Bassett, Burwell, -1793

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 Copy. Endorsed at top, "Copy of a letter in possession of Mrs. G.W. Bassett of Hanover Co., Va. being one, of only two letters, in which Genl. Washington was known to indulge in humor"."Not in Writings". Name on original manuscript appears as "G. Washington". Letter in a humorous vein congratulating the Bassetts on the birth of another child,--comments on church-going--chides him humorously for not attending church, "Could you but behold with what religious zeal I hye me to Church on every...

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Handwritten receipt for the purchase of a horse "for the use of Master Custis."

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"It is an easier matter to conceive than to describe, the distress of this family; especially that of the unhappy parent of our dear Patsy Custis, when I inform you that yesterday removed the sweet Innocent girl into a more happy and peaceful abode than any she has met with in the affected path she hitherto has trod."

Abstract Written from Philadelphia on June 19, 1775, George Washington announced to Burwell Bassett (Martha's brother-in-law) that he has just been unanimously elected by the colonies as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington eloquently expressed, "I am now Imbarkd on a tempestuous Ocean from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbor is to be found." He had humbly accepted this responsibility and stated, "I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause - close...