Hollingsworth, John McHenry, 1823-1889

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Hoffman House, New York. Received his October report. Very gratifying. Will meet Mrs. Comegys next week in Philadelphia with important papers, one for Regent, one for Hollingsworth. Later meets Hollingsworth to "arrange by word of mouth your relation to us" and future plans. Vice Regents Eve and Mitchell received letter re Patent Office articles which she thinks can be had for Mount Vernon. Professor Henry will send Bastille model. Asks if bedstead, marble top table and mattress...

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Has started collecting money for Lodges as Hollingsworth wants work started, advances five hundred dollars. Asks about plate for gate that records children contributors, and inquires about bedroom to be furnished. ER-18, p. 249

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A.L.S. Villa Alexandria, Jacksonville. Sends names to be put on gate, photographs of it taken and sent to Mrs. L. L. Merrill (mother of children). Sent one dozen views of Mount Vernon and bill for same. Public schools to pay for Lodges. Asks Hollingsworth to write to school superintendent asking if he wants photographs of old lodges, etc. Wisconsin Grand Master has sent appeal to Masonic Lodges for funds for mausoleum. ER-18, p. 250

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Read his letter to Mrs. Halsted to a Milwaukee friend who wishes to give money for the gate. But wishes "a substantial one in original style." Will build lodges at $480. Wants things in good condition for Centennial. ER-18, p. 261

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Mrs. Halsted suggests that Mrs. Mitchell attempt some improvements at Mount Vernon. Because she insisted on having accounts strictly kept, she withdrew from management. Vice Regents refused to accept her resignation. Explains her efforts re lodges and gates. Asks for something that will show and will appeal to children. ER-18, p. 263

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. She will take care of financing gates and gate houses repair. Mrs. Halsted to take care of fences and barn. Children are footing this bill. Wants whatever is done, therefore, in the public eye. Mausoleum for Washington. ER-18, p. 247

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Milwaukee children raised funds for lodges and gate. Will send a book of names of donors. Milwaukee college girls paid for coat of arms. Understands rooms on third floor have not been assigned for Council. Will furnish the Mary Washington room at her own expense. ER-18, p. 215

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Asks again for plans for lodges and gates, will try "to raise money for all," and also furnish a bedroom. Her architect friend Mr. Mix will draw plans for furniture. Mount Vernon should be thoroughly guarded from vandalism and offenders prosecuted. Masons working hard. ER-18, p. 236

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Returns drawings and bids lodges and gate. Asks if there is a single gate needed as a lady wants to give one in her children's name. Might be iron, cost not limited. Notes gates connected with lodges must be wood. Asks about bedrooms assigned her and gives plan for furnishing coat of arms of Wisconsin being made of carved wood. ER-18, p. 241

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Sends $52 for building gate and later will send names of children contributors. Will send coat of arms with names of contributors. Hopes to send $500 to start lodges. ER-18, p. 246

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A.L.S. New York. Wrote on the 12th re plans for Gates and Lodges. Wants to arrange with an Iron Co. to make gates. Asks for dimensions of room Mrs. Hudson occupied at last Council as she wishes to furnish it. Grand Master of Wisconsin Lodges asked Masons to erect a mausoleum for Washington at Mount Vernon. ER-18, p. 233

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A.L.S. House of Representatives letterhead. Discusses approaching Congress with a bill for more money. If Miss Cunningham comes to Mount Vernon, he should be polite but firm with her that she cannot stay long and entertain guests. All rooms in the Mansion need to remain open to visitors. ER-18, p. 253

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A.L.S. Villa Alexandria, Jacksonville. Did not receive his letter with plan for gate and lodges. Will see him in Washington at the end of the month. One woman has given $100 and she hopes to have more gifts for the gate and 2 lodges, so have plans ready. Wants these completed before Centennial. ER-18, p. 221

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Has not heard from him in a long time. Hopes Council will be last of May or first of June. Asks for all the box trees he can spare. Will pay at same rate as anyone else. ER-18, p. 257

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Received his "very satisfactory report" for March. Refers to her former letter on plan for coming to Council and she will not shirk her task. Asks him to engage room for her at Sykes Hotel. ER-18, p. 220

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Expected to attend Council but cool weather prevents it. Has sent her views and her proxy to Mrs. Comegys. ER-18, p. 224

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Will not be at Council but Vice Regents know her views. Hopes reporters will be admitted to Council. Association has nothing to hide and prefers world to know all. ER-18, p. 222

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A.L.S. Re Regent's retirement, putting Mount Vernon under charge of Committees empowered by Council to call meetings when necessary. ER-18, p. 223

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A.L.S. Savannah. Asks Hollingsworth to send to her drawings of the "Lodges and Gates." Thinks she can get a friend to donate $100 for one of the gates. If no architectural drawings, sketches will be fine. ER-18, p. 225

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A.L.S. New York. Regent permits Mrs. Mitchell's artist friends to remain over night at Mount Vernon and sleep in Washington's room. Will settle expenses. Daughter will write a fine letter which Mrs. Mitchell will put in a New York paper. Expects tablet for schools, gift will come soon. ER-18, p. 227

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A.L.S. New York. Pleased with "account of your gathering." Asks for plan for gates, would like all matters about these settled before she leaves New York. Plans for Lodges can be sent her in Milwaukee. ER-18, p. 228

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Bedrooms too small for her purposes as planned to have "all the furniture makers give each a piece after style of Washington." Asks if there are 2 or 3 gates needed and urges him to send plans for them promptly. Lodges may be used for sleeping quarters. If no room suitable to her needs, will furnish small room with "cottage furniture." Wishes everything completed for centennial. ER-18, p. 238

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Information sent on gates not what was needed. Asks if sides are flat or curving, are to be built of iron. Asks if 2 or 3 gates are to be made, also wants plan of lodges and estimated cost. May have work done in West. Wants it completed for centennial. ER-18, p. 240

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Milwaukee. His letters to Mrs. Hudson forwarded to her. Was not at Council but was appointed chairman of a committee. Unwilling to draw up anything alone stating what his duties will be. Cites difficulties of task assigned her. Thinks he should have "the whole charge," but "treat Regent...politely," keep money in his hands with accounts of receipts and disbursements. Subject to Regent's and Vice Regents' and public's inspection. Plan for retirement of Regent with her secretary...

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Milwaukee. Hears he is more comfortable at Mount Vernon. Asked the Regent to send him keys and to instruct him re disposition of her belongings and payment of money due her. Directs him re expenditures, improvements. Hopes there will be some time to build a house for him although he is to sleep in the Mansion during winter. His bedroom will also be on exhibition. Committee plans a meeting in October. No trees to be cut or any great change made without knowledge of Vice Regents. ...

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A.L.S. Milwaukee. Embossed letter initials from stationary cut out. Sorry he has had such a hard time at the job so far with so many complications. Now he controls the money. Gives further instructions regarding handling of money and says Miss Cunningham needs to give him the key to the safe. Hopes to see him when she is in Washington and that he is doing well. ER-18, p. 243

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A.L.S. She and Mrs. Comegys met with Regent in Philadelphia and planned for Regent's retirement. Great consideration to be shown her. ER-18, p. 252

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A.L.S. New York. Letter with Regent's "characteristic document" received. He is not to sign Miss McMakin's orders. Counsels on Miss Cunningham's retirement. Pleased with his report. Will be in Washington in November. ER-18, p. 245

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A.L.S. Jacksonville. Has asked Mrs. Hudson down to try and raise several hundred dollars for the MVLA as "she is new to the work and realms, while we olders are broken down by sad experiences…" Has also asked Miss Cunningham to release several hundred dollars to Hollingsworth. Advises him to consult with Mr. Brooks re an appropriation for the year.

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A.L.S. Hoffman House, New York. Held an informal committee meeting in New York with Mr. Halsted of the Advisory Committee. Drew up plan of action that Mrs. Hudson has already communicated to him. He is allowed for his "own use, milk, butter, etc. from farm--indeed all the products in reasonable quantities for use of yourself and family according to 1st agreement made not signed." Will see him in another month. ER-18, p. 258