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Start Over Creator Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852 Names Butler, Frances Parke, 1799-1875

Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851 1.25 Linear Feet (6 boxes)

Gibson, Elizabeth Bordley, 1777-1863

This collection contains correspondence to or from Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, the lifelong friend of Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis. The majority of the collection contains letters to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson from Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis. The correspondence focuses on the Gibson and Lewis families, political events, and the people of Philadelphia. The dates of the material in this collection ranges from 1794-1851, with the bulk of the material dating between 1820-1840. This collection was purchased by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 1952, from the estate of Roland S. Morris, of Philadelphia. The Morris family inherited these letters through their familial connection to the Shippen Family, who served as executors to the estate of Elizabeth Bordley Gibson.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Letter, Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to Frances Parke Butler, 1827 Box 52, Folder 1827.05.26

Letter from Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to 'My dear child,' Frances Parke Butler. This letter, written from Arlington while visiting her brother George Washington Parke Custis and 'Aunt Mary' briefly mentions Bushrod Washington's needed improvements to Mount Vernon, and repairs made to Woodlawn Plantation. She desires Parke send her a finished 'picture' of Parke herself, which she believes will be a 'faithful likeness.' She requests for it to be sent unframed and in placed in a morocco case for proper storage. Eleanor promises to send Parke various sundry goods, including corsets, corals, and silks. She also discusses family matters, including the death of Parke's 'Good Uncle Carter,' and the reaction of Eleanor's half sibling, also named Eleanor. Eleanor writes using a common 19th century practice of cross-writing. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages. Postmarked Alexandria, May 27.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 52, 1826/1827

Letter, Mary Eliza Angela Lewis and Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to Frances Parke Butler, 1832 Box 56, Folder 1832.05.26

Letter to Frances Lewis Butler from her sister and mother. Mary Eliza Angela Lewis, also nicknamed 'Tiffin,' writes to her sister about her recent trip to Washington, D. C. where she witnessed debates in the Senate and House. Confesses that she also attended a '[Henry] Clay meeting' and rather enjoyed it. Reports that members from the meeting later visited Mount Vernon and Mr. Bradford of Virginia delivered an excellent and appropriate address at the tomb. Mentions other family members. Nelly adds her own letter to the latter part of the document, commenting on 'Sonny's' portrait [by Chapman] and the response of a visitor as the "best likeness of a child he ever saw." It is the greatest ornament in their parlor. Writes about the weather, picking wild strawberries and various family members as well as upcoming travel plans. Autograph letter signed, 4 pages. Postmarked Alexandria, May 28.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 56, 1831/1832

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