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Start Over Names Bassett, Burwell, -1793

George Washington collection approx. 25 Linear Feet

Washington, George, 1732-1799

This collection contains letters to and from George Washington that have been aquired by the MVLA since 1858. For more information, see content note for individal items. The collection grows organically as new items are acquired.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Historic manuscript collection approx. 60 Linear Feet

This collection of historic manuscripts dates from 1607-1933, with the bulk of materials dating from 1738-1868. The correspondence, journals and diaries, legal and financial records, estate documents, and printed ephemera in the collection primarily relate to the Washington and Custis families, the Revolutionary War, and society life in antebellum Washington D.C. and Virginia.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Letter, Fanny Bassett Washington to Burwell Bassett Box 19, Folder 1790.09.21

A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Sends letter by Dr. Stuart who is on way to Williamsburg -- President and Mrs. Washington have been home 10 days -- George Washington "looks better than I expected to see him, but still there are traces in his countinance of His two last severe illnesses, which I fear will never wear off." -- they stay until middle of November -- little son has been ill. Date on letter appears to be 1791, but internal and external evidence confirm 1790 as date of composition. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, laminated, mistakenly dated in heading 1791, watermarks. Name on original manuscript appears as "Frances Washington." Date on original catalog card appears [1790] Sept. 21.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 19

Letter, George Washington to Burwell Bassett (copy) Box 2, Folder 1762.08.28

Copy. Endorsed at top, "Copy of a letter in possession of Mrs. G.W. Bassett of Hanover Co., Va. being one, of only two letters, in which Genl. Washington was known to indulge in humor"."Not in Writings". Name on original manuscript appears as "G. Washington". Letter in a humorous vein congratulating the Bassetts on the birth of another child,--comments on church-going--chides him humorously for not attending church, "Could you but behold with what religious zeal I hye me to Church on every Lords day ..."--state of tobacco crop.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 2

Letter, to Burwell Bassett Box 2, Folder 1773.06.20

"It is an easier matter to conceive than to describe, the distress of this family; especially that of the unhappy parent of our dear Patsy Custis, when I inform you that yesterday removed the sweet Innocent girl into a more happy and peaceful abode than any she has met with in the affected path she hitherto has trod."

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection
  3. Series 1. From George Washington

Letter, to Burwell Bassett Box 2, Folder 1775.06.19

Written from Philadelphia on June 19, 1775, George Washington announced to Burwell Bassett (Martha's brother-in-law) that he has just been unanimously elected by the colonies as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington eloquently expressed, "I am now Imbarkd on a tempestuous Ocean from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbor is to be found." He had humbly accepted this responsibility and stated, "I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause - close attention in the prosecution of it - and the strictest Integrety." Washington concluded by expressing his concerns for Martha's loneliness during his absence.
  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. George Washington collection
  3. Series 1. From George Washington

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