Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-05-15
wASHINGTON,S SWORD.
How 1t Was Bequeathed to a Favorite
hew-WashingtOn's Relations.

To the Editor of The EVENING STAR:
Some of the recent publications have been in
error in describing the manner in which Capt
Lewis became possessed of the Washington
sword, And the names of some of the relatives
of Washington have been omitted.
The children of Col Fielding Lewis, who
married Betty, the only sister OF Washington,
were Fielding, George. Elizabeth, Lawrence,
Robert. and Howell. George Lewis, son of
Col Fielding Lewis. was one of the favorite
nephews of Washington and in his will he be-
queathed him one of his swords. The bequest
was in these words: TO each of my nephews,
William Augustine Washington. George Lewis.
George Steptoe Washington. Bushrod Washing
ton. and Samuel Washington. / give one of the
swords or cuttedUr OF which may die possessed
and they are to ctItSe in the order named.
These swords are accompanied with injunc-
ton not to unsheath them for the purpose of
shedding blood, except it be for self-defense or
In defense OF their country and its rights, and
in the latter case to keep them unsheathed and
prefer falling with them in their hands to the
REIMBURSEMENT thereof"
Major George Lewis was commander Of
Washingtons body guard. and in his arms Gen.
Mercer expired, who fell mortally wounded at
the battle of Princeton. 1Iajor George Lewis.
during his lifetime, gave the sword bequeathed
him to Samuel, his eldest son. Major George
Lewis died in 1921. His children were Samuel.
Mary, and Dangerfield. Mary married the dis
tinguished Col. Byrd Willis of Virginia She
left a numerous progeny, among them Mrs.
Mary Dallas, now living in Washington city,
relict of Commodore Dallas: another daughter
Catherine, who married Prince Achille Murat,
son of Queen Caroline Bonaparte and Murat
the celebrated marshal OF Napoleon and king
of Naples
The children of Samuel Lewis were George
W., Thomas, Eliza, John B., Henry. Mary. who
married John Casey, of Kentucky. brother of
Samuel Casey. treasurer of the United States.
SO long and favorably known in the city OF
Washington, and Catherine
GEORGE W. LEWIS,
the eldest son of Samuel lived in Westmore-
land county, Va; was a distinguished lawyer
and man of rare literary attainments. He fire.
quently represented his district in the legisla-
his district when he died in 1919 His father
Samuel, bequeathed to him in his will the
sword of Washington.
In his early life his younger brother. Henry
Howell Lewis, now of Baltimore. being then in
the navy. and the only military member of the
family. having expressed an earnest desire to
possess the sword of Washington. in a spiri: of
generosity he gave it to him, and afterward by
his last will and testament confirmed the gift
Judge G.. W. Lewis. by his first wife, Jane,
daugher Of Daingerfield Lewis. above mem
toned, had four children. now living: Mss
Louisa Lewis, of Washington. ID. c.; DR.. Thos
NJ Lewis. of Clark county. Va; Il. Byrd Lewis
prominent lawyer of Washington. ID. c.. and
Mrs. o. r. Funston. of Stanton. Va. and by
his second wife. Lucy Robb. he had Mrs. ]. VI.
Long, OF Frederick county, Va. and Miss Alice
Lewis, of the same place.
JAMES T. BRIscoE,