Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Burwell Bassett
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04709 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 May 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30.7 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions that he would have enjoyed seeing him at Richmond if it had been possible. Remarks that an artist, Mr. Pine, was at Mount Vernon and had to wait for him to return to do his historical painting. Comments on the engagement of his nephew, George Augustine Washington to Fanny [Frances] Bassett, Burrell Bassett's daughter. Expresses his views on marriage, "I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of ones life. -- The foundation of happiness or misery." States that he does not believe in promoting or preventing a marriage unless it absolutely requires interference. Believes George Augustine and Fanny should marry, " ... as their attachment to each other seems of early growth, warm, & lasting, it bids for happiness." Advises that he has asked them to live at Mount Vernon. Invites anyone in Bassett's family to visit.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.