241[Diary entry: 7 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—⟨4⟩6 at Noon and 42 at Night. Morning clear & calm—grd. a little frozen. Wind pretty fresh afterwards from the Northwest—notwithstanding which it lowered a good deal towards evening. I rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations and by the grd. where the ferry hands were at work.
242From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 21 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your opinion on the foregoing quæries, and on such other matters as relates to the business which is unfolding and wch requires the closest attention under our circumstances will be thankfully received by Yr Affecte Servt ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW apparently sent a similar document to Brig. Gen. Henry Knox (see Knox to GW, 23 May ). GW drafted these “Quæries” above his...
243From George Washington to William Henry Drayton, 12 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to assure you, that the cordial terms of your obliging favour of the 5th afford me the most sensible pleasure. It, naturally, is my ardent wish, that my well-meant endeavours, for the prosperity of my country, may meet the approbation of my countrymen; and I cannot but be peculiarly flattered by every instance of esteem, from the discerning part of them. The want of a longer personal...
244From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 Aug. 1776. Heath’s letter to GW of this date is docketed in Joseph Reed’s writing: “Major Genl Heath Kingsbridge Aug. 17 1776 Answerd do.”
245From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 26 August 1759 (Washington Papers)
I shall draw upon you in a few days to the Amount of about £150 in two Setts of Exchange: the one payable to Messrs Champe and Hunter of Virginia and the other to Mr Richd Washington of London. I did not think it amiss to give you this earliest advice (via Whitehaven) of my Intentions but should not have doubted your Acceptance of my Bills without it as I in a former of the 12th June advertisd...
246Enclosure: Executive Order to Thomas Beall and John Mackall Gantt, 10 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
Whereas in and by certain Deeds executed by Amos Smith and others, whereby the whole Land of the Said Amos Smith and others, situated in the Town of Carrollsburgh and also of Hamburgh (now included in the City of Washington) is vested in you, subject to the Trusts in the said Deeds mentioned; and whereas all the Lands belonging to Minors, persons absent out of the State, married women, or...
247From George Washington to James Mease, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this day recd yours of the 18th by Lieutenant Gamble who has brought down 463 Coat ready cut out. I could have wished that had not been done, as I intended to have had them made up in a new fashion which I think will save Cloth—be made up quicker and cheaper and yet be more warm and convenient to the Soldier. I desire that all the remainder of the Virginia Goods may be immediately sent on in...
248From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am grieved to find, that instead of six or eight thousand weight of Powder which I fondly expected to receive from Providence (agreeable to your letter) that I am likely to get only 4217 lbs. including the 3,000 wt belonging to this Province, if to be had —My Situation, in respect to this article, is really distressing; and while common prudence obliges me to keep my want of it concealed, to...
249General Orders, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Major General Howe Lieutenant Colonel Millen For Picquet Major Ashley Inspector Captain Warner vice Robinson The Commander in Chief having been informed that various practices have been made use of by the officers of one regiment to inlist for the War men who are engaged for three years in another. He thinks proper to direct that a stop may be put to such mode of...
250[Diary entry: 15 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning—58 at Noon And 56 at Night. The Wind, tho’ there was but little of it, was at No. Wt. Mild and warm. Visited all the Plantations. At all of them, the full compliment of Plows were at work and going on very well. In the Neck, the Women were spreading Dung on the ground intended for Oats and Barley—being the West part of No. 2. At this place ⟨also⟩...
251[Diary entry: 29 May 1775] (Washington Papers)
29. Dined at the City Tavern. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
252From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was last Evening favd with yours of yesterday. It gives me pleasure to hear that you have executed your Business with so much ease and satisfaction. I have had the same favorable reports from several of the neighbouring Counties. You will be pleased to call upon the Commissaries who are in Brunswic and direct them to attend at the several places fixed upon by the Magistrates to receive and...
253[Diary entry: 22 September 1773] (Washington Papers)
22. My Brother and my self rid to my Mill & returnd to Dinner.
254[Diary entry: 8 March 1770] (Washington Papers)
8. Went to Belvoir with Mr. Magowan, dined and Returnd in the afternoon.
255From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Annexed is a Copy of my last Letter, which from the tenor of yours of the 7th inst. I am inclined to think you have not received—it was sent by the return of the Dragoon, who brought me your Letter of the 9th February—The Legislature of New Jersey certainly never meant that the Law regulating the Prices of Necessaries should have a retrospective view and invalidate anterior Contracts —you will...
256[Diary entry: 25 March 1766] (Washington Papers)
25. Hard frost—afterwards warm & hazy. Wind Southwardly. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the third Stake, and at the Mill to the Second stake.
257From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have desired Genl Gates to give you immediate information of the arrival of the Enemy’s Fleet in Delaware, upon which you are to move down to Philada with all the Troops at Trenton. My former directions were to wait orders of march from me, but you are now to attend to those of Genl Gates. Be pleased to communicate this to the Officers commanding the different Corps and desire them always to...
258From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day favor’d with yours of the 27th & 29th of May. I am surprised at the accounts you give me of the want of Cloathing for the Troops of Massachusetts. I took it for granted that they had been sent forward when it was intended that all your Troops shou’d go the Northward, & that they wou’d meet them at Peekskill. My reason for this was, that the Cloathier General repeatedly assured me...
259General Orders, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . A transcript of another orderly book from GW’s headquarters includes a general order for this date that reads: “The regimental paymasters will apply for the pay for the months of March, April, and May” ( NN : Bancroft Collection). GW’s warrant book for this date records a payment of $70 to “Christopher Colles, preceptor of Mathameticles to the Artillery for June”...
260[Diary entry: 12 November 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day & pleasant—Clear in the morning, but a little lowering towards 3 oclock—clear afterwards. The force of yesterday was employed in the roads to day. Mrs. and Miss Stuart went away after breakfast. I rid to the repairers of the Road and to my New Barn—the Rafters of which were all raised about...
261From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on Friday last requesting your earliest arrival with the Troops under your command to join me. This I must repeat, and have sent an Officer on purpose to deliver my Letter, to whom I refer you for the particulars of our Situation & that of the Enemy at this Time. I shall only observe respecting them, that the main body of their Army lay last night, near French Creek Bridge about...
262[Diary entry: 5 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
5. Richard Talbot, one of Mr. Balls hands was absent from work. John Harvey was also absent from his ditching. Finished Planting Corn at Doeg Run Plantation this day—viz the 5th. Richd. Talbot was not at work but went up to Alexandria.
263General Orders, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Colonel Craig[,] Lieutenant Colonel Johnston[,] Major Hamilton[,] Brigade Major Darby Morning Orders November 5th Major Knapp is appointed Field Officer of the day, for this day, vice Major Throop, furloughed. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
264From George Washington to John Jay, 21 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Rawlins who as well as his officers in general distinguished himself at the affair of Fort Washington has remaining of his Regiment about fifty or sixty men and a few officers. As the latter are at present an expence to the Continent without being employed—and the Colonel after having deserved well of his Country and suffered a grievous captivity, has some claim to attention—I beg...
265[Diary entry: 23 March 1796] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear and warm Wind fresh from So. Wt.
266From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
267[Diary entry: 16 May 1780] (Washington Papers)
16th. A very great dew & fog. With little wind in the forenoon & very warm. In the afternoon it was pretty fresh from the Southward and about dusk came out from the Northward.
268From George Washington to Colonel William Woodford, 30 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th Inst came to my hands a Post or two ago and the answer delayed longer than I intended from the multiplicity of business in which I am engaged.— I am sorry you should consider Genl Mercer’s late appointment as a slight put upon your services, because I am persuaded no slight was intended.—Whilst the service was local, and appointment of Officers affected no other Colony...
269From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 29 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 25th in answer to mine of the preceeding week, came safely. At the time I wrote that letter, I was uninformed of the circumstances which you have since made me acquainted with. However, you will be at no loss from the contents of it, to discern that it was Bargains I had in contemplation; and which, from the quantity of Goods at Market—Scarcity of Cash, according to Newspaper...
270[Diary entry: 13 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
13. Cloudy forenoon but, tolerably Clear afterwards without any frost. Wind Westwardly but neither Cold nor hard.
271March [1780] (Washington Papers)
1st. Raining in the morning and drizling all day with very little Wind but a thick fog. Roads very deep. 2d. Wind coming out very fresh at West. In the Night it cleared, & froze a little. Continued boisterous thro’ the day & towards evening grew cold. 3d. Ground hard frozen. Morning clear & pleasant with but little wind and that from the South. Mid-day cloudy & lowering—variable...
272[Diary entry: 2 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
2. Again very warm with a brisk westwardly breeze.
273From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 3 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your two agreeable favors of the 19 and 22 Ulto came to hand, which I now have to acknowledge. I am very happy to learn that your wounds are less painful and in so fair a way of doing well—the only drawback in the pleasure [I] receive is that the condition of your wounds is ⟨s⟩till such as not to admit of your active services this campaign. You will rest assured that I wish to see you in a...
274George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 15 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 15, 1780 . Regrets that the shortage of men makes it impossible to send detachment to guard William Duer’s tree-cutting expedition. Believes that a guard will not be necessary, but suggests applying to the local militia, if one is desired. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
275From George Washington to George Campbell, 24 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I accept with singular pleasure the Ensign of so worthy a Fraternity as that of the Friendly sons of St Patrick in this City: a society distinguished for the firm adherence of its members to the glorious Cause in which we are embarked. Give me leave to assure you, Sir, that I shall never cast my Eyes upon the Badge with which I am honored, but with a grateful remembrance of the polite and...
276To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Incon⟨venient as it was to⟩ my finances, I have been ⟨induced⟩ to erect convenient to the ⟨Capital, in the⟩ Federal City, two houses which have ⟨the⟩ exterior of one, but by an ⟨arrangement of commu⟩nication may, according to the ⟨desire⟩ of the occupant, or occupants—may have all the conveniencies of one, or be entirely seperate & distinct. For these buildings a person of the name of John...
277From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your two favors of the 11th instant. The latter announcing the appearance of the French fleet off New-port harbour. We wait anxiously for further particulars which we expect to day. Mr Corny mentions the bad state of the road of communication between Providence and New-port. It appears essential, as the intercourse may be great on this route, to have it attended to. I...
278[Diary entry: 10 May 1772] (Washington Papers)
10th. Went to Pohick Church & returnd home to Dinner. Mr. Campbell Dined here.
279From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received a letter of the 28th ulto from his Excellency Governor Jefferson of which the enclosed is an extract. It being impossible for me under present circumstances to take up the Business, you will be pleased to follow the directions therein contained, and nominate such Officers to reinlist the old Soldiers as you shall deem best qualified for that purpose. Inclosed you will find...
280General Orders, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Artist Charles Willson Peale wrote in his diary that he dined with GW on this date after arriving in camp at noon ( Miller, Peale Papers Lillian B. Miller, ed. The Selected Papers of Charles Willson Peale and His Family . 5 vols. New Haven, 1983–2000. , 1:266).
281From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 31 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Colo. Putnam, who has been employed as an Engineer in the Army under my Command, is now on his Way to New York; I have order’d him to wait upon your Honor to afford you such advice & assistance in the Construction of your Works as his time will permit. You will find him capable and ingenious, & I am happy in having this opportunity of sending you an Officer of such experience. I am...
282From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 27 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place to day, tomorrow (wind permitting) I shall cross the Bay on my way to Philadelphia—Hearing that a Ship with Servants is gone up to Baltimore, and fearing from your answer to my letter (written some time ago from Mount Vernon) that I had not sufficiently explained my meaning I beg leave to inform you that tho’ I should have preferred German Servants, yet I did not mean to...
283From George Washington to David Forman, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 31st was handed to me by the Express at 8 o clock this Morning. I thank you again for your unwearied attention in communicating with so much rapidity the advices you receive of the Enemy’s Movements. A report is circulated that some Land forces arrived in the fleet from the West Indies; I could wish that matter to be ascertained, as also whether any Troops sailed with the...
284[Diary entry: 21 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 38 at N. Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon calm afterwards. A Mr. McPherson of Alexandria came & returned before dinner. His business was, to communicate the desires of a Neighbourhood in Berkeley County, to build a School & Meeting House on some Land of mine there, leased to one . My answer was, that if...
285From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you a letter of the 8th—extracts of the 12th—and one of the 24th instant from Brigadier General Hand, which he forwarded to me, not knowing where to find you. I have mentioned in my letter to Gen: Hand my forwarding Them to you. I shall write the board of war to send the supplies of clothing for the 11th Pennsylvania regiment I shall also request them—to forward a set of shoemakers...
286From George Washington to Captain Thomas Nelson, Jr., 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 7th Inst. You plead so powerfully and urge so many reasons to leave the ⟨Ar⟩my, that I cannot refuse your request altho it is with regret I see a Gentlem⟨an⟩ go out of it. The principal cause of your Application, However, you have no⟨t⟩ expl⟨icit⟩ly ⟨s⟩tated, But yet I p⟨res⟩ume my Conjectures respecting It, are just and right. I suppose it is your...
287George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 2 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. L’enfant comes on to make such a survey of the grounds in your vicinity as may aid in fixing the site of the federal town and buildings. His present instructions express those alone which are within the Eastern branch, the Patowmac, the Tyber, and the road leading from George town to the ferry on the Eastern branch. He is directed to begin at the lower end and work upwards, and nothing...
288From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Clark, 4–7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Convention Troops will have passed above you by the time this reaches you, the object of your Station at the Clove will have been effected. You will therefore be pleased to move down to Paramus with the Carolina Brigade and quarter your Men in as compact a manner as the situation of the Buildings will permit. You shall, upon my arrival at Middle Brook receive more particular...
289From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 8th and 11th instant, with the several news-papers came duly to hand. I have no objection to Mr Wolfen continuing in his present duty. However, it may be necessary to have the men relieved by a fresh party, that the fatigue may be equally borne by the whole corps, that is in case of its being severe. I have the same idea of the impropriety of such inlistments as you have...
290From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
The articles which you shipped on my Acct on board of the Charming Polly have arrived safe & in good order. As I am under the necessity of purchasing, every year, a quantity of coarse Linen, Blanketings &ca for the clothing of my negroes, and sundry other articles for various purposes, and Goods of every kind being sold in Alexandria at a high advance, I am desireous of knowing if I could not...