171221From George Washington to William Heath, 23 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Powers of equal date herewith Authorize you to proceed to Tappan in Orange County in the State of New York and there meet Commissioners from the British for the purposes mentiond in your powers. You are to pay the most pointed attention to the nature of your Powers which are founded upon Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United States bearing date the 16th instant a Copy of which...
171222General Orders, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
171223From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 18 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received intelligence last night from General Heath—that the British Transports which were supposed to have sailed from New York on the 9th returned again to the watering place on the 11th. Various are the conjectures and reports in New York upon the occasion, but I hope the true reason is, that finding the French Fleet a head of them, they did not chuse to risque the detachment. I shall...
171224[Diary entry: 17 August 1771] (Washington Papers)
17. Very cool in the Morning & clear all day with the Wind Northerly.
171225[Diary entry: 11 April 1769] (Washington Papers)
11. Went a fox hunting & took a fox alive after running him to a Tree. Brot. him home.
171226To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [30 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Presuming the legality of the propositions contained in your Letters of the 24. & 25. Instant, I consent that you give an eventual instruction to our Minister at the Hague to postpone the instalment of a Million of Florins, to become due on the first of June next on account of the Dutch Debt; and I also consent, that you cause to be allowed for charges, upon the last Loan of 3,000.000 of...
171227From George Washington to Louis Frondeville, 18 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had not the pleasure to Receive your Letter of the 15 May untill the 7th of this Month, and the same day I transmitted the Letter for Mr Lambert to the Consull General of France to deliver to that Gentleman who I understood was then in Philadelphia—but by the inclosed answer of Mr Marbois it seems Mr Lambert had already left this Country—the Letter is therefore inclosed. It was unfortunate...
171228From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 3 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st of June. Captain Johnson, who was the Bearer of it, had permission granted to him to go to the Enemy’s Lines for the purpose of carrying Money to the prisoners. That your Excellency may be fully informed on what footing the Exchange of naval prisoners now stands, I have directed the Commissary of prisoners to report to you, what he has...
171229From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favoured with your letter of the 4th instant. The officers of Colonel Henleys Regiment shall not have occasion to complain for their commissions, if you will only direct an accurate return of the names, rank, and dates of their appointments properly authenticated. When I receive this I shall order commissions to be made out, and take the first opportunity to transmit them. But you...
171230[Diary entry: 28 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—38 at Noon and at Night. Colo. Ball went away yesterday, after breakfast—tho’ it was unnoticed in the occurrances of the day. Wind exceedingly high from the No. West & clear. A Mr. Israel Jenny of Loudoun County came here in the Afternoon, respecting some Land which he has been endeavouring to obtain under an idea of its being waste, but which...
171231From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 2–9 June 1770 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 21st Ulto containing very judicious remarks on the advantages of Travelling (to youth who have a turn to Improvement) served to convince me of the Utility of the measure. but when I came to converse with sevl Gentlemen who have had some experience of the expence, and of whose judgments I entertaind a better opinion of than my own, I find myself embarrassed; Not because I...
171232[Diary entry: 22 January 1775] (Washington Papers)
22. Very white frost but clear, Calm, & remarkably pleast. all day.
171233[Diary entry: 7 April 1772] (Washington Papers)
7. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Play then to Mrs. Campbells again. On this day the burgesses referred the flour inspection bill for further work to four of the six members on the committee that had prepared it. GW was one of the four ( JHB H. R. McIlwaine and John Pendleton Kennedy, eds. Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia . 13 vols. Richmond, 1905–15. , 1770–72 , 302).
171234From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 29 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a representation respecting a Soldier of your Regt if there has been any unfairness in the inlistment I request he may be immediately discharged—or if the peculiarity of the circumstances are such as, in your opinion, will justify the measure—you will consider yourself authorized to carry the same into effect, by Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
171235From George Washington to William Shaw, 8 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 4th I receiv’d on the 6th. Altho’ the sum stipulated is above the mark I had prescribed myself yet, in consideration of the good character given of you by Mr Montgomerie—the idea I entertain of your knowledge of Accots, & the hope that you may answer my purposes in other respects; I accede fully to the terms of your letter, with this condition only—that in payment of this...
171236[Diary entry: 11 July 1772] (Washington Papers)
11. Finished at Doeg Run, from whence some hands went into the Neck, and the Rest to the Mill.
171237George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 October … (Hamilton Papers)
In my Letters of the 10th & 18th I transmitted all the intelligence I had obtained, respecting the Enemy from the time of your departure to those two periods; and by the present conveyance, I inclose you an Extract of a Letter from Major General Gates of the 15th. By this you will perceive he was fully persuaded, that the Enemy were preparing to evacuate Rhode Island and he expected from his...
171238From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 7 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. I shall comply with your present ingagements to the spies, which you have promised to pay in specie: but as we have so little of this to spare for even the most pressing and important purposes within the enemy’s lines—You will be careful to effect as much as possible with such other means as we have in our power; And as œconomical in all other...
171239From George Washington to Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
It was only because I expected momently the satisfaction of seeing you at my Quarters, that I denied myself the pleasure of acknowledging your extremely obliging Letter of the 23 of Janry at the instant it came to hand—but since I find by your other favor of the 4th of Feby (which was duly delivered by Col. McMahon on the Evening of the 5th) that you may not perhaps arrive until fourteen days...
171240General Orders, 6 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General says he has put six day’s provisions into the hands of the division and brigade Commissaries; if therefore the troops want provisions, it must be the fault of the latter; and this want will be attended with such pernicious consequences, that no excuse will be admitted in behalf of any Commissary who fails supplying his division or brigade, but a severe example will be...
171241From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 13 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I fear, from the purport of the letter you did me the honor to write from N. Port on the 9th, that my sentiments respecting the Council of War held on board the Duke de Burgoyne the 31st of May have been misconceiv’d—and I shall be very unhappy if they receive an interpretation different from the true intent & meaning of them. If this is the case, it can only be attributed to my not...
171242From George Washington to Colin Campbell, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Army under the Comd of G: Braddock has met with an fortunate defeat, ⟨ erasure ⟩ un⟨ erasure ⟩ which has occasioned my retn much sooner than was ⟨ erasure ⟩from the Ohio; expectd⟨.⟩ This circumstance enables me ⟨ erasure ⟩ full time to ⟨ erasure ⟩ order s the Militia of the several Countys in my district, to meet me; on the days I have appointed.
171243[Diary entry: 1 October 1772] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 1. Clear, Calm & pleasant being warm.
171244Enclosure II: Sketches for the Conveyance of the Lands whereon the Federal Seat is to be fixed, [17 September 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
The Conveyance to be executed, according to the forms of the laws of Maryland, by the Proprietors of the land designated by the President for the federal seat. The preamble to recite the substance of that part of the residence act which authorises the President to receive grants of lands and money for the use of the United States and to declare that the object of the conveyance is to furnish...
171245From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 16 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you the Paroles & Countersigns from this Day—to . You will keep them sacredly to yourself untill they are delivered to your Corps—and when they are expired you will send to Head Quarters—& they will be continued for a further Time. I am &ca DLC : Papers of George Washington.
171246From George Washington to Albin Rawlins, 12 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th instant in reply to mine of the 31st of January, was recd by the last Post; in which you say, the mode of living will be agreeable to you, and that you think two hundred dollars would be little enough to receive, as wages by the year. Wages are always high, or low, according to the abilities of the employed, and wants of the employer; and also, and essentially, on...
171247From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Major Lewis. 1st So soon as you arrive in Town, you are to take upon you the Command of the Troops that are Recruited, and brought in from the different Counties by the several Officers: and after Reviewing, you are to Receive and reject such men as fall under the enclosed Instructions; which were delivered to each Recruiting Officer, to Regulate his Conduct by. 2dly You are...
171248[Diary entry: 8 May 1799] (Washington Papers)
8. Clear, but cool—wind still at No. Wt. and Mer. at 46. Calm in the Evening and Mer. at 54.
171249From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 28th ulto and 2d and 8th Inst. Inclosed you have an account of the places fixed upon for the deposit of the several Articles required for the States by the Act of Congress of the 25th Feby with the quantities to be laid up at each post —and also an account of the demand made by the Committee of Cooperation on the 2d June —The last in a great measure...
171250From George Washington to Jotham Loring, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 14th of Decr last referring Your Memorial for a Rehearing to me—I have perused the Proceedings of the Court Martial again, together with Whatever Papers might throw light upon the subject—And upon a full consideration of the State of the Case, I am of opinion, that a New Trial cannot be granted, for the following Reasons. First, Because the...
171251From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I imagine General Poors Brigade is by this time in motion agreeable to the determination of the Council on Friday. I desire that the next Brigade in course may follow, with directions to the commanding Officers to proceed by very slow marches to Harford, where they are to halt for further orders. Be pleased to impress upon the Officers the necessity of keeping up the strictest discipline upon...
171252[Diary entry: 26 August 1769] (Washington Papers)
26. Morning lowering but clear & cool afterwards.
171253From George Washington to Joseph Rakestraw, 20 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
Perceiving a Vessell advertized for Alexandria, you would oblige me much in hastening the work you have undertaken for me, that I may send it by her. I should like to have a bird (in place of the Vain) with an olive branch in its Mouth—The bird need not be large (for I do not expect that it will traverse with the wind & therefore may receive the real shape of a bird, with spread wings)—the...
171254[Diary entry: 23 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 23d. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—83 at Noon and 82 at Night. The Morning was very clear, calm, and Warm; but a pretty fresh Southwester blew afterwards and towards Evening the Weather looked hazy & lowering. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—Eight Plows and a harrow were at work in the Corn. The Waggon and two Carts were drawg. in Wheat from field No. 7 and the rest of the...
171255To James Madison from George Washington, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr. Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature—And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr. Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...
171256[Diary entry: 23 November 1769] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind till late in the Night, when it shifted to No. Wt. & blew hard & Cold.
171257[January 1768] (Washington Papers)
Jany. 1st. Fox huntg. in my own Neck with Mr. Robt. Alexander and Mr. Colvill—catchd nothing. Captn. Posey with us. Although John Posey joined in the chase today and on other occasions during the next few months, he was now, in GW’s opinion, a man “reduced to the last Shifts,” for he was being destroyed financially by enormous debts that he had acquired over the past several years ( GW to...
171258[Diary entry: 19 December 1772] (Washington Papers)
19. Misting Raining, & Foggy all day with but little Wind.
171259[Diary entry: 13 July 1770] (Washington Papers)
13. Still warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
171260From George Washington to the Society of Free Quakers, c.8 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
I desire to assure you of the sensibility with which I receive your congratulations on my appointment to the highest office and most extended trust which can be confided by a free People—and I thank you with sincerity for the obliging terms in which you express yourselves in my behalf. Ever happy in being favored with the approbation of my fellow-citizens, the time at which yours is declared...
171261From George Washington to James Clinton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letters of the 27th and 28th Inst. and am pleased with the account you give of the perfect readiness in which the Troops are kept for a movement. On the receipt of this, you will instantly put the three Regts of Continental Troops, under your command, in motion for West Point—You will be pleased to have a sufficient number of Vessels for transports immediately procured...
171262[Diary entry: 21 March 1772] (Washington Papers)
21. Clear & Windy from the No. West & cool for the Season.
171263[Diary entry: 9 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
9. Went from Colo. Cresaps to Rumney where in the afternoon the Doctr. & my Servant & Baggage arrivd. The town of Romney on the South Branch of the Potomac River was established in 1762 ( hening William Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619 . 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint....
171264General Orders, 13 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial, held the 9th Inst: whereof Col. Marshall was President—Capt: Jesse Roe was tried for “Insulting and ill-treating Mr Calclough Conductor of waggons, on the march from Morristown”—acquitted, and justified by the court. The General approves the sentence, and orders Capt: Roe to be released from his arrest with honor—He also approves the sentence of the same Court...
171265General Orders, 12 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In order to prevent irregularities in the proceedings of Courts martial which may be held at a distance from the Main army, the Commander in chief orders, that in future the Proceedings of all such General courts martial as shall be referred from any of the different Cantonments Garrisons or posts of the army to his decision shall in the first instance be transmitted to the Judge Advocate, who...
171266From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 17 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 9th instant is received. I am sorry to find that the old Coach is likely to find so bad a Market. This was slipped by Mr Dandridge, at the time I left Philadelphia. As the case now is, it will be better to break it up for the old Iron than keep it longer on expences. And if, after trying the Table Ornaments a while longer—at a reduced price—they will not sell, I must give...
171267From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Part of the Cloathing has already arrived from Springfeild and I imagine a sufficiency for the Troops in this quarter will be here in a day or two. I therefore desire you will immediately send up proper Officers from each of the Virginia Regiments and from the Delaware Regt to draw their proportions. The Officers are to call at Head Quarters where they will receive orders upon the Deputy...
171268From George Washington to Embree & Shotwell, 3 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Henry Lee (who called upon me as he returned home from New York) informed me that you dealt largely in grass seeds (saved in this Country)—that you sold none but what was good—and those on the most moderate terms. Under this information I beg leave to ask the price of the following, and whether an opportunity could be depended upon for sending them by water to Alexandria before the month...
171269[Diary entry: 10 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
10. Finishd gathering Corn at Doeg run Quarter. 242 Barrels. A Very spewing frost among Wheat particularly in the little field at Doeg run. Note the consequence of this. spewing frost : Farmers now refer to this process, which lifts and injures the roots of plants, as “heaving.”
171270From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 5 July 1763 (Washington Papers)
So good an oppertunity as Turner Crump on a visit to his Father (affords) I coud not omit of asking how you do; for I have nothing to require, and as little to communicate in this Epistle, as it cannot be News to inform you, that the Peace of the Frontier Inhabitants seems to have met with almost as rude a shock from the late Indian Insults, as it did from any of their Barbarities in the...