From George Washington to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1789
To Abigail Adams
Tuesday November 24 [1789]
The President of the United States having understood that Mrs Adams intends visiting the Theatre this evening, he presents his Compliments to Mrs Adams, and requests her acceptance of a Ticket for his Box.
The Play begins at 6 o’clock.1
L, in the writing of Tobias Lear, owned (1976) by Mrs. Harry Hull, Manchester, Massachusetts.
1. GW’s diary entry for this day notes: “Went to the Play in the Evening. Sent Tickets to the following Ladies and Gentlemn. & invited them to Seats in my Box viz.—Mrs. Adams (Lady of the Vice-President) Genl. [Philip] Schuyler & Lady, Mr. [Rufus] King & Lady, Majr. [Pierce] Butler and Lady, Colo. [Alexander] Hamilton & Lady Mrs. [Catherine] Green—all of whom accepted and came except Mrs. Butler who was indisposed” ( , 5:500). The play was a comedy, The Toy; or a Trip to Hampton Court, performed by the Old American Company at the John Street Theatre ( , 37–38). A New York newspaper observed that “On the appearance of The President, the audience rose, and received him with the warmest acclamations” (Gazette of the United States [New York], 28 Nov. 1789).