A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 18759
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/
Peachy Ridgeway Gilmer was born 25 November 1779 at "Pen
Park" in Albemarle County, Virginia, to George Gilmer
(1742-1795) and Lucy Walker Gilmer (1751-1800). He was
educated by private tutors and attended the College of William
and Mary from 1797 to 1798. In 1800 he began studying law
under William Wirt and was admitted to the bar in 1802. Gilmer
moved to Henry County, Virginia, in 1806 to practice law, and
then moved to Bedford County, Virginia in 1818. Gilmer married
Mary House, 15 September 1803, and they had eight children.
Gilmer returned to Albemarle County where he died at his
plantation "Leigh" between 8 March 1836 and 4 July 1836.
Papers, 1806-1833 of Peachy Ridgeway Gilmer (1779-1836) of
Bedford and Albemarle Counties, Virginia, consisting of
correspondence from Chapman Johnson (1779-1849), Henry St.
George Tucker (1780-1848), George Tucker (1775-1861), and
William C. Rives (1793-1868); from Francis Preston (1765-1835)
to James Breckenridge (1763-1833); and Nathaniel Beverley
Tucker (1784-1851) to Mary House Gilmer (1785-1854). Letters
discuss national and state politics, including reactions to
the Missouri Compromise and the Tariff of 1824. Beverley
Tucker extends an invitation for the Gilmers to visit; Preston
discusses legal matters with Breckenridge; and Johnson
comments on the Virginia Senate's session including its
response to the Missouri Compromise and James Monroe's
(1758-1831) part in it. Henry St. George Tucker discusses
epitaphs for William A. Burwell's (1780-1821) tomb; George
Tucker comments on the Tariff of 1824 and encourages Gilmer to
run for Congress; and William C. Rives regrets that he cannot
get Gilmer's son an appointment to the United States Military
Academy.
Letter,
n.d., N[athaniel]
B[everley] Tucker , [Albemarle County,
Virginia], to
M[ary House]
Gilmer , [Albemarle County], stating that he
is sending his carriage to a shop near her to be
repaired, and invites her and her family to use it to
return to Woodridge for a visit.
2 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
2 July 1806, Francis Preston to
James Breckenridge, near Fincastle [Botetourt County,
Virginia], discussing legal matters concerning a Mr.
Russell and a Mr. Cheat. States that he saw
Breckenridge's daughter on his trip, and paid the money
he sent. Informs Breckenridge that she will return home
in the fall.
2 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
17 February 1820, C[hapman]
Johnson , Richmond, [Virginia], to Peachy R.
Gilmer, Bedford County, [Virginia], stating that he
received Gilmer's of the 2nd. Thanks Gilmer for his
attempt to collect Michell's note. Johnson has not be
able to do anything on the service of process
legislation, transferring the duty from the marshalls to
the sheriffs, and reasons for its probable failure. The
proposed Missouri Compromise and James Monroe's rumored
concurrence has excited the state Senate. Johnson
discusses this reaction and his views on the situation.
Informs Gilmer that the James River bill
passes.
4 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
31 January 1824, H[enry] St.
G[eorge] Tucker , Winchester, Virginia, to
Peachy R. Gilmer, Liberty, [Bedford County], commenting
on Gilmer's choosing Thomas Jefferson's inscription for
William A. Burwell's tomb over his and enclosing a
shorter one he had not sent in favor of the
longer.
2 leaves,
ALS.
Letter,
12 May 1824, George Tucker,
Washington, to Peachy R. Gilmer, addressed Lynchburg and
forwarded to Liberty, stating that he must stay in
Washington to vote on the tariff bill, which he
discusses. Recommends that Gilmer run for Congress,
analyses his chances and opposition, and describes his
probable life-style. Also sends personal business and
social news. Comments on the claim of Beaumarchais now
in Congress.
3 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
26 March 1833, W. C.
Rives , Nelson County, to Peachy R. Gilmer,
Albemarle County, Virginia, regretting he cannot get
Gilmer's son a West Point appointment this year because
of a previous appointment from the district.