A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 18783
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/
Francis Walker Gilmer was born 9 October 1790 at "Pen Park"
in Albemarle County, Virginia, to George Gilmer (1742-1795)
and Lucy Walker Gilmer (1751-1800). He received some of his
education at Monticello from Martha Jefferson Randolph
(1772-1836) and at a school run by James Ogilvie (1760-1820).
Gilmer attended the College of William and Mary in 1809-1810,
then studied law under William Wirt (1772-1834) in Richmond,
Virginia. Upon the completion of his legal studies, he
travelled extensively along the eastern seaboard with the Abbe
Joseph Francisco Correa de Serra (1750-1823) before beginning
the practice of law in Winchester, Virginia, in 1816. A year
later, Gilmer returned to Richmond to continue practicing law.
In 1824, he was chosen by Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) to
travel to Europe to hire professors for the newly established
University of Virginia. Gilmer himself was appointed professor
of law, but he died before he could assume his position on 25
February 1826 at "Farmington" in Albemarle County.
Letters, 1816-1821, from Francis Walker Gilmer (1790-1826)
of Winchester and Richmond, Virginia, to Thomas Walker Gilmer
(1802-1844) of Albemarle County, Virginia, in which Francis
Walker Gilmer offers his nephew Thomas Walker Gilmer advice on
his education and critiques his literary style and penmanship.
Gilmer encourages his nephew to read certain works and to
study hard in mathmatics, languages, literature, and oration.
He comments on deportment and character and on what is
necessary to make a name for one's self. Francis Gilmer
encourages Thomas Gilmer to undertake the study of law. Also a
letter from Francis Walker Gilmer to George Gilmer
(1778-1836), Francis' brother and Thomas' father, on familial
and brotherly relations.
Letter,
18 February 1816, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Winchester, [Virginia], to George Gilmer,
Albemarle County, [Virginia], describing his move to
Winchester and social and business prospects. Also
comments on his relationship with George Gilmer and his
other brothers, and how Francis Gilmer hopes to help
with his nephews' education.
3 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
4 May 1816, Francis Walker Gilmer,
Winchester, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Charlottesville,
Albemarle County, expressing the value of education,
health, diet and exercise, personal behavior,
conversation, and reading. Gilmer makes recommendations
for Thomas' studies and thinks that Thomas should help
his cousin William.
4 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
8 April 1817, Francis Walker Gilmer,
Winchester, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Albemarle County,
commenting on the value of hard study at an early age,
and the difficulty of achieving greatness. Gilmer makes
recommendations for reading and study.
4 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
1817, Francis Walker Gilmer,
Winchester, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Albemarle County,
giving advice on studying Greek and mathmatics. Comments
on patience, general behavior, and observation. Gilmer
adds that Thomas should sign his full name to
letters.
4 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
28 October 1818, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, commenting on
the death of Thomas' instructor, Mr. Robertson. Francis
Gilmer comments on colleges for Thomas to
attend.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Letter,
2 January 1820, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer,
Charlottesville, Albemarle County, commenting on the
necessity for hard work. He offers points for personal
improvement and remarks on handwriting, literary style,
and debating societies. He encourages Thomas to study
the classics.
4 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
3 December 1820, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer suggesting
that he consult with Peachy Ridgway Gilmer about
studying law in Bedford County, [Virginia]. Francis
Gilmer warns against studying law in Richmond because of
expenses. Gilmer recommends mode and course of
study.
2 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
5 March 1821, Francis Walker Gilmer,
Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Liberty, Bedford
County, offering criticism of Thomas' literary style. He
encourages Thomas to pursue the law as a
career.
3 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
24 March 1821, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Liberty,
Bedford County, congratulating Thomas on the improvement
in his literary style. Gilmer remarks on the need for
study, and encourages Thomas to practice speaking and
reading aloud.
3 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
27 May 1821, Francis Walker Gilmer,
Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Liberty, Bedford
County, discussing the study of foreign and ancient
languages and arithmetic. Gilmer comments on the need
for personal accounts, and advises on the establishment
of a law practice. Gilmer adds a note to Peachy Ridgway
Gilmer regarding Hancock v Watts, and sending
greetings.
3 p.,
ALS.
Letter,
15 December 1821, Francis Walker
Gilmer, Richmond, to Thomas Walker Gilmer, Milton,
Albemarle County, stating that he will be sending Thomas
a copy of Henings' Justice for him. Gilmer hopes Thomas
will practice as soon as he is able. Gilmer asks about
Thomas' father George, as Gilmer has not heard from him.
Gilmer may ride up to Albemarle County from Richmond.
Gilmer advises continued study.
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