At the table was Mrs.Daniel Parke Custis, who, under her maiden name of Martha Dandridge, was well known throughout that region for her beauty and sweet disposition.

She was now a widow of twenty-six, with two small children.

Her late husband, Colonel Custis, her elder by fifteen years, had left her a large estate called White House, and a fortune which made her one of the richest women in Virginia.

From their first introduction, Washington and she seemed to be mutually attracted.

He lingered throughout the afternoon and evening with her and went on to Williamsburg with his despatches the next morning.