151[Diary entry: 23 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
23. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 42. Clear all day wind coming out from the No. West but not fresh. Mer. 49 at Night. Mr. Herbert—Mr. & Mrs. Patton—Mr. Mr. Gilmar came to dinner. The last stayed all Night. mr. & mrs. patton : probably James Patton (Patten) and his wife, Ann Patton, who was sometimes listed on official records as Mary Ann ( Fairfax Index Edith Moore Sprouse, ed. A Surname and...
152[Diary entry: 22 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
22. Clear, with the Wind at No. Wt. and Mer. at 58. In the Morning fresh Wind all day from the same quarter. Mer. 50 at Night. Mr. Liston (British Minister) & lady came to dinner—as did young Mr. McCarty.
153From George Washington to John Gill, 22 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 19th instant. The sample of the Survey which you sent me will not answer my purpose; for which reason and because I am indisposed to throw difficulties in the way of your wish to cancel our agreement respecting my land on Difficult run, I will agree to take your small tract in discharge of the two years Rent which you are owing me; Provided it...
154[Diary entry: 21 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
21. Morning clear—wind Southerly. Mer. at 60. The forepart of the day variable. The latter part clear warm & pleasant. Mer. at 64.
155To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 21 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
On my return from Trenton, the day before yesterday, I found your private letter of the 13th as well as yr public letter of the 15th instant. The News papers have probably informed you that poor Avery is dead of the yellow fever. The President has resolved to send the commissioners to France notwithstanding the change of affairs there. He is not understood to have consulted either of his...
156To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 21 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt two days since of your letter of the 15th instant, at which time I also received one from Col: Parker, informing me of the selection of ground which he had made. You will see by the enclosed letter to him the impression which his communication has made on my mind. I trust that it must be erroneous, since my supposition does not agree with the spirit...
157From George Washington to William Herbert, 21 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are Two negociable Notes, sent to the Bank of Alexandria for collection. The amount of which, when received, to be placed to my credit. I begin to feel the necessity more clearly, of renewing my note, than I do a prospect of receiving what is due to me from others. I mention it now that measures for accomplishing of it may be taken in time. Having forgot the name of the person who has...
158[Diary entry: 20 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
20. Morning very heavy. Wind Southerly & Mer. at 54. A Struggle all day between the Sun & the Clouds—but no rain fell. Mer. 62 at Night. Doctr. Stuart wife & three daughters and young Danl. McCarty came to dinner & stayed all Night.
159From George Washington to Elizabeth Dandridge Aylett Henley, 20 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the Enclosed, which is left open for your perusal before it is forwarded, that your son John, is appointed a Mid-shipman in the Navy of the United States. You will press him to take the oath of Office, required by the Secretary of the Navy, without delay; and forward it to that Gentleman in the manner he directs—Enclosing it in a letter couched in some such terms as you...
160From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 20th 1799 Your letters of the 29th Ult. and 9th instant, have been duly received; and for the information given in them, I feel myself obliged. In a note which I have just recd from Mr Stoddert, to whom I had occasion to write on business, is added in the close thereof “The President has decided that the Mission to France shall proceed without delay. The...
161From George Washington to Isaac Weatherinton, 20 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter ⟨of the 20th⟩ of August is but just come to hand. I thank you for the information contain⟨ed in it⟩ of the Tresspasses which are committed on the small piece of land which I have adjoining to yours, & Squire McCrakin’s. It would, in future ⟨be⟩ friendly and obliging in you, or him (as my Land adjoins your tracts) to endeavour to prevent such invasion of private property; or if this...
162[Diary entry: 19 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
19. Morning quite clear with a small breeze from the So. Et. Mer. at 43. A great circle round the Sun about Noon which contd. for hours & towards Night it began to lower much. Mer. 55 at Night.
163From George Washington to John Gill, 19 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Sending every other day only to the Post Office (unless something special makes it expedient to send oftener) your letter of the 16th did not reach my hands until the 17th at night. Herewith, the Plat lent you by Mr Swift, is returned. But as my land is not laid down in connection therewith, I have derived but little information from the examination thereof; and as you remark “it does not...
164To George Washington from John Gill, 19 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Gill, 19 Oct. 1799. On 22 Oct. GW wrote Gill : “I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 19th instant.”
165To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 19 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Daniel Morgan, 19 Oct. 1799. On 26 Oct. GW wrote Morgan : “I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 19th instant.”
166[Diary entry: 18 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
18. Morning clear with a little breeze from No. Wt. A large Frost & Mer. at 40. Clear all day with but little Wind. Mer. 43 at Night.
167[Diary entry: 17 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
17. Clear—wind at No. Wt. & Mer. 46 in the Morning. Clear all day & wind in the same place. Mer. 43 at night.
168To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 17 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I ought ’ere now to have acknowledg’d the receipt of & to have returned you my most grateful thanks for your very kind letter of the 26 June, which came to my hands about the middle of Augt at Brighton (a bathing place on the channel ) whither I had gone for a few weeks relaxation. Its coming to me at that place, a desire to examine thoroughly the path which I shd follow in consequence of it,...
169[Diary entry: 16 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
16. Morning clear & calm. Mer. 52. A brisk So. westerly Wind afterwds. Mer. 62 at Noon & 63 at Night—appearances of Rain.
170To George Washington from John Gill, 16 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Gill, 16 Oct. 1799. On 19 Oct. GW wrote Gill indicating that he had received Gill’s “letter of the 16th.”
171To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 Oct. 1799. On 20 Oct. GW wrote Stoddert: “Your favor of the 16th instant was received this morning.”
172[Diary entry: 15 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
15. Morning clear—Wind No. Westerly. Mer. 60. Clear all day & very pleasant. Mer. 60 at Night. A Mr. Bourdieu of the House of Bourdieu, Chollet & Bordieu of London (accompanied by a Mr. Gardner)—Mr. Gill & Mr. B. Bassett dined here. The three first went away afterwards. Mr. Bourdieu is either James Bourdieu or his son James, both partners in the important London firm of Bourdieu, Chollet &...
173From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 29th ultimo, I have received a letter from Colo. Parker, informing me that he had fixed upon a spot, on the public Ground, at Harper’s Ferry, as the most eligable place for cantoning the 7th, 8th and 9th Regiments, agreeably to your instructions, and the ideas which I communicated to him. And, I presume, measures are now taking to provide huts at that place for...
174[Diary entry: 14 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
14. Morning—steady Rain (& much fell in the Night) with the Wind at So. Et. & Mer. at 60. After noon the wind shifted to So. Wt. but contind. Raining. Mer. 62 at Night.
175To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed abstract was founded on returns actually received in the office of the Adjutant General. From subsequent letters it appears that many recruits have been enlisted since the date of those returns. With the Highest respect I have the honor to be Sir your obt Set LS , DLC:GW ; Df , DLC : Hamilton Papers. Hamilton wrote GW again from Trenton on 17 Oct. before returning to New York on...
176[Diary entry: 13 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
13. A little rain fell in the Night. Morning foggy or misting. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 57. Appearances, at different times, through the day, of rain but none fell. Mer. 62 at Night. Mr. Lear returned from Berkley. Diary entries for 13–23 Oct. 1799 are from a diary page at PHi : Dreer Collection.
177From George Washington to John Gill, 13 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 28th Ulto came duly to hand, and I have sent my Manager, Mr Anderson, twice to Alexandria to receive from you, some explanation of your meaning respecting it. If it be, to pay the Rents that are due, up to June last, according to contract, I shall consent to cancel the bargain wch you entered into for my Land on Difficult run; although it is not a usual practice with me to...
178[Diary entry: 12 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
12. Morning clear Wind at No. Wt. and Mer. at 48—a white frost, not heavy. Towards evening a little lowering & wind (tho very little of it No. Easterly). Mer. 57 at Night. Mr. Mrs. Peter & family went away after breakfast & Mr. Lawe. Lewis and his wife came to dinner.
179[Diary entry: 11 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
11. Morning clear wind (tho little of it) at No. Wt. & Mer. at 52. Clear all wind in the same place. Mer. 52 at Night.
180[Diary entry: 10 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
10. Much rain fell last night. Morning very cloudy with the Wind moderate from No. W. & Mer. 64. About 10 oclock it began to Rain & contd. to do so without intermission until night. Mer. then 60. Mr. T. Peter returned tonight.
181[Diary entry: 9 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
9. Morning cloudy—wind from the No. Et. and Mer. 59. Clouds & sunshine alternately through the day, at night very lowering & Mer. at 62. Colo. Walker & Mr. Nelson set out for the City of Washington after breakfast.
182To George Washington from Thomas Parker, 9 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to Receive your letter of the 28th Ultimo on Saturday last accompanied by one from Genl Hamilton. I fortunately met with Colo. Lear at this place yesterday morning & with him Carefully examined the different Situations in the Vicinity of the arsenal at Harper’s ferry. After the most mature deliberations I have with the intire Concurrence of Colo. Lear Given a Dicided preference...
183To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
(private) Sir, Trenton [N.J.] Oct. 9. 1799. I received yesterday the inclosed letter from Mr Murray. The President is on his way to this place. Govr Davie has been here a week; and Mr Ellsworth writes me, in a letter recd this morning, that he will arrive himself by Friday morning. The question about the mission to France will, I expect, be then settled. The state of the President’s mind, when...
184[Diary entry: 8 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
8th. Morning—Raining fast with the wind at So. Et. & Mer. at 60. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. At 8 oclock it ceased raining but continued cloudy more or less all day. Mer. 65 at Night.
185To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 8 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Daniel Morgan, 8 Oct. 1799. In one of two letters that GW wrote Morgan on 26 Oct. he referred to Morgan’s “favour of the 8th instt.”
186To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 8 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Augustine Washington, 8 Oct. 1799. On 29 Oct. GW wrote his nephew : “Your letter of the 8th instant has been duly received.”
187[Diary entry: 7 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
7. Morning a little cloudy—but little wind from the northward. Mer. 52—and at Night 62 the Wd. having shifted to the Southward and the weather turning cloudy with appearances of Rain. Mr. Peter went to Geo: Town this Morng.
188From George Washington to William Thornton, 7 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Walker, a very respectable Gentleman of this State, will hand you this letter. He, with Mr Nelson, who married his Grand daughter, are on a visit to the Federal City, and propose to view the Canals & Falls in the Potomack before they return. Colo. Walker is well acquainted with Mr White, but as the latter may be absent, I take the liberty of soliciting your civilities in shewing them...
189From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 7 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that your letter of the 30th of August never got to my hands until the 4th instant. But it is not unusual for letters by private hands, to be thus delayed; and often to miscarry. By the Post they are certain of getting to hand, & in time. You will not be surprised after receiving this information, that your request in favour of Mr James Digges...
190[Diary entry: 6 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
6. Morning clear. Wind abt. No. Wt. & Mer. at 60. Clear all day & the Wind pretty fresh. Mer. 62 at highest & 57 at Night.
191From George Washington to William Thornton, 6 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 3d was recd last Night. I doubt not, the Painting and sanding of such parts of my houses in the City as now require it, will be done well, with the best materials, and on the best terms; wherefore I cannot be otherwise than pleased. As soon after this work is accomplished as I can make it convenient, I will visit the City, & take a view of my Buildings. To part with which,...
192[Diary entry: 5 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
5. Morning heavy—Wind Southerly. Mer. at 68. Between 7 & 8 it began to Rain & continued to do so moderately until the afternoon when it cleared.
193To George Washington from John Trumbull, 5 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour to receive your favour of the 25th of June last, some weeks ago; I am very much obliged to you for what you have done respecting the Prints but sorry that you should have had so much trouble with them. The wonderful Events of this Campaign in Europe have entirely contradicted my speculations of last Spring, and have at least removed to a greater distance the Danger which I...
194[Diary entry: 4 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
4. Morning again, heavy & lowering. Mer. 68—quite calm through the day. Mer. 75 at highest & 73 at Night. Mrs. Peak dined here and in the Afternoon Colo. Jno. Waker & Mr. Hugh Nelson came here. colo. jno. waker : John Walker. Hugh Nelson (1768–1836), son of Gov. Thomas Nelson (1738–1789), graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1780, served in the Virginia General Assembly and later...
195From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 4 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your polite attention to my recommendation of a Son of General Spotswood to be a Midshipman in our Navy; has opened the door for another application of a similar kind in behalf of Mr John ⟨Henley nephew⟩ to Mrs Washington. In April last, Mr Bassett, ⟨one of⟩ our Senators, and Cousin german to this young Gentleman, presented a letter from me to you respecting ⟨a younger⟩ brother of Mr Henley’s....
196[Diary entry: 3 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
3. Morning lowering & calm. Mer. at 66—at highest it was 73 and at Night 72. It continued lowering & calm all day.
197To George Washington from Benjamin Goodhue, 3 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Benjamin Goodhue, 3 Oct. 1799. GW wrote Goodhue on 22 Nov. : “Your favour of the 3d of Octr never came to my hands until last night.”
198To George Washington from William Thornton, 3 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 3 Oct. 1799. On 6 Oct. GW wrote Thornton : “Your letter of the 3d was recd last Night.”
199[Diary entry: 2 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
2. Morning again lowering. Mer. at 58 and Light breeze from No. Et.—afterwards quite calm. Mer. 72 at Night and highest. After dinner Mrs. Herbert Mrs. Nelson &ca. went away.
200To George Washington from John Avery, 2 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Avery, 2 Oct. 1799. On 13 Oct. GW wrote Avery : “I have received your letter of the 2d instant.” Avery’s letter of 13 Oct. is printed as a note to GW’s letter to Avery of 25 September .