From George Washington to Ludwell Lee, 29 August 1797
To Ludwell Lee
Mount Vernon 29th Augt 1797
Dear Sir,
General Spotswood, Mrs Miss & Captn Spotswood, and Miss Thornton of Culpeper (all relations I believe of yours) are now here.1 They, Mrs Washington and myself, would be glad to see you, Mrs Lee Miss Armistead & any others of your family, at Dinner tomorrow.2 With esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, owned (1996) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida.
1. Alexander Spotswood’s son, Capt. John Augustine Spotswood, was captain of a schooner in the West Indies trade. Miss Spotswood is probably Mary Spotswood, the eldest Spotswood daughter. Miss Thornton is undoubtedly one of the daughters of Col. John Thornton (d. 1822) and his wife Jane Washington Thornton of Thornton Hill, then in Culpeper County, now in Rappahannock County. Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Spotswood were both daughters of GW’s half brother Augustine Washington.
2. Ludwell Lee had recently married Elizabeth Armistead, his second wife. Miss Armistead is probably one of the bride’s sisters.