Watts Letters, documents 1-50 of 201
Finding list of documents in the collection “Watts Letters” at the Historical Society of Western Virginia, Roanoke, Virginia. To consult these documents, go to http://www.vahistorymuseum.org/ and click on “Visit HMWV's Virtual Collection!” The documents can be found by a keyword search, or by catalog number using “Click and Search”. For more information on this collection and on accessing the documents, see my page “Virtual Collections at the Historical Society of Western Virginia” at the right.
catalog #
date
abstract
Oct 11, 1813
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at Flat Creek, home of her husband's family, to Mary Ann Breckinridge, her sister, at Grove Hill, the Breckinridge residence, giving news of herself and her young son James, and other members of the family
January 1, 1818
Letter from Edward Watts, in Richmond, Virginia, to his wife, Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, near New London, Campbell Co., telling of his troubles in finding suitable lodging, illness in various families, entertainment, and plans to visit various families.
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| Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts |
Feb. 4, 1818
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at Flat Creek, Bedford County, Virginia, to her father General James Breckinridge, at Grove Hill, Botetourt County, Virginia, giving a general report of her family's health and situation, and asking for news of her parents; talks of her new baby, her own brothers and sisters, her husband's sister and brother-in-law, progress on construction of a new house, possible visit to Grove Hill, her husband Edward Watts's hope to return early from the legislative session in Richmond
December 6, 1819
Letter from Edward Watts to his wife Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, describing his journey from their home to Richmond, Virginia; his lodging arrangements; some friends he has seen; some relatives he has seen, the Gambles and the Gwathmeys, and his grief over his recently deceased sister, Anna Maria (Watts) Gwathmey
September 14, 1823
Letter from Charles Fenton Mercer, at Aldie, Loudoun County, Virginia, to Edward Watts, at Big Lick, Botetourt County, Virginia, soliciting his support for a project to construct canals on the Potomac River and the James River, describing the projects and explaining Virginia's interest in the Potomac Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio Canal)
December 9, 1823
Letters patent signed by Governor James Pleasant Jr. of Virginia in Richmond appointing Edward Watts as Colonel of the fifth Regiment of Artillery, in the fifth Division of the Virginia Militia; on the back, certification that Edward Watts took the required oaths of office
June 5, 1827
Letter from Carter Berkeley, at Edge Wood, Hanover County, Virginia, to Edward Watts, at Fincastle, Virginia, asking him to investigate a rumored sale of slaves, belonging to an estate of which Carter Berkeley was trustee; and if the sale had been ordered, to intervene and prevent it
November 11, 1827
Letter from Edward Watts, at home (near Big Lick, later called Roanoke, Virginia), to his father-in-law, General James Breckinridge, to inform him of the death of his infant grandson, Edward Watts, and to request the inscription of a gravestone
January 20, 1828
Letter from Richard Morris, at his home at Taylor's Creek, Hanover County, Virginia, to his wife's nephew, James Breckinridge Watts, at his new school, run by Mr. Cobbs, near New London, Campbell Country, Virginia; the writer offers stern advice to work hard and learn Greek and Latin, sends condolences on the recent death of the addressee's youngest brother, and also gives some news of family and friends
June 21, 1830
Letter from Edward Watts, at his home near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to his son James Breckinridge Watts, a student at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, urging his son to return home promptly because of the unhealthy climate, suggesting that he meet his uncle Fleming Saunders in Richmond and travel with him, and informing him of the death of his great uncle Colonel John Watts at Flat Creek in Campbell County
2007.32.010
He died on the 8th after an illness of two months. His advanced age forbid the hope that he could have been spared much longer yet his death has very deeply affected me. Next to my Mother he was the oldest Friend I had living and he had evinced for me from my earliest recollection an affection almost parental. your affectionate Father, Edwd Watts
May 11, 1830
Letter from Edward Watts, at his parents' home at Flat Creek, near Lynchburg, Virginia, to his wife Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at their present home near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, describing his efforts to shop for her, parcels he has sent home already, his stay in Campbell County, the deteriorating condition of his uncle John Watts, and his desire to return home. The letter is annotated by Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Gamble (Watts) Sorrel, misidentifying the dying uncle as Thomas Scott, and describing a visit to Falkland, the family estate of the Scotts in Mecklenburg County, Virginia
May 4, 1830
Letter from Edward Watts, at Flat Creek, Campbell County, Virginia, to his wife, Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at their residence near Big Lick (Roanoke), describing the illness of his dying uncle John Watts, the recovery of his mother and his worries about his family at home, and sending some instructions for the farm, and concluding with a long passage on a looming religious controversy between Presbyterians and Episcopalians
June 8, 1830
Draft of an obituary of Colonel John Watts, probably written by his nephew Edward Watts, outlining his career as a cavalry officer in the Revolutionary War, and praising his character
September 8, 1830
Deed agreeing the sale of a parcel of land by David E. Nofsinger to Edward Watts, the aforesaid land lying along Tinker Creek and adjoining land already held by Edward Watts
January 21, 1831
Letter from Edward Watts, at his home "Oaklands" near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to his son James Breckinridge Watts, a student at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia, complaining about his son's failure to write and explaining the lack of letters to his son, describing the unusually bad winter weather, the disruptions of the family's Christmas plans to visit family; after an interval of several days, Edward responds to a letter just received from James, refusing permission for him to go to Richmond and to have his teeth treated by a dentist, proposing instead that the writer make a trip to Williamsburg in the spring; concludes with trivial news about local people and family.
May 21, 1832
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at home at Oaklands near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to her sister-in-law, Emma Walker (Gilmer) Breckinridge, presumably at home in Fincastle, Virginia, after a visit to Oaklands, expressing regret at her departure, giving news of herself and her baby, and of many friends and relatives
December 25, 1831
Letter from Edward Watts, at Oaklands, his residence near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to his son, James Breckinridge Watts, a student at the University of Virginia, expressing concern that his son has not written him but has written others of being despondent about his study of the law, offering reassurance and encouragement about his abilities, giving some news of friends and family, mentioning the Baltimore Convention, describing a fire at Oaklands, and praising his son's diligence in attending classes
February 23, 1832
Letter from Edward Watts, at Oaklands, his residence near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to his son, James Breckinridge Watts, a student at the University of Virginia, discussing his son's studies, activities and misbehaving friends, and his own presence at a family wedding
August 26, 1832
Letter from John B. Floyd, at New Bern, Virginia, to Edward Watts, at his residence near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, asking him to send money he was holding to the Bank of Virginia at Lynchburg with instructions for its use
2007.32.019
Will you be good enough to draw a draft, for Fortunatus Sydnor First Bank of Va & send it to him directing him to give credit for it to R. K. Cralle, for three hundred and twenty five dollars, please let me hear from you at New Berne. Yrs very respectfully, John B. Floyd
September 2, 1833
Memo of an agreement by which John B. Floyd sold a tract of land near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to John Campbell, describing the property by reference to previous owners and setting terms for payment
summer 1833
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at her residence near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to her sister-in-law Emma Walker (Gilmer) Breckinridge, at Grove Hill, the Breckinridge residence near Fincastle, describing a shipment of food and household products recently sent, discussing plans of their relatives for travel, and reporting news of friends
January 8, 1834
Letter from George W. Wilson, in Richmond, Virginia, to Edward Watts, at his home near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, telling him that he has been nominated to run for governor of Virginia, describing the political situation and assessing his chances
November 9, 1833
Bond by which Edward Watts and N. M. Peyton agree to pay $668.33 to John B. Floyd, with endorsements transferring the bond to James Breckinridge Watts and then to Cary Breckinridge
February 8, 1834
Letter from Charles Beale, Virginia Senate, to Colonel Edward Watts, at his residence near Salem, Virginia, informing him of his promotion to the rank of brigadier general, and mentioning other business before the Virginia legislature
February 12, 1834
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at home at her residence at Oaklands, near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to her son William Watts, at New London Academy in Bedford County, Virginia, apologizing for not writing sooner, telling of arrangements to send his trunk, telling of illness in the family and in the neighborhood, giving news of the family, and asking for errands to be run on her behalf.
May 24, 1834
Letter from Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at home at her residence at Oaklands, near Big Lick (Roanoke), Virginia, to her daughter Mary Watts, at Waukeenah, near Tallahassee, Florida, where she was staying with her uncle and aunt Robert and Letitia (Breckinridge) Gamble, and where Mary had just married their son, her first cousin, James Gamble. The marriage had taken place without the parents' prior consent, and the letter expresses surprise and dismay, although both Elizabeth B. Watts and her husband Edward Watts liked the husband. The letter also gives news of friends and relatives.
2007.32.026
Oaklands 24th of May 1834. You may imagine, but I cannot express to you My Dear Child the state of my feelings, when your marriage was announced to me through the medium of the Papers on Tuesday last. So entirely unexpected was it to me, that I was daily hoping to hear that you were on your way to Virginia. Your Father's letter which you considered as a sanction to the [step you have taken, was not intended as such I can assure you.]
May 30, 1834
Letter from Robert Purviance, a merchant in Baltimore, to Edward Watts, in Richmond, Virginia, advising him about shipping a trunk to his daughter Mary (Watts) Gamble in Florida
June 7, 1834
Letter from Temple Gwathmey in Richmond, Virginia, his residence, to Edward Watts at Big Lick, Virginia, his residence, reporting on a failed proposal regarding the Farmer's Bank, on a shipment of flour, on tobacco prices and prospects for the tobacco market, and sending some news of the family
July 15, 1834
Letter from Edward Graham, clerk of the board of trustees of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, to Edward Watts at his residence near Big Lick, Virginia, requesting him to attend a future meeting of the board
August 30, 1834
Letter from William Watts in Lexington, Virginia, to his cousin Edward Watts in Botetourt County, Virginia, asking him to expedite a deed of conveyance, which he needs for the settlement of a dispute with his brother-in-law, James W. Scott, regarding a piece of property in Campbell County, which belonged to the estate of John Watts, father of the writer and uncle of the addressee
November 19, 1834
Letter from Joseph H. Street, passing through Big Lick, Virginia, en route to Mississippi, to Edward Watts at his home near Big Lick, conveying greetings and news of his sister, Mary (Watts) Morris, in Richmond, Virginia
December 9, 1834
Letter from Fleming Saunders at Flat Creek, Virginia, to his brother-in-law Edward Watts at his residence near Big Lick, Virginia, requesting his endorsement on a deed required by the sudden death of a person involved in a business deal, and also sending some news of the family
2007.32.032
The two boys will I expect go with me. The family desires to see you at Christmas and they all <desire> send their love. Remember me most affectionately to sister Betsy and the children. Accept for yourself my best wishes, F. Saunders
I hope you will see that a forthcoming bond is processed against Anderson.
December 13, 1834
Letter from Temple Gwathmey in Richmond, Virginia, to his brother-in-law Edward Watts at his home near Big Lick, Virginia, enclosing a copy of a decree requested by the addressee, discussing the health and plans of William Watts (a son of one of the correspondents), predicting a shortage of tobacco by the summer and advising on how to profit from it, and passing along news and greetings from members of the family
December 31, 1834
Letter from Fleming Saunders at his residence in Franklin County, Virginia, to Edward Watts at his residence near Big Lick, Virginia, reporting on life at his home, passing on news about recent elections, reminding his correspondent of some business matters, complaining of the shortage of pork in Campbell County, Virginia, and the excess of red foxes in Franklin County
2007.32.035
April 13, 1835
Letter from Edward Watts at his home near Big Lick, Virginia, to his son William Watts, a student at New London Academy in Campbell County, Virginia, asking him to verify a report that the writer's sister, Alice (Watts) Saunders, is seriously ill, and to send his reply as fast as possible
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| New London Academy, 2008 |
September 12, 1836
Letter from Edward Watts at his boyhood home at Flat Creek, Campbell County, Virginia, to his daughter Mary Watts, wife of James Breckinridge Gamble, at her father's home near Roanoke, Virginia, reporting the death of his mother, Mary (Scott) Watts, and eulogizing her.
October 1836
Copy of a Campbell County, Virginia, court order appointing commissioners for the estate of Mary (Scott) Watts
December 30, 1836
Letter from Edward Watts at Flat Creek, home of his recently deceased mother, to his wife, Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at home near Big Lick, Virginia, telling of his problems getting his mother's estate settled
February 21, 1839
Letter from Edward Watts, in Richmond, Virginia, for a session of the legislature, to his wife Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at their home near Big Lick in Roanoke County, commenting on the bitter split over the election of a Senator, and describing his very active social life, mentioning many friends he has seen.
September 23, 1839
Letter from Edward Watts, at home near Big Lick, Virginia, to his son William Watts, a student at the University of Virginia, warning him against the dangers of dissipation and immorality prevalent among students there, and giving news of the family
December 23, 1839
Letter from Fleming Saunders, at his estate in Flat Creek in Campbell County, Virginia, to Edward Watts at his home in Oaklands, Roanoke County, Virginia, describing his problems with disposing of the slave women and children of the estate and with rebuilding the house, lamenting the Whig party's nomination of Harrison rather than Clay for president, and telling of an accident that happened to a Negro boy.
February 5, 1840
Letter from Alice (Watts) Saunders at her residence at Flat Creek, Campbell County, Virginia, to her brother Edward Watts, at home near Big Lick, Virginia, notifying him of a box being sent by the wagon, giving news of the family and sending greetings, and relating the death of a black child by burning
2007.32.042
Mr. S. leaves us next Monday week for Pittsylvania court. Will you not come down before then, if the weather will permit? My affectionate love to my Sister, Lizzy and all the children. In great haste, believe me your truly affectionate Sister, A. W. S.
May 9, 1849
Letter from Richard Kenner Crallé, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Fleming Saunders, at his home in Flat Creek, describing a recent sale of slaves in Roanoke, Virginia, and lavishing praise on Edward Watts, whom he met while in Roanoke
September 7, 1841
Copy made by Edward Watts of a letter he wrote from his home in Roanoke County, Virginia, to his brother-in-law Robert Gamble, who lived in Florida, responding to complaints by Gamble about the division of their wives' inheritance from their father, James Breckinridge
September 23, 1841
Receipt from the University of Virginia to William Watts, a student, for five dollars on account for his expenses
April 1842
Letter from Edward Watts, at home in Roanoke County, Virginia, to his son William Watts, a student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, sending him money, reporting on the election for the Virginia Delegate Assembly in which he sees no good candidate, and reporting family news
May 1, 1842
Letter from James Breckinridge Watts, at his parents' home near Big Lick, Virginia, to his brother, William Watts, a student at the University of Virginia, promising to send some books by way of their sisters in Lynchburg with the Holcombes, commenting on a young lady who gave inadequate reasons for a decision, and passing on the news that Mr. Burwell won the election
2007.32.047
All are well. I am in great haste, my horse now waiting at the door. Believe me yr affectionate brother, James B. Watts
Dec. 13-14, 1842
Letter from James Breckinridge Watts and his sister Elizabeth Breckinridge (Watts) Preston, in Abingdon, Virginia, where Elizabeth had recently moved as the bride of Thomas Lewis Preston, to their brother William Watts, at the family's home, Oaklands, near Big Lick; James asks William to represent him in a court case which bad weather prevents him from attending, and Elizabeth tells of her life in her new household, while asking William to write
February 2, 1843
Letter from Edward Watts, at his residence in Roanoke County, to Thomas Lewis Preston, at his residence in Abingdon, expressing alarm at the news that Elizabeth (Watts) Preston, the writer's daughter and the addressee's wife, is gravely ill, and mentioning also the illnesses of Anne (Selden) Breckinridge, the writer's mother-in-law, and of the mother of his son-in-law James Philemon Holcombe
February 10, 1843
Letter from Edward Watts, at his home near Big Lick, to his wife, Elizabeth (Breckinridge) Watts, at the home of their daughter Elizabeth (Watts) Preston and son-in-law Thomas Lewis Preston in Abingdon, Virginia, expressing his anxiety about the health of his dying daughter and about his wife's journey, and mentioning the news of the death of a neighbor
(to be continued)
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