Sending Julious (servant) for Kitty. Mentions Mr. Washington taking the Bark, probably for the treatment for malaria. "Our Ears are mending very fast ... please to send your Ear rings if you are resolved not to have yours now".

Cannot be at Mr. West's as Mr. Washington is sending his man to Williamsburg ... glad to see the Greens at Mount Vernon on their way down and back ... will attend to anything in Williamsburg for her ...

Personal letter expressing concern for the health of both families. Several references to the recent spell of bad weather.

Mrs. Washington reports that she and the General are in good health. Col. Harrison has not arrived in camp; he is reported to be in Philadelphia. Bought a new doll for Beth. Possibly misdated from 1779.

Sorry that mama is ill--glad she recovered--expect she will take another trip to the northward--the "pore General is not likely to come to see us"--if she stays home hopes to see him soon--sends Patty a kiss and pair of shoes--not a doll in the city of Philadelphia--has had no letter since Washington came from camp--duty to Mama, love to sister Aylett [Elizabeth Dandridge Aylett, later to marry Henley] sister and family.

Sends a piece of felt left by Mrs. Fitzhugh--Mr. Lee promises to deliver it--compliments to Mr. [Samuel] Powel.

Martha Washington acknowledges that she has received the cotton for spinning from the addressee. Also hopes to visit Mrs. Washington if the General can find time. Intends to send a weeping willow when the season is right. She also congratulates Mrs. Washington on the birth of another child.

Although not alone, she has missed her since she left--General goes over the mountains next month--expects brother [Bartholomew Dandridge] up and will go down to see him in Sept.--Mrs. [David] Stuart improving--her stays arrived from Annapolis--paid Mrs. Charles Stuart who paid mantua maker--Miss Ramsay married--Nelly well--Tubs [G.W.P. Custis] never unhappy about absent friends--letter from her [Fanny's] pappa, didn't mention Fanny.

The Powel's trip from Mt. Vernon to Philadelphia--they must come more often--thanks for collars for the girls [these were to correct posture; see Mrs. Powel's letter of Nov. 30, 1787 for description]--also, ribbons and sashes--"My pretty Boy"[G.W.P. Custis] pleased with book, will write her himself--Fanny's health improved--goes to her father's to have baby in March--F.'s brother to marry Miss McCarty--"She is as a child to me, and I am very lone some when she is absent. Her ill luck with her first child is the only reason of her wishing to change the place of her laying inn this time."--moroco thread case came safely--sorry the Powel's couldn't stay longer at Mt.Vernon--"... tho we are not as gay as you are at Philadelphia yet in this peace full retreat you will find friendship and cordiallity ..."--sympathy with [Mrs. P.'s] sister [Mrs. Byrd's] troubles--Mrs. [Eleanor Calvert Custis] Stuart has lost her father--Custis girls send thanks for collars.

"Mrs. Washington presents her compliments to Mrs. Hamilton, and if she's disengaged this Evening, will do herself the pleasure to visit her." On reverse an undated letter from Robert Lewis to Dr. Thornton.

Crossed out note on letter from Robert Lewis to Ann Willis thanking her for the gift of honey provided to the Washingtons.

Martha asks Fanny Bassett Washington to send her several articles up to New York from Mount Vernon: a silver seal "with my Father's arms" or a "good impression" of it and a "white necklace ... and some small mother of pearl beads that is in one of the drawers in my cabinet ..."

In this letter Martha asks Fanny to send with Austin, her servant, several muslin borders which Charlot was to hem. Also, Martha insists that "you must let me know if you are in a certain way and when the event will happen,..." Expects to be home "about the first of August" and wonders "... is B[etty] Lewis married -".

News of her health--purchasing silk and muslin in Philadelphia --sending some sewing and kitchen staples to Mount Vernon--news of the President (just completing his southern tour)--nephew Bartholomew Dandridge innoculated for small pox--news of her children.

The significance of this letter to Martha's niece Fanny is the mention of several specific slaves in the Presidential household. Martha complains about the sewing work of Charlotte and Caroline and gives her condolences regarding Giles, an enslaved coach driver who was apparently injured in an accident. She also mentions Hercules, the enslaved Washington cook who several years later would run away from the household. Misdated as '1790.' Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.

Southern post not in yet -- all are well -- winter has been warm, causes a sickly season -- Mr. Blair says many friends "are dead below" -- warm winter -- farmers ploughed all winter -- afraid there will be no ice for ice houses in the city -- hears from Mrs. Stuart -- she [Mrs. Stuart] hasn't seen Mr. Fairfax and doesn't know whether he got to England -- Mrs. Harrison is well -- Mrs. Mercer in town and sick -- love to the Major -- "I hope ere this that he has got the better of the spitting Blood you mentioned in your last."

Concerning the declining health of Fanny's husband, George Augustine Washington, who had just relinquished his job as manager of Mount Vernon and moved to Eltham, the Bassett family home. Also other family news.

Martha Washington writes from Philadelphia to her niece Fanny Bassett at Mount Vernon. Mrs. Washington recounts the recent illness and death of Mrs. Tobias Lear, wife of Washington's personal Secretary, and close friend, and how the event had saddened the presidential household. She is pleased that Fanny has had her room white washed and expresses her desire to have Frank white wash the Kitchen and his room in the seller (cellar) as well as him continually keeping things in order for Mrs. Washington's return some time next month. Other topics include prized gold thread, an unpaid bill to Mr. Lewis for silk, a report by Austin that the Bacon was all spoiled in the smoke house, tranporting lockets by way of a gentleman going to Alexandria, shoes being sent to Mr. Porter for Fanny and cutting and sewing clothes for the enslaved workers.

Bad winter--Nelly has a rash--Washington Custis is very thin but well--Mrs. Stuart has another son, Charles Calvert--Mr. Thomas Peter and Patty [Martha P. Custis] appear to be going to wed--urges Fanny to wait until roads and weather clear before going up country--will assist her in moving when she comes to Mt. Vernon, probably in late summer--new French minister has come to Philadelphia--players have come to town and are much applauded--hears Patty Dandridge is getting better--concern for her dear sister [Elizabeth Dandridge Aylett Henley]--what are Mr. Henley's plans?

Martha Washington writes to her niece Fanny Bassett wishing she could visit Mount Vernon this summer but is uncertain when she and the President will be able to travel. Asks Fanny to air out bedrooms and bed clothes and to have Caroline brush and clean the room. Asks Fanny to send some clothes from her closet and to inquire about rose water and mint water ordered from Alexandria. Includes on page 3 of the manuscript a portion of a letter from Fanny Washington to Martha Washington on the same date. Fanny requests that the President have a few repairs done on her stable in Alexandria as well as building an enclosure for her wood to prevent thievery.

Comments on the death of a son of Dr. and Mrs. James Craik--Mrs. Harrison and children in German Town for their health--will send Fanny's shoes and mattress by packet to Mt. Vernon--President says she may use broad or narrow boards, whichever she prefers--Bartholomew Dandridge is sick--they came to German Town for his health and President's--the spot on Washington's face doesn't seem to respond to medicine--Nelly has returned from her jaunt.

Mrs. Washington writes to Mrs. Lear, (mother of Tobias Lear) "... be so good ... as to tell dear Lincoln that I send my love ... we all are anxious to see the dear little creature ... My grand children are very much grown, Nelly is a woman in size--and Washington begins to be a sturdy Boy. My children often talk of dear little Lincoln ... Tobias Lear will be returning to America from England ...".

Chocolate and shoes for Maria--poor condition of schools--Carter Harrison and family.

Hopes Fanny's children will be well thru winter--uneasy over Dr. David Stuart's illness, but is recovering--sent Maria's shoes to her--Nelly not so much grown as Mr. Lear described, but Wash [George Washington Parke Custis] outgrows his clothes--"I hope that when Nelly has a little more gravatie she will be a good girl. At present she is I fear half crazy."

Letter, Martha Washington to Frances Bassett Washington, 1795 February 25: 2024-04-29

Family news--has sent her gowns by ship--her poor sister [Elizabeth Dandridge Henley's] hard lot in life; a drunken husband--Betsy [Eliza Parke] Custis's grave and retiring disposition.

Mrs. Washington writes to the mother of Tobias Lear concerning the care and schooling of Maria Washington (daughter of George Augustine Washington and Fanny Bassett), Lear's stepdaughter from his marriage to Fanny Bassett, who died earlier that year.

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 everything under his Direction".

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 by then, building in the city progresses rapidly--Mr. Fitzhugh not moved to Alexandria yet--the Washington family enjoys good health.

Draft copy in George Washington's hand included in this folder.

A previous accession number in this record identified this item as A-417.36. However, the description and date matches the letter marked A-417.40 so it has been changed.

Martha Washington states her objections to the French man mentioned by Mrs. Powel for job of supervising household servants at Mount Vernon--saying that servants engaged in Philadelphia are too expensive, she affirms she must get one in Virginia--mention Mrs. Hair--the rumor of Nelly Custis's accident is groundless, and one of General's serious illness is based only on a slight cold he had in May--laments Mr. Robert Morris's situation and confinement [imprisoned for debt]--Mrs. Fitzhugh visited recently, and they are moving to Alexandria in October.

Fanny [Henley] arrived safely at Mt. Vernon--must act as her own housekeeper--cook Hercules left, so at a loss for a cook--sorry ague and fever have attacked her already--sickly at [Mt. Vernon]--Nelly [Custis] has been indisposed--Washington Custis at school at Princeton College and is much grown--granddaughters in city [Martha Peter & Eliza Law] both have little girls--she and General in tolerable health--wishes to see [Elizabeth]--"Fanny is I hope very happy here she and Nelly is to go to the city to see Mrs. Law and Mrs. Peter.".

Martha Washington writes that she hopes that Powel can make the trip to Mt. Vernon "when all things will be blooming hear in the Spring, except the proprietors of the Mansion"--expresses her concern over sickness in Philadelphia--Robert Morris's difficulties--Mrs. Marshall's return from Europe--Mrs. Bishop White's bad health--Mrs. Fitzhugh and family moved to Alexandria, but winter weather has prevented making a social call on them--George Washington "has entered into an engagement with Mr. Morris and several other gentlemen not to quit the theatre of this world before the year 1800, [and] it may be relied upon, that no breach of contract shall be laid to him on that account."--Nelly Custis has been indisposed with swelling in the face.

Requests Fanny to buy her a set of "the children of the Abbey" which was advertised by a book store "in the city"--congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Peter.

Martha Washington's draft response to the proposal dated December 31, 1799 after George's death. Her main interest, that she be buried next to her husband, was accepted and plans proceeded for a mausoleum at the Capitol.

Thanks him in Mrs. Washington's name for his letter of sympathy and the model [drawing] of the monument proposed to be directed by Smith and the officers of his Union Brigade in honor of General Washington.

Writes in Mrs. Washington's behalf to thank him for letter of sympathy.

Thanks him in Martha Washington's name for letter [of sympathy] with his Discourse accompanying it [regarding Washington's death].

Thanks him in Martha Washington's name for letter [of sympathy over Washington's death] and his oration accompanying it.

In the hand of Tobias Lear, on behalf of Martha Washington. Expresses thanks for letter of condolence and Oration accompanying it. Draft letter, unsigned.

On Mrs. Washington's behalf, thanks him for his letter of [condolence on death of Washington] and the pamphlet enclosed.

Sale of eleven mules, three sheep, eight oxen, one cow and calf, two heifers, three cows, one riding horse, a quantity of plank, scantling and barrel staves and all the plantation [ ] Farm called Dogue Run, standing property lately sold to Lewis, amounts to $1279.40; Lewis to pay yearly sum of $90 till her death then either return it or pay George Washington's executors the above amount.

Lear writes for widow Martha Washington referring to a previous request for some black kid gloves and now adds to it a request "a pair of blk silk and a pair of blk kid shoes made by Mr. Fenton ..." Asks Biddle to write to one of George Washington's executors, Lawrence Lewis, to settle his account with George Washington's estate.

Thanks him on Mrs. Washington's behalf for forwarding Mr. Ames' oration to her and sends her gratitude to him [Ames] for his testimony of respect.

Written on behalf of Martha Washington. Expresses thanks for her letter of condolence--they have both suffered great losses.

At Mrs. Washington's request, acknowledges his letter, communicating Congress's assent to extend to her the franking privilege.

Condolence acknowledgment.

Thanks him on Martha Washington's behalf for letter enclosing Dr. Hitchcock's oration [on death of George Washington.] which was directed sent her by Standing Committee of Order of the Cincinnati of State of R.I.

Thanks him on Mrs. Washington's behalf for letter [of condolence] and Eulogy on life of her late husband.

Mrs. Washington received from President of "the University at Cambridge" [Harvard] a copy of performances at that Seminary commemorating death [of George Washington] with a request it be transmitted to Academy at Alexandria of which he [Washington] was a patron--encloses it herewith.

"Recd. of Mr. James Anderson Twenty two pounds four shillings & 7 1/2 d, being the Balce. pr. acct. recd. by him of P[hilip] Marsteller for rent of my House & Lot in Alexandria."

Acknowledges in Martha Washington's behalf receipt of his letter and the oration [he gave on Independence Day]--thanks him for expressions of sympathy.

Receipt to Lawrence Lewis for monies paid on interest of a loan and in payment for a "young Jack". Written by Lewis, signed by Martha Washington.

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

If Mrs. Bordley wishes to attend the play tonight, their engagement for tea can be postponed.

Sends 37lb of butter -- would have gone to see them, had they not expected a visit any time from them -- cask of apples here for them -- Mr. W___ would have sent [apples] and molasses, but could find no barrel for the molasses.

An inquiry about the price of needles by the thousand -- answer her note of Saturday.

Three calling cards handwritten "Martha Washington" with note.

Receipt, Mary Hunter to Mrs. Martha Washington, 1774 May 28-30: 2022-05-10

Receipted May 30 by M. Hunter. For a black laced apron, £3.1.6.

Announces birth of a daughter [Eliza] mentions "the other little one"--Nelly [Calvert Custis] well new--describes the baby--anxious for news from New York and the General--every thing quiet since Dunmore left--rumor at Annapolis that Dunmore is dead--asks her and the General to "stand for my little Lady."

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Martha Washington, 1787 November 30: 2022-05-10

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 erect."--sent book to Master [G.W.P.] Custis--sends Martha a morrocco thread case--hopes [Fanny Bassett Washington's] health has improved.

Bill, James Chrystie to Martha Washington, 1790 June 16: 2022-05-10

For china items amounting to £19.17.6--included are china dishes, plates, soup plates, dessert plates, Nankeen china, wash basin and bottle, chamber pot, etc. Receipted by John Rich for James Chrystie, Sept. 2, 1790.

A receipt for 22 yards of mantua purchased by Martha Washington as First Lady in Philadelphia from Susanna Lockyer.

Letter, Mr. and Mrs. Powel to Martha Washington, 1792 June 8: 2022-05-10

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

Receipt, F. Serre to Martha Washington, 1792 July 11: 2022-05-10

For making and mending clothes, including "a silk habbit," "dimmety habbit," a pair of stays, a blue great coat, etc. Made out to "Maddam Washington."

Receipt to Martha Washington, dated October 23, 1792, for clothing purchased from Elizabeth Smart.

Receipt, Jacob Cox to Martha Washington, 1792 November 14: 2022-05-10

Receipted by Isaac Streaper for Jacob Cox. £1.11.6 for 9 yds. Swanskin [flannel].

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Martha Washington, 1793 March 10: 2022-05-10

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?

Enclosed in a letter from Tobias Lear to George Washington dated 26 January 1794, Lady Buchan sends Mrs. Washington a medallion paste of her husband Lord Buchan's portrait by James Tassie.

Receipt, William Buckler to Martha Washington, 1795 July 12: 2022-05-18

1000 needles for £1.2.6....payment received…

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Martha Washington, 1796 December 7: 2022-05-18

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).

Trumbull writes to express thanks to Mrs. Washington for her civilities, and the General's, since he first was near the General as a boy at Cambridge to the present.

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Martha Washington, 1798 January 7: 2022-05-18

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.

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

Letter of sympathy on death of General--deprivation of the country--Mr. [Robert] Morris unites in her sympathy.

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.

Letter of sympathy on death of George Washington.

Letter, Robert Lewis to Martha Washington, 1800: 2022-06-02

Received through brother Lawrence [Lewis] news that she desires settlement of rental for preceeding year--assures her he would have brought it sooner, had he had it, "... as it has ever been a rule with me never to retain money in my hands which was intended for or belonged to another person."--has $100, and hopes to get rest from sheriff when the executions are returned--requests that she pay no account against part of estate under his management--many claims against General's estate which only he is acquainted with and she may be taken in--please refer any such requests to him--sorry for her indisposition--suggests trip up country to Dr. [David] Stuart's may be beneficial.

Funeral Eulogium on General Washington, Pronounced in the Temple of Mars by Louis Fontanes the 20th Pluviose an 8", [1800].

"Presents model of a monument he and officers of his brigade are going to erect in memory of ""our much lamented Commander in Chief.""--distress over Washington's death. [See drawing of monument listed under same date; also answer dated Jan. 10, 1800, Lear to Smith]"

"Expresses sympathy over [death of Washington]. [See answer dated Feby. 5, 1800, Lear to Bayard]"

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.

"Sympathy on [death of Washington]--sends a pamphlet containing two discourses written about the ""melancholy Event""--religious consolations. [See answer dated Feby. 17, 1800, T. Lear to Ogden]"

"Hoping that their condolence letter is not taken to be presumptuous, four women write to Martha Washington that their fathers fought with George Washington--therefore they request a lock of his hair, however small, as a memento--in a postscript, they also request a lock of Martha Washington's hair. (See: copy of Martha Washington's reply, dated March 12, 1800)."

Letter of sympathy [on death of Washington] from "a fellow suffer; and a fellow Mourner"--24 years since she lost her husband [Genl. Mongomery, at West Point ?]--her mother sends regards. [See answer, Martha Washington to J. Montgomery, dated April 5, 1800]

Forwards oration from Mr. Ames. [See also answer dated Mar. 28, 1800, T. Lear to Pickering]

"Sends his Eulogy on the life of [Washington]--he and his wife send condolences to Martha Washington. [See answer dated May 15, 1800, T. Lear to Cunningham]"

"Sends copy of an oration on [Washington]--refrained from sending it earlier lest it might ""excite too strong emotion"". [See answer dated April 23, 1800, T. Lear to Gouvernour Morris]"

"Reports unanimous consent of Congress to extend franking privileges to her since postage of letters to her ""had become immoderate""--repeats his desire to serve her in any way. [See answer dated Ap. 20, 1800, T. Lear to Lee]"

"Encloses copy of Doctor Hitchcock's discourse on the death of [Washington], as he was directed by the Standing Committee of the Society of the Cincinnati in state of Rhode Island. [See answer dated May 6, 1800, T. Lear to Dexter]"

Receipt, John Gadsby to Mrs. Washington, 1800 April 18: 2022-06-02

Bill for beef etc. Receipted by John Gadsby.

Letter, Robert Lewis to Martha Washington, 1800 May 1: 2022-06-02

Lewis writes his aunt that a backward spring and plowing prevent him coming to bring rental money--Mr. Daingerfield, "a young Gentleman that lives with me" will deliver money--please give him receipt.

Has written poem on death of her husband, dedicated to her--was read before persons from different nations at American Legation in [Madrid]--22nd Feby. set aside by nation as sacred to memory of George Washington--Washington and anniversary of independence--miracle that Washington's birth just at proper time for him to have taken lead in Revolution--also, died at proper time for his memory to be honored most--the whole world honors his memory--encloses translation of Fontanes Eulogium, pronounced at command of French government--knows Washington was always prepared to die--quotes his words on subject when very ill in N.Y.--the poem alluded to [early in letter] is to be published in America.

Sends her copy of a [oration] written by him at instigation of his fellow citizens on occasion of [Independence Day], in which he extolls virtues of Washington--offers her condolences on the sad event.

Written by Martha Parke Custis Peterfor Martha Washington, at Mount Vernon. Martha Washington's Great Cake recipe yields a massive cake requiring forty eggs, four pounds of butter and five pounds of flour, plus fruits and spices. Its large dimensions made it perfect for serving the many family and visitors who flocked to Mount Vernon during the holiday season.

Letter, Martha Washington to Elizabeth Hamilton [1793]: 2016-11-07-

In 1793 Alexander Hamilton was battling yellow fever, along with George and Martha Washington. In this letter Martha sends her prayers to Elizabeth Hamilton for her husband's recovery and for her health. The letter is not dated, but it is attributed to 1793 because that was when Alexander Hamilton was ill.

Entitled "The historical part of the Holy Bible. Or The Old and New Testament exquisitely and accurately describ'd in near three hundred historys. Engraven by John Sturt, from designs of the greatest masters," dated 1730(?). Includes five pages of notes relating to family geneology, from Lawrence Lewis, born 4 April 1767 to Mrs. Esther Maria Lewis' death in 23 June 1885.