#eleanor parke custis lewis

[romanticism-art-history]

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis by Gilbert Stuart (1755 - 1828)

[nordleuchten]

I regret your disappointment in regard to your letter from Miss Below [?] but I have sustained a greater loss – Oscar Lafayette wrote to me immediately after the death of his father, my faithful friend & brother, giving me all the particulay of that event.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, August 4, 1851

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, 1824 October, A-569.104, Box: 3, Folder: 1824.10.00. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, A-569. Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Accessed June 28, 2023.

This is a heartfelt message from a woman, who just learned of her friend’s death, a man she described as her “faithful friend & brother”. But the following passage and indeed the date of the letter reveal a maybe even more painful component. Georges, Marquis de La Fayette died on November 29, 1849, and Eleanor wrote this letter in August of 1851 – almost three years later. She writes:

I have never received it, nor can it be recovered. & Edmond could not come to see me as he wished to do. He was some days with my children in [illegible] – they were charmed with him – In heart & mind, he resembles entirely his Grandfather & father, in features, a handsome resemblance of his Father. I regret much not seeing him.

This letter, this very important letter, seems to have been lost in the mail. But what this letter also tells us, that Edmond, Georges’ son and La Fayette’s grandson, must have been in America at one point – definitely worth looking into.

On a closing note, I find it quite heartwarming to see how similar in character and looks the La Fayette men appeared, close enough that it was noted by people like Eleanor and her children.

[sporadiceagleheart]

rest in peace to angels up in heaven JonBenét Ramsey, Skylar Annette “Sky” Neese, Semina Halliwell, Olivia Elliott Pratt, Percy Shelley, Shelley Armitage, Lady Elizabeth Pilfold Shelley, Elizabeth Stone Shelley, Lily Peters, Olivia Elliott Pratt, Eleanor Parke “Nelly” Custis Lewis, Elizabeth Short, Nelly Tarszis, Renesmee Rose Ida-Lee Bridges, Renesmee Jane-Ann Grenat, Nellie Bly, Helen “Nellie” Herron Taft,

[topless-towers-of-ilium]

This home was built on a 2000 acre tract given by George Washington to his step-granddaughter Eleanor Parke Custis on the occasion of her marriage to Maj. Lawrence Lewis, who was the son of George's sister Betty (Washington) Lewis.

The architect was Quaker physician William Thornton, who also designed the US Capitol building.

Lewis had hoped to inherit Mount Vernon, but instead Gen. Washington's home place went to Pres. Washington's nephew Bushrod Washington, a founder of the American Colonization Society (an effort to repatriate free blacks to Liberia).

There was a certain rift between Maj. Lewis and his cousin Bushrod, to the point that the Lewises did not invite Bushrod to the family dinner following the funeral of Martha Washington. Bushrod was forced to dine alone in a cabin on the estate. I am pretty sure that my 3rd great grandfather, who knew them both, took Bushrod's side of that quarrel. That is based on the subsequent use of the name Bushrod in our family. We have no "Lawrences" at all.

Woodlawn Plantation, Virginia

[cuntycassandra]

“I am now happy enough to inform that Nelly and my two youngest Girls are recovered from their Illness, my eldest is still afflicted with the Fever & Ague, Nelly begs You will accept Her affectionate regards, and joins with Me in wishing You every Blessing in this Life and Success in Your present Undertaking.”

To: George Washington

From: John ‘Jacky’ Parke Custis

Date: October 7th 1779

Jacky Custis discussing his wife and daughters recovery after they were struck with an illness nearing the end of September. Jacky stayed with his daughters in an attempt to help them recover, but in the process neglected his plantations and found himself behind on the harvest.

In short- devoted dad, my beloved.

[nineteenthcenturyportraits]

Portrait of Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1804, by Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828)

[venicepearl]

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (March 31, 1779 – July 15, 1854), known as Nelly, was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and the step-granddaughter and adopted daughter of George Washington.

[marq-de-laf]

Upon arriving at Mount Vernon in August 1784, Lafayette was delighted to find a group portrait of himself and his family in an honored place in the parlor. He bore a cherished gift from Paris, a Masonic apron that Adrienne had embroidered for the general. Lafayette was instantly entranced by Nelly and Washy. 'The general has adopted them and loves them deeply,' he told his wife. 'It was quite funny when I arrived to see the curious looks on those two small faces who had heard nothing but talk of me the entire day and wanted to see if I looked like my portrait.'

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow, pg. 487

[books0977]

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (Mrs. Lawrence Lewis) (1804). Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828). Oil. National Gallery of Art.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, known as Nelly, was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and the step-granddaughter / adopted daughter of George Washington. On February 22, 1799, Nelly Custis married George Washington's nephew, the widower Lawrence Lewis, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Washingtons' wedding gift was 2,000 acres adjacent to Mount Vernon, on which the Lewises built Woodlawn Plantation.

[humservt]

New episode!

Eleanor Parke Custis (Lewis) to Elizabeth Bordley (Gibson), 14 May 1798

In which rumors are dispelled, patriotic songs are sung, and girls draw on large mustaches with burnt cork.

Join the fabulous Samantha Snyder and I as we discuss a CORKER of a letter from little American Princess Eleanor Pake Custis!

[yr-obedt-cicero]

I've heard about how the Hamilton Boys were taught, but what about their daughters??

A very interesting question, and I can try my best to scrap up everything I know in regards to them; but unfortunately, I can't find much about the girl's of the Hamilton family. As there is little to find about the siblings altogether at all with how little survives — but especially with the girl's, because they would not have had the freedom, like their brothers, to preserve or write anything as large as they did. Especially when Angelica was not in a good mental state for a majority of her life. Nonetheless, I know a bit;

Something worth noting is that in 1790, it appears that some of the Hamilton boys were attending Murdoch's school. The letter that is linked was printed in The NY Daily Advertiser, [September 13, 1790]. And at the bottom there are a list of details for what was taught, a particularly interesting note being that Murdoch was offering privates lessons for girls too;

“As Mr. Murdoch will have a few leisure hours, he proposes to instruct Ladies or Gentlemen, at their own houses, in any of the above branches of learning, or foreigners in the English Language.”

There's no solid evidence claiming that Angelica had any tutorship by Murdoch, but it's a possibility.

In 1793, Angelica - at the age of nine - was taken to Albany alongside her three brothers; Philip, Alexander Jr., and James. So they could stay with their grandparents, and escape the Yellow Fever outbreak — which their parents had contracted while they were in Philadelphia. During this time, Angelica would begin French lessons, that Hamilton supplied her with advice for;

“I was very glad to learn, my dear daughter, that you were going to begin the study of the French language. We hope you will in every respect behave in such a manner as will secure to you the good-will and regard of all those with whom you are. If you happen to displease any of them, be always ready to make a frank apology. But the best way is to act with so much politeness, good manners, and circumspection, as never to have occasion to make any apology.”

(source — Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Hamilton, [November 1793])

Her brothers would eventually return home without her, as she stayed behind to continue her lessons. Also that same year, her aunts; 17 year old Cornelia, and 12 year old Caty; were taking lessons with an Albany tutor. It's unknown if Angelica took lessons with them, or from a family member, but it's worth noting the possibility, as Angelica was clearly studying amongst other girls because Hamilton warns her to remember her manners and be polite as seen above.

Angelica was also said to have been very musically talented, and played the harp and piano. Sometimes with her father joining in song, as James recalls in his memoirs;

“Hamilton's gentle nature rendered his house a joyous one to his children and friends. He accompanied His daughter Angelica when she played and sang the piano.”

(source — Reminiscences of James A. Hamilton)

At the end of the year, Angelica Church, her aunt whom she was named after, promised for her niece that; “Angelica shall have the very best piano that can be made in London, by the person who made her sisters I mean her cousins.”

Angelica would also take dancing lessons twice a week with her close friend, Nelly Custis (Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, she was a granddaughter of Martha Washington and a step-granddaughter and adopted daughter of George Washington), and her younger adopted sister, Frances Antill;

“When Gen. Hamilton was Secretary of the Treasury, and Gen. Washington, President of the United States, they lived opposite to each other in Philadelphia, and the children of the two families were together every day. Mrs. Washington took the Custis children, and Angelica Hamilton, and Fanny Antill, (my mother,) in her carriage to dancing-school twice a week. She stayed with them through the lesson and brought them home.”

(source — The Life of Arthur Tappan, by Lewis Tappan)

She likely knew other common talents for a wealthy young woman like herself, possibly embroidery as her mother seemed to enjoy it. But she did know how to bake;

“Give my love to Angelica & assure [her] that I did not leave her pye out of resentment for her having changed its original destination; but because it was impossible to take it with us without abandonning a basket of Crabs which was sent to my care for Mrs. Rensselaer. It has always been my creed that a lady’s pleasure is of more importance than a Gentleman’s, so the pye gave way to the Crabs. It was a nice question, but after mature reflection I decided in favour of the latter. Perhaps as a Creole I had some sympathy with them.”

(source — Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1801])

The small amount of surviving evidence in regards to Holly's education is Elizabeth briefly mentioning to her father that Holly was attending school at age four;

“Eliza and William go every morning to school, very contented and have their dinner sent to them.”

(source — Elizabeth Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, [1804])

But Holly likely had the basic womanly education of her day, similar to Angelica's.

[neoartemis]

Ann Barry – Gilbert Stuart, 1803/1805

Lady With a Harp: Eliza Ridgely – Thomas Sully, 1818

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (Mrs. Lawrence Lewis) – Gilbert Stuart, 1804

[nordleuchten]

did georges have any friends in america, i know he was trying to stay undercover but since he stayed with the hamiltons a bit he had philip who was in close age, and other kids in the hamilton house that georges could’ve talked to. i’m very interested in georges but I can’t seem to really find anything about his stay in america besides the letters with washington and hamilton♥️

Dear Anon,

thank you for the question. I really like to see all the interest that Georges received lately on this blog!

While it is true that Georges (born December 24, 1779) was quite close in age to Philip Hamilton (born January 22, 1782) I do not believe that were that close. I have never seen any source, letters for example, that suggested that the two were close. Georges stayed only a short time with the Hamilton’s and his and Philip’s friendship therefor would have to develop quickly. I am not an expert on the Hamilton’s, so somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Philip was during this time quite busy with his studies and he and his younger brother Alexander Hamilton jr. only spend the weekends with their family. If I am correct, Georges would have little interaction with the two oldest boys. He himself was busy continuing his studies and was overall in a dark state of mind. Georges, still almost a child, had gone through a series of life-changing events and did not seem to be in the mood to socialize or to find new friends. Even if he forged meaningful connections with the Hamilton children, they did not make him feel better. Hamilton wrote on December 24, 1795 to George Washington:

Young La Fayette appears melancholy and has grown thin. A letter lately received from his mother which speaks of something which she wishes him to mention to you (as I learn from his preceptor) has quickened his sensibility and increased his regret. If I am satisfied that the present state of things is likely to occasion a durable gloom, endangering the health & in some sort the mind of the young man (…).

“From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 24 December 1795,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 19, July 1795 – December 1795, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1973, pp. 514–515.] (06/28/2023)

When Georges came to live with his godfather George Washington, he seemed to have formed a close bond with Elizabeth “Eliza” Parke Custis Law and Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis Lewis. The two sisters were the children of John Parke Custis, Martha Washingtons only surviving son and George Washingtons adopted son. The relationship with Nelly appears to have been especially close.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis wrote on January 26, 1825, to her friend Elizabeth Bordley Gibson:

Georges has had a beautiful engraving of his father, a proof copy of the fine painting, framed for me. I shall bring it home soon – only two were sent from France, the Genl had presented one to Commodore [illegible], & this, George was resolved no one but me should have, & that no one but himself should present it. You may judge how precious it will be to me [paper torn] I know of his family, [paper torn] more attached I feel to them all. [paper torn] [illegible] love George dearly, indeed no one could see him, & listen to him, as we do here, & not love, esteem & respect him. The world are unacquainted with half his excellence & estimable qualities of heart & head – Did I tell you that I had received charming letters from his wife & sisters (…)

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Woodlawn, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Philadelphia, 1825 January 26, A-569.110, Box: 4, Folder: 1825.1.26. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, A-569. Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Accessed June 28, 2023.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis wrote on December 25, 1838, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson:

I am sorry, I have not received the memoirs of Lafayette. I have nor heard for a long time from my dear Brother George.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, Woodlawn, to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, Spruce Street Philadelphia, 1838 December 25, A-569.161, Box: 5, Folder: 1838.12.25. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, A-569. Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Accessed June 28, 2023.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, wrote on August 4, 1851 to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson:

I regret your disappointment in regard to your letter from Miss Below [?] but I have sustained a greater loss – Oscar Lafayette wrote to me immediately after the death of his father, my faithful friend & brother, giving me all the particulay of that event.

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to Elizabeth Bordley Gibson, 1824 October, A-569.104, Box: 3, Folder: 1824.10.00. Elizabeth Bordley Gibson collection, A-569. Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Accessed June 28, 2023.

There are several letters from Nelly, Eliza and Georges in the special collections at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Most of them are from the time of La Fayette’s American Tour of 1824/25 or from later years. But there are also two farewell letters from the time that Georges and his mentor Felix Frestel left the Washingtons. While Eleanor’s letters in particular are mostly digitalized, Georges letters are only published with short summaries or keywords. I therefor mainly focused on Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis’ descriptions of her and Georges’ relationship but all that we have suggests that Georges felt the same.

While he was not a friend Georges made in America, we should not forget Felix Frestel, the man who accompanied Georges to America. Employed as Georges’ tutor prior to the French Revolution, the young man soon surpassed himself in the fulfillment of his duties. What he did for Georges, and indeed the whole family, carried a great personal risk. Once in America, he was Georges’ father, and mother, teacher, mentor, advocate, protector and friend. Georges and his family never forgot what Frestel had done, and the two families remained very close. Georges would later refer to Frestels younger son in a letter to Monsieur Guittére dated April 12, 1832:

(…) a young friend of mine, whom I love as I would love a younger brother.

Archives départementales de Sein-et-Marne - La Fayette, une figure politique et agricole (05/16/2022).

Washington commented in a letter to La Fayette from October 8, 1797:

Mr Frestal has been a true Mentor to George. No Parent could have been more attentive to a favourite Son; and he richly merits all that can be said of his virtues—of his good sense—and of his prudence. Both your son and him carry with them the vows, and regrets of this family, and of all who know them.

“From George Washington to Lafayette, 8 October 1797,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Retirement Series, vol. 1, 4 March 1797 – 30 December 1797, ed. W. W. Abbot. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1998, pp. 390–391.] (06/28/2023)

I hope that helped and I hope you have/had a lovely day!

P.S.: You mentioned that you find it hard to come across information about Georges’ stay in America. A week or so ago I had an ask about some general resources concerning Georges – maybe that was you or maybe you have seen it. If not, you might find this post useful. :-)

[ohhthatssosarella]

John "Jacky" Parke Custis

John "Jacky" Parke Custis was born on November 27, 1754 in White House Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia, British America. His parents were Daniel Parke Custis [1711-1757] and Martha Dandridge [1731-1802]. George Washington [1732-1799] was his step-father. He had three [3] siblings: Daniel Parke Custis Jr. [1751-1754], Frances Parke Custis [1753-1757] and Martha "Patsy" Parke Custis [1756-1773].

In 1774 Jacky married Eleanor Calvert [1757/1758-1811]. Together they had seven [7] children: Unnamed daughter [1775-1775], Elizabeth "Eliza" Parke Custis Law [1776-1831], Martha "Patsy" Parke Custis Peter [1777-1854], Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis Lewis [1779- 1852], Unnamed twin daughters [1780-1780] and George Washington "Wash" Parke Custis [1781-1857].

Jacky died on November 05, 1781 in Eltham Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia, U.S.. The cause of death was "camp fever" (either epidemic typhus or dysentery). He was laid to rest at his family's plot near Queen's Creek in York County, near Williamsburg, Virginia.

[cuntycassandra]

On February 3, 1774, Jacky Custis married Eleanor Calvert at Mount Airy, her father’s estate in Prince George’s County, Maryland. They had six daughters, including the social leaders Elizabeth Parke Custis Law and Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis Lewis, and one son, the writer and orator George Washington Parke Custis. Until late in 1778 Custis and his family divided their time among White House, Mount Vernon, and Mount Airy.

- Jacky’s domestic life after he left King’s College in New York to instead become a planter, politician and a family man. Eliza was definitely one of his favourite children, they were extremely close.

[venicepearl]

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis as painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1804

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (March 31, 1779 – July 15, 1854), known as Nelly, was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and the step-granddaughter and adopted daughter of George Washington.