William Wirt. Letters, 1803-1832. Accessions 13779,
13780, 13781, 13782, 13783. Personal papers collection. The
Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Holmes Conrad, Winchester, Virginia, 31 October
1914.
William Wirt was born 8 November 1772 in Bladensburg,
Maryland, to Jacob Wirt (d. 1774) and Henrietta Wirt (d.
1779). Orphaned, Wirt fortunately received help from an uncle
and from a family friend and received an education. He studied
law and settled in Culpeper County, Virginia, where he was
admitted to the Virginia bar and practiced in Culpeper and
Albemarle Counties where he lived from 1795 to 1799. He moved
to Richmond, Virginia, in 1800 to continue his practice. He
was elected clerk of the House of Delegates. In 1802, he was
appointed chancellor of one of the three chancery districts
and moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1803, he resigned as
chancellor and moved to Norfolk, Virginia, to continue his
private law practice. Wirt returned to Richmond in 1806 and
continued practicing law. He served as one of the prosecution
in the Aaron Burr trial in 1807. In 1817, he was appointed
Attorney-General of the United States by President James
Monroe (1758-1831) and served for twelve years through
Monroe's term and through the term of John Quincy Adams
(1767-1848). In 1829, he retired to private life in Baltimore,
Maryland. In 1832, Wirt was the presidential candidate of the
Anti-Masonic party. Wirt wrote many works including LETTERS OF
THE BRITISH SPY and a biography of Patrick Henry. Wirt died in
Washington D.C. 18 February 1834, and was buried in the
National (Congressional) Cemetery. William Wirt married first
Mildred Gilmer (d. 1799) of Albemarle County 28 May 1795. He
married second Elizabeth Washington Gamble (1784-1857) of
Richmond 7 September 1802, and they had twelve children.
Letters, 1803-1832, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Richmond, Virginia, and Baltimore,
Maryland, and Washington D.C., lawyer and Attorney-General of
the United States, to Dabney Carr, of Charlottesville,
Richmond, and Winchester Virginia, discussing legal matters,
including the Virginia Superior Court of Chancery, Wirt's
tenure as Attorney-General, and Wirt's legal practice in
Norfolk, Richmond, and Baltimore; politics, including the
presidential elections of 1816, 1824, 1828, and 1832, and
Wirt's campaign as the Antimasonic party candidate in 1832;
the War of 1812, news of his and Carr's families, including
the births and deaths of children, trips to the Virginia
springs, and health; and personal news, including Wirt's
literary works LETTERS OF THE BRITISH SPY, THE OLD BACHELOR,
and a biography of Patrick Henry.
Letters, 1803-1804, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Williamsburg and Norfolk, Virginia; to Dabney Carr (1773-1837)
of Albemarle County, Virginia, regarding Wirt's career and his
and Carr's families. Wirt discusses his resignation from the
chancellorship of the Superior Court of Chancery and his
proposed removal to Kentucky; his reconsideration on moving to
Kentucky and his subsequent relocation to Norfolk, Virginia;
his law practice; and news of both his and Carr's families,
including the births and deaths of his and Carr's children.
Wirt comments on his THE LETTERS OF THE BRITISH SPY, and the
response of those described therein, including Edmund Randolph
(1753-1813), John Wickham (1763-1839), and Wilson Cary
Nicholas (1761-1820). He also remarks on several of the
leading lawyers in Virginia, including Edmund Pendleton
(1721-1803), George Wythe (1726-1806), and John Marshall
(1755-1835). Wirt notes that Robert B. Taylor (1774-1834) and
Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774-1860) are the leading
attorneys in Norfolk.
Letters, 1811-1815, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Richmond, Virginia, to Dabney Carr (1773-1837) of
Charlottesville and Winchester, Virginia, containing personal
and professional news. Wirt offers his views on the on-going
War of 1812, including an analysis of military leaders,
comments on New England's threatened secessions, and remarks
on the Virginia militia. Wirt writes about his legal career
and the cases in which he is involved. He encourages Carr to
accept the judgeship of the Winchester Superior Court of
Chancery, and later inquires how the position is. Wirt remarks
that a position on the Court of Appeals may open soon and that
Carr should consider it. Wirt comments on the politics and the
politicians of the day, including his defeat to James Barbour
for a seat in the United States Senate. He writes about his
recently published OLD BACHELOR and his again-published
LETTERS OF THE BRITISH SPY. Wirt asks Carr's opinion of a play
he wrote and comments on his difficulties writing a biography
of Patrick Henry (1736-1799). Wirt offers news of his own
family and asks about Carr's. He offers his condolences on the
death of a son whom Carr had named after Wirt.
Letters, 1821-1824, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Washington D.C. to Dabney Carr (1773-1837) of Winchester,
Virginia, detailing Wirt's health, his family, and his
position as Attorney-General of the United States. Wirt
comments on political events, including fiscal retrenchment,
his relationship with President James Monroe (1758-1831), the
controversy between Ninian Edwards (1775-1833) and William H.
Crawford (1772- 1834), and the presidential election of 1824.
Wirt describes his political relationship with Monroe and with
his fellow cabinet members John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) and
John C. Calhoun (1782-1850). He comments on his work as
Attorney-General before the United States Supreme Court and
remarks on the case of Gibbons v Ogden (1824). Wirt comments
on his relationship with the press, including its reporting on
his part ownership of the Bellona Foundry (Arsenal) in
Chesterfield County, Virginia. Wirt writes about the visit of
the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) to the United States and
about his reception. Wirt informs Carr about his private
practice in Maryland, his opening of a law school, and his
plans to move to Baltimore, Maryland, when he is no longer
Attorney-General. Wirt comments on the characters of former
Virginia governor William H. Cabell (1772-1853) and prominent
Maryland attorney William Pinkney (1764-1822). Wirt describes
his and his family's health, expresses concerns about Carr's
health, and invites the Carr family to stay at the Wirts' home
whenever in Washington. Wirt also discusses various trips to
spas and springs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Collection also includes a circular for a law school Wirt
intends to open.
Letters, 1826-1830, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, to Dabney Carr
(1773-1837) of Richmond and Winchester, Virginia, containing
political, professional, and personal news. Wirt discusses his
efforts to help out two young Americans, including Carr's
relative Overton Carr, in Colombia, and his conversation with
the Colombian minister Jose Maria Salazar (1785-1828). He
comments on the upcoming presidential election of 1828,
including a letter by Chapman Johnson (1779-1849) against
Andrew Jackson. Wirt comments on his status as
Attorney-General, including work on a case involving the Bank
of the United States. He describes a meeting with Andrew
Jackson (1767-1845), the composition of Jackson's cabinet, and
Duff Green (1791-1875). Wirt writes about his relationship
with Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835) and about his
accepting the case of the Cherokee Nation against the state of
Georgia in the United States Supreme Court. He informs Carr of
a trip to Boston, Massachusetts, which he enjoyd, and of a
speech he delivered at Rutgers College in New Jersey. He
comments on his property in Florida. Wirt discusses his
family, providing information its health and welfare, and
asking about Carr's family. Wirt offers details of his legal
work as a lawyer in Baltimore. He sends Carr letters of
introduction for Louis Eisenmenger of Switzerland and for
Clara Fisher (1811-1898), a British actress.
Letters, 1831-1832, from William Wirt (1772-1834) of
Baltimore, Maryland, to Dabney Carr (1773-1837) of Richmond,
Virginia, containing political and personal news. Wirt writes
Carr about William H. Crawford's political ambition, elections
in Kentucky, and Wirt's non-candidacy for Congress. Wirt
offers an explanation of his acceptance of the Antimasonic
nomination for president, and an analysis of his chances of
winning the presidential election in 1832. He comments on how
Henry Clay (1777-1852), the National Republican candidate, has
no chance to win the presidency. Wirt discusses what it will
take to prevent Andrew Jackson's (1767-1845) reelection. Wirt
thanks Carr for his advice and help in political matters. Wirt
relates a conversation with James Maury (1746-1840) who
attended school with Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and Dabney
Carr (1743-1773). Wirt asks Carr to relate his thanks to
Thomas Jefferson Randolph (1792-1875) for permission to use a
letter that Jefferson had written. He also remarks on the
presidency of the University of Virginia, and how Jefferson
offered it to him. Wirt also informs Carr about the death of
one daughter and the marriage of another daughter. Wirt offers
his plans for travelling to the Virginia Springs in the summer
and his hopes of meeting Carr somewhere along his route. He
comments on reading Galt's biography of George Gordon Lord
Byron (1788-1824). Wirt also offers news of his family and
comments on his philosophy toward death and his views of
religion.
Letter,
23 March 1803, William Wirt,
Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Dabney Carr, Dunlora, near
Charlottesville, [Virginia], containing personal and
family news and commentary on international affairs and
United States politics.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 1
Letter,
28 March 1803, William Wirt,
Williamsburg, to Dabney Carr, Dunlora, near
Charlottesville, regarding his resignation from the
chancellorship of the Superior Court of Chancery,
Williamsburg, his tentative plans to move to Kentucky,
and prominent Virginia lawyers.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 1
Letter,
6 June 1803, William Wirt, Richmond,
[Virginia], to Dabney Carr, Dunlora, near
Charlottesville, congratulating Carr on the birth of a
daughter, concerning his resignation as chancellor,
informing Carr he is moving to Norfolk, [Virginia], and
planning for the future.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 1
Letter,
24 June 1803, William Wirt,
Williamsburg, to Dabney Carr, Dunlora near
Charlottesville, providing a whimsical discussion of
their children's future and family news.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 1
Letter,
16 January 1804, William Wirt,
Norfolk, to Dabney Carr, Charlottesville, concerning
Wirt's
The Letters of the British
Spy , their children, and his legal practice in
Norfolk. Wirt mentions several prominent Virginia
lawyers.
8 p.,
ALS.
Folder 1
Letter,
8 June 1804, William Wirt, Norfolk,
to Dabney Carr, Charlottesville, concerning the
difficulties of beginning a new practice,
The Letters of the British
Spy , future literary endeavors, and family news.
Wirt favorably mentions St. George Tucker's contribution
to the
Enquirer , and informs
Carr that
"The Spy " wrote the
pieces signed
"Masterius
Scriblerius. "
Letter,
12 August 1811, William Wirt, Doctor
Hare's, [Virginia], to Dabney Carr, Charlottesville,
[Virginia], sending personal news, and recommending
readings in law and in science. Wirt returns to [William
H.] Cabell's tomorrow and then heads for
Richmond.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
29 January 1812, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Charlottesville, discussing
Carr's nomination to the new Chancery Court judgeship in
Winchester, [Virginia], and advising him to take
it.
5 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
31 March 1813, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr apologizing for not writing and
describing militia activities at the start of the War of
1812. Wirt states that
The Old Bachelor is nearly
finished and that he is writing a play which he will
send Carr for criticism. Encloses a letter dated 18 and
22 November 1812 which had been written by Wirt at
Montevideo, Buckingham County, [Virginia]. 18
November-states that the Wirts had stopped in Buckingham
for the delivery of his wife's children and consoles
Carr on moving to Winchester. 22 November-informs Carr
that his wife had twin girls.
3 p.,
ALS. , and 3
p.,
AL.
Folder 2
Letter,
20 April 1813, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Charlottesville, thanking Carr
for a compliment, discussing criticism of
The Old Bachelor ,
commenting on a play he is writing, and inviting Carr to
visit.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
,23 August 1813 William Wirt,
Montevideo, Buckingham County, to Dabney Carr,
Winchester, commenting on militia training and
preparedness. Wirt discusses George Croghan's victory at
Fort Stephenson, Ohio, the United States' invasion of
Canada, and mentions William Henry Harrison, James
Wilkinson, Wade Hampton, and John Randolph. Wirt also
sends family news.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
2 October 1813, William Wirt,
Montevideo, Buckingham County, to Dabney Carr,
Winchester, mentioning the progress of the war, Carr's
success in Winchester, the progress of his play, and
news of friends.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
15 January 1814, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, enclosing a
previously begun letter dated 3 January
1814.
3 p.,
ALS. and 2
p.
AL.
Folder 2
Letter,
15 February 1814, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, sending George
Hay's pamphlet on expatriation, asking about Carr's son,
and providing personal news, thoughts on children's
education, and remarks on his play.
7 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
20 February 1814, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, discussing his
legal practice, the authorship of
"Emeritas, " and sending
the copy of George Hay's pamphlet that he previously
meant to send. Wirt mentions an impending vacancy on the
Court of Appeals which Carr might get.
2 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
15 May 1814, William Wirt, Richmond,
to Dabney Carr, Winchester, offering condolences on the
death of Carr's son, and mentioning the illness of one
of his daughters and the birth of another.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
10 December 1814, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, detailing his
defeat in the U.S. Senate race against Governor James
Barbour, and discussing New England's threatened
secession, the presidential election, and personal and
family news. States that the fifth edition of
The Letters of the British
Spy has been published.
11 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
8 March 1815, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, extending
condolences on the death of a friend, and advising
treatment for an unnamed illness.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
10 June 1815, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, suggesting another
remedy for Carr's illness. Wirst discusses his play and
Carr's criticism, and mentions several
acquaintances.
12 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
20 August 1815, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, discussing his
play, mentioning St. George Tucker and John Randolph,
remarking on difficulties with his biography of Patrick
Henry, mentioning future literary ambitions, and
providing personal and family news.
12 p.,
ALS.
Folder 2
Letter,
23 December 1815, William Wirt,
Richmond, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, rejecting
suggestions of a political career for Wirt. Wirt's play
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for consideration. Wirt
has a new son.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
14 May 1821, William Wirt,
Washington [D.C.], to [Dabney Carr], discussing the
history of his attacks of vertigo, the effect of his
work on his health, the Neapolitan and French
Revolutions, budget-cutting, family news, and his plans
for opening a law school. Includes a printed enclosure
"Rules of Office, for the Law
Students Under the Direction of Mr.
Wirt. "
11 p.,
ALS. , and 1
leaf, printed.
Folder 3
Letter,
8 October 1821, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr], inviting Carr and his
family to stay with the Wirts and asking about mutual
friends.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
21 December 1821, William Wirt,
Annapolis, [Maryland], to [Dabney Carr], inviting Carr
to Christmas dinner. Wirt also states that he has a
speaking engagement the next day.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
19 January 1822, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr], acknowledging receipt of
Carr's letter informing Wirt of the Carr family's safe
arrival home. Wirt also encloses a letter from Laura
Wirt (not found).
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
February 1822, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, [Virginia],
concerning his health. Also includes a note at the end
of the letter from Louisa Henrietta Wirt acknowledging
the receipt of Jane Carr's letter.
2 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
9 March 1822, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr], thanking Carr for his
letter, and informing Carr that his health is improving.
Wirt writes that he is attending court in Baltimore,
[Maryland], and that he might resign the
attorney-generalship.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
8 July 1822, William Wirt,
Annapolis, to [Dabney Carr] enclosing a letter from
Laura Henrietta Wirt (not found).
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
27 July 1822, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr informing Carr that Wirt and
his family are leaving for Bedford, [Pennsylvania], and
sending music in Laura Wirt's name.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
10 August 1822, William Wirt,
Bedford, Pennsylvania, to [Dabney Carr] informing Carr
that the Wirts will be going to Shanandale Springs in
Virginia, and hoping that Carr will be there. Wirt
states that he is considering moving to Baltimore and
comments on his motives and reservations.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
20 February 1823, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr] informing Carr that he had
influenza but is now well. Wirt has received Carr's
letter and attended to it, but received no answer.
However, he will see [John C.] Calhoun about it (no
mention of what Carr's letter was about). Wirt has been
practicing in Baltimore and will eventually move
there.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
1 February 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, Virginia,
stating that he heard of Carr's illness and advising him
to come to Washington for treatment. Wirt discusses his
own health and the strain work puts on him. Wirt
mentions that the Supreme Court will be hearing the
"steam-boat" question [Gibbons v Ogden] and Wirt is
preparing for it.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
8 August 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr] discussing his role in the
controversial charges made by Ninian Edwards against
William H. Crawford and how it could affect the 1824
presidential election. Wirt comments on his relationship
as attorney-general with the President, and charges
against himself in the press, especially regarding his
half-ownership of the Bellona Foundry in Chesterfield
County, [Virginia].
12 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
27 August 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, Virginia,
commenting on an article in the
Washington Gazette and his
attitudes toward the press in general.
8 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
9 September 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr] reflecting on their
friendship and their future, his shortcomings, William
Pinkney's character, literary events, and
friends.
14 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
15 September 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, Virginia,
informing Carr that he won't be able to visit because he
is preparing for a case before the Supreme Court. Wirt
also states that he is opening a law school.
2 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
22 September 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr] forwarding a letter from
[William H.] Cabell.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 3
Letter,
27 September 1824, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Winchester, Virginia,
inviting Carr to stay at their home while visiting
Washington.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 3
cover,
n.d., "William Wirt to Dabney Carr.
1821 1822 1823
1824 " with accession number and
date.
1 leaf,
Ms.
Folder 4
Letter,
17 November 1826, William Wirt,
Annapolis, [Maryland], to [Dabney Carr] forwarding a
corrected copy of his Jefferson-Adams memorial address
(not included) and asking for criticism.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
19 November 1826, Williams Wirt,
Annapolis, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, sending a letter of
introduction for Louis Eisenmenger.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
9 February 1827, William Wirt,
Washingtonl, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, asking for news
of Peachy [Gilmer] and the copy of the epitaph that was
sent. Wirt mentions the problems of overwork
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
27 October 1827, William Wirt,
Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], to Dabney Carr, Richmond,
forwarding a letter (not included) concerning Colonel
James' son in Bogata, Colombia, and describing his
actions in that matter. Wirt also discusses his work and
politics.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
7 November 1827, William Wirt,
Philadelphia, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, describing
meeting with Mr. Salazer, the Colombian minister, on
behalf of Overton Carr. Wirt discusses the effect of
Chapman Johnson's letter on the upcoming presidential
election.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
15 November 1827, William Wirt,
Baltimore, [Maryland], to Dabney Carr, Richmond, sending
Salazar's card. Wirt discusses Chapman Johnson's letter,
and comments on his possible future in Andrew Jackson's
cabinet or law practice in Baltimore or New
York.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
20 December 1827, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, discussing his
work, his relationship with John Marshall since 1800,
his possible New York practice, and family
news.
6 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
7 February 1828, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, introducing Clara
Fisher, the London actress.
1 leaf,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
17 November 1828, William Wirt,
Washington, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, stating that he
has not seen Carr's published address. Wirt comments on
Nancy Carr's wedding and mentions that he rode to
Baltimore with John Carr.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
28 February 1829, William Wirt,
Washington, to [Dabney Carr] commenting on his bout of
vertigo. Wirt describes his anticipation upon leaving
public office, an interview with Andrew Jackson,
Jackson's cabinet, and Duff Green. Wirt also sends
personal and family news.
7 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
8 August 1829, William Wirt,
Annapolis, to Dabney Carr, c/o Mr. Conrad, Winchester,
discussing his health and work. Wirt comments on his
reception on a trip to Boston, Massachusetts, and his
opinion of the people. Wirt mentions his Florida lands,
and ruminates upon personal matters
7 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
21 June 1830, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to [Dabney Carr] stating that he has been
solicited as counsel for the Cherokee nation to fight
their expulsion from Georgia and wants Carr's opinion on
the wisdom of accepting and on the merits of the case.
Wirt also asks Carr to sound out John Marshall's opinion
on the case.
5 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
23 July 1830, William Wirt, Cape
May, [New Jersey], to Dabney Carr, Martinsburg, [(West)
Virginia], detailing his travels and his speech given at
Rutgers College. He also discusses Carr's interview with
JOhn Marshall concerning the Cherokee case. Wirt sends
personal news.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
29 September 1830, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, thanking Carr for
the published letter defending Wirt's acceptance of the
Cherokees' case. Wirt describes the publicity and public
reaction to the case, as well as his progress on the
case. Wirt sends personal and family news
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 4
Letter,
9 October 1830, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, thanking Carr for
his support on the Cherokee case. Wirt quotes letters of
support from James Madison and John Marshall, and quotes
his own letter to John Ross, president of the Cherokee
National Council about removal to the west. Wirt attacks
Thomas Loraine McKenny, Chief, Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Wirt also sends personal and family news.
Letter,
23 and 24 March 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, reflecting on his
daughter's death adn his religious beliefs. Wirt
comments on Washington politics, including William H.
Crawford's presidential ambitions. Wirt's preference is
Henry Clay.
8 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
22 May 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, commenting on their
friendship and mentioning a visit with James Maury. Wirt
discusses the presidential election and planned
conventions. Wirt informs Carr of his summer travel
plans.
5 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
16 June 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, stating that he had
a court appearance on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Wirt mentions his summer travel plans and election
activities.
Folder 5
Letter,
15 July 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Martinsburg, again mentioning
his travel plans, and stating that he will not run for
Congress.
1 leaf,
AL. ,
signature cut from letter.
Folder 5
Letter,
22 August 1831, William Wirt, Sweet
Sulphur Springs, [Virginia], to Dabney Carr,
Scottsville, Albemarle County, [Virginia], describing
his travels to the springs and his accomodations. Wirt
comments on work he needs to do and mentions the
Kentucky elections.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
30 September 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, regarding his
nomination as the Antimasonic presidential candidate,
analyzing the political situation, and asking for news
and reactions.
6 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
5 October 1831, William Wirt,
Annapolis, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, analyzing his
support and chances in the presidential
election.
2 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
7 October 1831, William Wirt,
Annapolis, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, discussing his
campaign, press reaction to his candidacy, and his
campaign biography. Wirt mentions Chapman Johnson, Duff
Green, Thomas Jefferson, and David Watson.
7 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
26 October 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, thanking Carr for
the biographical sketch and mentioning requests for it.
Wirt mentions a letter by Thomas Jefferson,
"Democritus," and the presidential election.
3 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
2 November 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr describing his daughter
Elizabeth's marriage to Lieutenant Louis Goldsborough of
the United States Navy. Wirt comments on Thomas
Jefferson Randolph's permission to use letter by Thomas
Jefferson. He mentions another letter by Jefferson
regarding the University of Virginia. Wirt comments on
the National Republican convention, the press, and Henry
Clay's prospect in the election.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
23 November 1831, William Wirt,
Annapolis, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, concerning
newspaper reports, subscriptions, Clay's activities, and
the progress of the election.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
27 November 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, discussing his motives in
accepting the Antimasonic nomination. Wirt also comments
on what course to take since Clay's nomination by the
National Republicans.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
5 December 1831, William Wirt,
Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, sending box of
printed materials on Antimasonry and recommending rural
distribution. Wirt states that the probable nomination
of Clays is a relief to him. He comments on Jackson's
message. Wirt has read Galt's life of Byron.
4 p.,
ALS.
Folder 5
Letter,
12 January 1831 [1832], William
Wirt, Baltimore, to Dabney Carr, Richmond, stating that
he is recovering from an illness and that he is seeking
a way out of the Antimasons nomination. Wirt had an
interview with Whittlesley about this. Wirt comments on
prospects for the election.
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