Custis, John Parke, 1754-1781

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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."

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John writes how the new plantation needs constant attention, but would be "very advantageous to your Estate in the Neck, and will add much to the Prospect from the House."

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John Parke Custis, stepson of George Washington, wrote to George Washington who was at Valley Forge about various aspects of the war. He notified him that the Virginia legislature passed bills to help raise troops, the arrival of a French ship carrying uniforms and military supplies, and a note to his mom. Docketed by George Washington. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.

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Requests George Washington's advice whether to sell Eastern shore lands because of heavy taxes and can get no one to live there & work them--rumors of truce to be offered by British King--appreciates Washington's advice on draining low grounds [at Abingdon] to prevent tidal floods--poor corn crops and depreciation of paper money--everyone paying old debts in paper money--purchase of Alexander's land--army's success at Stony Point. Autograph letter signed, 4 pages.

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Showed Col. Bassett his letter, but doesn't know whether he's complied with it--concern over no news from Charlestown [S.C.]--feeling among gentry and people at large regarding congress's recommendation regarding currency--he and Col. Mason expect to be elected to assembly with no opposition.

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Relays problems with recruiting for the army, currency depreciation and counterfeiting, land purchases in northern Virginia, and the management of Mount Vernon.

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Mortified at actions of [Va.] legislature--wishes to resign his public office but feels it his duty to continue in legislature to express his protests at their actions--emission of 10 million pounds immediately--action between Cornwallis and Genl. Greene--Greene has won universal esteem for his conduct.

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Announces birth of a daughter [Eliza] mentions "the other little one"--Nelly [Calvert Custis] well new--describes the baby--anxious for news from New York and the General--every thing quiet since Dunmore left--rumor at Annapolis that Dunmore is dead--asks her and the General to "stand for my little Lady."

Scope and Contents John Parke Custis writes to George Washington from his Abingdon regarding an offer of seventy five pounds for his property on the Eastern Shore of Virginia - is confident he can get more. Custis himself is considering purchasing Philip Alexander's land at a tempting price. Expresses his pleasure and congratulatory wishes on the arrival of Count d'Estaing's on the American coast. Custis reluctantly addresses a misunderstanding between himself and Colo. Bassett regarding the valuation and care...

Scope and Contents John Parke Custis writes to Washington relieved to hear that his mother Martha Washington is back in good health. His family is suffering from an epidemic that his stricken many family members with his youngest son being dangerously ill. Custis apprises Washington of his current circumstances in dealing with a dispute of monies owed to Robert Alexander for land purchase includes a copy of a notice dates 26 May 1781 [see RM-1188.004]. Reports of damages by British troops to nearby neighbors...

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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel. Custis writes about financial matters and Sunday dinner plans.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Promises on penalty of £10,000 to give him title to land in King and Queen County soon as possible. Pay purchase money to James Hill. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, postmarked by hand "Alexa.", docketed "Title Papers - John P. Custis' Lre. directing payment of money for King and Queen Estate to Jams. Hill and engaging a title to J.H. - Mem - Deed is recorded in the Genl. Court."

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A.L.S. 1 page. "I have the Deed from the General [George Washington] for the Land you bought of the ["Romankoke," a plantation in King and Queen County, Va.] ... It was executed at Camp [Valley Forge] ... I neglected to get a Deed from Me to you, as I was not able to have the Deed from The Genl. to Me recorded." GW had originally purchased the property for his step-son, who then wished to sell it to Henry. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Concerning Price's management of his [farms], including agreement on terms and duties--payment of Bob Alexander. Autograph letter signed, docketed "No. 1, Relates to the Agt." Name on original manuscript appears as "J. P. Custis."

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A.L.S. 1 page. His thanks for their electing him as their representative in the last assembly--but must decline reelection--reasons. Autograph letter signed, endorsed "a letter written by my great grandfather John Parke Custis given me by Cousin Mary Lee," laminated, watermark.

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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Mrs. Washington reports that she and the General are in good health. Col. Harrison has not arrived in camp; he is reported to be in Philadelphia. Bought a new doll for Beth. Possibly misdated from 1779.