Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she would not set aside an old friend like Elizabeth just because the Lafayettes are here. She had hoped to have heard news from Old Hickory [Andrew Jackson, then senator from Tennessee] regarding Elizabeth's nephew [Mr. Bordley's] desire for a commission as a Marine officer. She expresses her affection for Lafayette and G. W. Lafayette. Georges is to present her a beautiful engraving of his father, one of only two being sent from France. She has not been to Washington yet....

Scope and Contents Nelly discusses Mr. and Mrs. Derby (he delivered Elizabeth's letter; she shall be called upon). Fears Gen. Jackson is unsuccessful in attempts to procure appointment for Elizabeth's nephew, John Beale Bordley. Comments on John Quincy Adams's election victory as president over Andrew Jackson. "The most shameful intrigues have given him the Presidency." The Gen. Lafayette and George W. Lafayette have visited again. Mrs. Hickory [Andrew Jackson] says Nelly was one of Jackson's "very great...

Scope and Contents Nelly informs Elizabeth of Parke's engagement to Edward George Washington Butler of Gen. Gaines' staff, likely to marry in the autumn. She worries about Parke being soldier's wife and the roving life it entails. Nelly will be unable to go to her in time of sickness. Her honest opinion of Butler: "He is honorable, correct, dignified-with a most amiable and affecte disposition, but he is not of such a mind as I thought Parke would have selected." It makes Nelly "anxious and unsettled." Tell...

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that the work bag has been completed and is being sent to Elizabeth. She sends her condolences on the death of Elizabeth's nephew [Mr. Mifflin?]. "That dreadful climate has killed more of our fine young men, that the Island can ever repay us for." "My poor little niece" died suddenly from a "putrid sore throat" [Eliza L Rogers ("Rosebud")?]. Niece America has been very ill. Mr. Butler is on tour in south with Gen. Gaines. Nelly is busy preparing Parke's wedding clothes should...

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she has sent a work bag of velvet painting to Elizabeth. She sent scarves and a veil to Philadelphia to be washed. Nelly escaped bilious fever this summer by taking aqua fortis, but has had ringing sensation in her head--has erysipelas--"I dread so much derangement or water on the brain ..." Mr. Butler went away for 6 weeks, but has been detained 6 months. Has her entire approbation as a son-in-law. She has parted with "my Beloved Father and Brother" [Gen. Lafayette and...

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she keeps busy making keepsakes for children. Delights in this kind of work, and as she also attends "to the usefuls, my conscience acquits me of a misapplication of time." Wishes to take Angela to board in Philadelphia where she could go to day school, but Mr. Lewis "has not consented yet." Therefore Nelly must teach Angela herself. She can find no local teacher of music, and "neither Parke nor myself are competent to instruct her." Gen. Lafayette and his son George should...

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she is pleased with work done by old woman [probably cleaning scarfs and veil]. She sends money. Employ balance in walking shoes for herself and Parke. Gives instructions for size and types. Mr. Butler detained in Georgia, so Parke's wedding day is not set. She sends recipe for lip salve that was Martha Washington's recipe. She had sent a pot of it to the Lafayette family and George liked it. Mentions her Philadelphia friend, the late Mrs. Camac. Everyone tells Nelly how...

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she and Parke received the walking shoes from Philadelphia. Mr. Butler arrived 8 days ago, from Georgia, very thin and sick. He soon goes west with Gen. Gaines. Parke wants to be married in Spring. Nelly dreads the difficulties ahead for Parke, resulting from Butler's tight finances, and her own separation from Parke. Nelly appreciated hearing about Lorenzo, and hopes "he will be more studious in future." Inquires about cost of dying a shawl. Still mourns the death of Mrs....

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that Parke and Butler have decided to be married in the Spring. Nelly will submit, although it will be a severe trial to do so. She likes Butler but his talents are so inferior to Parke's, and this is more conspicuous the more they are seen together. Angela attends to her studies, and progresses well with her music without a teacher--"we cannot procure tutors here." Asks Elizabeth to send white velvet, black paper "used in tracing Theorems for velvet painting" and gold paper....

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she has received Elizabeth's letter and will look for the package. Parke is to be married April 4 and must begin her journey to Cincinnati by the 15th. Nelly fears for her safety and prays for God's care. Nelly and her husband will remain there 18 months before moving to New York with Gen. Gaines. Parke "is naturally nervous and low spirited, and that situation is peculiarly calculated to excite depression and nervous feelings." Lolen [Lorenzo] appears very happy with his...

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News of birth of son to Lorenzo [George Washington Lewis]. Anxious about Parke's approaching confinement. News of death of Elizabeth's brother and sister. Has been doing much beadwork, making bracelets for grandsons. Still paints and does some knitting. Death of Mr. Lewis's brother, Robert Lewis.

Scope and Contents Nelly writes that she is sorry Mr. Lewis couldn't call on Elizabeth when he was in Philadelphia. He went to Baltimore to get a piano for Angela, and on hearing of "the poor Judge's [Bushrod Washington's] illness went to see him, but was too late" [Justice Washington died in Philadelphia]. Gen. Gaines prefers the western department, and if Ed Butler stays with him, he and Parke must live there permanently. Parke has been ill. Nelly writes of her grandsons Edward George Washington Butler and...

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Contains explicit instructions and sketch for the making of a pin out of George and Martha Washington’s hair for George Washington Lafayette.

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Just returned from visit to America [Peter William] in Washington and [Mary Fitzhugh Custis] at Arlington. Angela and Nanny visited Capitol, public offices etc. She is threatened with dropsy and must go to Sulpher Springs near Winchester. Hopes to go to Louisiana in October. Great trials and difficulties overcome by Parke during her husband's absence. [Lorenzo] says Mr. Bordley is successful in Frederick County.

Scope and Contents Nelly sends her greetings of the season. She apologizes for her bad handwriting due to her wrist stiff, and she's deaf in one ear, but she can do needlework for children and grandchildren. Angela and family arrived safely back in Louisiana. Parke's eldest son, Edward George Washington Butler, broke his thigh and still limps. Angela and Charles to return to Woodlawn for visit next spring and summer. Little boys from Audley [Lorenzo's children] here for Christmas. Hasn't yet received memoirs...

Scope and Contents Although Angela was to be confined in June, Nelly's poor health prevented her going to her. Angela gave birth July 3 to a baby boy named Lawrence Lewis Conrad at summer residence. Charley [Charles Angelo Conrad] very fond of his little brother. Parke and Esther expect in October. Nelly's journey to Louisiana "delayed by necessity of having a proper shelter made to protect the Sarcophagi at Mt Vn. Mr. L has at last completed it, and I am told that it is a very great improvement to the Tomb,...

Scope and Contents Letter of Oct 18 "received by the hand of my Beloved Child." Stayed with Aunt and Brother and just arrived home. Delighted Parke is home, but realizes sacrifices to her education and social life. She is continuing study at home. No propects yet of Parke marrying. Will not approve her marriage to a Virginia or other Southerner because of slave environment and lack of educational opportunities. Hopes Mr. and Mrs. Gibson can come in April when Woodlawn is at its best. Please bring her...

Scope and Contents Nelly keeps all Elizabeth's letters, and cannot burn the last one as requested. She misses all her friends, and laments that she will likely never see any of them again. Death of her grandmama and Elizabeth's [father]; "life has no charms for me unless when employ'd in the care of my children." Sister Custis was unable to visit much in Philadelphia because of illness of her mother (Mrs. Fitzhugh) who suffers much from her cancer. Mentions "Snipe," Elizabeth and Elsina. She has lost a child...

Scope and Contents Fears her last letter never reached Elizabeth Bordley. At city races Nelly stayed 4 weeks with brother [George Washington Parke Custis] and his wife [Mary Fitzhugh Custis]. Madame de Freire is recalled. Nelly hasn't been away from home since leaving her brother's. Hears Mr. Pederson is admirer of Elizabeth's. Gives her low opinion of the President [Jefferson]. Mourns her grandparents and friends she can no longer see. Her daughter Parke has imposthume under one arm. Has made Lorenzo Turkish...

Scope and Contents Elizabeth Bordley's last letter got lost, but she has received the duplicate. Contradiction of rumors arising out of the divorce of sister Eliza and Thomas Law. Nelly believes Law or sons are responsible for rumors. "I have never been called a 'puppet' to be moved by any one's influence." Glad he has been called on to deny them. Niece Columbia Peter to go to Philadelphia to attend Mrs. Rivardi's school. Wishes her own children could go to school in Philadelphia. Preparing to go to farm in...

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Mentions their "late happy meeting." Wishes she could aid in care of Mrs. Bordley. When Parke leaves school in Philadelphia she can aid in amusing Mrs. Bordley. Receipt for jelly of slippery elm, to aid Mrs. Bordley; will send some to Philadelphia if none available there. Great concern at parting with Parke. Charles Hare and wife very kind to Parke. Reports of Typhus in Philadelphia. Mary Fitzhugh Custis has sweet child.

Scope and Contents Nelly is delighted at Elizabeth's approbation of Parke and that she is so much in Elizabeth's company. Reminiscences of happy days in Philadelphia amidst friends. Great epidemic has passed, leaving her family intact. Wishes to be near Parke, but "Virginians have everything in greater abundance than money...small crops, expensive families, and this year very heavy taxes..." Mr. Lewis not energetic, he "loves to be a genuine Virginian, that is, to have plenty of servants for every purpose";...

Scope and Contents It has been nearly seven years passed since they corresponded (although she wrote to Elizabeth on 4 November 1799). Introduces her sister-in-law [Mrs. George Washington Parke (Mary Fitzhugh) Custis]. Both have lost parents and Nelly herself has lost 2 children. Her health has been bad since her marriage. She now has 2 children, a girl 5 [Parke] and boy 12 months [Lorenzo]. Her brother will present his wife, a truly deserving person. Mrs. Custis distressed over condition of her mother Mrs....

Scope and Contents Busy preparing Parke's clothes for her return to Philadelphia and Madam Greland's. Departure delayed by Mr. Lewis' gout in foot. Yellow fever reported in New York and Philadelphia. Will Parke be in danger in Germantown? Parke anxious to return to Philadelphia. "I was much mortified to find that she stoops so much, and have made a model for a collar and backboard such as I used to wear." She met Parke at tavern near Uncle [George?] Calvert's remained with Aunt at Riversdale 2 days. Caroline...

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Nelly provides a brief report of her journey with ex-President and Mrs. Washington from Philadelphia to Mount Vernon. News of her sisters and their babies. Signs of spring at Mount Vernon; her happiness in being home. She is about to begin gardening and also acts as deputy housekeeper and will practice much when her harpsichord arrives.

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She explains the Virginia and Maryland custom of dancing all evening with the same partner. Comments on the appearance and character of her partner Charles Carroll at the recent ball at Union Tavern. She reports a busy social scene at Mount Vernon. Many visitors. Comments on some of them. Her mother and younger sisters and brothers are all at Mount Vernon. Sister Law's child was recently inoculated for small pox.

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Nelly reports that she is still fancy free. Suggests that Elizabeth Bordley borrow Blanchard's balloon for trips between Philadelphia and Mount Vernon. Reports that she rides horseback occassionally. Her grandmother has been very much indisposed but is better. Her sisters and brothers at Mount Vernon. She regrets Mr. Morris's distress. Will send a Virginia nightingale, if procurable. Comments on her music.

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Nelly writes she has been unwell. Did not fall from a horse or carriage as rumored. She is not in love with her "young adopted Brother" George Washington Lafayette.

Scope and Contents Includes remnant of cover page which bears the notation that it was clipped for General Washington's franking signature in 1851. She apologizes for long silence. Gives an account of her five day visit in Alexandria at the homes of Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Potts. During these visits she attended one Assembly and two private dances, and "two sober small tea parties." Later attended "Birthnight" [February 11] with General and Mrs. Washington. Mentions her dance partners and gives a particular...

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Has heard a rumor of Elizabeth Bordley's engagement. Mr. Law was a Mount Vernon a week ago and has gone to meet Mrs. Law in Baltimore.