VA, USA
Fielding Lewis Dies in Financial Ruin
December 21, 1781
Fielding Lewis died on December 21, 1781, his personal fortune exhausted by his wartime manufacturing and supply operations. The Virginia government's failure to reimburse him adequately left his family in debt and Kenmore Plantation encumbered. His death raised difficult questions about the treatment of private citizens who sacrificed financially for the Patriot cause.
People Involved
Fredericksburg planter married to Washington's sister Betty who financed and operated a gunnery manufactory at Fredericksburg throughout the Revolutionary War. Spent most of his personal fortune equipping Virginia troops and was never fully reimbursed by the state. Died in 1781 deeply in debt from his wartime expenditures.
George Washington's only surviving sister, who lived with her husband Fielding Lewis at Kenmore Plantation in Fredericksburg throughout the Revolutionary War. Managed the household and plantation during Fielding's wartime activities and after his death, and maintained close correspondence with her brother throughout the war.