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Start Over Date range 1790 Creator Lewis, Betty Washington, 1733-1797
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Historic manuscript collection

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.

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Letter, Robert Lewis to Betty Washington Lewis Box 17, Folder 1790.02.26

A.L.S. 3 pages. Happy at receiving her letter and sister Carter's lengthy one -- sorry to hear of illness and deaths among the negroes, "... Temple in particular as he was a hearty, strong young fellow and arrived at an age when his services might have compensated his master or mistress for the trouble which is attendant on raising young negroes and the expense incurred, previous to their attaining the age of manhood" -- they have been busy moving the president's household to more commodious quarters -- Mrs. White comes to visit only on public days -- these are crowded occasions -- last evening was at an assembly -- danced with Miss Briscoe -- many there disappointed president and lady didn't attend -- female part glad some of the family appeared -- "For my own part, I am of so much more consequence here than when at home that I believe I shall never be content anywhere else." Post script dated Feb. 27: They have moved into the new house -- unable to find time to buy a toy for Maria. Autograph letter signed, laminated, docketed "Mrs. Betty Lewis", watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Rob. Lewis." Post script dated Feb. 27--They have moved into the new house--unable to find time to buy a toy for Maria.

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 17

Letter, Robert Lewis to Betty Washington Lewis Box 18, Folder 1790.07.11

A.L.S. 3 pages. New York. Received her letter by Mr. Garnett and one from brother George--her indisposition--hopes to be in Va. within a month--Congress hopes to be able to adjourn by then--G.W. very well, as is Mrs. W.--hopes locket she requested has reached her. Autograph letter signed, laminated, watermark. Date on original catalog card appears as [c.1790] July 11.

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 18

Receipts, Betty Washington Lewis Box 6, Folder 1778.00.00

Collection of receipts ranging from 1778-1795. Twenty-five items mostly relating to Betty Washington Lewis for the period of her widowhood. Includes payment for stockings, property taxes, her sons' tuition, linen, a copper kettle, and a statement of "Debt, interest and payments on two Bonds ... from John Wayman, Edward Snickers and William Brady to Col. Fielding Lewis." In Mylar enclosures.

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 6

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