This list was compiled for First Lady Bess Wallace Truman in 1946, to coordinate Christmas gifts presented to White House staff. It includes the names of White House butlers, kitchen staff, maids, housemen, and doormen. White House employees have long received tokens of appreciation from the president and first lady during the holidays. Gifts for staff members first became commonplace in the late 19th century, and over the proceeding decades included coins, turkeys, and personalized trinkets which varied by administration.

This excerpt from Thomas Peter's account book reflects the tobacco transaction discussed in a letter from George Washington dated June 20, 1798. It is part of the collection at Tudor Place. Tudor Place was the Washington, D.C., home of Thomas and Martha Custis Peter. Martha Custis Peter was First Lady Martha Washington's granddaughter. See image number 1112561 for the corresponding letter.