Washington, Jane Charlotte Blackburn, 1786-1855

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel.

Scope and Contents This collection concerns the inheritance, maintenance, and sale of the Mount Vernon estate by its last private owner, John Augustine Washington III. A large majority of the collection is correspondence to or from John Augustine Washington III with a significant portion relating to the purchase of the estate by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Three diaries kept by John Augustine are also included and contain important information about his slaves, agricultural practices, and finances....

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia. Discusses the current low price for wood and Dr. Alexander and his travels. Regrets the failure of Ford and Snyder. Wants her to settle for Hannah’s support as West thinks that she has not been given anything to eat. Also wants to remind Dick of a pair of boots for Mr. Morgan. Phil and Jesse have been sick for some time.

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon to Charlestown, Jefferson County. Discusses failure to purchase mules at auction. He is unable to procure the peaches she wanted in Alexandria as many fruits have already fallen off the trees. West Ford said they needed some double shovel ploughs to put in the wheat.

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A large portion of this collection consists of letters to and from John Augustine Washington III related to the sale of Mount Vernon. Other items include family wills, legal documents, receipts, correspondence related to Washington relics, as well as several photographs and miscellany. Inclusive dates, 1787-1932.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Says he has been requested by Harpers magazine to write an article on Mount Vernon since it has become a place of interest to the American people. Would he welcome a visit by Lossing to Mount Vernon?

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A.L.S. Senate Chamber, Washington. Letter of introduction for friends.

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Mount Vernon. Storm damaged trees; family matters.

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She had sent her present of flowers to Mrs. Madison, and they were “greatfully” received.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Dusseldorf on the Rhine. Sends a bottle of cologne as an expression of thanks for receiving "a stranger" as a guest at Mount Vernon.

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Introduces some friends who wish to visit Mount Vernon.

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Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington writes to her uncle, Bushrod Washington, Philadelphia, regarding family health and education. The letter has a Charlestown postmark. Autograph letter signed. 1 sheet with burnt edges.

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Jane Charlotte Washington writes to her uncle, Bushrod Washington, Philadelphia, regarding family health. She is grieved to hear of Bushron's illness. Letter contains a Charlestown postmark. He would die the following month. Autograph letter, signed. 1 sheet with partially burnt edges.

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Jane Charlotte Blackburn Washington, Philadelphia, writes to her uncle, Bushrod Washington, regarding family health and education. The letter mentions the death of Judge Richard Peters, longtime friend of Bushrod's. The letter has a Charlestown postmark. Autograph letter signed. 1 sheet with burnt edges.

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Jane Charlotte Washington writes to her uncle and aunt, Bushrod Washington and Julia Ann Washington, Mount Vernon, regarding family updates and describes her journey home from Mount Vernon. Letter contains a Charlestown postmark. Autograph letter, signed. 1 sheet, partially torn.

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Blakeley to Mount Vernon. Relates ill health of various family members and other family news.

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Wheatland to Buffaloe. Family matters; relates offer to him to purchase 800 acres of land.

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Autograph letter signed. Jane reminds her son to read his Bible and use his prayer book. She also writes about selling vegetables at market and farm work.

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Blakeley. Much family news and love sent.

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Is sending oats and other items to Mount Vernon. Urges him to pursue his studies. Wishes him to send some oysters and sugar.

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Is against his plans for Mount Vernon and opening it to “every low idler.” Discusses payments and what form they would take.

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Is worried his health is suffering by his labors at Mount Vernon. Hopes he will accept any reasonable offer by the U.S. Government for it. Went into town to have magistrates witness her acknowledgment of the deed of release. Discusses a suit brought by Judge Douglass and the health of various family members.

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Doubts whether an offer will be made by the U.S. Government. Hopes it would as she feels his health is suffering from attending to business at Mount Vernon. Recommends someone to help him acquire an overseer. Was paid money for him. Discusses the failing health of Dr. Alexander’s mother and others.

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Recommends leaving it to Congress to propose a price for the purchase of Mount Vernon. She feels he wants too much for it, and that it really should not be sold. Gives family news. Gives advice on his search for an overseer.

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Discusses the bill in Congress to purchase Mount Vernon. Wants assets divided up between her children so all are taken care of. Tells of Charles’ upcoming marriage before he leaves for California.

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Has been in Charlestown attending services for the week. Is amazed at the prospect of $200,000 being paid for Mount Vernon by the government. Wants him to send fish and to pickle some “Rock.”

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Describes her return from Mount Vernon in much rain. Discusses crops. Gives instructions for sending things to her. Asks report of conversation that was “highly derogatory to me.” Feels items should be sold to visitors so they will not pilfer mementos.

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Gives family news and an account of a visit by a gentleman who spent the night at Mount Vernon and gave $5 to West Ford. Discusses sale of a slave to his cousin. Has heard of a bill by the federal government to purchase Mount Vernon and wishes it would be accepted. Mentions prices and terms.

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. To John Augustine Washington III? Discusses the harvest. Says she is being viewed as one of the curiousities of the place by the visitors.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Mount Vernon. Encloses stock gilli seed ... will send Polianthus seeds and roots ... planning to board in Alexandria until late Mar ... sons at Howard School ... wants Maria to attend [Benjamin] Hallowell's school ... accepts offer of White fig and passion fruit ... will make every effort to keep up with MV without involving the children's estates ... Autograph letter signed, integral cover.