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