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Sleepy from a boring sermon given by Dr. Jones. Jokingly will seek to make such sermons illegal. Expresses worry about Lelia’s cold. Reminds Lucy of the “hereditary weakness of the lungs in his family.” Gives his impressions of Senate and role in it. Letter has literary references to The Arabian Nights. Went to see Peggy and Mrs. Botts. They have gone to Cambridge. Hasn’t seen Marianna.

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Nothing accomplished in the legislature since his absence as he thought. Was to attend an astronomy lecture at the Athenaeum but found it postponed. Spent evening at the home of Gustavus Myers near the Athenaeum. No regrets about missing a gentleman’s party at Halyburton’s.

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Hastily written letter after long, laborious Senate session. Coming to Williamsburg, Senate business permitting, via Coke’s wharf on Saturday.

Scope and Contents Met Senator Mc Sweeney of Wheeling on boat to Richmond. Rode in a hack with Senator and Mrs. Deneale. Mrs. Senator Deneale “ as rough a specimen (he) ever met with.” Busy with Senate work. No time to meet with Mrs. Cabell. Mrs. Greene has left Mr. Barton’s and has gone to Philadelphia. Invited to take a trip to Baltimore by officers of the Fredericksburg Railroad with other Senators. Will go if he can spare time away from Senate and continue on to Philadelphia to see his friend Robinson and...

Scope and Contents Everyone is well except Barbara. Concerned about Lucy nursing her to health alone. Barbara’s old friends Patty Wilson, or Mrs. Ware, or Mrs. Wise or Mrs. Larke should help. Should Barbara complain as to the lack of attention, Lucy is to tell her that he has decided the issue. Attended church and complains of sleep inducing sermon by Dr. Jones. He meets Mrs. Stanard and Mrs. Claiborne. Mrs. Stanard offers accommodations during the approaching convention. Will the children come? Where shall...

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Mr. Stanard offers invitation of lodging during the upcoming convention and Mrs. Cabell offers to take care of Barbara and Marianna Lelia can stay with Miss Betty Blair. Arrangement details left to Lucy. Busy with ordinary business of Senate. Writing letters to politicians about the upcoming presidential elections. Received a letter from Mrs. Greene. Mentions the death of John Sergant

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Coming home to Williamsburg with Mrs. Dunbar. Requests that Lucy send the carriage to Coke’s wharf to pick him up. Happy that Bob’s cold is better.

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Senate holding evening sessions. Has not had time to see anyone. Barbara is at Dr. Cabell’s. Curious as to the results of the recent elections. Who was elected Sheriff of James City County? Was Bob Shields elected Sheriff of York County? Judge Clayton won by landslide. Sends a $10 check, written as part of the letter, and it is removed. Asks that Mr. Vest cash it for her. Virginia legislature to adjourn on the 7th.

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Will be coming home via Coke’s wharf. Sally Galt and Lelia Shield traveling with him. Barbara will not be coming down.

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Will be arriving on Saturday at King’s Mill. Asks that Lucy not meet him there unless it is "perfectly convenient"; for her.

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Cold snap in Richmond. Considerable snow, freezing rain. 15 degree temperatures. Affection for his grandchildren Ann, Mary , Georgy and Breckenridge.

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Talks of approaching Party conventions. Believes the Democrats will choose Stephen Douglas as the candidate at the party convention in Charleston.

Scope and Contents Sent hams and shad to Marianna via Ringgold Station. Peggy is well. Mr. Botts returned to White Sulphur Springs, but didn’t see Barbara there. Betty Blair to marry W. Mosely of Buckingham County. Dr. Cabell engaged to Miss Peggy, a music teacher. Mrs. Caskie, wife of Congressman John Caskie, a debased drunkard” and sister of Marmaduke Johnson died. Rumors she was brutally treated by her husband supported by Dr. Peterkin sermon at funeral. Heard Judge Douglas speak on the Capital square and...

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Hopes to leave Williamsburg and be with the family week after next. Discussion of Bob’s school clothes. Wishes “Bob to be decently & abundantly furnished, but fine clothes would be…out of place at a country school.” Glad Bob is keeping a diary.

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Steamboat taking him to Richmond is decorated with flags in his honor. Dr. Cabell is married.

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Unreliability of mail due to the condition of the railroad damaged by heavy rains, snow and winds. Very busy in Richmond. Bob had difficulty leaving Williamsburg by the York River. Went up the James the next day. Comments on the state of the Union and the Virginia convention to consider secession.

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Comments about George Washington at Washington’s Birthday celebration in Williamsburg. Not enjoying entertaining members of General Assembly on railroad trip.

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Writes of the excessive heat in Williamsburg.

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Suffering from a “hurt.” Responds to Lucy’s concerns. Explains reasons for going to Richmond are to find work to support family. Thankful children are helping out. Never doubted their devotion. Desperate for work. Looking for employment within Confederate government. Not optimistic about his prospects.

Scope and Contents Thinks of his granddaughter Lucy Page when he sees a child. Dreads separation from family. Surmises will get accustomed to it. Busy at his “office.” Shares space with two workers. Call him “Professor.” Working six hours a day. Found room on 3rd St. between Clay and Leigh and board across the street where Williamsburg friends John Hurley Charles Hansford, William Waller and Sydney Smith live. Asks she address letters to the Ballard House. Sent a package via Mr. Joynes. Hopes she received it...

Scope and Contents Asks Lucy write in care of “Captain Charles Morris A.Q.M.” in the future. Hopes she has received the sewing cotton in his last letter. Has taken residence in a boarding house with some Williamsburg friends. Is comfortable considering difficulty of obtaining accommodations and their price. Not accustomed to work. Has not had the opportunity to visit anyone. Hopes to see General Ewell and Minnigerode tomorrow. Visited Drewry’s Bluff (Fort Darling) to see Major James Semple. Boards and inspects...

Scope and Contents Raining in Richmond and has a cold. Only going between his room and the boarding house. Didn’t go to church. Spending time writing letters. Has sent Bob the permission he desires to go to church “out of ranks.” Daughters are coming to Richmond to see him and stay at Mrs. Clayton’s. Doesn’t see much of other boarders. Has not been out at night except to get oysters. Has seen only Mr. Branch, Mr. Custis and Alfred Shield. Intends to visit acquaintances soon. Misses Lucy, the grandchildren....

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Has seen Lelia and Peggy and was comforted by their visit. Sending money to Lucy and asks she to write if she needs more. Received a letter from General Smith. Bob is acting up and he has written Bob not to throw away “his only chance for a gentleman’s education.” Writes of the death of Dr. Cabell’s mother and Mr. Hurley.

Scope and Contents Snow, hail and cold in Richmond. “One of the worst days that (he) has known for several years.” Writes of the disposition of some of the servants. “Little Jim” is staying with the Wilmer’s. Saunders is grateful to Wilmer for keeping him. Asks that Wilmer use his judgment as to letting Jim stay with “Old Fortune” or place him elsewhere. Does not intend to sell Fanny at this time. She is with Mrs. Hurley. “Old acquaintance” in his office Lucy inquired about is Mr. Gilliam, of Prince George...

Scope and Contents Sending shirts to Lucy for repair via Mr. Johnson. Provides instructions. Weather has been bad, but his cold is gone. Henry Burwell is sick and of some trouble to Lucy and Mr. Wilmer. Hopes Georgy is better. He is clerk in the 2nd Auditor department and doing a good job, but working below his abilities. Chief clerk would like to promote him. Would relish a promotion and cares only for the increased salary it will bring. Hears nothing of consequence about Williamsburg except “the Yankees have...