THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
WASHINGTON, Bushrod (1762-1829), Chief Justice, nephew of first President. Autograph letter signed ("Bushrod Washington") TO TOBIAS LEAR (1762-1816), former personal secretary to George Washington, Walnut Farm, 13 June 1800. 1¼ pages, 4to, integral address leaf in Bushrod's hand, neatly silked.
Details
WASHINGTON, Bushrod (1762-1829), Chief Justice, nephew of first President. Autograph letter signed ("Bushrod Washington") TO TOBIAS LEAR (1762-1816), former personal secretary to George Washington, Walnut Farm, 13 June 1800. 1¼ pages, 4to, integral address leaf in Bushrod's hand, neatly silked.
PLANNING FOR JOHN MARSHALL'S AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. Bushrod, executor of the estate of the late President and principal heir to Mount Vernon, describes his role in the selection of an author for a planned official biography of his illustrious uncle. Bushrod asks Lear to forward two letters, then adds: "I cannot help thinking that Genl. Marshall may be induced to undertake the writing of the history [biography], and I write to him upon the subject by this post. I shall also write respecting those other gentlemen of whom we were speaking. I am extremely anxious to see this work commenced & finished as well upon your account as my own...But, as pecuniary considerations are less operative with me than many others, I cannot be otherwise than very nice in selecting a proper person to be the author. As soon as I hear from the gentlemen & have made a decision respecting them I will inform you...Present me affectionately to my aunt [Martha Washington] & the family..."
As Bushrod had custody of Washington's voluminous papers, he was able to designate the official biographer. Bushrod had long known Marshall, a staunch Federalist, named Chief Justice in the waning weeks of the Adams administration. Marshall, of course, accepted the offer to become Washington's biographer, and after several year's work published The Life of George Washington 5 volumes, 1804-1807.
PLANNING FOR JOHN MARSHALL'S AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. Bushrod, executor of the estate of the late President and principal heir to Mount Vernon, describes his role in the selection of an author for a planned official biography of his illustrious uncle. Bushrod asks Lear to forward two letters, then adds: "I cannot help thinking that Genl. Marshall may be induced to undertake the writing of the history [biography], and I write to him upon the subject by this post. I shall also write respecting those other gentlemen of whom we were speaking. I am extremely anxious to see this work commenced & finished as well upon your account as my own...But, as pecuniary considerations are less operative with me than many others, I cannot be otherwise than very nice in selecting a proper person to be the author. As soon as I hear from the gentlemen & have made a decision respecting them I will inform you...Present me affectionately to my aunt [Martha Washington] & the family..."
As Bushrod had custody of Washington's voluminous papers, he was able to designate the official biographer. Bushrod had long known Marshall, a staunch Federalist, named Chief Justice in the waning weeks of the Adams administration. Marshall, of course, accepted the offer to become Washington's biographer, and after several year's work published The Life of George Washington 5 volumes, 1804-1807.