101Farm Reports: Statement of Crops for 1789 (Washington Papers)
AD , DLC:GW . For background to this document, see Farm Reports, 6–12 Dec. 1789, source note . A balk is a ridge or strip of ground left unplowed as a boundary between two furrows. Root of scarcity ( Beta vulgaris or mangel-wurzel) is a coarse beet grown primarily as cattle fodder. For additional information on GW’s cultivation of this plant, see Diaries Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds....
102To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 25 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 13th Current did not come to hand till the day before Yesterday, I fear I shall fail in geting you the Poland Oat —some have been Offered, but they were so much degenerated that they Appeared no better than the Common Oat, & the price 25 ⅌ Ct higher I have procured 200 Bushels of the Common Oat of the best Quality & well Cleaned & You may send for them or any part you Want,...
103To George Washington from Alexander White, 24 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th instant a bill passed the House of Representatives appropriating 200,000 dols. for compleating the Public Buildings in the City of Washington, and on the 21st having been twice read in the Senate was committed to Lloyd[,] Tazewell, Stockton, Sedgwick and Goodhue —I attended them on Friday Morning—no resolution was agreed to or proposed, but appearances were less favourable than I...
104[Diary entry: 25 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
25. Dined at the Palace & attended a Committee of the Association at Hayes. Spent the Eveng. there. A general meeting of the Virginia nonimportation association had been held in Williamsburg 22 May, and a committee of 20 gentlemen, including GW, had been appointed to revise the agreement that the associators had signed the previous year ( Va. Gaz. , R, 3 May 1770; carter [3] Jack P. Greene,...
105General Orders, 21 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Patterson[,] Lieutenant Colonels Littlefield[,] Olney[,] Brigade Major Oliver. For Guard[:] Major Leavensworth The regimental Paymasters will bring their Payrolls and Abstracts made up to the 1st Instant to the Deputy Paymaster General for Examination They will also call on him for the amount of the Pay and subsistence for the respective...
106[Diary entry: 4 March 1760] (Washington Papers)
4. High Westerly Wind—clear & cool.
107From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed came to my hands by the last Post. The Enemy have been very busy since their return from the Jerseys in Imbarking Troops—Nine Regiments are compleated to their full establishment by drafts from some others which are reduced, & these I am perswaded are destined for the West Indies—Whether the rest of the Troops will remain in New York—return to England—or go to Hallifax is yet...
108Cash Accounts, August 1759 (Washington Papers)
Cash Augt 9— To Cash of Sampson Darrel for the Rent of Mrs Gists Pl[antatio]n £6. 1.8 10— To Ditto of Mr F. Lewis for 2 Hhds Tobo at Dixon’s WareHo. 38. 3.6 To ditto of Captn Posey Maryland Curry 1. 1.6 27— To ditto of Mrs Manley —Carpenter’s Work 8. 7.6 To ditto for Wool 0. 6.0 *To ditto of Colo. Carlyle for the use of my Horse 0.10.0 To ditto Smithwork of R. Scott pd by Mr Clifton 0. 2.6 To...
109Acct. of the Weather in Decr. [1774] (Washington Papers)
Decr. 1st. Clear and pleasant, with but little Wind and that Southerly. 2. Cool & frosty in the Morning but very pleasant afterwards with but little Wind & that South. 3. Clear & calm in the forenoon but lowering afterwards. Wind blowing fresh from So. Wt. 4. Lowering Morning but Warm. Clear afterwards. Wind still Southerly. 5. Wind in the same place & Warm. Abt. Noon Cloudy with a few drops...
110From George Washington to James Gildart, 3 April 1761 (Washington Papers)
Several of your favours now lye before me, but the last of Novr 9th I shall particularly take notice of —with astonishment then did I receive the Account of Sales of that Hhd Tobo pr the Everton where only £8.4.1¼ is renderd for it at the sametime that Mr Cary was selling the like Tobo at £17 & 18£ a Hhd. As to the exceptions which for two or three years past you have made to the quality of...
111To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 26 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
I recd Your Letter from Augusta & observe its Contents —the Behaviour of the Militia is very unaccountable, & am convinc’d they are under no Command; I order’d Part of the Militia to the Frontiers & there to remain till reliev’d by others, which I propos’d shou’d be done in a monthly manner, & so to be continued by a proper Rotation, instead thereof they go & come at their own Pleasure, & many...
112From George Washington to Heintz, 21 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
As soon as I had the honor of receiving your Letter containing a proposal of the order of the Knights of Divine Providence; I referred the subject of it to the decision of Congress, in my letter to that august Body dated the 28th of August last, a copy of which is enclosed. Whereupon the United States in Congress assembled, were pleased to pass their Act of the 5th Inst: which is properly...
113Instructions to John Goddard, 9 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Df , in Joseph Reed’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The draft includes the heading “Instructions for the Waggon Master Genl.” Neither the draft nor the Varick transcript has a dateline, but it is probable that these instructions were given to Goddard about the time of his appointment as wagon master general. See General Orders, this date .
114To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Steuben, 27 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Steuben, 27 June 1779. GW wrote Steuben on 1 July: “I have been favoured with four letters from you three of the 22d and one of the 27th.”
115To George Washington from Colonel Henry Jackson, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I receivd a note from Colonel Harrison this morning desireing I would State to your Excellency in writeg the complaint I yesterday made against Brig. General Stark. My principal Complaint against him is, that he has discharged a man from my Regiment who had at the time of his discha[r]ge more than twelve months to serve, and this without my knowledge altho present in Camp or a certificate from...
116[Diary entry: 18 September 1773] (Washington Papers)
18. Went to a Barbicue of my own giving at Accotinck. Mr. Robt. Alexander & his Bror. George came home with me.
117From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been obliged to make so large a temporary detachment, that it becomes indispensibly necessary to call in the Recruits from the States nearest at hand. You will therefore be pleased to dispatch orders to the superintending Officers to send forward, to the Army, such as may have come in to the places of rendezvous, and to exert themselves to collect and send in any which may yet be...
118To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secry of the Treasury presents his respects to The President. He finds it will be impracticable for him without injury to the public service to leave town on Monday , but he will do it the day after & overtake the President. However he begs leave to inform the President that from the information received, there is no prospect of a pretty general assembling of the Pennsylvania & N. Jersey...
119To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hubley, Jr., 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the resighnation of Colo: Hartley of the 11th Pennsya Regt—I, as eldest Lieut. Colo: of the line, considered myself, intitled to the same, and accordingly, wrote to the Hone the Executive Council of the State of Pennsya, requesting they would, recommend me to the Board of War, and procure the Appointment to which I was intitled. The Council, in consequence of a certificate sign’d by Genl St...
120From George Washington to Thomas Parker, 28 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from General Hamilton, enclosing the one I now forwd to you, I am requested to change, or modulate his directions to you, in any manner which to me shall appear most conducive to the Public Service. His directions comport with my ideas; but I shall be more pointed in drawing your attention to the Site at, or as near, as one can possibly be obtained, to the Arsenal which is...
121To George Washington from William Fairfax, 20 July 1757 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yr Favor of the 17th inst. this Day by your Messenger. The Narrative of the Deposition recited, seems to agree with what is containd in the Northern Papers as to the Reinforcement of Men, Provisions &c. brought up the Missisippi, which together with what’s imported to Louisburg and Quebeck the French have found Time eno[ug]h to strengthen every Fortress and Place We have been long...
122General Orders, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Hall was President March 1779. Ludwick Wolfe, Trumpeter in the Marechausie Corps was tried for, “Concerting a plot to desert to the enemy and carry with him two horses the property of Captn Von Heer.” The court are of opinion he is guilty of attempting to desert to the enemy being a breach of the 4th Article of the 6th section of the Articles of War &...
123To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
The circumstance of having offered my late report to Congress to the two houses which rendered two copies necessary & the extreme press of business in the office in preparing for my resignation prevented my sending you a manuscript copy of that Report. I have now corrected a printed copy for you which I have the honor to send herewith. With true respect & attacht I have the honor to be Sir Yr...
124From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 7 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Mr Turnbull who is just past this for Philadelphia I am informd that you have lately drawn 500 Hunting Shirts—500 Waistcoats—& 500 Overalls, in addn to the Cloathing you obtaind sometime ago—By a late return from Genl Putnam who Comds at Peeks kill, dated the 31st Ulto it appears that of your Regiment, he has only 21. Men at that Post—And, by a Return from Genl Parsons of the 13th of the...
125To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Popkin, 8 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Beg leave to lay before your Excellency the pretentions that the Regiment commanded by Colo. Crane, has to rank in the Brigade of Artillery. The first Regiment of Artillery rais’d in these United States for their defence in —75, was commanded by Colo. Gridley; in the latter end of —75, or beginning of —76, the Regiment was newly arrang’d and recruited, and the command given to Colo. Knox,...
126To George Washington from John Mease, 10 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Had I indulged my own feelings, I should long since have imbraced the opportunities which circumstances afforded, of obtruding my self on you personally. But during the war I thought it greater kindness to keep aloof, and attend to the more essential points of Duty. It is now not without diffidence this Application is made to you for the appointment of Inspector for this City or District,...
127[Diary entry: 8 November 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Clear all day, with the Wind high from the No. Wt. Went up to Alexandria, agreeably to a summons, to give testimony in the Suit depending between the Estate of Mr. Custis and Mr. Robt. Alexander. Returned by the New Barn which had got about half the Rafters up. Found Mrs. Stuart, Miss Stuart, and all Mrs. Stuarts...
128To George Washington from Lafayette, 27 December 1797 (Washington Papers)
It is a Melancholy thought to Me that While I Could Be So Happy at Mount Vernon, I am Still Almost As much Separated from you as I have Been for five Years in the Coalitionary prisons—But Altho’ I Lament, yet I Cannot Repent the determination we Have Been obliged to take—Much Less on Account of My Health which Has Been Recovering fast Enough, than for the very Bad and Lingering Condition in...
129[Diary entry: 19 March 1796] (Washington Papers)
19. Clear & cold all day with the Wind fresh from No. W.
130From George Washington to James Wood, 30 March 1773 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have had a little further conversation with you on the subject of the Florida Lands, but my haste to leave Williamsburg & your Dining out the day I did do so prevented it—I addressd a short Letter to you by way of Memm & left it with Mr Southall—I hope you receivd it, that I may be satisfied you did so, please to advise me as the Govrs Certificates of my Claim was Inclosd...
131To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 12 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
My not receiving any favour from you in answer to my last, and having received one from Doctor Steuart subsequent to that, in which he mentions but little respecting the affair (which you expressed a desire of becoming acquainted with) has given me hopes to beleive that my confession of both the circumstances of the case, and my error, has obliterated from your mind all unfavourable...
132To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 25 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 17th. Altho’ the greater part of the Cargo of the Ship Pallas is advertised for public Sale on the 1st of October next, it is not a matter of certainty that it will be disposed of in that manner—at least the whole of it. At any rate—I expect it will fall in a great degree under my Management, as Mr O’Donnell the Owner, who is a perfect Stranger in this...
133[Diary entry: 9 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
9. Very pleasant Mild Morning, & Clear day. Abt. Noon the Wind blew pretty fresh from the Westward but not Cold—Snow melting.
134To George Washington from Joseph Eckley, 20 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
It was the desire of the Revd Dr Gordon who, a few days ago, embarked for Europe, that according to his own practice I would weekly send to you the Independent Chronicle printed in this Town. I have the honor of enclosing one of the Papers for your Excellency at this time; requesting you to permit me to assure you that it will afford me very great satisfaction to continue so to do in a regular...
135To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 3 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address Your Excellency on the 27th ult: I have had no Intelligence from Quebec. Mr Carrol in a letter of the 28th April dated at St Johns has advised me of the safe arrival of himself and his Brothers the Commissioners at that place on the preceeding day. He adds that twenty four Batteaux with troops had Already passed that place and that the remainder were...
136To George Washington from William Pearce, 20 March 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 20 March 1796. On 27 March, GW wrote Pearce: “Yesterday brought me your letter of the 20th instant.”
137[Diary entry: 6 May 1772] (Washington Papers)
6. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run, and Ferry before Dinner. In the Afternoon Doctr. Rumney and Mr. James Adam came here & lodged. James Adam’s visit today and Matthew Campbell’s calls during the next four days must have concerned GW’s current business with Robert Adam & Co.: the sale of 929,700 herring and 10,894 shad for a total price of £184 17s. and the purchase of three slaves for £185 (...
138From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 16th ulto that you had nearly surmountd the difficulties attending the march of the troops from Petersburg —I have no objection to you proceeding yourself to the southward, which I hope will afford that releif to your disorder, which you expect—You will give the most pointed orders to the Officer who shall be left to bring on the Rear, not to lose a moments...
139To George Washington from John Allison, 26 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Officers of the Continental line in October last to appoint officers of the State Society of Cincinnati; It was there resolv’d, that no officer not holding a Continental Commission should be entitled to become a member —As I saw it in a different light from the Gentlemen that compos’d that Body; I beg leave to lay before your Excellency the State & progress, of the Regiment...
140[Diary entry: 17 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 17th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 48 at Night. A thick fog till 9 oclock A.M. when it dispelled; was clear and pleasant till towards Sunsetting when the western horison seemed to cloud & lower. Wind Southerly all day but the ground very wet—Snow all dissolved where the Sun had access. Rid to my Mill, and the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run & ferry. Sent for...
141From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By advices just received from Col. Brodhead, dated at Fort Pitt the 10th Ulto I am informed there are strong indications from several quarters, that Hostilities will be committed pretty extensively on the frontiers by the Savages, at the Opening of the Campaign—that the Troops under his command are very much distressed for want of Provisions, that they have been at half allowance of meat ever...
142To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Letter came to hand about seven OClock last Night at this Place. Colonell Hubley will set out to Day, and by him I shall write to Governour Reed about the Appointment of the necessary Officers after having consulted with the Gentlemen commanding Regiments; I believe they find some Difficulty in getting such Persons to serve as they would wish to recommend, which is the Reason...
143From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 18 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 18 Aug. 1777. When writing to GW on 11 Sept. , Custis says: “Your kind Favour of the 18th Ult. came safe to Hand.”
144[Diary entry: 3 July 1797] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear in the forenoon with a slight shower for a few minutes about 2 Oclock; afternoon Wind Southerly Mer. 81.
145To George Washington from William Gordon, 3 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I had proposed writing by the present opportunity, before I received your letter of Jany the 1st on tuesday last. Return you my most sincere thanks for your good wishes. The second volume will be printed off I expect by the end of the week after next. The first begins with the settlement of the several colonies, & comes down to & takes in the Lexington engagement. The second finishes with the...
146Card Playing Expenses, 1772–1774, 1 January 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cards—& other Play Dr 1772 Feby 28— To Cash lost at Fredericksburg 2. 3.6 Mar. 2— To Ditto lost in Williamsburg . 8.9 13— To Ditto lost in Ditto 1. 0.0 16— To Ditto Ditto 3.10. 17— To Ditto Ditto .15.
147To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 3 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from the clerk of the H. Delegates will inform you that the marquess’s thanks to the assembly have been presented. The resolution directing the Bust was order’d to be carried into execution by the commercial agent who was soon after dismiss’d from office, it never came to my hands till I sent for it yesterday, I will endeavour to have it comply’d with tho’ like other...
148From George Washington to Robert Adam, 13 January 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Robert Adam, c.13 Jan. 1774. On c.13 Jan. 1774 Adam wrote to GW : “I am favoured with yours.” GW’s missing letter of c.13 Jan. was in answer to a letter from Adam dated 12 January .
149From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
⟨The⟩ Critical Situation of our Affairs ⟨and the move⟩ments of the Enemy make some ⟨further & im⟩mediate Exertions absolutely ⟨necessary—In⟩ order that you may have the ⟨fullest Repre⟩sentation and form a perfect ⟨Idea of what is⟩ now necessary, I have desired ⟨Colo. Reed to w⟩ait on You, and must refer ⟨You to him for⟩ Particulars. I am with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt & Very...
150[Diary entry: 25 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 25th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 46 at Night. Calm and clear Morning. Wind Southerly afterwards which occasioned a considerable thaw. Mr. Fairfax going away directly after breakfast I rid to the Plantations in the Neck—at Muddy hole and Dogue run. At the first (that is the Neck) the Women were grubbing & fencing along the Creek. At Muddy hole doing the same. The...