Like his predecessor he was a victim of consumption and died in June, 1793.

Washington showed him great kindness, repeatedly urging him not to overexert, to make use of wines, tea, coffee and other delicacies that had been sent for the use of guests.

As Whiting was also troubled with rheumatism, the President dropped affairs of state long enough to write him that "Flannel next the skin [is] the best cure for, & preventative of the Rheumatism I have ever tried." Yet after Whiting's death the employer learned that he had been deceived in the man--that he "drank freely--kept bad company at my house in Alexandria--and was a very debauched person." William Pearce, who followed Whiting, came from the eastern shore of Maryland, where he owned an estate called "Hopewell." His salary was a hundred guineas a year.

A poor speller and grammarian, he was nevertheless practical and one of the best of all the managers.

He resigned in 1797 on account of rheumatism, which he thought would prevent him from giving business the attention it deserved.