Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers 1747-1897
A Collection in
Special Collections
Collection Number Ms1985-020
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Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia 24062-9001
USA
Phone: (540) 231-6308
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Email: specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/
Processed by: Special Collections Staff
2009 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers, Ms1985-020, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.
Acquisition Information
The Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers were donated to Special Collections in 1985. Additional materials were donated in March and April 1990. Later additions are denoted by folder numbers containing the letter "a."
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers commenced and was completed in 1985. Additional materials were processed, arranged, and described in 1990.
Scope and Content
The Didier Collection of Preston Family Papers includes papers of James Patton, Patton's grandson William Preston, and Preston's eldest son, John Preston, all of Montgomery County, Virginia. The Preston family was important in the surveying, settlement, military affairs, and government of Southwest Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their papers consist of business and legal documents, surveys, and correspondence. Much of the collection relates to John Preston (1764-1827), treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1810 to 1819. For further information on the Preston family, see John F. Dorman, The Prestons of Smithfield and Greenfield in Virginia (1982).
Arrangement
Materials relating to James Patton are in Box 1, Folders 1-4. Those relating to William Preston (1729-83) are in Box 1, Folders 5-13. John Preston materials are in Box 2, Folders 1-39, and materials relating to members of his family in Box 2, Folders 40-41. Box 3 contains miscellaneous and unidentified papers. Wherever possible, materials are arranged chronologically.
Adjunct Descriptive Data
Related MaterialSpecial Collections has a number of other collections related to the
Preston family, including:
Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, Montgomery
County Branch Papers, 1754-1996. Ms62-001. Finding
aid available on the Virginia Heritage database.
John Preston Deed, 1826. Ms2005-014.
John Preston Papers, 1806-1830, 1844, n.d. Ms94-034. Finding aid available on the Virginia Heritage
database.
Preston Family (Alice Preston Moore Collection) Papers, 1745-1882.
Ms62-004.
Robert Taylor Preston Papers, 1849-1871 (Bulk 1861-1862). Ms1992-003.
Finding aid available on the Virginia
Heritage database.
Smithfield Preston Foundation Papers, 1784-1881. Ms1997-002. Finding aid available on the Virginia Heritage
database.
William Preston Land Grant, 1773. Ms94-027.
Willard Prestion Genealogy, c.1998. Ms2009-121. Finding aid available on the Virginia Heritage
database.
George Green Shackelford Papers, ca.1955-1986. Ms83-003. This collection
is unprocessed and has some access restrictions. Please contact Special
Collections for further information.
Contents List
Box-folder 1:1
Survey of a property [belonging to Robert Norris?] for Col. James
Patton and Company, March 2, 1747.
Box-folder 1:2
Promissory note of William Pepper to James Patton. Augusta County,
February 18, 1753.
Box-folder 1:2
Promissory note of John M. Colley to James Patton et al.,
[August 24?] 1753.
Box-folder 1:3
Land indenture between James Patton and William Leppard for 75 acres.
Augusta County.
Box-folder 1:3
Land indenture between James Patton and John Cal-breath for 61 acres
in Augusta County.
Box-folder 1:3
Land indenture of James Patton for 193 acres in Augusta County.
Augusta County, November 3, 17??.
Box-folder 1:4
Judgments on James Patton's estate. Signed John Madison. Augusta
County, November 1770.
Box-folder 1:5
Received of Wm. Carravan, whiskey for the use of a company of
patrollers. Signed Wm. Preston, July 23, 1755.
Box-folder 1:5
Bill for goods bought by Wm. Preston. Signed Felix Gilbert,
October 20, 1758.
Box-folder 1:6
List of quit rents of the Middle District of Augusta. Shows accounts
insolvent and paid, 1759-60. Also includes arrears received by William
Preston, 1755, 1756, 1757, and 1758; new patents, 1759; and new patents,
1760.
Box-folder 1:7
Bond of John McNully and Andrew Greer to Wm. Preston, Sheriff of
Augusta. Augusta County, January 31, 1760.
Box-folder 1:7
Received of Wm. Preston, payment for itemized goods. Signed David
Cloyd, May 1760.
Box-folder 1:7
Land indenture between Tobias Smith and Wm. Preston for 330 acres in
Augusta County "included in the Greenfield Tract." Augusta
County, May 12, 1760.
Box-folder 1:8
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to Messrs. Cranford and Simpson.
Signed Wm. Preston, December 17, 1761.
Box-folder 1:8
Robt. Breckinridge to William Preston, a bill to be paid to James
Lockart, May 25, 1762.
Box-folder 1:9
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to Robert McClenachan by Wm.
Preston and Robert Breckinridge. Signed by Preston and Breckinridge. Augusta
County, June 26, 1763.
Box-folder 1:9
Andrew Boyd [to William Preston?], requesting the transport of goods
which arrived for Boyd from Scot-land. Fort Lewis, June 17,
1766.
Box-folder 1:9
Account of William Preston with Arch[ibald?] Buchanan containing
itemized list of household goods, October 30, 1766.
Box-folder 1:10
Gabriel Jones to [William Preston?], reply to a letter. Concerns land
sale accounts, November 30, 1767.
Box-folder 1:10
John Todd to John Brown in Augusta, concerning a runaway wench Todd
now wants to sell to Col. [William] Preston, July 5,
1768.
Box-folder 1:10
Received of Alexander Ingram a payment by Wm. Lush. Witnessed and
signed by Wm. Preston, April 9, 1770.
Box-folder 1:10
Bill to Joseph McMurtry on behalf of Thos. Eakins for survey of 120
acres land. Signed by McMurtry and Wm. Preston, September 24,
1770.
Box-folder 1:11
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to David Cloyd by William
Preston and W. John Armstrong. Signed by Preston and Armstrong. Botetourt
County, February 11, 1772.
Box-folder 1:11
Christiana Davies and Benjamin Coxley to Col. William Preston in
Botetourt County. Refers to Andrew Lewis being appointed to executor of
William Davies' estate. Philadelphia, July 17, 1772.
Box-folder 1:11a
Letter from G. Washington to William Preston (typescript transcript
copy), February 24, 1774.
Box-folder 1:12
Survey for Lazarus Benton of 116 acres in Fincastle County. Signed
Robert Preston and Wm. Preston, December 12, 1774.
Box-folder 1:12
Received of William Preston a debt paid as executor of the estate of
Col. John Buchanan. Signed James Crockett, August 1,
1774.
Box-folder 1:12
Account of William Madison with Jeremiah Pate, the balance to be paid
to Wm. Preston as executor of James Patton. Signed Jeremiah Pate,
October 25, 1781.
Box-folder 1:12
William Preston to Henry Coleman, referring to ten dollars sent for
"old Mr. Stapleton" and Preston's efforts to acquire a
plough horse, March 1, 1783.
Box-folder 1:13
Susanna Preston to Mr. Champ, requesting hemp, wheat, and corn,
September 5, 1790.
Box-folder 1:13
Received from E. Madison, two plots of land surveyed by William
Preston. Signed Jeremiah Patrick, July 22, 1792.
Box-folder 1:13
Accounts for taxes paid by Nathaniel Hart for William Preston
(deceased), 1802-06. Signed by Hart.
Box-folder 2:1
Account for claims in Montgomery County to be paid by John Preston in
surveyors' fees, March 20, 1780.
Box-folder 2:1
Memorandum of a land contract between John Smith and John Preston,
April 11, 1784.
Box-folder 2:1
Joseph Cloyd to Capt. John Preston. Concerns a loan,
September 3, 1784.
Box-folder 2:2
Request "to Mr. Preston" for registration of 129
acres of land for John Lawrence. Signed Richard Whitt, February
1786.
Box-folder 2:2
Record of land warrants recorded by Mary Smith for Henry Smith,
received from John Preston by the hand of Robt. Preston. Russell County,
NOvember 16, 1786.
Box-folder 2:2
James Beacon to John Preston in Montgomery County. Fragment.
Williamsburg, March 16m 1787.
Box-folder 2:3
Col. Harvie to John Preston in Montgomery County. Requests
information on a tract of land on the Kentucky River surveyed in William
Preston's time, August 12, 1788.
Box-folder 2:3
Surveys of 8 pieces of property (on one sheet) in Montgomery County
for various persons. Each signed J. Preston, 1780s.
Box-folder 2:4
Christley Pickle [to Capt. John Preston?]. Note withdrawing a land
entry claim, April 23, 1790.
Box-folder 2:4
Deposition regarding land dealings of John and Francis Preston.
Kanhawa County, May 14, 1790.
Box-folder 2:4
Alexander Breckenridge to John Preston at Smithfield, Montgomery
County. Concerns a request for a loan. Beargrass, June 12,
1790.
Box-folder 2:4
Reuben Slaughter to John Preston in Montgomery County. Requests
information on entries and rights of settlement for various properties.
Greenbrier September 9, 1790.
Box-folder 2:5
Certification that Wilson Ivy, a soldier in John Preston's company,
is owed back pay. Signed J. Preston, September 27,
1792.
Box-folder 2:5
William Preston to "Dear Brother," Captain John
Preston, in Richmond. Refers to Gen. Wayne's march from Pittsburg, William's
planned trip to Richmond. Prince Edward Courthouse, October 18,
1792.
Box-folder 2:6
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," John Preston, in
Montgomery County. Concerns land warrants and their proper registration.
Saltworks, August 1, 1795.
Box-folder 2:6
Received of John Preston, taxes paid on James Patton's land in
Montgomery County. Signed David Cloyd, November 2,
1795.
Box-folder 2:6
J. McDowell to Col. John Preston in Richmond. Concerns a land survey
by Preston; Mr. Miller has conditionally sold Preston's survey to Mr.
Wolcott. Rockbridge, NOvember 11, 1796.
Box-folder 2:7
Wm. Preston to "Dear Brother," Col. John Preston,
in Montgomery County. Refers to orders requiring William to march his troops
to Staunton, his planned trip to Rockbridge. Fincastle, September
25, 1797.
Box-folder 2:7
John Breckenridge to Col. John Preston in Montgomery County. Concerns
the collection of a debt owed to Breckenridge by a third party,
October 23, 1798.
Box-folder 2:7
Wm. Radford to [his son-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Montgomery
County. Refers to Radford's planned trip to Kentucky, the Napoleonic Wars in
Europe. Richmond, June 6, 1799.
Box-folder 2:7
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston at Smithfield. Concerns land
surveys at Horseshoe. Springfield, August 3, 1799.
Box-folder 2:8
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County. Concerns a
delay in Mr. Radford's law suit. Franklin, March 5,
1800.
Box-folder 2:8
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Montgomery County. Inquires about arrangements made regarding
the Loyal Company's holdings after George Taylor's death, April
25, 1801.
Box-folder 2:8
Thos. L. Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, at Horshoe Bottom, Montgomery County. Refers to Thomas's journey to
[William and Mary] College. Richmond, December 8, 1801.
Box-folder 2:9
Wm. Radford to [his son-in-law] Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe
Bottom, in Montgomery County. Concerns family matters, April 12,
1802.
Box-folder 2:9
Henry L. Shore [to John Preston?]. Refers to Col. Vandewall executing
a deed; the recovery of Martha and Carleton Radford. Richmond,
July 27, 1802.
Box-folder 2:10
Charles Taylor to Gen. Preston at Horseshoe. Concerns the prospective
marriage of Taylor's son to Preston's daughter, September 3,
1803.
Box-folder 2:10
Eliza Madison to "My Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Montgomery County. Concerns her two horses being stolen and her
efforts to recover them; farm matters. Dumfries, November 9,
1803.
Box-folder 2:10
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Richmond. Refers to Negroes going to Horseshoe and the
possibility of hiring additional ones in Richmond. Talks of Kentucky's
advantages and disadvantages, and a planned trip to the springs,
December 28, 1803.
Box-folder 2:11
Wm. Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston,
at Horseshoe. Refers to breeding one of William's mares, plans for traveling
to Smithfield,June 1, 1804.
Box-folder 2:11
William Munford to Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe Bottom, Montgomery
County. Refers to Napoleon Bonaparte's victories; family matters; land in
Ohio. Richland, June 12, 1804.
Box-folder 2:12
James McDowell to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in
Montgomery County. Concerns land purchases from Mr. Brown, McDowell's travel
plans to Ohio. Rockbridge, February 17, 1805.
Box-folder 2:12
Bowker Preston to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County. Concerns
brandy purchased from Preston by John Hook. Montgomery Court House,
June 4, 1805.
Box-folder 2:12
Wm. Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston. Concerns
Radford's course of study at Washington Academy and planned attendance at
William and Mary. Washington Academy, August 1, 1805.
Box-folder 2:13
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, at Horseshoe, Montgomery County. Concerns goods that Thomas was to
purchase for his mother in Lexington and Richmond. Lexington,
December 8, 1805.
Box-folder 2:13
ohn Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John at Horshoe Bottom,
Montgomery County. Concerns land dealings in Chesmont County [Kentucky?].
Washington Township, Chesmont County, September 25,
1805.
Box-folder 2:13
John Smith to Col. John Preston in Montgomery City. Requests Smith's
wife's part of the estate of her late grandfather. Fayette County, Kentucky,
December 21, 1805.
Box-folder 2:14
John Lewis to Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe. Introduces Mr.
Piersh[?], a Russian botanist on a botanical expedition, August 4,
1806.
Box-folder 2:14
List of taxable property owned by John Preston in Botetourt County.
Signed by William Walker, March 10, 1807.
Box-folder 2:14
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Montgomery County. Concerns John Preston's support for Thomas's
schooling at Washington Academy, includes a request for additional funds.
Washington Academy, April 11, 1807.
Box-folder 2:15
John Preston to Lt. Col. Henry Bowyer. Contains division orders,
second regiment of Virginia Cavalry, July 30, 1807.
Box-folder 2:15
Samuel Coleman to Maj. Gen. John Preston. Order concerning state's
quota of militia. Adjutant General's Office, Richmond, August 18,
1807.
Box-folder 2:15
George Pury to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery City. Concerns Pury's
receipt of a subpoena from Preston and a business deal between Pury and
Major Shiffy. Wythe County, October 14, 1807.
Box-folder 2:15
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Montgomery County. Refers to Mr. King hiring Gen. Preston's
Negroes; a trip to Smithfield; recent elections. Abingdon,
February 26, 1808.
Box-folder 2:16
John Radford to [his brother-in-law Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe
Bottom, Montgomery County. Concerns his move to Ohio and acquisition of land
there. Refers to bringing a slave woman with him and paying his mother $300
for her. Frankfort, July 14, 1808.
Box-folder 2:16
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Refers to a debt to
be paid in horses. Spring Hill [Kentucky], August 18,
1809.
Box-folder 2:16
Gen. John Preston to John Champ at Horseshoe Bottom. Includes
instructions for Champ as overseer at Horseshoe Bottom. Richmond,
January 9, 1810.
Box-folder 2:17
Godfrey Brooks to "Master," Gen. John Preston, in
Richmond. Reports on affairs at Greenfield. Greenfield, April 20,
1810.
Box-folder 2:17
James Breckenridge to [his cousin] Gen. John Preston in Richmond.
Refers to Col. [Nicholas?] visiting the springs in the summer; includes a
list of accounts as a postscript. Fincastle, May 19,
1810.
Box-folder 2:17
Carlton Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in
Richmond. Asks for money for college expenses. Washington Academy,
May 27, 1810.
Box-folder 2:18
Promissory note for a sum to be paid for a slave. Signed Charles
Taylor and J. Preston, June 9, 1810.
Box-folder 2:18
Francis Preston to [his brother] Gen. John Preston in Richmond.
Encloses a power of attorney from William Trigg, executor of William King;
concerns various law suits against Trigg and King. Abington,
November 10, 1810.
Box-folder 2:18
Carlton T. Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in
Richmond. Reports on problems with the hemp harvest at Horseshoe. Abingdon,
November 27, 1810.
Box-folder 2:18
William Temple to Gen. J. Preston. Requests the return of a
promissory note for the sum of $250, December 28, 1810.
Box-folder 2:19
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston. Tells of a trip to Horseshoe to check on John Preston's farm; Mr.
Champ's difficulties with the slaves; hiring a new person to help Champ.
Wythe Courthouse, Janaury 17, 1811.
Box-folder 2:19
Moses Jackson to Gen. J. Preston. Requests that Preston intercede on
his behalf with the authorities, gaining his freedom from jail. Richmond,
April 2, 1811.
Box-folder 2:19
Susan McDowell to [her uncle], Gen. John Preston in Richmond.
Congratulates him on his marriage to Mrs. Mayo; refers to Susan's visit to
Staunton. Cherry Grove, May 14, 1811.
Box-folder 2:20
Gen. John Preston to "My dear Son," William R.
Preston in Rockbridge. Requests that William return home, taking leave of
his aunt, uncle, and cousins on the best of terms to begin attending Mr.
Crutchfield's school in Bath County. Richmond, May 16,
1811.
Box-folder 2:20
homas Preston to "Dear Sir" [W. Preston Smith?] at
the Treasury Office in Richmond. Concerns a note due at the bank. Lexington.
On the same sheet: J. Preston to "Dear Preston" [W. Preston Smith]. Concerns
a coming trip to Hot Springs because of rheumatic pain, July 17,
1811.
Box-folder 2:20
Mathias Lane to Gen. J. Preston in Richmond. Concerns squatters
burning timber and selling the ashes on Preston's land in Kentucky; requests
a power of attorney to remove the squatters. Glasgow, Kentucky,
August 5, 1811.
Box-folder 2:20
James Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston
in Richmond. Concerns the purchase of a piece of property, for which he
requests payment. Smithfield, October 27, 1811.
Box-folder 2:20a
"Extract from H. Crutchfield's Books, requested by General
Preston, in Order to know precisely the Expense of his three sons for one
year." Costs of John Preston's sons to go to school; lists tuition,
board, lodging, shoes, clothing, etc., 1811-1812.
Box-folder 2:21
Promissory note to Robert Gamble. Signed J. Preston,
January 14, 1812.
Box-folder 2:21
William R. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John
Preston in Richmond. Concerns studies at Mr. Crutchfield's school; requests
$5.00. Bath County, January 16, 1812.
Box-folder 2:21
homas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston
in Richmond. Concerns a piece of property for sale; military promotions.
Lexington, Febraury 16, 1812.
Box-folder 2:22
Bill (and receipt) to John and Joseph Boyce. Treasury Office,
Richmond, June 20, 1812.
Box-folder 2:22
Cornelius Brown to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Reports on affairs
at Horseshoe Bottom. Horseshoe Bottom, July 11, 1812.
Box-folder 2:22
Gr. Smith to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Fragment, July
15, 1812.
Box-folder 2:23
Elizabeth Ann Cabell Preston to [her husband], Gen. John Preston in
Richmond. Concerns family and farming matters, September 22,
1812.
Box-folder 2:23
William Preston and John Preston to "Dear Father,"
Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Lysander Smith to "Dear
Cousin," Gen. John Preston [3 letters on 1 sheet]. Relate
happenings at Mr. Crutchfield's school. Bath County, October 1,
1812.
Box-folder 2:23
Gen. John Preston to [his son] Whitley Preston at Horsehoe bottom,
Montgomery County. Concerns Whitley's staying with his father during the
winter. Richmond, November 9, 1812.
Box-folder 2:23
Gen. John Preston to [his son] Whitley Preston at Horseshoe Bottom,
Montgomery County. Concerns farming affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; requests
that Whitley come to Richmond to see the General Assembly. Richmond,
December 4, 1812.
Box-folder 2:24
Bill to General Preston for coal. Signed John Potts,
December 1812.
Box-folder 2:24
Received of Minor Carey, a load of coal. Signed J. Preston. Richmond,
December 15, 1812.
Box-folder 2:25
Draft of a letter [from John Preston?] to an unspecified party.
Concerns problems with a requested loan of public funds. Richmond,
March 26, 1813.
Box-folder 2:25
John Brockenbough [president, Bank of Virginia] to John Preston and
Samuel Shepard. Concerns a loan for the Commonwealth of Virginia,
June 4, 1813.
Box-folder 2:25
Promissory note to James McDowell [Moffatt?]. Signed J. Preston and
James McDowell, September 21, 1813.
Box-folder 2:25
Memorandum of property at the Lower Horsehoe Bottom. Includes slaves,
livestock, farm implements, November 30, 1813.
Box-folder 2:25
Memorandum of property at the Upper Horseshoe Bottom. Includes
slaves, livestock, farm implements, November 30, 1813.
Box-folder 2:26
Whitley Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John
Preston, in Richmond. Refers to collecting a debt for his father from Mr.
Edmundson, driving hogs and other farming affairs. Greenfield,
January 3, 1814.
Box-folder 2:26
William Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in
Richmond. Introduces Samuel Harrison, a merchant whose business has brought
him to Richmond. Lynchburg, June 1, 1814.
Box-folder 2:26
Account of Gen. John Preston with D. Madison, June
1814.
Box-folder 2:27
homas Arthur to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Concerns property
Arthur wishes to buy from Preston, November 26, 1814.
Box-folder 2:27
Eliza Preston to "My Dear Papa," Gen. John Preston,
in Richmond. Reports on Eliza's daily activities. Montgomery County,
December 11, 1814.
Box-folder 2:28
ohn B. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston,
in Richmond. Reports on school; requests clothes. Hanover County,
Febraury 26, 1815.
Box-folder 2:28
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, at Horseshoe, Montgomery County. Refers to procuring salt kettles;
plaster production; the difficulty of getting white labor. Abingdon,
August 30, 1815.
Box-folder 2:28
Bill to [John Preston?] for harness and coal. Signed Harmon Sifford,
September 1, 1815.
Box-folder 2:29
Isaac Preston to "My Dear Uncle," Gen. John.
Preston. Refers to problems with the title to a piece of property in New
Market; a dinner ball given to honor Gen. Jackson; Isaac's planned move to
New Orleans. Abingdon, October 26, 1815.
Box-folder 2:29
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston. Concerns a loan Gen. Preston was to secure from the Bank of
Virginia for Francis Preston; crops and holdings in Kentucky,
October 26, 1815.
Box-folder 2:30
Whitley Preston to [his father], Gen. John Preston in Richmond.
Concerns a tract of land in Cabell County which Whitley suggests be
resurveyed. Cabell County, January 8, 1816.
Box-folder 2:30
Received of John Preston, a sum for tuition for his daughter. Signed
J. A. Oswald. Richmond, January 1816.
Box-folder 2:30
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston, in Richmond. Concerns elections in Botetourt and Montgomery
Counties. Fincastle, April 10, 1816.
Box-folder 2:31
Received of John Preston, $1000 for 50 bank shares. Signed B. Peyton
[?], December 11, 1816.
Box-folder 2:31
Dr. J. Augustus Smith to John Preston in Richmond. Informs Preston of
the poor conduct of his son at college. William and Mary College,
December 25, 1816.
Box-folder 2:31
John Preston to Dr. Augustus Smith [at the College of William and
Mary]. Reply to Smith's letter of 25 December. Draft. Richmond,
December 27, 1816.
Box-folder 2:32
David French to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Reports on French's
arrival at Barboursville and his efforts to engage a surveyor; land deals in
Ohio. Barboursville, February 8, 1817.
Box-folder 2:32
Randolph Ross to Gen. John Preston. Refers to Whitley Preston's visit
to Havana; business matters; a trip to Philadelphia and Washington.
Lexington, March 7, 1817.
Box-folder 2:32
Promissory note of Joshua Brotherhood to Gen. John Preston for 6000
acres of land warrants. Signed Gordon Cloyd, October 30,
1817.
Box-folder 2:32a
Bill of goods bought from Wilson & Drew by Mr. John Preston.
Items purchased between December 1814-July 1816. Account settled ,
August 1817.
Box-folder 2:33
G. Peyton to [John Preston?]. Concerns rumors of land speculation
involving the Treasurer of Virginia, Preston. Christiansburg,
November 7, 1817.
Box-folder 2:33
Account of cattle taken to the range and/or bought, 1817. Signed
Tilgh. H. West. Horseshoe, December 10, 1817.
Box-folder 2:33
James McDowell to [his brother-in-law], Gen. John Preston. Letter of
introduction for Hiram Jennings, a prospective overseer for Preston's
plantation. Cherry Grove, December 28, 1817.
Box-folder 2:33
"Articles given to the Negroes at the Horseshoe."
Lists articles of clothing given to slaves, December
1817.
Box-folder 2:34
Account of Gen. Preston with Charles [Purcell?], February
25, 1818.
Box-folder 2:34
Received of Mr. Preston, payment for pantaloons. Signed John Curry,
April 18, 1818.
Box-folder 2:34
Received of Gen. Preston, payment for one great coat. Signed P.
Shipard. Richmond, November 16, 1818.
Box-folder 2:35
William Radford to [his brother-in-law], Gen. John Preston. Informs
Preston that Radford will become president of the Farmers Bank in Lynchburg;
requests that his name be withdrawn as a candidate for director of the Bank
of Virginia. Lynchburg, December 20, 1818.
Box-folder 2:35
William Norwell to John Brockenbrough in Richmond. Concerns choice of
directors for the Bank of Virginia. Lynchburg, December 24,
1818.
Box-folder 2:35
Mary P. Lewis to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston.
Requests legal advice on the acquisition of a piece of property. Sweet
Springs, February 17, 1819.
Box-folder 2:35
Received of John Preston, payment for bank stock. Signed Carter B.
Page. Richmond, June 19, 1819.
Box-folder 2:36
Promissory note of James G. Swann to John Preston, January
20, 1820.
Box-folder 2:36
Sarah P. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John
Preston. Concerns school and vacation activities, family affairs. Cherry
Grove, May 8, 1820.
Box-folder 2:36
John Hammet to Gen. John Preston at Greenfield. Reports on affairs at
Horseshoe Bottom. Horseshoe Bottom, June 4, 1820.
Box-folder 2:36
George Munford to John B. Preston at Little Creek, Goochland County.
Concerns the death of "Grandmama," who died at
"Uncle William's" (William Radford). Richmond,
August 18, 1820.
Box-folder 2:37
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston in Richmond. Inquiries about
whether Horseshoe is still for sale. Springfield, January 22,
1821.
Box-folder 2:37
Notification that John Preston and James P. Preston, as defendants in
a court case, need to appear in court. Copy. Signed J. Robertson, Attorney
General, June 20, 1821.
Box-folder 2:37
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston near Fincastle, Botetourt County.
Concerns property of Preston's which has apparently been taken up by someone
else. Spring Hill, [Kentucky], June 20, 1821.
Box-folder 2:37
Gen. Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston. Concerns sale of steers and
oxen; pasture land. Springfield, September 22, 1821.
Box-folder 2:38
Lists of directors for the Virginia Bank. [Ballots?]. Four sheets;
one dated, January 23, 1823.
Box-folder 2:38
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Fincastle. Concerns a court
settlement in favor of Preston which will probably be paid with a tract of
land. Spring Hill, [Kentucky], April 23, 1824.
Box-folder 2:38
Broadside advertising land previously belonging Gen. John Preston in
Giles, Cabell, and Kanawha counties for sale, October 30,
1824.
Box-folder 2:39
Transcriptions of several legal documents (on one sheet), including
custody papers and power of attorney made out to John Preston by Peter
McConnel. Barren County, Kentucky, November 29, 1830.
Box-folder 2:39
E[lizabeth] Madison to "Dear Brother," Gen. John
Preston. Requests intercession of John on a business matter and three
bushels of hemp seed.
Box-folder 2:39
Joseph Fagg to Gen. John Preston at Greenfield, Botetourt County.
Concerns employment as an overseer.
Box-folder 2:39
Memorandum dealing with land entries in Kentucky for John Preston and
Francis Preston.
Box-folder 2:39
Draft of a description of an unidentified woman. Signed J. Preston on
verso.
Box-folder 2:40
Whitley Preston. Grammar exercise, October 5,
1811.
Box-folder 2:40
Jacob [Rudisk?] to William Preston. Refers to hiring Mat again,
December 25, 1822.
Box-folder 2:40
Thomas W. Ligon to William M. Radford in Liberty, Virginia. Discusses
college life at Yale. New Haven, Connecticut, February 18,
1832.
Box-folder 2:41
George Clark to William Radford in Lynchburg. Concerns land affairs
in Kentucky. Lexington, June 8, 1833.
Box-folder 2:41
Elizabeth M. Preston to "My dear Brother," William
W. R. Preston, at Falling Spring Valley, Bath County. Concerns family
matters; Elizabeth and her sister Susanna will be attending school in
Richmond.
Oversize 1
Land grant to Tobias Smith, 330 acres in Augusta County. Singed
Robert Dinwiddie, March 10, 1756.
Oversize 1
Land grant to Joseph Jenkins, 58 acres in Augusta County. Signed
[Lord] Botetourt, May 12, 1770.
Box-folder 3:1
Account of Col. John Buchanan [with William McClenahan?]. Signed by
McClenahan, November 20, 1766.
Box-folder 3:1
Accounts of Col. Breckinridge, 1767-73. Lists accounts with various
persons.
Box-folder 3:1
Certificate attesting the right of Thomas Page to hold 400 acres of
property in Montgomery County. Signed Jos. Cabell, N. Cabell, Gabl. Penn,
September 10, 1782.
Box-folder 3:2
Received of James Boyle, payment for a survey. Signed James Desor,
March 18, 1789.
Box-folder 3:2
Note concerning land holdings of John Breckenridge to be surveyed.
Signed David Robinson and John Love, April 30, 178[9?].
Box-folder 3:3
Agreement for harvesting a wheat crop by William Burr. Signed Chris
Champ, July 8, 1791.
Box-folder 3:3
Received of William Thompson, rations for the Wythe Rangers. Signed
James [McGaruth?], 1791.
Box-folder 3:4
Promissory note, James P. Preston to Christian Martin,
October 26, 1798.
Box-folder 3:4
Note regarding hemp belonging to Capt. James Preston. Signed Robert
Graham. Manchester, December 23, 1800.
Box-folder 3:4
Received from Messrs. McMurdo and Fisher, a sum resulting from a
lawsuit against John Mayo by William Mayo. Signed Ben Sheppard,
March 10, 1802.
Box-folder 3:5
Broadside, "Sketch of the Actions fought at San Pascal in
Upper California between the Americans and Mexicans, Dec. 6th & 7th,
1846."
Box-folder 3:5
Octavia [Radford?] to her sister-in-law, "Dear Sister
Susan" [Susanna Smith Preston Radford]. Refers to Octavia's
new-born son and other family members. Near Lynchburg, June 21,
1852.
Box-folder 3:5
John A. Shearer to William B. Radford and Henry Bowyer, in Amsterdam,
Botetourt County. Requests information on J. M. Humphreys, a prospective
principal of Shearer's boys academy. Spout[?] Spring, Appomattox County
June 1, 1857.
Box-folder 3:6
A. G. Preston to [his wife] "My Dear Alice."
Speaks of his illness. Buchanan, March 9, 1897.
Box-folder 3:6
Account of Col. John Buchanan.
Box-folder 3:6
List of repairs to be made to the Polygon, room by
room."Chris Tompkins" on back.
Box-folder 3:7
Accounts [for warrants?] totaling $19,240.00.
Box-folder 3:7
Draft of a letter from [?] to [?]. Refers to seeing Mr. [R.?] Preston
in Williamsburg; land dealings. "Gran Smith" on top of
first page.
Box-folder 3:7
Draft of a letter from [?] to "My Dear Agatha."
Writes of Mrs. Preston, who is dying.