Martha Dandridge Custis: The Cause Of Washington's War

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On January 6th, 1759, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, a “charming and vivacious” young woman from the Tidewater area of Virginia. Martha brought enormous wealth, along with two small children, “Jacky” and “Patsy,” to the marriage. It was her second marriage, as it was his first. About two weeks after the battle at Yorktown, Washington’s stepson, John Parke Custis (“Jacky”), died of camp fever at the age of 27. His sister Patsy had died of epileptic seizure eight years earlier as a teenager. As a patriot, Mrs. Washington made it her war too, nursing sick and wounded soldiers and raising money for the troops. Needlework helped her to pass the time through half of the war. Together they entertained his officers and guests. Two of Martha