Martha Washington

Merrill Jensen, John P. Kaminiski, Gaspare J. Saladino, eds.

State Historical Society of Wisconsin

1976-00-00

published primary source

eng

Jensen, Merrill, John P. Kaminiski, and Gaspare J. Saladino, eds. Madison, WI: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1976.

From Olney Winsor to Mrs. Olney Winsor: “…we…arrived at Mount Vernon about one—where we were received by the General & his family with great freedom and politeness, at the same time without any ceremonious parade….Mrs. Washington is an elegant figure for a person of her years, perhaps 45 [she was actually almost 57].—she is rather fleshy, of good complexion, has a large portly double chin, and an open & engageing [sic] Countenance, on which a pleasing smile sets during Conversation, in which she bears an agreeable part.-…She was dressed in a plain black Sattin [sic] gown, with long Sleves [sic], figured Lawn Apron & Handkf, guaze [sic] french [sic] night Cap with black bowes [sic]—all very neat—but not guady [sic]—.” (523)