1From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 18 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
Hearing that you have a Vessel bound to some port in Spain, I am induced to ask if it is safe & practicable to bring from thence a good Jack Ass, to breed from—The late Don Juan de Miralles, resident from the Court of Spain at Philadelphia, promised to procure one for me; but in his death I met a disappointment. Another Gentleman of his nation, not long since, has also given me a promise—but...
2From George Washington to Walter Magowan, 20 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
Not knowing of whom the vestry of Peccawaxon is composed—or that I have the honor of being acquainted with a single member of it; there would be I conceive, an impropriety in my addressing them on the subject of your application—otherwise I would with great pleasure join my recommendations of you to those of Majr Jenefer. If my best wishes, however, can contribute to the success of your...
3From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 22 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 2d—What you have asked of the Secretary at War, if obtained, is all I conceive essential to illucidate the accounts of the old & present impositions on the public—the rolls in the pay office might serve as checks to those of the Musters; but where all these are to be met with, I know not, as the Troops of Virginia were, by order of Congress,...
4From George Washington to William Skilling, 22 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your letter of the , & this answer will be lodged on the road by Colo. Bassett. I cannot afford to give the wages you ask, nor can I find out the meaning of Mr Randolphs offering you Sterlg money, as it is altogether unusual, & little understood by workmen—& subject to misunderstandings & disputes. Colo. Bassett is sure there must be a mistake in the case—for that you only...
5From George Washington to Wakelin Welch, 27 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 26th of Jany, & duplicate thereof, both coming by the way of James river, were long getting to hand. I return the Power of Attorney signed before the first Master & Mariners I could find, bound for the Port of London; and trust that no further difficulty will arise to prevent your drawing the money which had been deposited in the Bank, out of the same & placing it to my...
6From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Mulatto fellow William who has been with me all the War is attached (married he says) to one of his own colour a free woman, who, during the War was also of my family—She has been in an infirm state of health for sometime, and I had conceived that the connection between them had ceased—but I am mistaken—they are both applying to me to get her here, and tho’ I never wished to see her more,...
7From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 29 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor by Captn Bradstreet came to hand too late in the Afternoon of yesterday to send up for the Carpenter. The bearer now comes for him. Be so good as to let me know the amount of the expences you may have been at, on his acct, and I will thankfully repay them at meeting, or before, if an oppertunity presents. With sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt ALS , owned...
8From George Washington to Charles Washington, 2 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hands from Philadelphia last night. I am sorry to find by George’s letter to me, that he had not received the benefit from the Sea Air he expected, but as his passage was not good and he in a manner but just landed, no Judgment at the time he wrote could be well formed of the effect the voyage would have upon his complaint; as he writes you himself there can be no doubt...
9From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, I have obtained from Baltimore (by means of Colo. Tilghman) a House-Joiner—and as the season for working in mortar will soon be over; & that of intermitants is approaching—I pray you to decline purchasing either the Joiner or Bricklayer formerly requested. I am Dr Sir &c. LB , DLC:GW . See Tench Tilghman to GW, 27 July , and GW to Biddle, 30 June 1784 .
10From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 4 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The House Joiner you bought for me has arrived. I like his age, professions, and appearance very well and am obliged to you for procuring him. His Indentures may be sent at any time. As the Season for working in Mortar will soon be over, and that of intermittants is now approaching, I pray you unless a very good Bricklayer should offer, not to purchase one for me after the 15th of this month....
11From George Washington to John Ariss, 8 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 5th, I have to inform you that I have no untenanted Lands in the Counties of Berkley or Frederick, except two lotts Nos. 5 & 6—the first containing 346½ acres, & the 2d—224½—in the latter, which I bought at the Sale of Colo. George Mercers Estate, in the year 1774—& for which I have had many persons applying to become Tenants. My intention was, after I had...
12From George Washington to William Gordon, 10 August 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Gordon, 10 Aug. 1784. On 30 Aug. Gordon wrote to GW : “Your obliging letter of the 10th instt was recd the last thursday.”
13From George Washington to Jacob Read, 11 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
I return the letter you were so obliging as to send me & thank you for the perusal of it—no copy has been taken—nor will any part of its contents transpire from me. Although Mr Ls intelligence may come from a man of information, and tho’ it is undoubted, that the British Cabinet wish to recover the United States to a dependence on that government, yet I can scarcely think they ever expect to...
14From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 11 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
I shall essay the finishing of my Green Ho. this fall; but find that neither my own knowledge, or that of any person abt me, is competent to the business. Shall I, for this reason, ask the favor of you to give me a short detail of the internal construction of the Green House at Mrs Carrolls? I am perswaded now, that I planned mine upon too contracted a Scale—My House is (of Brick) 40 feet by...
15From George Washington to Chastellux, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Marqs de la Fayette, who I had been long looking for with the eyes of friendship and impatience, arrived here on Tuesday last and presented me your favor of the 16th of June. I thank you My Dr Sir, for every testimony of your recollection of me, and every fresh assurance you give me of the continuation of your friendship is pleasing: it serves (to borrow an Indian phraze) to brighten the...
16From George Washington to James Crane, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter which is left open for your perusal, will give you my sentiments respecting the sale of the Widow Bartletts Lease. Please to seal, before you send or deliver it. I shall have no objection to a transfer of the purchaser, if likely to fulfill the objects I had in view—& the conditions of the Lease are complied with. I am Sir &c. LB , DLC:GW . James Crane of Berkeley County,...
17From George Washington to William Drew, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
My inducements to lease Land were, to encourage emigration & to improve my property by planting industrious settlers on it; who, while they were working the soil would, for their own convenience, add value to the Tenements by buildings &c.—with this view I restrained the sale of my leases without my consent. Having premised this, I wou’d next ask if you mean to build & reside on the Land, you...
18From George Washington to Duportail, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Marqs de la Fayette who arrived at this place on tuesday last, gave me the pleasure of receiving your letter dated at Paris the 16th of June—& of learning from it, that you had not relinquished the idea of visiting a Country, on whose theatre you have acted a conspicuous part. Be assured Sir, that at whatever time, & under whatever circumstances this may happen, I shall be among the first...
19From George Washington to La Luzerne, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The letter your Excellency did me the honor to write in the moment of your departure from this Country, conferred the highest honor upon me, & is not more flattering to my vanity, than it is productive of my gratitude. I shall ever reflect with pleasure Sir, on the readiness with which your communications to me have been made; & the dispatch & ability with which you have conducted business in...
20From George Washington to Rochambeau, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 16th of June by the Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived here three days ago—and for your other letter of the 4th of May which, also came safe, permit me to offer you my sincere congratulations on your appointment to the Government of Picardy. It is an honorable testimony of the approving smiles of your Prince, & a just reward for your Services & merit. Should...
21From George Washington to Reuben Harvey, 25 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Captain Stickney has presented me with your favor of the 25th of May—together with the mess-beef & ox tongues, for which you will please to accept my best thanks. I do not raise Tobacco on my Estate nor am I possessed of a pound at this time; otherwise I would with pleasure consign a few Hogsheads to your address, under full persuasion, that no person would do me more justice in the sale of...
22From George Washington to James Mercer, 25 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
My Sister handed me your favor of the 18th. 1 thank you for the advice respecting the mode of conveying a title for the Lands I purchased at your Brother’s Sale, & will pursue it; but necessity will oblige me to postpone the matter until I return from my Western jaunt; as, from Company & other circumstances, no leizure is left me to rummage for Papers before. My letter to your Brother John...
23From George Washington to William Smith, 25 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th from Vienna, was more than ten days on its passage to me. It found me with company, & busily preparing for a journey which I am about to commence in a few days to the westward. I did not fail however to mention the purport of your wishes to Mr Arell who was the bearer of your packet to me. He offering his services to dispose of your lottery tickets—I do not know where...
24From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 25 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
In April last I wrote you a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy—having received no reply to it, nor seen any meeting of the company summoned in the papers, I am lead to suspect it never got to hand—for this reason, and because I think a meeting of the company indispensably necessary, I have transmitted a copy. I am upon the eve of a journey as far as the Kanhawa, from whence I may not be...
25From George Washington to David Griffith, 29 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Fitzhugh informs me that the Academy at George town is upon a good establishment—that the Gentn at the head of it is very capable, and clever in conducting of it—that the school is in high estimation, & that the terms are £25 for board, & £6.10 for teaching, Maryland Curry. Under these circumstances, let me pray you to inform Mr Nourse that I think it a desirable place to fix my Nephews...
26From George Washington to Jean Le Mayeur, 30 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th accompanying the horse for little Washington came safe. It is not in my power to describe his delight, which is the best proof of his thanks to you—he finds beauty in every part, & tho’ shy at first, he begins now to ride with a degree of boldness which will soon do honor to his horsemanship. Mrs Washington & all the family join me in best wishes for you. Mrs Lund...
27From George Washington to Stephen Sayre, 1 September 1784 (Washington Papers)
The round of company in which I have constantly been, & other circumstances since I had the honor to receive your favor of the 20th ulto, induced me (indeed obliged me) to postpone from day to day, my answer, until the period has now arrived when I can do no more than give it a bare acknowledgment, being in the very act of setting out for the Western Country. I could not depart however without...
28From George Washington to Daniel Morgan, 4 September 1784 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Kennedy has owed me £28 these many years. Enquiring yesterday where he lived—& into his circumstances—I was told that he had lately sold land or houses in Winchester, to you; & that it might be in your power to obtain the balance which appears upon the enclosed accot due to me. If this should be the case, you would very much oblige me, as the money has been long due & I have always found...
29From George Washington to Edward Snickers, 4 September 1784 (Washington Papers)
Several persons have been with me this day to rent the Land I bought at the sale of Colo. George Mercer’s Estate; but I find it is essential that some one, or more of them, should engage for the whole rent; or, that I should delay renting it until the Land can be divided to the best advantage—so as that each Lot may have water, & a proportionate quantity of good Land. for these reasons I mean...
30Certificate for James Rumsey, 7 September 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have seen the model of Mr Rumsey’s Boats constructed to work against stream; have examined the power upon which it acts; have been an eye witness to an actual experiment in running water of some rapidity; & do give it as my opinion (altho’ I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art of propelling Boats, by mechanism & small manual assistance, against rapid currents: that the...