Skip to main content

Powel, Elizabeth Willing, 1743-1830

 Person

Found in 43 Collections and/or Records:

Covers, Elizabeth Powel correspondence, undated no. 31

 Item — Box 81, Folder: undated no. 31
Identifier: A-417
Scope and Contents

Three covers for correspondence. Folded sheet bearing notation "General Washington's letters."

Dates: undated no. 31

Elizabeth Willing Powel to George Washington, 1792 November 4

 Item — Box 37, Folder: 1792.11.04
Identifier: A-543.10
Scope and Contents

On the subject of George Washington's resignation and whether he really would be as happy in retirement as doing good for his country.

Dates: 1792 November 4

Envelope, "Mrs. Washington to Mrs. Powel", undated

 Item — Box 3, Folder: ND4
Identifier: A-417.54
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

This collection contains letters to and from Martha Washington that have been acquired by the MVLA since 1858. For more information, see content note for individual items. The collection grows organically as new items are acquired.

Dates: undated

Letter, Bushrod Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 1804 May 10

 Item — Box 39, Folder: 1804.05.10
Identifier: A-417.46
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. Bushrod writes to his "dear friend" Elizabeth Willing Powel that when he inherited Mount Vernon, he had to buy "new furniture for all the rooms of that extensive building" and farm machinery as well -- he borrowed money for this and the loan is due soon -- his wheat crop and the fishery both failed, however -- so he asks "with a little embarrassment" to borrow the amount from her, but insists on paying interest which she refused to accept on an earlier occasion. Autograph...
Dates: 1804 May 10

Letter cover, to Elizabeth Powel, 1797 May 4

 Item — Box 2, Folder: 1797.05.04
Identifier: A-417.37
Scope and Contents Autograph document, docketed by Mrs. Powel, "Received Thursday May ye 4th 1797, Answered May y 9th 1797," directed "Favred. by Mr. Craik", excellent black seal with George Washington's coat of arms, pencil notation in another hand: "Duval - he is not a compleat Cook - but understands making a Bouille Soups - Compots or preserves - a compleat Steward & Waiter -understands arranging his Table cleaning plate &ca. -- is honest sober & obliging - cleanly in his Person - careful of...
Dates: 1797 May 4

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Ann Randolph Fitzhugh, 1783 December 24

 Item — Box 8, Folder: 1783.12.24
Identifier: A-543.3
Scope and Contents

A.L.S. 4 pages. Philadelphia. Received letter day after G.W. left Phila.--praise of G.W.--"Few in his situation after having so successfully played a Game for their Country but would have played an after Game for themselves--her little god daughter (Mrs. F's child)--mourns her own lost children--invitation to visit Phila.--compliments of season & New Year.

Dates: 1783 December 24

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Ann Randolph Fitzhugh, 1784 March 3

 Item — Box 8, Folder: 1784.03.03
Identifier: A-543.1
Scope and Contents

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Will procure glasses for her, but regrets she needs them--post is surest way to send letters--many guests, but has been out little--"Extensive connections and supposed large Fortunes, have their consequent Appendages tho not always of the most agreeable sort."--her goddaughter (Mrs. F.'s child). Autograph letter signed, docketed in another hand. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz Powel."

Dates: 1784 March 3

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Ann Randolph Fitzhugh, 1786 July

 Item — Box 11, Folder: 1786.07.00
Identifier: A-543.4
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 6 pages. Congratulations on birth of another [daughter]--reflections on the role of women in educating children, and the education they need--wishes to have spent more time on improving mind than person--"I have not a doubt that the General's visit to Chatham was productive of as much Pleasure to him as to you. I am sorry that you have Reason to think his native Climate does not so well agree with him as ours. In all probability his Destination will be Virginia. and sure I am that his...
Dates: 1786 July

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Bushrod Washington, 1799 April 28

 Item — Box 32, Folder: 1799.04.28
Identifier: A-543.19
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Powel writes to say she paid James McAlpin's bill for Bushrods black satin robe -- she hopes Mrs. Anne Blackburn Washington's health has improved -- she is glad Bushrod was at the wedding of Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis, and says "I was certain that when Mrs. Washington found the thing inevitable she would act with propriety, indeed from all I can learn she has every Reason to approve her Grand-Daughter's choice." -- Powel agrees with Bushrod on the...
Dates: 1799 April 28

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Bushrod Washington, 1785 January 1

 Item — Box 9, Folder: 1785.01.01
Identifier: A-543
Scope and Contents

A.L. 1 page. Letter in a humorous vein, chiding him for not writing--sends a book which she once recommended for his perusal--sends him fur gloves because "the Severity of the last Winter may have operated so violently on his Herculean Hands, as to have numbed his fingers," thus preventing writing. Autograph letter, docketed in Mrs. P.'s hand, watermark (GR surmounted by crown and powder horn), written in 3rd person. Name does not appear on original manuscript.

Dates: 1785 January 1

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Bushrod Washington, 1789 April 4

 Item — Box 14, Folder: 1789.04.04
Identifier: A-543.7
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. Apologies for delay in executing commission for Mrs. W.--has been ill--nice white fur available, but advises waiting until autumn, because of lateness of season--did he receive letter and pamphlet of the Debates of the [Phila.] Convention?--"As I knew you were a Member of the Virginia Convention I thought it might be agreeable to you to see in how masterly a Manner Mrs. Wilson had treated the Science of Government." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, red seal, watermark...
Dates: 1789 April 4

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Eliza Parke Custis Law, 1816 February 27

 Item — Box 45, Folder: 1816.02.27
Identifier: A-572.1
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Regrets that Eliza's insistance on journeying in cold wet weather has caused her suffering illness -- Powel hopes she and her sisters won't let their opposite political views come between them -- discusses Mr. Sergeant and Mr. Hopkinson of Pennsylvania, now in congress -- pleased Eliza resides with Col. [Tobias] Lear and wife [Frances Dandridge] -- recounts "a vague report in circulation here" that she and Mr. Law are to be reconciled for their child's sake --...
Dates: 1816 February 27

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to George Washington Parke Custis, 1788 May 10

 Item — Box 13, Folder: 1788.05.10
Identifier: A-543.6
Scope and Contents

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Robert Morris on way to Va. and takes portable camera obscura as a gift to G.W.P. Custis [7 yrs. old]--landscapes at Mt. Vernon will be perfectly represented and can be copied--profiles may be taken with it--Mr. Morris will show him how to use it--send her his sister's [Nelly] and Mrs. W.'s profiles. Autograph letter signed, docketed, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

Dates: 1788 May 10

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Hannah Washington, 1783 April 17

 Item — Box 8, Folder: 1783.04.17
Identifier: A-543.2
Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. Retained copy. "Judge Bushrod Washington to whose Mother this letter is addressed very largely won the esteem of my Aunt. I remember him well, as when holding court in Phila. he always dined on Sundays with her. I was always taken there to dine on Sunday too as a child. Thus I remember my father delighted to teaze my aunt by saying Wright's picture of Genl. Washington was badly painted, when she invariably appealed to Judge Washington who always sustained her in asserting it...
Dates: 1783 April 17

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1783 November 15

 Item — Box 20, Folder: 1783.11.15
Identifier: A-572
Scope and Contents

Sends Washington a pamphlet lately out on a political issue--she recommends it as disinterested and sensible--"Some say there is no Cincinnatus in existence; I think there is."

Dates: 1783 November 15

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1787 November 30

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1787.11.30
Identifier: A-543.5
Scope and Contents Delayed writing until she could send collars for the young ladies [to correct posture of 3 Custis girls]--depression over sister Byrd's plight--(undertakes management of Col. Byrd's estate)--hopes collars will do--"Those I have sent may be raised by means of the Screw. I have made a little ornament of Ribband, which may be worn over them as a Disguise when ye young Ladies are dressed or go without a Vandike. It is a pity that a fine Form should be spoiled by a Childs not holding herself...
Dates: 1787 November 30

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1793 March 10

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1793.03.10
Identifier: A-543.11
Scope and Contents

Cannot take tea with Mrs. Washington on Tuesday because of a forgotten previous engagement to chaperone some young ladies ("noviciates in love") to Mr. Hill's--will Mrs. Washington come to tea next Wednesday?

Dates: 1793 March 10

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1796 December 7

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1796.12.07
Identifier: A-543.17
Scope and Contents

Powel sends Mrs. Washington a bottle of Martinique Noyan medicine which the latter had used for the colic--she suggests that “it would not be amiss if my good friend the President will take a glass on his return from the Congress”--Powel believes “he will be not a little agitated” after what may be his last appearance before them (giving his 8th Annual address to Congress).

Dates: 1796 December 7

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1798 January 7

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1798.01.07
Identifier: A-543.18
Scope and Contents

New years greetings--news of Philadelphia friends--Mrs. [Bishop] White dead--Mrs. [Robert] Morris' situation deplorable--cannot visit Mt. Vernon until late fall--refers to Washington as "withered Proprieter" of Mt. Vernon--remarks that Washington's fame will increase after death--he promised Mr. [Robert] Morris not to die before year 1800--Rev. Mr. Duché dead--Mrs. Washington saved him from much anguish earlier by a prescription she sent to him.

Dates: 1798 January 7

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel, 1799 December 24

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1799.12.24
Identifier: MSS-257
Scope and Contents

Letter of sympathy over death of Washington--sorry to learn by Judge [Bushrod] Washington that she had been ill in October.

Dates: 1799 December 24

Letter, from Mr. and Mrs. Powel, 1792 June 8

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1792.06.08
Identifier: A-543.9
Scope and Contents

The Speaker of the Senate of Pennsylvania [Mr. Powel] will wait on President and Mrs. Washington on Thursday--Mrs. Powel sends regrets.

Dates: 1792 June 8

Letter, George Washington Parke Custis to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 1788 January 17

 Item — Box 12, Folder: 1788.01.17
Identifier: A-417.10
Scope and Contents

A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Little Washington Custis [6 yrs. old] thanks Mrs. Powel for a book, the Children's Friends, which she sent him--his sisters and Miss Harriot [Washington] send their respects. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, watermark.

Dates: 1788 January 17

Letter, to Elizabeth and Samuel Powel, undated

 Item — Box 3, Folder: ND2
Identifier: A-417.47
Scope and Contents

Writing for the General and herself, Martha regrets their inability to have tea with the Powels tomorrow -- George Washington is to be dining out, and Mrs. Washington has invited guests for the day

Dates: undated

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1797 February 6

 Item — Box 12, Folder: 1797.02.06
Identifier: RM-1070; MS-5712
Scope and Contents

Washington sells his presidential horses to Elizabeth Powel.

Dates: 1797 February 6

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1784 May 18

 Item — Box 3, Folder: 1784.05.18
Identifier: MSS-619
Scope and Contents

Will be careful of letter and box for Mrs. Fitzhugh--leaves city immediately after meeting of the Society.

Dates: 1784 May 18

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1787 June 6

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1787.06.06
Identifier: A-417.9
Scope and Contents

Incloses copy of the Vision of Columbus which he promised--his copies just came to hand.

Dates: 1787 June 6

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1787 July 23

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1787.07.23
Identifier: A-417.8
Scope and Contents

Will call for her in carriage in hopes of accompanying her to Lansdown this evening.

Dates: 1787 July 23

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1787 September 7

 Item — Box 4, Folder: 1787.09.07
Identifier: A-417.14
Scope and Contents

Has perused contents of enclosed--finds it good and just, and thinks they will meet with favorable reception of his nephew [Bushrod Washington].

Dates: 1787 September 7

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1782 July 20

 Item — Box 2, Folder: 1782.07.20
Identifier: A-417.4
Scope and Contents

Just returned from a Committee--will accompany her to Mr. Bingham's tomorrow afternoon.

Dates: 1782 July 20

Letter, to Elizabeth Powel, 1792 April 23

 Item — Box 5, Folder: 1792.04.23
Identifier: A-417.21
Scope and Contents Thanks her for sending enclosed "Strictures &c" to him to read -- it hasn't caused him any pain -- he regrets author didn't spend some of time investigating the facts instead of writing the pamphlet. If he had done so, the author "might have found many of his charges as unsupported as the 'baseless fabric of a vision'" (quoting from The Tempest, IV,1). The pamphlet referred to was "Strictures and observations upon the three executive departments of the government of the United States..."...
Dates: 1792 April 23

Additional filters:

Subject
Correspondence 19
Condolence notes 1
Mount Vernon (Va. : Estate) 1
Poems 1
Slavery 1