1To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Burgess Ball, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been indulg’d with a Parole, unsolicitted, and unexpected, thro the Interest of Genl Phillips (as I’m inform’d) for Virginia or elsewhere, and, ever desireous to conduct myself so as to avoid any reproach from Your Excellency, I have thought it expedient thus to write to you. It being, in my present situation, improper and out of my power to take any active part in a military capacity,...
2To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 25 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that it devolvs on me to communicate to you the loss of your Mother who departed this Life abt 3 oClock today. The Cause of her desolution (I believe) was the Cancer on her Breast, but for abt 15 days she has been deprived of her speech, and for the five last days she has remain’d in a Sleep. She has lived a good Age &, I hope, is gone to a happier place than we live at present in....
3To George Washington from Burgess Ball and Charles Carter, 8 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
We have perused your Letter to Mrs Lewis dated the 13th of September, and shall take pleasure in giving her all the Assistance in our power. We shall in the next paper advertize the Stocks &c. to be sold abt the 29th Inst., and, in the same Paper shall request all Persons having Claims against the Estate, to bring ’em in properly attested, but, we believe we have already the whole Accots (as...
4From George Washington to Burgess Ball and Charles Carter, 18 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having set out on a tour through the Eastern States, it was at this place your letter of the 8th Instt overtook me. Not having my fathers Will to recur to when I wrote to my Sister, nor any recollection of the Devises in it, I supposed she was entitled to a Childs part of the Negros; but if they were otherwise disposed of by that Will (as I believe is the case) she is certainly excluded; and...
5To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 26 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I fear you will think we have been very dilatary respecting the Settlement of the Old Ladys Affairs &c., as it has been a long time since we have given you any Information of them. For my part I have been so embarrass’d for some time by being Security for Majr Willis, that I cd scarcely think of any thg else. The Negroes are at length divided, but all the things of the Old Ladys are not yet...
6From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 18 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 26. of December came duly to hand, but occurences of various kinds have prevented an acknowledgement of it till this time. I am not at all uneasy at the delay, or impatient for the settlement of the estate accounts of my deceased Mother; I am persuaded they will be rendered in due time, and to the satisfaction of all concerned—To pay all she owed is my first wish—to render...
7From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 19 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th instt came duly to hand, but the multiplicity of matters that pressed upon me at the time, prevented an earlier acknowledgment. I write to you now respecting an exchange of Lands because you wished to hear from me soon, on that subject—not because I think there is the least probability of such an exchange taking effect; I judge so from the ideas I have formed (from the...
8To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 11 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
Being sensible that the sooner your communications were made known to Mr Fitzhugh, and the result to you, so much the sooner wou’d your mind be reliev’d, I waited on him today and fully inform’d him of everything respecting the Conversation the Gentleman had with you at the Dinner in Alexandria on the 4th of July, and of your Sentiments on that Subject—Mr Fitzhugh had hear’d nothing, and says,...
9From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 21 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have in due course of post, been favoured with your letter of the 11th instant. I thank you for the prompt compliance with my request—as I do Mr Fitzhugh also for the ready belief he yielded that I would do nothing unfriendly, or ungenteel in the case you were desired to mention to him. Before the receipt of your letter, I had dispatched Howell Lewis (who was first to go to Fredericksburg...
10To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 25 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 21st Inst. this Evening, and, as you seem to be misinform’d respecting Mr Laurence Lewis’s Intention of changing his State, I thought it best, on Information from Mrs Lewis (he being at present in Berkly) and his other friends here, to lose no time in writing to you again—They say (& I also believe) that he has no Notion at all of entering into the matrimonial State, and...
11From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 4 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Previously to the receipt of your letter of the 25th Ulto, some persons had been mentioned to me as well qualified for the superintendence of my business at Mount Vernon; and until something is decided with respect to them (letters having passed on the subject) I can say nothing further with respect to Mr Lawrence Lewis. So much am I engaged in public business, and so little haveg it in my...
12To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 11 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
In my first Letter respecting Mr L: Lewis, I only meant that he wou’d answer your purposes at Mt Vernon ’till you got furnish’d with a Manager to your wishes; But, when I reciev’d your Answer thereto, wherein you seem’d to think, if he possess’d the Qualifications you required, he might (with the Plans you had laid down for your Overseers, and your frequent directions) answer altogether, I...
13To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
On our way to Loudon &c. we arrived here today—Everythg abt here, from the late rains, seem to look smiling, and from what I’ve seen as I rode along, you’re not suffer’d for rain anythg like so much as abt Fredericksbg. I have brot with me two Bush: of Early Wheat, and wish I cou’d have brot for you much more, for ’tho a good deal may be got in Fredericksbg, no opportys offer to this part of...
14To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 16 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
We have been here about ten days, and are now tollarably fix’d. I have been making Enquiry about Buck Wheat, and have given notice that I will give 2/ ⅌ Bush: (a Price the Merchts told me I might purchase for) but, from the Scarcity of Corn, which now sells @ 12/ ⅌ Barrell, I fear I shall not be able to get the Buck wheat for less than 2/6—For this price I’m sure I can get any quantity in a...
15From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 24 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 16th Instant, from Leesburgh. In answer to which, respecting the purchase of Buck Wheat, I send you a Bank note for two hundred dollars; being more disposed to give two & six pence pr Bushel in Loudoun than depend upon the purchase here, & the uncertainty of getting it round in time. What the Waggonage of it to my house from thence (as fast as it is...
16To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 17 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 24th Ult: with a Bank note of 200 dollars, and ought e’er this to have acknowledged the rect thereof, but have thus long delay’d writing, that I might be able to give you some satisfactory Accot respecting Buck wheat. I am now satisfyed that I shall be able to procure the quantity you want, as I have got about 300 Bushells, and the Ball: I may be sure of obtaining. I cou’d...
17To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 21 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 17th ult: which I hope you recd—We have been obliged to Inoculate our family, White & Black, all of whom, (except one old woman not much less than 100 Years, who died) thank God, are at length over it. I mention this as some appology for my not havg yet totally finished gettg the Buck wheat. None is yet gone to Mt Vernon, but tomorrow I intended commencg that Bussiness—I...
18From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 3 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
In due course of the Post I have received your letters of the 17th of December & 21st of the last month; and congratulate you on the birth of a Son—and the passage of your family through the Small Pox. As you had acknowledged the receipt of the needful for purchasing the Buck Wht, and had assured me that no disappointment should follow, I have not given you the trouble of a letter until now,...
19To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 13 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours a few days past mentiong that you had procured the Clover Seed for me, and that it wd be forwarded as soon as the Ice wd permit. As I have troubled you so far, I wd take the liberty of requesting you’ll be so good as to procure & send me 2 or 3 Bush: of the Chocolate Shells such as we’ve frequently drank Chocolate of at Mt Vernon, as my Wife thinks it agreed with her better than...
20From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 24 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by your letter of the 13th instant that the bracelets were received, & pleased. The chocolate shells which you request shall be procured and sent when the Clover Seed goes, which I hope will now soon happen, as the navigation is once more just opened; and because it is high time that both you and my Manager had received the latter; that is the clover Seed. No Vessel is yet up...
21From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 16 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
At length your clover-seed, and chocolate Nut shells, are on Ship board for Alexandria; consigned to the care of Colo. Gilpin. The Vessel was to have sailed this day, but whether she is gone, or not, I am unable to say—she has been going every day for ten days, but I would not put your things nor my own Seeds on board until the last moment, lest they should get heated in the hold. yesterday...
22From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 23 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By a letter I have just received from my Manager, Mr Pearce, dated the 18th instt I find he had received no more at that time, than 131 bushls of the Buck Wheat you were to procure for me. I hope there will be no disappointment of the remainder. It would fall hard upon me, as I have not the quantity of Seed Oats necessary to carry my plan into affect this year; a failure of both would leave my...
23To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 5 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Clover Seed & Chocolate Shells came safe to Hand yesterday —I recd yours of the 23d ult. on the same day, wherein you seem to despond abt the Buckwheat; but I’m happy now to inform you that, with 98. Bush: which went off today, I have deliver’d 454½ Bush:, which I hope is in full time for sowing—The Ball: of 44½ Bush. shall be sent down in the Course of the running of the Fish; and, as I...
24To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 27 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
For a considerable time past I have been in a bad State of Health, and to endeavour to regain it I took a Trip to Alexandria to put myself under the direction of Doctor Craik, & from thence made a Visit to Fredericksbg—I thank God, I find myself mendg, but have so little appetite I regain my flesh very slowly. I saw Mr Pearce 2 or 3 times, and being inform’d by him that he had only sowed about...
25To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 24 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to hear you are again at Mount Vernon, and hope you are still in health. My Health for a considerable time (many Months) has been in a delicate situation indeed, but, I thank God, I think I am now gaining flesh & Strength again—From 184 lbs. I was reduced to 147—a loss of 37 lbs. in a frame not very corpolent. The immense quantity of rains, cloudy and disagreeable Weather, not only...
26To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 15 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours in Answer to mine respecting a Manager for a Tilt Hammer, and, if I finally conclude on erecting one, (of which I begin now to be a little doubtful) I will trouble you with an advertisement for the Philada & N: York papers. Mr Crow, one of your Overseers, being in this Neighbourhood looking for a Place, has today applyed to me, and, from a recommendation which he shew’d me from Mr...
27From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 18 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, from Mount Vernon, I have seen & conversed with Mr Morris on the subject of a person to Manage a Tilt-hammer for you. He says it is difficult to get one who understands the business, & in other respects is worthy of confidence. The Person he had, he was obliged to discharge, on account of his inebrity, & knows not where to supply his place but by importation; which is...
28From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 27 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
Eight or ten days ago I wrote to you concerning a Manager for the Tilt hammer which you contemplated the erection of; since which I have received your letter of the 15th instant; in which, doubts of going on with it are expressed. As I am equally ignorant of the expence of erecting, & the profit when erected, I can say nothing encouraging or discouraging of the measure: but if from an...
29To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 5 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours respecting Crow &c., for which I am greatly obliged to you—Previous to the rect thereof, I had understood that he was very fond of Compy & running about, which had predetermin’d me against him, & I have since the rect of yours got a man: I scarcely know what to say respecting parting with my Land, as no Idea had arose of the kind; but, reflecting seriously on the Subject, I am...
30From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 10 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
We removed to this place about twelve days ago to avoid the heat of Philadelphia, & probably may remain at it until the middle of next month. It was here I received your letter of the 5th instant, which came to my hands yesterday. The business of establishing Arsenals, and providing proper places for them is within the Department of War; the Secretary of which (General Knox) set out on Friday...
31To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 19 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 10th came to hand yesterday, and this I shall send by the first Opporty that offers to any of the Post towns, there to be put in the Mail. Nothing can be more distressing, at this time, than the Conduct of the People opposed to the Excise in Pensylva., and I know how much it must distress you. As far as I’ve been able to judge of the dispositions of the People in the Counties of...
32To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 24 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 10th I recd here on the 17th & shd e’er this have answer’d it; but wish’d to do it with better Information than I then had, and indeed I wd have waited another day, as this day I expect Genl Mason in from Loudoun, but, tomorrow is the Post day from Winchester and an opporty just now offers there. The Conduct of the People in the upper part of Pensylva. is exceedingly reprobated by...
33To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 28 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the Scroll I wrote you a few days ago, I take the liberty of mentiong some further Circumstances. I am inform’d Morgan & Dark are order’d upon the Expidition on the Insurgents, shd it be carryed on. In Frederick no Draft will be necessary, & Volunteers will turn out, as also in this County, from which (this County) the proportion is abt 200 men. I hope in God the deluded People...
34To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 10 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty of writing to you about 2 Weeks ago from Bath —At that time I expected my Wife wd have came there to me, but, she was then so sick she cd not, and I came down to her. We are now all at these Springs wch are only abt 8 miles from Colo. Washingtons & shall remain abt 10 days longer—Fanny is mendg but as to myself, ’tho I sometimes appear so, upon the whole I fear I do not. Our...
35From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 25 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th instt from the Sulpher Springs has been recd. When General Knox (who for several days has been expected) returns, I will deliver your letter to him —and from him (in whose department the business lyes) you will receive an answer to your proposition. I hear with the greatest pleasure of the spirit which so generally pervades the Militia of every State that has been...
36To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 19 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 25th of September I recd in due time, in which you mention’d your Expectation of seeing Genl Knox daily, and that you wd deliver him my Letter. Soon after you set out for the Army I recd a Letter from him, in which he inform’d me, that my Idea of the 100 Acres might be adapted, but that application must be made to the Assembly of Virga, and that after obtaing Permission,...
37To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 9 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a few days before Xmas, and concieve your great throng of Bussiness has prevented your yet favourg me with a Line. I shou’d by no meens be anxious was it not that I am here keeping a Person in Suspence with whom I’ve made a conditional Bargain for his Land. I expect the Letter I recd from Genl Knox is sufficient for me to have no doubt of my Place being taken for the Use of the...
38From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 2 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 19th of December and 9th Ulto came duly to hand in the usual course of the Posts. I was not unmindful of the contents, altho’ I did not acknowledge the receipt of them. Genl Knox, who was in Office when the first came to hand, said (as well as I recollect) that nothing could be done in the matter without an Act of the Legislature of Virginia, consenting to the purchase of...
39To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 29 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of requesting your Oppinion & advice respecting a Trip my wife & myself have a thought of making in a few Weeks. For many years past we have been visitting the different Baths in Virginia, in hopes thereby of removing many Complaints she has long been afflicted with, but, as yet, no Amendment seems to’ve taken place, & on the contrary her Breast & Bowells are more & more...
40To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 28 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Having heard that you had return’d to Mount Vernon, I take the liberty of troubling you with this Scroll. My Wife being alarm’d at the Idea of going to Sea, we have declined that Excursion, and now intend going over the Ridge, purposing to spend a few Weeks at Bath (and probably as much at the Sweet Springs) and then travelling about on that side of the Mountain, unconfin’d to any Spott. I...
41To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 20 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
As I took the liberty of addressing you previous to my setting out to Bath, having return’d therefrom, I trouble you with a few Lines—Fanny I think is much better, but her Sister I think not so well, and as to myself, I’ve been several times (since I wrote you) at Deaths door, ’tho at present am again mending—my State of Health is exceedingly precarious indeed, and unless the Cause can be soon...
42To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 29 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Clapham a Gent. from our neighbourhood, & friend of mine, I trouble you with a few Lines, to begg the favour of you to send me 3 Bushells of red Clover Seed, with what you may be sending to Alexandria for yourself, as you generally purchase in Philada for yourself —I’ve here been endeavourg to purchase and cannot hear of any, or I wd not thus intrude on your time. I woud also begg the...
43To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 1 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
A neighbour of mine having lately made an Excursion over the Mountains, was at the House of Mr Fairfax who formerly lived with you, and from whom the enclos’d Letters came to my Hands, requesting I wou’d forward them to you. We are now in Harvest, and hope to finish tomorrow, our wheat at least; never was there better Weather for the purpose of saving Grain, but the rains some time ago were so...
44To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 25 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
The Gentlemen whom I wish to recommend as Officers (and yesterday mention’d to you) are Mr Arther Lee in the County of Northumberland, and Mr Reuben Beale of Richmond County. They are Gent. of Family, and I think will be actuated by proper principles. Those Gentlemen aspire to nothing higher than to commence with an Ensigncy or Cornetcy, provided, Officers of the Cavalry are furnish’d with...
45To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 16 September 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Burgess Ball, 16 Sept. 1799. On 22 Sept. GW wrote Ball : “Your letter of the 16th instt has been received.”
46From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 22 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 16th instt has been received, informing me of the death of my brother. The death of near relations, always produce awful, and affecting emotions, under whatsoever circumstances it may happen. That of my brother’s, has been so long expected, and his latter days so uncomfortable to himself, must have prepared all around him for the stroke; though painful in the effect. I was...