The Washingtons: George and Martha, "Join'd by Friendship, Crown'd by Love."

After George Washington's death in 1799, his wife, Martha (1731–1802), burned most of their letters. Fraser (Pauline Bonaparte: Venus of Empire) scoured journals and voluminous correspondence with family and friends as well as military, political, and business associates to reveal their story here. Woven into the background of their roles in the history of colonial Virginia, the American Revolution, and the first presidency are accounts of everyday household matters, family high points and heartaches, and estate management issues such as slave labor. An awkward and retiring farmer, George married the beautiful, wealthy widow and became a caring stepfather to her two young children. He grew calm and charming in her presence. Martha was a gracious and affable hostess in addition to being an able manager of her inheritance. Both were temperate and unassuming. Reluctantly serving as commander-in-chief during two increasingly challenging terms as president, George continuously balanced his control of troops and country with concern for Martha's well-being, attention to their extended family, and upkeep of their beloved Mount Vernon.