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

Encloses $15 to pay Mrs. Carver and balance on shoes. Insists it wasn't her fault she ordered wrong size shoes. Parke at Van Ness's at wedding festivities. She will visit Aunt Peter if they have returned to Georgetown yet. Peter family stay much at Oakland, 20 miles from town, "a very dismal place ..." Describes Angela's affectionate disposition. Nelly can never send another daughter to boarding school. Still laments death of Agnes, "I trust she is in the Bosom of her Saviour and her God." Includes a poem she wrote recently "A faint tribute from a devoted Mother to the memory of a dutiful, affecte and faultless Child--E A F Lewis died Oct. 28th 1820, aged 15 years" dated December 8, 1821. Sympathizes with Maj. and Mrs. Jackson who recently lost a daughter of their own. Still prefers William Camac as a son-in-law over anyone else she knows. Wishes he would come to Washington now and see Parke. Lorenzo wishes her to visit him in College. Her "adopted Son" Maj. Vandeventer. Requests 6 brushes for velvet painting. Inquires after Philadelphia friends.

Uncle Calvert forgot to send for the shoes. Parke still in Washington with Mrs. Van Ness. She and Parke will visit sister Peter and then return home. Send gold binding. She is making toilet boxes with painted velvet tops for daughters. Friends of youth visiting. Angela has been sick.

Nelly writes that she has received the shoes and they fit very well. She goes to Washington next week. Requests veining velvet brushes and gold bordering. Assures Elizabeth that Maj. Vandeventer has been Parke's lover, but has been rejected and is now courting another lady. Nelly had given her "entire consent to gain Parke if he could." He will always remain her "adopted son." Parke is in tip top spirits. Attending many city parties. They will return home in 2-3 weeks.

Nelly has received the velvet brushes and binding. Requests sheets of several colors of morocco paper; also two pair of handsomest screen handles. Parke with Mrs. Van Ness in Washington still. Wolfe Tone, son of Irish patriot. Went to a drawing room, "the first I have been at since The Genl was President." "The royal family" [Pres. Monroe and family] attentive and gracious. Attended Madame de Neuvilles, where were number of Indians, who were amused at the dancing. Gossip about Mrs. Greenleaf "who was painted up to the eyes." Visit at Tudor Place. America Peter's parents and brothers don't indulge her taste for society. Afraid of another attack as bad as last year's if she stays in Virginia this summer. Mentions Philadelphia people. Wishes Gibsons to visit when and if Parke is married, but don't wait for "uncertain event." Have Elizabeth's woodbines survived the winter? Wishes Elizabeth to inquire of a particular shopkeeper for saucers of carmine velvet colour.

Nelly has received the articles she ordered, including morocco paper and screen handles. Judge Washington will bring canton crape to be dyed. Prefers things done in Philadelphia. "They understand, and execute, matters of taste, far better in your city" than in the district. Mrs. Lee and Anne--Mrs. Bernard Carter [Miss Lee]. Mr. Politica and Baron Mattitz will soon pay a visit. Mr. Poinset sent Parke Spanish books, "I like him extremely." Francis C. Gray, son of "the rich Gray of Salem." Parke has returned home "heart whole." Nelly shares her dreams and hopes for children's welfare. Talks of moving to Philadelphia, but returning to Woodlawn every May as it looks best then, "are not these charming castles, shall I ever live to realize them?" Recounts a startling dream she had last summer. Sorrows of being a mother. Says she sometimes wonders whether they buried Agnes too soon, whether she might have revived. Fears they will all be sick if they stay in Virginia for the summer. Dined with Gen. Macomb and family.

Nelly says that she hasn't heard from E. Gibson [in months]. Requests some saucers and more velvet paints and binding. She is disappointed E. Mifflin can't come to Woodlawn while in Riverdale, guests from Carolina prevent Nelly from going to Riverdale. Mr. Duffie, "the finest genius of the age," expected to visit. Hopes to go to Saratoga this summer.

Nelly is gratified at receiving long letter from her. Judge Henry Johnson, Senator from Louisiana, carries her reply letter. Further order for screen handles, velvet paint brushes, gilt frames and "1 1/2 yds best, finest and thickest white cotton velvet." "If I impose upon you with my commissions do not hesitate to say so." Mr. Poinsett "is not a coquette." Nelly hopes to go to Saratoga or Schooleys Mountain. Mr. Duffie is single and said to be attached to a woman in Baltimore.

Nelly briefly describes Judge Johnson, Senator from Louisiana, who carried her letter of the day before to Elizabeth. Requests gilt purse clasps, velvet paints. Regrets the Gibsons were unable to come to Woodlawn, and that her own travel plans are uncertain. Mentions Philadelphia friends including Bishop White and Mrs. Robert Morris. Nelly's sister Eliza P. Custis Law suffers severely from a liver "affection." Mary Fitzhugh Custis and daughter Mary Randolph Custis have been ill. Gives various remedies for E. Gibson's headaches and sore eyes. Gives description and drawing of woodbine flower. Multiflora roses cover a wing of Woodlawn.

Having returned home from her trip, Nelly writes as promised to let Elizabeth know of their arrival home. Returned by way of Druid Hill and Arlington. Her poor sister [Eliza P. Custis Law] bears up well under her affliction [refers to death of daughter Eliza Law Rogers]. Mary Fitzhugh Custis is improved but delicate. Nelly says her own health was not greatly improved by her tour. Inquires price of hair mattresses and dimity bed curtains. Begs Elizabeth to pay her a visit next spring. Nelly sends her a box of woodbine. In 30 months 8 of her nearest connections have died. She has placed engraving of Gen. Cotesworth Pinckney "between the Genl and Grandmama."

Nelly begins by apologizing for earlier having written only of herself, and not her children. Lorenzo hunts deer. He will be 19 on Wednesday. He is anxious to be a musician, and while Nelly wants him to be "a minstrel" playing harp, he tends toward violin. Parke will be 23 on the "27th next," and is still fancy free. Will inform her as soon as Parke is to be married. Mentions various friends. Parke will never marry Major Vandeventer.