Plain styles of dress were among the many social changes ushered in by the French Revolution and the war cycle that ensued from it.
Titles figured considerably in colonial society, and the Revolutionary War did not destroy the continuity of usage.

It was quite in accord with the fashion of the times that the courtesy title of Lady Washington was commonly employed in talk about the President's household.

Mrs.Washington arrived in New York from Mount Vernon on May 27, 1789.

She was met by the President with his barge on the Jersey shore, and as the barge passed the Battery a salute of thirteen cannon was fired.

At the landing-place a large company was gathered, and the coach that took her to her home was escorted with military parade.