91[Diary entry: 19 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 19th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning—82 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning lowering, and very like for rain, but about noon it cleared after a very slight sprinkling, not enough to wet a man in his shirt. Doctr. Craik returned from John Alton’s, took breakfast, & proceeded home. Encouraged by the little rain which had fallen, and the hope that more would fall I sowed about half an Acre of...
92[Diary entry: 9 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear and rather warm, with but little Wind. Rid up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington, who wanted to get some cloathing for little Washington Custis; and for the purpose of seeing Colos. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin on the business of the Potomack Company. Returned home to Dinner. GW and the directors, after discussing...
93[Diary entry: 23 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 23d. Mercury at 76 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 75 at Night. Morning lowering, with drops of rain now and then, but none fell to wet the ground. Wind for the most part of the day Easterly. Doctr. Craik came here before Dinner. Visited John Alton in the Evening and returned and stayed all Night. Mr. Shaw returned home in the Afternoon. With the Guinea grass Seed I had on hand, I began...
94[Diary entry: 13 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 74 at Night. Calm morning, but a brisk Southerly wind all day afterwards and clear. Began to level the ground which had been spaded up in the lawn fronting the House, having turned it up as far as to where the old cross wall of the former Gardens stood. Colo. Willm. Fitzhugh of Maryland & his Son William and Doctor Marshall came...
95[Diary entry: 1 September 1784] (Washington Papers)
Having found it indispensably necessary to visit my Landed property west of the Apalacheon Mountains, and more especially that part of it which I held in Co-partnership with Mr. Gilbert Simpson —Having determined upon a tour into that Country, and having made the necessary preparations for it, I did, on the first day of this month (September) set out on my journey. Having dispatched my...
96[Diary entry: 4 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 4th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Morning calm and clear with very little wind all day. After breakfast I rid by the places where my Muddy hole & Ferry people were clearing—thence to the Mill and Dogue run Plantations and having the Hounds with me in passing from the latter towards Muddy hole Plantation I found a Fox which after dragging him some...
97[Diary entry: 26 June 1786] (Washington Papers)
Munday 26th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 78 at Night. The forenoon was clear and calm—as was the Afternoon except a cloud which rose to the westward and produced rain and a very high wind in the Night. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry Plantations. Found the Muddy hole people in the Eastermost cut of Corn having finished (with the hoes) the Middle cut on Saturday. The...
98[Diary entry: 29 November 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 54 at Night. A large hoar frost followed by Southerly Wind and some Clouds—but upon the whole tolerably clear & pleasant. Sent my Boat to Alexandria for a Hhd. of Common Rum and some Articles brought from Boston for me by General Lincoln. Majr. G. Washington went up to receive them. Went out after Breakfast with my hounds from...
99[Diary entry: 30 June 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 30th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear and pleasant all day the wind being at No. West and west all day, though not fresh. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, & Ferry; & to the Hay makers at the second. At Dogue, found the Corn had all been succoured, and the hoes had got into the fresh & weedy ground along the wood side—about 3 oclock...
100[Diary entry: 19 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 52 at Night. Calm and pleasant all day, especially in the Morning. Towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered. Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue run Plantation. Took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox, which the Dogs run very well for an hour—after which, coming to a...
101[Diary entry: 26 April 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 26th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning—71 at Noon and 76 at Night. Quite calm, clear, and very warm all day. The ground on the South side of the Road (between the Ditches) being prepared I sprinkled the same quantity of Powdered stone on it—sowed the same quantity of Seed (orchard Grass) on it and Managed it in all respects as I did that on the North side opposite yesterday—beginng. with...
102[Diary entry: 23 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 23d. Thermometer at in the Morng. 44 at Noon and 42 at Night. Morning cloudy, with the Wind at West; which shifting to the No. Et. produced strong, and encreasing appearances of falling weather before the Evening. Went out with the two Mr. Hansons & Mr. Alexander, when they set out on their return after breakfast, with the Dogs; just to try if we could touch on a Fox as we went along...
103[Diary entry: 17 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 17th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 62 at Night. General Cadwallader went away after Breakfast, and I went to Alexandria to the appointed meeting of the Subscribers to the Potomack Navigation. Upon comparing, & examining the Books of the different Managers, it was found, including the Subscriptions in behalf of the two States, & the 50 Shares which the Assembly of...
104[Diary entry: 30 April 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 30th. Mercury (by Mrs. W’s acct.) in the Morning at 68—at Noon 69 and at Night 62. Wind Northerly all day, & towards Night cold. Dined at General Spotswoods, and lodged at Mr. Jno. Baylors (New Market). Alexander Spotswood (1751–1818), son of John and Mary Dandridge Spotswood and grandson of the governor, lived at New Post, his home on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County. He...
105[Diary entry: 6 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 6th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning—79 at Noon and 78 at Night. Wind at East all day but not very fresh—Clouds & Sunshine alternately. Mr. Herbert (Willm.) came here to dinner & returned after it. Mr. Lux rid to Alexandria after Breakfast.
106[Diary entry: 21 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 21st. Mercury at 67 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 68 at Night. Calm all the forepart of the day, and warm. The wind came out from the Southward afterwds.; and a thunder shower of no long continuance Succeeded; thence it turned cool, the wind getting to the Westward. My Phaeton which had been with Mr. Pine to Annapolis returned about 3 Oclock to day; as did my Barge which had been sent...
107[Diary entry: 10 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 10th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning—71 at Noon and at Night. But little wind in the forenoon. In the afternoon it was at Et. with a pretty heavy shower of rain about 5 Oclock. In the Afternoon Mr. Whiting Doctr. Graham and a Mr. Wyat came here. In the Morning Mr. Lux set out on his return home. mr. wyat : perhaps Dr. William E. Wyatt (1762–1802) of Prince William County, who was married...
108March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 1st. Mercury at 34 in the morning 38 at Noon and 42 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, & sometimes pretty fresh; at others very moderate. In general clear with some flying clouds. Planted the remainder of the Poplars & part of the Ash Trees—also a circle of Dogwood with a red bud in the Middle close to the old Cherry tree near the South Garden Ho[use]. Began with my two Tumblers to...
109[Diary entry: 19 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning—50 at Noon & 46 at Night. Wind moderate in the forenoon, and the morning exceedingly pleasant; but blowing fresh from the Eastward after twelve o’clock. It lowered in the afternoon and threatned an unfavourable change. A Gentleman calling himself the Count de Cheiza D’arteignan Officer of the French Guards came here to dinner; but bringing no...
110[Diary entry: 9 April 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning— at Noon and at Night. Lowering more or less all day. In the morning there were great appearances of Rain. About Noon it brightened up a little but in the evening it grew cloudy again and a large circle appeared round the Moon between 9 and 10 Oclock at Night. The Wind was at So. Et. and E.So. Et. all day and at times pretty fresh. Mr. Dalby of...
111[Diary entry: 23 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning— at Noon and 50 at night. Wind very fresh the whole day at No. West, and weather clear. Along side the Cherokee plumb (planted yesterday) I planted in a Row and piece, the Spanish chesnuts sowed last fall. And next these 43 rows, one foot apart & about an inch asunder in the row between 17 and 18,000 seed of the honey locust. Next these, in three...
112[Diary entry: 13 April 1786] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 52 at Night. A high, cold, and disagreeable wind from the No. East blew all day and the Sun for the most part hid. Rid to Muddy hole and river Plantations. The Carrots at the first were sowed as directed yesterday and at the latter I began to Sow Oats in Rows ten feet a part in grd. managed in the following manner. 1 Marked off...
113[Diary entry: 19 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 19th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning—the same at Noon and at Night. Day clear & fine. The Wind at No. West & Cool. Employed until dinner in laying out my Serpentine road & Shrubberies adjoining. Just as we had done dinner a Mr. Watson—late of the House of Watson & Cossoul of Nantes—and a Mr. Swift Merchant in Alexandria came in, and stayed all Night. Elkanah Watson (1758–1842), born in...
114[Diary entry: 3 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 62 at Night. Calm and clear in the Morning. About Noon the wind sprung up from the Southward and towds. Night veered round to the Eastwd. and turned cool. Mid day warm. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry plantations—also to the fishing landing. At the 1st. hoed up the sunken & cold places in which Barley had been sowed and was...
115[Diary entry: 9 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 9th. Mercury at 44 in the morning—at Noon 50 and at Night 56. Morning lowering—but clear, calm, warm & pleast. afterwards which with the rain that fell last night had uncovered the ground in many places & was dissipating the Snow very fast. Transplanted an English Walnut tree from the Corner near where the old School house stood to the opposite side wch. with the one that was moved...
116[Diary entry: 6 October 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning—65 at Noon and 66 at Night. Flying clouds and a Rainbow in the Morning with but little wind; drippings of rain, more or less all day. Mr. Burwell Bassett, and Mr. Shaw set out after Breakfast for Dumfries. The appearances of the day, and the impracticability of giving, on acct. of the clammyness of the Earth, an even face to any more of my lawn,...
117[Diary entry: 23 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—38 at Noon & 42 at Sun setting. Clear & quite calm all the forenoon. Towards evening the Wind sprung up from the Eastward. Doctr. Craik left this after breakfast—attending Miss Bassett to his Fathers—to the wedding of his Sister Sally. Sarah (Sally) Craik, daughter of Dr. James Craik, was married 25 Jan. 1785 to Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756–c.1809).
118[Diary entry: 13 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 13th. Mercury at 34 this Morning, 38 at Noon, & the same at Night. Wind at No. West all day but not fresh—clear & not unpleasant—ground hard froze.
119[Diary entry: 10 October 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 74 at Night. Thunder about day. Morning threatning but clear & pleasant afterwards. A Mr. Jno. Lowe, on his way to Bishop Seabury for Ordination, called & dined here. Could not give him more than a general certificate, founded on information, respecting his character; having no acquaintance with him, nor any desire to open a...
120[Diary entry: 3 March 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 3d. Mercury at 34 in the Morng., 40 at Noon and at Night. Morning calm, warm, and very pleasant—wind afterwards from the Southward & pretty fresh. Sun set in a bank. Planted the remainder of the Locusts—Sassafras—small berried thorn & yellow Willow in the Shrubberies, as also the red buds—a honey locust and service tree by the South Garden House. Likewise took up the clump of Lilacs...
121[Diary entry: 25 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 25th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Wind Southwardly in the forenoon, but not much of it. About Noon a Cloud arose in the West & promised rain but none fell here, but the Wind shifting to the Westward it blew hard for a few minutes & the cloud went above us. Finished sowing the Spaces of the Guinea Grass in the little Garden.
122[Diary entry: 15 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 15th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 73 at Night. Brisk Southerly wind all the forenoon, and cloudy—in the Afternoon the wind was more moderate & clear. Doctr. L’Moyer came in before Dinner. Jean Pierre Le Mayeur (Lamayner, L’Moyer), a French dentist who came to New York during the Revolution, went to GW’s headquarters in 1783 to do some work on his teeth (GW to Le...
123[Diary entry: 3 September 1784] (Washington Papers)
3d. Having business to transact with my Tenants in Berkeley; & others, who were directed to meet me at my Brother’s (Colo. Charles Washington’s), I left Doctr. Craik and the Baggage to follow slowly, and set out myself about Sun rise for that place—where after Breakfasting at Keys’s ferry I arrived about 11 Oclock—distant abt. 17 Miles. Colo. Warner Washington, Mr. Wormeley, Genl. Morgan, Mr....
124[Diary entry: 6 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 6th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng. 28 at Noon and 30 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, which was Cloudy, with intervals of Snow through the day and very cold. The wind towards Night getting to the No. Westward blew h[ar]d. My Boat went up with a load of Flour to Alexandria from my Mill for Mr. Hartshorne. A distressing time It is to be feared the people must have had of it &...
125[Diary entry: 10 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 10th. Thermometer at in the Morning— at Noon and 38 at Night. Wind Southerly all day & at times pretty fresh, and in the forenoon cold—but warmer & much pleasanter afterwards. Rid to my Plantation in the Neck, and took the hounds with me. About 11 Oclock found a fox in the Pocoson at Sheridens point and after running it very indifferently and treeing it once caught it about one Oclock....
126[Diary entry: 28 June 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear & pleasant all day. In the forenoon the Wind was at N. Wt.—in the afternoon it was at So. West. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole Dogue Run and the Ferry and to the Hay fields. At the first I sowed turnips in Drills in the ground which had been sowed with Oats that never came up (by the Negro Quarters). There...
127[Diary entry: 28 April 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 28th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning—75 at Noon and at Night. Clear & warm—Wind from the So. Wt. & in the Evening pretty fresh. To Dinner Mr. Pine a pretty eminent Portrait, & Historian Painter arrived in order to take my picture from the life & to place it in the Historical pieces he was about to draw. This Gentleman stands in good estimation as a Painter in England, comes recommended...
128[Diary entry: 25 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morng. 42 at Noon and 42 at Night. Morning perfectly clear and fine without Wind. About 9 Oclock it sprung up from the Southward and blew fresh with various appearances of weather sometimes much like rain & then clearing. At Night the Wind Shifted to the Westward and before Morning got to No. West blowing hard all the while. Count Castiglioni, Colo. Ball,...
129[Diary entry: 19 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 19th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning—63 at Noon and 66 at Night. Mr. Pine left this (on his return to Philadelphia) in my Phaeton, which was to carry him to Annapolis. Sent My Overseer & Barge to Popes Creek for the Baggage of Geo. Auge. Washington, and such Articles as he had brot. from the West Indies & South Carolina for my use—as also some Wild Geese which Mr. Wm. Washington had...
130[Diary entry: 8 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 8th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning—65 at Noon and at Night. A great deal of rain fell last Night and much fine rain this day. Wind at East all day and at times pretty fresh. Placed my Military records in to the Hands of Mrs. Macauly Graham for her perusal & amusemt. (these indeed were placed there yesterday). Doctr. Stuart returned home after Breakfast. military records : In 1783 GW...
131[Diary entry: 23 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 23d. Mercury at 62 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 72 at Night. Calm, cloudy, & warm all day; at times, when the sun came out it was hot. Veg[it]ation rapid by the warmth & moisture of the weather. Set out the Palmeto Royal in my garden—in number Plants and put the box in which the Magnolio, live oak & Sower Oranges were in the Area in front of the Green House. Doctr. Stuart went away...
132[Diary entry: 12 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 12th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning—76 at Noon and at Night. Very little Wind in the forenoon, in the Afternoon there was more, & variable with Clouds & thunder but no rain. Captn. Conway and his Wife, Colo. Hooe & De Neufville, Colo. Henley Mr. Sanderson & Mr. George Digges dined here—all of whom went away [after] dinner except Mr. Digges. Whilst we were at dinner, a Mr. Aldge & a Mr....
133[Diary entry: 2 July 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 2d. Mercury at 76 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 84 at Night. A little wind from the Westward in the forepart of the day & from the Southward in the Afternoon. Doctr. Stuart, Wife & Sister, and Patcy & Nelly Custis came here to Dinner—As did Mr. McCrae & a Mr. Shaw whom Mr. Montgomerie recommended to me as a Clerk or Secretary. All of these stayed the Night. Robert McCrea...
134May [1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday—First. Mercury 51 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 60 at Night. Day cool, Wind at No. West & clear all the forenoon, with flying clouds afterwards. Took a late breakfast at Hanover C[our]t House. Went from thence to Mr. Peter Lyon’s where I intended to dine, but neither he nor Mrs. Lyon being at home, I proceeded to, & arrived at Richmond about 5 oclock in the afternn. Supped & lodged at...
135[Diary entry: 25 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 53 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 64 at Night. Clear, warm, and pleasant all day—wind southerly, and pretty fresh—smoaky, the sun, consequently, looking red. Rid to all the Plantations, and to the Mill. Finding the ground both at Dogue run and River plantation (which had been twice plowed at each) for Oats, too much consolidated & baked (the last plowings being...
136[Diary entry: 15 April 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning— at Noon and at Night. Clear all day—Wind Easterly in the Morning, & Southerly in the Evening & rather cool. Rid to Alexandria to a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company, who had advertised their intention of contracting on this day with whomsoever should bid lowest for the Supplying the Companys Servants with Rations for one year. A...
137[Diary entry: 5 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 63 at Night. The Morning mild and agreeable, as indeed it was through the day till towards evining, when it began to lower pretty much: a large & distinct circle round the Sun before noon & lasted a gd. while. Set out early from Abingdon, and beginning at the upper corner of my Land (in 4 Miles run) a little below an old Mill; I ran...
138[Diary entry: 8 October 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning—66 at Noon and 68 at Night. But little wind—weather clear, and exceedingly pleasant. Sowed the ground which was plowed yesterday, and which might amount to about a quarter of an Acre, with near half a Bushel of the Orchard Grass Seeds; which was neither very clean nor I fear not very good. Also sowed with English Grass Seeds, as much more of the...
139[Diary entry: 25 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 25th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning 38 at Noon—and at Night. In the Morning early it rained a little, but the wind coming out from the No. West it soon cleared—blowing hard until night when it moderated & soon ceased. A little before Dinner a Doctor Gilpin & a Mr. Scott—two West India Gentlemen came here introduced by a letter from Mr. Rob. Morris of Philadelphia and a little after them...
140[Diary entry: 15 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 15. Mercury at 28 this morning—at noon not observed, but at Night 36. Morning fine, wind Southwardly, which shifted to the Eastward & grew colder. Abt. Noon it began to Snow, & continued to do so until past 3 oclock. Went this day to ascertain the quantity of Land given to, and received from Mr. Willm. Triplett by way of exchange & to run a dividing line betwn. him & the Land I let Mr....