The final weeks of President Washington's administration were filled with congratulatory visits from prominent political and social figures. So, for instance, Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser records that on Friday, February 17, 1797, members of the Pennsylvania state legislature "waited on the President of the United States with an address." This was the first of three visits from members of the state legislature, thanking the president for his service and wishing him well.

As the president's days in office dwindled, a rumor spread around Philadelphia that the night of February 17 would mark the final of Martha Washington's tea parties. Early in the administration, the Washingtons established a routine for meeting and mingling with society; this routine was carefully choreographed to balance republican responsibilities and social proprieties. On Tuesday afternoons, the president hosted a levee — somewhat like today's cocktail parties, except much stiffer, without alcohol, and limited to men. On Friday evenings, Mrs. Washington hosted receptions that were more relaxed and comfortable, encumbered with far fewer formalities. Both sexes were present, and the women of Philadelphia took great pains to look their best. Coffee and tea were served; alcohol, again, was not.

In his diary for February 17, Washington noted the weather, then remarked briefly on that night's reception:

A very crowded drawing Room.