There is a long involved story about my relative Andrew Parks and how he came to marry Harriet Washington -- the niece of the first President of the United States George Washington in 1796. At age 23 Andrew was required by social protocol to ask permission of President George Washington for the hand of Harriet Washington in marriage. This was accomplished in an exchange of letters in the spring of 1796. I have shown the letters below relating to Andrew and Harriet because of their writing style and the various examples of salutation and valediction -- shown in bold.
- Andrew Parks to George Washington April 1 1796
Fredericksburg 1st April 1796
Sir,
Although entirely unknown to you circumstances relative to your niece Miss Harriot Washington and myself make it necessary for me to trouble you with a letter and to give you an introduction of what has occurred between us; I have made my addresses to her and she has referred me to you whose consent I am to acquire or her objection to a union with me. I was assured insuperable, having therefore no hope of possessing her until I should be so fortunate as to obtain your assent and as my happiness measurably depends upon your determination, I shall endeavor by stating to you my situation and prospects in life to merit and induce your approbation, yet they are such as I fear will not much conduce to your favorable decision. I have lived in Fredericksburg for more than three years, my connections generally reside in Baltimore and are mostly rich. I am engaged here in the mercantile businesses and concerned therin with my brother in law Mr. McElderry of Balt., my fortune at present does not much exceeds three thousand pounds but with industry and economy I have every expectation of rapidly improving my condition in that respect. To enter into a detail of my family I suppose won't be necessary, however, I shall be in Balt. a few weeks hence and if in the interim you should propose an objection to me I will take the liberty of writing to you again and give you a more particular account of my self and friends when it is probable my pecuniary situation may be meliorated. The enclosed letter from Mrs. Lewis I solicited to write and say something to you concerning me.
I am with infinite respect
Your most humble and obedient servant
Andrew Parks
- From George Washington to Andrew Parks, 7 April 1796
Philadelphia 7th April 1796
Sir
your letter of the first instt has been duly received. The subject on which it is written is a serious one, and it shall meet, as it deserves, a serious consideration.
My niece Harriot Washington having very little fortune of her own, neither she, nor her friends, have a right to make that (however desirable it might be) a primary consideration in a matrimonial connexion. But there are other requisites which are equally desirable, and which ought to be attended to in a union of so much importance; without therefore expressing at this moment, either assent, or dissent, to the proposal you have made, it is necessary for me to pause.
My wish is to see my niece happy; one step towards which is, for her to be united with a gentleman of respectable connexions, and of good dispositions; with one who is more in the habit (by fair and honorable pursuits) of making, than in spending money-and who can support her in the way she has always lived.
As you propose being in Baltimore in the course of a few weeks-I shall not object to the receipt of any further details on this subject, which you may be disposed to give from that place: which, when received, may enable me to write more decisively frome hence, or from virginia when I get there-which will happen, I expect, as soon as Congress shall have closed its session.
I am sir your very Hble servt
Added at proof: This letter is the best justification for the use of an eloquent saluation and valediction. If the president of the United States (and in particular George Washington) find it appropriate to address a greeting to young man (Andrew Parks) who he doesn't know as: "Sir" and end the letter with "your very Hble servt", then one might consider it an appropriate way to open and close your letters.
- George Washington to George Lewis, April 7, 1796
Philadelphia, April 7, 1796.
Dear Sir:
Tuesday's Post brought me a letter from a Mr. Andrew Parks of Fredericksburgh, covering one from your Mother; both on the subject of overtures of marriage made by the former to your cousin Harriot Washington: which, it seems, depend upon my consent for consummatn.
My sister speaks of Mr. Parks as a sober, discreet man; and one who is attentive to business. Mr. Parks says of himself, that his "fortune at present, does not much exceed £3000, but with industry and economy, he has every expectation of rapidly improving his condition" being concerned with his brother in law, Mr. McElderry of Baltimore, in Mercantile business.
As I am an entire stranger to Mr. Parks; to his family connexions, or his connexions in trade; to his mode of living; his habits, and to his prospects in trade; I should be glad if you wd. ascertain them with as much precision as you can, and write me with as little delay as you can well avoid.
Harriot having little or no fortune of her own, has no right to expect a great one in the man she marrys: but it is desirable she should marry a gentleman; one who is well connected, and can support her decently, in the line she has always moved, otherwise she would not find matrimony with a large family and little means, so eligable as she may have conceived it to be. I am etc.
This letter will be accompanied by one to my Sister which I pray you to receive from the Post Office and send to her.
- From George Washington to Betty Washington Lewis, 7 April 1796
My dear Sister, Philadelphia 7th April 1796.
Your letter of the 27th Ulto was enclosed to me by Mr Parks, in one from himself, dated
the 1st insttt on the same subject.
Harriot having very little fortune herself, has no right to expect a great one in the
man she marry's; but if he has not a competency to support her in the way she has lived,
in the circle of her friends, she will not find the matrimonial state so comfortable
as she may have expected when a family is looking up to her & but scanty means to support it.
Altho' she has no right to expect a man of fortune, she certainly has just pretensions
to expect one whose connexions are respectable, & whose relations she could have no
objection to associate with. How far this is, or is not the case with Mr Parks, I know
not for neither his own letter, or yours give any acct of his family nor whether he
is a native or a foreigner-& we have his own word only for his possessing any property
at all altho' he estimates his fortune at £3000. A precarious dependance this when
applied to a man in Trade.
I do not wish to thwart Harriots inclination if her affectns are placed on Mr Park
and if upon the enquiries I shall mak[e] or cause to be made into his family &
connexions, there shall be found nothing exceptionable in them; that he is, as you
say "very much respected by all his acquaintance, sober, sedate, & attentive to
business;" and is moreover in good business; I shall throw no impedimts in the way
of their Marriage, altho' I should have preferred, if a good match had not offer'd
in the meanwhile that she sh'd have remained single until I was once more settled
at Mt Vernon & she a resident there which, if life is spared to us, will certainly
happen to me in ten or eleven months-because then she would have been in the way
of seeing much company, and would have had a much fairer prospect of matching
respectably than with one who is little known-and of whose circumstances few or
none can know much about.
Having had no business to write to you upon-and being very much occupied by my public
duties, are the only reasons why I have been silent. I am persuaded you will enjoy
more ease & quiet, & meet with fewer vexations where you now are, than where you did
live-It is my sincere wish that you should do so and that your days may be happy-in
these Mrs Washington joins with Your most Affecte Brother
G. Washington
- Thomas McElderry to James McHenry April 11 1796
Baltimore April 11th 1796
Dear Doctor
I received your favors of the 6th Andrew Parks' request to the President, it is the first I have heard of his having such intentions. As to his character
and Incumbrances I will briefly state them to you. On the failure of his father in the year 92 being lender unable to do anything for his son, I took him into Partnership and collaboration here in business at Fredericksburg and from what I have heard as well as from my own observation he had conducted himself in a very proper manner and gained the esteem of the people generally, his engaging in business for himself before he was nineteen years of age and
conducting at with so much propriety and reputation, induced me to believe he will make a good husband, much more promising than many of the Virginia gentlemen with their large landed estates and negroes. He commenced business in June 92 and on the 6th of September 93 I went to Fredericksburg and took on out of
his goods when it appeared he had cleared 1106 pounds 10 shillings after paying all expenses and very little outstanding debts for his labor in to sale for ready money, hence which he has been doing a good business that I have been so engaged here that I could not spare time to take an audit of his stock nor has it been done to my knowledge since so that I cannot ascertain exactly what he may be worth at this time.
I am well persuaded by what I have already done for Mr. Parks to my desire of serving him Whether the match contemplated may be a
prudent one for him I can not pretend to judge or advise you ???
I am not much a friend to great Parade or extravagant Manner of Life if his connection would have that tendency (which I hope not) I
might not be so happy -- He is to be here in five days to lay in his Spring supply of Goods I know of no other arrangement he has in contemplation at present It will however give me great pleasure if I can assist him further on his changing his state, it is noteable the young Lady may have something else which could be beneficially employed by him as I would not wish him to divide the profit with me when his capital is equal to the business by himself which I trust
will soon be the case.
Mrs McHenry is ..rle I saw Mr and Mrs McCurdy last evening he is astonishly mended I will wait on Mrs McHenry with a tender of my services.
You got out of the scrape with Taylor in good time the Brig M..rlmann that so much defendance was laid on is carried in by the Bre ...th and his Post Command because he is an Irishman and Dr. Ross cannot be brought to a settlement so that his affairs is still gloomy.
Wishing you a little more Leisure that you may be able to drop a line now and then to your assured Friend
Thomas McElderry
- To George Washington from Andrew Parks, 30 April 1796
Baltimore 30th April 1796
Sir
I have had the honour to receive your Letter of the 7th Instt, and pursuant thereto, I have communicated within a few days, that I have been here; the Subject, to my friend Mr Mc Elderry, on which I am so materially interested, for your approbation; he has written to the Secretary at War, and given him an oppinion of me, of which, I presume you have, or will, be advertisd.
Mr Mc Elderry, has relinquished his part of the concern, in the business, I have been pursuing, which I shall conduct hereafter on my own Acct, and with industry; and his friendship, I suspect will be attended with considerable advantages; this is the only amendment in my prospects, I have it in my power to acquaint You with.
I hope I possess most of the requisites, necessary to make your Niece, happy I have been for several Years, accustom'ed to Business, which has,, I am persuaded, kept me clear of a temper, for vicious dispositions; my connexions, are respectable generally, inasmuch as they are people of Business, and mostly in good circumstances. I have described to your Niece, as nearly as I could, what my Situation would afford, in the style of living; which wd not be more than genteel, and comfortable, this she sais, will perfectly satisfy her, and render her happy, provided you can think it sufficient. I am Sir with infinite respect Yr very Hbe Sert
Andrew Parks
- To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 26 June 1796
June 26th 1796
My Dear Brother
Your letter of the 27th of April I receiv'd and should have answerd it sooner but expecting
you in dayly postpon'd writing untill you arriv'd at Mount Vernon, not hearing from you
again on Harriots subject, I have been makeing all the enquirey I Could concerning Mr
Parks that was in my power I have heard nothing to his disadvantage on the contrary he
is respected by all his acquaintance he is A Constant Visitor here and I believe
Harriots Affections are plac'd intirely on him, and engag'd so far as this if your consent can be obtaind.
Harriot begs you will pardon her not writing her self but hopes your being fully
acquainted with her Sentiments Concerning Mr Parks will be some apology she is not
well I believe her anxiety for fear of offending and not gaining your consent has
Produc'd this, your long Silence has given her much uneasiness.
My Dear Brother if you have any Mules for Sale and Can let me have One I will
with pleasure pay you the Price of it I am under the necessity of purchaiseing
A Work Nag and prefer A Mule.
Harriot Joines me in love and good Wishes for You and my Sister Washington
and beleive me to be Your Affectte Sister
Betty Lewis
- To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 5 July 1796
My Dear Brother July 5th, 1796.
I receiv'd your Letters of 26th and 29th of June, the day after I wrote to you I
was attack with the ague and fever which has lasted ever since I had never been
clear of a fever since, I Expected your comeing threw Baltemore that you would
ascertain Mr. Parkes fortune thoe I believe he would not tell anything fals on
the Occation, Harriot's Brother Wrote her a letter from Baltemore and likewise
one to Mr. Parks congratulateing them on there Intended Union which he sayes he
makes no dout will be a very happy one, Lawrence was here at the time that Mr.
Parks firs spoke to Harriot on the subject and I beg'd of him to make all the
inquire he could but never hard from him untill the letter I have mention'd here
and concluded from that he had Inquired and was well Pleas'd, when Mr. Parks ask'd
my consent I told him I had nothing to say to it that you ware the Person to be
appli'd to, I have never concern'd myself with it I think Harriot is Old Enougf
now to make choice for her self, and if they are not happy I believe it will be
her one falt, he bars the Best caracter of any young Person that I know.
I now my Dear Brother have to thank you for your good intention of sending me a
mule if you had any to spear, but had no write to Expect you to Disfirnish your
self.
I am mutch obliged to you for your invitasion to Mount Vernon but it is utterly
out of my Power to get up, I believe I wrote to you last fall that I had but two
old Horses and in Tenn word left out from that my stable was broken open and the
best of them carri'd of and from that day to this I have not har'd a word of him
that was the forth charriot Hors that I lost in Fredericks you may Believe I had
no great Parsiallity for the Place, Harriot is Better and is gone to the forth of
July in Town but I think she looks badly.
My Love to you and my Sister Washington concludes me your Affectionate sister
Betty Lewis.
P.S.-I fear you will hardly make out this as I have a violent Headake and a horrid
caugh-I believe Harriot is distressed to know how she is to be Provided with things
for a Weding Dress.
- To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 17 July 1796
Mill Brook July 17-96
Aunt Lewis received a letter from my dear & Honored Uncle
a few days ago wherein he was pleased to send me thirty pound
also a great deal of good advice which I am extremely obliged
to you for and intend adhering most strictly to it.
Believe me, my dear Uncle, my heart will ever with the
liveliest gratitude most gratefully acknowledge and remember
yours and Aunt Washington's great goodness and attention to
me and if my Uncle will only answer my letter and say he is
not offended at my Union (which took place yesterday, Aunt
Lewis's going immediately to Berkley to stay untill the fall
&: finding it not convenient to carry me with her wished us
married before she went), I shall be happy for after my dear
Uncle's protection & kindness towards me I should be a most
miserable being to reflect that I had displeas'd my greatest
friend.
I shall take the liberty of troubleing my Uncle to return
my thanks to Aunt Washington for the earings she sent me
from Philadelphia which I received but a week ago from Berkley.
Aunt Lewis is much mended 8c intends answering your letter by
the next post. Aunt Lewis joins me in love to you and Aunt Washington.
I am my dear and Honor'd Uncle
Your affectionate neice
Harriot Parks
- George Washington to Harriot (Washington) Parks
Mount Vernon 22d July 1796
Dear Harriot,
The last Post brought me your letter of the 17 [inserted: th instant] informing me of your Marriage the preceding day [inserted: with Mr. Parks].
Far from being displeased at the event, I offer you my congratulations thereon; and sincerely wish it may prove [struck: a] [inserted: the] source of continual happiness to you. Much [inserted: of this] depends on your [strikeout] [inserted: own disposition] [inserted: on] a prudent deportment towards your husband; and [inserted: on] the accomodation of your views to his circumstances. If the first are more extensive than the latter, it will involve both of you in difficulties; perhaps [inserted: in] ruin. Always keep the old adage in remembrance - ''Take your measure according to your cloth" and do not, because you may see others do so, (some because their fortunes enable them, and others because they are excited to it by vanity) endulge yourself either in dress, or a mode [2] of living that will [inserted: be] produc [struck: e] [inserted: tive of] embarrassmt.
Having much company in the house, [struck: I shall only] [inserted: at prest. I have time only to] add, that your Aunt, & Nelly Custis unite with me in best wishes for the happiness [inserted: & prosperity] of your self & Mr. Parks; and that if it shd. suit his business at any time, to make a visit here, while we are at home we should be glad to see you both at Mount Vernon. With great regard I remain - Your Affecte. Uncle
Go: Washington
- To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Parks, 10 October 1806
Sir,
Altho' I have not the honor to be personally known to you, the circumstance of
Mr. Purviance's death the late Collector of this Port, has induced me to venture
upon the liberty of addressing you, and to solicit You for the appointment.-I have
the pleasure to be acquainted with Mr. Madison and I beg leave to refer You to him
for his opinion of me.-It has so happened that I have never had the happiness to be
known to you, though I presume you are acquainted with Mrs. Parks's connexions generally.
-I flatter myself that if it should be necessary, I can produce from this place, satisfactory
testimonials of my character and qualifications for the Office.-And if I am so fortunate
as to obtain from Your goodness, this very especial mark of your favour, I will endeavour,
by the correctness of my deportment, and integrity in the discharge of the duties appertaining
to the Office; to merit your approbation, and to give general satisfaction to the public.-
Mrs. Parks desires to be respectfully remembered to you. &
I am Sir, with infinite respect Yr. very Obt. Hbl. Servt.
Andw. Parks
- To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 14 March 1807
Baltimore 14th. March 1807
Dr. Sir.
The Schooner Three Sisters from Madeira has arrived. She has two pipes of Wine for you,
addressed by Murdoch Yuille Wardrop & Co. to me by the direction of Judge Washington.
I sent you their Letter the other day which came via Norfolk. Be pleased to direct me
in what manner you would wish I should forward you the Wine. With respectful Compls. to
Mrs. Madison I am yr. very Obt. Hle Sert.
Andrw. Parks
- To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 26 March 1807
Baltimore 26th. March 1807
Dear Sir,
I shall send one of your Pipes of Wine to Fredericksburg by the first safe Vessel going there,
directed according to your instruction to the care of Mr. Stone. The other you will receive by
the Alexa. Packet Capt. Wilkison.
Before I received your Letter, I had Entered your Wine, with some others that came in the same
Vessel and Bonded for the duties, which are Payable in twelve months. I have inclosed you a copy
of the Entry for yours, which you will please qualify for at the Collectors Office in your district,
at any convenient time [wi]thin the year, and return it to me. It's requisite I should [deliv]er it
to the Collector here, to cancel an Agents Bond it [was] necessary for me to give. With respectfu
l Compts. to Mrs. Madison, I am yr very Obt. Hbl. Servt.
Andw. Parks
[NOTE: a pipe of wine is about 145 gallons]
- To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 25 February 1808
Baltimore 25th: February 1808
Dear Sir,
I have herewith inclosed you an acct. of the duties, Insurance, freight, and other expences
attending your two Pipes of Wine.
Let me request the favor of you to qualify to the Entry I sent you, before the Collector at Geo: Town,
or Alexa., and return it me as soon as your convenience will permit, it being necessary very shortly,
I should produce it to the collector here, to cancel my Agents Bond. With respectful compliments to Mrs.
Madison, I am Dr. Sir Yr. very Obt. Hbl. Servt.
Andw. Parks
- To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Parks, 6 April 1808
Baltimore 6th. April 1808
Sir,
Having on a former occasion had the honor to address you, as an applicant for the appointment
of Collector of this Port; When the Office became vacant at the death of Mr. Purviance.- The
death of Mr. Christie has induced me again, to take the liberty of renewing my solicitation.-
And if you should think me worthy of this mark of your favor, and approbation; I shall endeavour
to deserve it, in estimating properly the importance, & responsibility of the Office, and by the
stricktest integrity in the discharge of its duties; to give general satisfaction to the Public.-
I am Sir with very great respect Yr. Obt. Hbe. Servt.
Andw. Parks
- Andrew Parks to James Madison, 22 January 1824
Kanawha County Virga. 22nd. Jany. 1824
Dear Sir,
While John Payne Todd Esqr. was at the French Seminary at Baltimore, he contracted an account
with me in the Store I Kept there at the time. Soon after the articles were had, I left Balte.,
and moved to the Western Country-Since which time, I have not had the pleasure to hear from
Mr. Todd. I have herewith taken the liberty to inclose you the account, with a request, if it
should not materially interfere with your convenience, to have it adjusted for me with Mr. Todd;
who I am persuaded will recognize the items of the account, and pay me though it has been of
so long standing. Permit me to ask the favour of you to write me on the subject of the a/c,
and direct to me at the Kanawha Saline Post office. With sincere regards to Mrs. Madison I am
Dear Sir very respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
Andw Parks
- Andrew Parks to James Madison, 1 November 1826
Burning Spring 1st. Novr. 1826
Dear Sir,
I have been for some time expecting to get a letter from Mr. J. P. Todd, on the subject of my little a/c
against him, a copy of which I sent you. Since your letter to me; I met with Mr. Jno. Payne in Clarksburg,
he stated that until you recd. my letter, you supposed Mr. Todd had been furnished with what clothes he
wanted from the French Seminary. As it respects Mr. Todd, I think this was not the case; Mrs. Madison
wrote to my wife, and requested her to pay attentions to her son, and see that he was supplied with
such things as he stood in need of. For some time Mr. Todd was in the habit of buying such articles
as he wanted out of my Store, and when he recd. money from Washington, he always Paid me. I am
therefore under the persuasion, that he got scarcely any clothes from the Priests, except the Uniform
of the Seminary. I left Balte. very soon after Mr. Todd got the articles in the a/c I sent you, which
leads me to conclude is the reason the a/c was not paid by him as it was usual with him to do, upon
his getting money from Washington. If Mr. Todd would do me the favor to send me the amt. of the a/c,
it would be a very great accomodation to me, in my present circumstances. I regret to be, the occasion
of giving you so much trouble about this matter-Be pleased to excuse it, for I assure you, were it not
that I am in a straight for money, I should not think of plagueing you with the subject of an old a/c.
With respects to Mrs. Madison I am Dr Sir very respectfully yr obt. Servt.
Andw Parks