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Dandridge writes that he had no success in finding a joiner to send to Washington, despite several applications and having others search for suitable candidates--the danger of war with U.S. leaves country in unsettled state--the Texel blockaded by British ships, and French privateers are swarming the Maese--preparations of U.S. for defense worry French government--Mr. Gerry leaving Paris soon--expectation is for war between France and America at any time--the Congress at Rastadt is dissolving--war on the Rhine expected--"we hold ourselves in readiness to march".

Original copy of this letter. Dandridge's poor health induces him to resign job of secretary to Mr. Murray, and since Washington helped him get the position, Dandridge wants to let him know--he seeks more a active life--he seeks a subaltern commission in the army of United States--Murray is writing to the President and Secretary of War on his behalf--Dandridge has still had no success in finding a joiner for Washington--"all communication from this country is quite at a stand except thro Hamburg and England".

Letter by Betty Lewis--hurt at not hearing from him during afflictions--husband and brother Sam died within 3 weeks of each other and she has been ill--" ... My Dear Brother was there not one half our you could spare to write a few lines to an only Sister whoe was laboring under so mutch affliction both of Body and mind ..." Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, integral address panel. Docketed by George Washington.

Betty writes that George Augustine Washington, Bushrod and Corbin are there to help settle Mary Washington's estate--Bushrod says she's to have no part of the slaves [of Mary Washington's estate]--discusses division of her property--doctor's bills high--Col. Ball thinks crops will pay off debts of estate. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

Betty writes that Harriot is very pleased with items Washington sent to her from Philadelphia--she is very deserving and takes care of her things--two valuable Negro hands have run away, probably to Philadelphia to be free, and Betty asks her brother's advice in the matter--her next year's crops will be negligible unless they can be returned. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.

Has had a bad attack of ague and fever, but is now recovered--thanks Washington for present of a mule--heard news of some dying of yellow fever in Philadelphia again this spring--Harriot received money he had sent her.

Betty writes to Washington on Harriot's behalf, who wants to inform him that Andrew Parks, a merchant of Fredericksburg, has been courting her and she would like to marry him--Betty says that Parks is "very much respected by all his acquaintances ... a sober sedate young man and attentive to business"--she has left town for a healthier place which has the advantage of having a mill as well.

Report of the death of her son Lawrence's first wife (Susannah Edmundson) in child-birth. Settlement of Mary Ball Washington's estate. Asks about her son, Robert, who was serving as Washington's personal secretary.

Washington's sister mentions his recent trip to Rhode Island, inquires about his health, and reports her health problems. She would like to visit Mount Vernon before the Washingtons return to Philadelphia; invites them to visit her. Mentions items left to Washington in their mother's will; the accounts of the estate will be settled soon.

Has been indisposed--will take Harriot Washington to live with her this winter if she comes well supplied with clothes--last time she was there, Harriot often couldn't appear in public because of a lack of clothes--she (Betty) cannot advance any to her because she is supporting 3 grandchildren and may have more--Fielding very distressed--"his children would go naked if it was not for the assistance I give him"--her family has been very sickly this fall--goes to visit daughter Betty Carter in Albemarle--change of air may help--will return in a few weeks.