51[Diary entry: 22 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
22. Morning a little lowering & raw, with appearances of Snow. Mer. at 41 and Wind Southerly. Clear afternoon & calm. Colo. Carrington & Lady came in the afternn. Lt. Col. Edward Carrington was married to Elizabeth Jaquelin Ambler Brent (1765–1842), daughter of Jaquelin Ambler (1742–1798) and Mary Burwell Ambler. She was the widow of William Brent, Jr. (c.1755–1785), son of William Brent...
52From George Washington to Benjamin Goodhue, 22 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 3d of Octr never came to my hands until last night. ⟨On⟩ hearing that Captn Hammond had arrived at Alexandria, I shall send up for the Fish, and pay him the cost of them—nine dollars. For your kind recollection of my want of this article, I thank you. They came very opportunely; and just as I was thinking of writing to you for a fresh supply. Without expressing any opinion...
53[Diary entry: 21 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
21. Morning perfectly clear & calm. A remarkably white hoar frost and Mer. at 30—but little wind all day. Mer. 41 at Night. Mrs. Stuart and the two eldest Miss Stuarts came here to dinner.
54[Diary entry: 20 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
20. Morning clear & cold. Wind at No. Wt. and Ice. Mer. at 27. Calm in the afternoon & Mer. 34 at Night. Mr. McCarty went away after breakfast and Mrs. Summers—Midwife for Mrs. Lewis came here abt. 3 Oclk.
55From George Washington to Charles Little, 20 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
The week before the last, I went up to Difficult Run to Survey a small tract of land which I hold thereon, at the Bridge; and to view a lot (No. 10) which Mr Jno. Gill, late of Alexandria, purchased as part of the land formerly belonging to the Earl of Tankerville, and which he (Gill) had offered to me in discharge of a demand I had upon him. I was plagued, and indeed unable to find, either...
56From George Washington to William Price, 20 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 15th instant, in answer to my letters of the 7th & 8th, addressed to the Surveyor General of the Land Office (wch proves the necessity there was for my plea of ignorance) came duly to hand; with the Land Office Treasury Warrant; for your obliging attention to which, I pray you to accept my thanks. Perceiving by your letter that Willm Shepherd has made a Survey, & returned it...
57From George Washington to Samuel Sommers, 20 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your letter, and the information of Mr Rawlins, I sent to Richmond and obtained the enclosed warrant—With which (in the absence of Colo. Payne) I pray you to do what will be necessary to give it legal and proper effect and advise me thereof by a line lodged in the Post Office as the most certain mode of getting it to hand. You will perceive that the Warrant is for 100 Acres...
58From George Washington to William Thornton, 20 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you the other day, I expected to have settled matters with the Bk of Alexandria so as to have been enabled to have sent you, for Mr Blagdens use, a check thereon for $1000—But not being well enough acquainted with the rules of the Bank, I suffered what are called discount days, to pass over before I applied; for which reason the business there must remain over until after...
59[Diary entry: 19 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
19. Morning clear & wind fresh & cold from No. Wt. Mer. at 40—at highest 46 and at Night 33.
60[Diary entry: 18 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
18. Morning clear with the Wind very fresh from the Southward and Mer. at 48. Cloudy afterwards, with Rain from No. Wt. abt. 3 or 4 oclock. Mer. 58 at highest and 50 at Night.
61From George Washington to William Thornton, 18 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th inst: came duly to hand. I am now making arrangements at the Bank of Alexandria for obtaining money. When this is accomplished, I will forward a check, on that Bank, for the $1000 required by Mr Blagden, & hope it will be in time to answer his purposes. I have no objection to Mr Blagden’s frequent calls for money; but I fear the work which is not ennumerated in the...
62From George Washington to Ralph Wormeley, Jr., 18 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 3d Instant came duly to hand. Whence the Report of my visiting Norfolk could have arisen, I know not. From any intention of mine it did not, for nothing was ever more foreign from them. I have never been farther from home since I left the Chair of Government, than the Federal City except when I was called to Philadelphia by the Secretary of War—and that distance, I am...
63[Diary entry: 17 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
17. A very heavy & thick fog—morning calm, & Mer. at 41. About 2 oclock the Sun came out and the afternoon was pleasant. Went to Church in Alexandria & dined with Mr. Fitzhugh. On my return fd. young Mr. McCarty here on his way back from the Federal City. Young McCarty came to Dinr.
64From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your confidential and interesting letter of the 10th instant, came duly, and safely to hand. With the contents of which I have been stricken dumb; and I believe it is better that I should remain mute than to express any sentiment on the important matters which are related therein. I have, for sometime past, viewed the political concerns of the United States with an anxious, and painful eye....
65[Diary entry: 16 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
16. Clear & calm all day. Mer. at 42 in the morning & 52 at Night. Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon on a visit to sick people.
66From George Washington to Thomas Parker, 16 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
By Colo. Lear, I am informed that you have a journey to the Western Country in contemplation. In consequence, and on the presumption that you will accomplish your intention, I take the liberty of requesting (if you go by the way of Pittsburgh, especially) that you would do me the favour of making the following enquiries, & reporting the result on your return. First, what is the supposed value...
67[Diary entry: 15 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
15. Morning very smoaky—but little wind and Mer. at 39. Calm all day. Rode to visit Mr. now Lord Fairfax who was just got home from a Trip to England. Retd. to dinner. While in England, Bryan Fairfax applied for certification as eighth Baron Fairfax of Cameron, succeeding his deceased cousin Robert Fairfax (d. 1793), seventh Baron Fairfax of Cameron. In May 1800 his claim was accepted by the...
68[Diary entry: 14 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
14. Morning foggy—or rather Smoaky. Wind (tho’ but little of it) Southerly and Mer. at 40. About 9 it came out at No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh. Mr. Valangen came to dinner & stayed all night.
69[Diary entry: 13 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
13. Morning clear—Wind at No. W. and Mer. 36. Clear all day & Wind fresh, but not cold. Mer. 42 at N.
70From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 13 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed Invoice & Bill of Lading, that two Pipes of old Madeira Wine, & two Boxes of Citron have been Shipped by Charles Alder and Co. for my use, on Board the Ship Lavinia, James Cook Masr, bound for Philadelphia. As the original letter, enclosing these papers, has been received (via Philadelphia) It is presumed that the Wine is safe in that Port. I have to request...
71From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 13 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 8th instt was received by the last Mail to Alexand[ri]a. At the sametime, a letter from the House of Alder & Co. came to hand, announcing his shipment of two Pipes of Old Madeira Wine, on my account, on Board the Lavinia Captn James Cook, by Direction of Mr Pintard, for Philadelphia. Presuming on the arrival of it at that Port, I have requested Colon[e]l Clem: Biddle to pay...
72[Diary entry: 12 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
12. It rained a little in the Night & this Morning. Mer. at 50—But the Wind getting to No. Wt. it turned cold but did not clear (although it ceased raining about 10 Oclock), until afternoon. Mer. 42 at Night.
73From George Washington to Alexandria General Assemblies Managers, 12 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington and myself have been honoured with your polite invitation to the Assemblies in Alexandria, this Winter; and thank you for this mark of your attention. But alas! our dancing days are no more; we wish, however, all those whose relish for so agreeable, & innocent an amusement, all the pleasure the Season will afford them. and I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedient and Obliged Humble...
74From George Washington to John Gill, 12 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from Difficult-Run, whither I went to examine your land, and to see how it was situated in connexion with mine, to ascertain the quantity in the part you had offered to me, Its quality—&c. When you proposed to reserve all that part of lot No. 10 which lyes on the East side of Difficult run, I presume you were unacquainted with three circumstances attending it—1st, that you...
75[Diary entry: 11 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
11. Morning a little lowering & wind Southerly. Mer. 55 at Night. The Gentlemen above mentioned went away after breakft.
76[Diary entry: 10 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
10. Still remarkably fine, clear & pleasant; Wind Southerly; Returned home about Noon. Mr. Law, Mr. Barry Mr. White & Doctr. Thornton came to Dinner & stayed all Night. Mer. 55 at Night.
77[Diary entry: 9 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
9. Morning & whole day clear warm & pleasant. Set out a little after 8 Oclock. Viewed my building in the Fedl. City. Dined at Mr. Laws & lodged at Mr. Thos. Peter’s.
78[Diary entry: 8 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
8. Morning very heavy and about 9 oclock it commenced Raining which it continued to do steadily through the day—notwithstanding which I proceed to ascertain by actual measurement the qualities. This being finished betwn. 12 & 1 oclock I returned to Wiley’s Tavern & stayed there the remainder of the day. the qualities : GW was unimpressed by Gill’s land. The 85 acres Gill specifically was...
79From George Washington to William Price, 8 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the enclosed, I have discovered that a Mr William Shepherd who was with me on the Survey, and who has acted a very disingenuous part upon the occasion, either has made, or pretends to have made, an Entry of the Vacancy (if there be such) which I have therein requested you to enter on my behalf, of land always reputed, and believed by the Neighbours, to be mine. I therefore...
80[Diary entry: 7 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
7. Weather remarkably fine. Finished Surveying my own Tract & the Land belonging to Gill—returning, as the Night before to Wileys Tavern. John Gill’s land lay on both sides of Difficult Run near the bridge. For this surveying GW brought along a surveyor and several local residents to help find old boundary markers ( GW to John Gill, 12 Nov. 1799 , DLC:GW ).
81From George Washington to William Price, 7 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
I came from Mount Vernon to this place in order to run out some land which I hold in this County, near this place. In doing which, I have discovered—or think I have discovered—some vacant land between my lines, the lines of the late Thomas Lord Fairfax, and those commonly called Tankervilles; now in the occupation of others; to whom they were sold by his Agent. Having been but little in this...
82[Diary entry: 6 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
6. Set out from thence after 8 Oclk. being detained by sprinkling Rain, & much appearance of it until that hour. Reached Wiley’s Tavern near Difficult Bridge to Breakfast and then proceeded to Survey my own Land. The day clearing & the weather becoming pleasant. wiley’s tavern : James Wiley was licensed by Fairfax County to keep a tavern from as early as 1790 until at least the second decade...
83[Diary entry: 5 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
5th. Morning and the whole day calm—clear & pleasant. Set out on a trip to Difficult-run to view some Land I had there & some belonging to Mr. Jno. Gill who had offered it to me in discharge of Rent which he was owing me. Dined at Mr. Nicholas Fitzhughs and lodged at Mr. Corbin Washingtons. difficult-run : On his 15 Oct. visit John Gill offered to sign over some of his own land on Difficult...
84From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of General Hamilton, that I would give instructions for having the eighth, ninth and tenth Regiments of Infantry provided with Winter Quarters, which it was very desireable should be at Harper’s Ferry, I have departed from the resolution which I had formed, not to take charge of any military operations, unless the Army should be called into the Field, so far as to Order...
85[Diary entry: 4 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
4th. Morning clear—Wind (though but little of it) No. Wt. and Mer. 34. A very large & white frost—remarkably clear & fine all day and nearly calm. Mer. 50 at Night. A Mr. Teakle from Accomack County dined here & returned as did Doctr. Craik. Mr. Lear returned from Berkeley. mr. teakle : There were several families named Teackle in Accomack County. This is probably either John Teackle of...
86[Diary entry: 3 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
3. Morning Cloudy. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 42. Clear Evening. Mer. at 42. Mr. Valangin came to dinner.
87From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 3 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your private & confidential letter of the 24th Ulto came duly, and safely to hand. Its contents, I confess, surprised me. But as men will view the same things in different lights, I would now , fain hope that the P——has caught the true one; and, that good will come from the Mission, which is about to depart. These are my wishes, and no one is more ardent in them; but I see nothing in the...
88From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the ⟨ illegible ⟩d inst. from New Port, came duly to hand, and gave Mrs Washington (who continues to be much indisposed but ⟨hopes soon to be⟩ well again) and myself much pleasure to hear of Mrs Pinckney⟨’s⟩ encreasing health. A little time ⟨ illegible the⟩ fine settled weather we enjoy at present, will, we hope, restore it entirely. The Rout from Trenton, or Philadelphia to...
89[Diary entry: 2 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
2. Morning clear. Mer. at 45. Wind at So. Wt. Afternoon a little hazy with indications of Rain. Mr. Jno. Fairfax (formerly an overseer of mine) came here before dinner and stayed all Night. John Fairfax resigned from GW’s employ in Dec. 1790 and settled in Monongalia County, where he became a justice of the peace in 1794 and later represented that county in the Virginia House of Delegates...
90From George Washington to Leven Powell, 2 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that you have in use, a cutting box upon a New Construction; which, in execution, far exceeds the common kind; and is also simple in its works. If this be the case, and you entirely approve of the Machine, I would thank you for procuring (as soon as may be) one of the best sort; and causing it to be forwarded to Colo. Gilpin in Alexandria, for me. The cost, & charges, shall be...
91[Diary entry: 1 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
1. Morning clear. A little breeze from the northward. Mer. at 55. Clear all day, & calm in the Afternoon. Mr. Craik went away after Breakfast. Mer. 49 at Night.
92From George Washington to Allyn Prior, 1 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th Ulto came to my hands yesterday afternoon. As I propose, next Spring to have my lands on the Ohio critically examined by a Person in whose integrity ⟨and⟩ judgment I can confide, I am indifferent with respect to the sale of any of them, at this time, especially of that tract on Mill Creek which I conceive must be particularly fine, or possessing some valuable...
93October [1799] (Washington Papers)
1. Morning a little lowering. Mer. at 55 and air from the No. West. Clear afterwards. Mer. 65 at high. Mrs. Fairfax sister & daughter and Mrs. Herbert & Mrs. Nelson—Mr. Jno. Herbert & two of Mrs. Washington of Fairfields Sons dined here. Mrs. Fairfax &ca. went away after dinner—the others remained. Mrs. Herbert was Sarah (Mrs. William) Herbert, mother of the John Carlyle Herbert mentioned...
94[Diary entry: 31 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
31. Clear morning—wind at So. Et. & Mer. at 48. Afterwards the wind got to So. Wt. & blew pretty fresh. Mer. 56 at Night. Colo. Griffen & Mr. Law went away after breakfast and Mr. William Craik came here in the Afternn.
95[Diary entry: 30 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
30. Morning again clear & calm, Mer. at 43. Calm all day, and Mer. 50 at Night.
96[Diary entry: 29 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
29. Morning perfectly clear and Calm. Mer. at 44. Extremely pleasant all day. Mer. 52 at Night. Colo. Griffen Mr. Law and a Mr. Valangin (an Engh. Gentleman introduced by Mr. Barthw. Dandridge). The latter went away afterwards. Charles W. Valangin, the son of Dr. de Valangin of London, came to the United States with the intention of making it his permanent residence. He planned to travel...
97From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 29 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th instant has been duly received, and this letter will be handed to you by Mr Lawe Lewis, to whom I have rented my Mill & Distillery, and who comes into your parts to see if he can procure (on reasonable terms) grain with which to keep them employed. Your advice and aid in enabling him to obtain these would be serviceable to him, & obliging to me. Mr Lewis is a cautious...
98[Diary entry: 28 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
28. Morning very cloudy with the wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 52. Clear afterwards and Mer. at 53. A Mr. Ridout an English Gentleman and his Lady dined here as did Mr. G. W. Craik. Mr. Lear set out for Harpers Ferry to make some arrangement with Colo. Parker respecting Cantoning the Troops. Col. Thomas Parker (d. 1820) was in charge of establishing the winter quarters for three of the new United...
99From George Washington to Benjamin Ogle, 28 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
It having been determined to station three Regiments of the United States Troops at Harper’s Ferry, orders were given to provide huts there for their winter Quarters; but, from the Report of Colo. Parker, the Officer to whom this business was committed, it appears impracticable to provide the materials, in due season, to build the huts at that place. It therefore becomes necessary to procure...
100From George Washington to Thomas Parker, 28 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Parker, 28 Oct. 1799. On 31 Oct. Parker wrote : “I last evening Received your letters of the 26th 27th & 28th Instant.”