158031From George Washington to James Madison, 16 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Pleasure of Mr Madison’s Company to Dine, on Thursday next, at 4 o’Clock. An answer is requested. D , DLC:GW . This document is an invitation card with the name, day, and time written in Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr.’s writing. The following Thursday was 22 December. No reply to GW from Madison has been found.
158032From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you the inclosed Letter from a Committee of Congress, now here. These Gentlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of provision so fully, and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to trouble you with many observations upon the subject. I shall only add, if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is because the colouring is not...
158033From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 28 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Just as I was about to close my Letter of Yesterday, your favor of the 5 Instant came to hand. I can only thank you again, in the language of the most undissembled gratitude, for your friendship; and assure you, the indulgent disposition, which Virginia in particular and the States in general entertain towards me, gives me the most sensible pleasure. The approbation of my Country is what I...
158034[Diary entry: 16 January 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 16th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning—26 at Noon and 26 at Night. Clear all day; with the Wind at No. Wt. in the forenoon, & So. Wt. in the Afternoon. Brought from Dogue run Plantation 15 Mares which were supposed to be with fold; and one that was thought not to be so to the Mann. Ho. Left 3 there to be added to the Plow horses—sent one to Muddy hole—and one to the Ferry for the same...
158035[Diary entry: 9 June 1770] (Washington Papers)
9. Very warm with but little Wind & that southwardly. In the Eveng. a little Rain.
158036[Diary entry: 16 August 1763] (Washington Papers)
16. Sowed Do. at Rivr. Quartr. Do. at home in Peach Orchard—English seed from Clifton & Posey.
158037George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey ] July 7, 1778 . States that American forces have advanced to North River. Asks that Committee for Arranging the Army begin operations at once. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
158038[Diary entry: 27 May 1796] (Washington Papers)
27th. Thick morning, with some drops of Rain. Wind Easterly. About 9 Oclock the Wind Shifted to So. Wt. cleared & grew warm.
158039From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 7th and 8th from Morris Town both reached me in the course of this day. I cannot conceive how Major Fishbourne could have misunderstood me as to my intention of going down. The postscript of my letter of the 3d to General Wayne, which was added after I had consulted Governor Clinton and the General Officers was to the contrary. Upon receiving your letter of the 7th I sent...
158040[Diary entry: 24 January 1790] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 24th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. Writing private letters in the afternoon.
158041From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 18 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding all my endeavours to keep the Commissary’s department in some kind of order, I find that there is the utmost necessity for your immediate presence and interposition to prevent every thing from running into a State of distraction. There are a number of deputy Commissaries (appointed by I know not whom) bidding upon each other, till they have raised the price of provisions to a...
158042From George Washington to Major John Francis Mercer, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
your letter was handed me yesterday, requesting my concurrence in your resignation. I am sorry to find that you are determined upon leaving the service. However, before I can give my approbation, it is necessary to be furnished with a certificate, signifying that you have settled, all your regimental, or public accounts; this being the usual and customary practice. I am sir Your most hble...
158043From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 16th Instant. You mention a want of intelligence respecting my situation, and, that of the Enemy—As to mine the main Body of our Army are incamp’d at Middle Brook, and a considerable force under Genl Sullivan lies at Sourland Hills—Our position is strong, and with a little labour will be render’d much more so—The passes in the Mountains are most of them...
158044[Diary entry: 17 February 1772] (Washington Papers)
17. Rid to the Mill Plantation to See a Negro Man Sick of a Pleurisy.
158045[Diary entry: 6 September 1770] (Washington Papers)
6. Rid to the Mill with Colo. Lewis &ca. returnd to Dinner.
158046From George Washington to Colonel Nathaniel Gist, 22 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that you have, upon Colo. Russells leaving Camp, taken the command of Genl Scotts Brigade. This gives umbrage to the Officers properly belonging to the Brigade who do not conceive that you are attached to that or any other, as you have no Regiment in the feild, and have never in the arrangement of the Army been considered as belonging to one Brigade more than another: But...
158047From George Washington to the Moravian Society for Propagating the Gospel, 15 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I receive with satisfaction the congratulations of your Society and of the Brethren’s Congregations in the United States of America. For you may be persuaded that the approbation and good wishes of such a peaceable and virtuous Community cannot be indifferent to me. You will also be pleased to accept my thanks for the Treatise which you presented; and to be assured of my patronage in your...
158048From George Washington to Sally, 1749–1750 (Washington Papers)
This comes to Fredericksburg fair in hopes of meeting with a speedy Passage to you if your not there which hope you’l get shortly altho. I am almost discouraged from Writing to you as this is my fou[r]th to you since I receivd any from yourself. I hope you’l not make the Old Proverb good out of sight out of Mind as it’s one of the greatest Pleasures I can yet foresee of having in Fairfax in...
158049[Diary entry: 14 June 1772] (Washington Papers)
14. Made a Visit to Lord Fairfax at Belvoir. Mr. Byrd & Mr. Willis came home with me.
158050From George Washington to Louis XVI, 9 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the change which has taken place in the national Government of the United States, the honor of receiving and answering your Majesty’s letter of the 7th of June, to “the President and Members of Congress,” has devolved upon me. The painful event communicated in it, could not fail to affect the Sensibility, and excite the Regret of the People of the United States, who have so much Reason to...
158051[Diary entry: 3 November 1770] (Washington Papers)
3. Returnd down the River again and Incampd at the Mouth.
158052George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1794. On October 14, 1794, Randolph wrote to Washington: “At eight o’clock last night I was honored by Colo. Hamilton’s public letter of the 11th instant.” Letter not found. ] Although Randolph refers to “Colo. Hamilton’s public letter,” in actuality the letter in question was written by H for Washington. On October 11, 1794, Washington wrote a private...
158053[Diary entry: 25 April 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 25th. Set out from General Spotswoods about Sun Rising and breakfasted at the Bowling green. Where, meeting with Mr. Holmes (a neat, and supposed to be a good farmer) I was informed by him that from experience he had found that the best method of raising clover (in this Country) was to sow it on Wheat in Jany. when the ground was lightly covered with snow having never failed by this...
158054[Diary entry: 11 September 1772] (Washington Papers)
11. Returnd home by the way of Mr. William Digges’s where we Dined & where my Boats met us.
158055From George Washington to Betty Lewis, 15 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since you were speaking to me concerning your Son Bob, I have thought it probable that I may have occasion for a young person in my family of a good disposition, who writes a good hand, and who can confine himself a certain reasonable number of hours in the 24 to the recording of letters in books, which will be provided for their reception from the separate papers on which they now are, and...
158056From George Washington to Lund Washington, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I approve of your conduct with respect to Dows Land and am very glad you have bought it whether I get Dulany’s or not; as I have no idea of loosing by it if it will Rent for £120 ⅌ Ann.—which is more than the Virginia Interest of the Sum given, though less than what I am to pay for the loan of it in this State. This circumstance, independant of the desire I have to repay the Money borrowed in...
158057[Diary entry: 18 January 1799] (Washington Papers)
18. Heavy morning (a fog). Little or no Wind & that Southeasterly. Afternoon clear. Mer. 36.
158058From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Two or three days ago I wrote you a few lines in haste, and promised one more lengthy when I was more at leisure. for this purpose I am now seated. The letters from young Fayette and Mr Frestal; my letter to Mr Cabot; and his answer (all of which are herewith enclosed for your perusal—mine in the rough state it was first drawn—and to be returned when read) will give you a full view of what I...
158059[Diary entry: 11 September 1797] (Washington Papers)
11. Wind at No. Et. & Cool. Mer. 70—Colo. Sam Griffin and Lady came to dinner.
158060Memorandum respecting the Militia, 18 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 18th last Night Mr Bullet the Officer who I had sent out returnd with 14 of the deserters who to avoid punisht inlisd in the V.R. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . The deserters “inlis[te]d in the V[irginia] R[egiment].”
158061[Diary entry: 1 April 1773] (Washington Papers)
April 1st. Rid to my Mill, and Plantations on this side the Creek. Mr. Dulany went away after Breakfast & Colo. Frans. Thornton & his Son came to Dinner & stayd all Night. Col. Francis Thornton was probably Francis Thornton (d. 1784) of Society Hill, King George County. He was a justice of the peace, colonel of the county militia, and a well-known breeder of horses. He had married Sarah...
158062From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania has done me the honour to communicate to [me a] piece of Intelligence of Importance, which they received from Colo. Gurney: A Copy of which is inclosed. I wish it may rouse the Gentlemen of your Assembly to prepare for the worst Event—In my Opinion the present Time is of infinitely greater Worth than is generally supposed. Vain and useless will all our...
158063From George Washington to George Gilpin and John Fitzgerald, 2 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
As Monday next is the day on which the Directors, by the Constitution of the Company, are to make their report—and it has generally fallen to the lott of those on the Virginia side of the river to do this; I beg that you would from the minutes to which you are accessable—or from memory, bring forward the occurrences which may be proper to report at the General Meeting, about to be held. If...
158064From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria. That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the...
158065[Diary entry: 26 March 1770] (Washington Papers)
26. Very smoky. Calm and some appearance of Rain, but none fell till in the Night & not much then.
158066General Orders, 30 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
158067From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the present circumstances of transportation from Connecticut, I should advise, that Mr Pomeroy should be sent immediately back to the several Towns, to announce the distresses of the Army for the want of that provision, the certainty of payment for the transportation, and the approach of a military force to carry into execution the impress of the Civil Majestrate—While this is doing, the...
158068[Diary entry: 30 December 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning—52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and weather variable—sometimes threatning rain at other times promising fair weather. About dusk it began to drizzle and by Nine Oclock rained fast. Snow all gone. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations. At the first the Men were about a farm Pen and the Women threshing. At Muddy hole...
158069[Diary entry: 23 June 1770] (Washington Papers)
23. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & set off homewards after it—reaching Colo. Bassetts. In the House of Burgesses today, the report of the committee on the bill to divide Frederick Parish was given by James Mercer of Hampshire County. The house accepted several amendments suggested by the committee and ordered the bill to be engrossed. It was passed on the following day and was approved by the...
158070[Diary entry: 30 March 1762] (Washington Papers)
30. Sowed in the Meadow at Ashfords, eight Quarts of Timothy Seed four Do. of Lucerne, and three pecks of Hop Trefoil.
158071George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for preparation of boats for the attack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
158072From George Washington to John Beatty, 4 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to signify to Major Harnage and Capn Hawker of the 62d British Regt my permission for them to repair to New-York on their paroloes, and take the usual and proper steps on the occasion. Mr Loring the British Commissary of prisoners is to send you out a writing declarative on the part of the enemy that no chaplains belonging to the American Army when taken shall be considered...
158073From George Washington to Richard Butler, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 4th, and also, (in the absence of General Irwin) the Letter of the same date addressed to him. I am sorry to hear the success of the recruiting service is not so great, as could be wished or reasonably expected—I have reiterated the direction before given to Col. Humpton, to have the recruits, as soon as may be assembled at Carlisle, and I am informed...
158074From George Washington to John Rutledge, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency two copies of a letter for General Lincoln, which you will observe contain intelligence the most important. It is a question how far it is the interest of these states to have the siege of Charles Town raised at this juncture; for if the arrival of the French fleet should find the enemy in their present divided state there is every reason to hope for...
158075From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 3 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter on the subject of the corps raising by Col: Armand. You are sensible that it rests solely with Congress to determine the existence of a new corps and decide in an affair of this nature, If they should think proper to give their sanction to Col. Armand in the business he is engaged in, and in which by your representation he has made so considerable a progress, I...
158076From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 22 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been expecting for some time past a communication from C——. The period which he had fixed was the 11th instant. If you know the cause of his silence—or have had any intimations from him I wish to be informed of them. Very interesting events have taken place which must and have produced circumstances in New-York—deserving of his notice—That he has gone so far beyond his promise makes me...
158077Orderly Book, 24 November 1758 (Washington Papers)
Bouquets Camp Novr 24th 1758 Parole Lancaster For to Morrow Brigadier Montgomerie, Colo. Byrd, Lt Colo. Dagworthy & Majr Armstrong. As the number of Dogs that follow the Troops are become a great Neausance in Camp the Provost is therefore to hang all Stray Dogs he Can find. It is therefore recommended to the Officers to take the Oppertunity this day of Horses returning to Loyall hannon to send...
158078From George Washington to Richard Sill, 22 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your several Letters of the 11th 14th & 17th Jany one of them informing me of the Death of Majr Genl Lord Stirling—whose loss is universally Regretted by the Army—and I am exceeding sorry that it was not possible to shew those marks of Respect at his funeral which were due to his Lordships Rank & Merit. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
158079From George Washington to John Trumbull, 31 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recd your letter of the 3d of Octr, and yesterday (in very good order) the Prints you were so obliging as to send me; which are indeed very handsome, and much admired by those who have had the opportunity of passing a judgment on them. For this mark of your polite attention to me, I pray you to accept my sincere, & cordial thanks. When the whole are compleated they will form...
158080From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 4th Ulto, which I had the honor of addressing Congress—I informed them of the measures I had adopted for a cooperation with His Excellency the Count D’Estaing, in consequence of their Act and Favor of the 26 & 27 of the preceding month. Besides the measures which I then mentioned, several Others which appeared to me essential for the occasion—and which would be naturally...