A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 18770a
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia 800 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000 USA Phone: (804) 692-3888 (Archives Reference) Fax: (804) 692-3556 (Archives Reference) Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov(Archives) URL: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/
Burgess Ball was born 28 July 1749 at Bewdley in Lancaster
County, Virginia, to Jeduthan Ball (1725-1749/50) and
Elizabeth Burgess. Ball served as an aide to George Washington
(1732-1799), a relative, during the early years of the
American Revolution. He was appointed captain in the 5th
Virginia Regiment, then on 17 December 1777, he was appointed
lieutenant colonel in the 1st Virginia Infantry. After the
war, he moved from Lancaster County to Stafford County,
Virginia, and built Traveler's Rest. By 1793, he had relocated
to Loudoun County, Virginia. Ball married first Mary
Chichester (1753-1775) 1 July 1770, and they had two children
including Burgess Ball (1773-1793). He married second Frances
Thornton Washington (1763-1815), a niece of George Washington,
7 April 1781, and they had eight children. One of their
children was Charles Burgess Ball (14 December 1793-2 July
1823) who became a practicing physician in Loudoun County. He
married Lucy Throckmorton Potter (1793-1870) 14 January 1814,
and they had five children, including Charles Burgess Ball (17
February 1822-14 April 1883). Charles Burgess Ball represented
Loudoun County in the Virginia House of Delegates in
1849-1850, 1852-1853, 1857-1858, and 1859-1861. He represented
the county in the state senate from 1861 to 1865. Ball married
Emma Read 27 May 1852, and they had five children. Ball died
in Richmond, Virginia.
Papers, 1650-1864, of the Ball family of Lancaster,
Stafford, and Loudoun Counties, Virginia, consisting of bonds,
contracts, deeds, genealogical notes, judicial records, land
patents, legal opinions, letters, military orders, military
rosters, money, petitions, powers of attorney, and
regulations. Papers contain land patents and deeds for land in
Lancaster, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Northumberland
Counties, Virginia; judicial records for the Virginia General
Court; and bonds to and from members of the Ball family.
Correspondence includes letters to and from Burgess Ball
(1749-1800) regarding the Revolutionary War, including a
discussion of the Virginia assembly's wartime measures;
rosters of Virginia and Continental Army officers; terms of a
parole for Ball; the battle of Cowpens and the campaign in
North Carolina; a letter from George Washington (1732-1799)
concerning the war and affairs at Mount Vernon; and
regulations and orders for the siege at Yorktown, Virginia;
Correspondence also discusses Ball's construction of
Traveler's Rest in Stafford County and his business concerns;
efforts to get land warrents for military service; legal
matters concerning slaves belonging to the Washington family;
contract for a farm and slaves in Berkeley County, (West)
Virginia; the education of Burgess Ball, Jr.; and Ball's move
to Loudoun County, Virginia.
Papers also include letters to and from Dr. Charles Burgess
Ball (d. ca. 1839) of Loudoun County concerning efforts to
claim his father Burgess Ball's land warrants for military
service during the Revolutionary War. Papers contain
correspondence and depositions regarding Ball senior; petition
by Charles Ball to the Virginia legislature; and two Vermont
state notes. Correspondents include George W. Ball, Charles
Ball's brother; William M. Thompson and Mildred Thompson, who
assisted Charles Ball in his efforts; and Churchill Gibbs,
William Jones, Robert Grayson Carter, Robert Porterfield,
William Willis, and Philip Slaughter, all of whom served with
or knew of Burgess Ball's military service. Also includes a
stock certificate for a share of the Alexandria, Loudoun and
Hampshire Rail Road Company, and two Civil War military passes
for Charles B. Ball. Also contains genealogical notes for the
Ball and Read families.
Land grants,
1650-1731, issued
to John Senior, Anthony Stvens, and Charles Burgess for
land in the Northern Neck Counties of Lancaster,
Northumberland, and Prince William.
8 manuscripts, transcripts, 3 leaves and 10
p.
Folder 2
General Court record,
30 October 1716, of the suit of
Robert Carter v. William Fox in an action of tresspass,
Lancaster County.
4 p.
Folder 3
Bond,
30 March 1722, of Edward Nickin to
Charles Burgess for 40 pounds for 50 acres in Lancaster
County.
2 p.
Folder 4
Deed,
30 March 1722, for 50 acres in
Lancaster County from Charles Burgess to Edward
Nickin.
2 p.
Folder 5
Legal opinion,
20 March 1729, of J. Ward on the
line of inheritance in [?] Hack's estate.
2 p.
Folder 6
Deed of release,
2 February 1730, from George Proctor
to Charles Burgess for land in Spotsylvania
County.
1 leaf.
Folder 7
Deed,
12 December 1730, for 1000 acres in
Spotsylvania County from Edward Price to Charles
Burgess.
2 p.
Folder 8
Letter,
20 August 1775, George Washington,
Cambridge, [Massachusetts], to Lund Washington,
discussing Scotsmen at Port Tobacco and Piscataway;
Simpson and the mill; Lord Dunmore; Massachusetts
government and troops; financial matters; occupation of
the labor force; and building at Mount Vernon. Original
at the New York Public Library. Letter published in
Writings of
Washington vol. 3, pp. 432-435.
4 p. transcript.
Folder 9
Roster,
before 2 June 1778, of [Virginia]
officers.
1 leaf.
Folder 10
Letter,
6 July 1778, W[illiam?] Ball,
Millenbeck, [Lancaster County] to Burgess Ball,
discussing efforts of the legislature to improve
accomodations for the army; iniquities of past executive
appointments; description of new organization and
appointments; supplies issued to troops; other acts of
the legislature; movement of the capital to Richmond;
depreciation of currency; improvement in army and future
campaigns; British depredations; and local news from
Lancaster County.
4 p.
Folder 11
Roster,
1778-1779, of
General and Field Officers in the Armies of the United
States, listing major generals and
brigadiers.
2 p.
Folder 12
Power of attorney,
1779-1785, Burgess
Ball to an unidentified individual.
3 p.
Folder 13
Letter,
21 December 1780, Lieutenant Charles
McPherson, Waddrills Point Ferryhouse, to Lieutenant
Colonel [Burgess] Ball, at General Da Pointail's,
informing Colonel Ball that he cannot go to Virginia
until orders are received from General Cornwallis
concerning Ball's parole.
1 leaf.
Folder 14
Letter,
12 March 1781, James Couyers,
Guilford County, North Carolina, to [Burgess] Ball
describing the military situation since Ball left the
southern army, and asking Ball to secure clothing for
him.
3 p.
Folder 15
Letter,
18 August 1781, Burgess Ball, Bath,
to Henry Armistead, Fredericksburg, describing
construction on Traveler's Rest, and commenting on the
car of the horses. Ball expects to stay at Traveler's
Rest for the remainder of his life.
4 p.
Folder 16
Regulations,
September-October 1781, for the
Service of the Siege [of Yorktown], and An Extract from
General Orders. General orders on the conduct of the
American siege of Cornwallis' army and commendations
from Washington to various commanders for their services
during the siege.
Physical Location: Original located in oversize, box 52.
4 leaves, photocopies.
Folder 17
Letter,
17 December 1781, James Ball,
Bewdley, Lancaster County, to Burgess Ball, Stafford
County, being advice from his uncle on the management of
his affairs; family affairs, and news.
2 p.
Folder 18
Letter,
20 November 1782, Burgess Ball,
Berkeley, to Harry [Henry Armistead] requesting cash,
supplies, and loan of carpenters; financial and personal
business.
4 p.
Folder 19
Letter,
29 July 1783, Nicholas Carroll,
Lancaster County, to Burgess Ball, King George County,
requesting his time and service record for his land
warrant.
1 leaf.
Folder 20
Letter,
5 August 1783, Bushrod Washington,
Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], to Burgess Ball,
Traveler's Rest, near Fredericksburg, concerning back
pay for military service; difficulties in getting the
notes to Virginia; local news; definitive treaty not
settled; site of the national capital not
settled.
4 p.
Folder 21
Power of attorney,
1783, Burgess Ball to Power and Ham
regarding estate of his wife Mary Chichester
Ball.
3 p.
Folder 22
Letter,
1 June 1784, Burgess Ball to Henry
Armistead, Fredericksburg, stating that barbecue has
exhausted supplies and asking that more be sent.
Problems in securing supplies, reluctance to ask favors
of him.
2 p.
Folder 23
Letter,
1784, Henry Armistead to Burgess
Ball, Fredericksburg. Mr. Chew returned; delivered
letter to General Washington, but no answer; delays in
mail; Colonel Anderson to pass through; ice broke up,
then refroze over the river; flooding; destruction on
property.
3 p.
Folder 24
Letter,
10 February 1786, John Taylor,
Caroline, to Burgess Ball, Culpeper. General Court suit
will not go against Ball. Does not know more. Does not
believe Ball will have to summon his
brother.
1 leaf.
Folder 25
Letter,
22 April 1786, George Augustine
Washington, Mount Vernon, to Burgess Ball. Ball's bond
not collected. Swingle trees not available. General
business and financial matters. Personal news and
remarks.
4 p.
Folder 26
Letter,
24 July 1786, George Augustine
Washington, Mount Vernon, to Burgess Ball. Difficulties
in collecting a bond. Travel plans.
4 p.
Folder 27
Letter,
7 August 1789, John Aldredge,
Bedford Row, London, [England], to Burgess Ball. suit
between Ball and Mr. Beacham.
2 p.
Folder 28
Letter,
6 December 1789, Samuel Coleman for
William Heth, Richmond, to Burgess Ball. Request for
dues from the treasurer of the Society of the
Cincinnati.
1 leaf, printed.
Folder 29
Letter,
17 December 1798, George Augustine
Washington, Mount Vernon, to Burgess Ball, Traveler's
Rest, near Fredericksburg. Cannont attend the division
of his grandmother's slaves. Ball is authorized to act
for Washington and for the President [George Washington]
in the affair. Other personal and family
news.
2 p.
Folder 30
Letter,
by 14 November 1792, Corbin
Washington, Needwood, to Burgess Ball, Traveler's Rest.
Glad that Burgess Ball, Jr., is over the measles.
Concerned for his delay in education at Needwood,
discipline, clothing, and supplies for him.
3 p.
Folder 31
Letter,
16 January 1792, Burgess Ball, Jr.,
Philadelphia, to Burgess Ball, Fredericksburg. Personal
expenses and accounts. Glad that Traveler's Rest is
sold. Personal remarks and greetings.
3 p.
Folder 32
Letter,
7 February 1792, George Augustine
Washington, Colonel Bassett's, New Kent County, to
Burgess Ball, Traveler's Rest, near Fredericksburg.
Discusses trip to New Kent and expected return; sends
family greetings.
1 leaf.
Folder 33
Letter,
19 April 1792, Burgess Ball, Jr.,
Philadelphia, to Burgess Ball, sending his clothing
expenses; stating he would like to study French and
history; describing escapades of other students
including
"Young Custace " and
Warner Washington. Sends personal greetings and other
news.
4 p.
Folder 34
Letter,
7 July 1793, Burgess Ball,
Alexandria, to Burgess Ball, Jr., Philadelphia. Letter
of introduction for Dr. Craige, Jr.; no account of
quarterly remittance; rode to Mount Vernon and returned
with the President to Alexandria; personal remarks and
news.
1 leaf.
Folder 35
Letter,
9 September 1793, Burgess Ball, Jr.,
Philadelphia, to Burgess Ball, Fredericksburg. Death of
his tutor Dr. Hutchinson and illness of Dr. Caspar
Wistar with yellow fever. Wants now to study in Europe
with professors gone.
2 p.
Folder 36
Letter,
26 September 1794, Stevens Thomson
Mason, Raspberry Plain, [Loudoun County?], to Burgess
Ball, at Colonel Washington's, Berkeley [County].
Raising militia quotas in Fairfax and Loudoun, will
march to Winchester; work on the farm; personal news and
business.
3 p.
Folder 37
Letter,
2 January 1797, R. M. Scott,
Alexandria, to Burgess Ball, Big Spring, [Loudoun
County]. Difficulty in raising money on any terms;
Burgess Ball to General [Stevens Thomson] Mason, [7
January 1797], forwarding previous letter and asking for
advice on how to handle situation; Stevens Thomson Mason
to Burgess Ball, [7 January 1797], giving his opinion on
the situation.
3 p.
Folder 38
Letter,
14 July 1797, Theodorick Lee to
Burgess Ball, Loudoun County. Release of a note and
reasons for delay.
1 leaf.
Folder 39
Letter,
16 August 1797, Burgess Ball,
Leesburg, to Colonel Thomas Marshall, Kentucky,
introducing Captain Harding; asking help in selling
military land; and hoping he gets to France
soon.
2 p.
Folder 40
Letter,
27 August 1798, Ebenezer Potter,
Stephensburg, to Burgess Ball[?]. Non-payment on a draft
of Ball's.
1 leaf.
Folder 41
Letter,
August 1798, Edmund Randolph,
Richmond, to Burgess Ball, Big Spring, near Leesburg,
concerning a legal case.
1 leaf.
Folder 42
Letter,
15 October 1798, A. B. T. Mason, The
Retreat, [Loudoun County?], to Burgess Ball,
Charlestown, [(West) Virginia]. New of elections on the
Eastern Shore and elsewhere. Asks for corn from Smith.
Personal news.
2 p.
Folder 43
Contract,
21 May 1799, for lease of a farm and
slaves in Berkeley County, Ann Dandridge Hunter to
Ebenezer Potter.
4 p.
Folder 44
Letter,
15 October 1799, Thomas Swann, Dr.
Selden's, to Burgess Ball, regarding delayed shipment of
wheat.
1 leaf.
Folder 45
Letter,
[before 1799], Raleigh Chinn to
unknown recipient, proving himself as executor of his
sister's will, and commenting on his correspondent's
good character.
1 leaf.
Folder 46
Papers,
1800-1864, Papers
of Dr. Charles Burgess Ball and family. Personal and
business correspondence and papers, many of which
pertain to efforts to secure more land on Colonel
Burgess Ball's Revolutionary War service. Correspondents
other than family members include: Churchill Gibbs,
William Jones, Robert Grayson Carter, Robert
Porterfield, William Willis, and Philip
Slaughter.
26 items.
Folder 47
Notes,
1703-1722, from Lancaster County
records regarding Joseph Ball, Raleigh Chinn, and
marriage of Thomas Hunton and Mary Johnson.
5 leaves, copies. 1 negative
photostat.
Folder 48
Genealogical notes,
n.d., on
"The Ancestors of Rev.
Charles H. Read D.D. "