Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

not listed

My Dr. Madam -                                              Pamocra Jany 18. 1788

It is a long time indeed since I wrote to you last; and was I not assured that you have had information from your Friends in this county, by other sufficient communications in the interval, I should blame myself more than I now dol for neglecting it on my part - I have in fact of late lost all relish for correspondence, for whenever I write, my letters are so tinctured with my uneasiness of spirit, that they must excite an unhappy sympathy on my Friend, without any alleviation to myself - This will be somewhat the case at present: but connected with me in the double tie of Friendship & relationship, you will bear with me while I address you on one subject of my uneasiness & beg your assistance therein

My Father, particularly attached to his property in Negroes, by his will devised them specifically to his children, & gave almost all his lands to his executors to sell &apply to the discharge of his Debts -This deprived his exectrs of the power to sell any of the Negroes (tho’ it might have been done to great advantage to the Children) until they had first sold the land and applied the whole profit thereof to the payment of his Debts - Anxious as his exetrs & immediate representative to settle & satisfy all demands against his estate, I have used every endeavor to sell the lands & get the money - but such has been the state of public affairs since his death, that I have been able to do it but in part-He was indebted considerably more than he was aware of-particularly by some late speculation & securitiships: The burning of his papers in his house also occasioned me to lose most of his outstanding Debts: And property has now so fallen in its current price, that all his Negroes would not at present, if sold for cash, satisfy the amount. I have been obliged to sell land on considerable credit sometimes, to get anything near the value, & the creditors not agreeing to wait 'till I can get in the money have sued, & will issue executions against the Negroes as soon as they get judgt - Had I been at liberty, under my Father's will, I should have sold at least one half of them towards satisfying the creditors: as we have not land to work them, & there is a great proportion of women & children, many of them are a charge to my Mother, & the money arising from the sale of lands on credit would have been better for the children at interest: For all the negroes are given to my Mother & grandmother for their lives, & they may if they choose it keep them for the children when grown up - It is necessary, however, for my Mother to have some negroes to support her in the education of the young Children - When I wrote to you about the Genls Debt you informed me, he wished me not to sell anything on his acct. immediately; but as the negroes will be sold by somebody, before I can raise money from the land, he is better intitled to them than almost any other creditors. If however he can wait longer with us for the money, & does not see any impropriety in the measure, I would request him to send the bonds immediately to B. Bassett as his attorney, & let me give him a judgt. at March court next: Directing it to be levied on the Negroes, including such as (among which I can have included such as my Mother is particularly attached to) & have them purchased for him. They may then remain his & subject to his claim till I can raise money enough from the lands to sell & Debts due the Estate, to satisfy him - As in time there will be enough to satisfy all the creditors - After this I mean to let Doctr Stuart sell as many of the remaining negroes as will satisfy his immediate demand for money - I intend not thus by any means to defraud any creditor of his just Debt; for if there shall not be enough after paying the Genl, to satisfy the balance I will sell the negroes secured under his Judgt. & all my own individual property, to do it - But this will not be the case -

I make this request thro' you, my Dr Madam & not directly to the Geni, that if you see any impropriety in it, you will stop it & pardon my weakness: Because I would suffer anything rather than propose what may bear the appearance of dishonesty; even in a case like the present, where I am not personally interested but in the welfare of my Mother & her younger children - My own interest in the personal estate I have long since sacrificed to the benefit of the creditors, by selling my share of the negroe, which my mother delivered to me, & paying them the amount - If what I request can be done, 1 shall get time to sell the remainder of the land (which I have as exetr.) to advantage; to collect the money for what has been sold & get in some other Debts: and whilst relieved from the continual distress of such, judgts. & executions, be better enabled to do general justice to all the creditors -

My mother (on whose account principally I have written the above) desires to be remembered to you affectionately: and has only waited a convenient passage to embrace your invitation to patsy - She has grown a great girl & resembles her grandfather's picture, I think very much - She continues to stay with Sister Claiborne yet, & is, as well as the other children, remarkbly healthy - Julious is in very good business & reputation with Mr. Alexander still - Bat lives with Mr. Wm. Dandridge who has commenced Merchant in this County - My Aunt Henley continues another year at the Whitehouse & is just about having another child - we are all well here, except my Grandmother who has been ill this winter; & have moved into our new house, tho' it is not finished -

You will be so good as to make my respectful complts. to the Genl., & send me an answer before March - Immediately if you please -

Believe me my Dr. Aunt, that, tho' the accident or indisposition to it may prevent my continual protestations, I shall not cease to be with less affection & sense of Duty.

Your Nephew
J: Dandridge

Mrs. Washington
From
Jno Dandridge Esqr
to Mrs. Washington
respectg Bonds
18th. Jan: 1788"

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Dear Madam                                                     (November 31, 1787)

I fear I have suffered in your Esteem on the score of both gratitude & Politeness, from having so long delayed to return you Thanks for your Civilities & attention to me while I was under your hospitable Roof; but a Desire to accompany my Letter with the Collars for the young Ladies, has alone prevented an earlier Acknowledgement of my Sense of the elegant Hospitality exercised at Mount Vernon, where the good Order of the Master's Mind, seconded by your excellent abilities, pervades every Thing around you, & renders it a most delightful Residence to your Friends. I should have been happy to have prolonged our Visit had I not been sensible that the Depression of Spirits under wch I then was, rendered me a totally unfit Companion for ye cheerful & happy. My recent Separation from my favorite Sister and her Family, with the probability of never seeing her again, the Reflection of having left her encircled with Difficulties almost too great for a Man to cope with, unconnected & unprotected by any Friend, able or willing, To serve her, almost broke my Heart. She is a disinterested amiable Woman. The Settlement made on her in lieu of Dower, is amply sufficient during her life, for all ye purposes of comfortable & excellent living. Her genius is penetrative, her abilities uncommon. More moderate abilities serve our Purposes better on some Occasions. Indeed, I am clearly of the Sentiment that our Sex were never intended for the great Affairs of Life. They have happy Talents for suggesting & can see the ends of the chain, but it requires masculine Powers to discern the intermediate Links & connect them with Propriety. A Hope of being able to serve the Heirs of Colo Byrd, wh ye interests of her own Children were involved, & a Desire to comply with his Will, induced her to undertake ye management of his Estate. This has obliged her to prosecute claims which many find it inconvenient to comply with. A Love of Justice or a Sense of Gratitude are but weak Incentives with ye great bulk of Mankind to do what is right-when it clashes with private Interest; & not contented with evading what is just they too generally become ye Enemies of those they have injured. What a dismal Reverse did I find from what I had been a Witness to three and twenty years ago. For tho Colo Byrds Estate was then involved, he lived in such a Scale as to be sought after & apparently respected. But so passeth away the Vanities of this World; & happily for us, we shall soon pass from all temporal Concerns. I flatter myself your own good heart will plead my apology for speaking on a Subject no ways interesting to you, but so far as it relates to the cause of Humanity, which can never be indifferent to a benevolent Mind.

I hope the collars will meet your Approbation. The cost runs three dollars. You have paid something more for theyre being made in Phila; but the english ones were too long for your Purpose. 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. Indeed I think it is so essential to Health as to Beauty, to hold up the Head & throw back the shoulders. It expands the chest & prevents those ridiculous Distortions of the Face & Eyes which girls, at a certain age, frequently fall into from a foolish Bashfulness, or so the French call it a mauvaise haute. There are collars with Backs for the Shoulders; but this is so like putting them in Harness that I reprobate them, as I do all Ligatures on the human Form. Native grace is superior to all that Art can do; and it is so natural to hold up the Head, and open the chest, as to lollop the Head in the Bosom & raise the Shoulders to the Ears. I found that the guinea you gave me for the Collars was sufficient to pay for the Ribband, and to add Sashes of the same I have therefore taken ye the Liberty, without orders, to send them.

I have sent our little Favorite, Master Custis the Work I promised him. I wished to have got it in small Volumes, such as I had sent to a little Friend, and better adapted to his Size, but they were not to be had, and this, such as it is, I think he will be pleased with. I shall distrust my Skill if he is not a Child of Penetration & Genius. He has sweet conciliating manners like your charming little Eleanor. When I was with you, you were so civil as to express your Approbation of a Morocco Thread Case that I was using. On my return I met with one of the same Kind, which I must beg your Acceptance of as a small Testimony of my Recollection & Esteem.

Be pleased to present me affectionately to the General, Master Custis, & the young Ladies. My best compliments & good Wishes attend Major & Mrs Washington. I hope she is returned perfectly reinstated in her Health. There was something so pleasing in her Appearance & Manner that even a Stranger could not see her without being interested in her Welfare. If I can render her or you any Services in Phila you will be so obliging as to command them.

I have the Honor to be with affectionate Regards dear Madam

Your most obt & obliged
Servt.
Eliza Powel

November 30, 1787
Mrs Washington

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Chicago Historical Society

Dear Sir                                             Mount Vernon November 6th 1786

I have had two letters from a Gentleman in Ireland, - He calls himself John Custis - says he is of the same Family of the Custis s in virginia - and thinks he is a Brother's son to my childrens grand Father, - The Hon John Custis that died in Williamsburg in the year - 1750. - If you should meet with any gentleman from the Eastern shore that is acquainted with the family, - and will be so obliging as to give me a genealogical account of it, - It would be taken exceedingly kind - I am anxious to know them myself too - and shall be glad to inform the Gentleman that has written to me. The General has had a letter sometime agoe from Brussels from a Mr. Charles Custis - is of the same family as he says -

I am with Esteem sir
your most obt sert
M Washington

Dr. Stuart

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

George Washington Papers, Library of Congress

Monday October 10,1785

Genl and Mrs. Washington present their compliments to Colo and Mrs Blackburn; are much obliged to them for their kind invitation to the Wedding on Thursday. They would attend with pleasure, but for the indisposition of the latter; and the particular engagements of the former which confine him at home this week, and oblige him to attend the Board of Directors at Georgetown, the Great Falls, &c the beginning of next. The Genl and Mrs Washington will always be happy to see the young couple at Mount Vernon.

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Massachusetts Historical Society

My dear Madam                                Mount Vernon June the 9th 1785

I had the pleasure to receive your obliging Letter of the 14th of April by Mrs Macauly Graham - the kind expression of which, added to the Recollection of those days in which you honored me with your friendship, fill me with agreeable sensations; and will everbe dear to my remembrance, -

I thank you for introducing a Lady so well known in the literary world as Mrs Macauly Graham, whose agreeable company we have had the pleasure of a few days - she now returns to make happy those whome she left.

The friendship which subsisted between General Warren and Mr Washington will never be forgotten by the latter. it was among the first formed, and most lasting at Cambridge.- and with equel pleasure would be renewed by him - why it has slept the general cannot tell,- he recollects writing a long letter to Genl Warren in the year 1779, when the enemy were cantoned on the Rariton near Boundbrook in the Jerseys.- since which, all intercourse by letter has ceased: tho friendship is the same, -

He joins me in every good wish for you and General Warrin, and begs me to add the strongest asurances of the sincear esteem and regard he has for you both.- with sentiments of friendship and affection - I am Dear Madam your obed and obliged

M Washington

(Docket)
Mrs Washington
Mount Vernon
June 9th 1785

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

My dear Fanny -                              Mount Vernon August the 7th 1784

Tho' I have never been alone since you left this, - yet I cannot say but I have missed your company very much - The General is still determined to set out the first of next month, over the mountains1 I have not heard anything from my Brother, whether he will be up before the General goes or not I expect to come down to see him sometime in September - I shall not fix the time till I hear from you or him -

Mrs Stuart is getting better your stays and other things came from Annapolis the Sunday after you left this - I have payed Mrs Charles Stuart the money she payed, the mantua maker: £3.2.6 I will keep them or bring down as you think you may want them - I think Miss Ramsay was married before you left this - we have nothing new that I hear off.

My little Nelly is getting well and Tub is the same clever boy you left him - He sometimes says why don't you send for Cousin - you know he never makes himself unhappy about absent friends.

Remember me to all Friends with you, the General had a letter from your pappa by the last post that never mentioned you or any other person. The letter was dated at Richmond I should have been glad to have heard where you was -

If you should see my Brother Remember me to him and family, my love to your Brothers - My compliments to your pappa in which the General joins me -

I am my dear Fanny your most affectionate

Martha Washington

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

My Dear Madam -                                  Mount Vernon June 22d 1784

After a very long passage the Cotton arrived safe, - I was much concerned that I should have given Mr B. Washington the treble, - He thought it would be a very easy thing to procure, - it was to add to some thread I have had spun several years in the House, - I thank you for the Cotton, and should be very unhappy if you have disfirnished yourself by spairing it out of your own stock, - it would have been noe inconvenience to me, to have stayed another year, for to have my piece of Cloth finishd, - my spinners had just spun up all the wool and had little to doe, was the reason I thought of spinning cotton - and I could not get any in this part of the country - the West Indea cotton not being brought to Alexandria in the shops -

It would give me much pleasure to come to Bushfield to visit you and will when it is conveniant to the General to leve home on a visit; he has so much business of his one and the publicks to gather that I fear he will never find lazure to goe see his friends; I would with pleasure have sent you the weeping willow but the man told me he was not going down derectly, - if he had, it was two late to plant it this summer, at the proper time for planting it, you may have as much as you please as it would give me pleasure to send you anything of that sort that is worth sending to you from here.

I am happy to hear Mrs Washington has incresed her family and is well I wish she could make it convenient to come to see us. The General joins me in love and good wishes to you and all with you I am Dear Madam Your affectionate sister and friend Martha Washington Mrs. Washington, Bushfield

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Dr. Walter Ostromecki, Jr. (private collection)

My Dear Madam -                                       Mount vernon 15th Jan 84

Your polite and affectionate congratulatory Letter on the termination of our trobles, and the return of the General to domestic life would, under any circumstances; have been highly pleasing to me; but the value of it was particularly enhanced by the friendly terms in which you have conveyed them to us.

In return, permit me to offer you my sincere compliments on your restoration to your own House, after an exile of seven years- and on Miss Boudinots better state of health; which with much pleasure I learnt from the General was considerably amended, if he might be allowed to form a judgment of it from her improved looks.- The difficulties, and distresses to which we have been exposed during the war must now be forgotten.- we must endevor to let our ways be the way of pleasentness and all our paths Peace.

It would give infinite pleasure to see you Mr and Miss Boudinot at this place without which I almost despair of ever enjoying that happyness, as my frequent long Journeys have not only left me without inclination to undertake another, but almost disqualified me from doing it, as I find the fatiegue is too much for me to bear.

My little family are all with me; and have been very well till with in these few days, that they have been taken with the measles. - the worst I hope is over, and that I shall soon have them prattling about me again. - with best respects to Mr. Boudenot, and love to Miss Susan and yourself - in which the General joins I am my dear madam with much esteem

Your most affectionate
Friend
Martha Washington

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994

Chapin Library, Williams College

(West Point March 8, 1783)

General Knox has the honor to present his most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and to assure her he is deeply impressed with the sense of her goodness, in the favor of the hair nets for which he begs her to accept of his sincere thanks.

West point 8th March '83

Autograph Letter Signed

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Chapin Library, Williams College

(Newburgh March 6, 1783)

Mrs Washington presents her compliments to General Knox and begs his acceptance of two Hair netts. They would have been sent long ago but for want of tape, which was necessary to finish them and which was not obtained till yesterday.

newburgh March the 6th 1783

Autograph Letter Signed