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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterEarl Gregg Swem Library
400 Landrum Dr
Williamsburg, Virginia
Business Number: 757-221-3090
spcoll@wm.edu
URL: https://libraries.wm.edu/libraries-spaces/special-collections
Finding Aid Authors: Special Collections Staff.
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Conditions Governing Access:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Preferred Citation:
Sarah C. Watts Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information:
Gift 12/1950
Biographical Information:
Sarah C. Watts was from Bedford County, Virginia, and attended Leroy Anderson's female school in Williamsburg, Virginia
Scope and Contents
The collection is composed of letters from Sarah Watts' parents giving advice on marriage and the purchase of goods, as well as giving local news. The letters from Williamsburg and Surry County, Virginia contain news of social events, local residents and activities at the College of William and Mary including the banning of parties by the President of the College, Bishop James Madison, the formation of a military company by the students, and the fighting of a duel.
See also Southern Women and their Families in the 19th Century Papers and Diaries Series C Reel # 15 in Swem Library's microforms area, call number HQ1438 .V5 S68
Arrangement of Materials:
Filed in chronological order.
Related Material
Available on microfilm from University Publications of America. Transcripts available with collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- College of William and Mary--History--19th century
- Correspondence
- Dueling--Virginia
- Lynchburg (Va.)--History--19th century
- Madison, James, 1749-1812
- Surry County (Va.)--History
- Williamsburg (Va.)--History--18th century
- Women--Education--Virginia
Physical Characteristics or Technical Requirements:
When available, microfilm, photocopies, digital surrogates, or other reproductions must be used in place of original documents.
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Madison, James, 1749-1812
- Watts, Sarah C.
Significant Places Associated With the Collection
- Williamsburg (Va.)--History--18th century
Container List
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108647
Betsy Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to her daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia4 April 1807Scope and Contents
4 April 1807. Betsy Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to her daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Apologizes for not writing sooner; gives advice concerning whom one can trust and states that "experience proves how few there are who deserve the name of friends"; mentions the classes she [Sarah C. Watts] is taking, including Arithmetick [sic] and History, and is curious why she isn't taking Geography; hopes that she will adhere to the idea of being an "old maid" for at least the next 6 years.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108648
Betsy Watts, [Bedford County, Virginia?], to her daughter, Sarah Watts, Williamsburg, [Virginia]29 May 1807Scope and Contents
29 May 1807. Betsy Watts, [Bedford County, Virginia?], to her daughter, Sarah Watts, Williamsburg, [Virginia]. Reports that her father left [on business?]; tells of a recent camp meeting, and a sermon delivered by Dr. Genings, which offended many due to its numerous sexual allusions, and comments on her sex "thinking for themselves"; Cousin Mary did not get married, though she did have a wealthy suitor for a while; compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson; inquires how her teeth are feeling.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108649
John Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to his daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia19 June 1807Scope and Contents
19 June 1807. John Watts, Bedford [County, Virginia], to his daughter, Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Cannot send the articles she wishes, but instead encloses $20 for her to purchase them in Williamsburg; recommends Mrs. Anderson if she needs help in selection; will be coming to Williamsburg in August to pick her up so that she will not be there during "the sickly season"; family is well, including ant [sic] Wallis.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108650
Bernet[?], Four Mile Tree, [Surry Co[urt] Ho[use], Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia9 August 1807Scope and Contents
9 August 1807. Bernet[?], Four Mile Tree, [Surry Co[urt] Ho[use], Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Williamsburg, Virginia. Disappointed in not hearing from her; sorry to hear that Christian has become ill; is so happy to be with such an "amiable" family; especially enjoying the walks with Sally; messages to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, specifically that she doesn't need any more shifts; there has been much company lately; has been drinking tea and is amazed at the plentiful amounts of fruit, especially the fine "English Grapes"; sends regards to the Miss Charltons, Miss Travises, "all Camps girls," John Anderson, and Mr. Anderson; inquires about Nancy and their moving on Monday.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108651
Jane C. Charlton, W[illia]msburgh [sic], [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]13 Sept[embe]r 1807Scope and Contents
13 Sept[embe]r 1807. Jane C. Charlton, W[illia]msburgh [sic], [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Glad to hear about her return home; gives local news including details about the arrival of Eliza [Wright] and her subsequent illness, and the departure of the Savages and the Smiths; expresses her sadness at the "loss of your society" and how much she misses her and the other girls; Mrs. Faulcon left for Carolina; tells of Miss Donoville [sic] [Deneufville] and Mr. Pryor tying the "gordianknot" and states that "Wmsbg will be quite gay at that time, as they are to have a great wedding"; influenza rampant; tells of a party given by Mr. and Mrs. Mason, describing the handsome men, the dancing, and the fact that even Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Paradice [sic], and her mother were there; "War" is still the main topic of discussion, with revenge at the "epidemical" stage, even affecting the ladies; mentions E. Coleman and his politicking.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108652
Jane C. Charl[ton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]10 January 1808Scope and Contents
10 January 1808. Jane C. Charl[ton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Tells of Miss Moir's birthday party, and helping her sister and Sally Bracken "look very smart" for it; Mr. Callaway, "a very genteel Young Man," but "extremely homely," came to visit; gossip; mention of a literary society; "the Bishop" [James Madison] stopped the gentlemen's weekly parties because it was interrupting their studies, which she is disappointed by, because before the dancing began, the men discussed various political subjects, some speaking quite eloquently; Mr. Anderson ill, suffering fom an ankle problem, and misses Sally Browne very much, as do they all; tells of a romance between Eliza [Wright] and Mr. Mayo; her mother is ill; freezing weather.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108653
Eliza [Wright], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah Watts, New London, Virginia4 May 1808Scope and Contents
4 May 1808. Eliza [Wright], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah Watts, New London, Virginia. Is anxious to hear from her; will be married in approximately one week to Mr. Mayo, and will be moving close to Lynchburg; is nervous about the wedding; encloses a profile of herself.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108654
Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]8 May 1808Scope and Contents
8 May 1808. Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Apologizes for not writing, but has been in Surry for the past month at Mr. Edwards', where there has been much company; S[ally] Bracken went with her, and they had a wonderful visit; but was not able to see Sally Browne; had a rough trip home on the James River, with pouring rain; Williamsburg will perk up a bit with some upcoming weddings, one of which is Eliza Wright's and Mr. Mayo's; encloses locks of hers and Mary's hair; doesn't feel well.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108794
Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]14 July 1808Scope and Contents
14 July 1808. Jane C. Charlton, Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Eliza [Wright Mayo] has gone to North Carolina to stay with her new in-laws and seems very happy; tells of various speeches delivered in Williamsburg on July 4th, one on universal suffrage delivered by Mr. Greenhill, one on civil liberties delivered by Mr. [Bushrod?] Washington "(a Nephew of the immortal General's)," and another delivered by Mr. McCandellish [sic] [McCandlish], which was a eulogy on [George] Washington; Mrs. Paradice [sic] gave a ball which was too crowded; Mrs. Camp's girls have gone, including Maria Moody; students [at the College of William and Mary?] are also leaving fast, she and relates ill feelings toward them; Mr. Anderson, a teacher, may be moving to Lynchburg; has heard she is to be married and asks for the initials of his name and other details.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108807
Jane C. C[harlton], W[illia]msburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]4 Dec[em]b[e]r 1808Scope and Contents
4 Dec[em]b[e]r 1808. Jane C. C[harlton], W[illia]msburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, New London, [Virginia]. Cannot imagine why Mr. Callaway would have led her [Jane C. Charlton] to believe that she [Sarah C. Watts] was to marry Mr. Irvine; there are almost 70 eligible men in town, "which is a large number considering the Embargo"; Mr. Anderson is pleased to be in Lynchburg; mention of Mrs. Camp and Maria Moody; the students have formed a military company, and parade every Saturday in beautiful scarlet coats and "black velvet gaters," including her [Sarah C. Watts] handsome beau [Mr. Irvine?]; also heard that he is superior to anyone in the Junior Class, and hopes that she will pass the information on to his sister; has heard that Eliza [(Wright) Mayo] and her husband are doing poor financially, neither of them being "economists"; more mention of various girls and their beaux.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id108808
Jane [C. Charlton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Lynchburg, [Virginia]19 March 1809Scope and Contents
19 March 1809. Jane [C. Charlton], Williamsburg, [Virginia], to Sarah C. Watts, Lynchburg, [Virginia]. Mention of the harsh winter; there have been many parties, several of which were given by Mrs. Mason; did not attend any of the dancing parties, but did go to many card parties, because they are not as crowded, but are more fun; mention also of a party given by Mr. Radford; tells of a visit by Sally Browne, who has gorwn up quite a bit; Maria Savage is still there; teases about Eliza [Wright] Mayo becoming a matron and dressing "in the antique style"; tells of a duel fought between Mr. Jones and Mr. Cabell, two students [at the College], and that both have been expelled; Mr. Jones received a wound to his thigh, which will more than likely render him a cripple; asks if she has seen Mrs. Ann E. Callaway, and comments that "perhaps matrimony has made as great a change in her sentiments as in Eliza Mayo's"; expects a dull Spring, as the Bishop [James Madison] has prohibited parties; regards to and from Mrs. Camp, S. Jackson, Mrs. Anderson, and the Brackens.