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Start Over Names Peters, Richard, 1744-1828

Bushrod Washington family papers, 1662/1835 1.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829

The Bushrod Washington Family Papers consist of documents gathered by the descendants of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The collection comprises an assortment of correspondence and legal documents documenting the lives and property ownership of several branches of the Washington family. The collection is organized into five series: Correspondence, Legal Documents, Social, Miscellaneous, and Indenture Notices (Land Deeds).

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933 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, Bushrod Washington to Judge Richard Peters, 1804 Box 39, Folder 1804.05.21

A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Bushrod writes that he is convinced the fire at Mt. Vernon was set by an incendiary, but he knows not whom to suspect -- he can impute no motive to any of his "domestics," all of whom exerted themselves to extinguish the fire -- still, great damage was done -- Mrs. Washington's health was impaired by the alarm, though she is recovering. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed, postmarked "Alexa May 22," watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Bush. Washington". [It is thought the fire may have endangered the mansion].

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 39, 1804/1805

Letter, Bushrod Washington to Richard Peters, 1803 Box 38, Folder 1803.09.25

A.L.S. 1 page. Mount Vernon. Yellow fever in Alexandria has delayed Bushrods answer --now the "prevailing disorder" (likely also yellow fever) in Philadelphia has convinced Bushrod that no good could result from trying to carry on business -- he writes that the request of the gentlemen of the bar, confirmed by Peters, is agreeable, so he requests Peters to attend if he safely can and to adjourn the Court to the next term. Autograph letter signed, docketed, postmarked "George Col. Sept. 26," integral cover, laminated.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 38, 1802/1804

Letter, Bushrod Washington to Richard Peters, 1813 Box 43, Folder 1813.07.19

The letter addresses several legal questions to Peters and ends with the admonition that the British fleet is expected hourly and "will do great mischief should these ships pass the fort" (Fort Washington) where "the Adams (a vessel), some gunboats and about 2000 men" are understood to be stationed.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 43, 1811/1813

Letter, Richard Peters to Bushrod Washington, 1822 Box 48, Folder 1822.05.24

A.L.S. 2 pages. Belmont. Discussion of slavery: "Some Legalized Kidnappers might be usefully employed in scouring our State of all your fugitive slaves; and if you could colonize all the sooty race, nothing better could be done." Peters is angered at the abolitionists, those "antiflagellating benevolents". Finally, Peters hopes Washington regains his health, "so that you may be strong, and work hard on your colonization Scheme; so that all [the slaves] may be returned to the happy regions of their forefathers..." Mentions Bushrod's "malady," lamenting that "your appetite was often your worst enemy; and its indulgence in improper gratifications has often nourished, in place of destroying your disease... I once knew a hardy Scotchman killed, when convalescent and recovering from a bilious complaint, by gratifying his appetitite in the treat of a boiled scotch herring." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 48, 1822/1823

Letter, Richard Peters to Bushrod Washington, 1824 Box 49, Folder 1824.02.22

A.L.S. 1 page. Belmont. A discussion of a legal case, Penn vs. Cline, and Peters' opinion on land speculators. Written on the anniversary of GW's birth, Peters relates that "This day brings into my mind many old recollections, both painful and pleasant" and that he is going into Philadelphia to celebrate the birthday. Autograph letter signed, integral cover, docketed.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 49, 1823/1824

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