December 12th
share on:
“I had resolved never to become the Master of another Slave by purchase; but this resolution I fear I must break.”
To George Lewis
Mount Vernon, 13 November 1797
Dear Sir,
The running off of my Cook*, has been a most inconvenient thing to this family; and what renders it more disagreeable, is, that I had resolved never to become the Master of another Slave by purchase; but this resolution I fear I must break.
I have endeavoured to hire, black or white, but am not yet supplied. A few days ago, having occasion to write to Mr. Bushrod Washington on other matters, I asked if one could be had in Richmond; the following is his answer.
Mr. Brooke (late Governor) informs me that he had a very excellent Cook, with no other fault than a fondness for liquor (which a town afforded him too many opportunities of indulging) who is now in Fredericksburg, and is to be sold. I shall write to the Gentleman who has him, not to sell him till he hears from you. Should you, under this character, wish to buy, or hire him, please address a letter to Mr. George Murray of that place. He cooked for Mr. Brooke while he was in the Government.
George and Martha Washington, George Washington Parke Custis,
Eleanor Parke Custis, and Enslaved Man
National Gallery of Art
Let me ask you now, to see both Mr. Murray, and the man himself; and if upon conversing fully with the latter, you should be of opinion (from the account he gives of himself) that he is a good Cook, and would answer my purposes, then discover the lowest terms on which he could be had by purchase, or on hire; and inform me of the result by the first Post to wch. an answer shall be immediately given.
I should like to know the age, and as far as you are enabled to ascertain it, the temper and looks of the man described. Whether he has a wife, and expects to have her along with him; and in that case, what children they have; with her age and occupation. By the time I can receive an answer from you, I expect Mrs. Forbes, who was Govr. Brooke’s housekeeper, will be here as my housekeeper; and from her own knowledge of the person, and your account I shall be enabled to determine what answer to give. Our loves to Mrs. Lewis &ca. I am—Your Affecte Uncle**
G:o Washington
* Hercules Posey, an accomplished cook, escaped to New York City in 1797; he remained free for the rest of his life. — MVLA14
** On 10 January 1798, Washington wrote Burwell Bassett: “As Mr. Burwell is disinclined to part with his Cook, and Colo. Finnie’s is too much incumbered with a family, I must make the best shift I can with those I have; and indeed, with a housekeeper that understands that business, I believe it is best that I should do so.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON:
THE INTERVIEW POWERED BY A.I.
In the hallowed halls of history, a voice echoes once more as “George Washington: The Interview” unfurls a never-before-seen side of America’s first President. This electrifying book transcends the boundaries of time, employing state-of-the-art technology and primary source material to bring you face-to-face with the man who laid the cornerstone of the nation we know today. Journey through the intimate details of Washington’s life as he reveals the victories and defeats, the triumphs and tragedies of his storied past.
Are you ready to step into the past and meet the man behind the myth?