Bassett, Burwell, 1764-1841

Scope and Contents

D.S. 4 pages. An inventory of the estate of George Augustine Washington including a list of "Stock and Utensils on his Farm in Fairfax County" appraised and to be divided equally between Washington's wife, Fanny Bassett, and children, Charles Augustine, George Fayette and Anna Maria. Also, a list of books and the "disposition of Major Washington's Estate agreeably to his Will."

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Eltham. Bettsy [wife?] has been very ill all summer, but has lately been revived by the copious use of wine and bark -- advises Fanny not to go to town in middle of summer, because of ague and fever -- brother John and family went up country to Mr. Robert Lewis's for their health -- Mrs. Lyons ill. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed by Frances Washington, mutilated, laminated, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Burwell Bassett."

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Studley, Hanover City. Ill health and business prevent his coming [to wedding of Geo. A. W. with Fanny Bassett]--will send carriage for them to spend Christmas with them--family at Studley sends regards. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, docketed by G.A.W.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Williamsburg. His neglect in writing--"I will take the liberty of enquiring into your feats of sportsmanship for I expect if you have ever been able to rise soon enough to execute your threats the poor ducks have been slain by thousands." --tell G.W. honey locust seed can be got at Eltham this year. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed by G.A.W., watermark.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. To Eltham. Apologizes for enclosing letter to Major [Geo. A.] Washington--heard he was at Eltham, and desired to reach him--sympathizes with "distressing accident" in his family and Mrs. Daingerfield's situation [widowed]--her children are all well--"Washington [G.W.P. Custis] quite hearty and the prettiest creature in the World ..." Autograph letter signed, laminated, incomplete watermark (crown). Name on original manuscript appears as "E. Custis."

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Unable to write because of extreme illness -- very weak -- he and Fanny and children go to Berkeley -- they will remain for a while, but business will bring him back soon -- has account from Mr. Wilson -- had boots made for Burgess and will send them by his father when he comes. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, postmarked "Alex July 4", watermark.

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Some time ago a mulatto girl, body servant to Mrs. Washington, ran away--she was found in Portsmouth, N.H.--asks Bassett that since he is going to Portsmouth, would he take steps to send her back--a Frenchman enticed her away but has left her--if she causes no further trouble, she won't be punished--Washington doesn't wish him to do anything “unpleasant, or troublesome” to bring her back.

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...

Scope and Contents Will. D. 2 pages. G.W. Bassett appointed executor--leaves all property to nephew G.W. Bassett, who is required to pay annually [300] dollars per year to Bassett Claiborne, "under the fear that the said Claiborne is not very careful."--all debts to be paid--codicil of Feb. 20, 1840 emancipates his "servant," Pleasant. Document, copy by J.D. Christian, county clerk, laminated. Proved in New Kent Court, Mar. 11, 1841, no subscribing witnesses to will, so handwriting and signature sworn to by...