1835: Francis A. (White) Graves to George Conrad

I believe this letter was written by Francis A. (White) Graves (1799-1882), wife of Lewis Holliday Graves (1793-1868), of Orange, Virginia. Lewis Graves was the son of Isaac Graves (1741-1818) and Jemima Holliday (1754-1836). His wife was the daughter of Capt. Richard White (1756-1849).

The gentleman empowered by Francis Graves to represent her was Charles Lewis Yancey (1799-1851). His wife was Lucinda Graves (1798-1879) — probably a relative of Francis’ husband.

Francis wrote the letter to George Conrad who built a general store in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about 1812. George Conrad was a son of Captain Stephen Conrad who served during the American Revolution. In 1816, Conrad’s Store became a United States post office with George Conrad as its first postmaster. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Conrad’s Store operated as a Confederate post office. In September 1866, postal service was briefly discontinued at Conrad’s Store, and intermittently resumed and discontinued over the next decade until 1881 when the name, Elkton, was adopted as the name of new passenger station of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad. In January 1881, Elkton, Virginia was established as a post office. The Town of Elkton was officially incorporated on March 14, 1908.

Stampless Cover

Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Mr. George Conrad, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Virginia

Orange [Virginia]
April 10th 1835

Mr. George Conrad,

Sir, I have received yours of March 19th 1835 stating that you had now received the money from the sale of the slaves, made on the 1st June 1834, belonging to the Estate of my Father. I can only say to you, Sir, that I shall expect you to render a true & just account of your f_______, as Executor, & after I see the papers you shall have from me, through my agent who is clothed with proper authority to transact what is my due, & as early a settlement with my Agent as you please, will meet my approbation.

I am respectfully yours, &c. — Francis Graves

P. S. Mr. Charles L. Yancy will present to you his authority as above. — F. G.

[On the cover of the letter, the following text appears to have been crossed out]

Memorandum that I paid Charles Yancey for Francis Graves by virtue of her power power vested in him (su?) her share of the sale of the slaves of her Father & has lost or misplaced his receipt. Since claimed our G. C. from Chas. Yancey, her agent.