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Start Over Creator Powel, Elizabeth Willing, 1743-1830
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.

Top 3 results view all 12

Letter, Bushrod Washington to Elizabeth Powel Box 39, Folder 1804.05.10

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."

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 39

Letter, Elizabeth Powel to Ann Randolph Fitzhugh Box 8, Folder 1783.12.24

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.

  1. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  2. Manuscripts Box 8
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

George Washington collection

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 Elizabeth Powel Box 20, Folder 1783.11.15

Sends Washington a pamphlet lately out on a political issue--she recommends it as disinterested and sensible--"Some say there is no Cincinnatus in existence; I think there is."

  1. Series 2. To George Washington
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Martha Washington collection

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 Elizabeth Powel Box 4, Folder 1787.11.30

Delayed writing until she could send collars for the young ladies [to correct posture of 3 Custis girls]--depression over sister Byrd's plight--(undertakes management of Col. Byrd's estate)--hopes collars will do--"Those I have sent may be raised by means of the Screw. I have made a little ornament of Ribband, which may be worn over them as a Disguise when ye young Ladies are dressed or go without a Vandike. It is a pity that a fine Form should be spoiled by a Childs not holding herself erect."--sent book to Master [G.W.P.] Custis--sends Martha a morrocco thread case--hopes [Fanny Bassett Washington's] health has improved.

  1. To Martha Washington

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel Box 4, Folder 1793.03.10

Cannot take tea with Mrs. Washington on Tuesday because of a forgotten previous engagement to chaperone some young ladies ("noviciates in love") to Mr. Hill's--will Mrs. Washington come to tea next Wednesday?

  1. To Martha Washington

Letter, from Elizabeth Powel Box 4, Folder 1796.12.07

Powel sends Mrs. Washington a bottle of Martinique Noyan medicine which the latter had used for the colic--she suggests that "it would not be amiss if my good friend the President will take a glass on his return from the Congress"--Powel believes "he will be not a little agitated" after what may be his last appearance before them (giving his 8th Annual address to Congress).

  1. To Martha Washington
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Bushrod Washington family papers

1.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

The Bushrod Washington Family Papers consist of documents gathered by the descendants of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The collection comprises an assortment of correspondence and legal documents documenting the lives and property ownership of several branches of the Washington family. The collection is organized into five series: Correspondence, Legal Documents, Social, Miscellaneous, and Indenture Notices (Land Deeds).

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