Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-07
wAsHINGroN,s Personal EFFECTS


Rev. Herbert Watson in London News
have just received notice of the death of Or.
Lawrence "A. Washington, grandnephew Of
George Washington, aud his nearest relative.
He has left widow and family in very neces-
sitous circumstances, and have been thinking
whether the admirers of the illustrious general
here in England could not, In a way have to
suggest, help them now. Their Inheritance
consists chiefly Of some historical relics of their
great knsman. which, however interesting to
the family as memorials, can add nothing to
their comfort. These are a suit of clothes in
SILK rep, IN good state Of preservation, worn
by the general at the time of his first Inaugural
ton, the sword worn by him on state occasions,
and the sabre used during the revolutionary
war They possess, besides, fifty letters written
Dy george washington to his brother Samuel
the doctors grandfather. One of them was
written from Valley Forge, and gives vivid
picture OF the sufferings endured by the revo-
lutionists, which have since become matter OF
history: Many of the letters give directions
about his slaves and farm affairs. The family
is DESTROYS of parting with them for an equva-
lent IN money. have In my possession the
last letter written by DR.. Lawrence A. WASH
fngton before his death august 10, 1892, in
when, after enumerating these relics, he adds
. ana being reduced to comparative poverty by
the rebellion, and being Confederate I would
like to dispose of them for a sum that might be
considered something near an equivalent for
such relics. If therefore. you should know of
an association or individual that would like to
possess such relics, please put them in CORE
spondence with me-" The poor man died before
anything further could be done IN the matter
Since then | have received a letter from his
daughter, who is widow and living with her
mother, in which she says my fathers
death has left us in a very unfortunate posi-
ton. l am his youngest child and am
widow. My husband ana father bought the
place we are living in. We had only lived
here three or four months when my hus-
band was thrown from his buggy and killed
My husband was paying for the place by the
month out of his salary. Since then we have
managed to live by strict economy but never
co pay all we owe on our home. We should
like very much to dispose Of the relics that we
have OF Gen. George Washington. so as to be
able to pay what we owe and keep our home
We know that the people of England have a
great veneratOn for the memory Of Washing
ton, and thought perhaps you might know of
some one VINO would like to purchase them"
Such are the facts and history of the case. Some
twenty-five years ago the corporation of Lon
don gave, / think, the fancy price of $500 for
the autograph of William Shakespeare SINH
lar curiosities have fetched equally high prices.
Is there no society or Individual willing now to
pay like tribute to tho memory of the great
and good Gen. Washington, and to assist his
nearest living relatives? Could subscription
be started for the purchase Of these very inter-
esting relics and have them placed in some pub
lie muSellm2