To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 22 April 1797
From Elizabeth Foote Washington
Hay-Field April 22d 1797.
Dear Sir,
I have flatter’d myself should have got what fine herrings I want from your fishing Landing, but am inform’d I cannot, which has put me to a great nonplus to know what to do, or where to apply—for not doubting but what I should get them there (as it had been the custom) I never applied any where else. I have already had four hands waiting at the ferry Landing for near a week & got only three hundred—yet still hop’d should get them when the weather moderated. I fear it is too late to apply to any other fishery, therefore Should esteem it as a Singular favour could you let me have six or Seven thousand herrings from your Seine.1 am Sir with the greatest esteem your very Humble Servant
Elizabeth Washington
ALS, ViMtV.
Elizabeth Foote Washington lived with her husband, Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon until he left GW’s employ after the war and they moved to a house that they had built nearby, five miles south of Alexandria, called Hayfield. Lund Washington died in 1796.
1. Apparently GW was able to provide Elizabeth Washington with herring. See her letter to GW of 24 April.