TRANSCRIPT GLC 4709
George Washington. Autograph letter signed: Mount Vernon,
to Burwell Bassett, 1785 May 23. 2 p.
Mount Vernon, 23d May 1785
Dear Sir,
It would have given me much pleasure to have seen you at
Richmond; and it was part of my original plan to have spent
a few days with you at Eltham whilst I was in the lower parts
of the Country; but an intervention of circumstances not only
put it out of my power to do the latter but would have stopped
my journey to Richmond altogether had not the meeting, the
time, and the place been of my own appointing. -- I left company
at home when I went away who proposed to wait my return --
among them a Mr. Pine, an artist of eminence, came all the
way from Philadelphia on purpose for some materials for an
historical painting which he is about, and for which he was
obliged to stay til I got back; which I did after an absence
of eight days only. --
My Nephew Geo. Aug[ustin]e Washington is just returned from
his peregrination. -- apparently much amended as in his health
but not quite free from the disorder in his Side -- I have
understood that his Addresses to Fanny were made with your
conse & I now [?] learn that he is desirous; and she is
willing, to fulfill the engagement they have entered into;
and that they are applying to you for permission to do so.
It has ever been a maxim with me through life, neither to
promote, nor to prevent a matrimonial connection, unless there
should be something indispensably [2] requiring interference
in the latter. -- I have always considered marriage as the
most interesting event of ones life. -- The foundation of
happiness or misery. To be instrumental therefore in bringing
two people together who are indifferent to each other, &
may soon become objects of disgust, -- or to prevent a union
which is prompted by the affection of the mind, is what I
never could reconcile with reason, & therefore neither
directly, nor indirectly have I ever said a syllable to Fanny,
or George, upon the subject of their intended connection but
as their attachment to each other seems of early growth, warm,
& lasting, it bids fair for happiness. -- If therefore
you have no obection, I think, the sooner it is consummated
the better.
I have just now informed them both (the former through Mrs.
Washington) that it is my wish they should live at Mount Vernon.
--
It is unnecessary I hope to say how happy we should be to
see you, her Brothers, and any of her friends -- who can make
it convenient, and are disposed at this place, on this occasion.
-- All here join in best wishes here for you, and with every
sincere esteem and regard
I am -- Dear Sir
Yr affecte friend and
Obedt Hble Servant
Go: Washington
[Address panel:]
The Honble
Burwell Bassett
at
Eltham
Genl Washington
23 May 1785
Notes: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 28: 151-152
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