From George Washington to James Craik, 19 December 1790
To James Craik
Philadelphia, December 19th 1790.
Dear Sir,
By a letter which I received on thursday last from my nephew George S. Washington, in answer to one which I had written to him on the 15th instant it does not appear that his Brother Lawrence is to come on with him to this place. As it is my intention that they should both enter the College together, I have written to George to bring his Brother with him, if he should get my letter before he leaves Alexandria—But, as he expected to set off from thence on monday I am afraid the enclosed will be too late for him, in which case, if Lawrence has not come on, I must request the favor of you, my dear Sir, to send him on the stage as soon after the receipt of this letter as he can be prepared to come.1
Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for Mrs Craik, yourself, and family. I am dear Sir, Your affectionate friend and obedient servant
G. Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
1. GW had written to George Steptoe Washington about enrolling in the college of the University of Pennsylvania on 5 Dec. 1790 rather than 15 Dec. 1790, as is indicated here. No letter from George Steptoe Washington to GW of 10 Dec. 1790 has been found. The enclosed letter to George Steptoe Washington, dated 19 Dec. 1790, reads: “From the tenor of your letter of the 10th inst. which came to my hands on thursday last, it does not appear that Lawrence is to come on to this place with you, for he is not mentioned in any part of the letter—It is my intention that you should both enter the College together, and if you look over my letter of the 5th instant you will see that both are mentioned. If therefore any thing should occur to prevent you setting off on monday as you had determined, and this letter should reach you before you leave Alexandria, I request that Lawrence may come on with you. I am dear George, Your sincere friend affectionate Uncle G. Washington” (LB, DLC:GW). George Steptoe and Lawrence apparently left Virginia on or shortly after 18 Dec. 1790. On that date George Augustine recorded furnishing George Steptoe with £12 “to defray his and Brothers expences from Alexa. to Philadelphia” (, 323).