Tracy, Sarah, 1820-1896

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A.L.S. Providence. Absent from state until War was finished. Asks about funds needed for repairs and receipts by boat. Unfavorable press letters. Hopes Tomb may be put in good condition in Fall. Criticism of women's undertaking is always severe. ER-13, p. 6

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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MLVA Regent Ann Pamela Cunningham made this contract with Sarah C. Tracy as "private secretary to said Regent." As secretary, Tracy must render six hours of service daily. She will receive a monthly salary figured at an annual rate of $400 irrespective of board and washing. She must also provide one month's notice if she decides to resign.

ER 13; p. 12, ALS

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A.L.S. Washington. When Queen Emma was presented with set of photos of public buildings in DC, she regretted omission of Mount Vernon. Asks permission to photograph Mount Vernon, pictures $3 each, will furnish MVLA as many as desired at half price. ER-16, p. 139

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A.L.S. Alfred Moss, Clerk of the Fairfax County Court, to Sarah Tracy. Reports brief account of conveyance of property by Mrs. Jane C. Washington to her son, J.A, (1225 acres). No mortgage ever been taken on property. MVLA acquired title April 19, 1858. ER-3, p. 187

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Draft copy, probably written by a friend for Miss Cunningham. Communication becomes difficult. Suggests Miss Tracy, "married friend" and Superintendent Herbert remain at Mount Vernon - ample garden supplies, servants, etc. Plans for both Armies to ensure Mount Vernon safety. Cites funds to be used in crises. Sale of Virginia Bonds undesirable. Relies on Tracy's good sense. ER-1, p. 171

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A.L. Copy. Depreciation of investments, and sale of same. ER-11, p. 121

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Draft. Had first letter from Everett for more than 2 years at Christmas. Glad to hear all were well and "faithful to charge". Hope it was not necessary to sell securities but to borrow on them. ER-1, p. 185

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Rosemont. Long, detailed account of her condition after the war. All communication and transportation has been disrupted. She fears for Mount Vernon and plans to make it self-sustaining. She will go there when travel and health permit. Describes her barren plantation and converting $34,000 into Confederate Securities. Legacies planned for Mount Vernon, Superintendent Herbert, Secretary Tracy and Mary. She despairs over debts. Asks for news of Mount Vernon, the Vice Regents, and...

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A.L. draft. Rosemont. Great difficulty in getting and sending mail. Much worried over Miss Tracy's long silence. Has seen a newspaper report that Mount Vernon has never had so many visitors. ER-1, p. 189

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Rosemont. Personal letter recounting terrible conditions on her plantation. The mail services are lacking. Vacation is due Miss Tracy and Mary McMakin after all their years of service. She cannot spare the Superintendent. The Regent resumes duties after her total isolation. Discusses funds, payments due, crops at Mount Vernon, legal advice needed, newspaper criticisms, conduct of the Association, filling Vice Regent vacancies, calling Council, and her return to the estate. ER-1, p....

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Writing "Circular" she planned delayed by death of an aunt living with them. Refers to her own strong presentiments. ER-1, p. 195

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A.L. Rosemont. Suggests Dr. D. may write the "Circular" she had planned. Asks about the "Record". Long account of her plantation difficulties, especially with "labor." ER-1, p. 199

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A.L.S. Rosemont. She misses Everett's guidance; Mount Vernon health situation serious; improvements needed for Superintendent; Miss Tracy's resignation, salary due; difficulties of success or ignorant of Mount Vernon history and management. Deplores criticism of her motives and war prejudices. Sends David Paul Brown's opinion on "committee's power"; demands strict adherence to Constitution and By-Laws. ER-1, p, 201; Includes handwritten extracts of letter, ER-10, p. 21

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Praises Miss Tracy for her sacrifice in spending war years at Mount Vernon. APC quite unwell. Urges Tracy to remain at her post. ER-1, p. 203

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Mail difficulties continue. Sends order for "Godey" funds to be paid to Miss Tracy. Boston contribution may be enough to make "last payment" and also pay Mr. Herbert. ER-1, p. 207

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A.L. Incomplete. Re Miss Tracy's resignation, urges her and Superintendent Herbert to remain, even for one year. ER-11, p. 130

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Mrs. Ritchie's losses, travels, resignation. Delayed mails. Philadelphia friends oppose circular planned by Regent. Reviews Miss Tracy's 3 letters with Association news. Urges household linens be bought from picture sales. Asks about New Orleans sale of books and pictures. ER-1, p. 209

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Few days under Miss Tracy profitable for Miss Mitchell. Mr. Peabody to return to America. G.W. Riggs' help needed. Inquires re prospective VRs in N.J. and N.Y. Regent too impoverished to live at Mount Vernon. Miss Tracy's successor - lady resident of tact and ability to deal with North and South. Considers E.P. Marks. ER-1, p. 215

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A.L.S. Rosemont. She feared death so wanted to put her affairs in order, but is now recovering. Questions her own wisdom in calling Grand Council in Fall, season unfavorable to her own interests. Wants to have Mr. Peabody raise funds among Americans abroad. ER-1, p. 217

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Rosemont. More recommendations for obtaining information re prospective VRs. Mrs. Goodrich, VR-Conn resigns. Judge Breckinridge's (Ky) misunderstanding. Bishop's recommendations. In whose name inquiry made, concern for Mrs. Eve. Emperor's donation to Mde Murat. Suggests writing army personnel for information re Mrs. Morse, Mrs. McWillie, and Mrs. Walker. Mrs. Chesnut (S.C.) died. Re funds received by Mrs. Berghmans and photograph sales requiring time of one person. Recommends...

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Problems of post war South. Election of new Vice Regent for New York to replace Miss Hamilton. Regent does not choose only advises - up to the Council as to who will be her replacement. ER-1, p. 223

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A.L.S. Multiple letters and copy of letter to Mr. Stewart regarding plans to build a road near Mount Vernon. Also discusses railroad and details on the founding of the Ladies' Association. Suggests other employees for the management of the estate. ER-1, p. 227; ER-1, p. 225

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Letter from Mrs. Comegys received. Recommends Miss Emily Harper as Maryland Vice Regent. Needs Mr. Peabody's help in raising funds; Miss Cunningham's debts to Mount Vernon. Re Miss Johnson's appointment, service and salary problem. Miss Cunningham has financial difficulty in attending Council. ER-1, p. 233

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Annoyance of delayed and lost mail. Needs the date of next meeting of Congress before calling Grand Council. Emphasizes need for $7000 Congressional appropriation and comments on excursion planned. Difficulties in securing Vice Regents. Suggests Mrs. Blanding, Vice Regent for California try for larger individual gifts in her state. Comments on another loan from Mr. Riggs. Suggestions for circular and letters to Vice Regents. ER-1, p. 265

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Alarm at continued delay and loss of mail. Decides to call Council meeting after Congress is in session. Expands plans to have Vice Regents have a pleasant time, and also lobby for $7000 damage claim. Desirable to make permanent arrangements for annual meeting place. Many vacancies, absences of "ruined officers," will make attendance small. Enquires if there will be enough for a luncheon without borrowing from Mrs. Riggs. Plans for her own travel. ER-1, p. 267

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Has not received a letter from her for weeks, many letters lost. Date set for Council is Nov. 28. Association must come before public again. Plans for having all Ladies at Willard Hotel and staying there herself. Regrets delay in paying Mr.Herbert. Asks advice about dressing her hair. Plans to have her shopping done and her "bed" in readiness. ER-1, p. 269

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A.L.S. Concern for her clothes for Council. Thanksgiving Day interferes with Council date. ER-1, p. 273

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A.L. fragment. Plans to collect and classify material for history of Mount Vernon; her letters to secretaries, to friends working in the cause; letters to the Regent. ER-2, p. 3

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A.L.S. Rosemont. Encloses $10, making $25 sent by letters. Plans trip to Mount Vernon. Postscript later says plantation troubles may delay her. ER-1, p. 239