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1840s LETTERS FROM ALEXANDRIA VA / BALT MD PRO CSA FAMILY SLAVERY, LAW, POLITICS

Group of TWENTY-TWO (22) stampless covers / letters mostly from 1840-1846 that relate to the Alexandria, Virginia / Baltimore, MD family of Robert Johnstone Taylor (1777-1840) and his wife Mary (Mollie) Elizabeth Berry Taylor (1791-1863). Robert and several of his sons were prominent lawyers in Alexandria. His family also had interesting connections to the Confederacy during the Civil War.

THESE LETTERS CONTAIN INTERESTING DETAILS ABOUT:

African American SLAVERY in an URBAN setting is described in an unusually detailed letter

Civic and Legal discussions of Judges, Courts (including the US SUPREME COURT) and various Court Cases and events in and around ALEXANDRIA, DC / Virginia

Discussion of various issues concerning PRINCETON COLLEGE, HARVARD COLLEGE, the UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, and WEST POINT Military Academy

Detailed accounts of interesting family matters, including:
-An elaborate family Wedding
-Purchasing furniture and other household furnishings in the 1840s
-Visitation to Spas & SPRINGS
-Sickness and deaths of family & friends (including a vivid account of the accidental death of a young six year-old child)

ALSO,

Dining in 1844 at the famous BARNUM HOTEL in Baltimore City

Description of a severe outbreak of Typhoid Fever among a family and their slaves near Winchester, Virginia.

AND MUCH MORE,

One (1) letter
is written from Robert Johnstone Taylor to his son William Arthur at Princeton College.
One (1) letter
is written to William Arthur at Princeton from his older brother Lawrence Berry Taylor, informing him of the death of their sister.
Five (5) other letters
are written to & from William Arthur Taylor. Some are addressed to him at Princeton College and some at Harvard College (he attended both).
Eleven (11) of the letters
appear to be written from another brother, Henry Allen Taylor in Baltimore, MD to a brother, a sister, and to his mother Mary (Mollie) Elizabeth Berry Taylor in Alexandria, VA.
Three (3) of the letters
are written to another brother Julian, while Julian was attending Princeton College. These letters are from his brother Allen, his brother Arthur, and his mother.
One (1) letter
is written to Miss Harriet Taylor concerning the death of her cousin/brother Julian.

[ Each of the TWENTY-TWO (22) stampless cover letters
are elaborated in some detail later in this description of the collection ]

ROBERT JOHNSTONE TAYLOR (1777-1840)
is apparently incorrectly recorded as Robert I. Taylor in some sources, but he was the son of Captain Jesse Taylor and Elizabeth Johnstone of Belfast, Ireland. Jesse sympathized with the American Revolution and on On the 29th of September, 1779, Jesse, with his wife and eight children, embarked in a vessel, of which he was the sole owner, mounting fourteen guns, bound for Philadelphia.

After a long and stormy passage of thirteen weeks, his ship was driven ashore at the mouth of James River, in Virginia, but was destroyed by ice. He then took his family to Williamsburg, and remained there until May, 1780, when he removed to Alexandria. Jesse rose to prominence as a merchant and was chosen the first president of the first common council of Alexandria .

In 1795, Robert Johnstone Taylor graduated at the head of his class at Princeton College, and immediately commenced the study of law at Alexandria. He was admitted to the Bar in 1798. His practice was large in the Supreme Court of the United States. Chief Justice Marshall once said that he was the only lawyer he had ever known in all his experience at the Bar and on the Bench, who never said a word too much or a word too little for the cause he advocated.
Robert also served as the President of the town's Common Council of the CORPORATION OF ALEXANDRIA.
He was involved in the controversy which eventually moved Alexandria out of the District of Columbia and back into the State of Virginia.

LETTER # 1:

A FATHER'S PRIDE (AND WORRY)

The first letter in this collection is written by Robert Johnstone Taylor from Alexandria, Virginia on 7 June 1840 (apparently no more than six months before his death later that year). The letter is a stampless cover addressed to "Wm. Arthur Taylor College Princeton, N.J." It is 2 pages long, written in ink, and is in good condition except for small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has an indistinguishable orange circular postmark, probably from Alexandria and orange "PAID":

Robert writes an affectionate letter that congratulates his son Arthur on plans to prepare himself to enroll in the Junior Year at Princeton College:
"So long as you enter I am sure we have no doubt of your happiness and success in life so far as they can be attained by your own exertions. "

Toward the end of his letter, Robert wrote:
"Your sister Rosalie returned on Thursday evening. Her general health is improved though what may be the result of her disease is still uncertain. . . . We think she returned too soon and that she has not given the [Mineral Spring] water a fair trial."

Robert's first wife was Maria Rose, of King George County, Virginia.

One of their children was MARIA ROSE TAYLOR (1808 - 1844).
In 1827, she married Alexander John Marshall (1803 - 1882).
Their oldest son was:
Colonel Charles Marshall (1830-1902), who served as Aide-de-Camp on the staff of General Robert E. Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War.

Another son was James Markham Marshall (1842 - 1862) who died while serving in the famous Confederate Virginia Black Horse Cavalry.

[ Maria Rose Taylor died when her sons Charles and Robert Marshall were quite young. Letter # 18 in this collection contains some information about the family of 5 children left behind when Maria Rose died. ]

After his first wife died, Robert Johnstone Taylor married her first cousin Mary (Mollie) Elizabeth Berry (1791 - 1863).

Their first child was apparently ROSALIN ALLEN TAYLOR born in 1817.
She married Henry Dangerfield of Alexandria.
Her illness and death in 1841 at age 24 is mentioned in Letter #1 and is the subject of Letter #2 below.

The next child was LAWRENCE BERRY TAYLOR (1818 - 1873).
He married Catherine Virginia Powell of Alexandria, daughter of William L. Powell and Anne Maria Powell, both grandchildren of Col. William Levin Powell, a member of the first Philadelphia Congress and Colonel of the 16th Virginia Volunteers in the Revolutionary War.

Lawrence graduated with a B.A. from Princeton College in 1835 at age 17. He then studied Law at the University of Virginia. He practiced Law in Alexandria, VA, before serving as Attorney for the Commonwealth in the Circuit Court, and as MAYOR of Alexandria from 1850-1853. He served as a Virginia state Representative 1855-1856. During the Civil War, Lawrence served as the Judge Advocate for the CSA from 1861-1864 with the rank of Colonel. Late in the War, he served as Judge Military Court of Richmond Defense. Lawrence and his wife Virginia had 3 children.

LETTER # 2:

A SISTER'S DEATH

The second letter in this collection is written by Lawrence Berry Taylor from Alexandria, D.C. on 23 June 184(4?). The letter is a stampless cover (sealed on the reverse with black "mourning" wax) and is also addressed to "Mr. Wm. Arthur Taylor College of New Jersey Princeton" It is 1 ½ pages long, written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few black stains/spots and small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has an orange circular postmark: "ALEXANDRIA D.C. JUN 23".

The letter is a mourning letter in which Lawrence informs his younger brother Arthur that:

" . . . Death has dealt fearfully with the family of our poor mother of late. The tears shed over a beloved father's grave have not as yet dried up and it now devolves upon me to announce to you the melancholy intelligence of the death of our dear sister Rosalie. She departed from this world of suffering last evening at 7 o clock and has left us in the midst of sorrow & affliction.
[. . .]
Our dear sister met her fate with resignation. The last words she spoke were to the effect that she knew she was fast leaving this world for others to struggle with and that she felt too happy that she should shortly see her dear father and her departed brothers and sisters. She died with a sweet smile upon her face.
[. . .]
My dear Arthur let not this intelligence weigh upon your spirits. A close application to your studies will be your surest remedy against melancholy and remember it is the part of wisdom to bow without murmuring to the will of an all wise Providence which directeth all things for the best and without whose knowledge not even a sparrow falleth to the ground."

Another son, HENRY ALLEN TAYLOR was born to Robert and Mary in 1820 in Washington, DC. He was a member of the Baltimore Bar, but gave up law practice for life at "Collingswood" his Virginia plantation in Fairfax County, Virginia. He died in 1856 (age 36).

About half of the letters in this collection were written on various interesting subjects with great detail by "Allen" Taylor.

In April 1845, Henry Allen Taylor married Anne Elbertina Van Ness Henderson (1824 - 1891). She was the daughter of Anne Maria Cazenove and General Archibald Henderson (1783 - 1859). Gen. Henderson Commanded the US Marine Corps for forty years (1820-1859). He served in the Corps for a total of 52 years. He joined in 1806, and served aboard USS Constitution during her famous victories in the War of 1812. He went into the field as Commandant during the Seminole Indian campaigns in Florida and Georgia during 1836 and 1837. The sword presented to Henderson at the end of the Mexican War was inscribed, "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli", giving the opening words to the Marines' Hymn.

According to Marine Corps lore, Henderson attempted to will his home in which he had lived for 38 years to his heirs, having forgotten that the quarters were government owned and provided. One of the letters in this collection mentions "the General" and several reference the Henderson home as "the Barracks."

A description of the eleven (11) letters written by Allen Taylor follow in chronological order. They include a number of interesting topics including the details about and a description of complications arising from renting and renting out slaves in an urban setting.

LETTER # 3:

KISSING AND SQUEEZING

The third letter of this collection is written by Henry Allen Taylor from Baltimore, MD on 11 May 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "W. Arthur Taylor Esq. Alexandria D.C." It is 2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has an orange circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md MAY 11".

In this letter Allen writes to Arthur to express his disapproval of recent actions of their older brother Lawrence:

"What in the devil does he mean by the silly behavior he is guilty of with his wife. Why do you not laugh and ridicule them both until they are ashamed of it. He says in his letter to me that Virginia is all he could wish her to be. That he has not been disappointed in her in the least . . . His scale of what a wife's merits should be, must be a very low one indeed."
[. . .]
"Ma had better take care, that the merchants do not hold her responsible for the bills,. There was case derided in court here the other day where a third party was held liable for bills, on much less ground, than that of being with them when purchasing the goods."
[. . .]

In his letter, Allen continues by offering his younger brother some courting advice:

"Well go it while you are young and if you can do anything in the kissing and squeezing line with such a little flirting (?) as that (in all innocence though) why there is no great harm in it. Nothing unpleasant can result from it."

Toward the end of his letter, Allen scholds Arthur for allowing an accident to occur while he was riding with a lady on horseback:

"You should always make it a point to be very particular in seeing that all the equipments of a lady in riding are perfect order and safe. I do not know what I should have done to you, if any misfortune had have been the result of your carelessness,. What horse was she riding?"

LETTER # 4:

DINING AT BARNUM'S HOTEL

In the fourth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore MD on 26 June 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 3 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has an orange circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md JUN 27".

In this letter Allen writes about lots of family and local news. Then he describes dining with his friend Powell at BARNUM'S HOTEL in Baltimore. He makes an indelicate joke about ordering a delicacy of Lamb's Stones [testicles]:

"I dined with Powell at Barnum's yesterday and could not help being amused at a piece of American delicacy equal to
Sam Slick's story of the coxswain on the Bile of Fave.
[It] was a dish designated Lamb Foye. Suspecting what it was I called for some and it proved to be as was expected, Lamb Stones. It is a Dish common on the tables of the luxurious and refined of Europe and it is not thought indelicate in the most delicate young lady to ask for them by their true name pronouncing it short. Do not tell this joke. All persons have not equally good sense and it might produce unpleasant feeling."

[ Barnum's City Hotel operated in Baltimore from 1825 till the death in 1844 of the owner David Barnum. The hostelry entertained many of the distinguished figures of the age. In 1827, President John Quincy Adams spent several days at Barnum's. Charles Dickens was a guest in 1842. ]

[ Sam Slick was a character created in 1835 by Thomas Chandler Haliburton, a Canadian judge and author. With his wry wit and Yankee voice, the character put forward his views on "human nature" in twenty-one sketches. In 1839, these were published entitled "The Clockmaker, or, The sayings and doings of Samuel Slick of Slickville." The book was Canada's first international bestseller. ]

LETTER # 5:

MARRIAGE INTO THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

In the fifth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore on 26 September 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 1 1/2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few stains and minor tears around the edges. There is no postmark as the letter was hand delivered.

In this letter Allen inquires about his mother's recent visit to his future in-laws (USMC Gen Henderson) and expresses concern about the health of his fiancée Annie. He discusses changing his profession as a lawyer. He asks his mother to have some socks and shirts made for him and discusses an upcoming trip to Philadelphia and New York. In a postscript, Allen writes:
"Let it be understood that my letters to you are not to be read if I mark "private" on them. It will induce that rascally boy (?) in the Post Office to open them. They have the means of doing it without being detected."

LETTER # 6:

THE "BARRACKS"

In the sixth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore on 11 October 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 3 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has an indistinguishable blue circular postmark, probably from Baltimore.

This is another newsy letter with much about family matters. Allen mentions visiting a bookstore . He recounts a vivid nightmare concerning the death of a nursing child from a convulsion and his mother's subsequent collapse:
"I awoke in a very dreadful state of mind you may imagine, from which I was not relieved until the . . . next day."

Allen encourages his mother to visit Annie and the Henderson's at "the Barracks." He expresses the opinion that the Henderson family have:
"all given way to and indulged Annie too much in that timidity of feeling until it has become a morbid delicacy."

Allen also describes a carriage ride through Baltimore:
"Collins Lee called at my office to take a ride with him in his carriage. It being near the hour at which I usually commence my evening walk and with all not being in good spirits, I considered to do so. The novelty of it afforded me some pleasure, but nothing more as Collins although a good fellow is not very agreeable."

LETTER # 7:

FAMILY SLAVES & THE LAW

In the seventh letter of this collection, Allen again writes to his mother from Baltimore on 11 December 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is again addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 1/2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has a blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md DEC 13".

Allen writes about buying shoes & gloves and about the fashions of the day which vary:
"from a bearskin to a thousand dollar shawl."

Also in this letter he discusses several cases in court, one of which apparently involves several SLAVES belonging to the Taylor family:

"I am glad that you think the servants free from the charge made against them. Mr. D. had told me that the magistrate had dismissed the charge, there being no proof to support it, but it did not heretofore follow that they were innocent, it being under the circumstances rather difficult to prove.
[...]
I had a case before a magistrate the other day and lost it. I am to get however a pair of boots for my services. The same fellow wants me to take a case which if what he says is true will be worth a fee of $700 to me if I gain it."

LETTER # 8:

WEDDING PREPARATIONS

In the eighth letter of this collection, Allen again writes to his mother from Baltimore on 5 February 1845. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has a partially discernible blue circular postmark from Baltimore.

In this letter, Allen mostly discusses various preparations for the "upcoming event" of his wedding to Annie Henderson. He writes that he has been:
"looking through the cabinet shops at the different styles of furniture and the prices, but have seen nothing to please me in either price or style. The handsome furniture being too costly, the cheaper being tawdry imitation of the grand."

Allen describes seeking mahogany chamber furniture for his parlor and mentions seeking Pier tables, chairs, lounges, and also feather bed, mattress, blanket, etc. :
"Taking care that they use good clean feathers, free from smell, and a plenty of them."

Concerning wine for the wedding celebration, he instructs his mother to:
"Put a bottle of your Red and Pale Murdoc in with them marking "Taylor" on your bottles."

LETTER # 9:

WEDDING PANIC

In the ninth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore on 22 March 1845. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 1/2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has a blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md MAR 22".

Allen fills this letter with details about his many preparations for his upcoming wedding to Annie Henderson (scheduled for 22 April). He is not having much luck and panic is starting to set in:

"I have delayed writing until this moment in the hope of giving you an account of my having made some progress in fixing things for my future residence . . . disappointed in nearly everything . . . advertising for a house only one has been offered to rent, which I have not been able to see because the family now in it are in distress from the loss of the mother . . . My searches for Parlor furniture every cabinet shop has been looked over not one single article pleased me. It was either extravagant and gaudy or miserable vulgar stuff.
[...]
The difficulty in getting furniture is to find a pattern to please me and to make the numskulls understand my own designs.
[...]
Mrs. Henderson asked me if you would pickle some oysters for her for the wedding. I told her you would."

LETTER # 10:

UTILIZING A SERVANT'S SKILLS

In the tenth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore on 13 October (1845). The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has a blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md OCT 14" and a blue oval "5".

Allen is now married to Annie and in this letter, informs his mother about:

"Our house & furniture and the progress we have made towards being fixed to receive visitors . . . There are many reasons why you should come on now, first the weather is so delightful that you can change houses without taking cold . . . and you can better give us your experience and advice by being with us, and which is so necessary to us in beginning housekeeping."
[...]
"I am in expectation of getting some very superior TEA about 15 pounds for 125 per pound. In case I should get it you can have one half of it if you choose . . . when you are buying Cider this fall to make your own buy me half a barrel also and make it into Vinegar."
[...]
"If you had no objection to it for you to bring Lavinia [probably a SLAVE] with you to make the curtains if she can do so provided she had nothing to do home or would not put you to inconvenience and would not cost more in Rail Road fare than to have them made by a seamstress. All her expenses I should insist on paying of course."

LETTER # 11:

URBAN SLAVERY ISSUES +++ LETTER!

In the eleventh letter of this collection, Allen again writes to his mother from Baltimore on 16 January 1846. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 ½ pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition except for a few small tears at the corners of some fold lines. Cover has a blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md JAN 17", a lightly stamped blue oval "5" and possibly an indistinguishable orange "Paid".

This letter exceeds most others in the collection in its historical interest. The letter contains unusual and revealing details about the Institution of SLAVERY. The letter includes a variety of both positive and negative aspects of slave-ownership from Henry Allen's point of view.

This letter contains rather rare information about the practice of HIRING-OUT / RENTING / LEASING SLAVE PROPERTY, which was a common practice in URBAN AREAS, where African Americans often worked as cooks and household servants rather than as farm or field hands.

Urban slavery had its own peculiarities and complications. For instance, hired out slaves had more opportunity for some degree of input in their owner's decisions about where & when to hire them out, etc. This situation is alluded-to in Allen's January, 1846 letter.

In the fourth paragraph of this letter, Allen details a complicated issue of interpersonal relationships between his own wishes as slave owner, the wishes of the slave woman (Maria) whom he is hiring-out, the wishes of the individual to whom Maria is hired-out (Sandy), plus the interests of other extended family (perhaps including a slave family) who might also be affected by the arrangements.

It is interesting that there are several alternate ways to interpret this rather long and involved fourth paragraph. Allen has hired his slave Maria out to Sandy. There are two slave children, a boy (Arthur) and a girl involved who may or may not be Maria's children. Maria wants her owner Allen to sell her to Sandy. Sandy wants to buy Maria, but only if he is extended "credit" which Allen does not want to do. Maria also has strong opinions on what should be done with herself and the children.

From a historical point of view, this letter is quite interesting and unusual. It is filled with illuminating information concerning the Institution of American Slavery in an URBAN SETTING.

THE LETTER IS TRANSCRIBED IN FULL AS FOLLOWS:

"Baltimore Jan 16th 46

Dear Mother

Not withstanding the neglect I have shown you all since my return to Baltimore, I have been looking forward every day to receive a letter from some one of you, until I have become quite uneasy about Virginia [ Virginia was the wife of Allen's brother Lawrence Berry Taylor ]. What is the matter that you do not write? I know there can not be much or I should have heard. Has she been confined or not? If not, what is the matter with her? Do write and tell me.

On my return I found my household untouched and everything just as we left it. James had engaged a cook for me, who has turned out to be a first rate cook and an OLD TOWN WOMAN. She formerly belonged to old Gadsby who sold her to Robert Gilmer. She is certainly the most valuable Servant I ever met with. She has been our factotum [ a person having many diverse activities or responsibilities ] until the last two or three days.

We have gotten a colored girl who seems to be of some promise. The old woman cleaned up our chambers and breakfasting room, made fires, cooked, washed off the doorsteps and swept pavement, and in fact did everything that all my Servants have been accustomed to doing except washing out the clothes and had a plenty of spare time. She marketed too.

SHE IS A JEWEL OF A SERVANT.
I expect Maria is going to give me some trouble.
I received a letter from Sandy a day or two ago asking me to sell Arthur and saying Maria did not want him to buy the girl that it would be imposing too much on his mother for her to take the two children. You know that Maria carried Arthur there of her own accord.

I think Maria is behaving very unreasonable for I have never derived the slightest profit from her since I bought her. The little time she has been with me would not pay her expenses during that time.

He also wants me to let him have Maria at once. He to pay me what money he has and to pay me the rest as he gets it. This besides inconveniencing me very much would amount to not paying me at all as I know of no case in which any of them have done it. If he could pay me at once for her I think he might have her but not otherwise.

I want you to send Lavinia and take Arthur home [ Lavinia was apparently Allen's mother's slave/servant ] so as to obviate the objection to imposing upon her further. I also want you to let me know all you can hear about her. I am satisfied they are colleaguing not [to] let her come back again if they can do so quietly and without difficulty. I shall write to Sandy this evening and tell Maria to come home on Monday week.

Annie is quite well and everything is going on as usual. There is some gaiety in town consequent on the weddings. We were at a large party at Smithe last Friday. There is to be another at (?) on Monday to which we are invited and will go if nothing happens to prevent. The Masons are here enjoying themselves. Matt is not looking so well.

I am writing in my office without fire and my hands are numbed from cold.
With love to all I remain your Aff son,
H. Allen Taylor"

LETTER # 12:

A SLAVE NURSE

In the twelfth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his mother from Baltimore on 12 October 1846. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 2 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has a blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md OCT 13" with what appears to be a blue oval "10" with a manuscript "5" correction.

Allen writes an interesting family letter.
He has apparently now become the father of a little girl named Rose, and she may have died early as no such child appears to be listed as his issue in generally available genealogical records on the Internet. He describes bringing the baby home from Alexandria to Baltimore on "the Cars." He describes his wife Annie's care for their colicky child, and his own intense feelings of first parenthood:

"I desired to give you some account of Little Rose since her arrival. She behaved pretty well in the Cars, only having one fit of crying during the trip, but she has made up for it since. She has had the Colic more or less severe nearly the whole time and I begin to think that whatever may have been the original cause there is none now, unless it may be that she sucks too much. Annie's food could not be more healthy and suitable than it now is. The poor little thing continues fat and when not suffering bright and playful. I had no idea that I could become half so much attached to it, but it has won upon me very much indeed and excited feeling that I had supposed were dead within me, its sufferings I expect have had some share in the matter."

Allen is dissatisfied with the slave/servant nurse he has hired, who is a "dasher" and thus he plans to return her:

"As you observed my servant is a dasher, so much so I shall not keep her any longer than the end of her month. She behaved most outrageously at the Barracks [the Marine Corps issued quarters of Annie's parents] She has behaved pretty well in my house and seemed disposed to preform her duty, but she is too rough in handling the baby and not to be relied on in what she says, which you know is good cause enough."

Allen asks his mother to look into hiring another nurse for the baby:

"I wish you would see Lavinia Wiggins. I think that that's the name, and offer her 5 per month and her passage paid on and back if you think her desirable as a nurse. Inform her what she will have to do, clean one chamber regularly and occasionally two and wash the baby's clothes. Should you think well of her and she will come do not close with her until you hear from me again."

Of ophthalmological interest, Allen also mentions to his mother that his brother Lawrence should visit a nearby EYE Infirmary recently opened in Baltimore for a worsening eye condition which may require an operation:

"I am sorry to hear Laurence's eye is getting worse. Tell him there has just been established here an eye infirmary by Professor Smith, who is said to have great skill in diseases of the eye. He and Virginia had better pay me a visit and have his examined and operated on if necessary."

LETTER # 13:

BABY ROSE

In the thirteenth letter of this collection, Allen writes to his younger cousin (or sister?) Harriet from Baltimore on 17 October 1846. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Miss Harriet Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 1 1/2 pages written in dark ink. It has a torn section off the cover page and a few small tears at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a quite clearly stamped blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md OCT 18" with a blue oval "5".

Allen writes about a delay in his purchasing some items for Harriet, but:
"The opportunity I had was through the General [Annie's father USMC Gen. Henderson], which on consideration I did not a think a very good one, as there is more difficulty from getting them from the Barracks than from here."

Also, Allen discusses the health of his baby daughter: "Little Rose has had a hard time . . . when she is not suffering she is a very interesting little thing. She will laugh & coo for ten minutes at a time, and has actually laid awake on the bed for an hour without whimpering. I am in hopes she will come out of the ashes yet. Annie is not so well from having been worried by the baby for several nights . . . Tell Ma I am very much obliged to her for her trouble in looking for a Nurse for me."

A third son of Robert Johnstone and Mary Elizabeth Berry Taylor was WILLIAM ARTHUR TAYLOR.
He received a B.A. from Princeton College in 1843, and LL.B. / A.M from Harvard College in 1845/1846. he was a prominent Attorney in Alexandria and Baltimore. He died on September 27, 1884.

Five of the letters in this collection are to or from "Arthur" while he was attending Princeton & Harvard.

LETTER # 14:

A LOST SHIP / ELECTING THE MAYOR OF ALEXANDRIA

The fourteenth letter is addressed to "W. Arthur Taylor Princeton College New Jersey" and is written from his mother M. E. Taylor and from his younger brother Julian in Alexandria on 19th March 1843. The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 1/2 pages written in dark ink. It has a torn section where originally opened and a few small tears at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a weakly stamped orange circular postmark: "ALEXANDRIA Va MAY 19" with "PAID".

In this letter, young Julian tries to tell Arthur about all the recent news concerning an election for mayor in Alexandria. He includes a slew of interesting details:
"The election of Mayor has taken place. Mr. Robert Violett was elected . . . Mr. Tyler turned Eaches out of the Custom House and put Brent in . . . when the Common Council met a day or two after Mr. V was elected he got up and said that he would resign and give his office to Mr. Eaches if the Council would agree, so the vote was taken and elected unanimously . . . One of the members gave in his vote for Mr. V. and when Bob heard him he caught around the neck and hugged him and begged him to reconsider [among the mayors of Alexandria while it was still a part of the District of Columbia was Robert G. Violett 1843 and Joseph Eaches 1843-1846].

And in other news:
"It is reported here that the ship that Bill Jamieson is in is lost. It was kept very silent for a long time to keep Mr. & Mrs. Jamieson from knowing until it was certain . . . What must Ann Rose do yesterday but to send Miss Mary Minor up and asked Mrs. J if she had heard that the Concord was lost as soon as she said 'Concord' Mrs J went off into hysterics and has not been out of her bed since. It is hard to tell which is the biggest fool Ann Rose or Miss Minor. "

Arthur's mother adds some further local news to this letter:
"Mr. Marshall and the Squire after all their labor and expense have failed in their Impeachment of the Judge through Political influence but there is little doubt they have succeeded in exposing him in his true character to the publicity."

LETTER # 15:

PURCHASING SLAVES / A GRUESOME TRAGEDY

The fifteenth letter of this collection is addressed to "W. Arthur Taylor Cambridge Mass" and is written from his mother M. E. Taylor in Alexandria on 17 November 1844. The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 1/2 pages written in light blue ink. It has a few torn areas at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a stamped orange circular postmark: "ALEXANDRIA D.C. NOV 1(?)"

This letter reports the purchase of several slaves / servants for the family:
"Allen was here. He had the good fortune to purchase me a most excellent chambermaid and a first rate cook for himself whenever he may want her. The hope is now held out to him that his marriage shall take place in April."

Arthur's mother also reports that:
"A death on Monday has produced a great depression on a large part of our Community . . . You know the Masons and they been laying out for a grand display this session/season in Washington. But a short half hour has changed their prospect to mourning. Yesterday morning between the hours of 9 and 10 little Clapham the youngest boy was killed instantly by pulling a very large heavy chicken coop down on himself . . . I ran out instantly to see if I could be of any use. It was such a sad sight to see so lovely a boy lost in such a way. His whole person except his head was completely crushed. His countenance was as placid as if he was in a tranquil sleep and was lovely in death . . . The little boy's funeral is to take place tomorrow afternoon."

[ The little six year old boy that died that day, was Clapham Mason (c.1838 - November 16, 1844) . He was the son of Thomson Francis Mason (1785-1838) lawyer, planter and politician who served as Mayor of Alexandria 1827-1830, and as a justice of the peace. ]

There is a great deal more family news in this letter, and some further interesting discussion concerning family slaves/servants:

"I have had Allen's servant with me as Rachel was not in good health. I sent her to Poplar Hill to see if it would benefit her. She has been absent a fortnight yesterday. When I expected her return but I am afraid she is too sick to get home as a week ago I heard she was not well. I am sorry you did not succeed in finding her man. You must try it again."

LETTER # 16:

WEST POINT v. UVA v. PRINCETON

The sixteenth letter of this collection is addressed to "W. Arthur Taylor Cambridge Massachusetts" and is written from his mother M. E. Taylor in Alexandria on 20 April 1845. The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 pages written in light ink. It is somewhat hard to read and has a few torn areas at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a partial stamped orange circular postmark: "ALEXANDRIA D.C. APR 20"

The cursive writing in this letter is hard to read. The first pages deal with the upcoming wedding of Allen and Annie Henderson:
"The eventful day which is next Wednesday . . . In the 3rd page of the letter, she shares her concern about Arthur's younger brother Julian's education:

"With all the talk about West Point there is nothing done or likely to be done . . . Lawrence and Allen seem to think the University of Virginia is most advantageous but I cannot forget your father's dislike of that institution and his regret that he ever consented to Lawrence having gone there . . . Allen's prejudice against Princeton is strong owing to his treatment there . . . I am greatly dissatisfied with his present freshman year (?) semester July 4 in his 17th year and ought to be improving himself more than he is."

Arthur's mother returns to the subject of the upcoming wedding at the end of her letter:

"I do wish you could be with us to this wedding but it will soon be over. You will not lose much . . . Allen desires his love to you. He would have written to you today but he is so nervous he could not say. You must write to him and send to him at Baltimore."

LETTER # 17:

WEDDING WISHES / JULIAN'S EDUCATION

In the seventeenth letter of this collection, Arthur writes to his mother in Alexandria from Harvard College on 23 April 1845. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Mrs. Robert J. Taylor Alexandria D.C." It is 3 1/2 pages written in dark ink. It has a few torn areas along or at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a quite clearly stamped orange circular postmark: "CAMBRIDGE Ma APR 24"

Arthur wrote this letter the day after the Wedding of his brother Allen and Annie Henderson:

"I sincerely regret that things have it so that I shall not be able to be present at Allen's wedding and can only send to him and Annie a Brother's sincerest wishes for that happiness and prosperity which the sweet temper and many accomplishments of the one and the nobleness and high souled generosity of the other would seem to ensure.

That marriage will have a very beneficial effect upon Allen's character in softening down that irritability of temper which in spite of his natural excellence of heart sometimes breaks out and in calling forth with renewed vigor all the energies of his soul I have very little doubt." Also in this letter Arthur tries to help his mother determine the best future for his younger brother Julian:

"You seem a good deal troubled about Julian's education . . . Although it may be very desirable for Julian to get a situation at West Point yet it seems to me almost certain that he will not be able to obtain it for some time, if at all . . . the only alternative seems to be to send him to join the lower class of someone of the colleges and the question is which shall it be . . . in your objections to the University [of Virginia] . . . on account of the immoral tendencies of the place ."
[...]
"Just before I left Princeton, there was an utter and entire reorganization of the method of instruction for the lower classes . . . This improved method of instruction of which I speak has reference only to the Classical Department and if the same man is at the head of it as when I left (?) this alone would influence me a good deal and as between the two institutions I would infinitely prefer Princeton."

LETTER # 18:

THE DEATH OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JOSEPH STORY

The eighteenth letter of this collection is addressed to "W. Arthur Taylor Cambridge Mass" and is written from his mother M. E. Taylor in Alexandria on 21 September 1845. The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 ½ pages written in dark ink. It is partially "overwritten" and is thus somewhat hard to read. It has some weakness, tears and holes at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a stamped black circular postmark: "ALEXANDRIA D.C. SEPT 22" and black "PAID" with manuscript "10"

Arthur's mother begins her letter with a long discussion about the upcoming marriage of her son in law Alexander John Marshall to Ann Robb. Alexander's first wife, Maria Rose Taylor, had died in 1844. Maria was Arthur's half sister and left 5 children, one of whom was Charles Marshall who became an Aide de Camp to Gen. Robert E. Lee during the Civil War.

"I was sorry to see you so much excited on the subject of Mr. Marshall's marriage. It does no good when a thing is done to make a fuss about and we should not do injustice to others for his want of consideration and feeling for I cannot but agree with you that he has manifested very little for a man of 43 years with 5 children to provide for to think of a second marriage is I think ridiculous but he persuades himself it is best tor the interests of himself and family to do so. So far as the young lady is concerned he could not have made a more judicious choice . . . the children are all fond of her and Charlie and Kate both say if their father must be married they preferred her to anyone they knew . . . Mr. Marshall is confident that he will realize a large fortune from his (?) scheme . . . so I hope he will make up for all past indulgences and provide amply for his family."

Most of the remainder of the letter discusses various matters concerning family and acquaintances, including one who:
"Now has a Jersey Boy for his horse that he likes much better than the one he first had."

There is also a heart-felt eulogy at the recent death of a notable Supreme Court Justice who was apparently a good friend of the family:

"I am truly sorry the world has lost so good and great a man as Judge [Joseph] Story. And you deprived of as bright an example of worth. Where will they find such a one to fill his place in the councils of our country? It is a most unfortunate time to lose our best men in our Judiciary."

The youngest son of the family was JULIAN TAYLOR
Julian was born about 1828, and he also attended Princeton College. He received his B.A. in 1848, and later an A.M. from the same school. In addition, he earned his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College in 1851. Just one year later in 1852, Julian died in Alexandria according to Princeton College alumni records.

According to some sources, Robert and Mary Elizabeth Taylor also had a daughter a little older than Julian. Other sources identify her as a cousin. This was HARRIET C. (Hal) TAYLOR (1827-1893). She is referenced often in this collection of letters, and she was apparently raised up in the family with Julian. If she was actually a cousin by blood, she may also have been an adopted daughter.

LETTER # 19:

TROUBLES AT SCHOOL

The nineteenth letter of this collection is addressed to "Julian Taylor Princeton College New Jersey" and is written from his mother M. E. Taylor in Alexandria on 22 February 1846. The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 pages written in ink. It has one tear where originally opened, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a partially stamped black circular postmark which is illegible but probably ALEXANDRIA D.C. and a smeared black "5."

Julian's mother is glad that he is more contented now that he is in his second term at Princeton, and no longer bothered by another boy who bullied him in his first term:
"The absence of that rascal secures you from the temptation to resent his insolence . . . delighted to hear that wretch you had the scuffle with is not there."

She continues with advice on developing his character while he is young and attending school:
"Youth is the season for excess. Overcome the passions and bring them subject to reason."

She asks about Julian's classmates, gives him advice concerning his professors, and provides news of home.

LETTER # 20:

THE GREAT BOOKS

The twentieth letter of this collection is addressed to "Mr. Julian Taylor Princeton College New Jersey" and is written from his brother Arthur who is attending Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Arthur writes his letter on 5 October (1846). The letter is a stampless cover and is 3 pages written in dark ink. It has a number of small tears around the edges and at the corner of fold lines, but is otherwise in good condition. Cover has a partially stamped orange circular postmark from CAMBRIDGE and a Roman numeral 5 ("V").

Arthur begins his letter:
"I hope you will not consider me a bore because my letter contains so much about your studies."

He then goes on to lecture Julian's understanding of one of the books that he is assigned to read for his studies at Princeton:
"You are reading The Orations of Demosthenes the greatest orator the world has ever seen and in the one you are now reading his object is to rouse the Athenians to a sense of their danger from the ambition and intrigues of Philip of Macedon
[...]
Do you now not think it strange that you have read the most eloquent oration ever delivered without having seen even the least of its beauties? This is owing to the unworthiness of your early insurrection but you have now no longer that excuse and are old enough to learn for yourself. I hope then you will remember these things and will devote yourself with redoubled energy and interest to the study of the Greeks."

Arthur also recommends for Julian to read:
"The Letters of the Earl of Chatam to his Nephew Lord Camelford and read them carefully in your leisure hours. It is a rare book but I think you will find it in the College Library. If you cannot find it, read Lord Chesterfield's Letters or rather read both.
[...]
How do you get on in composition?"

LETTER # 21:

SPLEEN / LIVER DISEASE

The twenty-first letter of this collection is written by Henry Allen Taylor from Baltimore, MD on 2 November 1846. The letter is a stampless cover and is addressed to "Julian Taylor Princeton College NJ." It is 1 page written in dark ink, and is in good condition. Cover has an blue circular postmark: "BALTIMORE Md NOV 2" and a blue oval "5".

Allen spends most of his letter advising Julian on how to best treat a stomach condition about which his brother is concerned:

"I immediately commenced an answer as you requested, tho I am afraid I will not satisfy you in respect to your coming home, yet I hope may relieve you uneasiness about your stomach which has no doubt been caused by what I said to you when you passed through. The name of the disease I referred to was Spleen and I should think a DR would be able to tell it in a minute. It is a swelling of the liver."

"I would advise you not to come home unless you were satisfied that it was absolutely necessary for your health. Be careful in your eating. Do not touch anything but the simplest food such as toast and tea for breakfast. On no account drink coffee for dinner. Eat roast beef, mutton, fowls, but no stews or mixtures of vegetables. Eat rice, hominy, sweet and Irish potatoes. Take a great deal of exercise."

"If after a regular mode of living for two or three weeks according to my directions you do not get better, why then you might come home. Ask your DR to give you some tonics."

LETTER # 22:

A BROTHER'S DEATH / TYPHOID FEVER OUTBREAK

The twenty-second and final letter of this collection is written by Kate C. Mason from Winchester, Virginia on 2 February circa early 1850's. Alone in the collection, this letter has a stampless postmark on a separate envelope with the letter folded inside. The envelope is addressed to "Miss Harriet Taylor Alexandria Virginia." the letter is 4 pages written in dark ink, and is in good condition. The cover has some wear and tears around the edges and is missing about half of the flap on the reverse. The front of the envelope has a black circular postmark: "WINCHESTER Va FEB 3" and a large black "5".

Kate begins her letter by expressing heartfelt sympathy for Harriet's grief over the recent loss of a brother.
If the date of this letter is 1852, then it is probably describing the death of Julian Taylor who was Harriet's brother (or possibly a very close cousin considered her brother). As noted previously, Harriet could conceivably have been adopted(?) into the family. :

"I hope you will not consider me intrusive if I write to you at this time, when none but those who have a strong claim upon your friendship should approach you."
[...]
"I have felt so anxious to (?) my sympathy for you since your sad affliction. You know Holly, I have experienced the same loss and I (?) nor hear of any one's being deprived by death of a brother's love, that I do not feel an irresistible desire to express how sincerely I feel (?) and for them."
[...]
"I did not know your brother intimately by any means but I can appreciate a sister's distress in being deprived of one under any circumstances who was so nearly allied to her; and in this instance all those who did know your brother, those who were his school mates in childhood and the friends of his later years, all bear testimony to his many excellent and endearing qualities consequently I know he must have engrossed (?) more than a usual share of your time. God Gave and he Taketh away. To him alone can we look for consolation, after such an affliction"
[...]

Kate continues with a vivid description of her own recent experience with serious affliction, as disease spreads among her family and their slaves:

"Five cases of Typhoid Fever developed themselves in our circle in the space of two days."
[...]
"My sister Ida is now quite ill but is better than she was a few days ago, when a tendency to Inflammation about the Brain alarmed all who were with her. One of the Servants is also exceedingly ill . . . My two younger brothers and one of the servants being sick and in bed but the doctor does not think them ill. I am miserable about Ida, the best we can hope for her is a long and tedious illness"
[...]
"As soon as she heard of my having come she sent for me into her room, and I have not been from her side more than just long enough to go into the boy's room once or twice to see them."

"Ida has always been my special charge from her very babyhood, consequently she prefers my nursing and you will readily understand how gratifying it is to me to be able to do everything for her. I sit by her all the time. When she sleeps I rest at the same time and on the same pillow.

The doctor says she is in no immediate danger. I cannot realize she is in any danger, though I see she is very ill. She is sleeping now while I write."

"I have thought so much of you and your brother for the last few weeks and as I cannot now hope to see you for some time."
[...]
"Your (?) friend,
Kate C. Mason
(?) Wednesday Feb 2nd"

An interesting and historically informative group of 22 letters and stampless covers from Alexandria VA and Baltimore MD, mostly from the early 1840s. Content includes African American SLAVERY in an URBAN setting, Civic and Legal discussions of Judges, Court proceedings and cases, and other events in and around these areas. Also, some discussion of various issues concerning PRINCETON COLLEGE, HARVARD COLLEGE, the UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, and WEST POINT Military Academy. Also, interesting family matters, including elaborate wedding preparations, purchasing furniture and other household furnishings, visiting Spas & SPRINGS, sickness and deaths of family & friends, and even dining in 1844 at the famous BARNUM HOTEL in Baltimore City.