1591August [1799] (Washington Papers)
1. Morning clear—wind Southerly, & Mer. at 74—hot about midday & 72 at Night. A moderate & fine Rain began about 4 oclock & contd. more or less until 6. 2. Rain in the Night, & Clouds very heavy abt. sunrise. Mer. at 74—at its highest 76 and at Night 75. Captn. Blue of the Amn. Army who came here yesterday to dinner returned to day after breakft. Capt. William K. Blue (d. 1802), of Virginia,...
1592[Diary entry: 1 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
1. Morning clear—wind Southerly, & Mer. at 74—hot about midday & 72 at Night. A moderate & fine Rain began about 4 oclock & contd. more or less until 6.
1593From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for letting Mr Blagden know, that I forsee nothing, at present, that will prevent my being at the Union Tavern in George Town on Monday next (the 5th instant) by eleven Oclock. When & where, if he will attend I shall be provided with, & ready to pay him, a thousand Dollars in Columbia Notes. I thank you for the information, & sentiments given in your last favour of...
1594[Diary entry: 2 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
2. Rain in the Night, & Clouds very heavy abt. sunrise. Mer. at 74—at its highest 76 and at Night 75. Captn. Blue of the Amn. Army who came here yesterday to dinner returned to day after breakft. Capt. William K. Blue (d. 1802), of Virginia, had been appointed cornet of light dragoons in 1793 and lieutenant in July 1794 and was honorably discharged on 1 Nov. 1796. On 12 July 1799 he was...
1595[Diary entry: 3 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
3. Morning cloudy, but clear afterwards. Mer. at 72 in the Morning–80 at Noon & 77 at Night.
1596[Diary entry: 4 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
4. Morning a little cloudy and very little wind. Mer. at 70 Noon, and afternoon, wind Easterly with heavy Clouds in the North, South & East, and light sprinkling rain here. Mer. 70 at Night. Doctr. Stuart & his brother Richard & Mr. Foot dined here & returned afterwards.
1597From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 4 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 13th Ulto, accompanying the oration of Mr Maxcy, has been duly received, and for your politeness in sending me the latter, I pray you to accept my thanks. The sentiments expressed by that Gentleman on Government, and tendency of such conduct as is opposed to the Public functionaries in our own, are too just not to carry conviction to every well disposed, and reflecting mind....
1598From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 18th Ulto came to hand in due course of the Mail, and I thank you for the information contained in it. Is it not time to learn, Officially, and unequivocally, the result of the Presidents message, and consequent (I presume) intimation to the French Government, respecting the appointment of Envoys to Treat with it? Having no Church nearer than Alexandria (nine miles distant)...
1599[Diary entry: 5 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
5. Clear & Warm. Went up to George Town, to a general Meeting of the Potomac Company—dined at the Union Tavern & lodged at Mr. Law’s. In July 1799 a letter had been sent to each shareholder in the Potowmack Company, outlining the financial plight of the company and soliciting assistance. The president (James Keith) reported that tolls were down from the previous year and work had been at a...
1600[Diary entry: 6 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
6. Clear & warm. Returned home to dinner—found Genl. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina & Son here. Wind Southerly. William Washington was one of GW’s particular choices for the officering of the provisional army. He was appointed brigadier general of the United States Army on 19 July 1798 and retired on 15 June 1800. William Washington had an only son, William Washington (1785–1830).
1601[Diary entry: 7 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
7. Mer. at 72 in the Morning, and 80 at Night. Wind Southerly. The following Gentlemen dined here—viz. Colo. Fitzgerald—Doctr. Craik & Son—Mr. Wm. Craik—Mr. Herbert & Son Jno. C. Herbert—Colo. Ramsay—Mr. Potts—Mr. Edmd. Lee—Mr. Keith—Lieut. Kean of the Marines—and Mr. Chas. Fenton Mercer. lieut. kean : probably Newton Keene (b. 1768), son of Capt. Newton Keene and Sarah Edwards Keene of...
1602[Diary entry: 8 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
8. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 77–88 at highest & 80 at Night. About 4 o’clock their was a moderate rain for about 10 minutes—but the grd. was not wet by it. Genel. Washington & son went away after breakfast & Doctr. & Mrs. Jenifer came to dinner.
1603[Diary entry: 9 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
9. Mer. at 73 in the Morning & a light breeze from No. Wt.—82 at Night. Clear & warm all day. Doctr. & Mrs. Jenifer went away after breakfast—as did Mrs. Law.—Mr. Law havg. left it on Monday last.
1604[Diary entry: 10 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
10. Morning perfectly clear. Wind from So. Wt. and Mer. at 75—at highest 87—and at Night 74. In the afternoon heavy clouds & fine rains all around us but none fell here.
1605From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 10 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Daily expectation of Genl Washington’s arrival, must be received as my apology for not having given your obliging favour of the 25th of June, an earlier acknowledgment. He did not (on account of the indisposition of his Son, in North Carolina) reach this place until the 6th instant. He left us yesterday, with the young Gentleman; both in good health, and Spirits. Permit me to offer you my best...
1606To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [11 August 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Mount Vernon, August 11, 1799. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from G—— Washington to General Hamilton,” Columbia University Libraries.
1607[Diary entry: 11 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
11. Morning clear—wind Southerly—and Mer. at 73; 83 at highest—& 80 at Night—clear all day—& wind pretty fresh.
1608From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 11 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Sometime ⟨between illegible ⟩ment to the walks of ⟨private illegible ⟩ girl*, the body servant of Mrs Washington⟨,⟩ absconded without the least pr⟨ovocation⟩ and without our having ⟨ illegible sus⟩picion of such, her intention ⟨ illegible ⟩ whither she had gone. At length, we learnt ⟨ illegible ⟩ got to Portsmouth in New H⟨ampshire; in⟩ consequence of this information ⟨ illegible ⟩ authentic)...
1609From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your private letters of the 29th Ulto & 5th instant, have been duly received. Mr Bordley for presenting, and you for forwarding his Essays on Husbandry, are entitled to, and, accordingly receive, my thanks for these instances of both your kindnesses. (Confidential) I think you Wisemen of the East, have got yourselves into a hobble, relatively to France, Great Britain, Russia & the Porte—to...
1610From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
A day or two after my last letter to you was sent to the Post Office, I received your obliging favor of the 2d instant. The embarrassments occasioned by the late appointment of Envoys, begin now to shew themselves; and must place the Government—whether it advances towards or retreats from the object, for which they were appointed, in a delicate situation. Of the two evils, the least, no doubt...
1611[Diary entry: 12 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
12. Morning quite clear—wind westerly—and Mer. 70 at sunrising—82 at highest & 80 at Night. Clouds & some rain to the Southward—but none fell here.
1612From George Washington to James McHenry, 12 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 7th inst., enclosing reccommendations in favor of Mr James Glenn for a Captaincy in the Provisional Army; and shall attend to your request to return this, and similar papers, whenever the list for Virginia shall be completed. But, Sir, I must candidly acknowledge to you that I see no prospect of completing the selection of Officers from this State, for...
1613From George Washington to Richard Kidder Meade, 12 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I should have acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 22d Ultimo before this, had I not been for sometime in daily expectation of seeing Genl Wm Washington, to whom I wished to communicate the contents of it. The General was here a few days since, when I put your recommendation of Captn Edmund Taylor for Brigade Inspector into his hands, and as he is gone on to Philadelphia, I presume...
1614[Diary entry: 13 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
13. Morning perfectly clear and quite calm. Mer. at 73–82 at Night & close—thunder, lightning & rain in the West & No. Wt. but none fell here.
1615From George Washington to Thomas Law, 13 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th came to hand yesterday—and since you have desired it, the subject of this shall be confined to Mr Carrolls lot only. I am not at all solicitous to purchase it; nor shall I pronounce the price he has set upon it, high, or low; The situation alone constitutes the value of it in my estimation, but my becoming the purchaser thereof, depends upon three things; two of which I...
1616To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are sundry letters (as mentioned on the other side) which have come to my hands, recommending Captain Edmund Taylor and Captain William K. Blue for the Office of Brigade Inspector. As this Officer is to be appointed by the Inspector General I forward these letters for your consideration; and add, that I have not a personal knowledge of the Gentlemen recommended which can enable me to...
1617[Diary entry: 14 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
14. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 71 and at night 83. Wind Southerly & Fresh after the Morning—with clouds to the West.
1618From George Washington to John Francis, 14 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
It is reported, & generally believed, that the Houses I am building in the Federal City are engaged to you. To your having the houses I have no objection, nor should I have any to the prevalence of the report, if a specific agreement had ever taken place. But as this is not the case, and until it happens may, & doubtless will be injurious to me, inasmuch as they may prevent applications from...
1619From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are sundry letters (as mentioned on the other side) which have come to my hands, recommending Captain Edmund Taylor and Captain William K. Blue for the Office of Brigade Inspector. As this Officer is to be appointed by the Inspector General I forward these letters for your consideration; and add, that I have not a personal knowledge of the Gentlemen recommended which can enable me to...
1620[Diary entry: 15 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
15. Morning Calm & clear. Mer. at 80. Wind Southerly afterwards & Mer. at 85—and 82 at Night. Mr. Thos. Digges dined here.
1621[Diary entry: 16 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
16. Mer. at 71 in the Morning—No wind & clear—82 at highest and 78 at N. Young Mr. McCarty dined here. young mr. mccarty : probably Daniel McCarty (d. 1811), son of Daniel McCarty (1759–1801) of Cedar Grove ( SPROUSE [4] Edith Moore Sprouse. Mount Air, Fairfax County, Virginia . [Fairfax, Va.], 1970. , 15–20).
1622[Diary entry: 17 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
17. A Slow, & moderate rain for an hour or more fell About Middle of last night—but not sufft. to wet the grd. more than an Inch or two. This morning a little cloudy. Mer. at 70—& 68 at Night. Clouds at day & wind fresh from No. West & cool.
1623From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 17 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th instant came duly to hand, but being received with many other letters, it was laid by, and entirely forgotten, until I came across it yesterday again. Mr Ariss’s draught on Mr James Russell for £42 pounds shall be presented to him, but if he is indisposed to pay it, or wants time to do it, he has a good pretext for delay, as you have sent it without your Endorsement,...
1624[Diary entry: 18 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
18. Morning—Mer. at 64—and 69 at Night. Wind No. & No. East and cool great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
1625[Diary entry: 19 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
19. Morning Cloudy Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 65—at highest 75 and at Night 69. Wind brisk at No. Et. all day.
1626[Diary entry: 20 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
20. Mer. at 69 in the morning. About ½ after 5, it began a fine, rain, with the wind at No. Et. & continued to do so until near 11 oclock when it ceased, but recommenced about ½ after 3 & contd. raining slow & fine until 9 oclock when I went to bed. Mer. 65 at Night. The rain this day must have been welcome to GW, who wrote to Robert Lewis 17 Aug. that the drought had caused his oat crop to...
1627[Diary entry: 21 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
21. Heavy morning, with the Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 64—at highest 66 & at Night 65. The same slow & fine rain fell with Intervals after 12 oclock & early in the morning. Ground now fully wet.
1628[Diary entry: 22 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
22d. The sun rose clear, but very cloudy notwithstanding. Very little wind from the No. Et. Mer. at 64—afterwards & Clear. Mer. 72 at highest & 70 at Night.
1629[Diary entry: 23 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
23. Morning quite calm & tolerably clear. Mer. at 68–80 at highest & 66 at Night. Wind Southerly & clear after the Morning. Mr. & Mrs. Law came here to Dinner.
1630From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 23 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed you have Mr Ariss’s draught on James Russell Esqr., returned. It was presented to the latter for acceptance, by Mr Anderson, who received the following answer—to wit—that he had only £19 of Mr Ariss’s money in his hands, and could pay no more. This sum Mr Anderson refused to receive; and thus the matter ended with Mr Russell. Enclosed also you have the Press copy of a letter I wrote...
1631[Diary entry: 24 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
24. Morning clear—a light breeze from the Southward and Mer. at 70. Clear all day & warm. Mer. 80 at Night. Mr. White came to dinner—as did 4 Gentlemen from Phila. viz.—young Mr. Meridith (son of the Treasurer) Mr. Clifton, a Mr. Walter &—. The 4 last returned after dinner. young mr. meridith : a son of Samuel Meredith, treasurer of the United States, and his wife, Margaret Cadwalader Meredith.
1632[Diary entry: 25 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
25. A shower of rain in the Night with lightning & distant thunder. Morng. calm & clear. Mer. 76. Wind Southerly afterwards and Mer. 80 at Night.
1633From George Washington to John Francis, 25 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 17th instant in answer to mine of the 14th, has been received. I have already given you the specific terms on which I propose to rent my houses in the Federal City, and from which I shall not depart an iota; because I fixed them as low as any, with whom I conversed, though⟨t⟩ I ought to ask, and much lower than many seem disposed to take. It is true I did not give you the...
1634From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Some of the Officers of Cavalry, who accepted their appointments, and were informed by you in the Public Gazettes, that their Pay would commence therewith, have applied to me to know where, & in what manner they were to draw for it. Not being able to supply them on these points, I take the liberty of troubling you with this Address, on the subject; that I may be enabled to answer any enquiries...
1635[Diary entry: 26 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
26. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 76—at highest 86 and at night 75. A fine shower of Rain in the afternoon. Wind Southerly in the forenoon & northerly after the Rain.
1636[Diary entry: 27 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
27. Morning clear & pleasant & Wind at No. Wt. Mer. 75—at highest 72. Pleasant all day. Wind westerly until the afternoon then Calm.
1637From George Washington to William Baynham, 27 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
By my Servant Tom, I was honored with your letter of the 21st instant. I am persuaded that, all ⟨the⟩ benefit which the nature of his case would admit he has, or will receive from your treatment of the affliction under which he labors and if it is incurable, I must be satisfied that I have neglected nothing to restore his sight to him. It was an imposition to ask you for money, (for I gave him...
1638[Diary entry: 28 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
28. Morning perfectly clear and Calm. Mer. at 66–76 at highest & 70 at Night. Clear all day with but little wind.
1639From George Washington to William Thornton, 28 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for requesting Mr Blagden to give me as early notice of the time, and amount of his next call upon me, as he can, that I may prepare accordingly. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr most Obedt Servt ALS (photocopy), NjP . Presumably GW intended to write “Sir.” GW on 30 Aug. wrote William Herbert, president of the Bank of Alexandria, that he wished to extend the...
1640[Diary entry: 29 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
29. Morning very lowering with a brisk Southerly wind, Mer. 70 & at Night 76. A good deal of rain fell to the No., & No. Wt. of us, with thunder & light[ning]. A few drops fell here—but not more than enough to lay the dust.