Washington, Eleanor Love Selden, 1824-1860

Richard returned from town and says that court will begin on the second Monday of October, and the sale at Claymont will take place on the following Wednesday.

Has heard that his Uncle Augustine was unwell. Requests word on how he is. Sends a bottle of castor oil.

“Mr. George Turner, starts for Boston tomorrow, and I have determined to go under his escort.” Discusses meetings with friends and relatives. Cousin Rebecca had a son.

Inquires if the slave Mary has washed the bedstead. Will try to get a larger sheet of paper. Postscript regarding daughter Louisa's tin cow.

She shall “be down in the boat tomorrow to see you.” Shall not bring the children.

Has heard rumors and is unsure if Mrs. [Eleanor Parke Custis] Lewis is dead or alive. Went to Charlestown on Sunday. Visited with relations. Describes wellbeing of her daughters: “Maria has five teeth.”

“Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Alsbone… appear very nervous about the state of our slaves. They think the negroes hate the whites so much, that we are in constant danger.”

Steamboat quite full today with sixty or seventy persons. Tomorrow is Louisa’s birthday. Spoke to Susan [a slave] and “she prefers being sold.”

“Aunt Eliza had a little girl last night, she and the child are both doing well.”

Is very concerned about Lawrence's fever. Asks that Augustine send for a doctor.

Regrets to hear that his health has not improved. Lawrence is better.

Nelly reports that she is ready to go home and regrets that she be sent for.

Her health continues to improve, hopes to be able to return soon. Letter sent with West [Ford].

Clara [Heilman] has arrived. Nelly is disappointed that the weather keeps her away. “I am as well as ever, look very fat…and right strong.”

Lawrence's health improves. Postscript regarding Edith and Mrs. Powell.

Their niece Anne, daughter of Augustine’s brother Richard Blackburn and Christian Washington has died.

Much rain. Wheat looks well. Family news.

Requests Augustine have a log cabin built. “Our children are well, having two babies keeps me pretty constantly employed.” Postscript regarding poor pen and Aunt Eliza’s confinement.

Daughter [Anna] Maria broke her left arm.

Infant [Lawrence] very ill. Family news.

Daughter Nelly had fever and boils. Nelly writes she is delighted she left [Capon Springs] as the “house keeper, servants and all were dismissed and the stages taken off the line on Friday.” Instructs Augustine to bring clothes for the children.

Instructions to have her black bonnet sent up as well as a night gown, linens, and visit cards. Went to hear Dr. Butler’s sermon. “Don’t forget the butter from Maryland…”

Nelly writes she cannot find the trunk key Augustine requested. She delivered his message to Mr. Lunsford [overseer at Waveland].

Mr. Lunsford finished seeding and now setting strawberry plants. Cabbage plants have come up but they look like kale. Received letters from ladies applying for “the situation” [teaching position?]. Requests jonquil roots, hairpins, and tea toweling.

Prospect Hill to Mount Vernon. Describes a table setting for a wedding. Kate’s wedding has been broken off, and Hannah is glad about it. Really wants to see them. Description of drought and crops. Discusses health of various relatives and acquaintances.

A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Discusses a large christenings in church. Relates tale of two men who recently died from intemperance. Also tells plans for an upcoming wedding and where various guests will stay.

A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Wants to send George with the carriage to bring her and the children. Describes dancing by various people. Wants to receive some financial records.

A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Misses the family and tells of items that were left during their last visit. Much rain has kept her from church. Maria sent jars of quince jelly for her. Gives family news and describes some roses. Sends message to Augustine “to write to his old and now very unimportant mother.”

A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Much sickness in the early spring of cholera. Many people unable to work – Old Jenny, Maria and Dick, Lewis and George obliged to plough. Her cook Eliza has a crippled sore arm. Sophy, Joe, and Little Tom have been helping with many guests. Much discussion of weather.

A.L.S. Blakeley to Baltimore. She is sorry to hear of Lou’s “hooping cough.” Other family news. Long description of Mr. Tacker and his vision of his impending death. Is sorry that Augustine is alone at Mount Vernon with the servants who have been “a source of disquiet and distress to him.”