To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 26 June 1796
From Betty Washington Lewis
June 26th 1796
My Dear Brother
Your letter of the 27th of April1 I receiv’d and should have answerd it sooner but expecting you in dayly postpon’d writing untill you arriv’d at Mount Vernon, not hearing from you again on Harriots subject, I have been makeing all the enquirey I Could concerning Mr Parks that was in my power I have heard nothing to his disadvantage on the contrary he is respected by all his acquaintance he is A Constant Visitor here and I believe Harriots Affections are plac’d intirely on him, and engag’d so far as this if your consent can be obtaind.
Harriot begs you will pardon her not writing her self but hopes your being fully acquainted with her Sentiments Concerning Mr Parks will be some apology she is not well I believe her anxiety for fear of offending and not gaining your consent has Produc’d this, your long Silence has given her much uneasiness.2
My Dear Brother if you have any Mules for sale and can let me have one I will with pleasure pay you the Price of it I am under the necessity of purchaiseing A Work Nag and prefer A Mule.
Harriot Joines me in love and good Wishes for you and my sister Washington3 and beleive me to be your Affectte Sister
Betty Lewis
ALS, CSmH.
1. Lewis presumably is referring to GW’s letter to her of 7 April, found at GW to George Lewis, same date, n.3. No letter from GW to his sister dated 27 April has been found.
2. GW’s niece Harriot Washington married Andrew Parks on 16 July (see Harriot Washington Parks to GW, 17 July; see also Andrew Parks to GW, 1 and 30 April, and GW to Andrew Parks, 7 April).
3. Lewis means Martha Washington, her sister-in-law.