Comegys, Margaret Douglass, 1816-1888

Print copy of the address by Margaret Ann Comegys, Vice Regent of Delaware, to the Masons. She sent it from Dover, Delaware to the Worshipful Master and Wardens of the Masonic Order of Delaware. An appeal for funds for the purchase of Mount Vernon. It includes a clear statement regarding payments made to John A. Washington.

ER 17; p. 10

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Regents finds Pennsylvania difficult to organize. Declares herself only "a private Asst." as Miss Johnson is private sec. to the Regent. Regent rec'd Mrs. C's letter re portraits by Mr. Butler, of whom she has not heard. ER-17, p. 31

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Asks her to note Rule printed on p. 38, Nov. no. of MV Record, re names to be published. Mass list in Jan. no. to be regretted. ER-17, p. 31

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Regent pleased with progess in Del; now equals Maine (which is handicapped by powerful body of Abolitionists who are violently opposed to Assn.) ER-17, p. 20

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Regrets scarcity of MV Records, plans on publication of Jan. number. List of names arrived in time for publication; space does not allow continuing publishing names and contributions less than $1.00. ER-17, p. 21

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Knows Mrs. C is "ready for the Legislature"; gratified with Del.'s progress, regrets delay and errors in MV Record. ER-17, p. 25

A.L. fragment, incomplete. Regent is "charmed" with Mr. Lambdin, hopes Mrs. Comegys will make arrangements with him for her. Mount Vernon is "very sickly." Mrs. Craig's baby ill, fears Craig will leave on this account. Boat is "doing miserable business". ER-17, p. 165

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Arrived Saturday evening with Bridget. Went to Mr. Lambdin's, told him of Mrs. Comegys's kind offer. Sat for him 2 hours, returns Tuesday morning. Little she has seen of the portrait she does not like. Refers to a photograph she liked taken 13 years ago, side view. Showed him this and realized Mr. Lambdin appreciated unfortunate change in her appearance. ER-17, p. 167

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Confidential. Hopes to pay next installment of $41,000 on Jan. 1, some returns will not be made before Feb. 1. Assn may pay in sums of $5000. Asks for MV Record item by Dec. 23. ER-17, p. 19

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Private. ER-17, p. 24, 25

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Reports Pennsylvania progress under Miss Lily Macalester; large subscriptions to date from Mass. and N.Y.; $20,000 of the needed $25,000 now in GW. Riggs' hands. ER-1, p. 115

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Pleased to find Mrs. Comegys so interested in MV, explains some of duties and responsibilities of a VR. ER-17, p. 2-3

A.L.S. and with facsimile. Philadelphia. Expresses her gratification that Mrs. Comegys accepts the Vice-Regency for Delaware. ER-17, p. 4

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Refers to Constitution, article 8, reappointment of local Boards of Managers; Regent's decision to leave appointments to VRs in their respective States. ER-17, p. 5

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Sends VR letter authorizing her to "take charge of the organization" of Del. VR may take organization expenses from funds raised; in various states much has been donated, such as printing, paper, binding etc. Credentials, Nov. no. MV Record (furnished in quantities to VRs), subscription books, for Lady Managers , will be sent soon. Suggests cooperation with other VRs. ER-17, p. 7

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Sends credentials for VR, copy of contract with John A. Washington, Act of Incorporation, Constitution and By-laws, Appeals, Reports, which give history of Assn since Mar when Assn gained title to MV. States aims of MVLA, "design" of Constitution, plan for collecting funds, VR' duties and reports made to Regent, method of paying installments. N.Y.'s plan of organization. Relations with Press. Success of MV Record. ER-17, p. 12-13

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Regent pleased with progress in Del. Mrs. Comegys' Appeal will be published in next Record. ER-17, p. 15

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Confides to VR-Del that she plans to defer first installment John A. Washington. Selects Dec. 2 as day for payment, 5th anniversary of 1st Appeal. Mr. Riggs cooperates in plan. ER-17, p. 15

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Private. Just mailed a check to G.W. Riggs for $500 which with other money transferred makes over $41,000, "ready for the grand event of the morrow". ER-17, p. 17

A.L.S. Philadelphia. Private. Regent just learned by telegram that G.W. Riggs made first payment to John A. Washington with interest, on 5th anniversary of publication of 1st Appeal. ER-17, p. 18

A.L.S. Washington. Miss May offers concert for Easter week; will try to get Edward Everett also; invites Mrs. Comegys; great efforts to make it a success. ER-1, p. 139

A.L.S. Washington. Mrs. Comegys is ill, yet they urge her to help in Washington. Difficulties in obtaining supporting musicians, etc. for Miss May's concert. Mr. Murdock's reading to be given Friday evening. ER-17, p. 78

A.L.S. Washington. Bought 40 copies of ''Intelligencer'' to send to various parts of U.S. Great need for more publicity in editorials, etc. ER-1, p. 137

A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Strictly private. Enlists her services in planning an unusual and brilliant affair to break Washington apathy. Suggests excursion down river to Mount Vernon, and orator to give address there. ER-1, p. 161

A.L.S. Addressed "Dear Patriot." Calls this "her Valley Forge" - funds low - public apathy towards MVLA goal. ER-17, p. 80

A.L. South Carolina. Explains "historic" citation to her location. Rains and swollen streams prevent her reaching home Spent 2 weeks with Mrs. Eve. ER-11, p. 118 and ER-1, p. 179

A.L.S. Rosemont. Private. Deep concern that enclosed newspaper clipping (p. 172) may draw her into "political arena" at expense of Association's progress. ER-1, p. 173-177

A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Reports severe snow storm; discomfort living in Mansion; first to ride over new road; Mr. Herbert's fine service; repairs on out buildings, Mansion window sills, and Portico; need for protection. Alexandria gate closed, river entrance (25 cents) used. Financial crisis ends railroad problem. War prospects alarming. ER-1, p. 169

A.L.S. Private. Portion of letter clipped off. Rosemont. Sec. Tracy fails to locate Alexandria Gazette item (see p. 172). Mother opposes Regent's going to Mount Vernon. Refuses to resign. Plan for railroad from Alexandria to Mount Vernon unsuccessful. Sec. Tracy lives with Washington friends 2 1/2 mos. Reducing Association expenses. ER-1, p. 181

A.L.S. Letter of Aug 13 received from Sarah Tracy, enclosing letters from Dr. Hodge and Mrs. Comegys. Had sent letters in June to R.V. Johnson (?) vainly hoping to reach friends, recites at length difficulty with mails. Gratitude for Mrs. Comegys's answer to newspaper attack on Regent; Sarah Tracy's loyal, efficient service; refers to Grace's death. Spent summer twelve miles away in peaceful spot. ER-17, p. 97