Alexander, Judith Ball Blackburn, 1796-1866

Scope and Contents This collection contains correspondence, legal documents, financial records, and other documents related to John Augustine Washington III and his son Lawrence, as well as his granddaughters Anne and Patty. The bulk of the correspondence series are letters sent to John Augustine Washington III 1840-1860. They deal with family affairs and the management of various family plantations, including Mount Vernon. The late-nineteenth and twentieth century papers are divided into subject files,...

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A.L.S. “Your kind mother always advances for me the money with which I travel to the upper country. I am making my arrangements to move rather earlier than usual this summer that I may have the advantage of Cousin Betsy Winter’s company … I shall take Rosina with me who is a fine sensible, amiable girl of fourteen, rather handsome, but bashful and awkward. She looks badly now from a sort of bilious fever without chills, which hangs about her in despite of blue pile etc.”

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A.L.S. Letter being carried by Randall, a slave, and tells of various people’s health problems.

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To Mount Vernon. Judith writes that she enjoyed her visit to Mount Vernon and the family. Looks often at the daguerreotype. Recommends they go to Jefferson. Continues on 12 July: Met Mrs. Payne and is raising money for her to go to the springs for her health. Gives news about various people.

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To Mount Vernon. Judith writes that she heard that Nelly was “pale and not strong.” Gives accounts of other people’s health and her own. Dr. Stewart’s daughters will try to visit Nelly at Mount Vernon so they can see it “with family there.”

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Discusses various relatives’ health. Talks about visiting friends. Discusses flowers and birds – mockingbirds are keeping her awake at night.

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To Mount Vernon. Judith wishes to hear from Nelly. Very hot, dry weather, affecting the corn crop and grass. No cholera yet. Only one baby on their property. Sends greetings to many people.

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Discusses the death of Louisa. Writes that Mr. Alexander will bring the corn crop up soon. Gives news of various acquaintances.

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To Mount Vernon. Judith tells Augustine not to send a carriage for her. She will take a public conveyance. Hopes to see Maria soon. Reports that Bushrod Washington Herbert is disposed to be melancholy.

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Judith writes to her nephew Augustine encouraging him to remain at the University of Virginia instead of going to Washington to work.

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Judith B. Alexander, Caledon, to John Augustine Washington III. Judith writes that she is suffering from melancholy and writes of religious matters. She also writes, “I observed with pleasure you have forbidden the intrusion of stages and omnibuses.” She asks that she be fondly remembered to Aunt Jenny, “my poor old Joe Mitchum,” Phil, West, Eliza, and Sarah.

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Caledon to Mount Vernon. Letter about harvest, wheat crops, debt, and difficulties. Judith hopes to visit Augustine at Mount Vernon and urges him to have faith.

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Judith writes that she is unable to attend his wedding to Nelly but her husband will come. She has heard great things about Nelly. Long discussion of William Alexander and his difficulties. Talks about her love of flowers and pleasure at the improvement of the garden and greenhouse at Mount Vernon.

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Judith writes asking for news of Augustine and his family. She recommends the book “Mount of Olives” and writes of family news. Charles is leaving to join a company in California.

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Judith writes that she heard from Hannah that Augustine received some injury with a plough.

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To Mount Vernon. Talks about the great comfort of religion. Discusses Mr. Smith who became a Christian and abandoned his law practice. Also mentions Mr. Merrick of Charles County who sells lime.

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Judith writes that she burned Augustine’s money order as she had previously been paid by another nephew. Her health is poor.

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To Mount Vernon. Wanted to visit, but Mr. Alexander would not leave his “agricultural pursuits.” Enjoyed a recent visit with friends. Heard a lot of news from Jefferson.

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To Mount Vernon. Discusses her sister’s death and her life. Her happiness became “the passion of my soul.” Tells him she is entitled only to the interest on money from the estate. Tells him if she dies, she wants to be buried by Julia in Jefferson with a simple stone.

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To Mount Vernon. Judith writes about Augustine’s health. He had the same “typhoid symptoms” as Charles. Writes of family news.

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Judith is very worried about Hannah Alexander’s two sons who seem to be being used by their father to provide a reconciliation of him with Hannah. Judith does not want this to happen.

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Hannah’s sons are in Alexandria with “their miserable father.” Judith is amazed that Hannah trusts him with them. Reports on various visitors.

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Judith is sure Augustine’s family will be very happy in Fauquier. Mr. Alexander’s health is poor. Their overseer “keeps the hands active by a natural authority without severity.” Would like his advice as to Dr. Crawford’s estate. Describes her money problems.

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Judith writes that there is much illness in her family. She discusses a trustee for her estate. They had a huge hailstorm, which resulted in many broken panes of glass.

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To Mount Vernon. Her health is good, and she plans to visit soon. Mr. Alexander does not like to be away from home for long, even though he loves seeing them all. Has a large corn crop and an excellent garden. She has been working in it and fears Nelly and the children will take her for an “Indian.”

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Will see the family in Jefferson and hopes they get there soon for their health. Asks for money to travel.

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To Mount Vernon. Wants the receipt for Augustine’s compounded pills. Is returning the nice and expensive cloak she was given. Promises to write someday as if “I was talking to you.”

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Judith wants to stay with Augustine for a few days to discuss business. Reports on the health of Maria. His mother is well, and Richard’s new daughter is healthy.

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A.L.S. Hampstead, Virginia to Mount Vernon. Discusses her love of gardening and the recent harvest. Says she likes the new teacher at a neighbor’s house “but she looks consumptive.” Describes a monument to two boys.

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A.L.S. 4 pages. Mount Vernon to Caledon near Hampstead. Personal letter updating her on family health and affairs.