Charlotte, active 1782- (Seamstress)

Scope and Contents Washington's farm manager reports the bad conduct of Thos. Green, carpenter -- will not use delegated authority concerning Green, because realizes he is necessary -- good men are hard to come by -- suggests an addition of carpenters, or estate will be a long time in improving -- mentions all the buildings that need to be built or repaired -- wishes farms to look neat -- will put up fences and gates -- suggests moving post and rail fence at Dogue Run to make meadow correspond to fields -- new...

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George A. Washington writes about how he didn't write sooner because George Washington had just left Mt. Vernon -- will be more prompt with reports hereafter -- unable to complete the barn for the stock because of many other jobs for Carpenters & their illness -- some progress made on barn.

Scope and Contents Safe arrival of Will--expected him home at Mt. Vernon sooner--his great anxiety to do right in Washington's affairs--considering moving Anthony Whiting to place occupied by Fairfax when he goes--estimate of Whiting's capabilities and character--Garner [Wm. Gardener, overseer of the River Plantation?] is leaving too, wants higher wages--Mr. Gwin in Alexandria has recommended a young boy of respectable family to take Garner's place--he has had no experience--no family--George A. Washington...

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In this letter Martha asks Fanny to send with Austin, her servant, several muslin borders which Charlot was to hem. Also, Martha insists that "you must let me know if you are in a certain way and when the event will happen,..." Expects to be home "about the first of August" and wonders "... is B[etty] Lewis married -".

Scope and Contents Martha Washington writes from Philadelphia to her niece Fanny Bassett at Mount Vernon. Mrs. Washington recounts the recent illness and death of Mrs. Tobias Lear, wife of Washington's personal Secretary, and close friend, and how the event had saddened the presidential household. She is pleased that Fanny has had her room white washed and expresses her desire to have Frank white wash the Kitchen and his room in the seller (cellar) as well as him continually keeping things in order for Mrs....

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The significance of this letter to Martha’s niece Fanny is the mention of several specific slaves in the Presidential household. Martha complains about the sewing work of Charlotte and Caroline and gives her condolences regarding Giles, an enslaved coach driver who was apparently injured in an accident. She also mentions Hercules, the enslaved Washington cook who several years later would run away from the household. Misdated as '1790.' Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.