To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 29 January 1793
From Betty Washington Lewis
[Fredericksburg, Va.] January 29the 1793
My Dear Brother
Your letters of Januy the 6the and 14the of this Month came duly to hand, the enclosed letter to my son Robert met with a speedy conveyance the same day, the other with the Money for Harriot, which I shall see that no part of it shall be laid out but in those things that is really necessary,1 it is unfortunate for her my living in Town for many things that could be wore to the last string in a Cuntry Place, will not do here, where we see so much Company, I must say less would be more agreeable to me.
I must injustice to Harriot say she Payes the strictest regard to the advice I give her and really she is very Ingenious in makeing her Clothes and altering them to the best advantage, your letter of the 6th should have receiv’d an earlier acknowledgment but my haveing business in Town to sell what little Wheat I had made my letter was not sent as I direct’d, I wish Howell to give me some information what it sells for in Philadelphia and if it will rise or fall in the Price2—Harriot desir’s me to thank you for your Kindness to her, and Joins me in returning your Compliment, by wishing you many happy New Years. I am with sincear love to you and my sister Your Affet. Sister
Betty Lewis
ALS, ViMtvL.
1. GW’s letters to Betty Lewis of 6 and 14 Jan. have not been found. GW’s letter to Robert Lewis is dated 6 Jan. 1793 and apparently was enclosed in the former, while the latter contained money for GW’s niece Harriot Washington, whose letter to GW on 5 Jan. had contained a request from Betty Lewis to send money because Harriot wanted “a few thing’s.” For GW’s support of his niece and her residence with Betty Lewis, see Harriot Washington to GW, 5 Jan. 1793, note 1.
2. Betty Lewis’s son Howell Lewis currently was employed as GW’s recording secretary (see GW to Betty Lewis, 8 April 1792, and note 1).