1October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Thursday 1st. Exercised in my Carriage in the forenoon. The following company dined here to day. viz.— Mr. Read of the Senate, Colo. Bland and Mr. Madison of the House of Representatives—Mr. Osgood and his Lady Colo. Duer his Lady and Miss Brown Colo. Lewis Morris & Lady—Lady Christiana Griffin and her Daughter and Judge Duane & Mrs. Greene. Mr. Thomas Nelson joined my Family this day....
2[Diary entry: 1 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 1st. Exercised in my Carriage in the forenoon. The following company dined here to day. viz.— Mr. Read of the Senate, Colo. Bland and Mr. Madison of the House of Representatives—Mr. Osgood and his Lady Colo. Duer his Lady and Miss Brown Colo. Lewis Morris & Lady—Lady Christiana Griffin and her Daughter and Judge Duane & Mrs. Greene. Mr. Thomas Nelson joined my Family this day....
3[Diary entry: 2 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 2d. Dispatching Commissions &ca. as yesterday for the Judiciary. The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this evening were not numerous. Martha Washington held her levees, lasting about three hours, on Friday evenings at 8:00, and GW usually attended. “She gives Tea, Coffee, Cake, Lemonade & Ice Creams,” Abigail Adams noted. “The form of Reception is this, the servants announce & Col. Humphries...
4[Diary entry: 3 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 3d. Sat for Mr. Rammage near two hours to day, who was drawing a miniature Picture of me for Mrs. Washington. Walked in the Afternoon, and sat about two Oclock for Madam de Brehan to complete a Miniature profile of me which she had begun from Memory and which she had made exceedingly like the Original. John Rammage (1763–1802), a skilled miniature painter and silversmith, had been a...
5[Diary entry: 4 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 4th. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon. Spent the remainder of the day in writing private letters for tomorrows Post. St. Paul’s Chapel, opened in 1766, was one of two Protestant Episcopal chapels which had been established when Trinity Church needed additional parish facilities ( SMITH [4] Thomas E. V. Smith. The City of New York in the Year of Washington’s Inauguration, 1789 ....
6[Diary entry: 5 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Dispatched the Commissions to all the Judges of the Supreme and District Courts; & to the Marshalls and Attorneys and accompanied them with all the Acts respecting the Judiciary Department. Exercised on horse back between the Hours of 9 and 11 in the forenoon and between 5 and 6 in the Afternn. on foot. Had conversation with Colo. Hamilton on the propriety of my makg. a tour...
7[Diary entry: 6 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 6th. Exercised in a Carriage with Mrs. Washington in the forenoon. Conversed with Genl. Knox (Secretary at War) on the above tour who also recommended it accordingly. Signed Letters of Instructions to the Governor of the Western Territory respecting the situation of matters in that Quarter. And authorized him, in case the hostile disposition of the Indians was such as to make it...
8[Diary entry: 7 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 7th. Exercised on horseback; & called on the Vice President. In the afternoon walked an hour. Mr. Jay communicated the purpt. of the Instructions received by Sir John Temple British Consul from the Duke of Leeds Secretary for Foreign affairs—viz. Trade. How many foreign Vessels—of what Nations—whether from Europe or their Colonies. What Tonnage—whether any and what difference between...
9[Diary entry: 8 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 8th. Mr. Gardoqui took leave, proposing to embark to morrow for Spain. The following Company dined with Me to day. viz. The Vice-President his Lady & Son and her Niece with their Son in Law Colo. Smith & his Lady. Governor Clinton & his two eldest daughters—Mr. Dalton and his Lady their Son in law Mr. Dubois and his lady and their other three daughters. In the Evening the Count de...
10[Diary entry: 9 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 9th. Exercised on horse-back between the hours of 9 and 11. Visited in my rout the Gardens of Mr. Perry and Mr. Williamson. Received from the French Minister, in Person, official notice of his having recd. leave to return to his Court and intended embarkation—and the orders of his Court to make the following communication—viz.—That his Majesty was pleased at the Alteration which had...
11[Diary entry: 10 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 10th. Pursuant to an engagement formed on Thursday last—I set off about 9 Oclock in my Barge to Visit Mr. Prince’s fruit Gardens & shrubberies at Flushing on Long Island. The Vice President—Governor of the State, Mr. Izard, Colo. Smith and Majr. Jackson accompanied me. These Gardens except in the number of young fruit Trees did not answer my expectations—The shrubs were trifling and...
12[Diary entry: 11 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 11th. At home all day—writing private Letters.
13[Diary entry: 12 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 12th. Received the Compliments of the Count de Pentheve, commanding his most Christian Majestys Squadron in the harbour of Boston—these were sent by the Marquis de Traversy in the Active Frigate; who with all his Officers, were presented by the French Minister about One clock. A squadron of the French navy consisting of two ships of 74 guns and four frigates, under the command of Henri...
14[Diary entry: 13 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 13th. At two Oclock received the Address from the People called Quakers. A good many Gentlemen attended the Levee to day. the address : presumably a statement of support for GW by “the Religious Society called Quakers, from their Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania, NewJersey, and the western Parts of Virginia and Maryland” ( NHyF : Collection of Naval and Marine Manuscripts). The meeting...
15[Diary entry: 14 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 14th. Wrote several Letters to France and about 7 Oclock in the afternoon made an Informal visit (with Mrs. Washington) to the Count de Mostier and Madame de Brehan to take leave of them. Into the hands of the former I committed these letters—viz.—to the Count de Estaing—Count de Rochambeau—the Marqs. de la Fayette and the Marqs. de la Rouirie. Having resolved to write to Mr. Gouvr....
16[Diary entry: 15 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 15th. Commenced my Journey about 9 oclock for Boston and a tour through the Eastern States. The Chief Justice, Mr. Jay and the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments accompanied me some distance out of the City. About 10 Oclock it began to Rain, and continued to do so till 11, when we arrived at the house of one Hoyatt, who keeps a Tavern at Kings-bridge where we, that is...
17[Diary entry: 16 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 16th. About 7 Oclock we left the Widow Havilands, and after passing Horse Neck [Greenwich] Six Miles distant from Rye, the Road through which is hilly and immensely stoney and trying to Wheels & Carriages, we breakfasted at Stamford which is 6 miles further (at one Webbs) a tolerable good house, but not equal in appearance or reality, to Mrs. Havilds. In this Town are an Episcopal...
18[Diary entry: 17 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 17th. A little after Sun-rise we left Fairfield, & passing through Et. Fairfield breakfasted at Stratford, wch. is ten Miles from Fairfield, and is a pretty village on or near Stratford Rivr. The Road between these two places is not on the whole bad (for this Country)—in some places very gd. especially through Et. Fairfield wch. is in a plain, and free from Stone. There are two decent...
19[Diary entry: 18 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 18th. Went in the forenoon to the Episcopal Church and in the afternoon to one of the Congregational Meeting Houses—attended to the first by the Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Edwards, & a Mr. Ingersoll, and to the latter by the Governor, the Lieutt. Governor, the Mayor & Speaker. These Gentlemen all dined with me (by Invitation) as did Genl. Huntington, at the House of Mr. Brown, where I...
20[Diary entry: 19 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Left New haven at 6 oclock, and arrived at Wallingford (13 Miles) by half after 8 oclock, where we breakfasted and took a walk through the Town. In coming to it we passed thro East haven about mid way; after riding along the river of that name 6 Miles on which are extensive Marshes Now loaded with hay stacks—the ride is very pleasant, but the Road is Sandy which it continues to be...
21[Diary entry: 20 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 20th. After breakfast, accompanied by Colo. Wadsworth, Mr. Ellsworth and Colo. Jesse Root, I viewed the Woolen Manufactury at this place which seems to be going on with Spirit. There Broadcloths are not of the first quality, as yet, but they are good; as are their Coatings, Cassimers, Serges and everlastings. Of the first that is broad-cloth I ordered a suit to be sent to me at New...
22[Diary entry: 21 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 21st. By promise I was to have Breakfasted at Mr. Ellsworths at Windsor on my way to Springfield, but the Morning proving very wet and the rain not ceasing till past 10 Oclock I did not set out till half after that hour; I called however on Mr. Ellsworth and stay’d there near an hour. Reached Springfield by 4 Oclock, and while dinner was getting, examined the Continental Stores at...
23[Diary entry: 22 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 22d. Set out at 7 Oclock; and for the first 8 Miles rid over an almost uninhabited Pine plain; much mixed with Sand. Then a little before the road descends to Chicabi River it is hilly, Rocky & Steep, & continues so for several Miles; the Country being Stony and Barren; with a mixture of Pine and Oak till we came to Palmer, at the House of one Scott where we breakfasted, and where the...
24[Diary entry: 23 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 23d. Commenced our course with the Sun, and passing through Leicester met some Gentlemen of the Town of Worcester on the line between it and the former to escort us. Arrived about 10 Oclock at the House of where we breakfasted—distant from Spencer 12 Miles. Here we were received by a handsome Company of Militia Artillery in Uniform who saluted with 13 Guns on our Entry & departure. At...
25[Diary entry: 24 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 24th. Dressed by Seven Oclock, and set out at eight. At ten we arrived in Cambridge According to appointment; but most of the Militia having a distance to come were not in line till after eleven; they made however an excellent appearance with Genl. Brook at their Head. At this place the Lieutt. Govr. Mr. Saml. Adams, with the Executive Council met me and preceeded my entrance into...
26[Diary entry: 25 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 25th. Attended Divine Service at the Episcopal Church whereof Doctor Parker is the Incumbent in the forenoon, and the Congregational Church of Mr. Thatcher in the Afternoon. Dined at my Lodgings with the Vice President. Mr. Bowdoin accompanied me to both Churches. Between the two I received a visit from the Govr., who assured me that Indisposition alone had prevented his doing it...
27[Diary entry: 26 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 26th. The day being Rainy & Stormy—myself much disordered by a Cold and inflamation in the left eye, I was prevented from visiting Lexington (where the first blood in the dispute with G. Britn.) was drawn. Recd. the Complimts. of many visits to day. Mr. Da⟨l⟩ton and Genl. Cobb dined with me and in the Evening I drank Tea with Govr. Hancock & called upon Mr. Bowdoin on my return to my...
28[Diary entry: 27 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 27th. At 10 Oclock in the Morning received the Visits of the Clergy of the Town—at 11 went to an Oratorio and between that and 3 Oclock recd. the Addresses of the Governor and Council—of the Town of Boston; of the President &ca. of Harvard College; and of the Cincinnati of the State; after wch., at 3 Oclock, I dined at a large & elegant dinner at Fanuiel Hall, given by the Govr. and...
29[Diary entry: 28 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 28th. Went after an early breakfast to visit the duck Manufacture which appeared to be carrying on with spirit, and is in a prosperous way. They have manufactured 32 pieces of Duck of 39 or 40 yds. each in a week; and expect in a short time to encrease it to . They have 28 looms at work & 14 Girls spinning with Both hands (the flax being fastened to their waste). Children (girls)...
30[Diary entry: 29 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 29th. Left Boston about 8 Oclock. Passed over the Bridge at Charles Town and went to see that at Malden, but proceeded to the college at Cambridge, attended by the Vice President, Mr. Bowdoin, and a great number of Gentlemen: at this place I was shewn by Mr. Willard the President the Philosophical Aparatus and amongst others Popes Orary (a curious piece of Mechanism for shewing the...
31[Diary entry: 30 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 30th. A Little after 8 Oclock I set out for Newbury-Port and in less than 2 Miles crossed the Bridge between Salem and Beverly, which makes a handsome appearance, and is upon the same plan of those over Charles & Mistick Rivers; excepting that it has not foot ways as that of the former has. The length of this bridge is 1530 feet and was built for about £4500 lawful money—a price...
32[Diary entry: 31 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 31st. Left Newbury-port a little after 8 Oclock (first breakfasting with Mr. Dalton) and to avoid a wider ferry—more inconvenient boats—and a piece of heavy Sand, we crossed the River at Salisbury two Miles above; and near that further about—and in three Miles came to the Line wch. divides the State of Massachusetts from that of New Hampshire. Here I took leave of Mr. Dalton and many...
33[November 1789] (Washington Papers)
November 1st. Attended by the President of the State (Genl. Sullivan) Mr. Langdon, & the Marshall; I went in the fore Noon to the Episcopal Church under the incumbency of a Mr. Ogden and in the Afternoon to one of the Presbeterian or Congregational Churches in which a Mr. Buckminster Preached. Dined at home with the Marshall and spent the afternoon in my own room writing letters. Rev. John...
34[Diary entry: 1 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
November 1st. Attended by the President of the State (Genl. Sullivan) Mr. Langdon, & the Marshall; I went in the fore Noon to the Episcopal Church under the incumbency of a Mr. Ogden and in the Afternoon to one of the Presbeterian or Congregational Churches in which a Mr. Buckminster Preached. Dined at home with the Marshall and spent the afternoon in my own room writing letters. Rev. John...
35[Diary entry: 2 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 2d. Having made previous preparations for it—About 8 Oclock attended by the President, Mr. Langden & some other Gentlemen, I went in a boat to view the harbour of Portsmouth; which is well secured against all Winds; and from its narrow entrance from the Sea, and passage up to the Town, may be perfectly guarded against any approach by water. The anchorage is also good & the Shipping may...
36[Diary entry: 3 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 3d. Sat two hours in the forenoon for a Mr. Painter of Boston, at the Request of Mr. Brick of that place; who wrote Majr. Jackson that it was an earnest desire of many of the Inhabitants of that Town that he might be endulged. After this setting I called upon President Sullivan, and the Mother of Mr. Lear and having walked through most parts of the Town, returned by 12 Oclock when I...
37[Diary entry: 4 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 4th. About half after seven I left Portsmouth, quietly & without any attendance, having earnestly entreated that all parade & ceremony might be avoided on my return. Before ten I reached Exeter 14 Miles distance. This is considered as the 2d. Town in New-Hampshire and stands at the head of the tide water of Piscataqua River but Ships of 3 or 400 Tonns are built at it. Above (but in...
38[Diary entry: 5 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 5th. About Sun rise I set out, crossing the Merimack River at the Town over to the Township of Bradford and in nine Miles came to Abbots Tavern in Andover where we breakfasted, and met with much attention from Mr. Philips President of the Senate of Massachusetts, who accompanied us thro’ Bellarika [Billerica] to Lexington, where I dined, and viewed the Spot on which the first blood...
39[Diary entry: 6 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 6th. A little after Seven oclock, under great appearances of Rain or Snow, we left Watertown, and Passing through Needham (five Miles therefrom) breakfasted at Sherburn which is 14 Miles from the former. Then passing through Holliston 5 Miles, Milford 6 More, Menden 4 More, and Uxbridge 6 More, we lodged at one Tafts 1 Miles further; the whole distance of this days travel being 36...
40[Diary entry: 7 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 7th. Left Tafts before Sunrise, and passing through Douglas wood breakfasted at one Jacobs in Thompson 12 Miles’ distant—not a good House. Bated the Horses in Pomfret at Colo. Grosveners, distant 11 Miles from Jacobs and Lodged at Squire Perkins in Ashford (called 10 Miles, but must be 12). The first Stage with a small exception is intolerable bad Road, & a poor and uncultivated...
41[Diary entry: 8 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 8th. It being contrary to Law & disagreeable to the People of this State (Connecticut) to travel on the Sabbath day and my horses after passing through such intolerable Roads wanting rest, I stayed at Perkins’s Tavern (which by the bye is not a good one) all day—and a meeting House being with in a few rod of the Door, I attended Morning & evening Service, and heard very lame discourses...
42[Diary entry: 9 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 9th. Set out about 7 Oclock and for the first 24 Miles had hilly, rocky and disagreeable Roads. The remaining 10 was level and good, but in places Sandy. Arrived at Hartford a little before four. We passed through Mansfield (which is a very hilly Country and the Township in which they make the greatest qty. of Silk of any in the State) and breakfasted at one Brighams in Coventry....
43[Diary entry: 10 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 10th. Left Hartford about 7 Oclock & took the Middle Road (instead of the one through Middleton which I went). Breakfasted at Worthington in the Township of Berlin, at the House of one Fuller. Bated at Smiths on the plains of Wallingford 13 Miles from Fullers, which is the distance Fullers is from Hartford—and got into New Haven which is 13 Miles more, about half an hour before...
44[Diary entry: 11 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 11th. Set out about Sunrise, and took the upper Road to Milford, it being shorter than the lower one through West haven. Breakfasted at the former—Bated at Fairfield and dined and lodged at a Majr. Marvins 9 Miles further; which is not a good House, though the People of it were disposed to do all they cou’d to accomodate me. Ozias Marvin’s tavern was located “on the Westport-Norwalk...
45[Diary entry: 12 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 12th. A little before Sunrise we left Marvins and breakfasting at Stamford 13 Miles distant, reached the Widow Havilands 12 Miles further; where, on acct. of some lame horses, we remained all Night. The badness of these Rds. having been described as I went, I shall say nothing of them now.
46[Diary entry: 13 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Friday 13th. Left Mrs. Havilands as soon as we could see the Road and breakfasted at Hoyets Tavern this side Kings-bridge and between two and three Oclock arrived at my House at New York where I found Mrs. Washington and the rest of the family all well. And its being Mrs. Washington’s Night to receive visits a pretty large Company of Ladies and Gentlemen were present.
47[Diary entry: 14 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 14th. At home all day—except taking a Walk round the Battery in the Afternoon. At 4 Oclock received and answered an Address from the President & Corporation of Dartmouth College and about Noon sundry visits.
48[Diary entry: 15 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 15th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon and after returning from thence was visited by Majr. Butler Majr. Meridith and Mr. Smith So. Cara. Received an Invitation to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Roosevelt (the wife of a Senator of this State) but declined complying with it—first because the propriety of accepting any invitation of this sort appeared very questionable and secondly...
49[Diary entry: 16 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 16th. The Commissioners, who had returned from the proposed Treaty with the Creek Indians before me, to this City dined with me to day, as did their Secretary Colo. Franks and young Mr. Lincoln who accompanied them. During the summer of 1789 an increasing stream of reports came from state officials and frontier settlers telling of Indian attacks by war parties from southern tribes,...
50[Diary entry: 17 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 17th. The Visitors at the Levee to day, were numerous.