Search

A.L.S. 1 page. Eleanor Custis regrets that she was not at home when Mrs. Wolcott came. She relates that her grandmother [Martha Washington] gave her the present and the lock of hair. She expresses her thanks for them and extends her wishes for the happiness of the Wolcotts. Date on catalog card is c. 1795.

A.L.S. 1 page. La Grange to Woodlawn. "Our travelers" have returned in good health--they received handsome presents she sent--hopes to speak to her in person some day. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, watermarked (Van der Ley), in French.

A.L.S. 1 page. New York. Frestel, the tutor of G.W. Lafayette, writes a friendly, affectionate letter on behalf of himself and George on eve of departure for France -- they send regards to her brother and grand parents. Autograph letter signed, written in French, laminated, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "F. Frestel."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Writing in French, Frestel assures Nelly of his and G.W. Lafayette's affection for her -- they bid farewell to America where they have been received with such kindness -- can add nothing to what Georges has told her -- admonishes her to always remain as she is -- respects to her mother, grandmother and sisters. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, endorsed "recommended to the care of my M. friend George Washington Lafayette" laminated, watermark, in French.

A.L.S. 1 page. To Georgetown. Has lost his second mother, "the mother of the angelic companion of my life ..."--present his excuses to her sister [E.P. Custis Law]. Autograph letter signed, written in French, integral cover, laminated, watermark (dove of peace). Name on original manuscript appears as "G. W. Lafayette."

A.L.S. 1 page. Accompanying letter to a money draft of $205, payable to Lorenzo, "being Virginia's money is the money most in use in the South," Report on his ill health. Name on original manuscript appears as "George W. Custis." Integral cover.

A.L.S. 4 pages. Care of Lorenzo Lewis, Berryville. Writes at E.P.L.'s request to give particulars of [Angela's] illness and death--during her sickness, she talked little and disliked anyone else talking, even a whisper annoyed her--seemed not to consider that she was dying, so made no wishes and left no messages--E.P.L. must not blame herself for not coming in the spring--Angela understood that her father couldn't come and had said she would go to him the next Summer--Angela's children--Mrs. Butler [Parke] had a little boy who lived only a few days. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, redirected to "Arlington House near Alexandria, District of Columbia," laminated, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Hannah Jane."

A.L.S. 2 pages. Woodlawn. Gen. Mason going to Kentucky will carry this letter -- acknowledges payment of $40 -- Warner was with them, mentions his trip to Orleans -- their father [John Lewis] is well -- speaks of Dr. Stuart's land in Mason County, Ky., 5000 acres on Tripletts creek and 9000 on Locust creek -- advertised for sale -- he sends tax money by Gen. Mason -- asks Gabriel Lewis to help Mason -- talks of affairs of the day -- the ship Leander -- General Miranda landed in Spanish America, the province of Caraccas, takes the island of Marquireta, the towns of Camana -- Barcelona on the river Neveri, in full march for the capital of the colony -- this information by Capt. Risbrough from Martinique, Miranda has proclaimed the independence of the province. Concludes with a full 2 page postscript by Nelly, here separately cataloged. Autograph letter signed, with 2 p. additional note by Nelly Custis Lewis, cover marked "Hond by Genl. Tomson Mason, laminated. Name on original manuscript appears as "Lawr. Lewis."

A.L.S. 1 page. Monticello. Lafayette expresses his affection for Nelly and her brother G.W.P. Custis -- and says he share more when he travels near her at the end of the month -- [This letter is also quoted by Nelly in letter of Nov. 22 to Eliz. Bordley Gibson]. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, postmarked "Char. Va. Nov. 10", laminated, red seal with device blurred, watermarks. Name on original manuscript appears as "Lafayette."

A.L.S. 1 page. Lafayette thanks Nelly for her letter and regrets the impossibility of going to Woodlawn to visit before his Virginia visit -- will try to return early, about the 24th and come visit her and bring her to Washington to be there when Lafayette and his party depart. Name on original manuscript appears as "Lafayette."