Halsted, Nancy Marsh, 1817-1891

Scope and Contents From the Collection: The nucleus of this collection was created from papers given to the Association by Ann Pamela Cunningham around the time of her retirement as Regent. Several other Vice Regents followed her example and later donated their papers as well. These records were referred to as the “Early Records” since the time they were first established as an archival collection. A large portion of this collection is correspondence concerning the founding of the MVLA and the operation of Mount Vernon as a...

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Cannot accept Mrs. Halsted's invitation, is leaving "this dreary place" soon. Mr. G's men (working on the furnace) left yesterday. Ornamental trees from London ordered by Mr. Corcoran have arrived, also fruit trees. Her aunt had arrived safely, not well after journey. Furnace is a comfort. ER-8, p. 173

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A.L.S. Door card to be provided. Has been ill but will resume work for Mount Vernon. ER-8, p. 189

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A.L.S. Dover. She realized she did not reply to a postcard sent by Mrs. Sweat last autumn. Asks if she missed anything at Council that she now should know. Mrs. Sweat's copy of her reply is on the reverse.

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A.L.S. Washington. "cousin Nannie." Grand Council called for Nov. 17. Vice Regents to stay a night at Mount Vernon. Hopes she and Mr. Halsted will come also. Thirty-five thousand dollars spent on repairs and restoration; no debts. Three thousand dollars on deposit; now need public's favor. Question of Congressional "redress." Committee to be appointed on "improvements and repairs". Mrs. Comegys has only missed one Council. Seeks an appointment and needs her proxy. ER-14, p. 53

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A.L.S. Villa Alexandria, Jacksonville. Has not heard from Regent re application to Congress, probably thinks the time for it not good. ER-18, p. 208

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Mary McMakin write first half of the letter, then Miss Cunningham adds her own comments. Assures Mrs. Halsted she will give her such authority as she desires for coming presentation and program of Peale picture to MVLA. ER-2, p. 269

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Ann Williams plans to return to England. Mr. Watt's intemperance made him undesirable at Mount Vernon; Replaced by Chauncey. Conservatory looks well. Regent returns next week. ER-2, p. 229

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Reports state of Regent's health. ER-2, p. 231

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Frames will be arranged as Mrs. Halsted directs. Regent anticipates General Halsted's visit. Suggests date for next Council. ER-2, p. 233

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Steamboat "Arrow" will be at Washington wharf to bring Vice Regents to Council session. ER-2, p. 237

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Regarding reply to the attacks on the MVLA in the Washington Chronicle. No action until Council when she can produce an official statement. ER-2, p. 235

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A.L.S. Mount Vernon. Asks about Mrs. Halsted and her sister. Regent is ill but plans to go elsewhere for summer. ER-8, p. 203

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A.L.S. Philadelphia. Regent sends several copies of "True Woman" with Mrs. Phelps' article on the Association. Several inaccuracies as Mrs. Phelps did not consult Regent. Columns of this periodical open to the Association. ER-2, p. 243

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Re plate of Washington Arms. Carving to be done in Washington. Possible loan of one at Mount Vernon. Lossing had his made from a copy loaned by Washington family. ER-2, p. 259

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Change in financial affairs of Peale heirs may affect gift of picture. Mentions depleted finances of Association. Some Vice Regents suggest change in constitution. Asks for information re meeting in New York. ER-2, p. 257

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Miss Cunningham wishes to consult Mrs. Halsted. Frozen river prevents her from getting papers at Mount Vernon. ER-2, p. 255

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A.L.S. Re the location to hang the Peale painting. Thinks Council should be held on May 14. ER-2, p. 261

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A.L.S. Washington, D.C. After Vice Regents arrive they will decide on whether sessions will be held in Washington or at Mount Vernon. ER-2, p. 265

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A.L.S. Philadelphia. Wishes to discuss difficulties before the coming Council. Miss Cunningham stays in Philadelphia on the doctor's orders. Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Brooks suggest Mr. Hollingsworth for Superintendent position. Hardships in a winter Council, frozen river, Mansion's lack of heat, bedding, carpets, furniture, crockery, etc. ER-2, p. 247

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A.L.S. Draft. Regarding an article published in their newspaper, the Superintendent at Mount Vernon has confirmed it has to be a falsehood. ER-7, p. 125. Undated 078.

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Mary Wade Halsted reports that the builder estimates that $1200 has been put toward the restoration of the colonnades. This amount was mostly given by young people so that the rising generation might take part in the restoration of Mount Vernon.

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Handwritten draft statement concerning the small amount of funds the MVLA has for repairs and the need for an endowment fund. ER-8, p. 183. Undated 077.

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Copy. Newark. Now a decided change for floors at Mount Vernon, reports several opinions, discussed also at executive meeting in New York. Mrs. Farnsworth offers to furnish Hall and coat of arms for her state. Decided to put new supporters under Hall, arch to support floor above, a heavy pine floor with oak floor on top, also simple black walnut border inlaid around edge. Refers to things stolen at Mount Vernon. ER-6, p. 193

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Copy. Newark. Told Hollingsworth to proceed with Hall flooring. Gives measurements of Dining Room. Sideboard is original Washington presented by late Mrs. Lee. Found in attic in Alexandria in "forlorn condition." Mrs. Barnes had it scraped, varnished. New Jersey gives Rhode Island an India ink painting of Earl of Chatham. Refers to mirrors from Van Rensselaer family, stripes of black walnut border, broad stripe close to base. Hollingsworth's estimate for carpenter is $187. W-94

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Copy. Newark. Hall floor being laid. ER-6, p. 193

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A.L.S. Incomplete letter. Thinks they should get a "squad" of soldiers to assist Mr. Hollingsworth with protecting the Mansion and Tomb from vandals. Burglar alarm installed an paid for by Mr. Halsted. Protection of the Tomb is important as people would not visit Mount Vernon if Washington's body was taken. ER-6, p. 175

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A.L. copy. Accepts honor of "being permitted to assist in preserving home of Washington." ER-11, p. 152

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A.L. Comments of various Vice Regents and their activities.

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A.L. Hillside. Is most desirous of having Peale's "Washington Before Yorktown" in Banquet Hall. Sends Regent an article re the painting and thinks little of criticism against it. Re relics Mr. Weller had in a box valued at $20,000, not in accordance with description Mrs. Mason had given. (At top of page, "Relics were bosh"). Seeks donation from Mrs. Winslow. ER-8, p. 163