Laughton, Lily Macalester Berghmans, 1832-1891

A.L.S. Ottawa, Kansas. Children of Kansas raised $1000 for quarters. Does not want to ask for more at this time. Suggests leaving second story unfinished. Will attend Council if needed to explain contract for quarters. ER-11, p. 187

A.L.S. on letterhead. Washington, D.C. Re lightning rods, has placed one on Mansion, suggest rods be placed on barns and other buildings. ER-14, p. 202

A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Has in his possession clothes worn by Washington at his first inauguration. Has coat, vest, knee britches, shoes, one knee buckle. His cousin willing to part with more for $350. Can document their authenticity. Presently John Augustine Washington is their custodian.

A.L.S. Washington. Has talked to Senator Johnson. Yorktown Committee unable to provide transportation to or quarters at Yorktown for the MVLA. ER-5, p. 45

A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Recommends Dodge for Superintendent of Mount Vernon. ER-18, p. 299

Regrets he will be unable to visit Mount Vernon on November 19 due to the Legislature being in session. Takes every opportunity to pay respect to the memory of Washington and strongly sympathizes with the efforts of the Association to preserve the home and tomb.

A.L.S. Dover. Informs the Regent of the death of his wife Margaret Ann Comegys, a former Vice Regent of the MVLA. ER-5, p. 241

A.L.S. Selins Grove. Snyder County is backward--not one in six persons knows anything about Mt. Vernon -- only $5 collected. ER-5, p. 6

A.L.S. on Washington and Lee University letterhead. Lexington, VA. Cannot furnish desired information re Washington's desk chair. Suggests writing to George Washington Parke Custis' niece, Mrs. Britannia Kennon or to Col. Butler whose wife was a niece of Custis. W-159

A.L.S. British Legation, Washington. Transmitted to Lord Salisbury for Prince of Wales, a full account of planting of n oak tree at Mount Vernon and the Prince wishes his grateful acknowledgement of MVLA's courtesies. ER-14, p. 165

A.L.S. Re gift of an enamel portrait of Washington painted by Henry Bone from original of Gilbert Stuart. M-645

A.L.S. Discusses protective railing for Vaughan mantelpiece, upcoming Council, and difficulty of working with other ladies. RM-551, ER-4202

A.L.S. Has just learned through Miss Ruxey that the mirror is not a Washington relic. Wants to know what to do about the public appeal for the funds which was published in the May 5th Times.

A.L.S. Needs to raise money for the John Augustine Washington mirror. Not sure it was a Washington piece. Not sure transaction can be made before Council time. Will get in touch with his descendants to seek its authority.

A.L.S. Saturday, March 11. Albany, New York. Wishes information on how much money is needed to put Mount Vernon in perfect repair and is there an endowment fund. Would like her to also forward reports, minutes, etc. for her to get caught up on Mount Vernon business. ER-17, p. 256. Undated 123.

A.L.S. Atlantic City, March 23. Discusses her grandchildren and furnishings for the Mansion. ERL-35. Undated 124.

A.L.S. Accepts Vice Regency of New York. ER-17, p. 228

Received a letter from her cousin Angelina Livingston Hamilton, she asks Regent to answer. She refers to Mary Morris Hamilton as Alexander Hamilton's sister which is a mistake, she was his granddaughter.

Obituaries and news clippings

Discusses an event with some Japanese visitors and being on the balcony overlooking a sea of people. Was most impressed by the Japanese. Looking forward to returning home.

Has been in much neuralgia pain lately. Went to Mount Vernon and was much pleased by the repairs. She and Camille slept in the room occupied by Lafayette when he visited.

(Incomplete letter) Gives him the history of the formation of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.

Tells him his dismissal from employment at Mount Vernon is solely at the discretion of the superintendent, Mr. Dodge and due to his disregard for directions.

Incomplete letter – was sad to see news of Miss Cunningham’s death in the paper. Suggests having her ashes interred at Mount Vernon.

A.L.S. Leaksville, North Carolina. Mr. Dodge deeply concerned over appearance of brick pavement in front of Tomb. Urges "squeezing" $80 from grounds' appropriation for work. Expects to raise some money in schools February 22. Regrets she did not hear Canon Farrar's lecture. ER-6, p. 257

Letter from Georgia Wilder, Vice Regent for Georgia, to Lily Laughton, Regent, May 27, 1891. Wilder accepts her appointment as Vice Regent for Georgia in the MVLA. Autograph letter signed.