Autograph Endorsement Signed by George Washington
WASHINGTON, George (1732-99) autograph endorsement signed (“Go: Washington”) accomplished on the verso of a partly-printed document, a bond, [Williamsburg], May 23, 1770. One page (315 x 190 mm), loss at bottom left corner, marginal tears and holes, moderately toned.
A rare document concerning George Washington’s guardianship of Martha Washington’s children, Martha Parke Custis and John Parke Custis.
The document reads, in part: “Know all men by these presents that we James Carter and John Carter of Williamsburg are held and firmly bound unto George Washington, guardian of the children of Daniel Parke Custis, deceased, in the just and full sum of £432 current money to be paid unto the said George Washington... The condition of the above obligation is such, that if the above bound James Carter and John Carter do and shall well and truly pay...unto the said George Washington guardian of the late Col. Daniel Parke Custis children, the sum of £216 Virginia currency on demand with lawful interest on the same then the above obligation will be void.” James and John Carter’s signatures have been removed, indicating a fulfillment of the obligation and hence cancelling the bond.
On the verso Washington, has written a brief “Mem[orandu]m,” noting that “the within is payable to me as guardian of Miss Martha Parke Custis” On the docket, Washington has added a brief identification: “Doct[o]r Carter’s Bond £216”