The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

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