Asking that a former overseer, James Linsey, be removed from his property.

Desiring to see Septimia so they could play together in her "baby house."

Hemings, a slave, has received Septimia Randolph's letter and is "embreasit" [embarrassed] that she had to write to him. He thanks her for letting him know how her "grand Paw" [Thomas Jefferson] is and is glad "to hear that he is no worst." Hemings hopes that she is well and asks her to "giv my Love to all your brothers Gorg with Randolph [George Wythe Randolph] speculy [specially]." Work continues on the house and the terraces. Hemings hopes "I Shol be able to Com home by the 25 of November Ef Life Last."

Mentions her brothers Benjamin [Franklin Randolph], George [Wythe Randolph], and Lewis [Randolph], and sister Ellen [Wayles Coolidge]. Discussing her long silence, the marriage of Mr. Long and Mrs. Selden, and the dismissal of "Mr. Grey, the hotel keeper at the University for bad conduct." Additionally, discusses problems at the University of Virginia resulting in a "prescribed uniform for the students," including "shoes and garters instead of boots, for it was discovered that the young men used their boots to smuggle in liquor into their dormitories." The letter also contains an anecdote about one student purchasing twenty-seven broadcloth coats to pay off his gambling debts.

Concerning Septimia and George's progress in study, and various illnesses at home. Also, mentions visiting Monticello often where the servants ask about Septimia and George. In a continuation to her mother, Mary discusses the prisoner Quatremere Disjonval's use of spiders to predict the weather, and his eventual rescue by the French from a prison in Utrecht, [Holland].

Mentions not being able to "bear the idea of parting with Dear Willie, and nothing reconciles [her] to it, but knowing how much [she] shall profit by it." Willie is recovering from poor health "which [Ellen] expect[s], has been the cause of his backwardness." She inquires after Aunt Ellen [Wayles Randolph Coolidge]'s child, and asks to know her name.

Cannot write a long letter "as it is Sally's? washing day." Refers to Willie's interruptions, and his and Martha's mutilation of their toys. Mentions that "Mrs. Trist is very cross, she boxes Uncle Lewis's [Lewis Randolph] ears two or three times every day, and once boxed Uncle Trist [Nicholas P. Trist] for preventing her from giving an Apple to Martha."

Concerning her progress in school.

Discussing the progress of the children Willie, Martha and Maria.

Mentions Aunt Virginia [Jefferson Randolph Trist's] son, and laments Aunt Jane and Uncle Jeff's only having daughters. Discusses Willie's improved behavior, and Uncle [Nicholas P.] Trist's clerkship in Washington.

Relating her trip on a Steamboat, and Willie's recovery from a cold.

Concerning the affairs at Septimia's former school, and of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions enclosing a lock of her hair, and asks for one in return.

Asks if the report of "Old Mrs. Trist's" death is true, inquires about her schooling, and relates an anecdote about her traveling to a wedding on an ox cart.

Chastising Septimia for not answering her questions, especially hers concerning the death of Mrs. Trist. Mentions that she does not find Willie "a very comfortable bedfellow, for he very often rains all over [her]."

Asks if her father [Thomas Mann Randolph] and brother John are alive or dead because she has not heard from them. She worries about them and Uncle William because of "their being so near the University whilst that dreadful fever is raging there."

Says that she must say something "about my darling spoiled Willie," and that he yet is fond of playing with babies as a little girl. She also mentions Tom's learning to shoot, and his fondness for his gun. Also contains a drawing by "little Willie" for little Pat.

Providing Septimia with news of Ellen's children, including Septimia's "favorite" Ellen. Mentions John Rogers', who had married Miss Ellen Derby, loss of fortune. Provides her with several fashion tips, and encourages her studies, but claims that she "will a few years hence, find a ready use of [her] needle, and a competent knowledge of housekeeping of more value, of more absolute necessity, than [she] can possibly imagine now."

Describes a brief stop to Mr. Davis' house, the condition of Jane Randolph, and her inability to see anyone without "a reinforcement to [her] wardrobe."

Describes a visit with Mrs. Buckner and Mrs. Minor and their families, and the intelligence of their daughters. Mentions preparations for Miss Dorothea [Minor's] impending wedding. In a continuation of the letter on the 21st, Bankhead says that she is interested in the "secret" Septimia has to tell her, but that she can guess what it is.

Ann describes teasing Susan Johnson for her secret engagement, and mentions that Elizabeth and Mary Winn are to go to the Richmond "debates" in the convention. Jane's continuation tells her to give her love to Ellen Bankhead [Carter] who is now with Septimia in Washington, and inquires about life in the city.

Cary Anne discusses life at school, and the arrival of Uncle Lewis [Randolph] and Lucy Minor. Lewis' continuation describes the "Bedlam" qualities of his house at school. Extols Miss Minor's good qualities, and, in a postscript, asks for several books from Monticello.

Describes changes in Cambridge, including a new president at Harvard, and the parties there. Mentions the arrival of Mr. Davis and his daughter to Cambridge, and their purchase of a house there. She also asks to be remembered by several of Septimia's acquaintances in Cambridge, Mr. Rand, Miss Mary Stearns, Phoebe Anne, and Emmeline's mother.

Concerning various former acquaintances in Boston.

Relating the affection between Mr. and Mrs. Dunglison in her illness. Claims that the Virginia Legislature should prohibit Fairs, like the one just ended, within five miles of the University of Virginia because "it is nothing but an assemblage of women to gull the students." He also mentions his appointment as one of the essay writers for the University's "public day."

Relating family matters, as well as marriage prospects of mutual friends. In a postscript, Ellen asks her Aunt Cornelia [Jefferson Randolph] to add her own postscript in Septimia's next letter, informing her of the current fashions.

Written in crosshatch, this letter is difficult to read. Thanks Septimia for a gift, and relates the progress of her brothers, one entering divinity school, and the other medicine as well as other family news. She also says, "I still continue with Doctor [John]? Park, and indeed [I think]? I shall for some time to come, and I am delighted both with him and his school, and I hope if you ever should come ou[t] here again, to stay for any length of time, [and] you will go there, we may enjoy it as much as we did; at the time we were together at Miss Spooner's who has been so sick as to be oblidged to go up to Lancaster, and resign her school to Hannah Spooner, and in consequence of this, most of those, with whom we went to school have been [dispersed?], Frances Higginson, Louisa Perkins, and Elizabeth Chapman, are at Mr. [Ralph Waldo?] Emerson's and our friend the latter, appears as friendly and as amiable as ever."

Relates her interaction with Sarah Lewis, and that she has heard from Mr. Shaaf that the Misses Randolph waltz beautifully in Washington. She instructs Septimia not to reveal this in Charlottesville because of a recent outcry against waltzing. She claims that if she returns to Charlottesville, Septimia will drive the students crazy. Ellen also describes her frequent walks to Charlottesville, relates the affairs at Monticello, and lists the engagements of several of their mutual friends.

Discusses a visit to Spring Grove, Willie's disposition, and a party that she has attended. At the close of her letter, she laments the dilapidation of Monticello.

Asking Septimia to join her for a ride.

Discussing their grandmother's illness, and the marital status of their University friends.

Laments not seeing her before her travel to Georgia, and relates an anecdote about a neighbor of hers being serenaded. Discusses her travels to Philadelphia and to New York, but is fearful that her boat will be searched "for fear of the Colera."

Inquires about cousin Ellen's [Bankhead Carter] marriage, and reveals that their cousin John is engaged.

Relates that his endeavors to marry rich have been thwarted, and that doctors cannot marry well because of low pay.

Describes events in Charlemont, and her interactions with her new husband's relations. She also reveals that her brother John is engaged to Elizabeth Christian, who "is not worth a cent," and discusses his financial and employment difficulties.

Describes the condition of himself and Mr. Deveaux upon their return to Edgehill. Reports his visit to Monticello, and laments its dilapidated condition. Lewis proclaims that he would not visit the house because he would not show [James T.] Barclay the respect of calling on him. Lewis goes on further to say, "I most sincerely pray that before I leave the neighborhood my eyes may be gladdened with the sight of the House wrapped in flames, and that every vestige of building may be swept from the top of the Mountain."

He anxiously desires to return to Washington because of the lack of friends at Edgehill.

Hopes that Septimia will travel with her after she sees her.

Asks her to send the things he requested, and his desire to meet with Ellen [Bankhead Carter] and Willie when they arrive.

Sorry for Alexandrine's departure after her wedding, and that she needed to assist Frank the morning after her nuptials. Palmer asks Septimia to thank her brother Lewis [Randolph] for the gift of a Newfoundland dog despite its propensity for running away.

Letting her know that she is presently in Philadelphia, but will continue her travels soon.

Announces his arrival to Washington, but claims that where he expected Mr. [Nicholas P.] Trist, "the house was void of white folks," and claims that his "reign" as a "nabob" will be short lived. Relates an anecdote about meeting two drunk acquaintances of Septimia's, Tom Thuston and Hugh Allen. Relates traveling to New York, and meeting with "Old Mrs. Hamilton" there, who is selling her house because Aaron Burr had purchased a farm near hers. He also codedly relates his amorous exploits.

Describes her trip through Charlottesville, her admiration of its and the University's beauty, on her way to the Warm Springs, and her visit there.

Concerning the affairs and estates of acquaintances in Washigton, and mentioning an outbreak of fever there. At the close of her letter, Cornelia says that "Richard and Ellen [Bankhead Carter]...interrupted [her] to tell [her] of a fresh piece of roguery of Sally's. She took the key out of Ellen's door and went into the locked closet with it; no one knew before that it would open that door; Ellen caught her there. Richard said he had already given her one whipping while [they] were away for stealing [Septimia's] parasol and hiding it."

Hopes her health will improve by the time Septimia can visit in the Spring. Mentions an encounter with Lewis [Randolph] and Miss Sally Kean, and asks about Septimia's other relatives.

Concerning the affection of Septimia's friends in Washington, and hopes to see her in Washington in the winter.

Regarding denying a request to read an eleven page letter Septimia had written to "Sall," and that Ann is "smitten sore with [him]." Relates that Hugh Allen's nightly visits to "Sall" has caused her "decaying and [will result in her] sinking into a premature grave." He also relates "a blow up about old clean drinking Jones" between Mrs. Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Forrest, and that "the Dr. and his wife have become very unpopular, she is the most slanderous bitch [he] ever knew and he a dirty intriguing coward."

Concerning her arrested travels, and difficulty finding suitable passage. Relates several stories of people she has met with in her travels, and her belief that her "circumstances have made [her] feel old at 22."

Concerning various family illnesses, and meeting with acquaintances, the Coolidges, and Lucia Swett, in Boston. She says that Lucia Swett reminds her of "Dolly Cutts, but yet she is by no means ugly." She also says, "I am attending a course of lectures on the subject of natural history by the by, the lecture is every Tuesday night and the price of a ticket of admission is $1, but I paid nothing for mine as I found on arriving, that Mr. Bulfinch had already made sister Ellen and myself a present of our tickets. That you might not be jealous however of my superior advantages I must tell you that I do not expect to acquire any [special]? degree of knowledge from them, the introductory lecture delivered by a young man of the name [Ralph Waldo] Emerson was a beautiful one but I fancy the succeeding lecturers, for there are several, are not very distinguished."

Regarding his staying at a boarding house in Washington, and that "'tis reported about the City, that [he is] addressing Sall," and that he does visit her family often and flirts with her. He relates that Delia is expected soon, but not expected to "lie in until the Spring," and that her "reputation is defunct," and that Old Middelton had traveled with her all summer. He also tells Septimia to tell Sister C[ornelia] that unless Dr. [James T.] Barclay has stolen the "Notes on [the State of] Virginia," Barclay does not have them.

Concerning the "troublesome" women he is acquainted with, and the "annoying" fact that they all fall in love with him after his harmless flirtation. He goes on to mention his future wife, "Betty Martin," and provides an anecdote about a "Congressman from Indiana" offering a sizable bribe to convince her to go to Indiana. He compares Betty Martin to Septimia, describes her physical features, and laments that she may have a low state of finances.

Concerning various illnesses at her home, and the slow recovery of Frank.

Concerning her travels to Cambridge and Boston, and her interactions with Martha Stearns and some gentlemen.

Lightheartedly describing his future wife [Betty Martin], and the appointment of [John] Forsyth as Secretary of State, and others to various posts.

Concerning her sister Matilda's illness, and events on Long Island during her stay there.

Concerning marriages in Washington, and asking Septimia to bring various things with her on her visit there including "a piece addressed to Sir Walter Scott by Miss Gould [belonging to] Miss Elliot."

A highly rhetorical letter detailing his sadness and madness for "the absence of his beautiful cousin." Relates going to the "State Temperance Convention," and discusses William Randolph's visit.

Relating Ann's nearly fatal illness, and her recovery. Relates that Sally [Carter] is to marry Uncle Ben[jamin Franklin Randolph] the following week, but that he deserves a better wife, and Sally's uneasy relation with the rest of the family.

Concerning Mr. Trist's journey to Havana, and his studies. In a post script, he mentions a "richly merited" beating of Captain Newel by "an officer whom [Newel] had dismissed from service."

Congratulates her on her engagement, and desires more details of her wedding plans. He laments the desertion of ladies from the University of Virginia, and claims that "the Ladies of Charlottesville are tired of the students or the reverse. [He doesn't] know which." Also relates to Septimia, "Your acquaintance A[rchibald] F. E. Robertson (the young man you saw at Davis' & thought so handsome) was shot in the back by an old fellow, while endeavoring to take a dead negro for our anatomical dissections- He is recovering and the old [colt?] will be sent to the Penitentiary."

Concerning the recovery of their mother, Martha Randolph, and her visit to the University of Virginia. Relates her brother's involvement in "violent excitement" in Washington.

Concerning her return to Edgehill, her travels with Septimia, and their mother's [Martha Jefferson Randolph] health. Her encounter with a "handsome young man" who conversed with her mother to the "astonishment" of the young ladies in her party.

Concerning her confirmation, communion and her desire that her children and all of her friends do likewise, and her consolation during their time of the loss of her grandmother and Septimia's mother [Martha Jefferson Randolph].

Concerning his situation in Little Rock, Arkansas, and his child. His desire that Septimia not go to John Carter's, who he would "give an Arkansas salutation on sight" were it not for Ellen [Bankhead Carter], and concerning fighting over their mother [Martha Randolph]'s will.

Concerning her desire to meet her future sister-in-law.

About her desire that Septimia break a long silence, and various items that she will send.

Concerning her travel on the ship Norma from New York to Havana, discovering Septimia"s illness once in Cuba, and Septimia and Dr. [David Scott] Meikleham's new home.

Mentions his new job as an editor for a literary magazine, and his love of women. Provides an extended description of Miss Charlotte T[aylor] and Miss Pollard. He asks for submissions by Mr. [Nicholas P.] Trist to his paper "The Chamelion," which "discuss[es] freely all subjects with the single exception of religious & these [they] excluded not wishing to furnish any ground for the reports already afloat about the infidelity of the institution" [The University of Virginia].

Original in Dolley Madison papers.

Describing an incident of domestic violence.

Concerning information on the Cary estate.

Concerning her nervous illness, her desire to keep it secret, and the expected return of her husband from China in June.

Original in Dolley Madison papers.

Concerning Septimia's illness, and Ellen's desire for Septimia to move to Washington. Mentioning the conditions of various friends including Mr. and Mrs. Trist, and Mrs. [Dolley] Madison's recovery from illness.

Concerning Lewis [Randolph's] desire that Septimia take their mother's silver.

Congratulating Septimia on the birth of her daughter, and describes her travels through Europe.

Thanking [David Scott] Meikleham for his help in her illness.

Granting Septimia the administration of David Scott Meikleham's estate.

Mentions various friends, and life in Paris. Mentions meeting Mr. Napoleon [III of France], who is "determined to give the people amusement instead of the liberty of which he has denied them," and briefly describes the physical characteristics of this "snobby looking individual."

Envelope claims note sent "from John Bulkeley a short time before his death." Asking her to accept a drawing of her by him, with the drawing enclosed on the verso of a calling card.

Concerning the dispensation of John St. George Randolph's estate.

Concerning the election of Lincoln, and his anxiety "as to what will be done by the South." He expresses his belief that Virginia will not secede "for it must be borne in mind that the western half of the State which contains nearly two thirds of the white population and controls the State Government, have very few slaves and are by no means so sensitive to the attacks of the abolitionists." With obituary that was formerly clipped to the letter.

Concerning his illness, arrival in Europe, and lamenting that his health required him to leave at such an important time [in the Civil War].

Concerning her eye problems, and various diseases. Also bequeaths Septimia two dresses upon her death.

Thanking her for her letter, and providing her with his mother [Delia T. Stewart Parnell]'s address.

Concerning daily activities, and a list of family silver.

Concerning the route of her travels for Land League business, and suggests that Septimia's daughters should join the Ladies [Irish National] Land League.

Inquires about Septimia's health, mentions her involvement with the [Irish National] Land League, and asks for boarding recommendations in Washington.

Concerning her daughter's illness, and her appearance among the delegates to the [Irish National] Land League Convention in Washington. Also mentions her desire to return to Washington to see Septimia and to participate in [Irish National] Land League activities upon her daughter's recovery.

Letter in French; with note in another hand that the author is an artist.

Concerning their schooling and studies.

Asking her to accept a gift of poems, and thanking her for her excellent pupilage.

Inquiring about the recent arrival of Miss Stearns, and his hope that Septimia will meet with Miss Carr.

Concerning his poverty at school and inability to purchase law books, but refuses her and Cornelia's offered financial assistance.

Concerning her purchase of one of "the Generals Badges" for Septimia.

Concerning his lack of knowledge about the conditions of their relations, his desire to see Washington, and his various interactions with family friends in Richmond.

Concerning her studies, and the burning of her Aunt Cary's house "by the mischief or carelessness of a little negro girl of a visitor's."

Asking to borrow some waltz music.

Concerning his housework blunders in Mr. Cox's absence.

Concerning a death in the family, and her desire to travel.

Thanking her for helping her sell some tickets.

Declining an invitation.

Concerning her gardening and the collection of flower seeds.

An enclosure from a letter that tells Septimia not to show the letter.

A child's letter.

Concerning Mrs. McKean and Miss Spooner's school, and offering to lend Septimia any books she desires.

Making a gift of a pair of gloves, and her sorrow at their separation.

Concerning her sewing projects, and relating an anecdote about Uncle Ben[jamin Franklin Randolph] assisting a student, Henry Dixon, in eluding the sheriff.

Suggesting that she go to the Smith's if invited.

sking her to meet her in the afternoon.

Inquiring about her interests, her life at school and in Virginia.

oping to see her that evening.

Sending her a black necklace.

Providing her with Czarina Macomb's address.

Original in Dolley Madison papers.

Asking to buy one of Septimia's dresses, and inviting her to a party.

Informing her that the Masons will also attend a dinner.

Declining to walk with her that evening.

Concerning the recovery of her son, [Charles Stewart Parnell].

Asking Septimia to visit.

Glad to hear her "Grandpapa" [Thomas Mann Randolph] has recovered.

Thanking her for an item.

sking for the return of her thimble, and describing her view of the river.

Concerning her fall down the stairs, and the consequent pain in her nose.

Concerning her chickens, and gardening.

Desiring to hear Septimia play the harmonica.

Concerning the alterations to a dress for her sister Lucy.

Concerning sending her baby.

Asking her not to forget to "send the baby."

Asking if she will go to her cousin's that evening.

Desiring a description of a party they had attended.

Inviting her to visit.

Inviting her to a party.

Contains scribbling, the days of the week, and Septimia's name.

Describing the daily routines at Monticello with particular attention to dining protocol, and to the epitaph on Thomas Jefferson's grave.

A historical overview of Western development from the vantage point of sixty seven years later, and extolling "how short a time is required by the energetic and persevering to transform a wild uncultivated country into one teeming with the products of commercial and agricultural industry." Primarily concerning Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke's expedition, with an extended discussion of the Osage tribe and its myth of origins.

Reminiscing about her visits to Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison, the conversation, and daily routines there, and her last visit after the death of James Madison. She recalls that "[James Madison] was a small man, but one scarcely noticed it, his manners were so dignified, and Mrs. Madison's were the same, both were full of benevolence & most agreeable genial companions."

Fragment of note to Septimia Randolph Meikleham concerning Septimia's possible heartbreak; fragment of hymn "glory to God the holy angels cry;" Unidentified envelope; Unidentified heraldic crest hand drawn and colored; Unidentified fragments and address leaf from W. E. Robinson; Unidentified blank stationary; Fragment of unidentified letter concerning her garden, and with an extended discussion of a slave, Nancy.

"And if musick touch thee" "Goldy to Helen" Music "Todos canton la cachucha" "buona notte. Oh! Cara hina" "Oh pescator del onda fedalin" Music "Love not, love not!" "Whas ha ye been al the day" with the following on the verso: "Resolved that this meeting being decidely opposed to the constitutionality of the U.S. Bank, and, of course, its recharter, are also opposed to the restoration of the public deposits." "The numeroue beaux and belles" "A Picture" "She was a fair young girl" "where shall we make her grave?" "How swat at close of silent Eve" "Heard you not a prayer from the East?" "Many a year is in its grave" "By day or night in weal or woe" "Sweet as springtime flowers!" "This world may seem a trifle" "My gondola's waiting below love" "La Feresina" "The moon beams are glowing on dew drops and flower" "Wenn die schwal ben" "The storm beats loud against my window pane" "Oh take her, but be faithful still" "Wha's at the window? Wha? Oh wha?" "Alas, alas, thy fragile flower" "now winter reigns in his own reigns in his own northern clime," dated 1828 January 6 "Friend after friend departs," dated 1829 May 3 "Though bright thy morn of life may seem," dated 1829 July 25 "Too harsh, too sharp, too loud for love," dated 1832 July 30 "Sweet Florida," dated 1836 February 27 "When the silken bands that fettered our youth," dated 1836 May 1 "Lady! Amid the festive throng," dated 1837 May 28; a second copy dated 1837 May night.