Albert Frederick Wilson to his mother, Mary A. Wilson, 2 folders , 1903-1904

Albert Frederick Wilson's first letter describes his trip down to Virginia by train from New Jersey, with a stopover in Washington. He describes his first impressions of the University of Virginia, as well as including some disparaging remarks about the African American citizens of Charlottesville and the Southern drawl of Virginia's speakers (September 13, 1903). Wilson describes his boarding experience with a doctor's family, who he was surprised to discover were Baptists and "very religious (quite a novelty here)" (September 17, 1903). He also mentions that the cost of living was cheaper in Charlottesville, Virginia, than in Newark, New Jersey, where his family lived (September ?, 1903).

There are various references to him going to a Baptist church, including a black church in the area (September 14, 1903). This letter also mentions going to a YMCA located near the University of Virginia to see the list of available boarding houses where he found a boarding house on West Main Street run by a doctor's wife. He appears to have boarded first with the family of Dr. Jones and later with the family of Dr. Roy K. Flanagan, but it is unclear when he changed his boarding situationhouses. He also describes Professor Noah Davis and how he managed to get into his class, normally not open to first years (September 14, 1903).

In a letter, October 11, 1903, Wilson describes his ride by horseback out to Monticello (October 11, 1903). He also gives his impressions of an African American religious revival held in Charlottesville, Virginia (December 7, 1903).

In 1904, A. Frederick was involved in various clubs at the University, and attended events such as the Peabody music recital by the Young Men’s Christian Association. Wilson mentions hearing one of their guest speakers (January 25, 1904). In one letter, Albert expressed anger towards Dr. Kent because he sent him to the Chairman's office for not doing exercises from which he thought he was excused (November 4, 1904). This letter also mentions hearing the speech by a lawyer, Mr. Lee, who was representing a prisoner on trial for a murder in the area. He was also heavily involved in the Glee Club and his participation continued until graduation (November 18, 1904).

Wilson give an itinerary for the Glee Club which was traveling to Staunton, Virginia, for a concert (November 18, 1904) and other places on a musical tour (November 21 and 25, 1904).

A. Frederick mentions several well known figures at the University of Virginia. This includes Edwin A. Alderman, the first president of the University of Virginia. He briefly mentions Alderman's selection as president (October 9, 1904). Another person he mentioned was Professor Kent, who was an English professor at the University. Frederick and Professor Kent worked together closely, and Kent is referenced in many of Wilson's letters while at the University.

A letter written around November 25, 1904, describes Wilson finding a drunken student in the snow who had fallen and broken his ankle. Wilson helped him back to his rooms at Dawson's Row .