Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduFinding Aid Authors: Tim Silver.
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:
George Frederick Holmes Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information:
Purchased from Miss Constance Moore (1/26/1942) and a gift of J. D. Carneal (Sept. 1952)
Processing Information:
Processed by Tim Silver in 1980.
Biographical Information:
George Frederick Holmes was born August 2, 1820 at Straebrock, Demerara, British Guiana, the son of Mary Anne Pemberton Holmes and Joseph Henry Herndon Holmes. He married Eliza Lavalette Floyd, sister of John Buchanan Floyd. He was appointed professor of ancient languages at Richmond College in 1845 and in 1847, he was appointed professor of history and political economy at the College of William and Mary. In 1848, he was chosen the first president of the University of Mississippi. He was recalled to Virginia due to the illness of a family member, suffered an accident, and never returned to Oxford, Mississippi. Holmes was called to the University of Virginia and spent the rest of his life there until his death November 4, 1897.
Scope and Contents
The papers of the Holmes family. Chiefly letters, 1842-1887, received by George Frederick Holmes, educator, concerning the College of William and Mary, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Virginia. Correspondents include William Campbell Preston, Andrew Steele Fulton, Robert Saunders and Charles Minnigerode. The collection also includes papers of the Floyd and Preston families; an album kept by Eliza Lavalette Floyd Holmes consisting of plant leaves, newspapers and memorials to her son and a drawing by Thomas C. Milington of the grave-site of John Floyd Holmes; and papers, concerning the estate of George Frederick Holmes.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- College of William and Mary--History--19th century
- Correspondence
- Financial records
- Holmes, John Floyd
- Scrapbooks
- University of Mississippi--History--19th century
- University of Virginia--History--19th century
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Holmes, George Frederick, 1820-1897
- Holmes, John Floyd
- Millington, Thomas Charles, fl. 1836-1850
- Minnigerode, Charles, 1814-1894
- Saunders, Robert, 1805-1868
Container List
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 object: 1 id142959
John Preston to his brother Franky (Francis Preston), Smithfield, Va.1790 June 24Scope and Contents
Comments on leaving his purse at home and asks Francis to retrieve it and bring it to Botetourt Co., Va.; and discusses his trip, notes that there have been no accidents.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 object: 2 id142960
John Preston to his brother Franky (Francis Preston), Abington, Va.1793 April 22Scope and Contents
Discusses Francis' plan to sell a portion of his land known as "mouth of Kentucky", and informs Francis of a letter from "the governor" regarding a memorial battle for General William Campbell in which Francis is to participate.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 2 object: 1 id142961
Susanna Preston to her son Francis Preston1802 May 31Scope and Contents
Comments on Francis' upcoming trip to "the springs" and expresses her hope that he can take a "sea voyage"; and other family news.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 2 object: 2 id142962
William Rough, Demerara, Guiana, to Joseph Henry Hendron Holmes1820 February 6Scope and Contents
Regarding a recommendation of Holmes to Earl Brownlow.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 3 object: 1 id142965
William Murray Milsa to Joseph Henry Hendon Holmes, Demerara, Guiana1823 December 8Scope and Contents
William advises Joseph of Major General Murray's assent to 'admitting the child to internment in the military burial ground'.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 3 object: 2 id142966
H.J. Neuwieller to Joseph Henry Hendon Holmes, Georgetown, Guiana1823 December 23Scope and Contents
Stating that he wishes to be numbered among those who will refute "the calumnies against our so greatly injured colony."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 4 object: 1 id142967
The Marques and Marchioness of Londonderry to Dr. and Miss Pemberton, Sunderland, EnglandundatedScope and Contents
Invitation to Dr. and Miss Pemberton to attend a ceremony for the "laying of the foundation stone of the new harbor."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 4 object: 2 id142968
Lewis Williams, Washington, D.C., to Gov. John Floyd1832 April 16Scope and Contents
Comments on Mr. Bryant's application for bounty land; discusses the Stansberry case, noting his displeasure at the House's actions and criticizing Andrew Jackson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 5 object: 1 id142972
Joel Roberts Poinsett, Department of War, Washington, D.C., to George Washington Hopkins, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.1838 March 10Scope and Contents
Concerning "young Mr. Johnston's" appointment to the military academy; notes that he can do nothing at present, but promises "an impartial and as favorable consideration as circumstances will permit when a vacancy shall happen."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 5 object: 2 id142974
Louissa P. Preston, Columbia, S.C., to her cousin Mrs. George Frederick Holmes (Eliza Lavalette Floyd), Orangeburg, S.C.1840 May 2Scope and Contents
An invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes for a visit and congratulating Eliza on her marriage; asks for "particulars" of Letitia Preston Floyd's son; and comments on the welfare of Eliza's brother and the dry weather.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 6 object: 1 id142975
Edmund Rhett, Columbia, S.C., to George Frederick Holmes, Orangeburg, S.C.1842 December 7Scope and Contents
Discusses books to be sent to Holmes and possible collaboration on an article for the Southern Quarterly Review.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 6 object: 2 id142976
Dr. James Lawrence Cabell, General Hospital, Charlottesville, Va., to George Frederick Holmes1842 December 21Scope and Contents
Regarding some scab samples [requested by Holmes?] and expressing sympathy for the loss of [Holmes?] child.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 6 object: 3 id142977
T. Taylor, Oxford, England, to George Frederick Holmes1842 December 31Scope and Contents
Congratulates Holmes on his recent articles for the Southern Quarterly Review and comments on the superiority of an English education.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 object: 1 id142978
Professor C.J. Hardemann, Charleston, S.C., to George Frederick Homes, Orangeburg, S.C.1844 February 1Scope and Contents
Explains Hardemann's busy schedule; broaches the idea of creating, with Holmes, a "seminary of a high order"; asks about Holmes' German studies and comments on Hardemann's new child.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 object: 2 id142979
William Ogilby, British Consulate, Charleston, S.C., to George Frederick Holmes, Orangeburg, S.C.1844 June 26Scope and Contents
Details the new act of Parliament entitled "An Act for the More Effectual Suppression of the Slave Trade."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 object: 3 id142981
Cotesworth Pickney, Walterborough, S.C., to George Frederick Holmes, Orangeburg, S.C.1844 October 19Scope and Contents
States that he has never dissected Negroes and whites to determine the differences between the races; informs Holmes that others who have researched the question "do not class the negro in the lowest scale of moral and intellectual beings."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 object: 4 id142983
Cornelius Matthews, New York, N.Y., to George Frederick Holmes, Orangeburg, S.C.1844 November 15Scope and Contents
Praises Holmes' work and advocates nationality in literature; expresses his belief that "America has always imitated the minor English writers and has always been ready to fly at the latest prevailing English poet"; and further laments the inadequacies of the American public mind.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 8 object: 1 id142984
William Campbell Preston, Columbia., S.C. to George Frederick Holmes, Richmond, Va.1846 March 20Scope and Contents
Asks about Holmes "condition," salary; requests a list of Holmes' articles for the Southern Quarterly Review and other journals.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 8 object: 2 id142985
William Campbell Preston, Columbia, S.C., to John Beverly Christian, Chairman of the Board of Visitors, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.1846 October 2Scope and Contents
Recommends George Frederick Holmes for a chair in logic and history.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 8 object: 3 id142986
William Campbell Preston, Columbia, S.C., to George Frederick Holmes, Richmond, Va.1846 October 13Scope and Contents
Informs Holmes that Holmes' election (to the faculty of South Carolina?)] is "very doubtful."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 8 object: 4 id142987
William Campbell Preston, Columbia, S.C., to George Frederick Holmes, Richmond, Va.1846 November 25Scope and Contents
Requests certain testimonials which Holmes had secured from Preston; notifies Holmes that the election to the chair (at the College of William and Mary)] "will take place in 10 days or two weeks"; and assures Holmes that he is still being considered.
Letter from General. David Flavel Jamison, Orangeburg, S.C., to Professor George Frederick Holmes, Williamsburg, Va. Lists his reasons for not writing sooner; notes that cotton in Orangeburg is "not worth gathering"; informs Holmes that William Campbell Preston is not well' and news of other friends.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 Item: 1 id142990
Claude Crozet, Richmond, Va., to George Frederick Holmes, Williamsburg, Va.1848 February 1Scope and Contents
Requests that Holmes help him "raise this Academy to some higher order of school or even, with the help of Legislative funds to that of a college."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 Item: 2 id142992
Andrew Steele Fulton, Washington, D.C. to George Frederick Holmes, Williamsburg, Va.1848 May 23Scope and Contents
Informs Holmes that he will not visit Williamsburg in the near future: regrets "the occurrances of difficulties at William and Mary which induced you to resign your professorship in that institution"; and expresses his high opinion of the College of William and Mary.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 Item: 3 id143048
Andrew Steele Fulton, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. to George Frederick Holmes1848 June 27Scope and Contents
Comments that, in his opinion, Congress will not adjourn before August; regrets that he cannot commit himself to take Mrs. Holmes to the mountains; notes that he is tired of the life of a Congressman and "should like to be free once more."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 Item: 4 id143049
Robert McCandlish, Williamsburg, Va., to Professor George Frederick Holmes, Tazewell County, Va.1848 August 17Scope and Contents
Advising Holmes that he has deposited thirty dollars to Holmes' credit in the Virginia Bank at Richmond.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 Item: 5 id143050
Jacob Thompson, Oxford, Mississippi, to George Frederick Holmes1848 September 2Scope and Contents
Expresses his gratification at Holmes' acceptance of the apppointment as President of the University of Mississippi; requests Holmes' presence at a meeting on the "3rd Mmonday of October" in order that Holmes may advise the trustees on the course of study, text books, and the proper preparation for the admittance into the college; notes that he has dispelled rumors that Holmes intended to accept his "late place at William and Mary and decline the Presidency of our College"; urges Holmes to persuade Dr. Millington not to sell his apparatus cabinet of minerals to the College of William and Mary, but instead to bring it to Mississippi.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 11 object: 1 id143342
A.G. Ellis, Oxford, Mississippi, to George Frederick Holmes, Sweet Springs, Va.1849 August 18Scope and Contents
Expresses his opinion that Holmes' return to Virginia will be beneficial; advises Holmes that he is packing Holmes' books and possessions to send to him in Virginia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 11 object: 2 id143344
George Frederick Holmes, Burke's Garden, Va., to Governor John Buchanan Floyd, Richmond, Va.1850 April 20Scope and Contents
Comments on the prospects of obtaining his remaining salary from Mississippi; asks about the possibility of being commissioned as a Bearer of Dispatches so that he may go to England to visit his family; mentions a plan for writing a history of the Indian War; notes the poor state of affairs at the College of William and Mary and the impact of the "d----d foreigners" upon the College.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 11 object: 3 id143345
An envelope in Holmes' handwriting addressed to His Excellency Governor J.B. Floyd, Richmond, Va.undatedScope and Contents
The cover is dated simply as April 13.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 12 object: 1 id143346
George Fitzhugh, Port Royal, Va., to George Frederick Holmes1856 May 10Scope and Contents
Advises Holmes on the possibilities of his appointment to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.]; thinks Holmes' chances are good.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 12 object: 2 id143348
Robert Saunders, Williamsburg, Va., to George Frederick Holmes1856 August 19Scope and Contents
States that the election of professors was postponed until September and "a later period", discusses a letter of recommendation for Holmes; comments on "an obituary of a poor old Judge Christian" and family news.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 13 object: 1 id143349
James Barron Hope, Hampton, Va., to George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1858 June 8Scope and Contents
Acknowledging Holmes' prompt reply to Hope's "application"; asks whether or not E.J. Trelawny wrote "Adventures of a Younger Son."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 13 object: 2 id143524
D. Appleton & Co., New York, N.Y., to Professor George Frederick Holmes1859 October 6Scope and Contents
Requesting that Holmes write an article on Sir William Hamilton for the cyclopaedia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 13 object: 3 id143525
William Campbell Preston, Columbia, S.C., to Professor George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va1860 January 4Scope and Contents
Discusses his plan to purchase "Mr. Holcombe's house"; describes a commencement speech given at South Carolina College that "was disgusting even to the fire-eaters."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 14 object: 1 id143526
Edward A. Holmes, Johnson's Island, Ohio, (Prisoner of War Camp), to his brother George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1864 September 27Scope and Contents
Describes the circumstances surrounding his capture, his condition, and the regulations governing prisoner of war correspondence.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 14 object: 2 id143527
Edward A. Holmes, Johnson's Island, Ohio (Prisoner of War Camp), to his brother George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1865 July 5Scope and Contents
Explains that Edward is well and in need of little except tobacco; relates his hope of being allowed to return to England and describes the condition of several other prisoners.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 15 object: 1 id143528
John Cabell Breckinridge, Lexington, Kentucky, to George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1872 January 24Scope and Contents
Accepts Holmes' offer of his home as a place of residence during Breckinridge's upcoming commencement address at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.; discusses his latest railroad project.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 15 object: 2 id143529
G.B.T.M. to Dr. Gabriel Valencia, Mexico1876 December 17Scope and Contents
Letter written in Spanish.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 15 object: 3 id143530
Charles Minnigerode, Richmond, Va., to George Frederick Holmes, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1887 February 3Scope and Contents
Comments on newspaper articles unfavorable to both Holmes and Minnigerode; notes that one of the articles quoted Holmes as saying "I have learning enough for 3 men in this country."
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 15 object: 4 id143531
Edward Warren, Paris, France, to William Howard Perkinson1888 May 9Scope and Contents
Requests certain testimonials; comments on a carriage accident that confined him to bed; expresses his bitterness over his "defeat at the University"; discusses his book and its success.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 16 object: 1 id143532
Paul Sabatier, Ordeche, France, to George Frederick Holmes (?)1894 January 19Scope and Contents
Explains the success of Sabatier's book on the life of St. Francis of Assisi ([in French, translation included).
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 16 object: 2 id143533
Thomas Staples Martin, United States Senate, Washington, D.C., to Dr. George Ben Johnston, Richmond, Va.1897 June 10Scope and Contents
States that he will attempt to interest the board of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. in a salary increase for William Howard] Perkinson.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 1 id143534
W.K. Vanderbilt, New York, N.Y. to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 4Scope and Contents
Regrets that he is unable to accept an invitation to visit the University on June 14, 1898.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 2 id143535
E.H. Squbb, Brooklyn, N.Y., to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 5Scope and Contents
Declines an invitation to attend an inauguration for new buildings at the University on June 14, 1898.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 3 id143536
Edward Robinson Squibb, Brooklyn, N.Y., to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 5Scope and Contents
Notes that advanced age and ill health will prevent Squibb from attending the inauguration of new buildings at the University on 14 June 14, 1898.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 4 id143538
James Hay, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 5Scope and Contents
Accepts an invitation to the inauguration of new buildings at the university on 14 June 14, 1898.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 5 id143539
David Starr Jordan, Palo Alto, Ca., to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 9Scope and Contents
Regrets that he cannot attend the inauguration of the new buildings at the University.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 object: 6 id143540
Thomas Staples Martin, United States Senate, Washington, D.C., to William Howard Perkinson, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.1898 May 11Scope and Contents
Accepts an invitation to the inauguration of new buildings at the University on 14 June 14, 1898.
Copies of two 1809 indentures between Richard Clay of Sunderland in the County of Palatine of Durham, England and George Anderson of the Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, George Pemberton, residing at number 2 Things Street, Portman Square, concerning the marriage of Penelope Pemberton.
Leaving his estate to his wife Letitia Preston Floyd for her to administer as "she thinks proper for her support and that of the children"; witnessed by Cyrus Robinson and James H. Piper.
Written in Spanish.
Dated and signed by George Frederick Holmes, Fredericksburg, Va.
The gilt-edged album contains the following: miscellaneous portrait and landscape engravings; leaves of various plants, some indigenous to South Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi, and some being from family members' graves, giving genealogical information; poems; newspaper clippings; and a memorial inscription to her son, John Floyd Holmes (1847-1848) and an ink drawing of his gravesite in the family burial grounds of Robert Saunders, President of the College of William and Mary, done by Thomas] C. Millington.
Eliza Lavalette (Floyd) Holmes is the wife of George Frederick Holmes.
Two copies in George Frederick Holme's handwriting. The "Aunt" is likely Elizabeth Pemberton.
Discussing the tithe system and its use by the Roman Catholic Church in England, by Joseph Henry Hendon Holmes.