Description:

Richard Henry Lee ALS to Hannah Bushrod Washington Re: Clothing Purchases

An autograph letter signed from Richard Henry Lee to Hannah Bushrod Washington (1738-1801), the widow of George Washington's brother, John Augustine Washington (1736-1787). One page of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 9.25", Chantilly, Virginia, dated January 28, 1791. Signed "Richard Henry Lee", the letter discusses purchasing various trims and clothing materials on behalf of Hannah. Lee also inquires after the health of her two grandsons, Richard Henry Lee Washington and John Augustine Washington. With flattened mail folds. Light toning to paper and faint foxing. There are some repairs made to the address page from where a small hole was made when opening wax seal, repaired with tape. Pencil notations to docket. Boldly signed by Lee. The letter is accompanied by a 7" x 10.25" engraved portrait of Lee after a painting by Alonzo Chappel published by Johnson Fry & Company, New York, 1861.

In full:

"My dear Madam, I am just now favored with your letter of the 26th instant, and you may be assured that I will attend with great care to your desires, which always amount to commands with me. When Molly [Lee's daughter Mary "Molly" Lee] returns from the Court-house where she is gone to buy ribbons, I will apply to her for the sample you mention to guide me in the color of the satin. The 6 dollars have been delivered, and the stays for Col. [William Augustine] Washington shall be procured. I am always pleased to know that our dear little Richard is well - I hope he will recover as good health as his brother John now enjoys. I assure you my dear Madam that it adds greatly to my happiness to understand that the Walnut Farm family are to remain at that place. I beg leave to return you my sincere thanks for your obliging wishes in my favors and returning every wish for your health and happiness. I am dear Madam, your affectionate friend, Richard Henry Lee."

Richard Henry Lee's daughter Hannah Lee was married to Bushrod Washington's son, Corbin Washington. Colonel William Augustine Washington (1757-1810) was married to Jane "Jenny" Washington, the daughter of John Augustine Washington and Hannah Bushrod. Not to be confused with his cousin, Col. William Washington, this William Washington served as captain in the Westmoreland County militia, protecting the county from offshore British forces. In the late 1880s he was promoted to Colonel of the Westmoreland County militia and also served at the Westmoreland County sheriff from 1784-1786. Male corsets (or stays) were used in the army (especially among the cavalry), for hunting, and for strenuous exercise. Thomas John Chew, who was USS Constitution’s purser during the War of 1812, is known to have worn them on the high seas.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 10, 2024 10:30 AM EST
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University Archives

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