Samuel Griffin letter to John Ambler(1802 April 4)
- MS 2010.7
- 1 item
Letter from Samuel Griffin (dated New York, April 4, 1802) to John Ambler in Williamsburg, Virginia. Griffin states that Ambler can continue in the house for the same rent as the previous year and may make any improvements he feels are necessary. Griffin writes that it will be acceptable to have Bowden (probably John Bowden who was a carpenter in Williamsburg) rebuild the front porch and that the necessary materials are available at the plantation or on the lot. Griffin thanks Ambler for the trouble he will be under to plant the poplars and asks if they can be extended around the stable lot. Griffin mentions the pears on the property and states that L. Tazewell can tell Ambler which pears are best.
Samuel Griffin bought the property from the estate of William Byrd III in 1778. The house still stands on Francis Street in Williamsburg and is called the William Byrd III House.
Samuel Griffin (1746–1810) was a lawyer, soldier and politician originally from Richmond County, Virginia. He served as a colonel in the Revolution and was wounded at the battle at Harlem Heights on October 12, 1776. He was married in 1778 to Elizabeth Braxton, daughter of Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Griffin served as mayor of Williamsburg, 1779–1780 and as a member of the House of Delegates from 1787–1788. He served in Congress from 1789 to 1795.
John Ambler was the son of Edward Ambler of Jamestown, Virginia. In 1782 he inherited Jamestown Island and many other estates of his wealthy parents. He served in both the Revolution and the War of 1812.