Collections : [The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon]

Bushrod to move to Alexandria--can't keep up plantation and practice law too--prefers law--can sell land and negroes to discharge debts due from his father's estate--has rented his land on advantageous terms--Mother will remain at Bushfield--desires Washington's approval--bearer, Mr. Packet goes to Alexandria to inquire about rent of houses.

Lt. [Bezaleel] How[e], who intends to enter an enterprize to some part of the Spanish settlements on the shores of [So?] America, desires a letter from Washington, stating he was an officer of the New Hampshire line and in the Guards--Trumbull recommends him to be a man "of probity & honor".

Political situation in Conn.--Gen'l Assembly of Conn. passing resolves for organizing Congress under new constitution--will appoint electors in Jan., "this appointment the Assembly have retained in their own power - thinkg it more likely to be exercised with judgment & discretion than it would be to be entrusted in the hands of the people at large"--Senators elected--Representatives to be chosen by people--mentions circular letter from N.Y. state convention--few discordant notes in Conn. assembly--no disagreement over president, but over vice-president--desires Bowdoin for office, since Adams is talked of for Supreme Court--asks after [David] Humphreys.

A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Little Washington Custis [6 yrs. old] thanks Mrs. Powel for a book, the Children's Friends, which she sent him--his sisters and Miss Harriot [Washington] send their respects. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, watermark.

Thanks her for her composition in his honor--new government--hopes those of her sex will introduce federal fashions and national manners instead of following foreign manners and fashions.

Washington advises his nephew about his contemplated move to Alexandria to set up a law practice.

George Washington passes on some information about Irish wolf dogs to Carter which he received from an Irish gentleman. George Washington does not think that mastiffs will fulfill the purpose of hunting wolves which Carter apparently wants.

The Powel's trip from Mt. Vernon to Philadelphia--they must come more often--thanks for collars for the girls [these were to correct posture; see Mrs. Powel's letter of Nov. 30, 1787 for description]--also, ribbons and sashes--"My pretty Boy"[G.W.P. Custis] pleased with book, will write her himself--Fanny's health improved--goes to her father's to have baby in March--F.'s brother to marry Miss McCarty--"She is as a child to me, and I am very lone some when she is absent. Her ill luck with her first child is the only reason of her wishing to change the place of her laying inn this time."--moroco thread case came safely--sorry the Powel's couldn't stay longer at Mt.Vernon--"... tho we are not as gay as you are at Philadelphia yet in this peace full retreat you will find friendship and cordiallity ..."--sympathy with [Mrs. P.'s] sister [Mrs. Byrd's] troubles--Mrs. [Eleanor Calvert Custis] Stuart has lost her father--Custis girls send thanks for collars.

In this letter, George Washington reveals his humorous side after learning of Chastellux's recent marriage and Washington ended the letter with important information on the Constitution and methods of united the now new nation.

Thoughts about various states debating ratification of Constitution--generosity of landholders in county of Philadelphia in proposing it for seat of Federal government.