Nella Fontaine Binckley to Cousin Robbie, October 21, 1928

[Nella Fontaine Binckley at Washington, D.C., to Robert Morton Hughes at Norfolk, Virginia, October 21, 1928, Box 1, Folder 8: Nellie Brinkley [i.e. Nella Fontaine Binckley], 1927-1937, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529]

"Casanella." 215 B [now Constitution Avenue] n.e. -- Washington, Oct. 21/28

Dear Cousin Robbie:--

Your letter reached me today. The postponement of this matter suits me perfectly, as I am very much upset in my mind, at present; this property may be sold, at any time, & I am trying to make plans. I only rent this place. I had thought[?] I was settled here, as the owner always declared he would never sell. But he has changed his mind. As I have been here ten years, it's upsetting.

By the way, I want to ask yo about something. Some of the family says it's true, & some say it is'nt [isn't]. Did Gov. Floyd ask to be buried at your little sister Margie's feet, without any headstone to mark the place? You would certainly know the facts.

Love to Cousin Mattie & yourself.
Your cousin Nellie

[Ellen/Nellie/Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860- April 27, 1951; she was not born in 1877 as she successfully hoaxed some time after returning from the West Coast to the East Coast in the early 1900s)
Casanella = the artist's name for her haciendas in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Cousin Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes, Sr. (1855-1940)
Gov. Floyd = John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863), adoptive father of Cousin Robbie's mother, Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909)
Sister Maggie = Margaret Preston Floyd (1854-1861)
Cousin Mattie = Martha Louisiana Smith Hughes (1853-1944)]

Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration; in this case, specifically to William for providing a scan of the original letter, and in turn thanks to Mr. Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Specialist. 

Nella Fontaine Binckley to Cousin Robbie, September 4, 1928

[Nella Fontaine Binckley at Washington, D.C., to Robert Morton Hughes at Norfolk, Virginia, September 4, 1928, Box 1, Folder 8: Nellie Brinkley [i.e. Nella Fontaine Binckley], 1927-1937, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529]

"Casanella." 215 B street, northeast.

Washington, D.C. September 4th, 1928.

Dear Cousin Robbie:--

In regard to the portrait of uncle Joe of which you wrote, some time ago.

I should like to make it, and would be willing to do it on approval. If the family should not be satisfied with it, they need not take it. I would keep it myself. 

Whatever the artist in Richmond offered to do for $300, I am willing to do.

What size canvas? And what arrangement about the frame? If you will let me know, and select the one of the photos which seems most suitable to the purpose, and send to me, I will get to work on it at once. As I am always busy, this is as good a time as any,

I really would like to do this portrait, -- partly as a matter of pride. For with a perfectly good artist in the family, it would seem rather a slur to have an outsider do it. And I can say without vanity, I think, that I could make a creditable portrait, that would not disgrace us, -- as I understand the present one does.

Hoping you and cousin Mattie are well, and have had a pleasant summer, I am

Affectionately your cousin,

Nella Fontaine Binckley 

[Ellen/Nellie/Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860- April 27, 1951; she was not born in 1877 as she successfully hoaxed some time after returning from the West Coast to the East Coast in the early 1900s)
Casanella = the artist's name for her haciendas in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Cousin Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes, Sr. (1855-1940)
Uncle Joe = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Cousin Mattie = Martha Louisiana Smith Hughes (1853-1944)]

Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration; in this case, specifically to William for providing a scan of the original letter, and in turn thanks to Mr. Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Specialist.