Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 February 1892 — Presents for Patty and Polly. [ARTICLE]

Presents for Patty and Polly.

When Washington returned to Philadelphia after his trip to the East, in 1789, he stopped at Uxbridge, Mass., and was entertained at the home of Samuel Taft. The old homestead, with the great oak before the door, remains yet in possession of the family, preserved in commemoration of the distinguished visitor. Washington was so well pleased with his reception and entertainment at Uxbridge that he wrote the following letter to Mr. Taft, which is carefully preserved in the family: Hartford, Nov. 8, 1789. Sis—Being informed that you h’ave given my name to one of your sons, and called another after Mrs. Washington's family (Dandridge); and being moreover very much pleased with the modest and Innocent looks of your two daughters, Patty and PollyjT do for these reasons send each of these girls a piece of chintz; and to Patty, who bears the name of Mrs. Washington, and who waited more upon us tuan Polly did, I send flve guineas, with which she may buy herself any little ornaments she may want, or she may dispose of them In any manner more agreeable to herself. As I do not give these things with a view to have It talked of. or even to its being known, the les3 tb'ere Is said aboutthe matter the better It will please se; but that I may be sure the chintz and money have got safe to hand, let Patty, who, I dare say, Is equal to It, write me a line lnformlug me thereof, directed “To the President of the United States, at New York.” I wish you and your family well, and am your humble servant, G. Washington.