Lear, Frances "Fanny" Bassett Washington, 1767-1796

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A.D. 46 pages. Autograph document, leatherbound ledger. Account book kept by Fanny Bassett Washington from the death of her husband George Augustine Washington until her marriage to Tobias Lear. Household, financial accounts.

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D.S. 1 page. Bond. Fulton agrees to pay Mrs. Washington, widow of George Augustine Washington, thirty-five pounds "... upon the first day of January next ensuing [1799] ... for the hire of a Negro Man named Reuben for one year ..." Frances Bassett Washington (Lear) died in 1796 so it is unclear who this document is really intended for, or if the date is incorrect.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. Cousin A.O.C.C. married Jack Lyons--saw many friends at Eltham and Elsing Green--" ... hope He [G.A.W.] is not so regardless of His health as he used to be, tell Him from me that one child and the prospect of another are sufficient inducements to make him prudent, an Orphan's situation is deplorable, for a Mother cannot be of much advantage without a Father's assistance."--lack of a carriage prevents her coming to Mount Vernon. Autograph letter signed, laminated, docketed by...

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Sends the letter by her husband [John Bassett, Fanny's brother] -- he has been an invalid for a week -- envies her her fine son [G. Fayette Washington] -- mentions Mr. Bassett's death. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, docketed by Fanny B. W-n, watermark. Date on original catalog card appears as [1790] March 30. The writer was daughter of Wm. Burnett Brown of Elsing-Green.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Fauquier. Tells of illness of husband John and children -- dangers as they traveled along road to Fauquier, pursued by mad hog -- mentions 4 children. Autograph letter signed, laminated. Name on original manuscript appears as "B. C. B." [Enclosed with letter of Aug. 13, 1794, John Bassett to Frances Washington].

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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. Says Maria likely has the measles. Describes symptoms and treatment. Docketed to Mrs. Washington, Mount Vernon.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Sends letter by Dr. Stuart who is on way to Williamsburg -- President and Mrs. Washington have been home 10 days -- George Washington "looks better than I expected to see him, but still there are traces in his countinance of His two last severe illnesses, which I fear will never wear off." -- they stay until middle of November -- little son has been ill. Date on letter appears to be 1791, but internal and external evidence confirm 1790 as date of composition....

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. Earlier letter miscarried--her anxiety over him--pleased at improved health, but fears he is too optimistic--Dr. Stuart thinks he whould winter in West Indies--" ... if you do not get well by being on Rhodeisland I hope South Carolina woud do as well as the West indies and I cannot bear the idea of your being exposed to the Sea this time of the year"--came to welcome aunt and the General home, but they haven't come yet--spends time with Mrs. L[und] W.--Mrs. Custis with sister...

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 4 pages. Unhappy over their separation--her approaching confinement [Anna Maria Washington, born April 3, 1788]--weather severe--plows frozen--spare no expense in getting skillful person, recommends Mrs. Harrison [midwife ?]--Mrs. Bassett's shoes not forwarded to Phila. yet--will get biscuit and hat for your father and brother--family news--inquire into cotton--little Wash. [Custis] wants to write her a letter--"We this evening recd. an acct. of the adoption of the Constitution by the...

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A.L.S. 1 page. Alexandria. Mrs. Trutton (?) is moving from Mrs. Washington's house, hasn't paid rent due -- she has rented, or sublet, the rest of her time there to Mr. Dobbin, who agrees to stay there for some time if she will agree to paint and stop the roof leaks. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed by Fanny Washington, laminated. Name on original manuscript appears as "G. Deneale."

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 1 page. Apologies for his apparent neglect of his sister -- his health is good, but he has been very busy -- several planned visits have been thwarted -- will come shortly -- "I should be happy to have my good old lady (who has been very sick) with me," but lacks another horse for carriage. Dated January 17th 1793 in heading, but docketed by Fanny B. Washington as "From Mr. J. Bassett, January 17th 1794." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, docketed 1794 by Fanny B....

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A.L.S. 1 page. The Exchange, Fauquier County. He, wife and sick children are at the Exchange for healthy air -- hasn't written or heard from her since recent trip to Mt. Vernon -- will try to visit again shortly -- encloses letter from Mrs. Bassett. [See letter of Aug. 15, 1794, B.C. Bassett to Frances Washington]. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, and redirected cover, docketed by F. Washington, mutilated, laminated, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "J. Bassett."

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Ill health and business prevented his going to visit her or even writing -- he is even unable to return to Mr. Robert Lewis's [The Exchange, Fauquier County] for Mrs. Bassett -- expresses affection for Fanny and her children, telling her they have an "excellent pattern" in her, while she has "the best of guides, an amiable and benevolent heart." Autograph letter signed, separate cover, laminated, watermark (crown over GR).

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A.L.S. 1 page. Studley, Hanover County, VA. Mentions Fanny's approaching marriage to [Tobias] Lear -- invites them to come to Studley to visit -- [Mrs. Lyons was Fanny's aunt. She was married to Judge Peter Lyons, and the sister of Col. Burwell Bassett]. Autograph letter signed, docketed by F. Washington, laminated, incomplete watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "J. Lyons." Date on original catalog card appears [1795] July 12.

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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 -".

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Chocolate and shoes for Maria--poor condition of schools--Carter Harrison and family.

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Hopes Fanny's children will be well thru winter--uneasy over Dr. David Stuart's illness, but is recovering--sent Maria's shoes to her--Nelly not so much grown as Mr. Lear described, but Wash [George Washington Parke Custis] outgrows his clothes--"I hope that when Nelly has a little more gravatie she will be a good girl. At present she is I fear half crazy."

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Family news--has sent her gowns by ship--her poor sister [Elizabeth Dandridge Henley's] hard lot in life; a drunken husband--Betsy [Eliza Parke] Custis's grave and retiring disposition.

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Although not alone, she has missed her since she left--General goes over the mountains next month--expects brother [Bartholomew Dandridge] up and will go down to see him in Sept.--Mrs. [David] Stuart improving--her stays arrived from Annapolis--paid Mrs. Charles Stuart who paid mantua maker--Miss Ramsay married--Nelly well--Tubs [G.W.P. Custis] never unhappy about absent friends--letter from her [Fanny's] pappa, didn't mention Fanny.

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Martha asks Fanny Bassett Washington to send her several articles up to New York from Mount Vernon: a silver seal "with my Father's arms" or a "good impression" of it and a "white necklace ... and some small mother of pearl beads that is in one of the drawers in my cabinet ..."

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News of her health--purchasing silk and muslin in Philadelphia --sending some sewing and kitchen staples to Mount Vernon--news of the President (just completing his southern tour)--nephew Bartholomew Dandridge innoculated for small pox--news of her children.

Scope and Contents Southern post not in yet -- all are well -- winter has been warm, causes a sickly season -- Mr. Blair says many friends "are dead below" -- warm winter -- farmers ploughed all winter -- afraid there will be no ice for ice houses in the city -- hears from Mrs. Stuart -- she [Mrs. Stuart] hasn't seen Mr. Fairfax and doesn't know whether he got to England -- Mrs. Harrison is well -- Mrs. Mercer in town and sick -- love to the Major -- "I hope ere this that he has got the better of the spitting...

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Concerning the declining health of Fanny's husband, George Augustine Washington, who had just relinquished his job as manager of Mount Vernon and moved to Eltham, the Bassett family home. Also other family news.

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....

Scope and Contents Bad winter--Nelly has a rash--Washington Custis is very thin but well--Mrs. Stuart has another son, Charles Calvert--Mr. Thomas Peter and Patty [Martha P. Custis] appear to be going to wed--urges Fanny to wait until roads and weather clear before going up country--will assist her in moving when she comes to Mt. Vernon, probably in late summer--new French minister has come to Philadelphia--players have come to town and are much applauded--hears Patty Dandridge is getting better--concern for...

Scope and Contents Martha Washington writes to her niece Fanny Bassett wishing she could visit Mount Vernon this summer but is uncertain when she and the President will be able to travel. Asks Fanny to air out bedrooms and bed clothes and to have Caroline brush and clean the room. Asks Fanny to send some clothes from her closet and to inquire about rose water and mint water ordered from Alexandria. Includes on page 3 of the manuscript a portion of a letter from Fanny Washington to Martha Washington on the same...

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Comments on the death of a son of Dr. and Mrs. James Craik--Mrs. Harrison and children in German Town for their health--will send Fanny's shoes and mattress by packet to Mt. Vernon--President says she may use broad or narrow boards, whichever she prefers--Bartholomew Dandridge is sick--they came to German Town for his health and President's--the spot on Washington's face doesn't seem to respond to medicine--Nelly has returned from her jaunt.

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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.

Scope and Contents Enlarges on recent letter of Mrs. Washington's (dictated by him) relative to the estate in Berkeley -- in accord with provisions in George A. Washington's will, advises settling a second plantation in Berkeley including some land in Fairfax County, as a grass and small grain farm -- advises on getting tenants and drawing up contracts -- she should ask advice of George S. Washington -- Anthony Whitting's decline caused by consumption necessitates visit to Mt. Vernon but public business...