The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

no date

Archer, Robert (fl. 1840)

Autograph document signed

Title: to the governor & council of the state of Virginia

Regarding the present Quarantine establishment located on Tanners Creek 7 miles from Norfolk, acquisition and decrepit condition of the property and structures thereon, inability to bring boats up creek due to low-level of water, possible better sites, example of situation where new site could have been put to good use. Archer petitions the Virginia government for a quarantine area, with the example of "a vessel arrives, freighted if I may use the expression yellow fever; her crew lingering off a miserable existence, insulated by a cargo of animal and vegetable putrefaction." Dr. Archer had...

GLC01896.011

31 May 1842

Archer, Robert (fl. 1840)

Typed document

Title: Report to the State Board of Agriculture on Elizabeth City County

Transcript of original from the "Farmers' Register," Vol. 10, p. 335-339. Concerning the geography and climate of Virginia, the state's agricultural characteristics, soil composition, types of crops grown, planting and cultivationg instructions, farming instruments, livestock, and the faultiness of the state's labor production and its effects on both the economy and society.

GLC01896.012

6 March 1847

Maxwell, William (1784-1857)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Robert Archer

Regarding "...meeting of the Executive Committee of our Virginia Historical & Philosophical Society, the following resolution was adopted, on the matter of [illegible] Capt. [illegible] H. Ellis..." Also, includes the Society's request for Archer to prepare a description and historical account of Fort George, on Old Point Comfort, Va. Maxwell, a Yale-educated attorney, was a noted poet and President of Hampden-Sidney College in Virginia.

GLC01896.013

22 March 1847

Archer, Robert (fl. 1840)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Maxwell

Response to previous letter regarding the Virginia Historical & Philosophical Society, providing a description and historical account of Fort George, on Old Point Comfort, Va. The fort was first ordered built in 1629-30 by Sir John Henry, Govenor of Virginia. "The work was called Fort George. The front lines only and part of the flanks are now tracable. The rear lines having been obliterated by the excavation of the ditch of Fort Monroe."

GLC01896.014

12 June 1858

Jeffery, Roberta (fl. 1850-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Regarding his bad headaches and the well being of the children, a party given for them, Archer's handling of the farm, death of aquaintance [Sandie Parker] from paralysis of the spine.

GLC01896.015

20 May 1856

Dobbin, James Cochran (1814-1857)

Document signed

Title: [Request for examination by the board of Naval Engineers]

Requests that Archer report to Daniel B. Martin, Esq., Chief Engineer, to be examined by the Board of Engineers. The form is to be given to the care of J.R. Anderson, Esqr., Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Document co-signed by Daniel B. Martin on 1856/06/02 when Archer reported, and again on 1856/06/20 when Martin signed for Archer's discharge. Dobbin was secretary of the Navy (1853-1857) under Franklin Pierce.

GLC01896.016

31 January 1858

Archer, Robert (fl. 1840)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Three separate entries [one written by Robert Archer, another by Frances Archer, and the third by an unidentified writer which is incomplete] to their son, Edward, all written on the same date. Mr. Archer writes of his son's arrival in Madina, happenings at home, recent births, Mrs. Archer's return from Norfolk, family news, hard times for business, ship building, and changing of personnel as ship commander and chief, respectively. Mrs. Archer writes of her two month stay in Norfolk with Edward's sister, a newly acquired housekeeper, his niece, parties in Norfolk, health of family friends...

GLC01896.023

7 August 1858

Jeffery, Roberta (fl. 1850-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Archer

Astonishment and joy over Sue's marriage to William [Jones], the sentiments of Kate, Sally, and Dr. A., news of family and friends, construction of a new Catholic church, Richard [Jeffery]'s request for Chinese pegs and Edward's bad fortune in love with Miss Tyler: "...[she] is married so you have lost your chance there." Also, writes that she knows he is "...surrounded by temptations [prostitution?] & I pray God you may have strength given you to resist them manfully."

GLC01896.024

1859

Wood, William W. W. (d.1882)

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: General Orders for the Engineers Department of the U.S.S. Sloop "Lancaster"

The General Orders includes 7 articles regarding duties assigned according to rank, 19 articles on day-to-day operations and procedures, and orders while "In Port," "At Sea - Steaming," "At Sea - Not Steaming," "Coming to," "Loading Ship," and orders regarding "Lights." Signed on docket by Wood, Chief Engineer. Wood, a pioneer of the steam Navy, oversaw construction of the Merrimac. He later served as engineer and Chief of the Navy and reached the rank of commodore.

GLC01896.025

6 October 1858

Unknown

Document

Title: to Edward R. Archer, Esqr.

Envelope is addressed to "E.R. Archer, 3rd Assit. Engineer, U.S.S. Steam Ship Powhatan, Hong Kong, China. / Care of [illegible] Speiden, Naval Store [illegible] / Answered Jan'y 14th/[18]59." Reverse: "Written 6th Octr. / Rcd. 29th December/[18]58 / Whampon, China." Multiple postmarks and stamps, the earliest postmark being 1858/10/06 and the latest 1858/12/25.

GLC01896.026

no date

Woodlief, Anne (ca. 1793- 1860)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Expressing shock over Aaron's choice to become a student. She did not think he was "earnest enough to be willing to use the self denial that will be necessary in order to be a student," but says she will no longer oppose his decision. Offers Aaron advice about studying, including practicing his Latin, and suggestions for a place to stay.

GLC01896.027

26 July 1859

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Anne Jeffery]

Death of Mary Williamson and her expensive funeral, request for Ann to serve on the administration needed in order to sell Williamson's property, and his inability to visit Ann. Letter is written on stationary with a printed letterhead reading: "Office of Tredegar Iron Works."

GLC01896.028

10 August 1859 to 5 October 1860

Unknown

Manuscript

Title: [Receipt for account settlements]

"To fee for settlement of your account." List of 9 separate accounts including: names of account holders, amount paid in dollars, and the date at which the amount was paid.

GLC01896.029

29 August 1859

City, George W. (fl. 1850-1859)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Thanks and praise from the Chief Engineer to Archer for his good service while working together. "It affords me great pleasure to be able to state that...the assistance you so cheerfully rendered at all times, your high professional attainments evinced, your unquestionably moral character and thoroughly correct deportment in all respects have merited not only my highest approbation but a sincere wish for your speedy promotion."

GLC01896.030

29 August 1859

Semmes, Alexander (1825-1885)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Praise from a lieutenant serving on the steamer "Soeyman" for Archer for his good service. "It gives me pleasure to State that your correct department, your qualifications for, and attention to, your duties during the time & over three months you have been under my command, were such as to merit my highest approbation." Semmes was a cousin of Confederate naval hero Raphael Semmes. Alexander Semmes stayed loyal to the Union, commanding vessels in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron throughout the war. He was promoted to captain in 1873. Semmes was with the East Indian Squadron at the time of...

GLC01896.031

14 January 1860

Jeffery, Roberta (fl. 1850-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Edward R. Archer]

Regarding events that occured in the summer and fall last including: in June, the death of their cousin, Mary Williamson, and also of "Lucy's Jesse," Roberta giving birth to another girl, Archer's marriage in July, Kate's bout with Typhoid fever in August, "...which took out all her hair so that on Nov. 2d she was pretty nearly a bald bride." Roberta goes on to say that Archer remarried "to settle up Mr. Masons; affairs," who had died in October. Her father along with Terry Flurry [?] became members of the "home guards" and Archer's son became captain of one of the new companies. Also, writes...

GLC01896.032

27 April 1860

City, George W. (fl. 1850-1859)

Letter

Title: to J.B. Montgomery

To Flag Officer J.B. Montgomery, Commanding Pacific Squadron. Requesting letters of recommendation needed by Assistant Engineers Archer, City, and Dungan to present to the Board of Examing Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress, a letter of recommendation is needed from the ship's commander that the assistant engineer served on when going before the board. However, such a letter was not possible due to the sudden detachment from the U.S.S. Frigate "Roanoke" at Boston which the three assistants had served on until that time. Indicates on the upper left hand corner that this...

GLC01896.033

28 April 1860

Montgomery, John Berrien (1794-1872)

Letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Response to Archer's request for a letter of recommendation needed to present to the Board of Examing Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress, a letter of recommendation is needed from the ship's commander that the assistant engineer served on when going before the board. However, such a letter was not possible due to the sudden detachment from the U.S.S. Frigate "Roanoke" at Boston which Archer had served on under Montgomery's command until that time. "...[I]t gives me now, great pleasure in assuring you of my entire approval of your whole conduct as an officer and a...

GLC01896.034

8 August 1860

Shock, William H. (fl. 1855-1860)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E.R. Archer

Two letters, one from Chief Engineer Shock and the other from Captain Pearson, regarding Archer's decision to resign his position as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Both men express their regret about his decision but laud him with praise for his excellent service under their respective commands. Shock was a pioneer in the steam Navy and rose to become engineer in chief of the US Navy. George F. Pearson (1796-1867) was captain of the Powhatan. He rose to the rank of rear admiral.

GLC01896.035

20 August 1860

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Toucey

Notification of having received letter granting leave of absence from Toucey. "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my detachment, granting me a leave of Absence of three months from the 16th August." Marked "copy" in upper left corner.

GLC01896.037

26 September 1860

Goodwin, Mary Francis (fl. 1855-1889)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Roberta Jeffery

Written by Roberta's sister. Regarding the death of Roberta's baby and the ordeal she had to undego as a result. "...[A]nother of our band of dear little ones is foreve safe from the trials, dangers & temptations of this wicked world!...[You] must only try & feel submission to the will of God who has seen fit in so short a time to take two from you to heaven..." Continues on, further putting the death of Roberta's child in religious context, and encouraging Roberta in her time of distress.

GLC01896.039

27 September 1860

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Toucey

Notification of having received from Toucey orders to report for duty in Philadelphia, and decision to decline promotion in order to resign from service. "...I respectfully decline it, having determined to engage in private business, I therefore tender you my resignation as 3rd Asst. Engr..." Marked "copy" in upper left corner.

GLC01896.040

27 September 1860

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Archibald

Explaining reasons for his resignation to the Engineer in Chief of the U.S. Navy, and pride felt of serving in the Engineer Corps. "Since my return from the East Indies, in the "Powhatan", I have determined to pursue a private life with a view of advancing my own interest as well as that of my employees."

GLC01896.041

13 November 1860

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Expresses his disapproval of a possible appointment to office from Abraham Lincoln who has been elected president, the conflict between North and South, his advice to prepare for the worst and to hold above all else the fundamental principle of self-preservation. "...do not put any obtruction in the way, as far as your influence is concerned in making all preparations for the defense of our portion of the country..." Richard also expresses his belief that Lincoln's administration will fall apart in the first six months for he cannot possibly hold together both the conservative and progressive...

GLC01896.045

10 April 1861

Boyden, E. (fl. 1855-1860)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Expressing strong sympathies to Aaron for the death of Aaron's mother, Anne Woodlief Jeffery.

GLC01896.046

11 August 1861

Eldridge, William (fl. 1855-1861)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Eldridge

Regarding: Hardships and suffering of military life, poor mail delivery as he does not receive letters sent from home very often and vice versa, and an anecdote about a young boy originally a Yankee [from New Jersey] who joined the regiment after the Battle of Manassas. Also, expresses belief that he will be home by Christmas.

GLC01896.048

4 October 1862

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Has decided to leave Greensborough and go to Wilmington to "attend the sick" in that city, acknowledging that he is leaving his post without permission but rationalizes his behavior with the contention that his request must have "miscarried" in the mails. Richard was a surgeon in the U.S. Navy before the war.

GLC01896.049

9 October 1862

Jeffery, Roberta (fl. 1850-1900)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fanny Timberlake

Roberta describes her family's nighttime escape from Norfolk to Petersburg, aboard a baggage car, and then there further traveling to Richmond, Lynchburg and Buchanan. Includes a description of accommodations and prices of goods in Petersburg and an account of the family's eventual return to Richmond. Includes news about battle deaths and quick anectdotes. In pencil on the wrapper of the letter is a note from Aaron Jeffery to his cousin [Fanny] begging her to tell him the state of "my affairs" and bemoaning the news that the "servants" are "behaving badly about the care of the household." He...

GLC01896.050

3 April 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Richard reports on his arrival in the city of Charleston and finds it "...much more quiet than I supposed they would be." He asserts that the people believe that the Yankees will not attack the city and that they are going about "their ordinary pursuits" as if war was a distant prospect.

GLC01896.051

20 April 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Concerning information about his unexpected transfer from Charleston to Savannah where "...my responsibilities are greater & the means of meeting them less..." Discusses the anti-climactic Union attack on Charleston including the unimpressive performance of Federal ironclads, and requests information about the family and news of Hill in North Carolina. Also, expresses his fears that either Gen. Bragg's [Army of the Tennessee] or Johnston's [Army of the Mississippi] forces will encounter the numerically superior army of Grant's in Tennessee, and be forced to abandon Vicksburg. Letter is...

GLC01896.052

5 June 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Positive analysis on the ability of General Pemberton to command at Vicksburg, the defense of which is, maintains Richard , "...a defence of the obstinacy of the President..." He consequently tears into the newspaper editors and the gulible, ignorant masses. Robert heatedly discusses Yankee foraging and destruction of Southern property and finishes with speculating on the how much longer the war will last. He believes that the war will continue unabated until it is brought onto Northern soil, and is accompanied by the destruction of Northern property. He forecasts an invasion by Gen. Lee's...

GLC01896.053

11 June 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Musing about the meaning of Vicksburg, Jeffrey maintains that Grant will have to "whip" both Pemberton and Johnston before he can get anywhere. Continues with a long indictment of the Yankees and the observation that "they are now enlisting negroes for their army which is a good sign, as it is certain that they cannot get whites & is some evidence of their weakness & desperation." [Partial transcript available.]

GLC01896.054

28 July 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Requesting that the family "...write often, for my anxiety is very great at times, & a letter does relieve it much." Richard speaks of the physical stress he has been undergoing, reflects pessimistically on the value and fate of the of Charleston to the Yankees as compared to the losses of other cities, and the sorry state of Savannah should that city come under siege. Note: Asks Aaron to subscribe to a Richmond newspaper of his choice. [Partial transcript available.]

GLC01896.055

11 August 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Reprimanding Aaron for not writing more frequently--"...in reason of your long silence I am sometimes very uneasy." Richard continues to address the resistance of Charleston and the placing of heavy artillery guns mounted in front of Fort Wagner which will soon be within range of Fort Sumter. He hopes that Gen. Lee is receiving reinforcements, analyzes an article written by Aaron and suggests adding in a discussion of the "no [sic] nothing affair" and differences between the Puritan and the Catholic churches. Inquires if their are enough supporting troops in supporting distance of Richmond....

GLC01896.056

25 August 1863

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel J. Harrison

Application for the position of Chief Engineer "on board the steamer to be commanded by Captain Dacey Va Volunteer Navy." Lists qualifications, former service record, and references enclosed testimonials of his qualifications. Docket on verso: "Application for Appointment in the Vol. Navy Aug 25th/63". Harrison was president of the Virginia Volunteer Navy Company. Marked "copy" in upper left hand corner.

GLC01896.057

25 August 1863

Anderson, Joseph R. (1813-1892)

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Recommendation for E.R. Archer]

Recommendation and certification of Archer's qualifications as a machinist written by J. R. Anderson, owner of the Tredegar works [on Tredegar Iron Works letterhead]. Pencil notation on verso: "letter of J R Anderson & Co Certifying my qualifications as Eng. [illegible] for Vol Navy". Anderson, a Confederate Brigadier General, resigned his position in 1862 to serve in ordinance.

GLC01896.058

31 August 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Sends Aaron $5 to cover the cost for a subscription to the "Centinel" for him, and Robert's inability to advance $100 or more to him due to the high costs of food, lodging and particularly clothing in Savannah. Jeffrey apologizes to Aaron and explains that that what "...in ordinary times would have cost 50 or 60 Doll[ar]s...I wil pay almost 200 for them [now]..." Also, comments on traitors operating covertly in Savanah, the Yankees having a heavy artillery gun that is shelling Charleston, and hopes that General Bragg's Army of the Tennessee is larger than reported.

GLC01896.059

22 September 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne [Jeffery]

Promises Anne that he will repay his overdue debt to her, and then goes on to muse on the fortunes of the war in the wake of Gen. Braxton Bragg's victory [Battle of Chickamauga]. He points out early Confederate victories at Mannassas and Big Bethel and the North's inability to find a successful commanding general for the western Federal army as evidence of major Yankee failures. Jeffery asserts that each time the Yankees have come into the South, they have been soundly "whipped", adding "...now that 'luck has changed' we may hope that success will follow success..." on to victory by wearing...

GLC01896.060

23 September 1863

Harrison, Samuel J. (fl. 1855-1863)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Steven R. Mallory

Letter of introduction and requesting permission for Edward R. Archer to go before a tribunal examination. "The bearer, Mr. E.R. Archer has been duly appointed by the Board of Directors of this company (Virginia Volunteer Navy Company) 1st Assistant Engineer, and we propose to send him with Captain Stiles, who will go abroad on our business about the 1st Proximo. You will please do us the favor to permit him to go before the proper tribunal for examination." Dockets on verso show that Archer was examined for the position of First Assistant Engineer by Chief Engineer Quinn at the Richmond Naval...

GLC01896.061

26 September 1863

Mallory, Stephen R. (1813-1873)

Letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Certifies Archer's examination and commissioned appointment as First Assistant Engineer in the Virginia Volunteer Navy.

GLC01896.062

26 September 1863

Seddon, James A. (1815-1880)

Letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Letter of transit written for Archer granting him permission to sail from any Confederate port to Europe. Written on offical paper with "Confederate States of America, War Department" letterhead. Seddon was Confederate secretary of war. On the attached integral leaf is an autograph endorsement signed by William Henry Chase Whiting (1824-1865), a Confederate major general who, at the time, was in charge of keeping open the port of Wilmington, North Carolina.

GLC01896.063

2 November 1863

Palacios, Cipriano (fl. 1850-1860)

Document signed

Title: [Passport] [in Spanish]

Passport, in Spanish, granted to Edward R. Archer for travel without hindrance from Nassau to Havana aboard "la Goleta Lola." Green Spanish stamp on verso with docket. Palacios was Mexican consul in the Bahamas. Written from the Port of Nassau, in the Bahamas.

GLC01896.064

6 November 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron [Jeffery]

Requests that Aaron always write "...as fully as you did in the last letter," and praises him for deciding not to take Ann out of school to save money. Richard promises that as soon as he is able he will send money to help the family out--enclosing twenty dollars in this letter. He admits that his "extravagance and high prices" have kept him from saving any of his pay. Goes on to speculate that the "Yankees will demolish Sumter if they can but thus far their ability has not been equal to their desire," even though their artillery daily kills and wounds some of the garrison. Richard frets...

GLC01896.065

15 November 1863

Archer, William M. (fl. 1863)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Annie [Jeffery]

Archer writes on a Sunday morning "when you are all at church listening to Dr. Minnigerade..." to remind Annie of her repeated promises that he'll "never see the form of [her] handwriting again this year...," and for this reason he is writing home for the first time. He continues with a description of his Confederate camp near the Orange County depot, it being the "prettiest" he has stayed in "for many a 'coons age'". William says that he and his comrades dread having to leave their comfortable shelters but admits that "...all must expect such in circumstances as long as there is a Yankee...

GLC01896.066

7 March 1864

Jeffery, Aaron (fl. 1855-1864)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Robert W. Jeffery]

Greatly relieved to have finally heard from Richard, Aaron Jeffery writes a battle account of the "fight of which you enquire" which he had been involved in "accidentally." The Armory Battalion, to which he was attached, initially pushed back Yankee pickets but was then surprise-attacked by a much larger body of 500 or 600 infantry and dismounted cavalrymen, and the Armory Battalion broke and retreated. Later, however, the Confederates were reinforced by another battalion and two Virginia regiments and managed to push back the Federals. Mentions poor condition of his battalion from lack of...

GLC01896.067

24 March 1864

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Seeking information about Grant's anticipated attack on Richmond, Richard is particularly interested in what his brother thinks might happen and in how local opinion is running. Jeffery expresses his hope that the attack will "...end as have all their other attempts heretofore." He then goes on to talk about Confederate victories in Florida and Generals Morgan and Longstreet peformances. He discusses Longstreet's Tennessee Campaign, his failure to capture Knoxville, and the poor conduct of Confederate soldiers there. Requests subscriptions to several outside newspapers so that he can be...

GLC01896.068

16 July 1864

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Richard apologizes for the delay in answering Aaron's last letter noting that the break in the mails kept him from getting a letter dated 29 June until 15 July. Richard hopes that the family is safe now that Grant's campaign against Richmond has failed and that "...the future efforts of the enemy will all be vain..." Mentions high expectations for General Early's and Johnston's campaigns. Concludes with a series of questions about whether letters and telegraphs have been received. "Let me know if you still are in the field & how long a time you have spent in it. I am very uneasy about you...

GLC01896.069

6 October 1864

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Thanks for the bolt of cloth that Aaron sent, but maintains that he has enough clothes and that it would have been better used for the children. Hopes that Sherman "...will at last be outgeneralled & that his army will be entirely destroyed,...[and] that Grant will fail before Richmond...so we will have peace." Adds that Early continues to make up lost ground and push Sheridan even more.

GLC01896.070

8 January 1865

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Archer writes to his mother, Frances, from England where he has sailed in the steamer C. S. S. Hawk in order to sell it at auction. His spirits are very low as he discusses the damage done by the failure of the "scheme to establish the V[irginia]. V[olunteer]. N[avy]." and says he desires to defend his role in the matter. Furthermore, he makes repeated references to H. [Samuel Harrison, President of the Board of the Volunteer Virginia Navy] who has apparently vanished. Lamenting that he is almost broke, he borrowed money to pay his expenses in Bermuda, and has "one and sixpence just enough...

GLC01896.071

14 January 1865

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father

Archer announces that the "Hawk" has been sold at public auction for a little more than ten thousand pounds, leaving a balance of more than five thousand pounds outstanding to cover travel costs. A ship built for a "particular" purpose [blockade running], the Hawk would require a complete refit to be useable by the buyer and that, Archer asserts, depressed the price. Most of the letter continues the theme of his previous letter to his mother in which he refers to his father [GLC 1896.071]. Archer claims that he is totally broke and informs Edward that he is going to use the proceeds of his...

GLC01896.072