Martha Washington was the first First Lady of the United States, advising her husband George throughout both his military and political career. An adept businesswoman, Martha ran the five plantations owned by her first husband, Daniel Custis, after his untimely death. During Washington’s time as president, Martha hosted, organized, and ran many affairs of state from the temporary capitals of Philadelphia and New York City. She passed away in 1802, some two years after the death of her husband.

     In 1794, Martha wrote this letter, addressed to her sister, Elizabeth Aylet Henley. This warm, affectionate letter was written from Mount Vernon, following the President and First Lady’s several months of residence in Germantown and Philadelphia, during which the President was occupied in dealing with the crisis of the Whiskey Rebellion. The letter reads: “My Dear Sister, Mr. Maddison (sic) (The “Maddison” that was referenced in this letter was James Madison, who would become the 4th President of the United States in 1809 and was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 15th District of Virginia when this letter was written) called on the Pres(ident) which affords me an opportunity to send the enclosed to you, and your daughter, and to tell you that I am greatly disappointed at not seeing you as I had promised myself that pleasure, and looked forward for the time of your coming with impatience. I dare say my dear Betsy you have good reason for not coming. I hope you have recovered your health. I shall be glad to hear from you. I expect to live (leave) the (place) for Philadelphia about the 13th of October. As it is probable that we shall never meet in this world you have my prayers for this world & blessing. All here join me in love and good wishes to you and all with you. Mr. Maddison is waiting, so I must give you fare well – fare well my dear Betsy, and believe me your ever affectionate M. Washington” . The President was conferring with “Mr. Maddison” in the next room.

     Of the eight children of John Dandridge and Frances Jones, Martha and Elizabeth were the only survivors by 1794. George Washington was the President in 1794, as he served from 1789 to 1797 in the highest office in the land. Martha was in Mount Vernon, the ancestral home of the Washington’s, when she wrote this letter. It is two sided, and written on roughly 9 x 7 inch paper. Martha signed the reverse side of the page in the same black ink used to write the rest of the letter. This letter comes in a red leather book with “Martha Washington / Holograph Letter / Mount Vernon Sept. 24, 1794” printed on the front in gold letters. Pictures of both Martha and George Washington are included in this book. This item comes with a full LOA from JSA (Z56897).

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