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Start Over Creator Washington, George, 1732-1799 Names Custis Family

Letter, to Burwell Bassett, 1759 2 pages Box 1, Folder 1759.08.09

Autograph letter signed. Washington writes to his brother-in-law Burwell Bassett. The letter was carried to Fredericksburg from Mount Vernon by Miles Richardson, who had been one of Washington's batmen in the Virginia Regiment during Forbes' Campaign of 1758. Richardson was hired by Washington, most likely as a valet, from January 1, 1759 – May 10, 1759.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection, 1654/1799
  3. Series 1. From George Washington, 1654/1799

Letter, to Burwell Bassett, 1773 Box 2, Folder 1773.06.20

"It is an easier matter to conceive than to describe, the distress of this family; especially that of the unhappy parent of our dear Patsy Custis, when I inform you that yesterday removed the sweet Innocent girl into a more happy and peaceful abode than any she has met with in the affected path she hitherto has trod."

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection, 1654/1799
  3. Series 1. From George Washington, 1654/1799

Letter, to Jonathan Boucher, 1769 Box 1, Folder 1769.04.24

A caring and involved father, George Washington wrote this letter to his stepson's tutor, the Reverend Jonathan Boucher. In it he instructs his ward's tutor to enroll John Parke Custis with a particular dancing master. Written from Mount Vernon on April 24, 1769, Washington states, "In respect to the Dancing Gentry, I am glad to find you have such choice of them, …Newman...I have heard him well spoken of as a teacher in that Science… you will be so good therefore Sir to enter Mastr Custis with Mr. Newman for a year or otherwise, as he may form his School."

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection, 1654/1799
  3. Series 1. From George Washington, 1654/1799

Letter, to Lawrence Lewis, 1799 2 pages Box 15, Folder 1799.01.23

Washington writes in response to his nephew's query about the offer to become the 'Guardian of Nelly' so as to authorize a license for Lawrence and Nelly to marry. He also encourages Lawrence to acknowledge the Secretary of War's offered military commission and either accept or decline the appointment. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection, 1654/1799
  3. Series 1. From George Washington, 1654/1799

Letter, to Thomas Law, 1796 Box 11, Folder 1796.02.10

On February 10, 1796, upon learning of his eldest step-granddaughter's engagement to Thomas Law, George Washington writes this letter of congratulations to him. Washington's fatherly interest in the betrothal of Eliza "Betsey" Parke Custis is apparent. He expresses surprise, gives his blessing, and invites the couple to visit Philadelphia after the ceremony. Thomas Law earned his fortune in India and met Washington's step-granddaughter shortly after his arrival in America. The couple was married the following month, on March 21, 1796.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection, 1654/1799
  3. Series 1. From George Washington, 1654/1799

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