R. Hopkins Harris Incoming Letters, 1885

The Ridgely-Pue papers consists of two sets of family papers, although the connection between them has not been determined. There are papers from the Ridgely, Pue, and Penniman families and the Stricker, Nicholson, and Harris families. The materials in the collection span the years 1748-1932 and consist of about 500 items.

Rebecca Ridgely's personal papers consist of letters from Rev. Francis Asbury, financial statements following the death of her husband in 1790, a poem, an account book dated 1790-1805, and several bills and receipts.

There are bills and receipts dated between 1812-1836 for a Mrs. Rebecca Pue and a Miss Rebecca Pue. The bills and receipts of both deal mainly with taxes and rent on Baltimore property.

The few Penniman papers dated 1900, 1931-1932, concern the family's ownership of the Francis Asbury letters to Rebecca Ridgely. Rebecca Pue [Dobbin] Penniman's papers consist of one letter from 1900.

There are about 100 items relating to Colonel George Stricker, his son General John Stricker, John's daughters Catherine Stricker and Laura [Stricker] Nicholson, Laura's husband Joseph James Nicholson, their son John Stricker Nicholson, and their daughter Helen [Nicholson] Harris.

John Stricker's papers dated between 1794-1834 deal with land he owned with his father George in Ohio County, Virginia and with John's estate. John's estate is also the subject of the few papers of his daughters Catherine and Laura Nicholson.

The Nicholson family had a long association with the U.S. Navy, and the papers of both Joseph James and his son John Stricker Nicholson relate to their naval careers. These papers are mainly official documents and correspondence. A third generation member, Joseph Nicholson Harris also planned a naval career, and his family's papers include letters of recommendation from Severn Teakle Wallis to the Naval Academy and his rejection due to poor eyesight. Joseph N. Harris' sister Alice married a descendent of Daniel Brent, an agent for American claims against foreign governments. The collection contains 2 letters dated 1829 and 1833, from Brent concerning indemnities awarded by the Brazilian government.

The Compton family papers include 3 items. One is a letter dated 1833 by Eliza Compton to [astronomer?] Mr. Gwynn in which she describes an astronomical phenomenon she observed.