Coolidge, Ellen Wayles Randolph, 1796-1876

Scope and Contents Diary entries from Ellen Randolph Coolidge’s travels in Great Britain in 1838-39 serve as a record of the political, social, and artistic life of London, ranging from the national loyalty to young Queen Victoria, to the tasteless nature of superfluous columns in architecture. Her adventures in London, the English countryside (Cowes), and Edinburgh evoke memories of life in Virginia. She recalls tales of Europe told by Martha Randolph (educated at the convent in Paris) and Thomas Jefferson...

Scope and Contents Jefferson’s granddaughter, Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, moved to Boston in 1825 following her marriage. Per Jefferson’s request, Ellen sent dumb or dunfish (the best grade salted cod from Massachusetts), as well as the tongues and sounds of the cod home to Monticello along with (misguided) cooking instructions. After her grandfather’s death, Ellen recalls the dining room at Monticello in her travel journal from London (which includes detailed descriptions of London carriages and meals)...