Third-person ALS, one page, 4.5 x 5.75, February 23, 1799. In full: “General and Mrs. Washington present their compliments to Mr Andw. Ramsay, Mrs. Ramsay and Mr Willm Ramsay and request the favour of their company to dine on Tuesday next, with the couple newly married. Mount Vernon. An answer is requested.” Expertly reinforced in two spots on the reverse and in very good condition, with horizontal folds, edge chipping, moderate toning (heavier at edges), and scattered soiling. Accompanied by the front panel, 4.5 x 3, addressed by Washington to “Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay &c in Alexandria.”
The ‘couple newly married’ consisted of Washington’s granddaughter, Eleanor (Nelly) Parke Custis—who was raised by George and Martha Washington and was part of the First Family while Washington was president in Philadelphia and New York—and her new husband, Lawrence Lewis. Lewis was Washington’s personal secretary at Mount Vernon and fell in love with Nelly, with the couple marrying on February 22, 1799. The Washingtons gave the newlyweds 2,000 acres of the Mount Vernon plantation as well as a soiree, inviting such people as William Ramsay—whose father, the founder of the city of Alexandria, Virginia, served with Washington as a surgeon during the Revolutionary War and became a close friend. A truly historic letter linking the earliest days of the colonies with the man who brought America her independence. Such third-person references from “General Washington” are rare! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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