From George Washington to Mary White Morris, 1 May 1788
To Mary White Morris
Mount Vernon May 1st 1788.
Madam,
With infinite pleasure Mrs Washington & myself received from Mr Morris the News of your intended visit to Mount Vernon—and that you will be accompanied by Miss Morris and the young Gentlemen who are lately returned to you (on which happy event we sincerely congratulate you). We have only to wish, further, that you could make it convenient to bring the other Children; for with much truth we can assure you of the pleasure it would give us to see them all under this roof with you and Mr Morris.1
Being engaged in my Mornings ride when John came, and he anxious to proceed, I detain him no longer than I can unite Mrs Washingtons best wishes and compliments to mine, for you, and the family—in a particular manner I beg you to assure the young Gentlemen of the cordial reception they will meet from⟨,⟩ Madam, Yr Most Obedt & Obliged Hble Servant
Go: Washington
P.S. Mr Morris in his letter to me says, you will be so obliging as to bring (sending it to Colo. Biddle if it is the least inconvenient will do equally well) Muslins agreeably to the inclosed Memorandum.
G.W.
ALS (photocopy), DLC:GW.
1. See Robert Morris to GW, 29 April. On 14 May, three days before the arrival at Mount Vernon of Mrs. Morris with sons, Robert (b. 1769) and Thomas (1771–1849), and daughter, Esther (1774–1816), George Augustine Washington wrote the Alexandria storekeeper Thomas Porter: “The General will beg the favor of You to procure for him a Box of Lemons if they are not to be had 6 or 8 doz. Limes as he is daily expectg company and those who I doubt not from use are attached to the good things of this world—we are much in want of Butter and will thank You to have the pot left at Your store filled the first Opporty as the Boat will probably be in Town in a few days” (PHi: Gratz Collection). The two Morris boys had just returned from Europe where they had been sent in 1781 for their schooling.