Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829

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A.L.S. 1 page. Bushrod Washington regrets that he cannot accept Meredith's invitation to dinner on account of his wife's health. Washington reports that for the last 5 or 6 years he has been obliged to decline all invitations to dinner or evening parties. He asks Meredith to accept his apology.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Philadelphia. To the Cashier, Bank of Columbia, Georgetown. Re: Payment of $300 note. Name on original manuscript appears as "Bush. Washington." Autograph letter signed.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Discusses inclement weather, trying to get from Alexandria to Westmoreland, voyage, illness of unidentified person, possibly sister. Corbin Washington letter to brother Bushrod Washington.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Paris. Offers to act as the go-between for Lafayette and Bushrod correspondence ... also Mr. Graham of the State Dept. if Bushrod agrees to send the GW-Lafayette correspondence ... Autograph letter signed, integral cover. Name on original manuscript appears as "D. B. Warden." See 1811 - Lafayette to Bushrod Wn Dec. 15.

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A.L.S. 12 pages. Shirley, Virginia. Moore speaks of his philosophies of life and death: "Death .. is ... the brightest and most glorious moment to man .. if death was the body's enemy, it was the soul's good friend." Discusses his ideas about a treatment for yellow fever which Moore "accidently" discovered in 1817. It involves the use of mercury and calomel. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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A.L.S. 5 pages. Shirley, Virginia. Moore explains that he wishes to leave Virginia and return to South Carolina, where "I meet with encouragment in my profession, and great civility in my social intercourse with an enlightened and polished people." Claims that he is "without money," he asks Washington to lend him money to travel to South Carolina. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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Letter discussing judgements in the Superior Court of Fairfax County.

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. 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...

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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.

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Bushrod to move to Alexandria--can't keep up plantation and practice law too--prefers law--can sell land and negroes to discharge debts due from his father's estate--has rented his land on advantageous terms--Mother will remain at Bushfield--desires Washington's approval--bearer, Mr. Packet goes to Alexandria to inquire about rent of houses.

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Bushrod Washington answers George Washington's legal queries dealing with Thomas Pearson's suit concerning land sold by his late brother Simon Pearson to Washington and others in 1763 [see letter, G.W. to Bushrod W., Oct. 9, 1797]--Bushrod will take the case should it go to a higher court--Gen. Marshall may know something further about the case, as Bushrod met a man named Pearson at Marshall’s office recently.

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Bushrod records a legal opinion for Washington concerning a suit initiated by Thomas Pearson, against his late brother's estate (Simon Pearson). The suit involved a parcel of land which Washington purchased from Simon Pearson some thirty-five years earlier.

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Instructions and recommendations to Martha Washington and executors of Washington's estate regarding procedures and steps in settling estate, including probating of will, inventory of estate, appraisal, disposing of property, paying debts, bequests, rents, etc.

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Advises Martha Washington as to her rights under Washington's will--interprets for her what things are hers absolutely and which are only for use during her lifetime--residue of estate not specifically given to her or others is subject to "superior claim" of executors--relative rights of herself and the executors--rents and bank stocks--some points difficult to decide, must consult General Marshall upon them--these opinions are stated as a friend, without recourse to books, etc.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. Georgetown. George Corbin writes his uncle that he has just returned from Green Hill -- this morning he saw Mr. Beverly who is undecided about selling his [Negro] boy to Bushrod Washington -- Dick is about 18 years old and has resided in the District about 3 years -- questions legality of removing a slave to Virginia by purchase -- advises Bushrod to consult Virginia law on this -- he purchased some of finest English and Dutch cattle at sale of the property of Mr. Wm....

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A.L.S. 1 page. G.C. Washington acknowledges General Stewarts acceptance of the draft on him. He reports that they are still engaged with the tariff [in Congress] and fears it will occupy some time as its fate is still in doubt. Name on original manuscript appears as "G. C. Washington."

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A.L.S. 1 page. Arlington House. Custis writes that his account with the estate of George Washington will be paid as soon as his crop can be marketed -- expresses distress of Fitzhugh family because of Mrs. Fitzhugh's illness -- he wishes the Kanawha lands were apportioned for he wishes to sell his share, even at great loss. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed by B. Washington, mounted, watermark.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Arlington House. The amount paid Dr. Peyton about settles Custis's account to estate -- asks Bushrod to send old bonds he gave at 1st sale to Woodlawn, where he can pick them up, along with any papers relating to his estate the "Forest of Washington," bequeathed him by the General. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed by Bushrod W., laminated.

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A.L.S. 2 pages. Hannah writes to her son about his sister's poor health, plans to see him in Dumfries, also writes about other family members - his brother, wife and their youngest child. Autograph letter signed, docketed.

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A.L.S. 1 page. Encloses $50 bill received, for tobacco, and requests him to pay her tax at court today--just paid Mr. B. Lee £10 for folder--this is last of her [money]. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed, "Mrs. H. Washington 1798," marked "Hon'd by Mr. B. Lee," laminated. Date on original catalog card appears [1798]. Name on original manuscript appears as "H. Washington."

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A.L.S. 1 page. Secretary of State Clay (under J.Q. Adams) regrets to inform Washington that he does not have a position in the Department of State for the son of Washington's friend. "If any existed your own recommendation ... would be entirely sufficient." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

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Letter, 1 page. Madison transmits to Bushrod Washington the papers of Fielding Lewis who died before they could be processed. Name on original manuscript appears as "J. Madison."

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A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Neale desires information of Margaret Keith from Ireland, who accompanied Gen. Washington on all his campaigns in the Revolution until 1779 or 1780 -- she had several illegitimate children, of which the writer seems to be one -- he has been enabled to rise in a small degree above his lowly beginnings. Autograph letter signed, integral cover badly burned and torn, laminated, docketed by B.W. Name on original manuscript appears as "James G.W. N."

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A.L.S. 1 page. Culpepper. Jane Thornton encloses two checks for partial payment of the claim Bushrod preferred against her. She will send the balance when it is convenient as her family is currently troubled by illness. She extends an invitation to Bushrod to visit should he ever be called to her part of the country. She is disappointed that he will not be sending his two sons to school near her.

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 3 pages. King George County. Written by a grandson of Augustine Washington, George Washington's half-brother, this letter asks about dividing the remainder of George Washington's estate among his immediate family -- his brother and sister have died, so how should their share be divided? -- Bushrod's reply, dated 1823 May 27, is drafted on page 3 of the manuscript -- the judge gives his opinion of legal distribution of remainder of the estate among heirs of Ann Ashton -- a suit has...

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Autograph letter signed, with list of names on verso (possibly of enslaved persons).

Scope and Contents A.L.S. 2 pages. "... your worthy Unkles politeness and attention to your Education fills our breasts with the warmest sentiments of Gratitude, you were happy indeed to meet with him, as it has not only been the means of lessing your immediate expences to me ... but as it also produced to you the advantage of good advise from so able a Friend, and an introduction that will command you the attention of the best Company ..."--don't spend time executing commissions for Virginia friends--goes to...

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A.L.S. 3 pages. Discusses disruption of business because of inclement weather; sale of Bushrod's hogsheads; disposition of his books.

Scope and Contents Marshall writes that, at the request of Bushrod Washington, he is sending "the enclosed letters" (not present) but was unable to find "the letter of Mr. S. Washington to which that of the 2d of April is an answer." Marshall was given access to the papers of George Washington to write his biography. Bushrod Washington and Lawrence Lewis served as executors of Washington's estate and were likely requesting papers back from Marshall in order to settle Washington's account with his nephew Saumel...