The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

872 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.AET. 41.
and, as the surest means of effecting this, to apply
himself closely to his studies, (and in this advice
I flatter myself you will join me,) by which he will,
in a great measure, avoid those little flirtations with
other young ladies, that may, by dividing the attention,
contribute not a little to divide the affection.
It may be expected of me, perhaps, to say something
of property; but, to descend to particulars, at this time,
must seem rather premature. In general, therefore, I
shall inform you, that Mr. Custis's estate consists of
about fifteen thousand acres of land, a good part of it
adjoining the city of Williamsburg, and none of it
forty miles from that place; several lots in the said
city; between two and three hundred negroes; and
about eight or ten thousand pounds upon bond, and in
the hands of his merchants. This estate he now holds
independent of his mother's dower, which will be an
addition to it at her death; and, upon the whole, it is
such an estate as you will readily acknowledge ought to
entitle him to a handsome portion with a wife. But as
I should never require a child of my own to make a
sacrifice of himself to interest, so neither do I think it
incumbent on me to recommend it as a guardian.
At all times when you, Mrs. Calvert, or the young
ladies, can make it convenient to favor us with a visit,
we should be happy in seeing you at this place. Mrs.
Washington and Miss Custis join me in respectful compliments, and
I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant.