Library

Was let loose in the Jefferson library yesterday after a quick tour. Obviously great excitement and I went and looked at as many books etc as possible. Some great initial findings - the first one ties in with the start of this project.

I originally found a letter from Robert Donald to President Washington from the Library of Congress pushing his nephew, James D Smith to a position, written in 1794 over 40 years since Robert had seen Washington at Pages. Now have found the letter from James D Smith - and he also talks about Alexander Donald in it, Robert's nephew. Smith writes to Washington about how he finds trade dull and therefore is offering himself as a soldier - "or any other line your excelly may think proper under your Auspicious eye I can push my way thro."

He didn't get a job - despite saying if required "I will immediately sell of all my prorerty, Settle my Accts and with the greatest chearfullness Act as you may be pleased to desire"- so Mr Smith did not go to Washington.

The other things of note:
1. A print of James Brown sr, Alexander's business partner who ran his business in Richmond. Leads me to believe one day I will find a print of Alexander.

Alexander and Brown were very close - he wrote to Jefferson: "I hope that I need not say how happy I shall ever be in your Company, and I can answer for my Friend Mr. Brown that he will be so too." etc etc. He also defended Brown in the case of the Bowman ship, which also involved Alexander Hamilton.

However, after Alexander went bust - he immediately wrote to Jefferson: "It gives me pain however to mention, that you will not trust to Mr. James Brown for shipping your Tobacco to me, for since I left the Country he has shewn a decided preference to Mr. Burton, notwithstanding all my kindness to him. I know Brown’s disposition so well, that I have no doubt of his doing every thing he can to hurt my Interest, but he will find it is too strongly founded to be shaken by his ingratitude."

Jefferson - never one to take sides - wrote to Brown saying he would love him to carry on working with Alexander, but he would leave it up to Brown to decide.

Brown wrote back to Jefferson:

"I am sorry to discover Mr. Donald has Personal Views, that to enforce them he exculpates himself from all Blame of course Rests the failure on his Partners without giving them an oportunity to clear themselves from censure. This conduct every generous Mind will condemn and Suspend Opinions till both Sides are heard. Mr. Donald is also pleased to find fault with my conduct to some of his confidential friends, Without Writing me a Single line on the Subject, however I feel perfectly easy under the charge’s, as I can Satisfy every liberal mind that they are groundless, and this manner of attack below the character of a Man."

James Brown ended up becoming Burton's business partner - and then married Burton's widow - Anna Pitfield (Braddick) Burton in 1807 - Burton died a year before Alexander.

2. Details of the American Loyalist Claims - I think these are going to be vital in the story - but what is more exciting that in Richmond, they also hold the special agents reports into Alexander's claims for money back after the revolution. Two special agents - William Hening and James Jones - investigated Alexander, so can't wait to see those. I think the fact that Alexander was saying he was all pro the revolution etc, but then claiming money back in compensation might explain why he and Jefferson fell out.

3. Lots of reports of the land the Donalds used to own - such as Robert Donald who had 428 acres on both sides of Cripple Creek in Augusta County. Loads of places for Tom Tom to take me to.

4. Nice quote from George Washington to Bushrood about Alexander's attempts at a revenue bill:

"If Mr Donald can place the finances of this Country upon so respectable a footing as he has intimated, he will deserve its warmest, and most grateful thanks. In the attempt, my best wishes—which is all I have to offer—will accompany him."
 
All leading up to the question of why did Alexander fall so spectacularly out of favour with America? There are other reference to how Patrick Henry read out letters from Jefferson to Donald about the constitution etc so he was right in there with them. 


So what went wrong? Was it the Royalist Claims? Did the secret agents find something out? Or did he get sulky about Jefferson continuing to deal with Brown and Burton.  


Anyway, then got in a right state about what I am doing here and how to make the best of it and felt a bit alone in my research, so this morning I have been in touch with the office to arrange some meetings to give me some pointers. As I have said before, no point in making all these sacrifices unless something really good comes out of it - and can't do that on my own, so need support. I need focus and to develop the plan - and not to just run around looking at every book going!