Scope and Contents From the Collection: Papers, 1772-1872, of the Blow family. Chiefly business papers, 1772-1820, of Richard Blow of Portsmouth and "Tower Hill," Sussex County, Va. and his son George Blow, Sr. and George Blow, Jr. of 'Tower Hill' and Williamsburg, Va. Richard Blow was a partner in stores in Virginia and North Carolina (trading as Richard Blow and Co., Briggs & Blow, Baker & Blow [South Quay, Nansemond County, Va.], Blow & Barksdale [Petersburg, Va.], and Blow and Scammel). He was also a plantation...

Scope and Contents

A personal letter about her son, John, who was employed by Freeland & Gillis in Petersburg. Sent down to Williamsburg on business stayed at the Eagle Tavern. [Mrs. Taylor was a sister of Robert H. Walker]

Scope and Contents

Re: Goods shipped to him from Lamb & Younger, London. Requests Blow to attend the Customs and have goods sent up to him as soon as he can. Goods came in the America.

Scope and Contents

Re: Blow’s subscription to the Virginia Gazette for 1800 and 1801

Scope and Contents

Has sent down 4 hhds. tobacco to Blow.

Scope and Contents

Re: wine for his father. Asks it to be sent to Alexandria c/o Jenny & Graham or some person who does business for his father.

Scope and Contents

Also, letter of March 1 1803 from Cropper, P[unclear?] & Co., Liverpool

Scope and Contents

Ship Thomas Wilson, freight bill: 1 case containing a Piano Forte “for Hon. Samuel Tyler, Judge of Court of Chancery in Williamsburg”

Scope and Contents

Re: A Disagreement between Arthur Hope and Blow. Hope had deposited funds with Blow for purpose of Blow investing for him in Bank Stock. Wirt advises Blow to agree to a committee of 3 men to settle rather than go into court.

Scope and Contents

Acknowledges tobacco sent over by Mrs. Lucy Paradise per The Sheffield. According to Mrs. Paradise’s desire we are sending 2 [ch___s?] marked “LLP1.2” Bills of Lading sent to Blow at her request. “She is miserably in debt”

Scope and Contents

Has established a printing office in Norfolk with Daniel Baxter. Solicits Blow’s goodwill and business.

Scope and Contents

Re: tobacco she had shipped to Reynolds in Liverpool (see letter of July 12, 1806).

Scope and Contents

Wishes to employ a tutor to live in his house. Enclose advertisement for same to be put in The Herald. Wishes a mentor in Latin, French but must have one good on Arithmetic and English. Say £ 50 or £ 60 for English teacher and £ 70 or so for language teacher.

Scope and Contents

His opinion of western lands, 1st rate land sells at $ 20 to $ 30 and 2nd rate at $ 10. Does not wish to settle out here.

Scope and Contents

Regulations as to conduct: Divine Services, Reveille, etc.

Scope and Contents

Will not come to Norfolk until yellow fever is over or is prudent to come. Keep him informed.

Scope and Contents

Bills rendered for postage

Scope and Contents

Bill for books (listed) $28

Scope and Contents

Bill

Scope and Contents

Bill for books (listed)

Scope and Contents

Appeals to Blow to assist him. He is a British subject and “confined in jail and then to be sold as a slave for the benefit of the state of Virginia.” Gives his life history and tells how he a came to America at 3 years old.

Scope and Contents

Inscription to be put on gravestone of Marie Semple, daughter of James Semple and Joanna his wife, daughter of Doctor William McKenzie, dec’d. Born August 16, 1809 and died November 12th 1810. Note from Semple to Blow with directions for sending stone to Cobham or to the Bay warehouse in Surry or upper end Isle of Wight County.