TRANSCRIPT GLC 7530

George Washington.  Autograph letter signed:  Mount Vernon, to Samuel Washington, 1799 September 22.  1 p.

Mount Vernon Sep: 22d. 1799

Dear Sir,

Your letter, announcing the death of my Brother, came to hand last night.– One from Colo. Ball, informing me of that event, arrived the evening before. –

I very sincerely condole with your mother and the family on this occasion. – But as death, in this case; was regular in its approaches; and evident, long before it happened; she, and all of you, must have been prepared for the stroke. – Of course, though painful, it must have fallen much lighter on that account. –

By this event, you have become the Guardian of your mother; and as it were, the father, of your fathers family; – and by care, industry & sobriety will [inserted: endeavour I hope to] merit the appellation of one. –

Your Aunt has been, and still is, much indisposed, but unites in best wishes for yr. mother – self – & family, with your sincere frd. and –

Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington

Mr Saml Washington

Notes: Published in Fitzpatrick, John C.  The Writings of George Washington.  vol. 37:373-374