Letter, Martha Washington to Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett, August 28, 1762

Children of Martha Washington

In this letter, Martha Washington writes to her sister Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett about a variety of household news. The letter displays a characteristic social graciousness in interacting with friends and family. The grammar and spelling are erratic to modern eyes, as was characteristic of both Martha’s letters and those of the period more generally. Finally, the letter exhibits a typical preoccupation with illness and health in general, and reveals Martha’s inclination to cling to her children out of fear for their health (image courtesy of The Massachusetts Historical Society).

Martha Washington

1762-08-28

Massachusetts Historical Society

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