1Agreement with James Anderson, 5 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this fifth-day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Ninety six, by & between George Washington, President of the United States, on one part and James Anderson, at present of Stafford County and State of Virginia on the other part, Witness, that for & in consideration of the wages and allowances herein after mentioned, the...
2Agreement with John Christian Ehlers, 10 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this tenth day of October Anno domini 1795 by and between George Washington, President of the United States, on the one part, and John C. Elhler late of Germany, but now residing at Mount Vernon on the other part, Witness—That for and in consideration of the wages & allowances herein after mentioned, the said John C. Ehler doth promise and agree to...
3Indenture with Thomas Green, 9 November 1790–14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and enterd into this ninth day of November Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety between Thomas Green Joiner & House Carpenter of the one part and George A. Washington for and in behalf of the President of the United States on the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Green for the wages and other considerations hereinafter expressed doth agree and...
4Commission, 22 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Skill, and Diligence of Thomas Johnson and Daniel Carroll of Maryland, and David Stuart of Virginia, I do . . ., in Pursuance of the Powers vested in me by the Act intituled “An Act for establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of the Government of the United States,” hereby appoint them the said Thomas Johnson, Daniel...
5Indenture with John Cowper, 17 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Gates County, N.C., 17 May 1791]. John Lewis as GW’s attorney conveys to John Cowper four tracts (approximately 1,093½ acres) of land at White Oaks Spring, Gates County, N.C., originally purchased by GW and Fielding Lewis from Marmaduke Norfleet on 26 April 1766. Signed and sealed by Lewis and witnessed by Dempsey Copeland, Riddick Hunter, Thomas Mann, and Arthur Jones. Typescript, NcU :...
6George Washington and John Francis Mercer to Francis Deakins and Benjamin W. Jones, 8 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since the Letter which we addressed to you, requesting your valuation of a certain tract of Land in Montgomery County, another arrangement has taken place with regard thereto. It is now agreed that the price of seven dollars per acre shall be fixed & the whole tract divided into two equal parts, with respect to quantity, quality & value. In giving effect to this agreement, we must still rely...
7Agreement with William Pearce, 23 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this twenty third day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety three, by & between George Washington, President of the United States, on one part; and William Pearce of Kent County in the State of Maryland, on the other part—Witness, that for and in consideration of the wages and allowances herein after mentioned, the...
8Indenture with Jedediah Sanger, 22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
[New York?] 22 July 1790. GW and George Clinton lease for one year 234 acres on the south side of the Mohawk River in White’s Town, Montgomery County, N.Y., to Jedediah Sanger of that place, for £118.10, as witnessed by Tobias Lear and DeWitt Clinton. DS (partially printed), NUtHi , notarized by DeWitt Clinton before James McHughes, master of chancery, on 30 Jan. 1792, and recorded by Herkimer...
9From George Washington to John Sinclair, 10 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
I could not omit so favorable an opportunity, as the departure of Mr Strickland affords me, of presenting my best respects to you; and my sincere thanks for the views of Agriculture in the different counties of Great Britain, which you have had the goodness to send me. and for the Diploma (received by the hands of Mr Jay) admitting me a foreign honorary member of the board of Agriculture. For...
10[Diary entry: 29 February 1796] (Washington Papers)
29th. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Fine Rain all day with the Wind at East.
11From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your Excellen[c]y’s polite letter of today—and have the honor to inform you that in consequence of suggestions made by the Gentlemen from Boston and the Depy Adjut. Genl (whom I met at Worcester this morning) that it would make it more convenient for the troops, many of which lived at a distance from the place of parade, if I should pass through Cambridge at an...
12From George Washington to William White, 1 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with two notes from yo⟨u⟩ of this date—the last, in time to prevent the mistake which the first would have led me into. The mode which you have suggested for imparting the small pittance my resources will enable me to contribute towards the comfort of the needy in this City appears to be a very eligable one, and as you have been so obliging as to offer to place it in...
13[Diary entry: 30 March 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 30th. The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into consideration saw the propriety of my observations; and that whilst they were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance; and therefore mutually agreed, and entered into articles to surrender for public purposes, one half of the land they severally possessed with in bounds which...
14From George Washington to William Pearce, 30 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
As the experiment of grinding a hundred bushels of Wheat into flour, is found more profitable than to sell the like quantity in grain; I would have you proceed in the manufactury of what little I have made. and I desire the particulars of the experiment may be sent to me. and the Miller must be careful that he keeps up to it. or I may be deceived thereby. Caution Sally Green against dealing...
15From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 16 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I can but love & thank you, and I do it sincerely, for your polite & friendly letter of the 11th of November, which came to my hands only the day before yesterday. The sentiments contained in it are such as have uniformly flowed from your pen and are not more pleasing than they are flattering to me. The present Congress can sit no longer than the 3d of March; and should it not be found...
16[Diary entry: 19 March 1796] (Washington Papers)
19. Clear & cold all day with the Wind fresh from No. W.
17From George Washington to the United States Senate, 2 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Philip Burr Bradley of Connecticut, to be Marshal of and for the Connecticut district, continued, the legal term of his former appointment having expired. LS , DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–95, Senate Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB , DLC:GW . For Bradley’s original nomination to this position, see GW to U.S. Senate, 24 Sept. 1789...
18[Diary entry: 9 April 1796] (Washington Papers)
9. Thick morning, but clear afterwards with a brisk So. Westerly wind—ground very dry. Smoaky.
19Enclosure: Executive Order to Thomas Beall and John Mackall Gantt, 10 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
Whereas in and by certain Deeds executed by Amos Smith and others, whereby the whole Land of the Said Amos Smith and others, situated in the Town of Carrollsburgh and also of Hamburgh (now included in the City of Washington) is vested in you, subject to the Trusts in the said Deeds mentioned; and whereas all the Lands belonging to Minors, persons absent out of the State, married women, or...
20[Diary entry: 23 March 1796] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear and warm Wind fresh from So. Wt.
21Conference with a Committee of the United States Senate, 8 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Sentiments expressed by the President to the Committee from the Senate appointed to confer with him on the mode of Communication between the President and the Senate respecting Treaties and Nominations. In all matters respecting Treaties, oral communications seem indispensably necessary—because in these a variety of matters are contained, all of which not only require consideration, but some...
22From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 15 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives I lay before You an Official Statement of the Expenditure to the end of the Year 1796, from the Sums heretofore granted to defray the Contingent Charges of the Government. LS , DNA : RG 46, entry 47; LB , DLC:GW . The “Act making further appropriations for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six,” 1 June 1796, had appropriated...
23February 1790 (Washington Papers)
Monday 1st. Agreed on Saturday last to take Mr. McCombs House, lately occupied by the Minister of France for one year, from and after the first day of May next; and wd. go into it immediately, if Mr. Otto the present possesser could be accomodated and this day sent My Secretary to examine the rooms to see how my furniture cd. be adapted to the respective Apartments. By the beginning of 1790 GW...
24[Diary entry: 13 April 1796] (Washington Papers)
13. Just such a day as yesterday & Wind the same.
25From George Washington to Uzal Ogden, 6 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 12th of June, which was duly received should have had an earlier acknowledgment and my best thanks have been rendered to you for your politeness in sending me the first number of a new periodical publication which accompanied it, had not my late indisposition prevented. I must now beg your acceptance of my thanks for this mark of attention, and assure you that it always...
26From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
I arrived in this City yesterday afternoon, without encountering any accident except what you are acquainted with by the return of the Mare from George Town; and the indisposition of Richard; who, with difficulty, was able to travel from Baltimore to this place, on acct of the fever wch returnd on him. Recollecting that it was my desire that you should send the Reports to the Post Office every...
27[Diary entry: 3 May 1796] (Washington Papers)
3. Wind at So. Wt. and warmer.
28From George Washington to Joseph Harper & Company, 27 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 10th instant enclosing a Memorial dated the 9th, never came to my hands until yesterday. I shall transmit both to the Secretary of State, to whom it would have been more regular for you to have applied in the first instance. The proofs will be necessary for his inspection & information (if the matter has not been acted upon by the American Minister at Paris) that he may be...
29From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 15 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 29th ulto I acknowledged the receipt of from Fredericksburgh—since which, another of the 5th instt has been received. The Commissions for Whitaker and McDowell were properly issued; as those also are, mentd in yr letter of the 5th, and it was on my Mind, that blank Commissions signed by me, were left with you for the Officers of the Revenue Cutters; This not being the case,...
30From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 2 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Commission for the Postmaster General, is signed and returned. The other for the Marshall of the District of North Carolina is also signed & forwarded by Post. Tomorrow I commence my journey for the Seat of the Governmt. ADfS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Randolph had sent these commissions for GW’s signature in...
31[Diary entry: 28 April 1795] (Washington Papers)
28. Arrived at Bladensburgh.
32From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 11 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 6th instant. The indisposition and consequent (unexpected) absence of my Nephew from Mount Vernon, to whom my concerns there are entrusted, will oblige me to visit that estate before the meeting of Congress. Thursday I propose to leave this city, and on Sunday afternoon expect to arrive in Baltimore—I shall come provided with 1172 ⅔ dollars for...
33From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th instt with a Postcript three days later, came to hand in due course of Post. I am sorry to hear that Maria continues unwell—& that Charles Washington was siezed with a fever: Let them want for nothing, and whenever it is needful get Doctr Craik to attend them. It would be unlucky, as my crop of Wheat last year turned out but indifferently, and the prospect of a good one...
34[Diary entry: 13 September 1795] (Washington Papers)
13. Breakfasted in George Town and reached Mt. Vernon to dinner.
35From George Washington to William Jackson, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying me of your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit —and, during the ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania—I beg you to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or in any other walk into which your interest or...
36From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The question of admitting modifications of the debt of the U.S. to France, having been the subject of consultation with the heads of the Departments & the Attorney General, and an unanimous opinion given thereon which involves the enclosed propositions from the French Minister, you will be pleased, under the form of a report to me, to prepare what may serve as an Answer, making it conformable...
37[Diary entry: 8 July 1790] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 8th. Sat from 9 o’clock till after 10 for Mr. Jno. Trumbull, who was drawing a Portrait of me at full length which he intended to present to Mrs. Washington. About Noon the Secretaries of State, and of the Treasury called upon me—the last of whom reported a communication made to him by Majr. Beckwith Aid de Camp to Lord Dorchester—Governor of Canada wch. he reduced to writing, and is...
38From George Washington to David Stuart, 9 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday next at one o’Clock, I mean to pay the last respect to the remains of my deceased Nephew, by having the funeral obsequies performed. Mrs Fanny Washington & myself would be very glad to see you, mistress Stuart & the Girls here on that occasion; for this reason, & knowing they have not the means of getting down, a carriage is sent for them: and I believe it would be extremely...
39From George Washington to James Anderson, 5 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28 ulto has been received; but leaves the matter we have been treatg of, pretty much as it stood before I wrote to you, except that certain stipulations on your part are made while you refer me for a solution of the queries I propounded (important to me) to others for information, when the means of obtaing it is not within my reach. I can only say therefore, that it will not...
40From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
By the last post from the southward I received your letters of the 17th and 24th of April, with their enclosures. In a letter of the 7th of May, which I wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury from Charleston, I expressed my approbation of what he informed me had been determined by the Vice-President and Heads of Departments, relative to Mr Short’s negociation at Amsterdam, and the further...
41From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 3 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a copy of an exemplified Copy of an Act passed by the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, for vesting in the United States of America the jurisdiction of a Lot of Land at Sandy Hook in the County of Monmouth; and a Copy of the letter which accompanied said Act, from the Governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the United States. LB , DLC:GW . The beacon on...
42[Diary entry: 12 July 1790] (Washington Papers)
Monday 12th. Exercised on Horse back between 5 & 6 in the Morning. Sat for Mr. Trumbull from 9 until half after ten. And about Noon had two Bills presented to me by the joint Committee of Congress—The one “An Act for Establishing the Temporary & permanent Seat of the Government of the United States”—The other “An Act further to provide for the payment of the Invalid Pensioners of the United...
43From George Washington to William Pearce, 9 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
since writing you a few lines on the 3d instant, I have received your letter of the 28th of last month, and that of the third of the present. If you are satisfied with Mr Butlers conduct and exertions, I shall be so. He has always appeared to me as a well disposed man, obliging and sober one who has seen better days: and must have had a good deal of practical knowledge in husbandry. If you can...
44From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have taken into consideration your letter of the 15th of last month, and I approve of the proposals therein suggested, of endeavoring to avoid a War with the Creek nation of Indians. I approve particularly of your requesting Mr Hawkins to send the letter to Alexander McGillivray a copy of which you have enclosed—and I authorize you to employ a suitable person to conduct the business, and to...
45From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 12 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
In due course of Post I have received your Letters of the 5th and 8th instant. & thank you for the information contained in them. Tomorrow I leave this for Philadelphia. the advices which I may receive this Evening by the Post, will fix my route by Baltimore (as usual)—or by the one I intended to have come—that is, by Reading, the Canals between the Rivers, Harrisburgh, Carlisle &a—In either...
46From George Washington to Louis XVI, 2 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter wherein you inform me that you have thought proper to give a new Mission to the Sieur de Moustier, and thereby to put an end to his Functions as Minister plenipotentiary here. His conduct during the Time of his residence in this Country, has been such as to meet my entire approbation and esteem, and it is with great pleasure I render him the Justice of this...
47[Diary entry: 15 May 1795] (Washington Papers)
15. Thunder, lightning & rain—cool.
48From George Washington to unknown recipient, 27 September 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to unknown recipient, 27 Sept. 1792. Sold by Leavitt, Strebeigh & Co., New York, item 501, 15–17 Mar. 1869. Listed as “A.L.S, ‘G. W——n,’ 1 p. 4to, Mount Vernon.”
49From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 23 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
The affectionate congratulations on the recovery of my health—and the warm expressions of personal friendship which were contained in your favor of the 16th instt, claim my gratitude. And the consideration that it was written when you were afflicted with a painful malady, greatly increases my obligation for it. Would to God, my dear Sir, that I could congratulate you upon the removal of that...
50From George Washington to John Brown Cutting, 23 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 25th of July enclosing sundry papers respecting the state of public affairs in France, for which mark of attention I request you to accept my best acknowledgements. I am, Sir, Your most Obedt Servt. Df , in the writing of Tobias Lear, DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . On this day GW also wrote similar brief letters of acknowledgment to John...