- Good afternoon, everyone. It's been quite a long time
since we've had the opportunity to see our friends here in Williamsburg. It's been since late last
year, actually I think, October, November, since
I've been in the city. October of 1769. And now we are in new year, a new set of circumstances in life. (laughing) Things never change when
you have two children that you're trying to raise, somehow, with all the things that
children bring along with it. - Oh, they're still alive. - Well, thankfully, that's good to know. So we are quite happy to have the chance to have conversation with our friends. And perhaps a bit of insight into what the past few months have been. And other than caring for Patsy since her more recent medical struggle. She had some issues late last year, some recurring problems
she's been dealing with. And so she is recovered mostly. - She's doing very well. - Which is quite good. The other things that have
come forward since that time, Jack continues his education, as much as Jack ever will
continue his education. - Yeah. - Which we will come to in a moment. The farmers continues to grow successfully and I spend a great deal of time hunting and avoiding the weather in whatever way we possibly
can the past few months. But now that the sun is
once again back upon us and in June and we are returning to a bit more business as usual, hence, why I'm here in the city dealing with issues of
the House of Burgesses. - Well, there's a another
reason why we're down here, to seek counsel. - It's true. - That perhaps our friends
might be able to assist us in that endeavor. - If you think it would be worthwhile to burden them with that subject? - I think it might be. - I need the help to be perfectly candid. Well, Jack and his education
has come to the point where he is looking forward
to expanding his horizons, perhaps the best way to put it to going on a tour of Europe, grand tour, as he puts it to take himself to the
great courts of England and France and other places, and see what the world has to look like. It seems like a good
idea in certain cases. His teacher, Mr. Reverend Boucher, is quite insistent that
this is a good thing for him to do and has
been for quite some time. And I have some concerns. I see good in it. I also see problems in it. But I think time and conversation will hopefully bring us
some sort of solution to the question. It's expensive to be fervently candidates. It's incredibly expensive, somewhat 1600 pounds per annum
is what I discovered today. - 1600 pounds? - I was speaking to Mr.
Pendleton and Mr. Randolph and they were saying
that the simple amount 500 years is simply not to be expected. - That is what Reverend
Boucher has been expecting us to provide for him. - They indicate that
Reverend Boucher is wrong that perhaps it is more in the tune of two or
three times that number. - 1600 pounds a year? - At minimum, per annum, yes. - I don't know if we can
afford that, my dear. - I don't think we can. Jack annual allowance
is barely 500 pounds. So that's more conversations we had. If we think it's worthwhile, we will have to petition
the court to allow us to-- - It would be a good thing for the boy, he is of an age where young
gentlemen off his station, with his expectations being a Custis as he is a
Custis not a Washington. - It's quite true. - They are expected to
have the life experiences in order to come back home and lead in the manner that
they are accustomed to. And shortly after this grand tour, it is our expectation that Jack will then remove
himself to a college. But I wish to give our
son every opportunity that we can for his education because I know my dear
that you were deprived of some of those opportunities
when you were younger. - It's very true. My history is a bit
checkered in that regard. My father died when I was very young, not unlike Jack actually. And the requirement was, the hope was, that I would have the opportunity to have some sort of education. That was not to be the case. And I wish to give Jack every opportunity he possibly can have. - And you have my dear. Almost immediately after we were married, remember you hired Walter McGowan-- - It's true. - to come and live at Mount
Vernon to be his tutor for many years and only a few years ago, we sent him over to Reverend Boucher in Caroline County but (sighs) - There's so much more
expectation placed upon Jack than ever would have been placed upon me, you know that, his position, who his father was, who his grandfather was, who you are, his land holdings in Virginia. He will have to become a man
of great importance one day. And as much as I'm not
sure how financially we can support it, the trip to Europe could very well provide him that perspective that he absolutely must have to be a man of influence in this county. - It also might ground him a bit. - It might but who's to say? Anyhow, perhaps if you have
any thoughts on the subject, we'd be happy to hear on it. It's been a while since
we've had conversation with our friends in Williamsburg. So whether we should
talk on family subjects and the current situation
with the House of Burgesses, the state of the farm, businesses from our past. I'm sure we're happy to to
engage with you in that regard. - Yes, I believe-- - I'm sure we'll come
back to the conversation about Jack and the children. (laughs) - Well, we have to give
Boucher answers soon. He stopped by at Mount Vernon before I made my way down here. - He did.? - Yes, I think he was
trying to convince me without you being present. So that I would come down
and speak on his behalf. He was he was very unhappy to know that my thoughts align with yours. - That tends to happen,
I've noticed, (mumbles) - Well, we have been married
for quite a while now. But regardless, enough
of that domestic matter. I think Mr. Smith is here with us. And you have some questions, I think. - [Smith] Well, there are
questions from around the country and you mentioned moving
on to a different topic, but the questions that are rolling in seem to be focused in on the same topic. - Well, I'm hoping that we
could have some assistance with this subject. I'm sure that there are plenty of people with young gentlemen, scholars who have been
in a similar situation. - [Smith] Well, Alice wants to know, if you've taught him surveying, are you going to teach him surveying or horseback riding as you
are a fine horseman yourself? - Well, as far as surveying goes, no, I have not taught him anything in the sense of the
practical applications of it. And in my case, surveying was
an important necessary step for me to begin to earn some money. I struggled with some financial issues when I was younger. Jack does not have that same
difficulty or challenge. And not to say that surveying is a task that is not appropriate for one of his station, but it is not something
that is necessary for him. I think having some knowledge of the work so that he can ensure that whatever properties he
may purchase in the future are properly measured is important. So I've tried to instill in
him some basic values of it. But as far as teaching
him to be a surveyor practically in the field, no. Horsemanship, of course, you can't go anywhere
without a horse in Virginia without taking forever to do so. - Yes, I think what was it, Reverend Boucher wrote you recently that he is more of a mind
of horses, guns and dogs than that of his schoolbooks? Or did you write that to him? - It wouldn't have mattered
- Either way it's true. - Either way it's very true. Jack enjoys living life to the fullest. As long as there are no
school books involved, (woman laughing) if at all possible. So no, often this winter he would ride with me , we go out hunting together. He's coming along quite well. Still can't quite keep up but-- - He'll get there. - He will one day. Then we will have all sorts of problems. (laughing) He's just now 15, will be 16 at the end of this year. So he's still growing into himself. No surveying specifically but horsemanship most
certainly, among other things. - [Smith] Well, you mentioned
his distaste for books, Violet wants to know, was
he schooled at the home? - Oh, Violet, that's a
very lovely question. Jack began his education
at home with me, in fact. But after the colonel and I
were married many years ago, one of the very first things that we did was attend to his education in particular, but his younger sister Patsy, of course, had the benefit of engaging with the tutor that we hired, a Scotsman by
the name of Walter McGowan. He came to our house and lived with us and educated Jack, began him in all of the subjects and areas that a young
gentleman of his situation should begin Latin, and Greek, and history, and mathematics. He was a very kind man. And he left our service to
receive his ordination in London. And I-- - Significant loss. - Yes, we miss him very, very much. - He was worth more than
every penny we paid him in my opinion. - Yes, yes, so yes Violet, he began his education at home but now he is away at
school in Caroline County at Reverend Jonathan
Boucher's establishment which I believe he intends
to move to Annapolis soon. - That's another discussion has begun and we have to decide
how much that will cost and whether it's worthwhile
to have him close to home or far away. - He told me 75 pounds per annum. - That's not unreasonable completely-- - We will discuss it later. - it's better than 1600 pounds per annum. I'm sorry, any other questions or perhaps along this
line of thought or others? - [Smith] No, this is quite enjoyable. I'm very contentious to
let you two carry on. - Well, good that could
happen if you're not careful - Well, we will do that, Mr. Smith. (Smith laughing) - Give us a moment and it will be, the races will not be over. - [Smith] We have some questions about your your domestic
and personal relationship with one and the other. Is it alright to get
into that topic? (laughs) - Of course.
- I suppose. It depends on the question. - Be fair warned, I
tend to be very evasive in personal matters. So I will answer-- - You already turning red my dear. - What's the question? - [Smith] Well, I don't
think you'll find fault with this one. Aaron Squire would like to know how long you two have been together? - Together? - [Smith] Mm-hmm. - You mean today? - [Smith] Well, I suppose
your entire relationship. - Oh, well, I couldn't
rightly put my finger on the first time I laid eyes on you. - I cannot either, but I remember it. - You remember it? - No, I don't remember it. - Well, I remember when
we were reintroduced. - Yes, '58. - Yes. March of '58.
- March, '58 - And we were married the
next year in January of '59. - How much, wait, '58, it's 12 years ago? - Yes. - 22, now it feels like it's 22. No, am teasing.
- Excuse me. - It's been 22 years of bliss. It's been 12 years since I was-- - It is best to stop talking, yes. - Why don't you finish
answering the question. - We've been married since '59. - So 11 years. (woman laughing) 12 years? It was a war on and it was
very busy and complicated. (Smith laughing) Please save me from my embarrassment. - One thing you will find my friends is that when my husband
gets very uncomfortable, he actually turns the color of his hair. And as you can see, the red is already starting to climb up to his
forehead already, my dear. Please, Mr. Smith ask another question. - [Smith] Am I saving you from
from this conversation or-- Please, yes, I would
appreciate it, thank you. - [Smith] Well, good, then
another domestic question. - Oh, fantastic, wonderful. (laughing) I'm so excited to answer this question. - I paid Mr. Smith well. - [Smith] Colonel Washington
we'll direct this one at your lovely bride. - Acceptable. - [Smith] Martha-- - Mrs. Washington. - [Smith] I'm sorry, Mrs. Washington. Jennifer Lynn would like to know what sort of advice have you
received in your marriage and what advice might you
then distribute to others? - Oh, my heavens. Well, Miss Lynn, that's
a wonderful question. And I think ladies have a tendency to think about those advices that one might receive
before their marriage. I must tell you though, the colonel is not my first husband. I was married when I was 18 to a gentleman who lives next door to me out in New Kent County, one Daniel Park Custis. And we enjoyed seven very
happy years of marriage and four beautiful children. My son Jack, who we've spoken of and my daughter Patsy
survived from that union. And being married at the age of 18 was very different than when I
was married at the age of 27. I remember when I was 18 the only thing that I thought about before my wedding to Mr. Custis was what flowers were going to be in bloom as we married in May and how high I could pile
my hair on top of my head to be the latest in fashion, of course. I had no notion of what
it meant to be a wife, what it meant to be a mother, to be a partner to someone. But I was blessed, my friend with a gentleman who was kind to me, and who set the bar exceedingly
high for my expectations of what it meant to be a worthy partner. Unfortunately, the divine providence saw fit to take Daniel from us after only seven years together, but he was kind enough to put
forth to me another partner. And I remember when we
were first reunited back in March, in '58, we were in two very different
places in our lives. But we were united on some fronts. And I found someone in Colonel Washington who was kind, who thought about others before himself, and who has been a champion of mine and my children from the first moments that we were ever able
to have a conversation. I cannot say if anyone
necessarily gave me advices about marrying Colonel Washington. There were some who were not happy with my choice of marriage
to Colonel Washington. My uncle in England comes to mind. But what was joyous about
my choice of second husband was just that it was my choice. I knew by that time what
I needed to be successful. And I think the colonel knew as well. And we have made quite
a handsome partnership these many years. I hope that answers your
question, Mr. Smith. - [Smith] Thank you, Mrs. Washington. We have several questions
that I find quite amusing. And I hope you will as well. Stacy wants to know, is it true that you
had a pet bear, Martha? - A what? - [Smith] A pet bear-- - Mrs. Washington, yes? - [Smith] I'm sorry, Mrs. Washington? - He will learn eventually. - [Smith] I will learn
eventually. (laughs) - A pet bear. - Not currently, I do not have a... Is that what... No, I do not have a pet bear currently. - You are not going to
have one anytime soon that I'm aware of. - Sorry. - [Smith] Are you planning
on acquiring a pet bear? - Well, tomorrow is a special
day and one never knows. - Tomorrow, what's tomorrow? - We'll talk about it later. - [Smith] Tomorrow being June the 2nd? - Yes, June the 2nd. - Oh, dear God. - [Smith] What happens on June the 2nd? - It's nothing, it's just fine. Not a bear that I'm aware of, no? - No. - [Smith] We're going to stay
in the domestic category. That's a very strange answer you've just given about the bear. I don't know if I believe you. We're going to stay in the
domestic category for a moment. And Mike wants to know, if you two argue who
wins most of the time? - I do. - Very good
- Sorry, was that too short? - [Smith] No, I can see how this works. - We have discussions, we don't disagree very frequently. - And never in public. - No, never in public. But I'd say when we have
disagreed about matters we have civil discourse about them. - The only thing that I could think of that would ever be considered
or constitute a disagreement is less disagreement and more
a difference of perspective. And normally it has to
do with the children but not in the sense of a disagreement. And I as their guardian, I'm responsible for certain legal matters. At the end of the day, she is their parent and so final responsibility
for their care and well being, the decision ultimately lies with her. So though I may push in certain directions for certain educational perspectives, trip to Europe, for Patsy to be cared for by a certain dancing instructor et cetera, at the final conversation is
ended by your final decision. - Yes. - As their natural born parent. As far as disagreements go, no, we find ourselves in most
harmony on most things. And if we are not on something we discuss it until we come to the point where we have a common resolution. - Yes, I agree. Just like that. - And she's always right anyhow. - I have trained him well. Mr. Smith? - [Smith] Thank you, you two. This is the highlight of
my week, I assure you. - You must get out more. - [Smith] I'm not allowed to right now. Colonel Washington, Alan wants to know about something during
the French and Indian War. Are you amenable to speak
about your time in war? - I'm willing to entertain him, of course. - [Smith] He wants to know specifically about Fort Necessity. And if you hold some resentment, anger, a grudge perhaps at trickery and the events that took
place at Fort Necessity. - Well, do I hold any
grudge against the events that occurred at Fort Necessity? Well, the only folks that I could think of who would be worthy of
holding a grudge against would be the French. And the French are England's
natural born enemy. So it's less of a grudge and more of the natural state of being. Fort Necessity was my
first pitched conflict. And there have been a
notable skirmish before that. Necessity was a combination
of awakening for myself as a young man. I was very young. My first true command I had been put into that
position, not by choice. Truly, I was a lieutenant
colonel to begin with and excuse me, yes, lieutenant colonel. And then our commanding
officer was killed, unfortunately, before the event occurred, and I was then elevated to
the position of commander. And so the responsibility
for the debacle, obviously, the defeat that happened
there was upon my shoulders. And we lost many good men at that conflict in the backwoods of the Ohio territory. About 1/3 killed, wounded almost a half. We were forced to surrender a position that we were not able to
regain for several years. And unfortunately, it is not
the most joyful remembrance of the war that I can think about. Trivially, I can't say
that I have a joyful memory of the war except for
perhaps the conclusion of it. Do I hold a grudge against any conflict? No, not that I can say that I do. Soldiers do their responsibility. We do our duty. The French were doing theirs, I was doing mine, my officers and men were doing the same. And we simply were unfortunate in that we were not
successful in our endeavors. If I could change anything,
I would be successful. And so that we would not have
to wait for nearly five years for that place to be brought safe. The war ended up not
ending until nearly 1763. So there's times I'm sure that I wish that perhaps
things had ended differently and brought a conclusion to the war before it even began in some cases, but that is simply not what occurred. I have not thought about Fort Necessity for quite a long time. I hope there's somewhat
satisfactory, Mr. Smith. - [Smith] Absolutely, thank you for your service Colonel Washington. - It's my pleasure. - [Smith] Staying with a
bit of a military theme, Christian wants to know about the uniform. Now, clearly you're not
in your uniform just now, but what uniform might you
have worn during that time? - Well, one or two, we
wore a blue face red, which is a blue, navy blue, very dark and much darker than
even my wife is wearing. And the red facings, which are the cuffs and the lapels, and to identify us primarily
as provincial soldiers. It's very common to see that. So that wears, the British
regular army to wear some combination of of
red and other colors. That's not, please understand, military uniforms are not uniform across every single branch of these different parts of the service. It changes according to what goes on. But for us, for the Virginia Regiment, we wore the blue with the red. The cuffs and lapels were
varying different kinds. I myself wore a sash to identify my rank at the time later on colonel. And carried different
implements of indication and various, I couldn't have, the words now escaping me. - Gorget. - Gorget, thank you. It's French, it's why
I couldn't remember it. (woman laughing) Gorget or Gorget, as some say, I said it that way for many years. It's a symbol of rank has no purpose. It's a metal disc of some sort that sits about the neck. And carried a sword to
identify my rank as well. And the other uniform that was common later into the war was simply Indian hunting dress. And we utilized just
trade shirts of some sort with leggings, which are
a sort of wool casing that goes up around the
leg to the mid thigh to protect you against the underbrush. Some men wore breechclouts. It's very uncommon that was not required and the breaches so it's very
simple, very utilitarian. So those two uniforms
were the primary ones that were used in the Virginia Regiment. I myself wore both at various times until our commanding
British officer said it was unofficerlarly like to wear
the Indian hunting dress, so we had to stop doing that. (laughs) Well, that's the uniform
description for the time being. - [Smith] And you are colonel, sir? - Yes, retired colonel. No longer serving actively. - You knew that, Mr. Smith. - [Smith] Retired for good? - Yes. - [Smith] What do you hope for next? Are you looking forward
towards a retreat at home? - Yes, very much so. I lay down the sword in 1759. Well, '58 truly
- Yes. - And we were married some months later, some weeks later, actually. And since that time, I have held no official military capacity. That's been, so now nearly 11 years. And I am quite happy in that regard. I've seen enough of war and conflict, my time was finished. And in fact, I resigned my commission before the war was even over. And I accomplished what
I had set out to do, which was to make safe the Ohio terrain and to protect that country of Virginia, which we failed to do at Fort Necessity. And now, five years later at the time, four years later, we made that goal accomplished. And so I set aside the
sword and took up the plow. And since that time, I have been a farmer. Happily, a member the House of Burgesses due to responsibility and a joyful member of the family the two of us have been building
together since that time. And I cannot think of anything
that would drag me from it. Practically foxhunting
but other than that, I can't think of anything else. (smith laughing) - [Smith] So a member of
the House of Burgesses, you probably know a new member
by the name of Jefferson. - Peter Jefferson's boy? - [Smith] Peter Jefferson's boy. - Yes, I do know of him. - His son's in the House now? - Vowed last year. - Which one? - Thomas. - My goodness. - He was the one who was in law school, saw Mr. Wythe for some time. I believe now joined the house. - I see. - He's made a very, very, an interesting debut to be honest. It's very-- - Has he found his voice yet? - I don't know, I'm sure that he has one. He struggles with the speaking in public. - It's rude to speak about
somebody in that way. - I mean, probably
candidly, it may actually serve him quite well, to sit and listen. You remember when I first
joined in the House, I was young and for the first few years I didn't say much at all, which served me quite well. I find listening is better
than speaking sometimes. I learned that the hard way
during the war. (laughs) Mr. Jefferson might find
himself to be quite successful in that regard. - But we know his father, we
knew his father quite well. - Peter Jefferson, great surveyor, and a man who was well
recognized in Virginia. - Yes. - Apple fell far from the
tree, unfortunately, I think. - That's mean. - No, no just in the sense of
a different personality not-- - [Smith] I think we're
going to switch topic. Thank you for that delightful divergence. So you mentioned a
tree, Colonel Washington and Violet would like to know if you have chopped one down recently-- - Recently? - [Smith] of the cherry variety? - Well, we have several
orchards at Mount Vernon that we have begun moving
around at different times. I experiment with fruit trees quite often. Grafting them, different species of pear trying to see if we can change the fruit to change the different species, flavor from one to the other. And it's quite fascinating. You can take a plant, say the stock, the root of one plant, say
a particular species of pear that may have a bitter taste to it. And then you can take a different species that has perhaps a sweet variety. But the first pear tree is very short so it's easier to harvest. The second is much more tall
and difficult to harvest. So if you take the the stock, the root of that first tree, the short bitter one and then attach a branch of graft on it, and you truly, you bind them, you cut them just so
you bind them together and hope if all goes
well, a few months later, they will actually become the same tree. You will get the size of the first tree with the fruit of the second. So we experiment with, I've been experimenting that a great deal, apples, pears, I've been trying
to join quinces to apples that has not gone well at all. Mr. Mason occasionally,
has sent me some species to attempt and work with. None of the species he sent
have worked as of just now, but we're experimenting some more to see if there will be possibilities. So as far as cutting down trees, that happens quite often. We also do lumber work
at the farm regularly. - That cherry orchard is fine though. - No, that's fine. Did I say (mumbles) cherry? - Well, she asked for a cherry-- - Oh, I'm sorry and then I went off into talking about farming, which you don't care about at all. I apologize, it happens sometimes. I've been known to sit and watch some of my people
cut down trees all day long just to see how long it takes to do a certain amount of work with one species of tree versus another. - You are such a farmer. - Mr. Smith, perhaps that
may not have answered the question at all, but-- - [Smith] No, I think it did, sir. Well done, Americans like
mankind in general loves myth. And there seems might be a myth surrounding some certain cherry tree. Mrs. Washington, if it's all right, we're going to pivot towards you. - Certainly? - [Smith] Yes. - It sounded a little threatening. - [Smith] We're going to
gently pivot towards you with very soft and easy questions. - Thank you. - I will take a quick nap while this goes on-- - Thank you my dear - [Smith] Chuck would like to know, he mentions that you never
went to formal University for example, and he wonders
what your thoughts are on whether or not some
type of formal education might be necessary to educate young women. - Formal education I'm assuming ,Chuck, you mean as far as sending young ladies to university, to college. Quite frankly, no. I should say, my mother educated myself and my sisters and it is my duty now
to educate my daughter. That is not to say that we are lacking in those vital necessities of reading, of writing arithmetic,
economics, et cetera. - Not at all. - You are sent to college
to learn how to lead. My son will be sent to college to learn about the great ancients, Latin and Greek so that he may learn from the past so that he may then enter into society and lead the people that
he owns property around. - That is true. - A young lady has no need
for such an education. I have yet my friends to read a house with free
book written in Latin. We simply do not have the time between learning how to
manage a household effectively and all of the various components that go along with it. I'm afraid that almost every
single waking hour of my day is dedicated to managing
and maintaining my household and the people who live in it. So currently, until expectations are changed for young ladies, I think an education at the
hands of the female generation before them, would suit them best. - [Smith] A passing of the torch then? - Yes, indeed, an oral
history if you will. - And one of no significant. So it's no small significance. The work that my wife does and Patsy will do in her status incredibly extensive and technical and requires a great deal of
intelligence and training. I couldn't do it. - It's best that you don't somedays. - It would be terrible. - [Smith] So speaking of
Patsy, Mrs. Washington, Veronica wants to know did the Scotsman also teach Patsy? - Oh, Veronica, you must be
familiar with Mr. McGowan to call him the Scotsman. - That's the best
description I have heard. - Yes. (laughing) - It's the first thing you noticed when you walked into a room. Huh, that's a Scotsman. - Well, we were very concerned at the very beginning
of his tenure with us that Jack's Latin would have a certain
Scottish brogue to it. But that would mean that Jack would have taken the
Latin that he was given. But yes, Veronica, Patsy
did have the benefit of some of Mr. McGowan studies, some of the basics that both she and her brother could share together. And they also shared a music
teacher together Mr. Statler. And recently, although
Jack is away at school, but prior they shared a dancing master, as well, Mr. Christian. So we do wish Patsy to
have as much education as her station expects of her because one day, it is our prayer that she will
find the right person for her and she will marry into her station and she will have a vast
household to manage as well and God Willing children of her own. And it is our responsibility to ensure that she has
every tool available to her for her own success. So yes, she did take some
advantage of Mr. McGowan, the Scotsman's time with us. - Did she enjoy the dancing
lesson at Mr. Masons? - Yes, yes, Patsy and
her friend Millie Posey, were sent just before you left to... Mr. Christian is the dancing
master up in the Northern Neck. Absolutely, stern man, but I suppose when you teach
students all the time... But anyway, he holds dancing lessons for good periods of time. And he held one at Gunston
Hall, Colonel Mason's home, and next he is going to
hold it at Mount Vernon. - Oh.
- Yes. He's an itinerant. So he comes around about every
once in three or four weeks and teaches all the children in the area. But Patsy took to it very well. She and Millie had a good deal of time. And it did not exhaust her the way I was worried that it would be. - Good.
- Yes. - Perhaps (mumbles) later on this year-- - If she feels up to it. - If she feels up to it. - Sorry, Mr. Smith, we are
going into a private sector. - [Smith] No, this is the most
enjoyable part, I assure you. We have another question
for you, Mrs. Washington and it's about reading. Do you have a favorite book or books that you enjoy to read or might recommend to someone to read? - Are you leaning in out of interest or-- - I'd like to know what you read? - Well, you provide the majority of them because I asked you to order them for me. - This way I'll find out which one you're actually
enjoying the most. - Thank you, for tomorrow, right? - No, no idea what tomorrow is. - Yes, I do. Well, I have been trained since I was a very young girl to take an hour every morning
as my hour of devotion. That is when I return
to our private chamber, shut the door and I attend
to my morning prayers. I attend to the the mails for the day and answering any letters of correspond that might need... So yes, I do on a daily
basis read my morning and evening prayers. But when I do have any
available time of my own, that the house is not calling me for I do enjoy reading ladies magazines that my husband provides for me, as well as occasionally a novel should-- - Or two - Or to should it come across the desk. "Pamela" is one of my
favorites that I've read a few times. So yes, I enjoy quite a variety. And we do have a very fine
library at Mount Vernon. But we typically spend the evening reading the newspapers together or whatever we should like. But yeah, I hope that
answered your question. - [Smith] Absolutely,
can we turn to a topic that's perhaps not so light
hearted Mrs. Washingtons. Scarlet would like to know if you could speak up on the
difficult of being home alone while your husband was serving at war. - I see, well, Scarlet, first
thing you must understand, the colonel and I were not married when my husband was serving in the late war with the
French and the Indians. That does not mean that of course, we all were very concerned with the men who were fighting on
the front on our behalf. But I did not have a personal stake in Colonel Washington safety until almost the time that you, well, no, until you
resigned your commission but I will say that we were engaged. - In the expedition, Forbes expedition. - Let me start at the beginning. We were reintroduced to one
another in March of '58. And we fell into easy
conversation with one another and you made sure to return several times. - When I had time - When you had time. - It was very often. - But regardless, by that
late spring, early summer, we had agreed that we
should like to be married. And so we found ourselves engaged to be married to one another, but the colonel still
had business out west. He was still committed to being a part of the Forbes expedition. And while I had always
understood the dangers, we spoke of them quite
frequently before he left and even the entire
time that you were gone, we wrote back and forth when we could. I have now discovered
that the wife of a soldier must have an inner strength unmatched to not only hold a piece
of her heart at home, but know that the rest of
it is wherever her husband or her brother or her son might be constantly having their life on the line. So yes, it was very difficult. I tried to keep myself busy. Of course, the children
were very young then. And of course, I was
attempting to plan a wedding without letting everybody in
Williamsburg know about it. - With mostly successes, as I understand. - Mostly a success. But it was difficult. And I'm very happy that two
weeks before our wedding, my husband decided to
resign his commission. And he is a soldier no longer. It is much more relieving
to be the wife of a farmer than the wife of a soldier. And I am very, very pleased
that you have committed that you will never put
on another uniform again or take up arms 'cause I don't know what I would do if you were put in harm's way for such a long period of time again. - Those days are past me. - I hope that answers
your question, Scarlet. - [Smith] Thank you, we
have so many questions left and so little time. I'm wondering if you would be all right with some rapid fire questions with some sort of brief type of response? - Set, Mr Smith.
- Of course. - [Smith] And I'll just
throw them out there and whoever gets to the question-- - Just catch them. - [Smith] You'll catch them? - Its done.
- Very good. Savanna wants to know what are some of both of
your favorite fashions? - Well, military fashion
is always enjoyable. The current trend always
follows the military trend. - Anything that you might
find in the ladies magazines. Of course, fashion changes
in the blink of an eye. What is fashionable in the morning is not fashionable in the afternoon. - I'm sure when others were fashionable-- - - No indeed. - No longer are, I'm sure. - So of course, we do try and keep up with the latest fashions and we're constantly ordering
in suits and gowns from London but we're not good at this
Mr. Smith, I'm afraid. - [Smith] No, you're doing just fine. What mean you you're not good at this? - Well, we were elongating our answer and you meant to say it was rapid fire. - [Smith] Oh, that's all right. I think context, a long
answer is just fine. - I see. - [Smith] All it means is
that we're not going to get to them all but that's okay. Denise wants to know what type of crops do you raise on the farm? - Wheats primarily and no longer tobacco except for Custis property, scorn, some potato, I do bit of turnips, fruit trees. But primarily wheat is our cash crop. We also have a fishery that's not raising, but we also bring in fish regularly. - [Smith] You recently switched to wheat, is that what you're saying? - '65, '66, it's been
about four years now. - [Smith] More profitable than tobacco? - Much more, the debt
has shrunk significantly. - [Smith] Kent would like to know have you ever thought of taking him to see the wilds of Augusta? I think we were talking
about Jackie at this point. - Oh, we've been out a few times. Mostly small, not Augusta specifically, but he's been in the, not the
full on wilderness itself, but he's been in West Sam and-- - You've taken them out on some trips. - There's no need to go, take a young boy that far out into the wilds of Augusta as it were. They're different in the way-- - I would not allow it. - That was the nice way
to getting around it. I couldn't figure out a way to say it. (mumbles) anyhow, next question. - [Smith] Tina would like to know after your marriage did the colonel take over management of Mrs. Washington's estate? - Yes, Tina, the colonel
did take over management of the Custis's Estates which you seem to have some knowledge of. Of course, well, as Mr. Custis's widow, I received 1/3 of his personal and a real property to
have life rights to. And then of course as the
guardian of my children, in effect, he manages the
entirety of the Custis's Estate on our behalfs, yes. That was better, wasn't it? - [Smith] That was fantastic, beautiful. - Thank you. - You following, you're
doing quite well I think. - I think so, yes. - I say that in the
figure so I feel better. I'm not sure if we.. Anyhow, yes? - [Smith] To keep you on your toes, a question about shoes from Karen, Martha wants to know if you
still have your wedding shoes? - Of course, I have my wedding shoes. Oh, my goodness, they were so fabulous. They were purple with
silver spangles on them. They were absolutely beautiful. In fact, they wore a
little bit on the tongue and I even had them replaced. I don't wear them very often because I want to preserve them. - [Smith] Mr. Washington, Beth says that she read a children's book-- - Colonel Washington. - [Smith] I'm sorry, well,
it says Mr. Washington here-- - Its all right, we'll
allow to slide this one. (Smith laughing) - Colonel Washington? - Yes. - [Smith] Beth says that she
has read a children's book about you and and your mother. And she says that she sounds
like quite a character. What is your relationship
like with your mother? What type of person is she? - Very good relationship. And this is the best way
to describe my mother. I am the male version of her. Forward thinking, well, I'd
like to say that about myself, she would say about herself, strong willed very much so, very decisive, and she will brook no disagreement from anyone including myself and very responsible. So I do my best to follow in
some of those footsteps of hers and sometimes as all families do, they clash a bit. But I hold my mother quite responsible for much of my upbringing, and many of the successes that
I hold today because of her. So it's a good one. We haven't seen her for a few, well, I saw her on the way down. We stopped in for a few
days in Fredericksburg. So quite good, actually. - [Smith] So Colonel Washington, this might not have happened yet, but we're going to ask a question anyway. - Of course. - [Smith] Mike would like to know, have you started a distillery? - No, we have not done any work with that. And specifically, the
wheats could be turned, I suppose into some sort
of alcoholic substance. - An interesting idea. - After perhaps have a
conversation with Mike, you said? - [Smith] Mike, yes. - To have that conversation
with him at some point in time. But no, I have not as of now. And now it's mostly just the grain. We have our mill that we grind some. But other than that, no. That's a good idea. - [Smith] Alcohol is more stable, you might not have ruination of crops as it travels across the land. Franco would like to know who handles the discipline
of the children? - What type of discipline? - [Smith] Well, he
doesn't make distinction. - It depends on the circumstance. And if it is a matter that we agree upon, then I will take care of it necessary. And if it comes down to
more significant things, I leave it in the hands of Mrs. Washington to direct me or herself in
whatever way she sees fit. - Indeed. - [Smith] Patty would like to know if you to sit and enjoy tea together. - Yes. - Quite often.
- Of course. - Well, other than that
since the association rule. - Well, when we can. - [Smith] So speaking of
things that you do together, Audrey would like to know what are your favorite
things to do as a couple? - Read.
- Read. - That is one of our favorite
pastimes in the evening. When I feel up to it, I
sometimes join you in the field, but we go visiting to our
friends quite frequently. Our dearest friends, the Fairfax's who live just next door to us. Next door, meaning it's about
a 45-minute walk to Belvoir, which is their estate. And of course, when we can we come down to the capital city and engage in conversation
with our dear friends as we are today. But we find that we try and
stay in one another's company as frequently as possible. - Just being in company is
most enjoyable in my opinion. - [Smith] There are
several people watching from around the world, from Germany, Cindy McHenry
says she's watching from Raleigh but a little bit closer
to home in Williamsburg, Teresa would like to know when you are in Williamsburg is there a tavern that you like to visit? - Depends, Miss Campbell's is one that we we attend several times. I'm staying or I ate there. I'm planning on eating there today and I ate there yesterday. The Raleigh sometimes-- - Mr. Charlton's. - Mr. Charlton's. - Typically, when the
family is in the city, we prefer to stay with my
sister's mother-in-law, Mrs. Dawson if she's available. She has a townhouse to
south at the magazine there but sometimes we have
stayed at Mr. Charlton's. Mrs. Campbell's, of course. - It depends.
- Yes. - Depends on who's here
and how long we're staying, how many rooms are available, et cetera. It gets quite crowded when the House of Burgesses is in session, so you have to jump around a bit. - [Smith] We spoke of a date
early on in this conversation, tomorrow's date, June the 2nd, and it seems that there
have been several comments. Some sleuths online
have discovered exactly what tomorrow's date means. - They should enlighten us I
think then, shouldn't they? - I know what tomorrow's date is. - [Smith] So from around the world and viewers watching at home, Scott, Peggy, Violet, Tim, Kristen, all of these folks and
more want to wish you, Mrs. Martha Washington
a happy early birthday. - Oh, thank you very much. - There's quite a few people
who are paying attention. - You have wished me a happy birthday before my husband has. - I was saving it for the day, that way it would be unique and special. - You have two opportunities because if you use the old calendar or the new calendar that way, if you miss it on the second you can celebrate later. - I was thinking we could celebrate from the second to the thirteenth. - That's a marvelous idea. - There will be no-- - [Smith] A birth month? - A birth month. - See, exactly so. - Thank you, Mr. Smith. And thank you to all of my friends who have wished me a happy birthday. - [Smith] So we have time
for just one final curiosity. - Of course. - [Smith] It's beautifully
poetic I suppose, because we started this conversation, you started this conversation
talking about your children, and the next generation. So I believe we should
end with that topic. Do you have any, when you think about the
future in your children, and you think about the
future of this continent and these people, do you have any advice, what is your hope for
not just your children but their children and
the ensuing generations? - Well, I think, speaking
as their guardian, of the children, and as a
partial parent in that regard. And if I'm speaking incorrectly,
please correct me, my dear. - I will. - She will. I would say that our hope for our children and my wife's children
is that they will grow. Grow in strength and vigor, and that their path would be made straight and easy before them. That they would find every connection they need to succeed in a healthy way. And when troubles and difficulties come that they would have the fortitude, the stamina, the wisdom, and the courage to push
through those circumstances and come out the other side better people than they were when it began. And I think in many cases, I would say that the same is true. My hopes for Virginia are the same, just as it is for my friends, my family, our family, for Virginia and the Empire and perhaps even the world that we would all have that
same sense of fortitude, that same sense of care for
ourselves and for others. A sense of of kindness and patience, the willingness to listen and to engage in whatever
circumstances may come to us with the the best wisdom and
courage that we possibly can. - As their mother, any
mother or father listening or watching just now will understand that every time you have a child, a piece of your heart goes with them. And you desire to protect them long after they have run away from you and wish to live their own lives. And it is my hope that
as we grow as a family, as we grow as a nation as there are changes and there are tumultuous times that I'm sure that we will
all have to go through, that every mother will
have the confidence to know that their child will be protected by the community that surrounds them. We all come from different places. We all come from different backgrounds and different circumstances. And it warms my heart to know that the community that
I've raised my children in will protect them. And it is my hope that if
I should ever have a child who needs protection
that they will have it. And so I hope that as parents, as members of our community, we can always remember that
to hold one another together, to protect one another. Because I think at the end, we are only best when we are united. And as you said, my dear,
to listen to one another. I think that's our hopes
for our children, Mr. Smith. - Agree. You-all are
very kind and allowing us to have such long conversation on such a wide variety of topics from political matters to personal matters to awkward personal matters
(laughs) mostly for me. I hope that you-all, we
hope that you-all are well, that you will stay well. Continue to engage with
each other in conversation, to be kind to one another and to know that Mrs. Washington and I are always your humble servants and you're very dear friends. We look forward to seeing
you again in the future. Perhaps here in Williamsburg, perhaps somewhere else. Mount Vernon is always open
to whoever wishes to come but just don't all come at once. Please, it's not that large of a house. - Best to see them when
they're here in Williamsburg. - It's best that way, I think. Anyhow, your kindness
is overwhelming friends and I hope that you're well this day. Take care of yourselves, (mumbles). - [Announcer] All of our
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