3351From George Washington to William Drayton, 20 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I wish it was in my power to give you a more favourable acct of your Servant Jack than what follows. After his absenting himself from you at Dumfries (as I believe my Nephew has already informed you) he came here, & remained quietly till the 12th; when being informed by some Gentlemen from Baltimore that a Packet from that place was on the point of Sailing for Charleston, I sent him under the...
3352[Diary entry: 27 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 27th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning—79 at Noon and 77 at Night. A little rain in the Morning—with Clouds and appearances of it in the Afternoon, but none fell here. In the Morning there was but little wind. The Clouds which appeared in the Afternoon produced a good deal of wind from the West & No. West wch. changed the Air & made it much Cooler. Mr. Lee went away before Breakfast.
3353From George Washington to Adrienne, Marquise de Lafayette, 4 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
It is now, more than ever, I want words to express the sensibility & gratitude with which the honor of your felicitations of the 26th of Decr has inspired me. If my expression was equal to the feelings of my heart the homage I am about to render you, would appear in a more favourable point of view, than my most sanguine expectations will encourage me to hope for. I am more inclined therefore...
3354[Diary entry: 17 July 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 17th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Clear forenoon with the Wind pretty brisk from the Southwest—which continued all day with appearances of rain in the Afternoon but little or none fell here. Fanny Bassett and Nelly Custis went to Church at Alexandria. Dined at Mr. Ramsays & returned in the Evening. Mr. Ridout and Son called here between breakfast and Dinner...
3355From George Washington to Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 31 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with the receipt of triplicate copies of your polite letter dated at Cape-françois the 15th of Novr last. While you do me the justice to acknowledge the zeal with which I desired & attempted to promote the interest of all the individuals composing the army I had formerly the honor to command; permit me to express my regret that, from peculiar circumstances, I had it not...
3356From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 19 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 7th Inst. together with your account, a List of my Tenants, and £8.19.4 in Cash. It was not my intention to have wounded your feelings by my last letter, as you say I did—I only meant to express my earnest desire to have a Rent Roll of my lands under your care, and not knowing the causes which prevented its being made out, I conceived that so long a delay of...
3357[Diary entry: 25 October 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 25th. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck Began with 4 plows to break up flush field No. 4 (in 6 feet ridges) for Indn. Corn & Potatoes next yr. and began also to get to a yard wed for the purpose the Buck Wheat—also to get up the Hogs for Porke. At Muddy hole began also to get in, and thresh out the Buck Wheat. That which grew on the experimental half acre yielded only 3¾ Bushls....
3358From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
It was with exceeding great concern I heard by Mr Gouvr Morris that you had had a return of your Fever—I hope it was slight, and that you are now perfectly restored to health—No man wishes it more sincerely than I do. I have been able to negotiate a matter with Mr Robt Morris by which about Seventeen hundred pounds York Currency will be thrown into your hands on my Acct which sum, when...
3359From George Washington to William Blake, 30 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
By my Nephew I had the honor to receive your favor of the 20th Mar: accompanied with some plants & Seeds of the Palmetto royal, for which I pray you to accept my sincere thanks; the former are not only alive yet, but look vigorous; & the latter (being sowed) are vegitating, & appearing above ground—I shall nurse them with great attention. It would give me great pleasure to visit my friends in...
3360[Diary entry: 28 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 28th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Cloudy during the fore part of last with appearances of Snow or Rain but the Wind springing up fresh at No. Wt. it cleared. Very pleasant all day—morning calm & not hard. Abt. Noon the wind rose at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold. In the afternoon it got to the Southward. Mr. Willm. Craik & his two Sisters, & Mr. Kelly...
3361[Diary entry: 7 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 76 at Night. About Sunrising, the Directors & myself rid up to Keeptrieste, where Canoes were provided, in which we crossed to the Maryland side of the river and examined a Gut, or swash through which it is supposed the Navigation must be conducted. This Swash is shallow at the entrance, but having sufficient fall, may easily (by...
3362[Diary entry: 15 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 15th. Morning mild and very heavy with the wind fresh from So. Wt. Which produced sprinkling rain till abt. 10 Oclock and constant rain afterwards till about 2 Oclock when it moderated, but continued very cloudy with slight drippings all the afternoon. Went to Alexandria to an election of Senator for this district—Mr. Thos. West of Fairfax & Mr. Pope of Prince William being the...
3363From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 31 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 9th instt came to hand last evening. As you know what ever concerns your happiness & welfare cannot be indifferent to me, you will very readily believe me when I assure you, that I take a feeling part in your anxiety and distress on account of your Son, and most sincerely wish for his recovery. I thank you, my dear Sir, for your observations upon the advantages which might...
3364[Diary entry: 21 July 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 21st. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.—79 at Noon and 80 at Night. Cloudy morning, but clear Afternoon with a brisk Southerly Wind all day and warm. Mr. Thompson, a Presbaterian Minister (introduced by Mr. Robt. Adam) came here, dined and Stayed all Night.
3365[Diary entry: 11 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 11th. Thermometer 77 in the Morning—84 at Noon and 84 at Night. The Drought, the effects of which were visible when I left home, had, by this (no rain having fallen in my absence) greatly affected vegetation. The grass was quite burnt & crisp under foot—Gardens parched and the young Trees in my Shrubberies, notwithstanding they had been watered (as it is said) according to my...
3366From George Washington to Lucretia Wilhelmina van Winter, 5 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
To find that the letter which I had the honor of writing to you on the 30th of March last, in acknowledgement of the Poem you had the goodness to send me through the hands of Mr Vogels, has never reached you, gives me pain. I now enclose a copy of it, presuming that the original must have miscarried from my having addressed it to the care of that Gentleman at Philadelphia when, possibly, he...
3367[Diary entry: 25 May 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 25th. Another Delegate coming in from the State of New Jersey gave it a representation and encreased the number to Seven which forming a quoram of the 13 the Members present resolved to organize the body; when, by a unanimous vote I was called up to the Chair as President of the body. Majr. William Jackson was appointed Secretary and a Comee. was chosen consisting of 3 Members to...
3368[Diary entry: 1 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday first. Mercury at 70 in the Morng.—69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Cloudy Morning—with the Wind at East. Between 9 & 10 Oclock it began to drip slow rain, in which I planted the remainder of the Wheat from the Cape of Good Hope leaving 230 grains to replant the missing seeds, & some that had been washed up by the late rains; the whole number of grains given me by Colo. Spaight amounting...
3369From George Washington to John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin, 22 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is of so much consequence to the Company, that necessary and legal measures should be pursued to obtain Judgments againts its delenquent members at the ensuing General Court—now little more than five weeks distant—that I beg a moment may not be lost in complying with the requisition of Mr Lee for this purpose. In the mean time, if one of two things must take place which seem very likely—a...
3370From George Washington to Henry Knox, 27 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
After every consideration my judgment was able to give the subject, I had determined to yield to the wishes of many of my friends who seemed extremely anxious for my attending the Convention, which is proposed to be holden in Philadelphia the second Monday of May. And tho’ so much afflicted with a rheumatic complaint (of which I have not been entirely free for Six months) as to be under the...
3371[Diary entry: 15 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 15th. In Convention as usual. Dined at Mr. Powells & drank Tea there.
3372To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [3 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your candid and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it, will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance,...
3373[Diary entry: 5 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 5th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris’s and drank Tea there. Spent the evening also.
3374From George Washington to John Swan, 23 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
The little share I had in the administration of Colo. Colville’s Estate, & the time which has elapsed since I had any concern at all with the Affairs of it, render me very incompetent to give the information you require. Mr John West deceased was the principal acting Executor of the will of Colo. Colvill, & the revd Mr West of Baltimore is the executor of John, & has I am told taken much pains...
3375From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
The perfect establishment of American Independence is indeed an event of such infinite importance as to fill the mind with gratitude & joy; and afford the fairest occasion for mutual congratulations. The honorable sentiments you are pleased to express respecting the Merits of the Army, the just idea you entertain of their bravery, sufferings, and magnanimity; and the honest desire you manifest...
3376From George Washington to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 12 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Post preceeding the last, brought me your favor of the 31st Ulto—The next day I waited upon Colo. Hooe with your order, but he was confined to his bed & unable to do business. Two days after he sent me a Bill on New York for 2500 Dollars, payable at fifteen days sight; & gave me assurances that he wd pay the Balle shortly. In consequence, you have my receipt for £1069.1.7 specie at the...
3377To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [18 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl. Morgan you have for what it cost him, what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts. The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole. It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days; perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece,...
3378[Diary entry: 25 September 1786] (Washington Papers)
Monday 25th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning—66 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Morning and day through was very pleasant, turning warm—the wind getting to the Southward. Sent Mr. Tucker & his Lady to Colchester. Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart & family together with Nelly Custis went up to Abingdon. In the afternoon the Revd. Mr. Bryn. Fairfax came in and stayed all Night. Began to day with my Waggon...
3379From George Washington to John Foulke, 17 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington presents his Compliments to Doctr Foulke—thanks him for his polite Card, & Ticket—and would with great pleasure attend his Lecture on Pneumatics; but the business which brought him to this City does not leave him at liberty, as the Members of the Cincinnati are anxious to bring it to a close. AL , DSI : National Air and Space Museum. John Foulke (1757–1796), a graduate in 1780...
3380From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 1 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
The Letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 6th ulto together with the Memorial which accompanied it came safe, after some delay. Without entering into the merits of the latter, which I could only do as an individual, I shall regret that your zeal for the honor, & your wishes to advance what you conceived to be the interests of the Society of the Cincinnati, should have led you...
3381[Diary entry: 15 October 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 15th. Mercury 65 at Morn—76 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clear, warm, & pleasant all day. Accompanied by Majr. Washington his wife Mr. Lear & the two Childn. Nelly & Washington Custis went to Pohick Church & returned to Dinner. Fell in with on the Road, Colo. Jno. Mercer, his Lady & child coming here and their nurse. Col. John Francis and Sophia Sprigg Mercer of Maryland had a son, Richard,...
3382From George Washington to Gilbert Simpson, 13 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
Having closed all my transactions with the public, it now behooves me to look into my own private business, no part of which seems to call louder for attention, than my concerns with you. How profitable our partnership has been, you best can tell; & how advantageous my Mill has been, none can tell so well as yourself. If however I am to credit the report, not only of one, but every body from...
3383From George Washington to Robert Lewis & Sons, 18 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
Waiting to be informed of what I stand indebted to you, is the cause of my not acknowledging sooner the receipt of your favor of the 24th of May last year. I have now requested Colo. Biddle to enquire into, & to discharge what is due from me. I feel myself very much obliged to you for the trouble you have had in obtaining a miller for me. Mr Devenport seems to be a very honest, good kind of...
3384From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Rather than wait, & thereby hazard delay, I would purchase Copper at the present price for all the purposes mentioned in your estimate, the Spouts, or Trunks excepted—the want of these, as they do not retard the Work may remain a while longer. Pray let me have your Acct before Nine oclock, as I hope to set off soon after that hour & wish to pay the Balle before I go. I am Yr Obedt & affe Servt...
3385From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 3 November 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have not yet received a statement of my Acct with you. It would give me pleasure to have it at full length—and soon. I wish you would add to it 100 lbs. of fresh & good (red) clover seed, to be sent by the first vessel to Alexandria, as I should be glad to receive it before Ice may impede the navigation of this or Delaware river. I requested the favor of Mr Bourdinot (late president of...
3386[Diary entry: 5 November 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 5th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 54 at Night. The forenoon variable—sometimes threatning and then promising—but clear, fine and agreeable in the afternoon. Wind southerly all day. Colo. Pickney &ca. set out after breakfast. At home all day writing.
3387From George Washington to John Marshall, 17 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the liberty to enclose a protested bill of Exchange drawn in 1765 by the Exts. of William Armsted Esqr. in my favor—which I will thank you to take the necessary steps to recover; and as a compensation for your trouble therewith I will allow you ten per Cent upon whatever you may obtain of the debt—The letters &c. whh accompany the bill will serve to shew that the matter has not...
3388From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th Ulto came to my hands by the last mail. Let me request that those articles which you propose to send me by Captn Ellwood may be accompained by 200 lbs. of Sheet Iron from the Trenton Works (proper for plating the Mould boards of Plows)—and a Jarr of best Spirma ceti Oil for House Lamps—That is a clear fine Oil which does not foul them—The Velvet Ribbon came safe and was...
3389From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 5 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging letter of the 15th of Novr did not reach me untill some days after we had taken possession of the City of New York—The Scene that followed of festivity, congratulation, Addresses, and resignation must be my apology for not replying to it sooner. I sincerely thank you for the Copy of the Address of Govr Trumbull to the Genl Assembly & Freemen of your State—The Sentiments contained...
3390To James Madison from George Washington, 1 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
By a notification in the Pensylvania Packet, it appears that the Southern Mail was robbed on the 22d. Ult in the State of Delaware. As it was about, at least not far from the time, I wrote you fully in answer to your favor of the 5th. of Novr. I am anxious to know its fate. If it has not reached your hands I will upon intimation thereof transmit a duplicate of my sentiments respecting the...
3391[Diary entry: 28 May 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 68 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at North, but it soon shifted to So. Wt. and blew very fresh, with clouds, and sprinklings of Rain. In the afternoon it shifted to No. Wt. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations, and to the Brick yard. At the Ferry—Finshed this Morning replanting of Corn and began on the South...
3392From George Washington to John Marsden Pintard, 18 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th of August from Madeira, accompanied by a box of Citron, Lemons & Onions; for which I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. If a favourable opportunity should offer directly to this river, at a proper season of the year, you would encrease the obligation you have already laid me under, by sending me a few slips of the vines of your best...
3393From George Washington to Lewis Morris, 13 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 14th of November, has been duly received. I was well apprised of the sacrifices which you had made and the services you had rendered to your Country, during the progress of the late Revolution. Unfourtunately, from the want of a more efficient general government, the zealous advocates for and patriotic sufferers in the acquisition of...
3394[Diary entry: 25 January 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon and 40 at Night. Lowering more or less all day with rain after dark. Colonels Fitzgerald Lee & Gilpin dined here, and returned to Alexandria in the evening.
3395From George Washington to John Murray & Company, 8 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th in answer to mine of the same date, is before me; but from the present view I have of the subject, I do not conceive that my entering into a Contract for Herrings on the terms offered by you, would be eligible; 1st because in my judgment, you estimate them too low—lower than they usually sell for at the landings—2dly because your Salt is rated higher than, I believe it...
3396[Diary entry: 18 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 18th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—75 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear in the Morning; at Noon & Night Cloudy with rains about 10 Oclock for an hour. Wind at South. Rid into the Neck and to all the Plantations. Examined the grain in the Neck which appears as follow—viz.—The Wheat in field No. 7 which I expected would have been very fine scarcely merits the epithet—Middling the...
3397From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 8 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to send me by the Post, or any other safe & expeditious conveyance, 70 Yards of livery lace three quarters, or Inch wide; or any width between—Direct it to the care of the Postmaster in Alexandria. The lace should be red & white. I will thank you also for sending me, if an oppertunity should offer soon by Water, one hundred weight, or even a Barrel of good Coffee. Pray forwd the...
3398[Diary entry: 24 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 24. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.—56 at Noon and 58 at Night. Still drizling and cloudy, all day, with the Wind at No. East. At home all day. About 11 Oclock Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Lund Washington came in, dined, & returned afterwards and in the afternoon Colo. Robt. Stith arrived (from Alexandria) and stayed all night. Planted yesterday evening at Muddy hole about 1300 Cabbage...
3399From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have received both your Notes of this Morning, and thank you for Notice of the Vessels sailing. The Books, I perceive, are only small treatises upon education, referred to by Doctr Rush, which I can get, & carry in my Trunk. remember the clothes baskets. I send a small box containing a Lamp—it is a present, but could not have cost 20/. If the hounds presented to me by Captn Morris are not...
3400[Diary entry: 8 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 76 in the morning—82 at Noon and 82 at night. Morning clear with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southward which continued all day. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—Only one plow at Work (the driver of the other being sick). About Noon sent two more Cradlers to this place—one from Dogue run & the other from Muddy hole to assist in cutting down Wheat that the...