Philadelphia, December the 3rd, 1792.
To Mrs. Frances Washington:
My Dear Fanny.—Your Letter of the 2d of November came to my hands yesterday—I am truly glad that the Major has had some little relief, and I trust ere this he has found ease from the pain in his breast and side. I beg my dear Fanny to write one day in every week and that we shall know when to expect her letters, we are very anxious when the southern post comes to hear from you. I write to you by every Mondays Post, your letters come to us on Saturday.—I hope you will pay some attention to your own health, as I feared you were in very delicate situation when I left you at Mount Vernon. Thank god we are all tolerable well hear—Tho I know you are with your friends that is ready to give you every assistance and kindness, yet if there is any thing hear that you cannot get whare you are that you may want, I beg you will let us know and it will give us pleasure to supply you with it.
I am happy to hear that your dear little Babes keep well.
Our compliments to Mr. Bassett—my love and good wishes to your self and the Major,—Your Brothers and Sisters,—Kiss the children for me.
I am my dear Fanny Your most affectionate
M. Washington.
[1]. A plan destined to be tried on a larger scale, but with equal futility, at Charleston Harbor, in 1861—so does History repeat herself.
[2]. Ancestor of the poet Landor.