Notes
The author of this letter, James Waddel Alexander (1804–1859), was born in Louisa County, Virginia. His father, Archibald Alexander (1772–1851), was a noted minister at the time, served as the president of Hampden-Sydney College, and knew Patrick Henry. James W. Alexander attended the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and then Princeton College Seminary. He pastored his first church, of the Presbyterian denomination, in Charlotte Court House in the late 1820s before returning to New Jersey—and later New York City—to continue his ministry through serving as a pastor, creating Sunday School materials, and teaching at his alma mater.
He wrote this letter on March 31, 1842, in Charlotte Court House, where perhaps he was visiting. The recipient was Laura Helen Henry (1836–1856), daughter of John (1796–1868) and Elvira (1808–1875) Henry and granddaughter of Patrick Henry. She was six years old at the time and learning how to read. Rev. Alexander encouraged her to pursue the Christian faith. The "Emma" mentioned was her younger sister, Emma Cabell Henry (1838–1905).
Laura Helen Henry was born at Red Hill on March 15, 1836. She married Dr. James Carter at Red Hill on March 7, 1855, and died just over a year later on July 4, 1856, of tuberculosis. She is buried in the Henry family cemetery at Red Hill.
The letter was given to PHMF on May 29, 1978, by Patrick Henry descendant Susan Dabney.