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Received through brother Lawrence [Lewis] news that she desires settlement of rental for preceeding year--assures her he would have brought it sooner, had he had it, "... as it has ever been a rule with me never to retain money in my hands which was intended for or belonged to another person."--has $100, and hopes to get rest from sheriff when the executions are returned--requests that she pay no account against part of estate under his management--many claims against General's estate which only he is acquainted with and she may be taken in--please refer any such requests to him--sorry for her indisposition--suggests trip up country to Dr. [David] Stuart's may be beneficial.

Lewis writes his aunt that a backward spring and plowing prevent him coming to bring rental money--Mr. Daingerfield, "a young Gentleman that lives with me" will deliver money--please give him receipt.

"Expresses sympathy over [death of Washington]. [See answer dated Feby. 5, 1800, Lear to Bayard]"

Forwards oration from Mr. Ames. [See also answer dated Mar. 28, 1800, T. Lear to Pickering]

"Sympathy on [death of Washington]--sends a pamphlet containing two discourses written about the ""melancholy Event""--religious consolations. [See answer dated Feby. 17, 1800, T. Lear to Ogden]"

"Sends his Eulogy on the life of [Washington]--he and his wife send condolences to Martha Washington. [See answer dated May 15, 1800, T. Lear to Cunningham]"

"Presents model of a monument he and officers of his brigade are going to erect in memory of ""our much lamented Commander in Chief.""--distress over Washington's death. [See drawing of monument listed under same date; also answer dated Jan. 10, 1800, Lear to Smith]"

A.L.S. 1 page. Sends news that Custis's father [John Custis] heartily approves of his marriage with Miss [Martha] Dandridge--" ... he has so good a Character of her That he had rather you shou'd have her than any Lady in Virginia. Nay if possible he is as much enamoured with her Character as you are with her Person and this is owing chiefly to a prudent speech of her own. Hurry down immediately for Fear he shou'd change the strong inclination he has to your Marrying directly."--gave briddle and saddle to Jack in Custis's name. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, watermark (crown over heraldic device and motto "Honi Soit qui mal y pense," and crown over GR). Name on original manuscript appears as "J. Power." Date on original catalog card appears [c.1750].

A.L.S. 2 pages. Mount Vernon. Reporting on the death of Martha Washington the day before. Suffering protracted fever, MW prepared for death "with fortitude and resignation"; gave advice to her grandchildren, took the sacrament and directed a chosen white gown be brought out. The funeral would be Tuesday (two days hence). Autograph letter signed, integral cover.

Personal letter expressing concern for the health of both families. Several references to the recent spell of bad weather.