Peters, Richard, 1744-1828

Content Description The Bushrod Washington Family Papers consist of documents gathered by the descendants of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The collection comprises an assortment of correspondence and legal documents documenting the lives and property ownership of several branches of the Washington family. The collection is organized into five series: Correspondence, Legal Documents, Social, Miscellaneous, and Indenture Notices (Land Deeds).The Correspondence series,...

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Bushrod writes that he is convinced the fire at Mt. Vernon was set by an incendiary, but he knows not whom to suspect -- he can impute no motive to any of his "domestics," all of whom exerted themselves to extinguish the fire -- still, great damage was done -- Mrs. Washington's health was impaired by the alarm, though she is recovering. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed, postmarked "Alexa May 22," watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as...

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Yellow fever in Alexandria has delayed Bushrods answer --now the "prevailing disorder" (likely also yellow fever) in Philadelphia has convinced Bushrod that no good could result from trying to carry on business -- he writes that the request of the gentlemen of the bar, confirmed by Peters, is agreeable, so he requests Peters to attend if he safely can and to adjourn the Court to the next term. Autograph letter signed, docketed, postmarked "George Col. Sept. 26,"...

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The letter addresses several legal questions to Peters and ends with the admonition that the British fleet is expected hourly and "will do great mischief should these ships pass the fort" (Fort Washington) where "the Adams (a vessel), some gunboats and about 2000 men" are understood to be stationed.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. Belmont. Discussion of slavery: "Some Legalized Kidnappers might be usefully employed in scouring our State of all your fugitive slaves; and if you could colonize all the sooty race, nothing better could be done." Peters is angered at the abolitionists, those "antiflagellating benevolents". Finally, Peters hopes Washington regains his health, "so that you may be strong, and work hard on your colonization Scheme; so that all [the slaves] may be returned to the happy regions of...

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A.L.S. 1 page. Belmont. A discussion of a legal case, Penn vs. Cline, and Peters' opinion on land speculators. Written on the anniversary of GW's birth, Peters relates that "This day brings into my mind many old recollections, both painful and pleasant" and that he is going into Philadelphia to celebrate the birthday. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Philadelphia. Peters writes about publications, sending Washington six copies for his approval before printing. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel.

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel.