The details are unquestionably authentic, as they were communicated by Washington's secretary who witnessed the scene.

Washington was having a dinner party when an officer arrived at the door and sent word that he was the bearer of dispatches from the Western army.

The secretary went out to him, but the officer said his instructions were to deliver the dispatches to the President in person.

Washington then went to the officer and received the terrible news.

He returned to the table as though nothing had happened, and everything went on as usual.