James Lee to Emeline Teagle, 1838 June 13

Item — Box: 2, Folder: 8, Item: 5

Staff Only

James Lee to Emeline Teagle, 1838 June 13

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Scope and Contents

A letter, dated June 13, 1838, from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to Emeline Teagle in Norfolk, Virginia. Lee begins with concern for Teagle’s health: “To see those cheeks, which, but a few months ago, were decorated with the hue and loveliness of the rose, highlighted and informed by an innocent and playful vivacity, now pale and wan, and shaded with melancholy, awakens all the powerful energies of sympathy, and causes the tears of pity and sorrow, to fall afresh from my grief-dimmed eyes.”

Lee writes that “scientific men” say that her disease is not beyond hope of cure. He then recites their advice including wearing flannel next to her skin.

Lee gives news of an accident the last night of the circus. The benches fell hurting a number of spectators. He sends his greetings to Louisa, and notes all is well at home and Virginia continues to do an excellent job.

Lee’s signature seems to have been extracted from this letter, after “yr. affectionate friend.” The donor of this collection believes this signature has been pasted into Lucy Ludwell Paradise’s old ledger book, presumably by either Louisa Lee or Virginia Lee Slater, alongside verses dedicated to a deceased loved one.

Dates

Creation: 1838 June 13

Creator

From the Collection: Ludwell Paradise, Lucy (Person)
From the Collection: Lee, James (Person)
From the Collection: Lee, Philip Ludwell (Person)
From the Collection: Slater, Virginia Helena Lee (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

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