Alexander, William Fontaine, 1811-1862

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. Discusses the sending of clover seed. Had a problem with old Henry who emptied some tailings for the hens near the clover, mixing some up. “I think I never was more vexed with any human being in all my life.”

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A.L.S. Tells him of the considerable debts ($2,169.80) of Cousin Hannah and wishes to know what is to be done about it.

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To Mount Vernon. William writes to his mother that he is attending the Whig Convention with his brother Richard. The Potomac is frozen over, so they will take the nearest road across the country to Fredericksburg.

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To Mount Vernon. William writes that he wants Augustine to have Cary ready at Miss Mandeville’s to be brought home. Jane C. Washington is with the Alexanders.

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Mr. Burns will release Washington from his contract. Mr. Roper is interested in purchasing the farm. Congratulates him on the birth of his daughter and wishes him “good luck to have a dozzen.” Discusses the new set of six sheriffs elected and crops.

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William writes that Mr. Roddy wanted to be paid for digging his well, but he had not fulfilled the contract, which was to go ten feet deeper. William will not pay him until he hears from Washington.

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To Mount Vernon. William writes that he went to inspect the well. Washington’s Uncle Bushrod is uncertain whether it will answer his purposes. Mr. Roddy did not penetrate further than five feet as he felt it would do no good to go further and cause needless expenses. Will dig another well if necessary under a new contract. William is not in need of Augustine’s help to obtain a loan.

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Charlestown to Mount Vernon. Encloses a letter from Mr. Brownell and wants his advice as to how to deal with it. Is worried about his debts and interest payments.

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William purchased a house in Charlestown, depending upon the Brownell’s bonds to pay for it. Brownell is insolvent. Describes various crops.

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William writes that James Roper is anxious to purchase Mr. Burns’s land.

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To Mount Vernon. William writes that Mr. Burnett will manufacture “Gattling’s Drilling Machine” for $100.

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Letter about the sale of farms.

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William asks Augustine to aid him in obtaining a loan of $900 by endorsing some bonds. He hopes for a good harvest this year.

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He has canceled his note and encloses it. Had been in attendance on Mrs. B.C. Washington in her illness to the neglect of everything else.

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Sends an account of sales of Washington’s wheat. Reports on James Ranson’s purchase of a farm and Rutherford’s plans.

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William thanks Augustine for offering to put up shad for Mr. Bealls and himself. Jane C. Washington is visiting and detained by the rain and damp weather.

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William thanks Augustine for the shad and writes that Miss Rice will provide “all that you desire in a Governess for your children.”

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William is grateful for delivery of fish. Wants to visit Mount Vernon so that “our children should grow up knowing and loving each other.” Discusses the planting of corn and wheat. Says Cary may visit before his return to Jefferson.

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William writes that he received the fish and paid for the herring but not the shad. Describes corn and wheat crops. Refers to upcoming election for the “sheriffalty.”

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William writes that Jenny will leave with Richard and go to Philadelphia to be with Mrs. Barton. Requests that Washington send the $100 he proposed to advance for her.

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William wishes Augustine to pay his note from the sale of Cousin Hannah’s personal property as she is determined to send Jenny to Philadelphia. He disagrees with this as there is a good female school in Charlestown. He had hoped for a visit from Augustine during the summer.

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William writes that Jenny will again go to Mrs. Barton and has improved very much. Writes he is not depressed but simply getting old. He wants Augustine to visit at least annually. Gives family news. Aunt Christian named him as her trustee and executor, and she has left all to Willie.

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William writes that he is unable to sell the land at the price desired. The most offered is $30,000. They are enjoying the visit of the children very much.

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Letter providing an account of the proceeds from Mr. Lucas’s bonds.

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Walnut Farm. Discusses the payment of $6000 and its being a “charge against any shares of Mount Vernon that I or my children may have under your Father’s will and codicils.”

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Letter discussing legal matters.

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Letter discussing financial matters.

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Discusses the possibility of payments from various people. Cary is now a “full fledged ‘Doctor Medicine’” but does not look at all more venerable. William assures Augustine that his note in Bank will be paid at maturity.

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William thanks Augustine for two barrels of herrings. He is sorry the fishing season was so “unfavourable” and is sorry to hear of Nelly’s illness. Hopes the children will visit them soon. Discusses upcoming payments by various women on bonds to him.