A Guide to the Richard Kidder Randolph Family Papers
Accession number 5408
A Collection in the
Special Collections Department

Contact Information:
University of Virginia Library
Alderman Library
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
USA
Phone: (804) 924-3025
Fax: (804) 924-3143
Email: mssbks@virginia.edu

Processed by: Special Collections Department Staff
Date Completed: 1997
Encoded by: Courtney Boissonnault

© 1997 By the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.

Conditions of Use

Administrative Information

Access

Collection is open to research.

Publication Rights

EDIT ME!

Preferred Citation

EDIT ME!

Acquisition Information

The Richard Kidder Randolphcollection was made a gift to the Library on May 10, 1988.

Funding Note

Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities

Descriptive Summary

Repository: University of Virginia. Library. Special Collections Dept. Alderman Library University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 USA
Collection Number: 5408
Title: Richard Kidder Randolph Family Papers 1791-1932

Extent: 707 items
Language: English


Scope and Content

This collection of approximately 707 documents (1791-1932) contains correspondence, business and legal papers, genealogical records, and a small amount of printed material from the Richard Kidder Randolph family, Daniel Lyman family, and Lake family. Genealogies of the Randolph familyand Foote familyare also included in the control folder, as is a letter from Gertrude L. (Mrs. Clinton) Merrick, which gives an overview of the correspondents in the collection. Highlights from several of the folders are noted in the following guide.

Container List

• Business and Legal (Papers and Correspondence) of Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 1
  
  7 Feb 1812, protest re: further expansion and/or purchase of Canadaby the United States.
  4 Mar 1834, detailed description of a plantation near Malvern Hills, Virginia. Mentions that it is situated on Turkey Island Creek(possibly the Turkey Island Plantation, the original Randolph familyhome place)
  19 Dec 1840, re: boundaries of Massachusettsand townships founded before 1646.
  5 Mar 1841, re: Whig Party politics.
  4 Oct 1841, 6 Oct 1841, 6 Nov 1841, letters of David Searsre: efforts to block illegal financial manoeuvres of d'Hauteville in a divorce proceeding.
  15 Jan 1842, n.d., letters re: Rhode Island's adoption of a written constitution and suffrage rights in voting.
  n.d., re: liberation of [Thomas Wilson] Dorr, suffrage leader in "Dorr's Rebellion". References to Mr. Whipples, the Whig Party, and the "Law and Order Party" in Rhode Island.
• Letters Sent to Richard Kidder Randolph Box 1
  1822-1835, n.d.
• Letters Sent: Daniel Lyman to Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 1
  1802-1809, 1823, n.d.
  Many references to the political climate: Mr. Rutledge's letters (1802), the Thoms Jeffersonadministration (1802), the Continental War in Europe(1805), the Embargo and Napoleon Bonaparte(20 Aug 1808, 31 Jan 1809).
  10 Apr 1809, 20 Aug 1809, re: establishing a cotton mill.
  26 Oct 1805, re: farming and drought in Newport, Rhode Island.
  12 Oct 1806, 18 Feb 1807, 18 Sep 1807, 20 Aug 1808, re: bridge construction by Daniel Lyman.
• Letters Sent: Wm[William] Berkeley to Richard Kidder Randolph Box 1
  1809
• Correspondence Between Richard Kidder Randolph and Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 1
  1810-1846, n.d.
  Documents Richard Kidder Randolph's business travels along the East coast and Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph's domestic life.
  10 Dec 1810, re: liquidation of their Virginiaplantation and all holdings, including slaves.
  9 Feb 1812, re: earthquakes "at the southward."
  28 Jun 1842, re: conflict resulting when Gov. [Thomas Wilson] Dorr[elected under the People's Constitution] abandoned his supporters and fled.
  n.d.[1842], 17 Mar 1842, 19 Apr 1842, re: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph's passage by steamboat along the Ohio River, and a stage coach ride.
• Letters Sent: W[illiam] Randolph to Richard Kidder Randolph Box 1
  1811-1812
• Letters Sent: Peyton Randolph to Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 1
  1812-1844
  Rich collection of political items in Virginia. Includes news of the war, crops, slaves and slave sales, and elections. Persons mentioned include: John Wayles Eppes, Gedion Spencer, "Dabbs the baptist," "your old neighbour [James Madison]Maddison," H. Watkinsand the "Court House gang at the (Duke of York)," Judith Randolph, Philip P[endleton] Barbour, [Martin] Van Buren, Innes [Randolph], [Andrew] Jackson.
  The following letters refer to John Randolphof Roanoke: 9 Aug 1812; 4 Jan 1827; 15 Oct 1812; 22 Oct 1827; 15 May 1813; 22 Dec 1827; 1 Jan 1816; 8 Mar 1837
• Letters Sent: Anne Randolph to Richard Kidder Randolph Box 1
  1815, 1822, 1829
• Letters Sent: Wm [William] B. Randolph to Richard Kidder Randolph Box 1
  1825-1827
• Letters Sent: Lucy H. Taylor to Richard Kidder Randolph or Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph Box 1
  1839, 1849
• Personal Papers: [Richard Kidder Randolph]: Box 1
  1827, n.d.
  12 Apr 1827, copy of speech to the Grecian naval forces, "Lord Cockranes first Proclamation to the Greeks".
  n.d., "Remarks on slavery" and "A few remarks on Dr Channings famous publication on slavery" re: Dr. [William Ellery] Channing.
  n.d., speech re: science and nature.
• Resolution re: Death of Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 1
  1849 16 Jun 1849, 21 Jun 1849, letter and resolution from the Rhode Islandcircuit court.
• Diaries of Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 1
  1835-1836 Briefly records Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph's daily life, including books, weather, visitors, sewing.
• Business Papers: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 1
  1849, 1852 15 Mar 1852, market description for sale of the Richard Kidder Randolph's Rhode Islandfarm.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 1
  1799, 1815-1876, n.d.
  3 Oct 1815, re: aftermath of hurricane that hit Rhode Island, and detailed description of a fashionable dress.
  1 Dec 1833, re: settlement of "Annarbour" [ Ann Arbour].
  31 Jul 1853, re: countryside surrounding the Great Lakes[ Michigan].
  20 Oct 1861, re: encampment of soldiers and calvary soldiers at Carondelet, near St. Louis, Missouri.
  13 Nov n.d., re: visit made to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt "at Bellevue, near Shrewsburg," New Jersey.
• Correspondence Between: Anne Maria (Lyman) and the Lyman Family: Box 1
  1802-1826, 1849, 1856
  Richly detailed introduction to both Daniel Lymanand Richard Kidder Randolph familymembers, and their 19th century lifestyles in Oakland, Virginia, and in Newportand Providence, Rhode Island. Letters re: social scene, births, illnesses, deaths, politics, literature, sewing, spinning, wool/cotton manufacture, etc.
  19 Mar 1807, compares Connecticutand Virginia, Connecticutbeing "the most moral state in the Union."
  17 Jul 1808, 18 Nov 1808, [7 Dec 1808], re: the Embargo imposed by the United Statesgovernment.
  12 Nov 1808, re: [James] Madison, [James] Monroe, [John] Randolph, etc.
  6 May 1819, re: injury to Commodore [Oliver Hazard] Perry's young son.
  10 Jul 1856, re: [Harriet Elizabeth Beecher] Stowe.
• Correspondence Between Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph and Margaret (Lyman) Arnold: Box 1
  1809-1857, n.d. Overview of family life in 19th century Virginiaand Rhode Island.
• Letters Sent: William Minot to Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph Box 1
  1850-1868
• Letters Sent: Margaret Dunnell to Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph Box 1
  n.d.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence Between Richard Kidder Randolph and/or Anne Maria (Lyman) and their Children: Box 2
  1834-1852 21 May 1842, re: settlement of Quincy, Illinoisand the surrounding area.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of Daniel Lyman Randolph: Box 2
  1823-1827
  8 Oct 1823, re: fire aboard "the schooner Mexican of Philadelphia. "
  11 Oct 1827, re: "the Archipelago" in the Mediterranean sea.
• Correspondence re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's Naval Career: Box 2
  1821, 1824
  Records Daniel Lyman Randolph's naval appointments at the Military Academyin Norwich, Vermont.
  18 Nov 1824, from William Hunterto Samuel S. Southard, Sec. of the Navy.
  22 Nov 1824, from M[atthew] C[albraith] Perryre: Daniel Lyman Randolph's promotion.
• Correspondence Between Richard Kidder Randolph and Daniel Lyman Randolph: Box 2
  1821-1829, n.d.
  Extensive information re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's travels and work in the Navyto the Mediterraneanincluding a voyage, on the North Carolinaunder Commodore John Rodgersand his days at the academy in Norwich, Vermont; arrivals and/or departures of numerous ships; some family news. A few notes from Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolphto Daniel Lyman Randolphare included.
  Letters re: John Randolphof Roanoke: 10 Feb 1822; 16 Apr 1824; 27 Mar 1822; 21 Jan 1825; 10 Oct 1823; 8 Mar 1825; 28 Nov 1823
  Letters re: [Matthew Calbraith] Perry: 8 Mar 1825; 14 Mar 1825; Oct 1825; 28 Aug 1826, Mrs. Calvert Perry
  27 Mar 1822, re: whaling aboard the George and Mary.
  3 Oct 1823, re: yellow fever epidemic on board the Grey Houndin Key West, Florida.
  2 Apr 1824, re: expansion of Fort Adamsby the United Statesgovernment.
  14 May 1825, Oct 1825, re: coal mining in Rhode Island, and canal dredging there by the Blackstone Canal Company.
  16 Jul 1826, re: deaths of "both Old president [John] Adamsand Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson".
  28 Oct 1827, detailed account of one of Daniel Lyman Randolph's tours of duty aboard the U.S.S. Warren.
  1 May 1829, re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's tour of duty aboard the U.S.S. Erie, and information re: settlement of Key West.
• Correspondence: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph and Daniel Lyman Randolph: Box 2
  1822-1836, n.d.
  Detailed accounts of Daniel Lyman Randolph's sea travels in naval and whaling operations and information re: the Randolph family.
  Letters re: John Randolphof Roanoke: 7 Nov 1823; 14 Jan 1827
  11 Feb 1822, re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's appointment as Mr. Eddy discussed it with the Secretary of the Navy.
  16 Nov 1823, re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's tour of duty in an undeveloped region of Key West.
  14 Jan 1827, eyewitness account of "the re-internment of Com. [Oliver Hazard] Perry's remains...", and opposition in the South to "our Yankee President" [ John Quincy Adams].
  10 May 1835, seven-page letter re: Daniel Lyman Randolph's travels during whaling operations and an accident at sea.
  27 Apr 1836, 10-page letter re: Daniel Lyman Randoph's travels in the Pacific, esp. around the Society Islands. Natives on the Marquesasisland of Oura Poura, shell buying at Ulietea, fruits from Whytootacke, whaling operations, "a peace conference on Uliteaamong the chiefs of Huahim, Tahaa, and Ulitea islands...," etc.
  n.d., re: a Presidential visit aboard Daniel Lyman Randolph's vessel.
• Correspondence Between Daniel Lyman Randolph and William Sullivan Randolph: Box 2
  1830, 1834, n.d. 7 Jan n.d., rich account of sperm whaling operations as experienced by a whaler.
• Correspondence Between Benjamin Harrison Randolph and Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph and/or Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 2
  1827-1847, n.d.
  28 Oct 1827, re: Cal[?]ert Perryin Rhode Island.
  9 Feb 1831, re: Benjamin Harrison Randolph's passage in the snow by sleigh from Virginiato New York.
  1 Apr 1840, 4 Feb 1841, re: Politics in St. Louis, Missouri, and General Harrison.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry Box 2
  1834-1846, n.d.
• Letters Sent: Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry to Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 2
  1834, 1842, n.d.
  Early letters (1834) describe a lengthy visit Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perrymade to Virginiain which she experienced and recorded southern life as seen by a young Rhode Islander. Later letters (1842, n.d.) re: Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry's daily life after marriage to Oliver Hazard Perry, son of Commodore Perry. Some details re: Oliver Perry's work.
  4 Mar 1842, a note from Richard Kidder Randolphto Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolphre: "the adoption or rejection of the Landholders constitution" in Rhode Island.
  11 [n.d.], account of Col. [ Charles Callahanor Thomas Handasyd] Perkin's house in Roxbury, which was filled with art treasures and antiques.
• Letters Sent: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph to Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry: Box 2
  1831-1847, n.d. two folders:
  Letters re: 19th century daily life in Rhode Islandas experienced by the Randolph families. Some references to the family of Com. Oliver Hazard Perry, whose son Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perrymarried.
  10 Jun 1838, re: friendly rendez-vous in Rhode Islandbetween American and French navies.
  12 May 1839, re: lawsuit brought by "Uncle John" [ John Randolphof Roanoke] against William Sullivan Randolph.
  26 Jun 1842, re: "rebels...encamped at Chapachet[?]" in significant numbers.
  20 Aug 1842, re: trials of the voting "Suffrage people" in Rhode Island.
  7 Jul 1844, re: flooding of "the Missisipiand other rivers..."
  15 Nov 1846, re: need for additional funding "to carry on the war," which "seems so unjust, unnecessary, and aggressive..." [war with Mexico].
  9 Aug 1846, re: account of a steamboat ride.
  22 Jan 18--, re: odd case of a man who survived a suicide attempt after confessing to having committed a murder.
  12 Apr [ca. 1842], re: settlement of Quincy, Illinoisand the surrounding area. Also mention of suffrage movement in Rhode Island.
  16 Jul n.d., re: problems caused by flooding of the Mississippi River.
  2 Jun n.d., re: wreck of the vessel the Gov. Coddington.
• Letters Sent: From O[liver] H[azard] Perry: Box 2
  1837-1854, n.d. Son of Com. Oliver Hazard Perryand husband of Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry. Letters re: his travels and/or business.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of John Randolph Randolph Box 3
  1829-1881, n.d.
• Business and Legal Papers/Business Correspondence of John Randolph Randolph: Box 3
  1836-1850,1872-1873, n.d.
  20 Dec 1836, summary report re: committee "appointed by the Providence Anti Slavery Socy" to examine slavery laws in Rhode Island.
  16 Jan 1847, re: money owed by Com. M[atthew] C[albraith] Perry's son.
• Letters Sent: Richard Kidder Randolph and/or Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph to John Randolph Randolph: Box 3
  1825-1852, 1872-1873
  15 Jul 1825, re: John Randolph Randolph's studies at West Point.
  26 Apr 1831, 31 May 1831, 3 Jun 1831, re: John Randolph Randolph's studies at Cambridge.
  27 Jan 1832, re: preparations for a public hanging.
  16 Mar 1851, Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolphexplains the "event that cast the dreadful shade over J[ohn] R[andolphof Roanoke]'s life..." A brief account of the Bizarrescandal that gives names, circumstances, and charges involved in this investigation of infanticide.
  2 Oct 1852, 10 Oct 1852, re: selling the Randolph familyfarm in Rhode Islandto Jonathan Lake. Also, information re: the dispute following Betsy (Engs) Randolph's death.
  1 Apr 1873, re: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph's ancestry before and during the Revolutionary War.
• Letters Sent: John Randolph Randolph to Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph and/or Richard Kidder Randolph: Box 3
  1832-1847
  14 Apr 1832, re: upcoming elections in Rhode Island, [ Samuel] Arnoldas a candidate.
  17 Apr 1834, re: political activities in Providence, Rhode Island, and John Randolph Randolphdefends his plans to marry Betsy Engs.
  11 Dec 1837, re: steamboat ride along the Mississippi River, stage coach ride from Baltimoreto Wheeling, descriptions of Wheeling, Cincinnati, Louisville. Also, bounty lands in Illinois, "given to revolutionary soldiers" by the United States government.
  9 Jan 1838, re: very early settlement of the Quincy, Illinoisarea.
  9 Dec 1838, re: Quincy, Illinois: as a classless society, setting up the public library, etc. Also, a vivid account of a stage coach wreck.
• Letters Sent: From Margaret Lyman Dunnell to John Randolph Randolph Box 3
  1837, 1839, 1853
• Letters Sent: From John Randolph Randolph re: Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry's Illness and Death: Box 3
  1847 Letters re: death of Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry.
• Correspondence and Papers re: John Randolph Randolph's Dispute with Samuel Engs and Francis Lawton over Betsy (Engs) Randolph's Estate: Box 3
  1847-1860 Letters re: rights to Betsy (Engs) Randolph's land in Quincy, Illinois, and the care of John Randolph Randolphand Betsy (Engs) Randolph's children following her death.
• Correspondence Between John Randolph Randolph and/or Betsy (Engs) Randolph and Their Children: Box 3
  1848-1852, 1874-1878, n.d. 22 May 1874, re: a devastating fire in downtown Central City, Colorado.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of Betsy (Engs) Randolph Box 3
  1835-1841, n.d.
• Letters Sent: Betsy (Engs) Randolph and John Randolph Randolph to Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 3
  1838-1850, n.d.
  Letters re: early settlement of Quincy, Illinois, detailing buildings, parties, religion, family matters, etc.
  22 Jul 1842, re: efforts to "sustain Quincyin the County Seat Question..."
  11 Oct 1842, re: conversion of a local woman to Mormonism.
  27 Oct 1844, re: elections and voting in Quincy, including the following: "...they are quiet now, but I fear there will trouble before night.--for John says there's whiskey in great abundance; some of the country folks brought in a 'coon and killed it at the Court-house door-J said he was told that they skinned it alive..."
  n.d., re: countryside surrounding Quincy, including a detailed description of a growing Mormon settlement near Quincy.
• Letters Sent: Betsy (Engs) Randolph to John Randolph Randolph Box 3
  1840, 1848-1849
• Letters Sent: From Thomas Lyman Randolph: Box 3
  1832-1850
  Early letters (1832) re: Thoman Lyman Randolph's college days.
  22 Mar 1849, re: death of Richard Kidder Randolph.
• Letters Sent: From Julia Virginia (Randolph) Minturn: Box 3
  1839, n.d. 26 Dec 1839, 5 Jan 1840, re: Julia Virginia (Randolph) Mintum's honeymoon in Gibralter, including descriptions of Christmas Day celebrations, excursions, islanders, the town of Malaga, etc.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of Lucy Maria (Randolph) Breese: Box 3
  1841, 1847 Letters re: the illness and death of Julia Virginia (Randolph) Minturn.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence of George E. Randolph Box 3
  1852, 1872, n.d.
• Letters Sent: To Mary (Randolph) Lake and Lake Family: Box 3
  1844-1896
  [26 Oct 1888], re: a bicycle parade held at night in which "the bicycles were decorated with chinese and Japanese laterns..."
  11 Dec 1891, re: experiences of an American family living in Berlin.
  25 May 1896, letter of Powhatan Bouldin, re: his books, including Home Reminiscences of John Randolph of Roanoke.
• Letters Sent: Richard Conover Lake to Mary (Randolph) Lake: Box 3
  1892 Letters from Europere: Richard Conover Lake's excursion there with their daughter.
• Miscellaneous Correspondence: Box 3
  1803, 1834-1872, n.d. 20 Sep 1857, re: the life and duties of a public school teacher in Washington, D.C.
• Miscellaneous Business and Legal Papers: Box 3
  1861, 1896, n.d. [1869], petition to United Statesattorney general E. R. Hoarfor a ruling of holle prosequi in the case of " Henry Whaleyof Cranston," Rhode Island, indicted of illegal distilling operations.
• Miscellaneous Papers: Box 3
  n.d.
  n.d., this small card was used to attempt to secure the release of "Capt Randolph R[hode] I[sland] Artillery Keanngs DivisionIn relation to Exchange of my brother now a prisoner of war taken at Pittsburg[signed] Ggr [George] E Randolph. " Directions on the verso give instructions to follow to secure his release.
  27 Apr-5 May n.d., entries from an anonymous woman's journal.
  n.d., "Memorandum about the 'Wanton' family. ..", a brief account of Edward Wanton(and his children), member of the Society of Friendsand victim of religious persecution in the United Statesduring the 1600's.
• Genealogical Records re: Richard Kidder Randolph Family and Legal Wills of Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph: Box 3
  1802, 1868, n.d.
  7 Jul 1802, Marriage certificate of Richard Kidder Randolphand Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph.
  n.d., "Sketch of study for R[ichard] K[idder] Randolph. .."
  n.d., records of Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perryand Julia Virginia (Randolph) Minturn.
  n.d., Genealogical records (2 copies) of issue of Richard Kidder Randolphand Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph.
  1868, n.d., wills of Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph.
• Genealogical Records re: Daniel Lyman Family and Legal Will of Daniel Lyman: Box 3
  1828, n.d.
  9 Mar 1828, will of Daniel Lyman[fragments].
  n.d., genealogical records of the Daniel Lyman family.
• Genealogical Records re: Lake Family Box 3
  1932, n.d.
• Receipts: Richard Kidder Randolph Box 3
  1844-1849
• Receipts: Anne Maria (Lyman) Randolph Box 3
  1847-1852, 1856, n.d.
• Receipts: Miscellaneous: Box 3
  1847 4 Aug 1847, paid by O[liver] H[azard] Perryfor "6 Carriages to attend in Funril..." [for Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry].
• Receipts: John Randolph Randolph from Samuel Engs and Francis Lawton Box 3
  1852-1859
• Legal re: Family Estates: Benjamin Harrison Randolph and George Engs Box 3
  1873, n.d.
• Photographs Box 3
  n.d.
• Printed Material: Box 3
  1830-187-, n.d.
  Includes one electoral ticket, ca. 1864, for Abraham Lincolnand two for George B. McClellan, presidential candidates.
  n.d., sale brochure for "The Bricksburg Tract" in New Jersey.
• Printed Material: Newspapers Box 3
  1871-1879
• Photostats of letters. Box 4
  For a complete listing, check the control folder.
• Indenture for Daniel Lyman. Oversize
  18 Nov 1791
• Harvard diploma of Richard Kidder Randolph. Oversize
  1804
• Probate court account for the estate of Benjamin H[arrison] Randolph. Oversize
  4 Aug 1873