Mount Vernon 22d Julyy 1796 Dear Harriot The last Post brought me your letter of the 17th instant informing me of your Marriage the preceding day with Mr. Parks.-- Far from being displeased at the event, I offer you my congratulation thereon; and sincerely wish it may prove a the source of continual happiness to you. -- Much of this depends on your own disposition -- on a prudent deportment toward your husband; - and on the accomodotion of your views of his circumstances. -- If the first are more extensive than the latter, it will involve both of you in difficulties; -- perhaps in ruin. -- always keep the old adage in remembrance-- "Take your measure according to your Cloth" and do not because you may see other do so' (some because their fortunes enable them, and others because they are excited to it by vanity) endulge yourself either in dress, or a mode of living that will be productive of embarrassmen. Having much company in the house at pres. I have time only to [struck] add, that your Aunt, & Nelly Custis unite with me in best wishes for the happiness & prosperity of yourself & Mr. Parks; and that if it [illegible] suit his business at any time, to make a visit here, while we are at the home we should be glad to see you both at Mount Vernon- With great reagard I reman - your affecte, Uncle Go: Washington Mr. Harriot Parks.