George Washington Papers

To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 7 July 1792

From George Augustine Washington

Sulpher Springs Berkley County [Va.]
10 Miles from my Fathers
July 7th 1792

Honor’d Uncle

I wrote You the 24th Ulto that I had contrary to my fixed resolution of returning to my Mount Vernon in a fortnight been tempted to procrastinate the time—from the flattering hope of benefiting my health,1 which is really so precarious that I am at a loss what to say about it—I am some times for three or four days tantalized with a belief that I am geting better but by the slightest cold (which with all the prudence I can use am very subject to) my indisposition is increasd—not experiencing that advantage which I had flatterd myself with and anxiously wishing to return I had determind t⟨o⟩ do it but have been over rooled by the advise of a Physician in this County whose skill I have confidence in, to delay my return for a short time, and by the effects of this water which he doubted not I should find beneficial, as he did not think my disorder consumptive and if it was should the waters disagree with me I might desist in the use of it—my complaints are complicated, my head which is frequently and severely disorderd is I apprehend either rheumattic or nervous, for which complaints this spring has been found very advantages—I came here yesturday and unless I here some unfavorable accounts from Mt Vernon (which I hope will not be the case) mean to continue a fortnight if I find I am like to benefit from it—I very reluctantly consente⟨d⟩ to a longer absence and nothing short of the desireable object I am in persuit of would tempt me—if I can only regain a tolerable share of health I promise myself much satisfaction from Yours and my Aunts return to Mt Vernon—No conveyance offering immediately to Philadelphia I forward this by a Gentleman to Frederick Town to be put in the Post Office at that place—I feel a constant concern for the health and happiness of Yourself my Aunt & the Children and believe me to be with the most unbounded attachment Your truely affectionate Nephew

Go. A. Washington

I beg my good wishes to be offerd to Mr & Mrs Lear the Gentlemen of Your family my Cousins Geo: & L: Washington.

ALS, ViMtvL.

For the background to George Augustine Washington’s bouts of ill health during the early 1790s and their continuance throughout the summer of 1792, see G. A. Washington to GW, 26 June, source note and note 1.

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