William Short, Jr.

William Short, Jr. was the son of Louisa and William Short, Sr. John Tyler described William Short, Jr. in the following letter to his daughter in 1843:

“I am very anxious to have a blacksmith and should be willing to part with Washington but if I can hear of a servant that would suit you… I will purchase him for you – I think that Louisa’s William, would make a good servant and if you choose to try your hand with him you can do so – He is a fine boy – and all of Wm Shorts children have a turn for the House – I will willingly my dear daughter pay the hire of a servant maid for you and I think you would do well to procure one of your Aunt Douglas’s – Either Delilah or Maria would suit you if you could get them. Besides it is no trifling matter to have a nurse who is a good seamstress.” [1]

[1] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 16 Jan. 1843, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.