Scope and Contents From the Collection: The collection is composed of letters from Sarah Watts' parents giving advice on marriage and the purchase of goods, as well as giving local news. The letters from Williamsburg and Surry County, Virginia contain news of social events, local residents and activities at the College of William and Mary including the banning of parties by the President of the College, Bishop James Madison, the formation of a military company by the students, and the fighting of a duel. See also...

Scope and Contents 4 April 1807. Betsy Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to her daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Apologizes for not writing sooner; gives advice concerning whom one can trust and states that "experience proves how few there are who deserve the name of friends"; mentions the classes she [Sarah C. Watts] is taking, including Arithmetick [sic] and History, and is curious why she isn't taking Geography; hopes that she will adhere to the idea of being an "old maid" for at least the...

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19 June 1807. John Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to his daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Cannot send the articles she wishes, but instead encloses $20 for her to purchase them in Williamsburg; recommends Mrs. Anderson if she needs help in selection; will be coming to Williamsburg in August to pick her up so that she will not be there during "the sickly season"; family is well, including ant [sic] Wallis.

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29 May 1807. Betsy Watts, [Bedford County, Virginia?], to her daughter, Sarah Watts, Williamsburg, [Virginia]. Reports that her father left [on business?]; tells of a recent camp meeting, and a sermon delivered by Dr. Genings, which offended many due to its numerous sexual allusions, and comments on her sex "thinking for themselves"; Cousin Mary did not get married, though she did have a wealthy suitor for a while; compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson; inquires how her teeth are feeling.

Scope and Contents 9 August 1807. Bernet[?], Four Mile Tree, [Surry Co[urt] Ho[use], Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Disappointed in not hearing from her; sorry to hear that Christian has become ill; is so happy to be with such an "amiable" family; especially enjoying the walks with Sally; messages to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, specifically that she doesn't need any more shifts; there has been much company lately; has been drinking tea and is amazed at the plentiful amounts of fruit,...

Scope and Contents 10 January 1808. Jane C. Charl[ton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Tells of Miss Moir's birthday party, and helping her sister and Sally Bracken "look very smart" for it; Mr. Callaway, "a very genteel Young Man," but "extremely homely," came to visit; gossip; mention of a literary society; "the Bishop" [James Madison] stopped the gentlemen's weekly parties because it was interrupting their studies, which she is disappointed by, because before the...

Scope and Contents 13 Sept[embe]r 1807. Jane C. Charlton, W[illia]msburgh [sic], [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Glad to hear about her return home; gives local news including details about the arrival of Eliza [Wright] and her subsequent illness, and the departure of the Savages and the Smiths; expresses her sadness at the "loss of your society" and how much she misses her and the other girls; Mrs. Faulcon left for Carolina; tells of Miss Donoville [sic] [Deneufville] and Mr. Pryor...

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4 May 1808. Eliza [Wright], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah Watts, New London, Virginia. Is anxious to hear from her; will be married in approximately one week to Mr. Mayo, and will be moving close to Lynchburg; is nervous about the wedding; encloses a profile of herself.

Scope and Contents 14 July 1808. Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Eliza [Wright Mayo] has gone to North Carolina to stay with her new in-laws and seems very happy; tells of various speeches delivered in Williamsburg on July 4th, one on universal suffrage delivered by Mr. Greenhill, one on civil liberties delivered by Mr. [Bushrod?] Washington "(a Nephew of the immortal General's)," and another delivered by Mr. McCandellish [sic] [McCandlish], which was a...

Scope and Contents 8 May 1808. Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Apologizes for not writing, but has been in Surry for the past month at Mr. Edwards', where there has been much company; S[ally] Bracken went with her, and they had a wonderful visit; but was not able to see Sally Browne; had a rough trip home on the James River, with pouring rain; Williamsburg will perk up a bit with some upcoming weddings, one of which is Eliza Wright's and Mr. Mayo's;...

Scope and Contents 19 March 1809.  Jane [C. Charlton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Lynchburg, [Virginia].  Mention of the harsh winter; there have been many parties, several of which were given by Mrs. Mason; did not attend any of the dancing parties, but did go to many card parties, because they are not as crowded, but are more fun; mention also of a party given by Mr. Radford; tells of a visit by Sally Browne, who has gorwn up quite a bit; Maria Savage is still there; teases about Eliza...

Scope and Contents 4 Dec[em]b[e]r 1808. Jane C. C[harlton], W[illia]msburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Cannot imagine why Mr. Callaway would have led her [Jane C. Charlton] to believe that she [Sarah C. Watts] was to marry Mr. Irvine; there are almost 70 eligible men in town, "which is a large number considering the Embargo"; Mr. Anderson is pleased to be in Lynchburg; mention of Mrs. Camp and Maria Moody; the students have formed a military company, and parade every Saturday in...