Carpenters Worke Done For Samuel Foyster, Esqr., 1793-1794
(MS 2010.1)

Builder's account for work done by John Mathews for Samuel Foyster. Samuel Foyster was probably a contractor as the work was done for the home of Ann Grimes at Romford in Essex, England. The account runs from November 1793 to November 1794. The accounts detail both material and labor provided. The bill totals 50 pounds 2 shillings and 11 pence.

An Indictment of Slave Amy, 1751
(MS 2010.2)

Indictment in the hand of James Nimmo, King's Attorney for Norfolk County addressed to the justices of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. In the document Nimmo relates how "Amy a negro woman Slave belonging to Mr. Jas. Holt of the County of Norfolk the fear of God not having before her Eyes but being seduced and instigated by the Devil ..." entered the home of John Willoughby and stole his goods and chattels. Docketed on the verso: "King vs. Negro."

Walter Jones Letter to Robert Carter, III, 1776 November 9
(MS 2010.3)

Letter from Walter Jones to Robert Carter, III of Nomony Hall concerning the estate of William Flood (Jones' father-in-law), the public accounts incurred by the troops in Northumberland and rumors of a smallpox outbreak amongst Carter's slaves. Jones writes that the Flood estate is being administered by John S. Woodcock, deputy clerk or Northumberland, and James Knott.

Virginia Committee of Safety Letter to Patrick Henry, 1775 November 15
(MS 2010.4)

Letter from Edmund Pendleton on behalf of the Committee of Safety to Patrick Henry dated November 15, 1775. The Committee requests Col. Henry intervene to prevent private individuals from removing property from the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg.

Philip III, King of Spain, Letter to the Duke of Medina Sidonia, 1608 July 29
(MS 2010.5)

In this letter to the Duke of Medina Sidonia, King Philip III ( Sovereign, 1598-1621) writes that the English are attempting to establish a foothold in Virginia from which to commit acts of piracy. He requests the Duke supply him with information concerning the location, ports, winds and other pertinent information about Virginia.

Philip III, King of Spain, Letter to the Duke of Medina Sidonia, 1609 June 11
(MS 2010.6)

In this letter to the 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia, King Philip III ( Sovereign, 1598-1621) acknowledges receipt of information concerning pirates on the coasts of southern Spain. He also asks for further information concerning the English settlement in Virginia.

Samuel Griffin letter to John Ambler, 1802 April 4
(MS 2010.7)

Letter from Samuel Griffin dated New York, April 4, 1802 to John Ambler in Williamsburg, Virginia. Griffin states that Ambler can continue in the house for the same rent as the previous year and may make any improvements he feels are necessary. Griffin writes that it will be acceptable to have Bowden (probably John Bowden who was a carpenter in Williamsburg) rebuild the front porch and that the necessary materials are available at the plantation or on the lot.

Henry Laurens letter to Alexander Penman, 1791 May 4
(MS 2010.8)

Henry Laurens writes to the Philadelphia coachmaker, Alexander Penman, requesting a carriage for his relative Mr. John Ball. Laurens requests the carriage be "capable of carrying with ease nine persons, to be highly varnished with harnesses for four Horses brass furniture, the Carriage in all respects to be equal to Mr. Alston's ..." In closing, Laurens inquires about his "own little vehicle" which he ordered from Penman.