Letter from General Lewis, of Augusta county, Virginia
Found this information today in a book entitled "Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia Volume 2" in a family history library, page 491 - 492.
"Letter from General Lewis, of Augusta county, Virginia, to the Rev. Mr. Dana, of Alexandria.Lewistown, December 14, 1855."
Reverend and Dear Sir"- When (some weeks ago) I had the pleasure of seeing you in Alexandria, and in our conversation the subject of the religious opinions and character of General Washington was spoken of , I speated to you the substance of what I had heard from the late General Robert Porterfield, of Augusta, and which at your request I promised to reduce to writing at some leisure moment and send to you.I proceed now to redeem the promise.Some short time before the death of General Porterfield, I made him a visit and spent a night at his house.He related many interesting facts that had occurred within his own observation in the war of the Revolution, particularly in the Jersey campaign and the encampment fo the army at Valley Forge.He said that his official duty (being brigade-inspector) frequently brought him in contact with General Washington.Upon one occasion, some emergency (which he mentioned)induced him to dispense with the usual formality, and he went directly to General Washington's apartment, where he found him on his knees, engaged in his morning's devotions.He said that he mentioned the circumstance to General Hamilton, who replied that such was his constant habit.I remarked that I had lately heard Mr. _______ (name not given) say, on the authority of Mr. __________ (name not given)that General Washington was subject to violent fits of passion and that he then swore terribly.General Porterfield said the charge was false; that he had known General Washington personally for many years, had frequently been in his presence under very exciting circumstances and had never heard him sweat an oath, or in any way to profane the name of God."Tell Mr. ______ from me," said he, "that he had much better be reading his Bible than repeating such slanders on teh character of General Washington/General Washington," said he, "was a pious man, and a member of your Church, [the Episcopal.]I saw him myself on his knees receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in ____________ Church, in Philadephia."He specified the time and place.My impression if that Christ Church was the place, and Bishop White, as he afterward was, the minister.This is, to the best of my recollection, an accurate statement fo what I heard from General Porterfield on the subject.
I am, sir, with great respect, very truly yours,
S.H. Lewis
(Samuel)