From George Washington to Patience Wright, 30 January 1785
To Patience Wright
Mount Vernon Jany 30th 1785.
Madam,
By what means it came to pass, I shall not undertake to devise; but the fact is, that your letter of the 8th of December 1783, never got to my hands until the 12th of the Same Month in the year following. This will account for my not having acknowledged the receipt of it sooner—and for not thanking you as I now do, before, for the many flattering expressions contained in it.
If the Bust which your Son has modelled of me should reach your hands, and afford your celebrated Genii any employment that can amuse Mrs Wright, it must be an honor done me. and if your inclination to return to this Country should overcome other considerations, you will, no doubt, meet a welcome reception from your numerous friends: among whom, I should be proud to see a person so universally celebrated; & on whom, nature has bestowed such rare & uncommon gifts.1 I am—Madam Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servant
Go: Washington
ALS, British Museum: Add. MSS 12099; LB, DLC:GW.
1. See GW to Joseph Wright, this date, n.1. Patience Lovell Wright acted as a secret agent for the Americans in London during the war.