Chester Ashley was a
United States Senator from Arkansas from 1844-1848. Ashley was born at Amherst,
Massachusetts, on June 1, 1791. About three years later he moved to Hudson, New
York, where he grew up. In 1813 he graduated from Williams College, Williamstown,
Massachusetts. Later, he graduated from Litchfield Law School and was admitted
to the bar in 1817. Chester Ashley commenced the practice of law in Hudson, New
York. After moves to Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1818, and St. Louis, Missouri,
1819, he settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1820. In July of 1821, Chester
Ashley married Mary W.W. Elliott in St. Genevieve, Missouri. In 1844, he was
elected to the United States Senate where he became chairman of the Committee
on Judiciary. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1846. Senator Ashley died at
Washington, District of Columbia, on April 29, 1848, at the age of 57.
This collection
consists of the papers and correspondence of Chester Ashley, United States
Senator from Arkansas, 1844-1848. The Ashley papers' correspondence includes
letters from and/or concerning: William W. Adams, Solon Borland, R.C. Byrd,
Elias N. Conway, Edward Cross, T. Curran, R.E.C. Dougherty, J.H. Egner, J.
Gould, J. Gray, T.B. Hanley, [J.M. Hoge], Dr. A.S. Huey, Thomas Johnson,
William H. Lindsey, William E. Moore, Thomas W. Newton, General William Pelham,
Will Phillips, Grandison D. Royston, Sam C. Roane, Daniel Ringo, General Henry
M. Rector, W.K. Sebastian, A.H. Sevier, Creed Taylor, John C.P. Tollison,
George Watkins, D.T. Witter, William E. Woodruff, Archibald Yell, and many
others.
·
Chester
Ashley correspondence 1829-1848
o
1.
1829 March 16: [Joseph] H. Egner, Batesville, Arkansas Territory, to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Land purchase of Charles Kelley.
o
2.
1829 December 23: A.H. Sevier, Washington City, [District of Columbia], to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Land claims in Arkansas.
o
3.
1835 January 27: D.S. Newhall, Lilly Wait and Company, Boston, Massachusetts,
to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Written on statement of
account and requests payment of bill.
o
4.
1835 March 10: William Ashley, Hudson, New York, to Chester Ashley, at Little
Rock, Arkansas Territory. Financial affairs.
o
5.
1835 March 28: William Ashley, Hudson, New York, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas Territory. Financial affairs of William Ashley and some news of
Hudson.
o
6.
1835 August 18: Rich Pryor, Spring Hill, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley. Purchase of land.
o
7.
1835 September 3: John J. Burk, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Sale of a negro boy, Jim Crow, to Clements and
[Desobry] by John A. Brown and aftermath.
o
8.
1835 September 20: Josiah Clark at Scotia, Pope County, Arkansas Territory, to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. A debt owed by Clark to
Ashley.
o
9.
1835 November 18: Cincinnati Type Foundry (N. Guilford, Treasurer), Cincinnati,
Ohio, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Collection of
judgment against Cocke, Little, Patton, and Lea.
o
10.
1839 February 1: [R.] Frary, Hudson, [New York], to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. The insanity of Ashley's sister, [Lavaette], and Ashley's
father's financial matters.
o
11.
1839 May 26: Roswell Beebe, Washington City, [District of Columbia], to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Land.
o
12.
1839 November 20: Stillman Field at Leverett, Massachusetts, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. An inquiry about a small demand of money against William
W. Adams and news of recent election results in Massachusetts.
o
13.
1839 December 8: C.L. Jeffries, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Requests reimbursement of money spent on the improvement
of Chester Ashley's property.
o
14.
1840 [June 24]: [Sunday Polk] to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Introduces Reverend William C. [Christopher] Yeager.
o
15.
1842 May 14: E. Wand and William H. Lindsey to Chester Ashley, Little Rock,
Arkansas. Payment of debt from land bought from Ashley.
o
16.
1842 June 11: Grandison D. Royston, Benton, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. A barrel of ice being shipped to Ashley and other things.
o
17.
1843 September 11: R.L. Phillips, postmaster at Washington, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. A note obtained by a Mr. Crow for Ashley
to defend him.
o
18.
1843 November 2: Creed Taylor at Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Business contract with M. Taylor and news of
Bear Range and hands there.
o
19.
1844 November 1: G[randison] D. Royston, Washington, Hempstead County,
Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Ashley's Senate race.
o
20.
1844 November 18: William E. Woodruff, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests
Ashley's aid in getting Alden Mills Woodruff admitted to the United States
Military Academy at West Point.
o
21.
1844 November 22: W.W. Witson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Senator, Washington City, District of Columbia. Inquiry about land around the
Arkansas River owned by Ashley, in the neighborhood of Robert Harris.
o
22.
1844 November 25: T.M.R. Bankhead, House of Representatives, Little Rock,
Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Bankhead's
efforts to obtain an office held by a Mr. [Rector] and asking Ashley to let him
know of Mr. Tyler's views on the subject.
o
23.1844
November 26: W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley at
Washington City, District of Columbia. Happenings in Little Rock. Mentioned are
Mr. Woodie, Dr. Borland, Mr. English, Aunt Laura, Fran, Mr. Logan, Mr. T. Scott
and Judge Cross.
o
24.
1844 November 28: W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Ashley's election to the office of
Elector for United States President and Vice-President and taxes on Ashley's
land in Lafayette County as well as news of home in Little Rock. Enclosed is
letter from Governor Drew notifying Ashley of his election to the office of
Elector for United States President and Vice-President.
o
25.
1844 November 29: A.H. Sevier, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to pay a sum of money Sevier
owed to a Mr. Johnson for him, if he is delayed in Little Rock.
o
26.
1844 December 4: George C. Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. A political letter
that includes news of Watkins' private business such as his partnership with
Mr. [Curran] and a land purchase from Judge Cross.
o
27.
1844 December 4: D.[T.] Willis, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests that a Mr.
Wheat, a Whig, be permitted to remain the Register at Washington. Also
mentioned are Archibald Yell, Bob Phillips, Mr. Tyler and A.H. Sevier.
o
28.
1844 December 6: Thomas W. Newton, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Information about
real estate bonds and the law changing the time of holding election from
October to the first Monday of August.
o
29.
1844 December 11: Carl Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Federal court case
of Chancery vs. Chester Ashley, Mr. Beebe and Carl Watkins. Also included are
some actions of the Arkansas House. Other names mentioned are Mr. Russell, Mr.
Trapnall and A.H. Sevier.
o
30.
1844 December 13: Daniel Ringo, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks help in locating a land claim and
talks about [A.H. Sevier] and the legislature.
o
31.
1844 December 16: Morian Rose, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Information of
Johnson County Land Office and requests C. A. to use his influence to secure
the appointment of William W. Floyd to the office of Registrar at that land
office.
o
32.
1844 December 18: William C. Mitchell, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley use his
influence in behalf of claims of William C. Mitchell.
o
33.
1844 December 19: Mark Bean, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks assistance in obtaining a fort
located somewhere between Evansville and Old Fort Wayne.
o
34.
1844 December 23: John Williamson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
City of Washington, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to speak with the United
States Secretary of the Treasury on behalf of Laban C. Howel concerning money
owed to the United States by Howel.
o
35.
1844 December 27: Thomas M. R. Bankhead, House of Representatives, Little Rock,
Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Concerns
House of Representatives and tells how Bankhead got his name.
o
36.
1844 December 28: J.C. Gaines, Senate Chamber, Little Rock, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Senator, Washington City, District of Columbia. Mr. Benton's
bill and the annexation of the Territory of Texas. 4 pages
o
37.
1844 December 29: R.E.C. Dougherty, Pleasant Grove Cottage, [Pine Bluff],
Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests
that Ashley check at the Patent Office in Washington to see if a patent has
ever been issued on certain lands in which Dougherty is interested. Also tells
of the effects of a recent overflow.
o
38.
1844 December 29: A.G. Mayers, House of Representatives, Little Rock, Arkansas,
to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. State Bank bonds and
Colonel Benton and the annexation [of Texas].
o
39.
1844 December 30: D.H. Bingham, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington, District of Columbia. Completion of the
"Memphis Road."
o
40.
1845 January 4: A. Harris, Fort Gibson, to A. H. Sevier, Chester Ashley and Ed
Cross, Washington, District of Columbia. Requests their aid in seeing that the
Secretary of War confirms the election of William P. Denckla as sutler at Fort
Gibson.
o
41.
1845 January 7 (postmark): W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. News at home including the
legislature, Fan, Miss Broom, Elliott, Hen, Misses Brown, Old Jeffries, and
Captain Lemon.
o
42.
1845 January 8: George W. Clarke, Van Buren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Introduces William
P. Denckla.
o
43.
1845 January 10: D. Butler, Little Rock, Arkansas, to [A.H.] Sevier, [Chester]
Ashley, and [Edward] Cross. Desire that pay of Military Storekeepers of
Ordnance be raised to a previous level and requesting they discuss it with
Colonel Talcott. Also mentioned are appropriations for the arsenal at which Mr.
Butler is located.
o
44.
1845 January 14: George A. Thorne, Brooklyn, [New York], to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to take the enclosed letters
of recommendation to the "Secretary." 3 pages
o
45.
1845 January 25: Thomas H. Blake, General Land Office, to Chester Ashley, House
of Representatives, [Washington City, District of Columbia]. A sum illegally
paid by Mary E. Walters for a certain section of land. 2 pages
o
46.
1845 January 30: Samuel Johnson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Concerns current politics and asks
Ashley's support for General William Pelham for Surveyor General. 3 pages
o
47.
1845 February 9: John Wilson, 14 Wall Street, New York, New York, to Chester
Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Missourian
Wilson's views on Oregon. 8 pages
o
48.
1845 February 25: William M. McPherson, St. Louis, Missouri, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Introduces Captain William C. Templeton.
2 pages
o
49.
1845 April 18: R.C. Byrd, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock,
Arkansas. Seeks aid in obtaining position as bank attorney for the Arkansas
State Bank for [J.] Gould. 2 pages
o
50.
1845 July 19: G[randison ] D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Informs Ashley of the price of some white mules
available for sale by a Mr. [Eads]. 2 pages
o
51.
1845 July 31: [Burt] Johnson, Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Lists citizens who receive their mail at Mr.
Johnson's post office and their party affiliations. Written on Ashley's letter
to Johnson. 4 pages
o
52.
1845 August 6: R.C. Byrd, Pecan Point, Jefferson County, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Answers Ashley's request to send a list of
persons for the purpose of political correspondence. Also the location of the
land office in Champagnolle. 2 pages
o
53.
1845 August 24: G[randison] D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Royston's current activities and future
political plans as well as Ashley's actions. 4 pages
o
54.
1845 August 27: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock,
Arkansas. Discusses Archibald Yell and his lack of support in Phillips County,
Arkansas. 4 pages
o
55.
1845 September 7: James H. Crow, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Assures Ashley of democratic satisfaction with his
actions in Congress and asks his opinion on creation of Dallas County,
Arkansas. 2 pages
o
56.
1845 September 20: John C. P. [Tolleson], Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Polk's actions and political sentiment in his
county. 3 pages
o
57.
1845 September 24: [I.]M. Hoges, Bentonville, Arkansas to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Governor Yell and public sentiment in (Bentonville) and
Madison, Carroll, and Marion counties toward Ashley. Also mentioned are Mr.
Robinson, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Shaw, and Ewing Hogan. 4 pages
o
58.
1845 September 28: Joseph Gray, Hickory Hills, Dallas County, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Praise of Ashley's service in the United
States Senate and attempt to erase fear that some friends of Governor Yell wish
to supplant him. 3 pages
o
59.
1845 October 2: Jesse H. Hicks, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. Ashley's trouble (conflict, differences) with Governor Yell. 4
pages
o
60.
1845 October 16: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States
Senator, Little Rock, Arkansas. Current politics including Ashley's support, J.
Gould's candidacy for the House, the office of state senator from Gould's area,
and the state convention. Also informs Ashley of Dr. Thomas W. Chowning's
marriage to Martha [V.] Barnett, all of Bradley County, Arkansas. 4 pages
o
61.
1845 October 22: D.T. Witten, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. Support of Ashley for United States Senator. 4 pages
o
62.
1845 October 23: F. [Fleming] Jordan, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. The support in Dallas, Pike, Sevier, and Clark counties
for Ashley's reelection to the United States Senate. 3 pages
o
63.
1845 October 30: Thomas M. Hughes, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Asks for a loan of money. 2 pages
o
64.
1845 October 30: D.T. Witten, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senator, Little Rock, Arkansas. Democratic party in Arkansas, Ashley's
reelection and a financial settlement concerning charges owed to Witten for
services rendered. 3 pages
o
65.
1845 November 7: H.A. Blevins, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Support in Pike County, Arkansas, and certain
individuals. 4 pages
o
66.
1845 November 10: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas politics, especially the race between Governor Yell
and Ashley. Mentioned are Sebastian, Homer, Thompson, Biscoe, Hicks, Butts,
Martin, Irvin, James B. Jackson, John [McCray], John C. Johnson, Alonzo Thomas,
William N. [Stanton], Bob Johnson, Solon Borland, Culon, and others. 4 pages
o
67.
1845 November 11: H. Hamilton, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. Support of Simmons for Ashley and Bob Johnson for Governor
Yell. 2 pages
o
68.
1845 December 1: H.A. [Hiram A.] Whittington, Chalybeate Springs, [Hot Spring
County], Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City,
District of Columbia. County convention in [Hot Spring County] and support for
Ashley in [Hot Spring] and Montgomery counties. Also Whittington's views on Sam
Reyburn. 3 pages
o
69.
1845 December 6: [Creed Taylor], Bear Range to Chester Ashley, United States
Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. River mail, the weather, Dr.
Desha and a Mr. Bass who desires to purchase land. 3 pages
o
70.
1845 December 9: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Counties and individuals
in Phillips county who support Ashley. Also requests Ashley check on the name
and description of a soldier to whom a certain tract of land was patented. 3
pages
o
71.
1845 December 27: Joseph Adkins, Clarksville, Johnson County, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Johnson County meeting
adopted resolutions favorable to Ashley's Senate reelection. Adkins' desire and
qualifications to be appointed to the office of Register at the Land Office at
Johnson County. Asks Ashley to appear in behalf of his petition for more time
for his mail route. 3 pages
o
72.
1845 December 27: D.J. Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Reminds Ashley of
James Erwin's claim for compensation. Also the Texas negotiations of the
President. 3 pages
o
73.
1846 January 26: William R. Dunn, Magnolia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Letter accompanies a petition for a post
route from El Dorado, Arkansas, to Monroe, Louisiana. Thanks Ashley for his
assistance in obtaining the post office at [Magnolia]. 2 pages
o
74.
1846 February 3: Creed Taylor, Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Bear Range
happenings including a runaway slave, Robert, and the cotton. Also Taylor's dealings
with the post office; political news of the area and a request concerning the
mail boats. 4 pages
o
75.
1846 February 9: Allen Martin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Letter accompanies petition to Congress
asking that the price for surveying mountain and swamp lands be raised. Also
mentions sickness in Arkansas. 2 pages
o
76.
1846 February 27: Joseph M. Meriweather, Bradley County, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Post offices in and mail routes
between the towns of Princeton, Camden, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 3 pages
o
77.
1846 March 7: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States
Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Political (races) careers of both
men, a petition for a new post office at Thornton's house in Dallas County, the
mail route from Bartholomew to Warren, and a recommendation of Benjamin W.
Martin to fill the office of post master vacated by James Nowland. 4 pages
o
78.
1846 March 7: Joseph J. Simmons, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. The claim of Leroy P. Evans. Also Yell,
Sevier, and Johnson and the senate race. 4 pages
o
79.
1846 March 19: Isaac W. Smith, Missouri, Clark County, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for his aid in
securing Mr. Smith's appointment as postmaster of Missouri, Arkansas, post
office. Also Ashley's support for reelection in [Clark] county. Lists the most
influential men of both parties who have access to his post office. 2 pages
o
80.
1846 March 20: G. Marshall, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks aid in obtaining the appointment
of surveyor to run the line or lines between the Creek and Seminole Indians. 2
pages
o
81.
1846 March 22: Will Phillips, Belfast, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington
City, District of Columbia. The "Woodruff Matter." 2 pages
o
82.
1846 March 27: A. Gordon, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington
City, District of Columbia. Ashley's support for reelection to the Senate. 4
pages
o
83.
1846 March 27: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, M. C.,
Washington City, District of Columbia. The senatorial race between Ashley and
Yell. Mentioned are Bob Johnson, Mark W. Izard, Charles T. [ ], Dr. Griffin,
Penson Lambert, Thompson, Sevier, Mr. Porter, General [?icklin], Billy Black,
the Robesons, Billy Woodruff and Colonel [Henry L.] Biscoe. 4 pages
o
84.
1846 March 28: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States
Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. A post office at the house of
Thornton. Suggests Thornton for postmaster. Support of Ashley by Dr. A.A. Huey,
Dallas County. Notes that the "Banner" has come out for Yell. 3 pages
o
85.
1846 April 3: D.G. Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley take care
of fee owed to Mr. John Wassel for services rendered to Ashley and Watkins. 4
pages
o
86.
1846 April 6: D.H. Bingham, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. The erection of a bridge
located at Main Street. 3 pages
o
87.
1846 April 13: Grandison D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Tells of support
for Ashley in certain Arkansas counties. 4 pages
o
88.
1846 April 29: B.F. Hallett, Boston, Massachusetts, to Chester Ashley.
Discusses Mr. Wright. 4 pages
o
89.
1846 May 10: H.A. Blevins, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for speeches and reports
he sent Blevins. Also the race between Ashley and Yell. Mentioned are Borland,
Will Woodruff, the Huddlestons, Jim Dixon, Henry Brewer, Royston, Allen
Blevins, Dr. Gett, Dr. Mitchell, Robert Phillips, Mr. Morning, John Fields,
H.W. Smith and Bankhead. 4 pages
o
90.
1846 May 27: Justus D. Pooler, Rockport, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Names of those who
receive their mail at that post office and their party affiliation. 3 pages
o
91.
1846 May 31: G[arrett] Greer, Crooked Creek, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Names of his neighbors who have not
received any documents from Ashley. Also Ashley's support in Newton and Carroll
counties and requests that Ashley try and restore the franking privilege. 4
pages
o
92.
1846 June 10: P.T. Crutchfield, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests one of
Governor Thomas' pamphlets that speaks of the expected offer of Governor Yell
for colonel of the mounted regiment, and of the volunteers in the state.
Crutchfield also offers political advice concerning the volunteers. 3 pages
o
93.
1846 September 21: Benjamin P. Jett, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Things in Arkansas with Ashley's reelection to the
Senate. Mentioned are Mr. Bertrand, "Old Poindexter," Pryor of Polk
County, and Jett's brother. 3 pages
o
94.
1846 October 6: William H. Wolfe, Owensville, Saline County, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Asks if Ashley will lease the north half
of a certain area of land (the west half of the north part quarter of section
thirty, township one south, range sixteen west) to Wolfe. 2 pages
o
95.
1846 October 14: T.B. Hanly, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock,
Arkansas. The possible candidacy of Hanly for the judgeship of his circuit.
Also the Mexican War and the Ashley and Yell race. Mentioned are A.H. Sevier,
Butts, Jackson, [Thomas] Biscoe, "old rough and ready" Drew,
Hempstead, Brown, Sebastian, and Colonel Fletcher. 4 pages
o
96.
1846 November 29: P.T. Crutchfield, [Little Rock, Arkansas], to Chester Ashley,
Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Crutchfield's
desire to be appointed an examining agent by the Treasury Department. 2 pages
o
97.
1846 December 7: Howel, Snapp and Co., Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, United States Senator, Washington City, District of Columbia. Explains
a mail delivery failure. 2 pages
o
98.
1846 December 8: William F. Moore, Phillips County near Helena, Arkansas, to
Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia.
Asks the price of a tract of land Ashley intends to sell. 2 pages
o
99.
[1846] December 14: A. Williams, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley. A
position held by Mr. Pelham and why he should be removed and replaced by
Williams. 4 pages
o
100.
1847 February 1: J.B. Keatts, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley call the government's
attention to the fact that they owe Keatts money for services rendered. 2 pages
o
101.
1847 February 7: William. G. Jenkins, for John Simpson, Pleasant Hill, Franklin
County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia.
Inquires whether patents were ever issued for his land at Batesville and the
land of neighbor D.H. Karnes. Includes a short note from Colonel Jenkins
thanking Ashley for several documents. 4 pages
o
102.
1847 June 10: Richard M. Young, General Land Office, to Chester Ashley, Little
Rock, Arkansas. Asks Ashley's opinion concerning the removing of the land
office in the Champagnolle district from its present location to Camden or El
Dorado, Arkansas. Accompanying letter are extracts from the letter of an agent
of the Treasury Department. 4 pages
o
103.
1847 September 30: Mat[hew] Bolls, Grand Lake, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. The Boatright claim and his bond. Requests Bolls be able
to surrender Ashley's old bond and take a new one for the Boatright claim. 3
pages
o
104.
1847 October 23: Sam C. [Roane], Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Discusses mainly Mr. Thornton and warns Ashley not to
make war on Drew only. Also tells news of his cotton crops. Others mentioned
are Johnson and Oldham. 3 pages
o
105.
1847 November 26: E.G. Elliott, Vera Cruz, Mexico, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley's help in getting
a transfer from Mexico to Washington. 2 pages
o
106.
1847 December 21: William F. Moore, residence near Helena, Arkansas, to Chester
Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks
Ashley's help in obtaining land certificates for bounty for his son, William E.
Moore, John A. Gilbert, John W. Fleener and Matt. S. Fence who served in the
Mexican War and also the entire Company K, Arkansas Mounted Gun Men. 3 pages
o
107.
1848 January 2: I.M. Lamb, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington
City, District of Columbia. Requests the name, description and address of the
soldier who was issued a patent on a certain section of land listed in the
letter. 2 pages
o
108.
1848 February 8: James Penney, Paraclifta, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Inheritance of land on death of a
soldier. Also talks of Penney's political inclinations. 2 pages
o
109.
1848 April 3: Charles A. Downer, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for recommending Downer to
the President last spring to fill an office in the Army, and requests that Ashley
recommend him again. 2 pages
o
110.
1848 April 5: W.E. Butts, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City,
District of Columbia. Recommends John M. Snyder for a Lieutenancy in the Marine
Corps from Crittenden County, Arkansas. 2 pages
o
111.
1848 April 8: [?] to Chester Ashley, U.S. Senate, Washington City, District of
Columbia. Requests Ashley pay a debt incurred by his father before his death,
informs of his father's financial standing with others and tells plans of a
friend to get a school in Hudson. 3 pages
o
112.[?]
December 30 (fragment): G[randison] D. Royston to Chester Ashley, Washington
City, District of Columbia. His willingness to accept a comfortable office.
·
Chester
Ashley financial papers Bulk, 1827
o
1.
1827 April 15: Freight bill of Chester Ashley on Steamboat, Catawba. Payment
received by Richard Hovendon per James Regnault. 2 pages
o
2.
1827 May 5: Bill with John R. Thomas paid in full. 2 pages
o
3.
1827 August 14: Chester Ashley's account current to September 1826 with Brown
and Graham. Receipted in full. 2 pages
o
4.
1827 December 17: Chester Ashley. On account with Martin Andrews. Received in
full. 4 pages
o
5.
1837 May 6: Morris and Jones and Company, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to
Hill and Markham, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Letter accompanies bills for articles
ordered. 2 pages
·
William
E. Ashley correspondence 1837-1851
o
1.
1837 April 22: Mary [W.W.] Ashley to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long
Island, New York. Death of "General" and other news. Mentioned are
Chester Cunningham, William Bird, [Uncle] Henderson, family members, Charles,
Charles Marsh, Mrs. Yager, Henry, Dr. Patience, Dr. [Watkins], Joseph Ashley. 4
pages
o
2.
1839 March 23: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College
Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. Friends, relatives and William's
finances. 4 pages
o
3.
1839 March 23: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley,
College Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. News of family and friends and
happenings in Little Rock, Arkansas. 4 pages
o
4.
1839 July [16]: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley,
College Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. News of family and Little Rock,
Arkansas. 4 pages
o
5.
1840 February 5: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley,
St. Paules College, College Point, New York. Instructions to William. Mentioned
are James De Baun, Mr. Mulinburg, Uncle Joe, Joseph Ashley, Aunt Laura, Fran,
Mr. Beebe, his aunt, Mr. Van Crocklin, Judge Cross, and his grandparents. 4
pages
o
6.
1840 October 10: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley,
College Point, Long Island, New York. News of Little Rock (Ashley lost in a
recent election), family and friends. Mentions Judge Fulton, Mrs. A.H.
[Juliette E. Johnson] Sevier and others. 4 pages
o
7.
1841 June 15: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley,
College Point, Long Island, New York. Chester Ashley's safe return to Little
Rock after a trip to New Orleans, the visit of Aunt Eller, Mr. Royston and
Mary, and Eller's change for the better. Also the approaching marriage of
George Watkins to Mary Crease and possibly Hempstead to Elizabeth Beal; and
Cousin Mary to Colonel Waters. Others mentioned are: Judge Cross, Chester
Cunningham, William's sister and Aunt Fanny. 4 pages
o
8.
1842 February 25: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E.
Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Little Rock life (economy) as
well as news of family and friends. Mentioned are Judge Cross, William's
sister, Joseph and Henry, Mr. Easeman, Aunt Eliza, Mr. Henderson, Cousin Sarah
Ann, Margarett, Colonel Whorton Rector, Chester Cunningham, Cousin George,
William [Dunn], and Dr. Muhlenberg. 4 pages
o
9.
1842 October 1: [Fanny] to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New
York. Discussion of a recent letter from Dr. Muhlenberg concerning William and
family news. 4 pages
o
10.
[1842 December 22]: Unidentified to Master Will Ashley, College Point, Long
Island, New York. Poem. 2 pages
o
11.
1844 January 21: John Henderson, Hadad, Arkansas to William E. Ashley,
Hartford, Connecticut. News of Little Rock, Arkansas, family and friends. 4
pages
o
12.
1851 June 11: [Creed] Taylor, Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to William E.
Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The sale of land. 3 pages
·
Chester
Ashley papers supplement I 1839-1844
o
I.
Correspondence
§
1.
1844 December 3: [Carl] Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington City, District of Columbia. Business which concerned C.A. [Carl]
Watkins and Governor John Pope. 2 pages
§
2.
1844 December 26: Mark Hopkins, Williams College, to Chester Ashley, Washington
City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for maps and also informs Ashley
about his former classmates, Mr. Porter and Mr. Hyde. 2 pages
o
II.
Printed materials
§
1.
1839 November 19: Grammar School of St. Paul's College, Report of William E.
Ashley. 3 pages
o
Miscellaneous
letters
§
1.
1822 November 9: James Meir, By [Meir and Redman], Shawneetown, Illinois, to
Robert Crittenden, Post of Arkansas or David E. McKinney, Little Rock, Arkansas
Territory. Legal proceedings against Gabriel Greathouse. 2 pages
§
2.
1828 April 19: Charles Talor of [?] Barrington to Colonel Henry W. Dwight,
Representative in Congress, Washington, District of Columbia. Requests Colonel
Dwight get A.H. Sevier to settle the affairs of the estate of Solomon B. Judd.
4 pages
§
3.
1840 August 22: Hiram [Rethbum], Auburn, New York, to Cornelius John Dewitt,
New York City, New York. Papers [served]. 2 pages
§
4.
1844 December 25: Mark Hopkins, Williams College, to A.D. Bache. Copy of letter
acknowledges receipt of four sheets of the map of the New York bay and harbor
requested by Chester Ashley. 1 page
§
5.
1853 February 28: Martha J. Plainfield to [?]
§
6.
[1855] September 21: Cousin Emily to "Not forgotten Cousin" [Jenny].
Includes a letter to Jenny from M. A. Cudwirthy.
§
7.
1862 September 25: W.J. Nichols, Camp Chase, Virginia, to Laura S.N.,
Chesterfield, Massachusetts. Civil War and Nichols' Camp at Washington,
District of Columbia. Mentioned are Jennie, Wasie, the Chesterfield boys, Aunt
Elisa and David. 4 pages
§
8.
[?] March 21: Unidentified, Baltimore, Maryland, to "My own dear
love" 2 pages
·
Chester
Ashley papers supplement II 1835-1846
o
I.
Correspondence
§
1.
1835 November 11: M.W. Litchfield, Whitingsville Winchester, Connecticut, to
Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Deed of land in Arkansas Territory
belonging to Riley Whiting. 2 pages
§
2.
1846 March 15: Alexander Adams, Northfork, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United
States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Support in Izard, Fulton
and Marion counties for Ashley in the senate race against Governor Yell. 2
pages
·
Chester
Ashley papers supplement III 1842-1845
o
I.
Correspondence: Chester Ashley
§
1.
1844 December 8: James Yell, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley,
Washington, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley recommend him to President
Polk to fill the office of district attorney. 1 page
§
2.
1845 May 8: [?] Riggs, Washington, District of Columbia, to Chester Ashley,
Little Rock, Arkansas. Drafts of Judge Johnson. 1 page
o
II.
Correspondence: William E. Ashley
§
1.
1842 August 29: Edward Cross, Washington, District of Columbia, to William E.
Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Answer to Ashley's letter
requesting money. Mentions Governor and Mrs. John Pope, Aunt Laura, Aunt
Jackson, A.H. Sevier, and Governor William Savin Fulton. 1 page
