Hollingsworth, John McHenry, 1823-1889

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Much discussion of the lunch table and its closing. Did inventory of lunch table. Captain Blake was not supplied with lunches. Sarah Johnson refuses to cook for him, despite order of Council. Emphatically denies any theft or embezzlement by him.

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. Washington. Wants to visit Mount Vernon the next week if she, husband and friends can go on the boat without charges. Wishes to know with what privileges a Vice Regent of the MVLA is endowed when visiting Mount Vernon. ER-14, p. 31

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Gives account of various gifts to him which he gave to the Association. Can produce vouchers to document his payments made after the abolition of the lunch table.

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This document was sent by Mrs. Philoclea E. Eve and Mrs. Hudson to Colonel James McHenry Hollingsworth in Mount Vernon, Virginia. It discusses his appointment as superintendent and the duties he will have in that position.

ER 5; p. 61, DLS

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A.L. Incomplete letter. Stratford. She and Mrs. Sweat have lately written criticism plainly to the Regent, and others will follow soon. Regrets the troubles he has experienced thus far but is determined for him to have the position for which he was elected. ER-18, p. 32

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A.L.S. Stratford. Writes him an official letter sent to Mrs. Eve to forward to him. Refers to Mrs. Eve's attitude toward Regent. Tells Superintendent not to sign any papers except those presented by the committee. Refers to Regent's retirement. ER-18, p. 34

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A.L.S. Stratford. Urges him to have McMakins leave promptly, and paid by Regent. Hollingsworth's appointment precludes necessity for private secretary to Regent. Comments on his appointment, care of Mount Vernon, money he collects, paying gardener $50 per month, and having greenhouse on good footing. ER-18, p. 5

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A.L.S. Stratford. Mrs. Sweat and Mrs. Hudson agree to authorize him to ask McMakins to leave Mount Vernon on a given date. Desires Regent to leave also. Advises him to answer all letters promptly and to destroy her "informal" letters to him. ER-18, p. 7

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A.L.S. Stratford. Criticism of Regent's policy. Will appeal to Masons to raise endowment fund, interest of which will be for repairs. Expects he will fix up a house for his use. Asks him to report on a "room full of papers." ER-18, p. 9

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A.L.S. Stratford. Received his "private enclosure" of the 22nd. Plans to meet Mrs. Eve and Mrs. Barry. Latter too ill to travel. Plans for Regent's retirement, method of handling checks, Mary McMakin's salary and possible return to Mount Vernon, what MVLA will do for Superintendent. ER-18, p. 11

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A.L.S. West Point. Communicated contents of his letter of the 4th to Mrs. Sweat and Mrs. Mitchell. Comments on drawing off the bank fund. Her committee will meet in New York in 2 weeks. Hopes for money from crops and visitors during inauguration year. Has many copies of Mrs. Barry's report. Refers to boat contract with Mr. Sykes, surveyor to settle boundaries of wharf. Refers him to charter and constitution of the MVLA. ER-18, p. 13

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A.L.S. Stratford. Advises him to tell Mary McMakin she is simply the Regent's servant. Instructs on method of paying the Regent. Association does not wish Mary McMakin to return to Mount Vernon except with Regent. Does not want dinners in the Mansion. Thinks of calling "dinners" luncheons and serving them in another house. The arbor for picnics, can serve ice cream, coffee, cake. Mentions an article, thinks not written by Regent. Received the Report, better than expected. ER-18, p. 15

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A.L.S. Stratford. Received the report, glad he took out salary, should take it each month. Hopes to have meeting in New York, has backing of Mrs. Sweat and Mrs. Mitchell. Criticism of the Regent. Calls attention to an error of $1.00 in his accounts. ER-18, p. 16

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A.L.S. Stratford. Re hanging chandelier, measurements of room for a lounge. Must furnish state rooms first. Suggests furnishings for Mrs. Washington's sitting room, andirons, tongs, fender, papering, etc. Has no authority from Regent "to do anything to the room." ER-18, p. 14

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Stratford. Declares $853.56 was Regent's expenses. Complete Mount Vernon expense was $5000. Hopes to meet Mrs. Mitchell and other Vice Regents. If she resigns she will state why in newspapers. Criticism of Regent. Superintendent is sole treasurer of Association's money, and only one to draw money for Regent. Hopes Knight Templars visit estate as they plan to Appeal to Masons for endowment fund. People like to buy pots of flowers at Mount Vernon. Advises pink Oxalis. ER-18, p....

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Had committee meeting at Hoffman House, and a legal meeting to prepare the Superintendent's commission. Vice Regents from Georgia, Connecticut, and Wisconsin present. Commission prepared by Mr. Sweat and Mr. Halsted of the Advisory Committee, latter was presen. Comments on its relation to the Regent's powers at Mount Vernon. Superintendent is to have provisions from the estate, one room in Mansion or Office, draw his salary monthly. Comments on prospects for bequests. Judge and...

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A.L.S. Stratford. Sends copy of commission. Chairman Mrs. Mitchell will send original. Tells him he has greater authority than Regent, Vice Regents or any other person. He may use Mount Vernon products as needed. The "World" has a report of the committee meeting. Sends him clipping to send to Regent. His October report was better than expected. Wants Washington relics for Mount Vernon. Expects flag and staff for February 22. Treat Mary McMakin as Regent's servant. ER-18, p. 21

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A.L.S. Stratford. Asks him to see Mrs. Mitchell in Washington. Mrs. Hudson reports Mitchell and Comegys saw Regent in Philadelphia and she does not intend to return to Mount Vernon. ER-18, p. 36

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A.L.S. Stratford. Tells him to consult with Mrs. Mason who acts for her and Mrs. Mitchell, and with Mr. Corcoran. Thinks he can draw interest money from bank. ER-18, p. 22

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Stratford. Wants Mr. Halsted to see Mrs. Mason who thinks as she does re Regent. Mr. Halsted will claim flag staff from Robeson. Mrs. Halsted has procured 10 iron settees, also received notice that Peale heirs have given the painting to the MVLA. Wants accounts kept exactly. Suggestions for calling Council. He will soon receive a letter which he is to read and send Regent. He has authority to draw on endowment fund and its interest. His reports to be sent to the Chairman of the...

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A.L.S. Stratford. Asks how much the Association owes him. Endowment fund interest is available to him. Inauguration time not profitable to Mount Vernon. Mrs. Halsted thinks Regent wants to resign. Plans Council for late April. Approves investigation by Virginia Legislature. Reports Peale heirs' gift of painting. ER-18, p. 26

Scope and Contents A.L.S. New York. Will communicate contents of his letter to Mrs. Sweat, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Halsted as "we four pull together." Mrs. Halsted writes Regent re Council, asks if Mr. Sykes will give a parlor for meeting which will be in early May. Will have plan of meeting carefully made, one day in Washington and one at Mount Vernon. Asks him for short condensed reports for Minutes. Asks if Regent signed his commission and about the Virginia legislative investigating committee. Mrs....

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A.L.S. Stratford. Asks him for names of Knight Templars in Stratford, will seek Masonic aid for Mount Vernon. Asks if work on his house is satisfactory, other details of repairs noted, papers to be cared for. Judge Thomas sends Peale deed. Act making the Superintendent the conservator of peace. Tells him to have badges made for servants. All of former Regent's papers are to be carefully guarded at Mount Vernon. ER-18, p. 42

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A.L.S. Stratford. Refers to Regent's retirement and letters from new Regent who is struggling with Mount Vernon's financial problems. Urges him to answer letters promptly. Says Judge Thomas will make him "Conservator of the Peace." ER-18, p. 33

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Stratford. Hears often from Mrs. Berghmans about her work. Increasing endowment fund, news about Mr. Sykes' hotel bill, the money to be paid Miss Cunningham and the desk she is to have. Instructions for making furniture. Mrs. Farnsworth pleased with last Council proceedings and approves Mrs. Berghmans for Regent. Right of Regent to send investigating committee to Mount Vernon. Refers to Mrs. Sweat's letter to Miss Cunningham forwarded to Superintendent to send to Regent. Finds...

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A.L.S. Stratford. Refers to sickness at Mount Vernon. Keeping the place clean. Asks if Old Jim is still alive. Send regards to Sarah and Nathan. Wrote Regent of plan to put plates on furniture with donor's name and history. ER-18, p. 37

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A.L.S. Stratford. Re letters from the Vice Regents for him to read and forward one to Regent and take note for Mr. Cooke. Asked Mrs. Sweat to copy Resolution from Minutes on appointment of Committee, to take to Mr. Cooke with voucher from Mrs. Mitchell, which gives Superintendent the "power of Treasurer." Asks him to pay with checks. Refers to key to safe. ER-18, p. 34

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A.L.S. Stratford. Sends needles for Sarah to sew carpet for Superintendent's house, 2 carpets sent via Merchants Line Steamers to Alexandria. The merchant donates a portion and will visit Mount Vernon. Hopes that Superintendent's little house will be comfortably furnished. ER-18, p. 38

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A.L.S. Stratford. Asks for measurement of room on second floor, head of stairs on right, above Pennsylvania Room, plans to get bed and other furniture for it. ER-18, p. 38