Letter, to Burwell Bassett, 1796

Containers:

Box 11, Folder 1796.04.24

Scope and content:

Washington writes his condolences on the death of Bassett's sister, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear--Tobias Lear recently met in Philadelphia with Washington--they discussed, and now Washington writes about, disposition of the children [of Fanny B. Washington and G.A. Washington]--Washington always intended to take Fayette under his care but now decided it better to keep Fanny's children together--final decision to be postponed "until I bid adieu to public life"--children are all now at Mount Vernon. [Tobias Lear's wife, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear, has died, leaving 3 children by her 1st husband G.A. Washington. These were Anna Maria, George Fayette and Charles Augustine Washington. Lear himself had one son, Benjamin Lincoln Lear by his first wife.]

Language:

English.

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