Mitchell, Martha Reed, 1818-1902

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Defense of her own actions as Regent. She never failed to report finances at Council. Implies that as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mrs. Mitchell has illegally usurped Regent's duties and such a position in the MVLA was not ever defined. ER-11, p. 167

Scope and Contents From the Collection:

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Photographers primarily include staff members and contract photographers. The collection spans the 1930s to the 2000s and includes analog material made up of a variety of sizes of film negatives providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, restoration, and changes throughout the estate.

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Envelope only, letter removed. Note reads "letter with envelope removed by Mrs. Fede, Dec. 25, 1953 - no index card made for this." Perhaps removed to curatorial files.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Sympathizes with her sorrows--hopes conservative councils will soon prevail in Washington--hears better accounts from Mount Vernon--Mount Vernon Record shown to Mr. Peabody--trying to get support of Masons without public appeal.

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A.L.S. Introduces a friend--"let her rest in your little room at Mt. Vernon"-- (Envelope addressed "Miss A.P. Cunningham or E. W. Tiffey, Mt. Vernon, introducing Miss Hallett of New York" and on the back, "Miss Hallett regrets not seeing Miss Cunningham - but hopes to have that pleasure in Washington - at 1531 14th St., bet. P. & Q. Sts."

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A.L.S. Hoffman House. Suggests course to follow in Devereux case--must have book for debt & credit open to public, then Mrs. Morse and Miss Tracy cannot hurt them. She should have a secretary of the Association to attend all meetings, live at Mount Vernon or in Alexandria. Thinks Miss Tracy is the author of vindictive letter.

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A.L.S. Newport. Discusses reception of the bill in Congress. No hope of getting anything from Wisconsin until after eastern states take initiative. West preoccupried with building railroads, etc., now. Governor Seymour's nomination for President.

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A.L.S. Newport. Regarding her husband's nomination for Congress. Cannot promise to meet with her at any definite time. Didn't check into Mr. Herbert's affairs at Mount Vernon and just assumed everything was fine. Governor Seymour nominated for President. If she goes to Washington she will do what she can for the cause.

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A.L.S. Gave Mrs. Comegys and Mrs. Morse power to vote for her at coming meeting. Not favorable to a lot of foreign laborers at Mount Vernon. If MVLA can raise $3000, favors withdrawal of claim against the Government. Wants to replace Superintendent with a woman.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Deplores election of Grant. Cannot get to Washington in time for meeting. Details of their meetings shouldn't reach the public. Boat will bring enough to sustain Mount Vernon "I have my doubts about the colony (of foreigners). I fear they will bring a care upon us - more than they are worth." Sees no need for a superintendent now.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Shocked at actions of another Vice Regent "Mrs." with no name given. Has chosen her proxy as Mrs. Comegys and Mrs. Morse. A.P.C. must stay at Mount Vernon. Plans for imported labor, her plans in Europe, results of election.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Hoffman House. Delighted at result of meeting of Association. Sorry she couldn't be present. Thinks someone else younger would be better than she for the job. Thinks they did wrong thing in not paying Miss Tracy what she claimed her due. Miss Tracy had hard time during war and her conduct with Mr. Herbert is none of their business now that she has left Mount Vernon. Offers to pay Association some of what they owe Miss Tracy. Will be on lookout for laborers for Mount Vernon. Mr. Riggs...

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A.L.S. New York. On her way home after 7 months in Europe. Inquires after Mount Vernon affairs.

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A.L.S. Hoffman House. Discusses her opinions on the worsening condition of the estate and grounds. Has tried to explain to the press and others that Miss Cunningham suffers from poor health but it is true that Mount Vernon suffers. She should let the other Vice Regents deal more with the business of the estate. ERL-58. Undated 104.

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A.L.S. Arlington Hotel. June 6. Is on her way home, but will stop briefly by Mount Vernon on Thursday to say "how do you do." ERL-59. Undated 105.

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A.L.S. Sunday evening. Did not go to Mount Vernon because the bad weather affected her rheumatism. She and Mrs. Eve must write to her about current events. ERL-60. Undated 106.

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A.L.S. Friday evening. Today she is dining with a friend but she will visit Miss Cunningham tomorrow for as long as she likes. ERL-61. Undated 107.

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A.L.S. She will visit her tomorrow unless it rains, then it will not be good for either of them to go out. ERL-39. Undated 108.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Must overcome much ignorance and prejudice in state. Lack of interest. Mrs. Hoyt has had very bad influence. Hopes to get something by a Promenade concert. Trying to enlist Masons' help.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Believes people in state are beginning to awaken to Mount Vernon cause. Miserable affair at Harper's Ferry.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. They did not succeed very well in collecting money at entertainment, but added to popularity of the fund--people in west not very patriotic--too mixed a population.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Approves Mrs. Letitia H. Walker as VR for N. Carolina--leaves for Europe July 4, and will appoint a lady to take her place (Envelope dated May 4, 1860, and addressed to Washington, D.C.)

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Poor monetary condition of the state. Thinks if Everett would come west to lecture, people would pay to hear him even in hard times.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Building a new pier. Newspaper article saying John A. Washington swindled the Ladies because they cannot get clear title. Hard time interesting people in Mount Vernon. (Envelope addressed to Philadelphia, Pa. and dated Dec. 3)

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Feels it is a bad time to petition Congress for assistance. Better to wait until after elections of 1868. Notes Mrs. Judd is to represent her at the MVLA meeting. Little hope of getting funds in Wisconsin.

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Leaves for the South. Encloses letter from Senator Howe (see under Feb. 14, 1868) and believes their prospects don't look good this session.

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A.L.S. Villa Alexandria, Jacksonville. Received notice for Council. In interest of Mount Vernon, makes following suggestions: that growth of organization now demands some changes in administation policy - Vice Regents want, under her leadership, more active participation ER-18, p. 219

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Would prefer that Council be held at the Imperial Hotel. Funds are low because of a large number of extra expenses over the past year.

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A.L.S. Washington. She is ill and may not be able to go to Mount Vernon for a few days. Did Mr. Craig leave as planned? Send $2.50 worth of flowers twice a week by boat.

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A.L.S. Hoffman House. Will be at Mount Vernon to spend one night. She and a friend will stay together in the Lafayette Room if the bed is large enough.