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Letter, to Lawrence Lewis, 1797 August 4

 Item — Box: 13, Folder: 1797.08.04
Identifier: A-301.61 ; RM-568 ; MS-4244

Scope and Contents

Washington commiserates with Lewis over his runaway slave ("the loss of your Servant") -- this will become more frequent -- "I wish from my Soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of the gradual abolition of Slavery. It might prevt. much future mischief." -- writes about Lewis coming to make his home at Mt. Vernon -- Lewis will be treated as a member of the family, and not paid -- his duties will be to entertain guests and visitors after the Washington retires to bed or study, & also to record a few papers at times -- Lewis can take advantage of his library ("I have a great many instructive Books, on many subjects, as well as amusing ones") -- he can perhaps also gain some knowledge from observing management of the farms by Anderson.

Dates

  • Creation: 1797 August 4

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.

Extent

From the Collection: approx. 25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Subject

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3600
Mount Vernon VA 22121
703-799-3600