1To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 September 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 30 Sept. 1799. On 27 Oct. GW wrote Spotswood : “Your letter of the 30th ulto came duly to hand.”
2To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 4 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
your favour of the 31 of July, Covering your letter to Mr Short, and Lees deed to you, has come to hand, and shall be duly Attended to. I am about to Build a Yawl for the Convenience of my Family going by water to Fredericksburg; which mode of conveyance in the Summer is more pleasant than a Carraige; yours pleaseing me better than any I have yet Seen, will thank you to direct Mr Anderson, to...
3To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 25 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Much rain last week and some other matters prevented my Sending to the post office until last Tuseday (the 23d) when I got both your favors of the 15 & 20 Inst., which I shall proceed to Answer, begining first with your private concerns. The administrators of James Mercer decd are Mr John Brooke, and James Garnet—the former lives 13 Miles from me, the latter, 36—and you may rest assured I will...
4To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 15 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
Altho, after peruseing the enclosure which came to hand Yesterday, you may determine not to possess A. Woodrows 300 acree Survey on Rough creek—Yet it must be pleaseing to you to Find (if Mr Hite be wright in his calculation) That your lands are of Superior Vallue to what you ever held them—for if Mr Hites Spot be worth 10$ pr Acree—certainly yours must be worth $5. Supposeing greens paper to...
5To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 24 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
I received a letter last Week from Mr Short, dated Novr 1st—he Says Mr Hites absence from home, has prevented his doing any thing towards the purchase of Andrew Woodrows Survey—but so Soon as hite returns, he will have the bussiness closed to your Satisfaction. I have also recd a letter from Mr Feild, he acknowledges the Rect of mine, covering Sundry papers to enable him to find out the...
6To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 24 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
For eight Weeks past, I have been constantly at home, engaged in Building a mill—and not Sending regularly to the post office—occasioned your favour of the 4th laying there Sometime before I got it—and a few days before I received it—I had dismissed Farril, for no other cause, than I found it impossible to Keep away his father and acquaintances from his house. he is strictly an honest man,...
7To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Mr Peter favoured me with his Company at Newpost last Tuseday evening; and delivered me your letter of the 24th; with one Inclosed from Mr Anderson to garret; an overseer now in the employ of Mr Fontaine Maury. which letter I forwarded the next day, and this morning had an interview with Garret—he would not determine whether to receive your offer or not until he returned home and Consulted his...
8To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
My last—dated I think on the 16—informed you, that my overseer had accepted your Terms—but that he Should Take the farm in preference to the home house—should Rhodes decline Takeing yr bussiness—From Whoom I have recd no answer to my Several letters, the first of which I am certain was lodged at his house—Consequently you had better look out—but should Rhodes come to my house, or write me...
9To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 16 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
your favour of the 14th was forwarded to me last evening by Mr Park—and which I now proceed to answer—tho not so Fully as you or myself wish. My overseer Roger Farril accepts your Terms—and will be with you Soon after christmas—but Says, should Richard Rhodes decline your Bussiness—he shall give the preference to the Farm at £45 pr year &c. From Rhodes I have received no Answer to my letters;...
10To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 11 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Myself and family Felt much happiness, on being informed that Mr B. Washington had on his way through Fredericksburg last week reported you on the recovery—and we hope by this, that you begin to feel a rapid return to your former health. My last informed you that my Sons overseer on account of his health declines engageing in business and that my overseer will engage with you for fifty pounds...
11To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Spotswood, myself and Daughter was much pleased on being inform’d last Saturday morning by Mr Herbert—that yr feever had abated—& by this we hope you begin to feel once more the Establishment of yr health. My Sons overseer—declines entering into Bussiness—aledgeing that his health will not permit him to do Justice to his employer. My Overseer Roger Farril Says he will Serve you—for £50 pr...
12To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 6 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
My letter to Mr Short respecting the purchase of Andrew Woodrows 300 acree Survey—and my letter to Feild respecting the lands opposite yours on Rough Creek—was put into the hands of a Mr Bland, who took his departure for Kentucky the 10th of April last—last week I received a letter from Mr Short dated Fredericksburg—he Says, he met Mr Bland in the Wilderness who delivered him my packet—that he...
13To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
yours of the 11 of feby—covering Sundry land papers—was delivered me by my Son—to morrow, I shall write my letters, and arrange the necessary papers for Kentucky—where they will certainly arrive the 17 of april. There is no doubt of obtaining Woodrows survey, at the price you offer 20s/ and I am inclined to think that Mr Short will buy it for much less—Indeed I am pretty certain from the...
14To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 6 February 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 6 Feb. 1798. On 11 Feb. GW wrote Spotswood about his “letters of the 14th Ulto & 6th Instt.”
15To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 14 January 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 14 Jan. 1798. On 11 Feb. GW wrote Spotswood : “Your letters of the 14th ulto & 6th instt have been duly received.”
16To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 December 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 30 Dec. 1797. On 9 Jan. GW wrote Spotswood : “A few days ago, Mr [William] Herbert handed me your letter of the 30th ulto.”
17To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 4 November 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of the 1st Inst. came to hand yesterday; I am happy that you have the prospect of geting a house keeper for Mrs Washington & hope she may please. Rawlings being at present engaged, can Suffer no inconvenience Therefore I shall keep him in Suspence for ten days, for fear you may be disapointed in the Woman you expect—should this be the case, you can then resort to Rawlins, should you...
18To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 28 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from Richmond, and am happy to inform you, That I have at last procured a man, who I beleive is capable of acting as a household Steward, and pleased with the Idea of entering into your Service. his name is Rawlins; and Recommended to me by his brother; who Says, he is 22 years of age, writes a fine hand, and well acquainted with figures, haveing been brought up in a Store,...
19To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 14 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform you, with all my exertions I have not been Able to procure a household Steward. I have applied to three persons either of whoom would have Suited, but I could not prevail on either to Engage. Mr Hoomes whose assistance I Solicited in this business, has just wrote me word, that his enquieries for a Suitable person, has not been crown’d with Success—nor did he know of any...
20To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
In my last I gave you my reasons for not haveing your advertisement for a housekeeper, or household Steward Published sooner. This day I saw Eastice—but he haveing lately had a Legacy left him, declines entering into the Service of any person. I shall now write to Mr Hoomes at the Bowling Green, & describe such a person as you want, and beg his assistance—in a few days I shall go to...
21To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 13 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
A promise to Spend two days with Mr Brent: delaid my arriveal in Frederickburg until the Seventh Inst., when I got from the post office your favr of the 23d of August covering your advertisement for a house keeper, or household Steward. Shortly after and on the same day I had the Pleasure of Being in Company with Mrs Corbin, and enquired about the health and good Character of the person who...
22To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 13 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
Since my return home I have seen charles Davis, The man that I had in view, to procure for you, as a Butler, and house keeper—he Tells me his Wages is raised from £50 to £90—so that my expectations is baffled as to him—I shall go to Town to morrow—and shall make application to another young man in the Same line of charles Davis; he is a neat decent young man—of Reputable parents—and I beleive...
23To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 22 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at home on the 19th inst. and now repeat the 3d time my information to you of yr Rough creek lands. On the 25 of may I got on the lands, with a Surveyor, and the gentlemen, appointed by Lee & myself to Vallue the Same—after traceing the lines so as to keep us within the bounds of the land; we proceeded to traverse the two tracts and found them to consist of as follows; 1st Rooling...
24To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Haveing already wrote you respecting your lands purchased of general Lee, Laying on Rough Creek—shall now only observe, that I arrived on them with the gentlemen, mutually chosen by Lee and myself, to Vallue the Same; on the 25 of may after traceing the lines so as to Keep us within the bounds of the two tracks; we proceeded to Traverse the Same, and found the two tracts to consist of as...
25To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 31 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 26 inst. Covering a copy of your favr dated Philada 1st feby 97 (the rect of which I really thought I had in my last to you acknowledged, but now find, I neglected so to do—) came to hand yesterday. Since the rect of yours dated philada I have rode to town four times to see and Converse with Majr Lewis as you requested, but never have been so fortunate as to find him at home, and...
26To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 22 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
I most Sincerely Congratulate you & Mrs Washington on your Return, to Mt Vernon—and to that Domestic & Rural life, in which Real happiness & peace of mind is only to be found—and you both have my Sincere wishes, that the Remainder of yr days may be long, and that they may be enjoyed, in an uninterupted sceene of health & felicity. On the 3d day of april I take my departure for Kentucky—if you...
27To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 24 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
General Lee and myself have Cancelled our bargain for the three tracts of land Laying in Kentucky, & which I purchased of him last year, (on certain Conditions,) two of which tracts had been previously Sold to you. In March I shall depart for that State to carry these conditions into effect —and if you have not yet Sold the two Sd tracts on Ruff-Creek, I would advise you not to do so—haveing...
28To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 21 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
While in Kentucky Major Lewis, shewed me two surveys of lands laying on Ruff creek a water of green river with the plotts anexed. to wit—one of 3000 acrces Begining 120. poles below the mouth of short creek, & runing across the 1st large South Branch of sd creek, then by Various lines until it Strikes Andrew Woodrows 300 acrce Survey, which runs into the above tract and Includes the 2d falls...
29To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 14 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Knowing that your mind, is always Employed in weighty matters of State; Makes it painful to me to trouble you on my private affairs; But as I am certain your advice, will be Servicable to a numerous family; and that you take a pleasure in doing good—Flatter myself, that you will excuse this application; and Take the earliest leisure hour; to return me an answer. A Fortune much curtailed by a...
30To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
your favour of the 15. Inst. came to hand yesterday. and altho I have the highest Opinion of my Sons Abilities, as a perfect Seaman and able Navigator; (not from any knowledge which I have in the Bussiness) But from my Knowledge, of his haveing had a very good Nautical Education—and the High Terms in which, many Nautical men of Abilities Speak of him. Yet it never was my wish, to ask of you...
31To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 9 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 9 March 1794. GW wrote Spotswood on 15 March that “Your letter of the 9th instt is at hand.”
32To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 15 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honr to write you sometime past; that my Eldest Daughter had married a Mr Francis Brooke a gentleman in the profession of the law—and requested that if ever the naval officers place was Vacant at Hobs Hole where he lives, that you would be so good as to give him the appointment. I now have Some reason to Suppose it will be soon Vacant; (this post to my Son in law, in addition...
33To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Pardon me for troubling you once more in behalf of my Son John. (he writes me, that he has received much civility from Mr Morris—but has had, as yet, no offer of a Birth in his Indiaman whose arriveal, I am Told, is daily expected.[)] Hitherto he has been constantly employed; and will return to Philadelphia, in October from his Second Voyage. I could wish him to be on Some certainty with Mr...
34To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 10 July 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 10 July 1792. On 23 July, GW wrote Spotswood a letter in which he mentioned “your favor of the 10th.”
35To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 4 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
My Second Son, John Augustine Spotswood, who I declined entering into the French Navy, for good & Substantial reasons given by you, was immediatly entered on board of a large Merchant ship; and next april, Compleets his regular Service, From a Cabbin Boy up to mate, In which Character he is now officiating in. I have expended much money on his Nautical Education, and great pains has been...
36To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 20 January 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 20 Jan. 1788. On 13 Feb. GW wrote Spotswood about “Your favor of the 20th Ult.”
37To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 25 June 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 25 June 1787. On 26 Aug. GW wrote Spotswood and referred to “yours of the 25th of June.”
38To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 5 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your Favr of the 22d February pr Majr Barret, never came to my hands until this day. The Seeds I promised you, were Sent of by the Stage this day to Alexandria; to the Care of the Clerk of the Stage office at that place, & every precaution mentioned in yr letter, has been attended to by me—Sent 3 bus. of oats—1 bus. Barley—the Bunch homony bean, and a Small quantity of the White Feild...
39To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 3 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
By the Stage you will receive 3 bushle of my oats—One Busshle of Siberian Barly—Half of my Stock of the Bunch Homony Bean—& half d[itt]o of the English white Feild pea. The oats are the best kind that I ever propagated, but unfortunately, and in order to make out my crop—I saved two years ago some of the Black oat, which has occasioned a mixture—those I now send, are out of a parcel made from...
40To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 13 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
I had not lost Sight of the Memorandom given me last fall by Majr Washington, and was about writeing to you when I recd his Favr of decr 30—86. The crop before last, I unfortunately had some black oat on my Farm, which Caused a mixture among my white Crop, and in order to get them again pure; I picked a few bushles over, and sowed them in a Corner of my Farm, by which means I have a small...
41To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Stith Brings out a horse which I think will Suit, provided you have no objection to his Age —he is ten years of Age this Spring, was brought in From England a Colt by Mr Chs Yates, in whose possetion he has remained ever Since—he is a horse of fine Constitution, and has never been injured, Indeed I do not believe the horse has ever been rode 2,000 Miles Since his Comeing into the...
42To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 3 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yr Excellencys favr of the 10th of last month, this day. And so far from parting with my horse with regreit—that it gives me the greatest pleasure to Furnish you with him—I this day delivered him to one of yr Servants—perfectly Sound and in good order but must still Recommend to yr Excellency, not to use him this Winter—but let him run in a paddock—and have a shelter for him to go...
43To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 26 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your excellencys favr I have now before me, in answer thereto, desire you will Send down the Sorrel, & as soon as I can will send one on of a Stouter built —at Colo. Meads request in Winter 1778—Colo. Washington (by Letter) made me an offer of his horse, but as he did not himself think him perfectly sound, I declined the purchase —on my return last Spring to Virginia, the horse was in...
44To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favr of the 15th must inform you, that I have not as yet purchased a fourth horse, not owing to any neglect on my part, but from the very great Scarcity of Such as woud answer your purpose. In november we shall have a large meeting of gentlemen at our races, when I am in hopes, I shall be able to procure and send you on one of the finest; but in the mean time, will ride & see...
45To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 Aug. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Alexander Spotswood, 23 Aug. 1779. On 19 Sept., GW wrote Spotswood: “I have been just favoured with your Letter of the 23d of August.”
46To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honr to receive your excellencys letter on my return from the petersburg races —& I was happy I did not meet with any horses that woud answer your purpose, as I found by your letter that you gave the preference to mares. The bearer of this brings on a Mare & gelding—the mare is four years Old & well bred, has been used a little to the Saddle & charriot—& promises fairly to excell in...
47To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 8 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our last Assembly resolved that Ge[nera]l Nelson be directed to purchase four geldings to be sent on as a present from the State to yr Excellency—the g[enera]l being under the Necessity of going to Congress—desired me to undertake it —I have purchased you two Exceeding fine ones—and shall Attend the petersburg races which happens on the 1st day of April next, where I shall get two more, & will...
48To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favour of the 11th Came to hand this day. I ever thought, from the small Connection betwen us by marraige, that I had a share in your regard, and am happy to find, that, as an Officer, I was not low in your Esteem. To enter into a detail of what has past, woud b⟨e⟩ only Takeing up your Excellencys time, and now, woud answer no purpose; I shall only add, that, as events have...
49To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
My reasons for Quiting the Service at the time I did you already have —two days after my arrival at home they were obviated by a letter which I receivd from Colo. Stevens informing me of my brother being Only Wounded, and likely to recover—I immediatly wrote to Our delegates informing them the Contents of Colo. Steven’s letter, and my desire of reentering the service, provided I coud be...
50To George Washington from Colonel Alexander Spotswood, 9 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
My spirits are quite sunk, at the Loss of a Brother that I loved most affectionately —he poor man has left behind a young Widdow & three small infants; she poor woman will want a Comforter, & the poor Children a father, Both of which they must find in me, my tender Feelings for his distrest family, with our having promised each Other in a most Solemn manner, that whenever it pleased god that...