Martha Washington to Eleanor Parke Custis, c. February 1797. In which Washington warns her granddaughter that her dress may not arrive from Philadelphia in time for a Virginia ball. Featuring Dr. Alexandra Garrett, Assistant Professor of History, St. Michael's College. Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant is a production of R2 Studios, part of the R…

Deposition of Phillis Tatton, 3rd November 1837 In which Phillis Hinkley Saunders Tatton appeared before the County of Probate in the state of Connecticut in an attempt to secure a pension for her late husband’s service during the American Revolutionary War.Av R2 Studios

Elizabeth Willing Powel to Elizabeth Parke Custis, February 28, 1816. In which Powel advises Martha Washington's pro-French granddaughter to avoid talking about politics with pro-British family members. Featuring Samantha Snyder, Research Librarian & Manager of Library Fellowships at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, and D…

Phillis Wheatley to Obour Tanner, October 30, 1773 in which Wheatley discusses faith, her book, and a trip to England.Av R2 Studios

Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 Febuary 1786. In which Abigail reports from London to her son on dining with wealthy South Carolinians and the tribulations of her daughter Nabby in matters of the heart. Featuring Dr. Miriam Liebman of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Note: The quoted letters referenced in this episode are available as f…

Elizabeth Mason to Mary Barnes Mason, 3 March 1811. In which Elizabeth attempts to update her daughter Mary on the latest news from home while her family distracts her.Av R2 Studios

Lady Georgiana Spencer and Caroline Howe, a series of correspondences. In which they discuss Lady Spencer’s gambling problem. Kathryn Gehred is joined by early American historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Scotland Dr. Julie Flavell.Av R2 Studios

Sarah E. Nicholas to Jane H. Nicholas Randolph, March 30, 1821 In which Sarah E. Nicholas writes to her sister Jane H. Nicholas Randolph about an incident in the streets of Baltimore. Kathryn Gehred is joined by Amelia Golcheski, the CEO and Executive Director of the Cashiers Historical Society.Av R2 Studios

We are excited to announce that on September 19 Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant will be back with a new season. We found some great letters to share with you this season that highlight the extraordinary wit of women in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Subscribe wherever you get your favorite podcasts. For more information or to catch up on pa…

The travel diary of Elizabeth House Trist, 1783. In which Elizabeth House Trist records her journey down the Mississippi River in 1783. In 1783, Philadelphian Elizabeth House Trist left for Pittsburgh, beginning a journey that would take her down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers hoping -- after seven years of separation during the Revolutionary War …

Phoebe Pemberton Morris to Rebecca Wistar Morris Nourse, 28 February 1812. In which Phoebe Pemberton Morris writes to her sister Rebecca Wistar Morris Nourse about the many social events she is attending in the Federal City, including the birthnight party for the late George Washington, thrown by his stepgranddaughters, Eliza Parke Custis Law and M…

Eliza Monroe Hay to King Louis Philippe of France, 1839 In which Eliza Monroe Hay, James Monroe's daughter, requests assistance from the King Louis Philippe of France because of the aid her parents provided his mother during the French Revolution. Kathryn Gehred is joined by Nancy Stetz, Education Programs Manager at James Monroe's Highland.…

Jemima Grey, Amabel Grey, and Mary Grey to Catherine Talbot, 15 November 1765 In which Jemima Grey and her two daughters, Bell who is 14 and Mouse who is 9, provide a very comical update about their life near Cambridge. Kathryn Gehred is joined by Dr. Natasha Simonova, Gwyneth Emily Rankin Official Fellow and Lecturer in English at Exeter College, …

Jannote Roustant to Jean Roustant, 1 July 1745 AND Johanna Fredericha Teller to Ambrosius Teller, 28 May 1798. In which two separate women deal with the fallout of their absent husbands. I'm thrilled to post this episode that I recorded last July with Dr. Lucas Haasis (@LHaasis) and Lisa Magnin, researchers with the Prize Papers Project. This is an…

Sarah Livingston Jay to Samuel Lyon, 14 Nov. 1794 In which the wife of a diplomat writes to a man about a horse, and things get REALLY messy, really fast. Many thanks to my wonderful guest, Robb Haberman, for talking about this letter with me! Further Reading: The letter: https://exhibitions.library.columbia.edu/exhibits/show/john_jay/item/12342 Th…

Mary Secutor to Eleazar Wheelock, 28 July 1768 In which a woman of the Narragansett tribe politely but firmly departs from Moor's Indian Charity School. Thank you so much to my guest, Dr. Ivy Schweitzer, professor of English and Creative Writing at Dartmouth College, for telling me about this fascinating letter and the wonderful Occom Circle projec…

Eleanor Parke Custis (Lewis) to Elizabeth Bordley (Gibson), 14 May 1798 In which rumors are dispelled, patriotic songs are sung, and girls draw on large mustaches with burnt cork. Many thanks to returning guest Samantha Snyder for coming on the show to talk about this letter! Note: at the time of recording neither Samantha nor my book had come out …

Ellen Wayles Randolph to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 29 March 1819 In which Ellen Wayles Randolph passes quite a few judgments on some ladies in Richmond, and asks an old friend for a favor. My guest this week is the incomparable Danna Kelley, tour guide and house tour supervisor extraordinaire at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Further Reading: The …

The Testimony of Anne Moody Part the last of Martha Washington's In-Laws! In which Anne Moody explains how she came to own so much silver plate with engravings of parrots. Also featuring: John Custis IV, and this time, he's REAL cranky. Further Reading: "an answer (incomplete) n.d., of Mrs. Anne Moody and Matthew Moody to a bill of complaint of Dan…

Sarah Stewart to Dolley Madison, 5 July 1844 In which an enslaved woman who has been arrested (because Dolley Madison's son was in debt, and she and her community were held as collateral) writes to her enslaver. This week I am joined by Hilarie M. Hicks, Senior Research Historian at James Madison's Montpelier. Further Reading: Sarah Stewart to Doll…

In which John Custis IV and Frances Parke make an attempt to live "peace quietly" together. Part IV of the Martha Washington's in laws series. References: A Marriage Agreement. The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Jul., 1896, Vol. 4, No. 1 (Jul., 1896), pp. 64-66. John Custis: https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/custis-john-1678-174…

Elizabeth Sharaf-un-Nisa to "Philo" In which a Mughal woman who co-habitated with and eventually married a white employee of the East India Company writes to her son about fat babies and beautiful black pigs. I am joined by Dr. Megan Robb, the Julie and Martin Franklin Assistant Professor of South Asian Religion at the University of Pennsylvania, w…

John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough to Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, 13 Aug. 1704 In which Daniel Parke meets his Tragical End. References: I used the ODNB for research but because of capitalism that's behind a paywall. So here's Abel Boyer's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abel_Boyer The Political state of Great Br…

Selina Powell to Rebecca Powell, 7 Jan. 1850 In which a modern day accountant finds more in common with a Virginia family from the Civil War than she might have expected. Alison Herring joins me this episode to discuss her work in transcribing and publishing the letters of the Powell family. We talk about reading parties, genealogy, kissing bees (w…

William Byrd II to Lucy Parke aka “Fidelia”, ca. 1705-6. In which there are a lot of old timey fart jokes. This is the second part of the Martha Washington’s In-Laws series, featuring a letter from Colonial Virginian slave-holder and satirical writer, William Byrd II. Heads up, this episode contains mentions of brutal treatment of enslaved people a…

Martha Washington to Mercy Otis Warren, 26 December 1789 In which Martha Washington hits a very low point in her life, but tries to hide that fact from Mercy Otis Warren, a poet. historian, and satirist of Early America. I am joined by friend of the podcast Alexis Coe, the New York Times Bestselling Author of "You Never Forget Your First: A Biograp…

Martin Van Buren to Judith Rives, 1 April 1835 In which Martin Van Buren chides his friend Judith Rives about being a Mrs. Nobody, patriotism, abolitionism, and New York tactics. I am joined this week by my respected colleague and name twin, Kathryn Blizzard. We only reference Seinfeld twice. REFERENCES: Martin Van Buren: https://www.britannica.com…

Jane Ludwell Parke to Daniel Parke, July 12, 1705 In which Jane Ludwell Parke has HAD ENOUGH. This is the first part of what will be a multi-part series on Martha Washington's in-laws and the havoc they wreaked on Colonial Virginia. If you have a catchier name for this series, please submit it! Further Reading: The Text of this letter comes from: "…

Rosalie Stier Calvert to Marie Louise Stier, Riversdale, March 2 1804. In which "Madame Bonaparte" (Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte) scandalizes Washington by showing up to a party pretty much undressed, by U.S. fashion standards. Thomas Law, of course, writes a dirty poem about it. Aaron Burr is also involved. Thank you SO MUCH to my amazing guest, …

Martha Jefferson Randolph to Septimia A. Randolph, 29 Jan. 1829 In which Priscilla Hemmings, an enslaved nurse-maid to Thomas Jefferson's white grandchildren, refuses to do what the white family wants her to do. I'm joined this week by the delighful Lora Cooper, the Continuing Education Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Further Reading:…

Elizabeth Lichtenstein Johnston to William Martin Johnston, January 15, 1784 In which an exiled wife of a British loyalist teases her husband for maybe not knowing how old his son is, tries to figure out what to do once Britain cedes Florida to the Spanish, and tries to avoid ending up in Jamaica. Kathryn is joined by her friend from graduate schoo…

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Church, 8 Nov. 1789 Shortly after her husband became the first Secretary of the Treasury, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton had to once again part from her beloved sister Angelica, who was returning to England after a short visit to the United States. Public historian Jessie Serfilippi joins Kathryn to di…

Abigail "Nabby" Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 Nov. 1785 In which Nabby Adams describes the Chevalier D'Eon as "a singular figure, as well as an extrordinary Character." Much has been written about the legendary D'Eon, and in this episode Julia Ftacek, a scholar of transgender femininity in 18th century literature, and Kathryn, discuss what D'Eon's…

PART 2 of Elizabeth Parke Custis Law to David Baillie Warden, 20 April, 1808. In which Kathryn and guest host Lizzy Thomas discuss 18th century gender roles, their respective emo phases, and whether Elizabeth Parke Custis Law was arrogant or confident. See previous episode notes for further reading!Av Hum. Servt

Elizabeth Parke Custis Law to David Baillie Warden, 20 April, 1808. In which Elizabeth Parke Custis Law tells David Baillie Warden PRECISELY why she is no one to be toyed with. This is part 1 of a two part episode, because this letter was so long it took up the whole episode. In two weeks I will post the follow up conversation with me and my talent…

Elizabeth Willing Powel to John Hare Powel, 6-17 April 1809 In which Elizabeth Powel and her nephew bicker through letters over just how unreadable his handwriting is. She argues that "to your mother, it is algebra." Come for the familial banter, stay for the discussion of 18th century epistolary education! I am delighted to be joined this week by …

Cornelia Jefferson Randolph to Virginia Jefferson Randolph Trist, 11 Aug. 1833 In which Thomas Jefferson's granddaughter Cornelia Jefferson Randolph describes the beating of an enslaved woman in the basement of their Washington, D.C. home. Further Reading: Read along with the text of this letter here: https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/1241 They We…

Jane Austen to Cassandra Austen, 20 November 1800. In which Jane Austen describes a ball in more particular detail than she admits her sister Cassandra "may care for." In this episode Kathryn is joined by author, podcaster, and tabletop game designer Sasha Sienna. Check out more of Sasha's work here: Jane Austentations: https://www.buzzsprout.com/9…

Jane Welsh Carlyle to Jeannie Welsh, 2 January 1844 In which Jane Welsh Carlyle orders tobacco for her husband, describes a "guddle" of a dinner party, mentions her "first foot," and complains about an absolute PANCAKE of a hair-brush. Just me this week, folks! Happy holidays, and enjoy! Further Reading: Text of the letter: https://carlyleletters.d…

Henrietta Marchant Liston to Dick Ramage, 6 March 1813 In which Henrietta Marchant Liston, married to diplomat Robert Liston, writes to her nephew about her experience so far in Constantinople. "We are out of your world it is true; but we are in the Oriental one." Many thanks to BOTH of this week's guests, Dora Petherbridge and Patrick Hart, two of…

Tobias Lear to Catherine Littlefield Greene (Miller), 20 April 1790. In which George Washington's secretary gets flirty on a boat trip, on the way to propose to his childhood sweetheart. Yes, it's weird. Featuring the return of Mary Wigge as an excellent guest host! More sources: Tobias Lear - https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digi…

Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 20 November 1825. In which newlywed Ellen couldn't possibly complain about her circumstances... (Spoiler alert: she can.) Many thanks to the talented, funny, and knowledgeable research librarian at the Jefferson Library, Anna Berkes, for being my guest host! Learn more: See the full text …

Hannah to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1818 In which Hannah, a woman enslaved by Thomas Jefferson at his vacation home of Poplar Forest, writes to him about his health and his property. In today's episode I am joined by Brandon Dillard, the Manager of Historic Interpretation at Monticello, and we talk about how public historic sites talk about sla…

Flora MacDonald to John Mackenzie of Delvine, 12 August 1772. In which Scottish Jacobite Flora MacDonald, formerly on house arrest in London for helping Charles Edward escape from Scotland, writes about her son's behavior and her plans to emigrate to America. MANY thanks to this week's guest, Dr. Jim Ambuske, host of the excellent podcast out of Mo…

Ellen Wayles Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, Washington, 14 Dec. 1821 In which Thomas Jefferson's granddaughter Ellen (the one with brittle teeth) absolutely eviscerates an unfortunate suitor in a letter to her mom. Also, "Mountains will be in labor, and an absurd mouse will be born." -Horace, Ars Poetica. Many thanks to this week…

Eleanor Parke Custis (Lewis) to Elizabeth Bordley (Gibson), Washington City, Feb. 7th, 1796. What does George Washington's granddaughter have to do with the invention of race in the early U.S. republic? Find out in this week's episode! Many thanks to Allison Robinson, a PhD. candidate at the University of Chicago and predoctoral fellow at the Smith…

Ellen Wayles Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, Richmond, April 25th 1819. In which a squad of Thomas Jefferson's granddaughters have a fashion emergency, gold teeth glitter attractively in the firelight, and a hot dentist does not quite make up for the horrors of early 19th century dentistry. Content warning: The second half of this…

Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, September 24, 1786 In which John Quincy Adams studies so much he makes himself dizzy, Mary Smith Cranch has some unkind things to say about Shay's Rebellion, and some incendiary gossip threatens to tear a family apart. Many thanks to this week's guest, Rachel Steinberg! And SUPER SPECIAL thanks to Gwen Fries, Edi…

Hannah Valentine to Eliza Valentine, November 1, 1837. In this week's letter, enslaved housekeeper Hannah Valentine writes to her daughter with family news and advice. I dig into a bit of the history of the unique situation of the Valentine family at Montcalm Plantation. Heads up, as this letter deals with the subject matter of slavery the podcast …

Cornelia Jefferson Randolph to Jane H. Nicholas Randolph, 18 January 1818. One of Thomas Jefferson's granddaughters writes to her sister-in-law about parties, shallow friendships, and an embarrassing incident on the dance floor. Kathryn is joined this week by Mary Wigge, a research editor of Martha Washington's papers. You can read the full transcr…