Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Special Collections and University Archives Staff
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers, Ms1985-020, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
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. Some addition description and arrangement was completed in November 2014.
Administrative History
Founded in 1889, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) has twenty branches which own and maintain historic properties. In November 1958 the APVA authorized the organization of the Montgomery County branch for the specific purpose of acquiring and restoring Smithfield Plantation, the historic home near Blacksburg in Montgomery County , Virginia, built by William Preston in 1773. In 1959 Mrs. Janie Preston Brockenbrough Lamb, a descendant of Preston, donated Smithfield and 4.5 acres of land to the APVA. Restoration of the building was begun in 1962 when the APVA's Montgomery County Branch raised the funds for renovation and contracted with architects and contractors. Since its foundation, and in more recent years, the organization has had some changes, including the dissolution of branches and the combination of the Montgomery County Branch with the Smithfield Preston Foundation. In 2009, the name was changed to Preservation Virgina.
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
The collection is arranged in series by individual or family name. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically with undated materials at the end.
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.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Patton, James, 1692-1755 (Preston family, Montgomery County, Va.)
- Preston, John, 1764-1827
- Preston, Susanna Smith, 1740-1823
- Preston, William, 1729-1783
Container List
- box-folder 1 folder: 1
Survey of a property [belonging to Robert Norris?] for Col. James Patton and CompanyMarch 2, 1747
- box-folder 1 folder: 2 February 18, 1753
- box-folder 1 folder: 2
Promissory note of John M. Colley to James Patton et al.[August 24?] 1753
- box-folder 1 folder: 3
- box-folder 1 folder: 3
- box-folder 1 folder: 3 November 3, 17??
- box-folder 1 folder: 4 November 1770
- box-folder 1 folder: 5
Received of Wm. Carravan, whiskey for the use of a company of patrollers; Signed Wm. PrestonJuly 23, 1755
- box-folder 1 folder: 5
Bill for goods bought by Wm. Preston; Signed Felix GilbertOctober 20, 1758
- box-folder 1 folder: 6
List of quit rents of the Middle District of Augusta. Shows accounts insolvent and paid, 1759-1760; Also includes arrears received by William Preston, 1755, 1756, 1757, and 1758; new patents, 1759; and new patents, 1760
- box-folder 1 folder: 7 January 31, 1760
- box-folder 1 folder: 7
Received of Wm. Preston, payment for itemized goods; Signed David CloydMay 1760
- box-folder 1 folder: 7 May 12, 1760
- box-folder 1 folder: 8
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to Messrs. Cranford and Simpson; Signed Wm. PrestonDecember 17, 1761
- box-folder 1 folder: 8
Robt. Breckinridge to William Preston, a bill to be paid to James LockartMay 25, 1762
- box-folder 1 folder: 9 June 26, 1763
- box-folder 1 folder: 9
Andrew Boyd [to William Preston?], requesting the transport of goods which arrived for Boyd from Scot-land; Fort LewisJune 17, 1766
- box-folder 1 folder: 9
Account of William Preston with Arch[ibald?] Buchanan containing itemized list of household goodsOctober 30, 1766
- box-folder 1 folder: 10
Gabriel Jones to [William Preston?], reply to a letter; Concerns land sale accountsNovember 30, 1767
- box-folder 1 folder: 10
John Todd to John Brown in Augusta, concerning a runaway wench Todd now wants to sell to Col. [William] PrestonJuly 5, 1768
- box-folder 1 folder: 10
Received of Alexander Ingram a payment by Wm. Lush; Witnessed and signed by Wm. PrestonApril 9, 1770
- box-folder 1 folder: 10
Bill to Joseph McMurtry on behalf of Thos. Eakins for survey of 120 acres land; Signed by McMurtry and Wm. PrestonSeptember 24, 1770
- box-folder 1 folder: 11 February 11, 1772
- box-folder 1 folder: 11 July 17, 1772
- box-folder 1 folder: 11a
Letter from G. Washington to William Preston (typescript transcript copy)February 24, 1774
- box-folder 1 folder: 12 December 12, 1774
- box-folder 1 folder: 12
Received of William Preston a debt paid as executor of the estate of Col. John Buchanan; Signed James CrockettAugust 1, 1774
- box-folder 1 folder: 12
Account of William Madison with Jeremiah Pate, the balance to be paid to Wm. Preston as executor of James Patton. Signed Jeremiah PateOctober 25, 1781
- box-folder 1 folder: 12
William Preston to Henry Coleman, referring to ten dollars sent for "old Mr. Stapleton" and Preston's efforts to acquire a plough horseMarch 1, 1783
- box-folder 3 folder: 4
Promissory note, James P. Preston to Christian MartinOctober 26, 1798
- box-folder 1 folder: 13
Susanna Preston to Mr. Champ, requesting hemp, wheat, and cornSeptember 5, 1790
- box-folder 1 folder: 13 July 22, 1792
- box-folder 3 folder: 4
Note regarding hemp belonging to Capt. James Preston; Signed Robert Graham. ManchesterDecember 23, 1800
- box-folder 1 folder: 13
Accounts for taxes paid by Nathaniel Hart for William Preston (deceased); Signed by Hart1802-1806
- box-folder 2 folder: 1 March 20, 1780
- box-folder 2 folder: 1
Memorandum of a land contract between John Smith and John PrestonApril 11, 1784
- box-folder 2 folder: 1
Joseph Cloyd to Capt. John Preston; Concerns a loanSeptember 3, 1784
- box-folder 2 folder: 2
Request "to Mr. Preston" for registration of 129 acres of land for John Lawrence; Signed Richard WhittFebruary 1786
- box-folder 2 folder: 2 November 16, 1786
- box-folder 2 folder: 2 March 16, 1787
- box-folder 2 folder: 3 August 12, 1788
- box-folder 2 folder: 3 1780s
- box-folder 2 folder: 4
Christley Pickle [to Capt. John Preston?]; Note withdrawing a land entry claimApril 23, 1790
- box-folder 2 folder: 4 May 14, 1790
- box-folder 2 folder: 4 June 12, 1790
- box-folder 2 folder: 4 September 9, 1790
- box-folder 2 folder: 5
Certification that Wilson Ivy, a soldier in John Preston's company, is owed back pay; Signed J. PrestonSeptember 27, 1792
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 CourthouseOctober 18, 1792
- box-folder 2 folder: 6 August 1, 1795
- box-folder 2 folder: 6 November 2, 1795
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; RockbridgeNovember 11, 1796
- box-folder 2 folder: 7 September 25, 1797
- box-folder 2 folder: 7 October 23, 1798
- box-folder 2 folder: 7 June 6, 1799
- box-folder 2 folder: 7
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston at Smithfield; Concerns land surveys at Horseshoe; SpringfieldAugust 3, 1799
- box-folder 2 folder: 8 March 5, 1800
- box-folder 2 folder: 8 April 25, 1801
- box-folder 2 folder: 8 December 8, 1801
- box-folder 2 folder: 9 April 12, 1802
- box-folder 2 folder: 9
Henry L. Shore [to John Preston?]; Refers to Col. Vandewall executing a deed; the recovery of Martha and Carleton Radford; RichmondJuly 27, 1802
- box-folder 2 folder: 10
Charles Taylor to Gen. Preston at Horseshoe; Concerns the prospective marriage of Taylor's son to Preston's daughterSeptember 3, 1803
- box-folder 2 folder: 10 November 9, 1803
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 springsDecember 28, 1803
- box-folder 2 folder: 11
Wm. Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, at Horseshoe; Refers to breeding one of William's mares, plans for traveling to SmithfieldJune 1, 1804
- box-folder 2 folder: 11 June 12, 1804
- box-folder 2 folder: 12 February 17, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 12 June 4, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 AcademyAugust 1, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 13 December 8, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 13 September 25, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 13 December 21, 1805
- box-folder 2 folder: 14
John Lewis to Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe; Introduces Mr. Piersh[?], a Russian botanist on a botanical expeditionAugust 4, 1806
- box-folder 2 folder: 14 March 10, 1807
- box-folder 2 folder: 14 April 11, 1807
- box-folder 2 folder: 15
John Preston to Lt. Col. Henry Bowyer; Contains division orders, second regiment of Virginia CavalryJuly 30, 1807
- box-folder 2 folder: 15
Samuel Coleman to Maj. Gen. John Preston; Order concerning state's quota of militia; Adjutant General's Office, RichmondAugust 18, 1807
- box-folder 2 folder: 15 October 14, 1807
- box-folder 2 folder: 15 February 26, 1808.
- box-folder 2 folder: 16 July 14, 1808
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 folder: 16
Gen. John Preston to John Champ at Horseshoe Bottom' Includes instructions for Champ as overseer at Horseshoe Bottom; RichmondJanuary 9, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 17
Godfrey Brooks to "Master," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Reports on affairs at Greenfield; GreenfieldApril 20, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; FincastleMay 19, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 17
Carlton Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Asks for money for college expenses; Washington AcademyMay 27, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 18
Promissory note for a sum to be paid for a slave; Signed Charles Taylor and J. PrestonJune 9, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; AbingtonNovember 10, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 18
Carlton T. Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Reports on problems with the hemp harvest at Horseshoe; AbingdonNovember 27, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 18
William Temple to Gen. J. Preston; Requests the return of a promissory note for the sum of $250December 28, 1810
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 CourthouseJanaury 17, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 19
Moses Jackson to Gen. J. Preston; Requests that Preston intercede on his behalf with the authorities, gaining his freedom from jail; RichmondApril 2, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 GroveMay 14, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 20 May 16, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 20
Thomas 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 painJuly 17, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 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, KentuckyAugust 5, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 20
James Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns the purchase of a piece of property, for which he requests payment; SmithfieldOctober 27, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 folder: 21
Promissory note to Robert Gamble; Signed J. PrestonJanuary 14, 1812
- oversize folder: 1 January 16, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 21
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns a piece of property for sale; military promotions; LexingtonFebruary 16, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 22
Bill (and receipt) to John and Joseph Boyce.; Treasury Office, RichmondJune 20, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 22
Cornelius Brown to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Reports on affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; Horseshoe BottomJuly 11, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 22
Gr. Smith to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; FragmentJuly 15, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 23
Elizabeth Ann Cabell Preston to [her husband], Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns family and farming mattersSeptember 22, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 23 October 1, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 23 November 9, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 23 December 4, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 24
Bill to General Preston for coal; Signed John PottsDecember 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 24
Received of Minor Carey, a load of coal; Signed J. Preston; RichmondDecember 15, 1812
- box-folder 2 folder: 25
Draft of a letter [from John Preston?] to an unspecified party; Concerns problems with a requested loan of public funds; RichmondMarch 26, 1813
- box-folder 2 folder: 25
John Brockenbough [president, Bank of Virginia] to John Preston and Samuel Shepard; Concerns a loan for the Commonwealth of VirginiaJune 4, 1813
- box-folder 2 folder: 25
Promissory note to James McDowell [Moffatt?]; Signed J. Preston and James McDowellSeptember 21, 1813
- oversize folder: 1
Memorandum of property at the Lower Horseshoe Bottom; Includes slaves, livestock, farm implementsNovember 30, 1813
- box-folder 2 folder: 25
Memorandum of property at the Upper Horseshoe Bottom; Includes slaves, livestock, farm implementsNovember 30, 1813
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; GreenfieldJanuary 3, 1814
- box-folder 2 folder: 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. LynchburgJune 1, 1814
- box-folder 2 folder: 26
Account of Gen. John Preston with D. MadisonJune 1814
- box-folder 2 folder: 27
Thomas Arthur to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns property Arthur wishes to buy from PrestonNovember 26, 1814
- box-folder 2 folder: 27 December 11, 1814
- box-folder 2 folder: 28 Febraury 26, 1815.
- box-folder 2 folder: 28 August 30, 1815
- box-folder 2 folder: 28
Bill to [John Preston?] for harness and coal; Signed Harmon SiffordSeptember 1, 1815
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; AbingdonOctober 26, 1815
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 KentuckyOctober 26, 1815
- box-folder 2 folder: 30 January 8, 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 30
Received of John Preston, a sum for tuition for his daughter; Signed J. A. Oswald; RichmondJanuary 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 30 April 10, 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 31
Received of John Preston, $1000 for 50 bank shares; Signed B. Peyton [?]December 11, 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 31
Dr. J. Augustus Smith to John Preston in Richmond; Informs Preston of the poor conduct of his son at college; William and Mary CollegeDecember 25, 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 31
John Preston to Dr. Augustus Smith [at the College of William and Mary]; Reply to Smith's letter of 25 December; Draft; RichmondDecember 27, 1816
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; BarboursvilleFebruary 8, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 32
Randolph Ross to Gen. John Preston; Refers to Whitley Preston's visit to Havana; business matters; a trip to Philadelphia and Washington; LexingtonMarch 7, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 32
Promissory note of Joshua Brotherhood to Gen. John Preston for 6000 acres of land warrants; Signed Gordon CloydOctober 30, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 32a
Bill of goods bought from Wilson & Drew by Mr. John Preston; Items purchased between December 1814-July 1816; Account settledAugust 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 33
G. Peyton to [John Preston?]; Concerns rumors of land speculation involving the Treasurer of Virginia, Preston; ChristiansburgNovember 7, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 33
Account of cattle taken to the range and/or bought, 1817. Signed Tilgh. H. West; HorseshoeDecember 10, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 GroveDecember 28, 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 33
"Articles given to the Negroes at the Horseshoe;" Lists articles of clothing given to slavesDecember 1817
- box-folder 2 folder: 34
Account of Gen. Preston with Charles [Purcell?]February 25, 1818
- box-folder 2 folder: 34
Received of Mr. Preston, payment for pantaloons; Signed John CurryApril 18, 1818
- box-folder 2 folder: 34
Received of Gen. Preston, payment for one great coat; Signed P. Shipard; RichmondNovember 16, 1818
- box-folder 2 folder: 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; LynchburgDecember 20, 1818
- box-folder 2 folder: 35
William Norwell to John Brockenbrough in Richmond; Concerns choice of directors for the Bank of Virginia; LynchburgDecember 24, 1818
- box-folder 2 folder: 35
Mary P. Lewis to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston; Requests legal advice on the acquisition of a piece of property; Sweet SpringsFebruary 17, 1819
- box-folder 2 folder: 35
Received of John Preston, payment for bank stock; Signed Carter B. Page. RichmondJune 19, 1819
- box-folder 2 folder: 36
Promissory note of James G. Swann to John PrestonJanuary 20, 1820
- box-folder 2 folder: 36
Sarah P. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston; Concerns school and vacation activities, family affairs; Cherry GroveMay 8, 1820
- box-folder 2 folder: 36
John Hammet to Gen. John Preston at Greenfield; Reports on affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; Horseshoe BottomJune 4, 1820
- box-folder 2 folder: 36 August 18, 1820
- box-folder 2 folder: 37
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Inquiries about whether Horseshoe is still for sale; SpringfieldJanuary 22, 1821
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 GeneralJune 20, 1821
- box-folder 2 folder: 37 June 20, 1821
- box-folder 2 folder: 37
Gen. Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston; Concerns sale of steers and oxen; pasture land; SpringfieldSeptember 22, 1821
- box-folder 2 folder: 38
Lists of directors for the Virginia Bank. [Ballots?]; Four sheets; one datedJanuary 23, 1823
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 folder: 38 October 30, 1824
- box-folder 2 folder: 39 November 29, 1830
- box-folder 2 folder: 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 folder: 39
- box-folder 2 folder: 39
Memorandum dealing with land entries in Kentucky for John Preston and Francis Preston
- box-folder 2 folder: 39
Draft of a description of an unidentified woman; Signed J. Preston on verso
- box-folder 2 folder: 40
Whitley Preston, Grammar exerciseOctober 5, 1811
- box-folder 2 folder: 40
Jacob [Rudisk?] to William Preston; Refers to hiring Mat againDecember 25, 1822
- box-folder 2 folder: 40
Thomas W. Ligon to William M. Radford in Liberty, Virginia; Discusses college life at Yale, New Haven, ConnecticutFebruary 18, 1832
- box-folder 2 folder: 41
George Clark to William Radford in Lynchburg; Concerns land affairs in Kentucky, LexingtonJune 8, 1833
- box-folder 2 folder: 41
- oversize folder: 1 March 10, 1756
- box-folder 3 folder: 1
Account of Col. John Buchanan [with William McClenahan?]; Signed by McClenahanNovember 20, 1766
- box-folder 3 folder: 1
Accounts of Col. Breckinridge, 1767-1973; Lists accounts with various persons
- oversize folder: 1 May 12, 1770
- box-folder 3 folder: 1 September 10, 1782
- box-folder 3 folder: 2
Received of James Boyle, payment for a survey; Signed James DesorMarch 18, 1789
- box-folder 3 folder: 2
Note concerning land holdings of John Breckenridge to be surveyed; Signed David Robinson and John Love,April 30, 178[9?]
- box-folder 3 folder: 3
Agreement for harvesting a wheat crop by William Burr; Signed Chris ChampJuly 8, 1791
- box-folder 3 folder: 3
Received of William Thompson, rations for the Wythe Rangers; Signed James [McGaruth?]1791
- box-folder 3 folder: 4
Received from Messrs. McMurdo and Fisher, a sum resulting from a lawsuit against John Mayo by William Mayo; Signed Ben SheppardMarch 10, 1802.
- box-folder 3 folder: 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 folder: 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 folder: 5 June 1, 1857
- box-folder 3 folder: 6
A. G. Preston to [his wife] "My Dear Alice;" Speaks of his illness; BuchananMarch 9, 1897
- box-folder 3 folder: 6
Account of Col. John Buchanan
- box-folder 3 folder: 6
List of repairs to be made to the Polygon, room by room; "Chris Tompkins" on back
- box-folder 3 folder: 7
Accounts [for warrants?] totaling $19,240.00
- box-folder 3 folder: 7
Draft of a letter from [?] to [?], referring to seeing Mr. [R.?] Preston in Williamsburg; land dealings; "Gran Smith" on top of first page
- box-folder 3 folder: 7
Draft of a letter from [?] to "My Dear Agatha," writes of Mrs. Preston, who is dying