![WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799), President. Autograph letter signed ("G:o Washington"), to [the merchant John Didsbury in London], Mt. Vernon, Virga, 20 June 1768. 1 full page, 4to, a small rectangle in upper blank margin cut away and mended, otherwise in excellent condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01630_1109_000(102126).jpg?w=1)
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WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799), President. Autograph letter signed ("G:o Washington"), to [the merchant John Didsbury in London], Mt. Vernon, Virga, 20 June 1768. 1 full page, 4to, a small rectangle in upper blank margin cut away and mended, otherwise in excellent condition.
WASHINGTON ORDERS FOOTWEAR FOR HIS FAMILY AND A SERVANT AT MOUNT VERNON. It was Washington's usual practice to order a range of luxury and finished goods from London suppliers, in this case, shoes and boots: "You will please to send me the following shoes and charge them respectively. I have also sent my measure for a pair of light thin Boots for Summer wear which let come with the Shoes. As it will save me the trouble of preparing a fresh measure every time, I shoud [sic] be glad if you woud [sic] keep the measure now sent, by you..."
Then, he carefully specifies the footwear needed for each family member. For himself and Martha Washington, he orders "One pair of Boots as above 4 pr. of neat Shoes for myself...6 pr. of bla. Calli[manca] Pumps for Mrs. W -- n." For his stepson, "Master Custis" Washington requires: "4 pr. neat Pumps...6 pr. of neat and strong Shoes pr. measure sent," plus "4 pr. strong, course, and middl[in]g la[rge] Shoes for his Servant." For Miss Custis, he requests a total of 12 pairs: "4 pr. of Leather Pumps pr. measure sent ...6 pr. bla. Calli[manca]...1 pr. bla. Sattin...1 pr. white...."
He explains a problem with a previous order: "As Mrs. Washington's Shoes (last sent) did not fit her well She now sends her Measure again, and desires I will add that they were made out of bad materials having no last in them...." Washington enclosed this order with another for a variety of goods to the firm of Robert Cary; they were shipped to Washington by Cary and invoiced on 28 September 1768. Published in Papers: Colonial Series, ed. Abbot and Twohig, 8:97-98.
WASHINGTON ORDERS FOOTWEAR FOR HIS FAMILY AND A SERVANT AT MOUNT VERNON. It was Washington's usual practice to order a range of luxury and finished goods from London suppliers, in this case, shoes and boots: "You will please to send me the following shoes and charge them respectively. I have also sent my measure for a pair of light thin Boots for Summer wear which let come with the Shoes. As it will save me the trouble of preparing a fresh measure every time, I shoud [sic] be glad if you woud [sic] keep the measure now sent, by you..."
Then, he carefully specifies the footwear needed for each family member. For himself and Martha Washington, he orders "One pair of Boots as above 4 pr. of neat Shoes for myself...6 pr. of bla. Calli[manca] Pumps for Mrs. W -- n." For his stepson, "Master Custis" Washington requires: "4 pr. neat Pumps...6 pr. of neat and strong Shoes pr. measure sent," plus "4 pr. strong, course, and middl[in]g la[rge] Shoes for his Servant." For Miss Custis, he requests a total of 12 pairs: "4 pr. of Leather Pumps pr. measure sent ...6 pr. bla. Calli[manca]...1 pr. bla. Sattin...1 pr. white...."
He explains a problem with a previous order: "As Mrs. Washington's Shoes (last sent) did not fit her well She now sends her Measure again, and desires I will add that they were made out of bad materials having no last in them...." Washington enclosed this order with another for a variety of goods to the firm of Robert Cary; they were shipped to Washington by Cary and invoiced on 28 September 1768. Published in Papers: Colonial Series, ed. Abbot and Twohig, 8:97-98.