George Washington's handwritten dinner invitation, 1799

A hand-written invitation to dinner from President George Washington, 23rd February 1799 one-page invitation in Washington's distinctive hand, accompanied by the outer wrapper addressed to 'Mr and Mrs Ramsay &c in Alexandra' who were the recipients of the invitation: 'General and Mrs. Washington present their compliments to Mr. Andw. Ramsay, Mrs. Ramsay and Mr Willm Ramsay and request the favour of their Company to dine on Tuesday next, with the couple newly married. Mount Vernon. An answer is requested.' 'The couple newly married' refers to Washington's grand-daughter, Eleanor (Nelly) Parke Custis - who was raised by George and Martha Washington and was part of the first family while her grandfather was president in Philadelphia and New York - and her new husband, Lawrence Lewis. Lewis was Washington's personal secretary at mount Vernon with the couple marrying there on February 22nd, 1799. The Washingtons gave the newlyweds 2,000 acres of the mount Vernon plantation. William Ramsay, whose father had founded the city of Alexandria, Virginia, had served with Washington as a surgeon during the Revolutionary war and became a close friend. Washington was president from 1789 to 1797. Attractively framed and glazed together with a reproduction image of George Washington. Accompanied by a detailed certificate of authenticity issued by Bob Eaton and bill white of R.R.Auctions, where this item was acquired in August 2011. Also accompanied by the catalogue entry and details of the Liberal party 2012 Sir A.W. Fadden Forum dinner dance programme and auction at which the present owner purchased this item, offered as lot 1.