Gen. J.H.

Cocke’s Vanishing Legacy:

The Gardens and Landscape of Bremo

Bremo Historic District

Fluvanna County, Virginia

K. Brooke Whiting
The Garden Club of Virginia
The Rudy J. Favretti Fellowship – 2000
 1

Gen. J.H. Cocke’s Vanishing Legacy:

The Gardens and Landscape of Bremo

Bremo Historic District

Fluvanna County, Virginia

Introduction 5
I. Overall Plantation Structure 7
II. Bremo Recess 12
III. Lower Bremo 15
IV. Upper Bremo 17
V. Garden Influences 27
VI. Managing the Landscape 32
VII. Horticulture and Virginia Society 38
VIII. A Woman in the Garden: Louisa Cocke 41
IX. Early 19th Century Nurseries: A Tale of Two Princes 46
Conclusion 52

Bibliography 53

Appendices
A. Chronological Landscape References
B. List of Orchard Trees and Fruit Grown at Bremo
C. List of Vegetables and Herbs Grown at Bremo
D. List of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Plants at Bremo
E. Nursery Orders and Catalogs

Illustrations
 2

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone who worked with me during the summer to help bring
together this paper. I especially appreciate the guidance and advice of my supervisor,
Will Rieley, and the hospitality of the members of the Restoration Committee of the
Garden Club of Virginia. The staff at the Special Collections of Alderman Library,
University of Virginia, made my archival research possible. I would like to acknowledge
the contribution of Mike Jennings and Rosanne Higgins, two archaeologists also working
at Bremo who greatly expanded my understanding of slave life at the plantation. Thank
you to Woody Cumbo and Harold Walton for sharing their intimate knowledge of the
land at Bremo. Most importantly, I would like to thank the Johnston, Cocke, and Orf
families for opening their homes, farms, and gardens to me this summer. They are
guardians of a unique and precious place.

Copyright  2000 by The Garden Club of Virginia.

All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction:

All material contained herein is the intellectual property of the Garden Club of Virginia
except where noted. Permission for reproduction, except for personal use, must be
obtained from:

The Fellowship Committee, Chair

The Garden Club of Virginia
The Kent-Valentine House
12 East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23219
www.gcvirginia.org
 3

List of Illustrations

Figure 1. Map showing locations of major features at Bremo.

Figure 2. Overseer’s Cabin at Upper Bremo, c. 1915.
Figure 3. Pisé cabin near Upper Bremo, likely Quarters of domestic servants.
Figure 4. Deteriorating pisé, cabin at Upper Bremo.
Figure 5. Stone foundation & disintegrating pisé, Surry Quarter.
Figure 6. Remains of Slave Quarters, Upper Bremo.
Figure 7. Bremo Slave Chapel, Bremo Bluff (not original location).
Figure 8. Wall and opening on old road at Slave Burial Ground.
Figure 9. Headstone, Slave Burial Ground, Prims (Primus).
Figure 10. Headstone, Slave Burial Ground, Ben Creasy, Died 18-, Aged 54.
Figure 11. Southwest façade, Upper Bremo.
Figure 12. Barn at Upper Bremo, c. 1900.
Figure 13. Barn at Upper Bremo, c. 1915.
Figure 14. Barn at Upper Bremo, post 1915.
Figure 15. Barn, Upper Bremo.
Figure 16. Barn, south & east wings.
Figure 17. Column base, Upper Bremo Barn.
Figure 18. Stable and Dairy Barn (in distance), Upper Bremo.
Figure 19. Corn cribs, Upper Bremo.
Figure 20. Trough, Upper Bremo barnyard.
Figure 21. Mill on Little Bremo Creek (Cocke Creek), c. 1897.
Figure 22. Mill, southern façade.
Figure 23. Mill, eastern façade.
Figure 24. Mill race.
Figure 25. Old millstone, Bremo Mill.
Figure 26. Mill Pond.
Figure 27. Old bridge over sluiceway, Mill Pond in background.
Figure 28. Mill Pond dam.
Figure 29. Site of James River & Kanawha Canal, between RR tracks and highlands.
Figure 30. Bridge abutment, Little Bremo Creek (Cocke Creek).
Figure 31. Barnyard wall, Upper Bremo.
Figure 32. Bremo Recess.
Figure 33. Bremo Recess and outbuilding.
Figure 34. Hollyhocks and Smokehouse at Bremo Recess.
Figure 35. Children at Pump behind Bremo Recess.
Figure 36. Entrance to Cocke Family Burial Ground, Bremo Recess.
Figure 37. Graves of General J.H. Cocke flanked by his two wives, Ann & Louisa.
Figure 38. Cocke Family Burial Ground, Bremo Recess.
Figure 39. Memoranda Commenced June 7th by John H. Cocke, Junior. Plan of a peach
orchard planted this spring at Bremo Recess on the hill south of the house.
Figure 40. Back side of Peach Planting Memorandum. Pencil note about planting.
Figure 41. Lower Bremo, prior to remodeling.
Figure 42. Oil painting of Upper Bremo, north façade, by Edward Troye, American, prior
to 1835.
 4

Figure 43. Entrance Façade (north) at Upper Bremo, c. 1897.

Figure 44. Bridge and Ha-ha at Upper Bremo, c. 1915.
Figure 45. North façade, West Office, and Ha-ha earthwork, Upper Bremo.
Figure 46. West Office / Schoolhouse, c. 1955.
Figure 47. View from Upper Bremo, to the old Garden and Barnyard.
Figure 48. West gate, Garden at Upper Bremo, pond in distance.
Figure 49. North gate into the Garden, Upper Bremo.
Figure 50. South Façade of Upper Bremo, showing Loggia and Garden below.
Figure 51. South Façade of Upper Bremo, showing Garden under Loggia.
Figure 52. Gutter. Smokehouse, “middle building”, and Dairy, Upper Bremo.
Figure 53. Smokehouse & “middle building”, Upper Bremo.
Figure 54. Icehouse, Upper Bremo.
Figure 55. Postcard of the Temperance Temple, no date. Shows original location at
Jarratt’s Spring.
Figure 56. Temple, Teapot, and upper pond.
Figure 57. Temperance Temple.
Figure 58. Temperance Temple, looking southeast.
Figure 59. Teapot of Bremo, inscribed: Jarratt’s Spring, 20th c. location.
Figure 60. Temperance Temple, dedicated 1849.
Figure 61. Temperance Temple, Dedicated to the Sons of Temperance.
Figure 62. Low-Grounds No. 2.
Figure 63. Low-Grounds No. 3.
Figure 64. Low-Grounds No. 4.
Figure 65. Low-Grounds No. 5.
Figure 66. Low-Grounds No. 6.
Figure 67. Second Low-Grounds to No. 2 (Containing Garden, Farm-yard, Orchard
+c.); Second Low-Grounds to No. 3.
Figure 68. Second Low-Grounds to No. 4; Second Low-Grounds to No. 5.
Figure 69. High Ground No. 8.
Figure 70. Road marker along old road to Charlottesville, Right to 7 Isls: Mills. Left to
New Canton via Bremo.
Figure 71. Gate, entrance to Upper Bremo, 1837.
Figure 72. Gate marker, with wagon wheel bumper.
Figure 73. Spring along old road to Charlottesville, near Surry Quarter.
Figure 74. “Nash” House.
Figure 75. “Nash” House, window detail.
 5

Introduction

Today the greater landscape of Bremo remains much as General John Hartwell
Cocke left it at his death nearly 150 years ago. The three plantations, still working farms,
are owned by descendants of the General and his first wife, Ann Barraud. Miraculously,
little has intruded upon this vast tract. With the exception of the late 19th Century
railroad, other interventions have been kept to a minimum. Various agricultural
endeavors, including cattle ranching, nursery tree production, and limited timber
harvesting have occurred. However, the Bremo landscape remains one of the most intact
large plantation parcels of the modern era.
Due to its incredible state of preservation, in many areas due simply to benign
neglect, the landscape at Bremo offers limitless information to the landscape architectural
historian. Coupled with the phenomenal physical fabric and artifacts of the site, is the
immense array of personal documents included within the various collections of the
Cocke Family Papers at the University of Virginia. Together, these documents and on-
site investigations have yielded and will continue to produce fresh and exciting
discoveries about the Cocke family and their landscape legacy.

In 1816, Thomas Jefferson said of General John Hartwell Cocke, “There is no

person in the U.S. in whose success I should have so much confidence. He is rich,
liberal, patriotic, judicious & persevering.” 1 There could not have been a more accurate
prognostication of his future. General Cocke became well known among his peers as a
leader in agricultural reform, education, temperance, Christian living, and liberation.
Born into a society that both profited from, and was burdened by slavery, Cocke made
attempts throughout his live to improve the condition of African-American slaves,
prepare them for a self-sufficient life after manumission, and reform the economy of
Virginia to survive free from the system of slave labor it had held dear since its colonial
foundation.
At Bremo, Cocke’s home for nearly sixty years, he left the mark of his many
ideas about agriculture, architecture, and plantation economy. There, General Cocke
built a small empire of over 4000 acres which was home to upwards of 200 people.
Composed of three coordinated, though independently run plantations, Bremo has
prospered for over two centuries. The JHC landscape included several substantial
houses, gardens, small slave villages, farmyard complexes, acres of productive fields, and
the infrastructure connecting them all.
Cocke Family papers and documents were analyzed in a specific quest to discover
the historic ornamental landscape at Upper Bremo. Only one account of the Upper
Bremo Gardens has been published, recounted by Mayzck W. Shields, JHC’s great-
granddaughter, in 1922. Never having known the house and garden during General
Cocke’s lifetime, one can only assume her reminiscence of Bremo to be just that, part
truth and part fiction, of a romantic era lost long ago.

Bremo, on the Upper James, the beautiful century old home built by Gen. John Hartwell
Cocke stands as a rare type of Greek Colonial Architecture and commands a superb view

1
1816-1-13 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.554, Jefferson to John
David, Monticello).
 6

of the fertile valley of the James Rivers and the Buckingham Hills beyond. On the low
lying slope beyond the south lawn lies the old garden, famous in Antebellum days for the
beauty of its flowering shrubs, its wealth of old time flowers pouring out their fragrance
to all who wandered along its broad winding walks which were shaded by semi-tropical
trees, the sunlight flickering through the rosy glow of the feathery mimosa or the dark
green of the Coffee Tree. There one might linger under arbors and gather luscious grapes
or stroll along the old serpentine brick wall and feast on figs worthy of the Orient, or
emerge from the shaded walks to view the panorama of brilliant beds of roses encircled
by the dark rich green of box hedge forming a gigantic star in the midst of the garden and
further on myriads of flowering bulbs rejoicing on the sloping borders of a mirror lake
whose calm waters reflected the beauty of the garden or rippled with the graceful motion
of swans upon its waters. Near-by was a rabbit warren the soft downy bunnies being the
delight of all the children visiting Bremo.
Where the lake narrowed to join the waters of the Canal beyond, a graceful,
arched bridge led across to the orchard on the one side, with fruits and nuts of various
kinds; and on the other a vegetable garden with a luxuriance of all things for the bountiful
table of the old house, within whose walls many honored guests were welcomed.
With the passing of the old days and the old regime many beauties of the garden
also passed, and nature now runs riot with lavish luxuriance on the spot that the
gardener’s art once shaped into ideal beauty. The old home mellowed by years is
enthroned on the hill surrounded by giant oaks and elms and needs not so much the
distant view of the garden.
A wee garden now nestles at the South front of Bremo, a true daughter of the old
time garden, [illegible] to one in the Greek portico above, the delicious fragrance of
Magnolia, Mimosa, Myrtle, lavender, cinnamon pinks + musk-cluster roses; with a view
[of] white and blue violets peeping through the green leaves and a shimmer of golden
crocus on the borders, all leading ones fancy to float along the fragrant paths of a century
and rejoice that old time flowers still greet each season at Bremo. 2

Now the physical evidence of both gardens has been mostly lost. Occasional foundations
and scattered remaining plants mark where the garden was, though in what form they
cannot say. Ms. Shields’ recollection, though perhaps overly embellished, may not be
completely untrue, as certain aspects coincide unfailingly with Cocke records. The
following essay attempts to explain the garden and landscape that General Cocke
constructed at Bremo, as his own documents relate. Decades of his meticulous notes and
retained correspondence also describe the sophisticated horticultural world in which he
played a leading role.

2
1922-7-15 (640/182, Sketch of Bremo Gardens).
 7

Overall Plantation Structure

In 1808, John Hartwell Cocke moved his family from Surry County to Bremo, in
what would come to be known as Fluvanna. The property had been passed down to John
Hartwell Cocke (the younger) from his great grandfather, Richard Cocke IV, who had
acquired a grant of approximately 7000 acres in the 1720’s with his brother, Benjamin.
A simple plantation was established at Bremo in the 1760’s. By the time John Hartwell
Cocke inherited the property, in excess of 3000 acres, the practice of agriculture was
firmly established there. Cocke continued to acquire surrounding lands, and by 1820 was
taxed by the Sheriff of Fluvanna County for the revenue on 4171 acres. 3
For the immediate comfort of his family, Cocke built a timber house on a site far
removed from the fertile lowlands of the James River. This homestead, Bremo Recess,
possibly offered a centralized location from which to monitor the agricultural operations
of the high ground fields.
Family tradition holds that a stone hunting lodge occupied the property at Lower
Bremo before the arrival of John Hartwell Cocke, a remnant of his ancestors’ occasional
occupation of the land. Another old house at Upper Bremo is referred to frequently in
Cocke documents. 4 It may have been the early overseer’s cottage, or even a residence
occupied by the Cocke owners on their visits to supervise the early plantation. This so-
called “Old House at Upper Bremo” most likely sat atop the hill immediately west of the
present-day house at Upper Bremo, across the creek. 5 (Figure 1.) The U.S. Geological
Survey map (Arvonia Quadrangle) shows an old dirt road leading along the ridge directly
to this site. The house may have partially burnt during or prior to 1823. 6 This early
house had the several appurtenances of a small plantation: a barn, spring, slave quarters,
fruit and vegetable gardens, and a graveyard. 7
The Old House Hill was close to Jarratt’s Spring, which later became known as
the Monumental Spring, the original site of the Temperance Temple. In 1860, an
acquaintance wrote to Dr. Charles Cary Cocke, General Cocke’s son, after reading the
autobiography of the Reverend Devereux Jarratt, published in 1806 by a Mr. Coleman:
Is the unoccupied old house on the hill near your Father’s spring the house in which Mr.
Moon lived and in which Mr. Jarratt taught school?… 8

This house may have been originally constructed even before Richard Cocke IV obtained
the property in the early 18th century.
Early in John Hartwell Cocke’s management of the plantation, perhaps even prior
to his inheritance of Bremo, the large tract was divided into three affiliated plantations:
Bremo Recess, Upper Bremo, and Lower Bremo. Their names directly reflect their
geography with respect to the James River. Despite their unique positions, Cocke
attempted to allocate the more fertile alluvial lowlands equitably amongst the three

3
1820, (640/33).
4
Find references to Old House.
5
1829-5-6, 1845 Agricultural Memos.
6
1823-12-3.
7
1817-12-12; 1833 Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo; 1848-5; 1845-3-20; 1845 Agricultural
Memos; 1841-10.
8
1860-11-27.
 8

plantations. Beginning with earliest records, the three plantations were managed
separately, with ledgers, accounts, and inventories made for each property. Due to their
large size, each property had an individual community of servants and slaves managed by
a particular overseer. The quarters where these people lived were mentioned frequently.
The primary Upper Bremo quarters were located along the lane leading from the
barnyard to the mill, at the edge of Little Bremo Creek, and across the creek on the
western bank. Some slaves lived at the mill, possibly along with an indentured or tenant
miller and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan. Some unmarried, male slaves lived at the
“Hotel” 9 , the location of which remains unknown. There was also a group that lived at
the Surry Quarter, along the old road. This area probably housed a group of slaves
brought from Cocke’s plantations in Surry County after approximately 1810. The Spring
Garden Quarter is mentioned as well, and may have accompanied or adjoined a parcel of
land on Spring Garden Creek that was leased to a tenant. 10 Lower Bremo and Bremo
Recess had their own primary quarters as well. The slave housing was mostly stone or
pisé construction, a type of adobe, often with slate roofs. (Figures 2-6.) Surrounding the
cabins were personal garden plots, and possibly some pens for keeping small fowl and
livestock.
As part of his efforts to educate his slaves and encourage them to lead a temperate
Christian lifestyle, General Cocke constructed a centrally located slave chapel. (Figure
7.) The meetinghouse was constructed on a site where the people had already become
accustomed to gathering for spiritual purposes. 11 This chapel served residents of the
various quarters on the three plantations. Adjoining the Chapel was a burying ground,
which was demarcated by a low stonewall with an entrance on the road on the western
perimeter sometime after 1849. 12 (Figures 8-10.) This graveyard was tended by the
people themselves and possibly amended with decorative plantings. 13
Not until John Hartwell Cocke returned from the War of 1812 as a General did he
begin to take serious interest in the Upper Bremo Plantation as a possible home for his
family. Between 1815 and 1816, General Cocke contacted Thomas Jefferson, via a
mutual acquaintance, requesting his input on the design of a house for Upper Bremo.
Cocke must have already chosen the site on a bluff overlooking the James, (Figure 11.)
for by the spring of 1816 he began the construction of a monumental barn. By the fall of
that year, the constructions were far enough progressed to define the “new farm yard at
Upper Bremo” 14 . At the base of the slope in front of the future house rose a stone and
brick edifice in a modified Neo-Classical style, complete with a pedimented portico
supported by four stone columns. (Figures 12-20.) Not only did General Cocke contract
with stonemasons and bricklayers to construct his buildings, but he cleverly arranged for
them to apprentice some of his most intelligent and promising slaves. In this way, he
guaranteed himself his own skilled workforce for future building campaigns, repairs, and
quarrying operations.

9
Conversation with Rosanne Higgins, archaeologist.
10
1825-1.
11
1821-8-2.
12
1849-2-13.
13
1839-2-26.
14
1816-11-8.
 9

The plantations of Bremo not only contained several miles of frontage on the
James River and the associated low grounds so conducive to agriculture, but also three
major creeks: Big Bremo Creek, Little Bremo Creek, and Spring Garden Creek (today
called Bremo Creek, Cocke Creek, and Holman Creek, respectively). Only the upper
section of Spring Garden Creek ran through John Hartwell Cocke’s property, the majority
of it drained the land of the neighboring Spring Garden Plantation, part of the original
land grant of Richard and Benjamin Cocke. These several creeks offered the opportunity
for watering livestock, creating fish and ice ponds, and harnessing water power for grist
and saw mills.
General Cocke made many references to building and re-building mills over the
span of his lifetime at Bremo. On several occasions horrendous floods on the creek
washed away the mill structures that had been built previously, including the destruction
of the mill gates and the mill itself. Eventually a sturdy three-story building of stone and
brick was built on Little Bremo Creek, resembling the architectural style of the barn and
other farm buildings at Upper Bremo. Accompanying this mill was a lengthy millrace
running from the millpond, created by the construction of a stone and earthwork dam.
These components of the milling operations remain today. (Figures 21-28.)
During the 19th century, General Cocke operated both gristmills and sawmills at
Bremo. Quite possibly the same mill infrastructure alternately served both purposes.
Frequently throughout General Cocke’s tenure at Bremo, receipts show wheat ground
locally at Middleton Mills, a commercial mill on the James River. This suggests Bremo
did not consistently have a gristmill in operation, its product was not of sufficiently fine
quality, or its capacity was not great enough to grind all the grain produced on the several
Bremo plantations. Immediately upon his arrival in 1808, Cocke began quarrying for a
mill. There may even have been a mill on the property before Cocke established
permanent residence there. 15 Though any early mill would have needed an impounded
water source for the generation of power, it was not until 1822 that the existence of a
millpond can be firmly established when General Cocke’s second wife, Louisa, recorded
in her diary taking a pleasant walk on its banks. 16
Along the edge of the highlands, where they slope down to the low ground,
springs are common at Bremo. These fonts initially provided ready drinking water, and
later served to fill ponds and animate garden follies. This topographic spine where the
high and low grounds meet was a crucial axis for development and improvement at
Bremo. The Upper Bremo barnyard and garden sat along this crux as did the Lower
Bremo barn, orchard, and a complex of barns for the low ground farming operations of
the Recess property. The abundance of spring water was beneficial, while these sites
were just out of the reaches of serious James River flooding. General Cocke
differentiated between his first and second low grounds. The farm structures mostly sat
in the second low ground, just below the slope of the rising highlands. At the immediate
base of the slope along much of the property Cocke built a road, flanked on the northern,
uphill side by a stone retaining wall. This may be what was frequently referred to as the
Berm Bank Road. On the southern edge of the second low ground, dividing it from the
more fertile, but flood prone first low ground, the James River & Kanawha Canal was
constructed in the mid 1830’s.

15
Coyner.
16
1822-4-13.
 10

Despite losing many acres of fine agricultural land to the construction of the
canal, General Cocke recognized the advantages it would bring both to his own
plantations and the region at large. No longer would he be forced to ship plantation
products and import supplies via the unpredictable and inefficient transportation of the
James River bateaux. Soon barges carried goods back and forth, loading and unloading
supplies almost directly at the several barnyards. General Cocke also used the canal as a
conduit for irrigation, tapping a small pipe through the towpath bank to water his fields. 17
Near the low ground barns of Recess there was a lock, facilitating the change in elevation
of the canal. Canal construction was finally finished on the Bremo properties near the
end of 1839. 18 In the 1880’s not long after General Cocke’s death, the canal was
replaced by a series of rail lines, still in operation today. (Figure 29.)
One major hindrance of the canal was the forced geographic separation of the
laborers, animals, and machinery from the most productive fields. Occasional bridges
were built where major roads crossed into the low grounds. However, after several
decades, these bridges began to deteriorate and the canal company showed flagging
responsibility for their upkeep. 19 The construction of the canal also necessitated the
installation of culverts to lead Big and Little Bremo Creeks underneath the artificial
waterway. Occasionally during massive floods the canal banks, lock gates, or culvert
earthworks failed, exacerbating the damage already done by the rising waters of the river.
The proximity of the canal to Cocke’s farmyards also caused the problem of periodic
thefts from strangers associated with the waterway. However, these are mentioned
infrequently and must not have been a major concern.
The land at Bremo provided many resources for efficient and prosperous
settlement. Hardwood timber like oak, chestnut, and locust was plentiful. A variety of
geological formations underlay the properties at Bremo, offering General Cocke a
selection of building materials, including slate for making weather-resistant roofs.
Several quarries on the property provided stone for plantation buildings, fences, and
roads. Much of the brick used in various buildings at Bremo was formed and fired on-
site as well.
Eventually, a vast network of roads connected the several plantations and the
outside world with Bremo. In order to connect areas of production, processing, and
transport, roads traversed the Bremo landscape. Often the construction of bridges was
necessary, crossing ravines or waterways. The massive stone abutments of a bridge over
Little Bremo Creek still remain just west of the Upper Bremo barnyard. (Figure 30.) The
White Bridge, the Trellis Bridge, and the Covered Bridge, are mentioned in addition to
the Farm Bridge over the Canal. 20
The Bremo landscape was criss-crossed by webs of hedges, fences, and ditches
built to manage the livestock. Gardens, orchards, nursery areas, and crop fields needed to
be fenced. Also the lawn areas, groves, and other sites of ornamental planting, like the
burial grounds, needed sturdy protection from foraging livestock. Various kinds of
fencing materials were employed, combining timber, pales, stone, and earth in the

17
1842-10-26.
18
1839-9-21.
19
c. 1858 Cary C. Cocke correspondence.
20
1841-10.
 11

formation of stone and mound fencing 21 , an “old fashioned lower country straight ditch
fence” 22 , stone fencing, typical post & rail constructions, and earthen walls. General
Cocke mentioned a wire fencing method in 1837 that may have been subsequently
employed at Bremo. 23 As early as 1822, mud walls were being constructed around the
Upper Bremo farmyard 24 , employing the pisé technique General Cocke used for small
buildings. (Figure 31.) Both cedar and rose varieties 25 were used with varying success
for hedgerows, and trials with hawthorn suggest that it was used for hedging as well.
Water played an all-important role in the life of any farmer, but especially
General Cocke. He felt strongly that water imparted fertile characteristics, probably
making this assumption from the productivity of the low grounds. Due to these beliefs,
he was a strong proponent of the system of horizontal terracing. 26 The agricultural
terracing, in conjunction with drainage ditches, enabled ready management of water in
the agricultural areas of the plantation. Some low ground ditches were filled with brush
and other material, in hopes of making a permanent drainage channel that would function
something like a French drain. 27 Some ditches were planted with trees or shrubs either
alongside or to retain its banks. 28
Not only were ditches marked with rows of trees, but roads as well were often
lined with trees, especially locusts, an especially fine fencing timber. 29 Chestnut, white
oak, beech, and chinquapin plantations were established to furnish lumber, fencing, and
to serve as mast orchards for feeding livestock. In 1817 and 1818, General Cocke
planted part of his riverbank in Lombardy poplars at 100 foot intervals, 30 whether for
erosion control or as an ornamental measure he did not specify. The barnyard was
flanked by plantings of locusts, as well as fence-lines planted with this type of tree. He
also planted willows along the creeks in the low grounds to yield basket-making
materials. 31 As the prospect for American silk-growing brightened, General Cocke
devoted many acres, including valuable low ground land, to mulberry plantations. 32
These plantings, along with traditional field crops, orchards, and vineyards, dominated
the Bremo landscape.

21
1852-2-1.
22
1818-3-31.
23
1837-8-9.
24
1843-11-20.
25
1849-9-19.
26
No Date. Essay on Agriculture, 5685/18; 1856-10-9.
27
1833-4-16.
28
1817-3-24.
29
1817-3-27.
30
1817; 1818, Diary, transcribed from JHC; 1818-4-2.
31
1844-3.
32
1853.
 12

Bremo Recess

The garden at Recess was formed most significantly in the first years of John
Hartwell Cocke’s occupation, and immediately following his return from the War of
1812. Between 1808 and the time he moved with his family to Upper Bremo, circa 1819,
major improvements changed and amended the Recess landscape. After moving with his
family to Upper Bremo, the Recess house was used for a period of time as a boarding
school for young boys, sons of his neighbors and acquaintances throughout Virginia.
Several different tenants followed after the school, until he planned to re-open the school
again. Between 1835 and 1836, Recess was significantly remodeled after a fire. (Figures
32-34.) Eventually the General’s son, John Hartwell Cocke, Jr., assumed residency in the
house. He made some horticultural additions and expanded the orchards, though little
proves he drastically changed the layout of the gardens. Due to his poor health and
frequent epileptic seizures, John Hartwell Cocke, Jr. never married and died in middle
age.
The early house occupied by John Hartwell Cocke and his family sat in the
location of the Recess house today, looking out onto a lawn planted with shade,
ornamental, and fruit-bearing trees. The lawn was enclosed by a wall or fence to keep the
wandering livestock out. He continued to augment or replace failed plantings on the
lawn, adding wild crab, elms, Spanish chestnut, and cedars, among other varieties.
By 1810, Cocke had established a nursery area for starting young plants from
seeds and grafted trees. These were destined to be planted out in the Fruitery or in the
lawn. The gardens are referred to by several names in 1812: the Fruitery, the Fruit
Garden, the Kitchen Garden, and the Western Garden. However, it is clear there were
two walled gardens in question, one primarily containing fruit and the other primarily
vegetables and ornamentals. Both gardens were compartmentalized, and laid out with
orderly beds. The garden to the east was probably the fruit garden, and may have
contained the icehouse within its enclosure. 33 The Kitchen Garden, likely the western
garden, contained grape vines and possibly other fruits, as well as the primary vegetable
crops. 34
The icehouse was filled on-site from the ice pond, a diverted and dammed
tributary of Spring Garden Creek. There was also a spring near a meadow north of the
orchard 35 that could have supplied water before the well close to the house was dug.
(Figure 35.) There were also several fishponds at Recess, beyond the walled gardens. 36
These were eventually drained and converted to meadow in 1833. In 1818 the old ice
pond was converted into a carp pond 37 , presumably it was replaced with a newer ice pond
at that time. In the following year, Thomas Jefferson remarked upon his receipt of carp
and chub from Cocke. 38 In 1821 Cocke wrote,

33
1812-3-20.
34
1812-7-26.
35
1833, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book.
36
1816-11-13, 1818-1-21.
37
1818-2-5.
38
1819-5-6.
 13

Sent Mr. Jefferson 3 Carp from the Garden Pond as a specimen of their existing well in
pond the experiment having been made at his suggestion from what he had seen in
Europe. 39

In 1814 Cocke planted an apple orchard at Recess. Totaling 182 trees, this
certainly must have been outside of the walled garden. 40 In 1815 General Cocke planted
an orchard of fruit on the lawn, commemorating his safe return and the Peace that ended
the War. 41 In 1815 and 1816, Cocke used the Recess gardens and orchards as temporary
holding grounds for many fruit trees as he prepared new orchards at Upper Bremo.
As early as March of 1817, General Cocke was amending the burial ground, the
family plot near Recess where his first wife, Ann Barraud Cocke, was buried earlier that
year. (Figure 36-38.) He was engaged in planting many ornamental trees there: cedars,
mulberries, linden, mountain ash, and horse chestnut. Except for the cedars, all were
obtained from Long Island. Though not as precious as the other ornamentals, cedars
were still a scarce tree in the neighborhood and Cocke sent a servant some distance to
procure more. 42 After his wife’s death, General Cocke continued to plant trees in the
burial ground surrounding her grave. 43
By 1817, General Cocke’s primary interests had shifted from the gardens at
Recess to the newly expanding landscape of Upper Bremo. By this time, the fruit
production and general decorative landscape elements would have been well established
at Recess. Recess also served to supply ornamental plants for the new gardens at Upper
Bremo. 44
During the period of time Recess was empty, Cocke aimed to establish a school
for young boys at the farm. His advertisement for the property and the academic
institution as he expected it to be run was laid out in a type of advertisement for a
schoolmaster.
The House consisting of 8 Rooms 7 of which have fireplaces a Kitchen + wash room –
Dairy + Smoke House, Ice House and Store House – Two enclosed Gardens of an Acre
each A lawn, with several plantations of bearing fruit trees consisting of 6 or 7 acres and
a grove adjoining the lawn of 15 or 20 acres. The above to be given free of rent – the
tenant being bound to keep the buildings and the Garden and yard inclosures in a state of
repair equal to the condition in which they are received – and to guard the fruit trees
against injury from stock. All additions or repairs that may be agreed upon between the
parties (illegible) shall leave the premises in a better condition than that in which they
were received to be paid for by the owner at the end of the contract.
An elderly man + woman, the first very able to cultivate the Gardens and the
second is at present my Cook with a small girl 12 yrs old – these to be given for their
victuals and clothing – together with tableage and House Room in the farm yard for as
many winter kept cows as may be desired with the privilege of summer pasturage on the
Farm for Four Cows. _ The privilege of cutting fire wood within the limits to be assigned
+ to be restricted by the owner retaining the privilege of exempting certain kinds of
timber to be designated…. 45

39
1821-4.
40
1814-2-23; 1814-3-19.
41
1815-3.
42
1817-3-19; 1817-3-20.
43
1820-3-4.
44
1822-3-12.
45
No Date, (5685/3).
 14

In 1823 General Cocke entered into an agreement with Mr. Brooks for the rental of the
Recess property.
Agreed with Mr. Brooks for Recess, the next year. That is the Dwelling House, Kitchen
+ Offices including the two pise buildings. The Gardens the Lawn + Grove. The lawn
not to be broken up and the fruit trees threron to be protected amidst stock – and in case
of another disastrous year to our fruit on the River. To be equally interested with Mr. B.
in the fruit of every kind in the Garden and in the Lawn. I, in that case send a hand to
trim + cultivate the trees. The grass to be renew’d around in the broken windows + the
inclosures [sic.] to be repair’d around the Lawn + the Gardens. Mr. Brooks to have the
privilege of getting fuel subject to my directions. For the above the said Brooks to pay at
the end of the year Seventy five dollars. 46

By 1829 John Hartwell Cocke, Jr. had moved into Recess and taken over the
management of that property. At this time he established truck patches, presumably for
growing vegetables, to the west of the barns, outside of the walled enclosures. These
parcels were fenced to exclude livestock. 47
In 1833, JHC, Jr. planted a peach orchard at Recess, on the hill south of the house.
He was also involved in the establishment of a vineyard, and augmentation of the Eastern
Fruit Garden. 48 (Figures 39&40.)

46
1823-9-18.
47
1829-1-23; 18929-1-29.
48
1834-4-24; 1834-7-12.
 15

Lower Bremo

It is believed that when John Hartwell Cocke inherited the Bremo property, there
was already a stone hunting lodge that became the house at Lower Bremo. A single story
of stone construction is evident in the oldest section of the house. However, little
documentary evidence supports what did or did not exist in the earliest part of the 19th
century. A few remarks do suggest, however, how the farm and gardens developed there.
Soon after General Cocke began establishing orchards and plantations of trees at
Upper Bremo, he began to do the same at Lower Bremo. Since no one from his family
was yet in residence there, he was likely looking with foresight to the time when such
amenities would be needed and profitable. The first orchard at Lower Bremo was planted
in the spring of 1817 with apple trees obtained locally from a Mr. Downswright in
Goochland County. This orchard of between 120 and 150 trees was located to the west
of the farmyard, on the second low grounds at the base of the highland slope. 49 The
orchard was augmented with extra apple trees from Cocke’s order from Benjamin Prince
on Long Island, the majority of which had been planted at Upper Bremo. 50 Cocke
mentioned the layout was noted in his Memoranda and Gardening Book. 51 There may
have been another orchard to the north of the lodge at this time as well. 52
Also in 1817, the road connection between Lower Bremo and Recess was
improved, improving the communication between the two. 53 At this time, Lower Bremo
was the most easily accessible of the three plantations from the New Canton ferry
landing, at the present-day site of Bremo Bluff.
By 1834, the apple orchard must have been well established and in need of
maintenance. Jack, one of the Upper Bremo slaves trained as a gardener, was intended to
prune the apple trees as he had been instructed to trim the Low Ground Orchard at Upper
Bremo. 54
In the mid-1830’s, General Cocke’s son, Dr. Charles Cary Cocke, took over the
majority of plantation management duties at Lower Bremo. Once he and his wife moved
into the house permanently, plans were made to expand the small lodge and make it a
more suitable home. (Figure 41.)
This day leveled + squared the foundation for the western division of the complex cottage
of Low Bremo for Charles residence. The Walls of the Connecting Covered way have
[been] in progress several days + now nearly finished. 55

Even nearing the end of the decade, a significant portion of the Lower Bremo
property must have remained undeveloped and unimproved. Louisa Cocke, General
Cocke’s second wife, wrote of walking in the hills at Lower Bremo with one of the

49
1817-3; 1817-3-19; 1817-3-20; 1817-3-22.
50
1817-3-25.
51
Unfortunately, this document does not seem to be included in the various Cocke collections at Alderman
Library.
52
1818-3-4, this reference is unclear as to which property it refers.
53
1817-8-25.
54
1834-5-10.
55
1839-9-19.
 16

gardeners on a plant collecting expedition. The shrubs she located and identified were
then transplanted into the gardens at Upper Bremo. 56
In the 1850’s after Dr. Charles Cary Cocke and his wife, Lucy, had been in
residence at Lower Bremo for several decades, they were still making improvements to
the farm and landscape. Lucy Cocke spoke of her flower garden, but gave little detail as
to content, form, or location. 57
Eventually, as General Cocke aged, he required the presence of family in his daily
life. Shortly before the Civil War, Charles and his wife left Lower Bremo to move into
Upper Bremo with General Cocke. After the General’s death in 1866, Charles and Lucy
remained in residence at the big house at Upper Bremo.

56
1839-3-7.
57
1852-1887, Diary of Lucy Cocke.
 17

Upper Bremo

Since General John Hartwell Cocke spent nearly fifty years of his life improving
the house and grounds at Upper Bremo, it was the most complex and refined of the three
plantations. The grand Palladian mansion commands an impressive view of the James
River lowlands and the valley beyond. Sadly, Cocke had misgivings later in life about
the expense and grandeur that he had exhibited, encouraging other sober members of the
gentry to build fashionable, however economical, houses like the cottage at Recess. 58
Whatever his regrets for the scale of the house at Upper Bremo, nothing suggests
he felt compunction for the massive landscape improvements throughout the plantation.
Quite possibly, the utilitarian aspect of many of his projects helped reconcile their
existence to his increasing sense of economy and austere style of living.
Long before construction began on the mansion at Upper Bremo, Cocke began
establishing fruit orchards near the home and farmyard sites. In 1815, General Cocke
planted a pear orchard on a low ground lot, followed the next year by an adjoining apple
orchard, and had plans to begin a vineyard at Upper Bremo in 1817. 59 These plantings
were not haphazard, nor of inferior quality seedling stock, rather of the finest varieties
available, imported from as far away as New York. The planting of pears alone included
at least sixteen varieties! (See Appendix B.) In 1817 he added a peach orchard, and
planted cherries, apricots, almonds, plums, and nectarines temporarily in the garden at
Recess until the ground could be prepared for them at Upper Bremo. These were
ultimately planted on the eastern aspect of the hill, below the kitchen. 60 In order to
augment the less fertile soil of the uplands, Cocke had low grounds soil brought up in ox
carts and filled each planting hole with the superior planting medium. The layout of
these trees was recorded on a map in his gardening book. 61 In the same year, Cocke’s
indentured gardener, Archibald Blair, planted an orchard of cider apples next to the
farmyard, in the southwest compartment of the homestead. 62 Some orchards were
planted without apparent proximity to any homestead, such as the Old Peach Orchard in
the Chapel Hill Field. 63 Possibly this was a seedling peach orchard, used primarily as
livestock feed.
Another vineyard was added in the late 1820’s, or an existing one expanded, after
the rails to support the fruit-laden vines were completed. 64 At this time, General Cocke
had yet to join in the Temperance Movement and he was still in pursuit of producing a
palatable Virginia wine. For many years he sought to obtain cuttings of the elusive
Scuppernong grape, a native North Carolina vine purported to make a very fine wine.
Soon after establishing the orchards, Cocke began to plant a Lawn and a Grove to
accompany his home on the hill. The mansion sits at the end of a long ridge, on a
belvedere, overlooking the river. Sloping down to the south of the house, and stretching
north behind the house for some distance was an expanse of lawn, interspersed with

58
1852-3-4.
59
1815-12-15; 1816-1-13, (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book).
60
1817-11-10.
61
1818-3-31; This book is not apparently included in the documents of the Cocke collections at Alderman
Library.
62
1817-11-14, 1817-11-21.
63
1852-9-2.
64
1822-5-21; 1832-10-16.
 18

ornamental and flowering trees. Included among these plantings were locusts, cedars,
hawthorns, crab apples, red buds, and dogwoods. 65 (See Appendix D.) To the southwest
of the house and offices, there was a grove of locusts and cedars, skirted by a planting of
Lombardy poplars. Near the house on the northern side, locusts, service berries
(Amelanchier sp.), wild crab apples, English walnut, paper mulberry (Broussonetia
papyrifera), and a large caliper tulip tree were planted. To the south of the building
another English walnut and a flowering horse chestnut were established. A clump of
catalpas was situated to the northeast of the buildings, and a Dutch elm and more locusts
to the immediate east, beyond the kitchen buildings. 66 All these plantings were installed
by the late spring of 1819. Though this was the major campaign of establishing the Lawn
plantings, they were slowly added to as orders arrived from the Long Island nurseries,
and as friends and relatives sent new specimens. In 1830, Louisa Cocke wrote they
added a holly on the North Lawn.
The Lawn continued to develop over time. Initially it was used for grazing ewes
and possibly other farm animals 67 of a bucolic appearance. An early oil painting by
Edward Troye shows sheep fattening themselves on the grass of the lawn. (Figures 42-
44.) The depiction also shows a footbridge, gate, and turnstile, crossing the ditch of the
Ha-ha. The ha-ha, a device popular in English country estates, allowed an
uncompromising view to the pasture, while restricting the access of farm animals to the
areas immediately surrounding the house. In 1820, General Cocke contracted with
George Baltimore for the initial construction of the Ha-ha. (Figure 45.)
Articles of agreement entered into this 18th day of April 1820 between George Baltimore
and Jno H Cocke witnesseth:
That, the sd. Baltimore hath undertaken, to make, burn, and lay, the bricks in the garden
wall of the sd. Cocke, now remaining to be executed; it being a four inch wall, coped
with bricks of the same form of those already used for the coping which is already done,
with pillars at stated distances or intervals, and on a circular base; every brick of which,
in walls, pillars, & coping, shall be a hard brick, and laid in the best lime mortar….68

This feature had the double advantage of being a fashionable imitation of the trans-
Atlantic gentry, while also a solid component of farm utility. Exactly what type of
plantings occupied this isolated semi-circle of Lawn set off by the Ha-ha wall is not
known. Louisa Cocke wrote in 1837 about the excavation of her circular border in front
of the north door. 69 No other documents support the existence of a garden there.
In 1844, General Cocke ordered a new coat of whitewash for the gates, fences,
and other timber structures surrounding the house, lawn, and barnyard, 70 thereby
verifying another element of Troye’s rendition. In order to contain or exclude livestock,
all portions of the Lawn and the Grove were fenced or surrounded by cedar hedges. In

65
1817-3-27.
66
1818-4-4; 1819-3-3; 1819-3-8; 1819-3-8; 1819-3-10; 1819-3-18.
67
1828-9-20.
68
1820 (640/27, 1818-1822, Correspondence in Regard to building house).
69
1837-10-25.
70
1844-4.
 19

1852 they removed part of the fence, uniting much of the Lawn and Grove into one
enclosure. 71
The Lawn did not exist without significant maintenance. Almost yearly
fertilization with applications of manure and lime was necessary as well as frequent
replanting of the grasses there. Specially located ditches were installed to drain the
rolling ground, and prevent erosion and washouts from major storms. 72 Very early in the
Lawn’s existence it had even been used for growing crops of turnips! 73
The role of terracing on the lawn areas is unclear. No visible remaining
earthworks suggest significant terracing of the Lawn either to the north or south of the
mansion. However, Cocke’s views on terracing agricultural land were strong and readily
carried out in the low grounds and on other crop producing lands at Bremo. Furthermore,
many references suggest certain areas of lawn were in fact terraced throughout the
plantation. In the Daily Record of 1852, General Cocke recorded:
Sowed grass seed Randal or Kentucky bluegrass Timothy + clover - 4 measures of the
former to one each of the latter, on the Lawn lot. Sowed plaister on the front lawn from
the Garden to the Upper Terrace-…. 74

This suggests that there was at least an area near the house set off from the rest of the
lawn. The following spring, after having spent the winter at his Alabama plantations,
Cocke returned to Bremo and noted the following in his Memoranda Book:
Found the System of Terracing beautifully executed on the Lawn, ready to be seeded +
top dress[ed], which was compleated on the 27th [of March]. 75

Cocke’s penchant for the terracing of lawns cannot be disputed. Writing to his son
Charles and son-in-law, from Belmead, the plantation of another of his sons, Phillip St.
George Cocke, the General noted the following:
I have been most agreeably engaged in terracing a part of the magnificent Lawn of this
magnificent place.- and if I can inspire C.B. [first initial unclear – possibly Courtney
Bowdoin, Phillip’s wife] This Mother with a reasonable share of taste for Landscape
Gardening + solid rural comfort. I could work on here for a few more weeks of the
winter, but if I am arrested by the season, or the want of encouragement in the taste of the
pro- [spelling unclear]. I shall come home – engage a regular professional Gardener if I
am, and addict myself for the short [illegible] remaining to me of the lease of life, in
raising Cabbages, Melons, + fruits, or preparing my Gardening for you to carry it out…. 76

The question of terraced lawns at Bremo remains unresolved.

Beyond the Lawn was the Grove, actually a number of groves, composed
primarily of hardwood shade trees. As the Lawn sloped off to the northwest near the
mill, there was a Grove of white oaks, interplanted with cedars. The surrounding
amended woodlands contained over 100 locusts and nearly 200 white and chestnut oaks,

71
1852-4-13.
72
1848 (640/127, Directions for Plantation Affairs…).
73
1817-7-17; 1817-8-4.
74
1852-2-28.
75
1853-4-17.
76
1863-12-21.
 20

along with cedars, arbor vitae, larch, beech, and tulip trees. All these trees had been
planted by the time General Cocke and his family assumed residence at the new house.
Once established, the Grove may have been used to provide mast for livestock in the fall
and winter. In 1852, the Grove was sown with orchard grass and timothy hay 77 , possibly
as pasture, or else to be cut as fodder.
Plantings marked specific features in the landscape as well. In 1824, three locusts
were planted to shade the covered passage between the offices and the main house. 78
(Figure 46.) Often roads, fence-lines, and the riverbank were planted with trees at
uniform intervals. The line at the base of the highland slope was marked with occasional
cedars, which grew to screen, in part, the garden beyond on the second low grounds.
The primary Garden at Upper Bremo lay below the house and the sloping South
Lawn, between the line of cedars and the eventual route of the canal, just east of the
farmyard. (Figure 47.) In fact, a specially devised system of drainage channels
conducted water from the barnyard to dispersion points in the Garden after heavy
rainfalls. 79
The Garden was surrounded at least partially by a wall, the exact character of
which is not indicated by documents. A portion of this wall was likely made of brick, as
a receipt from 1821 shows Cocke paying over $500 for nearly 54,000 bricks in the
Garden Wall. 80 During a great flood in 1836, Louisa Cocke recorded in her diary:
Yesterday the water began to rise in the low ground + today we have the not very
agreeable prospect of seeing much of the wheat, corn + tobacco covered. It was a novel
sight to see Fields poling his boat through the fields + immediately under our garden
wall…. 81

Several stone rubble gate piers still remain around the exterior of the plot the garden once
occupied, suggesting some of the wall may have been constructed of stone like the
garden walls at Recess and other stone fences on the properties. (Figures 48&49.)
Within the walled enclosure, utility shared space with whimsy. Rectangular plots
for vegetables and household crops stood side-by-side with plots for agricultural
experiments, testing new procedures of sowing, fertilizing, and the like. The Garden also
contained beds of ornamental trees and shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous flowers.
Little can be gleaned about the actual form of the Garden within the walls, beyond
knowing the vegetable crops occupied primarily orthogonal beds 82 . Ornamental
plantings were plentiful, as family and friends frequently passed along seeds, cuttings,
shrubs, and trees. Roses and other decorative plants were frequently included in nursery
orders along with new fruit tree varieties. Fruits may well have been planted in the
Garden in addition to the trees in the orchards scattered throughout the plantations. The
gardens at Recess contained a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plantings. In
1823, an Evergreen Walk was proposed, initiated with the planting of an evergreen oak
and a Norway spruce. 83 Other plantings transcended the rigidity of the plots as well.
77
1852-4-21.
78
1824-3-20.
79
1848 (640/127, Directions for Plantation Affairs…).
80
1821-4-14.
81
1836-6-9.
82
1847-12; 1853-5-18.
83
1823-4-15.
 21

Louisa noted in 1822 that she and the General planted a hedge of althea [Hybiscus
syriacus]. 84
A single reference in 1844 mentions putting down poplar plank “along the margin
of the front walk in the parterre” 85 . No other documents were found making reference to
a parterre of any type. Whether this layout was immediately adjoining the house or
contained within the walled garden is unclear. Early 20th century photographs show a
small garden immediately south of the mansion, under the loggia, but this may have been
added after General Cocke’s death in 1866. (Figures 50&51.) A stand of box plantings
remains on the old Garden site today, but it is unknown whether these were planted
during the lifetime of General Cocke.
As soon as the household at Upper Bremo was established, there would have been
the need for an ice pond. In the unpredictable Virginia climate, the rushing water of the
James and the various creeks rarely froze solid enough for collecting ice. A branch of the
Spring Garden Creek was dammed to form an ice pond at Recess, however, plentiful
springs along the base of the highland slope probably served to supply a pond for this
purpose at Upper Bremo. Retrieving ice from a pond at Upper Bremo was not noted until
1830, 86 though it quite certainly went on before this time.
The earliest mention of any pond at Upper Bremo is in 1820, a stocked fish
pond. 87 It is possible this doubled as an ice pond as well. In 1823, the proposed
Evergreen Walk was to be near the Garden Pond. 88 By 1826, the Upper Bremo Garden
must have boasted a substantial Garden Pond. Joseph Coolidge of Boston wrote to
General Cocke:
When last at Monticello I had the pleasure to see Mrs. Cary, of Carysbrook, and learned
in conversation with her that you were desirous of procuring two or more Swans for
Bremo. I have made inquiry, since my return to Boston, of Mr. Lyman, the only
gentleman here who possesses them, and find that he imported them from Holland; the
original cost was small; the expense consisting chiefly of food, and care aboard ship; the
two which Mr. Lyman owns lay about six eggs in the year, but the young birds uniformly
die, owing to the severity and and [sic.] sudden changes of our climate. Should you wish
it, I will cheerfully undertake to send to Holland for these birds; and, on their arrival,
forward them to your address in Richmond. 89

There is no evidence that Cocke ever pursued this offer, nor that he ever obtained a pair
of swans. However, in 1854, Cocke apparently made another attempt, this time to obtain
wild geese for his pond. The owner of them said he could only spare one pair to give to
Cocke, once sufficient arrangements were made for their transportation, they would be
sent. 90 No documents verify their arrival.
Louisa Cocke remarked in 1830 that a small rowboat was constructed for use
upon the Garden Pond. 91 Frequently after that time, Louisa and acquaintances or family
members went rowing upon the ponds, both at the Garden and at the Mill Pond, catching
84
1822-3-16.
85
1844-4.
86
1830-1-29.
87
1820-4-20.
88
1823-4-15.
89
1826-10-31.
90
1854-12-1.
91
1830-4-28.
 22

fish with a net they carried. In 1847, General Cocke added a separate Goldfish Pond to
his Garden. He wrote to his son in New York:
When I was in New York, 12 months ago, I got the inclosed Memo. From Thorburn, the
younger, as to the [illegible] of gold Fish, intending to introduce them here as soon as I
could make a pond. This I have now done to keep them separate. I understand when
raised in ponds they make a good pan fish for the Table. If your multifarious
engagements while in the Great City admits of you attending to so small a matter, I wish
you would call on Thorborne [sic.], and have the inclosed Memorandum executed in all
its details. In addition to which he promised he would attend to shipping the Fish + globe
[?] with proper directions on board of one of the Richmond packets. To be directed to
the care of General B. Peyton. The cost of the whole $13. pay + charge to my Accnt. I
wish you would see, that they are all of the full colored gold kind, as there are mixed
colors amongst them. They must also be selected of different sexes. This Thorburn
understands as he assured me + pointed out to me when I was there. 92

Then several years later, Cocke records that he “made a duck pond” 93 . However, it is not
certain this was at Upper Bremo. Until the construction of the Goldfish Pond and the
Duck Pond, the Garden Pond was always referred to in the singular, suggesting there was
just one pond within the Garden walls. It is not known of what shape or extent the ponds
originally occupied and whether or not they corresponded to the present configuration of
the three ponds at Upper Bremo.
Throughout the Bremo landscape, and possibly within the confines of the Garden,
many outbuildings were scattered. The Barnyard consisted of the large stone barn, stable,
and milking barn that still remain. Other auxiliary buildings were the Carriage or Coach
House 94 , the Timber House, Press House, Hay House, various Corn Houses and
granaries, and several buildings for the processing and storage of tobacco. 95 To the east
of the mansion, the kitchen formed one side of a utilitarian courtyard, also flanked by the
smokehouse, the nondescript “middle building”, and the dairy, which was cooled by the
adjoining icehouse. (Figures 52-54.) To the southeast of the mansion is the cistern, the
structure of which is still evident. An early cistern existed by 1824 96 , likely in this same
location. Two more structures existed that may have been inside the garden enclosure,
the Greenhouse and a later Grapery.
The Greenhouse, also called the Green Room, was constructed in 1826. This was
a finished room with a plastered interior, and possibly a Chinese-style railing. 97 Citrus
fruits like lemons and citrons were kept in the Greenhouse, along with other potted
plants. Whatever the location of the Greenhouse, it was exposed to the occasional
calamity not uncommon in a farm setting. In the late winter of 1827, Louisa Cocke
wrote:
The weather being uncommonly mild + soft we spent almost the whole morning very
agreeably in the green room among the plants, but Ned [a gardener] having accidentally
broken one of the pots containing a great favorite, I was thrown into great anger with him

92
1847-5-19; 1847-5-25.
93
1852 (5685/23, Bremo Plantation Records, Vol. 21).
94
1824-1-12; 1824-7.
95
1844 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda).
96
1824-7.
97
1826 (640/33, Accounts, Receipts, etc.); 1826-3-24.
 23

+ afterwards the calves walked in + injured several others, all which I took as a just
reproof for giving myself up so much to these trifles…. 98

The Greenhouse appears to have been primarily the domain of Louisa, and perhaps some
of Cocke’s daughters. General Cocke himself made little mention of the building in his
writings. After Louisa’s death in 1843, the Greenhouse may have fallen into disrepair.
Not until 1857 is the Greenhouse mentioned again, when Cocke noted he planted figs at
the “Old Conservatory” 99 .
In 1856, Cocke first mentioned the Cold House in his Journal. At this time the
plans must have be just getting underway, since when he returned home in November of
1857, he planted some newly acquired grape vines in the Cold House even though it was
not yet finished. 100 Since he was deeply ingrained in the Temperance movement by this
time, it seems strange General Cocke would have been so interested in a special
construction for grape culture. However, he noted that in the same month as the Grapery
was finished, he sent a description of it to Frank G. Ruffin, for publication in The Planter,
an agricultural journal.101 The Grapery was technologically advanced for an agricultural
building, with moveable glazed windows and running water. Cocke brought out a
plumber from Richmond and had a pump and piping installed to provide water to irrigate
the small grape plants. 102
The most significant landscape feature Cocke constructed outside of the confines
of the Garden enclosure was the Temperance Temple. Originally sited some distance
west of the mansion along the spring line, the Temple was moved in the 20th Century
closer to the house to avoid vandalism and further decay. (Figures 55-59.)
The Temple was the final culmination of Cocke’s interest in the particular site and
project over many years. The spring, known as Jarratt’s Spring, likely bore that name
prior to John Hartwell Cocke’s arrival at Bremo. Near the site of the Old House, this
may have once been the home of the Reverend Devereux Jarratt. The Temple was one of
General Cocke’s fondest projects. Almost completely devoid of utility, it was strongly
symbolic of his moralistic ideals. In 1839, Louisa Cocke recorded:
Mr. Beckwith brought a young engineer to spend the night. Mr. B. + husband spent the
evening in consulting about the stone for a Temperance Monument to be erected at
Jarratt’s Spring. Quite a costly affair. He gets warmer + warmer on his favorite
theme. 103

In the spring of 1842, Louisa referred to walking to the Monumental Spring and the
Temple Fountain 104 . These are probably the same location. However, it is unusual she
already referred to this place as the Temple Fountain, for the final result of Cocke’s
planning, the Temperance Temple that now sits below the mansion at Upper Bremo, was
not completed until 1849. (Figures 60&61.)

98
1827-2-24.
99
1857-11-27.
100
1856 (640/188, Journal 1856); 1857-11.
101
1857-11.
102
1858-4-9.
103
1839-4-23.
104
1842-4-6; 1842-5-2.
 24

Finished the Fountain Temple at Jarratts Spring – and this being my 69th birth day –
celebrated the two events by a picnic family party composed of my children + grand
children + a few visiting friends with us – amongst them my friend + brother-in-law Dr.
Maxwell + his accomplished wife…. And thus the Fountain Temple stands dedicated to
the Great Moral reform of the Nineteenth Century. 105

It is possible there was an ornamental Temple at the spring before this one was finished
in 1849. In a letter to his son Phillip in 1842 he wrote:
I send you herewith by Smith (Johnson) the Spring Stones or rather what has been left of
them. The Basin has been repaired by Harry [Henry?] so that I hope it will answer your
purpose + the back stone (with the inscription which will serve to perpetuate the memory
of the drunkards of the Forks of the Fluvanna) and the Stone trough to catch the water as
it flows off from the Basin designed as a receptacle for cooling vessels of milk or butter.
The Columns + Covering Stone have all been destroyed. 106

This would account for why Louisa already referred to the spring in 1842 as the
Monumental Spring and the Temple Fountain.
The new spring folly built by General Cocke was given significant consideration.
The initial façade was drawn up by Cocke’s friend and architect, Charles Radziminski.
He visited Bremo in 1842, 107 though he must have come for the first time nearly a decade
earlier, for it was he who General Cocke credited with the redesign of Bremo Recess.
Seeing that you occasionally ornament the pages of the Planter with a Cottage from
Foreign parts, I avail myself of the skill of my accomplished young friend, Chas.
Radziminski to send you a drawing of one among ourselves. This is a cottage of my own
building at Bremo-Recess. The stile is copied from the only two specimens of the like
building I ever saw. The well remembered, old six chimney House in Wmsburg once
property of the Custis Family, and Bacons Castle in Surry said to have taken its name
from Bacon the leader of the rebellion of 1676.
The dimensions + cheapness of this Building bring it within the means of any Gentleman
who can afford to lay out $2500 or 3000 in a House, and its accommodations are
sufficient for any family of Temperate habits + moderate desires in a republican age +
Country. 108

Not only an architect, Radziminski must also have been skilled in surveying, as he wrote
to Cocke in the spring of 1846 about carrying out a survey of the plantation. 109 The end
of Cocke’s letter to his son Phillip in New York indicates Radziminski’s role in the
design of the Temple:
When Frank returns be so good as to mention with as much precision [unclear] as you
can the day I may expect the hands to come up [illegible] to go on with my job. You
[unclear] will of course send the drawings by Henry, including Radziminski’s Façade. 110

Several other letters from General Cocke to his son shed further light upon the design of
the Temple. Two months later, he wrote:

105
1849-9-19.
106
1842-7-8.
107
1842-4-5.
108
1844 (640/112, JHC to Mr. Charles Tyler Botts).
109
1846-4-8.
110
1847-5-19.
 25

Since I have entered upon my Monumental Fountain job, I am becoming more than ever
anxious to make it a chaste specimen of the Order adopted, and not having entire
confidence in the science of the Architect who gave me the plan. I wish you to write to
your man Davis and ask him to give the proper diameter at the base of a Greecian Doric
Column, exactly [unclear] eight feet high including the Capital. Also the diminished size
of the shaft, where the Capital commences together with the different members of the
Entablature viz: Architrave, Freeze [sic.], + Cornice with profile lines shewing the
projections [unclear] of the members of the Cornice. Perhaps he would give a front
[unclear] view of the whole, like that of Radziminski’s. The plan being 16 feet wide by 8
feet projection with written dimensions, for a fee in proportion to the smallness of the
object. If so I would rather give $15 or 20, than not be precisely correct in my hobby. As
there are parts of the job, I can go on with, while you can obtain the above information
for me, I wish you would write promptly and let me hear the result. 111

At this time Cocke asked Phillip to consult with Alexander Jackson Davis, the architect
of Phillip’s Gothic Revival pile at Belmead in Powhatan. Previous to his interest in the
Gothic style, Davis had been a leader of the Greek Revival. Also, his interest in the
Picturesque made him an appropriate candidate to contribute to Cocke’s Temperance
Temple, located at the edge of the Canal in a pastoral setting. After two weeks, Cocke
wrote to his son again:
Yours [unclear] upon the subject of the Greecian Doric Façade has relieved me of all my
difficulties as to the proportions of the Column Capital, + the different parts of the
Entablature, but involves me in a new one. I see clearly now, that my Architect
committed the error of assuming the diameter of the Capital or neck of the Column at the
full dimension of what ought to have been the diameter of the column at the base, and
proportioning the parts of the Entablature to that standard would have made the structure
out of all proportion heavy for its height. My sense of taste was so much outraged by this
state of things, that I felt assured there must be some error somewhere, and your remarks
show me where it is, + that it is, in assuming one eights (1/8) of the height of the Column
for the size of its diminished neck, instead of its diameter at the base. This will render the
execution of the job far less difficult by reducing the size of the Stones in the Entablature,
as well as the shafts of the Columns. But it subjects me to the [illegible] of reducing the
Capitals of marble already finished from a foot to 9in.6. This, if Henry cannot do, I shall
have to send them to Richmond to effect. This single difficulty removed, my job may go
on with much less difficulty in all other respects. Still, I should like to have a sketch
from Davis of the Façade under lines [unclear] that would answer for working by.
Nevertheless, if any thing should permit my hearing from Davis shortly, I am now able to
proceed with a good degree of assurance of not being irremedably [unclear] out of the
proper course, in a chaste + scientific erection of my pet job.112

It remains unclear whether or not Davis ever contacted Cocke concerning the project. 113
The materials and methods of constructing the Temple were somewhat
unorthodox, though followed the construction pattern previously established by Cocke.
The rear of the monument was made from a less precious stone, probably locally
quarried. The façade and columns were made of marble, which had to be imported to
Bremo and accounted for a large share of the expense. The actual work of fabricating the
Temple appears to have been performed by Cocke’s slave stonemasons. The following

111
1847-7-16.
112
1847-7-29.
113
For further discussion of the Temple’s construction, see Babbidge.
 26

instructions were given in a memorandum of work to be performed during Cocke’s

absence:
Henry + Anthony to proceed with the stone cutting for the Frieze, Cornice, + blocking
Cornice, fluted Columns + architrave included – and steps with the rustic work connected
therewith – if they finish this before the end of the winter – let no more of the work be
set, than up to the level of the architrave, nor even that much unless in mild soft
weather….
Jeffery + George will… prepare all the timbers for the roof of the Fountain Temple…. 114

From this notation, it seems clear that Henry is one of Cocke’s enslaved craftsmen. He is
mentioned in several of the letters of correspondence about the temple, indicating he not
only took part in constructing the temple and executing its stonework, but may also have
drawn up the original plan for the structure.
Not only was the architecture of the Temperance Temple carefully executed, but
its surroundings also were modified. Legend tells of the old Temple in a newspaper
article printed in 1931:
…To them [The Sons of Temperance] he dedicated this spring, over which he erected a
Greek temple. He made its waters flow to the bank of the canal, where they poured
continually from the mouth of a huge pitcher known as the Teapot of Bremo. This was a
favorite point of refreshment for travelers by canal boat along the old canal. 115

Despite General Cocke’s effort to encourage the consumption of clean, refreshing water
at this point along the canal, rumor tells the spring was instead used to make mint juleps.
The Temple was built into the bank of the hill, from which Jarratt’s Spring issued
forth. The area of the hill above the Temple was planted in grass and may well have been
terraced. 116 The temple spring was a frequent destination for Louisa Cocke’s walks
before her death, and probably continued to be a well-visited location for household
members and visitors alike.
Besides the various springs, dwelling houses, and gardens at the Bremo
plantations, several natural features were frequented as well. Big Rock, or the
outcropping at Bremo Bluff, was often the destination of excursions. Likewise, a site at
the plantation was named Pisgah, and was frequented by Louisa and the Cocke daughters
during their lives at Bremo. In 1836, Louisa recorded that she and the girls planted a
Linden there. 117 This site was obviously a high point and not too far removed from the
house at Upper Bremo, since Louisa took frequent walks there. 118 According to the Old
Testament, Moses first viewed the Promised Land from the summit of Mount Pisgah.
This high point at Bremo may well have commanded a view over the fertile valley and
rich fields of the plantation, drawing a parallel with the biblical reference. Documents
give no indication of the location of the Bremo Pisgah, though it may have been the rise
immediately east of the mansion at Upper Bremo, as few other landforms at the
plantation form a similar summit, nor could they afford an equal view out over the
primary agricultural lands of the plantation.
114
1848 (640/127, Directions for Plantation Affairs…).
115
1931 (640/Oversize 2/1. Richmond Times Dispatch. Sunday, August 16, 1931).
116
1848-5; 1849-9-19.
117
1836-3-31.
118
1838-4-4.
 27

Garden Influences

General John Hartwell Cocke came of age in a society obsessed with the great
indulgences of fast horses, lavish entertaining, and opulent estates. In an effort to keep
pace with their Anglican cousins across the Atlantic, the Virginian tradition of house and
garden building was perhaps unparalleled by any other state in the young union. In Surry
County, in the Tidewater area of Virginia where General Cocke grew up, Europeans had
been cultivating the land for nearly two centuries by the time Cocke left for the more
fertile prospects of the Virginia Piedmont.
Almost immediately upon arriving at Bremo, John Hartwell Cocke began
establishing fruit and vegetable gardens at his first home on the Bremo Recess plantation.
Laid out behind the house as two perfect one-acre squares, the gardens came to be
demarcated not only by solid stone walls, but also by the farm buildings surrounding
them. These gardens not only provided fruit and vegetables, but also offered ground for
the growing of ornamental varieties safe from browsing livestock.
Not until Cocke returned from the War of 1812 and began work on his new
mansion did he become friendly with Thomas Jefferson, a distant neighbor in the
adjoining county of Albemarle. Through a mutual acquaintance, Cocke solicited
Jefferson’s architectural advice, and thus began their great lasting friendship and
exchange of ideas. Through meetings on diplomatic matters, the founding of the Central
College (later to become the University of Virginia), agricultural improvements, and
regular social encounters, Jefferson’s ideologies and experiences were related to Cocke.
Surely Jefferson’s time traveling in Europe must have lent a significant bias to the ideas
he presented to Cocke regarding gardens and landscapes.
Other acquaintances, both personal and professional, shared their ideas with
Cocke about farming, gardening, and landscape management practices. In 1815, John
Allan wrote to JHC from London:
… it appeared to me that all England was a highly cultivated Garden … the Wheat +
Barley were nearly fit to cut, such Crops I never saw the Oats + Turnips looked equally
well to me, though they were complained of, every field so neatly cleaned up, tastely laid
off in ridges well furrowed and with good trenches + ditches surrounded by handsome
Thorn Hedges my admiration was at its height…. 119

Cocke in his own right was exceptionally well educated and well traveled, though
he remained within the United States. Ventures of business and pleasure lead General
Cocke from Boston and up-state New York, to New Orleans and through much of the
Deep South. Traveling primarily by steamship, stagecoach, or on horseback, these trips
were no easy excursions. Throughout his travels he kept meticulous records of
expenditures and sites he visited.
In 1834, after already having made several trips north to view canal construction
and other engineering marvels, General Cocke took his second wife, Louisa, on a
Northern Tour. Traveling from Philadelphia up the Eastern Seaboard via New Haven,
they reached Boston. After spending a length of time in the company of old friends and
new acquaintances, they traveled west, through the Holy Oak (Holyoke) Range, and on to

119
1815-11-1 (640/20, John Allan to JHC, London).
 28

Albany. Throughout the trip they were greeted warmly by hosts and hostesses eager to
show off their gardens. Both General Cocke and his wife made notes of the sites they
visited. The Cockes, supremely interested in public improvements, also toured asylums,
schools for the deaf and blind, and prisons along their route. While in Philadelphia,
General and Mrs. Cocke toured the newly established public water supply facility and the
neighboring world-renowned garden of Henry Pratt, Lemon Hill. Louisa recorded in her
diary 120 :
… rode out to visit Fair Mount Waterworks. It would be difficult to express all the
admiration + pleasure we experienced at viewing this noble + most interesting
improvement. We could have remained here for a length of time, but, having a desire to
visit Pratt’s Gardens we quitted this delightful spot + were soon in these celebrated
gardens. Here we wandered about with great delight admiring the grottoes + caves +
ponds + every thing so calculated to charm the eye + the fancy, + were at last driven from
these enchanted grounds only by a storm which seemed to gather very rapidly.

Later during the trip, after spending several days in Boston, the following occurred 121 :
On our return home, we received a call from Mr. Chas. Tappan who kindly offered his
services to go with us to visit any of the environs of Boston. With some difficulty we
selected Jamaica Pond, + enjoyed a charming ride through a most picturesque + highly
cultivated country. After passing Roxbury, + Brookline, two fine villages, we came to
the Pond a beautiful sheet of water, from which many of the inhabitants receive their
supplies. Passing by several superb country seats, we came to Col. Perkins’ where we
stopped + were introduced to the Col. who immediately invited us to visit his grounds
which were most beautifully laid out + most highly improved. We visited successively
the fruitery, the vinery, the green house, + the flower garden, all of which excited our
highest admiration. We got a taste of some of the most delicious grapes, just beginning
to ripen. The Coln. also cut several of his finest flowers + presented them to us. He also
invited us into his house where he treated us with refreshments. We heard that he was
worth 3 millions [dollars]….

The Cockes also visited the newly established Mount Auburn Cemetery, leader in the
American garden cemetery movement. This was much more than a burial ground, it was
rather an enormous landscaped park, punctuated by burial plots and family monuments,
standing like the follies of a European garden. 122
Our friends were so kind as to come + take us out this morning to visit the lovely Burial
Ground in this vicinity. Having formerly been called Sweet Auburn it is still known by
that name. Nothing can exceed the natural beauty of the Grounds which comprise 600
acres + art is going on to do all that remains to render it the most interesting place of its
kind in the world. There [torn] already a number of most beautiful + elegant monuments
erected, but that which surpass all the rest, is the one erected over the ground of Mr.
Appleton, a wealthy citizen of this place. After wandering about among these shady
walks + refreshing groves for some time we returned by the way of Cambridge.

120
1834-6-20 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 96, Philadelphia vicinity, regarding Henry Pratt’s
Garden, Lemon Hill).
121
1834-7-10 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 114-115, Boston vicinity).
122
1834-7-12 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 116-117, Boston vicinity).
 29

So deeply moved was General Cocke by Mount Auburn, he visited once again on his
return trip to Boston in 1857, after Louisa’s death. He wrote 123 :
The beautifully meandering Roads over which were rolling splendid [illegible] of every
description [illegible] with persons who could hardly traverse such scenes without
serious [illegible] – gave a cast of thought highly + morally elevating.

This passage gives a brief glimpse of General Cocke’s philosophy, seeing the
interconnectedness of all aspects of the human condition. His establishment of the
practical and the poetic aspects of the landscape at Bremo beautifully reflect his many
concerns and multi-dimensional interests.
Cocke’s social diversity contributed greatly to his informal education. His
association with old Tidewater residents and his own relatives there provided him with a
steady stream of plant material and access to the development of landscape ideas in that
region. His close association with Jefferson and others of the Piedmont lent him the
perspective of privileged Virginians who were more concerned with the adequate
establishment of their plantations. Social reform concerns lead to relationships between
the Cockes and advocates in the north, open-minded, industrious, and experimental.
General Cocke’s great affinity for plants from the Long Island nurseries served as another
influx of new and expansive ideas about horticulture and landscape gardening, as did his
son Phillip St. George Cocke’s relationship with A.J. Davis, designer of his Gothic
Revival plantation, Belmead.
Beyond the personal acquaintances of Cocke, with whom he conversed in person
or via written dispatch, were the landscape theoreticians and intellectuals of his era. The
19th century was ripe with writers like McMahon and Downing, bringing the ideas of
home gardening to the middle class, where once these pursuits had been solely limited to
the wealthy elite. Though physical travel still had great impediments, books traveled
swiftly and freely, being frequently exchanged amongst gentlemen afforded of fine
collections. General Cocke’s library contained numerous volumes, directly reflecting his
breadth of education and interest: from military science to geology; Christian doctrine to
the exploration of South America and Asia; pharmacology to classical literature. A 20th
Century inventory of the Upper Bremo library shows an astounding collection, nearly all
published before General Cocke’s death in 1866 and presumably his own bibliographic
legacy. Among the works were: 124

Marshall, Charles. Husbandry – An introduction to the Knowledge and Practice of

Gardening. (1st American edition from 2nd edition London, James Anderson, ed.),
Boston: Joseph Naucrede, 1799.

Norton, John. Elements of Scientific Agriculture.

Gleanings from the Most Celebrated Books on Husbandry, Gardening and

Rural Affairs. Philadelphia: James Humphreys, 1803.

123
1857-9 (640/188, Journal 1857).
124
(640/187, List of Books in Library of JHC).
 30

Skinner, John. The American Farmer: Containing Original Essays and Sketches on Rural
Economy and Internal Improvements with Illustrative Engravings. Baltimore: J.
Robinson, 1820. (In 13 vols.)

Chaptal, John Anthony. Chemistry Applied to Agriculture. (1st American edition) Boston:
Hilliard Hray, 1835.

The Encyclopedia of Agriculture. London: Longman Rees, 1821

Farmer’s Encyclopaedia.

Forsyth, Wm. Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees. Philadelphia: J.
Morgan, 1802.

Coxe, Wm. A View of the Cultivation of Fruit Trees.

Prince, Wm. Robert. Treatise on the Vine. 1830.

Allen, J. Fisk. Practical Treatise on the Culture and Treatment of Grape Vines.

Fletcher, Horace. Minticulture.

Mechi, Alderman: How to Farm Profitably. London: Routledge, 1859.

Given, Robert. Treatise on Practical Surveying. New York: Evert Duyckinck, 1803.

Lucas Progressive Drawing Book. (With colored prints of scenes on the Hudson.)

The Flowers of Modern Travels. Boston: Pub. For the Subscriber, 1816.

Wakefield, Priscilla. An Introduction to Botany. (6th edition.), Philadelphia: Kimbee and

Conrad, 1811.

Fessender, Thomas. The American Gardener. (3rd edition.), 1839.

The Botanic Gardens. (1st American edition.), 1798. A Poem in Two Parts.

Bridgeman, T. Young Gardener’s Assistant.

McMahon, Bernard. The American Gardener’s Calendar: Adapted to the

Climate and Seasons. Philadelphia: B. Graves, 1806.
Language of Flowers. (2nd edition), Carey Lee and Blanchard.

M’Intosh [sic.], Chas. The Greenhouse. London: Wm. S. Orr & Co., MDCCXI

The Works of Alexander Pope, Esq., 8 vols. With his latest corrections and additions and
improvements, together with His Notes as delivered to the editor a little before his death.
(Printed from Octavo edition of Mr. Warburton. Illustrated with copper plate), London:
Printed for William Bayer.

Belle’s Edition Poetical Works of Alexander Pope. Edinburgh: Apollo Press, 1780.
 31

Poetical Works of Will Shenstone. Edinburgh: Apollo Press, 1778.

Burke on The Sublime. New York: H. Carveell, 1829.

Downing, A. J. Treatise on Landscape Gardening. London: Geo. P Putnam, 1849.

Downing, A. J. The Architecture of Country Houses. Appleton, 1850.

Downing, A. J. Cottage Residences. Wiley and Putnam. 1844.

Several receipts record the specific purchase of some of these books and others that were
likely removed from the Upper Bremo library before the inventory was completed.
Botanical Terminology and Millers Garden Dictionary were both purchased in 1821 at
the estate sale of a deceased friend 125 . Seed, Man & Gardr was obtained in 1823, 126 and
a decade later Cocke paid $12 for the Encyclopedia of Agriculture, while his friend N.F.
Cabell bought the same book and another, The Gardner’s Encyclopedia for $12 and
$9.50, 127 respectively.
The compilation of General Cocke’s library and his wide social circles give a
suggestion of how his ideas upon designed landscapes may have been formed. Certainly
his ideas upon husbandry of the land and livestock, and plantation economy figured
largely into the physical form manifested on the landscape of Bremo. It would be
fascinating to gain a clearer view of exactly how General Cocke saw the role of pleasure
gardening integrating into the productive landscape of the Virginia plantation. Despite
his sober ideas about personal indulgences (he forebade to his family not only the
drinking of alcohol, but also the wearing of jewelry and adornments), the construction of
the Temple of Temperance and other garden plantings were clearly generated more by
whimsy and personal desire than any obvious practicality.
Unfortunately, Cocke has apparently left no writings that expound upon his ideas
concerning the ornamental landscape, despite his many essays upon scientific agriculture,
temperance, and the institution of slavery. The collection of letters received by the Cocke
family offers a wonderfully full view of their compatriots’ ideas about gardens and
landscapes. However, lacking the letters that JHC wrote in response to these comments
and queries, leaves us only to guess what might have been his replies.

125
1821-7-18 (640/34, List of Articles Purchased at the Sale of John Bowdoin’s Estate).
126
1823 (640/33, 1829-1823, Receipts).
127
1833-4 (6585/25, Journal).
 32

Managing the Landscape

General John Hartwell Cocke exerted his landscape influence well beyond the
decaying boundaries of the old gardens at Upper Bremo, Bremo Recess, and Lower
Bremo. Though little direct documentation exists of his specific motivations in the
formation of the ornamental landscape at Bremo, significant writings illustrate General
Cocke’s motivation to modify the larger plantation landscape.
Cocke was never content to live a passive lifestyle. Early in his life he foresaw
the demise of the Tidewater area for productive agriculture and headed west into the
Piedmont, land as yet to have been totally exploited. At Bremo he managed the
plantation landscape systematically and scientifically.
Occasionally throughout his life, General Cocke attempted to contract with
surveyors to record and map his land at Bremo. 128 Cocke pursued the most meticulous
and skilled professionals in the area, one replied to Cocke’s solicitation:
So far as human calculation can extend I think it will be in my power to serve you and
more especially if you can have it in your power to obtain or if there should be a prospect
of obtaining others Jobs of surveying in that section of [the] state that could be done
during the trip. But as to the Costs which will depend upon the stile in which you wish
the work done. If you should wish it done in the best manner in the field and a map
handsomely executed it would be best to employ me by the day, my terms by the day has
heretifore been 5$ but as your survey will be a considerable one the price will be reduced
some. If the work is done in the common way (by which the surveyor never makes any
allowance for the unevenness of the ground nor does he make any allowance in the
courses or bearings for local attractions and other variations.) the terms for this kind of
work you will find in the revised Code the fee allowd. by law to Surveyors but owing to
the fallacious result of this method I but seldom practice it. Although it would be most
profitable to me and is almost the universal practice of the State. You mention that You
wish the work done about midsummer, this will not be so good a season being somewhat
of a bilious habit I would prefer the execution of the work at an earlier period, or to defer
it until Autumn. I should prefer doing it in June as it is possible I may be compeld. to
make a trip in the fall to Kentuckey. It would afford me a good deal of pleasure to give
your son any practical information in my power, which cannot be effectually done as you
have correctly conceived. but by illustrations in the field, and it would be but an
agreeable vacation perhaps for him to attend at any time. It will be of importance to have
good chain bearers: finding by experience that the most of chainmen are careless, I now
generally take my servants with me who are very accurate and attentive, but the distance
from this to Buckingham is perhaps too far to take them. If however it should be your
wish I can do so, and in that event will be enabled to bring with me two sets of
instruments [torn] of them very complete, which will be of essential service to your Son
as he will have it in his power to follow on with me and compare his work with
mine…. 129

The available cropland was surveyed and divided into parcels of known acreage. General
Cocke’s son, John Hartwell Cocke, Jr. was encouraged to learn the skill of surveying
while in school and through a sort of apprenticeship at Bremo, and later came to live at
Bremo Recess and manage that plantation. A detailed survey book of the Upper Bremo

128
1818-4-15 (640/26, Thomas S. Pleasants to JHC); 1822-10-12 (640/37, Mark Harnsey to JHC, Mine
Run, Orange); 1846-4-8 (5685/10, Charles Radziminski to JHC, Richmond).
129
1823-5-15 (640/38, George Love to JHC, Cotland, Fauquier County).
 33

fields shows the measurements and plots created by JHC, Jr. (Figures 62-69.) The
geometries of these surveys show an incredible level of accuracy to have been computed
with the crude instruments of the era. Unfortunately, no completed survey maps of the
entire plantation seem to have survived.
Sowing and fertilizing were meticulously scheduled and carried out based upon
experimentation and particular method. Cocke frequently recorded in his agricultural
memoranda books the rate at which particular sections of a field were manured, with
what material, and then at harvest time, or in the following year, measurement of the
relative results of the different techniques was copied down. As early as 1822 Cocke was
employing chemical analysis in the determination of agricultural management
schemes. 130
Likewise, the rotation of crops and double-cropping was fully exploited, nurturing
the land while extracting its highest yield. The orchards and groves were under-planted
with vegetables, hay, and fodder, taking advantage of all opportunities. Despite its
volume of lush low ground land, Bremo was also possessed of many acres of more hilly,
stony upland. The more gently rolling sections of this acreage were plowed for the
raising of field crops, while the steeper, non-arable sections were often planted in timber
or forest trees for nuts and berries to use as mast to feed the livestock.
The drive to find viable agricultural products besides tobacco lead JHC to
experiment with several other non-traditional products.
Planted out 110 young Chesnut trees as standards to thicken the Chesnut Grove on West
side of the old Bremo or Secretary’s Road…. I lay no small strip upon the value this
Chesnut timber Experiment – in future time foreseeing if it is present + judiciously
managed it will be an appropriation of a price of poor land more advantageously than in
any other conceivable way…. In my absence planted over again all my riverside lines
with the [illegible] Willows having failed in a great degree from using cuttings too small
on my former Experiments and learning by planting stack poles of this growth that they
live well 4 or 5 inches in diameter –
Replanted the Basket Willow also along Little Bremo Creek in the low ground to afford
Osiers for Basket Making in future time when new prostrate Virginia shall be raised up
by a new + more industrious race than the slave holders of the present day.
Planted also since my return the Golden Willow on the Flat of Little Bremo for the same
purpose in the future. 131

Besides the forest trees cultivated to support the massive need for building lumber and
fencing timber on the plantation, Cocke grew many types of basket willows. These not
only provided the raw materials for the production of baskets to satisfy the demands of
his own plantation, but he saw this product as a potential industry to be carried out by
laborers once occupied in the cultivation and processing of tobacco. Cocke also
expressed a profound interest in the potential for establishing sugar maple plantations, 132
and he did procure several trees through acquaintances and the Long Island nurseries.
Another potentially more profitable enterprise Cocke dabbled in was sericulture,
the production of raw silk. Like other Americans of his era, Cocke saw silk as a potential
windfall that could not be ignored. Having some experience studying insects, he delved

130
1822-4-2 (640/36, Edmund Ruffin to JHC).
131
1844-3 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841).
132
1815-8-7 (640/20, John Coalter to JHC, Elm Grove).
 34

into the potential success of farming silkworms. 133 More importantly, though, General
Cocke saw this mania coming before it hit in full force. Having already established an
orchard of Morus multicaulis, the silkworm mulberry, Cocke was in a fine position once
everyone else was struck by the frenzy. His profit ultimately came not from the
production of silk, but from the agricultural production and sale of mulberry cuttings.
Selling cuttings at up to $1 apiece, Cocke was making transactions of 1000+ cuttings per
sale, garnering himself a healthy profit.
Cocke’s interest in the productivity of farmland extended far beyond the
boundaries of his own plantation. Frequently friends and strangers alike wrote to JHC
soliciting his advice on their agricultural affairs. 134
I am sorry that the little time allowed me (for I am now preparing to go to court) does not
admit of my giving you a detail of my agricultural operations, in which you were so kind
as to offer me your advice + instruction…. I am much interested in gardening. The
smaller scale of its operations better comports with my professional avocations, than the
multifarious concerns of an ill-organized farm…. I should be much gratified if you would
give me a few epistolary hints on the subject of farming, in which I consider myself your
135
pupil.

Cocke authored many essays on agriculture, encouraging crop rotation, fertilization with
lime and manure, and the gradual abolition of tobacco cultivation. Cocke had witnessed
the unhealthy land-use practices of tobacco farmers in the Tidewater and then again in the
Piedmont. He realized that Virginia soils could not support such exhaustive practices and
that measures would need to be taken to assure the Virginia economy would not collapse.
Not only was Cocke adamant in his record-keeping of crop rotation and
fertilization, he was constantly searching for improved strains and varieties of field crops,
fruits, and vegetables that would produce higher yields, and more nutritive and better-
tasting products. As part of his effort to disburse new varieties throughout his and
neighboring Piedmont counties, he organized a massive group nursery order.
List of Individual Orders of Group purchase from Benj. Prince, 1815
The Undersigned residents of the counties of Amherst, Nelson, Albemarle, Fluvanna and
Buckingham, being desirous to promote the introduction and diffusion of the finest and
rarest kinds of Fruit, in that part of the State in which they reside, and being impressed
with the belief that some facilities and advantages would result from uniting the
exertions, and directing the attentions of many individuals to this interesting branch of
internal improvement, do hereby agree.
1. That the Subscribers constitute an association for the purpose of effecting in the
Autumn of 1815, an importation of fruit trees, from the nursery of Mr. Benj. Prince on
Long Island, near N. York.
2. That each subscriber will take the number and kinds of Trees annexed to his name in
the subjoined list and pay at the time, and in the mode hereby appointed, his just
proportion of the costs and charges of the importation.
3. That on the 25th of July this subscription shall be closed, and the subscription papers
forthwith forwarded from the different counties above mentioned, to Warminster in
Nelson County, directed to John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell two members of this
association.

133
For a complete discussion of Cocke’s endeavors in sericulture, see Coyner.
134
1820-12-2 (640/32, Edmund Ruffin to JHC, Coggin’s Point).
135
1815-3-28 (640/Oversize 1/Folder 1, William C. Rives to JHC, Oak Bridge).
 35

4. That the said John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell shall immediately thereupon make
a clear and correct copy of the subscription papers, reducing them all into one, and
forward the copy thus made to Mr. Prince, accompanied by a letter of enquiry whether
the whole of the Trees subscribed for, and if not the whole, what part of them, may be
procured; as also what would be the costs and charges of the delivery of each parcel to
Messrs Ellis + Allan of the city of Richmond.
5. That on the receipt of Mr. Prince’s reply that the said Trees, or any part thereof may
be procured, the said John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell shall proceed without delay to
make a statement of the sum of money to be advanced by each member, for the parcel of
Trees destined for him, taking care to add to the other charges, a reasonable
compensation to Messrs Ellis + Allan for the trouble and expence of the storage and
delivery of the trees in Richmond; which statement, they shall forthwith transmit to each
member of the association.
6. That it shall be the duty of each member immediately on the receipt of the statement
aforesaid, to forward the amount due from him to the person charged with the receipt and
transmission of the money subscribed in the county in which he resides, viz: in the county
of Amherst to John Camm, in Nelson to Robert Rives, in Albemarle to Tucker Coles, in
Fluvanna to Wilson J. Cary, in Buckingham to William H. Cabell.
7. Each of the Agents for receiving the money subscribed in the counties aforesaid, shall
on or before the 20th of September, forward to Messrs Ellis + Allan of Richmond, the
amount which he may have received, accompanied by a list of the Subscribers in his
County, with the sum paid by each, and the Number and kinds of Trees due him, and if
the said Ellis + Allan shall not by the 1st of October, receive from any one or more of the
said Agents, his or their Subscription money as aforesaid, the said Agent or Agents with
his or their Counties respectively, shall be excluded from any further connection with this
Association; and any papers or monies which may be received from him or them, after
the first day of October, shall be returned to him or them, by the said Ellis + Allan.
8. The said Ellis + Allan shall on or before the 1st of October, transmit the monies and
subscription lists, which they may have received to Mr. Prince of Long Island,
accompanied by a request that he will forward to their care, the Trees subscribed for, in
separate parcels according to the number of subscribers, with the name of the proprietor
attached to each parcel respectively: and upon the arrival of the Trees in Richmond, the
said Ellis + Allan shall forthwith address a note to the Collector of each County, giving
information of their having come to hand, and that such parcel will be delivered in
Richmond, to the order of the Proprietor, or if desired, forwarded to any point on James
River. The proprietor paying the charges of conveyance from Richmond to the County in
which he resides.
9. Each Subscriber pledges himself to diffuse as widely as possible, in the neighborhood
in which he resides, the different kinds of fruit trees, which he may receive in conformity
136
to the Articles of this Association.

The combined order totaled more than $1000, and included the subscriptions of nearly
twenty-five individuals. Two years later, General Cocke was influential in the
establishment of the Albemarle Agricultural Society, a group of planters from the
surrounding area who gathered to discuss methods for the advancement of scientific
agriculture in the Virginia Piedmont region. 137
General Cocke was an amateur entomologist, among his other pursuits. Studying
the lifecycle and habits of many crop pests, Cocke attempted to determine the most
advantageous methods of counter attack. Various experiments document his fight against
the Hessian fly, cinch bugs, plum curculio, rose-bugs, and peach borers.

136
1815 (640/20, JHC records pertaining to Fruit Trees).
137
1817 (640/23, Diary of JHC).
 36

Similar to Cocke’s interest in training his servants as masons, bricklayers, and the
like, he also attempted to train them in the profession of gardening. Almost constantly
from the time of construction of Upper Bremo, JHC attempted to secure professional
gardeners to work at Bremo. An intermittent succession of European gardeners came to
Bremo, from Scotland, England, and Germany. However, none of them stayed longer
than a year or so, often leaving before the expiration of their indenture.138 However, in
their absence, several of the Bremo slaves were given duties to oversee the gardening
operations on the plantation. Whether trained by the itinerant European gardeners or by
Cocke himself it is unclear. The Bremo servants Gem, Jack, Jepe, Phil, Ned, and Peter
worked in the Bremo gardens throughout the lifetime of General Cocke and oversaw
planting, soil preparation, pruning, harvesting, winter storage of vegetables, and the other
activities involved in the maintenance of gardens and orchards.
The undulating topography of Bremo made the construction of roads somewhat
complex. These lanes were necessary both for travel into and out of Bremo, but also for
the transport of plantation necessities throughout the property. Crops were carried to
storage barns or loading sites upon the canal, and more frequently, large volumes of
manure were carted from the barnyard areas out to the fields in all reaches of the
plantation property. Paths and roads also enabled the transportation of stone from the
quarries and timber from the sawmill for the frequent construction campaigns at Bremo.
Cocke carefully planned out his roads, often making a longer road than necessary
to connect two points where he knew it would be safe from flash-floods and washouts.
The primary roads usually followed the ridgelines, occupying the highest ground.
Bridges of timber and stone were built to traverse waterways, and small streams were
even re-routed to accommodate new roads. 139
Good Plantation or Farm Roads are as necessary in rural economy as Turnpikes, Rail
Roads + Canals are to Commonwealths.
It is a fact as yet recognized by few minds that a hilly country is more favorable to the
making of Good Roads than a flat Country. And for this plain reason, that the rain water
which falls and hither follows in their ruts washing them into gullies or gathers into their
hollows forming sloughs or mudholes is the chief cause of putting roads out of order. by
far more so than the use of the Road by the travel upon them. Hence the leading object of
a judicious roadmaker should be to locate his road, other things being equal upon the
driest surface. Thus a hillside is preferable to a loud bottom, because by the nature of
things the running + accumulating water. The chief enemy to success can always be
more readily gotten rid of under the first than the second condition of things. Always
keeping in mind, that the running water must be disposed of, or you are liable after every
rain to have your road washed into gullies. For the wheel ruts form channels which the
water naturally follows. You must therefore provide waterways across the bed of the
road, which will catch + conduct the water off the Road. If a Road can be kept dry – it is
not injured but improved by use-
A road upon a Hill side with waterways properly constructed can always be kept drier
than upon [flat] land. Where the water settles or moves more sluggishly. Upon dead
levels. the bed of the Road can only be kept dry, by ridging it, more or less high with side
drains – whereas in the case of curving or Hill lands you simply turn the water off on the
lower side of the Road The adjacent fall in the land carries it off. But some slide is
[illegible] both in the construction + location of the waterways – if they are abrupt – they
may be serious obstacles,- and if they are a gentle wave (as they should be) traversing the

138
For a complete discussion of the professional gardeners at Bremo, See Coyner.
139
1817-8-25 (640/23, Diary of JHC).
 37

course of the Road at right angle – it will inquire some hard material [illegible] against
what carriages to maintain they form + make them effectual. A single, sawed outside
(the heavier the better – Laid upon the flat side, a firmly secured in its place, against the
tendency of wheel carriages to displace it – will often be found [illegible] + cheapest
natural planning it is to form the capping of a small swell form across the bed of the road
at right angles…. [Continues at length] …See a practicable illustration of this principle in
the Road + connecting terraces from the Farm Yard at Bremo – to the high level of the
Lawn North of the House…. 140

Not only did General Cocke construct roads for his own plantation, but he
oversaw the construction of several public roads through his property. 141 He assumed
responsibility for their construction and upkeep, knowing that since they were on his
land, they would reflect upon his skill at landscape management. His highly trained
group of slave masons, stonecutters, and mechanics helped make the Bremo roads of
exceptionally high quality. (Figures 70-73.)
Cocke’s roads were not merely dirt from which the stumps and major obstacles
had been removed, but rather evenly graded and paved roads. Following the example of
the Scotsman John Loudon McAdam, General Cocke used a series of layers of
particularly sized stone to provide an even and all weather road surface. 142
In nearly all endeavors of his life, General John Hartwell Cocke was a visionary
ahead of his time and a leader amongst his peers. With respect to the management of his
plantation affairs, Cocke was perhaps without equal. Though solidly a Virginian to the
core of his being, he pursued relationships nationally and internationally, bringing new
ideas into his core of local society. His tremendous efforts to further the diffusion of
knowledge, especially with regards to horticulture and agriculture, have left a lasting
legacy that extends far beyond the bounds of Bremo itself.

140
1837 (640/188, Journal of 1837).
141
1817-8-13 (640/23, Diary of JHC).
142
1850/51 (640/135, Memoranda for Garden Work); 1850-12-11 (640/135, Memoranda for Garden
Work, Plantation Work calling for speedy execution); 1852-4-20 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852).
 38

Horticulture and Virginia Society

Gardening was integral to life in Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Not only
was the production of food a necessity, but the production and maintenance of a garden
was proper, traditional, highly-esteemed, and enviable. Carrying on the Anglican
tradition of gardens and gardening, Virginians used gardens as productive locations,
ornamental objects, leisure retreats, and settings for tremendous architecture. The garden
and landscape at Upper Bremo fulfilled all these aspects: the vegetable plots, orchards,
and vineyards supplied food to the Cocke table; the groves, ponds, and the Temple
offered landscape components that augmented and the beauty of the plantation; the
garden, pond, and trails throughout the plantation provided Louisa Cocke and others in
the family occupation and escape; while the plantings, earthworks, and the view
increased the grandeur of the complex of buildings at Upper Bremo.
A tasteful and well-executed landscape was as important to the Virginia elite as a
fine mansion. The state of the surrounding agricultural land suggested the potential
profitability of the farm, and likewise the good character of the planter. Similarly, the
design of the garden demonstrated the degree of wealth, fine education, and status of the
plantation owner. Gardens through both their form and botanical collections expressed
these characteristics. Furthermore, gardens served as an extension of the frequently over-
crowded house. During periods of fine weather guests were often entertained with a
stroll through the garden. The plantation at Upper Bremo became so renowned that
guests occasionally came just to see the house and garden, Louisa Cocke noted:
Have had a good deal of young company all day, + having to roam about with them a
good deal found myself excessively wearied at night. A young party from Mr. Ansell’s
came expressly to see the house + the garden, which having shewed them, they took their
143
leave….

Because of the significance of landscapes and gardens within the chiefly

agricultural society of Virginia, horticulture was a frequent topic of written discussion.
In a territory so vast, where families were separated from one another by great distances,
the exchange of horticultural knowledge and goods served as a significant binder to the
upper classes of Virginia society.
Subtle and outright competition occurred to determine who possessed the most
floriferous rose, best tasting peaches, or earliest harvest of peas. However, despite this
rivalry, there was the camaraderie of people engaged in similar pursuits. Friends and
acquaintances frequently shipped seeds, cuttings, trees, plants, and fruit to one another.
In this way, they spread knowledge and genetic diversity throughout the state and region,
encouraging better agriculture and horticulture. Cocke’s indentured English gardener
who arrived in 1817 brought with him an enormous number of seeds and plants, some
difficult or impossible to obtain in Virginia. (See Appendix E.) This influx of new seed
strains from Europe was also highly important in the discovery of valuable new varieties.
Fruit and vegetables were most easily exchanged in this manner. Vegetables and
seed grown fruits, like melons, could be easily traded since seeds were regularly collected
for the next year’s cultivation. Seeds were plentifully produced, and once dried, quite

143
1832-5-25 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #18, p. 4-5).
 39

durable, withstanding rough handling and temperature extremes in the primitive postal
system. A great desire arose amongst General Cocke’s family, friends, and
acquaintances to obtain Sprout Kale and Sea Kale, the first obtained originally by
Thomas Jefferson from the National Garden of France, then passed on to JHC. 144
General Cocke received numerous solicitations for seed of these particular plants, a
winter crop which produced table greens at a season when vegetables were scarce.
Likewise, there was much interest over the Scuppernong grape of North Carolina,
and the wine it was fabled to produce. Many correspondents mentioned the vine and
attempts to procure cuttings of it, along with tales of its fine wine. After finally obtaining
the Scuppernong, General Cocke continued to distribute it despite his growing
involvement in the temperance movement and his concern over his conflict of interests.
Occasionally seeds made their way to the hands of those not inclined towards
horticulture. Sometimes in this case, recognizing the potential value of what they had
and the future favors they could bestow by its propagation, this person might
conditionally pass along the seeds:
Mr. Correa has just sent me the seeds of Sanborn [unclear] which will accompany this
letter. He gives them to me as a memorial of his regard for Virginia, I beg to present
them to you as a mark of my personal esteem, and of the confidence that you will take
better care of them than any friend to whom I could consign them. The seeds are fresh
from Italy: and I understand are now coming much into use, under the misnomer
Lupinella. I have never seen what is called lupinella, + therefore do not know whether
they be the same plant.
In case they succeed with you, I shall only ask of you the favor to furnish me an
equal quantity of seeds when I become Farmer, which I am not likely to do very soon I
fear. I had intended to have sent a portion of them to your neighbours + my friends, the
Messrs Cary’s, but there are so few that I shall leave that kindness to you, at another
day. 145

Fruits were also traded, though they presented slightly more difficult
requirements. Since most fruits do not reproduce true from seed, providing scions for
grafting was a more popular technique of exchange. However, this required that both
parties have some knowledge of woody plant propagation, and also that the package be
handled more delicately and delivered more quickly than was required of a seed
shipment.
This method of fruit tree diffusion allowed many people access to the finest
varieties, though there was a delay of several years to glean results. The search to
provide one’s table with fruit of the highest quality and best flavor over the longest
period was constantly ongoing. Though many named varieties were widely recognized
for their attributes, occasionally new types of apples would become popular that
originated in seed-grown orchards, often intended for the production of alcoholic spirits

144
1813-3-12 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.507, Jefferson to John H.
Cocke, Monticello).
145
1817-9-18 (640/25, Francis Walter Gilmer to JHC, Winchester).
 40

or for livestock feed. Once traded, these unnamed varieties would often be called by the
name if their originator. Cocke recorded many varieties planted at Bremo in this way. 146
The dispersion of plant material was motivated by more than charity. Having a
successful and widely distributed variety named in one’s honor would have been a very
exhilarating experience for one’s ego. The search for fame in the realm of horticulture
was just as great as in any other realm.
Dear General,
Two gentlemen of Franklin have promised to forward the Orange Coloured
Honeysuckle for me to Lynchburg. And I shall write to Mr. Brown to forward it to you.
It will afford a beautiful ornament for the margin of your pond in the garden. If it arrives
Miss Louisiana will do the favour to accept it as a present, and cherish it in remembrance
of the donor. If it is not sent I shall if I live pursuit [unclear] in endeavour to introduce it
to your country as a beautiful Specimen of the flowering Shrubs of Virginia and you must
have my name recorded in the annals of your agricultural journals as the benefactor of
your country by introducing the Birdwood apple,… and in your journals relating to
matters of ornament and Taste as the In---tor [illegible] of the Orange Coloured
Honeysuckle and more over reward me…. 147

Upon social encounters, one gentleman would perhaps boast of his fine pears, but
then offer the other man some grafts. These were not empty promises, for the seeker
would often write a letter to the donor, reminding him to send along the proffered items
come the proper season. Likewise, when one family had experienced a harsh spring and
lost their crop of a particular fruit, their family and friends in other regions would send
some produce at harvest time so that they should not go entirely without.
In this way, too, ladies and gentlemen established their collections upon creating
new gardens. Since plant stock from nurseries was not plentiful and often difficult to
obtain, exchanges amongst family and friends were a necessity. This arrangement also
offered many keepsakes and remembrances growing within the garden to remind the
garden owner of his friends who lived at great distances whom he or she saw but
infrequently. As obtaining seeds and plants could be difficult, sharing seed sources and
nursery catalogs was of paramount importance. Since Bremo was in a remote part of the
country during most of Cocke’s lifetime, often his family and friends in Norfolk or
Richmond would place orders for him and attempt to obtain seeds necessary for the
coming season.
In horticulture, as in other realms, Cocke’s neighbors and friends looked to him
for advice and example. As a result of Cocke’s tireless efforts, both the composition and
ingredients of the gardens at Bremo were renowned throughout Virginia and beyond.

146
1810-3-29 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens)); 1810-3-31 (5685/21,
Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens)); 1810-11-30 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda
1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens)).
147
1822-3-18 (640/36, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC, Liberty).
 41

A Woman in the Garden: Louisa Cocke

When John Hartwell Cocke first moved to Bremo, he brought his wife Ann
Barraud and their children to live at Recess. After an extended and excruciating illness,
Ann died during Christmas, 1816, leaving Cocke a widower with six small children.
Four years later, General Cocke married Louisa Maxwell Holmes, a widow herself.
During her life at Bremo, nearly a quarter of a century, Louisa Cocke effected great
change upon both the manner of living and the landscape. A deeply compassionate
though austere woman, Louisa spent a significant amount of time looking after “her
people”, likely improving living conditions and helping to provide aid of many sorts,
including teaching the slave children and many adults to read and write. Louisa was also
responsible for many of the additions to the garden at Upper Bremo, and possibly played
a part in its layout as well.
Though it is clear General Cocke had his own strong ideas about gardens and
landscapes, Louisa was not without influence in that realm. Their marriage originally
seemed a love-match, and certainly Cocke indulged many of her desires. Quite possibly
the greenhouse was built in 1826 at her request, for she frequently mentioned entertaining
herself there with citrus and other plants, and General Cocke hardly remarked upon the
building at all. As time progressed and Cocke spent many days of the year traveling
away from Bremo, Louisa’s pining for him became more and more evident in her diary
entries, as did their strained relations. Though they occasionally walked in the garden
together and shared tasks like planting a new hedge 148 , they sometimes came into conflict
over the garden, among other matters:
…Had an unpleasant conversation with husband about the planting of trees, temperance,
+c. which left some painful feelings…. 149

Though not as widely traveled as General Cocke, Louisa Cocke had traveled
significantly within Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, and seen many private gardens.
After visiting Mount Vernon she wrote:
I was somewhat disappointed in not finding this celebrated spot in a higher state of order
+ cultivation than it is. I should judge, the present owner had not inherited much of his
illustrious ancestor’s taste. There is still a handsome collection of hothouse plants, + a
flower garden laid out in a handsome style. 150

The Cocke’s trip north to New England and New York further expanded her exposure to
a variety of styles of garden design and garden amenities. She recorded a local visit to a
house near Richmond:
Spent a very agreeable day in company with a large party of our new friends, in a visit to
Hampstead the stylish residence of Mr. Webb. The garden + grounds near the house are
laid out very tastefully + together with the highly finished dwelling come nearer to my
ideas of English country residences than any I have ever seen. 151

148
1822-3-16 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 20).
149
1836-4-2 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 29).
150
1820-10-6 (640/192, Diary #7 1820, August 9 – 1821, March 28, p. 27).
151
1839-6-3 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 49, Richmond vicinity).
 42

The record of written correspondence, along with many years of almost daily
diary entries, offers a very solid view of Louisa Cocke’s gardening activities. Letters
from her friends and relatives offer discussions of the weather (a frequent topic in men’s
correspondence as well), the status of their gardens and the advancement of the season,
and solicitations and offers of plants to share. Though these comments are usually brief,
that does not suggest that these women had little to say about landscape and gardens.
Rather, letters were precious and rarely devoted to any one subject at length. Upon
moving to a new farm outside Philadelphia, Louisa’s friend wrote the following:
…I am sure you will be delighted to come and See us in our Eden. It is indeed a sweet
place not from expensive improvements, for it is simply a common farm, & farm House,
but from our Kitchen door, the Eye takes a perfect View of a rich meadow Valley 3 or 4
miles in extent, with the rising ground on both Sides of the Valley, cover’d with fine
orchards, rich Verdure, high cultivation, and Substantial Farm Houses, nothing could
give you a more perfect Idea of the Beneficence of the Creator, and of the happiness of
his Creatures…. Our house Stands upon what might be call’d a young mountain, in
Norfolk, and the whole face of this Hill is cover’d with Orchard, containing almost every
Variety of Choice fruit that our climate produces, - Mr. F. has purchas’d 76 acres, and
here we are to take up our permanent abode next month.
Your beautiful multi-Flora is now Standing by me in full Verdure, and I hope It
will be my Pet & Pride, in the most favourable spot of our new domain. Mr. F business
to day was settling a dozen fine Hens, of a Superior Breed that he has been collecting,
and to plant a cartload of Choice fruit trees, grape Vines, &c which he sent on before
him, - I Sometimes feel a little sorry to leave my present pleasant home, and my fine
Grapes, &c. but really our garden had got so full, it seems high time to get a more
extensive range, and I hope you will find us in Abington very happy, and very
industrious…. 152

As women of the early 19th century Virginia elite, it was fitting and proper for
Ann Cocke, and later Louisa Cocke, to be interested in the gardens at Bremo. Similarly
as for men, the attainment of an enviable garden afforded respect and social clout
amongst the female gender. Since the duties of the woman of the house included
overseeing the kitchen operations, the production of fruits and vegetables must have been
of some concern to Ann and Louisa. However, at Bremo, and within the Cocke’s circle
of friends, the concern for edible produce fell almost entirely to the male heads of
household. 153 It is through their correspondence that the exchange of vegetable seeds and
fruit scions is discussed, almost never in the letters from one woman to another.
Only occasionally did the Bremo women’s concerns turn to the edible realm and
the goings-on of the larger plantation food production areas. When General Cocke was
away for extended periods of time, his wives acted as landscape management liaisons for
him. 154 Corresponding through letters, Ann or Louisa would relate a certain situation to
him, await his reply, and then deliver the instructions to the appropriate servant. Most
plantation operations were handled by the overseer in these cases, but perhaps since the
garden was a realm shared by husband and wife, the woman’s control superceded the

152
1820-3-1 (640/31, Mrs. S. Flintham to Mrs. Louisa Holmes).
153
The one significant exception to this was in the cohort of orders JHC organized in 1815, where fruit tree
orders were listed for Mrs. E.M. Ross and Mrs. Paullina Legrands.
154
1814-10-20 (640/Oversize 1/Folder 1, N.B. Cocke to JHC, Richmond); 1824-5-13 (640/38, JHC to Mrs.
Louisa Cocke, Richmond).
 43

regular duties of the plantation overseer. At Bremo, Louisa’s influence did extend
beyond the confines of the garden to the lawn and the groves, however, her specific
contributions there are unclear. 155
Louisa arrived at Bremo soon after General Cocke had moved his family
into the new mansion at Upper Bremo. She had the opportunity for a fresh start,
since Cocke’s first wife, Ann, had contributed her input primarily on the garden at
Recess. That garden quite possibly provided an early model for the garden at
Upper Bremo, though the new one was at an entirely grander scale. Without
question, the established gardens at Recess provided materials for the early phases
of setting out the new garden at Upper Bremo. Though Louisa had long been
interested in gardening, upon arriving at Bremo she threw herself into the activity
with renewed vigor. 156 Seen not as a chore, but rather as a source of great
amusement, Louisa spent many hours of fine spring days in the garden at Bremo.
General Cocke’s daughter, Louisiana, was the greatest thread of continuity during
the transition from one house and garden to the next. Having begun to work in the
garden at Recess, she continued her pleasures at the new garden at Upper Bremo, likely
yielding to the desires and decisions of her new stepmother. The children seem to have
had their own individual plots or areas in the Garden, as this brief comment and others
between sister and brother suggests:
…I am going to begin to work in my garden as soon as the ground discontinues to freeze
at night. I shall remind the boys of attending to yours. I believe that your flower roots
are coming up…. 157

Young John Hartwell Cocke, Jr. showed a great interest in gardening, even while away at
boarding school. 158
General Cocke’s children, the girls especially, were a wonderful source of
companionship for Louisa. Whether working alongside her in the Garden, or
accompanying her on excursions, they became like her own daughters. Frequently she
remarked of sharing time with them in the Garden, on outings to Pisgah, and rowing upon
the ponds.
Beyond the regular round of neighbors and visitors, Louisa Cocke had several
significant connections within her social and gardening circles. These people supplied
her not only with news and information, but also with plants. These gifts from friends
and family probably comprised a greater portion of the ornamental garden than plants
ordered directly from nurseries.
Her mother, siblings, cousins, and nieces were always ready to send her news of
the garden she had left behind in Norfolk and seeds and cuttings from that collection and
their own. Louisa’s niece offered in a letter:
…I have a very fashionable Flower Caled the Madagascar Periwinkle, its Colour is a
beautiful pink. Mrs. Harris sent two of them two us one for L- and the other for myself.
I have been saving some of the seeds for you. I am sure you will be pleased with it. I

155
1837-4-18 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 50).
156
1822-2-26 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 20).
157
1819-2-24 (5685/3, JHC and LBC(daughter) to JHC, Jr.); 1822-4-12 (640/36, Louisiana Barraud Cocke
to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, from Clifton); 1822-6-3 (640/36, Ann B. Cocke to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, from Bremo).
158
1816-3-6 (640/21, JHC, Jr. to JHC).
 44

have collected all the seed that I possibly could get. I wish you were here to see the
Chinaasters we have got in the greatest variety that I ever saw we have got the pink,
purple, blue, an the pearl colour.
When the right season comes all your shrubs shall be sent up and as many more
as I can get. Grandmama requested me to tell you that she would have sent all the things
by Mrs. Taylor but expecting Uncle William would have left us much sooner than he
intends to do she left a part for him to carry…. 159

A bachelor for some time, her brother frequently visited Bremo and occasionally worked
alongside her in the Garden, helping her to plant a Mimosa tree as a remembrance of him
in his absence. 160
Louisa’s other major plant supplier was her sister-in-law, General Cocke’s sister,
Sally Faulcon, at Mount Pleasant in Tidewater Virginia. Throughout her life she shared a
great deal of news and physical garden material with Louisa.
I fear you will my dear Sister, be disappointed when you receive the flower roots. I had
had all the best put in the ground, + it was too late to remove them, should I live to see
the fall I shall be able to supply you with Tulips, Hyacinths, Jonquils, + Crown Imperials.
My flower beds begin to look very handsome.
My brother tells us in his last letter that you + my dear Louisiana have both
made yourselves sick by working in the garden, but he considers that kind of
indisposition as being holesome. I have had a violent cold for ten days past which I
believe I brought on by being too long in the garden after a rain. My husband has also
suffered for several days with a dreadful cold, which I believe he got in the same way- 161

I hope you have received the things sent to Richmond by Paul Jones before this. The rest
of the shrubs + roots shall be sent by the next opportunity which will be I expect by the
middle pf the month. I suppose you know the different roots, the first I sent were Tulips
& fair_maids. I will send you with the shrubs, Hyathins + Pionies + Jonquils, please
send to Mrs. Woodson a dozen of each kind.
We have had the most delightful weather ever since we got home that I ever
experienced at this season. It really appears as if I had enjoyed a second summer. We
never had the slightest frost until the first night in Nov. almost everything in the garden
looks like summer. I have a great many flowers in perfection, to give you some Idea of
the beauty of some of my rose bushes I will tell you that I counted 26 beautiful buds on
one of the monthly rose bushes yesterday. 162

Many times Sally and Nicholas, her husband, sent shipments of shrubs, trees, seeds and
flower bulbs to Louisa and the General. The Bremo residents reciprocated, returning the
like to their kin. In this way there was a constant exchange of plants, expanding the
diversity of each of their individual collections.
Women in a 19th century household did not have many opportunities for exercise
nor for recreation. The garden offered a multi-dimensional sphere of operation. The
garden offered the outlet for physical exercise, both passively and actively. Guests of the
house were frequently entertained with walks in the garden, and Louisa partook of similar
solitary walks as well. Furthermore, her journal entries suggest Louisa toiled in the

159
1822-9-24 (640/37, Susan Maxwell (niece) + Mary J. Payne to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Norfolk).
160
1837-10-14 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 54).
161
1822-4-1 (640/36, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant).
162
1822-11-11 (640/37, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant).
 45

garden alongside the servant gardeners 163 , though at lighter tasks. She discussed sowing,
moving plants, and other gardening occupations.
The garden also served as a realm where the 19th century lady exercised some
measure of managerial control. Louisa commanded the gardening staff with respect to
her areas of the Garden at Bremo, though the servants were ultimately responsible to the
General, and likely reported most frequently to him. She had many opportunities to make
decisions about garden planting, maintenance, and design, especially during her
husband’s extended absence. These opportunities for legislation and self-determination
were absent from so many aspects of a 19th century lady’s rigidly programmed existence.
Often for these women, the garden was a place of extreme liberation.
Furthermore, the Garden offered a place for the indulgence of whimsy and
luxuries otherwise forbidden. The Cocke’s somewhat Spartan lifestyle, compared to their
peers, was not carried forth from the house and into the Garden. Lush vegetation,
decadent blooms, and ornate plantings were both acceptable and encouraged, regarded as
manifestations of God’s benevolence and Nature’s bounty.
After hearing the news of her mother’s death, Louisa wrote, “[I] walked down to
the garden at twilight to indulge my tears for my dear mother.” 164 The Garden was a
place almost completely separate from the mansion where the bounds of propriety were
relaxed; desires were more easily fulfilled; and solace more easily sought. 165

163
1823-7-6 (640/38, Account Book of JHC, Travels from Norfolk to Niagara (along the Erie Canal));
1822-4-1 (640/36, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant); 1830-3-16 (640/192, Louisa
Cocke Diary # 15, p. 48).
164
1833-4-11 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #19, p. 45).
165
1837-5-16 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 10).
 46

Early 19th Century Nurseries: A Tale of Two Princes

Though Louisa Cocke depended heavily upon her friends and family to supply her
with the array of ornamental plants that graced her garden, General Cocke required a
professional nurseryman to provide the vast variety and quantity of trees he required.
Especially in the acquisition of new fruit trees, connections with an experienced
nurseryman were crucial. With so many varieties in the trade, it was often difficult for
the layman to tell what variety he possessed, sometimes even after the tree produced fruit.
In order to assure one had the most profitable collection, it was necessary to consult an
expert. Furthermore, when establishing the various orchards at Upper Bremo, Cocke
often planted in volumes greater than 100 plants, of as many as 20 different varieties of a
single fruit. This far exceeded the potential for kindly neighbors to fulfill his needs.
The larger nurseries of the early 19th century were involved in their own sorts of
selection trials. Constantly receiving new American varieties and importing new
European ones, often at great expense, the nurseries would not continue to propagate
unsuccessful types. Also, the professional nurseryman who might grow one hundred or
more varieties of a single fruit was best equipped to make recommendations for the
particular type and use of fruit that Cocke intended.
General Cocke’s most substantial early orders from a professional nursery came
from Benjamin Prince of Long Island. (See Appendix E.) It is not clear how Cocke first
discovered this source of plants, so far removed from Virginia. Despite the great distance
to and higher latitude of the nursery, their temperatures were moderated by the coastal
climate, allowing them to grow all manner of trees that would be successful in Virginia.
In fact, many trees Benjamin Prince listed proved ultimately unsuccessful at Bremo, and
today are recognized as too tender for the hardiness rating of Piedmont Virginia.
The group order arranged by General Cocke and his friend J.C. Cabell in 1815
must have been one of Benjamin Prince’s greatest windfalls ever. The list of requests
was staggering, the shipment included nearly 150 bundles and packages of plants! These
plants, mainly fruit trees, were shipped to over twenty individuals, all established and
wealthy residents of counties of the middle James River. After this initial order, at least
several of these Virginians carried out further transactions with Benjamin Prince.
The following series of correspondence gives a of the difficulties encountered by
both parties in a major nursery order transaction:

(Benjamin Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell)

I have received your letter inclosing the several Invoices for Trees, Shrubs & Plants. I
thank you for the confidence you place in me. And shall use every effort to render
myself worthy of it. By every possible attention in executing the different orders for the
Trees &c. It is not often we send Trees to the Southard in the Spring. Our Winter
generally does not leave us till March. And often we are not able to take up Trees until
the first of April. Which would make it too late to send them to Richmond this Spring.
The frost was three inches in the Earth when they were dug. the Autumn is the best
Season to transplant fruit Trees. Particular many kinds, viz. Pears, Cherrys, Plums &
Apples. Those Trees ordered by you I expect to ship in November, so as to arrive early
in Decbr. This will be the most proper time to ship them, as it will be proper not to take
them out of the Earth too early in the Season. Our Winter generally begins about
Christmas. You may rest assured. nothing shall be wanting on my part to give you
satisfaction. There may be some kinds of Trees ordered which I have not, and cannot
procure. In that case, I will thank you to inform me, if I am at liberty to substitute others
 47

in their places. This, I often do, with first obtaining leave. I notice also in the Invoices
many kinds of Trees & Shrubs orderd. Which are not in fact valuable or curious, this is
no doubt procured from the want of knowledge of their qualitys. I wish to know, in this
case if I am at Liberty to alter the sorts, and substitute those which are better, (of this also
you will please inform me,) I am often in the habbit of Doing it, with consent. I have
never yet insured Trees from one Port to the Other, but if you wish it, I will have it done.
It is almost impossible for me to make out a correct statement of the amount of each
parcel of Trees, before they are taken up and packed. The Trees differ so in size that I
can form no correct idea of the number of Bundles, and there may be some Articles I will
not be able to supply. But the total amount of the Orders I received from you, including
Packing &c. may not fall far short of Nine hundred Dollars, there will be upwards of One
Hundred Bundles in all. The freight of which better be paid at Richmond.
The marks on each Bundle shall be well secured by having two directions on
each Bundle & one inside near the top of the Bundle. It will be in time, if I receive any
more orders from you, by or before the first of November, which is nearly two months
off. I will pay every attention in having the Trees put carefully on board the Vessel for
Richmond, and have them place.d underdeck. Also forward bills of lading &c…. 166

(Jos. C. Cabell to Benjamin Prince, in reply)

We have been favored by the mail with your letter of 4th inst, and return you our thanks
for your polite expressions of willingness + anxiety to comply with the commission lately
forwarded you on the part of ourselves + our friends.
We regret that it is not practicable to carry into effect the scheme of our little
association in the form originally proposed.
Our wish is now to keep as near to it, as circumstances will permit. Owing to
the advanced period of the year, + the necessity of one or both of us to be absent from
this part of the state for several months to come, there may not be time to consult our
friends again on this subject: Consequently we deem it most safe + correct to depart from
the terms of the understanding existing among us, only in points essential + unavoidable.
Therefore, in regard to such of the articles called for, as you may not be able to
furnish, at the prices stated in your printed Catalogue, we should not wish them
substituted by other articles of your own suggested selection, unless the subscribers
should authorize such a substitution, by a particular request to that effect. (But with
respect to such of the articles enumerated in the several lists as you may deem, “neither
valuable nor curious” we think we may safely take upon ourselves the responsibility, not
of authorizing a substitution, but their entire omission from the package to which they
were desired to be attached. If, however, any subscriber should by memorandum or
Letter forwarded in due time, desire such substitution, we would be obliged to you to
render it.) With regard to such objects as you consider preferable to those sent for, if you
would be so kind as to send us a particular list of them, it would probably be of use, if not
in correcting the catalogues already forwarded, at least in enlisting the choice of
ourselves + friends another year.
We should greatly have preferred to know the price of each subscribers parcel,
including freight + insurance to Richmond, before a final order for the plants: but as this
seems impracticable, we must get our friends Messrs. Ellis + Allan of Richmond to
provide a well for the payment of your own bill, as of the freight, + insurance, when the
sums may be respectively called for.
Had the subject been thought of a little sooner, there would have been many
other subscribers, as a taste for this kind of improvement is kindling in this part of the
country. This attempt will probably produce others next season; particularly if it should
be successful.

166
1815-9-4 (640/20, Benja. Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, Flushing).
 48

May you, Sir, be assured of our entire respect + confidence. 167

(Benjamin Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, in response)

I duly received your favour of last month. The hurry of business prevented my answering
of it before. And at present I am not able to write but a few lines. The reason I wishd. To
alter some of the kinds of fruit Trees was, there are a considerable number of some kinds
order’d which are not in fact valuable. I could have redirected the number of this kind
and added some more valuable. I will inform you as soon as I have time, which are the
valuable kinds of fruit and which are not. This Month as yet has been uncommon warm,
so much so that I thought best not to commence supplying your orders till the 26, or the
last of this month. Then (if all is well) I shall commence, and continue till I finish them.
Which will cause great fatigue and labour, but you may rest assured I shall pay every
possible attention. I wish to know if I shall send the Invoices by Mail, or by the Vessel
that I may send the Trees by. I have also received some additional orders from Messrs
Ellis & Allan which I shall also attend to, and forward with those orders by you. 168

The major concern of patronizing a far distant nursery at this time was the
problem of logistics. Limited by the efficiency of U.S. mail delivery (approximately two
weeks from Flushing to Bremo), and the reliability of shipping companies, orders could
not be filled quickly, the entire process of ordering could take as long as six or nine
months. A series of written correspondence was necessary to initially solicit the catalog,
have it mailed, place the order, determine the method of payment and delivery, and
straighten out the availability of the plants requested. Once the order was decided upon,
the coordination of the proper season for digging and transplanting between the two
locations was best determined, and then the order was dug up, packed, and shipped from
Flushing, Long Island, via the port of New York. The packages, consisting of boxes and
bundles, traveled to Richmond via steamship and were delivered to Cocke’s agents, Ellis
and Allan. Then they would arrange the best possible method to convey the plants to
Bremo, via bateaux, barge, or wagon. Overall, the plants suffered an arduous journey,
not only being roughly handled, but likely exposed to extremes of temperature and
serious desiccation. Cocke leaves no records to suggest the mortality of plants he
experienced, but one imagines from the size of his orders, failure rates could have been as
high as perhaps fifty percent after the first year. In 1816, Cocke placed another
substantial order with Benjamin Prince. Prince wrote:
We have received your favour of the 25th of August. We also recd your favour some
weeks previous to the last letter. As there was not a sentence in that letter that needed an
answer, we did not write one. The letter was an answer to ours giving us the information
that you had received the Trees and in good order, which we was pleased to hear. We are
sorry to hear you have lost some of your Trees, also, the Mr. Cabell has lost so many of
his, in great measure it may be owing the uncommon dry summer which extended over
the Union, here, till within a week we have had no + in four months had sufficient rain to
wet the roots of the Trees, but now for a week it has rain.d all the time. Still we have
scarcely lost a Tree in the Nursery, and they all look well…. 169

167
1815-9-20 (640/20, Joseph C. Cabell to Benjamin Prince, from Bremo).
168
1815-10-23 (640/20, Benj. Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, Flushing).
169
1816-9-10 (640/22, Benjamin Prince to JHC).
 49

Despite problems with mortality, Cocke and his friends appeared to have been happy
with the initial order from Prince. Many successive orders followed, until Benjamin
Prince’s major competition appeared. At the close of a letter to Cocke regarding his
order, B. Prince mentions the following:

We recd a letter last Summer, which we immediately answered, from Colo. J.A.
Coles, stating that he and his Neighbors was going to send us large orders this Autumn.
Since we have never heard from him, the cause we wish very much to know, & we will
take it as a favour if you will inform us. If Mr. Coles sent on his Orders for Trees, it
might have miscarried, or have been left at the wrong place in New York. We have lost
many orders in this way. There is another Nursery Man by the name of Wm Prince, & if
our letters are left in his letter Box, We hear no more of them. This I know is mean &
disgraceful, but so it is. Our Nursery was the first ever set on foot in America. Our good
Father commenced it, and kept it himself sixty years. 170

Perhaps this was the first General Cocke heard of William Prince, but this discovery
caused Benjamin Prince to lose a significant volume of business in the future.
In the spring of 1817 General Cocke decided to establish an apple orchard at
Lower Bremo. Perhaps this had not been determined far enough in advance to order from
Prince in the fall, but whatever the reason, Cocke obtained over 100 plants in March from
Downswright, a nurseryman in Goochland County, not far from Bremo. For the next
several years, General Cocke did not place any major nursery orders. Many of the trees
included in the two shipments from Benjamin Prince had been planted temporarily at
Recess while the orchard was being prepared at Upper Bremo. Perhaps this transplanting
kept Cocke sufficiently busy for several seasons. Additionally, this was the period of
heaviest construction of the mansion at Upper Bremo, and Cocke probably could not
allocate funds and his attention to nursery orders at this time.
In 1820, Cocke finally received a catalog from William Prince, Nurseryman, also
of Flushing, Long Island and competitor to Benjamin Prince.
Sir,
My friend Mr. Herron of Richmond has Jt [just] last mail informed me that you
had some time since written to me without reply. I have no recollection of any
communication whatever from you or it should have met due attention. I send you one of
my old Catalogues but as I have 4500 species + varieties of Plants here I have arranged
them systematically in a Catalogue 50 pages of which is printed + which will shortly be
completed with a short Treatise on the Cultivation +c.
Yours +c
Wm. Prince
Linnaean Garden
Nov. 21, 1820
NB. This Garden contains 24 acres. B. Princes is a new one of 6 acres. 171

Obviously William Prince was no less aware of his competition than was Benjamin
Prince, both of them including barbs in their notes to Cocke meant to slander the other.
Their relation to one another is not known, they were likely cousins or perhaps quarreling

170
1816-11-30 (640/23, Benjamin Prince to JHC).
171
1820-3 (640/32, Broadside Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Plants, William
Prince & Co., Nurserymen, New York).
 50

brothers, both trying to maintain their own operations. Though William Prince seemed
the poorer of the two businessmen, frequently misplacing Cocke’s letters, the General
seemed to have shifted allegiances sometime around 1820. William Prince’s unkind
words about Benjamin continued:

On looking over my papers I have found a letter from you dated 2nd Aug 1819 –
which as I have no recollection of ever answering I now conclude to do. You ask me for
a list of the most valuable Peaches, Plums, Cherries + the complete circle of Pears. If you
still wish this information I will as soon as I have from you give it you at full length.
We have the genuine Drap d’or such as you got from my father – the Egg Plum
is nothing like it. The Yellow Egg is also called the White Magnum bonum, White
Imperial or Mogul Plum – the Drap d’or is the Mirabelle double of France or Cloth of
Gold Plum – The fact is Mr. Benjmn Prince is not a connoisseur in fruits + has never
made it a study as he was formerly in partnership with me + then never took an active
part in the business – he however I know would not make an error intentionally…. - if
you wish I will send you one of my new Catalogues of 140 pages, including 30 pages of
Treatise on cultivation {My collection occupies 24 acres, that of Benjmn Prince 6
acres} 172

Beginning in 1823, Cocke began to place orders with William Prince, apparently
establishing a solid relationship with him and never again placing an order with Benjamin
Prince. William Prince was never shy about advertising his nursery business, and the
production area, called the Linnean Botanic Garden, after 18th Century Swedish Botanist
Carolus Linneaus, developer of the binomial system of classification. Wm. Prince also
wrote treatises on the cultivation of plants he sold, to accompany the nursery catalogs and
further spread his name and reputation.
William Prince was wise in his efforts to obtain new and interesting varieties for
propagation and sale at his nursery. After such a solicitation for new and unusual plants,
General Cocke sent a box of grape cuttings to Wm. Prince. When Prince printed and
distributed an announcement of the Linnean Botanic Garden in 1826, General Cocke was
lauded as a supporter and contributor. 173
Between 1823 and 1843, General Cocke placed many orders to William Prince
for fruit trees, forest and flowering trees, Roses, and herbaceous material. Cocke also
applied to Prince and his circle of horticultural connections for filling the position of
gardener. Prince passed along his request, likely never finding a suitable employee for
Cocke. Prince also felt free to share his recommendations and opinions with Cocke,
encouraging him to commercially produce baskets from basket willows ordered from the
Long Island establishment. 174
Their relationship weathered several misunderstandings, most prominent among
them the matter of a supposedly unpaid bill from 1823, not reminded to JHC until seven
years later. After more than a year of debate and many letters exchanged regarding the
matter, Cocke paid the bill, perhaps simply to end the argument. However, he continued
to place orders from William Prince, including the purchase of Morus multicaulis, the
silk mulberry. Ultimately, Cocke propagated trees from these plants and created his own

172
1822-10-9 (640/37, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Garden).
173
1826-8-1 (640/48, Broadside Announcing W. Prince’s Linnean Botanic Gardens).
174
1843-4-28 (640/107, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing).
 51

nursery of this tree in time to supply the silkworm mania, and sold cuttings in direct
competition with William Prince. 175
In the 1840’s William Prince died, ending the twenty-year exchange of goods
between himself and General Cocke. However, Cocke continued to obtain plants from
the same geographic area, ordering from Parsons & Co., Commercial Garden and
Nursery, also in Flushing. Whether this was the same nursery as the Linnean Botanic
Garden renamed and under new management is unclear.
Throughout the development of the gardens at Bremo, Cocke did use other
commercial sources of plants besides Benjamin and William Prince’s nurseries on Long
Island. During the sixty years of his residence at Bremo, Cocke placed orders from at
least eight nurseries, including locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, and Virginia. However, the vast bulk of the commercial plant material
installed at Bremo came from the Flushing nurseries of the two Princes.

175
1838-9-28 (640/92, Edmund Ruffin to JHC).
 52

Conclusion

Many questions remain unanswered regarding the Gardens and Landscape of

Bremo. Future research may yield greater graphic or physical evidence that helps
definitively establish the patterns of planting and construction in the Gardens. That
knowledge will contribute immeasurably to developing a complete view of General
Cocke and his activities as the landscape architect of Bremo.
Luckily, the architectural constructions at Bremo have survived two centuries in
greater repair than the landscape architectural features. Certain motifs and patterns are
clearly evident amongst Cocke buildings that span both his lifetime and the breadth of
utility required on the plantation. Most notably, is the motif of an arch flanked by two
openings. Occasionally all three openings are filled with stucco, and sometimes the
middle arch is pierced by a window. (Figures 74&75; Figures 18, 32 & 45.) This
component was massaged and manipulated for each individual instance, but still retained
its integrity throughout the many designs. Similar repeating elements quite possibly
occurred throughout Cocke’s designed landscapes as well. Unfortunately, these cannot
be established without graphic documentation or field investigations.
It is clear to see that Cocke was a highly rational and deliberate individual, and
that every mark upon the land must have been weighed and calculated with the strictest
judgment. A thorough recording of the site remnants at Bremo would offer several
opportunities. Fully examining the residential, agricultural, industrial, and recreational
patterns of the larger landscape would offer a chance for significant interpretation
regarding 19th century lifestyles of the Virginia elite, indentured servants, and slave
populations. Furthermore, this documentation could aid managers in deciding which
areas of Bremo have the greatest historic significance and help direct archaeological
excavations and the management of plantation resources like timber harvesting. Perhaps
most importantly, documentary references could be compared with field observations and
measurements to better assemble a picture of the overall plantation landscape. This
investigation into the physical fabric of Bremo would significantly augment the
understanding of General Cocke and his ideas about landscape.
Cocke stood out in the 19th century among many successful agriculturalists,
diplomats, and reformers. Perhaps one of the greatest Renaissance men of his era,
General John Hartwell Cocke was all of these things. As Jefferson had forecasted, Cocke
lived to be one of the biggest success stories the state of Virginia ever produced. The
physical fabric of the land at Bremo, molded by centuries of occupation, industry, and
improvement, holds within it the histories of various eras and hundreds of individuals
who lived and died there. Together with the writings both executed and received by
Cocke, the landscape at Bremo tells a story of a sophisticated and complex horticultural
past. Many years after General Cocke’s death, despite his many influences and
accomplishments, the plantations at Bremo stand as his most valuable and enduring
legacy.
 53

Bibliography

Babbidge, Sandra A. “Bremo Fountain Temple: A monument to John Hartwell Cocke and the Temperance
Movement.” Thesis. University of Virginia, School of Architecture, 1989.

Bronwell, Charles, Calder Loth, William Rasmussen and Richard Guy Wilson. The Making of Virginia
Architecture. Charlottesville, VA: University Press of Virginia, 1992.

Dirr, Michael. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants : Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics,
Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing Co., 1998.

Durilin, Tatiana S. “Bremo Recess.” Thesis. University of Virginia, School of Architecture, 1988.

Coyner, Martin Boyd. “John Hartwell Cocke of Bremo: agriculture and slavery in the ante-bellum South.”
Diss. (Ph.D. - History). University of Virginia, 1961.

Favretti, Rudy J., and Joy Putnam Favretti. Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildings. Walnut
Creek, CA: Altamira Press, 1997.

Hatch, Peter. The Fruits and Fruit Trees of Monticello. Charlottesville, VA: The University Press of
Virginia, 1998.

Hodson, Peter. The Design and Building of Bremo: 1815-1820. Birmingham, AL: Hayes International
Corp. (Private Printing), 1968.

McMahon, Bernard. The American Gardener’s Calendar. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo and Co.,
1851.

Taylor, James Y. “Bremo Bluff, A River Village – Part 1” The Bulletin: The Publication of the Fluvanna
County Historical Society, Fall 1999, vol. number 68.

Collections at Alderman Library, Special Collections. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

#640, Cocke Family Papers (box #’s below):

Oversize, 1-3
20-40
41-50+ (Selected documents only with obvious or likely relevance to garden affairs.)
186-188
192-194

#5685, John Hartwell Cocke Papers (box #’s below):

Excluded documents coming from overseers and staff of Mississippi and Alabama plantations.
Excluded correspondence addressed to or emanating from anyone besides JHC or his wife (e.g.
excluded correspondence between PStGC and JHC, Jr.)
Oversize
2-25

#38-111, Cabell Papers (box #’s below):

26-29

Photograph File: Fluvanna County – Bremo

 Appendix A - 1

Appendix A - Chronological References

(Concerning Gardens, Gardening, Orchards, Cultivation Practices, Field Layouts,
Surveys, Road-building, Quarrying, Etc.)
1808-9-15 (5685/21, Plantation Memoranda 1808-1812)
Mr. Whitelaws Man arrived to begin raising Rock for my mill. _
Note: 50 solid feet pr. Hour is a task for a good Ditcher in the Low Grounds Free from roots and stumps,
counting the hours of the day that he ought to be at work, exclusive of the time for meals, 216 cubic feet pr.
day in summer a task according to Adye.

1810-3-3 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Made a Hot bed

1810-3-11 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda, 1810 - (Bremo Recess Gardens))

[illegible] our Asparagus Beds + made an additional one to the 3 made last spring…

1810-3-20 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Sow’d 6 Beds of Carrots – 2 of Parsnips + of Salsify.
Planted out in the Fruit Garden 4 Inoculated Peaches.
“ of a very fine Peach obtained by Colo. Cary From Dillet [unclear] Nurseyman Wmburg Do Do 3
Apricots

1810-3-20 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted a native Poplar in the Frontyard + 3 wild Crab Apples. Planted 2 clumps of Peach Trees in the
Lawn. Some wild Cherries on 31st of March a clump of Cedars + a row along the So. Western inclosure of
the lawn _

1810-3-29 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Grafted 5 Autumn Bergamot Pears from the Garden of the late Wm Wilkinson of the Main [illegible]
James Town on the most Western row of pear stocks in my nursery beginning on the Southern side.
Thence towards the north end of the row 2 May pear obtained by Todd Espe of Mr. Graham of Richmond
as was also the [illegible].

1810-3-31 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Grafted 4 St. Germain pears in the Eastern row of pear stocks my Nursery begin S go thence towards North
3 May pear, + thence to the end Common June pear from 4 Mile Tree Surry.

1810-11-30 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted a parcel of peach stone on a Bed at the Fruitery Gate.
*To the first stick Counts from W to E 2 Heath, thence to the next stick 2 Georgia Yellow given me by St.
Geo. Tucker Esq., thence to end of the row* 3 Almond peaches -
2d* Row all Georgia blacks from E. Harrisons Esq.
3d*. Do Do to the stick – the balance unknown but supposed to be of some fine kind *
*Planted Mar. 1812 in North row of the First Garden”

c. 1812 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

cucumbers, Early York Cabbage, Brocoli

1812-3-17 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted 3 Malta Peach stones given me by Capt. Still [unclear] – between the 2 Heath Peaches in the So.
Western part of the Fruit Garden – beginning North. 4 continued in the same row – of same very fair kind
given me by Chas Ellis Esqr.

1812-3-18 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

 Appendix A - 2

Planted out a row of Antwerp Raspberries on the Western border parallel with the wall bed

1812-3-20 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted out two Malaga Grape Vines under the Wall near the East end + between 2 brown figs and a white
fig sent me by Nichs Faulcon Esqr. of Surry. The other figs under the wall are the common purple
[illegible] from Surry sent me by Wm. F –
Planted a White Sweet Water Grape on the border parallel to the wall where the above figs are + finished
the border with cuttings of Do sent me by my friend Faulcon.
Planted 2 Green Gage + 2 large blue plumbs. 1 May Duke. 1 Carnation. 1 Bleeding Heart. + one seedling
Cherry in the So Western compartment of the Fruit Garden. These trees all sent me by Mr. F –
Planted out in the same part of the Fruit Garden in a row from the Gate towards the Ice House alternately a
Damson + Quince Tree. _
Planted 6 Apple Trees call’d Shackle Hills presented me by Jno Faulcon Esq. Of Surry in the So Eastern
Compartment of the Fruit Garden
Planted 3 Cherries + 3 Pears around the Ice House the Cherries are seedling brot from Swans Point + the
Pears are 1st begun at the So West Winter keeping – from Green Spring – 2d Citron Fenerton [unclear] 3.
Summer Bergamot

1812-3-26 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted 2 Dutch Elms in the front yard + wild crab. _

1812-5-5 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Planted Nutmeg Melons in the SoW Compartment of the Kitchen Garden.

1812-5-6 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Do Do [Planted Nutmeg Melons] in NoE Do [Compartment of the Kitchen Garden]
Do Mrs. Fulwar Skipwiths Fair Skawsh Melon [unclear] in NoW compartment of Kitchen Garden
Do. Cantaloupe of the seed sent by J. Barraud from London on the East + Cantaloupe from Tom Armistead
on the West side of the Western enclosure around the Peach + Cherries on Lawn
Rock Melon from Tom Armistead in East End

1812-5-26 (5685/21, Plantation Memoranda 1808-1812)

Planted black eye peas in my Corn – Do sow’d Ruta Baga or Swedish Turnip

1812-7-5 (5685/21, Plantation Memoranda 1808-1812)

Sow’d a Nursery of the Locust Seed. Do Do 4 Rows of the Larch (Pinus Laria) [Pinus larix] seed sent me
by Jno Barraud from London. – Failed.

1812-7-12 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

Innoculated the pear stocks in the Western pt of the [illegible] with the Autumn Bergamot the Eastern row
on the Eastern side Do. With the Merry weather Pear – the balance with the Winter Keeping from Green
Spring.
New York Pippins on the Western row of stocks + as far as the….
The Taliaferro Apple
Shackle Hills

1812-7-15 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

About July 15 sow’d … + some Cauliflower on a hot Bed under Frames

1812-7-26 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

_ Finished pruning Grape Vines in the Western Garden which are to stand for a crop. _

1812-7-28 (5685/21, Gardening Memoranda 1810 – (Bremo Recess Gardens))

 Appendix A - 3

Planted out in the Fruit Garden 15 Gooseberry plants sent me from London by J.Barraud 2 first plants
beginning at the South West corner of the Square call’d Barr’s Goliath. 2 next following the row. Barr’s
Pomona, the last in that row + the first in the next adjoins lost the label but being next to the Duke of York I
have called Mrs. Clarke, 2 following Duke of York. + the 2 next finishing the Row to the West Lord Hood.
2 commence the next row Ruler of England. the 3 next [illegible] the third row to the last had lost their
labels as well as 9 others planted in the other Garden.
Planted out 10 cuttings of the Antwerp Raspberry Do 8 plants of Grape Vines in the Fruit Garden

1813-3-12 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.507, Jefferson to John H.
Cocke, Monticello)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Cocke, whose servant is desired to take as many Broom
plants as he pleases, but having never found them to succeed by transplantation, he sends some seed, which
generally succeeds, although sometimes it does not come up til the second spring. He sends him also a
little seed of the Sprout-Kale, a plant he received from the National garden of France about 3 years ago,
never before in this country. It is to be sown & managed as the Cabbage, but to stand in it’s place thro’ the
winter uncovered; it’s only use is to furnish sprouts, or which it will yield 2. or 3. crops of 6. or 8. I. Long,
in a winter, beginning in December & continuing thro’ the whole winter, til the plant goes to seed in the
spring. It is a tender & delicious winter vegetable….
1814-2-23 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)
Commenced planting my Apple Orchard at this place [Bremo Recess]

1814-3-19 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Finished planting my Orchard – 182 trees

1814-10-20 (640/Oversize 1/Folder 1, N.B. Cocke to JHC, Richmond)

Gem has finished. Cut two of the Asparagras beds. He tells me he is active but he can’t have been, since
you think he has completed them. Do you mean the bed (which you mentioned was to be [illegible] be on
the outside of the north wall. I recollect you talked of putting Apricots there.
M. Faulcon has sent you 16 or 18 [illegible] of choice peach stones – What must I do with them?
The different kinds are all particularly labeled. Did you get the peaches we sent you by Sister Polly?

c. 1815 (5685/2)
Mention of muscatel raisins

1815 (640/Oversize 3/10. Broadside .B45)

Nursery Catalog from Benjamin Prince, Flushing, New York. Including a notation of plants ordered by
Cocke.

1815 (640/20, JHC records pertaining to Fruit Trees)

List of Individual Orders of Group purchase from Benj. Prince, 1815
The Undersigned residents of the counties of Amherst, Nelson, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Buckingham,
being desirous to promote the introduction and diffusion of the finest and rarest kinds of Fruit, in that part
of the State in which they reside, and being impressed with the belief that some facilities and advantages
would result from uniting the exertions, and directing the attentions of many individuals to this interesting
branch of internal improvement, do hereby agree.
1. That the Subscribers constitute an association for the purpose of effecting in the Autumn of 1815, an
importation of fruit trees, from the nursery of Mr. Benj. Prince on Long Island, near N. York.
2. That each subscriber will take the number and kinds of Trees annexed to his name in the subjoined list
and pay at the time, and in the mode hereby appointed, his just proportion of the costs and charges of the
importation.
3. That on the 25th of July this subscription shall be closed, and the subscription papers forthwith
forwarded from the different counties above mentioned, to Warminster in Nelson County, directed to John
H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell two members of this association.
4. That the said John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell shall immediately thereupon make a clear and correct
copy of the subscription papers, reducing them all into one, and forward the copy thus made to Mr. Prince,
accompanied by a letter of enquiry whether the whole of the Trees subscribed for, and if not the whole,
 Appendix A - 4

what part of them, may be procured; as also what would be the costs and charges of the delivery of each
parcel to Messrs Ellis + Allan of the city of Richmond.
5. That on the receipt of Mr. Prince’s reply that the said Trees, or any part thereof may be procured, the
said John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell shall proceed without delay to make a statement of the sum of
money to be advanced by each member, for the parcel of Trees destined for him, taking care to add to the
other charges, a reasonable compensation to Messrs Ellis + Allan for the trouble and expence of the storage
and delivery of the trees in Richmond; which statement, they shall forthwith transmit to each member of
the association.
6. That it shall be the duty of each member immediately on the receipt of the statement aforesaid, to
forward the amount due from him to the person charged with the receipt and transmission of the money
subscribed in the county in which he resides, viz: in the county of Amherst to John Camm, in Nelson to
Robert Rives, in Albemarle to Tucker Coles, in Fluvanna to Wilson J. Cary, in Buckingham to William H.
Cabell.
7. Each of the Agents for receiving the money subscribed in the counties aforesaid, shall on or before the
20th of September, forward to Messrs Ellis + Allan of Richmond, the amount which he may have received,
accompanied by a list of the Subscribers in his County, with the sum paid by each, and the Number and
kinds of Trees due him, and if the said Ellis + Allan shall not by the 1st of October, receive from any one or
more of the said Agents, his or their Subscription money as aforesaid, the said Agent or Agents with his or
their Counties respectively, shall be excluded from any further connection with this Association; and any
papers or monies which may be received from him or them, after the first day of October, shall be returned
to him or them, by the said Ellis + Allan.
8. The said Ellis + Allan shall on or before the 1st of October, transmit the monies and subscription lists,
which they may have received to Mr. Prince of Long Island, accompanied by a request that he will forward
to their care, the Trees subscribed for, in separate parcels according to the number of subscribers, with the
name of the proprietor attached to each parcel respectively: and upon the arrival of the Trees in Richmond,
the said Ellis + Allan shall forthwith address a note to the Collector of each County, giving information of
their having come to hand, and that such parcel will be delivered in Richmond, to the order of the
Proprietor, or if desired, forwarded to any point on James River. The proprietor paying the charges of
conveyance from Richmond to the County in which he resides.
9. Each Subscriber pledges himself to diffuse as widely as possible, in the neighborhood in which he
resides, the different kinds of fruit trees, which he may receive in conformity to the Articles of this
Association.

1815 (640/20, JHC records pertaining to Fruit Trees)

Subscriber’s Name/Sums Subscribed/Number and Kinds of Fruit Trees

1815-3 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted the orchard of Fruit on the lawn [at Bremo Recess] immediately after my return from the Service in
Commemoration of the Peace.

1815-3-28 (640/Oversize 1/Folder 1, William C. Rives to JHC, Oak Bridge)

I am sorry that the little time allowed me (for I am now preparing to go to court) does not admit of my
giving you a detail of my agricultural operations, in which you were so kind as to offer me your advice +
instruction…. All of the grape cuttings you gave me were carefully planted, in conformity to the directions
which accompanied them; but they have not yet manifested any sign of life. I cannot help hoping,
however, from the scrupulous attention I paid the manner of planting them, that they will live, + ultimately
reward me with abundant fruits. The pear, + the quinces are doing well. – I am much interested in
gardening. The smaller scale of its operations better comports with my professional avocations, than the
multifarious concerns of an ill-organized farm…. I should be much gratified if you would give me a few
epistolary hints on the subject of farming, in which I consider myself your pupil.

1815-4-11 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Four large Spanish Chesnut trees were planted in front of the House [Bremo Recess]
 Appendix A - 5

1815-8-7 (640/20, John Coalter to JHC, Elm Grove)

…on the subject of Sugar Trees…
In the first place I doubted whether the ground occupied by the Trees would not be too great to
make it a national object. But perhaps I am here incorrect, as I am told it is a Tree favorable to vegetation
near it, and it moreover delights in the rich sides of steep hills + gullies. Or sides of branches which would
not probably be cultivated. Secondly, I doubted whether it would live long enough, after being tapd., to
make it a great object. I am told however that it will live as long or longer than most trees with the same
cuting or injury at the root, but it is a soft wood, will take water, + readily rots, where cut, so as to fall
down, it would live a long time. This is to be avoided, it is said, by boreing a hole instead of cuting, which
can be filled up with a piece, which I have heard, is made from a green branch of the tree with the bark left
on just large enough to fill the hole, will grow as a fruit tree inoculated: of this fact however I have only
report. Thirdly, I doubted whether your climate was not too warm; in other words, whether there would be
a sufficiency of that kind of weather in which alone it yields the water; to wit, clear, frosty weather. Cold
weather is not enough, it must be dry with white frosts. The least moisture in the air, or too much warmth
stops the running. Nature perhaps [illegible] out the situations suitable for it, & this alone could be
ascertained on experiment. Admit however that all these doubts are removed; I doubted whether their
cultivation would be necessary or useful in a national point of view, unless we predicate our necessities +
privations as arising from a severance of this from the southern states, + wars + non-intercourse amongst
ourselves. Georgia + the Mississippi Country see to be destined to make us independent of the world in
this article, if we remain one people….
As to the propagation of this tree by transplanting from the Upper Country, you might encounter
the expence, but would others? This is supposing that you could get young trees delivered to you; but I am
told this would be attended with considerable difficulty. The Cattle are exceedingly fond of the young tree
and crop it off as soon as it appears, so that it is difficult to procure them: This however can readily be
gotten over by raising them yourself fm the seed, in nurseries, which I encline to think would be the plan
which any person, engaging to furnish you with trees, would have to adopt. I am told if the seed is sowed
in the fall or winter, in a rich loose soil, they will come up in the spring as readily as hemp or apple trees, +
if not at first planted in regular order, can, when of a proper size, be transplanted into nurseries, + thus
prepared for their final plantations; but then they must be large enough to resist, or must be guarded from
the cattle. They are a beautiful tree. Would be highly ornamental, & perhaps useful, at any rate in
supplying sugar for labourers +c, I was told the other day by a Gentleman who has a fine orchard or forest
of them, that in a good season he would find it his interest to make sugar, even if the price of W. Indian
Sugar was as low as 4d ½. But every season is not alike good here.
The tree will be ready to tap, it is said, in perhaps from 30 to 50 years from the seed, it being slow
of growth. It may be taped when about half grown.
Seed can be readily had the year in which it produces them, which, like the Black oak, is not every
year. The Gentleman with whom I conversed is not certain whether it produces this year or not, but I can
engage seed for you, if you wish it, whenever it can be had.

1815-9-4 (640/20, Benja. Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, Flushing)

I have received your letter inclosing the several Invoices for Trees, Shrubs & Plants. I thank you for the
confidence you place in me. And shall use every effort to render myself worthy of it. By every possible
attention in executing the different orders for the Trees &c. It is not often we send Trees to the Southard in
the Spring. Our Winter generally does not leave us till March. And often we are not able to take up Trees
until the first of April. Which would make it too late to send them to Richmond this Spring. The frost was
three inches in the Earth when they were dug. the Autumn is the best Season to transplant fruit Trees.
Particular many kinds, viz. Pears, Cherrys, Plums & Apples. Those Trees ordered by you I expect to ship
in November, so as to arrive early in Decbr. This will be the most proper time to ship them, as it will be
proper not to take them out of the Earth too early in the Season. Our Winter generally begins about
Christmas. You may rest assured. nothing shall be wanting on my part to give you satisfaction. There may
be some kinds of Trees ordered which I have not, and cannot procure. In that case, I will thank you to
inform me, if I am at liberty to substitute others in their places. This, I often do, with first obtaining leave.
I notice also in the Invoices many kinds of Trees & Shrubs orderd. Which are not in fact valuable or
curious, this is no doubt procured from the want of knowledge of their qualitys. I wish to know, in this
case if I am at Liberty to alter the sorts, and substitute those which are better, (of this also you will please
 Appendix A - 6

inform me,) I am often in the habbit of Doing it, with consent. I have never yet insured Trees from one
Port to the Other, but if you wish it, I will have it done. It is almost impossible for me to make out a correct
statement of the amount of each parcel of Trees, before they are taken up and packed. The Trees differ so
in size that I can form no correct idea of the number of Bundles, and there may be some Articles I will not
be able to supply. But the total amount of the Orders I received from you, including Packing &c. may not
fall far short of Nine hundred Dollars, there will be upwards of One Hundred Bundles in all. The freight of
which better be paid at Richmond.
The marks on each Bundle shall be well secured by having two directions on each Bundle & one
inside near the top of the Bundle. It will be in time, if I receive any more orders from you, by or before the
first of November, which is nearly two months off. I will pay every attention in having the Trees put
carefully on board the Vessel for Richmond, and have them place.d underdeck. Also forward bills of
lading &c. I Have a number of the Balm of Gilead or Silver Fir, which forms an elegant ornamental Trees
for Gardens or courtyards, it is a very handsome evergreen, & produces also the famas Balsom, noted for
the cure of Consumptions &c. I recommend them to you as well worth possessing. I sell a great many of
them. I also recommend to you the Swedish Juniper (not the common kind) this grows very upright, and
forms a beautiful ornamental evergreen. I admire them very much. The Double rose Althea, Red & White
is also very ornamental. I have also a great number of very handsome Roses. The Hydrange which is a
dwarf, and bears large flowers, ad which stands our winters, is also very ornamental. The white musk or
cluster Rose is very ornamental, it flowers in clusters of clusters of Roses all the Fall, (till Winter). The
Ever Green thorn with clusters of beautiful scarlet fruit is also very ornamental. And the Venetian Shumac
or fringe Tree is very elegant.

N.B. the Newtown Pippin is valued generally as the best Winter Apple in America, or in fact in the World.

1815-9-5 (640/20, Dr. & Mrs. Barraud to JHC)

Dr. Barraud has written of the terrible windy and stormy weather. Mrs. Barruad ends the letter with her
own passage, containing the following: …Our sweet Trees are much torn but none of them down. Your
Uncle Taylor’s large Tree that shaded his front steps, was torn up by the roots. I am sorry for it as seting
under it, upon the bench, appeared to be one of his greatest pleasures. Your account of the fruit is bad, we
must do without sweets, this Winter I fear, as our preserving fruit has been very sorry, we will however
make it up someother way….

1815-9-20 (640/20, Joseph C. Cabell to Benjamin Prince, from Bremo)

We have been favored by the mail with your letter of 4th inst, and return you our thanks for your polite
expressions of willingness + anxiety to comply with the commission lately forwarded you on the part of
ourselves + our friends.
We regret that it is not practicable to carry into effect the scheme of our little association in the
form originally proposed.
Our wish is now to keep as near to it, as circumstances will permit. Owing to the advanced period
of the year, + the necessity of one or both of us to be absent from this part of the state for several months to
come, there may not be time to consult our friends again on this subject: Consequently we deem it most
safe + correct to depart from the terms of the understanding existing among us, only in points essential +
unavoidable.
Therefore, in regard to such of the articles called for, as you may not be able to furnish, at the
prices stated in your printed Catalogue, we should not wish them substituted by other articles of your own
suggested selection, unless the subscribers should authorize such a substitution, by a particular request to
that effect. (But with respect to such of the articles enumerated in the several lists as you may deem,
“neither valuable nor curious” we think we may safely take upon ourselves the responsibility, not of
authorizing a substitution, but their entire omission from the package to which they were desired to be
attached. If, however, any subscriber should by memorandum or Letter forwarded in due time, desire such
substitution, we would be obliged to you to render it.) With regard to such objects as you consider
preferable to those sent for, if you would be so kind as to send us a particular list of them, it would
probably be of use, if not in correcting the catalogues already forwarded, at least in enlisting the choice of
ourselves + friends another year.
We should greatly have preferred to know the price of each subscribers parcel, including freight +
insurance to Richmond, before a final order for the plants: but as this seems impracticable, we must get our
 Appendix A - 7

friends Messrs. Ellis + Allan of Richmond to provide a well for the payment of your own bill, as of the
freight, + insurance, when the sums may be respectively called for.
Had the subject been thought of a little sooner, there would have been many other subscribers, as a
taste for this kind of improvement is kindling in this part of the country. This attempt will probably
produce others next season; particularly if it should be successful.
May you, Sir, be assured of our entire respect + confidence.
[Note in Cocke’s hand]:
Copied with the exception of the sentence underlined + forwarded to Mr. Prince, by mail 26 Sept., 1815. –
JH Cocke

1815-10-5 (640/20, Ellis + Allan to JHC, Richmond)

We have written to Prince that your orders for trees will be paid by us. It might be well to advise us, of the
particular arrangements of yourself + the rest of the Gentlemen sending for them, that we may not fall into
an error in paying for them.

1815-10-23 (640/20, Benj. Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, Flushing)

I duly received your favour of last month. The hurry of business prevented my answering of it before. And
at present I am not able to write but a few lines. The reason I wishd. To alter some of the kinds of fruit
Trees was, there are a considerable number of some kinds order’d which are not in fact valuable. I could
have redirected the number of this kind and added some more valuable. I will inform you as soon as I have
time, which are the valuable kinds of fruit and which are not. This Month as yet has been uncommon
warm, so much so that I thought best not to commence supplying your orders till the 26, or the last of this
month. Then (if all is well) I shall commence, and continue till I finish them. Which will cause great
fatigue and labour, but you may rest assured I shall pay every possible attention. I wish to know if I shall
send the Invoices by Mail, or by the Vessel that I may send the Trees by. I have also received some
additional orders from Messrs Ellis & Allan which I shall also attend to, and forward with those orders by
you.

1815-11-1 (640/20, John Allan to JHC, London)

…it appeared to me that all England was a highly cultivated Garden (abt the 10th Augt) the Wheat + Barley
were nearly fit to cut, such Crops I never saw the Oats + Turnips looked equally well to me, though they
were complained of, every field so neatly cleaned up, tastely laid off in ridges well furrowed and with good
trenches + ditches surrounded by handsome Thorn Hedges my admiration was at its height….
Anything in which I can oblige you shall be done I have written to Mr. Fowlds to try to obtain you a
Gardener / or rather if such a one can be procured. I suppose they can be obtained, I will write you when I
hear. It is worth raising Fruit here from 6/ to 10/6lb for grapes 4/+6/ for their best Pears and not an apple
worth eating, the New York Pippins are held in high estimation. Their plums are not better than ours, their
Peaches are large & juicy but destitute of that fine flavour which ours possess….

1815-11-6 (640/20, Mrs. Ann Barraud to Mrs. Ann Cocke, Norfolk)

…Are you not greatly pleas’d to hear of the Peacocks arrival, one of our witty Young Ladies upon hearing
of it, took occasion to say, that another young Lady who is remarkable for the love of feathers, that she
would be all feathers, now the Peacock had arriv’d…. [It is unclear whether these birds were actually
brought to Norfolk or if this is a play on the name of some people.]

1815-11-12 (640/20, Benj. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

List of subscribers for nursery purchases together with JHC and JCC
To Trees for Genl. J.H. Cock in 9 large & 1 small Bundle £ 35-2-9
to ditto for Josh. C. Cabell Esqr. in 9 large & 1 small Bundle 32-9-7
to ditto for Wm. Pastuirs Esqr. In two Bundles 4-6-9
to ditto for Miles Carry Esqr. in two Bundles 5-1-0
to ditto for Wilson T. Cary 2 Bundles 5-7-0
to ditto for Wm. Cabell Esqr. 4 Bundles 8-4-4
to ditto for Jacob Myers Esqr. 2 Bundles 4-16-10
 Appendix A - 8

to ditto for Wm. H. Cabell Esqr. 24 large & 1 small Bundles 67-7-5
to ditto for John Dyer Esqr 2 Bundles 5-3-0
to ditto for Jas Murphy Esqr 3 Bundles 7-10-0
to ditto for Doctr Wm B. Hare 4 Bundles 11-7-6
to ditto for John Patterson Esqr 12 Bundles 37-11-9
to ditto for Randolph Harrison Esqr 5 Bundles 18-5-4
to ditto for Saml Dyer Junr Esqr One Bundle 2-17-8
to ditto for Mrs. E.M. Ross 2 Bundles 4-16-10
to ditto for John Timberlake 2 Bundles 3-16-6
to ditto for Major Thos. Massie 35 large & 1 small Bundle 98-14-9
to ditto for Mrs. P. Legrands 3 Bundles 8-10-4
to ditto for Robt Rives Esqr. 7 Bundles 21-7-4
Thus Ordered by Messrs. Ellis & Allan
For Tucker Coles Esqr 4 large & 1 small Bundle 10-9-5
For Chs. Cocke Esqr. 3 Bundles & one Box 15-2-0
For John Coles Esqr. 3 large & 1 small Bundle 9-4-2
_______
£ 417”4”3-
$1043----

Nov 1815, List of shipment of trees + other articles

Gen Jno. H Cocke 10 Bundles at Bremo
Wm. Pastures 2 Do Columbia
Miles Cary 2 Do Do
Wilson J. Cary 2 Do Do
Jacob Myers 2 Do Do
Robh. Harrison 5 Do Cartersvill
Mrs. Ross 2 Do Columbia
Jno Timberlake 2 Do Do
--------
27 Bundles
…Richmond 1st of Decr 1815, Rec@ of Ellis + Allan the above Twenty seven Bundles of fruit Trees….

1815-12-3 (640/20, Frances Walker Gilmer to JHC)

Speaking of another letter: Speaks of the seeds which he has sent to Cocke; especially desirous that the
Cyperus should succeed, as a valuable emulsion for the summer months.

1815-12-6 (640/20, Monsieur J. David to JHC)

[In French] Discusses the cultivation of grape vines and olives.

1815-12-15 (5685/22, Inventories of Stock and Tools)

Kinds of Fruit planted at U.B., 15 Dec., 1815. On Low Grounds Lot, [illegible]
Beginning at No. East Angle Plantation of Pears
1st Primitive. 2nd Green Chisel. 3 Jargonelle
North Again, 4 Bill Pecor [unclear], 5 Virgalieu, 6 Sum. Bergamot
Do. Do. 7 Brown Buerre, 8 late Virgalieu, 9 + 10 Winter Virgalieu, 11th Aut. Bon Cretien
Do. Do. 12 + 13 St. Germain, 14 + 15 Winter Bon Cret. 16 + 17 Easter Bergamot
Do. Do. 18 + 19 Spanish Bon Cret. 20 + 21 Treasure [unclear] 22 Aut. Bergamot
Apples planted Decr 18, 1816 at same place adjoining Pears. 12 Newtown Pippins. # Golden Pips. 3
Esophus Spitsenbgs. 3 Monstruous P. 3 large Fall P. 6 Harvest Apples. 3 English Coolins [Collins?]. 3
Lady Apple, 3 Red + green Sweeting”
 Appendix A - 9

1815-12-15 (640/38, Agricultural Book, 1823-1824 (this is the folder title, actual dates in book earlier))
Memo of Kinds of Fruit-Planted, December 15, 1815, Low Grounds U.B., obtained from Benjn, Prince
Beg’ing at No. East Angle of Plantation
1st. Primitive. 2nd Green Chisel. 3 Jargonelle
North again. 4 Bill Pear, 5 Vergalieu, 6 Sum. Bergamot
Do. Do. 7. Bro Burre 8. late Vergalieu, 9 + 10 Wint. Vergal. 11 Aut. Bon. Cret.
Do. Do. 12 + 13 St. Germain 14 + 15 Wint. Bon Cret. 16 + 17 Easter Bergamot
Do. Do. 18 + 19 Span. Bon Cret. 20 + 21 Treasure. 22 Autumn Bergamot
Apples planted Decr 18, 1816 til same place
Aspring [unclear] Pears 12 Newtown Pippins. 3 Golden P.s. 3 Esopus Stizenbg. 3 Monstrous P. 3 large
Fall P. 6 large Harvest Apple, 3 English Codlin [unclear] 3 Lady Apple. 3 Red + green Sweeting

1815-12-15 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted out 22 pear trees [at B. Recess]

1816-1-13 (640/20, Ellis + Allan Accounts)

Amt. Benjm Prince’s Bill for Ft. Trees 13.25

1816-1-13 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.554, Jefferson to John David,
Monticello)
…I have heard with great pleasure that you have had some conversation with Genl. Cocke of the county
adjoining this on the subject of his undertaking a vineyard under your direction. There is no person in the
U.S. in whose success I should have so much confidence. He is rich, liberal, patriotic, judicious &
persevering. I understand however that his arrangements for the present year being made, he cannot begin
on the vineyard till the next….

1816-2-28 (640/21, Memorandum of Orchard Plantings and Graftings)

Inoculated on Grafted Apple Stocks on the west side of my Nursery 7 Doctor Apple and 5 red June
[unclear]. The later marked // on the stock just below the bud. At the same time innoculated the wild plum
stocks with Drap d’or buds. And the seedling pear stock in the South West compartment of the Pear
Orchard with a Green Spring June Pear.
Do. The following peaches beginning on the Western row of peach Nursery leaving about 2/3 to be planted
out next spring 1st Row budded with [Illegible - ienpee?] black peaches from Mrs. Staves [unclear]. 2d.
Doctor Seldins [unclear] fine soft Peach. So. End of 3 Row Davis, Apricot Do Do. Moor Parke. So. End
of 4 Row 6 Large Early Apricot No. Do. Denancy [unclear] or Peach Apricot

1816-2-29 (640/21, Memorandum of Orchard Plantings and Graftings)

Planted out to stand until big [unclear] Grounds can be prepared to receive them at Upper Bremo the
Cherries, Apricots, Almonds, Plums, Nectarines, obtained of Prince, Long Island, on the squares of the
Garden at Bremo Recess which are planted in Raspberries beginning at the South Eastern Corner of sd.
Plantation + following the rows alternately from East + West. Beginning with the cherries one of each
kind + in the order mentioned in Prince’s list, then follow the Apricots 1 of each kind + in the order therein
mentioned. Then 2 hard shell Almond, next 3 Thin Shell do. + then 3d. soft shell do. Plums 2 Drap Dor, 1
Green Gage, 2 Red Imperial, 2 Large Orlean, 1 Early Sweet Damson + 2 Early Cherry Plum. And then
follow the Nectarines one of each kind and in the order mentioned in Prince’s list.
At the same time Planted out 22 Pear trees in my Nursery near the Garden Gate, Consisting of 16 Varieties
and placed in the order mentioned in Prince’s list beginning at the south west Corner of the Plantation +
returning after the completion of each row to the south again.
Note: Except the two most Northern trees in the two Rows they being both Saint Germain

1816-3 (640/21, Memorandum of Orchard Plantings and Graftings)

Planted out the following Grape cuttings Beginning on the Edge of the Square to the Western side of the
two Borders near the Garden Gate + north end. White sweet water which extend half the length of the bed
to an interval the balance of the bed one of my old kinds either the Frontiniac or constable [unclear] which
 Appendix A - 10

will be sufficiently indicated by their appearance. On the Western End of the 1st border beginning to the
South 3 or 4 Cuttings of a yellow Grape not highly spoken of by Mr. Graham. Further on towards the
North, 3 or 4 Do. Of a black Grape which Mr. J. [unclear] obtained from Colo. Monroe. A good kind
Beginning to the South on the next border 1 ½ or 2 doz: Cuttings of a purple Grape brot. to this Country by
Mazzai [Mazzei]. The finest Grape Mr. J [unclear] has ever cultivated + has been called by some the
Malmsey Madeira. This accot. Given by Mr. J.
On the other side of the same border beginning South, a black Grape an uncertain kind when it succeeds a
very fine Grape. These all obtained of Mr. I Graham [initial unclear] of Richmond. From the Interval
[unclear]to the North end of the border, my own kind-

1816-3-6 (640/21, JHC, Jr. to JHC)

JHC, Jr. has been allowed a small garden plot at the boarding house and asks his father to bring his axe to
clear it and some watermelon and musk melon seeds.

1816-3-19 (640/21, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC)

No opportunity has occurred since I retd. Home (the 1st day of March) of forwarding you the fruit trees I
promised, and it is now too late to move them…

1816-3-24 (640/21, JHC to JHC, Jr. (in reply to the letter of March 6)
I shall not forget your seeds when I come over. I am glad to hear that you have a piece of ground to
cultivate. I hope you will not neglect the undertaking after once entering upon it, perseverance is essential
to success in all things. He who is discouraged by difficulties will never attain distinction in any thing.

1816-3-29(640/21, Memorandum of Orchard Plantings and Graftings)

Grafted 7 of the Brick [unclear] House Pear obtained of Mr. Fisher in Richmond 2 on Quince Stocks
transplanted + otherwise [illegible]. At the same time 2 Green Spring Early June Pears at the North End of
the row of transplanted pear scions. and one on a stock in my Spring orchard in compartment No. 2 tree
No. . [left blank]

1816-7-4 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.558, Joseph C. Cabell to
Jefferson, Warminster)
I saw Gen. Cocke on his way to Norfolk, early in June, and had a conversation with him on the subject of
hedges; in the course of which he informed me that you were under the impression that Maine’s method of
preparing haws, so as to make them vegetate quickly, had died with him….

1816-7-7 (640/21, Ann (Barraud) Cocke to Ann B. Barraud (her Mother))

… I have established a dairy at Upper Bremo which will be an inducement to visit that place more
frequently, but the road is a great drawback on the pleasure of the ride. The brick yard too, is a busy
[unclear] scene, and not uninteresting to me….

1816-8-1 (640/22, Francis W. Gilmer to John H. Cocke)

You have never mentioned to me whether any of the seeds which I sent you are likely to vegetate. Those
which I distributed here have fared badly, I believe from the circumstance of their being southern plants, +
from the very unusual coldness of the summer. The Cyperus I was particularly desirous should succeed;
for I am convinced we could make no addition to our mode of life so valuable, as a general use of
emulsions in the hot months…. [He goes on to praise the Mediterranean lifestyle and products like good
grapes and olives. He reproaches the long-established lifestyle of the English aristocracy and their poor
diet. He hopes that with the downfall of Napoleon France will become more open to trade and introduce
more of its products abroad.]

1816-8-4 (640/22, John Allan to JHC, London)

I have not been able to procure a Gardener to answer your description. I however shall not loose sight of
the subject & if I find one whose Character + skill is undoubted I shall engage him such tools as he might
 Appendix A - 11

want could be readily procured. There is an abundance of the Laborious class out of employment but few
Gardiners.

1816-8-22 (640/22, Louisa M. Payne to Louisa M. Holmes (future wife of JHC))

…The bower looks beautiful, all the flowers you planted there are all in full bloom. I shall save seed from
all of them for you…

1816-9-10 (640/22, Benjamin Prince to JHC)

We have received your favour of the 25th of August. We also recd your favour some weeks previous to the
last letter. As there was not a sentence in that letter that needed an answer, we did not write one. The letter
was an answer to ours giving us the information that you had received the Trees and in good order, which
we was pleased to hear. We are sorry to hear you have lost some of your Trees, also, the Mr. Cabell has
lost so many of his, in great measure it may be owing the uncommon dry summer which extended over the
Union, here, till within a week we have had no + in four months had sufficient rain to wet the roots of the
Trees, but now for a week it has rain.d all the time. Still we have scarcely lost a Tree in the Nursery, and
they all look well. In supplying Orders that contains a great variety, it is impossible that we can send all
good sized Trees. We received the letter from Colo J.A. Coles, and immediately answered it. You will
please to inform him of this. We shall send you, as you request, the Newtown Pippin Trees of good size &
large. They are the most valuable Apple in the world either for keeping, eating, or for Cider. For the latter
they are indeed very fine, making the best of clear and sweet Cider, the best we ever drank. If we was to
plant out an Orchard of 100 Trees, 80 [could be 60?] of them should be NewTown Pippins. You wish us to
give you the names of the very best keeping & cider Apples, which we now do with pleasure (they are all
in the Catalogue)__ Newtown Pippin, a green Apple, with brown specks, not eatable till December, of the
highest flavour & keeps till June. It does not grow large__ Esopus Spitzenburge, a large Red Apple, very
good for eating or Cider, Golden Pippin, a handsome Yellow Apple, not large, good for eating or Cider.
Pearmains of sorts, pale red & striped, also good for eating or cider, does not grow large. Yellow Bell
flower, a large long yellow Apple, very fine for eating. Rhode Island Greening, a fine large Green Apple,
excellent for eating. Red Streak, a middle size, Red Striped Apple, Famous for making good Cider, but not
very good for eating. Crab Apples a middle size Apple, and only Famous as a good Cider Apple.
Monstrous Pippin, a very large Yellow fine Apple (the largest in America) very good for Eating. Winter
Russetting, of good size, Famous for keeping & a very fine Apple for Eating. Large Tall Pippin, a large
fine & valuable Tall yellow Apple, excellent for eating or cooking, every Orchard ought to have them in.
Early harvest Apple, a very fine Yellow Summer Apple, excellent for eating, and fit for tarts when not
larger than a black walnut, a valuable Apple.
-We have above given you the names of the most valuable Apples for Eating or for Cider, the most of
which are the best pf winter Fruit. We would wish to receive you order & those of your friends for Trees,
Shrubs, &c. as early in October as possible, but we should not supply or take them up till the early part of
Novr. – We are. Respectfully Yours,
Benjamin Prince + Co.

1816-10-6 (640/Oversize 1, Folder 3, A Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, and
Plants….)
For sale by Benjamin Prince, at Flushing-Landing, on Long Island, Near New York.
[Notations on reverse]
Benja Prince
Care of Messss. Hull + Brown
No 140 Pearl Street
New York

Prince Catalogue with Memo of Trees ordered Oct, 1816

Oct: 6, 1816 ordered from Prince –
24 Newtown Peppins
6 Golden Peppins
6 Ashus Spitzenburg
 Appendix A - 12

6 Montrous Peppins
6 Large Trale Do. [unclear]
12 Early Harvest Apple
6 English Codlin [unclear]
6 large red + green Sweeting
6 Lady Apple Apple
Plums
4 Apricot
2 Imperatrice
2 Winter Damson
Forest Trees
6 Spanish Chesnuts
6 English Evergreen Oak Were not sent
6 Spanish Do or true Cork Tree
6 English Basket Willow
6 [illegible] or Pecan Not sent
6 Barcelona nut
4 English yew _ conditionally
6 Mountain Ash
6 English Mulberries
6 Nateau [unclear] roses
2 Moss [unclear]
2 Double Yellow + 2 Single Do The two first kinds not sent + the
2 Red officinal for Conserves last was [illegible] in [illegible]

1816-11-8 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

… at my new farm yard at Upper Bremo. Cato and two other hands engaged in digging out the foundation
of my building.

1816-11-13 (640/23, Bills, Accounts, Receipts)

An Account of Sundry Services rendered Gen. J.H. Cocke,
To 1 day repairing fishpond…
1816 July 8. Recd. The above in full,
John G. Hughes

1816-11-16 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Mr. Faulcon informed me of a method that has been lately adopted in the orchard counties below of making
a cider wine in the following manner, viz: “Sweet cider from the press is put into the boiler of a still and
gently simmered and skimmed as long as any scum rises to the surface, the cap of the still is then put on
and the fire increased by gentle degrees until a portion of the watery parts of the cider is run off, equal to
one fifth of the whole quantity of cider, to which a quantity if brandy equal to the water drawn off is added
and the whole kept for use.” At the expiration of a few months it becomes a salutary and delicious vinous
drink. Mr F. has promised to send me a sample of this newly invented wine.

1816-11-25 (640/23, List of trees purchased from Benj. Prince + Co.)

Bot of Benjn Prince + Co the following Trees & Shrubs, packed in Six Bundles –
No 1 – 24 Newtown Pippins
2 – 6 Golden Pippin
3 – 6 Esopus Spitzenburgh
4 – 6 Monstrous Pippin
5 – 6 Large fall Pippin
6 – 12 Large Early Apple
7 – 6 English Codlin
8 – 6 Lady Apple
9 – 6 Red & Green Sweeting
 Appendix A - 13

“ 70 trees at 25 cents __________ 19-50

10 – 4 Apricot Plum
11 – 2 Late Red Imperial
12 – 2 Winter Damson
13 – 6 Spanish Chesnut
14 – 6 English basket Willow
15 – 6 Barcelona Nut
16 – 4 English Yew tree
17 – 6 Mountain Ash
18 – 6 real L. [unclear] English Mulberrys
19 – 6 large White Station ditto
20 – 2 Red Officinal Rose
Matts & Packing ____________6-
Pd Carting _________________-25
(total) $42.75

1816-11-30 (640/23, Benjamin Prince to JHC)

Respected Sir,
Agreable to your request, we have forwarded your Trees + Shrubs to Messrs Ellis + Allan also the Invoice,
amounting to $42 75/100. We would have sent them before, but oweing the uncommon warm autumn, it
would have been improper in us to have sent them before. We would not, oweing to this, remove any Trees
till about the middle of November. And now many kinds of Trees + Shrubs are in full leaf and as green as
in the Month of August. Since we have commenced taking up Trees, we have been extremely humid and
hardly know what to do first.
We have sent you the largest + best Trees + Shrubs we had. Some kinds you order’d are not to be
had in this country or scarcely in Europe. We had last Spring 2000 Ornamental Trees & Roses from
England. We lost nearly the whole, by them being so shamefully pack’d. The moss & yellow Rose at
present is not to be bought at any price. We expect some daily from Europe if they arrive in time, we will
send you some. The E. Black Mulbery we have sent you we imported last Spring, they are small, but cost
us a great and shameful price. Also the large Spanish Chesnut, these we think will grow in Virginia & are
well worth having. The New town Pippin Tree when young always has a rough bark, and appear as if they
was stunted. They require mellow ground and good rich soil. We feel gratitude for the many orders you &
your friends have sent us and we hope you may live many years to enjoy the fruits & comforts of the Trees
sent you. -----
We recd a letter last Summer, which we immediately answered, from Colo. J.A. Coles, stating that
he and his Neighbors was going to send us large orders this Autumn. Since we have never heard from him,
the cause we wish very much to know, & we will take it as a favour if you will inform us. If Mr. Coles sent
on his Orders for Trees, it might have miscarried, or have been left at the wrong place in New York. We
have lost many orders in this way. There is another Nursery Man by the name of Wm Prince, & if our
letters are left in his letter Box, We hear no more of them. This I know is mean & disgraceful, but so it is.
Our Nursery was the first ever set on foot in America. Our good Father commenced it, and kept it himself
sixty years. Oweing to extreme hurry we didn’t send the Apples promised you by Us, but in a few days we
will send them.__ We are,
Sincerely & Respectfully Yours,
Benjamin Prince + Co.

N.B. When you write, please to direct to the care of Messrs Hull & Brown, No. [torn] Pearl Street, New
York__________ Your [torn] +c. are packed in Six Bundles.

1816-12-9 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Doctor Barraud and myself were taking a short walk in the garden, …

1816-12-9 (640/23, Charles Ellis to JHC, Richmond)

This serves to cover Bill of Sundry Fruit Trees from Prince + Co. the amount I shall pay…
 Appendix A - 14

1817 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Bremo old road

1817 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Efforts to establish an agricultural society in Charlottesville, founding members included Jefferson, JHC
among others. Counties represented included Albemarle, Nelson, Fluvanna, Orange, and Louisa.

1817 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Much complaint about the Hessian fly and its damages. Many poor in the surrounding areas starving and
JHC among others organize to provide some relief.

1817 (640/25, Memo for jobs connected with buildings at Bremo)

Several times mentions kiln-drying timber for the buildings. The buildings next to the kitchen are called,
“the Dairy, Smoke House, and Middle Building”.

1817 (640/25, Ellis + Allan Accounts, Correspondence, to JHC)

[tally of monetary value excluded]
Invoice of Sundry Seeds +c. furnished Arch.d Blair a Gardener who goes to Virginia for the Employment
of Genl John H Cocke of Bremo County of Fluvanna

8 oz: earliest York Cabbage _3/._ 8 oz large early Ditto. 2/6

4 oz: Sugar Loaf Ditto 1/6_ 2 oz red Dutch Cabbage _1/_
2“ large late Ditto 6d _ 4 oz early Cauliflower 9/_
4“ white Brocoli 3/_ 2 oz early purple Brocoli _¼.
2“ late purple Brocoli ¼ _ 8 oz German Greens _ 1/_
2“ Brussel Sproots 8d _ 6 oz Yellow Savoy _1/6.
6“ Green Savoy 1/6_ 8 oz Orange Carrot ____ 1/_
2“ early horn Carrot 6d __ 8 oz early Dutch Turnip _ 1/6.
2“ Swans egg Turnip 4d __ 4 oz yellow Turnip _____ 8d
4“ Swedish Turnip 6d ___ 2 “ large white Ditto _____4d.
8“ Strasburgh Onion 5/6 __ 8 “ Deptford Onion _____8/_
2“ Silver skinned Ditto 3/ __2 “ Farmer’s Ditto ____ 3/_
1“ Blood red ___Ditto ¼___ 1 “ Welch Ditto _______4d
4“ Scots Leek ________2/_ 4 “ large flag Leek ____ 2/_
1“ white Beett ____3d ____ 1 “ red Beett ____________3d
8“ Curled Parsley 1/ _____1 “ large Parsnip ________2d.
4“ Solid Celery 2/6______ 2 “ Egyptian Coss Lettuce _ 2/.
2“ white Coss Lettuce 2/__ 2 “ Cabbage Lettuce ___ 1/8.
2“ brown Dutch Ditto 2/__ ½ “ large Malta Lettuce ___ 8d
8“ Curled Cress ______1/_ 8 “ white mustard ______6d
8“ Salmon radish ___ 1/ ____ 4 “ London radish ___ 8d
4“ early radish _____ 8d ____ 2 “ black Spanish Ditto __ 6d
1“ white Turnip radish 3d ____ 2 “ Curled Endive _____ ¼
1“ broad leaf’d Endive 8d ____ 1 “ Salsafy ______ 8d
1“ Skorganara ______ 8d ___ 1 “ Chervill _______8d
8“ Speckled Kidney Beans 9d __ 8 “ white Kidney Beans __9d.
4“ Scarlet runners Ditto 6d ___ 1 lb round Spinach _____ 1/_
(End of first page)
8 oz prickly Spinach ___6d ½ oz sweet Marjoram _ 1/_
 Appendix A - 15

½“ Thyme seed _____6d ½ “ Pott Marjoram____ 1/.

½“ Summer Savory 9d ___ ½ “ Winter Savory ____9d.
½“ Hysop seed _______ 6d __ ¼ “ sweet Basil ____6d.
½“ Balm seed ______6d __ ½ “ sweet Fennel _____ 6d.
¼“ Lavender _______ 6d __ 4 lbs earliest frame pease __2/.
½ peck early Charlton pease 2/4 _ ½ peck dwarf marrow 2/11.
½ peck blue Prussian Do. 2/11 __2 lbs tall marrow Do. __10d.
4 lbs. Royal marrow Do. _ 1/8 8 oz. Sea Cole ____ 2/.
1 lb Asparagus seed 4/__ 6 Garden Spades______*
1 large shovel 1 Pair Hedge Shears
2 Garden Lines 1 Garden rule
1 Hedge Bill 2 Scutching Knives
6 Dutch Hoes of sorts 1 Drill Hoes
2 Cart steel Garden Scythes 6 Garden Rakes
1 Dung Fork 1 best hand saw
1 Wall Hammer 6 lbs early Lisbon Beans __2/_
2 lbs early Magagan Beans
1 Strong Bag
1 Strong Box Package +c.
Carriage paid to Glasgow

60 newest Lancashire Gooseberry

12 Red Currants
12 White __ do
12 red __ do
6 Moss Roses
6 Rose Unique or White Provence
6 Rose de Meux
6 Cabbage Provence

(some incidental expenses)

12 Antwerp raspberry 2/_ 12 Red Brentford 2/_

(some incidental expenses)

Seeds Plants + implements for the use of Genl Jno H Cocke alone.
London, Feb. 3d, 1817
[* figures omitted from this point on]

1817-1-1 (640/23, Allan Fowlds to JHC, Kilmarnock)

Sir,
The bearer of Archd Blair is a young Man who, I have (agreeable to the Instructions from Mr.
John Allan of London) Engaged to serve you as Gardener for the Term of 3 years. I have sent along with
him his Indenture to deliver to you. I hope he will turn out to your satisfaction, he is a young Man of very
Sober habits and Understands this Business well and I, trust he will conduct himself in such a Manner as
will gain your Esteem and which will be very pleasing to me and must in the end be profitable to himself as
there us nothing said in the Indenture in case of sickness I hope that the salary is not Large that you will
provide a Surgeon for him, he is a young Man that I have a good oppression of and I, hope that at the end
of his agreement he will have conducted himself in such a manner that you will Interest yourself in his
favours.
I am Sire,
With Respect,
Your Most [illegible] Servt
 Appendix A - 16

Allan Fowlds

he has a Box along with him containing Garding Utensils, Garden Seeds and a few Gooseberry, Currant,
Raspberry and Rose bushes a list of the whole he has with him.
A.F.

1817-1-20 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…At the River burning plant patches.

1817-2-3 (640/24, John Allan to JHC re: Agriculture, London)

Dsir
I have been so much engaged latterly that I have not been able to add any thing to my Stock of
information worth Communicating to you. I Have at last gotten your Gardener off in the Belvedere for
Baltimore with some useful seeds + Plants Garden utensils [illegible] prove the character he has I shall be
disappointed if he does not give you perfect satisfaction the whole expenses of seeds [illegible] is £60.1.11
[illegible] .8 as p [per] the a/c inclosed….”

1817-2-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Col. W. C. Nicholas called on us….Gave me a few Magothy bag beans and some peach stones obtained
from Col. Cropper of the Eastern Shore,

1817-2-8 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Cato and two assistants to raising rock for bank and stone fence. which I have conceived the idea of
making an experiment of to enclosed field No. 3 of the public road.

1817-3 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted orchard at L Bremo

1817-3-1 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Cato finished roughing out two stones for gate columns…

1817-3-4 (640/24, Benjamin Anderson to JHC, Goochland Courthouse)

Dsir
I must offer an apology for not complying with your request before this time. After receiving your
message by Mr. Coles I was for a considerable time so much indisposed that I could not venture from
home, and Drumwright [Downswright] failed sending me a list of his trees agreeably to promise. I have
just returned from his House with a list made in the Nursery which is here copyed
2 doz. 1 sent Pryors Red – Which is a Pearmain + an excellent Apple for eating of Cyder
2 doz. Limber Twig
Winter Pearmain
Woodrows Pearmain
Cannon Pearmain
2 doz. Golden Wilding – Said to be superior to any in Virginia for Cyder
1 dozen Father Abraham
Barkers Liner [unclear]
1 dozen Winter Cheese
1 dozen Pippin
1 dozen Rollins Jenet [unclear]
Greening – Of the several kinds of apple
Within named he has considerable stock. _ He has also a few trees of what is commonly called May, June +
July Apples, + a few of several other kinds the number of each so small that I did not think proper to notice
them. _ His price is 6_a tree + liberty given the purchaser to pick such as may suit him.
Should you determine to send for trees I will with pleasure go to Drumwrights [Downswrights] +
attend to the selection, should you wish it, + at all times will do any act that you may wish done by me in
this County, if in my power.
Very resp’y
 Appendix A - 17

I am Dsir
Yr friend + st
Benj. Anderson

[Notes on reverse in JHC handwriting]

24 Pryors – only 12 Pryor sent + 12 without name having lost the label – presumed to be the Winston
Apple
24 Golden Wilding
24 Limber Twiggs
12 Father Abraham
12 Winter Cheese
12 Pippins
12 Rolls [must be Rollins Jenet]

1817-3-11 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Transplanted two large sized cedar trees (taking them up with several 100 wt. of earth about their roots)
near the burying ground.

1817-3-17 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Planted out 500 cuttings of Lombardy poplar near the mouth of Bremo Creek for trees to replant my river
bank.

1817-3-19 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Sent Peter up to Mount Ida for some cedar trees. Returned late in the evening, being detained by high
water at the River, with two dozen trees. Primus returned from Downswright with 120 apple trees to be
planted at Lower Bremo.

1817-3-20 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted out several more cedars, two Italian Mulberries, two mountain ash, one flowering horse chesnut,
one linden, near the burial ground. All except the cedars obtained from Prince (Nurseryman) Long Island.
At the same time planted out several Locusts. (The Larch was planted last spring). Planted 110 Locusts in
the grove at Upper Bremo, at the same time, a few cedars there and at different points along the foot of the
River Hills. Cato and assistants preparing holes to plant a Beach orchard at Upper Bremo. Preparing holes
at Lower Bremo also to plant an apple orchard to the west of the farmyard on the second low-grounds…

1817-3-20 (640/24, Charles Ellis to JHC, Richmond)

Alexander Blair, a Gardener which Mr. Allan’s Brother in Law, has sent out for you will deliver you this.
Our friend in Liverpool, from which port he sailed, advanced him some money, necessary for his expenses,
that worth $30 in paid in Baltimore + 15 more here is charged to you’re a/c. I hope he will be an
acquisition to you as an Horticulturist, he has some baggage which will come on from Baltimore, on its
arrival it shall be attended to.

1817-3-22 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted 150 trees in the apple orchard at Lower Bremo, got from Downswright of Goochland. Planted
the same day the peach orchard at Upper Bremo. Alexander Blair arrived with Indentures to serve me as a
gardener for 3 years a the price of L40 sterling.

1817-3-23 (640/27, Land Indenture)

For a farmstead on Spring Garden Creek. Must have owned lands that far east at this time. Cocke makes
many stipulations about how the and will be managed, crops rotated, timber cleared, fences maintained,
etc.

1817-3-24 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Having finished the peach orchard at Upper Bremo, sent Cato and his assistants to plant out a row of
Locusts 30 ft. apart along the large ditch in the middle field of Lower Bremo.
 Appendix A - 18

1817-3-25 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted out the remainder of the Apple Trees from New York in my Orchard at Lower Bremo, as
exhibited by Diagram in Memoranda and Gardening Book.

1817-3-26 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…The almond the only fruit tree in blossom…

1817-3-27 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted in a row of Locusts along the north lane from the farm yard. Planted some locusts, cedars,
hawthorns, crab apple, red-buds and dogwood in the eastern quarter of the lawn. Sent to Monticello for
some Marseilles fir and paper Mulberry, at the same time sent Mr. Jefferson some wine from the
scuppernong grape of North Carolina, a fruit which must be well worthy to be cultivated. The wine is a
delicious flavour, resembling Frontinac.

1817-3-28 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Major Nelson of Mechlenburg and his son John called on us yesterday evening from Carysbrook. Sent
two heath peaches to Lady Skipwith by him when he left us this morning, Jepe returned from Monticello
with plants of the Marseilles fir, the Otahutt or Paper Mulberry, some cuttings of a peculiar species of
Lombardy poplar which Mr. Jefferson brought from France, “being a tree of some shade,” two plants of the
snowberry brought by the late Capt. Lewis from the Pacific…

1817-4-1 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted out 50 or 60 young oaks at Upper Bremo in the grove by Cato and assistants….

1817-4-2 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Archibald Blair, the gardener, sowed the asparagus bed at Upper Bremo.

1817-4-3 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Cato and assistants finished planting 105 white oaks in the grove at Upper Bremo, 12 chesnut oaks, 6
beeches, and 2 tulip trees….

1817-4-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Peyton and Dick recommenced digging out foundations for new building under the direction of
Archibald Blair, the gardener….

1817-4-22 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…The baggage of Archibald Blair having arrived yesterday with some seeds and plants from England he
has been very busy with Peter planting and sowing ever since. The gooseberries, I fear, are lost. The vines
more likely to succeed…. The hands at Bremo Recess planted our crop of sweet potatoes in the young
orchard.

1817-4-23 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…My friend Cabell left for Warminster and is to be here again next week on his way to join his family in
Williamsburg. Gave him an assortment of garden seed from my importation with Blair. Planted out 29
Lombardy poplars at the distance of 100 feet apart along the river bank, about high water mark of the
winter tides, from the mouth of Bremo Creek (little) to the landing at Lower Bremo. These trees sent me
by my friend Cabell from Warminster and altho’ quite in leaf are so hardy and placed in such good soil,
that I doubt not of their success. They are from 8 to 12 feet in height and from 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

1817-5-21 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

A frost last night at Surry Quarter….

1817-6-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Worked again on the New Canton road, and finished it except that part where my ditch is not done, the
south ill along my eastern enclosure…
 Appendix A - 19

1817-6-10 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Dined at Hackney’s at the old well on the three chopt road – 12 miles from the Court House. Saw many
cherry trees of the common black kind very full of fruit. Understood they never failed on that ridge
between the waters of James and York River – Advised Mr. Hackney to get into stock of the finer varieties
of the cherry as well as other fruits. Promised to supply him with such as I have.

1817-6-12 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Called at Blenheim, and got some cherries. Found a rose-bug in the top of a cherry tree at Blenheim, Mr.
Bowdoin having shown me the first I had ever seen this morning, at Gardner Tavern. This destructive
insect has for many years infested the gardens of the eastern shore counties to the entire destruction of the
flowers and fruits, attacking them in the early spring when the first buds put out, commencing their ravages
on the roses, whence their name is taken. They resemble the fire-fly or lightning bug in size and shape, but
are of a yellow colour with a black spot on each wing.

1817-6-18 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…[J.C. Cabell] Gave me Richard M. Scott’s method of raising cedar hedges, to wit: “Rub off the resinous
matter which surround the seed and put them for a fortnight into unslaked ashes. This is to be done in the
month of November. Then sow your seed as you would garden pease and they will come up the next
spring.”…

1817-6-24 (640/24, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

Faulcon talks about Sally [his wife- Cocke’s sister] and her stomach disorder. Then her fondness for
cucumbers and that “knowing you dislike them, and the opinion you entertain of their noxious effects, she
fears that she will not meet with any when she comes to see you.” He also speaks of her affinity for
Apricots and mentions that he has gathered “some fines ones from young trees that I raised of Davis’s
cling-stone.”

1817-6-25 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Gathered a few ripe pears from my Chaumontille tree on the south side of the fruit garden. Inoculated
some Carnation cherries from Clifton.

1817-6-26 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Inoculated some of the large English red mulberry given me by Mr. Divers and obtained by him from
Mr. Carr of Maryland, on some of the Italian mulberry stock obtained last year from Prince, and also on
some native stocks in the low ground.

1817-7-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Yesterday gather’d a few ripe apricots, some pears from the Green Spring June pear.

1817-7-8 (640/24, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

…and on my return I will call at Wilkinson’s place and get some of the English Morello cherry buds, which
I will inoculate for you.

1817-7-9 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Blair, the gardener, and Peter, protecting the peach trees against the worms with a bandage of tobacco
stems. Have hitherto found this entirely effectual when it has been done in time and replaced in the course
of the fall when necessary.

1817-7-11 (640/24, Charles Ellis to JHC, Richmond)

It will give me pleasure to comply with your Memo. for fruit Buds +c. two of those you ordered [unclear]
last Sept. are a live , which shall be sent to you at a proper season [unclear] next autumn with 2 or 3 more
fine peach trees [illegible] upon The Animon [unclear – name of a ship], which Prince sent me this spring.
I then intended to send them to you, but the season was so far advanced. I was obliged to plant them here
to save them.

1817-7-11(640/24, Charles Ellis to JHC)

 Appendix A - 20

No. 1. Early Ann Peach

2. Late Do Do
3. Nectarine Apricot
4. Early large Apple
5. a fine Peach
6. Kensington Peach
7. Roman Nectarine
8. Amber Cherry
9. Brick House Pear
Sir
Above I hand you with nine different kinds of fruits, the boughs are put up in a way I hope will save them,
wishing you success with them.
[On reverse, Cocke’s Note:]
a list of fruit buds sent up for inoculation

1817-7-15 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gathered a ripe peach from one of the early yellow trees from Prince – the only fruit upon it this year.

1817-7-16 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gathered some ripe June pears.

1817-7-17 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Ploughed the lawn for turnips. The part not hurdled on, manured…. This part had been ploughed early
last spring.

1817-7-26 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Mr. Jefferson gave us the following history of the introduction of the cedar into Albemarle: Mr. Hukman
the fourth settler in that County, carried up the first tree. Mr. Bolling, the Brother-in-Law of Mr. Jefferson,
planted two near the grave of one of his children who died at Shadwell about the year 1755, from which all
in that neighborhood came.
Mr. Madison gave us the following account of the first introduction of the cedar into Orange
County. His Father, who married his mother in the neighborhood of Port Royal made various attempts to
transplant the young trees from that part of the country without success. At length, being advised to try to
succeed with the berries, he accordingly brought up a quantity and buried them in a corner of the yard
where, after a lapse of seven years, two only were found to have vegetated. This, he says, from the best
recollection of his Mother, who is still living, was about 60 years ago, and he told us there was a tree
descended from that stock many years afterwards, which is now 15 inches in diameter, and that he has
cedar in sufficient quantity to make fences with it.
From Mr. Jefferson we got the following history of the Lombardy Poplar and Weeping Willow:
Mr. Thomas Willing, of Philadelphia, receiving a basket of fruit from the Island of Madeira, having used
the fruit, threw the basket into a sink in his yard. After some time it was found that a part of the basket had
taken root and was growing, and became the first Weeping Willow tree ever known in America. Mr.
Jefferson saw it first in the year 1775 [1725?] when he supposes from its size at that time, it must have
been four or five years old.
The Lombardy Poplar was first introduced into Philadelphia by Mr. William Hamilton in the year
1785. In the year 1789 Mr. Jefferson brought from Europe with him a species of this tree somewhat
different from the common tall and slim lombardy, Mr. Jefferson’s being a tree of some shade.
The catalpa was first introduced from North Carolina when Mr. Jefferson was a boy.

1817-7-29 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…New Design highland field [at Upper Bremo]

1817-7-30 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Got a few ripe yellow plums and peaches and found a green gage perfectly ripe on one of the trees from
Prince.
 Appendix A - 21

On returning home found that the Bergamot pears, brought from 4 Mile Tree, of which there were
4 or 5 on a young tree, had ripened and were used.
Received from Mr. Jefferson when last with him this account of the pear known in Albemarle by
the name of the Meriweather Pear: On a visit he once made to Mr. Nick Meriweather, he informed him that
he had once put up a barrel of these pears packed in tow, in a trunk. Twelve months after, supposing the
pears were all used, in getting some tow to wash his gun, he found one of the fruit and that it was in a
candied state like a preserve. The following year Mr. Jefferson put some of this fruit in the like manner,
packed in tow, and in the course of the following winter went on to Congress, then sitting at Annapolis,
from whence he was sent on a mission to France, where he remained seven years. Upon his return to
Monticello, to his great astonishment, he found his pears in the state of candied preserves.

1817-8-2 (640/25, Charles Ellis to JHC)

…am sorry to hear the Buds of the Cherry and Nectarine Apricot did not live…

1817-8-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Sowed turnips 2 ½ acres in Field No. 4 and 7/8 of an acre in the Eastern Section of the Lawn.

1817-8-6 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gathered a ripe Malta peach from one of the trees from Prince. Very fine.

1817-8-8 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gathered the last of the early yellow plums and peaches…. Cleaned up the spring branch adjoining the
peach orchard.

1817-8-12 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gather’d some ripe fruit from the early sugar pears according to Map in south row of fruit garden at
Bremo Recess.

1817-8-13 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Worked on the Road on which I am overseer from Mr. Scott’s New Mills of 7 Island Falls to Bryant’s
Road. Had 20 hands and reached the junction of the New Road with Bremo old Road, alias the Secretary’s
Road. The New Road was opened in the Spring of 1815 at my application to the Court.

1817-8-22 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Blair finished the foundation for the western office all except blind drain. Commenced removing the soil
to deposit the surplus earth on southwest point of the Hill.

1817-8-25 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Set all hands to work on the Ravine Road from Bremo Recess to Lower Bremo.
…All hands from Bremo Recess at work on the Ravine Road, turning the course of the stream. Have done
two very good days work…
Made arrangement to send all hands from every place to cut down the undergrowth at Upper Bremo
adjoining the upper field and on the New Road to the Mills.

1817-9-4 (640/25, Will of JHC)

…and two hundred acres of woodland lying around the cleared land [at Bremo Recess]…
He gives them his Gardener

1817-9-18 (640/25, Francis Walter Gilmer to JHC, Winchester)

Mr. Correa has just sent me the seeds of Sanborn [unclear] which will accompany this letter. He gives
them to me as a memorial of his regard for Virginia, I beg to present them to you as a mark of my personal
esteem, and of the confidence that you will take better care of them than any friend to whom I could
consign them. The seeds are fresh from Italy: and I understand are now coming much into use, under the
misnomer Lupinella. I have never seen what is called lupinella, + therefore do not know whether they be
the same plant.
 Appendix A - 22

In case they succeed with you, I shall only ask of you the favor to furnish me an equal quantity of
seeds when I become Farmer, which I am not likely to do very soon I fear. I had intended to have sent a
portion of them to your neighbours + my friends, the Messrs Cary’s, but there are so few that I shall leave
that kindness to you, at another day.

1817-9-29 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gather’d a few days ago a Virgalieu Pear from the tree sent me by General Chamberlayne and found it
delicious fruit. Sent three dozen heath peaches and a box of figs to our friends at Warminster.

1817-10-14 (640/25, John Faulcon to JHC, New Hope, Surry County)

P.S. Shall I bring the Hewes Crab grafts with me when I shall come for my daughter? Or shall they remain
till Spring, + trust to an oppy offering at that Season. I suppose it would be best for me to bring them, if the
ground where you intend to plant them is enclosed.

1817-10-17 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…The Commissioner attended yesterday and assessed my land and improvements in the Bremo Estate at
$83,000.00.

1817-11-10 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Blair, Peter and Dick, opening holes on the East aspect of the Hill at the New Buildings to plant plums,
cherries, pears, apricots, nectarines, and peaches obtained last winter from Prince.

1817-11-12 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Sent Jepe today to Mr. Southerland’s on Hardware for Apples.

1817-11-14 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Cato returned last night and reported unfavorably of the prospect for soapstone at Col. Ballowes. Blair
laid off for a plantation of cider apples at Upper Bremo, adjoining farm yard.

1817-11-20 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Repair’d the bridge at the foot of the publick road….

1817-11-21 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

A fine day, more mild. Mr. Faulcon left me. This worthy friend brought me 2 dozen of the genuine, long-
hanging Hughes crab – from his orchard in Surry, from which the best cider I have ever seen, has been
made. Shall plant them, together with a half a dozen spice apples (bro’t by him also) and highly
recommended as a fine flavoured keeping apple, in the Southwest compartment of my new homestead at
Upper Bremo.

1817-11-23 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Blair planted out the Hughes Crabs and Spice Apples at Upper Bremo.

1817-11-29 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Three hands ditching around the fish ponds meadow at Bremo Recess…

1817-12-1 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Ploughs at Upper Bremo commenced ploughing young Peach Orchard. Found some injured by the
Hares, as well as some of my newly planted Hughes Crabs. Order’d them to be protected forthwith.

1817-12-8 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

… Mr. Whitelaw resuming laying bricks in round columns of West Office and finished them, and
commenced the arches of the East Office. The teams from all the places and Mr. Whitelaw’s wagon
engaged in hauling low ground soil to my plantation of fruit on eastern declivity of the Hill near the New
Buildings.

1817-12-11 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

 Appendix A - 23

… Joe and Jim commenced enlarging the ditch on the South side of the ice pond branch. Cato commenced
bringing over slate from the Quarry Landing…. Rode over to the Quarries with Col. Nicholas who has
again promised me a supply of slate for the other office, ...deliver’d at my landing. Returned the way of
New Canton. Forded the River going just below the mouth of the Slate River and at the ferry landing ford
returning, and find the lower ford rather the deepest.

1817-12-12 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Abston commenced ditching with Stepney on the creek in front of the farm yard and garden flat.

1817-12-31 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Cut a new road in the north side of Bremo Recess….Mr. Curris, a stone cutter and mason, arrived with a
letter from Mr. Ellis to offer me his services. Appears to be a sensible and well informed man. Took him
to see my quarry and the Big-Rock. He thinks favorably of the stone if it does not becomes too hard upon
opening the Quarry.

1818 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

watery branch lot, Old Quarter Spring, Spring Garden Creek, old barn at Upper Bremo

1818-1-1 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Rode with Mr. Curris to see the different kinds of stone on the Estate. He thinks the bluish soft stone of
which much use is made in building the barn at Lower Bremo and the pillars of the Barn at Upper Bremo
will stand the weather very well….

1818-1-1 (640/26, JHC Inventory)

[On reverse:] Inventory of Garden Seeds Made out by Blair at his departure 1st Jany 1818
Earliest York Cabbage
large early Do
Sugar Loaf Do Do
red Dutch Do Do
large late Ditto Do
Early Collyflaur
Purple Brocalie Late. White Brocalie Early purple Brocalie
German Greens
Brussel Sprautts
Yellow Savoy
Green Savoy
Orange Carratt
Horn Carratt
early Dutch Turnip
Swan egg Turnip
yellow Turnip
Swedish Turnip
Strasburgh Onion
Deptford Onion
Silver Skind Onion
James Onion
Med Onion
Welsh Onion
Solid Cellary
Scots Leek
flag Leek
white Beett
red Beett
Curled Parsley
Parsnip
Egyptian Cass Lattuce. White Cass Do
 Appendix A - 24

Cabbage Lattuce. Braun Dutch Lattuce

large Malta Lattuce
Salmon Radish. London Radish
Short tapd. Radish
White Turnip radish. black Spanish Radish
Curl’d Cress
White Mustard
Green Curled Endive
Broad leafed Endive
Salsafy
Scarzanara
Chervill
White kidney beans
Scarlet Runners
prickley Spinage
Round Spinage
Hysop
Winter Savary
Curl.d parsley
Asparagus
Earleyst frame peas
Early Charltan peas
Dwarf Marrawfatt peas
Tall Marrawfatt peas
Blue Prussian peas
Royal dwarf Marrawfatt
Early Mazagam Beans
Lisbon Beans

8 Garden Spades
1 Shovall
8 Racks
6 Draw hoes
1 Drill hoe
6 Dutch hoes
1 Manure farck
2 Drills
2 lines
2 Scythes
2 Scutching knives
1 Hedge Bill
1 pair Hedge shears
1 hand Saw
1 hammer
2 Watering potts

1818 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

The first Lombardy poplars on the bank of the River planted spring 1818 – sent me by JC Cabell from
Warminster.

1818-1-2 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Began carting the poles together for a slaughter house near the No.W. angle of the Farm at Bremo
Recess.

1818-1-5 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Brought some Hollys from Westham which have been carefully planted out.
 Appendix A - 25

1818-1-14 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Major Perkins arrived…. He informed me, that Mr. Mills of Orange, a man of high respectability,
informed him, the pumice of as many limber twig apples as made him an hundred gallons of cider at the
first pressing, upon having 20 gallons of water added to them immediately and beaten over again, yielded
eighty gallons more of cider, and upon another addition of water and a third beating, produced sixty gallons
more of cider, and that the cider of the last pressings kept longer sweet and was preferred by many to that
of the first. He also gave the following account of the experiment made by his neighbor Richardson. The
pumice of as many limber twig apples as made 500 gallons of cider was put up in the stands with water
until it fermented. The pumice and water were then taken both together and put into his still, minding to
stir the mass frequently until they were nearly boiling, then the still cap was put on and 55 gallons of high
proof brandy was made from it.

1818-1-17 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Finished getting ice today – 25 loads today making 107. House filled within 2 ½ feet of the level of the
ground.

1818-1-21 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Repair’d the bridge to the stone quarry and minded the road.

1818-1-24 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Finished the plant patch on Spring Garden Creek. Finished the ditches around the fish ponds from the
farm yard road below.

1818-2-2 (640/25, Peter Minor to JHC)

I sent you a few days ago by my Boat a Box of early Irish Potatoe seed to the care of our friend W. J. Cary
– which I hope you will get safe + in good time.

1818-2-5 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Began repairing the old ice pond dam at Bremo Recess to prepare it for a carp pond.

1818-2-14 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gave Capt. Holeman permission to burn the same plant patch on Spring Garden Creek which he did last
year…

1818-3-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Shou’d have finished hauling manure from Lower Bremo to my young orchard on the North of the
homestead at the rate of a half a load to each tree, but for the weather stopping us.

1818-3-6 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Gave Mr. George Winn some grape cuttings and pear grafts of the Germain and Divers pear.

1818-3-12 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Sowed early York and large York Cabbages. Planted Mazagon beans and early Irish potatoes. Sent Jepe
to Enniscorthy for fruit and forest trees and to carry some raspberries sent Mrs. H. and Mrs. Deane English
Gooseberries and Antwerp Raspberries.

1818-3-13 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

Sowed four rows of Marrofat (Dwarf) and 3 rows of Earliest Farm peas.

1818-3-14 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Sowed a square of early Charlton and one of Royal Dwarf Marrowfat Pease.

1818-3-15 (640/26, Peachey R. Gilmer to JHC)

I procured the apple cuttings from Henry and forwarded them by the stage, but fear they have to
go though too many hands to reach you in safety.
 Appendix A - 26

I also waited [unclear] and old Farmer Baker the famous Standing plant Bed man and enquired
into the history and success of his standing plant bed. I found him in the last state of a Dropsy and in good
time as I should suppose for telling the truth. He informed me that he had made a plant bed on the same
spot for the last 25 years and had never failed once, the ground is dry bottom, originally good plant bed
ground, in the bend of a branch. Nothing peculiar about the appearance of the soil; (it was several miles
from the place where he now lives + I had not time to go to see it) he turns his sheep upon it as soon as he
is done drawing plants, and pens them there nightly until the vegetation is totally extirpated and the entire
surface completely covered with manure the fence is then restored, and nothing permitted to trample, until
the usual time of burning, February he says is a good time to perform the operation, by which time the
surface acquires a white appearance. And pressing your finger upon it and drawing it along; it acquires the
taste of Salt Petre , an experiment which I particularly recommend to your [illegible]. You then burn it as
usual. Chop it lightly and sow the seed never disturb the surface until after burning.
If I have omitted any particulars he [illegible] any to be known, suggest them + I will make further
enquiry as I shall often see his son who superintends the management of all his affairs. He has never
watered this bed although he might have done so. And assures me that from this one bed 100,000 plants
have been drawn.

1818-3-18 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Begun my spring meadow fence, and old fashioned lower country straight ditch fence. The stakes and
billets new, the rails old.

1818-3-20 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Jepe commenced hauling manure from Lower Bremo to the pear orchard. 5 loads to each compartment.
Plowed the pear orchard.

1818-3-28 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Peter taking up fruit trees obtained from Prince to transplant.

1818-3-31 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

A fine day. Carried up my fruit trees and planted them out at Upper Bremo on the Eastern declivity of Hill
near the House. For number and kinds see a map lid [laid] down in my gardening book – a hard day’s
work, altho’ I dined on the ground.

1818-4-2 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted a few additional trees at Upper Bremo. Order’d the Overseer at Lower Bremo to plant the River
bank from the landing to the lower line with Lombardy poplars 100 feet apart.

1818-4-4 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Peter planted out 3 cedars in the grove of White Oaks near the Mill on the Ravine to the left of the Road
approaching the House.

1818-4-5 (640/26, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 26th ult: that the late frosts have proved so destructive
to your fruits. And, perhaps, I may be a little the more to, since I had promised myself the pleasure of
participating them with you. The greater part of our apples and pears, and a few of the more delicate fruits
of every kind that we have, have this far escaped, but I fear they are not yet entirely safe. If the present
cool weather continues many days longer, the greater part of the latter description, if not the whole, must
perish. This has certainly been the coldest and most backward spring I have ever known….

1818-4-7 (640/26, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

I had entirely forgotten to get any of the grafts of the cherry from the Main this spring. When I
recd. Your letter it was too late. I find, however, that one, at least, of those that I inoculated last summer is
alive, and this you shall have. I will not neglect to get some more buds in the proper season, and will
inoculate others, and, perhaps, I may succeed in raising as many as you may want. I have set out five or
eight plants of the Gelder-rose for you, and Mr. B. has given Sally several young bushes of the large box
 Appendix A - 27

[unclear], which she planted out at 4. M. Tree whilst we lived there and which she designs for you. I never
could have an oppty. Of sending you the cherry trees I promised, until it was too late to move them.

1818-4-10 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Planted out locusts in front of the farm yard. 3 missing ones only.

1818-4-11 (640/23, Diary of JHC)

…Promised Mrs. Page some of the service berries for her Garden.

1818-4-15 (640/26, Thomas S. Pleasants to JHC)

I was informed by my Uncle T. W. Pleasants that you enquired of him whether I had recd. Your letter
requesting me to survey yr. tract of land. The letter I did receive and the reason I have not answered it was
that I wished to wait until I could state with certainty whether it would be in my power to do it. I am sorry
to say that the situation of our family is such as to preclude the possibility of my undertaking it now
without incurring a considerable sacrifice. I shall therefore have to decline the job, if not entirely at least
for the present.

1818-5-5 (640/26, Dr. Philip Barraud to JHC)

Dr. Barraud also writes of the unseasonably cool spring they have had and his concern for the fruit trees at
Bremo and associated concern for JHC as he knows his “devotion to them” [the trees].

1818-7-17 (640/26, D(avy) Ross to JHC, Mount Ida)

I have made known the purport of your letter to me, to my Gardiner, Bilgaued [unclear], he presumes, that
he can be spared from my work the latter end of next week, and from time to time, until your work,
becomes in such a state of progression as may not require, his assistance; he says he is competent to the
task; which I do not doubt. The Compensation may be made to him according to the terms of his waging.
And the length of time he may be he engaged. I am happy it is in my power to afford you this aid in the
projection of your works.

1818-10-23 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

First killing frost. Protected the fig bushes 3 days ago some sheltered others buried according to Forsythe.
The bushes now full of fruit which is daily ripening

1818-11-24 (640/26, N. Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

I have lately recd. A letter from our friend, Mr. Cabell, dated the 29th of Oct. requesting me to purchase
some apple trees for him which he intends for an orchard at Corrottoman. I, yesterday, bought 550 trees, or
the most approved brandy apple,… This completed his Memo., except as to 50 of the eating apple, which I
did not purchase, not having it in my power to get such as I could recommend, and because, too, I did not
know whether he meant the winter keeping, or the summer apple. Of the 4 kinds which I have got for
brandy, 3 are excellent eating fruit, ripening in August and Sept….
We are glad that the little presents of fruit +c. we sent to you and the children got so readily to hand, and
proved so acceptable. The last of the winter keeping pears we gave to one of my sisters when they left us.
I am sorry we had not sooner known you wished to get the seed. We had very few pears of this sort, but we
could have saved a plenty of seed from our fine autumn pear, which would have served your purposes well.

1818-11-26 (640/26, Gen. Robert B. Taylor to JHC, Norfolk)

I sent today, to Richmond, some vines, to be sent thence to you. They are those of which I spoke to you,
found by Valentine, on his plantation, + from the care with which they were taken up, + afterwards packed,
I hope they will reach you in such order, as to insure their living. It was my design to send some of the
North Carolina vines at the same time: but, on going into the garden…. [illegible for several phrases] … I
forced them so small that there was great hazard, that both you + I would be…. I thought it therefore
advisable to wait another year before I sent you them. I regret this disappointment; for I am sure, that, in
your hands, if they have any claim to [illegible], they would be more likely to succeed, than in mine….

1818-12-1 (640/26, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

 Appendix A - 28

By the Steam Boat on Friday I sent you a Tub containing [illegible] cuttings of the large purple Grape
which Bob Taylor gave you some [illegible] [illegible] having been found in [illegible] by a Mr.
Valentine. The cuttings were put up in good order + will I hope afford you some good fruit. The plants of
the Scuppernong Grape were believed to be too tender to be moved now + the General thought it best to
postpone it.

1819-1-20 (640/27, Geo. Holeman to JHC, Spring Garden)

[On reverse:] Capt. Holeman for permission to burn a plant patch on Spring Garden Creek on my land Jany
20, 1819
Dear Sir,
The great difficulty of getting suitable plant land, obliges me to request the particular favor of you to let me
again Burn part of the patch you were so good as to let me sow last Winter on your land. The whole of the
wood will be cut on my own land.

1819-2-9 (640/28, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC, Norfolk)

I sent you a few Seed of very fine [illegible] Grapes from Malaga which I have [illegible] the finest Fruit
produced from in the Town that has been known here of the Grape Kind. Plant it under a wall with South
Exposure….
He also has [illegible] poppy seed which he will distribute when they come to hand. It is found that the
finest oil for Table use is made from the seed of the poppy. A square of a garden will produce full supply
of the article for a Family. He says in the North of Europe He eat it altogether for seven years in preference
to any other oil….

1819-2-23 (640/28, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC, Norfolk)

Bob Taylor has given you one of his Carolina Grape Vines. They are too small to cut + I shall have the
Vine taken up + put into a Box of Earth + send it with your other articles.
The late Frosts have ct down our Early Gardening somewhat. Tho’ I hope not fatally. My peas
look a little sick + I feel my early Yorkes are ruined.
I can readily conceive the satisfaction you will derive from forming your new Garden which
abounds in such fruitful objects to indulge your Taste + Industry. God grant you many long [illegible] to
occupy + enjoy it.

1819-2-24 (5685/3, JHC and LBC(daughter) to JHC, Jr.)

LBC writes, …I am going to begin to work in my garden as soon as the ground discontinues to freeze at
night. I shall remind the boys of attending to yours. I believe that your flower roots are coming up

1819-3-1 (640/28, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC, Norfolk)

I have just had your Fruit + Fish + Grape Vine put on Board the Steam Boat which unluckily we took the
chance of sending by the Thursday’s Boat…. I fear your oranges may suffer. They were all I could get for
you + have been kept long enough. Your Mother had them weighed + put away in the most careful
manner. I have written Mr. Ellis to lose no time in sending them on…. Two large boxes contain the Fish +
Fruits + a small Tea Box for the Scuppernong Vine which Cyrus took up with great Care….

1819-3-3 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted the Grove of Locusts to the South West of the Buildings at U. Bremo + Cedars in the break to the
West, Lombardy Poplars skirting the plantation of locusts westwardly + thru to the west side of West
Office at the same time

1819-3-8 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted the Locusts, the Service berry, the wild crab, the Paper or Otaheite Mulberry + the English Walnut
on the Upper level on north of the Building, also a native poplar. Tulip tree taken up with a mass of earth +
roots that made it a load for 8 men to lift up from its place – diameter 8 ins [unclear]– length about 40 ft –
made Asparagus bed filled with sandy bank soil from low grounds 18 ins [unclear] deep. Roots of 2 yrs
used.

1819-3-8 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

 Appendix A - 29

Planted an English walnut + a Flowering Horse Chesnut on the mound to the South West of the Building

1819-3-10 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted a clump of Catalpas to the N. East of the Building.

1819-3-11 (640/28, Chas. Ellis to JHC, Richmond)

I am surprised my New York correspondent has not replied to the enquiry made some time since about a
Gardener for you. I have repeated the request, as soon as an answer is recd. You shall hear from me.

1819-3-17 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted 6 Beeches in ravine in the New Garden.

1819-3-18 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted a Dutch Elm, A Beech, + a locust on East side of new Building – Beech failed replaced with a
Locust

1819-3-31 (640/28, Mrs. Herron to JHC)

2 Trees Arbor Vitae
2 Yellow Jasmine Vines
1 Root Multiflora Rosa
2 Slips do ----------do
2 Slips Perpetual do
2 Slips English Ivy which creeps over Walls without assistance.
For General Cocke, with Mrs. Herron’s best respects and thanks for the trees sent her.

1818-4-2 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted in New Garden (Up Bremo) Peaches + 2 Spralleys Yellow Plum (Mentioned in my dear departed
wifes Memo of the nursery planted by her when I was absent in the public service, being planted in the
second circular round below the crown of the hill

1818-6-11 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

First dish snaps, artichokes, + potatoes

1819-4-6 (640/28, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

I sent you by the Steam Boat of Thursday last in care of Ellis + Allen a Box carefully protecting some
choice articles for your Garden presented to you by Mrs. Herron with the enclosed note. I wish them safe
to Hand. I got your Bundles of Trees + have put out the Pears + Apricot Peach.

1819-4-20 (640/28, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

…The Trunk got to hand last evening. The shrubs you sent in it to your sister, I’m [illegible] cannot
possibly survive the injury they have sustained by the length of time they have been out of the ground, but
we are taking the best steps in our power to save them. The cuttings are certainly beyond recovery. We
shall regret their loss very much.

1819-5-6 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.583, Entry)
May 6. put 2 carp into the 2d. fishpond and 4. chubs into the 3d. the 1st. or uppermost pond is for eels. The
carp and chub came from Genl. Cocke’s.

1819-5-13 (640/28, Merit M. Robinson to JHC)

I send you a barrel of real Irish potatoes. I never saw better – I mean in taste. Their fine flavor induced me
to buy a barrel for my own use; but as it will be sometime before I can get to housekeeping, and they are
sprouting, I think, you can make a better use of them. I wish, I could have forwarded them sooner. I fear
some of them are already injured, and may not answer for planting. John has bough but 2 barrels. I
advised him not to buy more, as the one I send will make the quantity you want.
 Appendix A - 30

I am sorry, you have lost the services of Mr. Whitelaw, particularly as it has interrupted one of
your plans of pleasure. I had counted upon joining you in that one, you have been compelled to give up….
There is no further information about this last passage. We don’t know from this what project has been
cancelled. Whitelaw was the bricklayer/Mason.

1819-6-27 (640/29, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC)

I wish you could contrive me an assortment of Curled Kail, Sea Kail, Sproat Kail, seed + any other seed
for winter + Spring greens that may not be common in the Country.

1819-9-21 (640/29, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Warren Co., NC)

I fortunately met, at the Springs, with a gentleman from that part of the Country where the Scuppernong
Grape of found in its wild state, and where, by cultivation, it has been brot. to the greatest perfection. He
has promised to send me some of the plants to Norfolk in Feby., and also some plants of two other kinds of
indigenous grape, which he recommended very highly. I have a very good chance of getting the
scuppernong through another channel. The distance from this to where this valuable grape is found in its
wild state is between 80 and 100 miles. I can hear of none of the genuine grape in this part of the state.
There are some vines raised from the seed within two miles of one of my sisters. I have seen some of the
fruit and the vine. The fruit is not yet ripe, but it resembles it in size, and somewhat in color and taste. The
Fox-grape, though the leaf is very different, being not as large as that of the Muskadine, to which it bears a
strong likeness. The genuine grape, I am told, is always white, much larger than the Fox-grape, and a most
delicious fruit. The bunches short, but very large in circumference. It is very difficult to raise it from
cuttings, but is easily propagated by layer. If I succeed in getting the plants, I shall probably be able to
furnish you with some in the spring, but, at any rate, the following season.

1819-9-25 (640/29, Charles Woodson to JHC)

…If you have any heath peaches remaining I shall thank you to save me some stones as many as you can
and have them buryed , they will not bring the same kind exactly but afford an agreeable variety nearly like
the parent fruit, I expect to call for them before Christmas,... [I] will at the same time send you some of
those kinds of fruits which I did not observe you to have…

1819-11-21 (640/29, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC)

Gen. Taylor informed me when he was here in the Spring that he had given you a plant of the Scuppernong.
I am glad to hear that it is doing well. I brot. in with me from North Carolina, a couple of plants, raised
from the seed of the genuine grape. The seedling, as I informed you before, [torn] a purple instead of a
white fruit. I hardly expect [torn] plants alive through the winter, as they were taken up too early. But I
hope to succeed in getting some plants of the genuine vine through one or other of the two channels I
mentd. to you in my letter from Carolina. I met with several gentlemen in that State who were of opinion
that the Scuppernong Grape was nothing more nor less than the White Muskadine, improved by cultivation.
It is more probable, I think, that the latter is a [illegible] grape from the former, since the Scuppernong
always produces is fruit in bunches, whereas that of the Muskadine is always found scattered singly over
the vine.

1820 (640/33
JHC is taxed by the Sheriff of Fluvanna Co. for the revenue on 4171 acres

1820 (640/27, 1818-1822, Correspondence in Regard to building house)

Articles of agreement entered into this 18th day of April 1820 between George Baltimore and Jno H Cocke
witnesseth:
That, the sd. Baltimore hath undertaken, to make, burn, and lay, the bricks in the garden wall of the sd.
Cocke, now remaining to be executed; it being a four inch wall, coped with bricks of the same form of
those already used for the coping which is already done, with pillars at stated distances or intervals, and on
a circular base; every brick of which, in walls, pillars, & coping, shall be a hard brick, and laid in the best
lime mortar; to consist of clean, sharp, river sand; and the best lime, to wit, in case the best unslacked
Thomas Town Rhode Island lime is used in that case the sand & lime to be used in the proportion of four
 Appendix A - 31

sand to one lime; but if the lime be air or other wise slacked or mixed with slate sand or other extraneous
matter then & in that case the proportion of sand shall be reduced at the discretion of the said Cocke not
exceeding one sand for one lime—the said George Baltimore finding all & doing all.
That the said Baltimore undertakes furthermore to make & burn over & above what may be necessary for
the aforesaid job not less than 50 thousand bricks which the aforesaid Cocke binds himself to take at the
price of four dollars per thousand the bricks being counted from the Kiln & hacked away two thirds of
which shall be hard bricks & one third sammel bricks; the latter however not to be of that degree of
softness that would moulder by exposure to the weather—with a proportion of bats (counting three bats for
one brick) not exceeding one ninth of the number of whole bricks; And in case the said Cocke may wish to
employ the sd. Baltimore to lay any part or the whole of the last mentioned 50 thousand bricks in ordinary
House walls, or chimnies he the said Baltimore agrees to do it finding all & doing all with mortar as above
stipulated for at the price of four dollars additional per thousand & to bind himself in this case as well as in
that of the garden walls that the work shall be executed in the most workmanlike style.
That the said Cocke for the bricks to be laid in the garden wall agrees to pay the sd. Baltimore the sum of
ten dollars per thousand the bricks in the wall to be counted & not estimated by measurement and to
advance to the said Baltimore at the commencement of the work fifty dollars (the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged) & fifty dollars at the expiration of 60 days, the balance to be payable when the work is
done. That the sd. Cocke binds himself to furnish the said Baltimore with two hands Charles at fifteen
dollars per month (who the said Baltimore binds himself to instruct in Kilning, burning & laying bricks) &
Tom at eight dollars pr. month & four bearers of at two dollars & fifty cents each pr month and a yoke of
Steers at ten dollars per month, and for all hauling the sd. Cocke may do for the sd. Baltimore he the sd.
Cocke is to charge for it at the same price Mr Whitelaw allowed for hauling deducting twenty per cent.
And lastly that the said Cocke gives the sd. Baltimore the privilege of getting wood within certain limits to
be assigned by the said Cocke for the purpose of burning the aforesaid bricks, to find the said Baltimore
house room and to have his cooking done.
In witness whereof we hereunto set out hands & seals

Signed in the presence of,

A B Barraud J.H. Cocke
J H Cocke Junr George Baltimore

1820-2-21 (640/30, M.M. Robinson to JHC)

The seed, for your garden, I have by me, to be forwarded by the first opportunity. If none shall offer, I
shall send them by Merit…

1820-3 (640/32, Broadside Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Plants, William
Prince & Co., Nurserymen, New York)
[Note on Reverse:]
Sir,
My friend Mr. Herron of Richmond has Jt [just] last mail informed me that you had some time
since written to me without reply. I have no recollection of any communication whatever from you or it
should have met due attention. I send you one of my old Catalogues but as I have 4500 species + varieties
of Plants here I have arranged them systematically in a Catalogue 50 pages of which is printed + which will
shortly be completed with a short Treatise on the Cultivation +c.
Yours +c
Wm. Prince
Linnaean Garden
Nov. 21, 1820
NB. This Garden contains 24 acres. B. Princes is a new one of 6 acres.

1820-3-1 (640/31, Mrs. S. Flintham to Mrs. Louisa Holmes)

Describing her husband’s farm near Abington, outside Philadelphia, to Louisa:
…I am sure you will be delighted to come and See us in our Eden. It is indeed a sweet place not from
expensive improvements, for it is simply a common farm, & farm House, but from our Kitchen door, the
 Appendix A - 32

Eye takes a perfect View of a rich meadow Valley 3 or 4 miles in extent, with the rising ground on both
Sides of the Valley, cover’d with fine orchards, rich Verdure, high cultivation, and Substantial Farm
Houses, nothing could give you a more perfect Idea of the Beneficence of the Creator, and of the happiness
of his Creatures, if It were not for Sin marring all. Our house Stands upon what might be call’d a young
mountain, in Norfolk, and the whole face of this Hill is cover’d with Orchard, containing almost every
Variety of Choice fruit that our climate produces, - Mr. F. has purchas’d 76 acres, and here we are to take
up our permanent abode next month.
Your beautiful multi-Flora is now Standing by me in full Verdure, and I hope It will be my Pet &
Pride, in the most favourable spot of our new domain. Mr. F business to day was settling a dozen fine
Hens, of a Superior Breed that he has been collecting, and to plant a cartload of Choice fruit trees, grape
Vines, &c which he sent on before him, - I Sometimes feel a little sorry to leave my present pleasant home,
and my fine Grapes, &c. but really our garden had got so full, it seems high time to get a more extensive
range, and I hope you will find us in Abington very happy, and very industrious with plenty of Mush &
Milk, and when I learn how to make it plenty of Butter….

1820-3-1 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted an Arbor vitae + Juniper at head of Ravine at Up Bremo

1820-3-4 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted a Silver Fir, an Arborvitae (X), a Yew (X), + a Swedish Juniper within the inclosure of the Burial
Groound at Bremo Recess around the grave of my dear departed wife. X these failed

1820-3-15 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Uncovered Fig bushes + found young figs + some of last year alive

1820-3-16 (640/31, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC)

…The frosts had [torn] us more cherries and strawberries than I once thought. Ten days ago we had a
good prospect for plentiful crops of both; but the birds, in despite of all our efforts to prevent it, have taken
almost the whole of them from us. We have not had more than five or 8 dishes of strawberries, and I doubt
whether or not we shall see a single ripe cherry of the early sorts. I believe Doct Bradford, Mr. B. and
myself have killed several hundred birds, and yet there has been no perceptible diminution in the flocks.
Sally’s prospect for winning the wager upon the pumpkins is rather a gloomy one. She has only a single
plant up yet, and that made its appearance since yesterday.

1820-4-11 (640/31, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

We have had an unusually cold and disagreeable spring, and to our fruit, a most disastrous one. A little of
all the kinds we have, except apricots, is still alive; but that little has rec’d such a shock that I fear it must
eventually perish. Our garden was never more blackened. We are just beginning to have Asparagus in
abundance, and our pease have not been in bloom more than a week. We have found the Sea-Kale an
excellent vegetable and the more valuable, as it springs earlier than Asparagus, for which it is a pretty good
substitute, but a still better one for Brocoli. Of this latter vegetable we have as fine as I ever saw….

1820-4-20 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Finished the Fish Pond in May last in my garden at U.B. + stocked it.

1820-5-18 (640/31, Charles Ellis to JHC)

… except a portion of the Potatoes, 18 or 20 bushels are sent, being the only ones that I could procure to
please me. Some fresh ones are expected at Rockets every day. I shall take care to send your 10 or 15
bushels more when they arrive….
[These are potatoes for field planting.]

1820-5-21 (640/31, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

…He is a fine fellow + I apprehend a great Cultivator. He is to send me some seeds + among others the
first seed of Rutabaga. He has 4 acres in Horticulture + makes the year 1000$ from that crop…. He wants
some Sea Kale Seed; having seen my Crop, which is now most luxuriant, + hearing my account of its early
 Appendix A - 33

delicacy He is decided to cultivate it largely. I shall save him some seed + I wish you to spare him some of
the next seeding.

1820-5-25 (640/31, Charles Ellis to JHC)

The Potatoes have come to market since we last wrote you on that subject, and we fear its now getting full
late. It might prevent us form committing an error if you were to say whether we should now send the
Potatae seed, provided any made their appearance in Market.

1820-5-27 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.589, Entry)
1820. May 27. put 3. carp into the carp pond. & 4. chub into the chub pond. From Genl. Cocke

1820-6-20 (640/31, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

We have run a wall 350 feet including the street – 3 feet thick at Bottom, eight feet high + two feet thick at
Top, with Butresses every twenty feet throughout, 3 feet thick at Bottom + ending in Nothing. The whole
was completed in forty eight days by Three Stone Masons + 2 Negro Laborers. The work is of the first
description….

1820-7-3 (640/31, William Bollins to JHC)

He writes of the onslaught of Cinch Bugs attacking his corn crop and doing much damage to it.

1820-8-8 (640/31, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC)

I wish you could have shared with us the abundant supply of vegetables our garden has afforded us. We
have had a plenty for your family, large as it is, and ours too. From the Baltimore Canteloupe Melon seed
you [torn] me, we have had some of the largest melons I ever saw of the finer kinds. I have just weighed a
couple of them, they weighed 10lb 11 oz a piece. We have a great crop of them, but the wet weather is
injuring them very much. We have a good prospect for water-melons also, but they were planted late, and
are just ripening…

1820-9-27 (640/185, Bills, Receipts, etc.)

Nursery Catalogue from Daniel Smith, Burlington, New Jersey
Esteemed friend, [addressed to James Gibbon, Richmond]
Thy favour of the 15th of last month came duly to hand, but being very busily engaged at the time, and
expecting to have a new catalogue shortly printed, I have put off answering thy letter till I should be able to
send on of them, by it thou will be able to obtain a better knowledge of the kinds of trees my nursery is able
now to furnish, thou will perceive considerable, and some valuable additions, especially of stone fruit; if
thou should think proper to make any change in the orders thou sent me, be pleased to furnish thy
instructions on that head as early as possible. – from thy Friend, Daniel Smith

1820-10-6 (640/192, Diary #7 1820, August 9 – 1821, March 28, p. 27)

[Upon her visit to Mount Vernon] I was somewhat disappointed in not finding this celebrated spot in a
higher state of order + cultivation than it is. I should judge, the present owner had not inherited much of his
illustrious ancestor’s taste. There is still a handsome collection of hothouse plants, + a flower garden laid
out in a handsome style.

1820-11-16 (640/32, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

I send you by this Steam Boat a small Cask of Oysters, a keg of Cranberries, a half Cask of Onions + a
bundle of small Shrubs + Rasberry Bushes, the last being sent a day or two ago from Mr. Eyre.
The Onions are of the common red kind which John Thought would be acceptable + He thinks if
you send a part of them to Mr. Cavadalli that you will do him a Favour – send them in his Name.
You must not forget to send to me at proper Season some choice peaches that you promised our
Friend Williamson as He says two years ago – He is Fruit Mad just now + is stocking himself finely.

1820-11-27 (640/32, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

…Porter by the same conveyance [Steam Boat] in which He thanks us much for the Kale seed + promises
to send us the first article that he thinks worth having in the Gardening Way….
 Appendix A - 34

1820-12-2 (640/32, Edmund Ruffin to JHC, Coggin’s Point)

Dear Sir,
The zeal which you have manifested for the general improvement of agriculture, encourages me to
intrude on your valuable time, & to request for the benefit of myself & my friends, that you will furnish
your aid towards improving the exhausted soils & bad tillage in this part of the state, of which you were
once a resident & cultivator. Your intimate acquaintance with the evils of our soils & climate, & the usual
mode of cultivation, as well as with the best system of husbandry, enable you to inform & serve us more
effectually, than any other farmer in the U. States. There having very little improvement or alteration in the
general practice, taken place since your removal from Surry, you are much better acquainted with the errors
of our cultivation than I am; & itiis therefore unnecessary for me to state the particular points, on which we
need instruction, but request of you information on any & every subject, where we are deficient, that your
leisure may allow you to give. The particular queries which I shall state, are therefore not by any means
intended to confine your information to those points, but because I am myself carrying out an extensive
experiments for their ascertainment, the probable results of which, you can at once inform me, more
correctly than I can myself learn from years of patient investigation, & much waste of money & labour.
With the strongest desire for the improvement of my land, & notwithstanding my increasing
efforts for that purpose, my success has been but inconsiderable, though I have some reason to value the
experience & practical knowledge which I have obtained, as it has been dearly bought, by almost continual
losses & failures in my experiments. We can gain but little from the experience of others here, & European
books & even the agricultural productions of the best farmers among our countrymen, can render but small
service to those who are ignorant of the rudiments of Agriculture & who need instructions in the very
alphabet of the science. Such writings seem generally intended for readers who were previously well
informed, & not such as we are.
Many like myself have made great exertions to improve, but it is universally the case, that their
efforts to exhaust keep nearly an equal pace, by increasing the corn crop in proportion to the increased
productiveness of the soil: Non is this easily to be prevented, where no small grain is made except after
corn, where clover is so precarious as scarcely even to pay cost, & where broom sedge will not suffer us to
keep a field free from the plough more than two or three years. The valuable essays written by yourself &
Mr. T. Marshall, on the rotation of crops, point out the remedy, & have convinced me, that we cannot
improve our land, & increase its product, except, by diminishing the crop of corn & augmenting that of
wheat, by summer fallowing. But these essays, without further explanation, will remain useless to those
who do not understand the process of fallow, nor even the meaning of the word. If we examine both to
gain the necessary information, we find the difficulty to increase. Whether naked fallow is proper or
improper, has in England long been the subject of dispute: Young & Davy oppose it, & Sinclair & all
others who advocate it, admit that its only value consists in perfectly cleansing the soil, that it should be
repeated not more frequently than absolutely necessary, & that is any fallow crop would answer the same
purpose, that naked fallows ought certainly to be abandoned. Nor is this difference of opinion the only
difficulty: from the scattered & indirect information that can be gleaned from the various European &
American publications, it appears that in different places, the same word “fallow”, is applied to processes,
between which there is no resemblance. From what I can learn, they should be divided under three heads,
according to the object in view. Thus, the laborious, & (from frequent exposure) exhausting english fallow,
has for its object, the destruction of weeds: The fallows of France & the little practiced in lower Va are
intended as a preparation for a single crop, & can neither clean nor improve the soil. The fallows of the
good favour of Va, appear to have for their object, improvement, by turning in vegetable matter, without
much labour or subsequent exposure. If this last opinion is correctly formed, & the object is within our
reach, it exceeds in interest all other subjects, & makes it of the utmost importance that we should be
furnished with the information, which is necessary to make the attempt. I know not to which of these heads
your fallows belong, as the practice seems to vary much even in this state. I should judge (from theory)
that the less the ploughing, the greater the chance for improvement, & that the nearer the approach is to the
english fallow, the greater would be the exhaustion, & loss of labour; & that a middle course between the
two, would partake of the disadvantages of both, without insuring the object of either. This tedious
statement has been made to shew fully the causes of my ignorance on this subject, & that you see how
much in detail, any communication should be, for which I may be indebted to your kindness. For the same
reason, (and not by any means to confine your answers to points, which very probably are unworthy of
any,) I send the following queries & hints.
 Appendix A - 35

Describe particularly the process of fallow as practiced by yourself. What are the effects, as to
improvement or exhaustion, & its advantages & disadvantages, as to amount of product & labour, when
compared to wheat after corn, on similar land?
On what soils is the practice most beneficial? & would not the general lightness & poverty of our soils, the
warmth of the climate, & the absence of clover, prevent the profitable introduction of fallow in our
rotations?
What is the difference of product, between wheat after one ploughing on grazed land & that not
grazed? Or is either practiced?
How long may land remain under grass (for improvement) before fallowing, without causing the
crop to be too foul?
What depth of ploughing is necessary, where the soil does not exceed three or four inches?
Though I have enquired particularly only on the subject of fallow, it is not because we are not
equally deficient on many others, & (for the reasons before stated) from no other source could we devine
information so valuable as from yourself. Without however presuming to ask more, I can only assure you,
that whatever your leisure will permit you to afford, will be most gratefully received.
I am respectfully yours &c
Edward Ruffin

1820-12-8 (640/32, William Bolling to JHC, Bolling Hall)

I take the Liberty of reminding you of the Grape slips you promised, + if not too much engage you would
add to the obligation by giving me your mode of planting them, as I have not been successful in several
attempts I have made to propagate them.

1820-12-11 (640/32, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC, Norfolk)

From Elizabeth City in N. Carolina Bullis Maury writes me yesterday that he has Eight Casks of
Scuppernong Wine of superior quality which He proposes to send here next week as our Canal will open
Tomorrow for Navigation. He says it has been prepared under his own Eye + has old Cognac Brandy used
in making it instead of Apple Brandy. Bob Taylor takes three Casks, St. Geo. Tucker Two, I shall take one
+ if you want one I will reserve it for you….
He speaks of two of Casks being red + He thinks the best – If you choose one write me next week
+ I will choose for you if you like.

1820-12-12 (640/32, John T. Barraud to JHC)

I have not led him to expect more than you have yourself specified, and with regard to the lodgings which
Mr. Cavadalli occupied, and which you wished me to describe to him, I have said first what I distinctly
knew about them and no more. He seems to think he can make out with them pretty well. The more so as
he does not intend taking his wife along with him this winter. She will remain with her sister Mrs. McIntire
who is making preparations to return to Scotland: He adopts your idea of boarding with Mrs. Diggs, at least
while he is alone, and if it should suit his convenience he will continue it when permanently settled. This,
however, may be put among the referenda.
It strikes me that it will be goof policy to have him at table, as his presence may be influential in
correcting any little [illegible] incident to such an occasion. He seems to be of this opinion himself, and if
vested tacilly [unclear] with some authority, it will no doubt have a happy effect on the sobriety and
decency of meal hours.
As regards the man himself I am inclined to believe he will answer you purposes as well as any
you can employ. I do not think he is “a man at all points” nor do I believe you can get such a man, but he
has more ‘points’ than anyone I know + that you can obtain. He is a good scholar and I am told a good
teacher, is sober, studious, modest, and manageable. With these properties I think you can make pretty
good work of him. In addition to this he has been all his life accustomed to the country, and is I fancy a
piece as a farmer. He made some of the best irish potatoes that were ever seen in these parts, and talks as if
he had lent a hand to grow them before he cultivated the sciences. He has considerable inclination for
gardening, and growing fruit Trees and under your auspices and instruction it may prove a source of great
amusement to him. There are very many minutes in a man’s life, as you shew by your own examples,
which may be snatched from active and necessary occupation, to be devoted to these lighter, but still useful
pursuits. I think if I were to gain my health again, there are few things in which I should take more delight,
than in the study of the phenomena of the vegetable world. Attentive observation of them in health and in
 Appendix A - 36

disease, would furnish a boundless field for enquiry, and inevitably lead in the process of time, to
discoveries of very considerable importance. I expect if you live long enough you will throw some light on
these matters, and if I live to indulge in such researches I shall thank you for inspiring me with a taste for
them….

1820-12-15 (640/32, Major F. J. Gibbons to JHC)

On Reverse: Major Gibbons note with 2 Seckle pears…
Note nearly illegible. Says he has sent two of the Seckle pears which he hopes will prove good, they are
the best he has. The growth is slow which he attributes to the grafting of them to old stock.

1820-12-19 (640/32, James Heron to JHC, Richmond)

Annexed is an Invoice of trees received from Mr. Wm. Prince on you’re a/c. He was unable to send all the
kinds you wanted, but expects a full supply next season. By the first opportunity, Messrs Ellis & Allan
have promised to have them sent to you.
No. 1 5 American Larch
2 1 European do
3 2 Evergreen Oaks
Matts, packing + shipping
Freight to Richmond, drayage + wharf

1821 (640/34)
receipt for 1 oz. Green Savoy Cabbage seed

1821-1-10 (640/33, John Allan to JHC, Richmond)

Recipe for Vegetating Thorn Apples-
As you wish to make some experiments in the propagation of the Haw-Thorn of Virginia. The following is
the process successfully pursued by one of the first Nurserymen in Scotland (& you will bear in mind that
the Holly & Cedar are propagated in the same way)
In November the Berries are gathered or at any time when perfectly ripe & placed in the center of
a Hill of Rich Earth nearly as wet as Mortar the Earth should give a covering of 4 or 5 Inches to the Berries
in an exposed situation to that a fermentation may take place by next autumn. The Berries should then be
taken up & preserved carefully & sown Broad Cast in Beds Spring 1822. When up kept clean & planted
out in two years, I observed to my informant that Manure would be better his reply was, that thee
Fermentation was so great that the Vegetating germ was too frequently destroyed
PS while in England I saw a kind of Cabbage the largest of which was said to weigh 48 lbs but I purchased
one from the person who had them that weighed 28 lbs & thought this a prodigy – they are used for
Culinary purposes as well as for Cattle feed.

1821-2-13 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

He reminds JHC not to forget Williamson’s Trees.

1821-2-20 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

…I am much occupied by my Garden at the Time. Last Friday Night I fear was destroyed our first crop of
Figs. The Frost was heavy….

1821-2-24 (640/33, C.A. Rodney to JHC, Wilmington (DE))

[On Reverse:] Mr. Rodney of Delaware 24 Febry 1821 with a Catalogue of trees in Doctor Gibbons
Nursery
I am really afraid you may have thought, that I had forgotten the promise made at your hospitable
mansion. Doctr. Gibbon’s Catalogue of his Fruit Trees, received not very long since, is now enclosed. I
think that Fall will be the best season to send such things to you. Your Spring commences before the
navigation open, here, sometimes; + they may be long on their passage. If you will select the kinds of fruit
trees + pass the necessary directions on + their transmissions [unclear], they shall be sent in due season,
next fall. I will add some from my own farm. I wish I could send you in time, a few grafts of my Early
Pear. Some of them shall be grafted for you this spring, + sent on, according to your directions.
 Appendix A - 37

I promised, with Mr. Jefferson’s permission, to send to him, some Green [Illegible] seed, +
Meldonads [unclear] Pumpkin seed, for you. His front will enable you to transmit [unclear] them, in this
way; it will give me pleasure to add any thing else in my power…”
[Catalogue spoken of is not located in this folder.]

1821-2-25 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

… I have done most of my work in my Grounds in preparing for Crops + have put in early peas six weeks
past + my Potatoes and Cabbage seeds, Radish, Celery, Beets + Carrots + parsnips. Our Figs are hurt by
the last Frost more than before. I had dressed my bushes + taken away the coverings of the Roots, but I
hope they will recover. My first crop of the Fruit I fear will be lost. You should try next Autumn to get
your Spring lettuce set in November, I never fail in this Climate. I have now more than 1000 head of Dutch
brown bigger than your breakfast cup in Cabbaging order + as fine as possible. We are just finished a bed
of Winter Lettuce put out from September sowing + set in October, that is very good. We have had a Salad
at Table more than 9 days out of 10 since December commenced. John T. eats it daily. Sow your seed in
August, Septr + October + set them in warm situations under your wall + nothing bears the frost better.
I hope to give you some Sea Kale in May + some fine Asparagus. I have given each of these
favorite plants an excellent winter covering + look for a reward for my trouble….

1821-3 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted on E side New Garden 4 apples of a valuable sort

1821-3-1 (640/33, Ellis + Allan to JHC)

enclosed:
1 oz Cabbage seed
1 bundle books from Fistus
50 advertisements
1 bundle Grafts from Judge Marshall

1821-3-6 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

We have had the most wonderful change of weather, within the last Thirty hours. For some days
previously our Garden had been advancing in all the early productions. Our Sea Kale was every where up
and flourishing, our apricots in full bloom, everything advancing to perfection. A snow storm commenced
early yesterday + lasted all day and we are this morning bound in Ice + the ground cover’d in Snow….

1821-3-12 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.596, Jefferson to General John
H. Cocke)
Our last mail brought me a letter from mr Rodney and the inclosed seeds of pumpkin and asparagus for
you…. If you have any Sea-Kale seed to spare I will thank you for some to replenish my bed. They had
better come by mail dispatch….

1821-3-15 (640/33, M.M. Robinson to JHC)

I bought, some days ago, some Irish potatoes, from the Highlands of Scotland. They are not large, but, in
taste, equal to any, I ever met with. I took two barrels. If you wish to try them, upon your estate, you may
take one of he barrels, or a less quantity. The barrels contain about 3 bushels each.

1821-3-17 (640/33, Reuben Maury to JHC)

[On Reverse:] Maury’s letter with Apple Trees
The Plums you Sent me last Spring I had disposed of (before I received your letter yesterday evening) all
but 2 or 3 of each kind – Two of the kinds of apples you wished me to raise for you last spring I have not in
My Collection. It was too late to get slips when I received your letter. The two kinds are the Toliver apple
and the Winston apple. The Pryors which you wished me to Graft Last Spring I have growing in my
orchard and think it the most valuable I have ever Seen. I send you 13 of them, 12 Pippins, 4 of the apple
you gave me the slips of, which were all I had large enough, 3 Winter Cheese apple 2 of a kind which are
remarkable for keeping very late, and retaining their flavour; I know of no name for them.
As it will take some time to make a list of all my fruit, and time is Scarce at this time I will do it at some
other time and send it to you.
 Appendix A - 38

Your Friend,
Reuben Maury

1821-3-17 (640/33, Alex. Garrett to JHC, Charlottesville)

I send you by Ralph two parcels of egg plant seed, those in the small paper I beg’d of Mr. Hatch, they are
pure. The others I am doubtful of, I also send you a little of the New York sweet corn it is very early and
said to be very good, also a parcel of beans. The small yellow bean is said to be very superior, raised by
one person only for the Baltimore market; the read is called cranberry bean. The large dark bean is an Irish
bean. The big white a butter bean said to be very fine, these will put you in stock, Mrs. Garrett send you
the Kentucky rose. I have not one of Mr. Dever’s early potatoes. Mr. Seitch [unclear] will however send
you some of a very early kind, also, some onion seed. I send you the ½ of what I have. They are the large
white onions.
PS. If you should graft any of the Green gage plum this spring will you graft a few for me.

1821-3-30 (640/33, Ellis + Allan to JHC, Richmond)

The weather has been unusually cold + has destroyed nearly all the Fruit in this quarter Pears, Apricots,
Nectarines + by far the greatest portion of the Peaches. Last Monday the 19th was the most fatal the
Thermometer was 21° with me.

1821-4 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Sent Mr. Jefferson 3 Carp from the Garden Pond as a specimen of their existing well in pond the
experiment having been made at his suggestion from what he had seen in Europe.

1821-4-1 (Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, E.M. Betts, ed., p.596, Jefferson to John H.
Cocke)
...I return you many thanks for the carp and for the Kale seed you were so kind as to send and salute you
with affectionate esteem and respect….

1821-4-4 (640/33, C.A. Rodney to JHC, Cort-Spring, near Wilmington (DE))

I wrote to you, sometime since, + transmitted thro’ other medium of our great + good friend Mr. Jefferson,
some Asparagus + [illegible] Pumpkin seed, which I hope has arrived safe. If you could thro the same
medium, send me some more of your Sea Kale and you will greatly oblige me. I presume the first of May
will be early enough to plant them, this cold season with us.

1821-4-10 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted garden corn, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, early york cabbage

1821-4-14/9-2 (640/33)
Edward C. Aneill
Apl. 14 By 14 Locust trees at 51cts each
Sept. 2 By 47.861 bricks in Garden Walls at $10 prm (/1000 bricks) 478.61
“ 5535 Do. in Do. at $5 prm 27.67 ½

1821-4-16 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

Our Weather has been highly favorable for some days, to our Gardens, my Kale is admirable + in
abundance. It has become quite a favorite as I have sent I to our Friends, to get it into use; I shall invite our
Gardeners to its cultivation.

1821-4-21 (640/33, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

Our weather is now charming tho’ we are crippled miserably in our Gardens

1821-5-4 (640/34, John S. Skinner to JHC, Baltimore)

I send herein a few seed of the Cherokee Rose and some grains of the Sheep tooth corn of Delaware. The
Rose would no doubt flourish in your climate + for Hedges is found valuable. The corn is I think the
hardest and sweetest grain that I have ever met with, ripened early and is productive.
 Appendix A - 39

1821-5-8 (640/34, Major C. Yancey to JHC)

Forgetfulness is the cause of My not applying sooner for the Southern Chub, which you were so kind to
promise to endeavor to obtain for me, + regret it much; Mr. Wright the bearer is directed to Call upon you
as he goes down to afford you the opportunity of procuring the Fish by his return, under the hope, that they
will not have spawned before I get them as the season is unusually late. I have long noticed that the animal
as well as the vegetable kingdom, is greatly influenced by the seasons; besides many of the Fish may be
small + will not Spawn before the next Season.

1821-5-14 (640/34, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC (JHC at Dr. Barraud’s in Norfolk))

Our pease and strawberries are just getting ready for the table. Of the former, you have already, no doubt,
met with an abundant supply in Norfolk. The latter are probably, less plenty there; and I fear the best of
ours will be gone before you return, especially if the present unfavorable weather should continue many
days longer.

1821-5-18 (640/34, John S. Skinner to JHC)

I take the liberty to send you some Beue [unclear] or Sesaumum [unclear] Seed with a request that you
will have it cultivated, in the hope that its future [torn] may be useful as a material for making superior
salad oil; see 2nd Vol Genl Formans remarks on this subject.

1821-7-8 (640/34, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC)

As to the roots and seeds: I will thank you for cuttings, roots or such part of the large goose berry, as may
be necessary for its propagation. Of the large (Hudson’s May) Strawberry. Sea Kail, and any other rare
and valuable plant or vegetable that can be cultivated in gardens. I have promised two or three persons, a
supply you will therefore if convenient send me a liberal supply with directions for the cultivation and use,
of such as require particular management in the growth or consumption.

1821-7-18 (640/34, List of Articles Purchased at the Sale of John Bowdoin’s Estate)
Included books:
Botanical Terminology
Millers Garden Dictionary

1821-8-2 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary #8 1821, April 1 – 1821, December 8, p. 62)
LMHC arrives at Bremo for the first time as the wife of JHC. She remarks about the pleasantness of the
house and warm reception of the staff, but says nothing of the surroundings of the house (garden, grounds,
etc.)

1821-8-2 (640/192, Diary #8 1821, April 1 – 1821, December 8, p. 65)

In the evening we had a walk to the place where the Cold. people meet for their worship + where my good
dear intends building them a meeting house.

1821-8-9 (640/34, Bernard Peyton to JHC)

Receipt for the purchase of 23 Plant Pots at $0.25
Pots for your flowers are also extremely scarce, insomuch that I could only procure 23 whole ones, with
bottoms, in the City + They are much out of shape + bad sizes.

1821-8-13 (640/34, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC, Norfolk)

…the seed you took from the parcel brought me last by Commodore Porter proves to be the South
American Squash, which promises to become a favorite + valuable member of our Gardens. I eat of it last
year at some Tables here, being introduced them by Dr. Fernandes.
Frank Taylor sent some of the Fruit to our Dear Sister Tayloe who gave it to us admirably
prepared at Table. It was much admired.
The seed which you left as Gourd among Porter’s Collection was put in by our Gardener + it has
proved this Squash. Porter was here last week + I gave him a very fine Squash from this Vine more than 26
Inches in length + large enough for three or four [illegible]. Mrs. Taylor sent me her mode of using it at
 Appendix A - 40

Table, and of preparing it as a preserve in both which uses she holds it very highly. She has made a
Sweetmeat this Season which looks as well as Citron – I shall send you her “Modus Operandi” enclosed.

1821-8-20 (640/34, Helen Read to LHC (Louisa H. Cocke))

I had just got a little fruit for you, and felt sorry that it was too late for Friday’s boat…. Do not think my
Dear Louisa that we will forget your flowers when the right season comes and as for Susan I believe she is
collecting seed from every where she can think of…. I send you one Dozen Pine apples 50 oranges 100
Limes which I beg you will accept of from your Affectionate Mother.
Helen Read
…. I send you… 4 Cocoanuts

1821-8-21 (640/34, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

Our Garden is almost entirely burnt up. I have not yet sewn any turnip seed, nor have I set out a single
cabbage plant for the winter.

1821-9-4 (640/34, O.B. Barraud to JHC)

He writes of a hurricane that has hit Norfolk the day before:
Four fifths of the beautiful poplars + Pride of China Trees which served to beautify the town in a measure,
were laid prostrate. My father’s loss has been probably greater than that of almost any individual…. The
Stone wall along the whole west front was washed down to the foundation, the southern returning end
being uninjured. He computes his loss at $1500. Every Pride of China on the Lot was thrown down, + but
two or three poplars left standing. He has suffered no material loss at his residence, only the two trees at
the dining room window in the garden being down, and some of the enclosure torn to pieces.

1821-12-28 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9)

This day was most mild, clear + beautiful for the season + accompanied by my sons Philp. + Charles I
walked with the greatest ease + pleasure to Recess by the Lower Bremo road…. I returned home in the
carriage…

1822 (5685/3)
A Bill for the Timbers required for Saw Mill house
Receipt for 1 copy of Bautorgs [very unclear] Botany

1822-2-1 (640/36, M.M. Robinson to JHC, Richmond)

I have sent you a bakers dozen of the Madeira, silver oninion. They will be enough to raise a full supply of
seed. Having given some to several other friends, for the same purpose, I could not satisfy your greedy
application for two dozen, without producing severe suffering to my greedy appetite for them. Among
those sent you, I have put one or two of the largest side. Keep the seed of these separate, and observe if the
produce of it be better than that of the smaller ones. This is very much like teaching ones grandmother how
to suck eggs.

1822-2-2 (640/36, Bernard Peyton to JHC)

References buying Cauliflower seed for JHC, costing $1.

1822-2-5 (640/36, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC)

…I have gotten from Ned some Lucern [unclear] and Pepper seeds, which he says are all that you directed
him to save for you. They shall be forwarded, together with the flower seeds which Sally has for Mrs.
Cocke, by the first oppty., to the care of Ellis and Allan, as you request.

1822-2-18 (640/36, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant)
…Your flower roots, + my Brother’s garden seed shall be sent to Richmond by the first opportunity, when
one will offer I cannot say….

1822-2-18 (640/36, Helen Read (LC’s mother) to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

…soon as the weather will permit, Susan will send you every thing out of the Garden that we think you will
want….
 Appendix A - 41

1822-2-19 (640/36, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

I have not yet had an opportunity of sending you seeds +c. to Ellis and Allan, nor do I know when I shall
have one. I will, however, be on the inquiry, and embrace the first that offers. Your request respecting the
plantings of the “pudding potato” shall be attended to. There are none to be had in this neighborhood, but I
shall not neglect to send you the apple and pear cuttings. If an oppty. Should offer in time.

1822-2-23 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 19)

The weather is now most delightful + our garden presents too many attractions to be resisted. I spent 2 or 3
hours in it today with great delight.

1822-2-26 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 20)

Today we had a visit from our friend Col. M. Cary. He found us very busy with our garden, in which I
have amused myself greatly for some days past. We have had some fine spring weather which will soon
bring our vegetation forward. I have always had a relish for the pleasures of gardening but now that we
have so charming a spot I enjoy it more than I ever did.

1822-3-11 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 22)

Today I had the satisfaction of receiving a number of shrubs + flowers from my dear Mother + experienced
an additional pleasure in planting them. Our garden begins to look so beautiful that I experience an
increasing interest in it daily.

1822-3-12 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 23)

With the children I rode to Recess today, + made a first [unclear] collection of shrubs + flowers for our
garden.

1822-3-16 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 20)

Yesterday we enjoyed the finest Spring weather + my husband + I amused ourselves with planting an
hawthorn Althea hedge, + other shrubbery + today we had quite a severe snowstorm, which however
cleared away towards evening.

1822-3-18 (640/36, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC, Liberty)

Dear General,
Enclosed I send Jere [unclear] Bakers directions for the raising [unclear] a standing plant patch.
He assures me that for 30 years it has never failed, and is much more certain than any he’d prepared in the
usual manner. And that this matter is indeed to a certainty by his own experience: The directions were
written down at the bar, and if any essential particular is omitted let me know and put everything into the
form of interrogatories.
Two gentlemen of Franklin have promised to forward the Orange Coloured Honeysuckle for me to
Lynchburg. And I shall write to Mr. Brown to forward it to you. It will afford a beautiful ornament for the
margin of your pond in the garden. If it arrives Miss Louisiana will do the favour to accept it as a present,
and cherish it in remembrance of the donor. If it is not sent I shall if I live pursuit [unclear] in endeavour
to introduce it to your country as a beautiful Specimen of the flowering Shrubs of Virginia and you must
have my name recorded in the annals of your agricultural journals as the benefactor of your country by
introducing the Birdwood apple, first Tasting it, the perennial plant patch, second am [unclear] Jere Baker,
and in your journals relating to matters of ornament and Taste as the In---tor [illegible] of the Orange
Coloured Honeysuckle and more over reward me with a Leather Sandal [unclear]; but I shall claim, and I
have no doubt obtain, a better reward for the latter article: as touching Hugh Wettit I shall banish him to the
ultima [illegible] of my recollection where he will soon perish outright. I have been grievously Tempest
tossed through the winter and the spring promises little rest: but I doubt whether I am not totally
disqualified for any other life.
The Judge indicates commencing operations this Spring and I shall be glad to get his plan and
redeem the land from the reproach of not having a single specimen of decent architecture. Mr. J-s
[Jefferson’s] at Poplar Forest some suppose to be an exception, but, I have heard that his son in law Mr. R.
a man well known for his curious learning in natural History, says it always reminds him of a Tortoise in its
shape and proportions and that has not been considered the most graceful Tribe of animals.
 Appendix A - 42

Present Mrs. P and myself in the kindest terms to the Ladies and [illegible] our best wishes for
yourself.

Perennial Plant Patch. According to Jere Baker

White oak Sand. In a Bend of the Branch. Dwarf Hazles and growth, about 2 feet from the level of the
water. As soon as the plants are drawn, turn in sheep, the more the better, continue them generally through
summer, + autumn, so as to prevent every appearance of vegetation. Burn it in the proper season so as to
turn the ground led [unclear] for and Inch in Depth, dig the ground Deep, and sow the seed. Cover it 4 feet
Deep with branch, and keep it covered until the danger from frost is past. Water it if necessary y throwing
water from [illegible] upon it. And you will have Store [unclear] of plants he had them with 4 leaves on
the 14.”

1822-3-19 (640/36, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

On Wednesday last I put on board of Capt. Crittenden’s vessel (which sailed that day for Richmond) your
cider, contained in 4 barrels, and a small box containing the pear and apple cuttings, your seeds, and some
tulip roots for Mrs. Cocke, which were taken up last fall, and kept in the cellar through the winter. It was
too late to remove them from the ground, or Sally would have sent Mrs. C. more of the tulip, and some of
her hyacinth and other flower roots…. I hope the cider and the box will get to hand safe, and before it is too
late to graft, and to sow the seeds. I wrote to Ellis and Allan and requested they might be forwarded to you
by the first oppty that should offer.
Vegetation has advanced rapidly since March came in, though we had a few days past, some
weather which we apprehended would destroy all our apricots, which were then in full bloom. I believe,
however, they are yet safe. Your pease, I imagine, are quite as forward as ours, which were not sown until
the 16th Feb., and had been up a few days only, when I rec’d your letter….

1822-3-19 (640/36, Helen Read to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

…Your letter to Susan came one hour too late else I should have sent you more Shrubs. I now send you the
egg plant Seed but I am afraid they will make you pay for Them at the Post Office…We have had a host of
Beggars for Flowers. Susan supplied them all for I have not been able to garden much this year…. your
Brother James is still keeps Steady he spends a good deal of his time with your Sister Wilson she finds him
very useful in helping her in her garden…

1822-3-21 (640/36, Ellis and Allan to JHC)

We have your favour by last mail + we thank you for retaining in your hands any balce. that may be due
Mr. P. [Prince] yet as it is an unsettled a/c between us we cannot draw upon him for it until a settlement
between him and our C.E. takes places who the a/c went with, and therefore should you be urged to
settlement with him we cannot pretend to ask of you to visit it.

1822-3-29 (640/36, Randolph Harrison to JHC)

My Artichokes have been so mauled off by the severity of the winter, that they are just now making their
appearance through the decayed leaves. I have no doubt I shall be able to supply you with as many slips as
you want, in the course of the next month.

1822-4-1 (640/36, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant)
I fear you will my dear Sister, be disappointed when you receive the flower roots. I had had all the best put
in the ground, + it was too late to remove them, should I live to see the fall I shall be able to supply you
with Tulips, Hyacinths, Jonquils, + Crown Imperials. My flower beds begin to look very handsome.
My brother tells us in his last letter that you + my dear Louisiana have both made yourselves sick
by working in the garden, but he considers that kind of indisposition as being holesome. I have had a
violent cold for ten days past which I believe I brought on by being too long in the garden after a rain. My
husband has also suffered for several days with a dreadful cold, which I believe he got in the same way- …

1822-4-2 (640/36, Edmund Ruffin to JHC)

This is an extensive letter about chemical soil surveys which ER has performed for JHC. The experiments
are new and their efficacy for aiding agriculture as yet unknown. After a lengthy discussion of the
 Appendix A - 43

characteristics of the various soil samples JHC has sent for analysis, Ruffin asks for feedback as to whether
his results seem in keeping with practical experimentation of the agricultural variety carried out by Cocke.
I fear that you think me very negligent with regard to your letter + specimens of subsoil from the time
which has elapse wince they were received, but indeed I have been so much engaged that I have not had
one day to spend as I pleased, + my answer was delayed with the intention of showing at least some attempt
to give the information required…. But you rate my very small chemical acquirements much too high, + a
reference to the essay which you are pleased to commend, will shew them that I have not pretended to state
the proportion, of any constituent of soils, except calcareous earth, or lime combined with carbonic acid.
My enquiries have been principally directed to that point, & strange as most of the results are, I can most
confidently assert their accuracy…. [Here he goes into a lengthy discussion of Cocke’s specimens,
including chemical composition and particle size analysis. He includes a description of his methods.]
…I feel highly gratified by the favourable opinion which you express of my essay on soils &c. but I should
be still more pleased had you told me how far my novel doctrines appear true, & what your agricultural
knowledge & experience might prove to be doubtful or false. My object is to find the truth, & not to warp
facets to suit a favourite hypothesis. I should feel much obliged to those who would point out to me my
errors, as to those who assent to my opinions, or furnish new facts for their support….

1822-4-12 (640/36, Louisiana Barraud Cocke to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, from Clifton)
How does my garden come on. Tell Nanny she must not pull up the weeds yet, lest she should pull up the
flowers too. Is that poor Multi=flora alive?…

1822-4-13 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 31)

…we were all confined to the house during the day, but in the evening enjoyed a very pleasant walk on the
banks of our Mill Pond.

1822-4-18 (640/36, M.M. Robinson to JHC, Richmond)

I have not been able to obtain any seed of “the sweet scented vernal grass”, for your rib [he uses this
expression occasionally, meaning Cocke’s wife, Louisa]. I regret it, for she must, in justice to me, believe,
I would, if I could. You, who know me better than she does, will not doubt the fact, I state in my defence.

1822-4-22 (640/36, Helen Read (Mother) to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

…Dear Louisa shurely if I judge by myself with such a garden as you have you must feel happy and
Contented then when all your other Comfort is added to it shurely my Dear Louisa it is a great Comfort to
you….
PS [from her niece] Dear Aunt I could not procure you any London Pride Louisa has got all of it and mine
got destroyed by a Cat else you should have had it before this time….

1822-4-24 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 33)

I felt indisposed in the afternoon, + took a walk in the garden with the family….

1822-4-27 (640/36, Major C. Yancey to JHC, Buckingham)

Dsir, Mr. Wright, the bearer who left some barrells with one of your overseers the last Spring, for the
purpose of bringing me up some Southern-Chub, will call upon you again for some, which I shall
thankfully receive if not puting you to too much trouble – I hope you are again restored to good health.

1822-4-29 (5685/3, LBC (daughter of JHC) to JHC, Jr.)

We have been little discouraged about our flower gardens the seed have come up so badly, owing I suppose
to the unfavourable weather, but now is the time for gardening. We had a fine rain on saturday which will
be of service to all the crops. The garden looks as nice as possible almost and if we had a prospect of fruit
would be much more delightful. I will bet anything that it was Uncle Cabell who has been slandering our
sweet little fish pond. It has a plenty of water in it and a plenty of fish too, for aught he knows, for when
Papa had the sein hauled he could not ascertain well how many fish were in it, the pond was so full of
briers as to break the sein.

1822-4-29 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 35)

 Appendix A - 44

Our garden had been in so forward a state as to promise us pease today, + in that expectation our friends
were invited to partake of them. All our pea plants however were blighted by a most-severe frost which
killed or greatly injured every thing. All the little remains of fruit were entirely destroyed, to our great
sorrow….

1822-5-14 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 41)

…enjoyed with us a pleasant walk in our garden, which is now affording us a great many luxuries – such as
peas, strawberries, +c.

1822-5-21 (640/33, Accounts + Business Papers)

Memorandum of Work done during the absence of Gen. J.H. Cocke by T. Walter & Hands:
finished about 3 o’clock sawed 308 feet 5am commenced the grapes rails…

1822-5-23 (640/185, Bills, Receipts, etc.)

Nursery advertisement from Joshua Peirce, location unknown

1822-6-3 (640/36, Ann B. Cocke to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, from Bremo)

Tell Charley [Charles Cary Cocke] that his Garden comes on verry well. I have set out the Prenses feather
as you requested me. Your sweet scented peas are in bloom. I have got some of your flower seed….

1822-6-13 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 68)

…The old lady received me kindly + treated us to a fine melon + some very fine pears [unclear] which
were very grateful the weather being extremely warm….

1822-6-18 (640/36, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC, Liberty)

…Our Sea Kale failed entirely but of the seed I retained but two came up and they have been destroyed.
To that I must ask for a new supply, as also of some other garden seeds of which Mrs. Gilmer will make a
memorandum. The large Goose and Strawberry are wanting in the gardens of this part of the country. I
wish as the proper season for you to send me some of each….

1822-6-18 (640/36, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant)
… there was the most severe thunderstorm they ever experienced…. One of the poplars in the yard was
struck…. the wind was very heavy and destroyed a great deal of fruit…. I sincerely wish I could send you
all some of our Apricots I have never seen the trees as full, some of them are [illegible] + very fine
indeed…”

1822-7-22 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 73)

I enjoyed a pleasant ride on horseback with [illegible], Phil + Charles, this afternoon to Recess, where we
enjoyed ourselves with grapes + peaches…

1822-7-26 (640/36, Randoph Harrison to JHC, Clifton)

We are now suffering under one of the most distressing droughts I ever witnessed. A few days more, + our
prospects will be [illegible]. Our dependence for vegetables is upon the corn almost entirely. The last
vegetable we had left in the garden was beats, + they are dying daily. The lima beans are green, but fill
very badly. Our black eyed peas, are withered, hard, + tasteless….

1822-8-30 (640/37, Mrs. Virginia Cary to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

I send up according to arrangement, to let the Gen. Know that I am in readiness to receive his despatches
for Albemarle, (as I contemplate commencing my journey tomorrow morning), & will with pleasure take
charge of the fruit for Mr. Jefferson, & any other commands he may honour me with, to use a diplomatic
phrase.
[She also says she sends a pair of guinea fowls – that they are good for eating.]

1822-9-12 (640/37, J. Gibbons to JHC, Richmond)

[Letter very poorly written and quite difficult to read]
 Appendix A - 45

…that I can suggest The Cistern I built in my garden (which is perfectly tight) some pains was taken with it
being an experiment to prove its quality + has succeeded so far; the water was put in it in 48 hours after
finishing, [illegible] is sooner than is proper – mine is laid in loose brick for the bottom, the joints filled in
with the mortar + then another layer of brick, well wetted, + the mortar laid in as is [illegible] in good brick
work, the whole well troweled + a coat of the mortar laid on the bottom + the sides; if after tis finished it is
left a week before water is let on it it will sett better….

1822-9-24 (640/37, Susan Maxwell (niece) + Mary J. Payne to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Norfolk)
…I have a very fashionable Flower Caled the Madagascar Periwinkle, its Colour is a beautiful pink. Mrs.
Harris sent two of them two us one for Louisa and the other for myself. I have been saving some of the
seeds for you. I am sure you will be pleased with it. I have collected all the seed that I possibly could get.
I wish you were here to see the Chinaasters we have got in the greatest variety that I ever saw we have got
the pink, purple, blue, an the pearl colour.
When the right season comes all your shrubs shall be sent up and as many more as I can get.
Grandmama requested me to tell you that she would have sent all the things by Mrs. Taylor but expecting
Uncle William would have left us much sooner than he intends to do she left a part for him to carry, he
leaves here on the 2nd of October if nothing happens to prevent him.
-Susan Maxwell

1822-9-24 (640/37, Susan Maxwell (niece) to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

…Cousin Rebecca has sent me the Cape Jessamine and she says that her yellow rose is so small that she
does not like to brake it. You offered me a periwinkle which I should like very much but I think the
distance is quite too great too send for it. I should not like to trouble Uncle William with it. Aunt Sally’s
Magnolia is dead but she is in hopes that it will sprout up from the roots….

1822-9-25 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 80)

After a very long + severe drought, we were favored today with a considerable fall of rain, + the
appearance of some days continuance of it.

1822-9-26 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 80)

Mr. W.G. came to see us today, + in the evening we were able to take a short walk through the garden, but
it had continued to rain in heavy showers throughout the day.

1822-9-27 (640/37, Peachy R. Gilmer to JHC, Liberty)

Mrs. G has not yet made out her list of seeds, but will in time for planting in the Spring. Greens this winter
will be a great matter but it will be too late before I can get them; for any species whatever: I [illegible]:
The double or curled Kail is a pretty plant, and I suppose as good as the common for the Table. If you can
supply me anything to keep up the end in the winter, it will be highly acceptable, but I fear the season will
be too far advanced, before I get supplied. Our cabbages have sustained a total overthrow during the
drought. The people of the Mountains have apples, which the Dutch boil for greens, Sweetening,
especially, with Bacon, and they are better than nothing….

1822-10-3 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 82)

Was very busy this afternoon in preparing boxes of shrubs for Sister F + S [L?] M. to go down with aunt
Aggy tomorrow.

1822-10-8 (640/37, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

…If we can meet with any oppty. we shall be able to send you two or three barrels of Gileses, and,
perhaps, a few Pippins [apples]. I wish you had some of our fine pears, which are now in perfection, and
which are a great treat to us, as I am sure they would be to you.
Sally had a dish of our salt-water fish for dinner yesterday, which she says was as far superior to
your chub, as the best Green Tea is to the Common Black.

1822-10-9 (640/37, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Garden)

On looking over my papers I have found a letter from you dated 2nd Aug 1819 – which as I have
no recollection of ever answering I now conclude to do. You ask me for a list of the most valuable
 Appendix A - 46

Peaches, Plums, Cherries + the complete circle of Pears. If you still wish this information I will as soon as
I have from you give it you at full length.
We have the genuine Drap d’or such as you got from my father – the Egg Plum is nothing like it.
The Yellow Egg is also called the White Magnum bonum, White Imperial or Mogul Plum – the Drap d’or
is the Mirabelle double of France or Cloth of Gold Plum – The fact is Mr. Benjmn Prince is not a
connoisseur in fruits + has never made it a study as he was formerly in partnership with me + then never
took an active part in the business – he however I know would not make an error intentionally – I have the
Cedar of Lebanon – English Evergreen Oak, both small + the Larch of any size you wish. I have 1500
Orange, Limon , Citron Shaddock + Lime trees of 26 kinds – price $2 ½ to $3 ½ - if you wish I will send
you one of my new Catalogues of 140 pages, including 30 pages of Treatise on cultivation {My collection
occupies 24 acres, that of Benjmn Prince 6 acres-}

1822-10-12 (640/37, Mark Harnsey to JHC, Mine Run, Orange)

He declines the pleasure of performing a survey for JHC in the County of Fluvanna due to his failing
health.

1822-10-29 (640/37, N. Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

On Thursday last I put on board a vessel from this neighborhood the apples I promised you (4 Barrels, a
box contain [illegible – torn] things from Sally to Mrs. Cocke, and also a basket of flower [torn] of the
Apples, 2 barrels were Giles’s, 1 Pippins and [torn] 1 Salmons, + a white apple, fit only for cooking. The
Salmons will be eatable towards the end of the winter. They were sent to the care of Col. Peyton, to whom
I wrote requesting they might be forwarded to you by an early oppty. I would advise you to have the
apples all taken out if the barrels, carefully assorted , and wiped dry (for I imagine you will find them in a
sweat) and then put back in the barrels, which have headed up again, leaving out what you may want for
immediate use. This precaution may be necessary as they were gathered whilst the weather was very
warm, which I was compelled to do, or run the risk of losing them altogether.
The chance for your getting in stock of the Summer-ducks from this neighborhood is at an end for
this year, certainly: But I will new my efforts to procure some for you the next summer….

1822-11-11 (640/37, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Mount Pleasant)
I hope you have received the things sent to Richmond by Paul Jones before this. The rest of the shrubs +
roots shall be sent by the next opportunity which will be I expect by the middle pf the month. I suppose
you know the different roots, the first I sent were Tulips & fair_maids. I will send you with the shrubs,
Hyathins + Pionies + Jonquils, please send to Mrs. Woodson a dozen of each kind.
We have had the most delightful weather ever since we got home that I ever experienced at this
season. It really appears as if I had enjoyed a second summer. We never had the slightest frost until the
first night in Nov. almost everything in the garden looks like summer. I have a great many flowers in
perfection, to give you some Idea of the beauty of some of my rose bushes I will tell you that I counted 26
beautiful buds on one of the monthly rose bushes yesterday. + we have tomatoes in great plenty….

1822-11-11 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 95)

…the weather was remarkably fine + we all enjoyed ourselves in gardening, sister F. having sent us some
flower roots – as well as several barrels of apples + different kinds of preserves, a most acceptable present
to us in such a scarce year as the last has been for all fruit.

1822-11-26 (640/37, Nicholas Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

The weather has been very favourable to health, it having been, by far, the warmest fall I have ever known.
We have, as yet, had but two frosts here, and both of them the latter part of October. Neither seemed to
give much check to vegetation. Several of our roses bushes are now in bloom – our tomatoes in perfection
– the Lima beans (among the tenderest of our vegetables) still bearing and, indeed, our garden generally
wearing more the appearance of September than the last of November….
I am glad to hear that you are about to re-establish the school at Bremo-Recess….
I sent, last week to the care of Col. Peyton for you some shrubs from our garden, your Cherry-
Cheek wilding, a sugar-maple tree, and a barrel + a keg. The keg contained half a dozen bottles of
gooseberries + some flower roots from Sally to Mrs. Cocke. And the barrels contained potato plantings for
 Appendix A - 47

you, two sorts, one very little inferior to the Barbados potato, commonly known by the name of the Farm,
which you have been so long anxious to get; but it ought not to be used until after it is cellared. The other
is the Pumpkin Spanish. It is probable that you have neither of these varieties in your part of the Country.
They are all raised from cuttings of the vine, and I have put up two or three larger ones of each sort, to
shew you to what size they will grow with us when raised in this way.

1822-12-10 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 100)

Was very busy today in setting out roots + shrubs sent me by our good sister Faulcon. Our weather has
changed again from the rigour of winter to all the mildness of Spring.

c. 1823 (5685/20, Survey Book of Bremo – JHC, Jr. (date unknown) binder made from newspaper dated
1823)
Contains plots and survey notations for several fields at the Bremo complex.
Notations (column headings): Sta / Courses / Dis. / N / S / E / W / 1st Dep. Column / 2nd Dep. Column /
North Areas / South Areas
Fields annotated: Low Ground No. 1 (no plot); Low Grounds No. 2; scratch sheet; Low Grounds No. 3;
Low Grounds No. 4; Low Grounds No. 5; Low Ground No. 6 (with pencil sketched annotations); Second
Low Grounds to No. 2 (containing Garden, Farm Yard, Orchard, +c.) (no plot); Second Low Ground to
No. 3; Second Low Ground to No. 4; Second Low Ground to No. 5; High Land No. 8 (noted on plot: Lower
Gate, Persimmon Tree, Mill Gate, road to B. Recess, road to Lower B., Garden Spring); High Land No. 9;
table of notations without label; High Land above the creek; Bremo Recess; table without label.

1823 (640/33, 1829-1823, Receipts)

Books Purchased, including Seed, man & Gardr

1823-1-17 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 108)

The weather today had all the mildness + brightness of the Spring, + with Louisiana, I enjoyed a very
pleasant walk. We first made a visit to Mrs. Bates, Carpenter’s wife, agreeable to my husband’s wish, then
went to the new mill, + afterwards to the garden.

1823-2-10 (640/38, N. Faulcon to JHC, Mount Pleasant)

Just before I recd. Your letter, I had put up the garden seeds I promised you, to be sent to your friends Col.
Peyton, by the captain of a vessel which was to sail on the next day (Friday) for Richmond. The sudden
change in the weather, however, determined the Captain not to venture up the river, fearing his vessel
might be blocked up by the ice. He says he shall go as soon as he thinks it will be safe for him to do so. If
Col. Peyton should meet with a ready conveyance for the seeds, they will probably reach you as soon as it
will be prudent to put them in the ground. I sowed some Early York, lettuce, and other seeds soon after I
retd. from Richmond. They will all probably be lost, as well as our pease, which were just beginning to
shew themselves above ground, when the severe freeze set in. Had it kept off but a few days longer they
would have been safe.

1823-3-1 (640/38, I. Kirkpatrick to JHC, Langhorne’s Tavern)

If I recollect aright when you were in Cumberland, you promised me a few cuttings of the Seckle Pear for
the purpose of Grafting. I am very desirous to obtain that description of fruit. The time for grafting now
approaches, and I have watched with anxiety some favourable opportunity of sending to you for the
Cuttings but none has occurred. Would it Sir be inconvenient to put me up a few of the Seckle Pear, and
also a few of one or two of your choicest Apple, in a very small box, prepared particularly to the
dimensions of the cuttings…. The cuttings disposed in a small box directed to Langhorne’s Tavern,
Cumberland, Via Cartersville, and placed in the Stage office, in N. Canton would reach me in a few days.

1823-3-8 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 121)

The weather has been delightful for the last 2 days + I have had the pleasure of spending a good deal of my
time in the garden….

1823-3-17 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 124)

 Appendix A - 48

…+ in the afternoon had time to garden a little, an occupation which affords me great amusement at this
season.

1823-3-18 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 125)

My gardening yesterday gave me a cold which made me very unwell all day, yet not so much so as to
prevent my indulging a little today in the same pleasure but with more moderation.

1823-3-24 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 126)

… I went with my little ones into the garden, the weather being very inviting, + worked myself almost sick.
I was too much fatigued to write to N. as I intended to have done.

1823-3-27 (640/38, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Botantic Garden)

1 Box + 1 Bundle, Bought of William Prince
2 English Evergreen Oak
*4 Norway Spruce, a beautiful Evergreen grows well on poor land
2 Drap d’or Plum
2 Green Gage
2 Cherry
6 Isabella Grape (same as mentioned by Genl Swift, +c.)
2 Cape Jasmin
2 Azorian Sweet Do
2 Seckle Pears
1 Orange Peach
1 Yellow Rareripe Do
2 Dwf Pears fine sorts on Quince stocks
Total: $18.50
*added instead of Cedar of Lebanon as my plants of the latter are not over 9 inches to a foot high –

D’Sir, Your favor of 24th Febry at hand + I have now shipd to Mr. Heron as per annex’d Invos for you
which I hope will reach you in good condition. My Cedar of Lebanon being very small I thought they
would not please you – I therefore have added 4 Norwary Spruce a very beautiful Evergreen in their place –
Another year I hope to be able to supply larger plants of the Cedar of Lebanon – I have added a few fruit
Trees of fine kinds – In all cases I shall use my best [torn] to serve you.
{The amount can be paid to Mr. Heron when convenient}

1823-4-12 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 130)

Today we had the satisfaction of receiving in good order a number of trees + some ornamental shrubs
which my husband had written to Prince for. It was a great pleasure for us to arrange + set them out + the
season being unusually favorable, our gardening operations consequently are attended with more than
common entertainment to us.

1823-4-15 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted grapes on each side of the pepper [unclear] tree from Chief Justice Marshalls garden. An
evergreen oak near the garden pond, a Norway Spruce on the same walk – to be called the Evergreen walk

1823-4-16 (640/38, James Heron to JHC)

A bundle of fruit trees marked “MP”, intended for Dr. Mann Page of Albemarle, was by mistake sent along
with yours, and being fearful that the season is now too far advanced, to have the mistake rectified, I will
take it as a favour if you will them planted out till the fall, when the Dr. will send for them. I list of them is
enclosed.

1823-4-18 (640/38, John Cowper to JHC, Norfolk)

I procured from Jamaica, a few weeks since a very small quantity of the Guinea Grass Seed, of which so
much has been said, and with a view that an exclusive trial should be made, have distributed it, where I
thought it would have the fairest chance of success. I send herewith a small parcel of this seed. I have not
added any description of it, or mode of cultivation, being satisfied that you are much better acquainted with
 Appendix A - 49

both that I am. The 2nd Vol. of the American Farmer has I am told a full account of this Grass: there is in
the Norfolk Herald of this day, some account of it.

1823-4-21 (640/38, Wm. Boatwright to JHC, Richmond)

I have sent you by the boat 3blls [barrels] potatoes + 1 bll. Peas. The potatoes are of the blue kind which I
hope upon tryal will be found to be of most excellent Quality. Should you prefer the Yellow Potatoe I will
send them as soon as they can be had that are of good Quality but the blue ones are much the best for the
table use I do assure you, be so good as to let me here from you whether you will want any more potatoes
and of which kind.

1823-4-22 (640/38, Mrs. Sally Faulcon to Mrs. Louisa Cocke)

…I suppose your Garden is now very handsome, Mr. Cabell told us you had made a great many
improvements about it. From the present prospect we may expect a plenty of fruit. The Apricots will in a
few days be fit for use. I wish I could keep some back until you come, before that time they will be too
large for tarts….

1823-4-25 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 9, p. 132)

Nothing was ever more flourishing than our beautiful garden yesterday our pease all podded , + all the
vegetables of the season progressing rapidly. The prospect of fruit of all kinds particularly gave us the
highest pleasure. The trees + vines were literally covered with blossoms + young fruit. But all this fair
show seemed but intended to mock us. Last night the weather suddenly changed, a severe frost ensued, +
all our fair hopes were crushed at once. Twas more than I could bear with Christian patience….

1823-5-10 (640/38, Mrs. Louisa Cocke to JHC)

…there was a smart frost last night, with some ice… [I] feel myself sadly out of order at the injury my
shrubs have sustained, + the probably damage the fruit may have received…
Tuesday Morning: The weather is quite cold this morning, but I believe there is no frost. Peter thinks the
garden escaped any injury from that of the night before. Mr. Skinner has sent you about a tablespoon of
Egyptian Millet Seed. If you wish it sowed before you return, send me such directions as you think
necessary.

1823-5-15 (640/38, George Love to JHC, Cotland, Fauquier County)

So far as human calculation can extend I think it will be in my power to serve you and more especially if
you can have it in your power to obtain or if there should be a prospect of obtaining others Jobs of
surveying in that section of [torn] state that could be done during the trip. But as to the Costs which will
depend upon the stile in which you wish the work done. If you should wish it done in the best manner in
the field and a map handsomely executed it would be best to employ me by the day, my terms by the day
has heretifore been 5$ but as your survey will be a considerable one the price will be reduced some. If the
work is done in the common way (by which the surveyor never makes any allowance for the unevenness of
the ground nor does he make any allowance in the courses or bearings for local attractions and other
variations.) the terms for this kind of work you will find in the revised Code the fee allowd. by law to
Surveyors but owing to the fallacious result of this method I but seldom practice it. Although it would be
most profitable to me and is almost the universal practice of the State. You mention that You wish the
work done about midsummer, this will not be so good a season being somewhat of a bilious habit I would
prefer the execution of the work at an earlier period, or to defer it until Autumn. I should prefer doing it in
June as it is possible I may be compeld. to make a trip in the fall to Kentuckey. It would afford me a good
deal of pleasure to give your son any practical information in my power, which cannot be effectually done
as you have correctly conceived. But by illustrations in the field, and it would be but an agreeable vacation
perhaps for him to attend at any time. It will be of importance to have good chain bearers: finding by
experience that the most of chainmen are careless, I now generally take my servants with me who are very
accurate and attentive, but the distance from this to Buckingham is perhaps too far to take them. If
however it should be your wish I can do so, and in that event will be enabled to bring with me two sets of
instruments [torn] of them very complete, which will be of essential service to your Son as he will have it
in his power to follow on with me and compare his work with mine….
 Appendix A - 50

1823-6-2 (640/38, Mrs. Louisa Cocke to JHC)

…Mrs. Herron called on me yesterday on the way from the Chapel + gave me a very pressing invitation to
visit her at Plumesville where she says she spends at least two thirds of her time. I am very much afraid I
shall be tempted to beg her for some flower or other, + if I do, I think I’ll bite my tongue for it
afterwards….

1823-7-6 (640/38, Account Book of JHC, Travels from Norfolk to Niagara (along the Erie Canal))
Garden tools for L - $18.00

1823-9-18 (5685/21, Daybook 1823)

Memo: Agreed with Mr. Brooks for Recess, the next year. That is the Dwelling House, Kitchen + Offices
including the two pise buildings. The Gardens the Lawn + Grove. The lawn not to be broken up and the
fruit trees threron to be protected amidst stock – and in case of another disastrous year to our fruit on the
River. To be equally interested with Mr. B. in the fruit of every kind in the Garden and in the Lawn. I, in
that case send a hand to trim + cultivate the trees. The grass to be renew’d around in the broken windows +
the inclosures to be repair’d around the Lawn + the Gardens. Mr. Brooks to have the privilege of getting
fuel subject to my directions. For the above the said Brooks to pay at the end of the year Seventy five
dollars.

1823-11-6 (640/27, Inventories and Various Memoranda 1818 to 1825)

Sow’d half a bushel of Early Mexican Wheat on ¼ of Acre of the Garden – patatoe Ground…

1823-11-8 (640/38, N. Faulcon to JHC)

…thank you for recollecting the Strawberry + Fig plants, which I shall value very much….

1823-12-3 (5685/21, Daybook 1823)

To one padlock to [illegible] House lot….the rails around Garden + Yard at Up. Bremo Old House burnt

1823-12-27 (640/38, Louisiana B. Cocke to Mrs. Louisa B. Cocke, Richmond)

…I am glad you opened Aunt Mary’s letter for you saw that she wants some celery + beet seed and I hope
Papa will bring them down with him if he can recollect them.

1824 (640/38, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

I shall send you the seed you require in Time. No Cauliflower to depend on has come lately to Market.
Galt expects I owe him a short [illegible] I thank you for the offer of the Strawberries but I don’t cultivate
such Fruit. What shall I do with my Peach Trees to defend them against the Worm?

1824-1-12 (ChasC to JHC, Jr.)

…Papa has moved your colt into the lot above the carriage house….

1824-3-4 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 10, p. 14)

The weather was delightful today + Louisiana + I enjoyed a pleasant walk to the great rock….

1824-3-7 (640/38, Mrs. S. Harrison to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Clifton)

…I have been looking out for some opportunity to send you the apricots I promised you ever since they
were large enough for tarts, and am now afraid they will be too old in a day or two so I send them by the
stage which I hope will not be injured by the journey: we have had such a fine season that I expect you
have as many apricots as are here…. Do let me know how the apricots stand the ride…

1824-3-8 (640/38, Dr. P. Barraud to JHC)

I sent you some Cauliflower + some Early York Seed last week to Mr. Peyton. I had waited for an arrival
some Time by which seeds are expected from England but decided to wait no longer. I will send you more
Cauliflower if they come…. You have obliged me by your Notice of the Management of the Peach Trees.
We are working on them today. My Sea Kale is up + tho’ reduced in size of Crop will soon by fat for the
Table. I field thy plant inquiries ensuing oftener than I wish.
 Appendix A - 51

1824-3-11 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 10, p. 15)

The weather has been most delightful today + I have enjoyed myself greatly in working among my flowers.

1824-3-20 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Planted three locusts to shade the Western coverd way

1824-4-3 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 10, p. 20)

…went to gardening in which I found great pleasure…

1824-5-10 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 10, p. 27)

Great was my consternation this morning to find there had been a smart frost over night, many of my
shrubs suffered by it. I was not a little put out of spirits by it….

1824-5-13 (640/38, JHC to Mrs. Louisa Cocke, Richmond)

Tell Peter to sow the Millet seed in some good piece of ground in the Garden. For the quantity of seed pr.
acre, you will see directions by referring to the Amer. Farmer by the index, and then proportion the piece of
ground in the Garden to the Quantity of seed, by the simple Rule of Three…. I have heard of Strawberries
here but have eaten none.

1824-5-17 (640/38, Mrs. Louisa Cocke to JHC, Bremo)

The weather has been so chilly that the fruit seems make but little progress. The strawberries have very
little appearance of ripening yet. We had pease for the first time, last Saturday. On looking into the Farmer
for instructions about the Millet, I found it was to be sowed in June, + therefore thought it best to wait till
you came home when you could have it done agreeable to your own wishes.

1824-5-24 (640/38, Mrs. Cocke to JHC, Bremo)

Our Strawberries are just beginning to ripen, as you may guess by the first page of this. With what you
have had at M. Pleasant + what you are likely to get at home, I think you will have enough for one year.

1824-7 (5685/22, Ledger, 1823-1825)

Mention thefts at the barn from Watermen. Water House [at the Mill], Coach House, Cistern, Mill

1824-12-7 (640/42, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Garden, NY)

Dsir,
Knowing the Interest you take in adding valuable fruits to your Collection I now send you those Mentioned
below of which I beg your acceptance – I noticed after your last Invc. From here was ship’d that my son
has made an alteration in pencil + that the Drap D’or charged in that Bill should have been Diaper or
Diapreé plum - + I have been on the point frequently since of advising you of the Circumstance but my
hurry has prevented. I am making the most extensive + expensive exertions to prove every new fruit +
have bearing trees of all those that I have for some time cultivated. I have 80 new varieties of Plums – just
from France - Your Servant, the highest Respect –
Wm. Prince
The Role of Trees sent to Mr. Jas Heron to forward to you
1- Drap D’or Plum
1- a new French Do.
1- Freestone Heath (Peach)
1- Columbia (Peach)
1- White Malacoton
1- Late Admirable
1- True Pavié de Pompon of France (Peach)
1- Gross Cassante [unclear] Almond from France
1- Juane Lisse Nectarine
1- Cornelian Cherry
1- Princes new St. Germain Pear, a seedling
1- Do. Chinquapin – a hybrid between Comn Wild Chinquapin + Spanish Chesnut
 Appendix A - 52

c. 1825 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Included with the turkeys sent to Lafayette
He also sent some seed of the Robinea or Virginia Locust ‘The finest tree in ours forests for the rapidity of
its growth, the duration of its timber’ + not only tolerates, but positively cherishing the finest turf under its
shade….

1825 (640/27, Inventories and Various Memoranda 1818 to 1825)

Lower Quarter, Recess: House lot, Spring Garden Quarter, Up. Bremo: Mill field, Tobacco Garden lot

1825 (5685/3)
List of Carpenters’ Work:
mentioned: Overseer’s House, Icehouse,

1825 (5685/21, Memo Book, Cover)

List of Fruit
2 Large Early Red
2 Old Mixon
2 Pine Apple Clings
2 Red Cheek Malagaton
2 Kenadas Clingstone
2 Orange
4 White Blossom
2 Green Catherine
2 Late Purple
2 Large Lemmon
4 Heath
2 Blood

1825-1 (640/33, 1820-1854, Accounts, etc, Receipts)

Rent for Little Spring Garden, account of John M. Rie [unclear], owes $58.00 rent.

1825-3-25 (640/38, Randolph Harrison to JHC)

You underrate yourself when you speak so lightly of your talent for + attention to your garden. Indeed I
think it a very valuable trait in the character of a farmer and have just been emulating you by a strict
attention to it in the absence of my wife, when I find I am getting out of fashion. You must really
reconsider the matter, to not cart me off just as I am becoming a promising pupil. I have searched every
place where I think it probable my wife keeps her white mustard seed, + can find none, I fear it was all used
in her pickles.

1825-9-3 (5685/3, Deed)

One Certain lot of parcel of Land lying in the aforesaid County of Fluvanna [illegible] adjoining the Lot is
a parcel of Land lately sold by the said Leary [unclear] to the said John H. Cocke, Thos W. Omohrandro
[unclear] + John Winns [unclear] as Trustees for the Subscribers to the House for poublick worship + now
built the room called the Fork Union Church and bounded as follows to Wit. Beginning at the North West
corner of the said Lot on the poublick called Bryants Road and following the said road 8.04 to a white oak
in the line of William Collet thence by said Collets line near the Spring to another white oak 80 in said
Collets [unclear] line +c, +c, according to the Courses and distances in a Survey attached hereunto made
by John H. Cocke’s and containing two acres and six tenths adjoining the western side of said meeting
House lot.

1825-10-15 (640/45, Wm. Prince to JHC, Linnean Garden, NY)

Dsir,
Your very polite letter of Jany 24 recd, but the Box was never recd which contained the Grape Cuttings
never could be obtained as Genl Swifts note stating by what vessel they were sent was not sent till the
 Appendix A - 53

vessel was gone. It is therefore this Delay that caused their loss. But I am equally gratified to you as if I
had recd them – for the future if you send the Box to Doctor Norton Richmond or to James Herron of same
place, all will come right + I will be highly pleased to receive some more. I have innoculated this fall some
very celebrated fruits wholely new to our Country + next season will send you some of these new varieties
to test them.
I send you my Catalogue of 1825 by this Days mail –
With much Respect
Wm. Prince
+ Wm. Robt. Prince

1825-12-17 (5685/3)
Full list of livestock and plantation utencils (ploughs, etc)
Also list of inhabitants. Includes Gardener Peter + Family

1826 (640/33, 1820-1854, Accounts, etc, Receipts)

… work done on the School House near the New Church…
… work on Green House, putting up China railing making Mineral press [unclear]…

1826-3-14 (640/46, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Botanic Garden, Flushing, Long Island, NY)
Dsir,
Yours of 8th of Feby at hand + I have Shipd as annexd in one Box to Mr. James Heron who will forward it
to you – the Grape you speak of will be particularly acceptable. Please send it soon as the season advances.
The collection of new fruit all of which are select kinds will exceed five Hundred Kinds + I will send you a
Catalogue of them soon as printed. Your plants of Eng. Hawthorn must be all of one sex. I meant to have
included bearing plants in your Invoice, but forgot it + next fall will send them. The Female Japan
Mulberry, the Tartarian Mulberry + the Tanners Sumack I had sold all the plants I could spare but they can
be sent in the fall. I have five or seven species of Basket Willow including every one used for such
purposes in England. Whether one is what you term Pack Thread Willow I know not. I will make some
enquiry.
Yours with Much Respect,
Wm Prince
The amt of Bill please pay when convenient to Jas Heron.

2 Cedar of Lebanon
2 European Savin. (unclear – could be Larix)
2 American live Oaks
2 Span. Cork trees
2 large black European Mulberry
2 Keans Imperial (Strawberry)
2 large Downton (Strawberry)
2 Knights No. 14 (Strawberry)
2 New Hautboy (Strawberry)
1 large red (Carnation)
1 “ white (Carnation)
1 Incomparable (Carnation)
1 Emperor (Carnation)
1 dbl. White Musk Rose
1 dbl. Striped Camelia
2 English Basket Willows

1826-3-24 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 11, p. 71)

I have been occupied almost entirely in the garden during this week, the indisposition of our dear Sally
affording me more leisure than usual. Today we had quite a severe storm which did us some damage. The
plastering in the green Room falling upon the Citron tree broke about half of it down loaded with fruit. The
rails on the terrace were prostrated and a great deal of fencing destroyed.
 Appendix A - 54

1826-4-5 (640/49, Day Book, 1826-27)

Trees received from Prince

1826-5-6 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 11, p. 82)

Today I have not been very well + after amusing myself a little in the green House + garden, I set down to
write Louisiana….

1826-7-6 (5685/3, List of goods shipped to JHC: Richmond)

…and two bundles peach scions…

1826-8-1 (640/48, Broadside Announcing W. Prince’s Linnean Botanic Gardens)

Linnean Botanic Garden, New York, August 1,1826
This establishment commenced about the middle of last century, is already well known for the
great extent of its Botanic acquisitions, as well in Exotic and Native Fruits, of all the various kinds, as for
its large collection of Trees, Plants, and Flowers, calculated for ornament only: and the Proprietor feeling
anxious still farther to promote its advancement, and to extend its intercourse and usefulness, deems the
present moment peculiarly propitious, when so many persons of both sexes are making Botany the subject
of their investigation and study; to solicit the attention and aid of persons of science and taste throughout
the world.
The Botanic Garden which covers an extent of about thirty acres, together with the capacious
Green and Hot-houses attached thereto, contains above eight thousand species and varieties of Trees and
Plants; and from its being the most extensive in America, and forming the source of distribution of
thousands of Exotic and Native productions annually, to every part of the world, and to every State I the
Union; it may be justly considered as a National Institution.
The location of this Garden may also, on all accounts be considered, the most eligible in the
United States being situated on an Island, which for its fertility has been denominated “The Eden of the
Union,” with a proximity to the Ocean, tending greatly to ameliorate the climate, and in the immediate
vicinity of the largest commercial city in America, thus deriving at once from these various sources, the
combined advantages of climate, fertility, and of intercourse with every quarter of the world.
This establishment has also the advantage of not being founded on that evanescent basis which so
often attends institutions of the kind, but has been already perpetuated during more than seventy years, with
a constant increase in every department, and with every prospect that its continuance will be permanent.
This permanence gives to all those who may favor the Proprietor with contributions of rare Plants, or Seeds
from distant places, the assurance that their respective donations will receive such care and attention to
their culture, as will render them most useful to our country and beneficial to the world at large, who will
participate in the distribution.
It must be obvious to every one, that an establishment so extensive, cannot be supported without
an immense expenditure, to meet which, the Proprietor depends much on the sales which are made of the
various productions.
The collections of Fruits, of all the most celebrated kinds, is at present equal to any in the world;
and the several departments of Hardy Ornamental Trees and Plants, Bulbous Flowers, Green-house Plants
&c., &c., are exceeded by few. It has also been a consideration of particular interest with the Proprietor,
and one which must equally interest every American, to concentrate as far as possible all the indigenous
vegetable productions of our own country, as everything is doubly interesting when emanating from a
region, the riches of whose flora has been but partially developed to the world, and in this he has been
seconded by many gentlemen of Botanic taste throughout our Republic.
Catalogues of the whole collections may be obtained in almost every capital city in Europe and
South America, and in the different cities and large towns of the United States, where agencies have been
established; or by direct application to the Proprietor, by mail, or otherwise; and he will be gratified to
receive the patronage of those who may wish to forward orders for the various productions of the
establishment.
But with Gentlemen of science and leisure the Proprietor desires also to cultivate an intercourse of
a different nature, and solicits the attention of those who reside in distant places to contribute to the
establishment, by sending him such Seeds of the most interesting Trees and Plants, as can be obtained in
their respective localities. Roots also of rare Bulbous Flowers, especially those which are natives of
 Appendix A - 55

warmer climates will be particularly acceptable, and by being packed in close boxes, filled with fresh sand,
may be transported with perfect safety. These contributions the Proprietor proposes to fully reciprocate by
a return of such Plants and Seeds as may be deemed most interesting and acceptable to them.
To this friendly interchange proposed to the world at large, he solicits particularly the attention of
persons living in the more remote regions of the United States. All contributions will be acknowledged in
the Catalogues published annually, and all varieties of fruits thus presented, which shall prove new and
valuable, shall be perpetuated by the names given them by the contributors. Thos persons who reside in
remote parts of the Union, where intercourse is difficult, can enclose such Seeds as are small, and forward
them by mail; and such as are more bulky, can be put in a tight box, and sent to the care of any Agent of the
establishment.
The proper season for the transportation of Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Plants, is the months
of October, November, and December; and also, March and April; for Bulbous Flowers, such as Tulips,
Hyacinths, &c., the proper period is July to November; Green-house Plants can be packed so as to be
transmitted at almost any season of the year.
I cannot conclude my prefatory remarks without acknowledging my obligations to a number of
gentlemen for their polite contributions to this establishment, especially to … General Cock … of Virginia,
…. – by all of whom seeds or plants have been politely contributed, with which it would perhaps have been
impossible to have obtained from other sources.
With all his Botanic correspondents the Proprietor solicits a frequent intercourse, and requests
from them every information respecting new discoveries and the diversified interests of the Botanist and
Horticulturist. Every such favour will be cheerfully reciprocated; and as activity is the very essence of
improvement, and of the dissemination of knowledge, such intercourse will be conducted with that
promptitude and despatch which characterize the general transactions of the establishment.
WILLIAM PRINCE,
C.M. of the Linnean Society of Paris, of the Horticultural Society of London;
and of the Imperial Society of the Georgofili at Florence, &c.”

1826-10-3 (640/48, Catalogue of Plants, W. Prince’s Linnean Botanic Gardens)

Broadside printed catalogue addressed to J.A. Coles. Contains lists of Fruit Trees, Bulbous Roots, Forest
Trees, etc., and Rare Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Plants.

1826-10-31 (640/48, Joseph Coolidge to JHC, Boston)

When last at Monticello I had the pleasure to see Mrs. Cary, of Carysbrook, and learned in conversation
with her that you were desirous of procuring two or more Swans for Bremo. I have made inquiry, since my
return to Boston, of Mr. Lyman, the only gentleman here who possesses them, and find that he imported
them from Holland; the original cost was small; the expense consisting chiefly of food, and care aboard
ship; the two which Mr. Lyman owns lay about six eggs in the year, but the young birds uniformly die,
owing to the severity and and [sic.] sudden changes of our climate. Should you wish it, I will cheerfully
undertake to send to Holland for these birds; and, on their arrival, forward them to your address in
Richmond.

1827-2-24 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 12, p. 70)

The weather being uncommonly mild + soft we spent almost the whole morning very agreeably in the
green room among the plants, but Ned having accidentally broken one of the pots containing a great
favorite, I was thrown into great anger with him + afterwards the calves walked in + injured several others,
all which I took as a just reproof for giving myself up so much to these trifles….

1827-3 (5685/22, Day Book, 1828)

Garden Seeds. $1.75

1827-3-9 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 12, p. 73)

The girls spent the day at Recess. I spent the morning very happily among my flowers.

1827-4-4 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 12, p. 77)

Today we spent some time very delightfully in planting our lemon trees in the new green house….
 Appendix A - 56

1828 (5685/6, Bills, Receipts, etc.)

Estimate of Excavation in Change of Creek Channel on Quarter Flat
Table of figures with note: Cubic Yards excavation in ditch below Negro quarters as staked out-

1828 (640/186, Account Books)

Capt. Garrett also shows outstanding bills to JHC for hauling bricks, made in the kiln of M.
Brackenbrough. Charges for bricks from the same. Charges for turning bases and capitals and a 3”
diameter ball from M. Thompkins

1828-2/3 (640/186, Account Books)

mention of working on the mud wall

1828-3-24 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 13, p. 40)

I find my time very agreeably, + I hope not unprofitably, filled up by my little school…, Gardening which
makes an irresistible call to us at the sweet-season, + the necessary needlework.

1828-3-27/5-2 (640/186, Account Books)

George Carpenter:
1828, Mar. 27: Began to get timber for the garden rails at Mr. John Watsons
Apl 1: Finished hewing [unclear] from the garden + returned to the Building
Apl 21: Began to prep and put up the garden timbers –
May 2: Returned to Bremo –
*[The last entry makes it unclear whether this work is taking place at Bremo or not]

1828-3-24/5-2 (640/186, Account Books)

Jepay Carpenter:
1828, Mar 24: Began to prepare the garden posts-
“ 27: Began to get timber at Mr. John Watsons for garden
“ 31: Began to saw with Grifin Butler for the garden
Apl 21: Finished sawing the garden timber ==
“ 23: Went with the wagon to put in the timber==
May 2: Finished putting up the garden timber + cleaned out the house + returned to Bremo

1828-3-24/5-2 (640/186, Account Books)

Toby Plaster:
Mar 24: Began to sink the garden posts
“ 29: Began to build the mud wall
Apl 8: Finished the mud wall + began to level + clear the stones from the yard + from the
foundation of the old house and open holes for the trees that were thrown away
Apl 21: Finishing out the old stone wall parallel to the building –
“ 23: Went with the wagon afternoon to put in the gate posts
“ 25: Removing the earth from the end of the Building
May 2: Returned to Bremo –

1828-4-3/5-2 (640/186, Account Books)

Jack Carpenter:
(* Some similar tasks shared with previous workers on this project, working on posts)
Apl 3: Began to scatter the manure on the garden from the foundation of the old kitchen + level
the yard
“ 5: Putting mud on the wall in the place of Cato while Cato was getting locus trees for the yard
“ 8: Began to carry stones from the foundation of the old house to level the yard =
“21: Began to work on the garden rails [unclear]
May 2: Returned to Bremo –

1828-3-29/4-9 (640/186, Account Books)

Cato:
 Appendix A - 57

Mar 29: Cato came to the Union Hotel to build a mud wall ==
Apl 5: Went to John Watsons plantation to get trees for the yard =
“ 9: Finished the wall + went to Bremo.
*[It seems since all these entries are together perhaps the garden referenced is at the Union Hotel, not at
Bremo.]

1828-4- (640/186, Account Books)

payment for garden timber posts

1828-4-28 (640/186, Account Books)

To sawing 1781 [illegible] Plank + Pails side + edge for the garden by Grifin Butler - $11.79 ½

1828-9-2 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 12, p. 87)

This morning a kind Providence sent us a gracious rain for which we had be long suffering in the most
distressing manner. All vegetation is dryed up + we have scarcely a vegetable left in our gardens.

1828-9-20 (5685/21, Memoranda on Rural Affairs)

…+ old Ewes for fattening + left on House Lawn.

1829 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

Ploughing leaves into the low ground fields during the fall and wintertime.

1829-1-23 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

All hands getting out manure on our truck patch west of barn [at Recess].

1829-1-24 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

Carried 3 more loads on same 16 on slip of land between the orchard and fence west of it + 14 on the yard
in front of the house [at Recess].

1829-1-29 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

puting up fences around truck patches and spreading manure….

1829-1-30 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

burnt 200 yds on 2 small patches in the Negro ground yesterday.

1829-2-3 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

… All hands went in the evening to fix the fence around our straw stack – after one of our cows had got
into the rack and died.

1829-2-14 (640/58, Gilley M. Lewis to JHC, Columbia)

The bad success in rearing the vines you gave me must plead my apologies for so frequently troubling you
– out of the number you sent me last spring I have only two living. I will regard it as a favour while you
are pruning; to direct your gardiner to save me 50 or 100 slips. I will send for them in two or three weeks.
You were kind enough to promise me a few already rooted, which if convenient I will gladly accept.
Would it not be [illegible] to cut the slips from 18 Inches to two feet long. If you have a Treatise on the
Culture of the Vine by Jno. Adlum of Georgetown I would be obliged to you for the loan of it a short time.
My Brother + Myself have it in contemplation to commence a small Vine Yard the next year. I wrote to
Adlum on the subject, he gives a most flattering calculation, and gives a decided preference to the Native
Vine, and refers me for information to a work published by himself.

1829-2-26 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

… repairing our Recess fence on the north; begun along the meadow….

1829-2-27 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

Renewing the fence around the meadow [on eastern side of Recess]….
 Appendix A - 58

1829-3-9 (5685/22, Day Book, 1828)

Fruit trees, Garden Seeds +c. of Banon [unclear] 4.87 ½

1829-3-11 (5685/22, Day Book, 1828)

Early York Cabbage seed of Gatt [unclear] …0.37 ½

1829-3-13 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

Planted out a bed of 368 mulberry cuttings on south side of the stone wall in the water-melons patch at
Upper Bremo.

1829-3-16 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

… puting up fence around our home lot.

1829-3-18 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

… ploughing behind the quarters at Recess in a piece of grassy land which is all we have now dry enough
to work.

1829-3-23 (640/58, William Prince to JHC, Linnean Botanic Garden)

Yours of 14 recd, Relative to a Gardener. I have handed your letter W.G. Thornburn + Son New York who
are the persons who have best opportunities of supplying them. I regret you shd. Have lost your Cedars of
Lebanon they are difficult to survive. Mr. Knight’s June Strawberries have realized my expectations – the
Downtown, Keans Imperial, New Hautboy +c. + Wilmots Superb are among the largest + most prolific. I
regard [illegible] European new fruits those that have fruited have realized my expectations with some 2 or
3 exceptions the Cherries, Beurre + Bergamot Pears. New Apricots + new Peaches have proved especially
fine.
I have sent you a [illegible].

1829-3-30 (640/62, Farming Journal, JHC, Jr. at Recess)

… renewing our fence from the mouth of the lane west of the house to the branch across road leading to
Upper Bremo.
… at Recess on the orchard lot

1829-5-6 (5685/21)
Planted out a row of Locust 3 yrs old from the seed on West side of U.B. Farm Yard They all [illegible]
budded out, but the buds were all killed by the frosts of the 25 + 26 [illegible] and they appear as if the sap
had not moved at all – Result to be noted
…Old Bremo House Hill
Planted patch of water melons of Lymmus kind
Do. Long necked squash from Barson of [illegible]

1829-5-12 (5685/22, Day Book, 1828)

Bremo, House Expenses for 18 grape Vines – 9 varieties of French Grapes P.D. Ryder [unclear] A/C +
Rnt. [unclear] } 4.50

1830-1-1 (5685/6, Bremo Plantation Records – Vol 14. Inventory of Property)

373 Acres of James River low grounds
400 Acres of clear high land
76 Acres of second low-grounds
1200 Acres of wood land at Charlottesville property
94 Negroes at Upper Bremo + 18 Hired out + 5 Superanuated

1830-1-29 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 39)

The weather having been severely cold for some days past, we set about filling the ice house today. Miss.
C. + I went + spent an hour at the pond before breakfast witnessing the interesting operation of getting the
ice….
 Appendix A - 59

1830-2-14 (640/62, Wm. Prince to JHC)

Letter addressed on an advertisement for Prince’s “A Treatise on the Vine”.
In regards to purchase of trees in 1823 and 1826.
You will recollect I wrote you once before about there existing one account unpaid - + I some time since
got an explanation from Mr. Heron (who I regret to think has left the world). It appears you remitted him
$25 to cover the amount of the last bill + Expenses of fruit +c. + did not recollect at the time that there were
two bills. I dislike to trouble you about such small matters, but for the sake of having my affairs closed wd.
Be obliged to you for a draft of check on a Richmond or New York Bank at a convenient Moment.
Reply from JHC on same sheet: 1830-3-1
Yours of the 30 Jany did not reach me until the last post. And it was with no small degree of surprise to
find you under the impression that I was yr. Debtor for the parcel of trees + shrubs sent me thro’ Mr. Heron
as long ago as 1823. The circumstances of the case had entirely passed from my mind, and my first
feelings on reading your letter were those of shame and mortification for having permitted such an account
to have remained so long unpaid. But on further reflection, I have no doubt the said Amount of $18.50 was
paid to Mr. Heron, for by turning to yr letter which accompanied the trees +c. there is this notes at the foot
of it “The account can be paid to Mr. Heron when convenient.” As it turned out that I had paid a
subsequent amount to Mr. Heron, which you thought was due and as I have always been in the habit of
promptly paying such accounts, + seeing Mr. H. while he was living always several times in the Year, I
cannot doubt that this account as well as the other of 1826 was paid into his hands as yr. Letter indicated
would be satisfactory.

1830-3-15 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 48)

The weather being fine I worked almost all the forepart of the day in the garden….

1830-3-16 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 48)

Feeling very unwell I went to the garden as soon as I was dressed + busied myself with the flowers till
breakfast. After which went down + worked again….

1830-3-17 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 48)

A fine season of rain all day. Nothing can be finer than our spring has been thus far + we have been much
engaged in planting trees, +c. An incident occurred this evening with my dear Sally [illegible] the planting
a tree which gave me a great deal of pain. Lord give me grace + wisdom rightly to order all my conduct in
my house….

1830-3-18 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 49)

I spent a little while very pleasantly in gardening….

1830-4-7 (640/192, Louisa Cocke Diary # 15, p. 54)

The greater part of the afternoon I spent in the garden with my beautiful flowers….

1830-4-7 9640/26, JHC from Mrs. Barraud, Small Memorandum book)

Planted a holly on the North Lawn

1830-4-23 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 59)

I had the pleasure today of receiving some trees + flowers from my dear mother….

1830-4-28 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 59)

A nice little boat for the pond being just finished I promised myself much pleasure in seeing it put into the
water, but missed it by prolonging my walk with Miss C. rather too much.

1830-4-30 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 60)

…In the evening Miss John [unclear] took Miss C. + myself a pleasant row on the Pond. We brought
home with us 2 fine fish caught in our new net.

1830-5-5 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 62)

 Appendix A - 60

…Miss C. + I had a pleasant walk together after dinner + were also much amused with seeing the sein
hauled in the garden pond. We took a number of fine fish.

1830-5-10 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 62)

…In the afternoon we enjoyed a pleasant row on the pond.

1830-5-11 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 62)

…they spent all the morning walking in the garden….

1830-5-15 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #15, p. 63)

…Ours rode to Recess + brought back a quantity of fine cherries. We are now feasting daily on fine
strawberries and cherries + have abundant cause of gratitude for the various bounties of Providence.

1830-7-10 (640/63, Wm. Prince to JHC, Linnean Botanic Garden)

I recd your polite favour + regret that there should be the least misunderstanding about the account which
appears to have arisen from their being two bills one of which was paid to Mr. Heron + the other of a
previous date having been forgotten, probably by you at the time the second was pd for without the aid of a
regular acct book I should have forgotten it myself. Mr. Heron in his regular accounts credits the $24. – but
says nothing about the $18,50- I think on reflection you will perceive that the existence of the two
accounts has led you into error + that but one payment having been made, the other act. Is still unsettled,
which at some moment perfectly convenient to yourself can be remitted to me by a check or draft on
Richmond or New York. Mr. James Heron is now dead but I have all his accounts before me.

1830-8-6 (640/64, John A. Cunningham to JHC)

I shall send by the stage this evening a few buds of the orange tree from which you desire them. I am
afraid however that they will not be such as you can inoculate with. The tree is not at all thriving this
season + the two shoots which I send are the only ones on the tree from which even tolerably good buds
could be taken.

1830-8-23 (640/64, Thomas Meaux to JHC, Powhatan)

This gives me an opportunity to make an inquiry respecting the fitness of Pisé for a garden wall if capped
with brick or stone, will it answer? Have you succeeded in training the Cherokee rose into a hedge so
strong as to turn stock?

1831-3-28 (640/65, Thomas S. Pleasants to JHC, Beaverdam P.O.)

I received some time ago through Dr. Curd [unclear] thy request to send thee a few cuttings of the
Beaverdam grape. I have accordingly been keeping some securely for this purpose, which I shall send to
Dover Mills in a few days to be taken by a boatman to New Canton. I would have complied with thy
request at an earlier period, but I had one or two other kinds, not natives, daily expected from a friend in
Baltimore, which I thought it might be gratifying to thee to possess. They are now in Richmond, and will
not probably reach me until the last of this week; and it is getting late to plant. I think I had better forward
the Beaverdam; and I could afterwards send the others, if desirable. I speak more particularly of the
“Sultana” grape, which I have never seen any where but in the neighd. Of Baltimore – the finest table fruit
of the kind, that has ever come under my observation. I have several young vines, but they furnish no
cuttings this season. A particular description of this grape may be found in one of ht recent Nos. of the
American Farmer, by Dr. Moukur, the gentleman who supplies me.
I would suggest, as the season is advanced, as well as for the sake of a more speedy development,
that the Beaverdam should be grafted on native stocks. Like the Bland, it does not grow kindly from
cuttings, though I have once succeeded pretty well in this way. This would also be a good course to pursue
with the Sultana, if it should be thy desire to have any, of which I can well spare enough for a few grafts.
As I understand it is thy intention to test the merits of several varieties of grapes for making wine,
I would enquire if the Herbemonts’ Madeira, and his Lenoir, are under culture in thy garden. The former, I
suspect, from all I can gather, is the best wine grape in this country; at least Herbemonts’ wine has been
praised as being the best that has been made in the U.S…. Both this grape + the Lenoir are now generally
believed to be natives, notwithstanding their names. The Madeira is a vigorous vine + a very good bearer.
I have only a few young vines of either; but cuttings might be obtained at a very moderate price, of the
 Appendix A - 61

person whose name it bears; who is an exceedingly worthy + intelligent gentleman; and of great
perseverance in the cause of the vine.

1831-4-12 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #16, p. 60)

Another severe night, all the fruit that might have escaped the last freeze must have perished, I fear….

1831-6-1 (640/66, Wm. Prince to JHC)

Continuing correspondence about the outstanding bill. Prince says Cocke has agreed to pay it. He
reiterates that there cannot possibly be any mistake, Cocke has definitely not paid the account in the past.

1831-6-9 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #17, p. 3)

In the evening very much indisposed took row with Miss W. on the mill pond, the evening before, which
gave us both cold….

1831-7-29 (640/67, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

Prince makes another petition for the payment of Cocke’s outstanding bill and reiterates that he cannot
possibly be mistaken that it was never paid. He goes on to relate plants available at the Nursery.
The Grape Vine wh. You kindly sent us some years ago is the white fox. Our New Peaches, Apricots,
Nectarines, Pears +c from South of France + Italy are calculated to succeed better in yr more Southern
Climate than the Sorts from Northern latitudes at least so those say who have made trials. We have now
the finest possible Collections of Strawberries of more than 50 kinds – some without runners, others
monthly bearing, others of monstrous size, others noted for flavour +c. We have plenty of the Washington
thorn + of the English hawthorn. We have plenty of young trees of Cedar of Lebanon about 1 ½ to 2 ft
high – they require to be transplanted small to do well. We have not by that with the Pack thread willow
spoken of in your letter of 1826 but I doubt not we have it by another name for we have the 6 choicest
basket willow species known in Europe. We will endeavor to ascertain who is known as pack thread
willow. Our Stock of trees +c. is immensely increased + we can pledge ourselves for the fact that the trees
we now supply are, owing to the great increase of stock + extent of the grounds devoted thereto full 1/3
more valuable on the average of size +c. than those of former years + that no Nursery in the Union can
furnish trees to compete with our in quality + in accuracy there is no comparison.

1832
Reference of a walk to the Upper Creek

1832-2-1 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #17, p. 76)

The weather very mild + pleasant. Spent an hour + half very agreeably in the garden + almost forgot the
distress of yesterday….

1832-2-15 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #17, p. 77)

…+ amused myself with gardening in the afternoon.

1832-2-16 (640/69, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

Yours of 9th [illegible] rec’d the order shall receive the best attention. Wilmots superb Strawberry we now
charge but $1. per dozen for formerly $5.- I have a most admirable Collection of Strawberries of very large
+ high flavoured varieties + we think we can pack the plants now so as to ensure success, having adopted a
new mode, If you wish an assortment we think you need not decline from fear of total loss. A few may
perish but we think not one in ten.

1832-3-13 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #17, p. 83)

Was much concerned to learn today that all peaches were destroyed in the bud so that we should not even
have the blossoms which look so beautiful around us + moreover furnish such delightful food for the bees.

1832-5-10 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #17, p. 96)

Had a fine dish of strawberries for supper.

1832-5-25 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #18, p. 4-5)

 Appendix A - 62

Have had a good deal of young company all day, + having to roam about with them a good deal found
myself excessively wearied at night. A young party from Mr. Ansell’s came expressly to see the house +
the garden, which having shewed them, they took their leave….

1832-7 (640/69, Wm. Prince & Sons to JHC, Flushing)

Again on stationary advertising “The Treatise on the Vine”
12 Chinese Mulberry (very rare)
2 Cedars of Lebanon
2 Buffalo Berry trees (small – none larger being new)
½ Doz. Wilmot Superb Strawberry
2 Earliest French, hative avant tout
2 Princes Early Harvest – Gratis (these included free, charges for others)
2 Emperor Alexander
2 Brown Lady Apple (Apinoir)
2 Imperial Russet
1 Kentish fillbasket
1 Hunts Duke of Gloucester
2 Beauty of Kent
2 European Glavins (best we had)
1 Doz. New or Black Musk Hautbois Strawberries – gratis
1 Doz. Hudson Bay do.
1 Paper Bene seed
Dsir,
Yours recd - + we have send as above + hope all will go safely, being well packed. You can remit
all as you proposed old + new.

1832-9-27 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #18, p. 43)

…damp + chilly, I got no walk but a turn in the garden.

1832-10-4 (640/72, Wm. Prince & Sons to JHC, Flushing)

The favour from you of Apl last we ought sooner to have replied to in regard to the Chinese Morus
Maulticaulis. The leaves are said to offer double the nutriment. The Cocoons to be white + the silk very
superior. We have plenty of fine trees 6 ft high. We sell $1 each or $9 pr. dozen or $5 pr half dozen. $35
for 50, $65 for 100. The tree will flourish admirably in yr Climate + it does so even here. As very full
comments upon its qualities have been published in Amern Farmer, it will be unnecessary for us to say
more here as you doubtless take that paper. We raise them mostly by layers. We find them to bear any
exposure here, even the last severe winter. The bear fruit of course, but of its quality we cannot speak fully
as yet. We recd the amount you remitted + are much obliged. Any further orders from you will meet with
the most particular attention + our trees are now superior to all former periods + far surpass any such as are
usually sold. Why do you not enter into the Almond + Marron Chestnut Culture + fill our Markets with
these saleable productions, as you seem to be looked to to take the lead in objects of National Interest.

1832-10-16 (640/72, John Carter to JHC, Richmond)

Requests payment of the account for 100 rooted grape vines. He has just made his first batch of wine.

1833 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

the meadow below the pond, the meadow near the spring north of the orchard

1833 (5685/6, Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo commencing April 1, 1833)
Primus with the men planting S bank of the creek beginning at the White Bridge….
road near the orchard
Started all hands overhauling fence running from the mill by the cedar hedge on N. side of the house. Carts
hauling rails from the fence running from the cedar hedge to the quarters on W. lawn [illegible] laying
them along the S.W. side of present oat field commencing at S.E. corner of new general pasture from
whence we intend running a fence to [illegible] to stone fence W, of new garden so as to form a division
between the oats + our clover field on Bremo Hill. In consequence of taking away fence running S from
 Appendix A - 63

the Cedar Hedge we were obliged to make several short fences about the quarters so as to prevent the cattle
fr. Getting into the peoples gardens + our nursery.

1833 (5685/6, Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo commencing April 1, 1833)
all the lowgrounds and the hill near Upper B. creek + second lowgrounds down nearly to the old house
spring.

1833-3-2 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #19, p. 29, Norfolk)

Today we had proposed to return home; but we were prevented by the extraordinary cold, which had now
become intense, + the prodigious accumulation of ice on herb, shrub, + tree, which being lighted up by the
rays of a March sun, exhibited a scene of more splendour than I ever beheld before.

1833-4 (6585/25, Journal)

N.F. Cabell Bought in Washington Gardener’s Encyclopedia 9.50
Encyclopedia of Agriculture 12…
John H. Cocke Sr. Encyclopedia of Agriculture 12…

1833-4 (5685/6, Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo commencing April 1, 1833)
Ditches in the Low Ground to drain off excess water.
…the piece of ground lying between the white bridge + the orchard…

1833-4-4 (640/73, Wm. Prince & Sons to JHC, Flushing)

6 Long Island Yellow Locust large
2 Linden Trees large
1 Doz. Bishops Orange Strawberry
1 Doz. Large Early Scarlet Strawberry Gratis
Dsir,
Yours recd. We send you the most rare strawberry as desired + a vary [variety] to be recommended, viz.
Bishops Orange. Such has been the demand for it that we have not 50 plants left. It is highly
recommended in Europe but was only imported here last spring….
PS we have plenty of Cedar of Lebanon now.

1833-4-11 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #19, p. 45)

… + walked down to the garden at twilight to indulge my tears for my dear mother.” [Her mother had
recently died.]

1833-4-12 (5685/6, Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo commencing April 1, 1833)
Champion with his plough laying off potato patch which he finished by noon, after wh I permitted him to
plough up some of the peoples’ gardens…
Mention of wheat seed being given to the hands.

1833-4-16 (5685/6, Diary of Agricultural Affairs at Upper Bremo commencing April 1, 1833)
…the ditches were filled with the bushes cut from the creek side to the height of about 3 feet and on
[illegible] were covered with old rails, and large pieces of wood to prevent the earth from getting thro to
obstruct the passage of the water, our object being to make the ditch serve in its present state as a blind
drain. By the time that this drain fills up my Father (JHC) expects by occasional scooping every year to
raise it in 3 or 4 years so high as to obviate the necessity of having any ditch from either.

1833-6-7 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

Memoranda commenced June 7th by John H. Cocke, Junior, Bremo Recess.
Plan of a Peach Orchard planted this spring at Bremo Recess on the hill south of the house.

1833-8-5 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

This evening we broke the dam of the Old Fish Pond at Recess and caught some very fine chub. Found
that the bottom had risen two or three feet. Will make fine meadow land doubtless….
 Appendix A - 64

1833-8-12 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

cutting clover for seed on the Old Bremo hill….

1833-8-19 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

All hands in the meadow … sowed the ground around the two old ponds….
Little Rock lot

1834 (640/188, Accounts)

Fredk Xandy to cash for [illegible] months wages as Gardener }($)12.00

1834-1-1 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 37-38)

The weather quite mild + delightful. The people being engaged in getting ice, walked to see them +
enjoyed a delightful walk on the Pond the ice being 3 or 4 inches thick.

1834-4-24 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

Today Papa sent hands from Upper + Lower Bremo to thin the trees and grub over the land on the south
side of the road from the stone port [fort?] gate to the house to give room + prepare for the growth of vines
there.”

1834-5-10 (5685/6, JHC to CCC)

…If Jack the Gardener can get his work into such a state as to admit of it [unclear], I wish him to go down
to L. Bremo + trim the Apple Orchard there upon the same principles which I endeavored to make him
understand + act upon in trimming our Low Ground Orchard. Our young Locust trees along the fences,
should now be all trimmed also – perhaps you might spare Harry to do this…

1834-5-15 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

… killed the persimmon bushes at Recess…. the road from the stone post gate to the house

1834-5-16 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 79)

The cold still more intense last night than before…. The gardens greatly injured. The grapes entirely
destroyed, pease +c. much injured.

1834-6-20 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 96, Philadelphia vicinity, regarding Henry Pratt’s Garden,
Lemon Hill)
… + rode out to visit Fair Mount Waterworks. It would be difficult to express all the admiration + pleasure
we experienced at viewing this noble + most interesting improvement. We could have remained here for a
length of time, but, having a desire to visit Pratt’s Gardens we quitted this delightful spot + were soon in
these celebrated gardens. Here we wandered about with great delight admiring the grottoes + caves +
ponds + every thing so calculated to charm the eye + the fancy, + were at last driven from these enchanted
grounds only by a storm which seemed to gather very rapidly.

1834-7-3 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

we finished our harvest in time to weed over our pea patch in the peach orchard.

1834-7-10 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 114-115, Boston vicinity)

On our return home, we received a call from Mr. Chas. Tappan who kindly offered his services to go with
us to visit any of the environs of Boston. With some difficulty we selected Jamaica Pond, + enjoyed a
charming ride through a most picturesque + highly cultivated country. After passing Roxbury, +
Brookline, two fine villages, we came to the Pond a beautiful sheet of water, from which many of the
inhabitants receive their supplies. Passing by several superb country seats, we came to Col. Perkins’ where
we stopped + were introduced to the Col. who immediately invited us to visit his grounds which were most
beautifully laid out + most highly improved. We visited successively the fruitery, the vinery, the green
house, + the flower garden, all of which excited our highest admiration. We got a taste of some of the most
delicious grapes, just beginning to ripen. The Coln. also cut several of his finest flowers + presented them
 Appendix A - 65

to us. He also invited us into his house where he treated us with refreshments. We heard that he was worth
3 millions [dollars]….

1834-7-12 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #20, p. 116-117, Boston vicinity)

Our friends were so kind as to come + take us out this morning to visit the lovely Burial Ground in this
vicinity. Having formerly been called Sweet Auburn it is still known by that name. Nothing can exceed
the natural beauty of the Grounds which comprise 600 acres + art is going on to do all that remains to
render it the most interesting place of its kind in the world. There [torn] already a number of most
beautiful + elegant monuments erected, but that which surpass all the rest, is the one erected over the
ground of Mr. Appleton, a wealthy citizen of this place. After wandering about among these shady walks +
refreshing groves for some time we returned by the way of Cambridge.

1834-7-12 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

Gardening Memoranda,
Inoculated a stock (which was set out last year) in the north west corner of the garden near the stripping
room – with a Sickle pear, another pear stock which stands about the middle of the east side of the north
west square in the garden with a Sickle pear. April 18th 1834, planted a June pair on the east side of the
Eastern garden walk half way between the pisé house + the smoke house – set out ten Lady’s finger apple
trees on the side of the border next the cow-house to grow for the orchard this time two years.

1834-7-24 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #21, p. 7, Albany NY)

… + then spent a very pleasant evening with our polite friends, who afforded us an opportunity of enjoying
a pleasant walk in their extensive + beautiful garden before our return.

1835-8-30 (640/193, Louisa Cocke Diary #22, p. 53)

…the evening we all walked through the vineyard + garden + were enlivened by an unexpected visit from
our lively friend Mr. Gilmer.

1835-10-26 (5685/7, 1835 Sept – Dec. Bills, Receipts, etc.)

12 Cherry Trees to be directed Drury Stith Esq. Surry
To the care of Capt. Carter Cobham, To be sent on Board Steam Boat Cape Chapman [unclear]
12 Chinese Mulberries
Richard D. Powell, Meherrin Plantation, Brunswick
To the care of Holderly + McPheetess [unclear] Petersburg
To be sent to Petersburg-
[In different handwriting] To 12 Cherry Trees at $0.33 ½ each = $4.00
to 12 Chinese Mulberries 0.25 = 3.00
1835, Oct. 26. Recd the above in full [unclear] of JH Cocke
[signed] John Carter
[on reverse]
[illegible] + Recd of Carter Nurseryman vs. [unclear] Mr. Bowdoins Estate - $7.00 paid Oct 1835”

1836 (5685/22, Plantation Record, Vol. 15)

1836, List of Bread Eaters…[Slaves] –Jack (Gardener)

1836-3-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 27)

The weather being mild enjoyed myself in setting the green house to rights a little….

1836-3-31 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 28)

The girls + I made a pleasant excursion to Pisgah where we planted a Linden.

1836-4-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 28-29)

After teaching in the school, spent the greater part of the day in gardening. Mr. W. spent the day + night
with us, assisted in gardening, + took a pleasant walk in the afternoon to Pisgah + the min. Spr….

1836-4-2 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 29)

 Appendix A - 66

…Had an unpleasant conversation with husband about the planting of trees, temperance, +c. which left
some painful feelings….

1836-4-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 29-30)

Taught in the school, + worked among plants, the weather being mild + clear…. In the afternoon walked to
Pisgah, visited Nancy, + heard her read….

1836-4-8 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 31)

… In the evening I walked alone to Pisgah, visited Nancy + heard her read, got back benefited by my
exercise.

1836-4-11 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 32)

… spent the afternoon pleasantly in gardening.

1836-4-14 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 32)

…in the afternoon went to the Quarters + heard Nancy. Enjoyed a pleasant walk to the Min. Spr….

1836-4-18 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 34)

…Walked about the garden with E. + W….

1836-4-22 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 35)

… and in the afternoon I rode out with Lucy + Charles on horseback. John + Sally also went in the
Barauche. Mr. Wright went with us to visit the falls at Br. Recess, + the Rock, + [illegible] expecting to
return no more. The scenery was uncommonly beautiful + every one felt the charm of it, diffusing a calm
satisfaction through the mind. It no doubt served to lessen the regret I felt parting with an old + kind
acquaintance.

1836-4-23 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 35)

… Dr. Holman also came in the afternoon, + the girls had a pleasant boating on the Pond, while Mr. S. +
myself enjoyed it from the shore.

1836-4-25 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 35-36)

The dead body of poor Mr. Brown having been found today, preparations were made for interring it, + in
the afternoon it was carried + buried in the ground at Recess….

1836-4-30 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 36)

The weather has been as hot as summer for the last two days, + still continues so. After busying myself for
an hour among my flowers, opened the mail….

1836-5-16 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 40)

…I enjoyed a small stroll in the garden after the shower, where all seemed refreshed + rejoicing in the
goodness of a Kind Providence.

1836-6-9 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 47)

Yesterday the water began to rise in the low ground + today we have the not very agreeable prospect of
seeing much of the wheat, corn + tobacco covered. It was a novel sight to see Fields poling his boat
through the fields + immediately under our garden wall….

1836-10-15 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #23, p. 83)

In the evening I enjoyed a fine walk on the new canal with husband, Ed. + Geo. + Sally.

1837 (640/188, Journal of 1837)

Old House Cut between the Road + Berm bank and below the Fountain Temple; Lot East of the House
Lawn; New Design field; first terrace, second terrace;

1837 (640/188, Journal of 1837)

 Appendix A - 67

Cocke on Roads
Good Plantation or Farm Roads are as necessary in rural economy as Turnpikes, Rail Roads + Canals are to
Commonwealths.
It is a fact as yet recognized by few minds that a hilly country is more favorable to the making of Good
Roads than a flat Country. And for this plain reason, that the rain water which falls and hither follows in
their ruts washing them into gullies or gathers into their hollows forming sloughs or mudholes is the chief
cause of putting roads out of order. By far more so than the use of the Road by the travel upon them.
Hence the leading object of a judicious roadmaker should be to locate his road, other things being equal
upon the driest surface. Thus a hillside is preferable to a loud bottom, because by the nature of things the
running + accumulating water. The chief enemy to success can always be more readily gotten rid of under
the first than the second condition of things. Always keeping in mind, that the running water must be
disposed of, or you are liable after every rain to have your road washed into gullies. For the wheel ruts form
channels which the water naturally follows. You must therefore provide waterways across the bed of the
road, which will catch + conduct the water off the Road. If a Road can be kept dry – it is not injured but
improved by use-
A road upon a Hill side with waterways properly constructed can always be kept drier than upon [illegible]
land. Where the water settles or moves more sluggishly. Upon dead levels. the bed of the Road can only
be kept dry, by ridging it, more or less high with side drains – whereas in the case of curving or Hill lands
you simply turn the water off on the lower side of the Road The adjacent fall in the land carries it off. But
some slide is reeping [unclear] both in the construction + location of the waterways – if they are abrupt –
they may be serious obstacles,- and if they are a gentle wave (as they should be) traversing the course of the
Road at right angle – it will inquire some hard material [illegible] against what carriages to maintain they
form + make them effectual. A single, sawed outside (the heavier the better – Laid upon the flat side, a
firmly secured in its place, against the tendency of wheel carriages to displace it – will often be found
[illegible] + cheapest natural planning it is to form the capping of a small swell form across the bed of the
road at right angles…. [Continues at length] …See a practicable illustration of this principle in the Road +
connecting terraces from the Farm Yard at Bremo – to the high level of the Lawn North of the House….

1837-3-9 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 38)

…In the evening could only get as far as the garden…. [walk preempted by to bad weather or illness]

1837-3-20 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 40)

Had set off on Valiant to see poor Kitty Jones, having heard she was much worse, when I met M. J. Winn,
+ had to turn back with her. After supplying her with any quantity of shrubs, rode with her round by
Recess. Called + spent a few minutes with Miss Nancy, + got a pleasant ride on my good horse.

1837-3-28 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 44)

The weather very mild + pleasant. Spent some time very delightfully among my flowers + some in the
kitchen….

1837-4-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 46)

Here’s a day for April! A brisk snow set in early this morning + has continued without the least cessation
all the day. Everything is now completely covered with a white mantle. The peaches must be totally
killed, + much more injury than this no doubt will be done….

1837-4-18 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #24, p. 50)

The weather very cold for the season. Staid out on the lawn attending to the fixing of my trees till I began
to feel the effects of it….

1837-5-16 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 10)

It was not without much sadness I saw my dear husband depart for R_ [Richmond] this morning. I found a
considerable resource in my flowers for some time….

1837-5-18 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 10)

Much engaged again among my flowers….
 Appendix A - 68

1837-6-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 16-17)

… In the evening we had a pleasant ride to a Strawberry field, + made a short visit to Mrs. Miervy
[unclear] who occupies the house built for our dear Louisiana + on our return walked to the residence
where she first lived after her ill-fated marriage.

1837-6-28 (640/76, JHC, Jr. Agricultural Book, Bremo Recess)

the rows of seedlings next Letty house, viz. 28: Lady Apples
3 next rows Robinson viz. 22
3 next Prior’s Reds viz. 21

1837-8-9 (640/188, Journal of 1837)

Learned from Dr. Garnett, a wire fence, with tire iron post. Could be put up at 45 cts a panel of 10 feet.
No. 11 – but he recommends No. 8. 5 wires to each panel thus with a plank on the top of the ditch bank.
Billet [unclear]of wood 18-20 inches long… (anchors posts)

1838 (640/191, JHC Account Book, 1838-1839)

Sold to Ed. Ruffin first choice of 1000 trees of my nursery of Morus Multicaulis for $1000. Ditto 4000
next choice at 1 + 1/3 cent a bud….
Sold to Mr. Carter + Woodward 40,000 viz. Carter 17 + Woodward 23 thousand roots included at 4 cts. A
cutting of 2 buds each, each roots counted as 1 cutting, for cash, to be delivered to my landing tied in
bundles, as soon as the leaves have fallen, such buds only to be counted as are on mature wood. The unripe
extremities of limbs + stems to be retained….
Memo. Sold 15,000 cuttings of the description sold Carter + Woodward, to Messrs. Travillion + Shelton on
same Terms.
Sold Dr. Walters of Brunswick $1700 worth of Morus Multicaulis att 12 ½ pr. foot trimmed counting the
root + 1 inch of stem on first foot….

1837-10-14 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 54)

In the evening enjoyed another stroll + got dear brother to plant a Mimosa. It will afford me some pleasing
recollections of one of his most agreeable visits.

1837-10-25 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #25, p. 58)

Much interested in the excavation of my circular border in front of [crossed out] North door.

1838-3-31 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 29)

Rode this morning to Bremo where I spent two or three hours very delightfully in looking at my flowers,
garden, +c. +c. Returned and dined at Recess.

1838-4-4 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 30)

Occupied myself very agreeably all day with various employments, such as reading, sewing, gardening, +c.
+ in the afternoon had a pleasant walk with D. to the top of Pisgah.

1838-4-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 31)

… spent a good part of the day among my flowers, + in the afternoon walked with D. to see Mrs. Seay +
then to Recess. Took tea there + rode home by Moonlight.

1838-4-7 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 31)

Amused myself with my flowers for a considerable part of the morning….

1838-5-14 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 40, Norfolk)

In the afternoon made a visit with Harriet Burr to the Miss James Brown’s, + was very kindly entertained
by the whole family, who took great pleasure in showing me their garden + green house.

1838-6-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 45)

 Appendix A - 69

Very busy all the morning preserving strawberries, which we are now enjoying every day, though there is
but a very small crop this season.

1838-8-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 63)

…cut our first melons today.

1838-7-30 (6585/25, Journal)

To Geo McLane for Kitchen chimney…, gables…, cornice…, octagon house chimney…,

1838-9-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #26, p. 80)

Too damp to get any exercise out of doors, except a short walk in the garden.

1838-9-28 (640/92, Edmund Ruffin to JHC)

Writes to Cocke about Morus multicaulis and says he has referred an acquaintance to purchase small trees
from JHC. Also talks about others raising M. multicaulis and relative prices. Mentions Prince is
advertising that he has 6000 trees.

1838-11-30 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 6)

A most delightful day. My two friends + I, with Gen. C. strolled about the grounds + enjoying ourselves as
if it were the Spring time of year.

1838-12-3 (5685/7, JHC to Cary C. Cocke)

Letter about moving to Lower Bremo and taking over operations of that plantation. “But, as much depends
upon starting right, permit me to warn you against the credit system, the fatal rock upon which so many
Virginians have gone to pieces…. avoid debt, as you would avoid dishonour….”

1839-2-7 (640/191, JHC Account Book, 1838-1839)

Cash paid for subscription to Amer. Silk Grower

1839-2-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 24)

A continual rain yesterday + today – cleared up a little this afternoon, + the air being very mild walked as
far as the Chapel, where I found some of the people engaged in beautifying the grounds, +c. a sight that
gave me much pleasure. I love to think of the holy man who assisted in selecting its scite, then offered a
devout prayer when the corner stone was laid, + finally dedicated it to the service of God.

1839-3-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 24-25)

In the evening had a very pleasant walk with E. through the low grounds to see the people plant Mulberry
cuttings.

1839-3-7 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 26)

The weather still mild + pleasant. Had a good walk with Ned to the hills at the lower place, in pursuit of
shrubs. Spent some time in seeing them planted on my return, + found myself almost broke down in the
end.

1839-3-21 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 29)

Was obliged to assist in preparing the shrubbery to send to brother + cousin Francis, + the weather being
cold + damp, increased my indisposition….

1839-3-27 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 30)

Amused myself all the morning among my plants

1839-4-4 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 32)

Worked very hard among my lemon trees + flowers expecting a rain, + got so fatigued could not go farther
than the garden + yard in the afternoon.

1839-4-11 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 35)

 Appendix A - 70

A very showery day which is a very timely season, everything being very dry at this time. My flowers are
looking beautiful notwithstanding + gain great admiration from all who see them.

1839-4-19 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 37)

I enjoyed a refreshing walk in the garden among my flowers, where I found every thing wearing the
delightful appearance of Spring.

1839-4-21 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 37)

Very busy among my flowers + domestic occupations….

1839-4-23 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 38)

Mr. Beckwith brought a young engineer to spend the night. Mr. B. + husband spent the evening in
consulting about the stone for a Temperance Monument to be erected at Jarratt’s Spring. Quite a costly
affair. He gets warmer + warmer on his favorite theme.

1839-4-24 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 38)

Walked to see Mrs. Buzz [unclear] who has a lonely time of it poor woman, on the hill. The whole air is
perfumed with the Wild crab which is now in bloom, + makes exercise abroad delightful.

1839-4-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 38)

Had quite an alarm today from the hotel’s taking fire. Fortunately husband was at hand, + first discovered
it. By his timely aid it was arrested before much injury insued .

1839-6-3 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #27, p. 49, Richmond vicinity)

Spent a very agreeable day in company with a large party of our new friends, in a visit to Hampstead the
stylish residence of Mr. Webb. The garden + grounds near the house are laid out very tastefully + together
with the highly finished dwelling come nearer to my ideas of English country residences than any I have
ever seen.

1839-9-19 (640/97, Diary of JHC)

This day leveled + squared the foundation for the western division of the complex cottage of Low Bremo
for Charles residence. The Walls of the Connecting Covered way have in progress several days + now
nearly finished.

1839-9-21 (640/97, Diary of JHC)

The last contractors upon the canal are finishing their jobs on our Land, viz. The Lock on John’s Farm
[Recess] + small cutout below the Garden

c. 1840-41 (5685/22, Plantation Diary, vol. 16)

Planted one and a half acre in Galavant Peas, and the Peach Orchard in Black Eyed.
Canal Bridge, Farm Bridge, Mill Pond
Plowed the Potatoes and Peas in the Garden, and Sowed the remainder of the Green Peas in the Vineyard.
…righted up Peach Orchard fence…

1840-2-13 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 45)

A most delightful Spring day. Enjoyed a walk to the garden where all was busy + in preparation for the
work of sowing and planting.

1840-2-21 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 48)

A clear mild spring-like day. Felt much encouraged by it, + busied myself for some time among my
greenhouse plants, many of which have suffered most grievously from the severity of the winter.

1840-2-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 50)

A fine Spring day. The gentlemen all left after breakfast, + I enjoyed a walk to see Ned set some Cedars.
Wrote to Gen. C. + in the afternoon gardened till I was quite spent + till a light-rain drove me in.
 Appendix A - 71

1840-3-17 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 56)

… Felt so much better as to venture down to the garden where everything looked sweet + Spring-like. A
dear Mocking bird sat on a tree + sung sweetly for me while I strolled about.

1840-3-19 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 57)

Was well enough to venture down to the garden both morning + afternoon + occupied myself in
transplanting shrubbery + trees, a great treat to me, after my long confinement.

1840-3-24 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 58)

… Ventured down to the garden in the afternoon where I busied myself a while in transplanting some
flowers but could not go further in consequence of the threatening appearance of the weather.

1840-4-11 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 63)

Occupied myself very busily today in gardening, the weather being very favorable….

1840-5-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 67)

I enjoyed the rare pleasure of a walk in the garden with husband + found we should be able to get s good
dish of Strawberries tomorrow, which will be the more grateful as a few friends are expected to enjoy them
with us.

1840-5-2 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 68)

… we had a fine dish of Strawberries, lamb, peas, + fish….

1840-5-14 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 70)

… John [JHC, Jr.] came in the afternoon + I attempted to walk to the garden with him. Returned
excessively exhausted, + reached the house not without some difficulty, soon after the arrival of Gen. C.
whom I met on the lawn, + saw no more of till supper time. Alas, what a winter of the affections has come
over us….

1840-6-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #28, p. 79)

… After dinner my poor Hart [Hartwell, a friends’ epileptic child who was staying at Bremo] was suddenly
taken with another fit, which was most painful to behold. By the evening he was sufficiently recovered to
walk in the garden with me.

1840-6-11 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #29, p. 1)

… Poor Hart very languid thro’ the day, walked to the garden, in the evening, but was so weak I had him
brought up.

1840-8-28 (640/188, Account Book entry)

Bank of Va. By check in favor J.G. Bocock [unclear] to pay Bavin [unclear] stone cutter in part for
Marble for Temp. Monument} ($) 100.00

1841 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #30)

A very cold + wet spring, afforded LC almost no opportunity for exercise in the garden, such with a cold
much of the spring.

1841-2-8 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #30, p. 23)

The weather clear + mild. Felt somewhat better but greatly weakened…. Sally read to me till a late hour, +
also brot a beautiful stock in full bloom, which refreshed my sight….

1841-2-12 (5685/22, Plantation Diary, vol. 16)

Cutting on Chesnut Orchard…
Sowed the Hill East of the Garden above the Berm Bank in Clover…

1841-3-1 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #30, p. 32)

… Worked among my plants in the green room….
 Appendix A - 72

1841-3-28 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #30, p. 41)

the Servants’ burying ground

1841-10 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Used 30 [illegible] of Thomaston Lime as manure, on Fallows for wheat in the old House field at the rate
of about 55 bushels pr. acre. The experiments at two separate plows [unclear] extending from the berm
[unclear] bank Road to the top of the Hill, in each case the lime was spread on a strip of land a little over
20 yrds wide – in one case (the most eastwardly) terminating at a Walnut tree, a little below in the other, at
a apple tree, just at the site of the old Quarters…A Third experiment, with Thomaston Lime also at the rate
of 45 bushels pr. acre, on lot north of the Old House Garden lot.

1841-10 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished seeding Low Grounds (Upper Field). Corn taken off and the whole broken up with 4 horse
ploughs.
Finished Farm pen in new No. 5 Field….
…to finish stone fence from Trellis Bridge to Berm bank Road.
…carpenters finishing covering low Bremo Bridge.

1841-11-13 (5685/8, JHC to PStGC)

…the important business of making a winter Cow Yard (on my new high land field No. 5). [JHC moves
the cattle to the field where corn was grown and where manure is needed to eliminate need for hauling.]

1841-12 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Jeffrey Hyrus [unclear] finished covering Low Bremo Bridge – 32 days work of one hand-
small stone to modernize the road to the Farm yard thro’ Lawn

1842-2-2 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 58)

The weather so fine was tempted out to take a little walk around the yard + garden but found the ground
wet + suffered from it the remainder of the day!

1842-3 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished planting willows below the mouth of Little Bremo.
Finished the post + rail part of the inclosure of the Hog-lot.

1842-3-11 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 70)

A most pleasant + balmy air today. Occupied myself all the morning in the green room, but fatigued
myself + had a return of my most annoying complaint.

1842-3-19 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 73)

… The garden was too inviting to keep out of it + we found every thing looking more like May than Mar.

1842-3-26 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 75)

… Worked in my border with dear little Betty, till I was greatly heated + fatigued.

1842-3-27 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 75)

Gen. C. returned in the evening, + bro’t with him young Mr. Davis + Mr. Minor (Lucien), the former I was
much pleased with.” [There is no indication whether this might have been A.J. Davis, but it is the
appropriate time for early planning of the T. Temple.]

1842-3-28 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 76)

… Some young girls from the neighborhood came to see us + I walked to the garden with them….

1842-4 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Planted Pumkins thro’out – in the corn rows on low grounds. Except on the lots above + below the Bridge
Embankments – three planted in alternate rows of five feet.
 Appendix A - 73

Planted Jerusalem Artichokes in Creek Garden Orchard…

Manured half an acre (side of peach orchard) … for potatoes
Ditto [ploughed] Peach Orchard lot also limed –
Irish potatoes on Peach Orchard lot
Finished hauling manure on the Western Compartment of Lawn which was omitted last year when Charles
manured the North section of Ditto [Lawn] at rate of about 20 loads…
Planted vacant spaces in Low Ground Orchard with corn for Early feeding Hogs-

1842-4-5 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 78)

… spent much of the remainder of the day in setting some cuttings of valuable plants, bro’t me by Mrs. P.
Gen. C. + Mr. Radziminski got back early from the Court + we spent a pleasant evening, taking leave of
him at bedtime, as he was to depart in the night.

1842-4-6 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 78)

… In the afternoon had a good walk to the Spring (Monumental) but came back much fatigued.

1842-4-9 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 79)

Was very agreeably employed this morning in getting some of my trees into new beds, which they greatly
needed. In the afternoon assisted Mrs. P. in preparing some silk worm eggs for an experiment…. Only
walked to the garden, but was a good deal fatigued. My strength is but weakness now.

1842-4-13 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 80)

Much interested in my Greenhouse trees + plants, which I got set out before breakfast.

1842-5-2 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 86)

… got a pleasant walk to the Temple Fountain.

1842-5-12 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 88)

Very much occupied with preserving strawberries of which we have a great abundance.

1842-5-17 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 89)

Rode out [to Recess] in the afternoon to see Miss Nancy + poor John [JHC, Jr.]. Found the latter amusing
himself in the garden. Could not but admire the goodness of God in so wonderfully sustaining him under
his affliction [epilepsy].

1842-5-25 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Planted Vineyard also in Irish potatoes – in drills 18 inches apart in row –
in the Mill field above + below the front terrace within the Mill field Gate

1842-7-8 (5685/9, JHC to PStGC)

I send you herewith by Smith (Johnson) the Spring Stones or rather what has been left of them. The Basin
has been repaired by Harry so that I hope it will answer your purpose + the back stone (with the inscription
which will serve to perpetuate the memory of the drunkards of the Forks of the Fluvanna) and the Stone
trough to catch the water as it flows off from the Basin designed as a receptacle for cooling vessels of milk
or butter. The Columns + Covering Stone have all been destroyed.

1842-7-15 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 109)

The waters instead of abating thro out night, increased to an alarming height, + continued to rise throughout
the day. We now saw the devastation it was making all around us. Great par of Charles’ wheat all in the
water, + though not drifted off, yet quite destroyed. Much of the tobacco + corn also ruined. Prodigious
quantities of wheat were seen floating down the river, + the canal banks all broke at several places near us.
The lower lock quite destroyed by a boat that was violently driven against the gates, + there is every reason
to apprehend that great injury will be done to the canal throughout the whole line.

1842-7-21 (640/194, Louisa Cocke Diary #31, p. 112)

 Appendix A - 74

Encountered another considerable trial today of the domestic kind. A distemper which has killed all my
ducks + goslings, has commenced all its ravages upon the young turkeys, five of which were brought up in
a dying state.

1842-9 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished Saw Mill Culvert over the race to improve the yard. Carpenters commenced getting timbers to
rebuild saw mill
… for Irish potatoes in the Creek Garden lot [several words illegible] Old Nursery + Peach Orchard

1842-10-26 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Placed a cast iron pipe 1 ½ inches bore through the tow path bank of the canal according to understanding
with President + Board of Directors at their last meeting in Richmond to irrigate my late sown meadow
with Timothy + Herds grass now just coming up. This pipe is placed at 1 foot below the water line of the
Canal – when the water flows over the adjacent waste
… the lot between the Farm and Garden Wall
… the little meadow on the North side of the Canal near Big Bremo to be sown as soon as possible in a new
grass seed obtained from Capt. Meriweather of Albemarle
Completed new road around Mile Pound [unclear] + up the ravine of Little Bremo to back fields
Plowed in 11 loads of Bull House Manure – a load for each tree – in West End of the Indian Camp Orchard
– a few days ago

1843-1-24 (640/109, Female Institute to JHC, New Canton)

The Young Ladies of the Institute have commenced laying off a garden, and having heard of a kind offer
once made by you to supply us with a few shrubs + roots, when we might need them for such purpose, we
take this opportunity to inquire, if you have still on hand a surplus.
If so, we will send for them at any time you may appoint; we should feel highly flattered, if you
could find it convenient to visit our Institute, and would receive with pleasure any hints on the subject of
gardening +c. which your experience might suggest.

1843-2 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished planting about 750 Chesnuts in the Western Woodland Pasture adjoining the Chesnut Orchard –
planted every 10 yds square – as many as possible by rough measurement. This plantation [illegible] down
to the western edge of the Mill field. There were a few scattering Chesnut already in the land, in the
Eastern most quarter.

1843-4-21 (640/109, Female Institute to JHC, New Canton)

… the unsuitableness of the weather, + various circumstances, have prevented us from sending for the
shrubbery etc. at the time specified. If it should not be perfectly convenient for you to supply us at this
time, we hope you will not feel under obligations to do so.

1843-4-28 (640/107, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

6 Salix purpurea
6 “ aurea
6 Finest English basket Willow
6 French Do Do
(24 trees large + bushy)

DSir,
We have shipped to Bernard Peyton Esq. Richmond, as above. Please remit amt. thereof + oblige.
PS. The growing of Osiers would save to the Country tens of thousands of Dollars now pd. to Germany
therefor . It is humiliating that we should be paying tribute for such articles to foreign Countries + that we
still do is the result of first having a Jackson fool + then a Van Buren fox at the head of the Govt, but we
trust that a noble Virginian (by birth) Mr. Clay is destined to perpetuate + improve upon the true Amern
system. No Country can be deemed truly independent that relies on others for articles that could be
produced from her own soil.
 Appendix A - 75

1843-6 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Received a McCormack Reaping Machine

1843-6-27 (640/107, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

Reminder to Cocke to please pay his bill.

1843-7-5 (640/108, Wm. Prince to JHC, Flushing)

DSir,
Yours recd. We shipd the Bdle of Trees as per Bill [illegible] pr packet Leontine, Captn B. Knofp to
Richmond consigned to B. Peyton + enclosing him Bill of Lading in a letter of advice, which was the same
course as the most intelligent shipping House in the Union would adopt.
If Mr. P. did not receive the letter it must then be in the post office or returned to the General
office at Washn. We have a Duplicate Bill of Lading in our possession + on rec’t our payment we will
send it to you + you of course have your redress against the Captn of the Vessel. We having sent you one
Bill of Lad’g retaining a Duplicate to prove we had made the shipment.
Please to remit promptly + close this small matter with us. If you wish more in the fall we will
treat you liberally.

1843-11-20 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished putting the second coping consisting of heart pine boards on the South [illegible] of the West
Mudwall of the Farmyard. The [illegible] being sap + partially heart. This mud-wall was Erected in The
Year 1823 – a small part East of the North Entrance was put up in 1822.

1844 (640/112, JHC to Mr. Charles Tyler Botts (Ed. Of Southern Planter), Bremo)
Seeing that you occasionally ornament the pages of the Planter with a Cottage from Foreign parts, I avail
myself of the skill of my accomplished young friend, Chas. Radziminski to send you a drawing of one
among ourselves. This is a cottage of my own building at Bremo-Recess. The stile is copied from the
only two specimens of the like building I ever saw. The well remembered, old six chimney House in
Wmsburg once property of the Custis Family, and Bacons Castle in Surry said to have taken its name from
Bacon the leader of the rebellion of 1676.
The dimensions + cheapness of this Building bring it within the means of any Gentleman who can
afford to lay out $2500 or 3000 in a House, and its accommodations are sufficient for any family of
Temperate habits + moderate desires in a republican age + Country.

1844 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Irish potato patch; the old House Hill field; north and south sides of the Old Road; Big Bremo Culvert;
from the berm bank in front of the Old House; Out farm yard and Home farm yard [They bring stock to the
shelter at Home farm yard when there is particularly severe weather.]; Grist Mill; Mulberry Field; New
Carter [unclear] Bridge; Saw Mill; in Upper Field bordering the Canal; Mill field; Saw Mill Flat, on upper
side creek; Bridge Lots [low grounds]; Sweet potato patch; Cotton Hills; Big Oak Hill; Creek Garden;
Charcoal kilns; White Oak slash cut of the Low Grounds; Timber house; Press house, Hay house; hill West
of the Indian Camp Orchard; Surry Quarter; Bread Corn House; Extra Corn House; New Corn House +
Granery; East Mill Pond Field; Milk Cow Stables; Roundabout Field; Creek Garden lot; Canal lot;
Champions House lot

1844-2-27 (640/112, Diary of JHC)

Heard from Andw Duncan that his wagon could take up Mr. Timberlakes package of Garden stuff on
tomorrow and sent it accordingly to his house.

1844-3 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Planted out 110 young Chesnut trees as standards to thicken the Chesnut Grove on West side of the old
Bremo or Secretary’s Road…. My planters reported 430 young Chesnuts all planted [illegible] about 90 on
both sides of the ridge of the Old Secretary Road + extending to the gate into [illegible] or Middleton
[illegible] Road. These young trees were found abundantly on the outside of the inclosure in the woods
 Appendix A - 76

between it + Bremo Creek – and are designed to repair the planting of Chesnuts of last spring which proved
a failure from the woods [illegible] and other [illegible]. Although they neglected in part, they disappeared
afterwards – I lay no small strip upon the value this Chesnut timber Experiment – in future time foreseeing
if it is present + judiciously managed it will be an appropriation of a price of poor land more
advantageously than in any other conceivable way… [This chesnut plantation was meant to provide fence
timbers and show a profitable management other than Tobacco.]
In my absence planted over again all my riverside lines with the [illegible] Willows having failed in a great
degree from using cuttings too small on my former Experiments and learning by planting stack poles of this
growth that they live well 4 or 5 inches in diameter –
Replanted the Basket Willow also along Little Bremo Creek in the low ground to afford Osiers for Basket
Making in future time when new prostrate Virginia shall be raised up by a new + more industrious race
than the slave holders of the present day.
Planted also since my return the Golden Willow on the Flat of Little Bremo for the same purpose in the
future –

1844-4 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Henry returned from Elk Hill and resumed cutting coping stone for the Excavation wall around the North
side of the house –

1844-4 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Last week put down strips of 5/8 poplar plank [illegible] by a 4 days process [unclear] – along the margin
of the front walk in the parterre –
… putting on a new coat of whitewash in the inclosures about the House + Lawn + Farm yard-

1844-7 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Our Fine Peaches at Recess Orchard an entire failure – although – the ground was manured at the rate of a
load of Common arm [illegible] to the square of each tree – plowed early + planted in pease. While the
trees are in a fine state of growth – the fruit began to rot about the time of ripening of the Early varieties –
with blasting of the ends of the limbs – which seems to threaten to go through all the other kinds. This is
the first failure of the kind I have ever [illegible]. It may be, that we have injured them by kindness. The
trees not yet showing the blast + decay of the fruit are in a state of unusual luxuriance than are the later
kinds.

1844-8 (640/188, Plantation Memoranda, Commenced October 1841)

Finished the branch road from 1st ford of old Channel of Bremo Creek in Mill field to the spring Ravine
dividing the two [illegible] of the field –

1844-11-5 (640/188, Journal, 1844, Nov. 5th– April 11th, 1845)

… the canal packet which passed my Farm Bridge at the same time [illegible].

1845 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

Description of wheat seeding: on Western Division of Old Ho. Field from Big Bremo to Old Ho. Ridge
Road + from [illegible] House by the Ravine to the Monumental Spring…. W. on Eastern Division of Old
House Field.
A Portion around the Old Grave yard, highly dressed with soil taken from its surface.
The Western Division manured on the Spring Hill and a belt around the next Hill westwardly….
Mill Pond Head Field
Finished Farm Yard Lane + began the out Farm Yard….
the Meadow land for Corn at Surry Quarter
to plow the Mulberry Plantation as a fallow for wheat next Fall…. The land was planted in Morus
Multicaulis just 7 yrs. ago….

1845-3-20 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

Planted 3 Yew trees (X) in the old Graveyard near the Jarratts Spring
X These were destroyed by the Cattle before the post + Rails were finished
 Appendix A - 77

1845-10-19 (5685/10, JHC to PStGC)

This will be delivered by Anthony, Lewis, + Cain if you want Henry + Charles, or either of them, let me
know and I will send them down immediately as they are truly whiling away the time upon my
Monumental Spring, which can be very well postponed for more profitable employment. [Henry and
Charles are stonecutters.]

c. 1846 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

On round Hill Surry Quarter; New Design Field; Surry Quarter Round; Mill field Highland; the landing
Road; Hotel Flat and Orchard

1846 (5685/10)
Indian Corn

1846-4-8 (5685/10, Charles Radziminski to JHC, Richmond)

I beg leave to write to you to inform you that, if it will suit your convenience, I will do myself the pleasure
to perform the survey of your estate at the end of May, or, at the beginning of June.

1846-5-18 (640/188, Account Book)

Cash for Books paid to the Revd. L Marsh for Temple Books } ($)10.78
Account Book entry: 1846, May 19: Cash for Downing’s Cottage Architecture} ($)2.00

1846-6-25 (5685/10, Memoranda of Plantation affairs at Upper Bremo)

…They finished the cut south of the poplar bottom + next to the Quarters to the top of the hill…
…and the piece of Irish potatoes in the creek flat East of the Creek.

1846-9-4 (5685/10, JHC to PStGC)

Have you studied the plan of the Spring Monument so as to give me a list of the dimension stones? I think
this will put your architectural knowledge to the test. But the more I think of it, the more I am [illegible] to
make it a chaste little gem of Art. Dr. McGuffy was so taken with the idea, that he has [illegible] to attend
at its dedication.

1846-9-23 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

Finished liming the Upper Low Ground field this day…. A span rather more than an acre just above the Big
Walnut Tree, or Old Orchard beginning at the Big Persimmon bed….

1847 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

on 4 acres of Lawn lot bounded on East by stone fence.

1847-4-23 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

Planted a patch of Jerusalem Artichokes obtained from Albemarle from my friend Dr. Frank Carr. These
artichokes said to be of a superior kind to the sort I have hitherto cultivated.

1847-5-19 (5685/10, JHC to PStGC)

When I was in New York, 12 months ago, I got the inclosed Memo. From Thorburn, the younger,
as to the [illegible] of gold Fish, intending to introduce them here as soon as I could make a pond. This I
have now done to keep them separate. I understand when raised in ponds they make a good pan fish for the
Table. If your multifarious engagements while in the Great City admits of you attending to so small a
matter, I wish you would call on Thorborne, and have the inclosed Memorandum executed in all its details.
In addition to which he promised he would attend to shipping the Fish + globe [unclear] with proper
directions on board of one of the Richmond packets. To be directed to the care of General B. Peyton. The
cost of the whole $13. pay + charge to my Accnt. I wish you would see, that they are all of the full colored
gold kind, as there are mixed colors amongst them. They must also be selected of different sexes. This
Thorburn understands as he assured me + pointed out to me when I was there. They had better be shipped
so as not to reach Richmond until 3 weeks hence, when the water will be again restored to the Canal.
 Appendix A - 78

When Frank returns be so good as to mention with as much precision [unclear] as you can the day
I may expect the hands to come up [illegible] to go on with my job. You [unclear] will of course send the
drawings by Henry, including Radziminski’s Façade.

1847-5-25 (640/189, JHC Account Book, 1841 June – 1847 Sept)

Memo. Paid Peter C. + Mays $1 each + 5 other hands .75 a piece for a days work, constructing Gold fish
Pond last week in the Garden.

1847-7-16 (5685/10, JHC to PStGC)

Since I have entered upon my Monumental Fountain job, I am becoming more than ever anxious
to make it a chaste specimen of the Order adopted, and not having entire confidence in the science of the
Architect who gave me the plan. I wish you to write to your man Davis and ask him to give the proper
diameter at the base of a Greecian Doric Column, exactly [unclear] eight feet high including the Capital.
Also the diminished size of the shaft, where the Capital commences together with the different members of
the Entablature viz: Architrave, Freeze, + Cornice with profile lines shewing the projections [unclear] of
the members of the Cornice. Perhaps he would give a front [unclear] view of the whole, like that of
Radziminshki’s. The plan being 16 feet wide by 8 feet projection with written dimensions, for a fee in
proportion to the smallness of the object. If so I would rather give $15 or 20, than not be precisely correct
in my hobby. As there are parts of the job, I can go on with, while you can obtain the above information
for me, I wish you would write promptly and let me hear the result.

1847-7-29 (5685/10, JHC to PStGC)

Yours [unclear] upon the subject of the Greecian Doric Façade has relieved me of all my
difficulties as to the proportions of the Column Capital, + the different parts of the Entablature, but involves
me in a new one. I see clearly now, that my Architect committed the error of assuming the diameter of the
Capital or neck of the Column at the full dimension of what ought to have been the diameter of the column
at the base, and proportioning the parts of the Entablature to that standard would have made the structure
out of all proportion heavy for its height. My sense of taste was so much outraged by this state of things,
that I felt assured there must be some error somewhere, and your remarks show me where it is, + that it is,
in assuming one eights (1/8) of the height of the Column for the size of its diminished neck, instead of its
diameter at the base. This will render the execution of the job far less difficult by reducing the size of the
Stones in the Entablature, as well as the shafts of the Columns. But it subjects me to the [illegible] of
reducing the Capitals of marble already finished from a foot to 9in.6. This, if Henry cannot do, I shall have
to send them to Richmond to effect. This single difficulty removed, my job may go on with much less
difficulty in all other respects. Still, I should like to have a sketch from Davis of the Façade under lines
[unclear] that would answer for working by. Nevertheless, if any thing should permit my hearing from
Davis shortly, I am now able to proceed with a good degree of assurance of not being irremedably
[unclear] out of the proper course, in a chaste + scientific erection of my pet job.

1847-9-23 (640/115, Agricultural Memos)

Planted an Experimental lot in the Garden…. Includes detailed description of the division of the plot into
four, then the four unique treatments of soil amendments for each, including diagram.

1847-12 (640/Oversize 1/3, Memorandum of Operations…)

Gives instructions for feeding the livestock and managing the manure and compost. Compost to include
artichoke tops and turf.
Cato + Lewis and James when not employed with Nelson will quarry rock for the stone fence from the
spring gate to the line of Low Bremo = Let the Ox Carts be employed from time to time in hauling +
putting it in place – both for this fence and the wall for the dead sink [unclear] – as I have already
described to Henry. This wall is to be an inclosure of 3 sides - one of 45 feet long in the clear + two of 12
feet each.
Let Tom be employed in trenching the Garden Squares. Two spits [unclear] deep.

1848 (640/127, Directions for Plantation Affairs…)

… the Manure piles and compost heaps outside the Gate….
Gilbert + the hands will do all the cleaning up they can in the Chesnut orchard + Chinquapin pasture.
 Appendix A - 79

Have the Lawn top dressed with Farm Manure… beginning at the North Cedar Hedge….
Nelson + James will take charge of the Garden after Tom’s departure to Belmead - + jointly attend at
stables as hitherto, until my return. Give them directions how + when to make the Hot Bed for Tomatoes,
Early York Cabbage +c +c.
Henry + Anthony to proceed with the stone cutting for the Frieze, Cornice, + blocking Cornice, fluted
Columns + architrave included – and steps with the rustic work connected therewith – if they finish this
before the end of the winter – let no more of the work be set, than up to the level of the architrave, nor even
that much unless in mild soft weather.
Solomon, Phil + Berthier – with such assistance as may be given from the Gardiner + Ostlers + plantation
hands, may be engaged in putting up the stone fence on the road to Low Bremo….
Phill will be charged with attending the waterways on every part of the Lawn to prevent washing + gullies
– and assisted by Berthier will scour the bodies of all the apple Trees in all the orchards with ashes + water
– extending it upon the layer of limbs within convenient reach.
Jeffery + George will… prepare all the timbers for the roof of the Fountain Temple….
After each heavy rain, Make the Gardiner see that the drainage of the Farm yard is properly distributed as
designed in the Garden.

1848-5 (640/188, Agricultural Memos)

Surry Quarter field rather sandy + thin land – adjoining the last cleared Western cut; Fork of Bremo Creek;
…extending to Berm Bank of the Canal + upwards toward the Garden Pond…; Low Ground Orchard;
…that part of Field No. 3 below the road leading to Mouth of Bremo Creek…; …between the Culvert
Branch and the Orchard – this small section partly limed (near the Canal ditch bank + between the Culvert
Branch + the old Landing road)
list of fields: Mill Field North cut; Mill Field South cut; Lower Division – Low Ground; Upper Division –
Low Ground; Bremo Creek point; Orchard Lot Cornfield; Lot between Orchard + Branch; Big Lot East of
Old Landing Road; Hotel Lot; hazel nut flat of Little Bremo Creek; Old House Hill; Old House Road; Old
House Upper Terrace, high level, 2nd terrace; the Covered Bridge; the Old Garden of the Old House;
Sowed Fountain Temple East cut up to Old Ho. [House]: Road terrace + by the Berm Bank down to Old
Barn Walnut tree; this whole cut from Fountain Temple to Stone Wall + by the Road from Covered Bridge
to Old House….

1849 (5685/22, Bremo Plantation Records, vol. 18)

… grubbing in the chesnut grove… grubbing in the Chinkerpin grove; Women putting up the fence around
the chinkerpin grove, front part of the old house hill, back part of the old house hill

1849-2-13 (640/188)
If I die before I get back home. I desire the following Memoranda to be taken as part of my will; I desire
that the Fountain Temple now in progress of execution at Bremo be completed according to the plan. To
be covered with sheet copper – and that the spaces between the triglyphs of the interior Cornice, be filled
with Cruikshanks pictures of the Bottle + its sequel – as far as they will go, + the balance with any others
deemed appropriate.
[JHC also leaves instructions for his and his two wives’ tombstones:dimension, thickness, inscription,
material.]
N.B. Set the Stone Wall around our family cemetery at Recess be covered with a coping of cut freestone.
And set a durable Stone Wall inclosure be put up around the Burial Ground of the Coloured People on the
Chapel Hill. With a suitable gate on the Road-side.

1849-9-19 (640/188, Journal 1849)

Finished the Fountain Temple at Jarratts Spring – and this being my 69th birth day – celebrated the two
events by a picnic family party composed of my children + grand children + a few visiting friends with us –
amongst them my friend + brother-in-law Dr. Maxwell + his accomplished wife…. And thus the Fountain
Temple stands dedicated to the Great Moral reform of the Nineteenth Century.

1850/51 (640/135, Memoranda for Garden Work)

Prepare the New Asparagus beds, viz.: dig trenches 2 feet deep + 2 feet wide leaving an equal space
between. Dig up the bottom + mix manure plentifully with the clay, then fill up the trenches, with a rich
 Appendix A - 80

compost of sandy soil + good manure, with a copious mixture of [illegible] to within 6 inches of the
general surface. Then plant the roots a foot apart in a single line through the middle of yr. Trench carefully
at that level, and fill up the rest of the trenches to the common level with the most sandy soil that can be
procured. In the first compost used in the bottom of the trenches a portion of the upper soil taken from the
trenches may be used. The roots ought to be set out in good weather in Feby – Nelson may be hauling the
materials, as convenient, through the winter.
The old asparagus square to be limed upon the present covering of straw and well spaded, limed at
a rate of a bushel to every ten yards square or every 100 superficial yards.
The Quarter next to the Pond to be thoroughly half trenched, viz. by opening a trench taking the
first 6 or 8 inches of upper soil off, + then taking out one full spit deep, then dig the bottom, and manure,
and throw the clay from the next trench into the bottom, covering it with upper soil previously taken off +
laid aside for the purpose of being kept on top. This is a better + less laborious mode of trenching than the
old stile.
Have as many of the squares as can be trenched in this way, excepting the old Asparagus Square
above mentioned, the Melon Ground, + the Early Pea border under the Wall the latter to be prepared as
formerly.
Nelson + James with the Carriage Horses must plough the irish potatoe ground in the Garden as
soon as possible, observing to bury the straw as deeply as possible, if a spare team can be got, let this be
deeply substratumed.
Js. + Nelson must clip the Cedar Hedge to a regular even height about as high as the post + Railing
adjacent thereto.
They must also inoculate thickly the area in front of the terraces down to the berm bank ditch, and
turf flush, the broad level space in the rear of the Fountain Temple on the top of the Hill, as far back as the
two upper terraces + extending east + west as far as it is level, the descending side ways may be inoculated
with 3 inch squares every foot.
Haul stone to finish McAdamizing the Road from the Corner of the field near the Oat Stacks down
to the top of the Mill Hill, to forks of the Road. Leave them in piles on the road side, one for every other
lock of the fence.
Let the ditch through the low grounds be properly prepared as early as possible + be planted in
Feby. With the rose cuttings in two lines 1 foot apart, and one foot distance in the rows, the plants in each
row being diagonal + not opposite to each other, the cuttings not less 6 inches long + put 4 inches into the
ground.

1850-12-11 (640/135, Memoranda for Garden Work, Plantation Work calling for speedy execution)
Spread the straw on the Mulberry field + the contents of last years winter pen in Surry Quarter, on the
clover in each field respectively….
Winter wood must be got from the under growth grubbings + judicious thinning out trees in the Chesnut
orchard, and from the adjoining woodland thereto…; White Oak + Chinquapin Orchard.
Where Rail timber for fencing is cut, the laps + limbs should also be cut up for fuel.
All stone from the arrable land should be hauled to the outer fences of the field.
Jobs of hauling for Nelson in leisure times; … stone to McAdamize the Road to the Mill Hill; … white
rock to cap the Stone fences where wanted.
Gardening to be done by Nelson + Phill + their Boys
Turnips + roots to be taken up + stored away.
Such Squares to be trenched as have not been hitherto, all trenched land to be manured in the bottom
working.
In all clearing of thickets for improving wood land, let the standard trees be left about 20 feet
apart, to be thinned out in future to 30 + 40 feet apart, in case of White Oak timber, alternately, 40 feet is
not more than enough distance from tree to tree. Chesnut may be left at half the distance of Oaks, when the
growth for timber in preference to mast is desirable, and chinquapins what are only for mast ought be left
10 or 15 feet apart.

1851 (5685/10, Specimens of Minerals sent to the World fare)

James River Slate, known by experienced builders to be of first quality. Found on both sides of the Canal,
within a mile of it, in the Counties of Buckingham + Fluvanna, between the 66 + 67 milestones from
Richmond. Quantity abundant – apparently inexhaustible.
 Appendix A - 81

No. 2: Fire proof red Sand Stone, found also on both sides of the Canal in Fluvanna rising perpendicularly
on the edge of the Berm Bank road and in a cliff on the opposite side of the River – just above the 66 Mile
Stone, known experimentally to be valuable for Furnace Hearths, in vast quantities.
No. 3: Drab colored Free Stone, suitable for cut work, proven to be durable adjoining the above locality on
the Bremo Estate Fluvanna. Where specimens of moulded [illegible] work many years exposure to the
weather may be seen in a perfect state of preservation, also in like abundance with the above.
No. 4: Granite, commencing within a mile + half of the above locality, East and bordering the Canal in the
adjacent Hills for Eleven Miles to the village of Columbia, where a large open Quarry forms the Berm
Bank.
No. 5: Specimens of White [Whet?] Stones known practically to be equal to the best Turkey Oil Stones, +
by many prefer’d, found on the Bremo Estate, bordering the Canal, just above lock 17, + near the 67 Mile
Stone, quite abundant.
No. 6: Iron Ores found on the Bremo Estate within a mile + half of the Jas. River + Kanawha Canal in
Fluvanna, between 66 + 67th mile stone. These orebeds have never been explored but give signs of
abundance.”

c. 1851-52 (5685/23, Bremo Plantation Records, Vol. 21)

Mulberry Field, the grove back of the lawn

1851-01-8 (640/188, Journal 1849)

[illegible] + grading the ha-ha around the House [speaking of the house at the plantation in Mississippi];
Indian Millet; figs in the garden

1852 (5685/23, Bremo Plantation Records, Vol. 21)

Made a duck pond….

c. 1852 (640/142, Diary of Lucy Cocke, 1852-1887)

Mentions her flower garden and improvements Dr.C [Charles Cary Cocke, her husband] is making to their
place [Lower Bremo].

1852-1-30 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Carpenter preparing for the win [unclear] fence around the Fountain Temple. Finished manuring the Creek
Orchard. 1 horse cart load to each tree.

1852-2-1 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

… stone and mound fence on the back line was started…

1852-2-18 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Cary Cocke this [illegible], colored free men, began a Ditch in the Ravene [illegible] the Lawn + Grove
two 4 full [unclear] ditches + a mound on 7 foot space between them, at 8 cents the yard. + found made a
poor beginning. Only 12 yds.

1852-2-19 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Ditchers did 40 yds. Jefferyn (?spelling unclear) Commenced the post + rail part of the Lawn + Grove
inclosure , next to the Mill [unclear].

1852-2-27 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Finished the stone + mound fence to top [unclear] of Bremo Creek Hills - + begun coping it with milky
quartz.

1852-2-28 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Sowed grass seed Randal or Kentucky bluegrass Timothy + clover- 4 measures of the former to one each of
the latter, on the Lawn lot. Sowed plaister on the front lawn from the Garden to the Upper Terrace-…

1852-3-2 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

 Appendix A - 82

… working plantation roads [illegible] quarter field Carpenters putting up post + rail fence [illegible] the
mill including the Grove with the Lawn by the removal of the gate and the double dutch + Bank, in the
hollow below just finished at cost of 8 cts a yard.

1852-3-4 (640/188)
Something for those who came after me. Never build a dwelling House larger than a comfortable cottage.
The Great error of my life was building the Establishment. So much out of keeping with our State of
[illegible]. Such a House as Bremo Recess is large enough for any Country Gentleman and including all its
furniture in a proper style, would not be too expensive for any ordinary Farm-

1852-3-10 (5685/11, JHC Bills, Receipts + Accounts)

Receipt for fruit trees. Flushing, near New York
Insignia reads: Commercial Garden and Nursery, Fruit & Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Roses, &c.
Bought of Parsons & Co.
12 English Walnuts
6 Spanish Chesnuts
8 Apricots named
6 Figs
No 4 Biferédel Archysel [unclear]
5 Datte
7 Marsillaise
11 blanca
12 Noir
14 A feuilles intiers

1852-3-20 (5685/11, JHC Bills, Receipts + Accounts)

Receipt for 50 Alpine Strawberry plants ($1.50)

1852-3-23 (5685/11, JHC Bills, Receipts + Accounts)

One bundle of grape vines shipped from Smith + Johnson via JHC’s agent Peyton in Richmond.

1852-4-5 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Planted a hot bed of sweet + Irish potatoes. Ditto 6 Norten seedlings + 6 Lenoir [unclear] grape vines
obtained of John Carter. At the same time got of him 6 Bremin Giese [unclear] at $1 apiece.

1852-4-13 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Hands with the [illegible] cleaning + raking [unclear] up the Grove now lately attached to the Lawn by the
removal of the Gate from the lines of Cedars + the Hedge. Sowed Cauliflower seed- + planted out 100
plants from the Hot Bed – planted out also Tomatoes

1852-4-18 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

The water from Little Bremo Creek overflowing the channel in the Low Grounds early morning – began to
subside before midday.

1852-4-20 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Working on some of our Plantation Roads. McAdamized the Road from the Outter Lawn gate to the Saw
Mill.

1852-4-21 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Commenced breaking the Grove for Grass seed. Manured it at 9 loads (ox cart) pr. acre and sowed orchard
grass + timothy equally [illegible] + oats

1852-4-22 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Still engaged improving the Lawn Grove – as yesterday

1852-4-24 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

 Appendix A - 83

Turned cattle out of Farm Yard + fed them beyond the Lawn Gate

1852-4-24 (5685/11, JHC Bills, Receipts + Accounts)

Cary Cocke a/c for ditching – Paid in Full.
Genl. Cocke to Cary Cocke, Dr.
1852, Apl 24. To the following ditching done for you, viz.
453 yds. Along canal
221 “ 2 Cul
17 “ 1 Cross ditch
474 “ Long ditch in Meadow
1165 “ @- 3c……………… $34.95
312 “ double ditch @- 8c …… 24.96
155 “ round Temple a. Spring @-4c … 6.20”

1852-5-11 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Some hands making a Dutch bank for a stone fence from the Stone Column Gates to Surry Quarter-

1852-5-29 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

All hands in the corn but must plants pease The Evening. Disappointed in planting pease [illegible] in a
square in the Garden

1852-9-2 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

…Hands cutting down Old Peach Orchard in Chapl Hill field.

1852-10-16 (640/188, Daily Record for 1852)

Finished terrace [unclear] Road thro’ Chapel field from the Stone columns New Design gate to Slate
Quarry

1852-11-23 (640/150, JHC Memoranda Book)

Mr. Jos. Wright of Scottsville visited me and put me upon the most approved plan for raising cuttings of all
kinds, which I design to learn to account in raising Rose Hedge Fences, both here + in Alabama. Gave him
cuttings of Drumgoole Mulberry to spread in Albemarle.

1853 (640/188)
Mulberry Field; The Round about Hill; back cut of Mill-pond –road field; hot bed for potatoes; Mulberry
field on the flats; + filling the Dead Sink – with soil for future use after burying…; Surry Quarter Mulberry
Field; Spanish Rind and red sort sweet potatoes; old house field – livestock turned out there; mending break
in the Creek embankment; cotton planting; Rabbit House lot; …in the lot East of Lawn; weeding truck
patches; Chapel field; Wheat to Middleton Mills for family flour; water gates on the Creek; lot between
Farm yard + Canal

1853-4-17 (640/150, JHC Memoranda Book)

Upon his return from Alabama, Found the System of Terracing beautifully executed on the Lawn, ready to
be seeded + top dress, which was compleated on the 27th.

1853-4-18 (640/150, JHC Memoranda Book)

Began moving Charles family to Upper Bremo, having determined to live with them, + get rid of house-
keeping, that I may have more time to prepare for my own impending removal to the House not made with
hands.

1853-5-18 (640/150, JHC Memoranda Book)

Yesterday planted (3/5 of an acre) lot between Farm yard + Canal in Irish potatoes…. Same day planted
the large square at the pond….

1853-6-4 (640/150, JHC Memoranda Book)

 Appendix A - 84

The Service Berry was ripe, and is a very pleasant fruit which is well deserving of cultivation.

1853-12-22 (640/188)
Reached Branchville at 9 o’clock + waited there ‘til 11 AM for Charleston Cars. Found our fellow
travelers who had parted from us at Wilmington taking the [illegible] in the Charleston Cars. Having had a
[illegible] voyage + good nights rest but as soon as the Manchester RR route is finished this will be the
shortest route by nearly 12 hours. To say nothing of the [illegible] – Recd from Mr. Westray of No C. near
[illegible] an astounding account of the successful culture of the Scuppernong + the Cataba Grape. From
vines of the former he had this year made 80 galls. Wine, worth $4 pr gallon. These two varieties of the
grape are only kinds that succeed in his district – what he describes as poor sandy land – high and dry
[illegible] commencing near Hallifax and extending both sides of the RR some 50 miles or more south +
extending out [illegible] from the high hilly clay lands 20 or 30 miles towards the Sea board…. The
Scuppernong vine thrives with the greatest luxuriance. Produce the finest + fairest fruit, in almost unlimited
quantities. The variety ought not to be trimmed at all but scaffolded as it extends itself which there seems
to be no limits to…. [Talks about trimming Cataba. No luck with Isabella Variety. Then talks about wine
for the Eucharist and problems of making wine for drinking with his moral views.]

1854-4-13/16 (5685/11, JHC Daily Account for Lower Bremo)

[Mention of a late snowstorm that ruined the vegetable garden.] Had already set out tomatoes, pepper
plants, + cabbage. Straw berries were in full bloom

1854-11-8 (5685/11, Jos.C. Cabell to JHC)

…who will call at Bremo, to see your improved plan of a Gate…

1854-12-1 (5685/11, Chas. A. Scott to JHC, Scottland)

Dear Sir,
Yours of the 20th [illegible] was handed to me a few days since by Mr. Wright. I have many applications
for wild Geese + cannot spare [spelling unclear] as many as you wish, 3 pr, I will make you a present of
one pr to be delivered when [illegible] for [illegible] to you by the canal as you may prefer. It [illegible]
was some [illegible] to [illegible] of the number now in my possession [illegible] – there are only 4 pr
which breed + one Gander which has mated each a [illegible] Goose. I have noticed your pond on the
canal + do not recollect whether it is entirely enclosed unless this is the case they will not remain in the
pond but go in the canal or River. It will be necessary also to have the wings of young ones taken off at or
near the first joint should they breed, or they will go off in the spring after their [illegible].

1855-5-6 (640/150, Remont Nursery, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania)

Nursery Catalogue, addressed to [Charles] Cary Cocke.

1855-7-10 (5685/11, Wm. B. Randolph to JHC, Washington City)

My dear Sir,
The Scotch Gardener referred to in your letter of 6th [illegible], (received yesterday) has been
with me this morning.
His name is Mc Rae Dods from Dunbar, twenty file years of age and unmarried. He represents
himself as having been brought up regularly, to the business and to be acquainted with all its branches. He
has been in the country two years. Worked in Connecticut + New York and for six or eight months past,
has lived with Major Tochman [unclear] of this Neighborhood. The Major certifies that he was discharged
“without blame to his professional ability”. Dods says he left the place because his services were not
compensated promptly or properly, which, from what I have heard, I am disposed to consider the true
reason.
Dods expresses a willingness to go to Fluvanna and to serve you for $25 pr month, with
subsistence and lodging. He professes temperate habits, but it, probably, not a “teetotaler”. His appearance
is rather indicative of steady habits. He will call to see me again on Friday next.
Very respectfully, From your servant,
Wm. B. Randolph

1856 (640/188, Journal 1856)

 Appendix A - 85

Plantation Chapel; the Graveyard of Chapel Field; Bremo Bluff Bridge over Canal; Cold House; Lower
Bremo Terrace

1856-10-9 (640/13, A. Stevenson to JHC, Blenheim)

… I should like to see your farming operations + profit by them, but cannot. I feel confidence in your
system of terracing and would adopt it if I had a manager that could do it – I hope still to be able to follow
your example….

1856-11-6 (E. Lorraine, Chief Engineer [of JR&K Canal Co.], to JHC)
I have calculated the quantity of embankment at the Bremo Bridge and find it as follows:
on the tow path side (South): 381 yds.
“ “ Berm side (North): 512 “
Total 893 “

1857-6-6 (640/188, Journal 1857)

…My two most valued trees at Upper Bremo – a Magnolia Grandiflora + a Cedar of Lebanon which had
lived + thriven thro’ 28 winters have both been killed by the severities of the two last winters. The first had
bloomed beautifully for several years - + the last had risen to 30 feet in height + were both in health + vigor
– until the winter of 1856 which crippled them greatly. The winter of 56-57 have finished their destruction
Waste no time upon Exotics, improve indigenous trees, and the labor will not be lost. Transplanted a few
plants of the Chinese Sugar Millet [unclear] to the Garden at Low Bremo from the ¼ acre in Low Grounds.
Lately observed the same appearance of the destruction of the pith [unclear] in Apples, Pears, + Quinces
that I communicated lately to the public thro’ the Southern Planter. I had discovered in the peach.
Observed the same [illegible] state in a wild crab apple tree in the Lawn of this Cottage + apparently from
the same cause.
Gathered my first ripe watermelon. Mortified to find two melons had been stolen from the garden patch
last night. A state of things not to be submitted to. On the absence of all proof against any individual I shall
put the patch under the night guard of the two only rogues who for a long time have been [illegible] on the
plantation + hold them responsible for all thefts.

1857-9 (640/188, Journal 1857)

JHC visited Boston in September 1857. Saw Cambridge University [Harvard] and Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
The beautifully meandering Roads over which were rolling splendid [illegible] of every description
[illegible] with persons who could hardly traverse such scenes without serious [illegible] – gave a cast of
thought highly + morally elevating.

1857-11 (640/188, Journal 1857)

Reached home the 13 and finding my grape plants arrived from my friend Mr. Viall of Pearedinu [unclear],
proceeded to plant them, Alltho’ the Cold House was not yet finished.
Sent a written description of the Cold House Grapery to Frank G. Ruffin of The Planter for publication.
[Speaks of Drumgoole Mulberries several times.]

1857-11-27 (640/188, Journal 1857)

Planted Figs verg. [unclear] brown + Marseiles white at [illegible] Old Conservatory. 1 brown Do in Cold
Ho, Grapery - + 1 white
Planted Grape seed brought by Little Mary B. from Baltimore. Raised in a grapery near that City.

c. 1858 (5685/14, Cary C. Cocke to Col. Thomas H. Ellis, Pres. of JR&K Co.)
Letter states that the Farm Bridge crossing the canal is in a terrible state of repair and needs immediate
attention so they can adequately get the Bremo corn harvest in.

1858-4-9 (5685/14, CCC to JHC, Bremo)

I have not yet got the pump erected in the Garden for the Grapery. I have had several letters with Smith. I
thought he would have a man here yesterday, but he mentioned at the dance [unclear] that you would be in
Richmond about Saturday + if there was any difficulty in getting the piping sent up by Packet he must send
the piping by freight boat this week + let the men to erect it come up next week in Packet, meant time he
 Appendix A - 86

might see you + confer with you as to the plan. I have the ditch all dug + ready to have the pump put in; -
but the vines are in very good condition + the watering by hand seems to answer very well.

1858-4-17 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Cold House Grapery unfinished

1858-4-23 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Pump + piping recd from Rd with a plumber to erect it in the Cold House Grapery cost for all $93.80.

1858-5-16 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Plants in Cold House Grapery beginning to grow

1858-7-5 (5685/11, JHC – Documents, Bills + Receipts)

To hire Anthony: rebuilding stone wall of stable which was burnt at Recess in Mar….

1858-12-1 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Commenced with my new Sugar Mill making syrup from Chinese Millet – The yield of syrup is quite
satisfactory

1858-12-2 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Cut down exotic vines in Cold House Grapery + plant cuttings. Closed windows for the winter. Should be
top dressed.

c. 1859 (640/186, Account Books - Memo Books)

How to lay out a garden; Useful Plants [These may be titles of books or essays.]

1859 (640/188, Journal 1859)

high land field (Mineral Spring lot)

1859-3-11 (640/112, Diary ?- Mrs. Lucy Cocke, transcribed JHC entries)

Hopewell: Sun dial in the center of the garden with iron pedestal and granite base

1859-8-23 (640/188, Journal 1859)

Planted a Cedar hedge at the Episcopal Parsonage, as an Experiment of mid summer planting said to be bad
[unclear] for Evergreens.

1860-7 (5685/11, JHC – Documents, Bills + Receipts)

To hire of Anthony 3 days to put up stone pillar in barn
To hire of Anthony + Lewis at sundry times during the year, building chimnies at Oliver’s house + weaving
room, + also plaistering the up stairs of Negro quarters +c. +c.

1860-11-27 (5685/15, Thomas H. Ellis to CCC)

Regarding the autobiography of the Reverend Devereux Jarratt, published by Mr. Coleman in 1806: Is the
unoccupied old house on the hill near your Father’s spring the house in which Mr. Moon lived and in which
Mr. Jarratt taught school?…

1861-6-17 (5685/16, Receipts, etc.)

Receipt from John H. Gordon & Son, Richmond, for 1 Dozen flower pots

1863 (5685/17, Cary C. Cocke to JHC)

finishing the turkey house

1863-8-22 (5685/11, JHC – Documents, Bills + Receipts)

By cash given me for Fountain

1863-12-21 (5685/17, JHC to Dr. C.C. Cocke + Dr. A.L. Brent, Belmead)
 Appendix A - 87

My Dear Doctor;
… I have been most agreeably engaged in terracing a part of the magnificent Lawn of this magnificent
place.- and if I can inspire C.B. [first initial unclear – possibly Courtney Bowdoin] This Mother with a
reasonable share of taste for Landscape Gardening + solid rural comfort. I could work on here for a few
more weeks of the winter, but if I am arrested by the season, or the want of encouragement in the taste of
the pro [unclear]. I shall come home – engage a regular professional Gardener if I am, and addict myself
for the short [illegible] remaining to me of the lease of life, in raising Cabbages, Melons, + fruits, or
preparing my Gardening for you to carry it out….
…some Okra + some of the Sun Flower Seed of both kinds.
…Have the pecan trees sent + planted in reference [unclear] to the cardinal prints [unclear] – in same rich
+ [illegible] soil….”

1864-1-4 (5685/18, Letter from Arthur Lee Brent to JHC)

… I send you also a letter to my self, from Mr D.G. Smith in regard to the persimmon trees…
P.S. I have just had an interview with Jack, who says he sends in a box, all the seeds you want, except the
gallivance peas, of which there are non to spare, owing to the few planted last year not maturing….

1864-1-13(5685/18, CCC to JHC)

…but given all who would avail themselves of it the chance to secure abundance of ice. I delivered to your
man Hood [unclear] your message about securing an additional quantity of ice + suggested he should
remove to the stable loft all the hay but of the Orchard house near the bridge. Which was done + then took
one half of the house, as it is divided by a large girder + filled the Eastern end of the house about to the top
of the [illegible] door on the South side, putting down holes and ways to keep the ice from the stone…

1864-2-9 (5685/18, Arthur Lee Brent to JHC)

… I send down the seeds for which you write (except white mustard of which Jack says he has none). Viz:
Gourd Seed, black mustard, + purple tomatoe….

1864-2-13 (5685/18, Arthur Lee Brent to JHC)

… I shall give Jack particular directions about the various trees you wish selected + have them gotten up in
good time. He is preparing his hotbeds, + I shall direct him to sow a large crop of the purple tomatoe as
you mention.

1865-2-17 (9513-I, Letter addressed to “My dear friend”, Lower Bremo)

… he could conveniently write himself. But sends the box of cuttings + seed with great pleasure, the
contents to be divided between your Brother + Major Carrington [unclear]. He sends a rooted cutting and
cuttings without roots of the black Hamburg to each of the gentlemen. The chicory + gourd seed also to be
divided, the latter being quite scarce. Not having succeeded himself those that he has [illegible] sent him
by a friend + of these he sends 3 doz._ He sends also a parcel of Jerusalem artichokes which he thought
your brother would especially like. If they grow + increase [illegible] then will be some other seed which
we will mark, that he thought they might find useful.
He desires me to add that he is happy to hear your friends are thus taking notice of his favorite
persimmon + in consequence he has [illegible] lately + also “Rules for a Nuttery” which you must also
circulate among your friends.
This section signed S. F. B. [first initial unclear]
[End note signed John H Cocke, including the following:] I was much pleased to find by your letter that
some others as well as myself [illegible illegible] “The Jerusalem Plum” that I sent you herewith my paper
on upon the subject. Mr. Skipwith lately discovered a very valuable seed variety [break in text]… Mr.
Powers House. Which I hope you will interest yourself + others in [several words illegible] – there are two
very large trees. The first is of unusual size – besides being without seed of a cylindrical rather than
spherical shape and unusual for size + [illegible]. I will get Mr. S [unclear] to describe the trees so that
they be found + propagated. And put his memo a with this…. I can write no more at present.

1886-9-15 (5685/19, Contract between C.C. Cocke & B.F. Barlow and others)
…agrees to rent…all the land in the three eastern low ground fields from the Lower Bremo line to the
eastern line of upper low ground Field or Upper Bremo and the land on Old House (Bremo) Hill east of a
 Appendix A - 88

line from the Temperance Spring to the gate North of Old House on Bremo Hill, and any other high land on
said farm excepting the garden, farm yard, and lots adjoining which the said parties of the second had
[illegible] or shall elect to cultivate in corn tobacco wheat oats or other crops…
Contract sets these tenants up as share-croppers. CCC provides land, some equipment, livestock, wood for
fencing, etc. But these tenants give half of any produce to him.

1922-7-15 (640/182, Sketch of Bremo Gardens)

This is more or less the account of Bremo that was included in the James River Garden Club book
published early in the century. Very much of the narrative may be romanticized. It is signed Mayzck W.
Shields. According to the genealogy provided in the original finding guide to the various Cocke
collections, I assume this is Gen. Cocke’s great-granddaughter. (Philip St. George Cocke – Sally Brown
Cocke (m. –Wilson) – Sally Mazyck Wilson (1869-1941) (m. Wilkins B. Shield)). She would not even have
been born by the time of Gen. Cocke’s death, though if she had visited Bremo in her childhood, could have
known the garden within a decade of his passing. When she wrote this “sketch” in 1922, she would have
been 53, perhaps liable to reminisce, though unlikely to be in the demented nostalgia often typical of old
age.
Bremo, on the Upper James, the beautiful century old home built by Gen. John Hartwell Cocke
stands as a rare type of Greek Colonial Architecture and commands a superb view of the fertile valley of
the James Rivers and the Buckingham Hills beyond. On the low lying slope beyond the south lawn lies the
old garden, famous in Antebellum days for the beauty of its flowering shrubs, its wealth of old time flowers
pouring out their fragrance to all who wandered along its broad winding walks which were shaded by semi-
tropical trees, the sunlight flickering through the rosy glow of the feathery mimosa or the dark green of the
Coffee Tree. There one might linger under arbors and gather luscious grapes or stroll along the old
serpentine brick wall and feast on figs worthy of the Orient, or emerge from the shaded walks to view the
panorama of brilliant beds of roses encircled by the dark rich green of box hedge forming a gigantic star in
the midst of the garden and further on myriads of flowering bulbs rejoicing on the sloping borders of a
mirror lake whose calm waters reflected the beauty of the garden or rippled with the graceful motion of
swans upon its waters. Near-by was a rabbit warren the soft downy bunnies being the delight of all the
children visiting Bremo.
Where the lake narrowed to join the waters of the Canal beyond, a graceful, arched bridge led
across to the orchard on the one side, with fruits and nuts of various kinds; and on the other a vegetable
garden with a luxuriance of all things for the bountiful table of the old house, within whose walls many
honored guests were welcomed.
In a corner of the garden wall was the brick cottage, where Aunt Phyllis lived who had special
charge of the chickens that feasted in the adjacent barnyard….
With the passing of the old days and the old regime many beauties of the garden also passed, and
nature now runs riot with lavish luxuriance on the spot that the gardener’s art once shaped into ideal beauty.
The old home mellowed by years is enthroned on the hill surrounded by giant oaks and elms and needs not
so much the distant view of the garden.
A wee garden now nestles at the South front of Bremo, a true daughter of the old time garden,
[illegible] to one in the Greek portico above, the delicious fragrance of Magnolia, Mimosa, Myrtle,
lavender, cinnamon pinks + musk-cluster roses; with a view [of] white and blue violets peeping through the
green leaves and a shimmer of golden crocus on the borders, all leading ones fancy to float along the
fragrant paths of a century and rejoice that old time flowers still greet each season at Bremo.

1931 (640/Oversize 2/1. Richmond Times Dispatch. Sunday, August 16, 1931)
‘Epitome Of Planter Civilization, Where Atmosphere of Days “Befo’De War” Still Obtains, Is Presented
At Bremo, Historic Estate of Old Virginia.’ - Douglass Deane Hall
‘Famous Fluvanna County Home Will Be Opened to Public September 1 as Museum of Antebellum Life;
Restoration is Complete.’
Clara Cocke Johnston and Forney Johnston working for over a year on the restoration. William Lawrence
Bottomley in charge of the restoration work.
… The house is approached by an avenue of cedars. It stands at the end of a lawn studded with oaks and
elms as stately as the tall columns supporting its front…. Passing directly through the house to its opposite
front, the view becomes one of a hillside sloping away to the fertile river valley, the old canal and the
winding stream, beyond which the Buckingham County hills roll away into the distance.”
 Appendix A - 89

… To them he dedicated this spring, over which he erected a Greek temple. He made its waters flow to the
bank of the canal, where they poured continually from the mouth of a huge pitcher known as the Teapot of
Bremo. This was a favorite point of refreshment for travelers by canal boat along the old canal.
Mentions 2 miles of “good road” have been laid making the mansion more accessible.
Three exterior shots, panorama of entrance façade, T. Temple and barn. There appears to be a stone or
rough groundcover reinforcing/covering the far face of the ha-ha. The grade slopes down to the sides as at
present. Yew to the right of entrance is present in this shot. Also a very large canopy tree to the right side
of the mansion, unclear whether it is in front or on the slope behind.

No Date (640/182, Directions for Cultivating the Ruta Baga or Swedish Turnip)
Directions for Cultivating the Ruta Baga or Swedish Turnip.

No Date (640/189, Mill books + loose papers, 1859-1870)

Dear Mrs. Cocke [likely Dr. C.C. Cocke’s wife],
If you have any geraniums of the kind I mention below please send me a slip of each. Tell the Dr.
I have the prettiest puppy for him he ever saw. All must visit soon. With Kindest regards,
H.C. Wood [unclear], Spring Garden
(Fish, Lemon, Nutmeg, Apple + Skeleton, I want them for a young lady.)

No Date (640/182, Mode of Managing Apple Seeds)

The Apple seed must be buried in the ground in the Box. Let them remain until the latter end of March.
Then take them up and sow them in drills at the distance of two feet + a half a part. Before they are sown
the ground ought to be well prepared. and after the plants get 2 or 3 inches high they ought to be thinned,
so as to start at the distance of a foot apart in the Rows.

No Date (640/182, Culture of (Cape) Broccoli)

Talks about the manner of sowing and cultivating, also staggering and winter-keeping procedures to assure
harvest throughout the winter and into the spring months.

No Date (640/186)
Memo of the Boundaries of Up. + Lower Bremo:
Boundaries of Up. Bremo-
Beginning at the Mouth of Big Bremo Creek. Thence by the meanders of said Creek to a marked tree on its
bank just above the first ford. Thence by the metes + bounds of the track called Coopers (of 80 acres
adjoining the western side of the original survey of the Bremo Estate) to the line of another tract of 80 acres
bought of Guerrant [unclear] also adjoining the Bremo tract and along the barn [unclear] of said Guerrants
[unclear] tract – to the Corner Stone of Upper Bremo. Thence by the back line of the original survey of the
Bremo Estate to the intersection of the line dividing Lower Bremo from Upper Bremo and as established by
Deed from JH Cocke to CC Cocke [illegible] the back line to the River - + from this point on the River up
to Big Bremo Creek
Boundaries of Lower Bremo –
Beginning on James River at the line of intersection [unclear] between Upper Bremo + Lower Bremo.
Thence by the said line to the back line of the original survey of the Bremo Estate to the intersection of the
line which separates Recess from Lower Bremo. Thence by said line to the River + up the River to the
beginning.

No Date (640/188, Journal of 1837)

JHC claims he planted first cedar in Fluvanna Co.

No Date (5685/3)
Instructions concerning gardeners: [very hard to read, not JHC handwriting]
Addressed to Dr. C.C. Cocke.
Mentioned: pease, cabage winter and summer, beets, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, leattuse ,
radishes
 Appendix A - 90

the east Border – commence [unclear] at the Oak Tree, [illegible] I told William how to manage it – you
will have little Borders around No. 4-5, 6-7. +c. where you can Plant tomatoes, [illegible], [illegible],
Parsley. I have the Scarlett Beans with me. I will give you some which you can plant in the little
[illegible] the Gardners book will inform you how to Plant them…

No Date (5685/3, Map of the James River and Vicinity near Bremo)
Small topo map, no date. Shows some roadways, minor Bremo access road penciled in. Shows approx.
locations of the 3 houses, also notes a Quarry near the mouth of Bremo Creek. Shows railroad and
Arvonia Slate Quarry.
On reverse: Map C+O Ry
Alternatives: Build + maintain Pondgot [unclear] Road; approach to Sta on So Side [several lines illegible]
farm road…; no tracks extended East of Farm Road; Access to Station from farm Cinder driveway
[unclear]; Stop whistling of engines; Drainage ditch along S side of land purchased dig + maintain; Bridge
over Creek in Low Grounds; Express + telegraph; Low Grounds rented [unclear] to winter

No Date (5685/3)
The Grave Yard Wall
According to the design laid down, is to be five feet high, the first course one foot high, height of Pilasters
2 ft. 10 in. They are to be set back from the front of the base course 2 ½ in one foot nine will be sufficient
for their breadth, them and the course over them are to be in one plane, the pannels to be sunk 2 ½ in. The
course under the coping to be in height nine and one half inches, Coping 4 ½ in thick. Three of the sides to
have five Pannels the fourth four and gate-way the pillar to be three feet square. If the wall be one foot
nine thick on the base, the pannels will be one foot four in at the pilaster 1 ft 6 ½ in for the conveniency of
getting the suitable stones the coping may be kept in 3 ½ on each side like to a blocking course in that case
it will be 11 ½ in wide. This and the coping of the pillars are the only stones that are required to a given
size. The plinth course is to be carried round the pillars, but no upper band their copeing will be one foot
ten inches square. The thickness the same as the other coping, and will serve to place an urn or vase or any
other suitable decoration upon. Hamer dressing only to be used.
Bare course, pillars, pilasters and course resting [unclear] on them of light coloured stone it will
be most convenient to get the coping at the great Rock which will be red. Dark coloured stone for the
pannels the more irregular in form the better the might be had with very little additional trouble, with a
moss covered face, which a thing would add greatly to the beauty of the whole.
Eighteen pilasters in all.
On reverse: Seedsons [unclear scheme for [illegible] Grave Yard

No Date (5685/3)
The house consisting of 8 rooms… Description of B. Recess and Academy
The House consisting of 8 Rooms 7 of which have fireplaces a Kitchen + wash room – Dairy + Smoke
House, Ice House and Store House – Two enclosed Gardens of an Acre each A lawn, with several
plantations of bearing fruit trees consisting of 6 or 7 acres and a grove adjoining the lawn of 15 or 20 acres.
The above to be given free of rent – the tenant being bound to keep the buildings and the Garden and yard
inclosures in a state of repair equal to the condition in which they are received – and to guard the fruit trees
against injury from stock. All additions or repairs that may be agreed upon between the parties [illegible]
shall leave the premises in a better condition than that in which they were received to be paid for by the
owner at the end of the contract.
An elderly man + woman, the first very able to cultivate the Gardens and the second is at present
my Cook with a small girl 12 yrs old – these to be given for their victuals and clothing – together with
tableage and House Room in the farm yard for as many winter kept cows as may be desired with the
privilege of summer pasturage on the Farm for Four Cows. _ The privilege of cutting fire wood within the
limits to be assigned + to be restricted by the owner retaining the privilege of exempting certain kinds of
timber to be designated….
The description goes on to outline an Academy and the tuition, courses, etc. of the school.

No Date (640/181, W. Gibbons to C.A. Rodney)

Catalogue of fruit trees in the Witen. [unclear] Nursery….
 Appendix A - 91

Apple
Apis or Lady Apple, Aunts’ Apples, Bellflower, Bough, Browns Winter, Brown Apple, Calville Red, Do.
White, Campficto [unclear], Carthouse, Cattine [unclear] Sum., Do. Wint., Cider Apple, Codling, Crab
Hagloe, Do. Siberian, Do. Hewes’, Do. Tour’s [unclear] white, Doctor Apple, Drapd’or (plum), Dumpling,
Evertart, Hanger, Cider, Gabriel Apple, Gloucester white, Greening Jersey, Grey House, Grindstone,
Harrison Cider, Harvest, Juncating [unclear], Do. red + green, Kean ap., Knowles’ early, Maiden’s blush,
Naury ap., Orange, Pearmain gold., Pearmn. Sum., Do. winter, Pennock, Pippin Bullo, Do. hollow cored,
Do. fall, Do. long, Do. Monstrous, Do. Newark, Do. Newton winter, Do. Ribstone [unclear], Presbeterian
ap., Priestly winter, Rambo, Tattle ap., Redling, Roman Stem winter, Russetting, Seek no further,
Spitzenbourg, Do. Kains, Do. Newton, Smoke House, Summer Rose, Do. early ripe, Do. Queen, Swaar,
Red sweeting, Tewksbury blush, Van diver white, Common Do., Green Do. Royal Russet, Early white,
Wine apple, Wine Sap, Winter Queen, Winter Sweet, Dry no other, Sweet pippin, Black Apple, Lagereum
[unclear] apple, Lobb ap., Rhode Island greening, Styre, Cumberland Spires, Caun apple, Red Streak early,
M. Henry pippin, Sweet russet, Ashmore
Pear
Of the pear I have none except the butter + Washington fit for transplantation. The same may be said of the
plum, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine. But my plants are maturing + I expect in 2 years to have varieties
of all these fruits, equal in quality to anything in the U. States or perhaps Europe. To have a Nursery
worthy of public attention in my object, I have purposefully omitted having a catalogue printed, until all the
departments of the Nursery are filled up, in order that no disappointment may take place.

No Date (640/187)
To Rev. on 1206 acres of land,
“ “ “ 1 Whites, 40 slaves, 18/1290 Horses, 910 Cattle, 2/250 Carriages
Also lists, watches, clocks, pianos, plate, H. & K. F’nture, other articles, S. Bonds, County levy on tithes.

No Date (5685/18, JHC Essay on Agriculture)

Purports the importance of water as the greatest of fertilizers. He advocates “the horizontal system of
husbandry, or the strictly horizontal broad terracing system”. Through this procedure he suggests
rendering undulating land into small sections of flat land, thereby holding and absorbing the most water
that falls upon it.

No Date (5685/18)
Misc. correspondence from overseer at Lower Bremo: Hemp seed saved, Flax seed saved, green peas,
black eye peas, hearteye beans, white beans

No Date (5685/7)
Surry Quarter Creek land

No Date (640/182, Directions for Planting + Cultivating Vines)

Culture of the Vine
Manner of Planting.
1. Make a hole two feet deep and one foot + ½ wide and two feet long.
*2. The plants without roots shou’d lay eight days previous to planting and those with roots 24 hours.
3. Put six inches of good dung at the bottom of hole
4. Then throw 4 Inches of good light earth upon the dung
5. Place the plant in a sloping direction on this earth, but not in it, so as to leave two eyes above ground.
6. Surround the plant with 4 Inches of good light earth.
7. Place on this again a bed of dung 6 Inches in thickness and then fill up the hole with Earth.
8. No weeds must be suffer’d to grow near the Plants.

* The second Articles related exclusively to planting in Spring.

No Date (640/182, Cultivation of Watermelons, Symmes directions)

Fallow the ground well, then, chick it off at the distance of 10 feet each way; at each check, open a hole for
the manure, about 6 inches deep, and so wide as will contain about half a bushel of manure. That from the
 Appendix A - 92

stable I would recommend, provided, it be wholy rotted, Say such as has been standing one, two or three
years, nay longer if can be had. The object being, to have it as free as possible from unrotted matter. When
the manure is placed in each hole, then have the earth that was taken out of the hole drawn back over the
manure, in the form of a tobacco hill, and suffered to remain until it is time to plant your seed. At which
time have this dirt which covers the manure, well chopped up with the manure, so as to mix it intimately
with the manure; This being done, the hill will be rendered open and light and afford ease to the seed while
vegetating and destroy that tendency the hill would otherwise have to bake or become hard, and thereby
smother the see and prevent readily passing through the top of the hill. After the hill is thus prepared and
raised 3 or 4 inches above the common level, then in the center of the hill, carefully open with a hoe a hole
in the center of the hill, about 2 or 3 Inches deep in which drop 6 seed, cover them with the hoe in a neat
and light manner, and with a slight rise to shed the water; after this say in 8 or 10 days deposit in each hill 3
or 4 more seed in a manner though not to disturb that first planted. And this is to be continued, each
successive 8 or 10 days until the plants are out of danger of frost or infect. This successive planting must be
observed whether the seed planted come up well or not, the object being to guard against frost and insect.
When the season shall have grown the plants to the size of the hand, or somewhat smaller, and the season
assures that there is no further dread o be apprehended, from frost or insect; then draw from the hill all the
plants but three of the most promising. By this time, or before it probably, owing to the fertility of the hills,
it will be necessary to weed which must be done by lightly skimming the hill with the hoe, taking care
never to move the roots of your plants; those spires of gras near the roots of your plants must be removed
with the fingers. As soon as you have thinned the plants it will be necessary to give them some little dirt
around their stalks by way of supporting them, this dirt must not, as in the common way be taken off the
hill, but from the natural earth on either side the hill (and gras having been first carefully cut off the hill as
above mentioned) The natural earth must be carefully placed over the whole hill, and closely around the
plants, without [illegible] the roots of the plants. Thus covering the hill with the natural earth has the effect
of protecting the plants from the scorching rays of the sun in the heat of summer, while its not being done
until the time above mentioned, owing to the manure in the hill, has a tendency to draw the heat of the sun
which is so desirable to all plants when young. The last mentioned method of weeding and covering the
hill with the natural earth, must be observed as long as you find it necessary to weed. When the plants
begin to bloom and have young fruit, great caution must be observed in working, otherwise, they will be
injured. In this situation, the hoe only must be used by weeding broad cast and leaving the ground as level
as possible, taking care at this as at all former workings to pull out with the fingers all gras that may be
immediately about the plants. This will be the last working necessary.
I have above stated stable manure as best – The second-best, well rotted Wood Pile manure – The
third best, Mould from the woods, about old stumps or Trees –
But manure composed of anything if it be light and rich will answer well –
 Appendix B - 1

Appendix B - List of Fruit Varieties (Orchard/Vineyard Plants)

(Includes all varieties ordered by, planted by, or sent to JHC, Some varieties ultimately
may not have been successful)

Almonds
Gross Cassante [unclear], French Large Early
Hard Shell Moor Parke
Soft Shell Nectarine Apricot
Thin Shell or ladies almond
Cherries
Apples Amber (Heart)
Beauty of Kent Bleeding Heart
Brown Lady Apple (Apinoir) Carnation
Cherry-Cheek Wilding Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
Doctor Apple English Morello
Early Harvest Apple May Duke
English Codlin
Emperor Alexander Citrus Fruits
Esophus Spitzenburg Citron tree
European Glavins Lemon trees
Father Abraham Orange tree
Golden Pippin
Golden Wilding Currants
Harvest Apples red
Hewes Crab, long-hanging Hughes crab white
Hunts Duke of Gloucester
Imperial Russet Figs
Kentish Fillbasket A feuilles intiers [unclear]
Lady Apple Biferédel Archysel [unclear]
Lady’s finger Blanca
Large Early Apple brown
Large Fall Pippins common purple
Limber Twigg Datte
Newtown Pippin Marsillaise, Marseilles
New York Pippin Noir
Monstrous Pippin white
Pippins
Princes Early Harvest Gooseberries
Prior’s Reds Barr’s Goliath
Pryor Barr’s Pomona
Red + Green Sweeting Duke of York
Red June Lancashire Gooseberries
Robinson Mrs. Clarke [JHC named – lost label]
Rolls [must be Rollins Jenet] Ruler of England
Shackle Hills West Lord Hood
Spice Apples
Taliaferro Grape Vines
Toliver Apple Beaverdam
Winston Apple black Grape from Mr. J [likely Jefferson]
Winter Cheese black Grape an uncertain kind
Blands Nya
Apricots Bremin Giese obtained of John Carter
Black Carolina Grape Vines, from Bob Taylor,
Davis probably Scuppernong
Denancy, peach Apricot [Nancy?] constable
 Appendix B - 2

French chocolate color’d oval grapes Pavié de Pompon of France

French Grapes, 9 varieties Pine Apple
Frontinac Pine Apple Clings
Isabella Grape Red Cheek Malagaton (Red Check Malagatune)
large purple Grape from Bob Taylor Simen [unclear]
Lenoir [unclear] grape vines obtained of John White Blossom
Carter White Nutmeg
Malaga Grape Early Avant
Norten Grape White Malacoton
purple grape brot. to this Country by Mazzai White Winter
[sic.], Malmsey Madeira Yellow Nutmeg
Red Chapeleer (Chasselas) Yellow Rareripe Peach
Scuppernong Vine [Illegible - *ienpee?] black
White Chapeleer (Chasselas)
white fox grape Pears
White Sweet Water Grape Autumn Bergamot
yellow grape Autumn Bon Cretien
Bill Pear [unclear]
Nectarines Brick House Pear
Early Yellow Brown Beurre
Green Clingstone Chaumontille (Chaumontelle, Winter Beurré)
Juane Lisse Citron Fenerton [unclear]
Newington Common June pear from 4-Mile Tree, Surry
Red Roman Divers
Roman Doyenne Gris, or Late Vergalieu (Dovenne Gris)
White Clingstone Dwarf Pears on quince stock
Early Sugar Pear
Peaches Easter Bergamot or Terling Pear
Almond Peach Green Chisel
Apricot Peach Green Spring June Pear
Blood Jargonelle
Blood Clingstone June Pear
Columbia May Pear
Doctor Seldins (spelling unclear) fine soft Peach Merry weather Pear
Earliest French, hative avant tout (not sure this is Primitive
a peach) Princes new St. Germain
Early Ann Peach Seckle, Sickle
Early Yellow Spanish bon cretien
Freestone Heath St. Germain
Heath Summer Bergamot
Georgia Black (Indian Blood Cling) Treasure [unclear]
Georgia Yellow Triasion Pear
Green Catherine Vergaleuse or Winter Vergalieu (Virgouleuse,
Kensington Peach Vergoleuse)
Kinados Carolina, Kenadas Clingstone Vergalieu Doyenne or St. Michael
(Kennedy’s Carolina, Lemmon Cling) Winter Bon Cretien
Large Early or Early York Winter keeping – from Green Spring
Large Early Red
Large Lemmon Persimmon
Late Admirable (Common) persimmon, Diospyros virginiana
Late Ann Peach
Late Purple Plums
Malagatine (Malagatune) Apricot plumb
Malta Cluster
Old Mixon, Oldmixon Early Cherry
Orange Peach Early Sweet Damson
 Appendix B - 3

Damson
Diaper, Diapreé Raspberries
Drap d’Or Antwerp
Green Gage Red Brentford
Imperatrice (Late Red Imperial)
Jean Hative, Early John Strawberries
Large Blue Alpine
Large Orlean Bishops Orange
Late Red Imperial Downton
Red Imperial Hudson’s May
Smiths Orleans Keans Imperial
Spralleys Yellow Knights No. 14
Unnamed French plum Large Early Scarlet
Winter Damson New or Black Musk Hautbois
yellow plums New Hautboy
Wilmot Superb
Quince
Quince, no name
 Appendix C - 1

Appendix C - List of Vegetable Varieties (Seed Plants)

(Includes all varieties ordered by, planted by, or sent to JHC)

Beans
Big White, a butter bean Cress
Cranberry Curled Cress
Early Lisbon
Early Magagan Endive
Hearteye Broad Leaf’d
Irish (large dark bean) Curled
Lima
Magothy Bag Greens
Scarlet Runner German Greens
Small Yellow bean from Baltimore
Speckled Kidney Herbs
White Balm
White Kidney Black Mustard
Chervill [sic.]
Beets, Beett [sic.] Chicory
Red Curled Parsley
White Hysop
Lavender
Broccoli Pott [sic.] Marjoram
Brocoli [sic.] Summer Savory
Early Purple Sweet Basil
Late Purple Sweet Fennel
White Sweet Marjoram
Thyme
Brussels Sprouts White Mustard
Brussel Sprouts Winter Savory

Cabbage Kale
Earliest York Cabbage Curled Kail [sic.], Double Kail [sic.]
Early York Cabbage Sea Kail [sic.]
Green Savoy Cabbage Sprout-Kale
Large Early Cabbage
Large Late Cabbage Leeks
Red Dutch Cabbage Large Flag Leek
Sugar Loaf Cabbage Scots Leek
Yellow Savoy
Lettuce
Carrots Brown Dutch Lettuce
(Common) Carrot Cabbage Lettuce
Orange Egyptian Coss Lettuce
Early Horn Large Malta Lettuce
White Coss Lettuce
Cauliflower
Cauliflower Melons
Early Cauliflower Baltimore Canteloupe [sic.] Melon
Cantaloupe
Corn Fair Skawsh Melon
New York sweet corn Nutmeg Melons
Sheep tooth corn of Delaware Rock Melon
Watermelon
Water Melons [sic.] of Lymmus kind
 Appendix C - 2

Onions Spinach
Strasburgh Prickly Spinach
Deptford Round Spinach
Silver Skinned
Farmer’s Squash
Blood Red Gourd
Welch Long Necked (from Barson)
Common Red Pumpkin
Madeira, Silver South American

Parsnips Sweet Potatoes

(Common) Parsnip (Common) Sweet Potatoes
Spanish Rind
Peas Red Sweet Potatoes
Black Eye Pea Tomatoes
Blue Prussian (Common) Tomato
Earliest Frame Purple
Early Charlton
Galavant Turnips
Peck Dwarf Marrow (Common) Turnips
Royal Marrow Early Dutch
Royal Dwarf Marrowfat Swans Egg
Tall Marrow Yellow
Large White
Potatoes Rutabaga, Ruta Baga or Swedish Turnip
Blue kind of potato
Early Irish Miscellaneous
Irish Artichokes
“Pudding Potato” Asparagus, Asparagras [sic.]
Pumpkin Spanish Chinese Sugar Millet
Un-named Potato, “very little inferior to the (Common) Millet
Barbados potato, commonly known by the name Cucumbers
of the Farm” Egg Plant
Yellow Guinea Grass Seed (Edible or Ornamental?)
Jerusalem Artichokes
Radishes Okra
Black Spanish Peppers
Early Poppy (for seed oil)
London Salsify, Salsafy [sic.]
Salmon Sesaumum [sic.]
White Turnip (Radish) Skorganara
Solid Celery
Sun Flower
 Appendix D - 1

Appendix D - List of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs & Flowers

(Includes all varieties ordered by, planted by, or sent to JHC)
Common names as listed in documents
Flowering Trees
Dogwood Cornus florida
English Hawthorn Crataegus sp.
Flowering Horse Chesnut Aesculus hippocastanum
Hawthorns, Haw-thorn Crataegus sp.
Magnolia Grandiflora Magnolia grandiflora
Mimosa Albizzia julibrissin
Peach Trees in the Lawn Prunus persica
Red-buds Cercis canadensis
Service Berries Amelanchier sp.
Silver Bell Halesia sp.
Wild Cherries Prunus virginiana
Wild Crab Apples Malus angustifolia, M. coronaria

Oaks
American Live Oaks Quercus virginiana
Chesnut Oak Quercus prinus
English Evergreen Oak Quercus ilex ?
Evergreen Oak Quercus virginiana ?
Spanish Cork Tree, Spanish Evergreen Oak or
Cork Tree Quercus suber
White Oak Quercus alba

Mulberries
Black European Mulberry Morus nigra ?
English Mulberries, Large black Morus nigra ?
English Red Mulberry, Large Morus rubra ?
English Mulberries Morus ?
Chinese Mulberries Morus multicaulis ?
Drumgoole Mulberries Morus ?
Italian Mulberries Morus alba
Morus Multicaulis (silk mulberry) Morus alba var. multicaulis
Otahutt, Otaheite or Paper Mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera
White Station English Mulberries Morus alba ?

Miscellaneous Deciduous
Barcelona Nut (Large Spanish Filbert) Corylus avellana
Beach [sic.], Beech Fagus grandifolia, F. sylvatica
Buffalo Berry Tree Shepherdia canadensis, S. argentea
Chesnut Castanea dentata
Chinquapin Castanea pumila
Dutch Elm Ulmus x hollandica
English Basket Willow Salix purpurea, S. viminalis ?
English Elm Ulmus procera
English Linden Tilia europea, T. cordata ?
English Walnut, Madeira Nut Juglans regia
French Basket Willow Salix purpurea, S. viminalis ?
Golden Willow Salix alba var. vitellina ?
Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Lombardy Poplar Populus nigra cv. ‘Italica’
Lombardy Poplar, a peculiar species which Mr. Jefferson brought from France (not fastigate)
 Appendix D - 2

P. nigra ?
Long Island Yellow Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Mountain Ash Sorbus americana
Pecan or Illinois nut Carya illinoensis
Pepper Tree [unclear] ?
Poplar Populus ?
Princes new Chinquapin (hybrid between Comn Wild Chinquapin + Spanish Chestnut)
Castanea x hybrida
Spanish Chesnuts Castanea sativa
Sugar Maple Acer saccharum
Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera
Venetian Sumac Cotinus coggygria ?
Willow Salix sp., S. purpurea, S. aurea

Conifers / Evergreens
American Larch Larix laricina
Arbor Vitae Thuja occidentalis
Balm of Gilead Abies balsamea ?
Cedar Juniperus virginiana
Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani
Cyperus Cupressus sempervirens ?
English Yew-trees Taxus baccata
European Larch Larix decidua
Hollys, from Westham Ilex ?
Larch (Pinus Larix) Larix decidua ?
Norway Spruce Picea abies
Silver Fir Abies alba
Swedish Juniper Juniperus communis var. suecta

Shrubs & Roses

Althea Hybiscus syriacus
Azorian Sweet Jasmine ?
Broom Cytisus scoparius
Cabbage Provence (Rose) Rosa centifolia
Cape Jessamine Gardenia jasminoides
Cherokee Rose Rosa laevigata
China Rose Rosa ?
Copper Colored Rose Rosa ?
Double Striped Camellia Camellia japonica
Double White Musk Rose Rosa centifolia ?
English Ivy Hedera helix
English Woodbine Lonicera periclymenum ?
Gelder-Rose Viburnum opulus
Kentucky Rose Rosa ?
Mezereon Daphne mezereum
Moss Rose Rosa centifolia
Multiflora Rosa Rosa multiflora
Nateau [unclear] Roses Rosa ?
Perpetual Rose Rosa x ?
Red Officinal Rose Rosa gallica officianalis
Rosa mundi Rosa mundi?
Rose de Meux Rosa provincialis v. de Meaux, R. centifolia v. de
Meaux
Rose Unique or White Provence Rosa provincialis v. alba, R. centifolia v. alba
Royal Rose Rosa ?
 Appendix D - 3

Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle Lonicera ?

Snowberry, brought by the late Capt. Lewis
from the Pacific Symphoricarpos albus ?
Yellow Jasmine Vines Gelsemium sempervirum
Yellow Rose, Double Rosa ?
Yellow Rose, Single Rosa ?
White, Large Monthly Rose Rosa ?

Flowers
Carnation, large red & white Dianthus x
Carnation ‘Incomparable’ Dianthus x ‘Incomparable’
Carnation ‘Emperor’ Dianthus x ‘Emperor’
Fair_Maids (-of France) (bulb) Ranunculus aconitifolius, double form,
Saxifraga granulata
*Geraniums (Fish, Lemon, Nutmeg, Apple +
Skeleton) Pelargonium hybrids
Hyathins [sic.] Hyacinthus orientalis
Jonquils Narcissus sp.
Lupinella (flower, from seeds) ??
Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus
Pionies [sic.] Paeonia officianalis
Prenses feather ?
Stock Cheiranthus sp., Malcomia sp., Mathiola sp.
Sweet Scented Peas Lathyrus odoratus
Tube Rose Polianthes tuberosa
Tulips Tulipa hybrids

*No date, possibly post JHC, after 1866.

 Appendix E - 1

Appendix E – Nursery Orders and Catalogs

1813-11 (640/Oversize 1, Folder 3, List of Plants sent from Prince’s Nursery)
Flushing, Nov 1813
Genl J. H. Cocke
Bot of Benjamin Prince

The following Trees, Shrubs, & Plants packed in Ten Bundles

W-1-2 Early May
2-2 May Duke
3-2 White heart
4-2 Oxheart
5-2 White Begareau
6-2 Yellow Spanish Cherries
7-2 Black Carroon
8-2 Honey
9-2 Kentish
10-2 Plum Stone Morella
11-2 Double Blossom
12-2 All Saints
24 trees at 4/. 4-lb-0
13-2 Primitive
14-2 Green Chisel
15-2 Jargonile
16-2 Bell
27 [pencil 17-2 Summer Bergamot
17 notes in 18-2 Brown Beurre
margin] 19-2 Late Vergalieu
20-2 Autumn Bon Cretien
21-4 Winter Vergalieu Pears
22-4 St. Germain
23-4 Winter Bon Cretien
24-4 Easter Bergmot
25-4 Spanish Bon Cretien
26-4 Treasure
27-2 Vergalieu
28-2 Autumn Bergamot
29-2 Early Yellow
30-2 Newington
31-2 Red Roman Nectarines
32-2 Green Clingstone
33-2 White
34-2 Large Early
35-2 De Nancy or Peach
36-2 Moor Park Apricots
37-2 Black
38-2 Hard shell
39-4 Thin Shell Almonds
40-4 Soft Shell
72 Trees. At 2/. 7-4-0
£ 12-0-0
Pencil notes opposite page:
3 each in the two first rows 27 in the (illegible) where 17 ought to be
5 in the 3d row 2 of [illegible] 20
6 in the 4th 2 of 22 [illegible] 23 +24
 Appendix E - 2

3 in the 5 2 of 25 [illegible] 26 + 1 28 [illegible]

Reverse side:
Amount brot. ford _____£ 0-0-0
No. 41-2 White Nutmeg
42-2 Yellow __ditto
43-2 Large Early Red
44-2 Old Mixon
45-2 Pine Apple Clingstone
46-2 Red Cheeck Malagatune
47-2 Kenadas Clingstone
48-2 Orange
49-4 White Blossom Peaches
50-2 Green Catherine
51-2 Late Purple
52-2 Large Lemon Clingstone
53-4 Health ____ditto
54-2 Blood
55-2 Double Blossom
56-2 Blood Clingstone
57-2 Winter___ditto
58-2 Large Pompom Clingstone
40 trees. At 2/. 4-0-0
59-4 Horse Chesnut __2/6 __________________________ ”-10--
60-6 Madeira Nuts ___2/____________________________ ”-12—
61-6 Pecon Nut___3/__________________________ ”-18—
62-4 Yew Trees 3/ “- 12—
63-6 Sugar Maples 3/ “-10—
64-2 English Linden 3/ “-6—
66-2 Balm of Gilead 4/ “-8—
67-2 Swedish Juniper 4/ “-8—
68-2 Venetian Sumac 3/ “-6—
69-2 Large White Monthly Rose “-6—
70-2 Rosa Mundi “-4—
71-2 Royal Rose 3/ “-6—
72-2 China Rose “-12—
73-2 English Woodbine “-4—
74-2 Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle “-4—
75-2 White Monthly ____ditto “-4—
76-4 Red & White Carnation Pinks “-8—
77-6 Tube Rose “-6—
78-6 French Chocolate Grape “-12—
79-6 Red Chapelas 3/ “-18—
80-6 White ____ditto 3/ “-18—
£ 23-12-0
Amt Brot ford.
Opposite Page:
Amount brot. ford _____£ 23-13-0
No. 81-12 English Red Raspberry “-6—
82-12 Brentford Red “-12—
83-12 Canada “-8—
84-8 Doz Red Hautboy “-12—
85-8 Doz White ___ditto “-12—
86-8 Doz Hudson 2/ “-16—
87-8 Doz True Chili 2/ “-16—
 Appendix E - 3

88-8 Doz Apine 3/ 1-4-0

89-2 Early Cherry Plum “-6—
90-2 Early Damson “-6—
91-4 Drapdon “-12—
92-2 Green Gage 4/ “-8—
93-2 Large Orlean 4/ “-8—
94-2 Red Imperial 4/ “-8—
Matts & Packing 4-0-0
Paid Casking “-3—
Insurance “-13-9
35-2-9
No. 95-6 White Antwerp Raspberry
96-2 Silver Bell tree
97-2 Mezereon
98-2 Copper Cold. Rose
99-2 Double White Rose

1815 (640/20, JHC records pertaining to Fruit Trees)

Subscriber’s Name/Sums Subscribed/Number and Kinds of Fruit Trees
JH Cocke: $47.37 ½
Grape Vines
6 French chocolate color’d oval grapes, 6 red chapeleer, 6 white do, 6 Blands Nya
Pears
2 Primitive, 2 Green Chisel, 2 Jargonelle, 2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Brown Beurre, 2 Vergalieu Dogenne or
St. Michael, 2 Autumn Bergamot, 2 Dovinne gris, or late Vergalieu, 2 Autumn bon cretien, 4 Vergaleuse or
Winter Vergalieu, 4 St. Germain, 4 Winter bon cretien, 4 Easter Bergamot or Terling Pear, 4 Spanish bon
cretien, 4 Triasion pear
Nectarines
2 Early Yellow, 2 Newington, 2 Red Roman, 2 green clingstone, 2 white clingstone
Apricots
2 large Early, 2 peach Apricot 2 Moor Parke, 2 Black
Plumbs
2 Jean hative, early John, 2 Early Cherry, 2 early Sweet damson, 4 Green gage, 4 Drap D’or, 2 Cluster, 2
Smiths Orleans, 2 Imperatrice, 4 Apricot plumbs
Almonds
2 Hard Shell, 4 Thin Shell or ladies almond, 4 Soft Shell
Peaches
2 White Nutmeg early avant, 2 yellow nutmeg, 2 large Early or Early York, 2 Old Mixon, 2 Pine Apple, 2
red Malagatine, 2 Kinados Carolina Green Catherine [inserted, no #], 2 Semen, 4 Heath, 2 blood
clingstone, 2 White Winter
Forest Trees
4 large black English Mulberries, 4 Flowering Horse Chesnut, 4 Spanish evergreen oak or cork tree, 6
Madeira nut or English Walnut, 6 pecan or Illinois nut, 4 English Yew-trees, 6 Sugar Maple, 4 English
Linden, 4 English Elm, 2 English Ever Green Oak

J. Timberlake, Jr: $6.75

Peaches
2 White Nutmeg, early avant, 2 yellow Nutmeg, 2 large red October Clingstone, 2 double Blossom or More
Peach
Plums
2 Early sweet Damson, 2 Red Gage
Apples
2 large early or Harvest Apple, 2 large fall Pippin
 Appendix E - 4

Pears
2 Primitive, 2 early Sugar, 2 St. Germaine, 2 Holland or Winter Bergamot

Jacob Myers: $10.75

Peaches
2 Pine Apple, 2 Orange, 2 Congress C, 2 double Blosome or Rose, 2 Lenier [unclear] C, 2 Gocetti red late
[unclear]
Nectarines
2 early Yellow, 2 Aromatic, 2 Red Romans
Plums
2 Jean Hative early John, 2 early Sweet damson, 2 Green Gage, 2 drap Dor
Pears
2 St. Germain, 2 primative, 2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Autumn Bergamot
Almons
1 hard Shell
1 thin Shell
1 Soft Shell

W. Pasteurs: $8.75
Peaches
2 White Nutmeg, early avant, 2 large early York, 2 old Mixon, 2 Pine Apple, 2 Red Cheek Malagatine, 2
Kenadas Carolina early lemon
Plumbs
2 early Sweet Damson, 2 Harvest Plumb, 2 White Gage
Pears [paper disintegrating here]
2 Green Chisel, Bell Pear, Sowerys Bergamot, [illegible] pound Pears
Apples
Large Newtown Pippin [several others papers missing]

Eliza M. Ross: $10.75 [Same order and handwriting as Jacob Myers]

Peaches
2 Pine Apple, 2 Orange, 2 Congress C, 2 double Blosome or Rose, 2 Lericere [unclear] C, 2 Gocetti Red
Late
Nectarines
2 early Yellow, 2 Aromatic, 2 Red Roman
Plumbs
2 Jean hative early John, 2 early Sweet Damson, 2 Green Gage, 2 Drap Dor
Pears
2 St. Germain, 2 Primative, 2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Autumn Bergamot
Almon
1 Hard Shell
1 Thin Shell
1 Soft Shell

Wilson J. Cary: $10

Apples
6 large green Newtown Pippins, 2 Early or Harvest Apple, 2 Green Everlasting, 4 Lady Apple of [illegible]
apple
Pears
2 Primitive, 2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Brown Beurre, 2 St. Germain, 2 Winter Bon Cretien, 2 Vergaleuse
Peaches
2 white Nutmeg early avant, 2 large early, early York, 6 Heath Clingstone
 Appendix E - 5

2 Carnation Cherries
2 green gage Plums
Flowering Shrub
1 Mezereon with Pink coloured Flowers

Miles Cary: $10.25

Pears
2 green chisel, 2 vergalieu doyenne, 2 St. Germain, 2 Autumn Bergamot, 2 Treasure Pears
Apples
2 English golden Pippins, 2 Royal Pearmain, 2 Monstrous Pippin or N. York Gloria Mundi, 2 large Green
Newtwon Pippin, 2 Red everlasting
Peaches
2 yellow nutmeg, 2 pine apple, 2 congress clingstone, 2 Kenada’s Carolina, 2 green Catherine, 2 Heath
Clingstone

2 Peach Apricots
2 Newington Nectarines, 2 Early yellow Do
2 Early sweet Damson Plums

Saml Dyer, Junr.: $6.00

Pears
2 Little musk or supreme, 2 Sugar top July or harvest pear, 2 Bell pear, musk flavored summer bon cretien,
2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Royal Summer, 2 Saint Germain
Peaches
4 Heath Peach, 2 Pine Apple, 2 Green Catherine, 2 Kenada’s Carolina, 2 Lemon Clingstone

Jno. Dyer: $10.50

Peaches
2 White nutmeg, 2 Scarlet do, 2 white rare ripe, 2 large early or Early York, 2 Malta, 2 sweet water, 2 Red
cheek malagatine, 2 orange peach, 2 Congress Clingstone
Nectarines
2 Early yellow, 2 golden C., 2 Aromatic
Pears
2 Primative, 2 Early Sugar, 2 Muscat bin [unclear], 2 Vergalieu Doyenne or St. Michael, 2 Lowrees
Bergamot, 2 Rushmore or long Green, 2 Autumn Bounty, 2 Vergaleuse or Winter Vergalieu, 2 Autumn bon
cretien

Wm. B. Hare: $28.75

Apples
2 Large Early of harvest apple, 2 Large early bon [bow?], 2 Large red + green sweeting, 2 Summer
Pearmain, 2 Large fall pippin or pipplin, 2 Autumn Pearmain, 2 American non pareil Doct apple, 2
Newtown Spitzenburg, 2 Royal Russet, 2 Lady Apple pomme d’appi,
2 Winter Sweet Pearmain, 2 Royale Pearmain, 2 Large Rhode Island greening, 2 Monstrous Pippin or New
York Gloria Mundi, 4 Large green Newtown Pippin, 2 Green Everlasting, 2 Red Everlasting, 2 Winter
Russetting
Almonds
2 Hard Shell, 2 Soft Shell
Apricots
2 Large Early, 2 Orange, 2 Moor Park
Pears
2 Primitive, 2 Early Sugar, 2 Jargonelle, 2 Cucsse [unclear] Madame, 2 Summer Bergamot, 2 Vergalieu,
Doyenne, or St. Michael, 2 Brown Beurre, 2 Autumn Bergamot, 2 Doyenne gris, Latte Vergalieu, 2
Melting Pear of Brest, 2 Chaumontelle, Winter Beurre, 2 Vergaleuse or Winter Vergalieu, 4 St. Germain,
fine melting pear, 2 Winter Bon cretien 2 Spanish Bon cretien
Plums
 Appendix E - 6

2 Jean Hative, Early John, 2 Early Cherry Plum, 2 Early Sweet Damson, 2 Green Gage, 2 Blue Gage, 2
Smith Orleans, 2 Drap d’or, 2 Apricot plumb, 2 Imperatrice, late red Imperial
Heath Clingstone

Rand. Harrison: [total 130 plants, no $ value given]

Pears
3 little Musk or Supreme, 3 Early Sugar, 3 Sugar top July or Harvest pear, 3 Cuisse Madame, 3 Summer
Bergamot, 3 Royal Summer, 3 Autumn Bergamot, 3 Vergaleuse or Winter Vergalieu, 3 Colmar, 3
Charmontilu, 6 St. Germain
Cherries
4 Early May, 2 Early Richmond, 4 black Heart, 2 May Duke, 3 Bleeding, heart, 3 Dukeward, 3 White
Tartarian, 3 Red begareau, 2 late Spanish, 2 late duke
Peaches
3 Scarlet Nutmeg, 3 Green Nutmeg, 3 white rare ripe, 3 Early Newington, 3 Old Mixon, 3 Malta, 3 Sweet
Water, 3 Kenada Carolina, 3 Teton de Venus, 3 Orange Clingstone, 6 Heath
Apricots
3 Early Masculine, 3 Brussels, 3 Bredee [unclear], 3 Peach Apricot
Plums
2 Jean Hative, 2 Early damson or Morocco, 2 Red Imperial, 6 Gages of the green, blue, red or white, 2
Myrobolan [unclear], 2 Imperatrice, 2 Cluster

(640/182, Paulina Legrand, List of Fruit Trees)

Mrs. Paulina Legrand, List of fruit trees,
Peach trees
Heath Clingstone - 4
Apples
Large Early or harvest apple - 2
Lady Apple, pomme d’appi – 2
Large Rhode Island Greening – 2
Large Green New Town Pippin – 4
Pears
Primitive – 2
Early Sugar – 2
Jargonelle – 2
Cuisse [unclear] Madame – 2
Summer Bergamot - 2
Vergalieu, Doyenne St. Michael – 2
Brown Beurre – 2
Autumn Bergamot – 2
Dovenne gris, Late Vergalieu – 2
Melting Pear of Brest – 2
Vergoleuse or Winter Vergalieu – 2
St. Germain fine melting pear – 4
Winter Boncretien - 2
Spanish Boncretien – 2
Almonds
Hard Shell – 2
Soft Shell – 2
Plumbs
Jean Hative, Ealty John – 2
Early cherry plumb – 2
Green gage – 2
Blue gage – 2
Smiths Orleans – 2
Drap d’or – 2
Apricot plumb – 2
 Appendix E - 7

Imperatrice, Colored Imp. – 2

Apricots
Large Early – 2
Orange – 2
Moor Park – 2
Peach Apricot – 2
Total $21.25

[File does not contain order lists for some of the group.]

1815-6 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

A Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, and Plant, for sale by William Prince, at
Flushing-Landing, on Long-Island, Near New-York.
 Appendix E - 8

1816-10-16 (640/Oversize 1, Folder 3, A Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, and
Plants….)
For sale by Benjamin Prince, at Flushing-Landing, on Long Island, Near New York.
Notations on reverse:
Benja Prince
Care of Messss. Hull + Brown
No 140 Pearl Street
New York

Prince Catalogue with Memo of Trees ordered Oct, 1816

Oct: 6, 1816 ordered from Prince –

24 Newtown Pippins
6 Golden Pippins
6 Eshus Spitzenburg
6 Montrous Pippins
6 Large Trale Do. [unclear]
12 Early Harvest Apple
6 English Codlin
6 large red + green Sweeting
6 Lady Apple Apple
Plums
4 Apricot
2 Imperatrice
2 Winter Damson
Forest Trees
6 Spanish Chesnuts
6 English Evergreen Oak Were not sent
6 Spanish Do or true Cork Tree
6 English Basket Willow
6 [illegible] or Pecan Not sent
6 Barcelona nut
4 English yew _ conditionally
6 Mountain Ash
6 English Mulberries
6 Nateau [unclear]roses
2 Moss [unclear]
2 Double Yellow + 2 Single Do The two first kinds not sent + the
2 Red officinal for Conserves last was [illegible] in [illegible]

Printed Catalogue: [Check marks made in ink]

Cherries. 50 Cents.
^Early May
Early Richmond
^May duke
Black heart
^White heart
Bleeding heart
^Ox heart
Lukeward
Herefordshire black
Ronald’s large black heart
^Yellow Spanish
Black tartarian
 Appendix E - 9

Graffion
Red begareau
^White begareau
^Black carroon, large mazarine
Late Spanish
Late duke
Carnation, best for preserving
^Mazard, or honey cherry
^Kentish, or common red
Black morella for tarts
^Red, or plumbstone morella
Mahaleb, or perfumed
Weeping ornamental
^Double blossom
^All saints, autumn bearing cluster

Peaches. 25 Cents.
(The varieties of peaches are so extensive, that the number might easily be increased to two hundred; but as
it is generally preferred to have a moderate number of the best sort to ripen in succession, the following
have been selected on account of their size, flavour, or time of ripening, from among the best sorts
imported from Europe, as well as those which have originated in America – those marked * are esteemed
for their flavour, those marked + are remarkable for their size, those marked C. are clingstones)

^*White nutmeg, early avant

Scarlet nutmeg
^*Yellow nutmeg
*Green nutmeg, early ann.
Earliest red clingstone
*Red rare ripe
*White rare ripe
^*+Large early, early York
Yellow alberge
Early Newington, C.
Petit mignon
Early purple
Royal George
Royal Charlotte
*Royal Kensington
^*+Old mixon
Malta
*Gross mignon
*Sweet water
Bellchevreuse
*Old Newington, C.
Montaubon
Noblese
^*+Pine apple, C.
Swalsh
White magdalen
^*+Red check malagatune
White malagatune
Bellgrade
^*+Kenada’s Carolina, early lemon, C.
+Orange peach
White blossom
Western Newington, C.
 Appendix E - 10

^*+Green Catherine
Teton de Venus
+President
+Orange clingstone
+Congress clingstone (very fine)
^*Late purple, smooth skin, like a nectarine
Vanguarde
Large white clingstone
+Spanish clingstone
+Late admirable
Late Catherine
^Blood peach
*Double blossom, or rose peach
Red magdalen
^+Lemon clingstone (the largest of peaches)
+Barcelona yellow clingstone
^*+Heath clingstone, most excellent, but the tree must be kept in cultivated ground, and the fruit ripened in
the house; they will keep till Nov. and are by many thought superior to all other peaches.
+Large red October clingstone
Nivette, C.
^+Blood clingstone, claret clingstone
October white clingstone
October yellow clingstone
^+Pompone, monstrous pavie, a beautiful late red clingstone
Gough’s late red clingstone
^White winter, C.
Green winter, C.
Algiers yellow winter clingstone

Nectarines. 25 Cents.
^Early yellow
Fairchild’s early, C.
Elrudge
Argyle, C.
Golden, C.
^Newington, C.
Aromatic, C.
^Red Roman, C.
^Green clingstone
Vermash, C.
Peterborough, C.
White, C.

Apricots. 25 Cents.
Early masculine
^Large early
Brussels
Blanche
Gold Blotched
Breda
Algiers
Orange
Grover’s breda
^Peach apricot
^Moor park
^Black
 Appendix E - 11

Plums. 37 ½ Cents excepting those noted.

[This fruit being the most difficult to propagate of any cultivated in the nursery, subject to many distempers
and injuries to which other fruits are not liable, and in the budding aand grafting seldom more than one-
eight succeeding, it is with difficulty that a tolerable assortment of them can be kept up by every exertion.]

^Jean hative
Chicasaw
^*Early cherry plum
Early dams, or Morocco
Precocedetours
Azure hative
^*Early sweet damson
Fotheringham
Blue perdigron
White perdigron
Red imperial
+Yellow egg, white magnum bonum
Marquis of Burgundy
Little queen Claudia
^*Green gage, 50 cents
*Blue gage, 50 cents
*Red gage, 50 cents
*White gage, 50 cents
Holland
+Large Orlean, purple egg, 50 cents
*Smith’s Orlean, 50 cents
Semiona
Myrobolan, late cherry plum
French copper plum
^*Drap d’or
Cheston
Mangeron
^*Apricot plum, 50 cents
St. Catherine
Monsieur
Muscle
Double flowering, 50 cents
*Imperatrice, late red imperial, 50 cents
Cluster
White damson
Winter damson, purple frost plum

Apples. 25 Cents.

Large early or harvest apple, the earliest of all apples fit for tarts in June, and when ripe is an excellent table
fruit.
Junating
Large early bow
English codlin
Large red and green sweeting, weighs a pound
Large white sweeting
Red caville
Summer pearmaine
Aromatic russet
Large fall pippin, or pipplin, weighs a pound
 Appendix E - 12

Famagusta from Cypress

Late bow
Autumn pearmaine
French red reinette
Loan’s pearmaine
Quince apple
English nonpareil
American nonpareil, doctor apple
AEsopus Spitzenburgh
Flushing ditto
Newtown ditto
Seeknofarther
White caville
Royal russet
Lady apple
Ribstone pippin
English golden pippin
Pomme gree
Craam
Golden reinette
Winter sweet pearmaine
Ruckman’s
Federal
Golden
Royal
Large Rhode-Island greening
Jersey greening
Red winter sweeting
Priestly
Double flowering Chinese apple, one of the most beautiful of flowering trees, 37 ½ cents
Yellow bellflower
Black apple
Swaar
Vandevere
Dicksill
Newark king apple
Wine apple
Monstrous pippin, or New York Gloria mundi: this apple has weighed 27 ounces
Large green Newtown pippin of the best flavour
Green everlasting
Red everlasting
Winter russeting, Boston or Nova Scotia russeting
Herefordshire red streak
Hughe’s red Virginia crab
Red sweeting

Pears. 25 Cents.
[The varieties of pears are so extensive, that the European and American sorts together would form a list of
several hundred. A succession of the best kinds, or what the French would term the circle of pears, which
will afford some of the very best sorts for the table and for culinary purposes throughout the year, my be
selected from the following, which are of the most approved kinds. An additional number has been
received from Europe, a list of which will be published the next year, making with the following, as
assortment of one hundred kinds – Those marked M are melting pears, those marked B are best for baking,
&c.

^Primitive
 Appendix E - 13

Little musk, or supreme

Early sugar
^Green chisel, M.
Sugartop, July, or harvest pear
^Jargonelles, M.
Skinless, early russelet, M.
Cuisse madame
Muscat robin
^Bell pear, musk flavored summer bon cretien, M.
^Summer bergamot
^Vergalieu, Doyenne, or St. Michael, M.
Salviati
^Brown Beurré, M.
Royal Summer
Cassolette
Lowree’s bergamot, M.
^Autumn bergamot, M.
Brocan’s bergamot, M.
Gansel’s bergamot, M.
Grey monsieur Jean
Poir de prince, or the prince’s pear
Melting pear of Brest, fondante de Brest, M.
Rushmore long green, M.
Seckle, M.
^Dovenne gris, late vergalieu, M.
^Autumn bon cretien
Vine
Autumn bounty, M.
Crasane, M.
Pound pear
^Vergoleuse, or winter vergalieu, M.
Winter thorne, M.
Colmar
Chaumontelle, winter beurré, M.
^St, Germaine: this is a fine melting pear, or excellent flavour: it is in eating from Nov. till April
Winter rousselet, M.
Catillac
^Easter Bergamot, terling pear, B.
Holland or winter bergamot, M.
Royal winter, M.
German Muscat, M.
Poir d’auch, M.
St. Martial, M.
^Winter bon cretien
^Treasure pear
Sarasin
Alduira
Besberry Perry pears
Barland

Almonds. 25 cents.

^Hard shell
^Thin shell or ladies almond
^Soft shell
^Jordan almond
 Appendix E - 14

Double flowering or dwarf almond

Mulberries

^Large black English, 37 ½ cents.

White or Italian, 25 cents
Black American, 25 cents

Quinces. 25 cents.

Large orange quinces

Pear
Portugal

Raspberries.
^English red, best for R. brandy, 6 cents
English white, 6 cents
^Brentford red, 12 ½ cents
Ditto white, 12 ½ cents
English cane or twice bearing, 8 cents
Large white Antwerp, 25 cents
Large red ditto, 25 cents
American black, 4 cents
Ditto white, 12 ½ cents
^Canada, or purple rose flowering, 8 cents

Strawberries.

Morrissania, early scarlet, 12 ½ cents per dozen

^English red hautboy, 12 ½ cents
^Ditto white ditto, 12 ½ cents
^Large Hudson, 25 cents
Red Chili, 25 cents
White do. 25 cents
^True large Chili, with large carnose hairy leaved and very large fruit, 25 cents
^Large pine apple, 37 ½ cents
Alpine, monthly, or everbearing. It is necessary to make a new bed of this sort every year as the fruit in
autumn is produced from the runners of the same year, 37 ½ cents

Figs. 37 ½ cents.

Brown, (the best bearer)

Large white

Gooseberries. 25 cents.

[Near two hundred sorts of this fruit have been received from England, from which the following have been
selected on account of their large size, time of ripening, or flavour; but it will be in vain to plant the finest
gooseberries if attention is not paid to them after they are set out. There is no fruit tree that requires so rich
a soil; they should have rotted manure dug in around them every autumn, and the ground kept mellow and
cultivated, an the bushed trimmed and tops thinned out moderately every year. If planted in low, wet, or
shady situations, or in too confined a garden, the fruit is apt to become moldy, which immediately stops the
growth.]

Red.
Alcock’s king
 Appendix E - 15

Rumbullion
Duke of York
Warrington red
Ironmonger
Shaw’s Billy Dean
Red Bullfinch
Large amber
Smooth claret.

Green.
Early green hairy
Green Gascoign
Green walnut
Satisfaction
Green Dorrington
Green chisel
Green oak
Duke of Bedford
Ribbed green.

Yellow.
Golden drop
Rocket’s yellow
Long yellow
Golden seedling
Royal yellow
Rough yellow
Prince of Orange
Hutton’s goldfinch.

White.
White elephant
Snowball
Highland white
White heart
Callebank’s white
White crystal.

Grape Vines.

French chocolate-coloured oval grape, a great bearer, 25 cents

Red chasselas, 37 ½ cents
White ditto, 37 ½ cents

[About twenty other sorts of the best European grapes have been imported, and will be for sale the next
yea, when a list of them will be published - also Bland’s Virginian native grape, little inferior to the best
European fruit in flavour, stands the severest cold of our climate without any covering, and is a great
bearer.]

Roses.
[In addition to the following sorts of roses, a great variety have been imported from England; but many of
them, from the droughts of our summers, are difficult to propogate in America, the earth below the layers
being too dry to admit of their striking root; from which circumstance it is almost impossible to keep an
assortment of them, unless newly imported, to supply the demand, which cannot be done at a price that
would be satisfactory.]
 Appendix E - 16

Early flowering cinnamon rose, 25 cents

Early red Scotch, 25 cents
Scotch burnet, white flowering, 25 cents
Copper coloured, 25 cents
Large flowering white monthly, 75 cents
Red monthly, red cluster, 75 cents
White clustered monthly or musk. This sort is valued for the abundance and fragrance of its flowers, which
it produces from June till December; it must be covered and protected from the frost during the winter. 50
cents
Hundred-leaved rose, 25 cents
Burgundy, with very small double flowers, 25 cents
Red damask, 25 cents
White damask, 25 cents
Royal rose, 37 ½ cents
Thornless, 25 cents
Prim or marbled, 25 cents
Moss province, 1 dollar
Double yellow. This requires an airy situation and rich soil to cause the flowers to blow well. 1 dollar
Single yellow, 1 dollar.
Large red province or cabbage rose, 31 ½ cents
Double velvet, 37 ½ cents
Rosa mundi, striped, crimson and white, 25 cents
Red officinal rose for conserves, 25 cents
Autumn flowering double Pennsylvania rose, delicate and fragrant, 50 cents
Sweetbriar, 25 cents
China ever flowering rose, 75 cents. This rose, with the same care as the white cluster rose, will stand the
winter in the open air.

Honey Suckles. 25 Cents.

Azalea, or standing American honey-suckle, with pink flowers

Ditto late flowering white fragrant
English early flowering
English woodbine honey-suckle
White monthly, very fragrant
Scarlet trumpet monthly
Variegated-leaved honey suckle.

Forest Trees and Flowering Shrubs.

Magnolia glauca, with very fragrant flowers, raised from seed, and naturalized to an upland soil, 50 cents
Magnolia tripetala, or umbrella tree, with very large leaves, 50 cents
^Flowering horse chesnut, 25 to 37 ½ cents
Spanish chesnut, with very large fruit, 50 cents
American chesnut, 25 cents
Chinquepin, or dwarf garden chesnut. This tree produces fruit in abundance when not more than two feet
in height. 25 cents
American white oak, 25 cents
Ditto black oak, 25 cents
Ditto red oak, 25 cents
Pin oak, 25 cents
Scarlet oak, 25 cents
Willow leaved oak, 50 cents
^English evergreen oak, 50 cents
^Spanish ditto, or true cork tree, 1 dollar
Tulip tree, 31 ¼ cents
 Appendix E - 17

Liquid amber, 25 cents

Weeping willow, 25 cents
Upright green willow, 25 cents
Yellow willow, 25 cents
Balsam ditto, 25 cents
English basket ditto, 25 cents
English willow, with the leaves beautifully variegated white and green, 37 ½ cents
Lombardy poplar, 25 cents
Athenian ditto, 25 cents
Balsam ditto, 25 cents
Carolina ditto, 25 cents
Canada ditto, 25 cents
Aspen ditto, 25 cents
Three thorned acacia, 25 cents
Locust tree, 25 cents
^English linden, or lime tree, 37 ½ cents
American ditto, 25 cents
American plane tree, or button wood, 25 cents
6^Madeira nut, or English Walnut, 25 cents
Round black walnut, 25 cents
Long ditto, or butternut, 25 cents
6^Illinois, or pecan nut of the western country, 37 ½ cents
English filbert, 25 cents
Large Spanish ditto, or Barcelona nut, 37 ½ cents
American hazelnut, 25 cents
American white walnut, or hickory nut, 25 cents
Red Virginia cedar, 25 cents
Weymouth, or white pine, 25 cents
Pitch pine, 25 cents
Black, or double spruce fir, 25 cents
Hemlock spruce fir, 25 cents
Larch or deciduous fir, 25 cents
4^English yew tree, 37 ½ cents
Balsam fir, or balm of Gilead, 50 cents
Kalmia, or American laurel, 25 cents
Carolina bird cherry, 25 cents
Sassafras, 25 cents
Benzoin, or Benjamin tree, by some called Carolina allspice, from the spicy flavour of its red berries, 25
cents
Coccygria [sic.], or Venetian sumac. This beautiful tree is covered in the month of June and July with tufts
of russet coloured down, and forms the most singular ornament of the garden. 37 ½ cents
Double flowering Chinese apple, with large deep rose coloured flowers, and small fruit in clusters, 37 ½
cents
Calycathus, or sweet scented shrub of Carolina, with dark brown flowers, whose fragrance is like the
strawberry; it will not stand the severest cold of the northern states, 31 ¼ cents
Dwarf acacia, with red flowers, 25 cents
Snow drop tree of Carolina, 50 cents
Franklinia, with large white fragrant flowers. This beautiful shrub is from the interior of the state of
Georgia, but will stand the severest cold of our climate. 1 dollar
Weeping birch, 25 cents
Bladder nut, 37 ½ cents
Carolina kidney-bean tree, or vine, with clusters of purple flowers, 25 cents
Green Euonymous, or American strawberry trees with fruit resembling strawberries, 25 cents
Mock orange, or syringa, 25 cents
Carolina ditto, with large flowers, 37 ½ cents
Paliurus, or thorn of Christ, 50 cents
 Appendix E - 18

^English elm, 25 cents

Judas tree, with red flowers, 50 cents
Periploca, or Virginia silk, 25 cents
Woody nightshade, or English bittersweet, 25 cents
Broad-leaved periwinkle, 25 cents
Candleberry myrtle, 25 cents
Guelder rose, or snowball, 25 cents
Large white flowering dogwood, 25 cents
Persimmon, plum, or American medlar, 25 cents
Pride of China, 37 ½ cents
Double flowering pomegranate, with large crimson flowers. It will be necessary to protect this form frost,
or put it in the cellar during the winter, and to make it flower well the stalk must be kept free from suckers.
75 cents
Purple lilac, 25 cents
White ditto, 25 cents
Persian ditto, 25 cents
Mountain viburnum. This shrub produces clusters of beautiful scarlet fruit, of a pleasant acid, resembling
cranberries. 25 cents
Bladder sena, with yellow flowers, 25 cents
Shrubby St. John’s wort, 25 cents
Catalpa flower tree, 25 cents
Scarlet trumpet flower, a creeper, 25 cents
Laburnam, with yellow flowers, 25 cents
Purple althea-frutex, 25 cents
White ditto, 25 cents
Striped flowering ditto, 25 cents
Variegated-leaved ditto, 31 ¼ cents
Double flowering ditto, 37 ½ cents
Double flowering white ditto, 37 ½ cents
Mezereon, with pink coloured flowers. This shrub blooms with the first warmth of the season, and
possesses a fragrance that is hardly equaled by any other. 25 cents
English passion flower. It is necessary to house this plant, or put it in the cellar during the winter. 50 cents
Spiraea frutex, with red flowers, 25 cents
White Jessamine, 25 cents
Yellow ditto, 25 cents
Gold striped-leaved ditto, 37 ½ cents
Veronica of Virginia, or tall white spiked speedwell, celebrated for its medicinal virtues in the cure of the
dropsy and leprosy, and admired for the beauty and regularity of its growth; - and Indian medicine, 50 cents
Mountain ash, one of the most admired ornamental trees, 37 ½ cents
Weeping ash, 37 ½ cents
American white ash, 25 cents
Barberry, for pickling, 25 cents
Bonduc, or Kentucky coffee tree, 50 cents
^Sugar maple, 31 ¼ cents
Scarlet flowering maple, 25 cents
Winter berry. The branches of this tree are covered in autumn and winter with berries of the brightest
scarlet, 25 cents
Early yellow, or day lily, the flowers very fragrant, and as large as the common white lily, 25 cents
Large red and large white carnation, the flowers measuring from nine to eleven inches in circumference, 25
cents
Double tuberose roots, 12 ½ cents

Orange and Lemon Trees, &c.

China sweet orange

Dwarf china orange
 Appendix E - 19

Myrtle-leaved orange
Seville orange
Hermaphrodite orange
Silver striped curled-leaved orange
Bergamot orange
Lisbon lemon
Citron, with large fruit
Bearing trees, in boxes, 3 dollars

[** Where a number of trees are wanted to furnish a green-house at a distance, it will be best to take the
trees out of the boxes or pots and pack them in a close box, with moss and earth.]

Double flowering oleander, 1 to 2 dollars

Catalonian Jasmin, in pots, 75 cents
Laurustinus, in pots, 1 dollar
African heath, with delicate pink flowers, 1 dollar
Myrtles of various kinds, 1 dollar
China ever flowering rose, in pots, 75 cents
Cape Jasmin, in pots, 2 dollars

The above fruit trees are grafted or inoculated, and if wanted for Exportation, will be carefully packed in
Matts, Casks, or Boxes, so as to be sent to Europe or the West-Indies with the greatest safety.

Orders left at Messrs. Hull & Bowne’s, No. 146 Pearl-street, New-York, or if forwarded per Post, will be
immediately attended to, and the tree delivered at New-York. It is requested that when Orders for Trees are
sent at a distance, the Payment be made in New-York when the Trees are shipped, or that some Person in
New-York be referred to that will become responsible for the same.

1817-1-1 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Invoice of Sundry Seeds +c. furnished Arch.d Blair a Gardener who goes to Virginia for the Employment of
Genl John H Cocke of Bremo County of Fluvanna.
 Appendix E - 20

post 1817 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

A Catalogue of Fruit Trees, For sale by Daniel Smith, at Burlington, in the State of New Jersey.

1818-10 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Catalogue of Bulbous Roots, imported from Holland, and for sale at the nursery of William Prince...,
Supplementary Catalog, containing Rare Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Plants, principally exotics, and
newly introduced.
 Appendix E - 21

1820-3 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

A Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Plants, for sale by William Prince, at
Flushing-Landing, Long-Island, near New-York.
 Appendix E - 22

1822-5-18 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Joshua Pierce, Nursery Announcement.

1826-3-14 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Nursery Order/Receipt. William Prince, Linnean Botanic Garden.
 Appendix E - 23

1826-8-1 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Garden Announcement of William Prince.
 Appendix E - 24

1852-3-13 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Nursery Order/Receipt. Parsons & Co.
 Appendix E - 25

1855/56 (Alderman Special Collections)

Remont Nursery, Annual Catalogue of Fruit, Forest & Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Grown and for sale
by James D. Fulton, Marcus Hook, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. 1855-6.

1855/56 (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Remont Nursery Catalog, pages 1-3: Apples, Foreign Pears, Native Pears, Peaches, Plums….
Illustrations (1-10)

Figure 1. Map showing locations of major features at Bremo.

Figure 2. Overseer’s Cabin at Upper Bremo, c. 1915. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 3. Pisé cabin near Upper Bremo, likely Quarters of domestic servants.
Figure 4. Deteriorating pisé, cabin at Upper Bremo.
Figure 5. Stone foundation & disintegrating pisé, Surry Quarter.
Figure 6. Remains of Slave Quarters, Upper Bremo.

Figure 7. Bremo Slave Chapel, Bremo Bluff (not original location).

Figure 8. Wall and opening on old road at Slave Burial Ground.

Figure 9. Headstone, Slave Burial Ground, Prims (Primus).

Figure 10. Headstone, Slave Burial Ground, Ben Creasy, Died 18-, Aged 54.
Illustrations (11-20)

Figure 11. Southwest façade, Upper Bremo.

Figure 12. Barn at Upper Bremo, c. 1900. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 13. Barn at Upper Bremo, c. 1915. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 14. Barn at Upper Bremo, post 1915. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 15. Barn, Upper Bremo.

Figure 16. Barn, south & east wings.

Figure 17. Column base, Upper Bremo Barn.

Figure 18. Stable and Dairy Barn (in distance), Upper Bremo.
Figure 19. Corn cribs, Upper Bremo.

Figure 20. Trough, Upper Bremo barnyard.

Illustrations (21-30)

Figure 21. Mill on Little Bremo Creek (Cocke Creek), c. 1897. (Alderman Library, Special
Collections.)

Figure 22. Mill, southern façade.

Figure 23. Mill, eastern façade.
Figure 24. Mill race.

Figure 25. Old mill stone, Bremo Mill.

Figure 26. Mill Pond.

Figure 27. Old bridge over sluiceway, Mill Pond in background.

Figure 28. Mill Pond dam.

Figure 29. Site of James River & Kanawha Canal, between RR tracks and highlands.
Figure 30. Bridge abutment, Little Bremo Creek (Cocke Creek).
Illustrations (31-40)

Figure 31. Barnyard wall, Upper Bremo.

Figure 32. Bremo Recess.

Figure 33. Bremo Recess and outbuilding.

Figure 34. Hollyhocks and Smokehouse at Bremo Recess. (Alderman Library, Special
Collections.)

Figure 35. Children at Pump behind Bremo Recess. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 36. Entrance to Cocke Family Burial Ground, Bremo Recess.

Figure 37. Graves of General J.H. Cocke flanked by his two wives, Ann & Louisa.
Figure 38. Cocke Family Burial Ground, Bremo Recess.
Figure 39. Memoranda Commenced June 7th by John H. Cocke, Junior. Plan of a peach
orchard planted this spring at Bremo Recess on the hill south of the house. (Alderman
Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 40. Back side of Peach Planting Memorandum. Pencil note about planting.
(Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Illustrations (41-50)

Figure 41. Lower Bremo, prior to remodeling. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 42. Oil painting of Upper Bremo, north façade, by Edward Troye, American,
prior to 1835. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 43. Entrance Façade (north) at Upper Bremo, c. 1897. (Alderman Library, Special
Collections.)

Figure 44. Bridge and Ha-ha at Upper Bremo, c. 1915. (Alderman Library, Special
Collections.)
Figure 45. North façade, West Office, and Ha-ha earthwork, Upper Bremo.

Figure 46. West Office / Schoolhouse, c. 1955. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 47. View from Upper Bremo, to the old Garden and Barnyard.

Figure 48. West gate, Garden at Upper Bremo, pond in distance.

Figure 49. North gate into the Garden, Upper Bremo.

Figure 50. South Façade of Upper Bremo, showing Loggia and Garden below. Photo I.T.
Frary. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Illustrations (51-60)

Figure 51. South Façade of Upper Bremo, showing Garden under Loggia. (Alderman
Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 52. Gutter. Smokehouse, “middle building”, and Dairy, Upper Bremo.
Figure 53. Smokehouse & “middle building”, Upper Bremo.
Figure 54. Icehouse, Upper Bremo.
Figure 55. Postcard of the Temperance Temple, no date. Shows original location at
Jarratt’s Spring. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 56. Temple, Teapot, and upper pond.

Figure 57. Temperance Temple.
Figure 58. Temperance Temple, looking southeast.
Figure 59. Teapot of Bremo, inscribed: Jarratt’s Spring, 20th c. location.
Figure 60. Temperance Temple, dedicated AD 1849.
Illustrations 61-70

Figure 61. Temperance Temple, Dedicated to the Sons of Temperance.

Figure 62. Low-Grounds No. 2. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 63. Low-Grounds No. 3. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 64. Low-Grounds No. 4. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 65. Low-Grounds No. 5. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)

Figure 66. Low-Grounds No. 6. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 67. Second Low-Grounds to No. 2 (Containing Garden, Farm-yard, Orchard
+c.); Second Low-Grounds to No. 3. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 68. Second Low-Grounds to No. 4; Second Low-Grounds to No. 5. (Alderman
Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 69. High Ground No. 8. (Alderman Library, Special Collections.)
Figure 70. Road marker along old road to Charlottesville, Right to 7 Isls: Mills. Left to
New Canton via Bremo.