Land in New Jersey, 1772

Signed by Isaiah Wood as lessor. 14-year term.

Total of $343.25. Cloth in Fredericktown $31.50. One suit of clothes $29.50. Cash paid to Samuel Hilton for boarding and doctor's bill during illness $150.

Letter has illegible postmark, possibly a bill. Addressed to Fairfax at Prince William Occaquan, Virginia.

Washington Johnson married Elizabeth Poston; Frederick County, Maryland

Have not heard further about missing trunk of medicine. Assume it has reached its destination.

Discusses prior and future terms of court and testimony. Testimony given by Mr. Hubbard. Bills and documents to be sent to Doddridge's office.

Mr. Doddridge was not available as expected for testimony; writer doubtful about having case fully prepared for July term.

Various family and social matters. Two Irish men in jail for killing young Mr. Menear.

Five-day stay in Richmond; is concerned about her during her confinement; addressed to her at Dunkard Bottom Cheat River; had sent earlier letter from Romney with $10

Request for information regarding the sale of two [tracts], offers to meet in Pruntytown.

From Col. John Rodeheaver; Battalion Court at Guseman's Store and Franconville.

Rev. Howells is the teacher. "The flame of liberty is extinguished in Greece and Rome but the light of its glowing embers are still bright and strong on the shores of America."

Bottles of liniment and specific were purchased for $.50 each with instructions on their use; how to treat diphtheria with poultice and light diet.

(1) Taxes paid on 626 acres. Signed by J. A. F. Martin. (2) 1847-09-20 Bank of Baltimore Bill of Exchange on W. T. Willey to Bucker Fairfax for $1000. Payable in 6 months to the Order of Thomas S. Haymonds, notarized.

From Richmond. Smallpox vaccination and feeding of cattle and sheep. Note about William Bucklew and Mr. Carroll getting patent in 1839.

Mary Fairfax $7. Louisa Fairfax $5. Baldwin Fairfax $3.18. Balance due $12.53. Notice dated 1847-06-04.

Notice of loan nonpayment. W. T. Willey paid $500. Fairfax owed balance on $1000 as of 1847-09-20

Letter to 6 individuals in Preston County. "For Col. B. Fairfax - He will please aid my nephew in any of my business, Mr. Amaziah Payne." Directs Thomas Brown "to put William Fairfax in possession of the 200 acres of land."

"...act for you in the sale of that land on the south of the river, the 740 and 960 acres."

Makes a liquid and a poultice

General correspondence about family and friends.

Salutation to Louisa. From Richmond. "I hope you are attentive to your school and endeavoring to acquire as much information as possible."

From Falling Spring. Cousins. "You ought to come over to Greenbrier and you and she go to the White Sulphur Springs."

Lee was on Supreme Court of Virginia. Requests Martin to "bring out the books...to Pruntytown for me."

John P. Byrne, Clerk. Judgment that Serpell is indebted to Sanders for $88.50. Sheriff will sell the attached property, but matter was continued to next March term.

From Magnolia Plantation, St. Charles Parish. Long and tedious trip, having left Frankford Oct. 19. "All of my acquaintances lost no time in calling on me." "We have some cholera yet."

Inquiring about family and friends. Mentions that she had communicated that a number of weddings were to take place on the [South] Branch [of the Potomac] this fall and regrets that he could have no part in them.

From Zanesville. "I suppose you have heard of that dreadful murder in Paterson, N.J. Judge Van Winkle and his wife were both murdered."

From Grimes Hotel. "We marched with a bold front up the Allegheny, expecting to meet a tremendous snow storm...but were disappointed." Other family and friends news.

General correspondence about family and friends.

General news including new Kingwood lawyer to be married in the spring.

List of buyers and sellers. Horses, livestock, carriages, wagons. Signature of J. A. F. Martin.

One of Aunt Jacob's sons accidentally shot himself. Uncle Biggs in Harrison County to buy cattle.

General correspondence from daughter

Comfort, an older Black woman, died after long illness. Rest of family in moderate health.

Plans for trip to Romney. John A. F. Martin will probably meet them in Romney and "you had better go home with him."

Mother wants sister and her to go home as session is half out. Mr. M says a $30 fee would be owed if leaving early. Louisa asks her father what to do.

Needs his horse to get to Fairfax house and meet with people in Kingwood

Gift of hand-stitched bookmarks, one embroidered using human hair. Her mother would rather see him than any relative she has in the world.

Apologizes for cold behavior to her yesterday. Hopes to see her during the week. Was unable to speak with her father about their announcements and October 19, but did write her father a letter that day.

Attended lively candidate session with voters. Describes church service during which preacher read and preached exhaustively all 29 verses in Matthew, Chapter 1.

Aunt Betsy started for Morgantown during prior week. Uncle and his wife will return with Aunt Betsy. Difficulty in doing laundry and has no flour or bread.

Has spent a pleasant week with Buckner. Dinner at David Freelans included fine hog, sauerkraut and 2 excellent glasses of milk in company with Buckner.

Buckner came to Aunt's, and John and Buckner walked around the farm. Seated under a large tree, John asked Buckner "for [Louisa's] hand in wedlock and he granted my request without a moment's hesitancy." "My cup is full and overflowing." "Accept my most ardent love my dear."

Spoke to aunt [Buckner's wife] about engagement and she thought he was joking. Later she "remarked that as we made our beds so we had to lie." Suggests October 19 as wedding date and then they can travel to the Maryland States Exhibition.

For Room 58. Each receipt for 2 shirts and collars.

Announcements of coach services available from the hotel to the railroad and steamboat landings.

Serving in House of Delegates. Governor Johnson's wife passed away in Harrison County and governor has not returned to Richmond. Boarding house room is $8 per week and is comfortable. Has already spent $53 on expenses. Asks whether she will come to Richmond at the close of the session to spend Christmas there. He had written her 4 letters but hasn't received any replies.

3-cent postage stamp on letter. Many requisitions to Committee of Roads & Internal Navigation for extension and increase of capital stock. Some members want to swell the state debt.

Very happy to receive her letter, but upset to hear that she cries in his absence. Have formed acquaintance with a few delegates and senators. Is sharing a room at Monument House with 3 others.

Forty enslaved Africans sold at auction. A man sold for $1200. A woman for $1100. "Was shocking to see the traders examining the women, stripping them naked, feeling them all over to see if they are sound." Attended wine party held by newly elected brigadier general of 7th Brigade. Also, went with Uncle Isaac to see the Governor.

Has noticed the fashions: -- all kinds of bonnets, with trains taking the lead; capes and mantillas extending over the shoulders. Family news and Major William B. Zinn is there. Uncle Isaac Parsons attending session and "the members are rather a good looking crowd of men."

Saw General Jackson's equestrian statue in Washington City, and the book and pictures sent to her are a perfect likeness. "To my very heart am I sorry that I am situated so that I can't be with you to comfort you."

Have not received the draft. Baldwin was hurt when going down Piedmont Hill by jumping off a 10-wheeled engine after a connecting rod on the drive wheel broke and it flew near where he stood.

Everything going slowly and not sure whether will adjourn at end of 90 days. Have passed two turnpike bills and one railroad bill that week. Will not be surprised if the appropriations are as extravagant as last session. Will send the February issue of Goody's Ladies Book soon with fashions that are more full than any he has seen.

Happy to receive her letters. Concerned about her health. If get sick and think he should come home, let him know. Questions why Baldwin would expose himself to danger as brakeman in railroad job. Staying at the Madison and Mr. Shackleford, brother of the senator, is his roommate.

Intend to write Wednesdays and Saturdays. Some bills dealing with internal improvements have made it to 2nd reading. Have mailed 2 Lady's Books but did not examine them 1st. Ole Bull is in city and producing excitement with his musical talent. Saw 2 English Bealewell sheep on exhibit with wool 36" long and shears in rolls ready for spinning.

Notice that 73 of his constituents have signed a memorial in favor of the principles of the State Temperance Convention and requests that he inform the House of Delegates. Signed by Lucian Minor.

Pleased that she is weaving a blanket, but be careful of her health because it is toilsome labor and when going between buildings in the cold. Gragg has gone to school and must work hard. Baldwin sent his carpet sack to Piedmont by passenger train but he went on a different one. Recent hog butchered must have provided many tasty cuts of meat.

If own the old Taylor place, Martin wants to have the use of it this season to make a living. Legislative matters re: little accomplished, but the improvement party may come to a compromise and is bound to be on a large scale. Get that gray mare from Cobun that you bought for $38.75 but haven't received; suggestions on strategy to get the mare. Uncle Isaac says no appropriation for the Alexandria Loudon & Hampshire Road this session. Problem with land purchase by Donnella from Christian Stone about 20 years ago but later court action involved Marquess and now Baldwin owns that land. Please examine records to find out if true.

Discusses current and possible routes of transportation including Staunton to Parkersburg Turnpike and the Clarksburg and Buckhannon Pike. His neighbors want a route through their area.

Has sore throat and slept for last 3 nights with sock pinned around it. Johnson, 1st auditor, resigned and Democrats nominated George Clutter. Explains Baldwin's accident on train and that he was badly stunned but not dangerously hurt and had gone home. Letter from Gragg says she has taken up seven studies. May visit Gragg In Winchester after session ends if Louisa thinks that would be better than going straight home. Pneumonia going around but not smallpox like 3 weeks before.

Post Script (P.S.) to previous letter. Letters crossed in the mail about Baldwin. Glad that Louisa's cold is improving. Not sure of seriousness of Baldwin's condition because Buckner had planned to go after him.

Saw a magnificent exhibition of fireworks at the armory - millions of light sparks. The Philadelphia Company was in the city and were very popular with crowds swarming around them. May adjourn in 1 week. Many bills have not passed, so "have done but little."

Visited Charlottesville and University of Virginia, has 12 professors and 480 male students. "I feel proud to own it as a Virginia institution." It was founded by the "illustrious" Jefferson and is in sight of Monticello. Stayed with Mr. McCoy and Dr. Bill Allen and families. Attended Joseph Anderson's party with plenty of champagne and oysters.

Discusses her upcoming childbirth and are happy with either a girl or boy. "You will necessarily want many things that you did not think of when I was at home, and I wish you to make out a list in your next letter and send it to me and what will be necessary for the newcomer."

Aunt is also expecting a child soon. Louisa says she "has grown to be as large as all outdoors," and he is to come home and purchase new clothes for her. He will most willingly comply.

Governor "invited about 40 of us to see & sup with him last night." Served soup, fish, turkey & oysterspie, and dessert of ice cream with preserved oranges float. Great deal of wine and champagne, so a jolly party. No women there. Several turnpike and bridge bills have passed. Alexandria Loudon & Hampshire Railroad will be voted on next week. Charles S. Moran elected as superintendent of penitentiary after long battle. A letter from Baldwin expressed ill humor because John advised him to leave the railroad.

Sympathy message (from his father) after Louisa's death.

Marriage is intended between Elizabeth and Asbury. List of her real and personal property. Certain property transferred to Buckner in trust, but remains in control of Elizabeth until marriage is solemnized. Disposition of property at each spouse's death. Trust shall continue if Buckner dies 1first. No signatures or date on 5-page document.

Is a question about matrimony in which Sophia is involved and a promise to a neighbor's daughter of a bonnet. Come soon to resolve it.

[Letter mostly illegible] Invitation to an exhibition and request to "bring some of the young gents."

Amounts spent for legislative session on newspapers, Goody's magazine, umbrella, laundry, legislative guide, postage stamps, clothing, etc. 7 pages. Poem: - "Oh carry me back to my childhood home, When the ocean surges roar, Where the billows dash on a rockbound coast, And moan forever more.....Twould ease my pain to hear her voice, When death had darkened my eye....O carry me home to die."

Request to examine muster rolls of Indian Wars of 1791-96 in the companies commanded by Captains Dudley Evans, John Evans and John Dent to establish whether certain privates served. Also, property sold in 1845 for unpaid taxes was contrary to Code of Virginia. Wants a correction carried out through the General Assembly.

(1) In House of Delegates in next General Assembly of Virginia. Provides his credentials and states "...the office of Doorkeeper will pay well, and I shall be thankful for it. I want to spend one winter in Richmond at the public expense." (2) Circular for Constitutional Convention's candidate dated 1850-06-15 providing Haymond's views on the constitutional issues.

"Much doubt seems to be entertained as to the safety of our Union; some seem to be of the opinion that a war between the North and South is not far distant. God forbid that our once happy states should soon or late dip their fingers in each others blood though come what may let us be prepared for the worst." 13" Thirteen inches of snow since last Saturday and 3-15" of ice on the canal and river. All have been on sleighs pulled by mules and horses and have somewhat a frozen appearance.

Includes envelope. Working on transformation of acceptance into state bonds. Will provide copy of report of B P Work if available but don't think there is.

Must come to talk with Sophia because you have more influence with her. William is dreadfully disturbed because some have convinced him that Sophia is in the family way. Don't believe that she is. Her cousin Alessander Martin has said mean things.

Has sold the 100 acres he selected to two Mr. Rhodes of Taylor County. Will keep bonds of Herndon and Arnold until Byrne comes. Had a fair season for all kinds of grain.

Can send seed corn if provide address and person to receive it. Have been very unwell since coming home, but am now much better.

Dr. Bones would like as much butter as you have. Tell Toll that Suse says that it's time she is married.

Extensive letter conveying family news.

Bill of Goods for muslin, candle wicks, hair brush, hat, fur cape and other items. $6.06 charges all paid.

For iron plow, nails, glass and freight $25.44. Other items $.90. Paid in full.

Dodge wants the stoves from Mr. Fairfax because it's time to haul them soon. Mr. Brown is also going to haul things shortly. On lined paper.

Smith Crane, Clerk of Preston County, affirms that General Buckner Fairfax affirmed his support for the Constitution of the United States.

$5 charge for 6 left hand iron center points. Was shipped to Portland from Fairmont, W. Va.

(1) Receipt from J. W. Brown for $100 from Buckner for the use of Miss E. L. Fairfax. (2) 1863 December 19 receipt on Monmouth Mutual Fire Insurance policy no. 8118 to Samuel Whitney, debtor. Israel Lowning, Collector. Premium note of $21.25. Portion assessed is $1.68 to cover company losses and expenses.

Glad to receive your letter. James Brown came for Kate and her on Saturday evening, and they did not return home until Tuesday morning. Miss Caldwell gave a party on Tuesday but she and Kate did not go.

Journal and cash book with information on purchases of fodder, lodging, costs, etc. Note states that the 4 girls (Adaline Baker, Louisa S. Fairfax, Jemima A. Parsons, Elizabeth M. Vadiver) are not to get mad at each other or show their temper in the least.

After the song lyrics: "I cannot tell the reason but I really want a wife. And every body tells me 'tis the happiest thing in life....Tedela Tedela Tedela..."

Accounting class notes; rules dealing with principal and interest, etc.

Prepared by A. I. Blosser, Practical Phrenologist. Shows scores or rankings for domestic propensities, dramatic acting, authorship, mathematics and other aspects of his faculties.

Handwritten listing of historic American events in 1497, 1607, 1620 through Revolutionary War & important battles.

Due from Fairfax $164.71. Five men listed on note: William Johnson, John Wilson, Samuel R. Trowbridge, Jacob Snyder, William McCoy. "A true copy."

Buckner Fairfax - eight-year subscription beginning 1850-11-04 to Richmond Examiner, $40; State Mutual Fire & Marine Ins. Co. policy beginning 1854-11-05, $20. John A. F. Martin, $1.88 for 1 gallon of peach brandy from Dudley & Co., Philadelphia, 1854-01-27. George Ashton's 1845 county tax receipt for $.63 for 626 acres and $.1575 for road tax, total of $.7875, undated.

Charles N. Parker, Dealer in All Goods Usually Sold in Country Stores. Established 1851. Blank letterhead, blank order sheets, blank receipt - total of 6 items.

James Morgan, David Morgan, Abraham Sutton and 8 others are listed and a long list of household items such as tea kettle, milk ladles, buckets, etc. plus 11 head of sheep and 30 bushels of rye. "List of men subject to be enrolled as militiamen." List of men presumed to be under Cols. J.A.F. Martin and R.E. Ewan.

Listing of officers, soldiers and companies.

Two empty envelopes to John A. F. Martin; two to Buckner Fairfax; and two to Susan L. Fairfax/Martin. Advertisement for Capt. H. P. Stewart's Kidney Herb. Doc. No. 17, Brandonville, VA, 1854 October 30 re: Brandonville, Kingwood and Evansville turnpike road company. Also, Doc. No. 17 Buchanan and Bedford Turnpike Company, 1854 November 23, report signed by W.R. Drinkard, Esq. and Wm. W. Boyd.