Box 1

Henry H. Lewis writes concerning family genealogy and news. He also mentions his health issues and issues invitations to visit.

Jane Lewis writes to her daughter Louisa who is staying with her uncle Dr. Thomas Miller and Aunt Virginia Miller (1844) and William Miller (1846) while attending school in Washington. She includes news of the family and neighborhood.

Louisa Lewis writes her father concerning her tuiton bill at Mrs. I.H. Bure's? dated November 25, 1845.

He writes a practice letter as a child to his mother and mentions a visit from Mr. Burke and his own desire to go out hunting chestnuts.

She writes while he is away for schooling, praises him for his progress in learning and promises to send both her sons money when they have some.

Assures her mother that all are well after their arrival at Willis Hill a week ago but are anxious to hear how everyone is at Port Royal. She complains that she has not received any letters from the girls since their return from “Albany.” She mentions that John and Eliza go to school in town with Miss Judy Clark.

Thomas wishes his sister would come home since he misses her, mentions sickness in the family, schooling while at home, and news of friends and relatives. Includes a note from her father, George Washington Lewis as well (November 24, 1845).

A very long letter full of genealogical questions to answer and supplying some information about the Lewis family in the United States. Lewis noted on the letter that he answered it on May 10, 1858, referring him to Bishop Meade’s book and John Minor.

Includes four letters, chiefly of a social nature, one from an Aunt Maria to Mrs. George W. Lewis (1845 November 9); one from a child describing school activities, signed with initials only (1877 December); “Your loving sister Millie, Nestledown, to “My dear Aunt Lou?, (1887 August 30); and Ella B. Waring?, Glencom?, to her cousin (undated).

John [Tayloe] Lomax (1781-1862?) writes to President John Tyler, recommending George Washington Lewis to be the Navy Agent at Pensacola, Florida (1841 April 22) and to George Washington Lewis about the inquiry of Lewis about the qualifications for Commonwealth’s Attorney (1852 June 11 and July 13).

Marye sympathizes with his lament about the passing away of the former notable men in the legal profession and the loss of character among its participants, and corrects Lewis’s misunderstanding about a point he made about manumission, recommending a pamphlet by John Howard of Richmond.

Lewis agrees with Matthews that the accusation that his friend Mr. Hunter gambled while attending at the March Court in Westmoreland County in order to give a speech was entirely false and furnishes his own recollection of the occasion.

Mayo thanks Lewis for his good opinion of his recently instituted newspaper, copies of which he had sent out as advertising to several of his friends in the Northern Neck area of Virginia.

Writes a condolence letter upon the death of Lucy’s husband, George Washington Lewis.

Both men write for Lewis to support the “Right of Way” bill by writing letters to representatives in the Legislature.