my son, Daniel, with Miss Martha Dandridge."* This was a concession he certainly never had cause to regret, as he soon was an admiring witness of their domestic bliss in their pleasant home on the banks of the Pamunkey. They had four children, Daniel Parke, Fanny Parke, John Parke (the father of the author of the Recollections), and Martha Parke. The two eldest children died very young; and it is said that grief for their loss so preyed upon the mind of the devoted father, who was equally endowed with deep affections, as with manly beauty, that it hastened his death, which occurred at the age of thirty years. He left a young widow with two small children, and a large fortune. His family mourned the loss of a most tender parent, and his numerous servants an indulgent master.† *On that occasion a friend of the suitor wrote to him as follows: "DEAR SIR: This comes at last to bring you the news that I believe will be most agreeable to you of any you have ever heard — that you may not be long in suspense I shall tell you at once-I am empowered by your father to let you know that he heartily and willingly consents to your marriage with Miss Dandridge-that he has so good a character of her, that he had rather you should have her than any lady in Virginia — nay, if possible, he is as much enamored with her character as you are with her person, and this is owing chiefly to a prudent speech of her own. Hurry down immediately for fear he should change the strong inclination he has to your marrying directly. I stayed with him all night, and presented Jack with my little Jack's horse, bridle, and saddle, in your name, which was taken as a singular favor. I shall say no more, as I expect to see you soon to-morrow, but conclude what I really am, "Your most obliged and affectionate humble servant, "J. POWER. "To Colonel DANIEL PARKE CUSTIS, New Kent." The "Jack" referred to in this letter was a small negro boy to whom the old gentleman had taken a most violent fancy; and on one occasion when in great displeasure with his son, Daniel, on account of his refusing to concur in his ambitious views, he made a will, duly recorded, leaving all his fortune to this boy. Through the solicitations of his friends and his own paternal feelings, when the ill-humor had vanished, he destroyed that will, but manumitted the boy with his mother, Alice, and provided them with a most comfortable maintenance. † Daniel Parke Custis was born at "Queene's creeke," according to the record in a family Bible at Arlington House, on the 15th of October, 1711. There is also a |