From George Washington to David Stuart, 15 August 1786
To David Stuart
Mount Vernon Augt 15th 1786
Dear Sir,
Mrs Washington is prevented from dining with you tomorrow by the arrival of a French Gentleman of Rank—Genl Duplessis—who is introduced, and very warmly recommended to me by the Count de Estaing, the Marqs de la Fayette &ca—in consequence I have persuaded Colo. Humphreys to Postpone his visit to Abingdon. Wishing to shew this Gentleman (Genl Duplessis) all the Civilities in my power, I should be glad if you & Mrs Stuart would dine with us tomorrow. other Company are also invited from Alexandria at Dinner, at this time.1 That Mrs Stuart may be accomodated, George’s Phæton, & a pair of my horses (two others being sent to Fredericksburgh) is carried up by Charles.2 Yrs affectly
Go: Washington
ALS, sold in 1992 by Christie, Manson & Woods International, Inc.
1. In his entry for 16 Aug. GW wrote: “Colonels [John] Fitzgerald and [William] Lyles Mr. Brailsford (an English Gentleman) and Mr. [Joseph Marie] Perrin came here to dinner” (, 5:27). Perrin was a Frenchman living in Alexandria.
2. Charles may be GW’s Muddy Hole farm slave, but it is more likely that he is a slave of George Augustine Washington’s of that name.