1From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 2 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Perhaps it might have been better if the Shells were good, & at the landing, to have taken them; unless you were under engagements to the first man—because, if they are removed out of the tides way, & the washings of the Road, they will... ...he had engaged to supply me, had delivered one load of lime & two of Shells, about, as he supposed, 500 bushls each load; & wished to know how many more...
2From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 28 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
I am very glad to find you have obtained a temporary supply of lime; but if you could get the Shells (even at 25/. pr Bushls) it would make that article come much cheaper than buying Shell lime at 9d.—I think I have been told that one bushel of Stone lime will go as far as three bushels of that made from Shells—but the quantity of either which it will take to lay a thousand Bricks, is more than...
3From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Endeavor to provide Oyster Shells in the course of this Winter, that, in case I should resolve on it, there may be no let, or delay in building a Barn, or treading floor at Dogue-run to be in readiness for the... ...George Town, who promised to engage some persons, if he could, to carry shells to Mount Vernon for me; if this should happen but do not depend upon it you must take what are brought...
4From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 5 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have again written to Colo. Willm Washington respecting Oyster shells, but would not have you, on that acct, slaken your endeavors to procure them, as I can not procure too many of them they are burnt. Lime might spoil—Shells will not.For GW’s solicitation of William Augustine Washington’s aid in obtaining oyster shells, see
5From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 21 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Let me know if the Scantling is delivered according to the Bill I sent, and what the price of it is; also whether any Oyster shells have been received; the quantity & price; & your prospect for more? these should be paid for as delivered, to encourage the Skippers to repeat their voyages....of the scantling, but not the oyster shells, had arrived at Mount Vernon in April. For GW’s attempt...shells
6From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 17 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
..., & his attendance, to use it in the lavish manner he practices; 1st in proportioning of it to the sand; and 2d in the thickness of the Mortar joints. He has been accustomed to use Shell lime, & will not make the proper allowance for the difference in strength, between that & stone lime. Before he enters upon the business of Bricklaying next Spring, I wish you would learn from some...
7From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 19 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
If, After returning the Shells which have been borrowed, you should, with what will be left, make your whole stock on hand 1000 bushls, I conceive it will be enough; provided the information you have received of the quantity which will lay...For GW’s attempts to procure oyster shells for making lime for the brick foundation of the new barn, see ...the eventual delivery of shells to Mount Vernon...
8From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 3 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The price of lime in Alexandria is so extremely high, that every practicable attempt ought to be made to procure shells—one of which may be, by hiring a vessel by the day, and sending it to my Nephew Colo. Washington’s in Westmoreland, near Mattox Creek with the enclosed letter. I persuade myself if this be done
...Shells, but aid in loading the Vessel. It is left open for your perusal, to...
9From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 12 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
...run, as it will be a guide in future: & to come at this will be very easy—as you know what was bought & can measure what remains—when the work is compleated. Confine your purchase henceforward to shells, because they will receive no injury; whilst Lime would spoil by keeping....the brick foundation of a new barn at Dogue Run farm and GW’s attempts to acquire oyster shells to provide the lime...
10From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 26 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
the Barn at Union Farm, & all my other works was not composed of more than ⅓ lime; however, if good judges & practical workmen say it ought (of shells) to be half, I would have it so ordered. It is to be observed however that the lime is of no other use than to cement the particles of Sand together; and these again to the Stone or...