Box 1

Scope and Contents If own the old Taylor place, Martin wants to have the use of it this season to make a living. Legislative matters re: little accomplished, but the improvement party may come to a compromise and is bound to be on a large scale. Get that gray mare from Cobun that you bought for $38.75 but haven't received; suggestions on strategy to get the mare. Uncle Isaac says no appropriation for the Alexandria Loudon & Hampshire Road this session. Problem with land purchase by Donnella from Christian...

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Discusses current and possible routes of transportation including Staunton to Parkersburg Turnpike and the Clarksburg and Buckhannon Pike. His neighbors want a route through their area.

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Has sore throat and slept for last 3 nights with sock pinned around it. Johnson, 1st auditor, resigned and Democrats nominated George Clutter. Explains Baldwin's accident on train and that he was badly stunned but not dangerously hurt and had gone home. Letter from Gragg says she has taken up seven studies. May visit Gragg In Winchester after session ends if Louisa thinks that would be better than going straight home. Pneumonia going around but not smallpox like 3 weeks before.

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Post Script (P.S.) to previous letter. Letters crossed in the mail about Baldwin. Glad that Louisa's cold is improving. Not sure of seriousness of Baldwin's condition because Buckner had planned to go after him.

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Saw a magnificent exhibition of fireworks at the armory - millions of light sparks. The Philadelphia Company was in the city and were very popular with crowds swarming around them. May adjourn in 1 week. Many bills have not passed, so "have done but little."

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Visited Charlottesville and University of Virginia, has 12 professors and 480 male students. "I feel proud to own it as a Virginia institution." It was founded by the "illustrious" Jefferson and is in sight of Monticello. Stayed with Mr. McCoy and Dr. Bill Allen and families. Attended Joseph Anderson's party with plenty of champagne and oysters.

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Discusses her upcoming childbirth and are happy with either a girl or boy. "You will necessarily want many things that you did not think of when I was at home, and I wish you to make out a list in your next letter and send it to me and what will be necessary for the newcomer."

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Aunt is also expecting a child soon. Louisa says she "has grown to be as large as all outdoors," and he is to come home and purchase new clothes for her. He will most willingly comply.

Scope and Contents Governor "invited about 40 of us to see & sup with him last night." Served soup, fish, turkey & oysterspie, and dessert of ice cream with preserved oranges float. Great deal of wine and champagne, so a jolly party. No women there. Several turnpike and bridge bills have passed. Alexandria Loudon & Hampshire Railroad will be voted on next week. Charles S. Moran elected as superintendent of penitentiary after long battle. A letter from Baldwin expressed ill humor because John...

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Sympathy message (from his father) after Louisa's death.