Friday 25th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Westerly & cooler than it had been the two days preceeding. About Noon a black Cloud arose to the Westward out of which came a mixture of Snow and Rain—this disappearing the Sun shone but the day upon the whole was variable & unpleast.
Set out after breakfast, accompanied by Mr. G. Washington, to make Mr. Mason at Colchester a Visit, but hearing on the road that he had removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall where we dined and returned in the Evening & found Colo. Henry Lee & his Lady here.
Mr. Shaw returned, having removed George & Lawe. Washington to the Alexandria Academy & fixed them at the Widow Dades.
Mrs. Dade was probably Parthenia Alexander Massey Dade, widow of Townshend Dade (d.1781), and the aunt of GW’s neighbor, Robert Alexander. GW’s two nephews boarded at Mrs. Dade’s house in Alexandria until Jan. 1787, when they were moved to the home of Samuel Hanson of Samuel (, folio 206, 229). Hanson had difficulties with the boys and eventually they were removed to the care of GW’s old friend, Dr. Craik (, folio 301; GW to Hanson, 5 May 1788, GW to George Steptoe Washington, 23 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).