Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Gardens and Landscape of Bremo
The Gardens and Landscape of Bremo
The Gardens and Landscape of Bremo
K. Brooke Whiting
The Garden Club of Virginia
The Rudy J. Favretti Fellowship – 2000
1
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.
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:
List of Illustrations
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Farmer’s Encyclopaedia.
Forsyth, Wm. Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees. Philadelphia: J.
Morgan, 1802.
Allen, J. Fisk. Practical Treatise on the Culture and Treatment of Grape Vines.
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.
The Botanic Gardens. (1st American edition.), 1798. A Poem in Two Parts.
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
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
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
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….
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
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
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:
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
166
1815-9-4 (640/20, Benja. Prince to JHC and Jos. C. Cabell, Flushing).
48
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
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.
Planted out a row of Antwerp Raspberries on the Western border parallel with the wall bed
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]
c. 1815 (5685/2)
Mention of muscatel raisins
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.
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.
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
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----
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
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….
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-
1816-3-24 (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.
1816-7-4 (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….
want could be readily procured. There is an abundance of the Laborious class out of employment but few
Gardiners.
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
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]
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.
Seeds Plants + implements for the use of Genl Jno H Cocke alone.
London, Feb. 3d, 1817
[* figures omitted from this point on]
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.
I am Dsir
Yr friend + st
Benj. Anderson
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.
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.
… 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.
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
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.
[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.
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.
Planted an English walnut + a Flowering Horse Chesnut on the mound to the South West of the Building
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.
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.
1820 (640/33
JHC is taxed by the Sheriff of Fluvanna Co. for the revenue on 4171 acres
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
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.
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….
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.
1820-5-27 (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
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
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….
1821 (640/34)
receipt for 1 oz. Green Savoy Cabbage seed
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.]
1821-3-12 (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….
Your Friend,
Reuben Maury
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….
1821-4-14/9-2 (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
1821-7-18 (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.)
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.
1822 (5685/3)
A Bill for the Timbers required for Saw Mill house
Receipt for 1 copy of Bautorgs [very unclear] Botany
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….
Present Mrs. P and myself in the kindest terms to the Ladies and [illegible] our best wishes for
yourself.
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- …
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?…
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….
1822-6-18 (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…”
…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
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-}
1822-11-11 (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….
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.
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.
…+ in the afternoon had time to garden a little, an occupation which affords me great amusement at this
season.
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}
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.
1823-7-6 (640/38, Account Book of JHC, Travels from Norfolk to Niagara (along the Erie Canal))
Garden tools for L - $18.00
1825 (5685/3)
List of Carpenters’ Work:
mentioned: Overseer’s House, Icehouse,
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
1826-3-14 (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
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.”
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.]
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]
…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.
person whose name it bears; who is an exceedingly worthy + intelligent gentleman; and of great
perseverance in the cause of the vine.
1832
Reference of a walk to the Upper Creek
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….
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.
1833-4 (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…
1833-4-12 (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.
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.
to us. He also invited us into his house where he treated us with refreshments. We heard that he was worth
3 millions [dollars]….
…Had an unpleasant conversation with husband about the planting of trees, temperance, +c. which left
some painful feelings….
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….
Very busy all the morning preserving strawberries, which we are now enjoying every day, though there is
but a very small crop this season.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 –
1846 (5685/10)
Indian Corn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
… 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-
Turned cattle out of Farm Yard + fed them beyond the Lawn Gate
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
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.]
Plantation Chapel; the Graveyard of Chapel Field; Bremo Bluff Bridge over Canal; Cold House; Lower
Bremo Terrace
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 “
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.
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.
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….”
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.
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 (640/186)
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 (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.
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pears
2 Primitive, 2 early Sugar, 2 St. Germaine, 2 Holland or Winter Bergamot
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]
2 Carnation Cherries
2 green gage Plums
Flowering Shrub
1 Mezereon with Pink coloured Flowers
2 Peach Apricots
2 Newington Nectarines, 2 Early yellow Do
2 Early sweet Damson Plums
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
[File does not contain order lists for some of the group.]
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
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)
^*+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
^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
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
Almonds. 25 cents.
^Hard shell
^Thin shell or ladies almond
^Soft shell
^Jordan almond
Appendix E - 14
Mulberries
Quinces. 25 cents.
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.
Figs. 37 ½ cents.
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.
[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
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
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.]
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.
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 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 18. Stable and Dairy Barn (in distance), Upper Bremo.
Figure 19. Corn cribs, Upper Bremo.
Figure 21. Mill on Little Bremo Creek (Cocke Creek), c. 1897. (Alderman Library, Special
Collections.)
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 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 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.)