Search

Scope and Contents July 2, 1858, F. B. Coalter to Fanny B. Coalter Stanley, Va.: "Love me very, very much, it is all that I ask." Hope your hand is better. July 8, 1858, G.S.B. to Fanny B. Coalter Eagle Point, Va.: "I agree with you in not thinking engagements very pleasant, for I never felt more anxious in my life . . . wish I could hear you talk about H.P." Mr. Howard has behaved dreadfully. He has been staying with us. October 31, 1858 J. Thompson Brown & M.S. Brown to Fanny B. Coalter, Lynchburg, Va.: Concerns the illness of Peronneau with a detailed description of his actions and symptoms. October 31, 1858, J. Wilcox Brown to his sister Mary: Telegram: Robert J. Davis Booth P. H. Brown's health. November 2, 1858, J. Thompson Brown from Robert J. Davis, Lynchburg, Va.: Your brother reports that Peronneau is much improved – calmer than he has been for some days. November 2, 1858 J. Willcox Brown to Mrs. J. Thompson Brown, Richmond, Va.: Peronneau is no better. I leave tomorrow for Bedford with our family physician, Dr. Withers "who has brought Peronneau in safety through several severe spells . . . I suppose P. has a kind of low nervous fever." Mother will wait at home for now. November 2, 1858 J. Thompson Brown to Mrs. William H. Haxall (Aunt Alice) Staunton, Va.: Able to convince Dr. Stribling to come tomorrow morning. From the symptoms he thinks that it "was a violent cause of delirium tremens caused by tobacco rather than liquor." November 5, 1858 Francis T. Stribling to Col. H.B. Tomlin Richmond, Va.: Peronneau's illness. "Am reporting as requested on my visit to Forest Depot, where I was met by Dr. Withers and J. Thompson Brown, who told me details of the illness of Mr. Brown. I did not see the patient, thinking that harm might come of his knowing of "my relation to the cause of insanity…Actually, the term insanity is inapplicable in his cause, I judge it to be temporary delirium. I was told that he is much better. Probably it was a liver ailment." November 6-7, 1858, J. Thompson Brown to W. H. Haxall & Alice Haxall to Mrs. S. St. George Coalter. JTB telegram: "P. improving rapidly. Entirely himself. Write to F.C" AH note: Glad Peronneau is better. He will not again give us such a fright. He was alone and probably chewing all the time." November 7, 1858 W. H. Haxall, Richmond to Col. H. B. Tomlin, Old Church, Hanover County, Va. "Mrs. H. wrote your sister Mrs. Coalter this morning…good news that "P is much better today and continues to improve." November 9, 1858, M.S.B. to Fanny B. Coalter, Old Church, P.O. Hanover Co., Va. Richmond, Va.: Peronneau is better and feels strong enough to go to Petersburg. Just returned from a visit to Aunt's Alice and Lizzie. Rode to his [Peronneau] place yesterday. "How happy you two will be there." November 15, 1858, M.S.B. to Fanny, re; P. H. Brown's health Richmond, Va. Went to see Peronneau. Much improved. "Willcox says he talks of you constantly and will come to Stanley as soon as he is able." November 20, 1858, Delia Bryon Page to Fanny B. Coalter at Stanley, Old Church, Hanover Va.: Endfield Glad Mr. Brown is better. Went to Eagle Point. Tomorrow a dinner with the Warner Hall party and Brown and Sally Manning. Neighborhood entertainments by Mr. Seiden, Mr. Robbins, and Dr. Byrd. Bryan is "a fine little fellow…wish you could see him." December 3, 1858, St. G. Tucker to Fanny Coalter Ashland, Va.: Best wishes for your wedding on the 7th and future happiness. "You have made a wise choice…that will be the verdict of all who know him."

July 31, 1859 F. T. B. to Mrs. H. P. Brown Carysbrook, Va.: Deep sympathy at your Mother's death. "…taken by a merciful God from so much pain and suffering . . . to that haven of rest prepared for the faithful." Visit. September 1, 1859 Unknown sender to Fanny Carysbrook, Va.: "I want so much to comfort you and "dear old Stanley – it grieves me to think I may never be there again. I have had many happy hours in that house . . . You can always renew home ties at Eagle Point." September 26, 1859 Sister Jenny, Selma to Fanny (Mrs. P. H. Brown): "We came here in a carriage from Gordonsville over a perfectly vile road." Going to Richmond Thursday and home Saturday. Cousin Sue is here and "conducts herself as usual…pointed remarks, etc. which I ignore. Thanks for sending the trees by Uncle Tomlin. November 22, 1859 Sister Virginia to Fanny Hot Springs: "I would have come, but Peronneau said you didn't need me. I have an infant and also should stay here and get some winter cloths ready for my poor darkeys." Uncle Tomlin upset that Peronneau did not tell him of your illness. Baby Betty is pretty. December 6, 1859 J. Willcox Brown, Petersburg to Fanny: Glad you are better. Know that brother Peronneau took good care of you. Have been on jury duty for several weeks, now shall have duties of orderly sergeant for Petersburg Company of Rifles. Can't visit before spring. Mother and grandfather are well. December 20, 1859 J. Willcox Brown, Petersburg, to Brother H. P. Brown, Loving Creek, Va.: Sending you a keg of oysters and five pounds of soda crackers. Thompson is well and expects to be at home on Sunday. Mother is well and grandfather "enjoys his usual health."

January 26, 1860, Aunt L.J.M. [?], The Grove, to Mrs. H. P. Brown, Petersburg, Va.: Still at the Grove because of Annie's confinement with a third girl. "William took the liberty of getting your Aggy a wonderful nurse." All are well at your house. Page has whitewashed your henhouse. Annie's baby is "named after my Mother and sister, Fanny Brown." February 24, 1860, William J. Braxton to Mrs. H. P. Brown, Loving Creek, Va. Richmond, Va.: All is well at home. April 16, 1860 Fanny to Fanny (Coalter Brown) Powhite, Va. "I am to be married 2nd of May . . . Isn't it strange for me to marry anyone that I have seen all my life." Will count on Mr. Brown and you to come to the wedding. September 15, 1860 William J. Braxton to Mrs. P. H. Brown, Stanley, Va.: Announces the birth of "your friend and nephew, Frank Coalter Braxton." Hope you and Peronneau are better. September 19, 1860, William J. Braxton, Stanley, Va. to Fanny Coalter Brown, at Loving Creek, Bedford Co. Va.: Frank Coalter Braxton and the jealousy of his siblings Betty and Charlie. St George has "no idea what he plans to do." Family news. Virginia sends love. September 25, 1860 Nannie O. Tomlin to Cousin Fanny Stanley, Va.: Health of Francis Coalter Braxton, his siblings and other family members. Impending marriages of the Misses Bassett. 1860, Hen [?] to Fanny B. Coalter, Old Church PO, Hanover County, Va.. Incomplete letter.

April 11, 1861 H. Peronneau Brown, Bedford, Va. to his wife, Fanny Coalter Brown: "Crops are growing very well ... so much to be done here ... Get well as soon as you can ... be ready to come back with me…" August 16, 1861 H. Peronneau Brown, Yorktown, to his wife, Fanny Coalter Brown: Came down the river with your Uncle Harrison and spent the night in Thompson's tents. Reports on various relatives and acquaintances. "Visited the almshouse in Richmond yesterday and saw a great many of the Northerners who were wounded, besides a few of our own men." Articles he has brought listed.

August 30, 1867 H. Peronneau Brown, Yellow Sulphur, to his wife, Fanny Coalter Brown: His health. The place is comfortable. Arrived by the cars from Lynchburg and have already seen a number of acquaintances, including Alfred Jones and his wife.

August 24, 1868 H. Peronneau Brown to his wife, Fanny Coalter Brown, Yellow Sulphur: Hope you will come soon and bring John. Deed, November 14, 1868, Mrs. Mary S. Brown and J. Wilcox Brown to convey one-third of her residuum to J. Wilcox Brown in trust for H. Peronneau Brown.

Scope and Contents January 19, 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to his wife, Fanny Coalter Brown Petersburg, Va. Will try to send you 4 letters a week. Have written to Mr. Gill [?] sending him a check and asking that he make the deed to me. Enclosed is a letter to you from Mr. Shepperson. The boys are well. July 10, 1869 F. B. Brown to her son: Been in bed for 10 days and do not feel very well today. "I know the fresh mountain air will make you bright . . . be a good boy." November 4, 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown): "Have you seen the doctor and what did he say? We made a clean sweep of it and got into our room – very comfortable." Thinking of you and Father. November 10, 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to Fanny Coalter Brown, Petersburg, Va.: Thompson is a good boy and looks well. Went to Walnut Hill and Mother's tomb today. Your friends are glad that the doctor has pronounced you improved. November 13, 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Petersburg, Va.: Father took them to see Paradise Lost, the pictures were wonderful. Went to see "Grandmother's beautiful tomb at Blandford cemetery." Father went to see General Magruder speak. Mammy Jane going to Uncle's in Baltimore. Family news. All are well and send love. November 17, 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Petersburg, Va.: Received three letters from her, has written her four. Studying history and learning new hymns and psalms. Father took him to see 'mud machine' digging out the river. My Mammy is going to church today. Willy coming after dinner. November 19, 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Petersburg, Va.: Willy is here. Ann's baby died of burns. Mammy Jane started for Baltimore today. Father took him and Willy to the wharf and on board two oyster boats. "What does the doctor say about your coming home? Miss Jane got two eggs from your hens today."If she has enough eggs by Saturday, she will make pudding – wish you could have some." November 23, 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Petersburg, Va.: Gas man put in a new meter. Starts division on Monday "I know my Mother is the best in the world. . . I will try to find something nice to write you everyday. Willie and I are playing and studying together." December 4, 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to Fanny Coalter Brown, Petersburg, Va.: Hope she is better. Enclosing three checks. Promise to write more often. Miss Jane will send the pills. December 4, 1869 John Thompson Brown, Petersburg, Va. to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) in New York: Sorry that she is "slow spirited," hopes she will be home by Christmas. Having fun with Willy. Dr. Withers' medicine helped. " We nearly lost Sunday's dinner – Toby was standing on his hind legs with his nose in the dish." 6 Dec. 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Petersburg, Va. Thompson is well and interested in Sunday school. Hope that the Almighty will guide my dear son "from trouble and trial in the future." Hope you will soon come back to us improved in every respect. 6, 7, & 8 Dec. 1869 John Thompson Brown, Petersburg, Va. to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown), New York Wants a 4-wheeled velocipede for Christmas. Will is slow with his lessons. Trouble each night getting Toby in the closet. Went to church twice on Sunday. "Tomorrow is your wedding anniversary and we will have a very nice dinner including a custard with whipped cream, blancmange, preserved ginger, and fruitcake. We are going to send you some of the cake." Paul cut many limbs off trees in the graveyard. Father may let us ride out to Walnut Hill in the wagon on Saturday." Reading about Cleopatra "a very wicked woman, she poisoned her little brother who was only 11." 7 Dec. 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to Fanny [Coalter Brown] Petersburg, Va. 11th anniversary of their marriage, "of which happy occasion I wish you many happy returns. Had a fine dessert-custard, fruitcake and preserved ginger. Much activity this week– a board of trade dinner, Methodist fair, and concert by the music club. 10 Dec. 1869 and 15 Dec. 1869 (incomplete) John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) "Willy and I have tried Miss Jane's patience today over our lessons." She sent a box of pretty items to Aunt Turner for Hamilton. "Has the doctor told you yet when you can come home? There was a tournament at the fairgrounds today. They were going to crown a queen tonight, but you had to be invited to go." Going to Walnut Hill tomorrow. Dec 15 – partial Father bought a barrel of flour Saturday—very white."The fine bells are going to jingle, jingle, jingle, -- they ring every night. I scared Miss Jane by jumping out at her. "O such news—Aunt Turner has got a little daughter! The clothes Miss Jane made were for the baby, not for Hamilton. We have been walking nearly all day, Father has just gone to a concert at mechanics hall. We are all so sorry you can't come home (sic) Christmas." 16 Dec. 1869 H. Peronneau Brown to Fanny Coalter Brown Petersburg, Va. Checked on the velocipede at the express office this evening but not yet arrived. Thompson will be delighted with the velocipede and the candy. All are well. 22 Dec. 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) We have just sent off a Christmas box filled with presents for Lizzy, and I am sending you a gift with this letter. I hope that you like it; I got one exactly like it for my Father. Went shopping today and the stores were filled with pretty toys. Met some of your friends. Mammy is right well and so is Toby. Got your letter and am sorry you are in bed sick. Willy and I have been fighting famous battles with our little soldiers. We have cut out a great many pictures for our scrapbook. Miss [sic] is downstairs fixing for Christmas, so you must excuse mistakes. 23 & 25 Dec 1869 John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Last night we played Martell till 10 o'clock. Went to the tournament and enjoyed it. No Christmas gifts have come yet. Fears his Uncle has forgotten him because of the new baby. 28 Dec. 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to Fanny [Coalter Brown] Thompson and Willy send love. Thompson likes the velocipede. He has a magic lantern from Uncle and other gifts including fireworks. 29 Dec. 1869 Petersburg, Va. [?] John Thompson Brown to his Mother, Frances Coalter Brown (Mrs. H.P. Brown) Raining for days. Unable to ride my velocipede or go to the Sunday school. "Uncle Walker sold my pigs for $ 5.50… Father has just given a book a piece to Willy and me…He is going to take us to see a giantess, 8'11"." "Willy and I threw some pop crackers on the kitchen fire today and scared Aunt Cherry out." Father has a bad cold. "He says he did not send you anything you could get something better in N.Y. " 31 Dec. 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Petersburg, to Fanny [Coalter Brown] Bought children firecrackers, took children to see wild Australians, the Nova Scotian Giantess and a French gigantic soldier. Circa 1869 H. Peronneau Brown, Bedford, to his wife Hope Thompson's cold is better.