Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Woodlawn, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Philadelphia, 1823

Containers:
Box 3, Folder 1823.04.29
Creator:
Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852
Scope and content:

Nelly writes that she hopes the woodbine arrives before blossoms fade. She has procured the paper containing an account of a visit to Mount Vernon. John Allison, termed planter in paper, was only one of Gen. Washington's overseers. She explains system of manager and overseers at Mount Vernon under Washington. "The Gen'l never called his negroes his children, I know for a certainty - he was a generous and noble master and they feared and loved him. - He would have blush'd to find such trifles fame...I never heard of his talents as a sermonizer, I have no doubt however that he said and did that the occasion required...The Genl rode every day to his Farms and returned at 2 oclock generally - dressed and dined at 3 every day, except Sunday - 2 oclock was the hour on that day, to accomodate his servants with a long afternoon...".

Language:
English.

Access and use

Location of collection:
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
3600 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Reference services
Phone: (703) 780-3600
Parent restrictions:
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.