17351From George Washington to William Milnor, 1 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with yr Letter of the 26th Ult. —and had before seen a letter from you to Mr Lund Washington on the same subject. In answer to them both I can say no more to you at present than what I have already invariably said to many—very many others—that if it should be my lot to administer the Government, I am resolved to enter upon my office totally free from every engagement...
17352[Diary entry: 16 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear morning & day with the Wind pretty fresh from So. Wt. After breakfast Mrs. Jenifer Miss Wagener and Mr. Purviance went away. Colo. Carrington and myself rid to the Ferry, French’s and D. R. Plantations and to the New Barn. At the Ferry the hands were assisting at Frenchs in getting in the Fodder. The 3 plows...
17353[Diary entry: 25 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning at Noon and 40 at Night. Morning calm and very foggy till after 8 oclock when the fog dispersed and was very pleasant. About one oclock the Wind sprung up at No. West but blew neither hard nor cold. Mr. Jno. Dandridge set off on his return home after breakfast. I rid to Morris’s, Muddy hole and Neck Plantations between Breakfast and dinner. The...
17354From George Washington to William Craik, 27 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 22d has been handed to me, and I beg you to accept my thanks for the prompt and decisive measure you have taken with respect to the Proclamation Warrant—and other matters relative to my Land in Charles County. I have no particular derection to give concerning the first except to proceed safely but not precipitately, as the latter though it may not involve greater expence than...
17355From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
The splendid display of Fire works last Evening was so highly satisfactory that I must Request you to present to Captain Price under whose direction they were prepared, and to the Officers who assisted him, my thanks for the great skill and attention shewn in the conduct of that business. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant. MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
17356From George Washington to Tankerville, 20 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
I do not know how it happen’d but the fact is, that your Lordships favor of the 15th of July did not reach my hands until the latter part of Decr whilst I was on my return to this Seat of retirement—The Letter however which I had the honor of writing to Lady Tankerville, duplicate of which, for fear of accidents, I now inclose; will have informed her Ladyship, & I persuade myself, you My Lord,...
17357[Diary entry: 9 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind disagreeably cold from the No. Wt. the greatest part of the day. Towards evening it seemed to moderate & grow milder. Mr. Wm. Hunter, a Mr. Phillis and a Captn. Parnel came here to dinner. The two latter went away after it.
17358[Diary entry: 6 November 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning—73 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear, calm, warm and exceeding pleasant. About Nine Oclock the Minister of France, the Marchioness de Brehan & their Suit, left this on their return for New York. I accompanied them as far as Alexandria & returned home to dinner. The Minister proceeded to George Town after having received an address from the Citizens...
17359From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 19 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that I have been so troublesome & teasing to you on accot of the seeds you were so obliging as to endeavour to procure for me; but as my Boat is sent to Town, I am induced to ask if they are arrived, that they may in that case embrace the present conveyance. If they are not already at hand, I shall be obliged to you for countermanding the order for the Buck wheat, as it is now...
17360From George Washington to David Parry, 25 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with your Excellency, I take the liberty of introducing the bearer Major George Auge Washington, a Nephew of mine, to you. Bad health, & the advice of his Physicians induce him to try the Sea air, & a Vessel presenting from the port of Alexandria for Barbadoes he has taken a passage in her to that Island, from whence he may soon depart for...
17361[Diary entry: 15 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night. Morning lowering. Towards Noon it became clear and warm, after which it clouded up again. Between 4 and 5 it began to Rain wch. turned to snow in a little time soon after which it ceased. Wind for the most part of the day was Southerly. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. Began with some of the Men abt. the House...
17362From George Washington to Samuel Chamberline, 3 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 10 Ulto and feel myself much obliged by the communication of your mode of cropping, which you have been pleased to make to me. Every improvement in husbandry should be gratefully received and peculiarly fostered in this Country, not only as promoting the interest and lessening the labour of the farmer, but as advancing our respectability in a...
17363[Diary entry: 23 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 23d. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 35 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. Fresh & cold all day but clear. I remained at home all day.
17364From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 4 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 15th & 26th of last month are both at hand, with respect to the latter, I agree that Daniel Harrel may have the Lott No. 2 on the terms mentioned therein. and you may fill up leases accordingly. In answer to the first letter, rather than involve my self in uncertain Lawsuits—but certain expence & perplexities, I would allow for paper payments of Rents the same as specie—But...
17365From George Washington to Chastellux, 18 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
I cannot omit to seize the earliest occasion, to acknowledge the receipt of the very affectionate letter you did me the honor of writing to me on the 22d of May; as well as to thank you for the present of your Travels in America and the Translation of Colonel Humphreys’ Poem, all of which came safely to hand by the same conveyance. Knowing as I did, the candour liberality & philanthropy of the...
17366[Diary entry: 20 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 20th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 54 at Night. Much Rain (with the wind high from No. Et.) fell in the Night and continued to do so until past Noon when it moderated and towards Night entirely ceased but continued very cloudy. At home all day.
17367From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 4 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the arrival of the Baron Steuben I have received the Letter from General Haldemand alluded to in my last communication to your Excellency; a Copy of which I take the first occasion of laying before Congress. With perfect respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Hble Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
17368From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, 27 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter dated the 12th of February—If I was greatly alarmed at the nature of the transactions mentioned in it, I was not less obliged to you for communicating so clear an account of them. It is true I had previously received some verbal and written informations on the subject of a similar tenor; but none which placed the affair in such an alarming point of view, as...
17369[Diary entry: 5 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 34 at Night. Wind pretty fresh from the No. West all day, and much appearance of Snow; but none fell. Mr. Richd. Bland Lee came here to dinner and stayed all Night. Richard Bland Lee (1761–1827) was the third son of Henry Lee of Leesylvania, and younger brother of Light Horse Harry and Charles Lee. He lived in Loudoun County, which he...
17370[Diary entry: 13 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Very pleasant, warm, & growing—the Wind tho not very fresh, at South. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry. Work as usual at all (except at Dogue run, where the Women havg. finished grubbing by the Quarters were employed in grubbing a piece of fencing Round field No. 7). Began this day...
17371[Diary entry: 10 November 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind Easterly all day & fresh with clouds and great appearances of Rain. Doctr. Craik went away in the Morning. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—the Plows and all hands were putting in Rye and taking up Potatoes—except a few who were threshing out Oats. At Muddy hole—Two Plows were gone to Dogue Run. The Plowman...
17372From George Washington to Thomas Smith, 3 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the reception of your letter of the 11th Inst. Colo. Biddle advised me of his having received from you £192.13.4 on my acct he mentioned £200 having been brought to him by the Gentleman into whose charge you had given it but £7.6.8. being in bad gold, he did not incline to receive it, and had therefore returned it to the Gentleman by whom it was sent —I am &c. P.S. Since writing...
17373From George Washington to William Gordon, 6 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ I am so great a delinquent in the epistolary way, I will not again tread over the usual ground for an excuse, but rather silently throw myself upon your philanthropy to obtain one. In reading the Memoir which passed thro’ my hands to you (for I have no copy of it) I do not recollect that I was struck with any exagerations or improprieties in it; nor is it in my power to give you a...
17374[Diary entry: 3 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 3d. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning—44 at Noon And 43 at Night. Heavy morning with the Wind at So. East—at which it continued all day—at sometimes fresher than others. Abt. 8 oclock it began a slow, light rain, which with mists continued till Night and moistened, tho’ it did not wet the ground much. Continued at home all day.
17375From George Washington to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 30 October 1784 (Washington Papers)
If you will now, or at any other time, furnish me with an account of the expences which have been incurred for schooling, boarding & clothing of my Nephews, I will transmit you the money. Such of the latter as are proper for them, I hope will be obtained on the best terms, as the cost of them shall be regularly paid. I think it would be very proper to have them taught the French language &...
17376From George Washington to John Jay, 10 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to you for two letters: The first, introductory of Mr Anstey needed no apology—nor will any be necessary on future occasions. The other, of the 7th of Jany is on a very interesting subject, deserving very particular attention. How far the revision of the fœderal system, and giving more adequate powers to Congress may be productive of an efficient government, I will not, under my...
17377From George Washington to Richard Varick, 23 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are private Letters since I wrote you last. Yrs very sincerely Catalog--Paul C. Richards Autographs.
17378[Diary entry: 25 September 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A fog in the morning, but clear afterwards, & warm all day. Dined at Mr. Benja. Dulany’s but passed through the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run. At all of which the same work was going on—both with the Plows and other people—as yesterday.
17379[Diary entry: 5 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 5th. The Doctr. in vain attempted my ferry & being disappointed went to George Town with a view of crossing on the Ice. Colo. Blackburn returned this Evening from Alexandria. Wind Northwardly & cold.
17380From George Washington to David Stuart, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Not recollecting till this moment, the Winter regulation of the Post; & being desirous of getting the Loan Office certificates (herewith enclosed) to you before you shall have left richmond; I have scarcely time to acknowledge the receipt of your favor dated the 4th Instt, much less to write more fully on the subject of my Back Lands. I now pray, if it is in your power, to obtain the Interest...
17381[Diary entry: 13 May 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 13th. About Nine o’clock Mr. Corbin and I set out, and dined at Chester, where I was met by Genls. Mifflin, Knox & Varnum—Colonls. Humphreys and Minges and Majors Jackson and Nicholas. After dinner we proceeded for the City. At the Ferry (Grays) I was met by the Troop of City light horse by whom (and a large concourse, I was escorted to Mrs. Houses—after passing the Artillery officers...
17382To James Madison from George Washington, 22 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
When I last wrote to you, I was uninformed of the Sentiments of this State beyond the circle of Alexandria, with respect to the New Constitution. Since, a letter which I received by the last Post, dated the 16th., from a Member of the Assembly, contains the following paragraphs. “I believe such an instance has not happened before, since the Revolution, that there should be a house on the first...
17383From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 31 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
Majr Gibbes handed me your letter of the 24th ulto with the accounts enclosed. Necessity alone ought to compel me to loose the difference between £50:18.9 and 339 53/80 Dollars; because the last mentioned sum (but a very little while since) was, [(]if I recollect rightly) considered as the specie value of the Commissary’s Certificates for which it was issued by Mr Stelle, and was accordingly...
17384From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
I feel my self exceedingly obliged to you for the full, & friendly communications in your letters of the 14th 21st & 25th ult.; and shall (critically as matters are described in the latter) be extremely anxious to know the issue of the movements of the forces that were assembling, the one to support, the other to oppose the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. The moment is, indeed,...
17385From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 3 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 27 October. As Congress have by their Proclamation discharged all that part of the Army which were before furloughed I am to desire you to continue to discharge such Officers of your Department as become supernumary instead of furloughing them as directed in my last. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servant DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
17386From George Washington to John Moylan, 5 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of directions I have reced from Congress I am to desire you to make the necessary provision of Cloathing for 2500 Men without delay. I expect that Mr Morris will receive the direction of Congress to retain as much of the public Cloathing now selling as will answer for part of the above provision. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
17387From 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...
17388[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.
17389From 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...
17390[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...
17391From 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...
17392From 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...
17393[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....
17394From 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...
17395From 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...
17396[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...
17397[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...
17398[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...
17399From 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...
17400[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.