Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington

Written by Washington's step-grandson and adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis, (the son of John Parke Custis, and grandson of Mary Washington and her first husband Daniel Parke Custis who died, followed by her marriage to George Washington), this book is a highly recommended source for the study of the Revolution and the life of George Washington.

On March 10, 1860, the New York Times wrote about the book at its publication:

“This large and handsome volume is mainly made up of the Recollections of Washington which his adopted son, Mr. [George Washington Parke] Custis, was in the habit of publishing upon each recurring anniversary of his birth. A life of Mr. Custis himself, by his daughter, is prefixed, and Mr. [Benson J.] Lossing, the editor, has appended a variety of illustrative and explanatory notes. The work contains a great number of private letters from Washington which have never before been published, and although they relate to the details of private life, and have none of the exciting interest which grows out of public affairs, they are very curious and gratifying from the light they throw upon the General's character, and especially from the manner in which they exhibit his almost painfully minute and conscientious attention to the details of duty in every sphere of life. The work will be welcomed with eagerness by the great body of the American people.”