George Washington, Joseph Whipple, and Oliver Wolcott

“ To enter into such a compromise with her, as she suggested to you, is totally inadmissable, for reasons that must strike at first view: for however well disposed I might be to a gradual abolition, or even to an entire emancipation of that description of People (if the latter was in itself practicable at this moment) it would neither be politic or just to reward unfaithfulness with a premature preference; and thereby discontent before hand the minds of all her fellow-servants who by their steady attachments are far more deserving than herself of favor. ”

“ Washington, when she has been here, would be able to do this.
I am sorry to give you, or any one else trouble on such a trifling occasion, but the ingratitude of the girl, who was brought up and treated more like a child than a Servant (and Mrs. Washington's desire to recover her) ought not to escape with impunity if it can be avoided. ”

“ I will now Sir agreeably to your desire send her to Alexandria if it be practicable without the consequences which you except -- that of exciting a riot or a mob -- or creating uneasy sensations in the minds of well disposed Citizens -- the first cannot be calculated before hand -- it will be governed by the popular opinion of the moment --or the circumstances that may arise in the transaction. ”