301[Diary entry: 10 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 10th. Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this place (except General Moultree & Majr. Butler—the last of whom intended to accompany me to Savanna, and the other to Purisburgh, at which I was to be met by Boats) & breakfasting at Judge Bees 12 Miles from Sandy Hill lodged at Mr. Obrian Smiths 18 or 20 further on. Thomas Bee (1739–1812) was nominated judge of the United States...
302[Diary entry: 11 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 11th. After an early breakfast at Mr. Smiths we road 20 Miles to a place called Pokitellico, where a dinner was provided by the Parishoners of Prince William for my reception; and an Address from them was presented and answered. After dinner we proceeded 16 Miles farther to Judge Haywards w[h]ere we lodged, &, as also at Mr. Smiths were kindly and hospitably entertained. My going to...
303[Diary entry: 12 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 12th. By five oclock we set out from Judge Haywards and road to Purisburgh 22 Miles to breakfast. At that place I was met by Messr. Jones, Colo. Habersham, Mr. Jno. Houston Genl. McIntosh and Mr. Clay, a Comee. from the City of Savanna to conduct me thither. Boats also were ordered there by them for my accomodation; among which a handsome 8 oared barge rowed by 8 American Captns....
304[Diary entry: 13 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 13th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati at a public dinner given at the same place and in the evening went to a dancing Assembly at which there was about 100 well dressed & handsome Ladies. At the Cincinnati dinner more toasts “were drank under federal salutes from the artillery company,” and it was probably there that Anthony Wayne, as president of the Georgia Cincinnati,...
305[Diary entry: 14 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 14th. A little after 6 Oclock, in Company with Genl. McIntosh Genl. Wayne the Mayor and many others (principal Gentlemen of the City) I visited the City, and the attack & defence of it in the year 1779, under the combined forces of France and the United States, commanded by the Count de Estaing & Genl. Lincoln. To form an opinion of the attack at this distance of time, and the change...
306[Diary entry: 15 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 15th. After morning Service, and receiving a number of visits from the most respectable ladies of the place (as was the case yesterday) I set out for Savanna [Augusta], Escorted beyd. the limits of the City by most of the Gentlemen in it and dining at Mulberry grove—the Seat of Mrs. Green—lodged at one Spencers—distant 15 Miles. Savanna stands upon what may be called high ground for...
307[Diary entry: 16 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 16th. Breakfasted at Russells—15 Miles from Spencers. Dined at Garnets 19 further & lodged at Pierces 8 miles more in all, 42 Miles to day. GW probably dined today with Thomas Garnett (1750–1793) of Effingham County, Ga. Born in Essex County, Va., Garnett married Rachel Willson at Ebenezer Jerusalem Church in Effingham County 8 Jan. 1772 and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the...
308[Diary entry: 17 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 17th. Breakfasted at Skinners 17 Miles—dined at Lamberts 13—and lodged at Waynesborough (wch. was coming 6 miles out of our way) 14 in all 43 Miles. Waynesborough is a small place, but the Seat of the Court of Burkes County—6 or 8 dwelling houses is all it contains; an attempt is making (without much apparent effect) to establish an Accademy at it as is the case also in all the...
309[Diary entry: 18 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 18th. Breakfasted at Fulchers, 15 Miles from Waynesborough; and within 4 Miles of Augusta met the Govr. (Telfair), Judge Walton, the Attorney Genl., & most of the principal Gentlemen of the place; by whom I was escorted into Town, & recd. under a discharge of Artillery. The distance I came to day was about 32 miles. Dined with a large company at the Governors, & drank Tea there with...
310[Diary entry: 19 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 19th. Received & answered an Address from the Citizens of Augusta; dined with a large Company of them at their Court Ho.; and went to an Assembly in the evening at the Accadamy; at which there were between 60 & 70 well dressed ladies. The address of the Augusta citizens and a copy of GW’s reply are in DLC:GW . About 3:00 P.M. GW reviewed the Augusta Light Horse, and at 4:30 P.M. he...
311[Diary entry: 20 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 20th. Viewed the ruins, or rather small remns. of the Works which had been erected by the British during the War and taken by the Americans—also the falls, which are about 2 Miles above the Town; and the Town itself. These falls (as they are called) are nothing more than rapids. They are passable in their present state by boats with Skilful hands, but may at a very small expence be...
312[Diary entry: 21 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 21st. Left Augusta about 6 oclock, and takg. leave of the Governor & principal Gentlemen of the place at the bridge over Savanna river where they had assembled for this purpose, I proceeded in Company with Colos. Hampton & Taylor, & Mr. Lithgow a Committee from Columbia (who had come on to meet & conduct me to that place) & a Mr. Jameson from the Village of Granby on my rout. Dined at...
313[Diary entry: 22 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 22d. Rode about 21 Miles to breakfast, and passing through the village of Granby just below the first falls in the Congaree (which was passed in a flat bottomed boat at a rope ferry) I lodged at Columbia, the newly adopted Seat of the Government of South Carolina about 3 miles from it, on the No. side of the river, and 27 from my breakfasting stage. The whole Road from Augusta to...
314[Diary entry: 23 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 23d. Dined at a public dinner in the State house with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies of the Town of Columbia, & Country round about to the amt. of more than 150, of which 50 or 60 were of the latter. At noon today GW rceived “the gentlemen of Columbia, Granby, Winnsboro’, Camden, Statesburgh, Bellville and Orangeburgh, and their vicinity (who were present at Columbia) . . . . At four...
315[Diary entry: 24 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 24th. The condition of my foundered horse obliged me to remain at this place, contrary to my intention, this day also. Columbia is laid out upon a large scale; but, in my opinion, had better been placed on the River below the falls. It is now an uncleared wood, with very few houses in it, and those all wooden ones. The State House (which is also of wood) is a large & commodious...
316[Diary entry: 25 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 25th. Set out at 4 ’Oclock for Cambden (the foundered horse being led slowly on). Breakfasted at an indifferent house 22 miles from the town (the first we came to) and reached Cambden about two oclock, 14 miles further where an address was recd. & answered. Dined late with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies at a public dinner. The Road from Columbia to Cambden, excepting a mile or two at...
317[Diary entry: 26 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 26th. After viewing the british works about Cambden I set out for Charlotte. On my way—two miles from Town—I examined the ground on wch. Genl. Green & Lord Rawden had their Action. The ground had but just been taken by the former—was well chosen—but he not well established in it before he was attacked; which by capturing a Videt was, in some measure by surprize. Six miles further on I...
318[Diary entry: 27 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 27th. Left Ingrams about 4 Oclock, and breakfasting at one Barrs 18 miles distant lodged at a Majr. Crawfords 8 Miles farther. About 2 miles from this place I came to the Corner where the No. Carolina line comes to the Rd. from whence the Road is the boundary for 12 Miles more. At Majr. Crawfords I was met by some of the Chiefs of the Cutawba Nation who seemed to be under apprehension...
319[Diary entry: 28 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 28th. Sett off from Crawfords by 4 Oclock and breakfasting at one Harrisons 18 Miles from it & got into Charlotte, 13 miles further, before 3 oclock. Dined with Genl. Polk and a small party invited by him, at a Table prepared for the purpose. It was not, until I had got near Barrs that I had quit the Piney & Sandy lands—nor until I had got to Crawfords before the Lands took quite a...
320[Diary entry: 29 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 29th. Left Charlotte about 7 Oclock, dined at a Colo. Smiths 15 Miles off, and lodged at a Majr. Fifers 7 Miles farther. Martin Phifer, Jr. (1756–1837), of Mecklenburg County lived at Red Hill plantation on Irish Buffalo Creek, now in Cabarrus County, a short distance west of present-day Concord. Appointed captain of a company of North Carolina light horse by the General Assembly in...
321[Diary entry: 30 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 30th. At 4 Oclock I was out from Major Fifers; and in about 10 Miles at the line which divides. Mecklenburgh from Rowan Counties, I met a party of horse belonging to the latter, who came from Salisbury to escort me on. (It ought to have been mentioned also that upon my entering the State of No. Carolina, I was met by a Party of the Mecklenburgh horse—but these being Near their homes I...
322[Diary entry: 31 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 31st. Left Salisbury about 4 Oclock; at 5 Miles crossed the Yadkin, the principal stream of the Pedee, and breakfasted on the No. Bank (while my Carriages & horses were crossing) at a Mr. Youngs; fed my horses 10 miles farther, at one Reeds; and about 3 oclock (after another halt) arrived at Salem; one of the Moraviann towns 20 miles farther—In all 35 from Salisbury. The Road between...
323[June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday June 1st. Having received information that Governor Martin was on his way to meet me; and would be at Salem this evening, I resolved to await his arrival at this place instead of halting a day at Guilford as I had intended. Spent the forenoon in visiting the Shops of the different Trades Men—The houses of accomodation for the single men & Sisters of the Fraternity & their place of...
324[Diary entry: 1 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday June 1st. Having received information that Governor Martin was on his way to meet me; and would be at Salem this evening, I resolved to await his arrival at this place instead of halting a day at Guilford as I had intended. Spent the forenoon in visiting the Shops of the different Trades Men—The houses of accomodation for the single men & Sisters of the Fraternity & their place of...
325[Diary entry: 2 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 2d. In company with the Govr. I set out by 4 Oclock for Guilford. Breakfasted at one Dobsons at the distance of eleven Miles from Salem and dined at Guilford 16 Miles farther, where there was a considerable gathering of people who had receivd notice of my intention to be there to day & came to satisfy their curiosity. On my way I examined the ground on which the Action between...
326[Diary entry: 3 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 3d. Took my leave of the Governr. whose intention was to have atten[d]ed me to the line, but for my request that he would not; and about 4 Oclock proceeded on my journey. Breakfasted at troublesome Iron works (called 15, but which is at least) 17 Miles from Guilford partly in Rain and from my information or for want of it was obliged to travel 12 miles further than I intended to day—to...
327[Diary entry: 4 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 4th. Left Mr. Gatewoods about half after Six oclock and between his house & the Ferry passed the line which divides the States of Virginia and No. Carolina—dining at one Wisoms 16 Miles from the Ferry, lodged at Hallifax old Town. The Road from Dix’ ferry to Wisom’s, passes over very hilly (& for the most part) indifferent land, being a good deal mixed with pine though it is said here...
328[Diary entry: 5 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 5th. Left the old Town about 4 Oclock A.M. ; & breakfasting at one Pridies (after crossing Banister River 1½ Miles) abt. 11 Miles from it, came to Staunton River about 12; where meeting Colo. Isaac Coles (formerly a member of Congress for this district &) who pressing me to it, I went to his house about one mile off to dine and to halt a day, for the refreshment of myself and horses;...
329[Diary entry: 6 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 6th. Finding my Horses fared badly at the ferry for want of Grass, & Colo. Coles kindly pressing me to bring them to his Pasture, they were accordingly brought there to take the run of it till night. Dined at this Gentlemans to day also. The Road from Hallifax old Ct. Ho. or town to Staunton River passes for the most part over thin land a good deal mixed with Pine.
330[Diary entry: 7 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 7th. Left Colo. Coles by day break, and breakfasted at Charlotte Ct. Ho. 15 Miles where I was detained sometime to get Shoes put on such horses as had lost them. Proceeded afterwards to Prince Edward Court House 20 Miles further. The Lands from Coles ferry on Staunton to Charlotte Ct. Ho. are in genl. good; & pretty thickly settled. They are cultivated chiefly in Tobo. wheat & Corn,...
331[Diary entry: 8 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 8th. Left Prince Edward Ct. Ho. as soon as it was well light, & breakfasted at one Treadways 13 Miles off. Dined at Cumberland Ct. Ho. 14 Miles further and lodged at Moores Tavern within 2 miles from Carters ferry over James River. The road from Prince Edward Court Ho. to Treadways was very thickly settled, although the land appeared thin, and the growth in a great degree pine, &...
332[Diary entry: 9 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 9th. Set off very early from Moores but the proper ferry boat being hauled up, we were a tedious while crossing in one of the Boats used in the navigation of the River; being obliged to carry one carriage at a time, without horses & crossways the Boat on planks. Breakfasted at a Widow pains 17 Miles on the No. side of the River, and lodged at a Mrs. Jordans a private house where we...
333[Diary entry: 10 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 10th. Left Mrs. Jordans early, & breakfasting at one Johnstons 7 Miles off reached Fredericksburgh after another (short) halt about 3 Oclock & dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis’s. The Lands from Mrs. Jordans to Johnsons, and from thence for several miles further are good but not rich afterwards (as you approach nearer to Rappahannock River) they appear to be of a thinner quality &...
334[Diary entry: 11 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 11th. After a dinner with several Gentlemen whom my Sister had envited to dine with me I crossed the Rappahannock & proceeded to Stafford Ct. House where I lodged.
335[Diary entry: 12 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 12th. About Sun rise we were off—breakfasted at Dumfries and arrived at Mt. Vn. to D. From Monday 13th. until Monday the 27th. (being the day I had appointed to meet the Commissioners under the residence Act, at George town) I remained at home; and spent my time in daily rides to my severl. farms and in receiving many visits. “From” inserted at the beginning of the line. “in receiving”...
336[Diary entry: 27 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 27th. Left Mount Vernon for George town before Six Oclock; and according to appointment met the Commissioners at that place by 9—then calling together the Proprietors of the Lands on which the federal City was proposed to be built who had agreed to cede them on certain conditions at the last meeting I had with them at this place but from some misconception with respect to the extension...
337[Diary entry: 28 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 28th. Whilst the Commissioners were engaged in preparing the Deeds to be signed by the subscribers this afternoon, I went out with Majrs. L’Enfant and Ellicot to take a more perfect view of the ground, in order to decide finally on the spots on which to place the public buildings and to direct how a line which was to leave out a Spring (commonly known by the name of the Cool Spring)...
338[Diary entry: 29 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 29th. The Deeds which remained unexecuted yesterday were signed to day and the Dowers of their respective wives acknowledged according to Law. This being accomplished, I called the Several subscribers together and made known to them the Spots on which I meant to place the buildings for the P. & Executive departments of the Government and for the Legislature of Do. A Plan was also...
339[Diary entry: 30 June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 30th. The business which brot. me to George town being finished & the Comrs. instructed with respect to the mode of carrying the plan into effect—I set off this morning a little after 4 oclock in the prosecution of my journey towards Philadelphia; and being desirous of seeing the nature of the Country North of Georgetown, and along the upper road, I resolved to pass through Frederick...
340[July 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday July 1st. Received an Address from the Inhabitants of Frederick town and about 7 Oclock left it. Dined at one Cookerlys 13 Miles off & lodged at Tawny town only 12 Miles farther—being detained at the first stage by rain and to answer the address wch. had been presented to me in the Morning. Tawny town is but a small place with only the Street through wch. the road passes, built on. The...
341[Diary entry: 1 July 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday July 1st. Received an Address from the Inhabitants of Frederick town and about 7 Oclock left it. Dined at one Cookerlys 13 Miles off & lodged at Tawny town only 12 Miles farther—being detained at the first stage by rain and to answer the address wch. had been presented to me in the Morning. Tawny town is but a small place with only the Street through wch. the road passes, built on. The...
342[Diary entry: 2 July 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 2d. Set out a little after 4 Oclock and in abt. 6 Miles crossed the line wch. divides the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania— the Trees on wch. are so grown up tht. I could not perceive the opening though I kept a lookout for it. 9 Miles from Tawny town, Littles town is past, they are of similar appe. but the latter is more insignificant than the former. Seven Miles farther we came to...
343[Diary entry: 3 July 1791] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 3d. Received, and answered an address from the Inhabitants of York town—& there being no Episcopal Minister present in the place, I went to hear morning Service performed in the Dutch reformed Church—which, being in that language not a word of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming a proselyte to its religion by the eloquence of the Preacher. After Service, accompanied by...
344[Diary entry: 4 July 1791] (Washington Papers)
Monday 4th. This being the Anniversary of American Independence and being kindly requested to do it, I agreed to halt here this day and partake of the entertainment which was preparing for the celebration of it. In the fore noon I walked about the town. At half passed 2 oclock I received, and answered an address from the Corporation and the complimts. of the Clergy of different denominations....
345September [1794] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 30th. Having determined from the Report of the Commissioners, who were appointed to meet the Insurgents in the Western Counties in the State of Pennsylvania, and from other circumstances—to repair to the places appointed for the Rendezvous, of the Militia of New Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland & Virginia; I left the City of Philadelphia about half past ten oclock this forenoon accompanied...
346[Diary entry: 30 September 1794] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 30th. Having determined from the Report of the Commissioners, who were appointed to meet the Insurgents in the Western Counties in the State of Pennsylvania, and from other circumstances—to repair to the places appointed for the Rendezvous, of the Militia of New Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland & Virginia; I left the City of Philadelphia about half past ten oclock this forenoon accompanied...
347October [1794] (Washington Papers)
1st. Left the Trap early, and breakfasting at Potts grove 11 Miles we reach Reading to Dinner 19 Miles farther where we found several detachmts. of Infantry & Cavalry preparing for their March to Carlisle. Pottsgrove (Pottstown), on the northeast bank of the Schuylkill River, at this time contained about 90 dwellings, “several . . . neat and commodious,” and a Quaker meetinghouse ( SCOTT [2]...
348[Diary entry: 1 October 1794] (Washington Papers)
1st. Left the Trap early, and breakfasting at Potts grove 11 Miles we reach Reading to Dinner 19 Miles farther where we found several detachmts. of Infantry & Cavalry preparing for their March to Carlisle. Pottsgrove (Pottstown), on the northeast bank of the Schuylkill River, at this time contained about 90 dwellings, “several . . . neat and commodious,” and a Quaker meetinghouse ( SCOTT [2]...
349[Diary entry: 2 October 1794] (Washington Papers)
2d. An accident happening to one of my horses occasiond. my setting out, later than was intended. I got off in time, however, to make a halt (to bait my horses) at Womeldorfs 14 miles and to view the Canal from Myers town towards Lebanon—and the Locks between the two places; which (four adjoining each other, in the dissent from the Summit ground along the Tulpihockin; built of Brick;) appeared...
350[Diary entry: 3 October 1794] (Washington Papers)
3d. Breakfasted at Humels T. 14 M. and dined and lodged at Harrisburgh on the Banks of the Susquehanna 23 miles from Lebanon. At Harrisburgh we found the first Regiment of New Jersey (about 560 strong) commd. by Colo. Turner drawn out to receive me. Passed along the line, to my Quarters—and after dinner walked through and round the Town which is considerable for its age (of about 8 or 9...