Mason, Betsey (Elizabeth Price), 1802-1873

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A.L. Betsey Mason writes beginning of the letter and her daughter finishes it. Assures him General Johnson will be cooperative re Mount Vernon affairs. Sideboard still at Green's warehouse, Alexandria, some old tables, engraving of "Aunt Lewis" is a beautiful portrait and she can also get one of her father. Note in pencil, "Mrs. Mason's last letter." W-94

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A.L.S. Re difficulties with Miss McMakin and her retirement from Mount Vernon. ER-7, p. 143

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A.L.S. Tuesday. Sends her a letter from Mr. Shides (Strider?) in reference to an advance of $5000. Suggests a payment to McMakins. ER-14, p. 63

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A.L.S. Monday. After sending her a "budget" at Willard's, she received a message from Mr. D. about relics and advises prompt action. ER-14, p. 63

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A.L.S. Understands things at Mount Vernon have not happened as the Vice Regents wished and were promised. Asks opinion re powers of the Regent under the constitution. Approves his appointment and comments on changes at Mount Vernon. Suggested the Regent consult him re retaining "this family" to run a restaurant on shares. Miss McMakin is now private secretary to Miss Cunningham. ER-14, p. 55

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A.L.S. Re Mrs. Sweat's note of instruction, changes in the Regent's and Miss McMakin's position. Suggests he get rooms or the house of Mr. Gibbs. Gardener's report "gloomy." ER-14, p. 55

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A.L.S. Asks him to call to receive instructions sent by Vice Regents. Knows he will give Miss Cunningham every care. ER-14, p. 57

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Asks him to forward a note to Miss Cunningham. She is concerned for Cunningham's health and feels indebted to her for all she did for Mount Vernon. ER-14, p. 59

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Returns Miss Cunningham's letters. Regrets the "disagreeable" people at Mount Vernon. Disapproves of Miss McMakin's action. Hopes Miss Cunningham will find residence somewhere else soon. Suggests he take rooms at neighbor Gibbs' house. Criticism of MVLA's present condition. ER-14, p. 59

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Fragment, incomplete letter. Mount Vernon has truly become a part of her life. Thinks the constitution an imperfect instrument. Barn and stables need repairs. Hopes Sarah is more useful and McMakins do not disturb him. ER-14, p. 59

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A.L.S. Hopes to take her husband's family to Mount Vernon and that some distinguished group will also be visiting. Would be pleased to have him and Mrs. Hollingsworth call. Miss McMakin's note says the Regent found ladies more conservative than she feared. ER-14, p. 61

Scope and Contents A.L.S. Sorry he is confused about matters with Miss Cunningham who at Council was voted to receive $1500, "done with a moral obligation put upon her" to leave Mount Vernon. Discusses use of several Mansion rooms. Letter from "Mrs. Gen. Lee" gives sideboard, two knife cases to Mount Vernon and refers to disposition of Patent Office relics. Sends $5 to Mount Vernon fund. Plans to place photograph of Mrs. Lewis (from Stuart's painting) in her bedroom. Has not heard from Miss Cunningham in a...

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A.L.S. Thursday. Asks him to drop her a line. Hopes to hear of Mrs. M. (Mitchell?). Has advised the Regent not to return to Mount Vernon. ER-14, p. 57

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A.L.S. Tuesday the 10th. In his note he did not mention the note she sent enclosing $5 for the MVLA. She needs the Regent's signature for funds but does not know where she is. Wants to know if she has decided to stay away from Mount Vernon. Discusses her dislike of Miss McMakin and Miss Cunningham's retirement. ER-14, p. 61

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A.L.S. Thursday. Re the servants, his new responsibilities, and $1500 allowed to Miss Cunningham and freedom given her. ER-14, p. 55

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A.L.S. Asks him to assist Miss Cunningham in getting away. Feels herself inefficient in aiding him. ER-14, p. 57

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A.L.S. Staten Island. Friday the 23rd). Is returning to Colross soon and is anxious to hear of Miss Cunningham and the departure of the "obnoxious family." Hopes Miss Cunningham will not return until things are better between her and Council. Mrs. Sweat said her story of Miss Cunningham differs from Mrs. Hudson but she believes this is a misunderstanding. ER-14, p. 61

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A.L.S. Has not heard from Miss Cunningham in a long time. Writes of Mrs. Lee's relics which she is trying to get for Mount Vernon. "The sideboard is here, a tea table and the death-bed furniture". Thinks Miss Cunningham must have offended the Lee family. W-194

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A.L.S. Colross. Discusses difficulties with Miss Cunningham who thinks all power lies with the Regent not with the Board. Mr. Hollingsworth's election as Superintendent and his new duties. Mary McMakin's family to leave Mount Vernon.

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A.L.S. Colross. Relates to Mrs. Sweat's letter to the Regent regarding a change in Regent's position, also Mary McMakin's.

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A.L. Incomplete. MVLA matters and declining health of Ann Pamela Cunningham.

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill, Loudon County. Deterioration of Miss Cunningham's health. Has advised her to accept the will of the Vice Regents. Thinks Miss McMakin has been a bad influence on her. McMakin's family, especially the mother, is a "horror." Cunningham is willing to give all money control over to Hollingsworth. Attempts to get her away from Mount Vernon.

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Discusses Miss Cunningham and her failing health, and her troubles with Vice Regents. Hollingsworth reports several statements made to him about them by the Regent. She wishes this all to be finished and for Miss Cunningham to finally leave Mount Vernon.

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A.L.S. Colross. Miss Cunningham desires to return to Mount Vernon. Hollingsworth says matters go well at Mount Vernon and Council is planned for the near future.

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Miss Cunningham at Mount Vernon. Feels she should be made to leave at "slightest intimation of her Council." Feels Mrs. Eve's disagreement with her is highly personal and harmful to MVLA. Miss McMakin's, however, she feels is not, and is only meant to help the MVLA through a troubled time.

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Discusses Miss Cunningham's health and common knowledge of her excessive use of drugs. MVLA's financial matters - wonders if complaints about Miss Tracy were valid. Friends of hers pledged $150 to Mount Vernon as they were so impressed with the mansion and with Hollingsworth, who feels he is being spied upon. Feels Miss Cunningham is beginning to cost Mount Vernon some of its friends and allies.

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A.L.S. Colross. Has heard from Hollingsworth that the Regent is coming to Mount Veron. Suggests the $1500 from the MVLA he has forwarded to her be withdrawn unless she leave Mount Vernon and avoid MVLA matters.

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A.L.S. Chesnut Hill. Discusses upcoming election and a visit with her son. Could not meet with Mrs. Eve because she was ill. Wishes Miss Cunningham would stay in Philadelphia. Discusses Constitution drafted by Mr. Petigru.