Scope and Contents

A letter, dated April 15, 1836, from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to Louisa Lee in Norfolk, Virginia. Louisa is in Norfolk with their son, presumably Philip Ludwell Lee, who is ill. It is possible that their son has tuberculosis, as James writes, “the nature of his disease requires that he should keep his body in an erect posture.” James expresses concern for him and for Louisa. He mentions Emeline and how well she is managing the garden and house in Williamsburg.

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A letter, dated March 12, 1837, from Repiton in Wilmington, North Carolina to James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia. Repiton writes to Lee with news but mainly to ask for a letter of reference to help pave the way for him to marry. The friends and family of his fiancée object to their marriage because Repiton is not yet well known in Wilmington.

Scope and Contents A letter, dated June 8, 1838, from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to his wife Louisa Lee in Norfolk, Virginia. James’s first two paragraphs are heavy hearted. He thinks back to his earlier life when he looked forward to having his children near him to make his old age happier and more comfortable, “but he is gone.” The “he” here is presumed to be the Lees’ son Philip Ludwell Lee. Towards the end of the letter, James praises Virginia, the “only surviving pledge of our early love,” for...

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...

Scope and Contents A letter, dated June 27, 1838, from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to Miss Emeline H. Teagle in Norfolk, Virginia. Lee mentions that the property of Emeline’s brother, Edwin, was purchased for $50 by her Uncle William. James says he would have purchased the property had he known. He will, however, contact William and offer $70 and give the property to Emeline. He then refers to a second letter from her that just arrived with which he is very pleased. He compliments her on her...

Scope and Contents

A letter, dated August 15, 1838, from George W. Trice, King William County, Virginia, to James Lee, Williamsburg, Virginia. Trice petitions Lee’s help with a legal issue. He needs some additional information to resolve accounts. Trice is clearly frustrated by Lee’s failure to respond to a previous request. He wants to know about the amount due in this case.

Scope and Contents

A short letter, dated September 2, 1837, from Virginia Lee in Norfolk, Virginia to her father James Lee. Virginia is staying with Mrs. Riley in Norfolk. She mentions Emeline.