From George Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 18 May 1784
To Elizabeth Powel
[Philadelphia] Tuesday Morning [18 May 1784].
G: Washington presents his most respectful compliments to Mrs Powell—he will be particularly careful of the letter and Box for Mrs Fitzhugh 1—& only laments that it is not in his power to call & ask Mrs Powell’s other commands—the Meeting of the Society will be at nine, immediately after wch the Genl will leave the City.
He prays Mr Powell to accept his best respects.
AL, ViMtvL.
Elizabeth Willing Powel was the wife of Samuel Powel (1738–1793), a prominent Philadelphian with whom GW had frequent dealings in the years to follow. Mrs. Powel, who was the sister of William Byrd III’s widow, Mary Willing Byrd, became a great favorite of GW’s.
1. Mrs. Fitzhugh may have been Ann Frisby Rousby Fitzhugh, second wife of Col. William Fitzhugh of Maryland, but she probably was Anne Randolph Fitzhugh, the wife of William Fitzhugh (1741–1809) of Chatham in Stafford County, Virginia. It also is possible that she was the wife or widow of one of several other Fitzhughs with whom GW had an acquaintance. Mrs. Powel’s letter to Mrs. Fitzhugh is dated 3 Mar. 1784 (ViMtvL).