Collections : [University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.]

Papers of Landon Carter of the Tidewater area of Virginia and the son of Robert "King" Carter. Collection is strong in 18th century material. However, most of the correspondence generated by women is nineteenth century. There are several colorful letters concerning women from the 18th century. Highlights are letters from Charles Carter to Landon Carter: April 26, 1758, writes that he found a woman 24 years old whom he planned to marry to take the place of his deceased wife; January 4, 1763, surprised that L. C.'s daughter Marie is to marry Robert Beverly, doubts his qualities and reports he frequently needs money and nearly killed a man in a duel; 1763, announces that his daughter, Judith, "by her own unalterable determination married Tuesday last." Rev. Isaac W. Giberne to Landon Carter, January 6, 1768, apologizes for his wife's bad manners for not accepting an invitation to Sabine Hall; Rev. Isaac Giberne writes of his wife's elopement and "who I am credibly informed, keeps company very night with some strolling players." Ralph Wormeley Carter to Landon Carter, May 10, 1774, reports that William Jackson, overseer at "Rippon" had pursued a wench who had failed his instructions," upon which he turned up her clothes and whipped her breach; I checked him for his mode of correction and made the matter up between them." Rev. Isaac W. Giberne to Landon Carter, attempts to have Carter repent his sworn enmity for Reuben Beale who had eloped with his daughter, Judith. The marriage proved to be a very happy one, but Carter never forgave the young man for his actions. (1959).

Also of interest is a 50-page volume, ca. 1827-1914, containing Elizabeth Tayloe's poems and an inventory of household articles taken January 1838, and similar inventory dated 1914. (1959-a) #1959 and 1959-a

Postcards from Mrs. A. R. I., "Retreat," Richmond, Virginia, to Sallie Gwathmey, Evington, Campbell County, Virginia, on personal topics. Appear to be of the late nineteenth century. #38-238

Items include "Schools taught by Miss Sally B. Dickinson"; a biography "Miss Sally Bruce Dickinson"; My education had limitations and "My first experience as a teacher"by Miss S. B. Dickinson, and information on Irish Creek School in Rockbridge County, Virginia. #2699

Gossipy letter, December 21, 1827, from Sally to her mother, Mrs. Mary Carter concerning her stay in Richmond. #38-582-a

Correspondence addressed to Samuel W. Marvin, an executive officer of Charles Scribner's & Sons. Included are letters from the following: Maria Rebecca Audobon, Mary (Mapes) Dodge, Abby (Sage) Richardson, Edith Wharton, and Kate Douglas Wiggin. #773

A good portion of this diary is devoted to the Civil War years. Sarah was in her teens during the war years and writes from an Albemarle County school and nearby farm. She wrote little about her family, but much about the war, local troops, and her own appearance and religious views. #5633

Three notebooks and loose papers, kept by Fife, while a student at Albemarle Female Institute, who later became the wife of Robert Hendon Fife. Of interest is a baby journal kept by Fife, 1869, for her son Howell, who died in infancy. #5633-b

Diary and recipe book of Sarah Goodwich Leach. #Microfilm M-1389; 2603

Letter from Sarah Helen Whitman to William Whitman Bailey discussing his work in the Atlanticand his 15-page recollection of her entitled, "Recollections of Sarah Helen Whitman." #774

Subjects from the designs of the Carracci executed by Sarah Mytton Maury. #1674