PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Letter from Frederick Kitt to George Washington (January 15, 1798)

CONTEXT

In this letter, dated January 15, 1798, Frederick Kitt, steward of the President’s House, gives George Washington an update on his search for Hercules, an enslaved man who ran away from Mount Vernon in 1797.

FULL TEXT

From Frederick Kitt

Philada 15th Jany 98.

Hond Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your much esteemed Letter of the 10th Inst. the Pleasure it afforded me to see yours hand writing is greater than I can describe. Since your departure I have been making distant enquiries about Herculas but did not till about four weeks ago hear anything of him and that was only that was in town neither do I yet know where he is, and that will be very difficult to find out in the secret manner necessary to be observed on the occasion. I shall however use the utmost exertions in my power, and hereafter inform you of my sucess—its you mention the impossibility of getting a good hired Cook I beg leave hint that Mr Brown who formerly was in your Service and with whom Mrs Washington was well pleased, has left off business, if he would Suit you I will Send him to you in medietely on your signifying to me you would take him—If I was capable of the business I should be glad to undertake it. I have an employment in the United States Bank which is to receive the Silver: therfore when you please to honor me with your commands would be much obliged you to direct to me at Said Bank. The Boy Henry & wm Mine died during the contagious disorder. My Wife joins me in respect to you Mrs Washington and Miss Nelly—and desires to inform your Lady that our little Slut died in the Straw. With the great respect I have the honor to be Hond Sir Your most Obedt & very humble Servnt

CITE THIS ENTRY
APA Citation:
Kitt, Frederick. Letter from Frederick Kitt to George Washington (January 15, 1798). (2020, December 07). In Encyclopedia Virginia. https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/letter-from-frederick-kitt-to-george-washington-january-15-1798.
MLA Citation:
Kitt, Frederick. "Letter from Frederick Kitt to George Washington (January 15, 1798)" Encyclopedia Virginia. Virginia Humanities, (07 Dec. 2020). Web. 01 Dec. 2023
Last updated: 2021, January 28
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