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Start Over Creator Mitchell, Martha Reed, 1818-1902

Martha Mitchell to Susan Hudson, 1882 Box 95

A.L.S. Washington, D.C. Hurried through her work at Mount Vernon. Council was harmonious, regrets Mrs. Hudson was absent. Miss Longfellow and Mrs. Herbert agreeable additions. Mrs. Eve was ill. Superintendent has changed, looks worn and old. Council did not raise his salary but voted him $100 and 2 weeks vacation. Will invite him to Wisconsin. Rooms definitely assigned permanently. Mrs. Hudson had not stuck to one room on main floor but had name over bedroom door and also room in cottage. Mrs. Eve had parlor. Mrs. Yulee took room next to hers. Mrs. Herbert took room next to Hudson. Will build old road used by Washington from Milwaukee school children's money. Wants him to use money given to build West Gate. Mount Vernon never looked as lovely as now. ER-18, p. 265

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1881/1884

Martha Mitchell to Susan Hudson, 1884 Box 96

A.L. Incomplete letter. Buckingham Hotel. Superintendent's mind "has been affected by his attack." Mount Vernon expenses $2000 more than income. Mr. Blake, Hollingsworth's friend, cannot understand expenditure. Analyzes his failures. Southern newspaper prints an attack on MVLA. Seems "to have emanated from Mount Vernon." Thinks Council should be summoned and employees dismissed. MVLA accounts should be ready for inspection at any time. ER-18, p. 274

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1884/1885

Martha Mitchell to Susan Hudson, 1884 Box 96

A.L.S. Thinks newspaper article criticizing Mount Vernon was written by some of the Superintendent's visitors or under his knowledge. He spent money recklessly, he seems to have "lost that character of manliness and self respect…either by illness or never being what we fancied him." Need for close, accurate accounting. No improvements this year and Association is in debt. Borrowed from "sinking fund" which is sacred. Hollingsworth has lost his memory, cannot do his own writing, employs incompetents. ER-18, p. 273

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1884/1885

Martha Mitchell to Susan Hudson, 1884 Box 96

A.L.S. Fears a feeling of "North and South" creeping into MVLA. Suggests resolution for each to defray her own expenses to and from Mount Vernon until income is increased, and also that committees be restored. Have Finance and Greenhouse Committees, but Mansion Committee was discharged as house is furnished. Wishes a "wise woman could be found to superintend affairs" at Mount Vernon. Suggests abolishing or curtailing proxies. Approves Mrs. Sweat's ability and Regent as presiding officer. ER-18, p. 275

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1884/1885

Martha Mitchell to Susan Hudson, 1891 Box 101

A.L.S. Villa Alexandria. Re death of Mrs. Laughton. Unwise to hasten election of new Regent. Wrote Mr. Riggs and Superintendent Dodge asking if she could do anything as Chairman of Finance Committee as Regent held all the powers of handling money "we consented because she was on the ground and did it well," but they should pass a bylaw before electing a new Regent providing financial authority in interim between death of a Regent and election of another. Suggests Mrs. Townsent for Regent. She had been intimate with Mrs. Laughton and is a capable leader. Mrs. Walker could also be considered but will "acquiesce to majority." Everything is in prosperous condition. ER-18, p. 279

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1891/1905

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