Even more successful were the dramas Custis wrote at this time, based on heroic episodes in the Nation’s past or on inspiring contemporary achievements. The Indian Prophecy used an incident in Washington’s early life as its theme and established a vogue for Indian plays which lasted over 50 years; while the Rail Road was the first one written on that subject in America. Others dramatized such events as the battle of Baltimore and the launching of a new warship. For 10 years his dramatic pieces were staged from Boston to Charleston and did much to develop a distinctive American drama.
An early view of “Arlington House.” From an engraving made about 1845.
A man of culture, Custis used all of his abilities to perpetuate the memory of Washington. He erected the first monument on the President’s birthplace in 1816, wrote poems to celebrate his greatness, and painted colorful battle pictures in which the great General was the central figure. An accomplished orator, he was tireless in advocating the principles of freedom for which Washington had fought, and planned to do with his slaves as his foster father had done—free them after they had been prepared to shift for themselves. Although he never held an elective office, his influence was considerable and for the good.
The tents used by General Washington during the American Revolution were cherished relics at Arlington. From B. J. Lossing, “Arlington House,” Harper’s Monthly Magazine, VII (Sept. 1853), 444.
HOME LIFE AT ARLINGTON. An equal source of inspiration at “Arlington House” was the religious atmosphere of its home life. Mrs. Custis was a devout Episcopalian, noted for her simplicity and piety. It was she who influenced Robert E. Lee’s Sunday school teacher, Bishop William Meade, to enter the ministry. Diligent where her husband was inclined to be easy-going, Mrs. Custis was one with him in making Arlington free from ostentation.
Kept unspoiled by her parents’ example, Mary Custis was given the education deemed necessary for a young lady of her position, and as soon as she was old enough herself taught the children of nearby families and family servants. Though an only child, she never lacked companionship, for usually the house overflowed with relatives and their children. The Custises, too, often went visiting, especially to “Ravensworth,” formerly the home of Mrs. Custis’ father and now owned by her only brother. Here Mary must have played as a child with Robert E. Lee, for he and his mother were also related to the Fitzhughs and often visited at their estate. The Lees were familiar with Arlington as well, for Robert was a favorite with the Custises from boyhood. He and Mary Custis are said to have planted some of the trees in the vicinity of the house when they were young.
Title page of the 1830 edition of Curtis’ most popular play.