"This reappraisal of America's first First Lady explores how "the Widow Custis" met the challenges of running a huge plantation, examines her whirlwind courtship with the young George Washington, and reveals that the status he gained through their marriage was key to his appointment as commander of the Continental Army. Richly flavored with detailed descriptions of the realities of colonial life, Martha Washington: First Lady of Liberty also recounts Martha's ceaseless efforts to provide clothing and shelter for the army when the Continental Congress failed to do so.". "Author Helen Bryan explores many rarely mentioned aspects of Martha's life, including the mysterious death of her mulatto brother-in-law, her frantic search for an effective treatment for her daughter's epilepsy, and her profound unhappiness during Washington's presidency.". "Supplemented with numerous letters and other communications, vivid portraits of the lives of slaves on Virginia plantations, and first-hand accounts of the glittering social life enjoyed by the elite, Martha Washington is must reading for anyone interested in the American Revolution, colonial life, and the true story of one of the most important and remarkable women in American history."--BOOK JACKET.