Beschreibung:

WASHINGTON, George] WASHINGTON, George. Autograph wrapper labeled: "Papers--Mercer Respecting Lands in Frederick County," n.p., n.d. 1 p., 4to . [ with :] WASHINGTON, Bushrod. Four ALS ("Bushrod Washington" or "Bush. Washington"), to various recipients, 8 January 1803 to 29 April 1828. Together 9 pp., 4to, one letter silked . [ With :] WASHINGTON, Anne. 2 AMS ("Ann Washington") and autograph notes by an unknown Washington descendant. Together approximately 25 pages, 4to . A PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON'S CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY BY HIS NEPHEW An interesting batch of correspondence from George Washington's descendants, including an autograph poem by Ann Washington ("The Soldier's Medley"), complaints from Bushrod Washington about his workload on the Supreme Court and, in the 29 July 1818 letter to William P. Lunell, Bushrod's lengthy, insightful portrait of his illustrious uncle: "The exalted character which you have had the goodness to attribute to Genl. Washington cannot fail to gratify a relative who venerates his memory, and who knows how much he merited all that you have said of him. He was contemplative without the appearance of abstraction--reserved, without being austere, & taciturn, apparently from a desire to hear the sentiments of others rather than to express his own. These traits, accompanied by a native dignity of character by which he was remarkably distinguished, forbid every thing like familiarity even from his nearest relations, to whom he was nevertheless, always kind & affectionate. I never witnessed an act of levity committed in his presence by any person, nor did I ever hear opinions sported before him which were offensive to morality, religion or good manners. " While General Washington was reputed to be "high-tempered" his nephew never saw an example of its expression, "so entirely had he subdued every unruly passion." He speaks of the President's great diligence and work habits: "He could get through more business in the course of a year than any man I ever knew," he promptly answered his voluminous correspondence, and even while President attended to some of the business of Mount Vernon while leaving much else in the hands of his overseers and managers. "All this was effected by an unvarying system which regulated his whole life; & by retiring early to bed & leaving it at the dawn of day." Together 8 items . (8)