Abstract Letter from mother at Blakely to JAW at UVA. Interesting description of the resignation of John Augustine Washington's brother, Richard Scott Blackburn Washington, from the Virginia Military Institute. Mentions considerable correspondence with Francis Henney Smith, first Superintendent of VMI: "Yesterday I received letters from Major Smith and Richard. Richard passed his exmination in Math and failed in French, was however excused on account of the impediment in his speech. He wrote to...

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Chatty letter from mother at Blakely to JAW at UVA about family matters. Stated to be undated, but annotated with "April 15, 1841." Includes "Your sister Hannah has another fine boy, is doing well, and your Aunt C as usual the faithful and indefatigable nurse."

Abstract Letter from mother at Blakely to JAW, including notation "Received of John A. Washington five hundred dollars in full of Rent due me by him [for Mount Vernon] for the year 1846" {Until his mother's death John A. Washington had to pay $500 per year rent for Mount Vernon]. Body of letter reads: "I received your letter enclosing the check for $469.55 last evening. I thank you my dear Augustine for your prompt attention... When I wrote you, corn was very low, and it was difficult to make ready...

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Sent from Granstville, Alleghany County, MD - discusses Muddy-Hole land [at Mt. Vernon]; references death of "your Brother Thomas' sweet little daughter" [may be Thomas Blackburn Alexander?]

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[This item is likely related to Bullskin Creek property near present-day Jefferson County West Virginia, formerly Frederick County in Virginia. It is not clear who wrote the letter [someone's Grand Daughter with initials "E.W."]

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Letter sent "from Baltimore" to JAW "at Berman near Alexandria" appears to make reference to the disciplining of a slave: "I have just reeived your letter my beloved Husband and I assure you I was chatmed to hear from you, and truly thankful that you were well, and had so little sickness among the Servants. I sincerely sympathized with you in the distressing duty you had to perform. I think there are few persons who would have put up with Sally's conduct as long as you did."

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Letter sent from Blakely to Mount Vernon mostly about household matters but references problem with slave: "You must indeed, my Son, have a lonely time & I am grieved to hear from your letter to your dear Wife that the Servants have given you so much trouble. Poor foolish Sally. I feel distressed at her continued folly but do not blame you for the course you have taken. I wish most earnestly it may have a good effect in deterring the other Servants from like misconduct"

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Letter from gradnson of colonial George Mason written from Hollin Hall, VA concerning the shipping of one of JAW's slaves [exact date uncertain]. A note states "the purchasing and rental of slaves was part of an effort to keep Mount Vernon solvent." It appears that one of Washington's leased slaves was not punished when others were.

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Letter from JAW's uncle. Description of impact of turnpike on property. It also mentions discussing the matter with JAW's mother.

Abstract Letter from JAW's mother at Blakely mostly concerning the death of his uncle, Bushrod, but also containing aAn interesting reference to inheritance of slaves: "A few hours before his death, he awoke from a deep sleep pefectly collected in mind, and asked for Mr. Cook, who was in the adjoining room and immediately came in. Bushrod then asked for his will & desired Dr. Cordell to sign his name for him to a coicil to the will, wherein he had given the negroes which he received from Maria...

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Undated, but likely 1852. Chatty letter about family. States "I am going to ride to town this morning and shall make a few visits to Annie Lee [Anne Elizabeth Gardner lee] and such. I have not seen Annie sincethe birth of her son "Francis Dupont" [b. January 23, 1852 = Rev. Francis Dupont Lee]

Also states "With love to dear Augusitine (for I have indeed dear Nelly learned to love him very much he is so kind and affectionate)"

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Short letter from Charlestown. JAW apparently sent her a check "It will enable me to pay Mrs. Barton."

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Family letter from Mt. Ida sent to Blakely with a great many names mentioned. She notes "there is much dysentary all through the country and town." She also mentions "Dr. Powell came to see me and I took a good deal of medicineand feel better than I have for a long time before and but for a certain sickness which I fear will take nine months to relieve me of (this is only for yourself remember) I should be perfectly well."

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Short letter to his brother mentions paying various bills and getting behind in farming work. Also "We are all well except Louisa who has had the measles, but is almost well."

Abstract Chatty family letter sent from Mt. Ida to Blakely. Interesting reference to a "General Sparrow:" When we got back we found in Alexandria brother Nelson's ship and friends. General Sparrow and his family--and of course we had to go and see them and entertain them. They ate very charming people. I can't tell when I have seen a lady I have admired more than Mrs. Sparrow. General S is a brother of Dr. Sparrow & a man great wealth. They were at Mt.V and Augustine saw them and treated...

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Short letter from teacher at Mt. Vernon requesting funds. [An answer was written on the bottom of the letter stating "Sent a check for $150.00 in reply to above.]

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Thank you note for sending paycheck.

Abstract Letter from Meadea, Pennsylvania states she must wait on a conversation with her mother before accepting position to teach for another year. Letter includes a note from Mary Custis Lee on the reverse. Transcription: "Miss H has sent this letter thro'me, which I forward immediately. You can answer as you judge best. I hope this spring that Mrs. W and yourself will pay me that long promised visit. I was only in jest when I said I could not go to Mt. Vernon until she came here. I shall...