Mount Vernon Sep: 22d. 1799 Dear Sir, Your letter, announcing the death of my Brother, came to hand last night.- One from Colo. Ball, informing me of that event, arrived the evening before. - I very sincerely condole with your mother and the family on this occasion. - But as death, in this case; was regular in its approaches; and evident, long before it happened; she, and all of you, must have been prepared for the stroke. - Of course, though painful, it must have fallen much lighter on that account. - By this event, you have become the Guardian of your mother; and as it were, the father, of your fathers family; - and by care, industry & sobriety will [inserted: endeavour I hope to] merit the appellation of one.- Your Aunt has been, and still is, much indisposed, but unites in best wishes for yr. mother - self - & family, with your sincere frd. and - Affectionate Uncle Go: Washington Mr Saml Washington