From George Washington to Richard Sprigg, 18 May 1785
To Richard Sprigg
Mount Vernon 18th May 1785.
Dear Sir,
I received the Grass-seeds which you sent me sometime since, & thank you for them.1
This Letter will be handed to you by Mr Pine, an Artist of acknowledged eminence; who, whilst it is yet possible is endeavouring to secure faithful representations of some of the interesting events of this War—As he proposes to take Annapolis on his way to Philadelphia I pray you to allow me the liberty of introducing him to your civilities 2 at the sametime that I assure you of the esteem & regard with which I am Dr Sir—Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, MHi: Miscellaneous Bound Collection.
Richard Sprigg had fine gardens and orchards at his place, Strawberry Hill, near Annapolis.
1. In his diary entry of 14 April GW recorded that he “Sowed 5 rows and a small piece of the bird grass seed (sent me by Mr Sprig of Annapolis)” (, 4:119).
2. In GW’s letter book (DLC:GW), there are letters of this day introducing Robert Pine to two other men at Annapolis, Edward Lloyd (1744–1796) and Gov. William Paca. The text of GW’s letter to Lloyd is: “This letter will be presented to you by Mr Pine an eminent historical & portrait painter: he is now by his drawings, representing some of the most memorable events of the late war; & finding it necessary to call at Annapolis, I take the liberty of introducing him to your civilities.” He wrote Paca: “Mr Pine who will deliver this letter to your Excellency, is an artist of acknowledged eminence, & one who has given the world many pleasing & forcible specimens of genius: he is engaged in painting some of the most interesting events of the late war; in the prosecution of which he finds it necessary to call at Annapolis.”