101From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, I have obtained from Baltimore (by means of Colo. Tilghman) a House-Joiner—and as the season for working in mortar will soon be over; & that of intermitants is approaching—I pray you to decline purchasing either the Joiner or Bricklayer formerly requested. I am Dr Sir &c. LB , DLC:GW . See Tench Tilghman to GW, 27 July , and GW to Biddle, 30 June 1784 .
102From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 27 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 5th. came duly to hand, and should have been acknowledged sooner, if it had been in my power, conveniently. I thank you for your attention to the Certificates which I committed to your care; and will obtain an order from Gilbert Simpson, by which the Interest may be received. This money is all I am likely to get for a Mill which he ran me to the Expence of £1200 hard money...
103From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 June 1787 (Washington Papers)
By the Post of Yesterday, I received the enclosed Memo.—If you can comply with them in time, for the Alexandria Packet it wd oblige me. If the Hatt is already got for Washington, it will be unnecessary to exchange it; If not, he prefers a black one, with such ornaments as would suit a boy of his age & the colour of the hat. I beg leave to remind you of the Linnen—two pieces—from Mr...
104From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 18 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 19th of Feby & 16th & 19th March, are before me; And would have been acknowledged Sooner, had any thing material, occurred. The Clover Seed, Boots &c. came in Season; but I must take care to be earlier in my application another year, as the Expence of getting heavy articles from Baltimore by land, comes high; I was charged forty odd Shillings for the Transportation of those...
105From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
I shall want to procure about 250 Bushels of Buck Wheat, in addition to what I now have, to sow the ensuing spring & summer—and will thank you to inform me (as soon as may be after receiving this) upon what terms I could obtain the above quantity in Philadelphia, and what would be the freight of it round here, that I may know precisely the cost of it—and determine, upon the receipt of your...
106From 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...
107From 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...
108From 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...
109From 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...
110From 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...
111From 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...
112From George Washington to William Bird, 2 October 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Bird, 2 Oct. 1788. As president and director of the Potowmack Company, GW signs a notice that the company is seeking a judgment against Bird for the indebtedness on Bird’s subscription to the company. LS , sold in 1973, American Book Prices Current, 79 (1973), 114.
113From George Washington to Thomas Blackburn, 19 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Express who brought me the resolves of our Assembly, & is going to Annapolis with dispatches for Govr Paca, informs me that he deliver’d others to you —It only remains therefore for me to add, that Thursday next, the 23d is the day appointed for the commissioners to meet at Annapolis. I shall go to our Court tomorrow, & proceed from thence. I am Dr Sir &c. LB , DLC:GW . Thomas Blackburn,...
114From George Washington to Thomas Blackburn, 10 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
Genl & Mrs Washington present their compliments to Colo. & Mrs Blackburne; are much obliged to them for their kind invitation to the Wedding on Thursday. They would attend with pleasure, but for the indisposition of the latter; & the particular engagements of the former which confine him at home this week, & oblige him to attend the Board of Directors at George town, the Great Falls &c. the...
115From 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...
116From 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...
117From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 15 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
By Colo. Fitzhugh I had the satisfaction to receive the humorous accot you were pleased to give me of your nocturnal journey to Fredericksburg. I recollect very well, the Lady whom you mention to have had for a fellow traveller, & if you should chance to be in her company again, I should be much obliged by your presenting my compliments to her. The even tenor of my life (in which I can expect...
118From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 28 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
I am now about to fulfill my promise with respect to the Drill plough and Timothy seed—both accompany this letter to Norfolk, to the care of Mr Newton. The latter I presume is good, as I had it from a Gentleman (Colo. Levin Powell) on whom I can depend. The former, it is scarcely necessary to inform you, will not work to good effect in Land that is very full either of stumps, stones or large...
119From George Washington to James Bloxham, 1 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
A View of the Work at the Ferry and Frenchs Plantations in the year 1789, with general directions for the executn. The Plows at these two places must be encreased to eight, in order that the work allotted for them may be accomplished in due season, and in good order. The field they are at present breaking up, must be first compleated, if the weather will permit. After which, as there cannot...
120From George Washington to Board of War, 4 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Allen McLane late of the Continental Army under my command informs me that John Pierce Esquire pay master General and Commissioner of Army accounts Doth not consider himself authorized by the resolution of congress, and construction of the Honorable board of war to adjust his claims to half pay for life and refers the Major to Lieut. Col. H. Lee to be provided for with the other officers...
121From George Washington to Boinod & Gaillard, 18 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your polite & obliging Letter of January the 20th, & thank you for the many flattering sentiments contained in it. To encourage Literature & the Arts, is a duty which every good Citizen owes to his Country, & if I could be instrumental in promoting these, and in aiding your endeavours to do the like, it would give me pleasure. Your Books being chiefly in a foreign...
122From George Washington to Sarah Bomford, 15 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favor, & duplicate, of the 8th of Octor from Lisle in Flanders. I have also seen the Will of the deceased Mrs Savage. In December 1783 on my quitting public life; & as I was returning to my own home, I met at Baltimore in Maryland a Mr Moore, who shewed me this Will; & as it appeared to be the original (for I perfectly recollected the writing of Mrs...
123From George Washington to John Beale Bordley, 17 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you honord me, dated the 31st Ult.; together with the Wheat, Barley and Madder came safe to hand. For your kindness in presenting them, I pray you to accept my best acknowlegments and thanks. Agriculture being my favourite amusement I am always pleased with communications that relate to it. To these the great improvemts in Husbandry, of late years, in England, may be...
124From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 31 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
Under a full persuation that my letter of Novr, to you, had miscarried, I wrote to you again by the last Post and recited the contents of it. After having done so, I was honored with your favor of the 14th of last Month. At the sametime that I thank you for your attention to my request respecting the Orchard grass Seeds, I have to lament that it should be the means of taking from you, what you...
125From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
Early in Novr I had the pleasure, by Post, to congratulate you & Mrs Boudinot on the Marriage of your daughter; & on her restoration to health; both of which we (Mrs Washington & I) heard with much satisfaction. I took the liberty, at the sametime, to request the favor of you, if it could be done without much inconvenience to yourself, to procure for me as much of the Orchard grass Seed as...
126From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 3 November 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington & I have heard with great pleasure of Miss Boudinot’s restoration to health, & change of condition; on both which events we join in sincere compliments of congratulation to you, Mrs Boudinot & the young couple. Will you permit me my good Sir, to request the favor of you (if it should not be attended with inconvenience) to purchase as much of the Orchard grass seed for me, as...
127From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
With equal emotions of pleasure & gratitude I received your very polite Letter of the 11th ulto from Elizabeth-town, the late acknowledgment of which is owing to the interruption of the post, & a visit to my aged Mother; the last of which engaged me several days, & from which I only returned yesterday. The private congratulations of freindship, upon my safe return to a peaceful abode, & the...
128From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 7 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have received from Sir Guy Carleton, informing me of his having ordered the evacuation of Penobscot. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Servt DNA : Papers of the Continental Congress.
129From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 2 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have received from Colonel Kosciusko on the subject of his promotion. The general promotion now before Congress, should it take place, would have included him—but this does not seem to be his wish—as a Foreigner I suppose a particular promotion would be more consonant to his views and interest—and from my knowledge of his...
130From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to Receive Your Excellencys Letter of Yesterday with the Resolves of Congress inclosed—which I shall with great pleasure communicate to Genl Howe and the troops who were under his command. I have the honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
131From 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.
132From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Resolve of Congress, enclosed in Your Excellency’s favor of Yesterday, for permitting me to have access to the Secret Papers of Congress, under the same injunctions as Members; is a high & honourable testimony of the confidence reposed in me by that Honble Body, and is only to be equalled by the polite, and flattering expressions with which you have accompanied it. I have the honor to be...
133From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 19 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The letter from General Duportail of which the enclosure No. 1 is a copy, was presented to me yesterday. I beg leave, agreeably to the wishes of these Gentlemen, to recommend their case to the immediate & serious consideration of Congress. I take the liberty also, of laying before Congress an extract of a Letter No. 2 from Majr Genl Knox, on the subject of Clothing for the Troops on the North...
134From George Washington to Bouillé, 1 June 1787 (Washington Papers)
Under this cover you will do me the honor to receive a letter directed to the President, or Senior Officer of the Society of the Cincinnati in France; enclosing a resolve of the General Meeting of that Society in these United States, holden in this City, last month. If any thing, Sir, could add to the pleasure I feel in obeying the orders of this Society, it is the favourable opportunity that...
135From George Washington to Bouillé, 1 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter introductory of Mr Chastel de la Vallee, which you did me the honor to write to me on the 6th of May, has been forwarded by him since his arrival in America; with information that his affairs would detain him some little time in Philadelphia—I have written to him in return, that I shall be very happy to receive him, with marks of regard, at Mount Vernon; whensoever he can make his...
136From George Washington to Richard Boulton, 24 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 4th inst: never reached me until Monday last. I do not enter into agreements, but with an intention of fulfilling them; & I expect the same punctuality on the part of those with whom they are made: you must therefore perform your’s with me, or abide the consequences. The reason which you assign for not coming, is futile & can have no weight with your creditors; your property...
137From George Washington to Bourdon de Vatry, 8 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 6th of Decr 1786, wherein you request me to represent your situation to Congress, and apply to that body, in your behalf, for a grant of land in some part of the United States where you may form a settlement. Altho’ no incident in life could afford me more pleasure than to see all those who have exerted themselves in the cause of this country amply recompenced...
138From George Washington to Jabez Bowen, 9 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23d of Novr. I should have been happy to have seen you at Mount Vernon agreeable to your intention had you proceeded as far as Annapolis. The Convention at that place would undoubtedly have been productive of some benefit to the Union had it taken place, but the tardiness of the Commissioners from several States rendered abortive every advantage that was...
139From George Washington to Metcalf Bowler, 19 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st of July together with the Treatise on Agriculture & practical Husbandry. I consider the latter as a mark of attention which merits my warmest acknowledgments. It is a subject highly worthy the attention of every gentleman in this country who has leisure, abilities, or opportunity to improve it. It is the only source from which we can at present draw any...
140From George Washington to John Ewing, 13 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
I entreat you to accept my grateful thanks for your affectionate Address; and to be assured that the kindness & partiality of your sentiments respecting me, as well as the elegance & urbaninity of your expressions; have made an impression on my mind, never to be effaced. Conscious of no impropriety in wishing to merit the esteem of my fellow Citizens in general; I cannot hesitate to...
141From George Washington to Samuel Brandon, 20 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received by Captn Bartlet, your letter of the 27th of July. The Ass arrived safe, & the other Articles agreably to the Bill of lading. I am much obliged to you Sir, for your attention in executing my comm[issio]n, & the polite manner in which you offer me your future services. The Ass is undoubtedly one of the best kind that could be procured at Surinam; but I do not find it charged in...
142From George Washington to John Brent, 17 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a Bill of Lading for 50 Bibs of flour which I have shipped on board of your Sloop, and would wish you to dispose of for me upon the best terms you can. From the proceeds thereof you will please to receive the Amount of your Account of £20.1.9 for freight of Shingles—pay Thomas Newton Junr Esqr. £25.15.9 for 64,450 Shingles @ 8/ per M —and after deducting what charges may arise from...
143From George Washington to Thomas Brereton, 20 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
Within these few days I have received your letter of the 12th, & some time ago, I recollect to have been favored with another letter from you, which in the hurry of business got overlooked. It is now more than two years, since indirectly I obtained a sight of the deceas’d Mrs Savage’s will —I then thought, & still do think it strange that the Executors of this will, should never have made any...
144From George Washington to Caleb Brewster, 10 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I believe you have been misinformed as to a resolve of Congress, allowing officers on separate commands, extra-pay—I have heard of no such resolution—on the contrary, that these allowances were withdrawn. It was with great difficulty General Knox could obtain compensation for his extra-expences during his commd at the post of West-point—where, from the nature of it, he was absolutely obliged...
145From George Washington to Mary Bristow, 15 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter & the duplicate of it—dated the 27th of last November with the petition to the Assembly of this State, only came to my hands the 10th Instant. By the following Post I transmitted them to the Governor, as the Legislature was then sitting at Richmond. What effect the application may have on that body, is not for me, at this time, to announce; it is to be feared however, as the Lands...
146From George Washington to Mary Bristow, 2 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Though small were the Services I rendered you, consequent of your first application to me; yet it behoves me to add, in answer to your favor of the 15th of December last, that it was all I then had, or now have it in my power to offer. For having no share in the Legislative or Executive concerns of the Country, I could do no more than to bring your Petition before the former. This I did by a...
147From George Washington to Daniel Brodhead, 12 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 4th instant came duly to hand—It would be an arduous, if not an impracticable, task for me to travel over the ground of services rendered by all the Officers of the American Army (for no line of determination, when the business was once begun, could be drawn) in order to form certificates that would apply to every character, and do equal justice to merit on the one hand, and...
148From George Washington to David Brooks, 17 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
This Certifies that from the testimonial produced to me it appears that Mr Brooks entered the service of the United States in 1776 as Lieutenant in one of the Regiments raised by the State of Pennsylvania for the service of the Continent, and was made prisoner in Fort Washington when that Garrison surrendered to the British troops. After his Exchange he accepted the post of assistant clothier...
149From George Washington to John Brown, 6 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for informing me, when it is convenient to you, whether a Deed of Conveyance from George Muse to me for 3323 Acres part of a large tract of 7276 Acres lying on the Great Kanhawa is fully proved, and admitted to record. and if not, what steps are necessary for me to pursue to effectuate it. In the first case I should be glad to receive the Deed—In the Second your advice will...
150From George Washington to Joseph Brown, 30 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 12th of September, & thank you for the prints which accompanied it, by the Ship Potomac which arrived safely. The frames of these pictures are quite equal to my wishes, & you will please to accept my best acknowledgments of it; & assurances that an apology for their being inferior to those sent to Congress, was altogether unnecessary. It gives me...