From George Washington to William Hamilton, 15 January 1784
To William Hamilton
Mount Vernon 15th Jan. 1784.
Sir,
If I recollect right, I heard you say when I had the pleasure of seeing you in Philadelphia, that you were about a Floor composed of a Cement which was to answer the purpose of Flagstones or Tiles, and that you proposed to variegate the colour of the squares in the manner of the former.
As I have a long open Gallery in Front of my House to which I want to give a Stone, or some other kind of Floor which will stand the weather; I would thank you for information respecting the Success of your experiment—with such directions and observations (if you think the method will answer) as would enable me to execute my purpose. If any of the component parts are scarce & expensive, please to note it, & where they are to be obtained—& whether all seasons will do for the admixture of the Composition.1
I will make no apology for the liberty I take by this request, as I persuade myself you will not think it much trouble to comply with it. I am Sir Yr most obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, PWacD: Sol Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP; LB, DLC:GW.
William Hamilton (1745–1813), of Woodlands, an estate near Philadelphia, was a noted horticulturalist with whom GW became friendly when he was in Philadelphia in 1774.
1. GW had extensive correspondence about the flooring for the gallery across the front of his house. See particularly GW to Clement Biddle, 17 Jan., 10 Mar. 1784; William Hamilton to GW, 20 Feb. 1784; GW to William Hamilton, 6 April 1784; GW to John Rumney, Jr., 3 July 1784, 22 June 1785, 18 Nov. 1785, 15 May 1786, 5 June 1786; John Rumney, Jr., to GW, 8 Sept. 1784, 9 Feb. 1785, 3 July 1785, 5 Sept. 1785, 16 April 1786; and Robinson, Sanderson, & Rumney to GW, 28 Jan. 1786.