Powel, Elizabeth Willing, 1743-1830

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

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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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.

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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."

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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.

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...

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...

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 --...

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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."

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...

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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."

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

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...

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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?

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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.

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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).

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

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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.

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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

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Washington sends her a copy of Jefferson's "Notes of Virginia" [Notes on the State of Virginia]--cannot find "Dr. Franklin's Strictures on the abuse of the press" among his remaining volumes of the Bee--he hopes to see her at dinner tomorrow.

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Washington sells his presidential horses to Elizabeth Powel.

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

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

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

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

Scope and Contents This letter gives requisites for a servant needed at Mt. Vernon to look after and supervise household negroes--thanks Powel for continuing her enquiries to locate such a person--“To be trustworthy – careful of what is committed to him – sober and attentive are essential requisites in any large family, but more so among blacks – many of whom will impose when they can do it.”--notes the postponement of the Powels' visit to Mt. Vernon until autumn--the best lots in the Federal city may be gone...