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Start Over Names Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852 Subjects Correspondence

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Corner of Spruce and 8th Streets, Philadelphia, 1848 Box 5, Folder 1848.09.25

Nelly sends Elizabeth a bookmark worked in silk given her by Martha Washington 57 years ago. Lorenzo's boys learn under a tutor. Washy [George Washington Lewis] very fond of farming. Charley and Lewis Conrad visit her but go to New Orleans in winter. Mary Custis Lee and husband Col. Robert E. Lee visited. Robert goes to Boston to meet board of Engineers.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, No 213 Spruce St., Philadelphia, 1834 Box 5, Folder 1834.09.01

This letter presented by her future son[-in-law, Charles M. Conrad]. Lauds his virtues and Angela's choice. "From that 'far South,' so dreaded, so stigmatized, against which my own prejudices were so strong that I could have almost taken an oath that none belonging to that region could deserve or obtaine my child's affection or my approbation, I have obtained a beloved son who would be my choice had I the whole world to select from." They will be married next summer. Parke expecting any day. [Lorenzo's] twin sons [John Redman Coxe Lewis and Lawrence Fielding Lewis].

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Philadelphia, 1841 Box 5, Folder 1841.10.24

Nelly writes that her orphan boys [Charles Angelo and Lawrence Lewis Conrad] were taken from her by their father, for health reasons, but will be returned to her in summer. Parke and children are well. Elizabeth's nephew, Mr. Bordley, his wife and daughter visited.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Spruce Street, Philadelphia, 1835 Box 5, Folder 1835.09.24

Nelly is sure that Angela has told her details of her wedding while she and her new husband Charles Conrad were in Philadelphia. Angela and Charles have arrived safely back at Audley. Expresses her gratitude to Mrs. Gibson for her kindness to the young couple in Philadelphia.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Sweet Springs, Virginia, 1832 Box 5, Folder 1832.08.24

They have been at Bath for [Lorenzo's] ankle and E[ster]s health. Go to Sulpher Spring near Winchester soon. Encountered mutual friends there. "[The Nullifiers] are mad to all intents and purposes, and ought to be supplied with straight waistcoats." Waters at Bath helped Lolen's [Lorenzo's] ankle.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Walnut Street Philadelphia, 1832 Box 5, Folder 1832.10.10

Disappointed Mr. and Mrs. Gibson didn't stop at Woodlawn on their way home from the Springs. Sorry she and Angela couldn't go to Springs with them. They went instead to Bath, Sulpher Spring and Winchester. News from New Orleans [Parke and Butler and family]. She and Angela will be delighted to stay a week with Elizabeth Gibson when in Philadelphia this fall.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Audley, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Walnut Street Philadelphia, 1832 Box 5, Folder 1832.10.30

Fears Lorenzo will go to Philadelphia too late for her and Angela to accompany him. Afraid Mr. Lewis won't pay promised visit to Parke in Louisiana. Mrs. Gibson's nephew arrived and copied picture of Washy [George Washington Lewis]; also does likenesses of Mr. Lewis and herself. News of various friends.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Dunboyne, La., to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Spruce St. between 7th and 8th Sts., Philadelphia, 1833 Box 5, Folder 1833.12.05

Nelly writes of their arrival in Louisiana after 3 weeks trip. Her 2 grandchildren [Edward George Washington Butler and Eleanor Angela Isabella]. Parke buried in domestic chores, her fine mind thrown away here. Description of Mississippi River. Wishes Parke could move east. Angela takes lessons on harp and in French.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Dunboyne, Louisiana, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Spruce Street between 7th and 8th Streets, Philadelphia, 1836 Box 5, Folder 1836.07.27

Nelly is ashamed for not writing since getting to Louisiana. She just arrived at Parke's from New Orleans. She [Nelly] has been very ill and had bad accident. Angela very ill; had premature baby, Angela Lewis Conrad, now 4 months old. Grandson Edward George Washington Butler is 30 miles away at school. she regrets that Ed Butler left the army. Hopes to see Woodlawn and Audley next summer, if they live. Mr. Lewis's gout better in Louisiana.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, New Orleans, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, care of James Gibson Esq., 1840 Box 5, Folder 1840.12.20

Nelly was forced to leave Parke's house because of Butler's insults: his vile treatment of Parke and her unhappiness. Parke "has suffered almost ten years of sorrow and privations of every kind, and for the last six years the most brutal treatment." Butler is mean and selfish. Since Mr. Lewis's death, and he knows he'll get nothing from her, his opinion of her has come out in open. Nelly hopes to take Angela's orphan boys to Audley in Spring.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, 1794/1851

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