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  Letter: Robert J. Chester to Mary Jane Chester, 1840

  Letter written by Robert J. Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, to his daughter Mary Jane in Columbia, Tennessee, dated September 29, 1840. Robert and his wife are concerned about their daughter's health even as they want her to continue her education. That she is ill is confirmed in the note that continues on pages 2 and 3 following receipt of a letter from her cousin. Robert urges her to get well before going back to school. Notes that former president Andrew Jackson will be visiting Jackson on October 8 which will result in a large number of visitors to the town. Since Andrew Jackson is expected to travel through Columbia on his way home to Nashville, Mary Jane may get the opportunity to see him.

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  Letter: Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, to Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, 1841

  Letter written by Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, to her daughter Mary Jane Chester, at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, dated February 15, 1841. Asks about Mary Jane's examination and says she hopes to be present when she takes her next one. She notes their intention to visit Andrew Jackson's home at the Hermitage and go on to Nashville. Elizabeth tells Mary Jane "...you must improve while you have the opportunity I should like for you to show to advantage in Nashville give great attention to your walk and manners, an easy graceful carriage is all important,..." Notes her principal praised her in high terms which was very pleasing to her parents and relations. Elizabeth urges Mary Jane to write more to her mother and aunts than to some of her friends and to be careful what she wrote to the latter. Mary Jane's father Robert adds a note that he will be in Columbia on the 26th.

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  Letter: John Chester, Jackson, to Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, 1840

  Letter written by John Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, to his sister Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, Tennessee, dated October 17, 1840. John talks about the dinner on October 8 attended by "Uncle Jackson" [former president Andrew Jackson was related to their mother Elizabeth Chester], Governor Polk, Judge Grundy, and other "distinguished strangers". There was a procession and speeches before the dinner where "65 Beeves [sic] 70 or 80 Muttons and 160 shoates" were barbequed. A short note from Elizabeth Chester was included.

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  Letter: Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, to Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, 1840

  Letter written by Mary Jane Chester at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, to her mother Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, dated November 20, 1840. Mary Jane notes her unhappiness at the election of "that Old Granny Harrison" as president. Notes talk of an insurrection has her worried, but the school will not allow the lattice door of her dormitory to be locked because of the risk of fire. The chimneys of the school need attention and relates how a chimney caught fire recently and they all had to leave their beds. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished quickly but it left a large hole.

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  Letter: Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, to John Chester, Jackson, 1840

  Letter written by Mary Jane Chester at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, to her brother John in Jackson, Tennessee, dated October 28, 1840. Complains that she had to write a composition last week and this was very difficult since she used to rely on their mother to help her write even a letter. Notes the school is strict. They have to study until 9 pm and then go to bed. A little bell governs their activities.

  The letter is written on a sheet of paper that includes an advertisement for the school with prices.

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  Letter: Robert J. Chester, Texas, to Elizabeth Chester, Tennessee, 1836

  Letter written by Robert J. Chester, "east side of the river Brasos", Texas, to his wife Elizabeth in Jackson, Tennessee, dated January 3, 1836. Notes he has met his brother William after travelling more than 900 miles from Jackson. Says there has been "many Rascally speculation" related to the land titles by those in authority which has made selecting and settling the land difficult. Notes the land is good though the river water of the Rio Brazos is not and thus a well will have to be dug. They will travel tomorrow across the river for the Wacaw village about 30 miles away above Veisco [Viesca] to "stick down our pegs".

  States the political situation is uncertain but Texas is free from Mexico after the victory at San Antonio and he anticipates that, following elections, Texas will join the United States. He still expects Mexican leader Santa Anna to encourage the Indians to attack but he is not worried because the Indians hate the Spaniards. Predicts that in the future Texas will have a population "equal in intelligence and numbers to any portion of the same extent in america [sic]."

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  Letter: Robert J. Chester, Texas, to Elizabeth Chester, Tennessee, 1836

  Letter written by Robert J. Chester, near Tenoxtitlan, Texas, to his wife Elizabeth in Jackson, Tennessee, dated February 25, 1836. Robert expresses his disappointment with the state of affairs in Texas: with its leaders, local corruption, and the invasion of the Mexican army under Santa Anna which he fears the Texans cannot resist. He is trying to set up his own conveyance office, and he has started planting but is discouraged by the current uncertainty.

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  Letter: Robert J. Chester, Texas, to Elizabeth Chester, Tennessee, 1836

  Letter from Robert J. Chester, "Ten miles East of Tenoxitlan [sic]", Texas, to his wife Elizabeth in Jackson, Tennessee, dated February 5, 1836. Notes that he has bought 1,111 acres of land east of Tenoxtitlan on the west bank of the Rio Brazos. While the land is excellent, he admits it will take time to clear, build dwellings, and buy animals, and so little can be cultivated this year. He also notes the unsettled civil situation with Indian attacks, the threat of a Mexican invasion, and a lack of unity among the leading men of the territory. This will all change, he believes, once Texas joins the United States but there will be a convention to decide on its future soon. If the situation is settled, he may return to Tennessee in April or May, but if not, he will stay longer.