of interest to Lewis.
[pertaining to the estate of George Washington and shoes provided for "free Negroes," emancipated slaves from the George Washington estate]
Briefly mentions a great force of the enemy, as well as the American forces, at Annapolis, Maryland, and their expectation of an imminent attack.
Requests an autograph of James Madison for the National Institute of the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, Germany.
Has paid a draft of John Payne Todd's for three hundred dollars, to prevent his arrest and imprisonment, and asks the Madisons to reimburse him for that amount.
Mourning for the death of Lady Bagot, prevents her and her husband from attending the gathering at the drawing room of the Madisons.
Sister of Ruth Barlow, writes concerning the mission of Joel Barlow (1754-1812) to negotiate with the Emperor Napoleon in Zarnavica, Poland, which ended in his death on December 14th , his deprivations on the journey, the incompetence and misconduct of David Bailie Warden (1797-1845) towards Barlow, while in Paris, and who, after Barlow's death, demanded the United States seal from the widow and acted with French approval as if he were the United States minister; her concern with the lack of security for the official dispatches and the cyphers.
Writing on mourning papers, she sends a specimen of grapes, a pink sachet made by herself, and her best wishes.
Regrets that they will not be able to come by to say their farewells but hopes to see them at Barboursville.
Ruth Baldwin Barlow (1755-1818) writes concerning the mission of her husband, Joel Barlow (1754-1812), United States minister to France, to negotiate with the Emperor Napoleon in Zarnavica, Poland, where he died on December 14th shortly after this letter was written; she also asks for the Madisons to remember the distress of the Marquis St. Simon and his daughter, both in prison (1812 November 25).
In a meeting with several Virginia and Alabama members of Congress, he found them all favorable to Mrs. Madison's request and recommends Mr. Rives as a "safe, discreet, and sincere" counselor.
Informs Madison that General Stephen Moylan (1737-1811) has paid the order upon made him.
Refuses Todd's offer of the portraits of the early Presidents for the White House as an improper use of the furnishing fund appropriated by Congress.
Writes concerning the draft of Colonel James Taylor.
Promises to attend to her request for the payment of $30,000 which was authorized by Congress.
Introduces the Countess Masterson and her niece Miss Masterson.
Writes concerning his mother's estate.
Writes concerning the controversy over nullification and the tariff, the "[Virginia?]Resolutions of '98," the nomination of William John Duane as Secretary of the Treasury.
discusses the issues of hotel keepers and military instruction at the University of Virginia.
discusses social occasions.
Congratulations upon the appointment of James Madison as Secretary of State.
Promises her children will visit before they leave.
Writes concerning the possible purchase or publication of Madison's works for the Library of Congress.
Furnishes the expenses involved with the shipment of two cases of china, from Nantes, France, to the United States.
Sends two bottles of wine to Mrs. Madison.
Refers to her husband, William Eustis, his posting to Holland, and the delays in getting a ship there due to the uncertainty of international events; mentions the frigate Congress , and William Bainbridge, the superintendent of the construction of the Independence , their unfortunate little friend, Madam Bonaparte, and the impropriety in her accompanying the Eustis' on their trip to Holland due to the revolution in France, [the Hundred Days return of Napoleon?.
Discusses appointments of the "officers of the Legion".
Asks if the Postmaster General can answer the enclosed questions concerning the routes, and the times of the arrival and departure of the post at Hagerstown, Winchester, Staunton, Washington, and Clarksburg.
Writes concerning a financial matter but mentions an upcoming vote by the Constitutional Convention on the nature of the proposed government.
Applies for a diplomatic position at Cadiz, Spain.
Offers himself for the diplomatic opening in the Mediterranean area.
Writes concerning the purchase and future publication of Madison's works for the Library of Congress for $30,000.
Asks him to pick up a letter addressed to him at the Orange County Courthouse on his way to Washington.
Writes concerning discounts paid on his note in the Bank of Columbia by General Mason.
Settlement of the debts of Dolley Madison and the suit of Henry W. Moncure against him.
Cannot dine with the President tomorrow.
Refers to receipts and a bank certificate.
Refers to the recent illness of the President, her missing of her husband while absent on his mission to Russia to secure Russian mediation in the war with Great Britain (1813 August 15); her uneasiness over the delayed arrival of her husband and her hopes that Richard Bache will be made port master of Philadelphia (1814 January 14); furnishes an extract of her husband's letter dated Amsterdam, March 9th, which states they left Petersburg on January 25th and directed the captain of the Neptune to meet them at Amsterdam, but he was prevented by the severe winter weather, and she fears he has not heard of his new appointment as one of the peace commissioners to Great Britain, negotiating the Treaty of Ghent (1814 May 15 and August 9); her depression at not seeing her husband all year while he was on various missions to Europe on behalf of the United States (1814 December 26); discusses her furniture, the trials of Dolley Madison over the last six months, and hope of good news concerning the fate of New Orleans (1815 January 18); and her departure for Paris (1816 June 2).
Asks when Mrs. A. Everett might conveniently visit her at home.
Asks for a letter of introduction for use during his voyage to Europe.
Sends shoes to Dolley.
Explains the origin and history of the indebtedness of John Payne Todd to himself and his attempts to secure payment, and asks Madison for help in securing recompense.
Confers with her on a legal matter.
Partial letter with instructions for making a medicine.
Sends articles for Dolley, listed in the letter, by way of the sloop Unity , commanded by Captain Deakins.
Applied for the position of commissioner of the land office of the Louisiana Territory.
Tells her about the wreck of her carriage on the way back to town.
Forwards complaints made by the merchant, Chandler Price, of Philadelphia, concerning depredations made upon his property by British cruisers, and his own complaints as a partner in a mercantile house that recompense from the courts of Great Britain, when it occurs, is slow and not for the full value of the damages (1801 July 22); and an introduction to Robert Ritchie (October 6).
Recalling their acquaintance and her fond memories of being in the United States.
Writes concerning the circumstances surrounding the removal of the private papers of Dolley Madison from her residence at her death by Mrs. Cutts and Miss Payne, as reported to him by Dr. Thomas.
Offers himself for postmaster, should the position come open in Alexandria.
Reports on the distribution of tickets to various luminaries; presents Mr. Bonchard's model of a mausoleum for George Washington; and invites her to solicit subscribers to a "translation" of maps by [Herve- Julien?] Le Sage
Asks for help in securing a position in the United States government to help support his motherless children.
Asks if he can locate among his manuscripts a bill of items for furnishing the White House dated 1811, for use in his book on the War of 1812, The Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812]
Wants it to be made clear that he attended a celebration in honor of "the deceased Revolutionary Patriot" as a national celebration and not that of a political party.
Sends copies of all the correspondence from Alexander James Dallas in his possession, but cannot find one written by Dallas after the British visit in 1814.
Furnishes very cautious remarks concerning the literary and historical works sent to him for his opinion by Delaplaine, the strongest of which is a suggestion that Mead's School Exercises could use many more illustrations in the work; he also asks to review manuscript papers containing memoranda concerning himself and his career in Repository of the lives and portraits of distinguished American characters by Delaplaine.
Asks DePeyster to thank the New York Historical Society for sending him a copy of The Published Collections of the New York Historical Society and stresses the importance of such work to the preservation of the history of the United States.
Responds to his request for sources of printed information about his career by directing him to examine the newspapers during his elections, and records of public transactions.
Cautions silence concerning the cession of the Louisiana Territory to the United States, except that Great Britain has not been obstructive in any way.
Asks his aid in securing the best land for General LaFayette with the land grant from Congress, some of which is in the Louisiana Territory.
Introduction of the Rev. Herbert Marshall.
Refuses to participate in the recommendation of candidates for officers and describes the state of his health.
Comments on the Convention with France concerning shipping.
Informs him that John Stanley and George Wilson have entered a caveat against the patent for their 40,000 acres of land, asks him about the tobacco, and about ordering copies of Burrows' Reports.
Discusses various legal matters with his brother.
Introduction of Judge Thomas McKean Pettit (1797-1853).
Letter of introduction for Nicolas King.
Writes of her father, James Maury, and cousin, Matthew F. Maury.
Requests documents identifying the legal representative of James Madison.
Thanks her for consenting to construct for her one of Mrs. Madison's "beautiful turbans".
Encloses a manuscript (not present) as a subject for her reflection.
Asks for help in getting his trunk to Richmond.
Discusses the sale of Montpelier.
Writes concerning the settlement of the boundary between Tennessee and Virginia, mentioning the work of Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson which was probably based on astronomical observations.
Defends the character of her husband who did not receive a desired position.
Invites Dolley to visit them that evening if she is not too fatigued.
Letter of introduction for his friend, Dr. [Philip?] Barraud of Norfolk, who may be interested in establishing a hospital for invalid mariners in Washington.
Expresses his admiration of Dolley at length (1839) and invites her to dine (n.d.).
Seeks his aid in securing a pension from Congress.
Writes concerning a report in the House of Representatives that four thousand French troops have arrived at New Orleans and asks if Madison has any additional information about the rumor.
Regrets they are unable to visit, thanks her for her care of [John] St. George [Randolph?] (1792-1857), and discusses the account with Dr. Brockenbrough.
Fears that the effort to promote a national system of roads and canals, possibly through a constitutional amendment, will violate the Constitution, and sees this tendency in recent speeches of John Quincy Adams.
Expresses their condolences on the death of James Madison.
Writes concerning his examination of various books, papers and manuscripts of James Madison, E. Randolph, Edmund Pendleton, Joseph Jones, John Witherspoon, with an unidentified note discussing the various wills of Dolley Madison.
Sends a copy of his speech and thanks her for her prized note of appreciation.
Regrets being unable to accept a social invitation for her mother because she is upset at the recent events near Annapolis.
Asks Madison to send any material of a public nature to him to be printed in his newspaper The Republican Gazette , Concord, New Hampshire
Questions the political appointment of Daniel Ludlow (1750-1814).
Presents two of her friends from Paris.
Discusses the shipment of china from Mr. Nast, of Paris, to Madison, in the United States.
She is pleased to be able to help Dolley concerning her nephew.
Rumors about the bad financial condition of the brother of Dolley Madison and his dissipation in Springfield, Illinois.
Remembers the legal assistance of James Madison to her son many years ago and discusses the history of her family over the years since.
Expresses New Year's wishes.
In French, probably from a copy in possession of James Monroe and forwarded to Madison)
Seeks the office of marshal for the state of Kentucky and offers help in settling matters pertaining to the lands of Madison's father.
Application for the position of collector at the port of Louisville Falls of Ohio.
Concurs with the legal opinion of George Hay concerning the Van Ness case and related letters (1823 April 19, 1828 June 14); the presidential election for 1828 and the possible nomination of William H. Crawford (1827 December 22); and certificate signifying John Robinson as clerk of Circuit Superior Court, Henrico County, and William H. Richardson, as Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Discusses financial matters and asks help in securing a job with the government.
Describes his visit to the buildings built for the Metropolitan School of Industry at Dartmoor, and found them suitable for the acceptance of at least two thousand children.
Writes seeking the consulship in London for her son, William Tudor, Jr. (1779-1830).
Social greeting.
Discusses the printing of the letter of his wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler, addressing English ladies on the subject of slave emancipation, in Ritchie's newspaper, the Richmond Enquirer , his fears of the expanding role of the Federal government, mentions Franklin Pierce, and the Cuba question.
Responds to her note and sends a review of the latest book associated with the American Philosophical Society.
Explains the necessity of leaving the employment of the State Department.
Proposes an exchange of letters by the youthful James Madison, in his possession, for letters by his kinsman, William Bradford, in Dolley Madison's possession, associated since their Princeton College days, so a more complete record might be had of both.
Asks him to return the first volume of the Madison papers which he borrowed last winter.
Sends her thanks for the gift of the gold chain and earrings.
Asks him about the truth of a rumor that a general peace has been reached in Europe.
Thanks the Society for his election as an honorary member of the St. Andrews Society of Baltimore.
Sends a power of attorney, and discusses his association with the legal case of Mr. Henderson, for which he was never paid.
Concerning the estate of George Washington.
Concerning the land in Gloucester County belonging to the estate of George Washington, which he contracted to purchase but could not pay.
Sends a contract for land in Kentucky by General M.D. Hardin.
Concerning the estate of George Washington, including the division of the western lands, the contract between Washington and George Ball, and his account as guardian.
News of legislative proceedings in the Virginia General Assembly, including paying the principal and interest of the Army debt in eight years, beginning in 1785, and an import duties bill to fund domestic debt.
Refers to business matters.
Concerning General Henry Lee and his inability or unwillingness to pay his debt to Washington, and his intentions concerning Boyd's land, and other financial matters.
Discusses the report of George C. Washington concerning his actions with the estate of George Washington.
Concerning the estate of Thomas Turner.
Concerning the land of Henry Lee offered to Washington.
Concerning his claim against the estate of Richard Henry Lee.
Concerning taxes on his Kentucky lands.
Concerning his claim against the estate of Richard Henry Lee.
Sends a copy of Washington's account with the interest due.
Letters are totally concerned with business matters, including accounts, orders, creditors and debtors, and payments.
Discusses the purchase of hay.
Discusses the need for surveying of "Captain William Saunders military lands".
Concerning the estate of Richard Henry Lee.
His recent illness has prevented him from being well acquainted with the suit that Washington wrote him about.
Pertaining to the settlement of the Thomas Turner estate by William A. Washington?.
Concerning the purchase of an estate from General [Henry?] Lee and the payment of a debt to Washington.
Request for a deed for land near Baltimore sold to General Lee by Washington.
Remembers that General Washington had told him the tickets were sold by Thompson Mason without the permission of the company but declines to participate in the law suit because of his weakened health.
Discusses Washington's account.
Sends Washington a copy of his account.
Requests an order on General Henry Lee.
Enclosed two patents for land (not present) to William Saunders, which Washington notes was not by his direction or knowledge.
Mentions the deed for the Berkeley land of [General Henry Lee?.
Discusses Mrs. Washington's order for furniture.
Writes concerning the evaluation by Colonel John Tayloe of a slave, Sarah, and her three children, sold to Washington (1800 June 29); and his account with Tayloe (1801 April 29).
Concerning his wish to be appointed United States district attorney for Baltimore and refers to Washington's marriage to Mary Lee (1764-1795).
Asks for him to settle his account which has been past due for five years.
Concerning payment on his account with Johnston.
Sends his account for payment.
Concerning an inventory of Arthur Lee's estate (1797) and the estate of Richard Henry Lee (1798).
Recommends William Fox, clerk of Pulaski County, as a man of candor and integrity, who can be trusted to render a just evaluation of the lands in his Washington's contract with Colonel Jesse Richardson.
Concerning Washington's dividend from the Dismal Swamp Canal Company and the difficulties that a drought produced in transporting the lumber and shingles manufactured by the company.
Concerning the estate of General Washington after the death of Martha Washington.
Concerning the will and estate of General Washington after the death of Martha Washington, especially the Ashby's Bent tract and the Chatten's run tract (1804 January 8); the suit against Samuel Washington (1808 January 20); and mentions widespread illness in Fredericksburg (1823 September 8).
Concerning grants of land to Washington, including the comments of Colonel Richardson, of Pulaski County, Kentucky, concerning two surveys of land on Buck's Creek, [Pulaski County?], the survey of land on Little River, Christian County, Kentucky, his claim on the south side of Tennessee which interferes with the Indian claim, and difficulties with his patent issued in the name of William Saunders (see also W. Croghan).
Discusses their law suit and the opinion of Mr. P. Doddridge about the case.
Mentions seeds sent to the Mount Vernon gardener, including some of the shrub Missouri Honeymeade, brought back from Missouri by Lewis and Clark, and a vine from Chili, in the past, and sends additional plants and the gift of a fishing net and directions for its use, and asks the gardener at Mount Vernon to bud for him a few lemons.
Claims against the estate of Richard Henry Lee.
Concerning the account of Arn[old?] Henry Dohrman of Richmond, Virginia, and negotiations with Lisbon merchants handled by Mazzei for Congress.
Does not believe that the absence of Washingon from the Trenton, New Jersey, court will cause any injury to his business.
Encloses Mr. Warden's letter and John Monroe's order.
Concerning a shipment of coal.
Concerning cash due him for his wheat.
Encloses his certificate and account.
Writes concerning the delivery of three horses (1806 March 19); their land contract (1806 August 28, December 2; 1808 February 10); bay horses (1807 April 13).
Asks Washington to pay his account.
Writes concerning Washington's account.
Discusses land plats and other business matters, including the estate and guardianship of Bernard Moore (see 1806 March 14); and the Ashby's Bent tract of land (1806 March 14, June 11, July 9, October 29; 1807 January 24, August 7).
Encloses a letter from Colonel E. McCarty (not present) concerning the quality of some lands conveyed to Washington by General Lee in Hampshire, Virginia.
Encloses an order (not present) on Washington from John H. Washington paid by a draft on Mr. Washington of Mount Vernon.
Has not yet been able to secure any money from Mr. Booth on his account with Washington.
Although he did purchase coal from Charles Wayman in August, he has both the bill and receipt proving payment.
Asks him to pay twenty dollars on his account with General Lee.
Writes concerning the poor health of her husband, tells him about an advertisement informing men who had served in the Virginia Blues under General George Washington, of lands available for them on the Ohio River, and the death of her husband's sister.
Writes concerning a bed belonging to the Richard Henry Lee estate.
Writes concerning lands involved in the estate of General Washington after the death of Martha Washington, particularly the boundaries to be conveyed to Parks and Lee (1805 January 10).
Fees paid on the estate of George Washington.
Asks Washington's help in disputing a statement by Governor G.M. Troup before the Georgia legislature about the abolition of slavery supposedly made by William Wirt before the Supreme Court, specifically "that slavery, being inconsistent with the laws of God and nature, cannot exist ".
Writes concerning the account of Colonel Matthew Lyon (1750-1822) of Kentucky.