Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891

Draft. Colonel Washington's wife who has never seen Mount Vernon, accepts Regent's invitation, gives information about Farewell Address. His mistakes due to information given by Mr. Weller. Dr. Prince's article in Observer somewhat retracts first unfavorable article. ER-2, p. 173

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Plans to visit Mount Vernon to make additional notes and sketches for his new, enlarged edition of Home of Washington. Plans for raising funds for Mount Vernon; favors congressional aid. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Has just returned from several days away and is too overwhelmed with his business to write more than a few lines for now. Tells her not to worry, "It is always darkest just before daylight." ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. La Grange, New York. Urges patience, an "antidote" in the Observer to Dr. Prince's letter published promptly. Thinks public will not subscribe for purchase of high price relics Mr. Washington offers. Refers to Washington's Farewell Address, rough draft and perfected copy owned by Mrs. Lennox of New York to be given to his library (paid $2500). Thinks authenticity of Frederick's sword would be questioned. Urges an endowment fund be obtained. ER-8, p. 158

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Comments on Commodore Vanderbilt's wife's refusal to contribute to Mount Vernon. Discourages attempt to raise fund for relics at high price offered, but rather to continue attempts for restoration. Questions Washington's statements re high prices offered him for relics. Statement made by Mr. Strider, reasons for secrecy in sale, part played by Union League in New York. Refuses to be party to any secret attempt to raise funds. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Declares his "profound reference" for the Regent and admiration for her work. Is honored to work with the MVLA. Refers to Mr. Washington, Mr. Butterfield and Mrs. Weller. Comments on frauds re relics. Authenticity of Frederick's sword. Dr. Prince asks Mrs.Halsted for a Mount Vernon article in the New York Observer. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Received Mrs. Halsted's article in New York Observer with editorial remark. Asks Dr. Prince for a column under Lossing's name which will give facts. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Dr. Prince gives column in New York Observer for signed article by Benson Lossing. Has written same in substance as in new edition of "Mount Vernon." ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Dr. Prince has postponed printing Lossing's signed article by one week. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Glad she liked New York Observer's article. "Home of Washington" will be published next week. Suggests selling it at Mount Vernon; to be sold by subscription only. Gives terms of publishers offer MVLA. ER-3, p. 292

A.L.S. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Gives permission to use engravings in his book. Suggests process of reproduction to be used. Regrets Association finances are lowbut is sure cause will succeed and pledges his own efforts. ER-3, p. 291

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Plans to go to Philadelphia on his way to Mount Vernon and spend Saturday at Historical Society rooms, acquiring material for new edition of "Mount Vernon." Explains that his time and money have been spent on building up his farm, what he has written, increase in sale of his books and magazine articles, lectures to be given. Hopes to complete Mount Vernon book before Feb. 20. Refers to a biography to be written. ER-3, p. 293, A-258

A.L.S. Washington. Went to Alexandria by rail and in a rickety carriage to Mount Vernon. Regent not back from S.C. Spent day with Mrs. Tiffey, dined in Library. "Something must be done to make Mount Vernon credible to the nation." Attended General Sherman's reception. Describes Prince Arthur of England. ER-3, p. 293, A-258

A.L.S. Poughkeepsie, New York. Mary Morris Hamilton may use his name on Advisory Board. Mrs. Lossing will serve as a Lady Manager. Will plan publication of Appeal and other publicity. ER-12, p. 210

A.L.S. Poughkeepsie. Calls on Harper Bros. and will try to have an illus. article in Harper's Weekly. Lossing visited MV in July 1854, describes careful drawings of Mansion including some of outbuildings and stables "which stand as Washington left them"; also drawing of Vaughan mantel. Reports Harper's favorable to MV plan. Describes Mrs. Lossing's plan to organize children's campaign for funds. p. 210

A.L.S. Russell Hotel, Quebec. Harper Bros. will take an illustrated article on MV for February no. Will go to MV in Sept. to make sketches. ER-12, p. 210

A.L.S. Marked "confidential." Concerning publication rights and royalties for his work "Eminent Americans," following the bankruptcy of his publisher. RM-718, ER-4894, A-313.

A.L.S. Dover Plains, New York. Thanks him for information sent and the invitation to visit Mount Vernon to see improvements. ER-8, p. 158

A.L.S. Dover Plains, New York. Asks how many copies of his book have been sold at Mount Vernon during 1876 and 1877. Fears his publisher's accounting inaccurate. Refers to Hollingsworth's letter that Lossing published on Houdon Bust. ER-7, p. 286

Copy. Dover. Receives Regent's letter enclosing Mr. Hollingsworth's letter to Mrs. Halsted. Has written an article for the December number of American Historical Magazine re Mount Vernon's problems. ER-7, p. 285

A.L.S. Poughkeepsie. Rec'd circular letter re grand festival for MV fund. Offers his name in promotion of same. ER-12, p. 210

A.L.S. Poughkeepsie. Sends a poem by W.T.R. Saffell, Ellicott's Mills, Mds. Which may be set to music and sold for MV fund. Reports progress on Harper's article and Appeal, also work Mrs. Lossing is doing. ER-12, p. 210

Poughkeepsie. Apologizes for keeping enclosed picture so long.

A.L.S. Dover, New York. Will follow Mrs. Halsted's article in Dr. Prince's Observer with an account of his visit to Mount Vernon in January 1870. Will call on Dr. Prince when in New York. Declares "most profound reverence for the character and services of Miss Cunningham…and feel it a privilege to do what I may...in holding up her hands...until victory shall be secured." ER-8, p. 157

A.L.S. Dover. Seconds her views re Mount Vernon restorations. Sends picture of Summer House which he carefully made in 1855. Can depend upon its accuracy in form, proportions, etc. Comments on his drawings and engravings of South end of Mansion with portico. May have original drawing. Asks if Miss Cunningham has retired. Advocates reproducing original colonnade, also Summer House. ER-7, p. 284

A.L.S. Dover Plains, New York. Sends engraving showing chairs sketched at Mount Vernon, Arlington House, etc. Owns counterpart of chair from house where General Schuyler was tried for loss of Ticonderoga (1778). Shakers manufacture old designs. Asks her to answer D.P. Smith's criticism of Mount Vernon management. ER-7, p. 284

A.L.S. Dover. Re D.P. Smith's criticism of Mount Vernon management. Wrote an article for New York Observer. Bonner refused one for Ledger. Refers to Mrs. Lossing's work as Lady Manager. Went to Mount Vernon in fall of 1858 to make drawings and notes. Article published in Harper's Magazine v. 18, "Mount Vernon As It Is." Declares his continued interest in Mount Vernon. Regrets D.P. Smith's criticism of Miss Cunningham after her retirement. ER-7, p. 284

A.L.S. Dover. Re letter Regent sent from Hollingsworth. Wrote article for December number of American Historical Record which he edits, re Mount Vernon's problems. ER-7, p. 285

A.L.S. Philadelphia. On letterhead of John E. Potter and Co. Booksellers. Received letter and copy of Bylaws from his friend Col. C. C. Jones of New York. Did not know of any claim before that Mount Vernon wharf was not a private one. It was strictly private when he made drawings in 1858. ER-7, p. 285

A.L.S. The Ridge, Dover Plains, New York. Glad land bill for wharf was defeated. Her positive attitude concerning contributions is the secret to success in life. Does not agree with the idea of adding a view of Mount Vernon to the portrait of Mary Washington as it will take away from the main subject and also she did not live at Mount Vernon. ER-7, p. 286