Inventory of the Robert William Hughes Papers 1818-1900 Hughes, Robert William Papers, 1818-1900 Mss. 39.2 H87

Inventory of the Robert William Hughes Papers 1818-1900

A Collection in the
Manuscripts and Rare Books Department
Collection Number Mss. 39.2 H87


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Repository
Special Collections, Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary
Collection number
Mss. 39.2 H87
Title
Inventory of the Robert William Hughes Papers 1818-1900
Extent
103 items.
Creators
Louis Agassiz, Chester Alan Arthur, George Bancroft, Benjamin F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin), Lewis Cass, Claudius Crozet, J.L.M. Curry(Jabez Lamar Monroe), John Moncure Daniel, J.D.B. De Bow(James Dunwoody Brownson), Benjamin Stoddert Ewell, Ulysses S. Grant (Ulysses Simpson), J.B.H. (James Barron Hope), Robert William Hughes, G. P. R. James (George Payne Rainsford), Joseph E. Johnston (Joseph Eggleston), James Longstreet, William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, John Singleton Mosby, Alfred Magill Randolph.
Language
English
Abstract
Papers, mainly 1865-1900, of Robert William Hughes (1821-1901), journalist, Republican politician, and United States District Judge, of Abingdon and Norfolk, Va.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open to all researchers.

Publication Rights/Restrictions on Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred Citation

Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Acquisition Information

Gift: 103 items, 10/14/1937.

Biographical/Historical Information

Robert William Hughes was born at Muddy Creek Plantation, Powhatan County, Va. in 1821. His parents died in 1822 and he was raised by Edward C. Carrington and Eliza Preston Carrington. He attended Caldwell Institute, Greensboro, N. C. and studied law in Fincastle, Va. He married Eliza M. Johnston, niece of Joseph E. Johnston and the adopted daughter and niece of John B. Floyd. Hughes' son was Robert Morton Hughes. Robert William Hughes was a newspaper editor and federal district attorney. Involved in post Civil War Republican Party politics, he was nominated for governor of Virginia and for Congress but did not win. He was appointed judge of the federal court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Chronology

16 Jan. 1821 Born at Muddy Creek Plantation, Powhatan Co., Va., the son of Jesse and Elizabeth Woodson (Morton) Hughes.
1822 Both parents died, and Hughes was raised by Gen. Edward C. Carrington and his wife, Eliza(Preston) Carrington of Halifax Co., Va. (family relationship not known).
Ca. 1833-1837 "put to the carpenter's trade in Princeton, N.J. "
Ca. 1837-1838 Attended Caldwell Institute, Greensboro, N.C.
Ca. 1839 Tutor, Bingham High School, Hillsboro, N.C.
1843 Studied law, Fincastle, Va.
1846 Began practice of law, Richmond, Va.
4 June 1850 Married Eliza M. Johnston, (1825-1908), niece of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and niece and adopted daughter of John Buchanan and Sarah (Preston) Floyd.
1850 Began writing editorials for the Richmond Examiner.
1853-1857 Editor of the Richmond Examiner while regular editor in Europe.
1855 Birth of son, Robert Morton Hughes.
1857-1861 Editor of the Washington Union, and lived in home of Secretary of War John Buchanan Floyd.
1861 Birth of son, Floyd Hughes (2 other children died young)
1861 Because of "chronic disease" retired to a farm near Abingdon, Va., where General and Mrs. Floyd 1ived with the Hughes family .
1861-1864 Wrote for the Richmond Examiner, showing hostility toward Jefferson Davis' administration.
1865-1866 Edited the Richmond Republic, and generally pursued a course that considered "nimble"
1868 Delegate to National Democratic Convention.
1869-1870 Editor of the Richmond State Journal.
Ca. 1870 Wounded William E. Cameron in a duel.
1872 Named federal district attorney by Grant administration.
1872 Nominated for Congress but did not win.
1873 Nominated for Governor of Virginia but did not win.
1874 Named Judge of federal court for the Eastern District of Va.
1898 Resigned judgeship.
1901 Died at Abingdon, Va.

Source: Dictionary of American Biography ; Preston-Johnston-Floyd-Hughes genealogical chart.

Scope and Content Information

Papers, mainly 1865-1900, of Robert William Hughes (1821-1901), journalist, Republican politician, and United States District Judge, of Abingdon and Norfolk, Va. Included are family momentoes relating to Hughes' foster father, General Edward C. Carrington (1790-1855), and to Mrs. Hughes' father and brother, Charles C. (1795-1832) and John Preston Johnston (1821?-l847), articles written by Hughes on Virginia politics, newspapers, and horses, a few letters to Mrs. Hughes, and a scrapbook containing pamphlets and newspaper clippings of articles by Hughes or on subjects that interested Hughes, as well as a letter from J.H. Platt, Jr., Secretary, Union Congressional Republican Executive Committee, Washington, D.C., to Hughes, 17 Sept. 1870, concerning Virginia Republican politics.

Prominent correspondents include Louis Agassiz, Chester A. Arthur, George Bancroft, Benjamin F. Butler, Lewis Cass, Claudius Crozet, J.M.L. Curry, John Moncure Daniel, John Warwick Daniel, J.D.B. DeBow, Benjamin S. Ewell, Ulysses S. Grant, James Barron Hope, G.P.R. James, Joseph E. Johnston, W.H.F. Lee, James Longstreet, John S. Mosby, Bishop Alfred Magill Randolph, and William Fanning Wickham (concerning his father John Wickham and members of the Richmond Bar including John Marshall.)

Arrangement

Organization

This collection is organized into 2 Series: 1. Correspondence, and 2. Printed Material and Manuscript Volumes.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by date with those items without dates located at the end of the series. Series 1 is divided into subseries mostly by ten year increments.

Related Material

The John B. Floyd Papers, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, and Joseph E. Johnston Papers, are collections that relate to this collection, Robert William Hughes, which are located in Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

John B. Floyd Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. John Buchanan Floyd Papers, 1831-1863, 1850- 1863. 72 items. Collection number: Mss. 65 F59

Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Robert Morton Hughes Collection, 1715-1933, 1871- 1933. 238 items. Collection number: Mss. 65 H88

Joseph E. Johnston Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Joseph E. Johnston Papers, 1825-1891. 264 items. Collection number: Mss. 39.1 J63

Another related collection is the Robert Morton Hughes Papers, located in Special Collections, Perry Library, Old Dominion University. This collection in significant because of the correspondence and other papers originally belonging to several of Hughes' relatives including Judge Robert W. Hughes, Governor John B. Floyd, and General Joseph E. Johnston. The collection also contains personal and political correspondence regarding Robert Morton Hughes' legal practice, involvement in Virginia politics, activities in support of education, longtime association with the College of William and Mary, and service on the State Board of Education and the Board of Directors of the Norfolk Public Library.

Papers of Robert Morton Hughes, Special Collections, Perry Library, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. Papers of Robert Morton Hughes, 1767-1959. 39 Hollinger Flat Boxes; 5 Hollinger Oversized Boxes and Additional Bound Volumes. Collection number: MG-7

Index Terms

    Family Names:

  • Persons:

  • Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
  • Arthur, Chester Alan, 1829-1886.
  • Bancroft, George, 1800-1891.
  • Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818- 1893.
  • Cass, Lewis, 1782-1866.
  • Crozet, Claudius, 1790-1864.
  • Curry, J. L. M. (Jabez Lamar Monroe), 1825-1903.
  • Daniel, John Moncure, 1825-1865.
  • De Bow, J. D. B. (James Dunwoody Brownson), 1820-1867.
  • Ewell, Benjamin Stoddert, 1810-1894.
  • Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885.
  • J. B. H. (James Barron Hope), 1829-1887.
  • James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford), 1801?-1860.
  • Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807- 1891.
  • Lee, William Henry Fitzhugh, 1837-1891.
  • Longstreet, James, 1821-1904.
  • Marshall, John, 1755-1835.
  • Mosby, John Singleton, 1833-1916.
  • Randolph, Alfred Magill, 1836-1918.
  • Wickham, John, 1763-1839.
  • Subjects:

  • Railroads--Virginia.
  • Canals--United States.
  • Harbors--United States.
  • Horses--Virginia.
  • Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )
  • United States-- History--Civil War, 1861-1865.
  • United States--Politics and government-- 1865-1900.
  • Occupations:

  • Lawyers--Virginia--Correspondence.
  • Practice of law--Virginia--History.

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
  • Alfred Magill Randolph.
  • Arthur, Chester Alan, 1829-1886.
  • Bancroft, George, 1800-1891.
  • Benjamin F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin),
  • Benjamin Stoddert Ewell,
  • Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818- 1893.
  • Cass, Lewis, 1782-1866.
  • Chester Alan Arthur,
  • Claudius Crozet,
  • Crozet, Claudius, 1790-1864.
  • Curry, J. L. M. (Jabez Lamar Monroe), 1825-1903.
  • Daniel, John Moncure, 1825-1865.
  • De Bow, J. D. B. (James Dunwoody Brownson), 1820-1867.
  • Eliza M. Johnston,
  • Eliza(Preston) Carrington
  • Ewell, Benjamin Stoddert, 1810-1894.
  • Floyd Hughes
  • G. P. R. James (George Payne Rainsford),
  • Gen. Edward C. Carrington
  • Gen. Joseph E. Johnston
  • General and Mrs. Floyd
  • George Bancroft,
  • Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885.
  • Hughes
  • Hughes family
  • J. B. H. (James Barron Hope), 1829-1887.
  • J.B.H. (James Barron Hope),
  • J.D.B. De Bow(James Dunwoody Brownson),
  • J.L.M. Curry(Jabez Lamar Monroe),
  • James Longstreet,
  • James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford), 1801?-1860.
  • Jesse and Elizabeth Woodson (Morton) Hughes.
  • John Buchanan
  • John Buchanan Floyd.
  • John Moncure Daniel,
  • John Singleton Mosby,
  • Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807- 1891.
  • Joseph E. Johnston (Joseph Eggleston),
  • Lee, William Henry Fitzhugh, 1837-1891.
  • Lewis Cass,
  • Longstreet, James, 1821-1904.
  • Louis Agassiz,
  • Marshall, John, 1755-1835.
  • Mosby, John Singleton, 1833-1916.
  • Randolph, Alfred Magill, 1836-1918.
  • Robert Morton Hughes.
  • Robert William Hughes,
  • Sarah (Preston) Floyd.
  • Ulysses S. Grant (Ulysses Simpson),
  • Wickham, John, 1763-1839.
  • William E. Cameron
  • William Henry Fitzhugh Lee,

Significant Places Associated With the Collection

  • Abingdon, Va.
  • Abingdon, Va.,
  • Europe.
  • Fincastle, Va.
  • Greensboro, N.C.
  • Halifax Co., Va.
  • Hillsboro, N.C.
  • Muddy Creek Plantation, Powhatan Co., Va.,
  • Princeton, N.J.
  • Richmond, Va.

Components List

Correspondence, 1818-1900, n.d.
Folder 1-3
Series 1: Correspondence
  • Folder 1
    Subseries 1: Correspondence, 1810-1849.
    4 items.
    • Folder 1
      Legal document signed by Arch[ibald] Stuart, Creed Taylor, and W[illia]m Daniel, granting permission to Charles C. Johnston [Mrs. R.W. Hughes' father] to practice law in the state of Virginia, 28 Feb[ruar]y 1818.
      1 page. DS.
    • Folder 1
      J. P[reston] Johnstone [sic] [Johnston], [West Point, New York], to Eliza M. Johnstore [sic] [Johnston], [Abingdon, Virginia], 10 Aug. 1839.
      3 pages. PL & ALS.

      Invitation to a ball at West Point; and concerning the lack of letters from Eliza and relations.

    • Folder 1
      J. P[reston] Johnstone [sic] [Johnston], West Point, [New York] to Eliza M. Johnstone [sic] [Johnston], Abingdon, Virginia, 6 Aug. 1842.
      1 page. PLS.

      Invitation to a West Point ball.

    • Folder 1
      License for Edward C. Carrington [R.W. Hughes' foster father] to practice as counsel and attorney in Virginia, 8 June 1842.
      Physical Location: See Oversize File.
      1 page. DS.

      Signed by W[illia]m H. Cabell, John B. Clopton [?], and P.M. Nicholas.

  • Folder 1
    Subseries 2: Correspondence, 1950-1959.
    9 items.
    • Folder 1
      A.S. Johnston, n.p., to "his fair cousin" [Eliza M. Johnston], n.p., [ante 1850].
      1 page. AL.

      Invitation to dinner written in the third person.

    • Folder 1
      L. Agassiz, Cambridge, [Massachusetts], to R.W. Hughes, Richmond, [Virginia], 15 Oct. 1853.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerns Agassiz's proposed publication on the natural history of the fishes of the United States.

    • Folder 1
      James McDowell, Lexington, Virginia, to Rob[er]t W. Hughes, Richmond, Virginia, 27 July 1854.
      1 page. ALS.

      Discussion of a financial situation involving him [McDowell] as an administrator of a certain account.

    • Folder 1
      Deed given by Robert W. Hughes to James H. Conway covering a tenement on 13th Street in the city of Richmond, 3 October 1854.
      3 pages. ADS.
    • Folder 1
      George Bancroft, New York, [New York], to Ro[bert] W. Hughes, Richmond, Virginia, 16 Nov. 1855.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Concerning papers forwarded to R.W.H. received from Mr. Floyd.

    • Folder 1
      Florence James, Richmond, Virginia, to Mrs. [Robert W.] Hughes, care of J[ohn] B. Floyd, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C., 23 Sept. 18[ca. 57-60].
      14 pages. ALS.

      Concerning the Hughes' European trip and Richmond news, especially the Wise-Clement duel.

    • Folder 1
      Ro[bert] W. Hughes, Washington, [D.C.], to Dr. Ja[me]s H. Conway, n.p., 10 April 1858.
      1 page. ALS.

      Asks him to deposit interest due in the Exchange Bank in Richmond.

    • Folder 1
      Lewis Cass, n.p., to [Robert W.] Hughes, n.p., 23 Feb. 1859.
      1 page. ALS.

      Encloses informational abstract which he feels will be of sufficient importance to the public.

    • Folder 1
      Ro[bert] W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, to Dr. Ja[me]s H. Conway, n.p., 8 Oct. 1859.
      1 page. ALS.

      Asks him to deposit in the Exchange Bank of Richmond the principal and interest due on Conway's purchase of a house.

  • Folder 1
    Subseries 3: Correspondence, 1960-1969.
    12 items.
    • Folder 1
      Ro[bert] W. Hughes, Washington City [D.C.], to Dr. [James H.] Conway, n.p., 20 April 1860.
      1 page. ALS.

      Asks Conway to deposit the semi-annual interest in the Exchange Bank in Richmond.

    • Folder 1
      C. Crozet, Goodson, [Virginia], to R.W. Hughes, [Abingdon, Virginia?], 6 April 1861.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerns the construction of a railroad and difficulties encountered in obtaining materials.

    • Folder 1
      John Fraser, Richmond, Virginia, to Robert W. Hughes, n.p., 16 Jan. 1862.
      1 page. DS.

      Receipt for $1150.00 for purchase of two negro slaves, Myra and child, Longa.

    • Folder 1
      D.B. Baldwin, Capt. and Enrolling Officer for 13th Con[gressional] District, [Virginia], n.p., to Ro[bert] W. Hughes, n.p., 4 August 1863.
      1 page. PDS.

      Exemption from military service by reason of being an employee of the Richmond Examiner .

    • Folder 1
      Pardon for R.W. Hughes for his part in the "rebellion against the Government of the United States" from Andrew Johnson with a surrogate signature of Andrew Johnson and signed by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, 26 Oct. 1865.
      Physical Location: See Medium Oversize File.
      2 pages. PDS.
    • Folder 1
      J.D.B. DeBow, N[ew] York, [New York], to R.W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 20 Feb. 1866.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerning the cost of reprints of an article by Hughes in DeBow's Review .

    • Folder 1
      Ro[bert] W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, to Col. T.H. Ellis, n.p., 25 March 1866.
      9 pages. ADfS. Including a TCy of 6 pages.

      Regarding a canal from Virginia to the Ohio River.

    • Folder 1
      H.J. Raymond, N[ew] Y[ork], [New York], to [R. W. Hughes], n.p., 1 May 1867.
      3 pages. ALs.

      Concerning "your letter" which throws light on the political situation in Virginia, expressing confidence in Grant and his election; requesting that "My Dear Sir" write a letter every week or ten days "on the varying aspects of affairs political, economical, social, and general in Virginia and the South ?"; and the temper of the Republican party.

    • Folder 1
      Manton Marble, "The World" Office, New York, [New York], to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 25 March 1868.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Concerns a proposed literary work of Hughes and the enfranchisement of Negroes in the current political climate.

    • Folder 1
      M.F. Maury, Office of Physical Survey, Richmond, Virginia, to R[obert] W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 17 Sept. 1868.
      14 pages. LS.

      Concerning ports and shipping on the East coast.

    • Folder 1
      J.W. Forney, n.p., to Ro[bert] W. Hughes, n.p., [ca. 1869-1870].
      4 pages. ALS.

      Expresses his sympathy to Hughes concerning the defeat of the Republican party in Virginia.

    • Folder 1
      Benj[amin] F. Butler, Washington, [D.C.], to H.A. Bond, Richmond, Virginia, 14 M[ar]ch 1869.
      1 page. LS.

      Concerning the removal of political disabilities from Rob[er]t W. Hughes.

  • Folder 1-2
    Series 4: Correspondence, 1870-1879.
    28 items.
    • Folder 1
      John W. Brockenbrough, Lexington, Virginia, to Col. R.W. Hughes Abingdon, Virginia, 29 April 1871.
      1 page. ALS.

      Thanks Hughes for the check for $350.00 and his expressions of congratulations on the restoration of his health.

    • Folder 1
      G.C. Walker [Governor of Virginia], to Col . R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 7 Sept. 1871.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Discusses Virginia state finances.

    • Folder 1
      Geo[rge] H. Williams, Department of Justice, Washington, [D.C.], to R[obert] W. Hughes, U.S. Attorney, Abingdon, Virginia, 18 Dec. 1872.
      2 pages. LS.

      Concerns the resignation of Mr. Slater as Hughes' assistant.

    • Folder 1
      John W. Johnston, Abingdon, [Virginia] to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 27 Dec. 1872.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Discusses his financial concerns, including meeting a note due to Hughes in January.

    • Folder 1
      W.G. Brownlow, Knoxville, [Tennessee.],to R.W. Hughes, Abingdon [Virginia], 27 May 1873.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Asks Hughes' support of his nephew, Henry C. Brownlow, of Abingdon, for the office of Postmaster.

    • Folder 1
      Alex Rules [?], Ionia, Louisa County, [Virginia], to Col. [Robert W.] Hughes, n.p., 14 July 1873.
      1 page. ALS.

      Requests Hughes to prepare resolutions and an address for party platform. Believes Hughes will be nominated without serious opposition.

    • Folder 1
      James Longstreet, Lynchburg, Virginia, to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 3 Sept. 1873.
      4 pages. ALS.

      Concerning the charges made by Col. Withers in his "Warrenton speech" against Longstreet.

    • Folder 2
      John F. Lewis, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., to Judge [Robert W. Hughes], n.p., 14 Jan 1874.
      1 page. ALS.

      Thanks Hughes for his note of acknowledgment of his [Lewis'] favor [confirmation of Hughes as Judge].

    • Folder 2
      James H. Platt, Jr., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., to R.W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 29 March 1874.
      1 page. LS.

      Asks Hughes to return Hambleton's Life of Wise.

    • Folder 2
      Jos[eph] Segar, Washington [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 31 March [18]74.
      3 pages. AL.

      Requests Hughes' assistance in obtaining a government position.

    • Folder 2
      Joseph P. Bradley, Washington, [D.C.], to [R.W. Hughes?], 11 Dec. 1874.
      1 page. ALS.

      Acknowledges receipt of opinion regarding the Petersburg, [Virginia] election cases.

    • Folder 2
      D.W. Lynch, n.p., to Judge R[obert] W. Hughes, "at Home," 12 January [18]75.
      1 page. ALS.

      Complains about the condition of the division fence between Hughes and Lynch's mother.

    • Folder 2
      Z[achariah] Chandler, Secretary, Department of the Interior, Washington, [D.C.], to R[obert] W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 1 April 1876.
      1 page. LS.

      Requesting information about possible charges against L.H. Chandler.

    • Folder 2
      John S. Mosby, Washington, D.C., to R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 19 April 1876.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerning the postponement of an appointment until the President [Grant] can see Hughes.

    • Folder 2
      Roscoe Conkling, United States Senate Chamber, Washington [D.C.], to R[obert] W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 23 June 1876.
      1 page. ALS.

      Thanking Hughes for his letter and generous interest.

    • Folder 2
      Geo[rge] B. Harrison, Richmond, Virginia, to Mrs. R[obert] W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 27 Sept. 1876.
      1 page. ALS.

      Encloses autograph of W[illiam] H[enry] Harrison as frank on envelope addressed to Benjamin Harrison, Berke1ey, Charles City C[ourt] H[ouse], Virginia, and postmarked Washington, D.C., 18 March, New York, giving details and authentification.

    • Folder 2
      U.S. Grant, Washington, [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, U.S. District Judge of the Eastern District of Virginia, n.p., 4 Nov. 1876.
      1 page. LS.

      Concerning Hughes' attendance at Petersburg, Virginia, in November for the purposes mentioned in Section 1988 of said Revised Statutes.

    • Folder 2
      Geo[rge] S. Bryan, Charleston, S.C., to R[obert] W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 3 March [18]77.
      4 pages. ALS.

      Regrets to inform Hughes that he really has "very little, indeed of all that I have to me, that is worthily embodied," [for publication], relating to his work.

    • Folder 2
      M[orrison] R[emick] Waite, Charleston, S.C., to Ro[bert] W. Hughes, n.p., 22 May 1877.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Discussion of upcoming resignation of Forbes[?] and filling the vacancy. Also relates opinions in the "Olen case."

    • Folder 2
      D[avid] M[cKendree] Key, Post Office Department, Washington, [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 9 June 1877.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerning the appointment of Mr. Potts as Postmaster at Petersburg; Hughes' letter on the Petersburg matter has been referred to the President [Grant].

    • Folder 2
      Geo[rge] F[ranklin] Edmunds, United States Senate Chamber, Washington, [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 26 Dec. 1877.
      1 page. ALS.

      Received Hughes' note, and is appreciative of his verification of the state of things [?], even though sorrowful.

    • Folder 2
      Cha[rle]s Devens, Washington, [D.C.], to Robert W. Hughes, n.p., 25 March [18]78.
      1 page. ALS.

      Has received Hughes' opinion of the Lee vs. Kaufman case, and is appreciative.

    • Folder 2
      W[illia]m J. Robertson, Charlottesville, Virginia, to Robert W. Hughes, [Norfolk, Virginia?], 26 March 1878.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerning the Arlington case and Hughes' conclusive opinions to which "You can, I think, safely afford to rest your judicial reputation upon it" and Robertson's plan to attend the sale of the C. & 0. Railroad in Virginia, on the 2nd of April.

    • Folder 2
      Bela M. Hughes, Denver, Colorado, to Rob[er]t W. Hughes, n.p., 7 Oct. [18]78.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Concerning the trial of Dr. Baylor[?] in Denver, Co., and Bela Hughes' grandfather who lived in Augusta Co., Virginia

    • Folder 2
      Jo[h]n Jay Knox, Office of Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury Department, Washington, [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 15 Oct. 1878.
      2 pages. LS.

      Acknowledges receipt of two newspaper articles by Hughes concerning currency questions.

    • Folder 2
      W[illia]m F[anning] Wickham, near Hanover C[our]t House, [Virginia], to R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 20 March 1879.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Reminisces about his father and his friends, including John Marshall, William Wirt, George Hay, William Call, George K. Taylor, and others, and their days as members of the Bar.

    • Folder 2
      R[andall] L[ee] Gibson, White Sulphur Springs, W. Virginia, to [Robert W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia], 19 Sept. 1879.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Hopes to visit him and Mrs. Hughes in Norfolk.

    • Folder 2
      [William Preston, Lexington, Kentucky], to Ro[bert] W[illiam] Hughes, [Norfolk, Virginia?], 25 Sept. 1879.
      8 pages. AL. (signature clipped).

      Concerning the Arlington case and Mr. Willoughby's brief.

  • Folder 2-3
    Correspondence, 1880-1889.
    22 items.
    • Folder 2
      J[ames] B[radley] Thayer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to R[obert] W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 13 Ap[ri] 1 1880.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Discusses texts and methods of teaching lectures used at Harvard Law School, at which he is a professor.

    • Folder 2
      W[illia]m Green, Richmond, [Virginia], to Robert W. Hughes, n.p., 2 June 1880.
      1 page. ALS.

      Reference question concerning legal books and their whereabouts.

    • Folder 2
      John Sherman, Treasury Department, Washington, [D.C.] to Ro[ber]t W. Hughes, n.p., 14 Dec. 1880.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Concerning John Tyler, Jr.'s request to provide a position for a Mr. Spitzer, the President's [R.B. Hayes] concurrence, and Sherman's election to the Senate.

    • Folder 2
      J[ames] B[arron] H[ope], n.p., to R.W. Hughes, n.p., [ca. 1880].
      1 page. ALS.

      Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Robby [R.W. Hughes] on the arrival of a little boy.

    • Folder 2
      T.C. Platt, New York, [New York], to Judge [Robert W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia], 3 Feb. 1881.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Concerning Republican politics and the Presidential election of 1880.

    • Folder 2
      Benj[amin] S. Ewell, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, to Robert W. Hughes, n.p., 24 March 1881.
      1 page. ALS.

      Thanks Hughes for a copy of a letter he wrote and states his desire to use it, if published, to teach the students at William and Mary.

    • Folder 2
      Ja[me]s G. Field, Attorney General's Office, Richmond, Virginia, to R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 28 Ap[ri]1 1881.
      10 pages. ALS.

      Concerning a thank you for "A Chapter of Personal and Political History," written by Hughes. Comments about conclusions reached by RWH in article, and Field's explanation of his differing view of certain points in the article.

    • Folder 2
      M.E.R., Oxford, [England], to Mrs. Judge [Eliza M. (Johnston)] Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 1 Aug. [18]18.
      1 page. ALS.

      Lists the itinerary of her travels in Ireland, Scotland, and England; has enjoyed seeing the autographs of great men.

    • Folder 2
      James Barron Hope, Norfolk, [Virginia], to Mrs. R.W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 23 Oct. 1881.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Is sending the Landmark with extracts from his verses.

    • Folder 3
      Chester A. Arthur, Executive Mansion, Washington, [D.C.], to Robert W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 17 January 1882.
      1 page. LS.

      Received Hughes' letter of the 7th and will give it due consideration.

    • Folder 3
      Benjamin Harris Brewster, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., to R.W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 20 March 1882.
      1 page. TLS.

      Received Hughes' letter regarding Judge L. Lewis for United States Attorney for the Norfolk District, and will give it due consideration.

    • Folder 3
      John Paul, Harrisonburg, Virginia, to Judge [Robert W. Hughes?], n.p., 21 Nov. 1882.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Paul's election as judge is being contested and he will not withdraw under fire.

    • Folder 3
      W[illia]m D. Shipman, New York, [New York], to Judge [Robert W.] Huges [sic], Norfolk, Virginia, 5 Dec. 1882.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerns Judge Hughes' decision in the Washington case, and Mr. Shipman's re-argument thereof.

    • Folder 3
      E.G. Burks, Liberty, [Virginia], to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 22 January 1883.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Asks advice on the purchase of law books relating to federal practice.

    • Folder 3
      E.B. Washburn, Ex-Minister to France, Chicago, Illinois, to R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 20 Nov. 1883.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Thanks Hughes for his letter about the Coles family, and praises Gov. Edward Coles for his work for the state of Illinois.

    • Folder 3
      W[illia]m Butler, Eastern District of Penn[sylvania], Philad[elphi]a, [Pennsylvania], to Robert W. Hughes, [Norfolk, Virginia], 11 March 1884.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerning recommendation for admitting of Edward J. Fox into the Bar and his character and integrity.

    • Folder 3
      Dan[iel] B. Lucas, Charlestown, W. Virginia, to Judge R.H. [sic] [W.] Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 27 April 1884.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerns publication of Lucas' address on John Randolph.

    • Folder 3
      J.G. Armstrong, St. Philip's Rectory, Atlanta, Ga., to Judge [Robert W. Hughes] n.p., 9 Feb. 1886.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Regarding an ecclesiastical law case.

    • Folder 3
      J.G. Armstrong, St. Philip's Rectory, Atlanta, Georgia, to Judge [Robert W. Hughes], n.p., 26 Feb. 1886.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Regarding an ecclesiastical law case.

    • Folder 3
      Oden Bowie, Baltimore, [Maryland], to Judge [Robert W. Hughes], n.p., 21 March 1887.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Reply to letter concerning the death of a horse, Gabriel.

    • Folder 3
      J[oseph] E. Johnston, Washington, D.C., to "Lizzy" [Eliza M. (Johnston) Hughes], 17 Sep[tembe]r 1887.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Has been busy preparing a report for the Secretary of the Interior. Hopes to visit them and see the growth "of the town of which I have heard much."

    • Folder 3
      W[illiam] H[enry] F[itzhugh] Lee, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., to R[obert] W. Hughes, Circuit Court, Richmond, [Virginia], 24 Oct. 1888.
      1 page. ALS.

      Hughes' letter received concerning his [Lee's] absence from the caucus; as soon as election is over, will comply with his request.

    • Folder 3
      Rough draft of an article written by R.W. Hughes on the history of certain Richmond newspapers, [ca. 1890].
      16 pages. ADf.
  • Folder 3
    Subseries 6: Correspondence, 1890-1900.
    6 items.
    • Folder 3
      M[elville] W[eston] Fuller, Washington, [D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, n.p., 2 April 1890.
      1 page. ALS.

      Noticed that Hughes recently heard a case concerning the constitutionality of the Virginia Dressed Beef Law, and comments that he too will be handing down an opinion shortly involving a similar case from Minnesota, with Indiana also involved.

    • Folder 3
      J[abez] L[amar] M[onroe] Curry, [Washington, D.C.], to R.W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, 31 Jan. 1896.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Concerning Curry's inquiry and receipt of documents for use in an address; information regarding his relationship with Gen. [Joseph E.] Johnston; and duties during Mr. Buchanan's administration.

    • Folder 3
      Jo[h]n W. Daniel, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C., to R[obert] W. Hughes, n.p., 14 Dec. 1896.
      2 pages. ALS.

      Concerning expenses for a stenographer, silver and politics, and mention of McKinley.

    • Folder 3
      A[lfred] M[agill] Randolph, Norfolk, Virginia, to Mrs. [Robert W.] Hughes, n.p., 27 January 1900.
      1 page. ALS.

      Acknowledges receipt of a pair of socks knitted by Mrs. Hughes.

    • Folder 3
      W.N. Armstrong, University Club, [New York], New York to Judge [Robert W.] Hughes, n.p., 29 M[arch] [l9]00.
      3 pages. ALS.

      Thanks Hughes for the manuscripts and papers concerning the [Civil War], and relates the feeling of his club as one of "much to learn on the great question which split North and South."

  • Folder 3
    Subseries 7: Correspondence, n.d.
    7 items.
    • Folder 3
      J[ohn] M[oncure] Daniel, n.p., to "My dear Sir" [Robert W. Hughes?], n.p., n.d.
      1 page. ALS.

      Explains that he cannot give editorial support in elections.

    • Folder 3
      D[avid] Davis, n.p. to Judge Ro[bert] W. Hughes, U.S. Court Room, Norfolk, Virginia, n.d.
      1 page. ALS.

      Received Hughes' letter of the 5th and comments on the date that the Judiciary Bill will be introduced to the Senate.

    • Folder 3
      B[asil] W[ilson] Duke, n.p. to Col. Rob[ert] [W.] Hughes, n.p., n.d.
      1 page. ANS.

      Called to see but Hughes wasn't in; enclosed the pedigree of "Skidaddle," which he requested.

    • Folder 3
      G[eorge] P[ayne] R[ainsford] James, n.p., to [R.W.] Hughes, n.p., n.d.
      1 page. ALS.

      Asks him to meet Dr. Mackay at four o'clock.

    • Folder 3
      Certificate stating that Miss E[liza] M. Johnson [sic] [Johnston] contributed $1.00 to the erection of the Washington Monument, Washington, [D.C.], n.d.
      1 page. PM. Drawing.

      Contains drawing of proposed monument.

    • Folder 3
      Card of invitation of Sir W[illia]m Gore and Lady Ouseley to Mr. and Mrs. [Robert W.] Hughes for dinner, n.d.
      1 page. C.
    • Folder 3
      H[enry] H[oratio] Wells and Charles Whittlesey, n.p., to R.W. Hughes, n.p., n.d.
      1 page. ALS.

      Concerns an order furnished by Mr. Forbes in the case of Smith, a bankrupt, in United States District Court.

Printed Material and Manuscript Volumes, 1829-1897.
Folder 4
20 items.
Series 2
  • Folder 4
    Numerous articles about horses written by various people, printed in the American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine, 1829-1830.
    9 items. PM.
  • Folder 4
    Editorial entitled "Judge Hughes' Letter" printed in the Valley Virginian, Staunton, Virginia, 16 January 1879.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    1 item. N.

    Discusses Robert W. Hughes' opinion of the constitutionality of the [Virginia] Funding Bill of 1871, which also had been published by the Valley Virginian [not included].

  • Folder 4
    Article printed in the Turf, Field, and Farm, New York, New York, 4 February 1881.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    1 item. N.

    Discusses opinions expressed by Judge Robert W. Hughes to Maj. Thomas W. Doswell, 20 January 1881, about "Where to Breed the Thoroughbred Horse." Including 4 Cys of NC1s of the aforementioned letter printed in The State, Richmond, Virginia, 11 February 1881.

  • Folder 4
    Opinion handed down by Judge Robert W. Hughes in the case of Faune vs. The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of Virginia, discussing the state debt, August 1884.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    1 item. NCl.

    Printed in a Richmond newspaper.

  • Folder 4
    Letter printed in the Richmond Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, from Ro[bert] W. Hughes, n.p., to Dr. D.S. Watson, Louisa Co., Virginia, 23 April 1886.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    2 items. 2 Cys of NCls.

    Discusses Virginia as the home of the thoroughbred trotter.

  • Folder 4
    Letter printed in the Richmond Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, from Robert W. Hughes, Norfolk, Virginia, to Col. Saunders D. Bruce, n.p., 9 April 1887, giving Hughes' opinion about fast trotters coming from thoroughbreds, 10 April 1887.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    2 items. 2 Cys of NCls.
  • Folder 4
    Printed text of Centennial Address delivered by Judge Robert W. Hughes to Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, entitled "Chief Justice Marshall and his Work," 14 June 1887.
    2 items. 2 Cys of PV.
  • Folder 4
    Reprint of address delivered by Judge Robert W. Hughes before the Virginia Press Association entitled "Editors of the Past," 22 June 1897, in The Times, Richmond, Virginia, 27 June 1897.
    Physical Location: See Oversize File.
    1 item. NCl.
  • Folder 4
    Scrapbook No. 1 of Ro[bert] William Hughes, n.d.

    Contains pamphlets and newspaper clippings of various articles by him, and articles that interested him. Also includes J.H. Platt, Jr., Secretary, Union Congressional Republican Executive Committee, Washington, D.C., to R.W. Hughes, Abingdon, Virginia, 17 Sept. 1870.