Laughton, Lily Macalester Berghmans, 1832-1891

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. Receipts at Mount Vernon good. Can pay him arrears salary. Drought affects fruits. ER-5, p. 65

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A.L.S. Philadelphia. Will bring wine for the luncheon if he has none provided already. ER-5, p. 71

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. Digging of new well. ER-5, p. 65

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Flag staff sent to Mount Vernon by Mr. Barnes. ER-5, p. 74

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A.L.S. Expecting twelve of the Ladies for their meeting. Discusses accommodations for all of them and appropriate furnishings. ER-5, p. 93

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A.L.S. Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Comegys coming to Mount Vernon on June 1 or 2 to examine papers confided to them by Council of MVLA. She wishes to see Hollingsworth on June 1st. ER-5, p. 80

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A.L.S. Carpet and bedstead for Pennsylvania room. ER-5, p. 99

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Praises his management of entertainment for distinguished guests yesterday. Five dollars to be distributed among servants. Some of her silver and other things left at Mount Vernon. China and glassware to be returned to Mr. Boteler. Purchase of fans for sale on boat or at Mount Vernon. ER-5, p. 99

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A.L.S. Impending visit of the Committee of the Virginia legislature. Carpet has not arrived. ER-5, p. 70

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A.L.S. Long Branch, West End Hotel. Surprised to hear her official letters to him were shared. Pleased with the progress at Mount Vernon under his direction. Sorry to hear of illnesses among the servants. ER-5, p. 66

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. "Economical arrangements" approved. Doctor bill for servants at Mount Vernon. Welsh's application for job of head gardener turned down. Thanks him for use of his horse on the farm. ER-5, p. 67

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Torrisdale. Told Mrs. Barnes that Mrs. Comegys refused to give up little room she had selected. Trouble with rival boat that landed at wharf below Mount Vernon. Lower price for trip. Company put out inflammatory handbills and advertizing. Mr. Hollingsworth asked to have boat lowered to meet rival which Mrs. Berghmans did. Results satisfactory and other boat withdrew. Rival boat company asked Lossing to denounce MVLA. He will write a favorable article for MVLA in magazine. ER-17,...

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A.L.S. Incomplete fragments. Large portions cut away. Discusses the room she furnished for Pennsylvania. Thanks Mrs. Comegys for her support of her as Regent. Wishes she could make it to Council. ER-17, p. 192

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Agrees with Mrs. Comegys re bedrooms and furnishings. Wrote Miss Cunningham last December, sent her several credential cards for Vice Regents whom she had appointed. Asked her to sign them so Vice Regents could have them. Have had no word back from her. Urges Mrs. Comegys who has missed last two Councils to be present this year. Has fought vigorously against bill introduced into Virginia legislature to force MVLA to revoke contract with steamboat "Arrow" and throw...

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Advises Mrs. Comegys to wait about furnishing her room until after Council. Told Mrs. Barnes your offer to her to occupy this room. Ten Vice Regents have replied they will attend Council. Refers to Miss Cunningham's death. ER-17, p. 201

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A.L.S. Portion of letter cut into pieces. Torrisdale. MVLA financial condition not satisfactory until funds are on hand for necessary repairs and restoration. Barn to be rebuilt. Loss of boat fees while river was frozen. Endowment fund needed. Association out of debt and public is cordial. Thinks next year will be more profitable. Wishes Miss Cunningham had lived to see improvements. ER-17, p. 203

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A.L. Incomplete letter. Difficulty collecting $600 needed to repay Mr. Riggs for his advance of $1000 toward restoration of the barn. However, she has collected some antique furniture for Mansion. State coat of arms over each door.

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A.L.S. Incomplete letter. Mrs. Comegys and Mrs. Walker are requested to look through Miss Cunningham's papers, along with Mary Amarinthia Snowden not associated with the MVLA, and ascertain which are part of Association's business and separate them from personal papers. ER-17, p. 213. Undated 100.

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A.L.S. Philadelphia. Thanks Mrs. Comegys for ceding her Mount Vernon room she had chosen. Will endeavor to furnish it appropriately. Expects Governor Walker will visit Mount Vernon, wants also Judge and Mrs. Comegys, Mr. and Mrs. Halsted, Advisory Committee members resident in Washington, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Ball to all come as well. Approves plans for endowment fund. Will ask Miss Cushman to read for it. ER-17, p. 188

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A.L.S. Washington. Will write soon re revival of interest in Mount Vernon in many parts of the country. Ohio sent $2000, proceeds from Ball for endowment fund, expects $800 from Richmond Ball. ER-17, p. 223

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Asks Superintendent to change paper in Maryland Room if she does not like it. Approves Mrs. Comegys's action Miss Cunningham's papers, does not wish to open correspondence with Floride Cunningham. Always glad of any action that indicates respect and regard for first Regent. Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Chace will not be at Council. Have heard from 12 including Mrs. Walker who will attend. ER-17, p. 226

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A.L.S. Incomplete letter. Refers to old engraving of Admiral Vernon sent from England recently. Mrs. Washington has not yet sent Minutes. Refers to debt on barn. GAve $175 to Mr. Riggs. Kentucky sent $273, used $50 for barn, rest for endowment fund. Florida's $300 to be treated similarly. Hopes Tennessee and West Virginia will pay their quotas soon. Refers to support given her by Mrs. Comegys, Mrs. Eve, and Miss Harper. ER-17, p. 235

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Acknowledges Mrs. Comegys's congratulations upon Regent's marriage. ER-17, p. 239

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A.L.S. Philadelphia. Thanks Mrs. C. for her suggestions and cooperation. ER-17, p. 44

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A.L.S. The MVLA is unable to provide funds to help purchase portions of historic Valley Forge. The do give moral support. She suggests that the state legislature of Pennsylvania might help. What has happened to the Valley Forge Association?

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Copy. Washington, D.C. Asks that they send her the value they place on Washington's desk chair which she will submit to Council in May. W-159

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Torrisdale. Probably a letter from Margaret Sweat. Was suprised to receive copies of instructions to Mr. Davis without being asked for signature of Regent. Feels it unwise to get into a legal fight with Capt. Hollingshead who will stop at nothing for revenge and it is beneath their dignity. His lease is soon to run out. Their legal counsel has resigned and it is also unwise to enter into fight without him. Summary of why decisions were made on boat fares. They will hurt Hollingshead...

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. Rival boat is now running. She has assumed responsibility for reducing fare on their boat to $1.00 as a temporary measure until Council meets. ER-8, p. 228

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. Encloses proof sheet of her report for corrections of financial summary. Corrects her letter to Mr. Stewart. Subscriptions for the colonnades. ER-5, p. 23

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A.L.S. Torrisdale. Has written Judge Thomas asking if Ladies should be at session of Virginia legislature re amendment of MVLA Charter to strike out clause re meeting. Doubts if proxy voting can be changed. ER-8, p. 231