11Council of War, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, June 24th 1778. Present The Commander in Chief Major Genls Brigadier Generals Lee Knox Greene Poor Stirling Wayne Fayette Woodford Steuben Patterson Scott Portail. His Excellency informs the Council, that by the latest advices, he has received, the Enemy are in two columns, one on the Allen Town and the other on...
12Agreement with David Cowan, 11 January 1773 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made this Eleventh day of January one thousand Seven hundred & Seventy three, Between David Cowan late of Fredericksburg Gardener of the one part, and George Washington of Mount Vernon in Fairfax County Gentleman of the other part, Witnesseth; that the said David Cowan for the hire, and other consideration’s hereafter mentioned, doth Covenant & agree to serve the said...
13Questions and Answers Regarding a Proposed Expedition Against the Six Nations, March–April 1779 (Washington Papers)
To obtain useful and necessary knowledge for the purpose of carrying on an Expedition against the Indians of the Six Nations the following questions have been propounded & answered. Questions Answers Through Genl Hand By Cols. Coxe & Patterson By Colo. Chs Stewart 1st Which branch of the East branch of Susquehannah is it that leads in to, or near the Settlements of the Six Nations, & is made...
14Memorandum of Agreement with Joseph Davenport, 23 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum of an Agreement made & enter’d into by Robert Lewis & Sons of Philadelphia, for & in behalf of his Excellency George Washington Esquire of Mount Vernon in the State of Virginia of the one part, and Joseph Davenport of the County of Burlington in the State of New-Jersey of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said Davenport shall immediately proceed with his Family to a Mill near...
15Minutes of the Conference between a Committee of Congress, Washington, and Representatives of the New England Colonies … (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Library of Congress; three ADS , one incomplete: National Archives; incomplete DS : Massachusetts Historical Society As summer wore on into autumn, Washington’s troubles increased. His impromptu army was short of everything it needed, clothing, provisions, ammunition, and the money to buy them. Officers were disgruntled; privates threatened to mutiny if their wages were cut. Enlistments...
16Resolutions of the Dismal Swamp Company, 2 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
That the money, which can at present be raised, be put into the hands of some proper person, and such person be empowered to engage as many German, or other labourers at Baltimore, or any other part of this continent, as the money will procure. That, if this scheme should prove wholly or in part abortive, the managers hire as many negroes as they may think proper, untill they can import from...
17Agreement with John Christian Ehlers, 10 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this tenth day of October Anno domini 1795 by and between George Washington, President of the United States, on the one part, and John C. Elhler late of Germany, but now residing at Mount Vernon on the other part, Witness—That for and in consideration of the wages & allowances herein after mentioned, the said John C. Ehler doth promise and agree to...
18Advertisement, 23 February 1786 (Washington Papers)
ROYAL GIFT. A JACK ASS of the first race in the kingdom of Spain, will cover mares and jennies (the asses[)] at Mount-Vernon the ensuing spring.—The first for ten, the latter for fifteen pounds the season. Royal Gift is four years old, is between 14 1–2 and 15 hands high, and will grow, it is said, till he is 20 or 25 years of age. He is very bony and stout made, of a dark colour, with light...
19Agreement with John Fisk, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Articles of agreement between George Washington Esqr. Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, for himself and his successors in the said command, and John Fisk. Witness, That the said George Washington doth hereby bind himself, to receive of the said John Fisk, any Quantity of Powder not exceeding twenty Tons; for each Pound of which he engages to pay the said Fisk, four Shillings lawful...
20Advertisement for Truro Parish Glebe and Silver, 22 May 1767 (Washington Papers)
To be sold to the highest bidder, in consequence of an act of General Assembly, and pursuant to order of Vestry, on Friday the 22d of May next, on the premises , The late Glebe Lands of Truro parish, in Fairfax county, containing by estimation 400 acres, but the exact quantity will be ascertained against the day of sale. Thereon is a brick dwellinghouse, with four rooms on a floor, passages...
21Articles of Agreement with William Garner, 10 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
A rticles of A greement made and entered into, this Tenth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, by and between George Washington Esqr. of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, State of Virginia, of the one part, and William Garner of Charles County, State of Maryland, of the other part, Witness, that the said William Garner, for, and in consideration of the wages and...
22Instructions to Reuben Colburn, 3 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are to go with all Expedition to Gardnerstone upon the River Kenebeck, and without Delay proceed to The Constructing of Two Hundred Batteaus, to row with Four Oars each; Two Paddles and Two setting Poles to be also provided for each Batteau. You are to Engage a Company of Twenty Men consisting of Artificers, Carpenters, and Guides to go under your Command to Assist in such Services as you,...
23From George Washington to Denis-Jean-Florimond Langlois de Montheville, marquis Du Bouchet, 8 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the annexed Certificate from Major General Gates under whose command Major Debouchet principally served while in the American Army, and from my own observations while under my immediate command, I have every reason to recommend him as an Officer of Zeal—Intelligence and Bravery. Given at Head Quarters at Newburg the 8th of December 1782. DLC . These Certify that The Bearer, Major...
24George Washington and Horatio Gates to the Virginia Legislature, 28 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia Pursuant to the resolves of the Honble the Senate & House of Delegates, and conformably to the direction of the Executive authority of the State, we repaired to the City of Annapolis, and held a Conference with Gentlemen appointed by the Legislature of Maryland—the result of which is contained in the Inclosure, No. 1. In...
25Indenture with Peter Gollatt, 19 March 1770 (Washington Papers)
This Indenture made the Nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy—Between Peter Gulatt, of the County of Fairfax, Blacksmith of the one part and George Washington Gentleman of the same County of the other part. Whereas the said George Washington by an Indenture bearing date the same day of these presents has bound to & put under the said Peter...
26Indenture with Thomas Green, 9 November 1790–14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and enterd into this ninth day of November Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety between Thomas Green Joiner & House Carpenter of the one part and George A. Washington for and in behalf of the President of the United States on the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Green for the wages and other considerations hereinafter expressed doth agree and...
27Candidates for Army Appointments from Kentucky, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 3 John Jamison Lt or Ensign Frankfort William Murray Lewis recommends in general terms Inquire Isaac E Gano Thomas Tunstall constitution & firmly attached to Govern Sobriety courage & Gentlemanlike behaviour Thomas Love Thomas Todd, John M Scott, Willis Lee, Daniel Wisiger, Otho Beatty, Robert Alexander 4
28Instructions to Colonel Christopher Greene, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Varnum to send your regiment and that of Colonel Angel to Red bank, by a rout which has been marked out to him. The command of that detachment will of course devolve upon you; with which you will proceed with all expedition and throw your self into that place. When you arrive there you will immediately communicate your arrival to Col: Smith, commander of the Garrison at...
29Election by the Sixth Triennial General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 8, 1799. “… The members present then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing three years, when it appeared from the ballots that the following gentlemen were duly elected: General George Washington, President General. Major General Alexander Hamilton, Vice President General.…” “Journals of the Cincinnati, 1784–1787, Vol. I,” 93–94, Library of Congress.
30Candidates for Army Appointments from Massachusetts, [9–28 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 9 James Church Springfield 24 years Shepherd } sprightly active—good stature S Lyman
31Draft for George Washington’s Fifth Annual Address to Congress, [November 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It is greatly to be lamented, for the sake of humanity, that the flame of War, which had before spread over a considerable part of Europe has within the present year extended itself much further; implicating all those powers with whom the United States have the most extensive relations. When it was seen here, that almost all the maritime Nations either were, or were likely soon to become...
32Enclosure: [An Act Making Allowances for Certain Services], [25 May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
An act making allowances for certain services & contingencies in the collection of the Revenue during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. Whereas it has been found necessary to provide a compensation for the legal admeasurement of Stills during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. it is hereby established & declared, that there may & shall be allowed to the Collectors of the...
33Candidates for Army Appointments from Maryland, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
lt Colonels Maryland John Carlisle Hartford County In Revolutionary Army 7 years Asks for Adjutant General vain letter J C Hall recommends Joseph Forman see below honor & courage Howard Hindman Loyed Lt Colonels Levin Handy Worster County
34Draft of a Proclamation by George Washington, [1 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Proclamation By George Washington President of the UStates Amidst the calamities which afflict so many other nations [and trouble the sources of individual quiet security and happiness,] the present condition of the UStates affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from the evils of foreign war, an increasing prospect of the continuance of that precious...
35Candidates for Army Appointments from Delaware, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Majors John Vining commands a Company of Light Infantry provisional Captains Richard Dale handed in by Clayton Antifœderal 1 Samuel White young Lawyer Dover prudence & propriety Foederal good property G Read Basset integrity
36Candidates for Army Appointments from Virginia, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November–December, 1798 ]. A list of the names of one hundred and sixty-eight men from Virginia who were candidates for Army appointments together with short biographical sketches and comments based on information supplied largely by Southerners. This document has been calendared because Charles Cotesworth Pinckney wrote the major portion of it. H’s contribution consists of...
37Draft of George Washington’s Seventh Annual Address to Congress, [28 November–7 December 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
I trust, I do not deceive myself, while I indulge the persuasion, that I have never met you at any period, when more than at the present, the situa⟨tion⟩ of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and signal blessings we enjoy. The Termination of the long expensive...
38Minutes of a Meeting Concerning the Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania, [24 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting at the Presidents House City of Philadelphia Aug 24. 1794 Present The President of The United States. The Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury. The President proposed for the opinion and advice of The Secretary of State & the Secretary of the Treasury the following questions. 1 Shall orders issue for the immediate convening of the whole or any part of the Militia...
39Enclosure: [Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration], [18 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
1 Object. The public Debt is greater than we can possibly pay before other causes of adding to it will occur; and this has been artificially created by adding together the whole amount of the Debtor and Creditor sides of the Account. Answer. The public Debt was produced by the late war. It is not the fault of the present government that it exists; unless it can be proved, that public...
40Conference at Hartford: George Washington’s Answers to Queries by the Comte de Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay … (Hamilton Papers)
1st. That there can be no decisive enterprise against the maritime establishments of the English in this country, without a constant naval superiority. 2d. That of all the enterprises which may be undertaken, the most important and decisive is the reduction of New York, which is the center and focus of all the British forces. 3. That under whatever point of view we consider the establishment,...
41Candidates for Army Appointments from Virginia, November 1798 (Washington Papers)
x A John Cropper + These old officers order of merit by Heth & Carrin[gton] x B Jonathan Clark + x C Robert Porterfield + x D Joseph Swearingen + x E David Stephenson + x f John Blackwell + g Wm Bentley h Otway Bird John Heth (now in service) Carrington thinks him worth considering for Majority 1. A. Gibson mentioned for Majority now in service distinguished at Fort Recovery 2. Laurence Butler...
42Draft of a Proposed Message from George Washington to Congress, [March–May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
In my speech to the two houses of Congress at the opening of the session I urged the expediency of being prepared for war as one of the best securities to our peace. Events which seem dayly to be unfolding themselves press still more seriously upon us the duty of being so prepared, indicating that the calamities of war may by a train of circumstances be forced upon us, notwithstanding the most...
43Draft of George Washington’s Fourth Annual Address to Congress, [15–31 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an abatement of the satisfaction, with which I meet you, on the present occasion, that in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity, generally, I am not able to add to it information, that the Indian hostilities, which have for some time distressed our N Western frontier, have terminated. You will doubtless learn, with as much concern as I communicate it, that...
44Subscription for Dancing Assembly, [January–February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscribers agree to pay the Sums annexed to their respective Names, and an equal quota of any further Expence which may be incurred in the promotion and Support of a dancing assembly to be held in Morristown this present Winter 1780. Subscription Monies to be paid into the hands of a Treasurer, hereafter to be appointed. DS , facsimile in John Jay Smith and John F. Watson, American...
45General Orders by George Washington, 1 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Totowa [ New Jersey ] November 1, 1780 . Announces regulation of Army by the Congressional resolves of October 3 and 21. Directs officers to meet and make arrangements conformable to these regulations. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46Candidates for Army Appointments from Connecticut, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Connecticut Captains 1 Austin Nichols Fairfield County Writes ill Wm. Edmond good constitution single man & in prime of life education equal to place active enterprising & on the whole qualified } Not very strong
47Candidates for Army Appointments from Tennessee, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Tennessee Captains 2 Arthur Crozier Knoxville good letter Clayborne —a young man of respectable character good talents & was a Merchant 3 Nathan B Markland Knoxville Clayborne . possesses qualifications for a valuable Officer surveyor young man of amiable Character & good talents 6 Charles Porter Judge Anderson —recommends him as well qualified respectable connexion & unexceptionable character 1
48Agreement with Christopher Hardwick, 22 January 1763 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and Indented this Twenty Second day of January In the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty three between George Washington of Fairfax County and Colony of Virginia Esqr. of the one part and Christopher Hardwick of the County of Frederick and colony aforesaid Planter of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Washington is hereby obliged to...
49Expense Account of Journey to and from Philadelphia, 21 May–12 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Expences paid for his Excellency General Washing⟨ton’s⟩ Journey to, at & from Philadelphia by Rob. H. Harrison Dr 1776 Pensylv. Cy York Cuy May 21 To ferriage from New York 1. 4. 0 No. 1 To Pawles Hook Tavern ⅌ Bill 18.10 Browns ferry 5. Post at Elizth Town, for returning to Open Mail 3. Tavern at New Ark 12 Dollrs 4.16. 0 Tavern at Woodbridge Breakfastg &c. 1. 8. 0 Amboy ferry, to & from...
50Memorandum List of Quitrents, 1764 (Washington Papers)
A List of Lands, belonging to George Washington and on which Quit-Rents became due at Michaelmas 1764. In Fairfax County Mount Vernon 2126 Acres Bought of [Sampson] Darrel 500 Clifton 1806 Brent 238 Wm Ashford 135 Geo. Ashford 135 Pearson 178 Whitings 200 5318 Frederick County taken up
51Enclosure: [Proclamation by George Washington], [April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
By George Washington President of the U. S. of am⟨erica⟩ a Proclamation. Whereas every nation has a right to change and modify their constitution and Govt., in such manner as they may think most c⟨onducive⟩ to their welfare and Happiness. And Whereas they who a⟨ctually⟩ administer the governmt. of any nation, are by foreign nations ⟨to⟩ be regarded as its lawful Rulers , so long as they...
52George Washington to the Commissioners of Accounts for the States, [22 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Having considered the two questions referred to me in your letters of yesterday, I am of opinion that the Report of your proceedings may be made to the President of the US. and that your books and papers will be most properly deposited in the Treasury department. You will therefore be pleased to deliver them to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. Dft ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); in TJ’s hand,...
53To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 14 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will lay the enclosed letter before the Gentlemen who are to meet today—that it may be taken into consideration with the other matters which may be before them. [ Note by TJ: ] viz. a letter from T. Newton. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May 1793....
54George Washington to the Senate, 10 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with the government of Algiers for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, will the Senate advise & consent to it’s ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified? If this sum appears too high, what lower limit would the Senate approve? If the...
55Enclosure: Letter of Protection for Friendly Indians, [13 March 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
George Washington , President of the United States of America. To all to whom these Presents shall come. Know Ye , That the Nation of Indians called the inhabiting the Town of and other Towns, Villages and Lands of the same community, are, in their persons, Towns, Villages, Lands, Hunting-grounds and other Rights and Property in the Peace and under the Protection of the United States of...
56To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States approves of the enclosed Letter to Mr. Hammond, and likewise of that to Mr. Rawle. [ Note by TJ :] viz the letter of May 15. 93. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with subjoined note by TJ. Enclosures: (1) TJ to George Hammond, 15 May 1793 . (2) TJ to William Rawle, 15 May 1793 . Recorded in SJPL .
57George Washington to the Senate, with Jefferson’s Note to Washington, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I was led, by a consideration of the qualifications of Patterson of New Jersey to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme court of the US. It has since occurred that he was a member of the Senate when the act creating that office was passed and that the time for which he was elected had not yet expired. I think it my duty therefore to declare that I deem the nomination to have been...
58George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
If you & Mr. Madison could make it convenient to take a family dinner with me to day—or, if engagements prevent this—wd. come, at any hour in the afternoon most convenient to yourselves We would converse fully, and try to fix on some plan for carrying the Affairs of the Federal district into execution. Under present appearances it is difficult, but it is nevertheless necessary to resolve on...
59George Washington to David Rittenhouse, [9 July 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Having had under consideration the letter of the Director of the mint of this day’s date, I hereby declare my approbation of the purchase he has made of the house and lot for the mint, of the employment of Mr. Voight as Coiner, of the procuring fifteen tons of copper, and proceeding to coin the cents and half cents of copper and dismes and half dismes of silver: and I leave to his discretion...
60George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14] December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs in Europe, in the course of the year 1790. having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at that court to avail us of it. A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, and to supply by verbal...