New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-28
The throne and the destinies Of Europe was less
precarious and cphemeral than the event proved
flashing TONS PRIVATE PAPERS AND
LIBRARY.
AN INFORMANT COLLECTION.

To tho Edftor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The minds of autograph fends in America are at
present much exercised over the approaching safe oi
what the auctionecrs term the valuable and ex-
traornary collection Of the eects OF General George
Washington, Officers OF historical Societies. stao
Institutions public libraries and the everhungry oooy
Of collectors are mastering up their war material IN
Tho shane Of ready cash, and the result will prob
ohIv no the realization II valuable prices What
then &c the collection that is making all this excite
mont, In tile proper sense Of the word IL is not
collection at ALL being the personal papers, Iurniture
and books Of the great patriot just as nc leu them
Tho estates to which all these articles belong are
firstly that OF washingon's last surviving executor
Major Lawrence Lewis; secondly, that of his grand
renhcw Lorenzo lewis, and thirdly, that Of Mrs.
Iorsnyo lewis all deceased. AS might be expected
from these names the articles to be sold are OF the
highest interest and their value is enhanced by their
undmbted authenticity CHANGING over the catalogue
one NAV notice the original letters testamentary
granted to washingtOn's executors. Then comes an
interesting and characteristic autograph letter 10
Lawrence Lewis who married Nelly Gusts, Washing
TOMS adopted daughter The General says that 1T is
his intention to will him certain property, lands. otc
and as Mr. Lawrence desires to build house IN tile
neehborhood he Is invited to put II upon part Ut THIS
land The General will in the meantime let IT to MIN
on reasonable hire, 1t being necessary In my OPINION
that Young man should have objects OF employ ment
IdIeness is disreputable under any circumstances
productive of no good even when unaccompanied by
vicious habits, Then, further, he remarks thai
Lewis need not be afraid of building without an alb
sonte title as II in consequence OF misbchavior
whereby he should forfeit the land. Il VIII
agree, and this letter shall bear evidence Oh
it, that II thereafter should find cause to make any
other disposition of the property will pay the actu
cost of such building to you yours-aithoug nave
not the most distant idea that any event VIII happen
that could effect change in present determination
nor any suspicion that you Nelly would conduct
Yourselves in such u manner to incur my serious
displeasurc vet at the same time that am inclined
TO do Justice to others it behoOves me TO take care OF
myself by keeping the staff in my own hands,
letter that is more generally known contains the
prophetic sentence: 81 wish from my soul that the
Legislature of this State could see the policy OF
gradual abolition Of slavery; 1t would prevent hiuoh
future mischief"
This also is to be offered for public competition
Had washington's wish from his "soul' been granted
there might have been 10 bloody Clvil war inscribed
on the pages Of Americas history. other items are
Washjngton's private memorandum books. including
the one In use at the time of his DEATH Inc ehtries
are voluminous and interesting some indeed OF great
yalue in learning at first hand, many personal traits
and foIbles of the Father of his Country In the
same sale is included the famous letter written by
Washington to General Lee in regard TO the capture
and kidnapping Of Benedict Arnold. This shouu anu
doubtless will command q high figure.
The library contains several books with Washngtohs
autograph together with copy OF "Hervy's Med
itations- in which Mary, his mother has written her
name four times. as also in three volumes OF Ihe
Female Spectator volume OF Allan Ramsays poem
I'm which Martha. his wife, has written her name AS
Martha Parke Custis Here are also many volumes
which composed the library of Lawrence Lewis, and
which no doubt rested the book shelves at Mount
Vernon Many of the books bear the delcate
signature of Nelly Gusts, Washngton's adopted
daughter and include numerous volumes OF music,
the score and words in her handwriting, many OF Tue
pieces bearing the mprnts of the earliest New-fork
and Philadelphia music publishers including u
sonata entitled The Battle of Trenton" upon the title
page OF which engraved the rarest portrait OF wash
ington. The other books in the catalogue are from
either the library of Lawrence Lewis, Nelly Gusts or
her son. Lorenzo Lewis. The aucti0neers state:
This will be the last opportunity for the public to
obtain valuable as well interesting mementOs Of
the various members Of the Washington family, as
this catalogue embraces all the relics kept by the
various heirs out of his estate and will be the last
public sale of the effects of General George Washing
ton"
The catalogue a handsome volume, was compiled by
Mr.. S. " Ienkels, of Philadelphia and though brief
In its descriptions is yet thorOugh-an best of all
accurate ~ j. Il.
York, Nov. 26, 1890.