Unlike the other Lee daughters, Mary did not spend much time at home. Toward day we found she could not swallow the brandy. He dutifully escorted his family back to Arlington and prior to his departure, Mary's father presented him with George Washington's service sword. Mary, herself, was intrigued by the tales and grew to honor and value the memory of the first president of the United States as much as her father did. Mary spent her days at Old Point Comfort reading the Bible and enjoying the beauty that surrounded her. Shortly after settling in, Mary received a letter from Robert, dated May 13, 1861: “Make your plans for several years of war. Robert was deeply affected when he'd turned to find Custis stretching to place his feet into each of his father's footprints as they walked. Mary Custis Lee (1808-1873) Mary Custis Lee (also known as Mary Anne Randolph Custis Lee) was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, and daughter of Washington Custis, the adopted son of George Washington. When the Yankees fully occupied the city, a Union sentry was placed at her door for her safety. In 1902, she returned to the United States and was arrested for riding in the back of a streetcar with her black maid and refusing to move to the front into the whites-only section. Mary Custis Lee: lt;p|>|Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee| (October 1, 1808 – November 5, 1873) was the third cousin a... World Heritage Encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. Anne Carter Lee, named after Robert's mother, was born on June 18, 1839 at Arlington. As an infant, Mary’s father nicknamed her “Mee” but that changed to “Daughter” when she turned 13 to differentiate her from her similarly named mother. She enjoyed history and was thrilled to meet 67-year-old Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 when he spent three days visiting Arlington. She was pleased when Robert informed her they would indeed be able to make the journey home just in time for the holidays. Learn about current events in historical perspective on our Origins site. Mary’s daughters received $10,000 a piece that was to be drawn from the plantation proceeds. The case went to the Supreme Court in 1882, which ruled in the Lee family’s favor. Wash Custis, who was the grandson of Martha Washington and was raised by her and George Washington after his father's (Martha's son from a previous marriage) death, settled his family in a quaint four-room brick home he named Arlington. Nonetheless, the two set a wedding date of June 30, 1831, and the planning for the Arlington social event of the year was underway. In the meantime, she'd grown weaker, lost her appetite, remained feverish, and developed a chronic stiffness in her legs that was diagnosed as "rheumatic diatheses." Mary Anna Lee (born Randolph Custis) was born on month day 1807, at birth place, Virginia, to George Washington Parke Custis and Mary Lee Custis (born Fitzhugh). Her inner thighs swelled with abscesses and within weeks, she was completely bedridden. In later years, Wash was instrumental in founding the American Colonization Society, a society with the goal of freeing the slaves and funding their return to Africa. There, Mary once again fell ill with fever. Custis, the legal heir, had no desire to live among dead and sold it to the government for $150,000, half its estimated value. Mary Custis Lee could now rest in peace. After the children were put to bed, Mary would spend her time reading, sewing, or writing letters to her husband. Mary returned to Lexington in time to sit at Agnes’ deathbed and Mary, tired in body and spirit, drew her last breath in her sleep on Wednesday, November 5, 1873. While hunkered down, they heard the explosions of the Confederate vessels in the river as well as the earth-moving booms of the powder magazine blowing up. It wasn't until weeks later she began to slowly improve. A return trip to Arlington was in order. Always suffering from constant pain, she went about her life with an unwavering faith in God, a strong love and commitment to her husband and children, and a genuine desire to ease the pain and discomfort of those around her—even when there was seldom any relief for her own physical suffering. There was always a captive audience wanting to hear Wash recount the many stories that George Washington had told him about the Revolutionary War. She gave him a resounding yes. Unfortunately, the plantation wasn’t profitable. Mary continued her travels and did not return to Lexington in time for her father’s funeral in 1870, nor to the funerals of her mother and sister Agnes in 1873. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial Fort Myer, VA, United States. Mary Custis Lee, great-granddaughter of First Lady Martha Washington, has been often portrayed in a negative light wherever her name appears in the annals. Such conclusions were arrived at based on a few select comments taken out of context from letters her husband wrote to her and to others. Mary inherited Arlington House and its 1,100 acres, as well as the slaves that were, according to the will, to be freed within five years of Custis’ death. When I went back he lay in much the same condition, only there were some more severe struggles for breath—these became more frequent and intense & after 2 very severe ones, his breath seemed to pass away gently, & he so loved & admired now lies cold & insensible…”. With her health still deteriorating, her heart ached even more for one last look at Arlington. Arlington was a festive home as the Custis family played host to many visitors. Mary Custis Lee, the Lee’s eldest daughter, was born on July 12, 1835, at Arlington House. Instead, she remained at home and reread letters that Robert had sent to her during their courtship and early on in their marriage. Some of the students she grew fond of included: Jeb Stuart, John Pegram, and Otis Howard. Baby George, or "Bouse" as Mary affectionately nicknamed him, grew quickly and the new mother soon realized she had her hands full. There just were not many men her age who survived the war. Her godmother, Mary Randolph, wrote an early housekeeping and cookbook. Mary Custis Lee Chapter 1451 welcomes all interested in Southern heritage. At a time when marriage prospects were slim after the Civil War, most unmarried young women were expected to stay home and care for elderly parents. At a time when marriage prospects were slim after the Civil War, most unmarried young women were expected to stay home and care for elderly parents. In 1901, President McKinley ordered all the Washington artifacts taken during the course of the war be returned to the family. She traveled to Warrenton Springs and later wrote of the event: “...[Annie’s] hands too cold & clammy. This would be the beginning of many physical ailments that would beset her. But the joy was short-lived and she became ill again. Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee (October 1, 1808 - November 5, 1873) was a Virginian aristocrat. Coulling, Mary. Robert E. Lee had surrendered. Life at Old Point Comfort was becoming palatable. He was intelligent, studious and responsible-all traits she admired. Wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. She slept in the same bedroom the Marquis de Lafayette used when he visited the house in 1824. Once back in the Confederacy, she was briefly reunited with her husband who was surprised by her crippled state. I sent for the doctor, but he did not seem so alarmed as I was...After 12 o'clock, she seemed not to notice who was around her & never called me, which she was apt to do frequently during the night. She was still opposed to the institution, a view that was in disagreement with her husband which is evident in a letter he penned to her in December of that year: “…The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically. Aye, a boy!" Christian took those words back to Lexington and that fall the college offered Lee the position of presidency, which he accepted. When she died 83 years later, that flag would have 48 stars, and there would be over 100 million Americans serving overseas in a world war. Mary returned to Arlington with Bouse while Robert remained at the fort where he was needed. "Hasten down," he had teased, "if you do not want to see me turned out a beau again." She also used her own money to purchase Catechism books for the slaves located at the garrison. disappear at breakfast as fast as the pheasants, chickens and etc at dinner." During this time, Mary also began a prayer journal that clearly conveyed her commitment to her faith in God. However, when Robert found out, he expressed his discomfort that his intimate thoughts went beyond Mary's eyes. Fearful Washingtonians demanded that Arlington be confiscated from the traitorous Lees, alleging that the land would be a perfect location for a Confederate attack against the city. In 1859, she completed the project and it was published shortly thereafter under the title Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by his Adopted Son George Washington Parke Custis, with a Memoir of this Author by his Daughter. Mary Lee "Molly" Fitzhugh Custis was an Episcopal lay leader in Alexandria County. Although she was an only child, she usually found willing playmates among the children of the Arlington slaves. She prided herself on reading several newspapers a day to keep abreast on current events. His name was Robert E Lee. Author: Robert E. Lee Transcription Source: Lee Family Digital Archive, Stratford Hall In 1854, she was pleased when Custis graduated first in his class from West Point. Mary Custis Lee “I would not stir from this house even if the whole Northern Army were to surround it,” wrote Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, wife of Robert E. Lee, to her daughter, Eleanor Agnes Lee on May 5, 1861. Robert on the other hand used the blemish to provide a nickname for his youngest. Afterwards, she helped nurse the wounded. Wash was raised by George and Martha Washington after the death of his father (Martha’s son from a previous marriage). They cannot take away the remembrances of the spot & the memories of those that to us rendered it sacred. When her sister Annie died in 1862, Mary was stuck behind Union lines and was not able to get to Richmond to mourn with her mother and sister Agnes. She wasn't expected to live and by the time Robert returned to Washington, he was shocked to find her so close to death. After the war, when the remaining Lees moved to an isolated house (Derwent in Powhatan County, Virginia) that belonged to a friend of the family, Mary did not join them. The Washington silver remained in the Lee's home at Washington College until Mary's death in 1873. Reading the Man. Mary Anna Randolph Custis was born on October 1, 1808, the only surviving child of George Washington Parke Custis and Mary Lee Fitzhugh Custis. The Civil War was still in its infancy when Mary Lee wrote this letter, having begun a month earlier on April 12, 1861. But although her health was failing, she kept up current events, especially politics—it was an election year. She was pale, emaciated, listless and in constant pain. Anne had been born with a large red birthmark on her cheek that worried Mary. Early evening was considered quality time for the family; it was then Wash would serenade Molly and Mary with his violin while the two would work on sewing crafting projects. Robert, having been separated from his children for much of their young lives, was especially touched at this point in his life. It wasn't until Christmas of that year the Lees were all reunited at Arlington that Robert expressed his loneliness and asked Mary to return with him to St. Louis. Mary traveled to White House plantation to stay with Charlotte, Rooney’s wife, who was now pregnant with their second child. She often traveled to visit friends and extended family members. If anything, Mary should have been praised for her child-rearing efforts-all the while suffering physical ailments. Her father was a West Point graduate an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. He overheard her say people were offering her father everything but what he really wanted: work. Of course, in all fairness to Mary, Robert was never around long enough to parent the children himself and usually did so by way of letter. (Photo source: Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress) On the evening of June 13, 1902, Mary Custis Lee was arrested on an Alexandria streetcar for sitting in the section reserved for black patrons. Even so, she found occasional time to read and paint. Instead, she and her daughters bolted their doors and windows and prepared to defend themselves. We can only pray that in His mercy He will spare us.” At the same time Lincoln was sending out the call for 75,000 volunteers, he also offered command of the volunteer troops to Robert. She instead went to Staunton and visited relatives. Unable to care for the baby, she sent a letter to her husband asking that he return at once. Mary Custis Lee died in Hot Springs, Virginia, on November 22, 1918, just eleven days after the end of World War I. New York: Penguin, 2007. Mary was the second child and first daughter of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee and she outlived all of her siblings. She never married. She was a large-eyed child who grew into a young woman regarded with some awe by her younger siblings who called her "Sister" rather than Mary. Charlotte, still grieving the loss of two children, died Christmas Eve. George Washington Custis Lee, also known as Custis Lee, was The federals refused. During her idle time after the Civil War, which was rare, Arlington was foremost in her mind and she wondered if she would ever get to see her childhood home again…. Walking became difficult and climbing the steps near impossible. In September, 1865, Robert accepted the position of president of financially-ailing Washington College in Lexington, VA and journeyed to Lexington to set up housekeeping. She was the step-great-granddaughter of George Washington and the wife of Robert E. Lee. Pryor, Elizabeth Brown. The main difficulty Mary experienced while her husband was off fighting in the War with Mexico was the task of solely caring for all her children; however, the fact that they were back at Arlington made the task a bit easier. In this letter to his wife, Mary Randolph Custis Lee, dated December 27, 1856, Robert E. Lee expounds on the issue of slavery. The painful discipline they are undergoing is necessary for their instructions as a race, & I hope will prepare & lead them to better things…". Much of the time she was confined to her bed. It appears she chose to travel by motor car this time. Mary's days were filled with sewing, cleaning, and cooking. She wrote to her mother that it was, "a day of great enjoyment to the young ones…The children were awake at 4 o-clock this morning discussing the contents of their stockings & could not be induced to sleep again so that I feel pretty tired tonight." Through this time together, Mary was able to see the slow decline in Robert’s health. Robert was away when their second child, a girl named Mary Custis Lee, was born on July 12, 1835. It received favorable reviews. That's Mary Custis Lee, Gen. Robert E. Lee's adventurous eldest daughter. As Mary grew, so did Arlington as Wash invested time and money in its expansion. As such, it has not been reviewed for accuracy by the University and does not necessarily adhere to the University's scholarly standards. There, she heard many accounts of Arlington’s fate—how buildings had been dismantled for fire wood, crops destroyed, animals stolen, and family heirlooms taken and put on display at the Patent Office. The seventh pregnancy had taken its toll on Mary and she was again bed-ridden for several months. Her parents were Robert Edward Lee and Mary Ann Randolph Custis. During that 1865 summer in Staunton, she attended a party along with Col. Bolivar Christian, a trustee of the Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. 22101, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. She had been the envy of many of the young women in attendance. Her eyes were raised to the ceiling & her breath became more labored. Mary made the difficult journey back to Charlotte’s side to comfort her, even though she was now almost completely immobile due to her crippling disease. He recalled one afternoon, after having played outdoors with the children, that he and little Custis had taken a walk through the woods. However, through reading her personal diary and letters written to her husband, family, and friends, we can conclude that she was actually a courageous, selfless, creative woman who managed to solely, for the most part, raise seven children while battling many physical ailments. Within a few short weeks, Mary fell into a predictable routine at Arlington with the children. Over the course of the society's existence, about 6,000 slaves had been freed and returned to Africa. As a young girl, the diminutive and vivacious Mary played with Robert E. Lee when he and his family visited Arlington House and the two became very close. When she was five years old, Mary’s parents and two brothers moved to St. Louis for her father’s engineering job. Next, she would assist her mother in tending to the numerous, beautiful gardens at Arlington. His desire to own so much of the Washington treasure placed a deep financial strain on the family from which they would never really recover. Robert made the return trip to Old Point Comfort alone. She opened her home to them and taught Bible classes. Christmas was approaching and Mary was feeling apprehensive at the prospects of spending the most blessed holiday away from Arlington. He suggested she travel to Warrenton Springs, located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she could bathe in the springs that contained chemicals said to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Mary Custis Lee, eldest daughter of Robert E. Lee, did not fit the mold of her time. Robert picked up on Mary's confusion with taking care of the house and often teased her about her shortcomings and once confided in a letter to a friend, "Mrs. L is somewhat addicted to laziness and forgetfulness in her housekeeping…but she does her best, or in her mother's words, 'The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.'". Berkley hoping to find that the Washington treasures buried for safekeeping before the war over, Mary was to... 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