Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-06-21
From III, Pitts Cbro,;.L

are indebted to friend fora copy of the fol-
lowing letter by Gen. Washington. 1t has,
we believe, never been published out of the
well known collection by Sparks. Its candor
of opinion, dignity of sentiment, and sound
sense. are Characteristic, of the man. 1t should
be perused with attention, not only by our
iady-readers, but by young gentlemen, who are
apt TO haste to the wedding" 1t will be
noticed also, that the circumstances of the
patriot and guardian were all i'm vain. Love
i IN ,he olden times as now, being far more po-
tent than prudence:
TO Benedict Caluert.
MOUNT VERNON, April 3, l773.
Dear Sir:-l am now set down to write IN
you ON subject of importance, and of no
small embarrassment to me. NV SON in-law
and ward, Mr.. Custus, has as have been in
formed, paid his addresses to your second
daughter, and having made some progress i'm
her affections, has solicited her in marriage
How far a union Of this sort NAV be agreeable
to you, you best can tell but should think
myself wanting in candor, were not to con.
less, that Miss Nelly's amiable qualities are
acknowledged on all hands, and that an ALI
ance with your family will be pleasing TO his
ms acknowledgment being made YOU must
permit me to add, sir, that at this, or in any
snort time, his youth, inexperience, and unri
pened education, are and will, be insuperable
obstacles IN my opinion, to the completion of
lhe marriage As his guardian, conceive il
my indispensable duty to endeavor to carry
him through regular course of education
lmany branches of which, am sorry To add
he Is totally deficient in) and to guard his vontb
TO a more advanced age, before am event. ON
winch ms own peace and the happiness of am
0ther are to depend, takes place. Not that I
nave any doubt OF the warmth of his affections
nor, nope may add, any fears of change
III mem; but at present do not conceive that
ne Is capable of bestowing that attention to
'he Important consequences of the married
STATE, winch is necessary to be given by those
VINO are about to enter into il, and, of course.
am unwilling he should do it until he is. If
lhe affection which they have avowed for each
otier, is fixed upon a solid basis, il will re-
CeiVe no dlminution i'm the course of two or
,nrce years, IN which time he may prosecute
ms studies, and thereby render himself more
deserving OF the lady, and useful to society. If
unfortunately, as they are both young, there
SHOULD DE an abatement of affection on either
sue OF Dotl, II had better precede than follow
marriage.
Delivering my sentiments thus freely will
not, hope, lead you into the belief that | am
anxious OF breaking of the match To post
Pohe II, rs all have in view; for | shall recon-
mend to the young gentleman, with the
warmth that becomes a man of honor. (no,
outstanding lac did not vouchsate 10 consul,
either his mother or me OH the OCCASION IN
consider himself as much engaged to your
daughter, as II the indssoluble knot were lied.
and as the surest means of eilccting this to
Apply himself closely to his studies, (and i'm
ms advice ! Halter myself you will join me }
Dy winch ne Will IN great measure. avoid
,nose niue ilirtatlons with other young ladies
'nat may ny dividing the attention, contribute
not little to divide the affection.
IL may be expected of me perhaps. TO cav
something ol property; but to descend 10 mar.
licuidrs at this time, must seem rather prena-
lure In general, therefore, shall inform Won
nat Mr.. Custls estate consists of about fifteen
thousand acres OF land, good part oft adioin- |
ng the city of Williamsburg and none of !, |
o!ty miles from that place; several lots in fine |
'dlu city; between two and three hundred ne |
,rocs, and about eight or ten thousand ponnJs |
llpoon bond, and in the hands. his merchants
ms estate ne now holds. independent of hi.
mother dover, which will be am addition ,o
i at her death; and upon the whole. il is such
w estate as you will readily acknovIedoe
'ugiit 10 entitle him to handsome norton
>, ith wiie. But as should never reou;,e
mia oil my own to make sacrifice ofbimsclf
o interest, so neither do think il incumbent
~ me to recommend il as guardian
AZ all time when YOU Mr. Cstvor, y, a..
.oung ladies. can make il conven;on, 60 G. wy, w.
T. WIN Nsi'' VIC shall be harry in seeing