Dr. Doctr, 

I have asked Mrs. Cockran and Mrs. Livingston to dine with me to morrow; but ought I not to apprize them of their fare? As I hate deception, even where the imagination only is concerned; I will.

It is needless to premise, that my table is large enough to hold the ladies; of this they had occular proof yesterday. To say how it is usually covered is rather more essential, and this, shall be the purport of my Letter. Since our arrival at this happy spot, we have had a Ham (sometimes a shoulder) of Bacon, to grace the head of the table; a piece of roast Beef adorns the foot; and, a small dish of Greens or Beans (almost imperceptable) decorates the center.

When the Cook has a mind to cut a figure (and this I presume he will attempt to do to morrow) we have two Beefstake-Pyes, or dishes of Crabs in addition, one on each side the center dish, dividing the space, and reducing the distance between dish and dish to about Six feet, which without them, would be near twelve a part. Of late, he has had the surprizing luck to discover, that apples will make pyes; and it’s a question if, amidst the violence of his efforts, we do not get one of apples instead of having both of Beef.

If the ladies can put up with such entertainment, and will submit to partake of it on plates, once tin but now Iron; (not become so by the labor of scowering) I shall be happy to see them. I am Dr Dr* Yr Most Obedt Sert

G:^o Washington