| Washington Visits Government (Jennings) House
Text from If These Walls Could Speak draft:
Regardless of their origin, or the individual responsible for their selection, the interior appointments of Government
House undoubtedly contributed to the impression of those who were entertained at the residence. While many foreign
visitors and members of the local gentry were invited on occasion, Eden's entertainment was most often connected to
maintaining his friendships with the more prominent leaders of Maryland and America. Among those who often
enjoyed Eden's considerable hospitality was George Washington, who recorded some eighteen visits to Annapolis, and
was entertained at Jennings House almost every time. On some occasions, Washington dined at the governor's, on
others he lodged, and still others he "dined, supped and lodged at the Govr's." One notable gathering took place at
Jennings House on October 5, 1772 when Washington came to Annapolis to attend the races and then lodged with the
governor. Among the guests for dinner were Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Thomas Johnson, and a number of other
patriots. The following evening, callers were received after a quiet dinner, including Thomas Johnson, Charles Carroll
of Carrollton, Daniel Dulany, William Paca, Samuel Chase, Jeremiah T. Chase, John Rogers and Allan Quynn. (MHS magazine, Life of Thomas Johnson, p. 30) An
extraordinary gathering of men, this ensemble included three future signers of the Declaration of Independence, the future military hero of the Revolution, and the future
first governor of Maryland after Independence. All gathered in the drawing room of the last Royal Governor of Maryland that evening, and the event testifies to the
co-mingling of Loyalists, Patriots and English aristocracy prior to the outbreak of war.
Another passage:
The distinguished visitors who made their way to Government House during this post-Revolutionary period included the most revered
military figures of the day. George Washington, after the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, passed through Annapolis on his way to Philadelphia and was entertained by Governor
Lee. The Maryland Gazette reported that: "The General's arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon and he was accompanied by his Excellency the Governor..." after which "The
evening was spent at the Governor's elegant and hospitable board with festive joy enlivened by good humor, wit, and beauty..."
Another passage:
The administration of John Eager Howard included a memorable event for the city and the state: Washington's last visit to Annapolis in March of 1791. Washington recorded in his diary:
"Dined at the Governor's and went to the Assembly in the Evening where I stayed till half past ten o'clock." (Magruder, p. 1410) On this visit, he was probably entertained by Governor
Howard's wife, Peggy Chew Howard, who he had known since she was a young girl of Philadelphia society. From a prominent Philadelphia family and one of the Chew sisters who were
famed for their beauty and charm, Peggy and her sisters were particular favorites of George Washington who "treated them as his own children." (Francis Sims McGrath, Pillars of
Maryland, p. 150)
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