The Papers

Florence Bouton Pitts' suitcase of memorabilia representing the Virginia families of Pitts, Morgan, Bryan and Lee, was donated to the Library of Virginia in 2006. Richard Bland Lee II's family is well represented with photographs and letters, including a 19th century exchange between George Washington and Richard Bland Lee II. Original letters from Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee were found in the collection as well as two photographs of her husband Robert E. Lee. A letter dated April 1853 from Blanch Birard details a week-long stay with the Custis & Lee families at Arlington house. This letter offers a first person account of the federal government's business at a pivotal time prior to the Civil War; a visit with President Pierce at the White House and Mrs. Augustus Washington at Mt. Vernon. The editors conclude with additional research materials, including federal census records and newspaper articles used to establish the relationships within the families and complete name index.