Laughton, Lily Macalester Berghmans, 1832-1891

The Regent in account with Riggs & Co. Washington, D.C. ER-20, p. 65

A.L.S. Baltimore. Received check for $410 for repairs on Tomb and glad she finds work satisfactory. Sends bill for repainting two doors as ordered by Dodge. ER-6, p. 257

A.L.S. Craigie House, Cambridge. Pleased with list of books purchased for Mount Vernon library. AA-12

A.L.S. Department of State. While visting Mount Vernon, Sir Julian Pauncefote, Minister from Great Britain, noticed a memorial tree planted by the Prince of Wales in 1860 had died. He told the Prince about it and the Prince desires to replace the tree. ER-14, p. 164

A.L.S. Department of State. Sends her a letter he received from Sir Julian Pauncefote re planting a memorial oak for the Prince of Wales. ER-14, p. 165

A.L.S. Hermitage, Tennessee. Re Washington's desk chair at the Hermitage. W-139

Is looking forward to hearing her play music that evening and is sending her little boy to fetch it.

Letter is about the construction of a new wharf at Mount Vernon, due to the unsafe condition of the present one. Mr. Washington had said that all money from the steam boat company should go to the Association from the signing of the contract. General Meigs was consulted and chose the $2800 contract. Needs the approval of the Vice Regent.

Thanks her for agreeing to be Vice Regent for Pennsylvania and wishes her much success in her endeavors.

Sends her a slip from a New York newspaper about a reception there. Wants it returned as she’s saving it for future generations. Also tells her that another payment was made on Mount Vernon. Reminds her that the contents of the letter are private.

Sending papers pertaining to her appointment as Vice Regent for Pennsylvania. “The object of the Association is to secure perpetual guardianship for Mt. Vernon, that it may be kept national property sacred for all time, to the memory of the Father of our Country.” The most important duty is to collect money from her state to pay for the estate. Names of each contributor is to be sent to the regent and published in a newspaper. Discusses the Mount Vernon Record publication.

Wishes her to become Vice Regent for Pennsylvania and to ensure that Mount Vernon and the goals of the Association become known there.

Says she has been ill and treated maliciously. Wants her remarks added to official records. Can’t understand her treatment by others.

A.L. Draft. A justification of her actions and admonishing those who oppose her. ER-11, p. 123

A.L.S. signed by Cunningham in writing of Christie Johnson. She has the authority to appoint Lady Managers. She will responsible for all fundraising activities in Pennsylvania. ER-13, p. 124.

Draft. Pleased with her acceptance of Vice Regent of Pennsylvania. ER-11, p. 77

A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Acknowledges her assistance at last two Councils. Importance of choosing Vice Regents. Give each a credential card and copy of Record. Gives brief history of each. Vice Regent for Minnesota filled. Alabama vacant. Refers to Vice Regents attempts to remove her from office. Believes she possesses the only true lock of Washington's hair and locket, also Edward Everett's picture. Discusses New York Vice Regency. Says farewell. ER-2, p. 273

A.L.S. Rosemont. Letter of condolence for the death of her father. ER-2, p. 275

A.L.S. Bridgeport. Lecture for benefit of Mount Vernon a failure. ER-5, p. 8

A.L.S. Walton, Georgia. Holds scarf pin given by Washington to her grandmother. Full description of the article.

A.L.S. Dalton, Georgia. Asks $7000 for Washington scarf pin. Asks Ladies to assist her in selling it if not interested themselves.

A.L.S. Her aunt was offered $20,000 for the pin or brooch which Washington apparently presented to Nellie Brown. Asks Mrs. Laughton to make an offer and she will consider it.

A.L.S. Indian Hill Farm near Newbury Port, Massachusetts. Recommends Dodge, his wife's nephew, for Superintendent of Mount Vernon. ER-18, p. 299

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

Has to leave home for a few days. Is sure Miss Lane is taking great care of her.

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Photographers primarily include staff members and contract photographers. The collection spans the 1930s to the 2000s and includes analog material made up of a variety of sizes of film negatives providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, restoration, and changes throughout the estate.

A.L.S. Quakertown, PA. Justice of the Peace. Just returned from pilgrimage to Mount Vernon. He is profoundly impressed with sacredness of the place, excellent preservation of grounds and buildings, accommodations and courtesies shown by subordinates. Suggests a flag to fly at the Tomb. Asks that Washington Camp No. 456, POS of America (Pennsylvania) be allowed to place a flag on Tomb. ER-14, p. 166

A.L.S Lancaster. Acknowledges her appointment as Lady Manager of Lancaster County. ER-5, p. 4

The correspondence begins July 14, 1854 and continues until 1860, the year Lily’s engagement to Berghmans was announced. Woodbury was a N.H. and Boston lawyer, son of noted jurist Levi W. (b. 1791). He was about 15 years Lily’s senior. He courted her and proposed marriage in 1854. Was refused. His letters are generally witty, occasionally referring to the rejected lover. Alludes to mutual friends, politics, travels, practice of law, society in Boston, Newport, D.C., Philadelphia.

Sending credentials to her and a circular used by another Vice Regent that might be useful.