I have the utmost respect for Frank Grizzard, who occupies a lofty
perch among the topmost George  Washington scholars and who has lent
me the most generous assistance numerous times. I could not have
couched my remark about his article in a more good-humored way. As for
GWP Custis's "Recollections," it is a first-hand, eyewitness, primary
source.  In using it I have been guided by the assessment of Douglas
Southall Freeman -- a "long lapse of time bars Custis's story as
historical evidence of a sort to be accepted in all detail but does
not necessarily brand it as evidence to be disregarded altogether."

Henry Wiencek
Charlottesville

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