A subject of importance, and of no small embarrassment

Dear Sir,
I am now set down to write to you on a subject of importance, and of no small embarrassment to me. My son – in – law and ward, Mr. Custis, has, as I have been informed, paid his addresses to your second daughter, and, having made some progress in her affections, has solicited her in marriage.

(George Washington’s letter to Benjamin Calvert)

Read more on this topic on the 250 years ago special project of Trapped in the 18th century blog.