Letter, Sarah Proud to Sarah Arnold, 1813

Containers:

Box 44, Folder 1813.09.06

Scope and content:

A.L.S. 4 pages. Georgetown. A chatty letter containing one of the very early descriptions of Mount Vernon during the occupancy of Bushrod Washington: Went by barge -- 16 miles -- left at sunrise -- the plantation reduced to 4000 acres -- about 60 working slaves besides house servants and 15 or 20 children -- appearance of neglect, need for superintendence visible -- present appearances did not comport with dignity of the great man who left it -- garden contains rare and wonderful exotics, lemon and fig trees, fine apples, coconuts -- gardener a german, has been there 25 years -- house has "a charming situation, with a fine growth of tall venerable trees at one end of it, with seats around many of the trees. There is a piazza the whole length of the house in front pav'd with large square stones. It commands a fine view of the river and adjacent country. We were invited into the "banqueting-room," to see the celebrated chimney-piece, which is superb marble of various colours, exquisitely wrought ..." -- pictures of the present owners, Mrs. Crawford her sister, furniture like that of dining rooms, in addition a large organ and a tall piece of furniture "that I did not know the use of" -- did not see the Judge or Mrs. Washington -- heard her piano sounding at a distance -- she is in very delicate health -- spends most of her time with her music -- scarcely ever sees her servants except her spinners to whom she gives their weekly portion of spinning -- "sister Ann remark'd how well she should like to be mistress of such an establishment, and put things in order, cloathe the naked children, (for strange as it may seem, we saw such) ... We went to the vault where moulders all that was mortal of Washington" -- describes Col. Wharton, death of his wife -- was once a friend -- to meet the celebrated Mrs. General Wilkinson and sister, french women from New Orleans -- has several fine birds, a mocking bird. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, postmarked "Georget Col., laminated, watermark (Amies and a dove of peace). Name on original manuscript appears as "S. Proud."

Language:

English.

Access and use