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Start Over Creator Custis, John Parke, 1754-1781
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933

approx. 60 Linear Feet

This collection of historic manuscripts dates from 1607-1933, with the bulk of materials dating from 1738-1868. The correspondence, journals and diaries, legal and financial records, estate documents, and printed ephemera in the collection primarily relate to the Washington and Custis families, the Revolutionary War, and society life in antebellum Washington D.C. and Virginia.

Top 3 results view all 5

Letter, John Parke Custis to James Henry, 1778 Box 6, Folder 1778.02.01

A.L.S. 2 pages. Promises on penalty of £10,000 to give him title to land in King and Queen County soon as possible. Pay purchase money to James Hill. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, postmarked by hand "Alexa.", docketed "Title Papers - John P. Custis' Lre. directing payment of money for King and Queen Estate to Jams. Hill and engaging a title to J.H. - Mem - Deed is recorded in the Genl. Court."

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 6, 1778/1779

Letter, John Parke Custis to James Henry, 1779 Box 6, Folder 1779.04.05

A.L.S. 1 page. "I have the Deed from the General [George Washington] for the Land you bought of the ["Romankoke," a plantation in King and Queen County, Va.] ... It was executed at Camp [Valley Forge] ... I neglected to get a Deed from Me to you, as I was not able to have the Deed from The Genl. to Me recorded." GW had originally purchased the property for his step-son, who then wished to sell it to Henry. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 6, 1778/1779
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

George Washington collection, 1654/1799

approx. 25 Linear Feet

This collection contains letters to and from George Washington that have been aquired by the MVLA since 1858. For more information, see content note for individal items. The collection grows organically as new items are acquired.

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Letter, from John Parke Custis, 1776 Box 18, Folder 1776.06.10

Mrs. Washington can accompany the General anywhere now that she's gone thru smallpox [innoculation] successfully--expresses gratitude to Washington for his guardianship--"He deserves the Name of Father who acts the Part of one."

  1. Series 2. To George Washington, 1755/1799

Letter, from John Parke Custis, 1778 Box 19, Folder 1778.05.29

John Parke Custis, stepson of George Washington, wrote to George Washington who was at Valley Forge about various aspects of the war. He notified him that the Virginia legislature passed bills to help raise troops, the arrival of a French ship carrying uniforms and military supplies, and a note to his mom. Docketed by George Washington. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.

  1. Series 2. To George Washington, 1755/1799
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Martha Washington collection, 1761/1802

1.25 Linear Feet

This collection contains letters to and from Martha Washington that have been acquired by the MVLA since 1858. For more information, see content note for individual items. The collection grows organically as new items are acquired.

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Letter, from John Parke Custis, 1776 Box 4, Folder 1776.08.21 LOAN

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."

  1. To Martha Washington, 1774/1800
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Chapin collection of Washington & Custis family documents, 1758/1829

.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

This collection consists of papers inherited and collected by Washington family descendants. Many were purchased in 1927 at auction to reunite Washington family correspondence. The collection includes correspondence, financial documents and legal documents that relate primarily to the Custis and Lewis families, but include other items related to Virginia history. Charles and Peter Chapin, the previous owners of this collection, descended from Eleanor Parke Custis and Lawrence Lewis through Esther Maria Lewis and Charles Chapin. This collection was originally assembled by Esther Maria Lewis Chapin who inherited some of the Washington/Custis papers, but was also an avid collector and brought back together family items that were being dispersed nationwide. This collection is an example of that effort; much of which was at auction in 1927 (Anderson Galleries, sale 2201, 28-29 November 1927).

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