Papers of John Adams, volume 20
th.1790.
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the old
fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs
Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her
curiosity on the same subject.1 If you
should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams
and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your Company at dinner at the
White House (i.e. the House which was Colo. Morris’s) where
he has already ordered provision to be made for a small party. The President intends
setting off from his House, at a little after nine in the morning.
I shall be much obliged by being honored with information whether it will be convenient for you to be of the party.
With sentiments of perfect respect / I have the honor to be / Sir /
Your most obedt & / most humble servant
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Vice President / &c &c &c.”
On 10 July George Washington set off with a large party that
included his cabinet and staff and their wives, as well as JA,
AA, Martha Washington, and several family members. They toured Fort
Washington, located at the northern tip of Manhattan, where the American general had
suffered one of his greatest tactical defeats during the Revolutionary War. The group
dined at Washington’s former headquarters, now the Morris-Jumel Mansion, which was
previously owned by British Army colonel Roger Morris (1727–1794), who fled to
Yorkshire, England. The New York State legislature seized the estate in 1777 and sold
it to John Berrian and Isaac Ledyard in 1784 (vol. 5:ix–x; Washington, Diaries
, 6:92–93;
ANB
).