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A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Will procure glasses for her, but regrets she needs them--post is surest way to send letters--many guests, but has been out little--"Extensive connections and supposed large Fortunes, have their consequent Appendages tho not always of the most agreeable sort."--her goddaughter (Mrs. F.'s child). Autograph letter signed, docketed in another hand. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz Powel."

A.L.S. 6 pages. Congratulations on birth of another [daughter]--reflections on the role of women in educating children, and the education they need--wishes to have spent more time on improving mind than person--"I have not a doubt that the General's visit to Chatham was productive of as much Pleasure to him as to you. I am sorry that you have Reason to think his native Climate does not so well agree with him as ours. In all probability his Destination will be Virginia. and sure I am that his Inclination and Attachments are decidedly for that State. When you see him present my Comps. he is one of my best Friends and Favorites."--family matters--too much rain for grain. Autograph letter signed, laminated, docketed in Mrs. Powel's hand, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L. 1 page. Letter in a humorous vein, chiding him for not writing--sends a book which she once recommended for his perusal--sends him fur gloves because "the Severity of the last Winter may have operated so violently on his Herculean Hands, as to have numbed his fingers," thus preventing writing. Autograph letter, docketed in Mrs. P.'s hand, watermark (GR surmounted by crown and powder horn), written in 3rd person. Name does not appear on original manuscript.

A.L.S. 2 pages. Apologies for delay in executing commission for Mrs. W.--has been ill--nice white fur available, but advises waiting until autumn, because of lateness of season--did he receive letter and pamphlet of the Debates of the [Phila.] Convention?--"As I knew you were a Member of the Virginia Convention I thought it might be agreeable to you to see in how masterly a Manner Mrs. Wilson had treated the Science of Government." Autograph letter signed, integral cover, red seal, watermark (W).Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Powel writes to say she paid James McAlpin's bill for Bushrods black satin robe -- she hopes Mrs. Anne Blackburn Washington's health has improved -- she is glad Bushrod was at the wedding of Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis, and says "I was certain that when Mrs. Washington found the thing inevitable she would act with propriety, indeed from all I can learn she has every Reason to approve her Grand-Daughter's choice." -- Powel agrees with Bushrod on the deplorable state of the Southern roads, especially those of Maryland -- the elopement of Maria Bingham (a child of 15) with a French count was shocking -- shares news of Philadelphia people -- mentions "your excellent Mother's" sorrows [at death of Corbin Washington ?]. Autograph letter signed, retained copy, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

A.L.S. 3 pages. Philadelphia. Regrets that Eliza's insistance on journeying in cold wet weather has caused her suffering illness -- Powel hopes she and her sisters won't let their opposite political views come between them -- discusses Mr. Sergeant and Mr. Hopkinson of Pennsylvania, now in congress -- pleased Eliza resides with Col. [Tobias] Lear and wife [Frances Dandridge] -- recounts "a vague report in circulation here" that she and Mr. Law are to be reconciled for their child's sake -- mentions that is in her 74th year. Autograph letter signed, laminated, watermark (dove of peace). Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel."

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. 3 pages. Retained copy. "Judge Bushrod Washington to whose Mother this letter is addressed very largely won the esteem of my Aunt. I remember him well, as when holding court in Phila. he always dined on Sundays with her. I was always taken there to dine on Sunday too as a child. Thus I remember my father delighted to teaze my aunt by saying Wright's picture of Genl. Washington was badly painted, when she invariably appealed to Judge Washington who always sustained her in asserting it was an admirable likeness." Although she has never met [Mrs. H. Washington,] she writes telling her of the esteem in which she holds her son Bushrod--gives character of Bushrod, uncorrupted despite luxurious atmosphere of Phila.--Bushrod very naive about reading character.Name on original manuscript appears as "Eliz. Powel".

Sends Washington a pamphlet lately out on a political issue--she recommends it as disinterested and sensible--"Some say there is no Cincinnatus in existence; I think there is."

Delayed writing until she could send collars for the young ladies [to correct posture of 3 Custis girls]--depression over sister Byrd's plight--(undertakes management of Col. Byrd's estate)--hopes collars will do--"Those I have sent may be raised by means of the Screw. I have made a little ornament of Ribband, which may be worn over them as a Disguise when ye young Ladies are dressed or go without a Vandike. It is a pity that a fine Form should be spoiled by a Childs not holding herself erect."--sent book to Master [G.W.P.] Custis--sends Martha a morrocco thread case--hopes [Fanny Bassett Washington's] health has improved.