two or three articles thereof, she is to have them before a division thereof.
"Lastly. I nominate and appoint my said son, General George Washington, executor of this, my will, and as I owe few or no debts, I direct my executor to give no security, nor to appraise my estate; but desire the same may be alloted to my devisees with as little trouble and delay as may be, desiring their acceptance thereof as all the token I now have to give them of my love for them.
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day pf May, 1788. MARY WASHINGTON (Seal)
"Signed, sealed and published in our presence, and signed by us in the presence of said Mary Washington at her desire.
"Witnesses: "JAMES MERCER. "JOSEPH WALKER. "JOHN FERNEYHOUGH."
Mary (Ball) Washington was born in Lancaster County, Virginia, 1707-8, and died at Mt. Vernon, Virginia, August 25, 1789. The very poor educational facilities of the eighteenth century in the Colonies were spoken of in the History, in explanation of the seeming illiteracy of many of the people, especially the females, in signing wills and deeds with her mark, I here, as matter of interest, insert two letters of Mrs. Mary Washington, verbatim, that are a fair illustration of the matter in question:
"DEAR BROTHERS Having soe good an oppertunity by Mr. Frankling I could (not) lett slipe. I enquire by all oppertunity from you & am glad to hear you & my Sister & Mr. Downman & his lady keeps your healths soe well. I some times hear you indend in (to) Virginia once more. I should be proud to See you. I have known a great Deal of trouble sinc I see you but Thear no end to my troble while George was in the Army, butt he has now given it up pray Give my kind Love to my Sister & Cozen Downman & I am Dear Brother your Loving and affectionate sister.
MARY WASHINGTON.
"July the 26, 1759."
(Address on cover.) "To Joseph Ball,Esq; at Stratford by Bow, London."
"DEAR BROTHER:--This comes by Capt. Nickelson you Seem to blam me for no writing to you I doe a shour it is not for wante
Thanks to Catherine Bradford for transcribing this page.
Copyright (c) 1999, 2007 Brian Cragun.