Conditions Governing Use:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation:

Williamsburg, Virginia Letters, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Acquisition Information:

Gift via the Williamsburg Historic Records Association.

Biographical Information:

J.M. Chevers was from Fairfax, Virginia.

Scope and Contents

Photocopies of three letters written from Williamsburg, Virginia by W.W. Vest, J.M. Chevers and Unknown.

W.W. Vest of Williamsburg, Virginia to John M. Speer (or Speed) of Lynchburg, Virginia about hiring out of negroes and financial matters. 1843.

Unknown in Williamsburg, Virginia to Robert Saunders in Fauquier, Virginia about family and a scandal at "The Springs." 1844.

J. M. Chevers, a student in Williamsburg, Virginia, to Rev. CW. Thomson in Richmond, Virginia about his experiences in relation to his Christianity. 1948. "It was thought by some in Fairfax, that my coming to such a place as this, would lead me astray, for the simple reason that I would be exposed to more temptations..."

These items were for sale at a 1991 auction, and though they were not bought by the donor, they were copied and given to SCRC.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• African Americans--Virginia--History--19th century
• College of William and Mary--History--19th century
• College of William and Mary--Students
• Fauquier County (Va.)--History--19th century
• Letters (correspondence)
• Photocopies
• Slave labor
• Slavery--Virginia--19th century
• Williamsburg (Va.)--History--19th century