Scope and Contents From the Collection: Correspondence of the Garrett family of Williamsburg, Va., concerning family and social news, politics, and the Civil War. Earlier letters deal mainly with business and political news, as several Garrett family members, including Richard R. Garrett, Alexander C. Garrett, and Dr. Robert M. Garrett, were involved in the politics of 19th century Virginia. Correspondence of Dr. Robert M. Garrett and his brothers Alexander C. Garrett and B. F. Garrett concerning the sale of "Yardley," Northampton...

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Excuses himself for not writing sooner as he was ill; believed that Mr. Armstrong gave him (RG) the receipt for the eight dollars for the entire liquidation of his account; informs him that his father's account is now entirely settled; regrets that he (RG) finds it "inconvenient, at present, to patronize the Star."

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Scope and Contents Defines happiness as consisting "of the exercises of the mind, and the development of its various faculties"; believes learning is for the "favoured many"; advocates the stimulation of the mind as a way to bring moral virtues into the light "from the darkness in which they were enveloped, and the latent sparks of the moral faculty, Concience (sic), & virtue (are) kindled into a flame and excited to action."

Scope and Contents Congratulates him on being elected Attorney for the counties of James City and Warwick (?); asks if he has turned Scott or Seward Whig since those counties are Whig; finds it suspicious especially when he (ACG) speaks of carrying the Locofocos by 8,000; will examine Mr. Mason's father's papers if he (SG) is called an heir or a son of Adam Mason; asks him to tell Bowden that the Groves land claim will be reopened and a new investigation begun; will call the claim up for consideration with Mr....

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Scope and Contents Shares details of his journey from Norfolk by ship; was welcomed quite kindly by the Garretts; mentions family and mutual friends; informs her that "they will never forgive you if you do not come when Rosina comes"; will board at Mr. Bicks', as will Rosina.

Scope and Contents Was approached by Mr. N.I. Winder as to the least amount that would purchase one half of Yardley that belongs to Nottingham, Garrett, and Lauretta; found the way Mr. Winder wanted to advertise the sale objectionable; has raised the purchase price to $11,000-12,000, subject to his and Lauretta'a approval; informs him that there are many people wanting to buy Yardley, and that Peter S. Bowdoin has offered more than a fair price for it; hopes to sell the whole of Yardley for $10.500 at private...

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Scope and Contents Believes that Yardley will sell for $9,000 in August at public sale; is eager to sell the house, as is Lauretta, as it seems to be depreciating; informs him that this year's rent will be paid in grain; mentions that Lauretta and Charlotte are in agreement as to the sale of the plantation next to Yardley; informs him of the death of William P. Custis, who has given his entire estate, worth $80,000 to $100,000 to his widow.

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Was convinced that the August Court day would be a better time to sell Yardley; added into the advertisement for the sale statements concerning average crop yield; believes Yardley will sell for more at private sale, rather than public sale; informs him that Mr. Nottingham concurs and is willing to sell Yardley for $9,500 or even $9,000; suggests not selling for less than $9,500 at this time; will send again the $87.91 he owes him if he (RMG) will send a receipt.