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Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 5533

Staff Only

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [?], draft fragment, discusses America's options in relation to the current war between Great Britain and France, suggesting that the war is forcing American minds against the government. The question, in Nicholas's mind, is whether it is better for America to go to war against one [Great Britain] or both of the countries., 1812 May 15

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106555
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [?], draft fragment, discusses America's options in relation to the current war between Great Britain and France, suggesting that the war is forcing American minds against the government. The question, in Nicholas's mind, is whether it is better for America to go to war against one [Great Britain] or both of the countries., 1812 May 15

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [ ? ], draft fragment, discusses some financial business related to George Nicholas's estate (so after 1799) and General Samuel Smith., undated

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106984
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [ ? ], draft fragment, discusses some financial business related to George Nicholas's estate (so after 1799) and General Samuel Smith., undated

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [ ? ], draft fragment, discusses the recommendation of a member of the Council that General [John Hartwell] Cocke's Brigade be discharged due to the danger of epidemic disease spreading and the improbability of the enemy making an attack at this season of the year. However, Nicholas has received the report of Cocke about the condition of his men with no deaths in the last twelve days, and he has decided not to discharge that brigade. The conditions at Charles City Courthouse were severe enough that he has decided to discharge those troops because of a "dangerous and unknown fever." He has received reports that the British forces at St. Mary's are estimated between 1,000 to 3,000 men and that they have reports that between 8,000 to 10, 000 British troops have disembarked at New Orleans, and believes that Virginia cannot afford to diminish its defense forces., [circa 1814-1815?]

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106948
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [ ? ], draft fragment, discusses the recommendation of a member of the Council that General [John Hartwell] Cocke's Brigade be discharged due to the danger of epidemic disease spreading and the improbability of the enemy making an attack at this season of the year. However, Nicholas has received the report of Cocke about the condition of his men with no deaths in the last twelve days, and he has decided not to discharge that brigade. The conditions at Charles City Courthouse were severe enough that he has decided to discharge those troops because of a "dangerous and unknown fever." He has received reports that the British forces at St. Mary's are estimated between 1,000 to 3,000 men and that they have reports that between 8,000 to 10, 000 British troops have disembarked at New Orleans, and believes that Virginia cannot afford to diminish its defense forces., [circa 1814-1815?]

[Wilson Cary Nicholas] to [?], fragment, indicates that thirty- one stands of arms and ammunition will be given to the receiver to be distributed to the regiment., 1807 May 15

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106494
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / [Wilson Cary Nicholas] to [?], fragment, indicates that thirty- one stands of arms and ammunition will be given to the receiver to be distributed to the regiment., 1807 May 15

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [G. Fisher], discusses Nicholas's frustration with the prolonged issues and the continuing developments in regard to the execution of George Nicholas's debts and the acquisition of a loan., 1800 January 16

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:105997
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [G. Fisher], discusses Nicholas's frustration with the prolonged issues and the continuing developments in regard to the execution of George Nicholas's debts and the acquisition of a loan., 1800 January 16

Wilson Cary Nicholas to General [Abram] Trigg, discusses an offer that Trigg made for some land of Nicholas's. Nicholas is upset at the smallness of the offer and makes a detailed counter- offer., 1805 January 29

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106219
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to General [Abram] Trigg, discusses an offer that Trigg made for some land of Nicholas's. Nicholas is upset at the smallness of the offer and makes a detailed counter- offer., 1805 January 29

Wilson Cary Nicholas to General [Samuel] Smith, discusses the proposed loan from Smith to repay debts that George Nicholas left. Goes into detail about how he plans on paying the loan off. Thanks Smith for a promise of $6000., 1799 October 08

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:105992
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to General [Samuel] Smith, discusses the proposed loan from Smith to repay debts that George Nicholas left. Goes into detail about how he plans on paying the loan off. Thanks Smith for a promise of $6000., 1799 October 08

Wilson Cary Nicholas to General Samuel Smith, draft. Although there is no date, the letter likely was written between 1818 and 1820 (the time between Nicholas's retirement from political office and death). The letter address Nicholas's failing financial means and his request for help since he has been unable to sell his property. He believes his land holdings are worth around $100,000 and his total estate at around $330,000., undated

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106978
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to General Samuel Smith, draft. Although there is no date, the letter likely was written between 1818 and 1820 (the time between Nicholas's retirement from political office and death). The letter address Nicholas's failing financial means and his request for help since he has been unable to sell his property. He believes his land holdings are worth around $100,000 and his total estate at around $330,000., undated

Wilson Cary Nicholas to General Samuel Smith; Wilson Cary Nicholas to Colonel James Morrison, DRAFTS, discuss the financial business relating to Owings and George Nicholas's estate. Wilson Nicholas spends a good bit of time defending and justifying his actions in regard to Owings. Instructs Morrison to carry on his financial undertakings., 1815 April 25

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106939
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to General Samuel Smith; Wilson Cary Nicholas to Colonel James Morrison, DRAFTS, discuss the financial business relating to Owings and George Nicholas's estate. Wilson Nicholas spends a good bit of time defending and justifying his actions in regard to Owings. Instructs Morrison to carry on his financial undertakings., 1815 April 25

Wilson Cary Nicholas to Gentlemen, draft, fragment, refers to the time as one filled with terror and fear and that therefore he takes his entrance into a new office [Governor of Virginia?] with particular care and concern., [1814 December?]

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106585
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to Gentlemen, draft, fragment, refers to the time as one filled with terror and fear and that therefore he takes his entrance into a new office [Governor of Virginia?] with particular care and concern., [1814 December?]

[Wilson Cary Nicholas] to [James Madison?], draft fragment, notes that most of American citizens are agriculturalists, discusses the War of 1812, questions about neutral rights and the actions of Great Britain. Believes that if Great Britain refuses to agree to a treaty with the United States, it means that they plan to colonize the states, take part of our territories, or force us to relinquish our fisheries. Considers the French—the problems with their Revolution and the resurgence of the monarchy with [Napoleon Bonaparte?] "the late Emperor of France made the parade of being elected consul for life & then Emperor by the suffrage of the people"; Urges for increases to be made to the militia to prevent problems especially because in Europe there are examples of counter revolutions. Mentions problems with [Northwest Territories?], due to their views on the current war., [1814-1815]

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106949
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / [Wilson Cary Nicholas] to [James Madison?], draft fragment, notes that most of American citizens are agriculturalists, discusses the War of 1812, questions about neutral rights and the actions of Great Britain. Believes that if Great Britain refuses to agree to a treaty with the United States, it means that they plan to colonize the states, take part of our territories, or force us to relinquish our fisheries. Considers the French—the problems with their Revolution and the resurgence of the monarchy with [Napoleon Bonaparte?] "the late Emperor of France made the parade of being elected consul for life & then Emperor by the suffrage of the people"; Urges for increases to be made to the militia to prevent problems especially because in Europe there are examples of counter revolutions. Mentions problems with [Northwest Territories?], due to their views on the current war., [1814-1815]

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [James Morrison], writes about the birth of a daughter delaying his return to Congress, indicates that General [Samuel] Smith does not think that contracts can be made but at a low price, and recommends that he ship five hundred barrels of his pork to [Baltimore?], on consignment., 1807 November 15

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106505
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [James Morrison], writes about the birth of a daughter delaying his return to Congress, indicates that General [Samuel] Smith does not think that contracts can be made but at a low price, and recommends that he ship five hundred barrels of his pork to [Baltimore?], on consignment., 1807 November 15

Wilson Cary Nicholas to J[ohn?] Marshall, who in 1798 served as one of three U.S. ministers to France under John Adams, draft, expresses his admiration for Marshall in spite of their difference of political opinion, agrees that there is sufficient reason to go to war with France, but is afraid that commerce will be adversely affected by it, tries to correct misconceptions about his own viewpoint, and congratulates him upon his return home., 1798

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106026
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to J[ohn?] Marshall, who in 1798 served as one of three U.S. ministers to France under John Adams, draft, expresses his admiration for Marshall in spite of their difference of political opinion, agrees that there is sufficient reason to go to war with France, but is afraid that commerce will be adversely affected by it, tries to correct misconceptions about his own viewpoint, and congratulates him upon his return home., 1798

Wilson Cary Nicholas to [John Taylor of Caroline], sends a note for $14,233.33 to cover the loan from Taylor plus interest. He thanks him for the loan of the money when it was needed for such a length of time. He defends himself from Taylor's belief that he was the one who supplied information used in [Thomas?] Ritchie's attacks upon Taylor, "My feelings upon this subject are such that it is impossible I could ever have directly or indirectly 'supplied the allusions' that could have induced Mr. Ritchie or any other person to attack you. Your suspicion that 'the grounds of a part of Ritchie's scurrility flowed to him' out of your letters to me is most unjust. I affirm to you that it did not.", 1809 June 07

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106517
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to [John Taylor of Caroline], sends a note for $14,233.33 to cover the loan from Taylor plus interest. He thanks him for the loan of the money when it was needed for such a length of time. He defends himself from Taylor's belief that he was the one who supplied information used in [Thomas?] Ritchie's attacks upon Taylor, "My feelings upon this subject are such that it is impossible I could ever have directly or indirectly 'supplied the allusions' that could have induced Mr. Ritchie or any other person to attack you. Your suspicion that 'the grounds of a part of Ritchie's scurrility flowed to him' out of your letters to me is most unjust. I affirm to you that it did not.", 1809 June 07

Wilson Cary Nicholas to L. H[arvie?], draft. Wilson's daughter Mary wrote her father on March 14 about how to break off an engagement to a Mr. H[arvie]. This letter is a draft that Wilson composed for her to give Mr. H. with an explanation of why she must break off the engagement., [1804 March]

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106042
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to L. H[arvie?], draft. Wilson's daughter Mary wrote her father on March 14 about how to break off an engagement to a Mr. H[arvie]. This letter is a draft that Wilson composed for her to give Mr. H. with an explanation of why she must break off the engagement., [1804 March]

Wilson Cary Nicholas to "My Dear Sir," says it was not his wish that Clarke should have gone to Goochland if he did not want to and that he wants Clarke to serve Nicholas at Warren the next year., 1818 August 10

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:107116
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to "My Dear Sir," says it was not his wish that Clarke should have gone to Goochland if he did not want to and that he wants Clarke to serve Nicholas at Warren the next year., 1818 August 10

Wilson Cary Nicholas to Peggy [his wife, Margaret Smith], tries to reassure her about the unfavorable comments people have made about him and his decision to leave the Senate and take the post of Collector at Norfolk which was based upon the advice of both her brothers and the President [Jefferson] and discussion with herself., 1805 March 28-30

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106220
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to Peggy [his wife, Margaret Smith], tries to reassure her about the unfavorable comments people have made about him and his decision to leave the Senate and take the post of Collector at Norfolk which was based upon the advice of both her brothers and the President [Jefferson] and discussion with herself., 1805 March 28-30

Wilson Cary Nicholas to Robert B. Taylor, draft, notifies Taylor of his appointment by Nicholas to be a judge of the General Court., 1816 July 28

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106953
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to Robert B. Taylor, draft, notifies Taylor of his appointment by Nicholas to be a judge of the General Court., 1816 July 28

Wilson Cary Nicholas to Samuel Preston, indicates that do to various reason he is currently to repay money to Preston and Smith., 1811 April 19

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106538
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / Wilson Cary Nicholas to Samuel Preston, indicates that do to various reason he is currently to repay money to Preston and Smith., 1811 April 19

[Wilson Cary Nicholas] to S[amuel] Smith, acknowledges a letter from the President discussing the possibility of including him in the mission to France with Armstrong and Bowdoin over the claim to the Floridas, "I was never more embarrassed in my life. I feel with great force the obligation that every man is under to serve his country. My attachment to the President is such, that nothing could be more painful to me, than to refuse to comply with his wishes." Neither does he feel such a mission to be improper since our contract [for the Louisiana Purchase] was with France and France is honor bound to help resolve any border disputes with Spain. Indicates his distrust and apprehension concerning Great Britain, including impressments and the seizure of American vessels., 1806 April 03

 Digital Record
Identifier: tsb:106232
Found in: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library / Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas / Series I: Wilson Cary Nicholas Papers / Subseries A: Correspondence / [Wilson Cary Nicholas] to S[amuel] Smith, acknowledges a letter from the President discussing the possibility of including him in the mission to France with Armstrong and Bowdoin over the claim to the Floridas, "I was never more embarrassed in my life. I feel with great force the obligation that every man is under to serve his country. My attachment to the President is such, that nothing could be more painful to me, than to refuse to comply with his wishes." Neither does he feel such a mission to be improper since our contract [for the Louisiana Purchase] was with France and France is honor bound to help resolve any border disputes with Spain. Indicates his distrust and apprehension concerning Great Britain, including impressments and the seizure of American vessels., 1806 April 03