• Abbreviations / Legend
• Administrative Notes
• Calendar
• Summary

The Cox and Chesnut family papers, dating to 1792, 1796-1815, 1833, 1841, and 1858, discuss political, economic, and social aspects of life in the United States during Early National and antebellum periods.

The majority of these letters were written ca. 1792-1815 to Mary Cox Chesnut (1775-1864) of Camden, S.C., by her mother Esther Bowes Cox (1740-1814) of Philadelphia, Penn. This Mary Chesnut was the wife of James Chesnut (1773-1866), owner of Mulberry Plantation, near Camden (Kershaw County, S.C.) and the mother-in-law of famed Civil War diarist Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut (1823-1886). The letters mainly send news about Mary’s sisters and other family members, and contain details of domestic concern – household matters, illnesses, medical treatments and child mortality, as well as social practices associated with courtship, engagement, and marriage. There are occasional references to political and community events.

While the collection consists almost entirely of letters written to Mary Cox Chesnut, much light is shed upon her life in Camden, S.C., through comments upon and responses to her letters. Mrs. Cox apparently acted as executrix of her husband’s estate and writes regularly of financial matters. Descriptions of medical and health-care practices are common and of interest and frequently conveyed in some detail. Romance is the second main theme of the letters and provides valuable insights into the courting mores of the times. Mrs. Cox was careful to keep her daughter up to date on all the interesting affairs of family and friends.

A sister of Mary Cox Chesnut, Rachel Cox Stevens (b. 1761), was the wife of John Stevens (1749-1838), a developer of the city of Hoboken, N.J. Stevens engineered a steam engine and boat, with collaborators Nicholas I. Roosevelt and Robert R. Livingston. Many letters in the collection discuss the progress of their inventions, and frustrations of competition with Robert Fulton.

Mary’s other sisters were Catherine (Kitty), b. 1764, married to Samuel Stockton and Rev. Nathaniel Harris; Esther (Hetty), b. 1767, wife of Matthias Barton; Sarah (Sally), b. 1779, married to physician and educator John Redmon Coxe (1773-1864); and Elizabeth (Betsy), b. 1783, wife of Horace Binney (1780-1875), lawyer and director of the first Bank of the United States.

Other correspondents include Mary’s husband James Chesnut, her father Col. John Cox (1732-1793), her cousin Theodosia Sayre Coxe, and friend Jane Kennedy. Mrs Cox dies in 1814 and letters of March - July 1814 concern the division of her estate among her family.

Abbreviations / Legend

ADS = autographed document signed

ALS = autographed letter signed

ALS(T) = typed copy of autographed letter signed

DS = document signed

LS = letter signed

MP = printed manuscript

MS = manuscript

n.d. = undated

1790s

• ALS, 26 February 1792, E[sther] Cox [Esther Bowes Cox (1740-1814)] to [her daughter] Kitty, Trenton, N.J. (discussing her grandson’s manners and dress, news of family, social activities, and friends, re daughter Mary’s studies, and going to Virginia with her husband—“This journey to Virginia depresses my spirits a little—but that between ourselves for your Papa has no such pleasure in talking of it that I never oppose his wishes for my compliance”).

• ALS, 20 November 1796, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to [her daughter] Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re an erroneous report of the death of Miss Chesnut from yellow fever, relating the request of Mr. Chesnut’s Peter “that...he had rather be sold in this place for a term of years—that tho’ he had been repeatedly told he was a free Man, & advised to go off, yet he wou[l]d on no account defraud his Master of the right he had over him,” and she and Mr. Humboldt planning to consult a person “versed in the Negro Laws” re Peter).

• ALS, 4 Dec. 1796, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and [her daughter] S[ally] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re advice from a mother as she and her husband began their life together, and news of family and friends).

• ALS, 12 Dec. 1796, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sister Sally’s attending a cotillion party, description of her dress, noting—“this is the beginning of Sally’s winter Career,” John Barclay “dismissed from the Bank in disgrace,” misuse of public money, and discussing his situation).

• ALS, 19 Dec. 1796, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mr. Barclay’s situation—“[He] is now very Sick indeed independent of his Minds disease,” and news of family and friends).

• ALS, 22 Dec. 1796, Philadelphia, Theodosia [Sayre], to Mary Chesnut (giving account of social visit with Mrs. Washington, others in attendance, and their dress).

• ALS, 31 Dec. 1796, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and Theodosia [Sayre], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (receiving her letters in fifteen days, many sent to her apparently lost, re Mr. Barclay—“Mr. Barclay was beloved, by the Citizens in general, he had his secret enemies, who now triumph over his Misfortunes, & he is truly wretched,” re the piano shipped to Camden, S.C., family news, and attending a ball).

• ALS, 9 January 1797, New York, C. L...n, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of friends and their activities and travels, and Mrs. Bethune a great sufferer “on account of the fire in the city”).

• ALS, 15 January 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of family activities, the dull social season—“But one invitation has been received,” the distressing situation of the Barclays as a result of the bank shortages, investigation of the bank by the legislature, upcoming weddings, avoiding the temptation to offer advice to the newlyweds—“You know I was an old-fashion[e]d Wife that thought the praises of my Husband were worth all the worlds beside,” and commenting on her servants).

• ALS, 22 January [17]97, Petersborough Farm, N.J., J[ane] K[ennedy], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (their friendship, “tho’ changed our situations from gay girls to sedate married Dames,” family news).

• ALS, 25 January 1797, Theodosia Sayre to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re excitement upon receiving letters from Camden, S.C., attending the Assembly, anticipating a visit from Mr. Chesnut’s father during the spring, and news of friends and activities).

• ALS, 3 February 1797, Philadelphia, Theodosia [Sayre], to Mrs. Chesnut, Charleston (giving an account of the play “Columbus, or A World discovered,” social activities, news of friends, mentioning “Partrige Run (the fashionable stile of dancing in America as well as London)”).

• ALS, 12 February 1797, Camden, S.C., John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, [Charleston] (family news).

• ALS, 19 February [17]97, [Camden, S.C.], John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Charleston (hoping that the room she offered was still available and his plans for leaving).

• ALS, 11 March 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (recent visitors including a medical student from Charleston, her newly acquired interest in the southern states, Washington leaving and Adams arriving, marriages and other activities of friends and family, and the servants, Peter and Cyrus).
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• ALS, 26 March 1797, Philadelphia, Theodosia [Sayre], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (spring in S.C. and “we are siting close to the Fire,” and their great delight in receiving letters from Mary and Mr. Chesnut).

• ALS, 7 April 1797, Philadelphia, Theodosia [Sayre], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (social news, re Dr. Coxe and his slightly greater attention to Sally than herself, and sending her dress by Mr. Allston who was leaving for Charleston).

• ALS, 15 April 1797, Petersborough Farm, N.J., J[ane] K[ennedy], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Christina’s wedding in N.Y. and the death of their friend Sally, news of friends, and “charmed with your accounts of Charleston”).

• ALS, 10 May 1797, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re birth of Elizabeth Julianna Stevens, Robert Hazlehurst’s return from Charleston and his account “of your Fame, & Reception there,” Dr. Coxe’s and Sally’s relationship and her conference with Dr. Coxe’s father—“his Deafness made me put an end to it as soon as I cou’d,” she generally in favor of the match because her daughter wanted it but “Still her inexperience, & disinclination to acquire that kind of knowledge which I think absolutely necessary for every Woman, makes me fear a failure,” and her ideas on the role of the “Mistress” of the house, family news, her health and activities, and the landing of “the Frigate”).

• ALS, 18 May 1797, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Dr. Coxe returned from a visit to the Virginia springs with Dr. Physick, Sally practicing some new music that he heard there, news of family and activities, a new servant, Cyrus sulking, her shortage of funds, and news of family and friends).

• ALS, 19 May 1797, Philadelphia, Eleanor N[elly] B[arcla]y, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (chiefly news of friends and activities).

• ALS, 27 May 1797, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Theodosia’s illness of a month, Sally down with rheumatism, Dr. Coxe making a nuisance of himself attending to her, uncertainty of their plans for marriage, and sister Stevens and daughter well).

• ALS, 1 June 1797, Eliza and E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sending “my first piece of painting” by Mr. Alston, her attendance at two dances, Sally’s illness, her maid injured by falling on rocks at Schuykill, and noting gifts sent Mrs. Chesnut by Thomas Sumter—“these Momentoes of old friendship are very acceptable”).

• ALS, 15 June 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re motherhood—“I rejoiced in the Prospect of hailing you as blessed among Women for being the joyfull Mother of children. Something is still wanting to compleat a happy Union, while this sweet pledge is withheld,” inviting her to Philadelphia to have the child, family news, visits from Maj. Butler and Mr. Huger, and discussing Mr. Hunt’s difficulties—“He has Challenged two Gentleman, has had a Horsewhipping in the street...”).

• ALS, 5 July 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and S[ally], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mr. John Chesnut's arrival and her favorable opinion of him, rejoicing in her children—"every Child I have strives to contribute to my happiness," and entertaining Mr. Chesnut with visits and the theatre).

• ALS, 6 July 1797, Philad[elphi]a, John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re his agreeable visit and the kindnesses of her friends).

• ALS, 11 July 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and Theodosia [Sayre], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mary’s new piano which Mrs. Cox charged to her account, re her visit to Sidney and activities there, and re the agreeable company of Mr. Chesnut). AL, 4 September 1797, New York, to Mary Chesnut (birth of her son and debilitation after her confinement, re her pleasure with Mr. Chesnut who was staying with them, and relating the situation of various friends).

• ALS, 1 October 1797, Chesnut Hill, Eleanor [Barclay], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her activities, complimenting Mr. Chesnut, and Sally and Dr. Coxe).

• ALS, 22 October 1797, Trenton, N.J., Esther Cox, to James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (commenting on her grandchild and pleased that they had a good nurse—“I had been led to believe, that they were a class of people not encouraged distinctly from the common Servants,” Sally’s situation working in the midst of sickness in the city, anxious to return home to prepare for winter, and already anticipating her visit).

• ALS, 9 November 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (preparing for winter, mentioning deaths from recent illness in the city which had passed—“The City has its former appearance, every kind of business going on as if there had been no Suspension,” Dr. Coxe spending much time with them but “Nothing has yet been said by any of us, like fixing the time for their Union,” considering moving into a smaller house to “contract my expenses in every way I can, without hurting my appearance too much,” the girls sewing new gowns, Kitty injured when a horse brushed against her “but the fright & agitation...was ten times worse than the hurt,” and approving of her nursing Serena—“I Sincerely hope that you may be able to perform the Mother’s part by Suckling her yourself”).

• ALS, 21 November 1797, Philadelphia, Theodosia [Sayre], to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (their delight in a letter from Mr. Chesnut—“The charming family picture he drew quite delighted us and we almost fancied ourselves among you,” family news of activities and health, and Betsy taking geography lessons from Theodosia and also improving her painting).

• ALS, 29 November 1797, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re their activities, Theodosia’s illness similar to Mary’s of three years ago “when Dr. Rush confin’d you to the House & bled you two or three times,” Theodosia’s illness related to a suitor whose father “will not hear to his Sons absolute right of Choice,” Dr. Rush appointed treasurer of the Mint and intending to turn over much of his practice to “two or three of his favorites,” enumerating articles sent on the schooner, and news of friends).

• ALS, 13 Dec. 1798, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (suffering from inflammation of the eye, enumerating items shipped to S.C., hoping cranberries would not spoil, re other fruits which spoiled, and marriage of Miss Bradford and Elisha Boudinot).

• ALS, 24 February 1799, Charleston, John Chesnut, Jr., to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (wanting to know “who that Lady of Camden, S.C. was that made such civil speeches of me in your presence,” so involved “in this Counting house” that he was not experiencing Charleston’s gay social life, re capture of a French frigate “but the Ladies have nothing to do with Naval affairs, nor even if they had—you Democratic people, (as they style the Camden, S.C. folks) never want to hear good news,” and last shirt sent by Peggy too large).

• ALS, 4 March [1799, Charleston], John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re articles of clothing for her and inquiring re her color preference, beginning to grow more fond of Charleston—“the misfortune is I can’t get acquainted with scarce any of the pretty Girls & even those I do know, won’t look at such a back Country Cracker like I”).

• ALS, 23 April 1799, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mrs. Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the death of Mr. Barclay, Sally’s son suffering with smallpox, Sylvia sold and in tears since she learned of it—“really that girls ill conduct spoil[e]d my comfort....Now we can get a decent White woman,” news of family and friends, deaths).

• ALS, 21 May 1799, Charleston, John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (purchases for her—music, tamarinds, prunes, explaining that lemons were not available, shipped by boat as wagons were scarce, music included patriotic songs “but as you are so much of a Democrat, I suppose they will be thrown into the fire, they are something about Adams & I know you despise him,” and news of friends).

• ALS, 23 May 1799, E[sther] Cox, to James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (thanking him for offering to send a coachman from Camden, S.C., news of family and friends, re an attack by Mr. Joe McKean upon “Fenno for abusing his Father....some of the other Printers, have recd Chastisement”).

• ALS, 10 September 1799, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her travels in N.Y. and elsewhere, deaths from the fever, news of family and friends, re the house that she rented at $480 per year, peaches ripe, and servants).

• ALS, 4 October 1799, Trenton, N.J., T[heodosia Sayre], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news, re her affection for another, and devotion to Aunt Cox).

• ALS, 18 November 1799, Philadelphia, Susannah Baldwin, to Mary Chesnut, with

• ALS, 8 Dec. 1799, E[sther] Cox, to Mary, on reverse (explaining Susannah’s letter and suggesting—“I can’t help thinking that she wishes you to write & ask her—perhaps such a letter as she could show to Mrs. Clymen would set all right” and discussing Theodosia’s situation—“I begin to think that I must consent to [Richard]...taking her in the Woods....how my heart aches when I think of her encountering the hardships of a new settlement”).

• ALS, 22 January 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Dr. Smith’s oration on Washington—“it was as Elegant as our Language cou[l]d make it,” other details of the service, news of family and friends, legislature divorced Maria Bingham, Betsy’s studies, and various illnesses).

• ALS, 14 March 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of family and friends, Theodosia’s plans uncertain, re the suit between John Rush and ?, and fears that John Rush might take some rash action).

• ALS, 25 March 1800, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mrs. Chesnut’s recovery “from the threatened danger” and pleased that she could nurse the child, advising her re treatment of lumps, re chair that she was having made for the Chesnuts, and re a letter from Mrs. Chesnut reporting on her son and on Serena).

• ALS, 10 May 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Mrs. Baldwin sailing for Charleston, activities of friends and family, reference to Gouverneur Morris, and renting the house for another year).

• ALS, 24 May 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re his statement that “you have excellent Nurses among your black women,” re items to be shipped—maps and chairs, family news, hoping that “The Enemy will not appear this Summer, but we have no Security,” re a legal matter concerning an inheritance, and re the marriage of Latrobe the engineer, etc.).

• ALS, 16 July 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re visit of Mr. Chesnut and commenting on his resemblance to Gen. Washington “which strikes me as greater now than when I saw him last, perhaps tis because he is now a little older,” approving of Mrs. Chesnut having a nurse for her son, benefit to her and to son, pleased that Mrs. Baldwin with her as a nurse, news of family and friends, reference to Col. Hampton).

• ALS, 7 August 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (discussing Sally’s children—“she uses the cold bath some times & her children are dip[p]ed every day,” other family news, re a planned visit of some of the family to S.C., and explaining the business matters re an estate would prevent her going).

• ALS, 27 September 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (bad weather prevented John Chesnut, Sr., from sitting for [Gilbert] Stuart at Germantown, re “frightful accounts of an Insurrection by the Negroes at Charleston, but upon investigation, tis not so bad,” M.C.’s letters did not mention it, referring to some dreadful event in Virginia., mentioning “a sad derangement” among her domestics and Mr. Chesnut’s opinion that “we are not so well off in these States as you are,” and suggesting that her disinclination to visit next year due to “the expectation of another increase of family”).

• ALS, 2 October 1800, Philadelphia, John Chesnut, [Sr.], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sitting for Mr. Stuart and attending the races at Germantown where he saw “the Nobellety of Pensylvania...not equal to S. Carolina by any means, but upon the whole pretty Tollerable,” plans for returning to S.C., Maj. [Pierce] Butler and family accompanied by Dr. Mease and wife setting out the next day).

• ALS, 5 October 1800, Lancaster, [Pa.], E Barton, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news and referring to the Negro insurrection in Charleston). ALS (incomplete), 7 October 180[0], Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut (awaiting Mr. Chesnut to “take my young folks to German Town to see his portrait” and his promise to have dinner with her). AL, 28 October 1800, Fayetteville, N.C., [Miss H.P. Butler], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (explaining that her father changed his route to Charleston which would prevent her delivering letters from Pennsylvania personally, and looking for an opportunity to deliver a bag of sugar plums for Serena from Miss Sayre).

• ALS, 30 November 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Theodosia’s recovery from smallpox, re the financial problems of the father of Dr. John Redman Coxe—“Every thing the Dr.[‘s] Father possessed is given up except the Pension from Government,” re the organization and officers of the “Ladies Society...for benevolent purposes,” family news, hoping that she would come for a visit next spring, re the Stuart portraits, and her health).

• ALS, 6 Dec. 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Betsy’s improved health, re other children and grandchildren, servant problems of Mrs. Cuthbert, re a donation of $500 to the Ladies Society out of money returned from Baltimore, Norfolk, and Providence, and noting—“the Lady Managers, exert themselves greatly to suit the relief to the particular cases”).

• ALS, 16 Dec. 1800, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re preparations of Betsy and Theodosia for the assembly, her health improving, business matters concerning an estate, separation of Mrs. Still and her husband—“he has...thrown off all restraint, despises, & abuses her to her Face,” and general news of family and friends).

• ALS, 12 January 1801, Petersborough Farm, pmk. Newark, J[ane] Kennedy, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (friendly letter).

• ALS, 18 January 1801, Philad[elphi]a, [Esther] Cox and Theodosia [Sayre], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of family, requesting address of Dr. Hollinshead, brother of minister thought to be living near Camden, S.C. and indebted to Mrs. Hansell of Philadelphia, and social news).

• ALS, 7 March 1801, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sending medicine for hardness of breasts and stating that it was successful when used by sister Stevens, sister Sally weaning her son, discussing her concern about Betsy’s conduct, but “her very faults proceed from virtues,” purchased one share in Bank of U.S. in Mr. Chesnut’s name, news of family and friends, and reporting on Mr. Barclay).

• ALS, 14 March 1801, Petersborough, [N.J.], J[ane] K[ennedy], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her trip to N.Y., sale of her family estate to four people from N.Y. “who mean to make a speculation business of it,” and activities of family and friends).
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• ALS, 9 April 1801, Philadelphia, Theodosia S. Coxe, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (appreciation for her letter concerning her marriage).

• ALS, 16 April 1801, Philadelphia, E[sther] B[arton], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re articles which she was sending to Mr. Chesnut, reviewing purchases, and bill for purchases).

• ALS, 9 May 1801, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her daughter’s health, pleased that Mrs. Baldwin with her—“She is used to our Method of Nursing,” Sally Bayard and her four children ill with scarlet fever, fever in many parts of the city, and family news).

• ALS, 7 August 1801, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the death of Mrs. Chesnut’s child and family news).

• ALS, 15 August 1801, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her disappointment with Theodosia’s father-in-law, Theodosia’s health, her desire to be a mother and her husband’s tender attention to her, re her travels, Kitty Stockton still wanting Mrs. Cox to live with her but “I have always intended to keep house while I felt able to manage for myself,” discussing Kitty who “will remain in her Widow’d State,” and the unsettled situation of her “Gentleman” which worked against marriage).

• ALS, 20 October 1801, Elizabeth Town, Jane Kennedy, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the death of Mrs. Chesnut’s child and her grief over the death of Kitty, “the companion of my youth,” and introducing her brother William who was going to N.C. and S.C. on business).

• ALS, 21 January 1802, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Theodosia’s illness and recovery and the birth of her daughter, she and her husband in Utica—“they must have gone in a Sleigh for there is no other way of travelling in winter,” re the races in S.C. and commenting—“as Mr. Chesnut takes pleasure in them—that is sufficient inducement for you also to be pleased, if you did not enjoy them,” the gay social season in Philadelphia, discussing investment of Mrs. Chesnut’s money, and remarking—“I begin to understand it [business] better than I used to do”).

• ALS, 30 May 1803, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news, fearful for “little Theodosia” who was suffering from whooping cough, complaining of Mrs. Cunningham—“She is a dead weight, for she will not help herself,” re travel plans, undecided about offer for lot on 5th street—“which if I accept, will leave just enough for me to build a House...for myself to live in,” and news of family and friends).

• ALS, 13 June 1803, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mrs. Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (the death of Kitty Harris’ premature son, re various estates and houses for sale, and other social and family news).

• ALS, 23 July 1803, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (returned from four-week journey and mentioning various families with who she visited, John Cox’s poor health and planning to go abroad before settling down to farm—“this is a fine Farm, but has not good buildings on it—there are a number of outbuildings, but not a proper Barn,” health and activities of various friends, Mrs. Steadman dead, and re bank dividends).

• ALS, 20 August 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mrs. Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (no fever yet in Philadelphia but very serious in N.Y., re activities of friends and family, still undecided about building or renting another house—“every decent, respectable White Woman I get, objects to the kitchen I now have, and I wish to change on many accounts”).

• ALS, 3 September 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mrs. Chesnut’s having to prepare a meal for sixteen gentlemen, praying she will have a safe confinement, John Stevens with her to study French until it was safe to go to N.Y. “where he sometimes talks of studying the Law—but he seems too Volatile to fix upon any thing,” illness of Mrs. Ingersoll, Philadelphia unusually healthy unlike the country around and N.Y., re Mr. Binney —“no change yet in his prospects, except that a Law case similar to his, has lately been tried”).

• ALS, 14 September 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the birth of Mrs. Chesnut’s Sarah and her relief and mother and child were healthy, re yellow fever and other illnesses, rejoicing that Mrs. Baldwin was with her and “besides, you have your good old black Nurse too, I suppose,” John’s parents uneasy because of his extravagance, and other family news).

• ALS, 27 September 1803, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (consoling her re loss of her child, left Philadelphia because of fever though it not as bad as in former years, re their household and activities, re the unfriendly attitude of Theodosia’s father-in-law towards Theodosia and her husband Richard Coxe, rode by Bloomsbury—“I can now view that place without a pang which I cou[l]d not do in its ruinous State,” re Mr. Coxe’s real estate ventures which should yield “a good Profit,” and family news).

• ALS, 13 October 1803, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Mr. Stevens’ steam engine “works very well” and was supposed to be tested in the river on 12 October—“If that succeeds, he will be a happy man,” the election—“as usual, some heads broken, but no great riot,” social occasions, John Stevens “likes his Colledge life,” relating the disaster “attending your Patent Corkscrew,” fever still raging in N.Y., and inquiring re Serena’s education).

• ALS, 17 November 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (social news, news of the family at Black River, Mr. Coxe in the woods “great part of his time surveying and helping the Setlers,” re articles sent to Mrs. Chesnut, John Stevens learning “but little French. He is too Volatile to Study, and yet with all his faults, no one can help loving him,” activities of the Female Society—“already the Number of Applicants are numerous, too much so for our funds,” Betsy without a music teacher for the winter, and Betsy and Mary Sayre gone to a concert “for the benefit of a worthy french Gentleman”).

• ALS, 10 Dec. 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the grandchildren, social season just starting, Betsy a bridesmaid in [Mary] Rush’s wedding, also giving a party, re her living arrangements, hoping to ship cranberries she wanted, John Stevens gone home—“he went on so riotously, that I had little pleasure in seeing him...he seems to possess a good heart, and certainly has a good capacity for learning, but the love of pleasure swallows up every good Sentiment,” and other family news).

• ALS, 29 Dec. 1803, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her health, pleased that she put the piano in the parlor—“tis the only chance you have of keeping your Musick, there are many hours that you will devote that way, if the instrument is always in view,” re Betsy’s music and reading, commenting on the mother’s situation with the prospect of losing her daughter and the position of future son-in-law, re the Rush-Manners wedding, and encouraging her to continue dancing—“tis a healthfull, as well as an agreeable exercise”).

• ALS, 5 January 1804, Sally [Kennedy], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (consoling her on the loss of two infants, re the activities of friends, and her approaching marriage).

• ALS, 9 January 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Mr. Reed’s visit to Lancaster to obtain a charter for the Philadelphia insurance companies, opposition to Philadelphia banks being incorporated, describing a party for a bride, Sally Coxe giving a card party, John Stevens creating a problem for his parents, expecting Julia soon, “as this Black Woman is over her lying-in, and has given them a young Handmaiden,” and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 20 February 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re winter in Philadelphia, family news and activities, praising Serena’s fondness for reading—“She must love reading, to leave play for it, and she will make a Sensible Woman, and be loved, and esteem’d by every body,” John Stevens studying law, mentioning that she had “a pretty good black Woman in the Kitchen,” social news, decorating the house, conversing with Mrs. Binney “on the Subject of Housekeeping,” funeral of neighbor Stiles and gathering of heirs and expectants for the settlement, and commenting on Mr. Chesnut’s landscaping).

• ALS, 14 March 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of friends, Betsy’s approaching marriage and her wish that “all the Brothers & Sisters that are within reach of us...[will] be present at the Ceremony,” plans for the occasion, still looking for a house, and regretting her losing Mrs. Baldwin whose mother wanted her home).

• ALS, 31 March 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (plans for Betsy’s wedding and Mr. Stevens’ involvement in “laying out a Town at Hoboken”).

• ALS, 8 April [1804], Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (giving an account of the wedding and the Stuart portraits of the Chesnuts).

• ALS, 18 April 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of Horace Binney and Betsy, re portraits in her “Drawing-room,” re an error she made in handling Mr. Chesnut’s accounts, re Mr. Stevens’ development at Hoboken and Mrs. Stevens’ lament “that the quiet and privacy of their Country residence will be destroy[e]d,” social news, signs of spring, and a fine supper at Mr. Ingersoll’s).

• ALS, 11 May 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Betsy’s preparing to become mistress of a house and ways in which she was assisting, re Mr. Stevens’ losses due to a recent Hoboken storm, Kitty Stockton taken advantage of by a man in whom she placed confidence at the time of Mr. Stockton’s death, and news of family and friends—weddings, illnesses, deaths, etc.).

• ALS, 18 May 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the coolness between Mr. Binney and Mr. Chesnut and Betsy and Mr. Binney setting up house).

• ALS, 3 June 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (remembrances from Philadelphia friends, prospect of Mrs. Baldwin returning in the fall, Kitty Stockton’s loss of hearing and Dr. Coxe planning to treat the condition with electricity, re the error in her keeping of Mrs. Chesnut's books, and other family news).

• ALS, 17 June 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re sister Sally’s recovery, re Mrs. Baldwin's pleasing account of Mrs. Chesnut’s children, re Mr. Chesnut’s letter and dividends due Mary Chesnut, Betsy and Mr. Binney comfortable, planning to go to Trenton, N.J.—“I am not low spirited, but I am feeble”).

• ALS, 7 July 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (discussing Mrs. Chesnut’s children and Mrs. Baldwin’s attachment to the Chesnuts, a visit from John Stevens and his behavior—“he looked as if he had been raking that night also,” reports of yellow fever in Brooklyn and on Long Island, and marriage of Tom Cadwallader and Mary Biddle and objections to the match).

• ALS, 12 July 1804, High Falls of Black River, Rachel Cunningham, to Mrs. James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (recalling her impressions of Mary as a young girl and that she married happily against her parents’ will, getting a divorce—“after it is finished it is not improbable that I may marry some Yankee farmer,” Fourth of July celebration with the Coxes, and invited “all the genteel people within 30 miles of us”).

• ALS, 30 September 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary [Chesnut, Camden, S.C.] (arrangements for Mrs. Baldwin to leave for S.C., leaving for Lancaster, family news, and living arrangements).

• ALS, 20 October 1804, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re a letter from Rachel Stevens reporting on her family—“I was surprized when with her, to see with what ease she went through the duties of so large a family,” hopeful that clothes for John fit and were satisfactory, mentioning the late storms and reports of damage in Ga., news of activities and illnesses of family and friends, Mrs. Cunningham left Theodosia—“The pretense was ill health, but her restless disposi[t]ion the real cause”).

• ALS, 6 November 1804, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re articles for the Chesnuts, visit from Mrs. Cuthbert who viewed the Chesnut portraits, her opinion that the one of Mr. Chesnut was “one of Stewards [Stuart’s] best,” wanting to know if Mrs. Cunningham had written asking her for money as she also requested a loan from Mrs. Cox to open a “Shop of fine goods in Utica” which Mrs. Cox thought was a bad idea, Mrs. Cunningham miffed at Mrs. Cox’s advice re her personal affairs, news of friends, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Hicks, friends of Dr. Campbell, a clergyman of Beaufort, and sending a keg of nuts).

• ALS, 2 Dec. 1804, Columbia, Jas. Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (meeting of legislature—“I understand the unusual quantity of business presses at this period of the Session, tis expected it will be long & to me I am certain of its being tedious,” staying at Mr. Taylor’s house, improvements to the house, instructions to the overseer, urging her to exercise and dress warmly, and instructing her to send measurements for shoes).

• ALS, 13 January [1805], Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Sally’s illness, the wretched cold weather, speculating about what happened to Mrs. Baldwin, and giving her opinion re prospective matches).

• ALS, 27 January 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Betsy’s pregnancy and her illness, cold winter, wagons bringing wood for Jersey shore—“but the sufferings of the poor, are beyond description,” large unemployment, Mrs. Chesnut’s Jesse seeking a coachman's position, social news, and re her attention to their financial situation).

• ALS, 2 March 1805, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the birth of Betsy’s daughter, John Stevens sailing to England “to solicit a Patent for a Steam Engine,” pleased that she had “a good white woman” for a nurse, weather clearing and ships moving again, suffering of poor mitigated “but adequate relief can never be obtain[e]d,” reforms being discussed, social and family news, and Betsy Stockton’s husband “abandon[ing] himself to Liquor”). MS, 7 March 1805 (agreement between William Cook and James Chesnut re transfer of property from Cook to Chesnut).

• ALS, 17 March 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (advising her re her child’s sore eyes, marriage of Molly Wilcocks and William Wall—“they made but little parade as his Parents are very plain Quakers,” and pleased at the prospect of “hav[ing] you in our Neighbourhood for a year or two at a time, while the children are gaining their Education”).

• ALS, 30 March 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re news of the birth of his child, seven within nine years of marriage, four granddaughters since August, illness of Betsy’s child, news of upcoming marriages, stating—“Your man Jesse has brought his Wife down, and has taken a small House for her,’ and noting that Jesse often asked for news from Camden, S.C.).

• ALS, 21 April 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (advising that Mary’s fever would interfere with her nursing, in the midst of moving and housecleaning, re her travel plans, re the intellectual achievement of Rachel Stevens’ children, inquiring if she had Maria Edgeworth’s Treatise on Education, activities of other family and friends, re Mr. Chesnut’s financial matters, and Betsy’s child vaccinated “but not yet taken”).

• ALS, 18 May 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (staying at Dr. Coxe’s and hoping to find a small house to rent or buy by October, re her letter to Sally, noting “little Mary must indeed be a Prodigy in the Musical line,” and two of Sally’s children very ill).

• ALS, 31 May 1805, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Kitty in a family way again, re the situation of Kitty and her husband, his fine garden, Mr. Harris without a position since giving up directorship of the academy, re Mrs. Baldwin and her friends provoked with her for deserting Mrs. Chesnut, and pleased that Serena enjoyed reading).

• ALS, 20 June 1805, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (pleased that she had a good school for her “little folks,” Kitty’s health improving and preparing for the birth of her child in October, travel plans, dislike of traveling in the heat, news of family and friends, “Delaware Bridge...going on very spiritedly,” other alterations in the area, and re money for Mr. Chesnut).

• ALS, 23 July 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the pain in Mary’s breast but agreeing that “you certainly did right to wean your Child from your own breast,” social news, sister Sally suffering from “the Summer disease,” death of “poor Susan” and her sense of loss, re her husband’s estate and the opinion that it was time for a settlement).

• ALS, 16 August 1805, Lancaster, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news, accident experienced by Sally’s son John who was operated on by Doctors Physick and Wistar, John bled and blistered, and hoping to have a house by October when Mary Sayre arriving—“those in Chesnut Street are too high rents”).
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• ALS, 26 September 1805, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the fever, John’s loss of sight in one eye, Kitty in labor, fever worse in N.Y. than in Philadelphia, John Stevens’ return from England after spending a “monstrous” amount of money, noting—“Serena takes after her Mama in loving school,” Mr. Harris establishing a tree nursery with Mr. Craft, and inquiries from Mr. Chesnut’s friends re his arrival).

• ALS, 3 October 1805, Trenton, N.J., Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (birth of Kitty’s son, name not yet determined, Kitty to feed the child and avoid the expense of a wet nurse who “cou’d not easily be supported by them,” N.Y. nearly deserted but fever abating, Mrs. Cunningham’s situation, pleased her children studying French—“all the young Ladies here are trying to acquire it,” Mr. Chesnut apparently learning it too).

• ALS, 21 October 1805, Liverpool, J[ane] Kennedy, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her living arrangement, her travels, and her children).

• ALS, 30 October 1805, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Kitty’s serious illness after childbirth and her condition, the son Nathaniel Sayre doing well, no house engaged as yet, rejoicing over Mr. Chesnut’s recovery—“tis an arduous task to rear a family without its Father,” and the house full of company).

• ALS, 8 November 1805, Trenton, N.J., E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Kitty recovering, leaving for Philadelphia to occupy her house—“I must endeavour to get fix’d before the winter sets in,” preference for keeping house to staying with children, and attending a social at which the governor was present).

• ALS, 24 November 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Betsy suffering from jaundice, re problems in fixing house, two servants hired and hiring others for a few days, paying $400 rent per year, encouraging news re Kitty and her son, praising Mr. Chesnut’s qualities, hoping they would be able to locate away from Camden, S.C., and planning to send cranberries).

• ALS, 8 Dec. 1805, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Betsy’s condition, inquiring if she went to Columbia—“change of Air, and of scene, after a long confinement is the best restorative,” not at home yet in the house, and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 3 January 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (encouraging her to go to Charleston for a change of climate and scenery, re receipt of two barrels of potatoes, Sally suffering from some of her old complaints because of cold weather, Mr. Binney taking in John Stevens, re her house, stating that all of her children had offered to buy her a house the previous year but that she declined, and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 9 February 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox. to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sorry that she was detained in Camden, S.C. and encouraging her “to take exercise in the open air by which you will be strengthened,” re her philosophy of life, regretting Mrs. Baldwin’s departure and inquiring if she wanted another woman from Philadelphia, John Stevens “much improved in Manners and Dances elegantly,” social and family news, and Trenton, N.J. bridge completed).

• ALS, 19 March 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (pleased to receive a letter from Charleston, party season in Philadelphia, purchase of bank share for the Chesnuts, $600 for her from her father’s estate, sale of lot on Fifth street, commenting on Serena’s “prefering her school to any gratification at home,” and comfortable in her home but kitchen smoked and leaked).

• ALS, 5 April 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (delighted with letter from Serena, agreeing that she was correct to return from Charleston “when you found that dissipation injured you,” re the writing skills of Julia and Hetty Stockton, noting—“I see the necessity more strongly every day, of girls being instructed fully in the knowledge of their own language,” re attention to education for girls in Philadelphia, Rachel Stevens wanted her in Black River before her confinement—“but my strength decays, and I might only add to her difficulties of which she has too many already,” inquiring if Mr. Chesnut interested in raising “Palma Christy Nuts for making Castor Oil,” and mentioning a farm for sale).

• ALS, 19 April 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (John Rutherford offering estate for sale—“I believe Mr. Chesnut is partial to Jersey, but whether the Society around that Town wou’d be agreeable to him, is what we differ in opinion about,” death of Chief Justice Shippen, John Stevens giving “great satisfaction by his steady, good conduct—he is still volatile & gay, but not too much so,” and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 17 May 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sister Sally returned from her trip—“She must not be stationary any where, nothing but riding keeps her well,” illnesses and activities of family and friends, re the dreadful fire in Philadelphia—“the poor people that were turned out of home suffer[e]d greatly,” still seeking to settle her husband’s estate, and Mr. Allen’s abuse of his wife and hard drinking).

• ALS, 16 June 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (advising her to leave the oldest children in Camden, S.C. when she went to Charleston—“the attention they wou’d require from you, wou’d defeat in some degree the benefit expected,” re the cold weather, entertaining for Gen. and Mrs. Moreau, re the accomplishments of Mrs. Moreau, the improvement in John’s vision, news of family and friends, regards to Mr. Chesnut, and the bank dividend).

• ALS, 27 June 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (hoping that her problems with inflammation of eyes had cleared up, some suffering from same in Philadelphia, treated by bleeding and “Cuping, Leaches & Blisters,” Sally at Burlington, Dr. Coxe’s pharmacy shop succeeding, travel plans, re young company—“I love young folks, and if I cou’d make my House as agreeable to them, as I once cou’d, wou’d never be without young company,” and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 12 July 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Mr. Chesnut and Margaret safely arrived, hoping to have Mary Sayre for the summer, mentioning new hotel, “the Mansion House...a genteel place for strangers to stop at till they can regulate their proceedings,” enjoying Serena’s letter, re Mr. Chesnut’s activities, hoping for improvement of her eyes, and travel plans).

• ALS, 19 July 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sending letter by “your Man Battis” who was sailing the next day, not sending the silver cup by him “lest his bags shou’d be robbed,” sending “the Nurse’s guide,” inquiring if Serena had works of Maria Edgeworth, travel plans, paid Mr. Reed bank dividend of $1000, Sally’s fondness for riding, and other family news).

• ALS, 22 August 1806, Hoboken, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (in Hoboken for the birth of another grandchild, others present, delighted with the visit of Mr. Chesnut and Margaret, pleased that her eyes had improved, hoping the springs would cure her completely, social activities, and other family news).

• ALS, 29 October 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Sally also suffering from inflamed eye, wearing green spectacles outside, Sally to be “Electrified often, if she does not recover,” looking for a better house, hoping they would be able to visit, illnesses, deaths, and other family news, Mr. Reed’s son safely through the “Vaccine disease”).

• ALS, 15 November 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sister Harris visiting—“I hope change of Scene, of Air, and company, will change her habits from confining herself to the House so much,” receipt of potatoes, comings and goings and activities, Sally “Electrified every day” for her eyes, death of Mrs. Redmon).

• ALS, 29 November 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the pleasure of a letter from Serena, approving of Serena’s learning the piano and French, Betsy Tilghman returned from France “with a little French boy or girl,” Peggy Abercrombie marrying a Frenchman, re sister Harris’ visit, and Sally Coxe still suffering with her eyes).

• ALS, 17 Dec. 1806, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (urging her to come to Philadelphia for the summer and have her baby there, Sally’s eyes still a problem, fearful that Rachel Stevens’ girls will suffer from being in the country so long “for they have no teacher there,” Jesse called re an opportunity to drive two gentleman part of the way to Charleston, Jesse’s appearance, and hoping to assemble all her children within reach for Christmas).

• ALS, 10 January 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (awaiting her answer re their planned visit to Philadelphia, Jesse’s trip to Charleston off, discussing Sally Coxe and her family, re her health, Mrs. Chesnut to receive a dividend of $600 on her bank shares, and planning to have some estate income to distribute by May or June).

• ALS, 17 February 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (disappointment that the Chesnuts would not be able to visit because of an accident to one of Serena’s eyes, hoping “to hear in your next that she is quite well, pursueing her studies again. Yet a little relaxation from them may be beneficial perhaps—at her age to study french, English, and Musick, is doing a great deal, I do not like to see children pushed too hard,” river open to vessels again, severe cold weather, Mr. Barton hoping to find a position “to fix himself respectably,” the young folks to be in Camden, S.C.—“it must enliven that greatly, but the families must be glad when they are over, for generally it unsettles all the Servants from the Usual business,” recommending a nurse to replace Mrs. Baldwin, and other family news).

• ALS, 7 March 1807, M[argaret] C[hesnut], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Charleston social life, Mr. Gilmor’s dancing “which is quite, a la francoise, is a general topic of applause,” card party at Mrs. Douglas’, regretting that she could not attend Miss McPherson’s wedding and remarking—“I had hoped that her misfortunes would improve her heart, & correct the errors she used to be condemned for—but I fear she will again return to all her former extravagancies—unless the influence of Mr. Pringle should be sufficient over her mind to remove from it it’s former follies”).

• ALS, 8 March 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (rejecting their offer of a carriage, re Jesse’s tragedy in having his house burn on one of the coldest nights of the winter, regretting Mr. Chesnut’s illness and advising “a year or two’s residence in this Climate wou[l]d strengthen you both,” still holding Mrs. Baldwin’s trunk, family news, and her health).

• ALS, 5 April 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her recovery from pleurisy, Sally Coxe’s vision improving, noting that John Stevens “has passed part of the winter at the Manor, in all the gaiety of French Customs, added to their former Elegance of living,” and other family news).

• ALS, 18 April 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (pleased to learn of Mary’s improved health—“that you sometimes have complaints incident to your present situation I can well believe, but the prospect of another dear little one will enable you to bear those patiently,” lunch with Sally Coxe and her ailments, her children so fat “that some of them are liable to the Hives,” discussing Hetty and her trials—her husband amiable and of the highest integrity—“and yet it seems as if a fate interposed to prevent his succeeding in any profitable employment,” the dividends from Mr. Cox’s estate “has enabled them to keep their difficulties from the publick eye,” re a division to be distributed in June, re the nursery of Stockton and Craft which was doing business on a large scale, and Jesse Brown, former head waited at a tavern, driving carriages).

• ALS, 2 May 1807, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (mentioning letter from Mrs. Baldwin stating that she was leaving for S.C. “as soon as she has arranged some business,” and family going to a large party at the Binneys).

• ALS, 4 June 1807, Philad[elphi]a, Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mrs. Chesnut’s letter telling her of the death of “poor Battis—a faithfull Servant is a treasure, which you must all feel the loss of, as well as poor Sue,” $1,000 to be paid to Mrs. Cox’s children, sentiment for reaching a final settlement, family news, Mr. Stevens “busy in erecting a Grist Mill, establishing a Dock Yard, and a variety of other plans, for the future good of his family,” looking for a house, Mrs. Cunningham still “plagu[ing] her relations,” and rare social outing at Betsy Binney’s “to meet the Canada Ladies”).

• ALS, 23 June 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (rejoicing at her safe delivery and suggesting if she had a good nurse, “it may be best to let her...perform the whole duty,” Sally very weak and baby likely to be premature, entertaining the family, other family news, Dr. Coxe’s mother and sister coming from England, and progress in settling the Cox estate).

• ALS, 26 September 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family activities and illnesses, Mr. Stevens’ “spirits for Steam Boats, are reviving again, since the Chancellor & Mr. Fulton have succeeded,” Robert as enthusiastic as his father, re the house that she purchased and repairs needed and describing its location, and Mr. Chesnut to take tea with her).
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• ALS, 25 October 1807, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the education of her grandchildren, relating visit by her children, progress on preparing her house, re John Stevens’ marital plans and the family’s opinion, and other activities and illnesses).

• ALS, 2 January 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re celebration of Christmas and New Year’s, Sally grieving over the loss of her son but “now she is getting into a better train of thinking,” gay social season in Philadelphia, Mary Sayre at church—“there are Charity Sermons preached today in all our Churches, for the Poor of the Congregation,” embargo a topic of general interest, and the death of Mrs. Provost in New Orleans).

• ALS, 8 February [1808], Philadelphia, Mary E. Sayre, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (visitors prevented Mrs. Cox from writing, Sally’s eyes improving, Betsy preparing for a party of more than sixty people, social activity, and Mr. Burr in the news).

• ALS, 14 February 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (condition of roads must be retarding mails, Sally’s health and disposition, mentioning our “new species of entertainment in our City Masquerades” which were prohibited by the legislature, illness of sister Barton’s husband, and wanting to know when she proposed beginning her trip).

• ALS, 28 February 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (effects of embargo, commenting on Margaret—“I think it singular, that she has lived thus long unmarried, in a country where early marriages are so frequent, & I suppose, but for a very strong attachment to her Parent, it wou’d not have happened,” pleased Mrs. Baldwin to accompany her, Sally still having problems with her eyes, announcing that Dr. Coxe’s father “has gained his Cause....Tench Coxe & all the Brothers must feel mortified after expressing themselves so sure of success,” and re her admiration of Betsy Binney and her philosophy).

• ALS, 10 April 1808, Philad[elphi]a E[sther] Cox and Theodosia [Sayre Coxe], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (stating that she purchased her two tickets in the N.Y. lottery, re division of lands in Cox estate, praising efforts of Mr. Binney to effect this, Sally’s condition—“her disease is more upon the Nerves, than the vital parts,” and looking forward to her visit).

• ALS, 23 June 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and Theodosia Coxe, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family illnesses and activities, thinking of building a house, and other family news).

• ALS, 27 October 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (news of activities and illnesses, especially among sister Stevens and her family, pecuniary difficulties of the family, strawberries scarce, death of Mrs. Boudinot, Dr. Coxe to build near her, and her lack of interest in politics—“I leave all such matters to wiser heads—and yet I am not uninterested in the fate of our Country but endeavour to understand its true Interests”).

• ALS, 10 November 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (illness of Mr. Barton, Sally Coxe’s condition—had not left the house since Mrs. Chesnut last saw her, shipping one-half barrel of cranberries, wanting to know about Margaret’s wedding, noting that Mr. Stevens “is so invelloped in Steam, that he can scarcely take up any other subject,” a law suit possible “for the other party will not allow him to use his Boat,” Mrs. Cox pretty much confined to the house, mentioning that the theatre was open “and there are several other places of resort, such as Lectures, in which the greatest display of Oratory, and Elocution are exhibited by a Mr. Ogilvie, and the highest degree of deception, or Slight of hand, by a Mr. Martin,” and circus building).

• ALS, 26 November 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (rejoicing over Margaret’s marriage to Mr. Deas, Mr. Chesnut’s lottery tickets not yet drawn, and news of family activities and illnesses).

• ALS, 9 December 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Sally expecting to be confined shortly, condition of John’s eye, Mr. Boudinot trying to find china for Mrs. Chesnut, re the pleasure that she derived from Chesnut portraits, noting that Hetty brought down portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Cox, the Barton’s sale—“they were enabled by the sale, to pay every thing they owed, and leave the place with credit,” and news of “Sister Sally’s being safely put to Bed, and a sweet little grl by her side”).

• ALS, 24 December 1808, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (sending her respects to Mr. and Mrs. Deas, Sally and her child, Sally overacts—“every time the Child Coughs, or breath[e]s hard, she thinks it is strangling, & gets into such a violent perturbation, that must I fear injure her in the end,” John’s problem with his eye, re the dispute between Mr. Stevens and the Chancellor—“after compleatly equipping his Boat, & going in her himself to Amboy, as well as making many other satisfactory experiments He is forbid to use it, and charged with availing himself of Mr. Fulton’s invention, and many other indecent, and illiberal reflections are thrown out,” newspaper war, expecting a lawsuit, John trying to navigate by steam the Delaware to Trenton, N.J., pleased that Mr. Chesnut was elected to the legislature, and reading Life of George Washington written by “Parson” Mason Locke Weems (1759-1825)).

• ALS, 22 January 1809, Philadelphia, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (birth of Betsy’s son and hoping that Mrs. Chesnut’s would be born by the time that she received the letter, thanking Serena “for her pretty Christmas box,” Mr. Barton’s death and Hetty’s condition—“I have no doubt of her acquiescing to the Will of Providence with that resolution which becomes the Christian Character,” other family news, and approving of her “cloathing your family in Homespun. Tis patriotick—and habits of Industry & Economy once acquired—they bring pleasure to the Mind”).

• ALS, 5 February 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (rejoicing over the birth of her child, hoping she would nurse the child, re the problem with Sally’s child—“Sally has had great trouble in not being able to Suckle hers as she thought she shou’d and she persevered so long that she almost starved the Child,” other family illnesses, enjoying Serena’s letter, abundance of snow—“Sleighs are driving Night & day in every direction,” Mr. Stevens advertising plans to run his steam boat from N.Y. to Brunswick, and assuring her that her daughter Sarah’s remains would be interred in the church until the family vaults could be opened).

• ALS, 18 February 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the interment of Mrs. Chesnut’s daughter, family news, visit from “all my young folks from Trenton, N.J.,” streets overflowed with water due to thaw but ice preventing water from running off, fire destroyed the Stevens’ green house “and if the Steam Boat...does not Succeed, I fear she [Rachel] will have harder trials to bear than she has yet felt,” Susan Smith’s marriage to a Princeton student without parental consent and problems that it caused her father, and other family news).

• ALS, 5 March 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the prospect of sister Hetty as she faced a future of living without a husband, noting—“Now, my life seems to be of more importance than I expected it wou’d ever be again,” Hetty’s financial situation, news of social activities and family, the river open, and John Stevens in town looking “very thin, and grave”).

• ALS, 18 March 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Sally’s new baby, business picking up, expecting to be able to go out shortly, treatment of Mr. Harris’ abscess, “Peter Mccall seems to be sinking into Melancholly,” sale of his farm and move to Trenton, N.J.—“He is incapable of business, yet seems in good health,” and Mrs. Cunningham’s recent “scandalous” conduct).

• ALS, 16 April 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re sister Barton’s pleasure with her letter, Betsy Binney’s problems with nursing her child, re a meeting between John Stevens, Livingston, and Fulton—“they passed a very sociable evening as if nothing had ever happen[e]d to interrupt their harmony—but not a word was said of business,” Mary Grant’s family thinking of settling in town for the benefit of the children’s education, and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 29 April 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (acknowledging her last letter and expressing pleasure to learn of her good health and her child’s, spring cold and wet, giving her information on boarding schools, news of family activities, and the condition of her throat).

• ALS, 10 June 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Serena’s letter and hoping “her pretty little Horse may carry her safely whenever she mounts him,” noting—“Tis very much the fashion here for Ladies to ride,” planning trip to Trenton, N.J., opposition to Mr. Stevens’ boat “both by the Land Stages, and the Water,” Dr. Coxe a candidate for the vacant professorship of chemistry caused by Dr. Woodhouse’s death, and other family news).

• ALS, 18 August 1809, Trenton, N.J., Esther Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (explaining that Mr. Barton’s death “has made a new agent necessary for the management of our back lands” and discussing terms for hiring an agent and future disposition of the property, traveled to Trenton, N.J. on the steam boat).

• ALS, 10 October 1809, Philadelphia, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (discussing a visit from Mrs. Sumpter, sending her a box of goods, two volumes for Serena, re cloth and other articles of clothing that she was sending, congratulating the Deas’s “late acquisition,” an agent absolutely necessary for the management of the lands, re her own finances, the steam boat barely covering daily expenses and “laid up” until next spring, and her company very much pleased with Mrs. Sumpter).

• ALS, 12 November 1809, Philad[elphi]a E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (recent company, re her pleasure with Dr. Coxe’s success, his lectures, noting—“Sally really enjoys the prospect she has, and the Drs Countenance is brighten[e]d greatly,” Mr. Binney assuming responsibility for their land business and his handling of it, and Mrs. Cunningham’s activities).

• ALS, 30 December 1809, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family Christman, wedding of John Stevens’ son, explaining the compromise with Livingston and Fulton and his plans for pushing the steam boat, potatoes arrived and still on the ship, cranberries and nuts scarce, and other family news).

• ALS, 31 March 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re illnesses among family and friends, John Stockton going to Ohio and possibility of his settling there as a lawyer, his generosity to his sister in the settlement of their father’s estate, and discussing the Cox estate).

• ALS, 26 May 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (expressing appreciation for rice Mr. Chesnut intended to send—“Sally’s children half lives on Rice, & Kitty Harris, makes great use of it in her family,” family business matters, expressing appreciation for their “generosity to all who need it,” mother Coxe with Sally but leaving for England soon, her house sold at auction, Betsy Binney and others suffering from mumps, planning to send Serena “Tales of Fashionable Life,” and approving of Mrs. Chesnut’s “lead[ing] her Studies to sacred subjects,” and recommending “Hunter's Sacred Biography....if she has read Hume’s History, she will not be frightened at this”).

• ALS, 23 June 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (John Stockton settled in Zanesville, Ohio, Mrs. Coxe nursing a lame ankle, family activities, death of Mrs. Elder leaving one child who “is suffering for want of Education,” Hetty Barton trying to provide for her).

• ALS, 22 July 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mrs. Chesnut mourning the loss of another infant, Sally’s little Emily also sickly and “seems to exist only by riding and changing the air,” taking a voyage on the steam boat for her health, improvements to the boat, and all the Stevens enthusiastic for the boat’s success, and still having difficulty swallowing and therefore eating alone).
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• ALS, 3 August 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (her sisters sympathetic over her loss, stating—“I tell Sally she ought to imitate your conduct in giving your children to Him who only lent them to you for a while,” family activities and illnesses, Sally Coxe’s new house, expenses of such a house enormous and stating—“this expensive City requires large means, when there is so large a family to bring up”).

• ALS, 19 August 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Sally’s Emily experienced another severe attack of “Summer complaint,” family news, Dr. Coxe sold house for $15,500 “to our great Dentist, Hudson—this circumstance sets them at ease in the payment for that of their Mothers”).

• ALS, 23 August 1810, New York, John Chesnut, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re his trip, viewing Chancellor Livingston’s merinos, re his charming daughter—“how does it happen that I cannot be a favorite with the Ladys at Camden, S.C., as I generally do better and pass pretty well abroad,” re letters from Camden, S.C. telling him “of the freshet in our rivers,” and anxious about the crops).

• ALS, 1 September 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (the steam boat “perform[ing] all that was expected of it, by the Sanguine Owners,” noting—“I hope now they will make some profit, to replace the money expended,” expecting a visit from Mr. Chesnut shortly as a neighbor saw him at New Haven, re books that she would send by Mr. Chesnut, the changes of weather affecting the health of Sally Coxe’s Emily, Francis Stevens to enter a counting house in the fall, John working on his farm and preparing to raise Merino sheep, Edward Burd’s marriage “to the rich Miss Sims,” mentioning—“The cool weather will soon bring the company from the watering places,” re her health and remarking—“I enjoy so many blessings, and my decay is so gentle, that I cannot be too thankful for these great Mercies,” and advising her to “think of me always...as being happy”).

• ALS, 11 September 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re arrival of Mr. Chesnut and having tea with Mr. Singleton’s family, other activities, Hetty Barton suffering from attack of bilious fever, city healthier than usual and fewer deaths among small children, mentioning books that she was sending for Mrs. Chesnut’s children, and relating the illness of Dr. Rush’s son John).

• ALS, 27 September 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her health, visit of Papa Chesnut, Sally purchased “new Musick” for Mrs. Chesnut, discussing business matter re Mr. Cox’s estate, Sally Coxe getting settled in her mother’s house, and trouble with Mrs. Cunningham).

• ALS, 28 October 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re illness of Sally Coxe’s child, Francis Stevens being “blister’d repeatedly for a deafness which attacked him last winter,” re the Stevens’ boat and fearing it “will not clear so much as they at first expected,” sending cranberries and nuts, and a fire which destroyed the Harris’ new barn and all that was in it).

• ALS, 24 November 1810, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (contrasting the severe weather they were experiencing with the dry and warm weather in Camden, S.C., the gay season, Mr. Stevens planning more boats and attempting to raise capital, Betsy Binney’s husband suffering “Rheumatism in his breast,” hopeful that Mrs. Chesnut would visit next year, re Serena’s education and reporting that boarding schools in Philadelphia “promise everything, and charge for every thing but the result is not often what we expect,” and the education of Francis Stevens).

• ALS, 3 January 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her life style, guests in her house, Julia’s and Betsy’s dress at Mrs. Dallas’ “grand Ball,” commenting on the marriage of “the rich Mr. Champion,” news of marriages and other social news, her seventieth birthday on the sixth and remarking—“I trust, my children will not grieve, but be thankfull that I should have been spared so long to them. I feel myself as the Bond of Union among them”).

• ALS, 18 January 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Sally’s child suffered a “Paralitic stroke,” re their winter weather, Mr. Stevens’ trip to Washington, doubtful that he achieved much “in filling his Subscription...the present time is unfavourable for advancing large Sums in any Scheme, however plausible,” James Stevens’ courtship, and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 17 February 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (looking forward to her visit for the purpose of enrolling her children in schools at German Town, re condition of Sally’s Emily—“nothing remains of her former complaints, but weakness in her limbs, which the Physicians encourage her to believe, will be intirely relieved by Sea bathing,” and closing because her eyes constantly watering from a cold).

• ALS, 16 March 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news and death of Mr. Grant on 10 March, Theodosia taking up the piano, Theodosia’s complaint “that there is no proper society for the Child, her Manners as well as conversation must partake of the vulgar cast,” report on the Stevens family and anticipating the steam boat starting up any day, the Rush’s son Richard engaged in a duel with a lawyer—“The poor Dr. is almost bowed down with sorrow,” and discussing the background of the duel).

• ALS, 19 April 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the lodging that had been secured for her, re Mary Grant’s short married life and the kindnesses of Mr. Grant’s family to her, death of Sally’s Emily, re their bank shares and her reluctance upon disposing of them, and Boudinot’s purchase of the china that she wanted).

• ALS, 5 May 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Sally’s acceptance of Emily’s death, Dr. Coxe enrolling John at Carlisle—“He is a fine boy, but too wild to bring up at home, he leads the others astray,” the steam boat doing well on the Delaware—“tis an easy way of travelling and every thing is now well conducted on board,” complimenting Serena’s letter, and Betsy Binney and daughters recovering—“Influenza I believe it may be called”).

• ALS, 29 August 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the beneficial effect of her visit on Sally and family news re illnesses and activities).

• ALS, 26 October 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (mentioning “The destruction on the Ocean” and the terrible losses, Sally pregnant, thanking her for a bedspread, and other family news).

• ALS, 14 December 1811, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re her children and hoping that Papa will get John a chessboard “for his amusement, when his lessons are done,” family illnesses and activities, bank stock rising, re her health and activities, and Dr. Coxe doing well with two hundred students—“a few years ago I had to lend him Money, and now he has to lend me”).

• ALS, 11 January 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (hopeful that the New Year would bring “the languish[e]d for Son to gladden the hearts of all around,” Sally’s situation—“poor soul, she suffers doubly, her particularity in Housekeeping, gives her unnecessary troubles, her real ones, might more easily be borne, if she wou’d but think properly,” other family news, small dividend from Mr. Cox’s estate because of heavy expenses of clearing titles, the bank bill to be debated in the legislature, staying upstairs on account of the cold, and mentioning “the awfull calamity at Richmond”).

• ALS, 25 January 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the severe cold, Hetty suffering with pleurisy—“Bleeding & Blistering, has abated all the pains & fever,” and other family news).

• ALS, 4 May 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (suggesting Julia as the name for her child, remarking that “though you have had ten daughters, you have not yet exhausted all the family Names,” Hetty’s illness, bled yesterday, the sudden death of young Francis Stevens—“the whole family seem bowed with this affliction,” other family illnesses and activities, and not expecting the work in her house to be completed before the arrival of James and his wife).

• ALS, 16 May 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Hetty’s illness and her plans for visiting Camden, S.C., staying at Dr. Coxe’s while painting going on at her house, George unhappy at being dismissed—Kitty “has hired a young Lad at Six [dollars]....She can order him to do things as she likes best, for George is a little Self will[e]d,” several fatalities from whooping cough, the steam boat doing well but Francis Stevens’ death "has thrown a gloom over all their prospects,” and other family news).

• ALS, 26 May 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Sally’s eye giving her problems, her beautiful new child—“the best child she ever had,” missing George “so much upon coming home, that it dont seem like my own House,” noting his many good qualities and regretting that “his love of Liquor was undermining his life,” the Stockton children erecting a monument to their father, John’s situation as an attorney in Zanesville, Ohio, business matters and “feel[ing] the failure of my last years income sadly,” Stephen Girard’s announcement of a private bank, and Hetty Barton’s fine profit from a recent land sale “but the Sale of Lands generally has had a Check—the farmers will not now buy, unless they can get it at a reduced price”).

• ALS, 5 June 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news re comings and goings, possibility of a visit from Mr. Chesnut, death of “poor George” from “Dropsy in the Chest”—“he served me faithfully, for the greater part of the time he lived with me,” Julia finished with Mrs. Chesnut’s cap, mentioning weddings—“we have had so few weddings this winter, that the Town is enliven’d by the bustle of visiting”).

• ALS, 17 October 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Hetty Barton back from her summer trip and going on another before cold weather “as tis recommended to her, to keep riding as long as the Season keeps pleasant,” Richard Coxe’s arrival with “a drove of Cattle” to sell, and other family news).

• ALS, 19 December 1812, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Hetty Barton still suffering from her complaint, the girls busy with the mantua maker, finishing their coats for tomorrow, mentioning her “Comfortable”—they are now very much in use, but of inferior materi

• ALS, and made to come within the power of the poorer class of folks,” and suggesting that except for the climate, “they wou’d be fine for your Servants Beds, as you have Cotton so plenty,” Chancellor Livingston and family traveling to Charleston, young Mrs. Livingston “consumptive,” re family living arrangements, Christmas approaching—“The Festive Season approaches, and we must all remember each other at the plentiful Meal, and chearfull glass,” and families to celebrate individually).

• ALS, 16 January 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the fine letter from granddaughter Mary, return of Hetty Barton’s disease of the previous winter, the gay season under way and “Sleighs, for the first time this winter are flying about all day, and night,” her great-great-grandchild born to James Stevens and wife, John Stevens succeeded in N.C. in obtaining exclusive rights “for the running of Steam Boats, for a certain number of years,” hoping that when her son entered a Northern college, you will “take up your abode here also,” inquiring if she had heard of Washington Reed’s fate in a naval engagement, and social news of marriages, etc.).

• ALS, 29 January 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re family activities, snowing, her daily schedule, the young people appearing before her in new clothes, Washington Reed a prisoner, commenting on the war, scarcity of certain articles, and other family news).

• ALS, 15 March 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the Stevenses and their steam boats, death of Chancellor Livingston, funeral attended by hundreds, death of Washington Reed, family activities, distressed by the war, looking for linens for her, and income from Mr. Cox’s estate).
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• ALS, 1 April 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (family news, medical school commencement and each of the faculty having twenty students to dine, Joe Reed looking very afflicted as a result of his brother’s death, prospect of peace “put a stop...to the rise of prices,” re the death of an old friend two years older than she, and other news of family and friends).

• ALS, 14 May 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Mrs. Chesnut’s mention of musical parties and recalling “when you...made so conspicuous a figure in our own parlor,” stating that she was generally fond “of retirement and quiet” but recently went downstairs with the young people for an hour, Mr. Butler instrumental in obtaining James Rush’s appointment as treasurer of the Mint, several deaths from typhus fever, and other family news).

• ALS, 10 June 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the health and activities of her sisters, young people going to a party where fresh strawberries would be served and where they would meet “a large Party of chiefly Bostonians,” re a cap that she wanted to send her grandson, another dividend to heirs of Mr. Cox, approving of their method of child rearing, and other family news).

• ALS, 25 June 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (speculating if Serena’s education finished and remarking—“The progressive improvement can be better attended to at home, under such Parents as she is blessed with,” looking for harp strings for Serena, sending articles of clothing by a gentleman going to Charleston, family illnesses and activities, travels, Francis Stevens’ coming of age celebrated with a party of his counting house friends at City Hotel, the competition between Stevens and Fulton surfacing again since the death of Chancellor Livingston, and capture and parole of Capt. Manners).

• ALS, 9 July 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re receipt of her letter detailing Mr. Izard’s illness and stating—“How gratifying to your feelings must it be, to know that you have been instrumental in saving the life of so valuable a Man,” agreeing with her decision “to stay in the Country during your confinement...you will be more at your ease, & certainly it will be best for the children,” celebration of July Fourth, the eulogy for Dr. Rush delivered by the Rev. Dr. Staughton in Arch St. Church, sent articles by “Seedman, if I remember right, he has been here to procure plates, and paper for your New Bank at Charleston,” and family news).

• ALS, 23 July 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (harp strings and music purchased for Serena, family activities and travels, re the situation of Mrs. Rush—“She is still the picture of Woe, but is forced to exert herself as she is left the sole director and manager of the Estate,” a boarding school for young women opened in her large house, Mrs. Baldwin’s mother anxious to see her daughter, Betsy Binney talking of going to the seashore—“the bathers there are affraid of the British, so that it will not be so full, as usual I suppose,” dividend available, and other family news).

• ALS, 20 August 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox and E. Barton, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re birth of Mary Chesnut’s eleventh daughter, re Mrs. Cox’s illness, suggesting Julia as a name, Mrs. Cox recovering, re the attentions of the other sisters, Robert Stevens at Trenton, N.J. attending to the new steam boat, meeting Mr. Matheson at York Springs and his compliments re the Chesnuts, and other family news).

• ALS, 22 September 1813, Philad[elphi]a E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (feeling better and remarking—“though my Duty’s seem to be nearly all perform’d, still while I am not a burden to my children, I consider myself in some degree usefull, and therefore Life is desirable, and at all times to be considered as a blessing,” agreeing with her decision to give up suckling—“you always injure yourself by attempting it,” the Coxes moving into the city, making purchases for her, Julia assisting Robert Stevens in preparing his new boat, Robert injured by a piece of iron getting into his eye and treated by the “masterly hand” of Dr. Physick, and other family news).

• ALS, 30 October 1813, Philad[elphi]a, E[sther] Cox, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re Julia’s purchases for her, expecting visitors, mentioning boarding schools and observing—“I make no doubt, your children will be as well taught by you, & Serena together, as any of those taught in these famous boarding schools. I mean in those branches which are most usefull & in constant requisition—Musick, drawing, French, &c &c,” Robert Stevens’ new boat performing well, re marriages and other social news).

• ALS, 30 January 1814, Philadelphia, J. H. Coxe, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (looking forward to a visit from Mrs. Chesnut in the spring, illness of Mrs. Cox, health of other sisters, and other family news).

• ALS, 11 March 1814, Philadelphia, Sally Coxe, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Mrs. Cox “has gone from sickness and suffering to a place prepared for such perfect being as she was,” discussing her last illness, articles that Mrs. Cox had assigned to Mrs. Chesnut and herself, note re Stuart portraits).

• ALS, 18 March 1814, Philadelphia, E[sther] Barton, to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re business matters as a result of Mrs. Cox’s death, other family news, and Mrs. Cox’s disposition of furniture and other possessions “as are not ordered to be sold”). AL, 27 July 1814, Cottage, [Kitty Harris?], to Mary Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (re the concern about her eyesight, discussing the serious condition of sister’s eyes and consideration of an operation, re the division of the estate, and some problems in settling accounts).

• ALS, [18 January 1815], John Taylor, to James Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (congratulating them on the birth of a son, stating that he delivered harp strings for Serena to Col. Chappell, and a sale of land).

• ALS, 20 September 1833, Washington, Ja[me]s Chesnut, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (written on their anniversary date, relating his travels, her commissions in Philadelphia taken care of, re her Philadelphia relatives, “Howdye to every one of the servants,” and his rate of travel slowed by the horses “having been so long idle & all I hope too fat, but I shall gradually get them to it”).

• ALS, 20 July 1841, Kirkwood, M[ary] C R[eynolds], to Emma Chesnut, White Sulphur Springs, Va. (news of home and friends, people leaving Kirkwood for the summer, expressing disappointment at not being invited to Mrs. Niles’ wedding—“great preparations are making for the wedding, Mrs. Ciples is in all her glory as presiding queen of the scene”).

• ALS, 2 May [18]58, Mulberry, J[ames] Chesnut, to Miss E.W. Chesnut, Gainesville, Fla. (concern for Mary’s health, preparing to move to Sandy Hill for the summer, grandmother suffering with a cough, destruction of crops by frost, and news of acquaintances).

• ALS, n.d., Clermont, Mary E. Huger, to Mrs. Chesnut, Camden, S.C. (Huger’s sister taken by brother to Philadelphia to consult Dr. Rush, requesting that she allow a servant to choose hats for her nephews, and sending pattern of Harriot’s shoe).

Calendar: Completed 1994.

Location: P

Accession number: 9929

Referenced: University South Carolinana Society Program, 1985, pp. 3-4.

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