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A poem titled “Connubial Affections," reproduced by James Lee and addressed to Louisa C. Bellett. Dated August 12, 1808 on reverse side.

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A short love letter from "Jas. Lee" to Louisa Bellett, in which he calls himself "your intended husband". Dated May 4, 1810.

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Transcriptions of two poems or songs followed by an unsigned note. Addressed to Louisa and presumably from James Lee. No date.

Researchers may need extra assistance handling this fragile letter, which remains folded in a mylar sleeve to best preserve its structural integrity.

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

This sub-series is primarily composed of letters to and from members of the James Lee family of Williamsburg, Virginia, including their correspondence with Teagle family members also of Williamsburg. This sub-series also includes academic essays written by Philip Ludwell Lee when he was a student at the College of William & Mary in the mid-1830s.

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Fragment. A poem and letter that appears to be written by James Lee, addressed to Louisa. James's letter suggests he and Louisa are working through a problem in their relationship. He writes, "Louisa bear with my whims and follies a little longer, and all will be over, you will get rid of a childish lover, and I shall be happy in the arms of my God." No date.

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Fragment from an essay or letter on charity, presumably written by James Lee.

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A letter, dated February 9, 1814, in which James Lee expresses concern for James Clarke's health. Addressed to Clarke in "York Town," Virginia. A page of this letter seems to be missing from the collection.

Scope and Contents A letter, dated October 5, 1814, from James Lee to James Clarke in Norfolk, Virginia. Lee apologizes for failing to answer Clarke’s previous letters because of a “long and painful indisposition.” He refers to the death of a young woman, Eliza, who may have been Clarke’s girlfriend. Lee writes of his lack of money because “Dunfey” has been able to collect little tax money for the 65th regiment. He writes that “Hadgron” has been chosen to administer a Mr. Caradin’s estate. There is also a...

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A letter, dated October 5, 1814, addressed to James Clarke in Norfolk, Virginia from Louisa Charlotte Bellett in Williamsburg, Virginia. Louisa refers to a young woman who died, “Betsy,” and expresses her support and encouragement for Clarke.

Scope and Contents A letter, date October 14, 1814, addressed to James Clarke in Norfolk, Virginia from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia. Lee writes about court proceedings concerning Clarke. He refers to “Mr Murdough” attending a court martial near Richmond of Majors Corbin and Griffin for signing a petition requesting the resignation of Colonel Bassett from his commission for not having the military abilities to command the regiment. Lee also conveys that his wedding is postponed until end of month or...

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Legal document, dated July 1, 1824, serving as a witness statement that Thomas Trice, then guardian of George W. Trice, sent him $15 on June 6, 1824. The witness was Leroy H. Trice.

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A letter, dated December 25, 1826, from George W. Trice. Although the recipient of the letter is not named, references in the message suggest that they are friend of James Lee in Williamsburg. Trice claims he is “master of seven different kinds of hand writing,” and he illustrates two variations of handwriting in this letter.

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A record of payment, 1827, issued by "Capt. Haines Lee," to James Lee of cash or goods worth $45.00 for "Board and Tuition" of son George Lee and daughter [E...?] Lee.

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Titled, "Prayer to be used at any time in private." At the end of the document: "Written by Edwin Augustus Teagle this 1st day of February, 1827."

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A handwritten statement ("bond on demand") saying that Edward Teagle owes James Lee $97.42. Dated September 23, 1829.

Scope and Contents A letter, dated May 27, 1830, from James Lee, Williamsburg, Virginia, addressed to Susan Teagle, Portsmouth, Virginia. Lee says that he is pleased to hear she arrived in Portsmouth safely. He writes that the “Hustings Court of Williamsburg” met yesterday but did not deal with the estate of Mr. Teagle, so things will remain the same at least until the June court session. Lee reports that Susan’s household affairs are managed well by Miss Margaret, and he affirms that he will continue to be a...

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A letter, dated July 25, 1830, from John Page to Edwin Teagle, Portsmouth, Virginia. Page writes that he is glad to hear Edwin is well and that his “writing and style” have improved. He sends along greetings from his mother and Mr. Lee. He talks about being busy with court business and mentions that “the Chancery Court is still sitting and the Hustings Court meets tomorrow.”

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A letter, dated July 25, 1831, from James Lee, Williamsburg, Virginia, to his wife Louisa Lee, Hampton, Virginia. James writes that he is glad Louisa arrived safely in Hampton and that she has had a good stay with his friend Russell. He adds that Henry manages Louisa’s affairs with “tolerable skill and economy.” He asks her to let him know when she plans to return so he can make arrangements.

Scope and Contents A letter, dated January 22, 1834, from John Page addressed to Edwin A. Teagle, Esquire, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Page apologizes for not responding sooner. He writes, “The violence of Party Spirit, I believe, has alienated some of my friends from me, and ill health has alienated me in a great measure from the world, but as long as I breathe I shall desire the friendship of the good and shall grieve to lose the regard of those I once esteemed, whilst I trust my conduct both in public and in...

Scope and Contents A letter, dated April 3, 1834, from Philip Ludwell Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to his cousin Edwin A. Teagle in New York, New York. Lee expresses amazement that Edwin was in Baltimore but now in New York “with only a few dollars in your pocket. So the whole matter is a riddle to me.” Lee gives news of girls who are married and not and says of the girl he is seeing: “I am paying my addresses to Miss Mary Waller.” He adds postscript about a “very large and beautiful organ in the Episcopal...

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A letter, dated May 14, 1834, from James Lee, Williamsburg, Virginia, addressed to “Capt. Chapman” of the Steamboat P. Henry “off Jamestown Virginia.” Lee introduces to Chapman his wife, Louisa, and “little daughter,” Virginia, who are on their way to Norfolk.

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A letter, dated July 20, 1835, from James Lee, Williamsburg, Virginia, to Louisa Lee in Norfolk, Virginia. James informs Louisa that “except [for] occasional affections of the bowels” he has been in “pretty good health” since she has left. He mentions that “Louisa and Katy go off on Thursday next with their owners….” He promises to next write a letter to Virginia, his daughter.

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A letter, dated July 22, 1835, from James Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia, to his “dear Daughter,” presumably Virginia Lee, in Norfolk, Virginia. James gives news of family and friends and expresses his love for his daughter. He writes, “Aunt Louisa and Katy are going away tomorrow: they send their love to you and your mother, and bid you both farewell forever.” This news perhaps concerns enslaved individuals hired out by the Lee family.

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A letter fragment, dated [July?] 1835, presumably from Philip Ludwell Lee to his father, James Lee. From what is legible, it seems that Philip is somewhere along the James River. He mentions the family he is staying with and the friends he visits He writes that he spends evenings with “Mr Riley” smoking “segars” and tells his father that Mr. Riley regrets him not being there to smoke with them.

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A letter, dated July 24, 1835, from Philip Ludwell Lee in Williamsburg, Virginia to Edwin Teagle, on board the U.S.S. Constitution. Lee mentions that Teagle is bound for France and probably the Mediterranean Sea, and he writes of the many educational experiences before Teagle. He updates Teagle with recent marriage announcements and asks Teagle if he can use his trunk, assuring him that he will put it in order and take care of its contents.