Papers, 1807-1938, but mainly 1830-1870, of the Ritchie and Harrison families. Includes letters, documents and a diary of members of the family of Thomas Ritchie, his wife Isabella (Foushee) Ritchie and ten of their twelve children of Richmond, Va., "Brandon," Prince George County, Va. and Washington, D.C.

There are letters, 1847-1848, of Dr. Robert Ruffin Ritchie in Mexico and letters, 1849-1860, of George Ritchie while serving in the United States Navy. Many prominent nineteenth century Virginians are mentioned in the letters. Some concern the actress Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie and others reflect conditions during the Civil War.

The collection also includes professional papers of Thomas Ritchie, chiefly letters, 1845-1851, written to him as editor of the Union, the official organ of the Democratic Party. Topics covered include the slavery issue; the annexation of Texas; military and political aspects of the Mexican War; internal improvements; the Wilmot Proviso; the Compromise of 1850; Oregon; and the presidential elections of 1844-1848. The mechanics of publishing a newspaper and Ritchie's problems as Congressional printer are also reflected.

Folders 1-312 are a part of Southern Women and their Families in the 19th Century Papers and Diaries Series C Reels 8 and 9 in Swem Library’s microforms area, call number HQ1438 .V5 S68.