To George Washington from Joseph Dashiell, 26 February 1785
From Joseph Dashiell
Worcester County Maryland Feby 26th 178⟨5⟩
Sir
In consequence of my promise when at Annapolis1 I have the Honour to inform you that the price of Lumber is much Higher with us this winter than usual, On acct its being remarkably dry, Many of our Mills not having water to cut more than half their usual quantity: shingles appear to be (from reasons I cannot account for) kept up in Proportion with plank.
I have thought proper to Insert the prices current at this time, for the articles inserted below.
If you should stand in need of any of the Articles here Mentioned, and cannot furnish them on better terms shall be glad to serve you, in forwarding a complyance with Any Bill you may send over.2 I am Dear Sir with much Esteem your Very Hubl. Servt
Joseph Dashiell
ALS, DLC:GW.
Joseph Dashiell (1736–c.1787) was a planter and millowner at Wicomoco Hundred, Worcester County, Maryland.
1. Dashiell was a member of the lower house of the Maryland legislature, which was in session in Annapolis when GW met with the Maryland commissioners at Annapolis in December 1784 to facilitate the passage of the Potomac River bill.
2. Dashiell made the following notations at the bottom of his letter:
| “18 Inch Shingles | ¾ thick at 27/6 ⅌ | M |
| Inch Boards from | 90/ to 100/ ⅌ | do. |
| 1¼ Inch do | 130/ to 150/ ⅌ | do. |
| 1½ do do | 150/ to 160/ ⅌ | [do] |
Scantling of all kinds at superficial Measure at the prices of Inch boards the freight to your quarter is Generally one fourth and one dollar ⅌ thousand for Shingles. J. D.”
It has not been determined whether GW bought lumber at this time from Dashiell, but on 21 June 1786 GW wrote him to inquire about the price of lumber.