Letters mostly concern catching up on personal news, wishing her well, and plans for visiting.

Letter from Harriet Lane Johnston to Lily Macalester Berghmans Laughton concerning her recent visit with Mrs. Laughton's daughter and son-in-law, Camille and Jose de Pedroso.ca. 1890

Letter from Harriet Lane at the Executive Mansion to Lily Macalester, concerning mutual acquaintances, family, and friends. Includes references to Lily Macalester's future husband Alfred Berghmans.

Refers to her sad news and that she cannot give dinner parties at present. Sends best regards.

Thanks her for a lovely visit. Misses her. Catches her up on the health of Mr. Sweat.

Has collected the $50 as directed to the Vice Regents by Council and will send it on. Tells her about the recovery to health (over 5 months) of a woman staying with her. Misses her a lot.

Talks about affairs at Mount Vernon going very badly. Various Vice Regents want the Council to get together soon. She'll be in Washington for Congress.

Discusses members of the Advisory Board, particularly Mr. Halsted, with whom she has had several disagreements.

Mostly concerning Mount Vernon business, mentions Mrs. Halsted and Mrs. Mitchell.

Fragment of a letter from an unknown Vice Regent. Discusses Miss Cunningham's illness and resignation.

Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester concerning her recent trip to the country and several of their mutual acquaintances, April 9, 1850. Also, letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester concerning their mutual acquaintances, family, and friends. Includes references to Harriet Lane's uncle, President James Buchanan, May 27, 1850

The correspondence begins July 14, 1854 and continues until 1860, the year Lily's engagement to Berghmans was announced. Woodbury was a N.H. and Boston lawyer, son of noted jurist Levi W. (b. 1791). He was about 15 years Lily's senior. He courted her and proposed marriage in 1854. Was refused. His letters are generally witty, occasionally referring to the rejected lover. Alludes to mutual friends, politics, travels, practice of law, society in Boston, Newport, D.C., Philadelphia.

Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester concerning her trip abroad to the Isle of Wight in England. Includes a mention Harriet Lane's uncle, President James Buchanan.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Wheatland to Lily Macalester concerning election day 1856 and the campaign of her uncle, President James Buchanan, along with information on mutual acquaintances and friends.

Has to leave home for a few days. Is sure Miss Lane is taking great care of her.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Soldiers' Home, Washington, D.C. to Lily Macalester concerning the latter's visit to Washington, D.C.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Soldiers' Home, Washington, D.C. to Lily Macalester concerning details of the visit of Charles Macalester to Washington, D.C. as well as various stories of mutual friends and acquaintances.

Is looking forward to hearing her play music that evening and is sending her little boy to fetch it.

Discusses the duties of the Vice Regent and the importance of "character and judgment of those selected to this important office." Wants to meet with him to talk more.

Wishes her to become Vice Regent for Pennsylvania and to ensure that Mount Vernon and the goals of the Association become known there.

Sending papers pertaining to her appointment as Vice Regent for Pennsylvania. "The object of the Association is to secure perpetual guardianship for Mt. Vernon, that it may be kept national property sacred for all time, to the memory of the Father of our Country." The most important duty is to collect money from her state to pay for the estate. Names of each contributor is to be sent to the regent and published in a newspaper. Discusses the Mount Vernon Record publication.

Requests a report sent by the 15th of each month with an account of activities. Discusses the sale of portraits of Washington, done by artists in Philadelphia.

Thanks her for agreeing to be Vice Regent for Pennsylvania and wishes her much success in her endeavors.

Sending credentials to her and a circular used by another Vice Regent that might be useful.

Sends her a slip from a New York newspaper about a reception there. Wants it returned as she's saving it for future generations. Also tells her that another payment was made on Mount Vernon. Reminds her that the contents of the letter are private.

Sends a list of donors and a check. Appointed a Lady Manager for another county and wonders about one other's appointment. Her mother is quite ill which is impeding her work for Mount Vernon.

Letter is about the construction of a new wharf at Mount Vernon, due to the unsafe condition of the present one. Mr. Washington had said that all money from the steam boat company should go to the Association from the signing of the contract. General Meigs was consulted and chose the $2800 contract. Needs the approval of the Vice Regent.

Letter encloses two articles from constitution of Association about necessity of having a meeting of the General Council every year after the sale. Therefore a meeting is called for December 31 of this year, but it will not occur as the only real necessity is the raising of funds to pay off the debt.

Letter from Harriet Lane at the Executive Mansion to Lily Macalester concerning mutual friends and acquaintances.

Personal letter about various people, including Mr. Bergmans (sic). Is writing on behalf of Harriet Lane who was too busy to respond herself. Wants her to visit soon.

Congratulates her on upcoming wedding and hopes to be able to attend. Also hopeful for continued success of the Mount Vernon cause. Has been giving talks on its behalf.

Thanks her for invitation to wedding which she will attend. However, Becky will be unable to be there.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Wheatland to Lily Macalester Berghmans announcing her engagement to Henry Johnston of Baltimore and updating Mrs. Berghmans on news of family and friends.

Complains of Regent's actions on many occasions. Has sent around a letter about it to other Vice Regents.

Complains of Regent's actions. Wants reply from Laughton to previous letter. Accuses Regent of using Association money for private use.

Complains of Regent's behavior in and around the mansion when visitors are present. Wants her removed. Discusses appeal to Masonic Lodges. Says Regent can never return to reside at Mount Vernon.

Is unable to supply a report at this time. Concerned about Regent's report. Wishes she lived closer to Laughton.

Expresses condolences on death of her daughter. More complaints about the Regent. Discusses approach to Masons. Regent must sign Col. Hollingsworth's commission. Regent has been abusing Vice Regents.

Says he has a collection of manuscript letters and other personal relics of Washington, but he does not want to sell them. Instead he proposes the Association take over the note on some property of his that is under foreclosure notice.

Note of sympathy and wanting to hear from her.

Discusses upcoming Council meeting and decision making. Also sending condolences for her loss.

Offers her assistance if needed as Laughton functions as regent pro tem.

Writing to her as Regent. Knows she's working hard to clean up the mess left over the past few years. More complaints about Miss C. Need to fill vacancies. Discusses attempts to balance the books.

Miss Cunningham will resign as her health does not permit her to continue. The charges of malfeasance were found untrue. She will try to write as soon as she can and is considering various locations to move to.

Encloses a letter from Judge Thomas. Wonders about Virginia funding the furnishing of a room in the Mansion, possibly the library. Also suggests a Vice Regent for Virginia.

So glad Laughton will be Regent. She voted to give Miss Cunningham $1,000, even though there still are questions about what happened to $5,000 of Association money. Are a few outstanding bills. Other Vice Regents are willing to pay.

Wants to pay a bill for personal expenses to avoid "any more words with Miss C." There is a general opinion that Miss C. is dishonest. She should have no say in filling vacancies. Worried about Miss C. trying to influence Laughton.

Author is at Healing Springs Bath for her health. Talks about purchase of a carriage to carry goods from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. After selling old one, Mr. H. will pay the rest. Discusses bill presented by lawyer to Association. Said he charged half price for all.

Looks forward to seeing her report. Should charge ex-Regent's hotel bill against her next year's payment from the Association? Suggests a possible Vice Regent for Ohio.

Comments positively on budget. Mrs. Halsted should not be undermining her efforts. Col. H. must understand he has to refer every question to Laughton. Handled Miss C. very well in her report. Much discussion of paying bills.

Worked hard to raise money for endowment fund but with little success. People want Mount Vernon to look good before they donate. Mr. Corcoran will pay to have the summerhouse rebuilt. The Association must accept the gift of "the painting."

Didn't reply for so long due to father's illness. After her first year as Regent, Hudson is sure all the Vice Regents will line up behind her. Need to fix Col. H's house before cold weather. Hudson needs to carpet two upper rooms.

Is unable to attend Council meetings and is in poor health. Resigns her position as Vice Regent of New Hampshire and suggests a replacement. The year of the letter is written but illegible. This letter was originally filed under October 30, 1888, however Mrs. Stearns is believed to have resigned in 1873. Therefore, a circa 1873 date has been assigned to this letter and it was refiled.

Wants to visit Mount Vernon on November 18, 19, or 20. Wants to express appreciation of Washington and respect for the "patriotic ladies who have charge of his final resting place."

He will visit on November 19.

Regrets he will be unable to visit Mount Vernon on November 19 due to the Legislature being in session. Takes every opportunity to pay respect to the memory of Washington and strongly sympathizes with the efforts of the Association to preserve the home and tomb.

Letter of sympathy from Harriet Lane Johnston to Lily Macalester Berghmans regarding the death of her father, Mr. Charles Macalester.

(Partial letter) Col. Hollingsworth gets requests for payment from the Association, but there is little in the way of funds. Necessary to put new heating apparatus in the conservatory before winter. Mrs. Lee donated the sideboard that once belonged to Washington, and the large painting is attracting visitors. Hopes to meet with Mr. Corcoran about the plans for the colonnades. Also to discuss rebuilding of the summerhouse.

Wants to arrange for a friend of hers to stay overnight in the Martha Washington Room in order to make some sketches for a portfolio to be in the Womans Pavilion.

Letter from Harriet Lane Johnston to Lily Macalester Berghmans acknowledging receipt of a memorial tribute written for her father, Charles Macalester. Johnston also inquires after the welfare of Mrs. Berghmans and her relations.

(Partial letter.) Thanks her for sending the memorial of Laughton's father. Glad she is in her new home. Recommends Miss Mary Dougherty, niece of Col. Hollingsworth, to be her secretary. Hopes Miss C. will not come to Council as does not want another fight. She has proxies for a few other Vice Regents for next meeting.

Has been very busy writing letters for funds for the colonnades. Is amazed that tradesmen won't bill the Association as they do not trust it. Wants a full account from Miss C. of finances since the beginning. Discusses Masons and their desire to meet yearly at Mount Vernon. Working to have an endowment fund for upkeep. Discusses the Council and proxy votes.

Is a list of donors and amounts of gifts. Also discusses purchase of two flags: a storm one and a regular one. Could alternate them. Has a donor for both.

Says she has been ill and treated maliciously. Wants her remarks added to official records. Can't understand her treatment by others.

Wants Laughton to become permanent Regent at next Council meeting in June. Talks about being a good friend of Miss Cunningham but speaks her own mind. Wants to furnish a small room in the mansion as a single bedroom.

Requests payment for legal services.

Writing about Col. Hollingsworth and the need to keep him a friend of Mount Vernon. Writes out brief article from New York Observer about people only being admitted to Mount Vernon if they came on one steamboat with a very high fare.

Letter concerning difficulties with Miss Cunningham.

Incomplete letter – discusses finances being in good order as reported by Col. Hollingsworth. At the end they were to share "the result & impressions…"

Incomplete letter, starts with page 5 – discusses some of the minutes and perceived difficulties with some northern Vice Regents and Miss C. who is "very violently against" them.

Incomplete letter – was sad to see news of Miss Cunningham's death in the paper. Suggests having her ashes interred at Mount Vernon.

As acting Regent, she was appalled by prices charged for work and groceries. Wants her to visit at her house so she can give her a full report. Discusses investments of Association.

Is sorry Laughton will not attend tea party in honor of Mrs. Washington. They plan to "offer a handsome sum to Mount Vernon from the proceeds." Feels inadequate to be Vice Regent.

Tells her of the schedule for the event and hopes she will attend.

Writing to request report as promised but not received.

Is unable to travel to see her due to ill health. Gives others' addresses to her. Thanks her for everything she is doing.

Has been very ill and unable to write anything. Next section penned by Miss Cunningham in shaky hand discussing her illness. Sends addresses of some ladies.

Gives schedule of her upcoming journey to North Carolina. Is sending a new book for the minutes to her.

Announces the death of her aunt, Ann Pamela Cunningham.

Looking forward to upcoming meeting. Her father has been ill. Discusses various acquaintances.

Has not heard back from her as to his recommendations. Discusses suggestions and wants to meet her in person.

Looking forward to a pleasant meeting. Wants her to give a welcome address to the Governor of the State.

Looks forward to seeing her on Tuesday.

Thanks her for her letter of sympathy. Had a severe pleurisy but is recovering. Suggests doing entertainments, like Lady Washington tea parties, to raise an endowment fund.

Is unable to attend the upcoming Council meeting. Speaks of hopes for the meeting.

John A. unknown. Will come to Mount Vernon the next day.

Thanks her for many kindnesses. Speaks of other Vice Regents whom she has seen recently. Discussion of politics of Association. Suggests a possible Vice Regent for Massachusetts. Sends her best to Camille.

Discusses politics of Association and a desecration (trespass) that occurred at Mount Vernon recently. Refers to it as an "outrage." Wants perpetrators found. Happened on a Sunday, so she suggests visitors not be allowed to be there on Sunday as Col. Hollingsworth is not there that day.

Congratulates her on good health. Discusses incoming money from various people. Wants to fix up the Council rooms. Will probably take an ocean voyage soon for her health.

Wants to know if she may furnish a bedroom with furniture built from patterns of old style. Will put up a state of Wisconsin coat of arms over the entry.

Wants to encourage Vice Regent from Kentucky to stay on the Council. Miss Cunningham's papers are in the hands of Florida Cunningham.

Has decided to take an ocean voyage but wants to have a companion. Sent her $50 for the barn to Mr. Riggs. Appealed to New York Stock Exchange for contributions to the endowment fund. Discusses furniture for a room at Mount Vernon. Discussed furnishing a parlour at Mount Vernon by a group in Bridgeport. Discusses woman who will take her duties while she's away who wants to hear from Laughton in response to some questions.

So sorry to hear of Camille's illness and trusts her youth and strength will soon improve her health.

Discusses chandelier being sent. Has funds for restoring the south end portico. Has almost enough funds to restore the Alexandria front porch. Tells of donation of various plants for Mount Vernon. Wishes Camille well. Has acquired painting of the elder Pitt which she will send to Mount Vernon.

Agrees with her plans for centennial. Is about to sail on her voyage.

Wants to meet with her, without interruption from other visitors, to discuss Mount Vernon and endowment fund. Discusses furnishing of Maryland Room.

Sorry not to have answered her letter sooner. Has coat of arms of Wisconsin for Council Room. Urging Masons to work on Mausoleum before the centennial.

Discusses various Mount Vernon papers and letters to and from Miss Cunningham. Council should examine them. Is grateful for Laughton's friendship. Glad Camille is healthy again. Wants to send Maine coat of arms.

Wishes her a good new year, despite her difficulties. Col. Hollingsworth is in arrears. She has sent him money to pay for improvements ordered by Council. Discusses investments and interest returned.

(Incomplete letter) Discusses Laughton's heavy sorrow. Needs to think of Camille.

Discusses the recent Council meeting and how many things she would like to discuss with Laughton about it. Really likes Mrs. Pickens as a new Vice Regent.

Wants to know how to send the coat of arms to her and whether there is a service that ships on behalf of Mount Vernon for free.

Sorry she did not see her in Washington recently. Wants Laughton to come to the upcoming Ball in a court costume from the time of Queen Ann.

Discusses entertainment at upcoming ball, to which she sends a complimentary ticket. Wants men to come in cavalier dress. They hope to raise much money for Mount Vernon. Wants Laughton to sell tickets in Washington.

Wants to furnish the Martha Washington room simply as would have been done then. Wants to occupy that room at Council.

Was sorry Laughton could not attend the recent "Colonial Ball." Will be sending $800 from the evening's entertainment.

Is still wanting to furnish the Martha Washington room on the third floor. Has sent men to measure it. Is sure everything will work out with the furniture going somewhere in the mansion which should be totally furnished by the centennial. Hopes for a happy future Council meeting.

Telling her of "the officious statement of the Petersburg News contradicted in our city papers." Wanted to publish a letter about this assertion but it was not published. Looks forward to meeting her in the spring.

Tells her of organization of the Mount Vernon Aid Society of New York. Wants a letter from her authorizing their work.

(Incomplete letter) Tells of difficulties with the Woman's Centennial Movement which feels they should take the lead in providing for Mount Vernon.

As treasurer of the Mount Vernon Aid Society of New York, wants to suggest planting oak trees at Mount Vernon with acorns from current Mount Vernon oaks and then selling the seedlings to interested people.

(Incomplete letter) Will be unable to be at Council meeting as will not be sailing from England in time. Has sent her report to other Vice Regents and some instructions. Put her on any committees where she might be useful. Describes travels in France and England.

Is not sure his schedule will permit him to meet with the MVLA in the near future.

Expresses concern about aligning with other societies. Is trying to convince her ladies to furnish a room in the mansion but has been unsuccessful.

Concerned about Capt. Frank and his threats to lock the Alexandria gates.

Hopes Mr. Laughton soon recovers. Is concerned about fee paid by boat company which does not cover repair costs of the wharf. Association loses money on each visitor.

The furniture produced for Mt. Vernon is not good at all. She wants to refuse it.

Is unable to accept her invitation to meet the Council at Mount. Vernon.

The Legislature was unable to pass a bill about Mount Vernon in this session.

Gives two possible plans to secure a new boat contract between Mount Vernon and Washington.

Wants to know whether she should pay Col. Hollingsworth $18 for work done at Mount Vernon which he has sent her a bill for.

Hopes she got the printed minutes as well as the bill from the printer. Discusses Laughton's upcoming visit to her.

Gives praise to Regent for all she does.

Wants to send out summons to Council and wants directions in regard to the steamboat notification. Also tells of getting Mrs. Blanding's full address and sending her past minutes. Assures Laughton that Blanding wants to remain on the Council.

Letter from Harriet Lane Johnston to Lily Macalester Berghmans Laughton expressing her sympathy, probably for the loss of Mrs. Laughton's husband the previous year. She also inquires after Mrs. Laughton's plans and her welfare.

Is worried that she might have offended Laughton in her previous letter as she heard nothing in return. Really wants to say she would never intentionally hurt her in any way.

Discusses MVLA business including Major Blake of the steamboat company and his work with Mount Vernon.

Glad to get her recent letter which was misplaced for a while. She has been having a very difficult time – her house caught fire, both her parents were ill. Is sorry Camille has been ill with measles.

Has purchased bonds on behalf of the Association, and Col. Hollingsworth has made deposits she referred to.

Sends her belated condolences and looks forward to meeting all the ladies of the Council.

Is so sorry she was unable to attend Council this spring. Is sure all the Vice Regents will welcome her back. Assigns her proxy to another woman.

Has completed the minutes of 1880 and is working on the ones for 1881. Asks what should be done with the minutes. Feels Col. Hollingsworth should not have access to them as he is discussed in them. Wants to send the duplicate records to Laughton.

On behalf of the ladies of Kansas, wants to know procedure for securing a room at the estate for her state to adopt.

Discusses the difficulty of getting people to send in their bills in a timely manner. Discusses work on the greenhouse and costs associated with that. Wants to dismiss West Ford and his two boys as they're almost always sick and live in a "dirty squalid manner."

He is nearly finished painting the roof of the barn. Requests $300 for this and the painting of the Mansion. They have had very few visitors this month. Rain is much needed. Food for people and cattle has to be purchased.

Describes visit by French and Germans on their way to Yorktown. They saw the tomb and mansion, staying for an hour, before returning to their boat for lunch. Also entertained some descendants of Von Steuben.

Thanks her on behalf of the North American St. George's Union for the attentions shown to them at Mount Vernon.

Was not pleased by restorer recommended. Wants to purchase a marble bust of Washington. Same dealer claimed to have a Houdon bust too. Might return the sofa in exchange for some chairs. Is glad Laughton is so young as it assures she will be around for quite a while at Mount Vernon. Sends $50 for the endowment fund.

Encloses tracings of design for gateway at shore and causeway leading from steamboat landing to be paid for by donations from the state of California. Discusses difficulties in putting in pilings to protect from problems due to flooding and ice.

Tells her of his attempts to convince various secretaries in Washington to appoint Miss Fanny Washington Finch to some position.

Discusses invitations sent to various people and who is, and is not, going to attend the upcoming Council. Fears that Connecticut will cause difficulties.

Says there is not currently an opening at the European Consulate, but he will keep her acquaintance in mind if one should become available.

Thanks her for acknowledging receipt of pamphlet and complains that most do not let her know they got it, after she puts so much work into producing it. Discusses possible problem in minutes but says she knows she got it right as they were read out two times at Council. No fault to her.

Apparently Mrs. Mitchell had asked her whether a Council would be called soon as there are concerns about the way things are going on. Assures her of her loyalty in all things but invisibly to the other Vice Regents.

Tells her a party of 12 will be touring Mount Vernon and wants to have their lunch on the lawn, but if the weather is bad, asks whether they could possibly eat in the kitchen.

Discusses ceremonial for dedication of the Washington National Monument and that he has reserved 12 seats for Vice Regents of Mount Vernon. He especially hopes she will attend.

Is unable to accept her invitation to visit as she has to travel by a different route. Discusses one dissenting voice ("your friend from the D.C.") to arrangements at the table. Hopes they can get together informally before Council to hear about any difficulties.

Discusses Laughton meeting with Mr. Richard Merrick and publishing an account of his opinions on the MVLA in the Council Minutes of 1885.

Thanks her for lovely visit. Also discusses health concerns.

Wants to invite Archdeacon to have lunch at his college for the deaf in Washington during his visit to Laughton. Was very impressed with his address to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Thanks her for arranging a visit to Mount Vernon on Sunday.

Is concerned when she does not receive a reply to a few letters. Discusses how marvelous her grandson is, having graduated before he was 18 and taking two degrees. Now attending Johns Hopkins. Agrees that Dodge will make a good superintendent. Talks about mutual friends and previous visits.

Gave her messages to Mr. Dodge. Would like to resign as Secretary after next Council.

Has been organizing lady managers in Michigan, between forty and fifty of them. Hopes for good results. Wants to know what her state could undertake at the Mansion – the stairway or cupola. Her idea for cupola is to have four of the windows have stained glass pictures illustrating some scene from Washington's life, and the other four be plain glass.

Personal matters. Wishes to have an upper box for $15.

Was surprised to be informed through Mr. Dodge that he was being let go in order to hire his nephew. He really needs the job, having many people dependent on him. Appeals to her for a just consideration of his cause.

Encloses another sketch of the sideboard. Describes it and a mirror and gives prices for both.

Must decline her invitation to visit as they are moving to the country. Was amused at her account of the President's visit and said "what a pity we can't have more refined people at the head of our government."

Discusses an upcoming meeting and where they could go after lunch if the weather is fine.

Congratulates her on the christening of the new steamboat. Was so sorry he could not be there due to his illness.

Regrets not being able to visit her, but they're staying at home in order to work on things there. Also complains of fatigue from the Council meeting – says no one but the two of them does any work for it. Describes an inquiry from Mrs. Hudson wanting to know the Regent's address. Quotes it verbatim as well as her reply. Other talk about other vice regents.

Gives many reasons why she is unable to accept her invitation to visit. Describes a violin for sale supposedly owned by George Washington. Need to appoint good women to be vice regents who will take some of the burden off Laughton's shoulders. Lists many of the things oppressing her.

His company published Lossing's "Mt. Vernon" and would like to republish it at a lower price. He wants to know whether they could make an arrangement with the association for this.

Could not see her as she had strained her ankle. Tells of the impending death of Hattie whose passing will break her mother's heart.

Hopes she is recovering and that she got the muffins she sent her. Hattie Thayer, her niece, died. She had been extremely close to Justine's daughter. Inquires as to her activities.

This is an invitation from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for her to attend the Conference of Regents in October.

Sorry to hear of her illness. Hopes she will soon be better and able to travel to Spain to see Camille and her grandchildren.

(Incomplete letter) Gives him the history of the formation of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.

Discusses an event with some Japanese visitors and being on the balcony overlooking a sea of people. Was most impressed by the Japanese. Looking forward to returning home.

Has been in much neuralgia pain lately. Went to Mount Vernon and was much pleased by the repairs. She and Camille slept in the room occupied by Lafayette when he visited.

Tells him his dismissal from employment at Mount Vernon is solely at the discretion of the superintendent, Mr. Dodge and due to his disregard for directions.

Letter from Harriet Lane Johnston to Jose de Pedroso, a Spanish nobleman married to Camille Berghmans de Pedroso, the daughter of Lily Macalester Berghmans Laughton. In the letter, Mrs. Johnston accepts an invitation to dine with Mr. de Pedroso.

Recommends one of the plans for the wharf, with some modifications. Recommends a roof over a portion of the pier. Design should be plain and serviceable.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Wheatland to Charles Macalester concerning mostly mutual acquaintances, friends, and family. The letter inquires after Lily Macalester Berghmans, Lane's close friend. It is unclear if the letter is addressed to Lily Berghman's father or brother, as both were named Charles Macalester.

Letter from Harriet Lane at Wheatland to Charles Macalester concerning the return of Lily Macalester Berghmans to Philadelphia and a future visit with her. It is unclear if the letter is addressed to Lily Berghman's father or brother, as both were named Charles Macalester.

Tells him what a wonderful idea the acquisition of Mount Vernon in private hands was. Tells of the solicitation of contributions in small sums from the whole people of the United States. Talked of Edward Everett who delivered many addresses on Washington to raise money. Started an endowment fund for the care and maintenance of the grounds. Wishes him to make a contribution toward restoring Washington's tomb.

Pledges to collect $1,000 and hopes each state will do the same. Wishes her good health. (No year on letter. Was maybe 1875 since it refers to upcoming centennial celebrations in 1876)

Appeals to her to keep his job at Mount Vernon.