George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Emmanuel Jones, Jr., 18 February 1774

From Emmanuel Jones, Jr.

Brafferton 18th Feby 1774.

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 25th Jany I receiv’d last night,1 & am sorry to tell You that my Voice was long since engaged to Mr Madison (our Professor of Mathematics) for his Brother: had my good friend Col: Washington made the least mention to me of Capn Crawford, he might have been assur’d, I would gladly have oblig’d him. The Revd Mr Thruston the 1st Instant wrote to me recommending Capn Wm Rutherford (who deliver’d the letter) and Capn Crawford; I told Capn Rutherford, that I should take great pleasure in serving them both, but was afraid I could not, as I had heard Capn Bullett’s ill conduct had occasion’d an order of Council not to appoint any more Extra-Surveyors how true this report may be, I cannot with certainty affirm.2

The best method that I can point out for Capn Crawford is to get a Deputation from the Surveyor of the County in whose Precinct the Part he desires is contain’d; if he can do that, I hope he will succeed, especially if he is expeditious in his Application.3 Our City has long expected the Arrival of Lady Dunmore: Bonfires, Illuminations &c. have been order’d these ten Days, but none yet lighted.4 My best respects attend Mrs Washington, who I should be very glad in having the pleasure once more to see. I am Dr Sir, Yr most obedt humble Servt

Emmanuel Jones

ALS, DLC:GW.

The Rev. Emmanuel Jones, Jr., whose father for many years was the minister of Petsworth Parish in Gloucester County, was master of the Indian school in the Brafferton building at the College of William and Mary.

1GW’s letter of 25 Jan. has not been found.

2James Madison (1749–1812), who was the son of John Madison, clerk of Augusta County, was at this time professor of natural philosophy and mathematics at the College of William and Mary. In 1777 he was made president of the college, and after the Revolution became first bishop of Virginia. Madison had seven brothers, most of whom were living at this time. The Rev. Mr. Thruston is Charles Mynn Thruston, at this time minister of Petsworth Parish. For a recommendation by GW of Captain Thomas, not William, Rutherford see GW to An Unidentified County Surveyor, 12 Feb. 1774. For complaints about Thomas Bullitt, see John Connolly to GW, 29 June 1773, and note 6, and 29 Aug. 1773.

3See GW to Thomas Lewis, 5 May, for Crawford’s appointment as assistant to Thomas Lewis.

4Charlotte Stewart Murray, countess of Dunmore, arrived in Williamsburg with six of her children on 26 February. See Virginia Gazette (Rind; Williamsburg), 3 Mar. 1774.

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