Power of Attorney, September 1757

Estate of Daniel Parke Custis

After the death of Daniel Parke Custis, 26-year-old Martha Dandridge Custis was thrust into the unfamiliar role of administratix of the far-flung Custis estate, in charge of land holdings in six Virginia counties. Over the next two years, Martha was responsible for the business affairs of the estate, which included the sale of tobacco exports in England. In this document, dated September 1757, Martha gives three merchants in London the power of attorney to execute tobacco sales for her and ship goods to her (image courtesy of Virginia Historical Society).

Custis Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society

Greenwood Press

1757-09

eng