101From 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...
102[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.
103[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.
104To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
My attention, for some time past, has been so completely engrossed, that notwithstanding my earnest wish to communicate with you upon several subjects, I could not without neglecting some urgent business devote any moments to that purpose. In truth, the stone, however near I may seem to get it to the summit of the mountain, is perpetually upon the recoil, and demands constant exertion and...
105[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.
106[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...
107To George Washington from Alexander Addison, 8 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
The other week the disputed line of the land you sold to Matthew Ritchie was run by Mr Morgan and another surveyor and settled by consent of Mr Reid who contended. There was very little difference between it and that last marked by Mr Morgan. An old line had been run probably a line of experiment and Reid had run his lines by it. The quantity may be considered as in Morgan’s survey. Some time...
108To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 8 November 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Elias Boudinot, 8 Nov. 1799. On 13 Nov. GW wrote Boudinot : “Your favour of the 8th instt was received by the last Mail to Alexand[ri]a.”
109From 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...
110[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 ).