157801[Diary entry: 11 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
11th. Clear and very cold. Wind very fresh from the North West.
157802[Diary entry: 15 January 1797] (Washington Papers)
15. Wind at So. Wt. mild & pleasant. [36]
157803[Diary entry: 11 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
11th. Robt. Morris Esqr. Superintendant of Finance & Richd. Peters Esqr. a Member of the Board of War, arrived at Camp to fix with me the number of Men necessary for the next Campaign and to make the consequent arrangements for their establishment and Support. A Fleet consisting of about 20 Sail, including 2 frigates & one or two prizes, arrived within the harbour of New York with German...
157804From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Day received your favor of the 27th ulto—Before this reaches you, you will have received my Letter, covering one to Major General Greene, which was left open for your Observation—In my Letter to Genl Greene, reference being made to his own Disposition of the Troops, without mentiong the particular Corps he intended to put in motion to the Northward—I will only observe to you, that...
157805[Diary entry: 30 April 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 30th. Set out about Sun rise on my return home. Halted at Dumfries, for about an hour where I breakfasted. Reached home about 6 Oclock in a sml. shower, which did not continue (and that not hard) for more than 15 Minutes. On my return, recd. the following report of the Weather and business of the plantations—viz.— M. N. Night Friday 27th. Mercy. 50 63 58 Saturday 28. Do. 51 72 58 Sunday...
157806[Diary entry: 23 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
23. Rid out to see, & examine whether a Road coud not be discovd. & opend from Posey’s ferry back of Muddy hole Plantn. thereby avoidg. the Gumspring, which I think may be done to advantage.
157807From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 31 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor last night, to receive your Favor of the 30th Inst. I am sorry, that I cannot see the necessity of the interview, which you propose. If you or Lord Howe have any dispatches for Congress and think fit to transmit them to my care, they shall be forwarded by the earliest Opportunity: If you have any for me of a military nature (for none other can come properly under my...
157808To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 21 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Pay to The Secretary of State, in pursuance of the Act providing for the relief of such of the Inhabitants of St. Domingo, resident within the U. S. as may be found in want of support, two thousand dollars; to be by him remitted to the Comittee at Baltimore, appointed to superintend the unfortunate people of the above description at that place. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of...
157809From George Washington to William Heath, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a Letter from Count De Rochambeau (by one of His Aids, in five days from Williamsburg) informing me that he is on his way to Philadelphia—that He will be there the 13th or 14th, and wishes for an Interview with me—for this purpose I shall set out in the morning very early, & have only to request your usual attention. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt P.S. I entreat...
157810From George Washington to Edward Hand, 30 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Honble the Congress having thought proper to request me, to remain in this City, to assist in transacting public business. I find it necessary that the Heads of particular departments should also reside here; during the term that the Business referr’d to may require attention. You will therefore upon the receipt of this be pleased to make such arrangements as your private affairs may...
157811From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
On thursday last the Enemy landed a body of Troops supposed to amount, from the best accounts I have been able to obtain, to eight or nine thousand men at Gravesend Bay on Long Island, ten miles distant from our works on the Island, and immediately marched through the level and open lands to Flat-Bush where they are now incamped. They are distant about three miles from our Lines, and have...
157812From George Washington to Michael Jackson, Sr., 7 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am excessively sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing you that the 8th Masstts Regt was one of the Corps alluded to in the orders of this day, as not having made that elegant appearance at the Review yesterday which was expected—Let me entreat & conjure you, Sir, in the most forcible terms, and let me enjoin it upon both Officers & Men, that the greatest possible exertions...
157813General Orders, 9 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
serjt Lane of Col. Whitcomb’s Regiment, with nineteen men of different Regiments, whose Names, Corps and Companies are delivered to Brigade Major Carey, are immediately to be draughted, and sent to the Quarter Master General to receive his orders. The Court Martial whereof Col. Woodbridge was president is dissolved. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
157814[Diary entry: 6 March 1760] (Washington Papers)
Thursday Mar. 6. Fitted a two Eyed Plow instead of a Duck Bill Plow and with much difficulty made my Chariot Wheel horses plow. Surveyd Captn. Posseys 145 Acres of Woodland Ground which he bought of my Bror. Chs. & find some of the Courses and distances to vary from those in the Deeds and that 136 Acres only, are Included. Also run the upper Courses of Frens Land and find some great Errors as...
157815From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 16 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with yours of the 8th 11th and 13th instants, which I deferred answering immediately, as I have been in hourly expectation of receiving accounts from the southward which would inform me with certainty of the event of Count D’Estaings operations in that quarter and whether, and when he might be reasonably expected in this: But I have not received a Syllable since mine...
157816From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a Letter from Brigadier General Clinton of the 15th enclosing the examination of two Prisoners who were lately taken by one of his Scouts from whence it appears the Enemy in Canada, have not made any Movements in force, or preparations for an incursion; and indeed this intelligence corresponds so exactly with that, which has been received through other channels, that I...
157817[Diary entry: 6 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 6th. In Convention as usual. Dined at the Presidents (Doctr. Franklins) & drank Tea there—after which returnd. to my lodgings and wrote letters for France.
157818From George Washington to Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowlege your letter of the 7th Ulto which I have this day transmitted the committee of arrangement for their particular consideration. You may be assured I shall be very happy if any mode can be settled by you and the Committee, which may give mutual satisfaction, or continue you in the service. I am D. Sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW ....
157819From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The present unsettled State of the Commissary’s department in this quarter, makes me fearful, that unless some Measures are fallen upon to reconcile the jarring Interests of these who act, or pretend to act, under the Appointments of Colo. Trumbull, that the Army will in a little while want Supplies of every kind. When I ordered the Army to pass into Jersey, the last time, they were delayed...
157820[Diary entry: 17 October 1773] (Washington Papers)
17. Clear & pleasant, with very little Wind.
157821From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am informed this morning that the enemy’s rear are evacuating the City. You will immediately send down a small party of horse under a good officer, on this side, in order to ascertain the matter, or to gain intelligence. The result of his inquiry you will transmit as soon as possible, and hold yourself in readiness to join this army on the first orders. I am sir your very hble servt L [S] ,...
157822From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 5th which I had the honor of addressing you, I begged leave to recall the attention of Congress to the absolute necessity there is for appointing more Genl Officers, promising at the same time by the first Opportunity to give my Sentiments more at large upon the Subject. Confident I am that the postponing this measure, has not proceeded from motives of frugality, otherwise...
157823From George Washington to Hodge, Allen, & Campbell, 17 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday requesting permission to add my name to your list of subscribers for an american edition of Dr Gordon’s history of the late revolution. As I have already several sets of that work I would wish to decline adding my name as a subscriber for more. I am Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant LB , DLC:GW .
157824George Washington to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 5 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 5, 1780 . Acknowledges Barbé-Marbois’s letter of thanks for attentions paid him during his visit to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
157825From George Washington to James McHenry, 12 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
The originals and drafts of letters enclosed in yours of the 8th instt are herewith returned. The publication of the letters to and from Lieutt Colo. England was certainly improper: and the reprehension of Genl Wilkinson for doing it , or suffering it to be done , is just; and the manner in which it has been conveyed to him is delicate. The draught of the letter to Colo. Gaither, predicated on...
157826[Diary entry: 31 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
31st. Governor Trumbull informed me, that in order to facilitate the Collection of a Specie Tax for the purpose of sending Money to the Troops of the Connecticut line Gentlemen were sent to the different Towns of the State to try by personal influence & exertion to hasten it to the Army and that he & some of his Council had removed to Hartford to forward on the Recrts. for the Continental...
157827From George Washington to Officers and Quarter Masters in South Carolina, 3 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
All Quarter Masters and Officers in Continental Service are requested to give Mrs Greene every aid & assistance in their power in her journey to the State of South Carolina. Given at head Qrs in Phila this 3d day of Jany 178 2 . CSmH .
157828From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 1 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th Ulto came duly to hand, and I am glad to find by it that you have had some rains though not as much as has fallen in these parts—and that your Crops are deriving the benefit of them. If the Corn is standing, & alive, I do not, on account of its backwardness, despair of a Crop; if you are able to keep it clean, & the ground well pulverised; which I hope will be the case....
157829[Diary entry: 7 May 1774] (Washington Papers)
7. Went with the above Company to a Boat Race & Barbicue at Johnson’s Ferry. Returnd at Night with Mr. Milner. In 1745 a ferry was authorized to cross the Potomac from the land of William Clifton to the Maryland shore ( HENING William Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619 . 13 vols....
157830General Orders, 9 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell Major Lansdale For duty tomorrow the 1st Newyork regiment. At the General Courtmartial of which Col. Greaton is President, Dec. 6th Captn Ebenezer Frye of the 1st Newhampshire regt "charged with absenting himself from his regiment beyond the limitation of his furlough and neglecting to join his regiment after being notified so to do, or to give...
157831From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 30 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day honor’d with your Letter of 26th Instant previous to which I had given some orders respecting the subject of it, upon a Complaint made to me by one of the Commissaries, of the Enormous price to which Liquors had been rais’d in the Country occasion’d principally by the Suttlers who resort our Camp. I shall now have this matter more fully enquir’d into, & adopt such measures as I...
157832From George Washington to Board of War, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to my Promise to you in Phila I have consulted Doct. Craig on the Subject of the Hospital Appointments—Inclosed is the Answer I have received—which I do myself the honor to transmit to you—And am Gentlemen Your most Obet Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
157833From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 11 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the utmost dispatch to Winchester, where you will receive the Orders left there by me, which you are, as soon as possible, to execute. The Cattle I shall leave entirely to you; to order up altogether or in small droves, as you shall think proper. You are to set up Advertisements, at all the most public places convenient to the Fort, for the Inhabitants to...
157834[Diary entry: 4 September 1774] (Washington Papers)
4. Breakfasted at Christeen Ferry. Dined at Chester & lodged at Doctr. Shippens’s in Phila. after Supping at the New Tavern. Christina (Christiana) ferry crossed Christina (Christiana) River at Wilmington on the main road from New Castle to Philadelphia ( LINCOLN Anna T. Lincoln. Wilmington, Delaware: Three Centuries under Four Flags, 1609–1937 . Rutland, Vt., 1937. , 83–84). William Shippen,...
157835To John Jay from George Washington, 11 May 1789 (Jay Papers)
A few days ago I was conversing with you on the points contained in the enclosed queries, when a Gentleman coming in put an end to the conversation As it is my earnest wish to adopt such a line of conduct as shall be judged most likely to secure essentials without being exposed more than is unavoidable to the charge of too much reserve on the one hand, or too much familiarity on the other, I...
157836From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 12 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I transmit to you the translations of two letters from the Commissioners of his Catholic Majesty to the Secretary of State, and of their enclosures. LS , DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–95, Senate Records of Legislative Proceedings, Presidential Messages; LB , DNA : RG 233, Third Congress, 1793–95, House Records of Legislative Proceedings, Journals; LB , DLC:GW . All the enclosures were...
157837From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, comte de Laumoy, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Army is about to take a position in the field: it is my wish you would, attend it yourself as Chief Engineer, and take one other Officer of that Corps with you—The remainder of the Gentlemen belonging to it, in this Department, you will be pleased to Order to West Point, to assist Major Villefranche in superintending & carrying into execution the Works now erecting at that Garrison and its...
157838[Diary entry: 20 February 1760] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday Feby. 20. Landed 65 Barrels of Corn. Fine moderate day. Very little wind. George & Billy sawd 155 feet of Oak Scantling.
157839From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letters of the 8th and 16th instant. In cases of resignation the officer is to transmit me a proper certificate of his having settled all regimental or public accounts; accompanied with his commission; which latter will be returned him (if an old commission), with his resignation indorsed. I would observe on that of the 8th—that the security of our army, and...
157840[Diary entry: 5 February 1797] (Washington Papers)
5. Clear & pleasant with the Wind Westerly. Mery. 28. Morn.
157841From George Washington to Howell Lewis, 18 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th inst: and enclosures came duly to hand. I am glad to hear you had a fine rain on the thursday preceeding the date of your letter; even if the Corn should receive no benefit from it; because it would put the ground in good condition for the reception of Wheat. I hope it was followed by another good rain on wednesday night last. at this place it rained the whole night. I...
157842From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
To conciliate the powerful tribes of Indians in the southern district, amounting probably to fourteen thousand fighting men, and to attach them firmly to the United States, may be regarded as highly worthy of the serious attention of government. The measure includes, not only peace and security to the whole southern frontier, but is calculated to form a barrier against the Colonies of an...
157843From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform Congress that I am again under great apprehensions on the score of our provision supplies. There is not now in camp and within it’s vicinity, more meal & Grain than will furnish the Troops with Five days bread, notwithstanding the exertions that have been made to lay in a supply; and I fear from the badness of the Roads and the difficulty of procuring Teams, that it will...
157844From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., 12 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my letter to you of the 10th of Decemr last I informed you, that to prevent delay, I had empowered His Excellency Count de Rochambeau to grant passports, upon your application, to any Vessels laden with Tobacco for the payment of the goods purchased of the British Merchants at York Town. It has since been suggested, that passports for Merchandise of any kind, if granted by any other power...
157845[Diary entry: 20 May 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 20th. Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Morris and other Company at their farm (called the Hills). Returned in the afternoon & drank Tea at Mr. Powells. the hills : While visiting Philadelphia in July 1787 Manasseh Cutler recorded how he rode “out of the city on the western side . . . in view of the Schuylkill, and up the river several miles, and took a view of a number of Country seats, one...
157846[Diary entry: 2 October 1797] (Washington Papers)
2. Clear, warm & pleasant. Mer. at 66. Mr. Carter & Mr. Fitzhugh went away & Mr. Washington & Mr. Foot came to dinr. & returned afterwards. Mr. Washington undoubtedly is Lawrence Washington (1740–1799) of nearby Belmont, brother of GW’s cousin and wartime manager, Lund Washington (see entries for 10 Mar. and 27 July 1785 ). mr. foot : probably William Hayward Foote, usually called Hayward...
157847[Diary entry: 13 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
13. Wind at No. West and Cool—with a lowering Sun—& sometimes Cloudy.
157848George Washington to George Clinton, 13 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 13, 1779 . Regrets inability to send men or supplies to Clinton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
157849From George Washington to Richard Champion, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
While I was on my Journey through the Southern States it was not in my power to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th of May, which was put into my hands at Camden, and to make a proper return of my thanks for the Manuscript reflections upon our present situation &c. —and the printed Volume of your Observations on the Commercial Connexion between Great Britain and the United...
157850From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 14 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to know by Return of the Bearer whether the portable Ovens bespoke last summer are finished. If they are you may send them down to the Army if you can procure Waggons, if you cannot, let me know and I will order the Qr Mr General to send for them. Be pleased to let me know when you think you will be able to enter upon any of the duties of the Office which I spoke to you about...