To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 23 October 1793
From Samuel Fraunces
Philada 23d October 1793
Hond Sir
I received your letter last Evening1—and it gives me the greatest Satisfaction that my conduct meets your approbation—was any accident to happen in the Famely it would not be for want of my care and attention I strictly adhere to your directions in every point—The House is clean and ready for your return and every thing in proper order—I long to see you home where I think you will be as safe as any where—as our Neibourhood is entirely clear of any infection—The Fever still continues to abate in the City but rages in Southwark & other out parts—You mention if any of the Famely should be taken ill to take advice which cannot be done as there i⟨s⟩ no Person of any consequence left but I hope we shall want none as your direction is quite sufficient—several Famelys however begin to return as it is thought they may with Safety—I Knew that the President lent Mr Osborn Money2 & in consequence made an enquiry before I received your Letter, & found none but fifteen dollrs with his distressed Wife which She took to the Hospital with her his Trunk and some of his Cloaths are here which I detained untill I heard from you—The Trunk is locked what is in it I do not know3—Mrs Emerson is well and gives her duty to Madam but She is much oppressed in Spirits—Yr dutifull Servt
Samuel Fraunces
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. This letter has not been found.
2. On 9 Sept. William Osborne, a steward in GW’s household who died during the yellow fever epidemic, had been given a loan of $100 “by order of the President, to be repaid in one year” (; see also Account Book, 2 Sept. 1793–4 April 1794, DLC:GW).
3. Mrs. Osborne subsequently complained that things had been taken from Osborne’s trunk and indicated doubts about Fraunces’s honesty (see Mrs. William Osborne to GW, 7 June 1794, DLC:GW).