In March of 1789 Washington wrote to James Madison “I... take the liberty of requesting the favor of you to engage lodgings for me previous to my arrival [in New York City for the inauguration]. “On the subject of lodgings I will frankly declare, I mean to go into none but hired ones—If these cannot be had tolerably convenient... I would take rooms in the most decent Tavern...”
Congress rented the Franklin House for Washington's use for $845 a year, and the President-Elect moved in a week before his inauguration.
The Samuel Osgood Papers, at the New York Historical Society, list purchases made to prepare the mansion for Washington occupancy. 'I went the morning before the General's arrival to look at it. The best of furniture in every room, and the greatest quantity of plate and china I ever saw; the whole of the first and second stories is papered and the floors covered with the richest kinds of Turkey and Wilton carpets. There is scarcely anything talked about now but General Washington and the Palace.'
Steward Samuel Fraunces, former owner of nearby Fraunces Tavern, managed a household staff of about 20: wage workers, indentured servants, and enslaved servants. Slavery was legal in New York, and Washington brought seven enslaved Africans from Mount Vernon to work in his presidential household.
Soon after his inauguration, Washington became seriously ill with a tumor on his thigh (possibly caused by anthrax poisoning). Cherry Street was cordoned off to prevent his being disturbed.
