Mount Vernon Ladies Association, W-1523

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

George Washington Papers, Library of Congress

(July 15, 1772)

To - Mrs S Thorpe                                           Milliner in London

I cannt. help writing to you in behalf of my daughter, Miss Custis, who together with myself, Imported some very hard bargains from you last year. Messrs Cary & Co. was wrote to for a handse Suit of Brussels Lace to cost £20 in cons of wch., she reed. from you a pr of tripple Ruffles, a Tucker & Ruff set on plain joing. Nett (such as can be bought in ye Milliners Shops here at 3/6 pr yd) When, if you had ever sent a Tippet & Cap w. ye othr. things I shd still have thot them Dr.- These things have been shewn to sevl. Ladies who are accustomd to such kind of Importns, & all agree, that they are most extravagantly high chargd.

I now sd for a suit at ye price of £40 w. Lappels & ca but if you cant afford to sell a much better bargn. in these, that yo. did in ye last I shd hope yt Mr. Cary will try elsewhere, as I thy her last add. to my own is worth a little pains- and ye. othr. things sent last yr. for myself &ca were 5 gauze Caps. w. Blond Lace bordrs. at a Ga. each, when ye same kd. might have been bot. in ye Country at a much less price.- I have now sent for 2 Caps for M. Custis, & 2 for myself of Mint. lace & wd have ym gent1 but not expens. hers to suit a Person of 16 yrs old mine one of 40 & I cant. help addg. that I thk it neccesy that ye last yrs Suit (wch ought to be retd. if she cd. do witht in ye meanwhile) shd be compld w. a Tippet & Cap, as it is Scae more yn 1/3 a (?).

I am Madm yr Hble Servt
Martha Washington

July 15 - 1772

Letter Book Copy

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

George Washington Papers, Library of Congress

To - Mrs. Shelbury - Milliner Dean Street Soho. London

Madam                                                                  August - 1764

In an Invoice to Mr Cary I have directed all the goods for Miss Custis's use to be got from you as I approvd of your last years choice - Such things as Misses of her age usually wear here I have sent for; but if you can get those which may be more genteel and proper for her, I shall have no objections to it, provided it is done with frugality, for as she is only nine years old a superfluity, or expence in dress would be altogether unnecessary - you will please to observe that all her things is to be charged separate from mine altho both accounts will be paid you by Robt. Cary Esq & Co.

I have also ordered a few things for my own use together with a pair of stays which I beg may be very good, easy made, and very thin, - The Ruffles you sent last year I have kept myself and desired Mr Cary to pay you for them - Mr Washington wrote Mr Cary in February last to purchase of you a french necklace & earings for me - if they are not already sent, I woud rather choose a blew Turkey stone Necklace and Earings sent in their place if the price does not exceed two Guineas -

I am Madam
Yr very Hble Servt
Martha Washington

Mount Vernon
10th August 1764

Letter Book Copy