Collections : [The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon]

Three covers for correspondence. Folded sheet bearing notation "General Washington's letters."

On the subject of George Washington's resignation and whether he really would be as happy in retirement as doing good for his country.

A.L.S. 2 pages. Bushrod writes to his "dear friend" Elizabeth Willing Powel that when he inherited Mount Vernon, he had to buy "new furniture for all the rooms of that extensive building" and farm machinery as well -- he borrowed money for this and the loan is due soon -- his wheat crop and the fishery both failed, however -- so he asks "with a little embarrassment" to borrow the amount from her, but insists on paying interest which she refused to accept on an earlier occasion. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, watermark (wheat sheaf). Name on original manuscript appears as "Bush. Washington."

A.L.S. 4 pages. Philadelphia. Received letter day after G.W. left Phila.--praise of G.W.--"Few in his situation after having so successfully played a Game for their Country but would have played an after Game for themselves--her little god daughter (Mrs. F's child)--mourns her own lost children--invitation to visit Phila.--compliments of season & New Year.

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Will procure glasses for her, but regrets she needs them--post is surest way to send letters--many guests, but has been out little--"Extensive connections and supposed large Fortunes, have their consequent Appendages tho not always of the most agreeable sort."--her goddaughter (Mrs. F.'s child). Autograph letter signed, docketed in another hand. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz Powel."

A.L.S. 6 pages. Congratulations on birth of another [daughter]--reflections on the role of women in educating children, and the education they need--wishes to have spent more time on improving mind than person--"I have not a doubt that the General's visit to Chatham was productive of as much Pleasure to him as to you. I am sorry that you have Reason to think his native Climate does not so well agree with him as ours. In all probability his Destination will be Virginia. and sure I am that his Inclination and Attachments are decidedly for that State. When you see him present my Comps. he is one of my best Friends and Favorites."--family matters--too much rain for grain. Autograph letter signed, laminated, docketed in Mrs. Powel's hand, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L. 1 page. Letter in a humorous vein, chiding him for not writing--sends a book which she once recommended for his perusal--sends him fur gloves because "the Severity of the last Winter may have operated so violently on his Herculean Hands, as to have numbed his fingers," thus preventing writing. Autograph letter, docketed in Mrs. P.'s hand, watermark (GR surmounted by crown and powder horn), written in 3rd person. Name does not appear on original manuscript.

A.L.S. 2 pages. Apologies for delay in executing commission for Mrs. W.--has been ill--nice white fur available, but advises waiting until autumn, because of lateness of season--did he receive letter and pamphlet of the Debates of the [Phila.] Convention?--"As I knew you were a Member of the Virginia Convention I thought it might be agreeable to you to see in how masterly a Manner Mrs. Wilson had treated the Science of Government." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, red seal, watermark (W).Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Powel writes to say she paid James McAlpin's bill for Bushrods black satin robe -- she hopes Mrs. Anne Blackburn Washington's health has improved -- she is glad Bushrod was at the wedding of Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis, and says "I was certain that when Mrs. Washington found the thing inevitable she would act with propriety, indeed from all I can learn she has every Reason to approve her Grand-Daughter's choice." -- Powel agrees with Bushrod on the deplorable state of the Southern roads, especially those of Maryland -- the elopement of Maria Bingham (a child of 15) with a French count was shocking -- shares news of Philadelphia people -- mentions "your excellent Mother's" sorrows [at death of Corbin Washington ?]. Autograph letter signed, retained copy, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Regrets that Eliza's insistance on journeying in cold wet weather has caused her suffering illness -- Powel hopes she and her sisters won't let their opposite political views come between them -- discusses Mr. Sergeant and Mr. Hopkinson of Pennsylvania, now in congress -- pleased Eliza resides with Col. [Tobias] Lear and wife [Frances Dandridge] -- recounts "a vague report in circulation here" that she and Mr. Law are to be reconciled for their child's sake -- mentions that is in her 74th year. Autograph letter signed, laminated, watermark (dove of peace). Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."