Custis Family

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Mrs. Washington can accompany the General anywhere now that she's gone thru smallpox [innoculation] successfully--expresses gratitude to Washington for his guardianship--"He deserves the Name of Father who acts the Part of one."

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. La Grange to Woodlawn. General Lafayette expresses his sympathy with Nelly and her family over the recent death of her grandson E.G.W. Butler, son of Parke and Mr. Butler -- his own recently-married granddaughter is ill with a serious complaint in lungs -- George W. Lafayette's daughter Natalie is recently married -- he and George are going to Paris soon because they have been elected deputies of "This and the neighboring district of Meaux" -- agrees that Cincinnati is a...

Scope and Contents Autograph letter signed. Washington writes to his brother-in-law Burwell Bassett. The letter was carried to Fredericksburg from Mount Vernon by Miles Richardson, who had been one of Washington’s batmen in the Virginia Regiment during Forbes’ Campaign of 1758. Richardson was hired by Washington, most likely as a valet, from January 1, 1759 – May 10, 1759.Written within the first year of Washingotn’s marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis, the letter mentions visiting John Mercer to...

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"It is an easier matter to conceive than to describe, the distress of this family; especially that of the unhappy parent of our dear Patsy Custis, when I inform you that yesterday removed the sweet Innocent girl into a more happy and peaceful abode than any she has met with in the affected path she hitherto has trod."

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Three page letter written from Mount Vernon that shows Washington’s frustration with his adopted grandson.

Scope and Contents A caring and involved father, George Washington wrote this letter to his stepson's tutor, the Reverend Jonathan Boucher. In it he instructs his ward's tutor to enroll John Parke Custis with a particular dancing master. Written from Mount Vernon on April 24, 1769, Washington states, "In respect to the Dancing Gentry, I am glad to find you have such choice of them, …Newman...I have heard him well spoken of as a teacher in that Science… you will be so good therefore Sir to enter Mastr Custis...

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Washington writes in response to his nephew's query about the offer to become the 'Guardian of Nelly' so as to authorize a license for Lawrence and Nelly to marry. He also encourages Lawrence to acknowledge the Secretary of War's offered military commission and either accept or decline the appointment. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

Scope and Contents On February 10, 1796, upon learning of his eldest step-granddaughter's engagement to Thomas Law, George Washington writes this letter of congratulations to him. Washington's fatherly interest in the betrothal of Eliza "Betsey" Parke Custis is apparent. He expresses surprise, gives his blessing, and invites the couple to visit Philadelphia after the ceremony. Thomas Law earned his fortune in India and met Washington's step-granddaughter shortly after his arrival in America. The couple was...