Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. “Gabriel has sent in to say he wishes to set off tomorrow on his return home.” Tells of much family with her at Christmas time.

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. She has been awaiting his visit and wonders about the cause of the delay. Still no news about Noblet. Tells of returning Annie Burnett home after she came into Richard’s pew in church and wanted to come home with her. The next day she returned home.

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A.L.S. Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Put $600 in bank to his credit. Kitty and her three children left with Sophy replacing the other nurse who has been ill for the children

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A.L.S. Blakeley. There is much whooping cough going around with so far one death. The weather is very fine, and there are many flowers. Glad to hear the fisheries are doing well. Describes her visit to Walnut Farm and the people she saw while there. Asks if he has seen the Masonic oration on the “centennial commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into the order of free Masons.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so glad Eliza is recovered. So sad about the death of Dr. Powel. More news about impending visits. General Duvall will be in Washington soon and would like to see Augustine so he could become “acquainted with many of the influential members from the South & West, with whom he wishes you to become acquainted in case you still determine on disposing of M.V.”

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Wants either a visit from them or for her to visit them before winter sets in. She had quite a pleasant visit to New York and Philadelphia. Tells him of climbing 180 steps of the Washington Monument in Baltimore and having a beautiful view. Glad they have obtained a governess for the girls.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is sorry Nelly is sick but will be unable to come down until after Christmas. Has several articles brought from N.Y. for “my deal g.children at M.V.”

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A.L.S. Tells him of a deposit in bank for his use. Grieved to learn Eliza continues in feeble health. Visited Walnut Farm and heard from Dr. Alexander that “the financial affairs of our church are in a very confused & entangled state.” Looking forward to her trip to New York.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Paid $200 on stock note at bank. Is anxious about his brother determining to go to Housekeeping & renting Col. Devenport’s House. He will still be at Blakeley every day. She has been suffering from dyspepsia. Glad to hear the governess gives satisfaction. Reference to Miss Nancy at Walnut Farm, who “is not only a good house keeper but also understands gardening.”

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells him Mr. and Mrs. Depau intend visiting Mount Vernon, along with their son. Richard and family left for their new home and are much missed. She feels quite anxious to see her “dear children at M.V. especially my grandson whose name I am as yet unacquainted with.” Says two of our Cedar lawn cousins are to be married. “The servants have been divided & the Cedar Lawn will be sold.”

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Blakeley. Sympathizes with the delayed visit due to the sickness of the family “and death of your valuable and good young servant Dennis. It is a severe affliction to his poor mother. He was I think her youngest child.” Is most anxious to see her grandson Lawrence. Had a visit from his brother and Christian and their son John. Went by invitation to Mr. Lovel’s school where pupils delivered speeches and addresses. Wants the family to visit and will have rooms fixed up for them. Sends...

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Looks forward to a shipment of “Nellies Pickled Rockfish” to share with neighbours & friends. Discusses planting of crops. Will visit him and his family “this day week,”

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Describes her trip back home from Mount Vernon. Everyone is harvesting but having difficulty obtaining sufficient hands for the task.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Tells of the sudden death of Mrs. Selden and the funeral. Mentions harvests and addition to his house Dr. A. is doing. Wants to see him and the family. Mr. Rutherford wishes to renew his lease on the farm.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Hopes Maria’s arm heals well and that he received the two barrels of oats she sent. Gives news about family. Tells of “our beloved Charlotte” taking communion and becoming a member of the church.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She is so sorry that Richard is ill but glad that Augustine is with him. Tells of George’s illness. Gives more family news and hopes to see the family soon.

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A.L.S. Blakeley. Laments that it has been so long since she heard from him or his family and wonders when they will come to visit. Gives news about local people. Tells of the wonderful addition that Dr. A. put on his house.

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A.L.S. Urges him to do well in school and to board with the principal and not to associate with his old school mate Charles J.

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A.L.S. Describes her trip home and the friends and family she visited on the way. Had friends to dine but had difficulty with the dinner as meat is scarce.

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A.L.S. Just sent George to the Charlestown P.O. with a letter and check to him. Sorry to hear that Nelly is again sick.

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A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Describes her feelings at the recent losses of children and Noblet. Tells of much sickness in the area. “Old Jenny’s was by far the severest case, one which Dr. C. intirely dispaired of. She is recovering which we are thankful for, tho’ old and feeble, she is good and pious, and has considerable influence with her children and fellow servants.”

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A.L.S. Has attached a check for $200 to be paid to the Exchange Bank in Alexandria toward her debt of $700. Was sorry to hear of Nelly’s illness. Gives other family news.

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A.L.S. Discusses a recently recorded deed. Describes health concerns of her sister. Bad weather is affecting planting. At end of letter: “Matilda, your woman at Harewood has had an infant and lost it. It died after suffering greatly from fits. Dr. Cordell attended it.”

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A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. Has enclosed a check to be paid on her account with Mr. Hooff. Prices are low for horses and stock. Planting goes slowly. Gives family and friends news. Gives a recipe for quince jelly and marmalade. “Remember me most kindly to Jenny & West & … indeed all our household at M.V.”

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A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. A brief note requesting him to “let George have money $2.50 to get a pair of boots.”

Scope and Contents A.L.S. To Mount Vernon. She is sending Jenny and Fanny and hopes they will be “useful and conduct themselves well.” His carpenter came by the day after he left wanting some money he was owed as he had a debt to pay. Wants to visit them but wants him to let her know “whether or not it is desirable for me to go. I shall not be in the slightest degree either hurt or offended at my room being preferable to my company.” “Mr. Rutherford … declines keeping Sally another year. I have told Mr....

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A.L.S. Blakeley. She wants Maria and Augustine to return to Blakeley as both are sick. Is disturbed that cousin Jane means to keep Betty for the next year, despite knowing of the intention to send her to Mount Vernon. “Shall I send Hannah or Sally down, or contend for Betty?”

Scope and Contents The bulk of this collection is made up of letters from Jane Charlotte Washington to her son, John Augustine Washington III. Also included are letters to Eleanor Love Selden Washington, a few letters to or from John Augustine Washington III to various individuals, several letters from George Mason of Hollin Hall (1797-1870) to John Augustine Washington III, letters by Lackland and Alexander family members (relatives of the Washingtons) and three receipts. The subject matter of most letters is...

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel.

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel.