Washington Winter Show 2019

46 The Pleasure of Your Company Elegant Entertaining with George and Martha Washington by Stephen A. M c Leod and Susan P. Schoelwer As seen here in Edward Savage’s West Front of Mount Vernon (ca. 1787–92), carefully landscaped grounds enticed the Washingtons and their guests on outdoor strolls. W hether at Mount Vernon, at the many Revolutionary War encampments, or at the presidential residences in New York and Philadelphia, George and Martha ashington extended their gracious hospitality openhandedly. The Washingtons, as well as their relatives and scores of visitors, provided vivid glimpses in letters and diary entries attesting to the renowned couple’s reputation for generous and elegant entertaining. In a 1786 letter to his neighbor and longtime friend George William Fairfax, Washington wrote, “My manner of living is plain. . . . A glass of wine and a bit of mutton is [ sic ] always ready—such as will be content to partake of it are welcome—those who look for more will be disappointed.” Although Washington declared his preference for simple living, his hospitality displayed a style befitting a man of wealth, a victorious commander, and a preeminent statesman. The subject of entertaining at Mount Vernon is especially intriguing because of George Washington’s fame and status both in his own country and in Europe. In 1785, Joseph Hadfield, a visiting Englishman, wrote in his diary that he was anxious to meet Washington, “this amiable man, who is as much admired and beloved for his domestic virtues, hospitality and agricultural knowledge as for his Fabian prudence and talents when he commanded the American Army.” The general himself confirmed the multitude of his visitors. In an oft-cited