ashington endeavored to keep him
engaged in his studies, but with little success, as appears by the
following extract from a letter to Doctor Stuart, young Custis's
stepfather, written on the twenty-second of January, 1799, soon after
the cornet received his appointment:--

"DEAR SIR: Washington leaves this to-day on a visit to Hope Park,
which will afford you an opportunity to examine the progress he has
made in the studies he was directed to pursue.

"I can, and I believe I do, keep him in his room a certain portion
of the twenty-four hours, but it will be impossible for me to make
him attend to his books if inclination on his part is wanting; nor,
while I am out, if he chooses to be so, is it in my power to
prevent it. I will not say this is the case, nor will I run the
hazard of doing him injustice, by saying he does not apply as he
ought to what has been prescribed; but no risk will be run, and
candor requires I should declare it as my opinion that he will not
derive much benefit in any course which can be marked out for him
at this place, without an _able_ preceptor always with him. I
believe Washington means well, but has not resolution to act well."

For the entire correspondence alluded to, and a vast amount of
information concerning the private life of Washington, the reader is
referred to Custis's _Recollections and Private Memoirs_ of the Father
of his Country.

[131] Lossing's _Mount Vernon and its Associations_, page 313.

[132] Ib., page 314.

[133] The original chart of this survey, made by Washington's own hand,
is preserved by the daughter of Mr. Custis (Mrs. Colonel Robert E. Lee),
at Arlington House. A _facsimile_ of it is published in Custis's
_Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington_.

[134] The following is a true copy of Washington's will:--

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. I, GEORGE WASHINGTON, of Mount Vernon, a
citizen of the United States, and lately President of the same, do make,
ordain, and declare this instrument, which is written with my own hand,
and every page thereof subscribed with my name, to be my last WILL AND
TESTAMENT, revoking all others.

_Imprimis._--All my debts, of which there are but few, and none of
magnitude, are to be punctually and speedily paid; and the legacies,
hereinafter bequeathed, are to be discharged as soon as circumstances
will permit, and in the manner directed.

_Item._--To