15051[Diary entry: 31 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 31st. Whilst Mr. Morris was fishing I rid over the old Cantonment of the American [army] of the Winter 1777, & 8. Visited all the Works, wch. were in Ruins; and the Incampments in woods where the ground had not been cultivated. On my return back to Mrs. Moores, observing some Farmers at Work, and entering into Conversation with them, I received the following information with respect to...
15052[Diary entry: 7 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 7th. In Convention. Dined and spent the afternoon at home (except when riding a few Miles).
15053From George Washington to Samuel Sterett, 13 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
I experience a singular satisfaction in receiving your congratulations on the establishment of Peace and the security of those important interests which were involved in the fate of the War. Desirous of being considered the friend, and (as far as consists with my abilities), the Patron of the Arts & Sciences; I must take the liberty of expressing my sense of the obligations I am under to the...
15054[Diary entry: 21 August 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 21st. Did the like this day also. “We have lately made a rule to meet at ten and sit ’til four, which is punctually complied with” (David Brearley to William Paterson, 21 Aug. 1787, FARRAND Max Farrand, ed. The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 . Rev. ed. 4 vols. New Haven, 1966. , 3:73).
15055From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
A brother of mine (Father to Mr Bushrod Washington, who studied Law under Mr Wilson) is desireous of entering his other Son in the commercial line; the inclination of the young Gentleman also points to this walk of life—he is turned of twenty—has just finished a regular education—possesses, I am told (for he is a stranger to me) good natural abilities—an amiable disposition, & an uncommon...
15056From George Washington to David Humphreys, 25 November 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive two letters from you since your arrival in France, and cannot let the Marquis de la Fayette depart without an acknowledgement of them, altho’ his doing it is Sudden, & I at the same time am surrounded with Company. When I have a little more leizure (if that ever should be) I will give you all the occurrences of this quarter that have come under my view &...
15057[Diary entry: 27 November 1786] (Washington Papers)
Monday 27th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 44 at Night. Wind Southerly, and moderately all day. Sometimes there were great appearances of rain at other times it looked promising. Evening clear but a circle and bur both rd. the Moon. Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations—also to the Mill and to the Ditchers—about the Corn at all the places—Measd. 68 Barls. at...
15058From George Washington to Lafayette, 25 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Since writing you a hasty letter in November last, by a vessel which was then passing my door, I have been honored with your kind and obliging favor of the 26th of October; for the affectionate sentiments with whch it is replite I pray you to accept my warmest and most grateful acknowledgments and the strongest assurances of everlasting Friendship. I am writing to you my Dear Sir but where...
15059From George Washington to Caleb Gibbs, 1 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
By His Excy G. Washington Esq. Gen. & Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States &c. In consequence of the zeal & well–known services of MajorC. Gibbs, I have thought proper to Certify that the Said Major Gibbs entered the American service as a Volunteer & was at the Battle of Lexington April 19th 1775, On the 24th of the same Month was appointed an Adjutant; in June 1776 was...
15060[Diary entry: 18 January 1788] (Washington Papers)
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning—35 at Noon And 35 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at East, afterwards Southerly, clear, moderate & thawing but not more than an Inch in the ground. Rid to the Mill, French’s & Ferry Plantation. Work at all the places as yesterday.
15061[Diary entry: 11 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 11th. In Convention. Dined at home in a large Company with Mr. Gardoqui. Drank Tea and spent the evening there.
15062[Diary entry: 17 December 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 17th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—41 at Noon and 40 at Night. Perfectly calm all day—lowering with great appearances of Snow or rain till the afternoon when the clouds broke and the Sun set Clear. In the afternoon a Mr. Brown Son of Mr. Jno. Brown of Providence came in and stayed all Night. John Brown (1736–1803), of Providence, R.I., the son of James and Hope Power Brown, was one of...
15063From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 10 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 24th of Jan: only came to my hands by the Post on thursday last—if this letter is as long on its passage to you, the May Session will have ended before it reaches you. The favorable sentiments you have been pleased to express for me, deserve my particular acknowledgements; and I thank you for your kind invitation to Castle hill; which I certainly shall avail myself of, if...
15064From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Post of last week brougt me (by way of New York) a letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy. I transmit it, not only for your perusal, but for information, and advice. All the papers respecting the Soci[e]ty of the Cincinnati being in possession of the Secretary Genl or the Assistant Secretary, and my memory very defective, I cannot speak with precision to Mr Jefferson, or decide on any...
15065[Diary entry: 8 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Friday 8th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning—29 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind tho not much of it, was at No. Et. in the Morning, and continued there all day with fine snow & sometimes Mists. Visited the Plantations at Frenchs and the Ferry; at Work at both as usual. The Neck & Muddy hole people, with the Women belonging to the above two, were at Work in the New Grd. in front of the House. The...
15066[Diary entry: 5 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 56 at Night—Cool, the Wind being at No. Wt. in the morning—North & a little Easterly afterwards with appears. of Rain. Returned home after breakfast and reached it about 11 ock.
15067[Diary entry: 14 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 14th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morng.—35 at Noon and 36 at Night. Went out with the Hounds, & run a fox from 11 Oclock untill near 3 Oclock when I came home and left the Dogs at fault after which they recovered the Fox & it is supposed killed it. Before the Chase, I visited my Ferry & Dogue run Plantations.
15068From George Washington to Philip Nagel, 1 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
While you speak the language of my heart, in acknowledging the magnitude of our obligations to the Supreme Director of all human events; suffer me to join you in celebration of the present glorious and ever memorable Æra, and to return my best thanks for your kind expressions in my favour. I cannot but rejoice sincerely that the national dignity & glory will be greatly encreased, in...
15069[Diary entry: 22 January 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 22d. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 32 at Night. But little wind all day—& that Easterly & Southerly: towards Noon it clouded & about 3 Oclock began to Snow but not more than would barely cover the earth. The Ice on the river began to break this morning and move with the tide, for the first time since the river closed. Visited the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, &...
15070From George Washington to George Gilpin, 20 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
If nothing unforeseen happens, I can be at the Great Falls at any hour you & Colo. Fitzgerald will name, on Thursday next; ready to proceed from thence to the little Falls, if a vessel should be in readiness at the former. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt Servt ALS , PHi : Gilpin Papers. Four days later, on Wednesday, 24 Aug., GW again wrote Gilpin: “On Saturday, I informed you, that I could be ready...
15071From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
The violent rains, and consequent freshes, have given such interruption to the Stages in this part of the world, as to prevent your favor of the 15th Ulto getting to my hands till Saturday last. I accede to the sum of Two hundred Dollars in addition to the stipulations mentioned in my last, as compensation for Mr Lear’s Services a year; and shall be glad to receive him into my family as soon...
15072[Diary entry: 21 December 1786] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 21st. Mercury at 31 in the Morning—45 at Noon and 45 at Night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant. Afternoon it lowered—but seemed to clear up again towards night. Mr. Brown went away after Breakfast. I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Just finished securing the Corn at the Ferry which was measured yesterday—still gathering this at Dogue run and...
15073[Diary entry: 4 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 4th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng.— at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear morning with very little wind—after which it sprung up but not fresh, from the Eastward, and lowered. Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik went away before Breakfast and Mr. Rumsay after dinner. Having assembled the Men from my Plantations, I removed the garden Houses which were in the middle of the front walls to the extreme...
15074[Diary entry: 12 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 12th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 53 at Night. Clear, pleasant & thawing. Wind at So. Wt. & pretty fresh; Ice breakg. for the 3d. time. Doctr. Stuart (alone) returned to Abingdon after Breakfast. I visited the Plantations of Muddy hole, French’s & the Ferry. The People at all of them, and in the Neck at the usual work. The Women from Dogue run had, on account of the...
15075From George Washington to John Fairfax, 1 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
A View of the work at the several Plantations in the Year 1789. and general directions for the Execution of it. From the Plans of the Plantations. From the Courses of the Crops which are annexed to these Plans. And from the mode of managing them, as there prescribed—may be derived a full and comprehensive view of my designs, after the rotation is once perfectly established, in the succession...
15076From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 7 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am in want of a quantity of good eighteen Inch shingles and am informed that they will come better & cheaper from Norfolk than from the Eastern shore. Be so good, therefore, as to advise me by the first Post after you shall have received this letter if I can be supplied with 100,000 from the former. In what time—and at what price; delivered at my landing distinguishing between what is called...
15077From George Washington to William Drayton, 25 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 23d of November last, came safely; tho’ not at so early a period as might have been expected from the date of it—I remark this by way of apology for my silence ’till now. I feel very sensibly, the honor conferred on me by the South Carolina Society for promoting & improving agriculture & other rural concerns, by unanimously electing...
15078From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, comte de Laumoy, 18 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have recid your Letter of the 14 of this month and now inclose you the Certificate you request—With my best wishes I am Sir Yours &c. Certificate Brigadier General LaumoyEntered the Service of the United States in October 1777 with the rank of Lieut. Colonel of Engineers, in November following he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the same Corps and in September last had the Brevet...
15079[Diary entry: 2 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 18 in the Morning—28 at Noon And 28 at Night. Wind high from the No. Wt. and cold all day. Weather clear. At home all day.
15080From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that there are at Philadelphia Six or Eight Officers and about one Company of the Invalid Regiment—that some of the Officers by the loss of Limbs and other inabilities are rendered totally incapable of acquiring by their own exertions a support in life others are in a degree debilitated whilst some are recovered from their Wounds and enjoy a good State of Health—the Men also must...
15081[Diary entry: 29 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning— at Noon and 40 at Night. Morning clear with very little wind and that from the South. Pleasand all day until the evening when it began to lower and about eight at Night set in to raining with a strong Southerly wind wch. continued through the Night. Count Castiglioni went away after breakfast, on his tour to the Southward. Mr. Jenny also left...
15082From George Washington to William Grayson, 9 July 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Grayson, 9 July 1785. GW wrote in his diary on 9 July that on that day he wrote and gave Arnold Henry Dohrman a letter to Grayson ( Diaries Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington . 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79. , 4:163 ).
15083From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by Mr Rucker, Partner in the House of Constable Rucker & Co. of New York and agent for Robert Morris Esqr. in France; on whose business he now is and whose instance I take the liberty of introducing him to your Civilities & to countenance if in the course of his transactions he shall stand in need of the latter. Mr Rucker is represented to me as a Gentleman...
15084[Diary entry: 24 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 24th. Thermometer at 75 in the morning—84 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning clear with but little Wind and that at No. Wt.—very warm. Mr. & Mrs. Roger West & Miss Craik and Mr. Chas. Lee & his Sister and Miss Ballendine came here to dinner, all of whom stayed all night except Mr. & Mrs. West.
15085From George Washington to John Langdon, 3 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th Ulto and am much obliged to you for the information contained in it. I am happy to find that the dispositions in your part of the Continent are so favourable to the proposed plan of Government; if the true interest of the United States was consulted I think there could be but little opposition to it in any part of the Country. The publick papers have...
15086[Diary entry: 14 September 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 71 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. East—clear afterwards but the Wind still remaining at the same point. Colo. Plater, his Lady & daughters; Mr. Digges & his Sister; and Mr. Hall and Mr. Mathews went away after breakfast.
15087From George Washington to David Humphreys, 8 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Wadsworth, as I informed you in my last, presented me your obliging favor of the 30th of January and the Post since has handed me the subsequent one of the 11th Ulto. My sentiments, respecting the inexpediency of my attending the proposed Convention of the States in Philadelphia remain the same as when I wrote you last, tho’ Congress I am informed are about to remove one of the...
15088From George Washington to Matthew Campbell, 1 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
You cannot be more concerned than I am at the misunderstanding respecting the plaister of Paris, but as I conceive you have been much imposed upon in the cost at New York, & in the freight of it to Virginia (for it certainly might have come as ballast)—and as your reduced price is far above what I ever had the smallest idea of giving by the quantity, it must await your order at my landing: or,...
15089From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 24 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
For the benefit of exercise, I left the City at 5 Oclock on Sunday Morning, and did not return in time to write by the Post on Monday. I now acknowledge the receipt of your letter and report of the 15th & shall observe upon such parts of them as may require it. I would not wish you to ask Mr Lund Washington for Dows Bond—but when you see him you may tell him that I had directed you (if it was...
15090[Diary entry: 27 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 27th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day with flying clouds and little sprinklings of rain. Cold and disagreeable. Mr. Magowan went away after breakfast.
15091From George Washington to James Craik, 25 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Mr Bowie’s request to you, permit me to assure that Gentleman, that I shall at all times be glad to see him at this retreat—That whenever he is here, I will give him the perusal of any public papers antecedent to my appointment to the command of the American army—that he may be laying up materials for his work. And whenever Congress shall have opened their Archives to any...
15092August 1788 (Washington Papers)
1st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—75 at Noon—and 74 at Night—Not much wind, and that at So. Et.—Morng. clouded but tolerably clear afterwards. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run and Muddy hole. At the Ferry—the same plows as yesterday were at work in the B. Wheat. The other hands, except the Carter, who was drawing rails to the Wheat yard, were Hoeing Corn. At French’s...
15093From George Washington to Leven Powell, 20 July 1786 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Leven Powell, 20 July 1786. On 12 Sept. Powell wrote GW : “I should have done myself the Pleasure of Answering your favor of the 20th of July earlier.”
15094From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 14th of October reached me in a few days, and was replied to by the Post before the last, by some neglect however, the letter was left out of the Mail and remained in the Post Office until the Evening before the last Post should have gone, when it was, with all the Eastern Mail, stolen from thence; nor can I now send you a Copy, for all the Copies of my letters,...
15095From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 25th of May, just when I was on the eve of departure for Fredericksburgh to pay a visit to my mother from whence I returned only last evening. The information of the accession of South Carolina to the New Government, since your letter, gives us a new subject for mutual felicitations. It was to be hoped this auspicious event would have had considerable influence...
15096From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 18 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
Several matters in which I have been pretty closely engaged, having prevented my sending to the Post office with my usual regularity, is the cause of my not having got, & of course acknowledged, the receipt of your obliging favors of the 4th & 9th inst: earlier than I now do. By ascribing this delay to the true cause, I shall stand acquitted of all seeming inattention. Permit me now, Sir, to...
15097[Diary entry: 16 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 16th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning—84 at Noon And 86 at Night. Light wind from the Southward all day. Weather very warm. Some appearances of rain in the afternoon, but none fell here.
15098[Diary entry: 24 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 24th. After breakfast I rid to the Plantn. at the Ferry—Frenchs Dogue run, & Muddy hole. At the first the hands were getting out wheat & rye, and the plows putting in wheat in No. 6. At the next the Plows 4 were putting in Rye in No. and the other hands grubbing in the New Meadow. At Dogue run the Plows were covering wheat in No. and the other hands employed chiefly in grubbing the...
15099To James Madison from George Washington, 30 November 1785 (Madison Papers)
Receive my thanks for your obliging communications of the 11th. I hear with much pleasure that the assembly are engaged, seriously, in the consideration of the Revised Laws. A short & simple code, in my opinion, tho’ I have the sentiments of some of the Gentlemen of the long Robe against me, would be productive of happy consequences, and redound to the honor of this or any Country which shall...
15100[Diary entry: 31 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 31st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning—66 at Noon and 66 at Night. Govrs. Lee & Johnson, Colo. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin came here according to appointment. Fanny Bassett returned. Raining more or less all day—in the Evening & Night much fell. The directors of the Potowmack Company agreed at this meeting to divide the clearing of the Potomac into two areas of responsibility, one above and...