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

George Washington Papers, Library of Congress

Madam                                                 Annapolis 21 March 1772

The very bad Weather which prevented almost any Communication and my Expectation that the Means left with Miss Custis are not yet expended occasioned my not sending any more so soon as I designed - I now send by the Post a small Phial to be frequently smelt to as Hartshorne or other Drops commonly used to prevent faitiness and a small Bottle of Ointmt to be applied as before directed - the Decoction I left must be taken if Occasion requires it tho' I hope Nature will perform her Office without. I imagine it will be unnecessary to assure Miss Custis that I have the greatest Hopes her Happiness will be much promoted by regular moderate Exercise, temperate living which she may think Abstemiousness and her being attentive to keep her Body cool and open which last may I hope be effectually done and agreeably to herself by the Use of Barley Water and light cooling Food - Frumenty made of Barley or even of wheat wou'd I think be very proper Food is agreeable to many and perhaps might be so at Times to Miss Custis - I hear that Master Custis said in Annapolis she was better I have great Pleasure in it and should be glad to hear more particularly of her State

I am Madam
Your most obedient Servant
John Johnson

Autograph Letter Signed