The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-12-12

course of ten days he will have the plenaur
OF seeing you. He requests me to adyis
yan that he has ordered q draft on you II
favor of our mutual friend sly FIR Zoo
bacco." 4
Foremost on the list Of tho relics 0
WASHINGTON is an attestsd copy Of the gan
eraVx will, written on twent.-nine pages ui
lettsr-cap, twenty.eight Of which bear the
signature of General Washington. To thu
will IL appended HE schedule OF nropert,
oomprohendeu in the will, on twenty pages
the last pags of which bears the signature
of Washington. Tho will is dated July Q.
1880, and the schedule tx dated Monn,
Vernon, July 8, 1893. This interesting relic
is said to be q verbatim coy frola tae
original will, now on record at Fairfax
Court House, Va, which is all in the hasd-
writing of Washington. :
Tbs copy was found among the papers OF
Judge Busarod Washington, who was the
active executor of the estate of General
Washington aud is supposed to have been
for the use of HIS executors. Last April
this will was sold for Sl,400 TO n we'll
known Now York dealer in auto
graphs, who, after the sale, was
doubtful as to the sisnaturea having been
written by Washington. Consequently he re-
turned tho document. Tbs owne Ihonaas
d. Washington, having inherited the will
in n direct line from Washington, and hay
ing every reason for believing the signa-
tures genuine, only therefore consented to
take it back if the dsalsr would also con
sent to r%elinquish his claim to Gea. Wash
ipgton's violin, about which there was no
question, and which he had purchased at
the same time. This he Reluctantly con-
oluded to do. Consequently relia hunters
will have another opportunity of bidding
on an instrument upon which Glen. Wash
ipeton frequently performed.
III itself the violin ia of considerable
value, being old and having n remarkably
fine tone. The makers name is inside:
''JacobIs Steiner, i'll atsam prope Dempos-
itum, 1876"
Among the other objects of intsrest are
two silver-plSted wine coasters which once
belonged to Washington. It is said that
the general possessed only fou of these
coasters, which were used on his table dur
his presidency and aftorward at Mount
Vernon. They are of antique pattern, but
quite pretty.
An old silver-plated snutfsr tray of Eng
make is among this group OF relics.
This old tray, it is said, was ussd by Wash
in sealing lsttors. and some of the
adherss to the edge.
Like most men of his time Washington
did not despise a good glass of wine or
punch. This is we'll known. II 10, there
fore, not surprising to find an old English
rose-cut punch glass and also q wine glass
u tiS sEA0 tubiCIh, VsA VI AAS A4A.
is ready to certify belonged to and
we're used by Washington.
Some time since the United States gov
purchased from the Lewis family
set of blue and white Canton china which
sas used by Washington during his presi-
and afterwards at Mount Vernon, as
memsnto, the family preserving one plate
of the set. but this will now be sold and
likely secured by Uncle Sam.
There are two old engravings in this col
.ection, one representing the battle of
Hill and the death of Warren, and
he death of Montgomery. These prints
we're favorites of Washington and were in
!erited from him by Lawrence Lewis. The
owned two of each of the above
and the other set was bequeathed to
Washington. This set is also in
1istence, although very much damaged
nd worm-eaten.
An object to interest the fair sex in gen.
raj is a neat little needle-book made by
Iellie Custis. This book is truly a beauti- !
al specimen of Miss Nellie's handiwork. .
he outside OF each cover is lnlaid with a .
iece of the silk dress worn by Martha
Washington at the last Inauguration OF her
On the inside of one cover is at +
ached the needle-cushion and cover. I
Probably the choicest relic of President
Taylor and Nellie Gusts to be
ound is ar exceedingly we'll painted por-
RAFT of President Taylor in a little black
frame.