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Autograph letter signed with integral address panel. George Washington Parke Custis, Philadelphia to Thomas Law, Federal City. George Washington Parke Custis writes to Law of the pleasure he will have in serving Washington City, which is to be "the pride of future ages" and "the metropolis of America."

Autograph letter signed. George Washington Parke Custis writes William "Billy" Costin at the Bank of Washington. He mentions he expects to go with Lafayette to visit Woodlawn.

A.L.S. 6 pages. Hasn't heard from GWPC in long time--thanks Custis for offering the "Alpha and Omega" flags to the gov't--mentions having seen a "professed original painting" of GWashington at office of the "Albion" supposedly done by Sharples--eyes are a deep hazel instead of "Being the clear blue of the chief"--thinks mistake could have been made in copying--relates incident of Benj. Winthrop saving a portrait of Frederick the Great from destruction at the home of Mr. Monroe (President's son)--exhibition at National Academy of Design features two pictures of George Washington by Stearns--one in his retirement at Mount Vernon and One Death Bed Scene.

A.L.S. 3 pages. Discusses Custis' comments on paintings by Wertmüller and Luetze. Mentions Lossing's desire to annotate and illustrate GWPC's Recollections.

A.L.S. 4 pages. Audley. A short commentary on the weather and season. She then records for her brother a short but graphic description of Houdon's visit to Mt. Vernon and his making GW's Bust. "I wish I could give you all the information you desire in regard to Houdon's visit to Mt. Vernon. I was only six years old at that time, and perhaps have not retained any recollection of Houdon and his visit had I not seen the General as I supposed, dead, and laid out on a large table coverd with a sheet. I was passing the white servants Hall and saw as I thought the corpse of one considered my Father, I went in, and found the General extended on his back on a large table, a sheet over him, except his face, on which Houdon was engaged in putting on plaster to form the cast. Quills were in the nostrills. I was very much alarmed until I was told that it was a bust, a likeness of the General, and would not injure him. This is all I recollect."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Robert Morris on way to Va. and takes portable camera obscura as a gift to G.W.P. Custis [7 yrs. old]--landscapes at Mt. Vernon will be perfectly represented and can be copied--profiles may be taken with it--Mr. Morris will show him how to use it--send her his sister's [Nelly] and Mrs. W.'s profiles. Autograph letter signed, docketed, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L.S. 1 page. To Arlington. Invites him to supper "this evening at 8 oclock." Autograph letter signed, with envelope, watermark (Patent).

A.L.S. 2 pages. Arlington House to Alexandria. He has a full settlement of accts. for articles purchased at sale of G.W.'s effects, all in Judge Washington's handwriting--asks Moore to check his accts. and find how he got debited for large amounts--desires complete settlement of estate. Name on original manuscript appears as "George W. P. Custis." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated.

A.L.S. 1 page. Regrets not having been able to go with K. to Louisville. "Courage was not wanting, but strength was." Date on original catalog card appears [1857] Sept. 4. GWPC died on Oct. 10 of this year.

A.L.S. 4 pages. Arlington House to New York. Congratulations on the completion of his work, and predicts a 2nd edition for it soon -- approves his prospectus of a field book of the Second War of Independence -- has just completed his four Revolutionary Battles and is working on his Magnus opus, Surrender of Yorktown painting -- describes it -- has a new studio fitted up in So. wing, where Mr. Stearns made copy of originals of Col. and Mrs. Washington -- Barnum's new pictorial magazine to rival Harper's--wants pictures in collection [at Arlington] preserved by engravings in his lifetime--would like Harper's to commission Lossing to do this--mentions "Washington in 1772 Mrs. W. in 1759, Mr. Custis by ... Pine in 1785 ... the magnificent picture of Col. Parke by Sir Godfrey Kneller etc etc."--will send him paper on "Levies and Drawing Rooms of the First President." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, postmarked "Alexandria Va., Dec. 30," early 3 cent stamp with George Washington's portrait, laminated. Name on original manuscript appears as "George W. P. Custis."