Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Mary Ball Washington re: his brother's marriage, ordering clothing for slaves

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07858.01 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, [Va.] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1757/09/30 Pagination: 2 p. 20.4 x 20.6 cm Order a Copy

With provenance note stating property of David A. Hayes, and a clipped signature of John Hancock, President.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Honourd Madam.
Your Letter by Mr. Smith I receivd on my way to Colo. Fairfax's funeral; in answer to that part relative to my Bror. Charles's Marriage I shall observe; that if there is no other objection than the one you mentiond, it may soon be removd; and that Mrs. Thornton if she believes I am capable of taking these ungenerous advantages knows little of the principles which govern my Conduct: however, I suppose Mrs. Thorton is actuated by prudent Motive, and therefore woud besafe. - If she will get any Instrument [inserted: of] writing drawn I will sign it provided it does not effect me in other Respects than her Daughter Fortune, if my Brother dies under Age. -
I have waited till now, expecting the arrival of my Negros Cloaths from Great Britain; but as the Season is advancing, and risks attending them I can no longer depend, and therefore beg the favour of you to choose me about 250 yds. Oznabrigs 200yds. of Cotton 35 pr. Plad Hoes and as much thread as is necessary in Mr. Lewis's Store if he has them if not in Mr Jacksons, and send them up by Jno. who comes down with a Tumbler [strikeout] for that purpose.

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Washington, Mary Ball, 1708-1789

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