Letter, from John Parke Custis, April 2, 1778

In this letter, Jacky writes about the health of his newborn daughter, among other subjects.

John Parke Custis

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

Greenwood Press

4/3/1778

Joseph E. Fields, editor

Published version of manuscript document

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

Tudor Place Foundation

Hond. Madam                                                      Mt Airy April 3d, 78

My Long Letter last Post has left me very little to say this Post. I have however the Pleasure to inform you that we continue well. poor little Pat has been innoculated three Times, and has not taken the Infection. this leaves Us in a very disagreable Suspence, as We shall be very uneasy lest She should get the Disorder in the natural Way, the Doctor is much at a loss how to account for her not taking the Infection, unless Nelly was with child when she was innoculated, and this can hardly be the Case. I shall wait some Time before I try a fourth time. I sincerely hope no Accident will happen to the dear Child. She has grown the finest Girl I ever saw and the most Good natured Quiet little Creature in the World. You took the advantage of Me to ask for her just after my Disappointment. I do not know how to comply for I could not have loved It better if It had been a Boy. Ms Bet has grown very much, and is very saucy and entertaining. She can say any Word but Washington.

I left Mt Vernon last Tuesday all the Family were well. the only news I heard were the Deaths of Nancy whiteing & Miss Sally Fairfax, the Former died in childbed - I should have sett off this Day Eltham but the Wind blows so hard I can't cross the River. The Election comes the ninth which oblidged me to make all the Haste in my Power, you must remember to set cross leg'd that Day for me. - I must beg of you to write Me every Week, and be sure to send Me all the news while you stay at Camp, if you are too much ingaged, see that Gibbs and Mead, I know they are generally idle -write you can now and then inclose a newspaper when there is any thing Particular in them, you will please to take Care of Doctor Craiks Letter. I was at a Loss where to direct to him. My Affecte Regards to the General. I would have Wrote to Him, but the Want of some thing Agreable to communicate prevented me. I will do myself the Pleasure to write him from Belop and inform him of all the News there. I return Him many Thanks for his Letter of the 1st of which got to my Hands on Tuesday last. My Compts to the Gentlemen - Nelly joins in Love to the Genl and Self and in wishing for your every Happiness

I am Hon'd Madam Yr. most
Affecte Son
J.P.Custis

Mrs Washington

Autograph Letter Signed