The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume I
1748--65
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
and Philander D. Chase
George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR
Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR
DONALD JACKSON, EDITOR
DOROTHY TWOHIG, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington,
sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1976 by the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia
First published 1976
Frontispiece: George Washington, by Charles Willson Peale.
(Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Washington, George, Pres. U. S., 1732--1799.
The diaries of George Washington.
Bibliography: p. 349
Includes index.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U. S., 1732--1799.
I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title.
E312.8 1976 973.4'1'0924 [B] 75-41365 ISBN 0-8139-0643-1 (v. 1)
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
Contents
Illustrations
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Acknowledgments
The editors' first obligation is to the sponsors and agencies whose financial support and enthusiastic backing made our work possible. The cosponsors of The Papers of George Washington are the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia. Our principal governmental support has come from the National Endowment for the Humanities, with strong additional funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. An annual grant from the William Stamps Farish Fund has been most appreciated.
Of the many colleagues at the University of Virginia who assisted in the formation and encouragement of The Papers of George Washington, the editors are particularly indebted to former president of the University, Edgar F. Shannon, Jr., and his special assistant Francis L. Berkeley, Jr. All the many others who gave us assistance with the countless details of planning, financing, and day-to-day operation are perhaps best represented by one person, Charles L. Flanders of the Office of the Associate Provost for Research at the University of Virginia.
We are grateful for the interest and encouragement of the Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, and of her predecessor, the late Mrs. Francis F. Bierne. The editors also owe a debt of gratitude to the Mount Vernon staff, especially Charles C. Wall, resident director; John A. Castellani, librarian; Frank E. Morse, librarian emeritus; Robert B. Fisher, horticulturist, and Christine Meadows, curator.
For assistance in research on Washington's diaries, we would like to thank the staff of the Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, the research staff of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and members of the Virginia Division of Parks. The Alderman Library at the University of Virginia has housed our editorial offices and its staff has graciously and efficiently performed all the library services essential to an editorial project.
The reproduction of Washington's diaries in these volumes has
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been made possible by the cooperation of the following repositories and individuals who own the original manuscript material: the Library of Congress, Columbia University Libraries, the Detroit Public Library, Mount Vernon, John K. Paulding, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Public Record Office, London.
Our typographic consultant for general design is P. J. Conkwright, of Princeton, N.J.
The editors acknowledge with appreciation the industry and competence of the following members of the research and clerical staff who over a period of several years were directly involved in the laborious task of transcribing and checking the Washington diaries: Lynne Crane, Dana K. Levy, Patricia Waddell, Corinne Poole, Jessie Shelar, Kathleen Howard, Patricia De Berry, Roger Lund, Barbara Morris, Cynthia S. Miller, Christine Hughes, Nancy Morris, and Karen Whitehill.
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This edition of the Washington diaries has been prepared by the staff of The Papers of George Washington, an enterprise jointly sponsored by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia. The future labors of the staff will be devoted to the vast body of letters, military records, financial accounts, and other documents that comprise one of the nation's finest historical treasures. In the introductory pages that follow, the editors present their own views of the nature of the diaries, something of their history, and a brief discussion of the present edition.
Washington as a Diarist
The diaries of George Washington are not those of a literary diarist in the conventional sense. No one holding the long-prevailing view of Washington as pragmatic and lusterless, a self-made farmer and soldier-statesman, would expect him to commit to paper the kind of personal testament that we associate with notable diarists. Even when familiarity modifies our view of the man, and we find him warmer and more intense than we knew, given to wry humor and sometimes towering rage--even then we do not find in these pages what we have come to expect of a diary.
But let us not be unfair to a man who had his own definition of a diary: "Where & How my Time is Spent." The phrase runs the whole record through. He accounts for his time because, like his lands, his time is a usable resource. It can be tallied and its usefulness appraised. Perhaps it was more than mere convenience that caused Washington to set down his earliest diary entries in interleaved copies of an almanac, for an almanac, too, is an accounting of time.
That his diaries were important to him there is no doubt. When in the spring of 1787 he journeyed to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and discovered that he would be
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away from Mount Vernon many weeks, he wrote home for the diary he had accidentally left behind. "It will be found, I presume, on my writing table," he said. "Put it under a good strong paper cover, sealed up as a letter" (GW to George A. Washington, 27 May 1787, CSmH).
We can be unfair to Washington in another way by calling this collection of diaries uneven, mixed, or erratic. That is not his fault but ours, for it is we--his biographers, editors, and archivists--who have brought these items together since his death and given them a common label. It would surprise Washington as often as it does his readers to find between the same boards his "where and how" diaries, weather records, agricultural notations, tours of the North and South during his presidency, together with such documents as a travel journal published in 1754 under the title, The Journal of Major George Washington, Sent by the Hon. Robert Dinwiddie, Esq;... Commander in Chief of Virginia, to the Commandant of the French Forces on Ohio (Williamsburg, 1754).
Even when his preoccupation with other matters reduces Washington to a mere chronicling of dinner guests, the record is noteworthy, although at times the reader may feel he has got hold of an eighteenth-century guest book rather than a diary. What a diarist chooses to set down, and what not to bother with after a busy day, can be worthy of scrutiny: the number of "respectable ladies" who constantly turned out to pay Washington homage during his southern tour in 1791, tallied so precisely that one suspects Washington of counting heads; his passion for fruits and flowers and the resulting diary notes that very nearly constitute a synopsis of eighteenth-century horticulture; his daily horseback rides, necessary to any large-scale Virginia farmer but clearly a ritual with him; his notices of the dalliance, both planned and impromptu, of his male and female foxhounds--a vital record if canine bloodlines were to be kept pure.
The Washington of the diaries is not the Washington who penned hundreds of letters to neighbors dealing for farm produce and to foreign potentates attending to the affairs of the eighteenth-century world. He is not on guard here, for he seems unaware that any other eyes will see, or need to see, what he is writing.
"At home all day. About five oclock poor Patcy Custis Died Suddenly," runs the complete entry for 19 June 1773. Good
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enough for his purposes; it was what happened on that day. His curt entry would serve to remind him of his devotion to his ill-fated stepdaughter, dead in her teens after a life made wretched by epilepsy. The place for sorrow was in communications to friends, not in the unresponsive pages of a memorandum book, and so it was to Burwell Bassett that he wrote of his grief for the "Sweet Innocent Girl" who had entered into "a more happy, & peaceful abode than any she has met with in the afflicted Path she hitherto has trod" (20 June 1773, WRITINGS, 3:138).
Reading these diaries from beginning to end can become a tedious exercise, though rewarding. Sampling them in brief sessions can become an equally rewarding way to probe the depths, those uneven depths, of a man who has come to personify the spirit of America in his time. John C. Fitzpatrick realized this essential value of the diaries in the 1920s when he undertook to issue the first compilation, the edition which the present one is intended to supersede. Writing to a committee of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union in 1924, he said: "Now that I have read every word of these Diaries, from the earliest to the last one, it is impossible to consider them in any other light than that of a most marvelous record. It is absolutely impossible for anyone to arrive at a true understanding or comprehension of George Washington without reading this Diary record."
The Worlds of Washington
As he rode about Mount Vernon on his daily inspection trips, Washington could turn his eyes frequently to the shipping traffic on the Potomac, his principal link with the great outside world. Vessels with such names as the Fair American, the Betsy, and the Charming Polly plied the river, some trading with the ports of Virginia and Maryland and some bound for far more distant anchorages in North America, the West Indies, or Europe. Most of the schooners, brigs, and ships that Washington watched come upriver were bound for Alexandria's docks and warehouses, and often their cargoes included goods for him: fine clothing and fabrics, bridles and saddles, books and surveying instruments, tools and nails, delicate chinaware and jewelry, fruits and spices, and great wines from France and the Madeiras. Outward bound,
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they carried the tobacco--and in later years the wheat or flour--that were sent to pay for his imports.
Now and then his commercial representatives in London, Robert Cary & Co., would err and place his shipment aboard a vessel bound for another Virginia river, such as the Rappahannock, and he must endure not only the inconvenience of further transportation but also the risk of loss. On one occasion he warned the Cary company never to ship by any vessel not bound for the Potomac, for when a recent cargo via the Rappahannock finally reached him, he found "The Porter entirely Drank out" (10 Aug. 1760, DLC:GW).
Moving along the growing network of roads that ran from New England to Georgia were more goods and the all-important packets of letters and newspapers that kept Washington in touch with an expanding nation in a restless world. Besides the English journals that came to him, he regularly read American newspapers and periodicals from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Williamsburg.
There was little isolation from the world at any time during his life. His diary for 1751--52 relates a voyage to Barbados when he was nineteen, with his dying half brother Lawrence. The next two accounts concern the early phases of the French and Indian War, the momentous struggle for control of the North American continent in which he commanded a Virginia regiment. By the 1760s, when Washington's diaries resume, young George III was on the British throne, and the American colonists were beginning to feel an ominous sense of discontent that during the 1770s grew into rebellion and placed Washington in command of a revolutionary army.
After the War of Independence, Washington never again fought on a field of battle, but military matters and political affairs of national and international import continued to engage his attention. In 1787 he journeyed to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention, which he chaired. During his two terms as president of the new nation there were no wars, but serious diplomatic problems arose with Great Britain, France, and Spain in 1793 and 1794. Even in retirement near the end of his life, Washington could not escape the turmoil among nations. When in 1798 relations with France deteriorated to the Point that a sea war was developing, old General Washington was placed at the head of a nominal land force that never took the field.
Washington's Extended Neighborhood
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In such a world, Washington felt happiest within a much smaller region bounded on the south by the James River and on the north by the Potomac. This was his neighborhood, somewhat extended, a world of very different responsibilities and pleasures that is best revealed in his diaries.
At the heart of this world lay Mount Vernon, the Potomac River plantation that Washington's father Augustine had established in the 1730s on an old family patent and which his half brother Lawrence had inherited and built up before his death in 1752. It was to Mount Vernon that young Colonel Washington came when, in 1758, his involvement in the French and Indian War was finished, for the plantation was now his home, Lawrence's widow having leased it to him four years earlier. It would become permanently his by right of inheritance when she died in 1761. In the meantime, Washington settled at Mount Vernon, thinking that his military career had ended forever. He was prepared for country living, a bit of politics, and plenty of riding to the hounds. The good life truly began for him in January 1759 with his marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis, a sensible young widow with a handsome dowry and two small children nicknamed Patsy and Jacky.
Washington was passionately devoted to Mount Vernon, eagerly extending its borders during the next three decades with numerous purchases of surrounding lands and striving constantly to improve its buildings, fields, and furnishings. But he did not neglect his immediate neighbors in Fairfax County nor did they disregard him. He became a vestryman of the local parish, a magistrate of the county court, a trustee of Alexandria, and one of Fairfax's two burgesses in Virginia's legislature, a position that he held from 1765 to 1775. In the course of carrying out the duties of those offices and of conducting the daily business of his plantation, he came to know well a host of local merchants, craftsmen, farmers, and planters. One of the most notable was George Mason of Gunston Hall, with whom Washington traded horticultural specimens and with whom he sometimes disagreed politically.
But Washington's closest ties, both of friendship and personal interest, were with the Fairfax family, members of the British aristocracy, whose principal American seat was at Belvoir only a few miles down the Potomac from Mount Vernon. There until 1773 lived George William Fairfax, member of the governor's
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Council and collector of customs for the south Potomac Naval District. His influence was derived from his father's cousin, Thomas Fairfax, sixth Baron Fairfax of Cameron, proprietor of all the land between the Potomac and the Rappahannock rivers from their mouths to their headwaters, the area that was known as the North Neck of Virginia in Washington's time. Lord Fairfax had the exclusive power to grant lands in the Northern Neck and the right to collect annual quitrents of two shillings per one hundred acres on lands the he granted, privileges that he retained until the Revolution.
The proprietor's home was a hunting lodge called Greenway Court, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick County. It too was an area that Washington knew well, for as a youth he surveyed dozen's of Lord Fairfax's grants in the Shenandoah
Washington made this survey of land in Frederick County, Va., for Thomas Loftan in 1751. (Smithsonian Institution photo no. 49445)
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Valley and the valleys beyond. He himself acquired lands along Bullskin Run, a tributary of the Shenandoah River, lands which he retained until his death. During the French and Indian War he was charged for a while with the defense of this region, and for seven years before he was elected a burgess from Fairfax, the freeholders of Frederick sent him to Williamsburg as one of their representatives. In the 1770s and 1780s two of Washington's three younger brothers, Samuel and Charles, also found opportunities west of the Blue Ridge, settling on lands of their own within a few miles of Bullskin.
At the other end of the Northern Neck, south and east of Mount Vernon, lay another part of Washington's extended neighborhood, a region of concern to him mainly because of family ties. Westmoreland County, stretching for about forty miles along the Potomac, was the first home of the Washington family in the New World. There lived Washington's half brother Augustine and his favorite younger brother, Jack, and it was there, on the bank of Pope's Creek, that Washington was born. Farther up the Potomac, about halfway between Westmoreland County and Mount Vernon, was the Chotank area, part of Stafford County until 1776 and then of King George County. In that locality lived a number of Washingtons: brother Sam until 1770, and many distant cousins, some of whom Washington had known from his childhood. Several miles west of Chotank, at Fredericksburg on the south bank of the Rappahannock, was the home of Fielding Lewis, husband of Washington's sister Betty, and before 1780, the home of brother Charles. Across the river from Fredericksburg was the Ferry Farm, where Washington lived as a boy and where his mother, Mary Ball Washington, resided until old age obliged her in 1771 to retire to a house in the town, there to spend the last eighteen years of her life.
At the southern extremity of Washington's extended neighborhood was the provincial capital of Williamsburg and near it, on the York and Pamunkey rivers, were the principal lands of the Custis family and the homes of their relations, the Dandridges and the Bassetts. For Washington this was an area to which he came to fulfill his duties as a burgess, to settle accounts with merchants, and to see that the affairs of his Custis stepchildren were properly managed. But it was also the place in which he attended the theater and balls, dined with men of note, and began to move into
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the role of an American leader, which eventually took him away from his beloved neighborhood again. Indeed, the network of interconnecting regions between the Potomac and the James that made up that neighborhood helped to develop in Washington that broad feeling of kinship and responsibility for men of differing experience and outlook which enabled him to enter the larger world beyond with ease.
But seldom was his home on the Potomac far from his thoughts, and never did he fail to return there when he could, for it was at Mount Vernon that all his worlds came together. From both inside and outside his extended neighborhood came a galaxy of people from all walks of life to visit him. Some were friends and relatives who came for a holiday, to play cards, to ride to the hounds, or to shoot ducks. Others came on business, to discuss politics and land transactions, to deal in wheat, flour, fish, and other commodities, to bring their mares for breeding, to call at his mill and, in the last years, at his distillery, or sometimes just to ask for help in solving their problems.
After the Revolution he wrote his mother, who had suggested that she might wish to move to Mount Vernon, that "in truth it may be compared to a well resorted tavern, as scarcely any strangers who are going from north to south, or from south to north, do not spend a day or two at it. . . . What with the sitting up of Company; the noise and bustle of servants, and many other things you would not be able to enjoy that calmness and serenity of mind, which... you ought now to prefer" (15 Feb. 1787, DLC:GW).
With this endless flow of friends, neighbors, and the idly curious coming to his home, Washington must have thought it an unusual day indeed when on 30 June 1785, at a time when he truly believed that he was done with service to his country, he wrote in his diary that he "dined with only Mrs. Washington which I believe is the first instance of it since my retirement from public life."
Washington and the New Agriculture
No theme appears more frequently in the writings of Washington than his love for the land--more precisely, his own land. From the ordered beauty of the mansion house grounds to the muddiest
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fields on Bullskin plantation in the Shenandoah Valley, his estate and those who inhabited it were his constant concern. The diaries are a monument to that concern.
In his letters he referred often, as an expression of this devotion and its resulting contentment, to an Old Testament passage. After the Revolution, when he had returned to Mount Vernon, he wrote the marquis de Lafayette 1 Feb. 1784: "At length my Dear Marquis I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac, & under the shadow of my own Vine & my own Fig-tree" (DLC:GW). On the occasion of another joyous homecoming after his two terms as president, the phrase came back to him. He wrote to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 May 1797, that if he ever were to see distant friends again, "it must be under my own Vine and Fig tree as I do not think it probable that I shall go beyond the radius of 20 miles from them" (DLC:GW).1
Maintaining the mansion house and its grounds, which required constant attention from carpenters and gardeners, was in part a diversion; farming, on the other hand, was a profession in which he took immense pride. "I shall begrudge no reasonable expence that will contribute to the improvement & neatness of my Farms," he wrote manager William Pearce on 6 Oct. 1793, "for nothing pleases me better than to see them in good order, and every thing trim, handsome, & thriving about them; nor nothing hurts me more than to find them otherwise" (NBLiHi).
The surviving diaries which deal with agriculture begin in 1760, a year sometimes used to denote the beginning of a new agriculture in England. It was also the year of the ascension of George III, a monarch so fond of farming that he maintained experimental plots at Windsor and submitted articles for publication under the name of his farm overseer. The influence of English agriculture on Washington and others in this country--Jefferson included--was indeed great.
Before the agricultural revolution in England, farmers there
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Jethro Tull's Horse-Hoeing Husbandry, London, 1733, influenced Washington's early attempts at scientific farming. (Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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had relied upon a three-year crop rotation: winter grain, a spring crop, and a year of fallow. The revolution brought forage crops, roots, and "artificial," or nonnative, grasses, an entire new system of cultivation pioneered by Jethro Tull. Tull mistakenly believed that plants were fed by tiny particles of soil and that the secret of good farming was to keep the soil well pulverized so the roots might take up the particles. To accomplish this he devised "horse-hoeing," or deep plowing, with crops drilled in rows so that the cultivating implements could pass between them. Although his theory about soil particles was wrong, his cultivating practices marked the beginning of mechanization. But the science of agriculture was changing rapidly. In 1760 Washington was a practitioner of Tull's horse-hoeing husbandry. At his death in 1799 he was devoted to the more sophisticated experiments and writings of Arthur Young and practiced a seven-year rotation.
The period extending from his return after the Revolution until his death was a time of intensive scientific agriculture for Washington. He was faced with the prospect of rebuilding his very large farms after the years of neglect they had suffered while he was the commanding general. He also faced the realization, with many of his fellow Virginians, that soil exhaustion and the evils of a one-crop agriculture were, together with slavery, edging them toward disaster. A general agricultural depression in the United States added to the problem. Washington wrote to George William Fairfax 10 Nov. 1785 that he never rode to his plantations "without seeing something which makes me regret having [continued] so long in the ruinous mode of farming which we are in" (DLC:GW).
At this point, Arthur Young (1741--1820) came into Washington's life. The English agriculturist had read a letter which Washington had written extolling the virtues of manure.2 Young then began a correspondence which was to last for many years, saying he thought it possible that Washington was as good a farmer as he was a general. Sending the first four volumes of his Annals of Agriculture (1784--1808), Young also offered to obtain grain seeds, farm implements, and other items for Washington.
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On 6 Aug. 1786 Washington sent him a grateful response. "Agriculture has never been amongst the most favorite amusements of my life, though I never possessed much skill in art, and nine years' total inattention to it, has added nothing to a knowledge which is best understood from practice; but with the means you have been so obliging as to furnish me, I shall return to it (though rather late in the day) with hope & confidence" (PPRF). Washington ask Young to sent him two plows with extra shares and coulters and the best varieties of cabbage, turnip, sainfoin, winter vetch, and ryegrass seeds, as well as any other grasses which might seem valuable.
One of Washington's great preoccupations, during his whole
A drag harrow, sketched by Washington from a contemporary work on agriculture. (Library of Congress)
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career in agriculture, was finding the right crops for the soil, climate, and practical needs of his Mount Vernon establishment. His determination to throw off the bondage of single-crop farming seemed at times almost too dogged. The number of field crops he raised, attempted to raise, or at least experimented with on a small scale is well above sixty. In a set of "Notes & Observations" he kept for 1785--86 (DLC:GW) he mentions planting barley, clover, corn, carrots, cabbage, flax, millet, oats, orchard grass, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, rye, spelt, turnips, timothy, and wheat.
His experience with tobacco typifies the change in his thinking. Early in the diaries it is his all-important cash crop--the shipment he sends to England every year to exchange for goods he cannot obtain in America. When he drastically reduced his tobacco production he became, in the terminology of the day, no longer a planter but a farmer. One English observer wrote that Washington had no land left which would bring in a good crop of tobacco without appropriating woodland badly needed as a source of firewood for his family and slaves. Also, it required more manure to raise tobacco than his farms could produce (PARKINSON, 2:423--24) By 1766 he was saying that he raised no tobacco at all except at his dower plantations on the York River, and in 1768 he repeated this assertion. He said he raised no tobacco at all on the Potomac.
He could never give up tobacco entirely, however; it was still being raised in 1790 on the Mount Vernon farms. George Augustine Washington's farm report for 20 Aug. reveals that for the preceding week twenty man-days were spent at Muddy Hole in weeding, topping, and suckering tobacco, and similar work was being done at Dogue Run, River Farm, and Union Farm.
Washington raised alfalfa from 1760 to 1795, then gave it up in favor of chicory. He tried the horsebean, as did Jefferson, but it could not thrive in the hot Virginia summers. He tried buckwheat with enthusiasm, both as a feed for livestock and as a green manure, and finally concluded that it depleted as much as it enriched the soil. He raised burnet, sainfoin, ryegrass, hop clover, tick trefoil, guinea grass, hemp, Jerusalem artichoke, Siberian melilot, field peas, and potatoes. He kept on with flax even after Arthur Young had chided him for wasting his time and lands on it; it was essential for his spinning and weaving operations. He even hoped to give up most of his corn crop late in life and buy
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what he needed, because the hard substratum of clay on his farms made it difficult to till the crop properly without serious erosion. He needed corn because he believed that his slaves did not thrive as well on wheat as on cornmeal, and because he was fond of it himself. "General Washington had so habituated himself to eating the Indian corn bread, that I know some instances of tavern-keepers having to send several miles for it, for his breakfast" (PARKINSON, 2:632).
Experimentation with all these many crops was one of Washington's chief delights as a farmer. He tried drill culture instead of broadcasting the seed; he varied the distance between rows; he planted potatoes and peas between the corn rows. He tried different rates of seeding, carefully noting them in his diaries and other memoranda. In Sept. 1764 he sowed oats on the Dogue Run farm to see if it could endure the winter as his wheat did. Apparently the crop failed. Learning of his interest in experimental agriculture, admirers at home and abroad were eager to assist him. If tabulated, Washington's experiments in agronomy might not appear too different from those of agronomists in the twentieth century.
His experiments with manures extended to animal dung, marl, green crops plowed under, and in at least one instance mud from the Potomac River bottom. In Oct. 1785 he borrowed a scow from Col. George Gilpin to use in collecting mud "to try the efficacy of it as a manure" (GW to Gilpin, 29 Oct. 1785, ViMtV).
The growing shortage of timber with which to make rail fences caused him to turn to live hedges for fencing. He tried honey locust, Lombardy poplar, cedar, and some of the hundreds of species of thorned trees and shrubs. His plan was to start such fences with the fast-growing willows and poplars (which he then thought would turn back any farm animal but a hog), while the slower cedars and locusts were coming up to thicken the hedge. He told manager William Pearce 22 Nov. 1795 that nothing concerning his farms--even the crops--made him so solicitous as his desire to get all his fields enclosed with hedge fences. And the following year, when his crop of honey locust died, he lamented to Pearce that "it would seem I think as if I never should get forward in my plan of hedging" (22 May 1796, NBLiHi). By then he had become resigned to the fact that no live hedge would turn back a hog, but that any tree which would tolerate close planting
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Cultivating tools from an eighteenth-century work, La Nouvelle Maison rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
could be used to fence in other livestock. Another decade was to pass before Lewis and Clark would send back to Jefferson specimens of the Osage orange, Maclura pomifera, from the West--one of the most successful of all hedge plants in restraining livestock. Except hogs, of course.
Improved cropping calls for improved machinery, as Washington knew, and he shared Jefferson's interest in the mechanical aspects of agriculture. The two men visited the farm of Samuel Powel, near Philadelphia, in 1791 to see the operation of a new threshing machine. It was a primitive device harvesting only six bushels an hour "fit for the miller," but Powel felt that a larger unit might produce 100 to 130 bushels a day (ANNALS, 17 [ 1792 ], 206--8). Five years later Jefferson built a similar thresher, and Washington was enthusiastic about it. He wrote Jefferson 6 July 1796: "If you can bring a moveable threshing Machine, constructed upon simple principles to perfection, it will be among the most valuable institutions in this Country" (DLC: Jefferson
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Papers). When the farms of the Mount Vernon estate were inventoried in 1800, the listing for the River Farm included one threshing machine, probably a stationary one (ViMtV).3
Like most farmers through the ages, Washington was most fascinated by the plow and its potential for advancing agriculture. He ordered a Rotheram patent plow from England 6 Mar. 1765, instructing the firm of Crosbies & Trafford that it ought to be made extremely light, "as our Lands are not so stiff as yours nor our Horses so strong" (DLC:GW). The Rotheram, dating from 1730, was a swing plow of compact design, lighter of frame and with a better moldboard than earlier designs. Made in Rotheram, Yorkshire, it had a coulter and plowshare of iron and a breast covered with iron plate. Farmers in England and Scotland liked its light draft and low cost of manufacture.
Years later, at Washington's request, Arthur Young sent two plows with extra shares and coulters, capable of a nine-inch furrow from four to eight inches deep--depending upon the friability of the soil. Young thought it should be drawn by two stout oxen or horses (Young to GW, 1 Feb. 1787, DLC:GW). By 1788 Washington had found another model he liked so well that he told Thomas Snowden 3 Oct., "I mean to get into the use of them generally" (DLC:GW). In the end, however, it was the old reliable Rotheram which pleased him most. He told Benjamin Latrobe in 1796 that he preferred it over all other plows but had found replacement parts impossible to get (LATROBE, 60--61).
Livestock was another vital interest of Washington's, though it is not as apparent--either in the diaries or the letters--as his preoccupation with crops. He was fully aware of the breeding required to prosper with livestock and equally aware of the shortcomings of American farmers in that regard. "The fact is," he wrote Arthur Young 18 June 1792, "we have, in a manner, everything to learn that respects neat & profitable husbandry" (DLC: GW). And to Sir John Sinclair he said 20 Oct. 1792, "we have been so little in the habit of attending either to the breed or improvement of our Stock" (British Museum: Add. Ms. 5757).
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His own self-confessed failures in husbandry were due more to his long absences from home than to a lack of good intentions; his letters to his farm managers are filled with exhortations about the care, culling, and breeding of his stock--especially sheep and swine. "At Shearing time . . . let there be a thorough culling out, of all the old, and indifferent sheep from the flocks, that they may be disposed of, & thereby save me the mortification of hearing every week of their death!" he wrote William Pearce 6 April 1794 (NBLiHi).
Washington customarily culled his flock of unthrifty lambs, wethers, and ewes and took care to withhold from market the ram lambs with the best conformation and most wool. He wrote Sir John Sinclair 15 Mar. 1793 that he normally raised from 600 to 1,000 head of sheep and that if he could always be at home to attend to their management he could produce five pounds of wool from each animal and from eighteen to twenty-two pounds of mutton per quarter. He attributed this success in part to the choice of good rams from English stock which he occasionally could obtain, "notwithstanding your prohibitary Laws, or customs" (DLC:GW). The best wool he produced was, he thought, equal to the finest Kentish wool.
Cattle were raised both to serve as oxen and to provide meat. At a time when most Virginians kept cattle in open pens the year around, Washington housed his in sheds from November until May, instructing his managers that they were to be well fed and carefully watered, the ice being regularly broken in cold weather to give them access to clean water. When 300 head of cattle brought him only 30 calves, he decided that "old and debilitated bulls" must be to blame. Despite the rarity of imported stock, some did find its way to America. Washington told manager James Anderson 8 Jan. 1797 to see if he could buy a bull from Henry Gough of Baltimore, even if the price was high. "I should not stand so much upon the price, provided the breed is to be depended upon" (DLC:GW).
Of milk and butter production we learn little from his papers, although he expressed to Pearce 2 Nov. 1794 a desire to get into the dairy business--thinking it might be profitable because of his proximity to Alexandria, Georgetown, and the Federal City (NBLiHi). He sometimes supplemented his own butter production by purchases.
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Washington's own copy of Thomas Hale's Compleat Body of Husbandry, London, 1758. (Boston Athenaeum)
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His swine ran loose in fenced woodlands until it was time to select the best for fattening in pens. They rooted and shoved their way through his hedges and eluded any attempt to count them. In listing his livestock on the various farms he could only say, in effect, "plus an uncertain number of hogs." He once directed his manager to put a dozen young shoats in a sty and keep an exact account of the cost of raising them for a year. Later he brought up the possibility of raising hogs in pens from birth, at least experimentally. But, as most of his swine must always run at large, he insisted that none be brought from the woodlands to be fattened until they reached sufficient size and age. "I had rather have a little good, than much bad, Porke," he told Anthony Whitting 4 Nov. 1792 (DLC:GW).
The records speak little about poultry. The weekly reports from Washington's manager faithfully record the number of chickens, ducks, and geese on each farm, but the flocks were not large. At a time when wildfowl was abundant, no extensive work with domestic fowls was necessary.
A few days before his death in Dec. 1799, Washington was hard at work on a plan for his future farming operations. He drew up a scheme for each of the farms at Mount Vernon, setting forth in minute detail such matters as crop rotation, the handling of pasture lands and meadows, and use of manures (including the systematic penning of cattle and sheep on regularly shifted temporary enclosures to fertilize the land). His instructions for the River Farm, written 10 Dec. 1799, closed with a characteristic statement: "There is one thing however I cannot forbear to add, and in strong terms; it is, that whenever I order a thing to be done, it must be done; or a reason given at the time, or as soon as the impracticability is discovered, why it cannot; which will produce a countermand, or change." Any other course of action was disagreeable to him, he said, "having been accustomed all my life to more regularity, and punctuality, and know that nothing but system and method is required to accomplish all reasonable requests" (DLC:GW).
Four days later he was dead, and system and method began to disappear from the farms of Mount Vernon. It would be more than fifty years before the mansion house, eventually bereft of most outlying farmland, was restored to beauty and order. Meanwhile, time and neglect diminished much of what Washington had longed to improve and preserve.
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In 1834 a writer from Fairfax County, signing himself "F," wrote a letter to the editor of the Farmers' Register. He had recently ridden across the farms. "Any, curious to mark the operation of time upon human affairs, would find much for contemplation by riding through the extensive domains of the late General Washington. A more widespread and perfect agricultural ruin could not be imagined; yet the monuments of the great mind that once ruled, are seen throughout. The ruins of capacious barns, and long extended hedges, seem proudly to boast that their master looked to the future" (1:552).
The Weather Watch
Washington's preoccupation with the weather was clearly an extension of his needs and interests as a farmer. He was not a scientific observer, as was Jefferson, and his weather records are
This recording thermometer now at Mount Vernon is similar to those used by Washington.
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irregular in scope and content. In editing the diaries for the 1925 edition, Fitzpatrick abandoned the weather record midway in his first volume except when it could not be sorted from other matters recorded, calling the weather entries "unessential" (DIARIES 1:288n). Our view is that because we cannot and should not attempt to predict the use which readers will be making of the diaries, the weather material should remain. Records for the study of eighteenth-century meteorology are not so plentiful that Washington's may be ignored.
It is difficult to separate him from the weather because so much Washington lore is weather-connected. Seasick days during a stormy voyage to Barbados; the cruel winters at Valley Forge and Morristown; the dust and mud of carriage roads during a lifetime of travel; and, at least in the minds of his family and friends, the probability that an ill-advised horseback ride in a December storm contributed to his death.
His instruments for recording the weather were few, but one in particular is notable. His prized weather vane has survived the changing winds and still serves atop the cupola at Mount Vernon. The vane is in the shape of a dove of peace, the copper body bound with iron strips and the bill with olive branch fashioned from a piece of iron. The bird is forty inches long, and the wing from tip to tip measures thirty-five inches. The vane was made in Philadelphia, by Joseph Rakestraw, in July or Aug. 1787, and was sent immediately to Mount Vernon. Washington wrote his nephew George Augustine Washington, 12 Aug. 1787, that the bill of the dove was to be painted black and the olive branch green. This color scheme is no longer maintained today, the vane having been covered with gold leaf to deter corrosion of the copper body.
Washington made no attempt to measure barometric pressure (though he mentions "falling weather" now and then), and his references to humidity are subjective assessments, not readings from an instrument. Aside from the weather vane, his only known weather instrument was the thermometer. Writing to farm manager William Pearce, from Philadelphia 22 Dec. 1793, he said, "And as it is not only satisfactory, but may be of real utility to know the state of the weather as to heat & cold, but drought or moisture, prefix, as usual, at the head of every weeks report a meteorological account of these. The Thermomiter which is at Mount Vernon will enable you to do the first" (NBLiHi).
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Two barometer-thermometers now at Mount Vernon, one in Washington's study and the other in the central hall of the mansion, are connected with Washington by family tradition only. A third instrument is probably one mentioned in an inventory of his effects not long after his death. While the inventory accords it a place in the Washingtons' bedroom, where it hangs today in restored form, it may have been located originally in the east hall outside the study. It is a registering thermometer designed to record high and low temperatures for the day, and bears the name of Joseph Gatty, a New York instrument maker.
One of Washington's comments about temperature leads to the speculation that at least some of his readings were made inside the mansion house. "Thermometer at 52 in the Morning & 59 at Noon," he writes in the diary on 7 Dec. 1785, "but removing it afterwards out of the room where the fire was, into the East Entry leading in to my Study, this circumstance with the encrease of the cold fell the Mercury to 42." Meteorologists might charge that Washington was ill advised if not actually foolish for recording indoor readings, and certainly such readings would be of little use today in studying eighteenth-century weather. And ill advised he may have been, by Dr. James Jurin, secretary of the Royal Society of London. Publishing a set of recommendations for keeping a meteorological register, Jurin advocated placing the thermometer "in a room which faces the north, where there is very seldom if ever any fire in the fireplace" (Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions, 32 [1723], 425).
In Europe, Jurin's fellow scientists objected to this recommendation, but in English-speaking countries the practice continued through the end of the century. New York and Philadelphia scientists carried on a debate about the practice of thermometer location, and at least one Philadelphia record carries one column for indoor and another for outdoor readings. Jefferson, however, was not a disciple of Jurin. When he discovered that his thermometer in the northeast portico was being affected by an unknown source of heat, perhaps a mound of earth, he changed its location and rejected eighteen months of readings in his weather record (weather diary, MHi; transcript, ViU). For a brief discussion of early views on the correct location of the thermometer, see MIDDLETON (1), 208--13.
Washington's temperature records begin Jan. 1785. It may never be possible to determine which readings were made indoors
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Dove of peace weathervane atop the cupola at Mount Vernon
and which outdoors, although there are hints in the records themselves. In 1785, during a period when he was recording three readings daily--morning, noon, and sunset--there is very little variation in the day's temperature from reading to reading. For example, on 19 Jan. he records a reading of 48° Fahrenheit in the morning, 48° at noon, and 48° at sunset. On occasion there seems to be a discrepancy between his temperatures and what he says the weather is doing. He wrote on 26 May that the weather was warm until about 5:00 P. M. when clouds and high wind brought about a marked change in the temperature of the air. Yet his three readings for the day are 65°, 68°, and 67°.
Some of his extremely cold readings may indicate that the thermometer was outdoors. He wrote on 5 Feb. 1788 of weather so cold that the mercury did not rise out of the bulb of the thermometer all day. But he was writing about one of the coldest days of the century, when near Philadelphia the temperature registered--17° F.
If he was not scientifically accurate, he was at least persistent. See his entry for 30 April 1785 when, unable to record the weather personally because of a trip to Richmond, he had put Mrs. Washington in charge of the thermometer. "Mercury (by Mrs. W's acct.) in the Morning at 68--at Noon 69 and at Night 62." Even on great occasions in his life, the weather was on his mind. On 9 Mar. 1797 he left Philadelphia for the last time, after a lifetime of public service in which he longed always to return
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to Mount Vernon. "Wind changed to No. Wt. blew very hard & turned very cold," he wrote in his diary. "Mer. at 28. Left Phila. on my return to Mt. Vernon--dined at Chester & lodged at Wilmington."
History of the Diary Manuscripts
Except for special occasions, such as his mission to the French commandant and his voyage to Barbados, Washington apparently kept no daily record until 1760. Even then, his dairy-keeping was erratic until 1768, when he settled down to a program that he was to continue faithfully until he became commander in chief in 1775.
Washington kept no diary during most of the Revolution. The rigor of his activities would have made it difficult to do so, and the full record of the period which accumulated in his official letterbooks and general orders rendered the custom less necessary. He tried to resume his old habit in 1781, but it was not until he had resigned his command and returned home that he became a confirmed diarist again.
It seems likely that diaries were kept for the presidential years 1789--97, and the fact that so few have survived is particularly vexing to historians. "The Journal of the Proceedings of the President (1793--97)," a daily account of Washington's official activities and correspondence, written in the first person but kept by his secretaries, will be published later. An entry for 16 April 1789, recounting his departure from Mount Vernon to assume office, appears only in SPARKS, 1:441--42. The entry for 23 April 1789, remarking on the enthusiasm with which the public received him, is from IRVING, 4:511. So at least we know that Jared Sparks and Washington Irving had access to material indicating that Washington began his presidency with a determination to continue the record. Diaries are extant for the period covering his tours of the northern and southern states and a brief one kept during the Whisky Rebellion of 1794. Apart from an unrewarding record for 1795, all else is lost for the presidential years.
The earliest diaries were kept in notebooks of various sizes and shapes, but when Washington began in earnest to make daily entries he chose to make them in interleaved copies of the Virginia
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Almanack, a Williamsburg publication. By the end of the Revolution he had grown accustomed to the blank memorandum books used in the army, and he adopted a similar notebook for his civilian record. By 1795 he had gone back to his interleaved almanacs.
As Fitzpatrick observes, ruled paper was not available to Washington, and he obtained regularly spaced lines by using a ruled guide-sheet beneath his writing paper. "This practice gives us evidence of his failing vision, as the diaries, after the Presidency, show frequent examples of his pen running off the outer edge of the small diary page, and whole words, written on the ruled guide-sheet beneath, escaped notice of not being on the diary page itself" (DIARIES, 1:X).
Upon Washington's death in 1799, most of his papers still in his hands became the property of his nephew Bushrod Washington, an associate justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. We shall have more to say about the fate of these invaluable documents in the Introduction to Volume I of The Papers of George Washington.
Destruction and dispersal of the papers began very early when Mrs. Washington reportedly burned all the correspondence she had exchanged with Washington during his lifetime--overlooking only two letters, we believe. There followed long years of careless handling by Bushrod, biographer John Marshall, and editor Jared Sparks. Indeed, what is most important in the story of Washington's papers is not such natural processes as fire, flood, mildew, and the tendency of paper to fall into dust. Rather, there has been an overabundance of stewardship by misguided caretakers, persons who thought they knew what was important and what was trivial, what should be saved and what given away to friends and autograph collectors.
The editor who laments the disappearance of so many Washington diaries can only sink into despondency upon learning that Bushrod gave many away. To diplomat Christopher Hughes, in 1825, he gave the 1797 diary and a sheaf of Washington's notes on agriculture; Hughes dispersed these among his friends in the United States and Europe. Two years later, Bushrod gave the diaries for 1795 and 1798 to Margaret and Robert Adams, of Philadelphia. Then he presented the 1767 diary to Dr. James W. Wallace, of Warrenton. These and certain other diaries once in
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Editor Jared Sparks gave away this page from a Washington diary in 1832. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Dreer Collection)
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private hands have been preserved; others apparently have not.
Jared Sparks's turn to mishandle the papers came in 1827, when he persuaded Bushrod to let him take large quantities to Boston, where he was to prepare his twelve-volume edition, The Writings of George Washington (Boston, 1837). Sparks decided that carefully excising a Washington signature from a document, and sending it to a friend, did not really damage the manuscript as a piece of history; that a page torn from a Washington diary, or an entire Washington letter, could safely be given away if he, Sparks, judged it to be of no historical value. It was Sparks who cut Washington's draft of his first inaugural address into small pieces and so thoroughly disseminated this document of more than sixty pages that the efforts of several collectors have failed to reassemble more than a third of it. Even after he had supposedly returned all the papers to the Washington family, Sparks retained a supply to distribute. He was still mailing out snippets in 1861.
The pillage stopped in 1834 when the Washington family sold the basic collection to the U. S. government. This corpus, together with a later, smaller sale, forms the basis of the principal Washington archive at the Library of Congress. Other acquisitions have been made throughout the years.
In the following list, the present location of all known diaries and diary fragments is shown. The Regents' Numbers are numbers assigned by Fitzpatrick in the 1920s and used since as a cataloguing device. The diaries without Regents' Numbers were not published by Fitzpatrick, nor were several to which he assigned numbers but could not locate. His number 54, which he believed to have been kept but did not locate, is partially represented by the next diary in the series.
Previous Editions
During most of the nineteenth century, publication of Washington diaries was sporadic and limited. Sparks used extracts from certain diaries in an appendix to his second volume of Writings, edited as to grammar and spelling in the usual Sparks manner. Benson J. Lossing edited and published two small editions at
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mid-century, Diary of Washington from the First Day of October, 1789, to the Tenth Day of March, 1790 (New York, 1858), and The Diary of George Washington from 1789 to 1791 (New York, 1860). Another edition of the latter, published in Richmond in 1861, included Washington's 1753--54 journal of his mission to the French.
A quarter century after Lossing's editions, two men found that each had been preparing more extensive collections of the diaries, unknown to one another. Their work marked the beginning of a series of events that would culminate in the publication of the first comprehensive edition in 1925.
Dr. Joseph Meredith Toner (1825--1896), a physician, writer, and collector, began the practice of medicine in Washington, D. C., in 1855 and later became president of the American Medical Association. His practice was nearly overshadowed by two hobbies, the collecting of books and ephemera in the field of medicine and the study of George Washington. By 1888 he had employed a copyist to begin transcribing Washington's diaries (at seven cents per hundred words) and had begun to approach publishers. A rejection letter of 31 May 1888 from Houghton Mifflin Co. explains that a particular Washington diary probably would not be suitable for publication because it was available in other forms (DLC: Toner Collection). But Toner did achieve publication of a pamphlet entitled George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior (Washington, D. C., 1888).
A. C. McClurg & Co. rejected a diary manuscript in a letter of 15 Feb. 1889, explaining that it would not be a profitable venture (DLC: Toner Collection); but the doctor's determination to go ahead was becoming known. At this point his work came to the attention of Worthington Chauncey Ford (1858--1941), an archivist and a historical editor who was preparing the first multi-volume edition of Washington's papers in more than half a century. Apprehensive that he and Toner were duplicating work, he asked for an appointment in a letter of 23 Jan. 1889, seeking a consultation for their "mutual advantage" (DLC: Toner Collection).
If the two men did confer at this time, Ford must have explained that he already had in press the first volume of his Writings of George Washington (New York, 1889--93) and that the first two volumes would contain the diaries of 1747/48, 1753--54,
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and 1754 with extracts from later diaries through 1774. The entire work would contain fourteen volumes.
Toner was determined to proceed despite this competition from an industrious man more than thirty years younger than he. On 9 June 1890 the publishing house of Joel Munsell's Sons, in Albany, N.Y., accepted a manuscript from Toner, offering him terms which required him to advance $200 for publication costs. By 23 June the publisher was planning to issue an entire set of diaries in volumes of about 500 pages each. And by 3 Dec. Toner was receiving galley proof of the 1747/48 journal (DLC: Toner Collection).
The Munsell firm published three works for Toner, the diaries of 1747/48, 1753--54, and 1754, the first two issued in 1892 and the third the following year. Even before these books appeared in print, however, it had become apparent to Munsell's that the venture was unprofitable. Toner began to solicit other publishers, writing 27 May 1891 to C. L. Webster & Co., of New York, offering about 3,000 pages of foolscap transcriptions with footnotes. The file contains a similar letter, undated, to Harper & Brothers, of New York (DLC: Toner Collection, letters sent, 1849--96). No replies have survived. Except for an annotated abstract of the 1774 diary, covering Washington's attendance at the First Continental Congress, which appeared in the Annual Report for 1892 of the American Historical Association, Toner published no more of the diaries upon which he and his copyist, Mary Stevens Beall, had labored for so many years.
There remains in the Library of Congress, however, the complete and carefully made transcript, valuable now because it was written at a time when the manuscripts were in a somewhat more readable condition. Toner's copious notes are useful mainly as an incentive to further research, for he gave no sources for the thousands of annotations that he made.
Diary publication during the ensuing three decades was sporadic. Archer B. Hulbert produced Washington and the West: Being George Washington's Diary of September, 1784 (New York, 1905). In the same year, Worthington C. Ford returned to the scene with extracts from the diaries of 1785 and 1786 in Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. That society was to issue his remaining work on the 1786 diary in its publications of 1915 and 1917.
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The Regent and Vice-Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union began to move toward a comprehensive edition in 1914, unaware that shortages and other pressures of World War I would soon bring disappointing delays. Some of the impetus for the Regents' campaign for publication came from Charles Sprague Sargent (1841--1927), director of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University. As counsel to the Association since 1901 on horticultural matters, he began in 1914 to make annual visits to Mount Vernon. Because the diaries are so rich in horticultural lore, he studied them thoroughly. Apparently as a result of his first visit to the mansion house and grounds, he suggested to Regent Harriet Clayton Comegys that her Association ought to sponsor a complete edition. The following discussion of ensuing events is based upon correspondence and reports in the Regents' files at Mount Vernon.
A diary committee was formed in 1915, consisting of ViceRegents Harriet L. Huntress of New Hampshire and Alice M. Longfellow of Massachusetts. By the end of the year they were seeking an editor. The Regent had suggested Owen Wister, "who writes so well about Washington and understands him so well." Others considered included Clarence H. Brigham, librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, and Mark Howe, editor of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin.
There was an obvious choice, of course, and the committee soon got around to him. Worthington C. Ford was invited to assume the task and at first declined, suggesting instead Professors Max Farrand of Yale, Sidney Fiske Kimball of Smith College, or William MacDonald of Brown University. But when the diary committee submitted its annual report for 1916, it declared that Ford himself had at last agreed to edit the diaries. Having served for several years as chief of the manuscripts division at the Library of Congress, Ford was now in his seventh year as editor of publications for the Massachusetts Historical Society. (For an excellent memoir of Ford's vast career as an editor and historian, SEE BUTTERFIELD [2].)
Printer's copy for the text of the diaries was nearly ready in March 1917, Ford told Miss Huntress. He said the annotation was "well in hand." In November he again reported the work going well but voiced a complaint familiar to anyone who has attempted to edit the diaries: the myriad names of persons to be
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identified. "To name generation after generation the same is an evil habit," he wrote.
By now the United States was at war with Germany, and normal routines were interrupted. Ford, however, reported in April 1918 that he was still forging ahead and thought he would be ready for the printer "on the return of peace." Peace came, but new trials developed. On 5 May 1919 he wrote Miss Huntress, "Judging from the current prices of printing and the situation of the book market, which is entirely unsatisfactory, I should recommend the postponement of the publication for another year." Besides, he was planning a trip to England and would not be available to read galleys. What he did not say was that his optimism about the completion of his editorial chores was utterly unjustified. He was not nearly ready for the printer.
By May 1921 the diary committee was reporting to the council of the Association that Ford's work was nearing completion but that a printers' strike as well as high production costs would delay publication. In Feb. 1923 Ford seemed to realize that he was never going to finish his work. He wrote the diary committee, the chairman of which was then Annie B. Jennings of Connecticut, that he wanted to be relieved of his assignment because of illness.
When John C. Fitzpatrick (1876--1941) entered the scene, he was on the staff of the manuscripts division of the Library of Congress. He had been a journalist until joining the library staff soon after the appointment in 1897 of his uncle-in-law, John Russell Young, as librarian of Congress. Since then he had become a respected curator, responsible for a number of calendars and guides issued by the library. Two of these dealt with Washington: calendars of his correspondence with the Continental Congress (1906) and with his officers of the Continental Army (1915). Fitzpatrick also had produced a facsimile edition of Washington's expense account while commander in chief (Boston, 1917) and was a frequent contributor of historical articles to the Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine.
Fitzpatrick's work was known to Fairfax Harrison (1869--1938), a Virginia railroad magnate, writer, and patron of many historical projects. Harrison had begun a movement to publish the Washington diaries privately, edited by Fitzpatrick, when he learned that the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
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had revived its hope of sponsoring an "official" edition. The plan for a privately sponsored edition was dropped, and on 22 May 1923 Fitzpatrick was told by Eleanor Tyrell, secretary of the Regent, that he had been chosen to edit the Regents' own edition.
As his later thirty-nine volumes of the Writings of George Washington would attest, Fitzpatrick was a prodigious worker. Because of his energy and perhaps some previous work on the diaries for Harrison, and aided by materials from Toner and Ford, he was able to advise the council 20 June 1924 that he had completed his editorial work on the manuscript. All that remained was to find a publisher (Houghton Mifflin was to become the majority choice, but the presses of Harvard and Yale were still under discussion) and to settle on the costs of production and distribution.
The four-volume edition, The Diaries of George Washington, 1748--1799, came off the press in Oct. 1925. Houghton Mifflin had agreed on a mutual sharing of the costs, the Association to pay for composition and plates, the publisher to assume the expense of printing, paper, binding, and advertising. There were three printings in the fall of 1925. The publisher reported sales to 1 April 1926 of 3,096 copies. From their royalties, the Ladies paid Fitzpatrick $1,500 for his editorial work and an additional $350 for preparing the index.
The Present Edition
Although in a generic sense the diaries in this edition are part of Washington's "papers," they are published separately from the forthcoming series, The Papers of George Washington. This decision seems fitting because the diaries span Washington's entire career in relatively few volumes and are thus a complete work in themselves. There are lamentable gaps, but the reader may savor the man's words and works as they evolved from the day he set out as a boy of sixteen, to survey for Lord Fairfax, until that day before his death when, always conscious of the weather, he wrote a final entry: "Mer[cury] at 28 at Night."
Another persuasive reason to issue the diaries before the Papers has been the time required to assemble, from repositories and private owners all over the world, the letters and documents that
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will comprise the main series. While these thousands of manuscripts were being located, catalogued, and transcribed by some members of our staff, others proceeded with the editorial work on the diaries. The fact that as these diaries go to press we are still receiving substantial numbers of manuscripts for inclusion in the Papers provides further justification for our decision.
The present text of the diaries varies but slightly from that of the 1995 edition. Fitzpatrick missed the 1762 diary (not a significant one) and a few other fragments. His reading of the tattered manuscripts often differs from ours. He did some rearranging, and he omitted much of the weather data. But in general his transcription of the diaries is substantially the same as ours.
What differs is the editing. The re-editing of a historical document is much like the cleaning of an old and well-loved painting. The design, the basic theme, remains unchanged; but the colors brighten and reveal forgotten nuances of brushstroke and pigment. Occasionally, figures emerge from the background that have long been concealed, and suddenly new meanings are there; new interpretations are possible.
Succeeding generations of editors have always gone about their work in ways that differ from those of their predecessors, hoping that in the process they are improving upon the craft. They have an inevitable advantage in the vast quantity of historical research turned out by every generation of historians. Many of our manuscript sources, as well as large numbers of printed books used in our work, were unavailable to earlier editors. Washington's diaries present a peculiar problem to the modern editor in that some of the daily entries are long, detailed, and informative; others are perfunctory and, to be frank, often dull. This has brought about a variation in the length and nature of our annotation that is not accidental. When Washington feels talkative, we let him talk. When he grows laconic and uninformative, we feel a greater urge to let the reader know what is going on. Yet we must avoid the temptation to overshadow his brief entries with extended editorial statements better left for our edition of the Papers.
The principal aims of the editorial staff have been these:
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Preparing these short biographical statements about obscure eighteenth-century figures has proved to be the most difficult part of the editorial process. The urge to follow the example of Dr. Toner has been great. In his notes on the Washington diaries he identifies one Private John Doe simply as "a soldier." Our system, however, is to remain silent if we have no useful biographical information to offer. People and places have generally been identified at first appearance in the diaries. Washington commonly refers to individuals only by surname. In cases where the person has been previously identified the full name will be found in the index.
Editorial Procedures and Symbols
Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the
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dash has been changed to a period and the following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are clearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been lowered, and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
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If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, although the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume I
1748--65
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Editorial Note. During the spring of 1748 GW undertook a journey that introduced him for the first time to an area which was to play an important part in his career. In March of that year he had an opportunity to join a party engaged by Lord Fairfax1 to survey his properties on the South Branch of the Potomac River. Fairfax was the proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia, which encompassed the area between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from the Chesapeake Bay to the headwaters of the two rivers. The grant for the proprietorship of the Northern Neck was originally made in 1649 by the exiled Charles II to John Culpeper, first Baron Culpeper of Thoreaway, and others as a reward for their support. No effort was made to implement the grant during the period of Cromwell's rule, but it was revived in 1660 when Charles II returned to England. The Culpeper interest in the proprietary passed to Lord Culpeper's son Thomas and to other relatives. By 1662 there was evident opposition in Virginia to the grant because of its interference with headright grants made by the colony. But by 1689, Thomas, Lord Culpeper, after serving for a time as governor of Virginia, had obtained a crown renewal of the grant and had secured the rights of all the
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The Fairfax coat of arms. (Trustees of the British Museum)
Thomas Fairfax, sixth Baron Fairfax of Cameron, an early influence on the young Washington. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A. M., Alexandria, Va.)
proprietors except those of other members of the Culpeper family. Upon his death in 1689 the Northern Neck proprietorship was left to his wife and his only legitimate child, Catherine.
In 1690 Catherine married Thomas Fairfax, fifth Baron Fairfax of Cameron, bringing the Northern Neck into the possession of the Fairfax family. The deaths of the fifth baron in 1710 and of Lady Culpeper in 1719 left Thomas Fairfax, sixth Baron Fairfax, the sole proprietor of the Northern Neck.2 By the time Lord Fairfax had settled in Virginia in 1745, there had been extensive occupation of his lands, with ensuing uneasiness on the part of the settlers concerning the validity of their claims and a desire on the part of Lord Fairfax to confirm title to his property in the area. In 1746 the western boundary of the proprietary had been surveyed, under conditions of great difficulty, and with the confirmation of the boundary the settlers began to request valid grants from the proprietor.3 By 1747 surveyors for Fairfax were active
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An early map of the Northern Neck of Virginia. (Map Division. Library of Congress)
in the area of the Rappahannock, the Shenandoah, and the South Branch of the Potomac.
GW's association with the powerful Fairfax family grew out of the marriage of his half brother Lawrence, owner of Mount Vernon, to Ann Fairfax, daughter of Col. William Fairfax.4 Whenever
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possible GW escaped from the austerity of his mother's home at Ferry Farm to the pleasant plantation life of his brother's house. While he was staying with Lawrence at Mount Vernon, GW was a frequent visitor at Belvoir, the beautiful estate of William Fairfax some four miles from Mount Vernon. He soon became an intimate of the family and formed in particular a warm friendship with George William Fairfax,5 Colonel Fairfax's son. It was natural, therefore, when George William was sent as Lord Fairfax's agent on a surveying trip, that GW should be asked to accompany him.
It is uncertain when GW's interest in surveying as a career began. For a time in 1746 he had considered the possibility of going to sea, but the determined opposition of his mother and her family had compelled him to seek a career closer to home.6 Surveying in eighteenth-century Virginia promised a respectable and lucrative
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career to a young man without a large estate. As early as Aug. 1745, in his "School Exercise Book," GW had made notes on "Surveying or Measuring of Land," including examples of plats with fields, trees, and streams.7 It is probable that he received some instruction in surveying, possibly from James Genn,8 before the journey over the mountains, but in any case the chance to acquire practical experience under the supervision of a skilled surveyor was not to be missed. On 11 Mar. 1748, with George William Fairfax and the rest of the surveying party, he set out for the South Branch of the Potomac. The group was led by experienced surveyor James Genn, with Henry Ashby and Richard Taylor as chainmen, Robert Ashby as marker, and William Lindsey as pilot.
GW's journal of the trip was kept in a small notebook measuring 6 × 3¼ inches. Together with the entries for the "Journey over the Mountains," GW kept in this book accounts of the group's surveying activities for the period. Because of changes in the terrain, most of the surveying entries are now meaningless and will be omitted from the diary.9 However, in each case the name of the person for whom the survey was made will be noted. Also contained in the notebook, but obviously dating from a somewhat later period, are random notes and memoranda, copies of correspondence, and even one poem. This material will be considered in the chronological series of the Papers.
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[March]
Fryday March 11th. 1747/8. Began my Journey in Company with George Fairfax Esqr.; we travell'd this day 40 Miles to Mr. George Neavels in Prince William County.
The two dates used by GW are explained by the difference between New Style and Old Style dating. Until 1752 England, Ireland, and the colonies followed the Julian Calendar (Old Style). Under England's interpretation of the Julian Calendar the new year began on 25 Mar. Because the year under the Julian Calendar was 365 days 6 hours, by the sixteenth century a considerable surplus had accumulated, moving the vernal equinox from 21 to 11 Mar. The error was corrected in 1582 by the Gregorian Calendar (New Style), adopted by most European countries. By 1752, when Great Britain adopted the Gregorian Calendar, the displacement was 11 days.
George Neville (Neavil) (d. 1774), a planter and land speculator, had settled on Cedar Run, then in Prince William County (now in Fauquier County), as early as 1730. Although Neville was not licensed to keep an ordinary until 1759, the location of his house at the juncture of the Carolina Road and a branch of the Dumfries Road made it a convenient stopping place for travelers. As early as 1743, Neville had acquired a tract of 181 acres in Prince William and had also made extensive purchases of land in Frederick County. In 1750 GW was engaged to survey for him some 400 acres of "Waste & ungranted Land" in Frederick belonging to the Fairfax proprietary and adjoining George William Fairfax's property (warrant for survey, 13 Oct. 1750, DLC:GW; survey, 30 Oct. 1750, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). The deed to Neville from Lord Fairfax is dated 20 Nov. 1750 (Mr. Sol Feinstone).
Saturday March 12th. This Morning Mr. James Genn the surveyor came to us. We travel'd over the Blue Ridge to Capt. Ashbys on Shannondoa River. Nothing remarkable happen'd.
John Ashby (1707--1789) was a member of a prominent frontier family. His father, Thomas Ashby, had settled in Stafford County in 1710 and moved to what is now Fauquier County before 1748. In 1741 John Ashby married Jean Combs of Maryland and moved with his father to the banks of the Shenandoah, where the Ashby Tract lay along the river just below the mouth of Howell's Run. He was widely known as an Indian fighter, serving as captain in the 2d Virginia Rangers which from 1752 to 1754 maintained headquarters at Fort Ashby at the juncture of the Potomac River and Patterson's Creek. In 1752 he was elected to the Frederick Parish vestry. After Braddock's Defeat in July 1755 Ashby carried news of the disaster to Williamsburg. He participated in the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 and shortly after went to Kentucky, where he spent several years locating and improving a grant of 2,000 acres he had received from Virginia for his services in the Indian wars. He died in Virginia in 1797.
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George William Fairfax, painted by an unknown artist after his return to England in 1773. (Mrs. Charles Baird, Jr.)
Sunday March 13. Rode to his Lordships Quarter about 4 Miles higher up the River we went through most beautiful Groves of Sugar Trees & spent the best part of the Day in admiring the Trees & richness of the Land.
It has usually been suggested that the party proceeded on 13 Mar. to Fairfax's land across the Shenandoah--the area known as Greenway Court (FREEMAN, 1:212--13; WRITINGS, 1:6). It is more likely that GW was referring to land owned by Lord Fairfax on the east side of the river in the vicinity of Howell's Run (see DICKINSON [1], 48--55).
Monday 14th. We sent our Baggage to Capt. Hites (near Frederick Town) went ourselves down the River about 16 Miles to Capt. Isaac Penningtons (the Land exceeding Rich & Fertile all the way produces abundance of Grain Hemp Tobacco &c.) in order to Lay of some Lands on Cates Marsh & Long Marsh.
Jost Hite (d. 1760) was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, and emigrated to America about 1710, settling first in the vicinity of Kingston, N.Y. About 1716 he moved to Pennsylvania and in 1731 purchased a tract of nearly 40,000 acres from John and Isaac Van Meter in what soon became Frederick County, Va. In 1732 he moved to his Virginia lands with 16 other families of settlers. He was a member of the first Frederick Parish vestry. Hite was one of the leading land speculators and developers in Frederick, eventually settling families on a tract amounting to 94,000 acres. His land purchases involved him in a dispute with Lord Fairfax over ownership of his grants. The case continued in the courts for 50 years and was settled in Hite's favor in 1786, 26 years after his death.
Washington's Potomac Neighborhood above the Falls
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Map Key: The Formation of Counties in the Upper Potomac Region, 1738--89
Frederick Town is now Winchester, Va.
Isaac Pennington came to the Shenandoah Valley, probably from New Jersey, about 1734 and settled a tract of some 600 acres on the south bank of Buck Marsh Run, near present-day Berryville, Va. He was a member of the first grand jury empaneled in Frederick County in May 1744 (CARTMELL, 23). In 1750 GW surveyed a tract of land for him in Frederick County (survey for Pennington, 23 Oct. 1750, NN: George Washington Newspaper and Catalogue Clippings Box). Pennington sold his holdings in Frederick County, including most of the site of Berryville, to Gabriel Jones of Augusta County and John Hite of Frederick County in 1754 and moved to South Carolina in the fall of that year (CHAPPELEAR [1], 17--18).
Tuesday 15th. We set out early with Intent to Run round the sd. Land but being taken in a Rain & it Increasing very fast obliged us to return. It clearing about one oClock & our time being too Precious to Loose we a second time ventured out & Worked hard till Night & then returnd to Penningtons we got our Suppers & was Lighted in to a Room & I not being so good a Woodsman as the rest of my Company striped my self very orderly
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Greenway Court, Lord Fairfax's western seat of operation, as depicted in Woodrow Wilson, George Washington, New York, 1897. (University of Virginia Library)
& went in to the Bed as they call'd it when to my Surprize I found it to be nothing but a Little Straw--Matted together without Sheets or any thing else but only one Thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin such as Lice Fleas &c. I was glad to get up (as soon as the Light was carried from us) & put on my Cloths & Lay as my Companions. Had we not have been very tired, I am sure we should not have slep'd much that night. I made a Promise not to Sleep so from that time forward chusing rather to sleep in the open Air before a fire as will Appear hereafter.
On this day the party surveyed a tract of land for George William Fairfax on Cates Marsh and Long Marsh, the "names of small streams which flow from the foothill of North mountain to the Shenandoah river and have along their course considerable meadow or marshy land" (TONER [1], 26).
Wednesday 16th. We set out early & finish'd about one oClock & then Travell'd up to Frederick Town where our Baggage came
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Young Washington, the surveyor. (American Antiquarian Society)
to us. We cleaned ourselves (to get Rid of the Game we had catched the Night before) & took a Review of the Town & then return'd to our Lodgings where we had a good Dinner prepar'd for us Wine & Rum Punch in Plenty & a good Feather Bed with clean Sheets which was a very agreeable regale.
Thursday 17th. Rain'd till Ten oClock & then clearing we reached as far as Major Campbells one of there Burgesses about 25 Miles from Town. Nothing Remarkable this day nor Night but that we had a Tolerable good Bed [to] lay on.
Andrew Campbell, who lived northwest of Winchester, was one of Frederick County's most prominent residents. He served as one of the county's first justices, as a member of the House of Burgesses from Frederick in 1745--47, and as the third sheriff of the county. On 2 Jan. 1744 the Frederick County court licensed Campbell and several other residents to keep ordinaries "at their respective houses" and to "furnish lodgings and food and Liquors at prices fixed by the court" (CARTMELL, 21). Campbell appears to have had a puritanical interest in preserving decorum in Frederick County. The long list of charges laid by him against various citizens range from breaking the Sabbath to "raising a riot" (see NORRIS [1], 83, 85). Retribution finally overtook him. He had served as a vestryman for Frederick Parish since 1745 but in the latter part of the decade charges were laid against him for collecting and appropriating for himself the funds collected for the use of the parish. That there was indeed chicanery afoot in the management of the parish finances is indicated in legislation passed by the House of Burgesses in Feb. 1752. "An Act for dissolving the Vestry of Frederick parish, in Frederick county" charged that the Frederick vestry had collected £1,570 on pretense of building churches in the parish and had "misapplied or converted the same to their own use, and refuse to render any account . . . to the great
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impoverishment of the people" (HENING, 6:258--60). Campbell eventually "had to run away to Carolina" (MEADE [2]).
Fryday 18th. We Travell'd up about 35 Miles to Thomas Barwicks on Potomack where we found the River so excessively high by Reason of the Great Rains that had fallen up about the Allegany Mountains as they told us which was then bringing down the melted Snow & that it would not be fordable for severall Days it was then above Six foot Higher than usual & was Rising. We agreed to stay till Monday. We this day call'd to see the Fam'd Warm Springs. We camped out in the field this Night. Nothing Remarkable happen'd till sunday the 20th.
Thomas Barwick (Berwick?) was settled in Frederick County as early as 1744 and served as a juror in the county court in February of that year (CARTMELL, 23).
Warm Springs is now Bath, or Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, W.Va.
Sunday 20th. Finding the River not much abated we in the Evening Swam our horses over & carried them to Charles Polks in Maryland for Pasturage till the next Morning.
Charles Polk had land under cultivation in the area as early as 1748 (NORRIS [1], 68).
Monday 21st. We went over in a Canoe & Travell'd up Maryland side all the Day in a Continued Rain to Collo. Cresaps right against the Mouth of the South Branch about 40 Miles from Polks I believe the Worst Road that ever was trod by Man or Beast.
Thomas Cresap (1694--1790) was horn at Skipton, Yorkshire, Eng., and emigrated to America about 1719, settling first in Maryland and later moving to the area of present-day Wrightsville, Pa. There he became a leader of the Maryland forces in the boundary dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania, 1730--36. His Pennsylvania establishment was burned by Pennsylvanians in 1736, and he moved to the vicinity of Shawnee Old Town (now Oldtown, Md.), where he built a fortified trading post at the crossroads of a series of trails much traveled by Indians and whites. By 1749, when he was one of the organizers of the Ohio Company, Gresap was widely known throughout the frontier as a trader and land speculator, and Shawnee Old Town had become one of the leading frontier trading posts. Gresap acted as a surveyor and agent for the Ohio Company and helped lay out the company's road from Wills Greek to the Monongahela. He supported the Patriot cause during the American Revolution, in which his more famous son Michael played a leading role on the frontier.
Tuesday 22d. Continued Rain and the Freshes kept us at Cresaps.
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A hut near Berryville, Va., thought to have been used by Washington while surveying for Lord Fairfax. From Henry Howe, Historical Collections of Virginia, Charleston, S.C., 1845. (Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University)
Wednesday 23d. Rain'd till about two oClock & Clear'd when we were agreeably surpris'd at the sight of thirty odd Indians coming from War with only one Scalp. We had some Liquor with us of which we gave them Part it elevating there Spirits put them in the Humour of Dauncing of whom we had a War Daunce. There Manner of Dauncing is as follows Viz. They clear a Large Circle & make a great Fire in the Middle then seats themselves around it the Speaker makes a grand Speech telling them in what Manner they are to Daunce after he has finish'd the best Dauncer Jumps up as one awaked out of a Sleep & Runs & Jumps about the Ring in a most comicle Manner he is followd by the Rest then begins there Musicians to Play the Musick is a Pot half of Water with a Deerskin Streched over it as tight as it can & a goard with some Short in it to Rattle & a Piece of an horses Tail tied to it to make it look fine the one keeps Rattling and the other Drumming all the While the others is Dauncing.
Washington's drafting instruments, Century Magazine, May 1890. (University of Virginia Library)
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Among his papers in the Library of Congress is this page from the young Washington's copybook of 1745.
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Fryday 25th. 1748. Nothing Remarkable on thursday but only being with the Indians all day so shall slip it. This day left Cresaps & went up to the Mouth of Patersons Creek & there swum our Horses over got over ourselves in a Canoe & travel'd up the following Part of the Day to Abram Johnstones 15 miles from the Mouth where we camped.
Patterson's Creek flows into the Potomac about 12 miles below Cumberland, Md. It rises in Hampshire County, W.Va.
Abram Johnson received a deed to 309 acres on Patterson's Creek on 26 Oct. 1748 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 141, Vi Microfilm).
Saterday 26. Travelld up the Creek to Solomon Hedges Esqr. one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Frederick where we camped. When we came to Supper there was neither a Cloth upon the Table nor a Knife to eat with but as good luck would have it we had Knives of [our] own.
Solomon Hedges. usually called Squire Hedges, a justice of the peace for Frederick County, was a member of a Quaker family from Maryland who were early settlers in Frederick. Hedges was living in the county as early as 1744, when he served on the first grand jury for Frederick in May of that year.
Sunday 27th. Travell'd over to the South Branch (attended with the Esqr.) to Henry Vanmetriss in order to go about Intended Work of Lots.
The Van Meter family was among the earliest settlers in the Shenandoah Valley. John Van Meter, a New York state Indian trader who carried on an extensive trade among the Delaware Indians, visited Virginia about 1725. With his encouragement his sons Isaac and John obtained extensive grants of land on the South Branch of the Potomac and in the lower Shenandoah Valley in 1730 and brought in a number of settlers. It was their sale of a portion of their lands to Jost Hite in 1731 which precipitated the latter's legal entanglements with Lord Fairfax. Henry Van Meter, who died about 1759, was a son of Isaac and a nephew of John. He received a deed for 405 acres on the South Branch on 7 June 1749 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 187, Vi Microfilm). For an account of the Van Meter family, see W. Va. Hist. Mag., 2, no. 2 (April 1902), 5--18.
Monday 28th. Travell'd up the Branch about 30 Miles to Mr. James Rutlidge's Horse Jockey & about 70 Miles from the Mouth.
Tuesday 29th. This Morning went out & Survey'd five Hundred Acres of Land & went down to one Michael Stumps on the So. Fork of the Branch. On our way Shot two Wild Turkies.
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Chain, compass, and scale drawn by the young Washington. (Cornell University)
On 29 Mar. the party surveyed a tract of land for James Rutledge (surveying notes, DLC:GW). Rutledge acquired 500 acres in Frederick County in May 1748 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 56, Vi Microfilm). He was presumably a member of the family that had settled on the South Branch as early as 1734 or 1735.
Michael Stump, Sr. (1709--1768), received a grant for Lot No. 3, on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac, on 8 Sept. 1749 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 227, Vi Microfilm).
Wednesday 30th. This Morning began our Intended Business of Laying of Lots. We began at the Boundary Line of the Northern 10 Miles above Stumps & run of two Lots & returnd to Stumps.
On this day the party surveyed tracts for Peter Reid, Anthony Regar, Harmon Shoker, and Elias Cellars (surveying notes, DLC:GW).
Thursday 31st. Early this Morning one of our Men went out with the Gun & soon Returnd with two Wild Turkies. We then went to our Business. Run of three Lots & returnd to our Camping place at Stumps.
[April]
Fryday April the 1st. 1748. This Morning Shot twice at Wild Turkies but killd none. Run of three Lots & returnd to Camp.
Saterday April 2d. Last Night was a blowing & Rainy night. Our Straw catch'd a Fire that we were laying upon & was luckily Preserv'd
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An early Washington survey done for his half brother Lawrence. (Library of Congress)
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by one of our Mens awaking when it was in a < > We run of four Lots this day which Reached below Stumps.
From 2 to 5 April the party surveyed tracts for Michael Calb. Liveron (?), Leonard Nass, Michael Stump, James Simpson, Philip Moore, the Widow Wolf, Henry Shepler, and Jeremiah Osborne (surveying notes, DLC:GW).
Sunday 3d. Last Night was a much more blostering night than the former. We had our Tent Carried Quite of with the Wind and was obliged to Lie the Latter part of the Night without covering. There came several Persons to see us this day one of our Men Shot a Wild Turkie.
Monday 4th. This morning Mr. Fairfax left us with Intent to go down to the Mouth of the Branch. We did two Lots & was
David Rittenhouse of Philadelphia made this surveying compass for Washington. (Smithsonian Institution photo no. P65774)
attended by a great Company of People Men Women & Children that attended us through the Woods as we went shewing there Antick tricks. I really think they seem to be as Ignorant a Set of People as the Indians. They would never speak English but when spoken to they speak all Dutch. This day our Tent was blown down by the Violentness of the Wind.
Fairfax borrowed 5s. from GW before he left (miscellaneous accounts, entry for 5 April 1748, DLC:GW).
Tuesday 5th. We went out & did 4 Lots. We were attended by the same Company of People that we had the clay before.
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Wednesday 6th. Last Night was so Intolerably smoaky that we were obliged all hands to leave the Tent to the Mercy of the Wind and Fire this day was attended by our aforesd. Company untill about 12 oClock when we finish'd we travell'd down the Branch to Henry Vanmetris's. On our Journey was catch'd in a very heavy Rain. We got under a Straw House untill the Worst of it was over & then continued our Journy.
Thursday 7th. Rain'd Successively all Last Night. This Morning one of our men Killed a Wild Turky that weight 20 Pounds. We went & Surveyd 15 Hundred Acres of Land & Returnd to Vanmetris's about 1 oClock. About two I heard that Mr. Fairfax was come up & at 1 Peter Casseys about 2 Miles of in the same Old Field. I then took my Horse & went up to see him. We eat our Dinners & Walked down to Vanmetris's. We stayed about two Hours & Walked back again and slept in Casseys House which was the first Night I had slept in a House since I came to the Branch.
Peter Casey acquired 356 acres of land on the South Branch on 14 Aug. 1749 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book G, 271, Vi Microfilm).
Fryday 8th. We breakfasted at Casseys & Rode down to Vanmetris's to get all our Company together which when we had accomplished we Rode down below the Trough in order to Lay of Lots there. We laid of one this day. The Trough is couple of Ledges of Mountain Impassable running side & side together for above 7 or 8 Miles & the River down between them. You must Ride Round the back of the Mountain for to get below them. We Camped this Night in the Woods near a Wild Meadow where was a Large Stack of Hay. After we had Pitched our Tent & made a very Large Fire we pull'd out our Knapsack in order to Recruit ourselves. Every[one] was his own Cook. Our Spits was Forked Sticks our Plates was a Large Chip as for Dishes we had none.
Saterday 9th. Set the Surveyors to work whilst Mr. Fairfax & myself stayed at the Tent our Provision being all exhausted & the Person that was to bring us a Recruit disappointing us we were obliged to go without untill we could get some from the Neighbours which was not till about 4 or 5 oClock in the Evening. We then took our Leaves of the Rest of our Company Road Down to John Colins in order to set off next Day homewards.
John Collins, a member of a pioneer Shenandoah Valley family, had settled near present-day Moorefield, Hardy County, W.Va.
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George William Fairfax commissions Washington to make a survey in 1750. (Library of Congress)
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A sketch of a portion of the Mount Vernon estate near the Mansion House and Little Hunting Creek, about 1747. (Library of Congress)
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Sunday 10th. We took our farewell of the Branch & travelld over Hills and Mountains to 1 Coddys on Great Cacapehon about 40 Miles.
James Caundy (Coddy) owned some 98 acres of land in Frederick County. On 19 Mar. 1752 GW noted that "Pursuant to a Warrant from the Proprietors Office I have Surveyed for James Caudy of Great Cacapehon a certain tract of waste & ungranted Land on the So. Fork of Dillans commonly call'd & known by the Name of the Little Meadows" (survey for Caudy, Vi).
Monday 11th. We Travell'd from Coddys down to Frederick Town where we Reached about 12 oClock. We dined in Town and then went to Capt. Hites & Lodged.
Belhaven, later to become Alexandria, Va., was surveyed by Washington about 1748. (Library of Congress)
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Tuesday 12th. We set of from Capt. Hites in order to go over Wms. Gap about 20 Miles and after Riding about 20 Miles we had 20 to go for we had lost ourselves & got up as High as Ashbys Bent. We did get over Wms. Gap that Night and as low as Wm. Wests in Fairfax County 18 Miles from the Top of the Ridge. This day see a Rattled Snake the first we had seen in all our Journey.
Williams' Gap was a pass through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a line east from Winchester. It was later known as Snickers' Gap.
Ashby's Bent, or Ashby's Gap, is a pass into the Shenandoah Valley through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was presumably named for Thomas Ashby, father of John and Thomas Ashby, who settled in the area in the 1740s.
West's ordinary was at the junction of the Carolina Road and the Colchester Road near Bull Run, slightly east of the beginning of the Bull Run Mountains. It was operated by William West, who died between 1762 and 1765. As early as 1740 West had acquired grants of land in the area (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book E, Vi Microfilm). He may have been the William West who was a brother of Hugh and John West of Alexandria, although the evidence is only conjectural (see HARRISON [1], 139, 494--95). The ordinary was operated after the Revolution under the name Lacey's and was located at the present site of Aldie, in what is now Loudoun County.
Wednesday the 13th. of April 1748. Mr. Fairfax got safe home and I myself safe to my Brothers which concludes my Journal.
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Editorial Note. GW's older half brother Lawrence had been in poor health during the decade following the British assault upon Spanish bases in the Caribbean, an encounter commonly termed the War of Jenkins' Ear. He had led a Virginia military company in the 1741 attack on Cartagena, becoming so fond of Vice Admiral Edward Vernon, naval commander of the expedition, that he later named his own home Mount Vernon. Now his lung ailment was worse, and his life had been further burdened by the deaths since 1745 of three children, Janet, Fairfax, and Mildred. In 1751 he decided to sail for Barbados in search of a healing climate, accompanied by young GW.
Barbados was a logical choice. Not only were there strong commercial ties between Virginia and the Leeward Islands, but there also were family connections. Gedney Clarke, a prominent Barbados merchant and planter, was the brother of William Fairfax's second wife; he was from Salem, Mass., and owned property along Goose Greek in Virginia. The Clarkes and their Barbadian friends would be the principal hosts of the two Washingtons during their stay on the island. There is no evidence that families named Washington living in the British West Indies about 1750 were related to or even acquainted with Lawrence and GW, and none is mentioned in the diary. The name appears frequently in early burial records of Barbados, and the will of a man named George Washington was proved in Barbados in 1769.1
To prepare themselves for the voyage, Lawrence and GW could turn to a new work by Rev. Griffith Hughes, The Natural History of Barbados (London, 1750). A folio volume issued serially in ten parts, it was heavily laden with botanical lore but contained enough general information to make useful reading for GW (see his comments, p. 87). He may have seen the book in the home
1 WESSEL, 6--8. See also HOPPIN, 143--50.
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Lawrence Washington, whose poor health took him and his half brother George to Barbados in the fall of 1751. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
of one of the Fairfaxes, for both--Thomas, Lord Fairfax, and his cousin William--were among the thirty-three Virginia subscribers to the publication. Another subscriber was Hon. James Carter, in whose home the Washingtons stayed briefly upon their arrival in Barbados; GW may have studied the book there.
After learning that George Muse would be appointed to serve
Bridgetown, capital of Barbados, as Washington saw it and as depicted in Griffith Hughes's The Natural History of Barbados, London, 1750. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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in his stead as adjutant of Virginia,2 Lawrence set sail with his brother about 28 Sept. 1751. Because the first few pages of GW's diary are missing, we cannot know for certain the date, the port of embarkation, or the vessel upon which the two took passage. Jared Sparks wrote that the ship sailed 28 Sept. J. M. Toner reported the voyage as originating in the Potomac, as did John C. Fitzpatrick and Douglas S. Freeman, none citing the source of his information.3 We have found no primary source.
If the vessel did sail from the Potomac, it was the Success, Jeremiah Cranston, 40 tons, 8 men, carrying a cargo of 4,480 barrel staves, 7,627 feet of plank, 984 bushels of corn, and 31 barrels of herring. Cranston gave bond for his square-sterned sloop at the customs office of the South Potomac district either on 23 Aug. or 23 Sept.--the surviving report is not clear. If August, the delay between the date of clearing the port and leaving the river was not unusual. Washington himself remarked in later life that masters of vessels never sail on time.4 Only one other vessel bound for Barbados, other than the Success, cleared any Virginia port at a time that would place it at sea on 28 Sept. For a note on the Fredericksburg, a sloop that might possibly have carried the Washingtons, see p. 35.
Two elements of ocean travel fascinated GW most: the daily progress as indicated in the captain's log and the variable and often violent weather. He kept his own log as part of his diary, very probably basing it upon the captain's and introducing such nautical acronyms as RMTS, reefed main topsail; DRTS, double-reefed topsail; HFS, hauled foresail. His amazement at the stormy weather seems justified. There had been severe hurricanes in the West Indies in September, resulting in heavy shipping losses. Though the heaviest losses were in the Jamaica area, merchants in the Leewards reported considerable loss in their letters to American shippers, and on 18 Oct. when GW was noting in his
3 TONER [2], 5; DIARIES, 1:16n; FREEMAN, 1:248.
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log the occurrence of heavy seas and high winds, there was a strong earthquake in the Santo Domingo area.5
Biographical Data
Information in the person mentioned by GW during his stay on the island is in most instances scant. What follows is data obtained both from standard biographical references and from documents in the Barbados Department of Archives at Black Rock. The archives have suffered much from the ravages of time and climate, and identifications are made more difficult by GW's customary use of surnames only and by his phonetic spelling of those names.
BARWICK, WILLIAM (d. 1756). A member of the colonial council and owner of Pine Plantation in st. Michaels Parish.6
CARTER, JAMES (d. 1753), of St. Thomas Parish.7 Member of the council in the 1740s and chief justice of grand sessions, appointed 1749.
CHARNOCK, BENJAMIN (1698--1783), of St. James Parish--a tentative identification. At his death he left what remained of his "oppulent fortune" to a friend, Dowding Thornhill.8 There is no surviving record of the criminal proceedings against him a for "committing a rape on his servant maid."
CLARKE, GEDNEY (1711--1764). Member of the council, collector of customs at Barbados, merchant, and planter with holdings in America--including 3,000 acres on Goose Creek in northern Virginia. Clarke's sister Deborah was William Fairfax's wife and his connection with the Fairfaxes. Because of this link not only did
6 Barbados Department of Archives, hereafter BDA, RB6/35:180.
Washington was especially fond of the "Pine-Apple" of Barbados. From Griffith Hughes, Barbados, London, 1750. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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GW and Lawrence depend much upon the Clarkes, but Bryan Fairfax, son of William and a lifelong friend of GW, also spent time with the Clarkes in 1752--54. In his will, recorded 4 Sept. 1764, Clarke left property to his wife, his niece Hannah Fairfax, and his sons, Peter, Francis, and Gedney Jr. The bulk of the estate went to Gedney, including the Goose Creek lands.9 During the 1750s Clarke dealt extensively with Henry Laurens, of South Carolina, purchasing slaves for resale in America by Laurens. Many of his letters appear in Laurens's letterbooks (ScHi), where his name is always entered as "Gidney" Clarke.
CLARKE, MARY. Gedney Clarke's wife.
CROFTAN (Crofton), CAPT. --. The officer commanding James Fort who rented a house to the Washingtons. GW wrote his name "Crawford" twice, then corrected it. He was probably a militia officer. Although the Thirty-eighth Foot was the regiment assigned to the Leewards at this time, there are no extant records associating this unit with service on Barbados; no Captain Croftan or Crofton appears on the manuscript or printed army lists of the period in the Public Record Office, London.
FINLAY, THOMAS. A native of Scotland whose will was recorded in Barbados 27 May 1762, after his return to his Scottish estate called Balkirsty. He served as clerk of the General Assembly of Barbados in 1743--44.10
GASKIN, JOHN (d. 1779), of St. Michaels Parish.11 At his death he owned the schooner Success, apparently not the vessel which may have transported GW to Barbados.
GRAEME, GEORGE (d. 1755), a judge and member of the General Assembly representing Christ Church Parish.12 Brother of John Graeme.
GRAEME, JOHN (d. 1755). Onetime professor of natural philosophy and mathematics at the College of William and Mary, succeeding Joshua Fry. He had come from England in 1725 to take over the ironworks and plantation of Alexander Spotswood, an assignment in which he was not very successful. Spotswood complained that he should have known better than to commit such a venture to a mathematician. Graeme joined the college faculty Aug. 1737. Although not an experienced surveyor, he apparently
10 BDA, RB6/30:440, and Jl. of Barbados Museum and Hist. Soc., 13 (1946), 86.
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was in charge of the licensing of surveyors in Virginia, a privilege assigned to the college by the crown. There is nothing in the scant record to connect him with GW before their meeting in Barbados, although GW had been surveying for Lord Fairfax and others.13
GRENVILLE, HENRY (1717--1784), governor of Barbados 1746--56.
HILLARY, DR. WILLIAM (1697--1763), a physician trained at Leyden and newly arrived in Barbados. He became Lawrence's doctor.
HAGGATT, OTHNIEL (d. 1761). Probably the man mentioned by GW, although Nathaniel Haggatt was living at the same time. One of the plantations on Barbados is called Haggatt Hall.
HOLBURNE, COMMODORE FRANCIS (1704--1771). Arrived in the Leewards about Sept. 1748 aboard the Tavistock, "a worn-out 50-gun ship," as commodore and commander in chief. He returned to England in 1752, then went to Halifax as vice admiral, July 1757, to attempt the reduction of French-held Louisbourg. French reinforcements and bad weather thwarted the plan.14
JENKINS, EDMUND. No new information except his first name, supplied from BDA records.
LANAHAN, DR. JOHN (1699--1762). A physician and third-generation resident of Barbados. It is not clear why he was called to attend GW during his illness with smallpox while Lawrence was being treated by Dr. Hillary, unless it was because he was a friend of the Clarkes. Gedney was executor of his estate when he died in 1769.15
MAYNARD, WILLIAM. Member of the General Assembly for many years, from St. Thomas Parish, and owner of Black Rock Plantation.
PATTERSON, WILLIAM. Surveyor general of customs whom Gedney Clarke succeeded in 1759.
PETRIE, CAPT. --. Commander of Charles Fort, frequently called Needham's fort, on the southern point of the entrance to Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown. The many forts on the west coast of Barbados were garrisoned largely by militia. An officer named John Petrie appears in the army List for 1745 as a lieutenant
14 DNB; VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:61, 77.
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in the Thirty-sixth Foot and was a major by 1746 according to the Gentleman's Magazine, March 1746, 165. The Barbados captain was probably a militia officer, perhaps George John Petrie, who gave a power of attorney to Jonas and John Maynard 9 June 1753 and died in Middlesex, Eng., the same year.16
PURCELL, JOHN. Lieutenant governor of the British Virgin Islands with headquarters in Tortola.
ROBERTS, ELIZABETH. Mary Clarke's niece, who by 1787 was the widow of Thomas Beard, according to the will of her brother William.17
ROBERTSON, CORNELIUS. Master of the Fredericksburg.
SANDARS, JOHN. Master of the Industry.
STEVENSON, THOMAS & SONS. Thomas Stevenson (d. 1763) owned Pool Plantation in St. Johns Parish and engaged in mercantile activities with his sons on other islands of the Leeward group.
WARREN, ROBERT. Onetime clerk of the General Assembly.
The Washingtons in Barbados
The arrival at Bridgetown, on Carlisle Bay, is not well documented because pages are missing from the diary at this point. There are no collateral data such as newspaper listings of shipping arrivals, for not a single copy of the Barbados Gazette for 1751 is known to exist. The first two diary entries after the Washingtons disembarked are supplied by Jared Sparks, who obviously saw them while he was preparing his edition of GW's papers. He may indeed be responsible for the fact that the originals are missing, considering his penchant for distributing sample pages from GW manuscripts.
After dining with the Clarkes and taking up temporary lodging with James Carter, the travelers confronted the matter of prime importance--Lawrence's physical condition. Then, assured by Dr. Hillary that the disease was "not so fixed but that a cure might be effectually made," they looked for a place to live.
Although they thought it extravagant at £15 a month, they chose a house owned by Captain Croftan, or Crofton, overlooking Carlisle Bay. The little house which Barbadian taxi drivers now show to tourists as the Washington home is merely the object of
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An island scene from Griffith Hughes's Barbados, London, 1750. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
a legend. Located on Bay Street at Chelsea Road not far from St. Ann's Garrison, it bears no resemblance to the architecture of the mid-1700s. Even if it had been standing in GW's time, it could not have survived the devastating hurricanes of 1780 and 1831, which nearly destroyed Bridgetown and brought havoc to the entire island. Some credence was given the legend when an official historic sites committee in 1910 referred to the building as Crofton's House and associated it with GW. Tourist literature still designates the place "the Washington House," but the question of its authenticity has been disposed of by local historians.18
The brothers had a busy social life, and those who entertained
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The coconut, another tropical plant seen by Washington for the first time in Barbados. From Griffith Hughes, Barbados, London, 1750. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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them were prominent in commercial, political, and military circles. GW delighted in the novelty of his surroundings. He developed a taste for the "avagado pair," the "Pine Apple," and other tropical fruits. He indulged his emerging taste for the theater by attending a performance of George Lillo's The London Merchant, or the History of George Barnwell, which was also playing in Drury Lane that season. Lillo's play may have been the first stage production which GW had ever seen, other than amateur performances.
While Lawrence's health was still failing, illness struck GW. On 16 Nov. he developed smallpox and Dr. Lanahan was sent for. It may have been fortunate for GW that smallpox caught up with him in Barbados rather than in Virginia. The practice of inoculation--not vaccination--was common in Barbados but frowned upon in Virginia.19 Rev. Griffith Hughes reported that although the island was seldom free of the disease, the practice of inoculation had lowered the death rate to a very small percentage.20 It is conceivable that GW had been inoculated sometime before his trip to Barbados, causing his attack to be a relatively mild one. The practice of vaccination with cowpox vaccine did not begin until the end of the century.
That a kind of ennui was affecting the two brothers, as well as apprehension about Lawrence's pulmonary condition, is shown in a letter that Lawrence wrote to his father-in-law, William Fairfax: "This climate has not afforded the relief I expected from it, so that I have almost determined to try the Bermudas on my return, and, if it does not do, the dry air of Frederic. This is the finest island of the West Indies, but I own no place can please me without a change of seasons. We soon tire of the same prospect. Our bodies are too much relaxed. . . . We have no kind of bodily diversions but dancing. . . . I am obliged to ride out by the first dawn of the day, for by the time the sun is half an hour high, it is as hot as at any time of the day. The gentlemen are very polite and hospitable."21
It was decided that Lawrence would try Bermuda and that GW would return to Virginia. Lawrence wrote a friend from Bermuda 6 April 1752, despairing over his health and expressing the wish
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that his wife Anne would come to him--accompanied by GW.22 As his condition worsened, however, he returned hastily to Mount Vernon and died there 26 July.
By 19 Dec. 1751 GW had booked passage out of Barbados on the Industry. He spent Christmas at sea, dining on beef and "Irish Goose," and settled down to an uneventful though frequently stormy homeward voyage, content to maintain a terse diary rather than a ship's log.
At the end of January the Industry cleared the Virginia capes and made a landfall in the lower York River. Proceeding by land to Williamsburg, GW paid a call on Gov. Robert Dinwiddie, gave him some letters, and was invited to dine. It may have been a crucial moment in GW's career, providing Dinwiddie an opportunity to evaluate the young man. The governor, only recently appointed, had lived in America for several years and may already have known the Washingtons; certainly he knew the Fairfaxes. He was no stranger to Barbados, either, having investigated customs affairs there as early as 1738 while serving as surveyor general of customs for the Southern District of America. He must have queried GW about the Gedney Clarkes and mentioned the occasions upon which he had been a guest in their home.23
Within a few years, disquieting differences would arise to mar GW's relationship with Dinwiddie, but the young man's immediate prospects brightened after his dinner with the governor. Later in 1752, when the colony was divided into four military districts, Dinwiddie appointed him one of the district adjutants; and in 1753, upon dispatching GW with a message to the French on the Ohio River, Dinwiddie would refer to him as "a person of distinction."
The Manuscript
The Barbados diary had deteriorated seriously before it was silked and mounted at the Library of Congress; there is evidence
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that some of the preliminary pages were already missing when Jared Sparks used it in the early nineteenth century. Transcribing it according to conventional standards would result in a confusing array of blank spaces enclosed by brackets and many speculative footnotes. The editors feel it can best be presented in facsimile, accompanied by the gloss that follows.
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Fragments of what apparently are two of the first leaves in the blank book that GW used for his diary. They are in about the same condition as they were when Toner's publisher set them in type in 1892.
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REMARKS FOR SATERDAY 28TH: Assuming this to be the first entry in GW's log and that he began the log on his first day out, we have an accurate date for the beginning of the voyage, 28 Sept. 1751. The second fragment, on the reverse side of the leaf is for 29 Sept.
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I SUPPOSE THIS TO ME A FRAGMENT: A comment in the hand of Jared Sparks, as is the date of Oct. 1751. If Sparks wrote on the first full page available to him. it is likely that the earlier pages were mutilated when he saw them about 1827.
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For the first time, GW's labels for the bottom line of data are readable, including departure, course, distance, difference of latitude, latitude, meridian distance, difference of longitude, and longitude. His indication of the mariner's term departure is usually mutilated but would always be a two-digit figure expressing nautical miles.
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With a landfall on the morning of [2] Nov., GW terminates his log. One or more leaves are missing at this point; presumably 2 Nov. was spent in entering Carlisle Bay and getting ashore at Bridgetown.
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The entries for 4 and 5 Nov. are from SPARKS, 2:424, and are misdated. Correct dates are 3 and 4 Nov. The Gedney Clarke town house where the Washingtons dined was on the north bank of a creek that emptied into the careenage, near the old bridge which gave the town its name (SHILSTONE, 2n).
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TUESDAY 6TH: He means the 5th. GW's use of dates is erratic during his stay on the island; he will be one day ahead of the calendar until the temporary interruption of his entries on "17th" Nov., actually the 16th. THE [S]CHOONER FREDERICKSBURG, CAPTN. ROBINSON: The square-sterned sloop Fredericksburg, Cornelius Robertson, 80 tons, 6 guns, 8 men, registered at Williamsburg Oct. 1750; owner John Champe & Co. Lading: 3,300 bushels of corn, 70 bushels of oats, 17,000 shingles. The vessel cleared the port of Rappahannock 2 Sept. 1751 (P.R.O., C.O.5/1444, f. 118, Naval Office Accounts). While it is possible that the Washingtons went to Barbados aboard this vessel, there are two reasons for doubt. GW probably would not have listed it so formally, including
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the captain's name, if he had just debarked from it after several weeks on the "fickle & Mirciless Ocean" (p. 69). Also, it is not likely that a vessel arriving in port on 2 Oct. would be preparing to sail by 6 Oct. MRS. CLARKE & MISS ROBTS.: Mrs. Mary Clarke, wife of Gedney Clarke, and her niece Elizabeth Roberts. TO COME & SEE THE SERPTS. FIR'D: Serpents, or fireworks discharged in commemoration of Guy Fawkes Day, 5 Nov. This remark enables us to correct the dating of the diary entries made during this period.
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THE SURVEYOR GENL.: William Patterson. JUDGES FINLEY & HACKET: Thomas Finlay and Othniel Haggatt. JAMES FORT: A fortification on the northern point of the entrance to Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown.
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GW has extended his entry for "Fryday 9th," actually 8 Nov., to cover the following Saturday.
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MR. GRAEME . . . OF THE MASTER'S OF THE COLLEGE OF VIRGINIA: John Graeme. STRONGLY ATTACKED WITH THE SMALL POX: On 16 Nov., GW suspended his
A West Indies farmyard from Charles de Rochefort's Histoire naturelle des Iles Antilles de l'Amérique, Rotterdam, 1658. (Arents Collections, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
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diary entries for the duration of his illness. The wording indicates that he made the 16 Nov. entry after recovering on 12 Dec.
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DECEMBER 12TH: GW's dates will square with the calendar until he assigns both Monday and Tuesday the date of 16 Dec.: then, by skipping from 19 to 21 Dec., he will again be correct, MAJR. CASKETS: John Gaskin. COLO. CHAUNACK: Benjamin Charnock.
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GENERAL BARRACK: William Barwick. MESSRS. STEPHENSON'S MERCHT.: Thomas Stevenson g: Sons. THE INDUSTRY CAPTN. JOHN SAUNDERS: The Industry, John Sandars, a square-sterned brig of 50 tons, 7 men, of Bristol registry and owned by Sandars. Lading: 1,230 gallons of rum. Sandars gave bond at the Barbados customs office 19 Nov. 1751 and entered the York River of Virginia 30 Jan. 1755 (P.R.O., C.O.5/1444, f. 43).
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THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADO'S: Henry Grenville.
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40 To 70 POLLS: Both "polls" and "bolls" have been used as units of measure, but it is likely that GW neglected to cross his t's and here means "potts." In the literature of the West Indies sugar industry, a pot is often used to denote a batch or boiling-down of sugar and also may mean a quantity equaling a hogshead.
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GUNIA CORN: Guinea corn, a grain sorghum. HUGHES, 254, says it was mainly used to feed slaves, each receiving from a pint to a quart a day.
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A SLOOP CALLD THE GLASGOW: The Glasgow, Matthew Stroud, a square-sterned sloop of 40 tons, 7 men, built in Virginia in 1750, owner Andrew Sprowle. She cleared Port Hampton 18 Oct. 1751, bound for St. Kitts (P.R.O., C.O.5/1446, f. 53).
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MOUTH OF YORK RIVER: 59 Jan. 1755. The Naval Office record showing the arrival 30 Jan. was probably made when the captain checked in with the customs officer in Yorktown the next day.
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GREAT MAIN: Refers to a cockfight in Yorktown, where GW returned after his interview with Governor Dinwiddie. Colonel Lewis is John Lewis of Warner Hall.
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MONDAY 3D: He went to Hobbs Hole, now Tappahannock. TUESDAY 4TH: Layton's ferry was on the Rappahannock about 20 miles above Tappahannock. This crossing would have placed him in Westmoreland County, not far from the old family home at Pope's Creek where his brother Augustine then lived. TONER (2), 77n, says that GW "rested there that day and night, and procuring a horse, proceeded in the morning to his mother's, near Fredericksburg. Here he tarried one night, and rode the next day to Mount Vernon." That is probably what happened, but Toner's source is not known.
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Voyage to Barbados
1751--52
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November 4 th, 1751.--This morning received a card from Major Clarke, welcoming us to Barbadoes, with an invitation to breakfast and dine with him. We went,--myself with some reluctance, as the smallpox was in his family. We were received in the most kind and friendly manner by him. Mrs. Clarke was much indisposed, insomuch that we had not the pleasure of her company, but in her place officiated Miss Roberts, her niece, and an agreeable young lady. After drinking tea we were again invited to Mr. Carter's, and desired to make his house ours till we could provide lodgings agreeable to our wishes, which offer we accepted.
5 th.--Early this morning came Dr. Hilary, an eminent physician recommended by Major Clarke, to pass his opinion on my brother's disorder, which he did in a favorable light, giving great assurances that it was not so fixed but that a cure might be effectually made. In the cool of the evening we rode out accompanied by Mr. Carter to seek lodgings in the country, as the Doctor advised, and were perfectly enraptured with the beautiful prospects, which every side presented to our view,--the fields of cane, corn, fruit-trees, &c. in a delightful green. We returned without accomplishing our intentions.
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Editorial Note. In the two years between his return from Barbados and the outbreak of the French and Indian War, GW steadily advanced his position in the Virginia community. He already owned some two thousand acres of land in the Shenandoah Valley, with additional holdings at Ferry Farm and Deep Run. His half brother Lawrence's death in July 1752 brought expectations of more property.1 In Feb. 1753, at the age of twenty-one, he was appointed adjutant of the Southern District of Virginia with the rank of major by Gov. Robert Dinwiddie.2 His military duties were light, leaving him ample time to pursue his flourishing career as a surveyor.
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Lawrence Washington's marriage into the Fairfax family had introduced his young brother to the most influential segment of Virginia society. He was well on his way to becoming a respected member of Virginia's ruling class, and his attention was turning increasingly to public affairs. It was natural, therefore, that he should offer his services to Gov. Robert Dinwiddie when, in the fall of 1753, it became apparent that French forces from Canada were moving into the Ohio Valley and posing a threat to Virginia's ambitions in the area.
The Ohio country had attracted both British and French explorers and traders during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The ownership of the region, however, was not seriously contested until the middle years of the eighteenth century By the 1730s and 1740s the British coastal colonies had discovered the profits to be made from a vigorous trade with the Indians and the area's potential as a gateway to the West. The expeditions of the baron de Longueuil in 1739 and Pierre Joseph Céloron de Blainville in 1749 had proved to the French the strategic importance of the Ohio as a link between Canada and the Mississippi. Possession of the Ohio Valley became crucial to both powers. If the British colonies were to expand beyond the eastern seaboard, they must control the gateway to the West. If they did, France was almost certain to lose its control over Louisiana. And both coveted the immensely lucrative fur trade.
Before the early 1750s the contest between England and France
Robert Dinwiddie, governor of Virginia from 1751 to 1758. From a miniature by C. Dixon. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
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in America had been chiefly over control of the Indians in the region. The French claimed the Ohio Valley largely on the basis of La Salle's explorations in 1669--70. The British contended that the territory had been included in the original Virginia grant of 1609 and that their traders had established a firm foothold in the area. Furthermore, they rested their claims heavily on the concessions wrung from the Iroquois in the Treaty of Lancaster in 1744, when Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania met with the chiefs of the Six Nations at Lancaster, Pa., and signed a treaty in which the Iroquois surrendered much of their land in present-day Virginia and recognized British control in the Ohio country. The Indians almost immediately disputed the treaty, however, claiming they had by no means intended to relinquish claim to so large a portion of their Virginia lands.3
Settlement beyond the mountains would dearly benefit British ambitions in the Ohio country. As a result the Privy Council regarded favorably a petition to the king by the newly organized Ohio Company of Virginia for a grant of more than a half-million acres in the vicinity of the Ohio Valley. The company offered the inducement of providing an impetus to the fur trade and instituting a lucrative trade with the Indians; in return the members petitioned that "two hundred Thousand Acres . . . may be granted immediately without Rights on Condition of Your Petitioners Seating at their proper expence a hundred Familys upon the Land in Seven Years the Lands to be Granted Free of Quit Rent for Ten Years on Condition of their Erecting a Fort and Maintaining a Garrison for protection of the Settlement for that time."4 In Mar. 1749 the Privy Council recommended
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that a grant be made on terms most favorable to the company, and Gov. William Gooch was instructed to transfer to the company "Two hundred Thousand Acres of Land lying betwixt Ramanettos and Buffalo's Creek on the South Side of the River Alligane otherwise the Ohio, and betwixt the two Creeks and the Yellow Creek on the North Side of the River, to the Westward of the great Mountains within the Colony of Virginia." The grant was made by Gooch on 12 July 1749.5
The Ohio Company moved quickly to fulfill the terms of its grant. Wills Creek, near the present site of Cumberland, Md., was selected as the company's headquarters on the frontier, and in the winter of 1749--50 a storehouse was built on the Virginia side. In 1750 the company sent out Thomas Cresap, Hugh Parker, and other traders to locate tentative sites for settlement and commissioned Christopher Gist to make a complete survey of the area. On 11 Sept. 1750 Gist signed a contract with the company to arrange for the settlement of some one hundred fifty families on the company's Ohio lands. Gist made a second survey of the area in 1751--52.6
In 1752 the Ohio Company erected a second store on the right bank of Red Stone Creek, soon known as Red Stone Old Fort. Led by Governor Dinwiddie, the colony of Virginia gave vigorous support to the company's efforts. From 1 through 13 June 1752 Virginia commissioners held meetings with chiefs from the Ohio tribes at Logstown, and in return for a promise of cheaper trading goods and protection against the French, they obtained Indian consent to construction of a fort at the Forks of the Ohio and the Monongahela rivers.7
The French government in Canada was by no means indifferent to British advances. Since the 1720s judicious observers had been urging the establishment of French settlements on the Ohio frontier as a barrier to British encroachment.8 As a countermove to the Treaty of Lancaster, the French in 1748 held a council with
8 See "Memoir on the French Colonies in America," N.Y. COL. DOCS., 10:220.
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the Iroquois at the Castle of Saint Louis of Quebec, warning them against becoming English "vassals." The Indians claimed that although "the English had continually solicited them to take up the hatchet against the French, which they constantly refused to do," they had "not ceded to anyone their lands, which they hold only of Heaven." On the strength of this assurance the French proceeded to move south into the Ohio country.9
In June 1749 the comte de La Galissonničre, governor of New France, commissioned Céloron de Blainville to undertake an exploratory expedition down the Ohio to the Miami River and thence north to Quebec, warning Indians and English traders along the way that the French would not tolerate further British advances into the Ohio country. Céloron buried at intervals along his route a series of lead plates reiterating the claim of the French to the territory. Within the next few years a trading post was established at Logstown on the Ohio to serve as a center for the increasing number of French traders operating in the area; after the arrival of the marquis Duquesne, the new governor, in the summer of 1752, a vigorous policy of fort building was undertaken.
Early in 1753 Duquesne developed a plan to send a force of some two thousand men under the command of Pierre Paul de La Malgue, sieur de Marin, to establish an effective occupation of the Ohio frontier. An advance party, led by Charles Deschamps de Boishébert, left Montreal 1 Feb. 1753. By early May Boishébert had constructed a fort at Presque Isle portage, and by the end of the month Marin's force was ready to move south from Niagara. Using Presque Isle as a base, the French constructed a road south to a new post at Le Boeuf. By midsummer of 1753 an effective French army was operating at various sites in the Ohio country.10
The French had thus far been plagued with bad weather, labor troubles with their Indian workmen, lack of supplies, and dissension among the officers. They had not as yet met any opposition from the British or the Indians in the Ohio Valley. As they moved farther south, however, they confronted the pro-English Seneca chief, the Half-King, who warned them at a council at
9 N.Y. COL. DOCS., 10:186--88.
10 For a discussion of the French expedition, see KENT, 24--26.
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Presque Isle in September that the Iroquois tribes were in treaty with the English, who had agreed not to occupy the valley. "With this belt we . . . ask you to have them cease setting up the establishments you want to make. All the tribes have always called upon us not to allow it. We have told our brothers the English to withdraw. They have done so, too." Marin dismissed the Half-King's claims contemptuously, retorting, with some truth, that he was not speaking for all the Iroquois.11 The Indians were clearly impressed by the French advance.
English traders on the frontier had even more reason to be apprehensive. The warning delivered by one Ohio Company trader to Governor Dinwiddie was typical: "The French have already built a Fort on Lake Erie, and another is partly finished. . . . By the last account I can get the French Army consists of about fifteen hundred Souldiers besides Battoe Men. The French told the Indians their Army when collected will make up 15,000 Men, that that Part of their Army which is on their way from Mississippi have built two Forts down the Ohio, that the Country belongs to them & that they will build when they like. Now is our Time, if we manage well all the Indians may be brought to join against the French, otherwise they will join the French against the English."12
During the winter and spring of 1752--53, Dinwiddie and the other colonial governors were in constant correspondence concerning the French threat. In May 1753 Dinwiddie informed James Glen, governor of South Carolina, that the French from Canada had marched out a large force of regular troops and Indians to the Ohio to prevent British settlement and "to take Possession of these Lands, & to build Forts on that river, a Step not precedented in the Time of confirm'd peace."13 On 22 May he
Washington's West
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wrote to James Hamilton, governor of Pennsylvania, concerning "the French Designs to settle the Ohio. I have sometime ago heard of their Robberies & Murders, & if they are allow'd a peaceable Settlemt. on the Ohio, I think the Consequence will be attend'd with the Ruin of our Trade with the Indians & also in Time will be Destruction to all our Settlemts. on the Continent . . . And We further think it wou'd be absolutely necessary, for all the Colonies to join together, in raising a proper Force to prevent the French settling on the Lands of the Ohio."14
On 16 June 1753 Dinwiddie wrote to the Board of Trade transmitting reports received by the colonial governors of French encroachments on the frontier. "I hope you will think it necessary to prevent the French taking Possession of the Lands on the Ohio, so Contiguous to Our Settlements, or indeed in my private Opinion they ought to be prevented making any Settlements to the Westward of Our present Possessions."15 Dinwiddie's letter was received by the Board of Trade 11 Aug. 1753. On 18 Aug. the information was sent to the king, and on 28 Aug. the earl of Holderness, secretary of state, wrote to Dinwiddie, transmitting the crown's instructions to verify the rumors of the French invasion and, "if You shall find, that any Number of Persons, whether Indians, or Europeans, shall presume to erect any Fort or Forts within the Limits of Our Province of Virginia. . . . You are to require of Them peaceably to depart, and not to persist in such unlawfull Proceedings, & if, notwithstanding Your Admonitions, They do still endeavour to carry on any such unlawfull and unjustifiable Designs, We do herby strictly charge, & command You, to drive them off by Force of Arms." Dinwiddie received the instructions in mid-November and on 17 Nov. informed the Board of Trade that he had "sent one of the Adjutants of the Militia here, out to the Commander of the French Forces, to know their Intentions, & by what Authority they presume to invade His Majesty's Dominions in the Time of tranquil Peace; when he returns I shall transmit you an Account of his Proceedings, & the French Commander's answer."16
The adjutant sent by Dinwiddie was, of course, GW. An entry
14 Dinwiddie to Hamilton, 22 May 1753, P.R.O., C.O.5/1327, ff. 306--7.
15 P.R.O., C.O.5/1327, ff. 292--94.
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for 27 Oct. 1753 in the journals of the council reads: "The Governor acquainted the Board that George Washington Esqr. Adjutant General for the Southern District, had offered himself to go properly commissioned to the Commandant of the French Forces, to learn by what Authority he presumes to make Incroachments on his Majesty's Lands on the Ohio." The council approved the appointment, and a committee of the council prepared a letter to be taken to the French commandant.17 The instructions drawn up bye committee and presented to GW by Dinwiddie read:
Whereas I have receiv'd Information of a Body of French Forces being assembled in an hostile Manner on the River Ohio, intending by force of Arms to erect certain Forts on the said River, within this Territory, & contrary to the Peace & Dignity of our Sovereign the King of Great Britain.
These are therefore to require & direct You, the said George Washington, Esqr., forthwith to repair to the Logstown on the said River
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Ohio; & having there inform'd Your Self where the said French Forces have posted themselves, thereupon to proceed to such Place, & being there arriv'd to present Your Credentials, together with my Letter, to the chief commanding Officer, & in the Name of His Britanic Majesty, to demand an Answer from him thereto.
On Your Arrival at the Logstown, You are to address Yourself to the Half King, to Monacatoocha & [the] other . . . Sachems of the Six Nations; acquainting them with Your Orders to visit & deliver my Letter to the French commanding Officer; & desiring the said Chiefs to appoint You a sufficient Number of their Warriors to be Your Safeguard, as near the French as You may desire, & to wait Your further Direction.
You are diligently to enquire into the Numbers & Force of the French on the Ohio, & the adjacent Country; how they are like to be assisted from Canada; & what are the Difficulties & Conveniencies of that Comunication, & the Time requir'd for it.
You are to take care to be truly inform'd what Forts the French have erected, g: where; How they are Garrison'd & appointed, & what is their Distance from each other, & from Logstown: And from the best Intelligence You can procure, You are to learn what gave Occasion to this Expedition of the French: How they are like to be supported, & what their Pretentions are.
When the French Commandant has given You the requir'd & necessary Dispatches, You are to desire of him that, agreeable to the Law of Nations, he wou'd grant You a proper Guard, to protect You as far on Your return, as You may judge for Your Safety, against any stragling Indians, or Hunters, that may be ignorant of Yr. Character, & molest YOU.18
Dinwiddie also issued the following commission to GW: "I reposing especial Trust & Confidence in the Ability, Conduct, & Fidelity, of You the said George Washington have appointed You my express Messenger; and You are hereby authoriz'd & impowered to proceed hence with all convenient & possible Dispatch, to that Part, or Place, on the River Ohio, where the French have lately erected a Fort, or Forts, or where the Commandant of the French Forces resides, in order to deliver my Letter & Message to Him; & after waiting not exceeding one Week for an Answer, You are to take Your Leave & return immediately back."19
At the same time the following passport was issued to GW by Dinwiddie:
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Whereas I have appointed George Washington Esqr., by Commission under the Great Seal, My express Messenger to the Commandant of the French Forces on the River Ohio, & as he is charg'd with Business of great Importance to his Majesty & this Dominion.
I do hereby Command all His Majesty's Subjects, & particularly require ALL IN ALLIANCE AND AMITY WITH THE CROWN OF GREAT BRITAIN, & all OTHERS to whom this PASSPORT may come, agreeable to the Law of Nations, to be aiding & assisting as a Safeguard to the said George Washington & his Attendants . . . in his present [passage] . . . to & from the River Ohio as aforesaid.20
On 31 Oct. 1753 GW set out for Fredericksburg on the first stage of his journey.
The text for this diary has been taken from a copy in P.R.O., C.O. 5/1328, ff. 51--58.
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On Wednesday the 31st. of October 1753 I was Commission'd & appointed by the Honble. Robert Dinwiddie Esqr. Governor &ca. of Virginia
To visit & deliver a Letter to the Commandant of the French Forces on the Ohio, & set out on the intended Journey the same Day. The next I arriv'd at Fredericksburg, & engag'd Mr. Jacob Vanbraam, Interpreter,21 & proceeded with him to Alexandria where we provided Necessaries. From thence we went to Winchester & got Baggage Horses &ca. & from there we pursued the new Road to Wills Creek,22 where we arriv'd the 14th: of November.
Here I engag'd Mr. Gist23 to Pilot us out, & also hired four others as Servitors (vizt.) Barnaby Currin, & John McGuier (Indian Traders) Henry Steward, g: William Jenkins;24 in Company with those Persons I left the Inhabitants the Day following. The excessive Rains & vast Quantity of Snow that had fallen prevented our reaching Mr. Frazer's, an Indian Trader at the Mouth of Turtle Creek, on Monongehela, 'til Thursday.25
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Robert Dinwiddie's orders send Washington to the Ohio Valley. (Public Record Office, London, Crown Copyright)
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22d: We were inform'd here, that Expresses were sent a few Day's ago to the Traders down the River to acquaint them with the General's Death,26 & return of Major Part of the French Army into Winter Quarters. The Waters were quite impassable, without Swimming our Horses, which oblig'd us to get the loan of a Canoe from Mr. Frazer, & to send Barnaby Currin & Henry Steward down Monongehela, with our Baggage to meet us at the Forks of Ohio, about 10 Miles to cross Allegany.
As I got down before the Canoe, I spent some Time in viewing the Rivers, & the Land in the Fork, which I think extreamly well situated for a Fort; as it has the absolute Command of both Rivers. The Land at the Point is 20 or 25 Feet above the common Surface of the Water; & a considerable Bottom of flat well timber'd Land all around it, very convenient for Building. The Rivers are each a quarter of a Mile, or more, across, & run here very nigh at Right Angles; Allegany bearing N: E: & Monongehela S: E: The former of these two is a very rapid swift running Water the other deep & still, with scarce any perceptable Fall. About two Miles from this, on the S: E: Side of the River, at the Place where the Ohio Company intended to erect a Fort; lives Singess, King of the Delawars; We call'd upon him to invite him to Council at the Logstown.27
As I had taken a good deal of Notice Yesterday of the Situation at the Forks; my Curiosity led me to examine this more particularly; & my Judgement [is] to think it greatly inferior, either for Defence or Advantages, especially the latter; For a Fort at the Forks wou'd be equally well situated on Ohio, & have the entire
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Command of Monongehela, which runs up to our Settlements & is extreamly well design'd for Water Carriage, as it is of a deep still Nature; besides a Fort at the Fork might be built at a much less Expence, than at the other Place. Nature has well contriv'd the lower Place for Water Defence, but the Hill whereon it must stand, being a quarter of a Mile in Length, & then descending gradually on the Land Side, will render it difficult & very expensive making a sufficient Fortification there. The whole Flat upon the Hill must be taken in, or the Side next the Descent made extreamly high; or else the Hill cut away: otherwise the Enemy will raise Batteries within that Distance, without being expos'd to a single Shot from the Fort.
Singess attended us to Logstown, where we arriv'd between Sunsetting & Dark, the 25th: Day after I left Williamsburg. We travel'd over some extream good & bad Land to get to this Place. As soon as I came into Town, I went to Monacatoocha28 (as the Half King29 was out at his hunting Cabbin on little Bever Creek, about 15 Miles off) & inform'd him, by John Davison Interpreter30 that I was sent a Messenger to the French General, & was ordered to call upon the Sachems of the Six Nations, to acquaint them with it. I gave him a String of Wampum, & a twist of Tobacco, & desir'd him to send for the Half King; which he promis'd to do by a Runner in the Morning, & for other Sachems. I invited him & the other Great Men present to my Tent, where they stay'd an Hour & return'd.
According to the best Observations I cou'd make, Mr. Gist's
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new Settlement (which we pass'd by) bears about W: N: W: 70 Miles from Wills Creek, Shanapins,31 or the Forks N: B[y]: W: or N: N: W: about 50 Miles from that; & from thence to the Logstown, the Course is nearly West, about 18 or 20 Miles; so that the whole Distance, as we went & computed it, is at least 135 or 40 Miles from our back Settlements.32
25th: Came to Town four of ten French Men that Deserted from a Company at the Cuscusas, which lies at the Mouth of this
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River; I got the following Account from them. They were sent from New Orlians with 100 Men, & 8 Canoe load of Provisions, to this Place; where they expected to have met the same Number of Men, from the Forts this Side Lake Erie to convoy them, & the Horses up, but were not arriv'd when they ran off.33 I enquir'd into the Situation of the French on the Mississippi, their Number, & what Forts they had Built: They inform'd me that there were four small Forts between New Orlians, & the Black Islands,34 Garrison'd with about 30 or 40 Men, & a few small Pieces of Cannon in each. That at New Orlians, which is near the Mouth of the Mississippi, there is 35 Companies of 40 Men each, with a pretty strong Fort, mounting 8 large Carriage Guns; & at the Black Islands there is several Companies, & a Fort with 6 Guns. The Black Islands is about 130 Leagues above the Mouth of the Ohio, which is 150 above New Orlians: They also acquainted me, that there was a small Palisadoed Fort on the Ohio, at the Mouth of the Obaish,35 about 60 Leagues from the Mississippi: the Obaish heads near the West End of Lake Erie, & affords the Communication between the French on Mississippi, & those on the Lakes. These Deserters came up from the lower Shawnesse Town, with one Brown an Indian Trader, & were going to Philadelphia.36
About 3 o'Clock this Evening the Half King came to Town; I went up & invited him & Davison privately to my Tent, & desir'd him to relate some of the Particulars of his Journey to the French
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Paul Revere made this engraving showing a typical council with the Indians for the Royal American Magazine, 1774. (Spencer Collection, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
Commandant, & reception there, & to give me an Account of the Way & Distance.37 He told me that the nearest & levelest Way was now impassable, by reason of the many large miry Savannas; that we must be oblig'd to go by Venango,38 & shou'd not get to the near Fort under 5 or 6 Nights Sleep, good Traveling. When he went to the Fort he said he was receiv'd in a very stern Manner by the late Commander, who ask'd him very abruptly, what he had come about, & to declare his Business; which he says he did in the following Speech.
FATHERS I am come to tell you your own Speeches, what your own Mouths have declar'd. FATHERS You in former Days set a Silver Bason before us wherein there was the Leg of a Beaver, and desir'd of all Nations to come & eat of it; to eat in Peace & Plenty, & not to be Churlish to one another; & that if any such Person shou'd be found to be a Disturber; I here lay down by the Edge
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of the Dish a rod, which you must Scourge them with; & if Me your Father shou'd get Foolish in my old Days, I desire you may use it upon me as well as others.
NOW FATHERS it is you that is the Disturber in this Land, by coming & building your Towns, and taking it away unknown to us & by Force. FATHERS We kindled a Fire a long Time ago at a Place call'd Morail,39 where we desir'd you to stay, & not to come & intrude upon our Land. I now desire you may dispatch to that Place; for be it known to you Fathers, this is our Land, & not yours. FATHERS I desire you may hear me in Civilness; if not, We must handle that rod which was laid down for the Use of the obstropulous. If you had come in a peaceable Manner like our Brothers the English, We shou'd not have been against your trading with us as they do, but to come Fathers, & build great Houses upon our Land, & to take it by Force, is what we cannot submit to.
FATHERS Both you & the English are White. We live in a Country between, therefore the Land does not belong either to one or the other; but the GREAT BEING above allow'd it to be a Place of residence for us; so Fathers, I desire you to withdraw, as I have done our Brothers the English, for I will keep you at Arm's length. I lay this down as a Tryal for both, to see which will have the greatest regard to it, & that Side we will stand by, & make equal Sharers with us: Our Brothers the English have heard this, & I come now to tell it to you, for I am not affraid to discharge you off this Land. This, he said, was the Substance of what he said to the General, who made this Reply.
NOW MY CHILD I have heard your Speech. You spoke first, but it is my Time to speak now. Where is my Wampum that you took away, with the Marks of Towns in it? This Wampum I do not know, which you have discharg'd me off the Land with; but you need not put yourself to the Trouble of Speaking for I will not hear you: I am not affraid of Flies or Musquito's; for Indians are such as those; I tell you down that River I will go, & will build upon it according to my Command: If the River was ever so block'd up, I have Forces sufficient to burst it open, & tread under my Feet all that stand in Opposition together with their Alliances; for my Force is as the Sand upon the Sea Shoar: therefore here is your Wampum, I fling it at you. Child, you talk foolish; you say this Land belongs to you, but there is not the
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Black of my Nail yours, I saw that Land sooner than you did, before the Shawnesse & you were at War: Lead40 was the Man that went down, & took Possession of that River; it is my Land, & I will have it let who will stand up for, or say against it. I'll buy sell with the English (mockingly). If People will be rul'd by me they may expect Kindness but not else.
The Half King told me, he enquir'd of the General after two English Men that were made Prisoners,41 & receiv'd this Answer.
CHILD You think it is a very great Hardship that I made Prisoners of those two People at Venango, don't you concern yourself with it we took & carried them to Canada to get Intelligence of what the English were doing in Virginia.
He inform'd me that they had built two Forts, one on Lake Erie, & another on French Creek,42 near a small Lake about 15 Miles asunder, & a large Waggon Road between; they are both built after the same Model, but different in the Size; that on the Lake the largest; he gave me a Plan of them of his own drawing. The Indians enquir'd very particularly after their Brothers in
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Carolina Goal.43 They also ask'd what sort of a Boy it was that was taken from the South Branch; for they had, by some Indians heard, that a Party of French Indians had carried a White Boy by the Cuscusa Town, towards the Lakes.44
26th: We met in council at the Long House, about 9 o'Clock, where I spoke to them as follows,
BROTHERS I have call'd you together in Council, by Order of your Brother the Governor of Virginia, to acquaint you that I am sent with all possible Dispatch to visit PC deliver a Letter to the French Commandant of very great Importance to your Brothers the English: & I dare say to you their Friends & Allies. I was desir'd Brothers, by your Brother the Governor, to call upon you, the Sachems of the Six Nations, to inform you of it, & to ask your Advice & Assistance to proceed the nearest & best Road to the French. You see Brothers I have got thus far on my Journey. His Honour likewise desir'd me to apply to you for some of your young Men to conduct and provide Provisions for us on our Way: & to be a Safeguard against those French Indians, that have taken up the Hatchet against us. I have spoke this particularly to you Brothers, because His Hon. our Governor, treats you as good
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Friends & Allies, & holds you in great Esteem. To confirm what I have said I give you this String of Wampum.
After they had considered some Time on the above, the Half King got up & spoke.
NOW MY BROTHERS. In Regard to what my Brother the Governor has desir'd of me, I return you this Answer. I rely upon you as a Brother ought to do, as you say we are Brothers, & one People. We shall put Heart in Hand, & speak to our Fathers the French, concerning the Speech they made to me, & you may depend that we will endeavour to be your Guard.
BROTHER, as you have ask'd my Advice, I hope you will be ruled by it, & stay 'til I can provide a Company to go with you. The French Speech Belt is not here, I have it to go for to my hunting Cabbin likewise the People I have order'd are not yet come, nor can 'til the third Night from this, 'till which Time Brother I must beg you to stay. I intend to send a Guard of Mingoes, Shawnesse, & Delawar's, that our Brothers may see the Love and Loyalty We bear them.
As I had Orders to make all possible Dispatch, & waiting here very contrary to my Inclinations; I thank'd him in the most suitable Manner I cou'd, & told that my Business requir'd the greatest Expedition, & wou'd not admit of that Delay: He was not well pleas'd that I shou'd offer to go before the Time he had appointed, told me that he cou'd not consent to our going without a Guard, for fear some Accident shou'd befall us, & draw a reflection upon him-besides says he, this is a Matter of no small Moment, & must not be enter'd into without due Consideration, for I now intend to deliver up the French Speech Belt, & make the Shawnesse & Delawars do the same, & accordingly gave Orders to King Singess, who was present, to attend on Wednesday Night with the Wampum, & two Men of their Nation to be in readiness to set off with us next Morning. As I found it impossible to get off without affronting them in the most egregious Manner, I consented to stay.
I gave them back a String of Wampum that I met with at Mr. Frazer's, which they had sent with a Speech to his Honour the Governor, to inform him, that three Nations of French Indians, (vizt.) Chippaway's, Ottaway's, & Arundacks, had taken up the Hatchet against the English, & desired them to repeat it over again; which they postpon'd doing 'til they met in full Council with the Shawnesse, & Delawar Chiefs.
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27th: Runners were dispatch'd very early for the Shawness Chiefs, the Half King set out himself to fetch the French Speech Belt from his hunting Cabbin.45
28th: He return'd this Evening, & came with Monacatoocha & two other Sachems to my Tent, & beg'd (as they had comply'd with his Honour the Governor's Request in providing Men, &ca.) to know what Business we were going to the French about? This was a Question I all along expected, & had provided as satisfactory Answers as I cou'd, which allay'd their Curiosity a little. Monacatoocha Informed me, that an Indian from Venango brought News a few Days ago; that the French had call'd all the Mingo's, Delawar's &ca. together at that Place, & told them that they intended to have been down the River this Fall, but the Waters were geting Cold, & the Winter advancing, which obliged them to go into Quarters; but they might assuredly expect them in the Spring, with a far greater Number; & desired that they might be quite Passive, & not intermeddle, unless they had a mind to draw all their Force upon them; for that they expected to fight the English three Years, (as they suppos'd there would be some Attempts made to stop them) in which Time they shou'd Conquer, but if they shou'd prove equally strong, that they & the English wou'd join to cut them off, & divide the Land between them: that though they had lost their General, & some few of their Soldiers, yet there was Men enough to reinforce, & make them Masters of the Ohio. This Speech, he said, was deliver'd to them by an Captn. Joncaire, their Interpreter in Chief, living at Venango, & a Man of Note in the Army.46
29th: The Half King and Monacatoocha came very early &
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beg'd me to stay one Day more, for notwithstanding they had used all the Diligence in their Power, the Shawnesse Chiefs had not brought the Wampum they order'd, but wou'd certainly be in to Night, if not they wou'd delay me no longer, but send it after us as soon as they arriv'd: When I found them so pressing in their request; & knew that returning of Wampum, was the abolishing of Agreements; & giving this up was shaking of all Dependence upon the French, I consented to stay, as I believ'd an Offence offer'd at this Crisis, might have been attended with greater ill Consequence than another Day's Delay.
They also inform'd me that Singess cou'd not get in his Men, & was prevented from coming himself by His Wife's Sickness, (I believe by fear of the French) but that the Wampum of that Nation was lodg'd with Custaloga, one of their Chiefs at Venango.47 In the Evening they came again, & acquainted me that the Shawnesse were not yet come, but it shou'd not retard the Prosecution of our Journey. He deliver'd in my Hearing the Speeches that were to be made to the French by Jeskakake, one of their old Chiefs,48 which was giving up the Belt the late Commandant had ask'd for, & repeating near the same Speech he himself had done before. He also deliver'd a String of Wampum to this Chief, which was sent by King Singess to be given to Custaloga, with Orders to repair to, & deliver up the French Wampum. He likewise gave a very large String of black & white Wampum, which was to be sent immediately up to the Six Nations, if the French refus'd to quit the Land at this Warning, which was the third & last Time, & was the right of this Jeskakake to deliver.
30th: Last Night the great Men assembled to their Council House to consult further about this Journey, & who were to go; the result of which was, that only three of their Chiefs, with one of their best Hunters shou'd be our Convoy: the reason they gave for not sending more, after what had been propos'd in Council the 26th. was, that a greater Number might give the French Suspicion of some bad Design, & cause them to be treated rudely; but I rather think they cou'd not get their Hunters in.
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Christopher Gist's 1750 map of the Ohio River and tributaries. (Public Record Office, London. Crown Copyright)
We set out about 9 o'Clock, with the Half King, Jeskakake, White Thunder, & the Hunter;49 & travel'd on the road to Venango, where we arriv'd the 4th: of December, without any Thing remarkably happening, but a continued Series of bad
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Weather.50 This is an old Indian Town, situated on the Mouth of French Creek on Ohio, & lies near No. about 60 Miles from the Logstown, but more than 70 the Way we were oblig'd to come. We found the French Colours hoisted at a House where they drove Mr. John Frazer an English Subject from: I immediately repair'd to it, to know where the Commander resided: There was three Officers, one of which, Capt. Joncaire, inform'd me, that he had the Command of the Ohio, but that there was a General Officer at the next Fort, which he advis'd me to for an Answer.
He invited us to Sup with them, & treated with the greatest Complaisance. The Wine, as they dos'd themselves pretty plentifully with it, soon banish'd the restraint which at first appear'd in their Conversation, & gave license to their Tongues to reveal their Sentiments more freely. They told me it was their absolute Design to take Possession of the Ohio, & by G-- they wou'd do it, for tho' they were sensible, that the English cou'd raise two Men for their one; yet they knew their Motions were too slow & dilatory to prevent any Undertaking of theirs. They pretended to have an undoubted right to the river from a Discovery made by one La Sol 60 Years ago, & the use of this Expedition is to prevent our Settling on the River or Waters of it, as they have heard of some Families moving out in order thereto.
From the best Intelligence I cou'd get, there has been 1,500 Men this Side Oswago Lake, but upon the Death of the General, all were recall'd to about 6 or 7 Hundred, which were left to Garrison four Forts, 150 or thereabouts in each, the first of which is on French Creek, near a small Lake, about 60 Miles from Venango near N: N: W: the next lies on Lake Erie, where the greatest Part of their Stores are kept about 15 Miles from the other; from that it is 120 Miles from the Carrying Place, at the
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Fall of Lake Erie, where there is a small Fort, which they lodge their Goods at, in bringing them from Morail, the Place that all their Stores come from; the next Fort lies about 20 Miles from this, on Oswago Lake; between this Fort & Morail there are three others; the first of which is near the English Fort Oswago. From the Fort on Lake Erie to Morail is about 600 Miles, which they say if good Weather, requires no more than 4 Weeks Voyage, if they go in Barks or large Vessells that they can cross the Lake; but if they come in Canoes, it will require five or six Weeks for they are oblig'd to keep under the Shoar.
5th: Rain'd successively all Day, which prevented our traveling. Capt. Joncaire sent for the half King, as he had but just heard
Washington and Gist crossing the Allegheny River. From Columbian Magazine, Nov. 1844. (George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association)
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that he came with me: He affected to be much Concern'd that I did not make free to bring him in before; I excused it in the best Manner I was capable, & told him I did not think their Company agreeable, as I had heard him say a good deal in dispraise of Indians in General. But another Motive prevented my bringing them into his Company: I knew that he was Interpreter, & a Person of very great Influence among the Indians, & had lately used all possible means to draw them over to their Interest; therefore I was desirous of giving no more Opportunity than cou'd be avoided. When they came in there was great Pleasure express'd at seeing them, he wonder'd how they cou'd be so near without coming to visit him, made several trifling Presents, & applied Liquors so fast, that they were soon render'd incapable of the Business they came about notwithstanding the Caution that was given.51
6th: The Half King came to my Tent quite Sober, & insisted very much that I shou'd stay & hear what he had to say to the French. I fain wou'd have prevented his speaking any Thing 'til he came to the Commandant, but cou'd not prevail. He told me that at this Place Council Fire was kindled, where all their Business with these People were to be transacted, & that the Management of the Indian Affairs was left solely to Monsieur Joncaire. As I was desirous of knowing the Issue of this, I agreed to stay, but sent our Horses a little Way up French Creek, to raft over & Camp, which I knew wou'd make it near Night.
About 10 oClock they met in Council, the King spoke much the same as he had done to the General, & offer'd the French Speech Belt which had before been demanded, with the Marks of four Towns in it, which Monsieur Joncaire refused to receive; but desired him to carry it to the Fort to the Commander.
7th: Monsieur La Force, Commissary of the French Stores,52
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three other Soldiers came over to accompany us up. We found it extreamly difficult getting the Indians off to Day; as every Stratagem had been used to prevent their going up with me. I had last Night left John Davison (the Indian Interpreter that I brought from Logstown with me) strictly charg'd not to be out of their Company, as I cou'd not get them over to my Tent (they having some Business with Custaloga, to know the reason why he did not deliver up the French Belt, which he had in keeping,) but was oblig'd to send Mr. Gist over to Day to fetch them, which he did with great Perswasion.
At 11 o'Clock we set out for the Fort, & was prevented from arriving there 'till the 11th: by excessive rains, Snows, & bad traveling, through many Mires & Swamps, which we were oblig'd to pass to avoid crossing the Creek, which was impassible either by Fording or Rafting, the Water was so high & rapid. We pass'd over much good Land since we left Venango, & through several extensive & very rich Meadows, one of which was near 4 Miles in length, & considerably wide in some Places.53
12th: I prepar'd early to wait upon the Commander, & was receiv'd & conducted to him by the 2d. Officer in Command; I
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acquainted him with my Business, & offer'd my Commission Letter, both of which he desir'd me to keep 'til the Arrival of Monsieur Riparti, Capt. at the next Fort, who was sent for expected every Hour.54
This Commander is a Knight of the Military Order of St: Lewis, & named Legadieur St. Piere, he is an elderly Gentleman, & has much the Air of a Soldier; he was sent over to take the Command immediately upon the Death of the late General, arriv'd here about 7 Days before me. At 2 o'Clock the Gentleman that was sent for arriv'd, when I offer'd the Letters &ca. again, which they receiv'd, & adjourn'd into a private Appartment for the Captain to translate, who understood a little English, after he had done it, the Captain desir'd I wou'd walk in & bring my Interpreter to peruse & correct it, which I did.55
13th: The chief Officer retired to hold a Council of War, which gave me an Opportunity of taking the Dimensions of the Fort, & making what Observations I cou'd. It is situated on the South or West Fork of French Creek, near the Water, & is almost surrounded by the Creek, & a small Branch of it which forms a Kind of an Island, as may be seen by a Plan I have here annexed,56 it is
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Rushed into print at Williamsburg, Washington's report was widely discussed. (Rare Book Division, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
built exactly in that Manner & of that Dimensions. 4 Houses compose the Sides; the Bastions are made of Piles drove into the Ground, & about 12 Feet above sharpe at Top, with Port Holes cut for Cannon & Small Arms to fire through; there are Eight 6 lb. Pieces Mounted, two in each Bastion, & one of 4 lb. before the Gate: In the Bastions are a Guard House, Chapel, Doctor's Lodgings, & the Commander's private Store, round which is laid Platforms for the Cannon & Men to stand on: there is several Barracks without the Fort for the Soldiers dwelling, cover'd some with Bark, & some with Boards, & made chiefly of Logs, there is also several other Houses such as Stables, Smiths Shop &ca: all of which I have laid down exactly as they stand, & shall refer to the Plan for Explanation.
I cou'd get no certain Account of the Number of Men here; but according to the best Judgement I cou'd form, there is an Hundred exclusive of Officers, which are pretty many. I also gave Orders to the People that were with me, to take an exact Account of the Canoes that were haled up, to convey their Forces down in the Spring, which they did, and told 50 of Birch Bark, & 170 of Pine; besides many others that were block'd out, in Readiness to make.57
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14th: As the Snow increased very fast, & our Horses daily got weaker, I sent them off unloaded, under the Care of Barnaby Currin & two others, to make all convenient Dispatch to Venango, & there wait our Arrival, if there was a Prospect of the Rivers Freezing, if not, then to continue down to Shanapin's Town at the Forks of Ohio, & there wait 'till we came to cross Allegany; intending my Self to go down by Water, as I had the Offer of a Canoe or two.
As I found many Plots concerted to retard the Indians Business, & prevent their returning with me, I endeavour'd all in my Power to frustrate their Schemes, & hurry them on to execute their intended Design. They accordingly pressed for admittance this Evening, which at length was granted them privately with the Commander, & one or two other Officers. The Half King told me that he offer'd the Wampum to the Commander, who evaded taking it, & made many fair Promises of Love & Friendship; said he wanted to live in Peace & trade amicably with them; as a Proof of which, he wou'd send some Goods immediately down to the Logstown for them, but I rather think the Design of that is to bring away all of our stragling traders that they may meet with; as I privately understood they intended to carry an Officer, &ca. with them; & what rather confirms this Opinion, I was enquiring of the Commander by what Authority he had taken & made Prisoners of several of our English Subjects. He told me the Country belong'd to them, that no English Man had a right to trade upon them Waters; & that he had Orders to make every Person Prisoner that attempted it on the Ohio or the Waters of it.
I enquir'd of Capt. Riparti about the Boy that was carried by, as it was done while the Command devolved upon him, between the Death of the late General & the Arrival of the Present. He acknowledg'd that a Boy had been carried past, & that the Indians had two or three white Scalps, (I was told by some of the Indians at Venango 8) but pretended to have forgot the Name of the Place that the Boy came from, & all the Particulars, tho' he Question'd him for some Hours as they were carrying him past. I likewise enquired where & what they had done with John Trotter, & James McClocklan, two Pensylvania Traders, which they had
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taken with all their Goods: they told me that they had been sent to Canada, but were now return'd Home.58
This Evening I receiv'd an Answer to His Honour the Governor's Letter from the Commandant.59
15th: The Commander order'd a plentiful Store of Liquor, Provisions & ca. to be put on board our Canoe, & appear'd to be extreamly complaisant, though he was ploting every Scheme that the Devil & Man cou'd invent, to set our Indians at Variance with us, to prevent their going 'till after our Departure. Presents, rewards, & every Thing that cou'd be suggested by him or his
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Officers was not neglected to do. I can't say that ever in my Life I suffer'd so much Anxiety as I did in this affair: I saw that every Stratagem that the most fruitful Brain cou'd invent: was practis'd to get the Half King won to their Interest, & that leaving of him here, was giving them the Opportunity they aimed at: I went to the Half King and press'd him in the strongest Terms to go. He told me the Commander wou'd not discharge him 'till the Morning; I then went to the Commander & desired him to do their Business, & complain'd of ill Treatment; for keeping them, as they were Part of my Company was detaining me, which he promis'd not to do, but to forward my Journey as much as he cou'd: He protested he did not keep them but was innocent of the Cause of their Stay; though I soon found it out. He had promis'd them a Present of Guns, &ca. if they wou'd wait 'till the Morning. As I was very much press'd by the Indians to wait this Day for them; I consented on a Promise that Nothing shou'd hinder them in the Morning.
16th: The French were not slack in their Inventions to keep the Indians this Day also; but as they were obligated, according to promise, to give the Present: they then endeavour'd to try the Power of Liquor; which I doubt not wou'd have prevail'd at any other Time than this, but I tax'd the King so close upon his Word that he refrain'd, & set off with us as he had engag'd. We had a tedious & very fatiguing Passage down the Creek, several Times we had like to have stove against Rocks, & many Times were oblig'd all Hands to get out, & remain in the Water Half an Hour or more, getting her over the Shoals: on one Place the Ice had lodg'd & made it impassable by Water; therefore we were oblig'd to carry our Canoe across a neck Land a quarter of a Mile over. We did not reach Venango 'till the 22d: where we met with our Horses. This Creek is extreamly crooked, I dare say the Distance between the Fort & Venango can't be less than 130 Miles to follow the Meanders.60
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Washington's map of the Ohio country accompanied his report to Governor Dinwiddie. (Public Record Office, London. Crown Copyright)
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23d: When I got Things ready to set off I sent for the Half King, to know whether they intended to go with us, or by Water. He told me that the White Thunder had hurt himself much, & was Sick & unable to walk, therefore he was oblig'd to carry him down in a Canoe: As I found he intended to stay a Day or two here, & knew that Monsieur Joncaire wou'd employ every Scheme to set him against the English, as he had before done; I told him I hoped he wou'd guard against his Flattery, & let no fine Speeches Influence Him in their Favour: He desired I might not be concern'd, for he knew the French too well, for any Thing to engage him in their Behalf, & though he cou'd not go down with us, he wou'd endeavour to meet at the Forks with Joseph Campbell,61 to deliver a Speech for me to carry to his Honour the Governor. He told me he wou'd order the young Hunter to attend us, & get Provision &ca. if wanted. Our Horses were now so weak & feeble, & the Baggage heavy; as we were oblig'd to provide all the Necessaries the Journey wou'd require, that we doubted much their performing it; therefore my Self & others (except the Drivers which were oblig'd to ride) gave up our Horses for Packs, to assist along with the Baggage; & put my Self into an Indian walking Dress, & continue'd with them three Day's, 'till I found there
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was no Probability of their getting in, in any reasonable Time; the Horses grew less able to travel every Day. The Cold increas'd very fast, & the Roads were geting much worse by a deep Snow continually Freezing; And as I was uneasy to get back to make a report of my Proceedings to his Honour the Governor; I determin'd to prosecute my Journey the nearest way through the Woods on Foot. Accordingly I left Mr. Vanbraam in Charge of our Baggage, with Money and Directions to provide Necessaries from Place to Place for themselves & Horses & to make the most convenient Dispatch in. I took my necessary Papers, pull'd off my Cloths; tied My Self up in a Match Coat; & with my Pack at my back, with my Papers & Provisions in it, & a Gun, set out with Mr. Gist, fitted in the same Manner, on Wednesday the 26th.
The Day following, just after we had pass'd a Place call'd the Murdering Town62 where we intended to quit the Path & steer across the Country for Shanapins Town, we fell in with a Party of French Indians, which had laid in wait for us, one of them fired at Mr. Gist or me, not 15 Steps, but fortunately missed. We took this Fellow into Custody, & kept him 'till about 9 o'Clock at Night, & then let him go, & then walked all the remaining Part of the Night without making any Stop; that we might get the start, so far as to be out of the reach of their Pursuit next Day, as were well assur'd they wou'd follow upon our Tract as soon as it was Light: The next Day we continued traveling 'till it was quite Dark, & got to the River about two Miles above Shanapins; we expected to have found the River Froze, but it was not, only about 50 Yards from each Shoar; the Ice I suppose had broke up above, for it was driving in vast Quantities.
There was no way for us to get over but upon a Raft, which we set about with but one poor Hatchet, & got finish'd just after Sunsetting, after a whole days Work: We got it launch'd, & on board of it, & sett off; but before we got half over, we were jamed in the Ice in such a Manner, that we expected every Moment our Raft wou'd sink, & we Perish; I put out my seting Pole, to try to stop the Raft, that the Ice might pass by, when the Rapidity of the Stream through it with so much Violence against the Pole, that it Jirk'd me into 10 Feet Water, but I fortunately saved my Self by catching hold of one of the Raft Logs. Notwithstanding all our Efforts we cou'd not get the Raft to either Shoar, but were oblig'd, as we were pretty near an Island, to quit our Raft &
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wade to it. The Cold was so extream severe, that Mr. Gist got all his Fingers, & some of his Toes Froze, & the Water was shut up so hard, that We found no Difficulty in getting off the Island on the Ice in the Morning, & went to Mr. Frazers. We met here with 20 Warriors that had been going to the Southward to War, but coming to a Place upon the Head of the Great Cunnaway, where they found People kill'd & Scalpt, all but one Woman with very Light Hair, they turn'd about; & ran back, for fear of the Inhabitants rising & takeing them as the Authors of the Murder: They report that the People were lying about the House, & some of them much torn & eat by Hogs; by the Marks that were left, they say they were French Indians of the Ottaway Nation, &ca. that did it.63
As we intended to take Horse here, & it requir'd some Time to hunt them; I went up about 3 Miles to the Mouth of Yaughyaughgane to visit Queen Aliquippa,64 who had express'd great Concern that we pass'd her in going to the Fort. I made her a Present of a Match Coat; & a Bottle of rum, which was thought much the best Present of the two.65
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Tuesday 1st: Day of Jany: We left Mr. Frazers House, & arriv'd at Mr. Gists at Monangahela the 2d. where I bought Horse Saddle &ca. The 6th: We met 17 Horses loaded with Materials & Stores for a Fort at the Forks; & the Day after, a Family or two going out
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to settle; this Day we arriv'd at Wills Creek, after as fatiguing a Journey as it is possible to conceive, rendered so by excessive bad Weather: From the first Day of December 'till the 15th. there was but one Day, but what it rain'd or snow'd incessantly & throughout the whole Journey we met with nothing but one continued Series of cold wet Weather; which occasioned very uncumfortable Lodgings, especially after we had left our Tent; which was some Screen from the Inclemency of it.66
On the 11th. I got to Belvoir,67 where I stop'd one Day to take necessary rest; & then set out for, & arrived at Williamsburg, the 16th. & waited upon His Honour the Governor with the Letter I had brought from the French Commandant, & to give an Account of the Proceedures of my Journey. Which I beg leave to do by offering the Foregoing, as it contains the most remarkable Occurrences that happen'd to me.
I hope it will be sufficient to satisfy your Honour with my Proceedings; for that was my Aim in undertaking the Journey: & chief Study throughout the Prosecution of it.
67 Belvoir was the estate of Col. William Fairfax on the southern shore of the Potomac.
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A clerk's copy of the report to Dinwiddie. (Public Record Office, London. Crown Copyright)
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With the Assurance, & Hope of doing it, I with infinite Pleasure subscribe my Self Yr. Honour's most Obedt. & very Hble. Servant.
Go: Washington68
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did in the least conceive, when I wrote this for his Honour's Perusal, that it ever would be published, or even have more than a cursory Reading; till I was informed, at the Meeting of the present General Assembly, that it was already in the Press.
"There is nothing can recommend it to the Public, but this. Those Things which came under the Notice of my own Observation, I have been explicit and just in a Recital of:--Those which I have gathered from Report, I have been particularly cautious not to augment, but collected the Opinions of the several Intelligencers, and selected from the whole, the most probable and consistent Account.
G. Washington.
The journal was printed in various colonial newspapers (see, for example, Md. Gaz., 21 & 28 Mar. 1754; Boston Gaz., 16 April-21 May 1754). On 15 Feb. 1754 the journal was delivered to the House of Burgesses, and on 21 Feb. the burgesses voted the sum of £50 to GW "to testify our Approbation of his Proceedings on his Journey to the Ohio" (H.B.J., 1752--58, 182, 185).
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Editorial Note. In the weeks after GW's return from his journey to the French commandant, reports of further French infiltration into the Ohio Valley continued to reach Williamsburg and Gov. Robert Dinwiddie made preparations to resist. He appealed to other colonial governors for aid in repelling the French.1 Capt. William Trent2 was ordered to raise a force of 100 men and march them to the Ohio to construct a fort at the Forks. Dinwiddie had already sent ten cannon and a supply of ammunition to Alexandria for transportation to the Ohio.3 GW, now adjutant of the Northern Neck, was instructed to raise 50 men from Frederick County and 50 men from Augusta County, then "Having all Things in readiness You are to use all Expedition in proceeding to the Fork of Ohio with the Men under Com'd and there you are to finish and compleat in the best Manner and as soon as You possibly can, the Fort w'ch I expect is there already begun by the Ohio Comp'a. You are to act on the Defensive, but in Case any Attempts are made to obstruct the Works or interrupt our Settlem'ts by any Persons whatsoever You are to
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This engraving of Washington at twenty-five is after a miniature by Charles Wilson Peale. (New-York Historical Society)
restrain all such Offenders, and in Case of resistance to make Prisoners of or kill and destroy them." However, neither Augusta nor Frederick complied with the request for men, and in mid-February GW returned to Williamsburg.4 To encourage enlistments Dinwiddie issued a proclamation on 19 Feb. promising that a grant of 200,000 acres on the east side of the Ohio would be distributed among those who volunteered for service in the army.5
When the House of Burgesses met in February, Dinwiddie immediately informed it of the French threat. The burgesses proved less cooperative than Dinwiddie had hoped. An inadequate grant of £10,000 for protecting the frontier was hedged with restrictions as to the terms under which the money could be spent.6 By
4 DINWIDDIE, 1:59, 82; VA. EXEC. JLS., 5:460.
5 The proclamation is in VA. EXEC. JLS., 5:499--500.
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this time Dinwiddie realized the futility of relying on the counties to raise enough militia for the campaign and decided to use the funds voted by the Assembly to raise a force of six companies composed of 50 men each. "I am in hopes they will soon meet at Alexandria . . . and that they will be on their March to the Ohio the latter End of this Mo. or early in April."7 Both New York and South Carolina were to send independent companies of regular troops, and it was hoped that contributions would be forthcoming from the other colonies.
GW was definitely interested in a command for the campaign against the French. In a letter to Richard Corbin, a member of the Council, he stated: "In a conversation with you at Green Spring, you gave me some room to hope for a commission above that of major, and to be ranked among the chief officers of this expedition. The command of the whole forces is what I neither look for, expect, nor desire; for I must be impartial enough to confess, it is a charge too great for my youth and inexperience to be entrusted with. . . . But if I could entertain hopes, that you thought me worthy of the post of lieutenant-colonel, and would favor me so far as to mention it at the appointment of officers, I could not but entertain a true sense of the kindness." Corbin, and probably others, apparently spoke for GW, since he did indeed receive the appointment he sought--forwarded to him by Corbin. General command of the Virginia forces was given to Joshua Fry, who was ordered to march first to Alexandria and then on to Wills Creek to aid in construction of a fort at the Forks of the Ohio.8
7 Dinwiddie to James De Lancey, 1 Mar. 1754 (DINWIDDIE, 1:83--85).
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One of the most important maps of Virginia was drawn by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson in 1751. The above cartouche is taken from the revised map of 1755. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library)
Even before the receipt of his commission as lieutenant colonel, GW had established headquarters at Alexandria and was actively engaged in recruiting and preparations for the campaign. Dinwiddie wrote GW on 15 Mar. that the French were moving down
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the Ohio more rapidly than expected, "w'ch, I think, makes it necessary for You to march what Soldiers You have enlisted, imediately to the Ohio, and escort some Waggons with the necessary Provisions. Colo. Fry to march w'th the others as soon as possible."9 GW's diary of the campaign begins 31 Mar. 1754 and includes the march from Alexandria to the frontier, the defeat of a party of French troops under the command of Joseph Coulon de Villiers, sieur de Jumonville, and the construction of Fort Necessity in the Great Meadows. The last entry is for 27 June 1754, with GW's force planning to move to erect a fort on Red Stone Creek. On 28 June word was received from Chief Monacatoocha that the French at the Forks were preparing to send out "800 of their own men & 400 Indians" under the command of Louis Coulon de Villiers.10 It was clear that the Indians with GW's troops would leave unless he returned to Great Meadows. Accordingly, the retreat was ordered, and after a backbreaking march over a mountainous terrain, the Virginia troops and Capt. James Mackay's Independent Company of regulars arrived at little Fort Necessity on Great Meadows 1 July. There they found almost no provisions--but the exhausted men were in no condition to retreat farther. GW ordered them to dig in. Their Indian allies quietly disappeared. On 1 July scouts informed GW that the French had advanced as far as Red Stone, and about 11:00 A.M. on 3 July the French command approached the fort. After a day of fighting, faced by a greatly superior force, GW was compelled to surrender. On 3 July he and Captain Mackay signed the articles of capitulation including the controversial admission that they had "assassinated" Jumonville.
The diary was among the papers lost by GW at the surrender of Fort Necessity. Retrieved by the French, it became part of a pamphlet published in Paris in 1756 under the title Mémoire contenant le précis des faits, avec leurs pičces justificatives pour servir de réponse aux observations envoyées par les ministres d'Angleterre, dans les cours de l'Europe.
In addition to GW's journal which appeared as document No. VIII in the first part of the pamphlet, numerous other letters and journals were included with editorial notes justifying French activities in the Ohio Valley. In 1757 a copy of the pamphlet was
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The capitulation at Fort Necessity was signed on 3 July 1754. (Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto)
captured on board a French ship taken as a prize, and was translated and published by Hugh Gaine in New York under the title A Memorial Containing a Summary View of Facts with Their Authorities, in Answer to the Observations Sent by the English Ministry to the Courts of Europe. This translation is hereafter referred to as MEMOIR and has been used in this volume as the source for the text of the 1754 diary. Two additional printings, one by J. Parker in New York and one by James Chattin in Philadelphia, appeared also in 1757. Two English editions were published.11
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The first American publication of Washington's campaign against the French in 1753--54. (Tracy W. McGregor Library, University of Virginia)
As the original of GW's journal has not been found, the accuracy of the version published in the MEMOIR must remain questionable. The authenticity of at least one of the documents in the MEMOIR was disputed in England in 1756 before an English translation appeared in print. Document No. XII of the first part of the MEMOIR is a letter, purportedly from Col. Robert Napier to Gen. Edward Braddock, 25 Nov. 1754, containing the duke of Cumberland's orders for the 1755 campaign against the French in the Ohio country. In 1756 a pamphlet, Reasons Humbly Offered, to Prove That the Letter Printed at the End of the French Memorial of Justification, Is a French Forgery, and Falsely Ascribed to His R--l H--s, was published in London, challenging the authenticity of the letter on the basis of its content.12 GW expressed reservations concerning the accuracy of the
12 See also Monthly Review, (1756), 302--4.
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MEMOIR in a letter used by Jared Sparks in his edition of GW's writings:
I am really sorry, that I have it not in my power to answer your request in a more satisfactory manner. If you had favored me with the journal a few days sooner, I would have examined it carefully, and endeavoured to point out such errors as might conduce to your use, my advantage, and the public satisfaction; but now it is out of my power.
I had no time to make any remarks upon that piece, which is called my journal. The enclosed are observations on the French notes. They are of no use to me separated, nor will they, I believe, be of any to you; yet I send them unconnected and incoherent as they were taken, for I have no opportunity to correct them.
In regard to the journal, I can only observe in general, that I kept no regular one during that expedition; rough minutes of occurrences I certainly took, and find them as certainly and strangely metamorphosed; some parts left out, which I remember were entered, and many things added that never were thought of; the names of men and things egregiously miscalled; and the whole of what I saw Englished is very incorrect and nonsensical; yet, I will not pretend to say that the little body, who brought it to me, has not made a literal translation, and a good one.
Short as my time is, I cannot help remarking on Villiers' account of the battle of, and transactions at, the Meadows, as it is very extraordinary, and not less erroneous than inconsistent.13 He says the French
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received the first fire. It is well known, that we received it at six hundred paces' distance. He also says, our fears obliged us to retreat in a most disorderly manner after the capitulation. How is this consistent with his other account? He acknowledges, that we sustained the attack warmly from ten in the morning until dark, and that he called first to parley, which strongly indicates that we were not totally absorbed in fear. If the gentleman in his account had adhered to the truth, he must have confessed, that we looked upon his offer to parley as an artifice to get into and examine our trenches, and refused on this account, until they desired an officer might be sent to them, and gave their parole for his safe return. He might also, if he had been as great a lover of the truth as he was of vainglory, have said, that we absolutely refused their first and second proposals, and would consent to capitulate on no other terms than such as we obtained. That we were wilfully, or ignorantly, deceived by our interpreter in regard to the word assassination, I do aver, and will to my dying moment; so will every officer that was present. The interpreter was a Dutchman,14 little acquainted with the English tongue, therefore might not advert to the tone and meaning of the word in English; but, whatever his motives were for so doing, certain it is, he called it the death, or the loss, of the Sieur Jumonville. So we received and so we understood it, until, to our great surprise and mortification, we found it otherwise in a literal translation.
That we left our baggage and horses at the Meadows is certain; that there was not even a possibility to bring them away is equally certain, as we had every horse belonging to the camp killed or taken away during the action; so that it was impracticable to bring any thing off, that our shoulders were not able to bear; and to wait there was impossible,
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for we had scarce three days' provisions, and were seventy miles from a supply; yet, to say we came off precipitately is absolutely false; notwithstanding they did, contrary to articles, suffer their Indians to pillage our baggage, and commit all kinds of irregularity, we were with them until ten o'clock the next day; we destroyed our powder and other stores, nay, even our private baggage, to prevent its falling into their hands, as we could not bring it off. When we had got about a mile from the place of action, we missed two or three of the wounded, and sent a party back to bring them up; this is the party he speaks of. We brought them all safe off, and encamped within three miles of the Meadows. These are circumstances, I think, that make it evidently clear, that we were not very apprehensive of danger. The colors he speaks of as left were a large flag of immense size and weight; our regimental colors were brought off and are now in my possession. Their gasconades, and boasted clemency, must appear in the most ludicrous light to every considerate person, who reads Villiers' journal; such preparations for an attack, such vigor and intrepidity as he pretends to have conducted his march with, such revenge as by his own account appeared in his attack, considered, it will hardly be thought that compassion was his motive for calling a parley. But to sum up the whole, Mr. Villiers pays himself no great compliment in saying, we were struck with a panic when matters were adjusted. We surely could not be afraid without cause, and if we had cause after capitulation, it was a reflection upon himself.
I do not doubt, but your good nature will excuse the badness of my paper, and the incoherence of my writing; think you see me in a public house in a crowd, surrounded with noise, and you hit my case. You do me particular honor in offering your friendship; I wish I may be so happy as always to merit it, and deserve your correspondence, which I should be glad to cultivate.15
Discovery of a contemporary copy of GW's diary in the Contrecoeur Papers, Archives du Seminaire de Québec, Université Laval, indicates that the amount of deliberate French "editing" of the journal was probably less than historians have believed
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and was probably confined to critical annotation and comments. Duquesne sent this copy of the journal to his subordinate, the sieur de Contrecoeur, on 8 Sept. 1754:
I attach hereto the extract of the journal of Colonel Washington who commanded the 500 Englishmen whom we fought. You will see that he is the most impertinent of all men, but that he has wit only in the degree that he is cunning with credulous savages. For the rest, he lies very much to justify the assassination of sieur de Jumonville, which has turned on him, and which he had the stupidity to confess in his capitulation!16
This piece which the baron de Longueuil has transmitted to me is extraordinary. The hypocrisy of the Englishman is unmasked. That of the Five Nations is no less uncovered, but after all, the Englishman is their dupe, because after so many pretty promises they abandoned him at the moment when he had the most need of them. On the other hand, you will see that the Englishman, wishing to make them believe that he would march only at the solicitation of the Five Nations, marched. The blunderer, thinking that with this strong assistance he could not fail to defeat us, and then become the peaceful possessor of La Belle Rivičre [the Ohio River]! What has struck me in this journal, is that they came in wagons as far as the place where Sr. de Villiers found them, but that captain doubts all the same that they were able to cross the high mountains which they would have had to climb in order to go to the English camp. . . .
What desertion! What difficulties in the provinces where Washington has passed! What discord in these troops from different provinces who pretend to independence! It is that which makes me believe that we shall always be fighting a troop as poorly composed as they are poor warriors.
I beg you to comment on this journal in order to improve, if it can be done, upon my ideas and the precautions on which your safety depends, for they certainly are sensible that only treason can destroy our establishments.
There is nothing more unworthy and lower, and even blacker, than the sentiments and the way of thinking of this Washington. It would have been a pleasure to read his outrageous journal under his very nose.17
17 PAPIERS CONTRECOEUR, 249--53 (translation).
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It is evident that Duquesne did not regard the journal as a fabrication; a comparison of the version in the Contrecoeur Papers with the version in the MEMOIR reveals only minor differences in wording, although there are several entries in the Contrecoeur copy which do not appear in the MEMOIR. Aside from variations in spelling of places and proper names, the French translator probably closely followed GW's original diary.
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On the 31st of March, I received from his Honour a Lieutenant Colonel's Commission,18 of the Virginia Regiment, whereof Joshua Fry, Esq; was Colonel, dated the 15th; with Orders to take the Troops, which were at that Time quartered at Alexandria, under my Command, and to march with them towards the Ohio, there to help Captain Trent to build Forts, and to defend the Possessions of his Majesty against the Attempts and Hostilities of the French.19
April the 2d, Every Thing being ready, we began our march according to our Orders, the 2d of April, with two Companies of Foot, commanded by Captain Peter Hog,20 and Lieutenant Jacob Vambraam,21 five Subalterns, two Serjeants, six Corporals, one
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Drummer, and one Hundred and twenty Soldiers, one Surgeon,22 one Swedish Gentleman,23 who was a Volunteer, two Waggons, guarded by one Lieutenant, Serjeant, Corporal, and Twenty-five Soldiers.
We left Alexandria on Tuesday Noon, and pitched our Tents about four miles from Cameron, having travelled six Miles.24
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Washington's lifelong friend and physician, Dr. James Craik. (Richmond Academy of Medicine)
(From the 3d of April, to the 19th of said Month, this Journal only contains the March of the Troops, and how they were joined by a Detachment which was brought by Captain Stevens.)25
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The 19th, Met an Express who had Letters from Captain Trent, at the Ohio, demanding a Reinforcement with all Speed, as he hourly expected a Body of Eight Hundred French. I tarried at Job Pearsall's26 for the Arrival of the Troops, where they came the next Day. When I received the above Express, I dispatched a Courier to Colonel Fry, to give him Notice of it.
The 20th, Came down to Colonel Cresap, to order the Detachment, and on my Rout, had Notice that the Fort was taken by the French. That News was confirmed by Mr. Wart,27 the Ensign of Captain Trent, who had been obliged to surrender to a Body of One Thousand French and upwards, under the Command of Captain Contrecoeur,28 who was come from Venango (in French, the Peninsula) with Sixty Battoes, and Three Hundred Canoes, and who having planted eighteen Pieces of Cannon against the Fort, afterwards had sent him a Summons to depart.29
Mr. Wart also informed me, that the Indians kept stedfastly
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attached to our Interest.30 He brought two young Indian Men with him, who were Mingoes, that they might have the Satisfaction to see that we were marching with our Troops to their Succour.
He also delivered me the following Speech, which the Half-King sent to me.
Fort-Ohio, April 18 th, 1754.
A SPEECH from the Half-King, for the Governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania. MY Brethren the English. The Bearer will let you understand in what Manner the French have treated us. We waited a long Time, thinking they would come and attack us; we now see how they have a Mind to use us.
We are now ready to fall upon them, waiting only for your Succour. Have good Courage, and come as soon as possible; you will find us as ready to encounter with them as you are yourselves.
We have sent those two young Men to see if you are ready to come, and if so, they are to return to us, to let us know where you are, that we may come and join you. We should be glad, if the Troops belonging to the two Provinces could meet together at the Fort which is in the Way. If you do not come to our Assistance now, we are intirely undone, and imagine we shall never meet together again. I speak it with a Heart full of Grief.
A Belt of Wampum.
The Half-King directed to me the following Speech. I am ready, if you think it proper, to go to both the Governors, with these two young Men, for I have now no more Dependance on those who have been gone so long, without returning or sending any Message.
A Belt of Wampum.
April 23d. A COUNCIL of WAR held at Wills-Creek, in order to consult upon what must be done on Account of the News brought by Mr. Wart,
The News brought by Ensign Wart, having been examined into, as also the Summons sent by Captain Contrecoeur, Commander of the French Troops, and the Speeches of the Half-King, and of
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A plan of Fort Duquesne as it appeared in 1754. From a broadside, London: J. Payne, 1756. (Public Record Office, London, Crown Copyright)
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the other Chiefs of the Six-Nations; it appears, that Mr. Wart, was forced to surrender the said Fort, the 17th of this Instant, to the French, who were above One Thousand strong, and had eighteen Artillery Pieces, some of which were nine Pounders, and also that the Detachment of the Virginia Regiment, amounting to One Hundred and Fifty Men, commanded by Colonel Washington had Orders to reinforce the Company of Captain Trent, and that the aforesaid Garrison consisted only of Thirty-three effective Men.
It was thought a Thing impracticable to march towards the Fort without sufficient Strength; however, being strongly invited by the Indians, and particularly by the Speeches of the Half-King, the President gave his Opinion, that it would be proper to advance as far as Red-Stone-Creek, on Monaungahela, about Thirty-seven Miles on this Side of the Fort, and there to raise a Fortification, clearing a Road broad enough to pass with all our Artillery and our Baggage, and there to wait for fresh Orders.
The Opinion aforesaid was resolved upon, for the following Reasons;
1 st, That the Mouth of Red-Stone is the first convenient Place on the River Monaungahela.
2 d, That Stores are already built at that Place for the Provisions of the Company, wherein our Ammunition may be laid up;31 our great Guns may be also sent by Water whenever we should think it convenient to attack the Fort.
3 d, We may easily (having all these Conveniences) preserve our People from the ill Consequences of Inaction, and encourage the Indians our Allies, to remain in our Interest. Whereupon, I sent Mr. Wart to the Governor, with one of the young Indians and an Interpreter: I thought it proper also to acquaint the Governors of Maryland and Pennsylvania of the News;32 and I
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sent away the other Indian to the Half-King, with the Speeches inclosed in the following Letter.
To the Honourable Robert Dinwiddie, Esq; Governor, &c.33
Sir,
Mr. Wart, an Ensign of Captain Trent's Company, is this Day come from Monaungahela, and has brought the sorrowful News of the Reduction of the Fort, on the 17th of this Instant; having been summoned by Captain Contrecoeur to surrender to a Body of French Troops who were a Thousand strong, who came from Venango, with eighteen Pieces of Cannon, sixty Battoes, and Three Hundred Canoes; they permitted all our Men to retire, and take with them their Working-Tools out of the Fort, which was done the same Day.
Upon receiving this News, I called a Council of War, in order to consult what was best to be done in such Circumstances; and have sent you a particular Account of every Thing agreed upon at the said Council by the same Express, that you may know Things yet more particularly.
Mr. Wart is the Bearer of the Summons, as also of the Speech from the Half-King, wherein I inclosed the Wampum; he is in Company with one of those Indians mentioned in the Speech, who had been sent to see our Forces, and to know what Time they might expect us; the other Indian, I have sent back with a Message. I hope you will find it necessary, to send us our Forces as soon as they are raised, as also a sufficient Number of Canoes, and other Boats with Decks; send us also some Mortar-Pieces, that we may be in a Condition to attack the French with equal Forces. And as we are informed that the Indians of the Six Nations, and the Outawas, are coming down Sciodo-Creek, in order to join the French who are to meet at the Ohio; so I think it would not be amiss to invite the Cherokees, Catawbas, and the Chickasaws to come to our Assistance; and as I have received Intelligence, that there is no good Understanding between them and the Indians of the Six Nations aforesaid, it would be well to perswade them to make a Peace with them; otherwise if they should meet at the Ohio, it might cause great Disorder, and turn out to our Disadvantage.34
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We find the great Advantage there is in Water-Carriage, wherefore, I would remind you to provide a Number of Boats for that Purpose.
This Day, arrived the Men belonging to Captain Trent, who by your Orders had been inlisted as Militia-Troops; the Officers having imprudently promised them Two Shillings per Day, they now refuse to serve for less Pay; Wart shall receive your Orders on that Head.35
To his Excellency Horatio Sharpe, Governor of Maryland.
Sir,
I AM here arrived with a Detachment of One Hundred and Fifty Men: We daily expect Colonel Fry with the remaining Part of the Regiment and the Artillery; however, we shall march gently across the Mountains, clearing the Roads as we go, that our Cannon may with the greater Ease be sent after us; we propose to go as far as Red-Stone River, which falls into Monaungahela, about Thirty-seven Miles this Side of the Fort which the French have taken, from thence all our heavy Luggage may be carried as far as the Ohio. A Store is built there by the Ohio Company, wherein may be placed our Ammunition and Provisions.
Besides the French Forces above mentioned, we have Reason to
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believe, according to the Accounts we have heard, that another Party is coming to the Ohio; we have also learnt that Six Hundred of the Chippowais and Ollowais Indians, are coming down the River Sciodo, in order to join them.
The following is my Answer to the Speech of the Half-King;
"To the Half-King, and to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Shawanese and Loups our Friends and Brethren. I received your Speech by Brother Bucks,36 who came to us with the two young Men six Days after their Departure from you. We return you our greatest Thanks, and our Hearts are fired with Love and Affection towards you, in Gratitude for your constant Attachment to us, as also your gracious Speech, and your wise Counsels.
This young Man will inform you, where he found a small Part of our Army, making towards you, clearing the Roads for a great Number of our Warriors, who are ready to follow us, with our great Guns, our Ammunition and Provisions. As I delight in letting you know with speed the Thoughts of our Heart, I send you back this young Man, with this Speech, to acquaint you therewith, and the other young Man I have sent to the Governor of Virginia, to deliver him your Speech and your Wampum, and to be an Eye-witness of those Preparations we are making, to come in all Haste to the Assistance of those whose Interest is as dear to us as our Lives. We know the Character of the treacherous French, and our Conduct shall plainly shew you, how much we have it at Heart. I shall not be satisfied if I do not see you before all our Forces are met together at the Fort which is in the Way; wherefore, I desire, with the greatest Earnestness, that you, or at least one of you, would come as soon as possible to meet us on the Road, and to assist us in Council. I present you with these Bunches of Wampum, to assure you of the Sincerity of my Speech, and that you may remember how much I am your Friend and Brother."
Signed, WASHINGTON
or CONOTOCARIOUS37
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April 28. Came to us some Pieces of Cannon, which were taken up to the Mouth of Patterson's River.
(From the 29th of April, to the 11th of May, the Journal only contains Marches, and Things of little Consequence.)38
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May the 11th, Detached a Party of Twenty-five Men, commanded by Captain Stevens and Ensign Peronie,39 with Orders to go to Mr. Gist's, to enquire where La Force, and his Party were;40 and in case they were in the Neighbourhood, to cease pursuing and to take care of themselves. I also ordered them to examine closely all the Woods round about, and if they should find any Frenchman apart from the rest, to seize him and bring him to us, that we might learn what we could from him: We were exceedingly desirous to know, if there was any Possibility of sending
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Here Washington reports to Dinwiddie his problems of transport in pursuing the French. (Virginia Historical Society)
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down any Thing by Water, as also to find out some convenient Place about the Mouth of Red-Stone-Creek, where we could build a Fort, it being my Design to salute the Half-King, and to send him back under a small Guard; we were also desirous to enquire what were the Views of the French, what they had done, and what they intended to do, and to collect every Thing, which could give us the least Intelligence.
The 12th, Marched away, and went on a rising Ground, where we halted to dry ourselves, for we had been obliged to ford a deep River, where our shortest Men had Water up to their Arm-pits.
There came an Express to us with Letters, acquainting us, that Col. Fry, with a Detachment of One Hundred Men and upwards, was at Winchester, and was to set out in a few Days to join us; as also, that Col. Innis41 was marching with Three Hundred and Fifty Men, raised in Carolina; that it was expected Maryland would raise Two Hundred Men, and that Pennsylvania had raised Ten T[h]ousand Pounds (equal to about Fifty-two Thousand Five Hundred Livres) to pay the Soldiers raised in other Colonies, as that Province furnisheth no Recruits, as also that Governor Shirley had sent 600 Men to harrass the French in Canada; I hope that will give them some Work to do, and will slacken their sending so many Men to the Ohio as they have done.42
The 16th, Met two Traders, who told us they fled for Fear of
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the French, as Parties of them were often seen towards Mr. Gist's. These Traders are of Opinion, as well as many others, that it is not possible to clear a Road for any Carriage to go from hence to Red-Stone-Creek.
The 17th, This Night Mr. Wart arrived with the young Indian from Williamsburg, and delivered me a Letter, wherein the Governor is so good as to approve of my Proceedings, but is much displeased with Captain Trent, and has ordered him to be tried, for leaving his Men at the Ohio: The Governor also informs me, that Capt. Mackay, with an Independant Company of 100 Men, excluding the Officers, were arrived, and that we might expect them daily; and that the Men from New-York would join us within ten Days.43
This Night also came two Indians from the Ohio, who left the French Fort five Days ago: They relate that the French Forces are all employed in building their Fort, that it is already Breast-high, and the Thickness of twelve Feet, and filled up with Earth and Stone, &c. They have cut down and burnt up all the Trees which were about it, and sown Grain instead thereof. The Indians believe there were only 600 in Number; though they say themselves they are 800: They expect a greater Number in a few Days, which may amount to 1600, then they say they can defy the English.
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The 18th, The Waters being yet very high, hindred me from advancing on Account of my Baggage, wherefore I determined to set myself in a Posture of Defence against any immediate Attack from the Enemy, and went down to observe the River.44
The 19th, I dispatched the young Indian which was returned with Mr. Wart, to the Half King, with the following Speech.
To the Half King, &c.
My Brethren,
It gives me great Pleasure, to learn that you are marching to assist me with your Counsels; be of good Courage, my Brethren, and march vigorously towards your Brethren the English; for fresh Forces will soon join them, who will protect you against your treacherous Enemy the French. My Friends whom I send to you,
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will acquaint you of an agreeable Speech which the Governor of Virginia adresses to you: He is very sorry for the bad Usage you have received. The great Waters do not permit us to make such Haste towards you as we would do; for that Reason I have sent the young Men to invite you to come and meet us: They can tell you many Things which they have seen in Virginia, and also how well they were received by the most Part of our Grandees; they did not use them as the French do your People who go to their Fort: they refuse them Provisions; this Man has had given him, all that his Heart could wish: For the Confirmation of all this, I here give you a Belt of Wampum.
The 20th, Embarked in a Canoe with Lieut. West, three Soldiers, and one Indian;45 and having followed the River along about Half a Mile, were obliged to come ashore, where I met Peter Suver, a Trader,46 who seemed to discourage me from seeking a Passage by Water; that made me alter my Mind of causing Canoes to be made; I ordered my People to wade, as the Waters were shallow enough; and continued myself going down the River in the Canoe: Now finding that our Canoe was too small for six Men, we stopped to make some Sort of a Bark;47 with which, together with our Canoe, we gained Turkey-Foot,48 by the Beginning of the Night. We underwent several Difficulties about
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eight or ten Miles from thence, though of no great Consequence, finding the Waters sometimes deep enough for Canoes to pass, and at other times more shallow.
The 21st, Tarried there some Time to examine the Place, which we found very convenient to build a Fort, not only because it was gravelly, but also for its being at the Mouth of three Branches of small Rivers: The Plan thereof, which may be seen here, is as exact as could be done, without Mathematical Instruments.49
We went about two Miles to observe the Course of the River, which is very strait, has many Currents, is full of Rocks, and rapid; we waded it, though the Water was pretty high, which made me think it would not be difficult to pass it with Canoes.
We also found other Places where the Water was rapid, but not so deep, and the Current smoother; we easily passed over them; but afterwards we found little or scarce any Bottom: There are Mountains on both Sides of the River. We went down the River about ten Miles, when at last it became so rapid as to oblige us to come ashore.
(From the 22d to the 24th, the Journal contains only a Description of the Country.)50
The 24th, This Morning arrived an Indian, in Company with him I had sent to the Half King, and brought me the following Letter from him.
To any of his Majesty's Officers whom these may concern.
As 'tis reported that the French Army is set out to meet M. George Washington, I exhort you, my Brethren, to guard against them; for they intend to fall on the first English they meet; they have been on their March these two Days; the Half King, and the other Chiefs, will join you within five Days, to hold a Council,
49 The plan of Turkey Foot has not been located.
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though we know not the Number we shall be. I shall say no more; but remember me to my Brethren the English.
Signed, The HALF-KING.51
I Examined those two young Indians in the best Manner I could, concerning every Circumstance, but was not much the better satisfied.
They say there are Parties of them often out, but they do not know of any considerable Number coming this Way. The French continue raising their Fort, that Part next to the Land is very well inclosed, but that next to the Water is much neglected, at least without any Defence: They have only nine Pieces of Cannon, and some of them very small, and not one mounted. There are two on the Point, and the others some Distance from the Fort next to the Land.
They relate that there are many sick among them, that they cannot find any Indians to guide their small Parties towards our Camp, these Indians having refused them.
The same Day at Two o'Clock, we arrived at the Meadows,52 where we saw a Trader, who told us that he came this Morning from Mr. Gist's, where he had seen two Frenchmen the Night before; and that he knew there was a strong Detachment out, which confirmed the Account we had received from the Half King: Wherefore I placed Troops behind two natural Intrenchments, where our Waggons also entered.
The 25th, Detached a Party to go along the Roads, and other
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small Parties to the Woods, to see if they could make any Discovery. I gave the Horse-men Orders to examine the Country well, and endeavour to get some News of the French, of their Forces, and of their Motions, &c.
At Night all these Parties returned, without having discovered any thing, though they had been a great way towards the Place from whence it was said the Party was coming.
The 26th, Arrived William Jenkins; Col. Fry had sent him with a Letter from Col. Fairfax,53 which informed me, that the Governor himself, as also Colonels Corbin and Ludwell, were arrived at Winchester,54 and were desirous to to see the Half King there, whereupon I sent him an Account thereof.55
The 27th, Arrived Mr. Gist, early in the Morning, who told us, that Mr. la Force, with fifty Men, whose Tracks he had seen five Miles off, had been at his Plantation the Day before, towards Noon; and would have killed a Cow, and broken every Thing in the House, if two Indians, whom he had left in the House, had not persuaded them from their Design: I immediately detached 65 Men,56 under the Command of Captain Hog, Lieut. Mercer,57
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Portrait of George Mercer. (From a photograph at the Virginia Historical Society)
Ensign Peronie, three Sergeants, and three Corporals, with Instructions.
The French enquired at Mr. Gist's, what was become of the Half King? I did not fail to let the young Indians who were in our Camp know, that the French wanted to kill the Half King; and that had its desired Effect. They thereupon offered to accompany our People to go after the French, and if they found it true that he had been killed, or even insulted by them, one of them would presently carry the News thereof to the Mingoes, in order to incite their Warriors to fall upon them. One of these young Men was detached towards Mr. Gist's; that if he should not find the Half King there, he was to send a Message by a Delaware.
About eight at Night, received an Express from the Half King, which informed me, that, as he was coming to join us, he had seen along the Road, the Tracts of two Men, which he had
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followed, till he was brought thereby to a low obscure Place; that he was of Opinion the whole Party of the French was hidden there. That very Moment I sent out Forty Men, and ordered my Ammunition to be put in a Place of Safety, under a strong Guard to defend it, fearing it to be a Stratagem of the French to attack our Camp; and with the rest of my Men, set out in a heavy Rain, and in a Night as dark as Pitch, along a Path scarce broad enough for one Man; we were sometimes fifteen or twenty Minutes out of the Path, before we could come to it again, and so dark, that we would often strike one against another: All Night long we continued our Rout, and the 28th, about Sun-rise, we arrived at the Indian Camp, where, after having held a Council with the Half King, it was concluded we should fall on them together; so we sent out two Men to discover where they were, as also their Posture, and what Sort of Ground was thereabout; after which, we formed ourselves for an Engagement, marching one after the other, in the Indian Manner: We were advanced pretty near to them, as we thought, when they discovered us; whereupon I ordered my Company to fire; mine was supported by that of Mr. Wager's,58 and my Company and his received the whole Fire of the French, during the greatest Part of the Action, which only lasted a Quarter of an Hour, before the Enemy was routed.
We killed Mr. de Jumonville, the Commander of that Party, as also nine others; we wounded one, and made Twenty-one Prisoners, among whom were M. la Force, M. Drouillon, and two Cadets.59 The Indians scalped the Dead, and took away the most
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Part of their Arms, after which we marched on with the Prisoners and the Guard, to the Indian Camp, where again I held a Council with the Half-King; and there informed him, that the Governor was desirous to see him, and was waiting for him at Winchester;
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he answered that, he could not go just then, as his People were in too eminent a Danger from the French, whom they had fallen upon; that he must send Messengers to all the allied Nations, in order to invite them to take up the Hatchet. He sent a young Delaware Indian to the Delaware Nation, and gave him also a French Scalp to carry to them. This young Man desired to have a Part of the Presents which were allotted for them, but that the remaining Part might be kept for another Opportunity: He said he would go to his own Family, and to several others, and would wait on them at Mr. Gist's, where he desired Men and Horses should be sent ready to bring them up to our Camp. After this I marched on with the Prisoners; They informed me that they had been sent with a Summons to order me to depart.60 A plausible Pretence to discover our Camp, and to obtain the Knowledge of our Forces and our Situation! It was so clear that they were come to reconnoitre what we were, that I admired at their Assurance, when they told me they were come as an Embassy; for their Instructions mentioned that they should get what Knowledge they could of the Roads, Rivers, and of all the Country as far as Potowmack: And instead of coming as an Embassador, publickly, and in an open Manner, they came secretly, and sought after the most hidden Retreats, more like Deserters than Embassadors in
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such Retreat they incamped, and remained hid for whole Days together, and that, no more than five Miles from us: From thence they sent Spies to reconnoitre our Camp; after this was done, they went back two Miles, from whence they sent the two Messengers spoken of in the Instruction, to acquaint M. de Contrecour of the Place we were at, and of our Disposition, that he might send his Detachments to inforce the Summons as soon as it should be given.
Besides, an Embassador has princely Attendants; whereas this was only a simple petty French Officer; an Embassador has no Need of Spies, his Character being always sacred: And seeing their Intention was so good, why did they tarry two Days, at five Miles distance from us, without acquainting me with the Summons, or, at least, with something that related to the Embassy? That alone would be sufficient to raise the greatest Suspicions, and we ought to do them the Justice to say, that, as they wanted to hide themselves, they could not pick out better Places than they had done.
The Summons was so insolent, and savoured the Gasconnade so much, that if it had been brought openly by two Men, it would have been an immediate Indulgence, to have suffered them to return.
It was the Opinion of the Half-King in this Case, that their Intentions were evil, and that it was a pure Pretence; that they never intended to come to us but as Enemies; and if we had been such Fools as to let them go, they would never help us any more to take other Frenchmen.
They say they called to us as soon as they had discovered us; which is an absolute Falshood, for I was then marching at the Head of the Company going towards them, and can positively affirm, that, when they first saw us, they ran to their Arms, without calling; as I must have heard them, had they so done.
The 29th, Dispached Ensign Latour61 to the Half-King, with about Twenty-five Men, and almost as many Horses; and as I expected some French Parties would continually follow that which we had defeated, I sent an Express to Colonel Fry for a Reinforcement.
After this the French Prisoners desired to speak with me, and asked me in what Manner I looked upon them, whether as the Attendants of an Embassador, or as Prisoners of War: I answered
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them that it was in Quality of the Latter, and gave them my Reasons for it, as above.
The 30th, Detached Lieutenant West, and Mr. Spindorph, to take the Prisoners to Winchester, with a Guard of Twenty Men.
Began to raise a Fort with small Pallisadoes, fearing that when the French should hear the News of that Defeat, we might be attacked by considerable Forces.
June the 1st, Arrived here an Indian Trader with the Half-King: They said that when Mr. de Jumonville was sent here, another Party had been detached towards the lower Part of the River, in order to take and kill all the English they should meet.
We are finishing our Fort.
Towards Night arrived Ensign Towers, with the Half-King,Queen Alguipa, and about Twenty-five or Thirty Families, making in all about Eighty or One Hundred Persons, including Women and Children. The old King being invited to come into our Tents, told me that he had sent Monakatoocha to Log's Town, with Wampum, and four French Scalps, which were to be sent to the Six Nations, to the Wiendots, &c. to inform them, that they had fallen upon the French, and to demand their Assistance.
He also told me he had something to say at the Council, but would stay till the Arrival of the Shawanese, whom we expected next Morning.
The 2d, Arrived two or three Families of the Shawanese: We had Prayers in the Fort.
The 3d, The Half-King assembled the Council, and informed me that he had received a Speech from Grand-Chaudiere,62 in Answer to the one he had sent him.
The 5th, Arrived an Indian from the Ohio, who had lately been at the French Fort: This Indian confirms the News of two Traders being taken by the French, and sent to Canada; he saith they have set up their Pallisadoes, and enclosed their Fort with exceeding large Trees.
There are eight Indian Families on this side the River, coming to join us: He met a Frenchman who had made his Escape in the Time of M. de Jumonville's Action,63 he was without either Shoes or Stockings, and scarce able to walk; however he let him pass, not knowing we had fallen upon them.
63 Contrecoeur identified the fugitive as a Canadian called Monceau (see note 59).
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The 6th, Mr. Gist is returned, and acquaints me of the safe Arrival of the French Prisoners at Winchester, and of the Death of poor Colonel Fry.64
It gave the Governor great Satisfaction to see the French Prisoners safely arrived at Winchester.
I am also informed that, Mr. Montour,65 is coming with a Commission to command Two Hundred Indians.
Mr. Gist met a French Deserter, who assured him, that they were only Five Hundred Men, when they took Mr. Wart's Fort, that they were now less, having sent Fifteen Men to Canada, to acquaint the Governor of their Success: That there were yet Two Hundred Soldiers who only waited for a favourable Opportunity to come and join us.
The 9th, Arrived the last Body of the Virginia Regiment, under the Command of Colonel Must,66 and we learnt that the Independent Company of Carolina was arrived at Wills-Creek.
The 10th, I received the Regiment, and at Night had Notice, that some French were advancing towards us; whereupon I sent a Party of Indians upon the Scout towards Gist's, in order to discover
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cover them, and to know their Number: Just before Night we had an Alarm, but it proved false.
The 12th, Returned two of the Men, whom we had sent out Yesterday upon the Scout; they discovered a small Party of French; the others went on as far as Stuart's.67 Upon this Advice, I thought it necessary to march with the major Part of the Regiment, to find out those Ninety Men, of whom we had Intelligence. Accordingly I gave Orders to Colonel Must, to put away all our Baggage and Ammunition, and to place them in the Fort, and set a good Guard there till my Return; after which I marched at the Head of One Hundred and Thirty Men, and about Thirty Indians; but at the Distance of half a Mile, I met the other Indians, who told me, there were only nine Deserters; whereupon I sent Mr. Montour, with some few Indians, in order to bring them safe to me; I caused them to be drest, and they confirmed us in our Opinion, of the Intention of M. de Jumonville's Party; that more than One Hundred Soldiers were only waiting for a favourable Opportunity to come and join us; that M. de Contrecour expected a Reinforcement of Four Hundred Men; that the Fort was compleated; and its Artillery a shelter to its Front and Gates; that there was a double Pallisadoe next to the Water; that they have only eight small Pieces of Cannon; and know what Number of Men we are.
They also informed us, that the Delaware and Shawanese had taken up the Hatchet against us; whereupon, resolved to invite those two Nations to come to a Council at Mr. Gist's. Sent for that Purpose Messengers and Wampum.
The 13th, Perswaded the Deserters to write the following Letter, to those of their Companions who had an Inclination to Desert.68
(It is not in the Journal.)
The 15th, Set about clearing the Roads.
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16th, Set out for Red-Stone-Creek, and were extremely perplexed, our Waggons breaking very often.
17th, Dispatched an Express to the Half-King, in order to perswade him to send a Message to the Loups [Delawares]; which he did.
18th, Arrived eight Mingoes from Loiston [Logstown], who at their Arrival told me of a Commission they had, and that a Council must be held. When we assembled, they told us very shortly, that they had often desired to see their Brethren out in the Field with Forces, and begged us not to take it amiss, that they were amongst the French, and that they complied with some of their Customs; notwithstanding which they were naturally inclined to fall upon them, and other Words to that Purport: After which they said, they had brought a Speech with them; and desired to deliver it with Speed. These, and other Discourses to the same Purpose, made us suspect that their Intentions towards us were evil; wherefore I delayed giving them Audience until the Arrival of the Half-King, and desired also the Delawares to have Patience till then, as I only waited their Arrival to hold a Council, which I expected would be that same Day. After the eight Mingoes had conferred a while together, they sent me some Strings of Wampum, desiring me to excuse their insisting on the Delivery of their Speech so speedily, that they now perceived it necessary to wait the Arrival of the Half King.
When the Half-King arrived, I consented to give them Audience.
A Council was held in the Camp for that Purpose, where the Half-King, and several of the Six Nations, Loups and Shawanese, to the Number of Forty, were present.
The Speaker of the Six-Nations directed the following Speech to the Governor of Virginia.
Brethren,
WE your Brothers of the Six Nations, are now come to acquaint you, that we have been informed you threaten to destroy entirely all your Brethren the Indians, who will not join you on the Road; wherefore we who keep in our own Towns, expect every Day to be cut in Pieces by you. We would desire to know from your Mouth, if there be any Truth in that Information, and that you would not look upon it as preposterous, that we are come to enquire into it, since you very well know, that bad News commonly makes a deeper Impression upon us than good; that we
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may be fully satisfied by your Answers of the Truth thereof, we give you this Belt of Wampum.
We know the French will ask us at our Return, of what Number our Brethren are whom we went to see? Therefore we desire you, by this Belt, to let us know it, as also the Number of those whom you expect, and at what Time you expect them, and when you reckon to attack the French, that we may give Notice thereof to our Town, and know also, what we shall have to tell the French.
ANSWER.
Brethren,
WE are very glad to see you, and sorry that such Reports disquiet you: The English do not intend to hurt you, or any of your Allies; this News, we know, must have been forged by the French, who are constantly treacherous, asserting the greatest Falshoods whenever they think they will turn out to their Advantage; they speak well, promise fine Things, but all from the Lips outward; whilst their Heart is corrupted and full of venomous Poison. You have been their Children, and they would have done every Thing for you, but they no sooner thought themselves strong enough, than they returned to their natural Pride, and drove you off from your Lands, declaring you had no Right on the Ohio. The English, your real Friends, are too generous, to think of using the Six Nations, their faithful Allies, in like Manner; when you made your Address to the Governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania, they (at your repeated Request) sent an Army to maintain your Rights; to put you in the Possession of your Lands, and to take Care of your Wives and Children, to dispossess the French, to support your Prerogatives, and to make that whole Country sure to you; for those very Ends are the English Arms actually employed; it is for the Safety of your Wives and your Children that we fight; and as this is the only Motive of our Conduct, we cannot reasonably doubt of being joined by the remaining Part of your Forces, to oppose the common Enemy.
Those that will not join us, shall be answerable, for whatever may be the Consequence; we only desire you, Brethren, to chuse that Side which shall seem most agreeable to them.
The Indians of the Six Nations are those, who have the most Interest in this War; for them it is that we fight; and it would greatly trouble me to do them the least Hurt: We have engaged in this War, in order to assist and protect you; our Arms are open
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to receive you, and our Hands ready to nourish your Families during the Course of this War. The Governor of Virginia has often desired they might be sent to him, that he might see them in Person, nourish and cloath them according to their own Desire; but as you could not be determined to send them to him, we are ready to share in a friendly Manner, all our Provisions with you, and shall take such Measures, and give such Orders, that enough shall be brought to maintain your Wives and Children. Such a Conduct will evidently prove how much more the English love and esteem their Allies the Six Nations, than the French do; as we have drawn the Sword in your Cause, and in your Defence, delay not one Moment, be no more in Suspence, but put your Wives and Children under our Protection; and they shall find Plenty of Provisions; in the mean while, set your young Men and your Warriors to sharpen their Hatchets, in order to join and unite with us vigorously in our Battles.
The Present, my Brethren, which I offer you, is not so considerable as I could wish, but I expect in a short Time a Quantity of Goods, which are to be at my Disposal, in order to reward those who shall have shewn themselves brave and active on this Occasion; however, I shall recompense them most generously.
Be of good Courage, my Brethren, deliver your Country, and make it sure to your Children; let me know the Thoughts of your Hearts on this Affair, that I may give an Account of your Sentiments to your great Friend and Brother the Governor of Virginia. In order to assure you of my Sincerity and Esteem, I present you this Belt.
The 20th, The Council still continued.
When the Delawares knew that they were suspected of being in the French Interest, they demanded the Reason why they had been sent for, and what they should tell the French at their Return.
I answered them, it was to let them know, that we were come at their reiterated requests to assist them with Sword in Hand; that we intended to put them in the Possession of those Lands which the French had taken from them.
And as they had often demanded our Assistance, in Quality of our ancient and faithful Allies, I invited them to come and place themselves under our Protection, together with the Women and Children.
Whereupon the Indian Speaker stretched out his Blanket on the Floor, and laid several Belts and Strings of Wampum thereon,
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in the same order he had received them from the French. This done, he repeated the Speeches of M. de Contrecour; after which, the Delaware Speaker directed to me the following Speech.
Brethren,
THE Governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania; We your Brethren, the Delawares remember perfectly well the Treaty of Loiston, where you and your Uncles the Six-Nations, considering the bad Situation we were in, for want of a Man to be our Leader, you then gave us a King,69 and told us, he should transact all our publick Affairs between you and us; you gave us a Charge, not to listen to every vain Report that might be spread, but to consult ourselves, and to do, what would seem to us, to be right: We assure you, that we have given no Credit to any of those Reports, nor ever shall; but will be guided by you, our Brethren; and by our Uncles the Six-Nations: And will do, on all Occasions, what is lust and right, taking Advice from you alone. To assure you of the Desire we have to fulfill our Engagements with you, we present you this Belt.
After which they made the following Discourse, to the Six-Nations.
Uncles, Thirteen Days are now past since we have received this Belt from the Onondago Council; I do not doubt your knowing it: They exhorted us to remember old Times, when they cloathed us with a Robe reaching down to our Heels; afterwards told us, to raise it up to our Knees, and there to make it very last, and come to them at the Head of Susquehanna, where they had provided a Place for us to live; that they had also sent a Speech to those of our Nation, who live near the Minisinks, inviting them to go to the Place by them appointed, that they might live with us: They also sent us a Speech, to give us Notice that the English and French were upon the Point of coming to an Engagement on the River Ohio, and exhorted us to do nothing in that Juncture, but what was reasonable, and what they would tell us themselves. Lastly, They recommended to us, to keep fast Hold of the Chain of Friendship, which has so long subsisted between us and them; and our Brethren the English. A Belt.
Then the Delawares spoke to the Shawanese as follows:
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" Grand Sons, by this Belt, we take you between our Arms, and fetch you away from the Ohio, where you now are, to carry you amongst us, that you may live where we live, and there live in Peace and Quiet.["]
The Council after this was adjourned to the next Morning.
The 21st, Met very early, and I spoke first to the Delawares in the following Manner.
" Brethren,
BY your open and generous Conduct on this Occasion, You have made yourselves dearer to us than ever; we return you our Thanks, that you did not go to Venango, when the French first invited you there; their treating you in such childish Manner, as we perceive they do, raises in us a just and strong Resentment: They call you their Children, and speak to you, as if you in reality were Children, and had no more Understanding than such.
Consider well my Brethren, and compare all their Discourse, and you will find that all it tends to do, is to tell you, I am going to open your Eyes, to unstop your Ears, and such like Words to no Purpose, only proper to amuse Children. You also observe Brethren, that if they deliver a Speech, or make a Promise, and confirm it by a Belt, they imagine it binds them no longer than they think it consistent with their Interest to stand to it. They have given one Example of it; and I will make you observe it, in the Jump which they say they have made over the Boundaries, which you have set them; which ought to stir you up my Brethren, to a just Anger, and cause you to embrace the favourable Opportunity that we offer You, as we are come, at your Request, to assist you, and by Means of which, you may make them Jump back again, with more Speed than they advanced.
A String of Wampum.
The French are continually telling you, not to give Heed to the ill Reports that are told you concerning them who are your Fathers. If they did not know in their very Souls, how richly they deserve it on your Account, why should they suspect being accused? Why should they forewarn you of it, in order to hinder you from believing what is told you concerning them? With Regard to what they tell you of us, our Conduct alone will answer in our Behalf: Examine the Truth yourselves; you know the Roads leading to our Habitations, you have lived amongst us, you can speak our Language; but in order to justify ourselves from whatever might be said against us, and assure you of our brotherly Love; we once more invite your old Men, your Wives
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and your Children, to take Sanctuary under our Protection, and between our Arms, in order to be plentifully fed, whilst your Warriors and young Men join with ours, and espouse together the common Cause.
A String of Wampum.
Brethren, we thank you with all our Hearts, for having declared unto us, your Resolution of accomplishing the Engagements which you have entered into, at the Treaty of Loiston [Logstown], and we can do no otherwise than praise your generous Conduct with Regard to your Grand Sons the Shawanese; it gives us infinite Pleasure.
We are greatly obliged to the Council given you by Onondago, charging you to hold fast the Chain of Friendship by which we are bound; I dare say, that had he known, how nearly you are interested in this War, or that it is for the Love of you, and at your Request, we have taken up Arms, he would have ordered you to DECLARE and to act immediately against the COMMON ENEMY of the Six Nations. In order to assure you of my Affection, and to confirm the Truth of what I have said, I present you these
Two great Strings."
After this, the Council broke up, and those treacherous Devils, who had been sent by the French as Spies, returned, though not without some Tale ready prepared to amuse the French, which may be of Service to make our own Designs succeed.
As they had told me there were Sixteen Hundred French, and Seven Hundred Indians on their March, to reinforce those at the Garrison, I perswaded the Half King to send three of his Men to inquire into the Truth of it; though I imagined this News to be only Soldiers Discourse; these Indians were accordingly sent in a secret Manner, before the Council broke up, and had Orders to go to the Fort, and get what Information they could from all the Indians they should meet, and if there was any News worth while, one of them should return, and the other two continue their Rout as far as Venango, and about the Lake, in order to obtain a perfect Knowledge of every Thing.
I also perswaded King Shingas, to send out Rangers towards the River, to bring us News, in Case any French should come; I gave him also a Letter, which he was to send back again by an Express, to prevent my being imposed upon by a false Alarm.
Though King Shingas, and others of the Delawares, could not be persuaded to retire to our Camp with their Families, through the Fear they were in of Onondago's Council, they nevertheless gave us strong Assurances of their Assistance, and directed us in
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what Manner to act, in order to obtain our Desire: the Method was this; we were to prepare a great War-Belt, to invite all those Warriors who would receive it, to act independantly from their King and Council; and King Shingas promised to take privately the most subtil Methods to make the Affair succeed, though he did not dare to do it openly.
The very Day the Council broke up, I perswaded Kaquehuston,70 a trusty Delaware, to carry that Letter to the Fort which the French Deserters had written to their Comrades, and gave him Instructions how he should behave in his Observations, upon several Articles of which I had spoken to him; for I am certain the Fort may be surprized, as the French are encamped outside, and cannot keep a strict Guard, by Reason of the Works they are about.
I also perswaded George,71 another trusty Delaware, to go and take a View of the Fort, a little after Kaquehuston, and gave him proper Instructions recommending him particularly to return with Speed, that we might have fresh News.
Presently after the Council was over, notwithstanding all that Mr. Montour could do to disswade them, the Delawares, as also the Half-King, and all the other Indians, returned to the Great Meadows; but though we had lost them, I still had Spies of our own People, to prevent being surprised.
As it had been told me, that if I sent a Belt of Wampum and a Speech, that might bring us back both the Half-King and his young Men; accordingly I sent the following Speech by Mr. Croghan.72
71 Delaware George later became a chief and went over to the French.
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' Tis but lately since we were assembled together; we were sent here by your Brother the Governor of Virginia, at your own Request, in Order to succour you, and fight for your Cause; wherefore my Brethren, I must require that you and your young Men come to join and encamp with us, that we may be ready to receive our Brother Monacotocha, whom I daily expect: That this Request may have its desired Effect, and make a suitable Impression upon your Minds, I present you with this String of Wampum.
As those Indians, who were Spies sent by the French, were very inquisitive, and asked us many Questions in order to know by what Way we proposed to go to the Fort, and what Time we expected to arrive there; I left off working any further at the Road, and told them we intended to keep on across the Woods as far as the Fort, falling the Trees, &c. That we were waiting here for the Reinforcement which was coming to us, our Artillery, and our Waggons to accompany us there; but, as soon as they were gone, I set about marking out and clearing a Road towards Red-Stone.
The 25th, Towards Night came three Men from the Great Meadows, amongst whom was the Son of Queen Aliguipa.73
He brought me a Letter from Mr. Croghan,74 informing me what Pains he was at to perswade any Indians to come to us; that the Half-King was inclined, and was preparing to join us, but had received a Blow which was a Hindrance to it. I thought it proper to send Captain Montour to Fort-Necessity, in order to try if he could, possibly, gain the Indians to come to us.
The 26th, Arrived an Indian, bringing News that Monacotoocha, had burnt his Village ( Loiston) and was gone by Water with his People to Red-Stone, and may be expected there in two Days. This Indian passed close by the Fort, and assures us, that the French had received no Reinforcement, except a small Number of Indians, who had killed, as he said, two or three of the Delawares. I did not fail to relate that Piece of News to the Indians in its proper Colours, and particularly to two of the Delawares who are here.
The 27th, Detached Captain Lewis,75 Lieutenant Wagghener,
74 Letter from George Croghan not found.
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and Ensign Mercer,76 two Serjeants, two Corporals, one Drummer, and Sixty Men, in order to endeavour to clear a Road, to the Mouth of Red-Stone-Creek on Monaungahela.
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January 1 Tuesday. Visited my Plantations and receivd an Instance of Mr. French's great Love of Money in disappointing me of some Pork because the price had risen to 22/6 after he had engagd to let me have it at 20/.
Calld at Mr. Possey's in my way home and desird him to engage me 100 Barl. of Corn upon the best terms he coud in Maryland.
And found Mrs. Washington upon my arrival broke out with the Meazles.
Daniel French (1733--1771), a wealthy Fairfax County planter, lived at Rose Hill, about five miles west of Alexandria. Although his main plantation lay in the vicinity of his house, he also owned a plantation on Dogue Creek a short distance west of Mount Vernon. At this time it contained about 416 acres, but with the purchase of another tract of land later this year, he would own a total of about 552 acres in the Mount Vernon area (see entry for 6 Mar. 1760; will of French, 20 May 1771, Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 134--36, Vi Microfilm). French was a Fairfax County justice 1743--71 and a vestryman of Truro Parish 1744--65 and of Fairfax Parish 1765--71.
John Posey, whose home, Rover's Delight, stood near the Potomac River about a mile southwest of Mount Vernon, was a regular in GW's social circle in the 1760s, often joining him in fox hunts. Posey farmed a plantation of about 400 acres and operated a public ferry from a landing near his house across the Potomac to Maryland, where he had many personal contacts.
Mrs. Washington, born Martha Dandridge (1731--1802), first married (1749) Daniel Parke Custis (1711--1757), of the White House, New Kent County. They had two children who survived infancy, John Parke Custis (1754--1781) and Martha Parke Custis (1756--1773). Following Martha's wedding to GW 6 Jan. 1759 in her home county of New Kent, GW took Martha and the two Custis children to their new home at Mount Vernon (see FREEMAN, 3:1--2, 13).
Jany. 2d. Wednesy. Mrs. Barnes who came to visit Mrs. Washington yesterday returnd home in my Chariot the Weather being too bad to Travel in an open Carriage--which together with Mrs. Washington's Indisposition confind me to the House and gave me an oppertunity of Posting my Books and putting them in good Order.
Fearing a disappointment elsewhere in Pork I was rein to take Mr. French upon his own terms & engagd them to be delivd. at my House on Monday next.
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The Custis children, Jacky and Patsy, in a painting by John Wollaston. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
Sarah Barnes was the daughter of Col. William Ball of Northampton County and thus a distant relation to GW. After the death in 1742 of her first husband, Denis McCarty, of Prince William County, she married Abraham (Abram) Barnes, of Truro Parish, Fairfax County.
PORK: After GW resigned Dec. 1758 from the command of the Virginia troops in the French and Indian War, he retired to Mount Vernon and began working to make it a paying plantation. On 27 April 1763 he wrote to Robert Stewart, one of his old officers: "when I retired from the Publick Service of this Colony I had Provision's of all kinds to buy for the first two or three years; and my Plantation to stock, in short, with every thing" (DLC:GW).
The Mount Vernon Neighborhood
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Sarah Ball McCarty Barnes, one of many visitors to Mount Vernon in 1760. (Smithsonian Institution photo no. 75-1942
Thursday Jany. 3d. The Weather continuing Bad & the same causes subsisting I confind myself to the House.
Morris who went to work Yesterday caught cold, and was laid tap bad again--and several of the Family were taken with the Measles, but no bad Symptoms seemd to attend any of them.
Hauled the Sein and got some fish, but was near being disappointd of my Boat by means of an Oyste<r> Man who had lain at my Landing and plagud me a good deal by his disorderly behaviour.
MORRIS: Because Mrs. Washington's first husband died without a will, his property was divided according to English common law, which allowed the widow one-third of the property for her life only (called her right of dower), after which it would revert to their children or their descendants (BLACK [2], 580--81). Upon her marriage to GW, all of Martha's property came under his control during her lifetime, including her share of the slaves from the Custis estate. One of her "dower slaves" that was transferred to Mount Vernon by GW was Morris (born c.1730), who worked as a carpenter 1760--63, a tradesman 1764--65, and overseer of GW's Dogue Run plantation 1766--94. Morris's wife was Hannah, who, with a child, had been purchased by GW from William Cloptan 16 June 1759 for £80 (LEDGER A, 56). Morris and
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Hannah were married c. 1765 when both were transferred to the Dogue Run plantation. Like most large planters, GW referred to his plantation workers collectively either as his "people" or his "family."
Friday Jany. 4th. The Weather continud Drisling and Warm, and I kept the House all day. Mrs. Washington seemg. to be very ill <I> wrote to Mr. Green this afternoon desiring his Company to visit her in the Morng.
Rev. Charles Green (c.1710--1765) was the first permanent rector of Truro Parish, recommended to that post in 1736 by GW's father. He also practiced medicine. "Ministers were frequently the only ones who could 'read medicine,' since before 1700 the greater part of the literature was in Latin. Clerical practice survived incidentally in rural areas well into the eighteenth century" (SHRYOCK [1], 280).
Saturday Jany. 5th. Mrs. Washington appeard to be something better. Mr. Green however came to see her abt. 11 Oclock and in an hour Mrs. Fairfax arrivd. Mr. Green prescribd the needful and just as we were going to Dinnr Captn. Walter Stuart appeard with Doctr. Laurie.
The Evening being very cold, and the wind high Mrs. Fairfax went home in the Chariot & soon afterwards Mulatto Jack arrivd from Fredk. with 4 Beeves.
Mrs. Fairfax is Sarah (Sally) Cary Fairfax (c. 1730--1811), wife of George William Fairfax. Walter Steuart (Stuart) served with GW in the Virginia Regiment and in 1755 was wounded in Braddock's Defeat. At Grant's Defeat in 1758, where he was again wounded, Stuart "distinguished himself greatly. He was left in the Field, but made his escape afterwards" (GW to Francis Fauquier, 25 Sept. 1758, DLC:GW). Dr. James Laurie (Lowrie), a physician of Alexandria, may have come that day to tend those in GW's "family" who were down with measles.
Mulatto Jack, a dower Negro from the Custis estate, was regularly used by GW as a courier, often to and from his Bullskin plantation in the Shenandoah Valley, which at this time was part of Frederick County (later Berkeley County and now Jefferson County, W. Va.; see entry for 19 Jan. 1760).
Sunday Jany. 6th. The Chariot not returng. time enought from Colo. Fairfax's we were prevented from Church.
Mrs. Washington was a good deal better today, but the Oyster Man still continuing his Disorderly behaviour at my Landing I was obligd in the most preemptory manner to order him and his Compy. away which he did not Incline to obey till next morning.
In colonial Virginia the established church--paid for by an annual levy on all tithables--was the Anglican Church of England. By 1760 there were a number of Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Quakers, and German Pietists in Virginia; but GW, like the majority of Virginians, still adhered to the
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Mount Vernon was named for Adm. Edward Vernon, under whom Lawrence Washington had served. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
established church. Each Anglican parish was administered by a 12-man vestry elected by the voters upon the creation of the new parish by the Virginia Assembly. Subsequent vacancies were filled by the vestry itself, which had broad civil and religious duties within the parish boundaries and enjoyed great power in the choice of rector. The parish boundaries did not always follow county lines; while populous counties were served by two or even three parishes, more thinly settled counties often had but one. Mount Vernon was in Truro Parish, which in 1760 served all but the upper edge of Fairfax County. In the 1760s "Church" for GW was the old wooden Pohick Church, built sometime before 1724 in Mason's Neck, two miles up the road from Colchester toward Alexandria and about a seven-mile ride from Mount Vernon. Originally called Occoquan Church, it became the main church for Truro Parish when that parish was formed in 1732 and was renamed Pohick Church the following year (see HARRISON [1], 285--86; SLAUGHTER [1], 5; FREEMAN, 1:136--37).
Monday Jany. 7th. Accompanied Mrs. Bassett to Alexandria and engagd a Keg of Butter of Mr. Kirkpatrick being quite out of that Article.
Wrote from thence to Doctr. Craik to endeavour if possible to engage me a Gardener from the Regiment and returnd in the dusk of the Evening.
Mrs. Bassett, the former Anna Maria Dandridge (1739--1777), younger sister of Mrs. Washington, in 1757 married Burwell Bassett, of Eltham, New Kent County, by whom she had seven children. Mr. Kirkpatrick was one of two brothers, John or Thomas, merchants and partners in Alexandria. John was GW's personal secretary, 1755--57. The keg of butter weighed 71 pounds and cost GW £2 13s. 3d., which he paid on 25 Jan. (LEDGER A, 63).
A GARDENER FROM THE REGIMENT: Dr. Craik did not find a gardener, so GW asked Capt. Robert Stewart of the Virginia Regiment, then stationed at Winchester, to locate one and then find a replacement for him in the regiment. Stewart quickly found a replacement, but the chosen gardener--whose surname was Allen or Allan--balked at the terms. An appeal went
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A portrait of Sally Cary Fairfax, done by Duncan Smith from a copy of the lost original by an unknown artist. (Mrs. Charles Baird, Jr.)
out to the commandant at Pittsburgh--to no avail. Finally, in Dec. 1762, Allen went to Mount Vernon to be interviewed for the gardener's position. Apparently he did not take it.
Tuesday Jany. 8. Directed an Indictment to be formd by Mr. Johnston against Jno. Ballendine for a fraud in some Iron he sold me.
Got a little Butter from Mr. Dalton and wrote to Colo. West for Pork.
In the Evening 8 of Mr. French's Hogs from his Ravensworth Quarter came down one being lost on the way as the others might as well have been for their goodness.
Nothing but the disappointments in this Article of Pork which he himself had causd and my necessities coud possibly have obligd me to take them.
Carpenter Sam was taken with the Meazles.
John Ballendine (d. 1782) of Prince William County, an enthusiastic promoter, builder, and operator of a series of mills, ironworks, and canals, had moved in 1755 to a site on Occoquan Creek about two miles above Colchester and now operated "an iron furnace, a forge, two saw mills, and a bolting mill" there (BURNABY, 66). The "fraud" was a shortage in weight of an iron shipment from the Occoquan works to Mount Vernon. On 19 Dec. 1759 GW had paid Ballendine £44 12s. 3d. for 2 tons of bar iron, but he received only 3,556 pounds, leaving a balance of £8 5s. 7d. charged against Ballendine (LEDGER A, 69). GW wished to recover that sum in iron or cash
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and at the same time to teach Ballendine a lesson, but George Johnston (d. 1766) of Alexandria and Belvale, a distinguished lawyer and Fairfax County burgess, today told him that a suit in the county court would be expensive and that a conviction would have little, if any, effect on Ballendine, because he had been previously found guilty and punished severely in a similar case without producing any change in his behavior (Johnston to GW, 8 Jan. 1760, DLC:GW). Although Ballendine wrote GW 18 Nov. 1760, expressing a desire to send iron to make up the deficiency and thus to dear his name of all suspicion of dishonesty, the dispute was never settled (DLC: GW). GW continued to charge £8 5s. 7d. against Ballendine in his ledgers until about 1773, when he wrote the sum off as "lost" (LEDGER B, 7).
John Dalton (d. 1777), a merchant in Alexandria and one of the founders of that town, had supplied GW during the French and Indian War. Col. John West (d. 1777), uncle of John West, Jr., lived on the south side of Hunting Creek near the Potomac River, his house being about two miles by water and four by road from Alexandria ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 24 Nov. 1774). He had succeeded his brother Hugh West as Fairfax County burgess soon after Hugh's death in 1754 and served in the house until 1774 (H.B.J., 1752--55, 197). He was a Fairfax County justice 1745--77 and a vestryman 1744--65 for Truro Parish, and after 1765, for Fairfax Parish. He married twice, having children both by his first wife, Mary, and his second wife, Margaret Pearson (John West's will, 27 Mar. 1776, Fairfax County Wills, Book D-1, 25--33, Vi Microfilm; BROCKETT, 104). Because John West, Jr., lived in the same general neighborhood and died only a few months before his uncle did, the two men are often confused with one another. In the diaries, GW distinguishes between them by referring to the elder John West as colonel--apparently a militia title--and to his nephew as Mr. or Capt. John West. The title of captain may also have been a militia designation or may have derived from an earlier involvement in merchant shipping ( Va. Gaz. 5 Mar. 1752; LEDGER A, 135).
Ravensworth was originally a patent for 21,996 acres of land granted to William Fitzhugh 1 Oct. 1694 (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book 2, 14, Vi Microfilm). Lying west of Alexandria and north of Mount Vernon, this large area was now divided into several plantations and quarters belonging to various planters (see map of GW's lands in MVAR, 1965, 25).
Sam, who was one of GW's slave carpenters, recovered.
Wednesday. Jany. 9. Killd and dressd Mr. French's Hogs which weighd 751 lbs. neat.
Colo. West leaving me in doubt about his Pork yesterday obligd me to send to him again to day, and now no definitive answr was receivd--he purposing to send his Overseer down tomorrow to agree abt. it.
Colo. Bassetts Abram arrivd with Letters from his Master appointing Port Royal, & Monday next as a time and place to meet him. He brought some things from me that Lay in Mr. Norton's Ware house in York Town.
Burwell Bassett (1734--1793), husband of Mrs. Washington's sister Anna Maria, lived at Eltham on the Pamunkey River, where the Washingtons usually stayed when visiting Williamsburg. The two families were close,
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particularly before the death of Mrs. Bassett in 1777. Port Royal, a small port town on the Rappahannock River, was a convenient rendezvous almost equidistant between Eltham and Mount Vernon. The warehouse at Yorktown, at the mouth of the York River, was being run in 1760 by John Norton, of the London tobacco firm of Flowerdewe & Norton. As recently as 30 Nov. 1759 GW had complained in a letter (DLC:GW) to his London agent Robert Cary that "it is almost as much trouble and expence getting Goods from any of the Rivers round to Potomack as the Original Charges of Shipping them amounts to."
Thursday Jany. 10th. Accompanied Mrs. Bassett in a Visit to Belvoir.
She this day determind on setting of for Port Royal on Saturday.
Colo. West wrote me word that he had engag'd his Pork.
Killd the Beeves that Jack brought down two of which were tolerable good.
Belvoir, located on a bluff overlooking the Potomac on the next "neck" downriver from Mount Vernon, was the first seat of the Fairfax family of Virginia, built around 1741 by William Fairfax (1691--1757), cousin and agent of Thomas, Lord Fairfax. GW first visited there while in his early teens, during stays with his brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon. It was then that the long friendship began between GW and William Fairfax's son George William. From 1757 to 1773, when Belvoir was the permanent home of George William and Sarah Cary Fairfax, the Washingtons often visited it. Years later, in reflecting to George William on his days at Belvoir, GW observed that "the happiest days of my life had been spent there" (27 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW). For the house itself, see WATERMAN, 329--34.
Friday Jany. 11th. Deliverd Rd. Stephens two Hogs in part of his Years Provisions weight
He had one before of 100 lbs. weight. Two Hogs were also reservd for Foster of the following weights
Washinton's Potomac Neighborhood Below the FallsCounty Lines shown--------are as they existed after 1777. Before Oct. 1776 the Stafford-King George line was as shown by......with Stafford on the Potomac side and King George on the Rapphannock side. Westmoreland's northern boundary before Oct. 1777 followed Upper Machodoc Creek to the old Stafford-king George line.
Washington's Potomac Neighborhood below the Falls
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that were cut out and Salted makes up 719 lbs. and accts. for Mr. French's 8 Hogs; shewing the loss of weiging Meat so soon as kills which cannot be less than 5 pr. Ct.
Richard Stephens (Stevens) was overseer of the Muddy Hole farm and John Foster was overseer of the Dogue Run farm, both on the Mount Vernon plantation.
Saturday Jany. 12th. Sett out with Mrs. Bassett on her journey to Port Royal. The morning was clear and fine but soon clouded and promisd much Rain or other falling weather wch. is generally the case after remarkable white Frosts--as it was to day. We past Occoquan witht. any great difficulty notwithstanding the Wind was something high and Lodgd at Mr. McCraes in Dumfries--sending the Horses to the Tavern.
Here I was informd that Colo. Cocke was disgusted at my House, and left it because he see an old Negroe there resembling his own Image.
The ferry at Occoquan Creek, about ten miles south of Mount Vernon, was owned by George Mason of Gunston Hall and run by one of his slaves. At the ferry crossing, the creek was quite shallow and about 100 yards wide, thus being treacherous in high winds. By 1760 Dumfries, on Quantico Creek in lower Prince William County, was losing in its commercial competition with Alexandria. Allan Macrae (d. 1766) was one of the Scottish merchants who built the town on the tobacco trade. He had come to Virginia about 1750 and in 1756 married Elizabeth Pearson (VIRKUS, 5:162).
Catesby Cocke (b. 1702), son of William Cocke (1672--1720), served successively as clerk of Stafford, Prince William, and Fairfax counties. In 1746 he retired and lived in Dumfries near his daughter Elizabeth, who had married John Graham (1711--1787), founder of Dumfries.
Sunday Jany. 13th. The Wind last Night Chopd about from Southerly to the No. West blew extreame hard and made it excessive cold.
We reachd Mr. Seldons abt. 3 Oclock and met with a certain Captn. Dives there a Man who, as I have been informd is pretty well known for some of his Exploits and suspected to be an Instrument in carrying Dickenson whose Character and Memory are too well established to need any Commentaries.
Samuel Selden, who married a daughter of John Mercer of Marlborough, lived at Selvington on the south side of the mouth of Potomac Creek in Stafford (now King George) County ( Va. Mag., 18:455, note g; HAYDEN, 63). Dickenson is probably William Dickenson, who came to Virginia with two partners about 1754. They opened a store in Williamsburg and began buying up tobacco at advanced prices. In the spring of 1759, when they were unable
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to pay their creditors, they fled the colony, leaving debts of over £20,000 and taking their profits with them.
Monday Jany. 14th. The Wind at No. West, and the Morning being clear and cold but otherwise fine we set out--Mr. Seldon obligingly accompanying us a few Miles to prevent any misapprehensions of the Road. We arrivd about 2 Oclock to the Plantation late Colo. Turners but now Inhabited by an Overseer directly opposite to Port Royal (at this place also Mr. Giberne lodges) and here we were disagreably disappointed of meeting him for a few hours but at length he arrivd almost at the same Instant that Colo. Bassett did. From hence we moved over to Port Royal and spent the Evening at Fox's with Mr. & Mrs. Bassett.
Mr. Bassett brought me a letter from Captn. Langbourn Inclosing a Bill of Lading for 20 Hhds. pr. the Deliverance Captn. Wm. Whyte. One other was sent by the Ship neither of which signifying to whom the Tobo. was Consignd which is not less strange than that only two Bills shd. be given when 4 and never less than three is customary in War time.
The Wind freshned up as the Evening came on and causd a most intense frost. Indeed no thaw had been the whole day.
Thomas Turner (d. 1758) had lived at Walsingham in King George County. His son, Thomas (d.1757) had been an old friend of GW's. At the age of 16 GW won 1s. 3d. from the latter in a game of billiards. Rev. Isaac William Giberne was licensed in 1758 and came to Virginia the next year to find a parish. In 1760 he left his bachelor's quarters at Walsingham to marry a wealthy widow, Mary Fauntleroy Beale, and moved to her home, Belle Ville, in Richmond County, Lunenburg Parish, which he served 1762--95. A hard drinker, an avid cardplayer, and an active Whig, Giberne was generally considered to be the most popular preacher in the colony (FITHIAN, 25n). The original Roy's tavern at Port Royal was bought in 1755 by Capt. William Fox (d. 1772) and was run by his wife Ann during the captain's sailing trips between England and Virginia (CAMPBELL [1], 398).
Capt. William Langbourne (Langborn) (1723--1766) was a ship captain who sailed between Virginia and Bristol, Eng. Langbourne's home, in King William County, was about three miles up the Pamunkey River from Williams' Ferry. The bill of lading, for tobacco from a Custis estate in York County, was directed to the Hanbury firm of London. In 1754 Capt. William Whyte was commanding the Deliverance between Virginia and Barbados ( Va. Gaz., 19 July and 7 Nov. 1754).
In 1760 the Seven Years' (French and Indian) War was raging on three continents and in most of the world's oceans, putting every British merchant ship in danger of being captured or sunk by the French. Thus, commercial communications between America and Britain were usually sent in triplicate or quadruplicate in different ships, so that at least one copy would get through. GW was not overcautious; the Deliverance was, in fact, taken by
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the French. The tobacco had been insured, and GW reflected that "accidents of this Nature are common & ought not to be repin'd at" (GW to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 10 Aug. 1760, DLC:GW).
Tuesday Jany. 15th. Mr. Gibourne and I, leaving Mr. Bassett Just ready to set out recrossd the River and proceeded to Colo. Carters where we dind and in the Evening reachd Colo. Champes.
Several Gentlemen dind with us at Colo. Carters (neighbours of his) but we spent a very lonesome Evening at Colo. Champes not any Body favouring us with their Company but himself.
The Morning of this day was exceeding cold the Wind still continuing at No. West but in the Evening it died away grew something more moderate and promisd falling weather but no appearance of a thaw.
Charles Carter (1707--1764), of Cleve, King George County, was the third son of Robert "King" Carter. In 1760 Charles was one of the most powerful members of the House of Burgesses.
Col. John Champe (d. 1763), of Lamb's Creek, King George County, served variously as sheriff, coroner, and justice of the peace. Champe's daughter Jane became the first wife of GW's younger brother Samuel.
During the previous summer GW, Colonel Carter, Colonel Champe, and 15 other gentlemen had been commissioned justices for King George County by the governor and council (King George County Order Book for 1751--65, 874, Vi Microfilm). GW was entitled to be a King George justice by virtue of owning Ferry Farm and other property in the county, but he declined to serve, apparently finding the distance from Mount Vernon to the King George courthouse too great to attend the frequent court sessions. Like several others named in the commission, he did not take the required oaths of office, and his name was explicitly deleted from the county's next commission of the peace, which was issued in 1770 (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:345). GW was appointed to the Fairfax County Court in 1768.
Wednesday Jany. 16. I parted with Mr. Gibourne, leaving Colo. Champes before the Family was Stirring and abt. 10 reachd my Mothers where I breakfasted and then went to Fredericksburg with my Brothr. Saml. who I found there.
Abt. Noon it began Snowing, the Wind at So. West but not Cold; was disappointed of seeing my Sister Lewis & getting a few things which I wanted out of the Stores returnd in the Evening to Mother's--all alone with her.
MY MOTHER'S: the Ferry Farm of GW's youth. When GW was about three years old the Washingtons moved from his birthplace at Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County, about 60 miles up the Potomac River to a new home near Little Hunting Creek. There the family lived three years on the plantation that later became Mount Vernon in Prince William (after 1741, Fairfax) County. In Nov. 1738 GW's father bought 260 acres on the north bank of the Rappahannock River just below the new town of Fredericksburg, and
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A tobacco plantation as it might have appeared in Washington's day. (Arents Collections, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
the next month he moved his family to this new home. Although GW, by his father's will, inherited the farm upon reaching his majority in 1753, his mother remained there until the early 1770s.
Samuel Washington (1734--1781), the eldest of GW's three younger brothers, left Ferry Farm in the mid-1750s and settled on a 600-acre plantation in the Chotank district of Stafford County that he had inherited from his father. He also had a house in the town of Fredericksburg, which in 1760, with a population of about 2,500, was a flourishing commercial and cultural center, serving most of the Rappahannock valley and a large part of the backcountry.
GW's sister was Betty Washington (1733--1797), born at Pope's Creek and raised at the Ferry Farm. In 1750 she married the widower Fielding Lewis (1725--1781), son of John and Frances Fielding Lewis, of Warner Hall in Gloucester County. Fielding Lewis was a second cousin to both GW and Betty. The Lewises, who had seven children that survived to adulthood, lived in Fredericksburg at a home built for Lewis in 1752 later called Kenmore.
In the Fredericksburg stores GW today bought 27½ pounds of German steel, a Dutch oven, and an iron pot (LEDGER A, 63).
Thursday Jany. 17th. The Snow had turnd to Rain & occasiond a Sleet, the Wind at No. Et. and the Ground coverd abt. an Inch and half with Snow, the Rain continued with but little Intermission till Noon and then came on a Mist which lasted till Night.
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Abt. Noon I set out from my Mother's & Just at Dusk arrivd at Dumfries.
Friday Jany. 18th. Continued my Journey home, the Misling continuing till Noon when the Wind got Southerly and being very warm occasiond a great thaw. I however found Potomk. River quite coverd with Ice & Doctr. Craik at my House.
Saturday Jany. 19. The Wind got abt. to the No[rth] ward last Night and froze the Ground hard. The Morning Lowerd, and threatned Rain; but about Noon the clouds dispersd and grew Warm, the Wind coming about Southerly again.
Recd. a Letter from my Overseer Hardwick, informing me that the Small Pox was surrounding the Plantation's he overlookd--& requiring sundry Working Tools.
and deliverd them to Richd. Stephens wch. fully compleats his own & Sons allowance of Provision's.
During the surveying trips of his early years GW discovered the rich lands in the lower Shenandoah Valley. The first real property GW owned was several tracts of land along Bullskin Run in Frederick County, which he bought in 1750. These lands he named the Bullskin plantation and on them were raised crops of corn, wheat, and tobacco. In 1756 GW hired Christopher Hardwick to be resident overseer. The smallpox epidemic in Frederick County was, by Jan. 1760, in its seventh month. It had already become so general by Oct. 1759 that the county court had closed down for the duration, thus bringing all legal and much other business to a standstill.
The pork that GW bought today did not come from Daniel French, but from some unidentified person. In his ledger GW recorded the total price as £4 17s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 63).
Sunday Jany. 20th. My Waggon after leaving 2 Hogsheads of Tobo. at Alexandria arrivd here with 3 Sides of Sole Leather and 4 of upper Leather 2 Kegs of Butter one of which for Colo. Fairfax and 15 Bushels of Salt which She took in at Alexandria.
Visited at Belvoir to day carrying Doctr. Craik with us who spent the Evening there.
The wind Continued Southerly the whole day the Ground very soft, & <rain>--till 10 Oclo<ck A.>M. It Raind witht. intermission, but then the Clouds dispers'd and promisd fair Weather till Noon
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when it again set in to Raining and continued by Intervals the whole Afternoon being Warm.
The wagon apparently came from Bullskin plantation.
Monday Jany. 21st. Warm with Rain, the Wind at South till Noon when it veerd abt. to the No. Ward & cleard.
The Ice in the River almost gone. The Rains that fell last Night, & to day in some measure hardned the Ground from the Rotton condition it appeard in Yesterday.
Tuesday Jany. 22d. The Wind continued No[rth]wardly--the weather clear & cold--the ground hard froze & the River blockd up again.
Killd 17 more Hogs which were bought of Mr. French who was here ready to see them weighd & to receive his Money. Doctr. Craik Dind here. Hogs wd. 1722 lbs. nett.
These hogs made the total amount of pork received from French 2,473 pounds. Paying the agreed rate of 22s. 6d. a pound, GW today gave him £27 12s. 6d. Virginia currency (LEDGER A, 63).
Wednesday Jany. 23d. Clear and more moderate than Yesterday--but the g[roun]d & r[iver] still hard frozen. Abt. Noon the wind (what little blew) came Westerly and Inclining South.
My Waggon set of for Frederick with Sundry's that were wrote for by the Overseer there.
Doctr. Craik left this for Alexandria and I visited my Quarter's & the Mill. According to Custom found young Stephen's absent.
GW's gristmill at this time was on the east side of Dogue Run, about 2 miles northwest of Mount Vernon. Lawrence Washington, acting on behalf of his father, Augustine, had apparently obtained this mill for the family in 1738, when he bought a 56-acre tract of land on the run from William Spencer (deed of Spencer to Lawrence Washington, 1--2 Mar. 1738, Prince William County Deeds, Book D, 110--16, Vi Microfilm). This property was transferred to Augustine and remained his until his death in 1743, when Lawrence was bequeathed the Mount Vernon tract "with the water mill Adjoining thereto or Lying Near the same" (will of Augustine Washington, 11 April 1743, DLC:GW). Lawrence may have improved the mill and the milldam near it, because in 1750 he bought 94 acres of land on the west side of Dogue Run onto which his millpond had overflowed and in the following year bought 22 acres adjoining the "Mill Tract" on the north, probably for the same reason (deed of Henry Trenn to Lawrence Washington, 4--5 Feb. 1750, Fairfax County Deeds, Book C-1, 152--55, Vi Microfilm; deed of Thomas Marshall to Lawrence Washington, 28 Mar. 1751, Fairfax County Deeds, Book C-1, 159--60, Vi Microfilm). Thus, there were now 172 acres around GW's mill, land which he later called his mill plantation.
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Washington drew this plan of Alexandria (Belhaven) about 1749. From George Washington Atlas, Washington, D.C., 1932. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library)
Robert Stephens, son of Richard, worked on GW's Williamson farm in 1760. He apparently left before the harvest, for GW directed the 1760 Williamson farm harvest himself (see entry for 26 Jan. 1760).
Thursday Jany. 24th. Moderate and fine, the Wind at So. and a gradual thaugh.
Friday Jany. 25th. Fine warm morning with the wind at So. till abt. 10 Oclock when it came westerly and then No. Wt. blewing exceeding hard till 3 in the afternoon.
Went to Alexandria and saw my Tobo. wch. came from the Mountns. lying in an open shed with the ends of the Hhds out and in very bad order. Engagd the Inspection of it on Monday.
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Wrote to Doctr. Ross to purchase me a Joiner, Bricklayer, and Gardner if any Ship of Servants was in.
Also wrote to my old Servt. Bishop to return to me again if he was not otherwise engagd. Directed for him at Phila. but no certainty of his being there.
SAW MY TOB[ACC]O: Nicotiana tabacum, tobacco, was GW's main cash crop during this period but less important to him later (see the Introduction, p. xxx). Tobacco was inspected in tobacco warehouses, established in compliance with the acts of 1730 and 1732 of the General Assembly to prevent the exportation of "bad, unsound, and unmerchantable tobacco" (HENING, 4:247, 331). FROM THE MOUNTNS.: from Bullskin plantation in Frederick County.
Dr. David Ross (d. 1778) was a merchant in Bladensburg, Md. GW had dealt with him during the French and Indian War, when Ross was a commissary for the Maryland troops. The servants would be white indentured servants emigrating from the British Isles. Thomas Bishop (c. 1705--c.1795) came to America with General Braddock in the spring of 1755. Soon after GW was appointed colonel of the new Virginia Regiment he hired Bishop as his personal servant, paying him £10 per year. Seven months after GW retired from military life, Bishop resigned from GW's service, apparently with the intention of rejoining a unit of the British army. Philadelphia had been since 1757 the eastern headquarters for the frontier expeditions in which GW and Bishop had served.
Saturday Jany. 26th. A Very white frost the ground and River hard froze. The wind at Sun Rise at No. Et. In an hour afterwards it got to south and continued there the whole day. Rode to Williamsons Quarter--the Overseer not there--a very remarkable Circle round the Moon--another Indication of falling Weather.
In 1756 Benjamin Williamson rented a farm from GW near Mount Vernon on Little Hunting Creek. During the next four years he slowly slipped behind in his rent. The rental was not renewed for 1760, and in that year GW turned Williamson's farm (possibly combined with the farm of Thomas Petit) into a Mount Vernon quarter called Williamson's. He assigned six hands to it and hired Robert Stephens as overseer. By 1761 Stephens was replaced by Josias Cook and the quarter was renamed the Creek plantation.
Sunday Jany. 27th. A high South Wind continued to blow till about 4 in the afternoon and then it got to No. Wt. blew fresh, and grew Cold.
Abt. 10 oclock it began to Rain, and continued witht. Intermission till the wind changd and then grew clear and began to freeze.
The Southerly Wind had almost opend the River of Ice.
Monday Jany. 28th. The River close again & the ground very Knobby & hard. The wind got So. about [ ] and blew fresh which allmost cleard the River of Ice.
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Visited my Plantation. Severely reprimanded young Stephens for his Indolence, & his father for suffering of it.
Found the new Negroe Cupid ill of a pleurisy at Dogue Run Quarter & had him brot. home in a Cart for better care of him.
In 1760 Cupid was one of four slaves assigned to the Dogue Run quarter, which was divided into tracts and was still being planted in tobacco. Through various land acquisitions this farm came by 1793 to comprise dose to 649 working acres.
Tuesday Jany. 29th. White Frost, and Wind at So. till 3 oclock then No. Wt. but not very cold--clear all day.
Darcus--daughter to Phillis died, which makes 4 Negroes lost this Winter viz. 3 Dower Negroes namely--
Wednesday Jany. 30th. Very Cloudy. Wind at So. till 9 Oclock at Night when it instentaniously shifted to No. West & blew a mere hurricane.
Cupid was extreame Ill all this day and at Night when I went to Bed I thought him within a few hours of breathing his last.
Thursday Jany. 31st. He was somewhat better; The wind continued at No. West all day--very cold & clear.
Friday Feby. 1st. 1760. Wind at [ ] and Snow till 9 Oclock then cleard & became tolerable warm. Visited my Plantation's. Found Foster had been absent from his charge since the 28th. Ulto. Left Order's for him to come immediately to me upon his return & reprehended him severely.
Mr. Johnston & Mr. Walter Stewart came here this Afternoon.
Saturday Feby. 2d. 17[60]. The Gentlemen went of after Breakfast and I rid out to my Plantns. and to my Carpenter's. Found Richd. Stephens hard at Work with an ax--very extraordinary this! Desird him to see after Wm. Nations' Rent, who died t'other day.
The wind for the most part was Northerly yet the Day was mild
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--the Evening fine & promisd settle Weathr. Mrs. Possey and 2 of her Children came, and Stayd the Night here.
In 1755 William Nations began renting a quarter from GW for 1,000 pounds of tobacco per year.
MRS. POSSEY: Martha Posey (née Price) first married George Harrison (d. 1748) and then Capt. John Posey of Rover's Delight. She bore Posey at least four children: John Price, Hanson, St. Lawrence, and Amelia. Of the two children who came with her this day one was probably Amelia, who appears in the diaries as "Milly."
Sunday Feby. 3d. Very white Frost--and wind shifting from So. to East.
Breechy was laid up this Morning with pains in his breast & head attended with a fever.
Mrs. Possey went home and we to Church at Alexandria. Dind at Colo. Carlyles and returnd in the Evening.
One Newell offerd himself to me to be Overseer. Put him of to another day.
Episcopal services in Alexandria at this time were held in a small building furnished jointly by local subscription and by Truro Parish. The Rev. Mr. Green preached there every third Sunday from 1753 until 1765, when Fairfax Parish was formed. John Carlyle (1720--1780), of Dumfrieshire, Scot., was a merchant and a founder of Alexandria. In 1747 he married Sarah Fairfax (1730--1761), of Belvoir, a sister-in-law of GW's brother Lawrence. During the French and Indian War, Carlyle was a supplier of GW's troops.
Monday Feby. 4th. White Frost & So[uther]ly Wind. Sometimes cloudy & sometimes clear. The Frost seemed to be getting out of the Ground.
Col. John Carlyle entertained the Washingtons in his Alexandria home. (Sir Fitzroy Maclean, Bart.)
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Dispatchd Foster to Occoquan, to proceed from thence in Bailey's Vessell to Portobacco for 100 Barrls. of Corn wch. Captn. Possey purchased of Mr. Hunter the Priest for my use. Sent money to pay for the Corn viz.--37 pistoles and a Shilling, each pistole weighing 4 d[ram]s 8 gr.
Breechy's pains Increasd and he appeard extreamely ill all the day. In Suspence whither to send for Doctr. Laurie or not.
Visited my Plantations and found two Negroes Sick at Williamson's Quarter viz. Greg and Lucy--orderd them to be Blooded. Stepns. at Wk.
Colo. Fairfax giving me Notice that he shoud send up to Frederick in the Morning, sat down & wrote to my Overseer there.
Father George Hunter (1713--1779) was one of the handful of Roman Catholic priests--all Jesuits--who served the small Catholic populace living in colonial Maryland. As there was no official support (in the form of taxes or glebe land) to provide a living for the Jesuits, the Roman Catholic community of Maryland made use of Maryland's manor system of land tenure by establishing several manors that were held in trust by the community's leaders in the name of one or more of the Jesuits residing in the colony. Each manor, like St. Thomas Manor, in Charles County, had a chapel and usually slaves to work the manor's fields. Port Tobacco, founded in 1728 as the county seat (1728--1895) Of Charles County, Md., was literally a small tobacco port on Port Tobacco Creek, which joined the Potomac opposite the Chotank district of King George County in Virginia. The town's official name, Charlestown, which was seldom used, was legally dropped in 1820 (KLAPTHOR, 46, 105; W.P.A. [ 2 ], 490). Roman Catholic priests in this period were commonly addressed as "Mister." In 1760 Mr. Hunter was the superior for the Maryland Mission.
The 37 pistoles and 1 shilling were, according to GW's ledger, equal to £40 2s. 8d. Virginia currency (LEDGER A, 63; see entries for 21 Feb. 1760).
Tuesday Feby. 5th. Breechy's pains Increasg. & he appearing worse in other Respects inducd me to send for Dr. Laurie. Wrote to Mr. Ramsay Begging the favour of him to enquire in to the price of Mr. Barnes Sugar Land Tract & he informd me that the value set on it by Mr. Barnes was £400.
Visited my Plantation and found to my great surprise Stephens constt. at Work. Greg and Lucy nothing better.
Passing by my Carpenters that were hughing I found that four of [them] viz. George, Tom, Mike & young Billy had only hughd 120 Foot Yesterday from 10 Oclock. Sat down therefore and observd.
Tom and Mike in a less space than 30 Minutes cleard the Bushes from abt. a Poplar Stock-lind it 10 Foot long and hughd each their side 12 Inches deep.
Then, letting them proceed their own way--they spent 25 Minutes
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Martha Washington ordered this English songbook from a London merchant, and her husband wrote her name and the date on the title page. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
more in getting the cross cut saw standing to consider what to do--sawing the Stock of in two places--putting it on the Blocks for hughing it square lining it &ca. and from this time till they had finishd the Stock entirely; requird 20 Minutes more, so that in the Spaces of one hour and a quarter they each of them from the Stump finishd 20 Feet of hughing: from hence it appears very clear that allowing they work only from Sun to Sun and require two hour's at Breakfast they ought to yield each his 125 feet while the days are at their present length and more in proportion as they Increase.
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While this was doing George and Billy sawd 30 Foot of Plank so that it appears as clear making the same allowance as before (but not for the time requird in pilling the Stock) that they ought to Saw 180 Feet of Plank.
It is to be observd here, that this hughing, & Sawing likewise was of Poplr. What may be the difference therefore between the working of this Wood and other some future observations must make known.
The Weather to day was variable, often Rainy but the Wind hung chiefly between the So. & West. No Frost last Night & the Ground Vastly Rotton.
Colo. Fairfax, his Lady, & Doctr. Laurie dind here. The Dr. went away afterwards but the others stayd the Evening.
William Ramsay (1716--1785) migrated to Virginia from the Galloway district of Scotland and became a founder and merchant of Alexandria. During the French and Indian War, Ramsay, then in financial straits, was appointed a commissary of British troops on the recommendation of GW. The land of Abraham Barnes was part of an area full of sugar-bearing maple trees and hence called the Sugar Lands which lay along Sugar Land Run. After 1798 the confluence of Sugar Land Run with the Potomac River described the northern point of the boundary between Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
STOCK-LIND IT: cut it into sections before hewing it into square timbers.
Wednesday Feby. 6th. Fine warm day and the ground much dried. The wind which was extreamely little appeard to be shifting.
Colo. Fairfax & Mrs. Fairfax Dind here.
The Dr. sent his Servant down with things to Breechy. Grig came here this afternoon, worse and I had 15 Hogs arrivd from Bullskin.
Thursday Feby. 7th. The Hogs which arrivd Yesterday were killd--weighg. as follows viz.
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Out of which Jno. Foster recd. the remainder of his Years Provisions viz.
Doctr. Lauries Man attended the Sick this day also.
I went to Mr. Craigs Funeral Sermon at Alexandria--and there met my Waggons with 4 Hhds. Tobo. more. Unloaded & sent them down to Mt. Vernon.
One of the Boys that came down with them & the Hogs (Nat) was taken with the Meazles last Night.
The Wind was Southerly, and very warm & drying, but the Earth extreamely Rotton.
The funeral was probably for Charles Craig (Craik), who had rented a Mount Vernon quarter from GW since 1756.
Friday Feby. 8th. 1760. The Wind had got to No. West, but as it did not blew fresh, so neither was it cold.
Rode to my Plantatns. and orderd Lucy down to H[ome] House to be Physickd.
Saturday Feby. 9th. The Ground was a little crusted but not hard--a remarkable white Frost.
Visited my Plantation's before Sunrise & forbid Stephen's keeping any horses upon my Expence.
Set my Waggon's to draw in Stocks and Scantling, and wrote to Mr. Stuart of Norfolk for 20 or 30 or more thousd. shingles 6 Barrls. Tar 6 of Turpentine & 100 wt. of Tallow or Myrtle wax or half as much Candles.
Remarkable fine day but the Wind at No. Et.
MR. STUART: possibly Charles Steuart, a merchant in Norfolk active in the 1750s ( Va. Gaz., 12 Mar. 1752).
Sunday Feby. 10th. The Wind got to North and often, clouded up and threatend Rain but in the Evening at sunsetting it cleard and seemd to promise fair Weather.
Captn. Possey, and Mrs. Possey dind here. He obliquely hinted a design of selling his 145 Acres of Wood Land on Muddy hole.
Orderd all the Fellows from the different Quarter's to Assembly at Williamson's Quarter in the Morning to move Petits House.
On 20--21 Sept. 1759 GW's youngest brother, Charles Washington, had sold John Posey two separate tracts lying between Mount Vernon and Dogue
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Creek: one of about 200 acres on the Potomac River and the one mentioned here, which supposedly contained 145 acres of uncleared land and lay on Muddy Hole Branch, a tributary of Dogue Creek (Fairfax County Deeds, Book D-1, 669--73, Vi Microfilm). Not part of the original Mount Vernon tract, these lands had been bought for GW's father, Augustine, in 1738 and 1739 by Lawrence Washington and had subsequently been inherited by Charles (deed of William Spencer to Lawrence Washington, 1--2 Mar. 1738, Prince William County Deeds, Book D, 110--16, Vi Microfilm; deed of George Harrison to Lawrence Washington, 20--21 Nov. 1739, Prince William County Deeds, Book D, 425--29, Vi Microfilm; will of Augustine Washington, 11 April 1743, DLC:GW). Posey combined the tract on the Potomac with adjacent land that his wife held by right of dower from her first husband to form the plantation that he was farming, but he either did not want or could not afford to keep the tract on Muddy Hole Branch (see entry for 6 Mar. 1760).
Thomas Petit rented a Mount Vernon quarter from GW in 1759 and 1760, after which he disappears from GW's records.
Monday Feby. 11th. Went out early myself and continued with my People till 1 Oclock in which time we got the house abt. 250 yards. Was informd then that Mr. Digges was at my House upon which I retd. finding him & Doctr. Laurie there.
The Ground being soft and Deep we found it no easy matter with 20 hands and 8 Horses & 6 Oxen to get this House along.
Exceeding clear & fine, wind Northwardly.
The Digges family of Virginia and Maryland descended from Edward Digges, who settled in Virginia in the mid-seventeenth century and served as governor of Virginia 1655--57. His eldest son, William, later moved north of the Potomac River and founded the Maryland branch of the Digges family. The Mr. Digges who appears here is William Digges (1713--1783), a grandson of the elder William. This William, a prominent layman in the Roman Catholic church in Maryland, married Ann Atwood and lived at his plantation, Warburton Manor, across the Potomac River within sight of Mount Vernon. For many years the families of Warburton Manor and Mount Vernon exchanged visits across the Potomac.
Tuesday Feby. 12th. A Small Frost happening last Night to Crust the Ground causd the House to move much lighter and by 9 Oclock it was got to the spot on wch. it was intended to stand.
Visited at the Glebe the day being very fine clear & still. No wind blowing from any Quarter perceivably.
Sett Kate & Doll to heaping the Dung abt. the Stable.
Recd. a Letter & Acct. Currt. from Messrs. Hanbury the former dated Octr. 1--1759 the other Septr. 1st. same yr.
The Truro Parish glebe, which grew from 176 acres in 1752 to 385 in 1767, included a house and outbuildings for the Rev. and Mrs. Green (Truro
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Ann Atwood Digges, of Warburton, Prince George's County, Md. (Mr. and Mrs. Walter Slowinski)
Vestry Book, 70, 121, DLC). The house, begun in 1752 by Green and Thomas Waite, had been newly completed in 1760 by William Buckland (1734--1774), a talented joiner previously imported from England for the construction of George Mason's Gunston Hall.
The Hanbury firm, a powerful London merchant house, had served the Custis plantations for a number of years. On 12 June 1759 GW had written to the firm, then known as Capel & Osgood Hanbury, informing them of his marriage to Martha Custis and stating: "I must now desire that you will please to address all your Letters which relate to the Affairs of the Deceas'd Colo. Custis to me" (DLC:GW), which directions the Hanburys acknowledged in a letter to GW, 1 Oct. 1759 (DLC:GW).
Wednesday Feby. 13th. A fresh gale So. continued the whole day with clear and Warm Sun.
Visited all my Quarters.
Thursday Feby. 14th. Mr. Clifton came here and we conditiond for his Land viz., if he is not bound by some prior engagemt. I am to have all his Land in the Neck (500 Acres about his house excepted) and the Land commonly calld Brents for 1600 £ Curry. He getting Messrs. Digges &ca. to join in making me a good & Sufft. Title. But Note I am not bound to Ratifie this bargain unless Colo. Carlyle will let me have his Land adjoining Brents at half a Pistole an Acre.
Visited my Quarters and saw a plant patch burnt at the Mill.
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Brought home 4003 lbs. of Hay from Mr. Digges's.
The Southerly wind still continued to blow fresh till abt. 9 Oclock at Night and then it suddenly changd to No. Et. Clouded up, and threatned Rain every moment.
William Clifton (died c.1770) was descended from an English Roman Catholic family, several branches of which began leaving England for Maryland and Virginia in the mid-seventeenth century. William left England in the early eighteenth century and settled in Truro Parish, where he was living in 1739 when he bought 500 acres of the Neck land from his brother-in-law George Brent (d. 1778) of Stafford County. By 1760 Clifton's land was a plantation of about 1,806 acres in Clifton's Neck, which lay on the east side of Little Hunting Creek, facing the Potomac River, across which Clifton ran a ferry often used by GW.
BRENTS: George Brent's remaining land in the Neck, 238 acres lying between Little Hunting Creek and Clifton's plantation.
GW paid William Digges £14 for hay on 5 June 1760 (LEDGER A, 95).
Friday Feby. 15th. A Small fine Rain from No. Et. wet the Top of my Hay that had been landed last Night. It was all carted up however to the Barn & the Wet and dry seperated.
Went to a Ball at Alexandria--where Musick and Dancing was the chief Entertainment. However in a convenient Room detachd for the purpose abounded great plenty of Bread and Butter, some Biscuets with Tea, & Coffee which the Drinkers of coud not Distinguish from Hot water sweetned. Be it remembered that pocket handkerchiefs servd the purposes of Table Cloths & Napkins and that no Apologies were made for either. I shall therefore distinguish this Ball by the Stile & title of the Bread & Butter Ball.
The Proprietors of this Ball were Messrs. Carlyle Laurie & Robt. Wilson, but the Doctr. not getting it conducted agreeable to his own taste woud claim no share of the merit of it.
We lodgd at Colo. Carlyles.
A man named Robert Wilson voted for GW in the 1758 Frederick County election for the House of Burgesses.
GW apparently played cards at the ball, because on the following day he recorded the loss of 7s. "By Cards" (LEDGER A, 63).
Saturday Feby. 16. Returnd home--receiving an Invitation to Mrs. Chews Ball on Monday night next, first.
The Morning lowerd, and dript as yesterday, but abt. 10 Oclock the Wind So[uther]ly, blew fresh, and cleard.
Mercy Chew (d. 1775), with her husband Joseph Chew, kept a tavern in Alexandria which GW patronized in the early 1760s (Fairfax County Deeds, Book C-1, 63, Vi Microfilm; Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 244, Vi Microfilm; LEDGER A, 141, 160).
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Sunday Feby. 17th. The Wind blew cold & fresh from the No. West.
Went to Church & Dind at Belvoir.
Sent 4 Yews & Lambs to the Mill to be fatted.
Monday Feby. 18th. Dispatchd my Waggon with Tools &ca. for Frederick.
Sent over for two more Tons of Hay--to Mr. Digges.
The Morning was cold the Wind being at No. West. It afterwards changd to So. and grew more moderate but towards Night it agn. Shifted to the No. East, but made no perceptable change in the Air, as to heat or cold.
Tuesday Feby. 19th. Went to Court, and Administerd upon Nations Effects. Got Mr. Smiths Lease to me recorded and Mr. Johnston not having Darrels Deeds ready I was obligd to get the acknowledging of them postpond.
Recd. a Letter from my Brothr. Austin by Mr. Lane & answerd it.
Fine moderate day with a brisk Southerly Wind which brought up the Vessell with my Corn.
Mike and Tom began sawing in the Pit some considerable time after Sun rise and Cut 122 feet of Oak Scantling.
GW's first expansion of the Mount Vernon property occurred in Dec. 1757, when he bought two pieces of land on the plantation's northern boundary from Sampson Darrell (d. 1777) of Fairfax County: a tract of 200 acres on Dogue Run and an adjoining tract of 300 acres on Little Hunting Creek. The total price of these two tracts was?350, which GW paid with?260 in cash and a bond for?90 due in two years, and in return he received Darrell's bond guaranteeing him title to the land (LEDGER A, 49; bond of Darrell to GW, 20 Dec. 1757, ViMtV). But the official deeds were not immediately signed and recorded in court because the property was held under right of dower by Darrell's mother, Ann, for her lifetime; only after her death would it revert to Darrell as a surviving son. Thus, although GW owned Darrell's rights to the land, he could not obtain the deeds until Ann died or rented the land to him. GW did not have to await her death, because on 20 Sept. 1759 he signed a lease with her and her present husband, Thomas Smith (d. 1764) of Fairfax County, agreeing thereby to pay them 1,030 pounds of tobacco a year until Ann died (lease of Thomas and Ann Smith to GW, PHi: Gratz Collection; LEDGER A, 111). Having recorded the lease on this day, GW was eager to get and record Darrell's deeds, but he was obliged to wait for the May court session (deeds of Darrell to GW, 19--20 May 1760, Fairfax County Deeds, Book D-1, 681--92, Vi Microfilm).
Augustine Washington (1720--1762), half brother of GW by his father's first wife, Jane Butler, married Anne Aylett (d. 1773) and lived at Pope's Creek in Westmoreland County. GW usually called him "Austin." Mr. Lane was probably one of the three sons of William Lane (1690--1760) of Nomini Forest, Westmoreland County: James Lane (d. 1777), William Carr Lane (d. 1770), and Joseph Lane (d. 1796).
The Growth of Mount Vernon, 1754--86
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Map Key: The Growth of Mount Vernon, 1754--86
NOTE. The dates listed here are the ones on which GW first gained effective title to each tract. In several instances he rented land or purchased rights to it with the understanding that he would obtain full legal ownership at a later date. The Mount Vernon and mill tracts were leased in 1754 from
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Lawrence Washington's widow, Ann, for her lifetime and reverted to GW upon her death in 1761 by virtue of Lawrence's will. Darrell's rights to his 500 acres were bought in 1757, but because his mother had been given the land for her lifetime, arrangements had to be made with her, and the deeds were not signed until 19--20 May 1760. A dispute between John Posey and John West, Jr., over Posey's 6-acre strip on the Potomac delayed the signing of deeds for that land and West's property north of it. Thus, while GW began leasing both tracts during 1770, Posey did not deed the 6-acre strip to him until 8 June 1772 and West did not deed his land until 22 Sept. 1772. In the case of the Wade-Barry tract, GW had to wait for a division with Barry on 19 Sept. 1772 before taking possession of the land that he bought from Valinda Wade in 1770. Because a copy of that division has not been found, no line is shown on the map between the Wade and Barry portions. GW's purchase of Mrs. French's land in 1786 was conditioned on the payment of an annual rent to her by GW or his heirs until her death, which, as it happened, did not occur until after GW died.
The acreages given are based on GW's deeds and leases wherever possible and on contemporary ledger entries, quitrent lists, or letters in all other cases. However, these figures should not be considered exact because of the vagueness or inaccuracy of most eighteenth-century surveys. Thus, although GW was an experienced surveyor, he apparently did not know the precise total acreage of the Mount Vernon plantation as it existed at the time of his death. In an advertisement dated 1 Feb. 1796 offering the plantation for lease, he stated that it contained "altogether about eight thousand acres" (WRITINGS, 34:433--41), and in his will of 9 July 1799, he was equally vague, bequeathing the plantation in three sections: one to Bushrod Washington "containing upwards of four thousand acres, be the same more or less"; one to George Fayette Washington and Lawrence Augustine Washington "containing in the whole, by Deeds, Two thousand and seventy seven acres, be it more or less"; and one to Lawrence and Eleanor Parke Lewis containing "about two thousand Acres, be it more or less" (Fairfax County Courthouse). In the case of Bushrod Washington's land, the acreage was shown by an 1831 survey to be much less: 3,593 acres instead of 4,000 (ViMtV). The most accurate estimate of Mount Vernon's final size may be the one made by Warrington Gillingham, who surveyed the area in the 1850s and declared that the plantation had contained "about 7600 acres" (MUIR, between pp. 90 and 91).
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Wednesday Feby. 20. Landed 65 Barrels of Corn. Fine moderate day. Very little wind. George & Billy sawd 155 feet of Oak Scantling.
Thursday Feby. 21. Finished landing the Corn, which held out only 1½ Bushells above measure. Paid the Skipper for the Freight.
Visited at Mr. Clifton's and rode over his Lands--but in an especial manner view'd that tract calld Brents, which wd. have pleas'd me exceedingly at the price he offerd it at viz. half a pistole an Acre provided Colo. Carlyle's 300 Acres just below it coud be annexd at the same price and this but a few Months ago he offerd it at but now seeming to set a higher value upon it, and at the same time putting on an air of indifference inducd me to make Clifton another for his Land--namely £1700 Cury. for all his Lands in the Neck Including his own Plantn. &ca. which offer he readily accepted upon Condition of getting his wife to acknowledge her Right of Dower to it and of his success in this he was to inform me in a few days.
A fresh So[uther]ly Wind blew the whole day and often Clouds towards Night. It threatned <Rain very much.>
Clifton's wife was his cousin Elizabeth Brent (d. 1773), a daughter of Robert Brent of Woodstock, Stafford County, whose seventeenth-century ancestor Giles Brent had originally patented most of the land in what was now called Clifton's Neck. Mrs. Clifton's "Right of Dower" referred to that portion of the Neck which, although controlled by her husband under the law of marital right, could only be alienated (given or sold) by Mrs. Clifton, the legal owner. This situation was common in eighteenth-century Virginia; sometimes the wife allowed her husband to sell her land and sometimes not.
GW received a total of 100 barrels of corn. The shipping cost was £5 (LEDGER A, 63).
Friday Feby. 22. The Wind in the Night encreasd to a mere Storm and raind exceedg. hard; towards day it moderated and ceasd Raining but the whole day afterwards was Squally.
Laid in part the Worm of a fence round my Peach Orchard, & had it made. Waited on Lord Fairfax at Belvoir & engd. him to dine at Mt. Vernon on Monday next.
Upon my return found one of my best Waggon Horses (namely Jolly) with his right foreleg Mashd to pieces which I suppose
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Washington owned a copy of the work in which this drawing appears, William Gibson's A New Treatise on the Diseases of Horses, London, 1754. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
happend in the Storm last Night by Means of a Limb of a tree or something of that sort falling upon him.
Did it up as well as I coud this Night.
This was GW's birthday according to the Gregorian calendar (see entry for 11 Mar. 1748), but there is no indication that he took note of it either on this day or 11 Feb., the Old Style date on which he actually was born. In 1798 and 1799 the citizens of Alexandria celebrated his birthday on or near the old date.
WORM OF A FENCE: the bottom course of rails in a rail fence.
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Saturday Feby. 23. Had the Horse slung upon Canvas and his leg fresh set--following Markhams directions as near as I coud.
Laid the Worm round my Apple Orchard & made the Fence.
The Wind for the first part was So[uther]ly but afterwards it shifted to No. West. blew fresh and grew a little Cool.
Captn. Bullet came here from Alexandria, and engagd to secure me some Lands on the Ohio being lately appointed Surveyor of a District there.
MARKHAM'S DIRECTIONS: Gervase Markham (1568--1637) wrote many treatises on diseases of cattle and horses. In 1759 GW purchased a much more current work, William Gibson's Treatise on the Diseases of Horses (London, 1751).
Thomas Bullitt, son of Benjamin Bullitt (d. 1766) of Fauquier County, served with GW in the Virginia Regiment, rising to captain. He was with GW at Fort Necessity and at Braddock's Defeat, and held his Virginians in a bloody skirmish at Grant's Defeat. For Bullitt's appointment as a surveyor, see George Mercer to GW, 17 Feb. 1760, DLC:GW.
Sunday Feby. 24th. Captn. Bullet dind here to day also. So did Mr. Clifton but the latter was able to give me no determinate answer in regard to his Land.
Was unprovided for a demand of £90 made by Mr. Alligood in favour of Messrs. Atchinson & Parker of Norfolk. My note of Hand to Sampson Darrel but promisd the payment, & Interest, at the April Court next.
Fresh Southerly Wind and Cloudy Weather.
MY NOTE: the two-year bond for £90 that GW had given Sampson Darrell as final payment for land bought from Darrell in Dec. 1757. Darrell had apparently used the bond to settle an account, and the firm of Aitcheson & Parker had now sent their collector to Mount Vernon for payment. GW paid them the £90 as promised while in Williamsburg in April (LEDGER A, 49, 89).
Monday Feby. 25th. Lord Fairfax, Colo. F[airfa]x & his Lady, Colo. Martin, Mr. B. F[airfa]x, Colo. Carlyle, & Mr. Green & Mrs. Green dind here.
So[uther]ly Wind and remarkable fine clear day. Set my People to Carting and carrying Rails round the Peach Orchard.
The Broken Legd. horse fell out of his Sling and by that means and strugling together hurt himself so much that I orderd him to be killd.
Thomas Bryan Martin (1731--1798), a nephew of Lord Fairfax, came to Virginia in 1751 and the next year was appointed land agent for the Fairfax Grant, taking up residence with Lord Fairfax at Greenway Court in the Shenandoah Valley. In 1758 Martin and GW were elected burgesses for
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Frederick County. Bryan Fairfax (1737--1802) was a half brother of George William Fairfax. After an erratic youth Bryan married Elizabeth Cary, a sister of Sarah Cary Fairfax, and settled in Fairfax County, making his home at Green Hill near Belvoir from 1761 until about 1765 when he went to England. He was one of GW's frequent fox-hunting companions before the Revolution.
Tuesday Feby. 26th. Began Plowing the Field by the Stable and Quarter for Oats and Clover. Set two plows to Work under the care of Mulatto, & Cook Jacks.
Layd the Worm round my Peach Orchard & had the Fence put up.
Made an absolute agreement with Mr. Clifton for his Land (so far as depended upon him) on the following terms--to wit, I am to give him £1150 Sterling for his Neck Lands, containg. 1806 Acres, and to allow him the use of this Plantn. he lives on till fall twelve months.
He on his part is to procure the Gentlemen of Maryland to whom his Lands are under Mortgage to join in a Conveyance and is to put me into possession of the Land so soon as this can be done. He is not to cut down any Timber, nor clear any Ground nor to use more Wood than what shall be absolutely necessary for Fences and firing. Neither is he to assent to any alterations of Tenants transferring of Leases &ca. but on the contrary is to discourage every practice that has a tendancy to lessen the value of the Land.
N.B. He is also to bring Mr. Mercers opinion concerning the validity of a private sale made by himself.
Went down to Occoquan, by appointment to look at Colo. Cockes Cattle, but Mr. Peakes being from home I made no agreemt. for them not caring to give the price he askd for them.
Calld & dind at Captn. McCarty's in my way home & left the order of Court appointing him and others to appraisers of Nation's Estate (which I had sent my Boy down for) and at the same time got a promise of him to Prize & Inspect his Tobo. at the Warehouse.
Bottled 35 dozn. of Cyder, the weather very warm, & Cloudy with some Rain last Night.
The "Gentlemen of Maryland" who held mortgages were Charles Carroll (1702--1782) of Annapolis, Benjamin Tasker (1690--1768) of Anne Arundel County, and William Digges, Ignatius Digges, and John Addison, all of Prince George's County. The Carroll and Digges families of Maryland had married into the Brent family of Maryland and Virginia, and all of these parties were now in the fifteenth year of a struggle over Clifton's Neck, producing a maze of lawsuits involving leases, inheritances, mortgages, injunctions,
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and ejectments. Clifton's suit for a final settlement in Virginia's General Court (sitting in chancery) was now awaiting the report of court-appointed commissioners, one of whom was GW.
Since the court case was still pending, the validity of such a "private sale" was a moot point, and GW wisely advised Clifton to seek a legal opinion. Mr. Mercer is probably John Mercer (1704--1768), who emigrated from Ireland to Virginia in 1720 and made his home near the Potomac River at Marlborough, Stafford County. As a lawyer Mercer became so aggressive in the courtroom that in 1734 he was barred from practice. He then turned to legal scholarship, spending the next few years preparing An Exact Abridgement of All the Public Acts of Assembly, of Virginia, in Force and Use, issued by the Virginia Gazette printer William Parks (Williamsburg, 1737; 2d ed., Glasgow, Scot., 1759). This work was the first such edition of Virginia's laws, and all county justices of the peace, including those who had complained about Mercer, were advised to possess a copy. Mercer himself was later appointed a justice of Stafford County. In the process of his scholarly pursuits, Mercer collected one of the finest libraries in the colony, about a third of which related to law.
GW had known John Mercer for years. Mercer's home of Marlborough, on the neck between Aquia and Potomac creeks, was only a few miles up the Potomac from the Chotank neighborhood, so well known to GW from youth and later so thickly populated with his cousins. As early as 1754 GW had asked for Mercer's legal advice regarding the disposition of Mount Vernon after Lawrence Washington's death. Mercer had also served the Custis family for 16 years during a major legal battle in which GW took an interest following his marriage to Martha Custis in 1759.
Speculating in large tracts of land in Fauquier and Loudoun counties, Mercer was also interested in western lands in the Ohio River valley. To pursue this interest the Mercers and the Lees were instrumental in forming the Ohio Company, although the two families later had a falling-out in the debate over the 1764 Stamp Act. While Mercer was the company's secretary, GW's brother Lawrence was its second president.
Two of John Mercer's sons served with GW in the Virginia Regiment, one of whom, John Fenton Mercer (1735--1756), was killed in battle. The other son, George Mercer (1733--1784)appears in the diaries along with other members of the family (see: HARRISON [1], 369; FREEMAN, 2:2, 290; COUNCIL, 232--35).
The Peake family of the Northern Neck descended in two branches through the two grandsons of John Peake the immigrant. The elder of the two grandsons was John Peake (d. 1758), of Prince William County, whose wife Lucy bore him eight sons. The younger grandson, William Peake (d. 1761), of Fairfax County, lived at Willow Spring in the fork of Little Hunting Creek and was hence GW's closest neighbor. William was a Truro Parish vestryman for many years, and upon his death GW was chosen by the vestry to take his place. William had two daughters, Sarah and Mary, and three sons, Humphrey, John, and William Jr., the last of whom served in the French and Indian War and died in 1756. Although it is the Willow Spring Peakes who usually appear in the diaries, the Mr. Peake mentioned here may have been a Peake of Prince William County (MCDONALD, 437--53).
From Daniel McCarty (d. 1724), planter of Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County, and Speaker of the House of Burgesses, 1715--18, were descended three branches of the Pope's Creek McCartys, many of whom appear in the
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diaries. Speaker Daniel's oldest son, Denis McCarty (d. 1742), founder of the Cedar Grove McCartys, married Sarah Ball in 1724 and settled at Cedar Grove, which was in Truro Parish when that parish was created in 1732. His oldest son, Daniel McCarty (d. 1792), whom GW refers to before the Revolution as "Captain" and afterwards as "Colonel," was in his lifetime one of the wealthiest men in Virginia (MAIN, 378--79). Captain McCarty, his wife Sinah Ball McCarty (d. 1798), and their six children, five of whom appear in the diaries, lived at Mount Air about three miles up Accotink Creek from Cedar Grove. Both McCarty homesteads were located a few miles down the Potomac River from Mount Vernon. Captain McCarty served in the Truro vestry 1748--84, and the Washingtons and McCartys often appear to have dined together after services at Pohick Church. Through his mother GW was related to both Captain McCarty and his wife.
Wednesday Feby. 27. Very little Wind & that Southerly but raind of and on the whole day.
Continued plowing while the Weather woud permit, and the People, viz. George, Kate, Doll, & little George were employd in Grubing the Field by the Garden.
Nations's horse that was destraind on for my Rent was sold at Publick Auction to Mr. Tom Triplet for £5.
Peter had got his Coal drawn & brought in one load.
Thomas Triplett (1732--1780) of Truro Parish was a son of Thomas Triplett (d. 1737). By 1763 he was living on the North Branch of Little Hunting Creek where he had rented a small plantation from George Mason of Gunston Hall (lease of Mason to Triplett, 26 April 1763, Fairfax County Deeds, Book E-1, 262--69, Vi Microfilm). In 1771 he leased additional land in that area from Mason and continued living there until his death (lease of Mason to Triplett, 19 Dec. 1771, Fairfax County Deeds, Book K-1, 14--23, Vi Microfilm). This land later passed to Mason's son Thomson Mason (1759--1820) and became part of Hollin Hall plantation (deed of George Mason to Thomson Mason, 16 June 1786, Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 249--54, Vi Microfilm). Thomas Triplett and his brother William regularly joined GW in fox hunting.
Thursday Feby. 28th. Measurd the Fields by the Quarter & Garden as the Fences was intended to be run and found Six Acres in the former & Nine in the Latter.
Also run the Round the Fields in the Lower pasture according as the dividing Fence is to go but the Compass being bad or some mistake happening I coud not close the plot with any exactness.
Finished Grubbing the Field by the Garden.
Between Sul [sun] setting & Dark, came Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Piper, Captn. Stanly & Captn. Littledale.
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Warm, & little or no wind the first part of the Day. Towards Night it clouded and the Wind getting No. Easterly it begn. raining & grew colder.
Bought 3000 Shingles a 22/6 of [ ] Newbold also wood ware, & Bees Wax.
Harry Piper (d. 1780), a merchant of Alexandria, was a factor for John Dixon & Isaac Littledale, of Whitehaven, Eng. Captain Stanley may have been Capt. Edward Stanley, who sailed in the tobacco trade for Peter How Co., also of Whitehaven (P.R.O., C.O.5/1447, f. 66).
GW paid Purnell Newbold a total of £5 4s. 7½.d. Maryland currency for his goods (LEDGER A, 89).
CLOSE THE PLOT: In running the lines of this survey, GW did not return to his exact beginning point as he should have, and thus a gap was left in the boundaries of the plot.
Friday Feby. 29th. The Rain continued by Intervals through the Night, and till afternoon when the Wind came to No. West and ceasd, growing clear. Stopd my Plows.
The Gentlemen Dind here to day and two, viz. Mr. Ramsay & Captn. Stanley, returnd to Alexandria. The others went to Belvoir.
A very great Circle rd. the Moon.
Saturday Mar. 1--1760. Finishd Bottling 91 dozn. Cyder.
The wind for the first part was at No. West & very cold, but shifting Easterly & then to So. it grew something warmer but continued Cloudy.
The Ground being hard froze stopd my Plows this day also--and employd all hands in running the dividing fence of my Pastures.
Traversd the Fields in the Lower Pasture again & set a Course from the head of the drain that Runs into my Meadow [ ] which leaves in the Tobo. House Field [ ] and in the other [ ].
Also found the contents of my Meadow to be [ ] and that the Pocoson at Cotton patch measurd [ ].
Note. The Ground cleard this year measures [ ] and the fallow Ground is only [ ]. The Marsh and Pocoson at the Creek point contains [ ].
POCOSON (pocosin): from an Algonquin Indian word meaning a tidal swamp in its last stages before turning into dry land. In the miry pocosin soil,
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alternately covered and uncovered by water, would grow grass, shrubs, and pine trees.
Sunday Mar. 2. The Morning calm & Serene. About 10 Oclock the Wind freshned from the No. West, and died away by two. At 5 it came Southerly & blew again seeming unsettled.
Mr. Clifton came here to day, & under pretence of his Wife not consenting to acknowledge her Right of Dower wanted to disengage himself of the Bargain he had made with me for his Land on the 26th. past and by his Shuffling behaviour on the occasion convincd me of his being the trifling body represented.
Monday Mar. 3d. Bought 100 Bushels of Oats at ⅙. of Reuben Joyne.
Finishd plowing the Clover field but not the dividing Fence in the Pastures.
Wind for the most part was Southerly--sometimes blewing fresh & at other times quite calm but the day was cloudy & felt cold till towards Night.
Tuesday Mar. 4th. Rain without Intermission till Noon--thence at Intervals till Night, with strong So[uther]ly wind the whole time.
Plows Stopd--but the dividing fence finishd. Gave up the Horse Cart, & the Dun horse and Jack to R. Stephens.
Wednesday Mar. 5. High Wind from the West--the day clear & somewhat cold. Began plowing the field by the Garden for Lucern.
Put in the great bay mare (& horse) King. The latter coud not be prevaild upon to plow. The other did very well: but the Plows run very badly.
Finishd Plow Harness for my Chariot Horses.
LUCERN: alfalfa or lucerne, Medicago sativa. Although this perennial legume is widely grown in Virginia today as a hay crop, GW tried unsuccessfully for at least 35 years to raise it. On 12 Sept. 1795 he wrote to Jefferson that he was giving it up because, even with manuring, he had experienced less success with it than with chicory. He probably would have fared better by using more limestone, and much better had he had available the inoculating bacteria in use today for such nitrogen-fixing crops.
Thursday Mar. 6. Fitted a two Eyed Plow instead of a Duck Bill Plow and with much difficulty made my Chariot Wheel horses plow.
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Surveyd Captn. Posseys 145 Acres of Woodland Ground which he bought of my Bror. Chs. & find some of the Courses and distances to vary from those in the Deeds and that 136 Acres only, are Included.
Also run the upper Courses of Frens Land and find some great Errors as may be seen by my Plot of it.
Wind Southerly & day fine.
Charles Washington (1738--1799) was married in 1757 to Mildred Thornton, daughter of Col. Francis Thornton of Spotsylvania County, and was probably living in the Fredericksburg area at this time. Although GW was very interested in buying lands near Mount Vernon, he did not purchase the woodland tract from Posey, and it was sold 16--17 June 1760 to Daniel French for £217 10s. (Fairfax County Deeds, Book D-2, 730--36, Vi Microfilm).
Henry Trenn (variously spelled Tren, Frenn, and Fren), who died in 1751, had owned a tract of about 300 acres on the west bank of Dogue Run, above the road from Gum Spring to Colchester. In 1750 he had sold 94 acres at the lower end of the tract to GW's half brother Lawrence, and the remainder was inherited at his death by two of his orphaned children, Absolom and Diana (deed of Trenn to Lawrence Washington, 4 Feb. 1750, Fairfax County Deeds, Book C-1, 152--53, Vi Microfilm; will of Trenn, 3 Oct. 1751, Fairfax County Wills, Book A-1, 490--91, Vi Microfilm). Absolom had apparently died since his father's death, and the tract was now solely owned by Diana, who was living in Maryland.
Friday Mar. 7th. Fine Morning, but Cloudy Afternoon, wind Southerly.
Put the Poll end Horses into the Plow in the Morng. and the Postilion & hand Horse in the Afternoon but the Ground being well sworded over & very heavy plowing I repented putting them in at all for fear it should give them a Habit of Stopping in the Chariot.
Saturday Mar. 8. No. Et. Wind & Rain--Plows stopd.
Gave Captn. Cawseys Skipper namely William Vicars--1 Tobo. Note and an Order on Hunting Creek Warehouses for 7 Hhds. of my Mountain Tobo.
John Cawsey was captain of the Tyger, a 120-ton British-built ship which took a crew of nine and sailed in the Virginia tobacco trade for John Farrel & Co. of Bristol, Eng. William Vicars was probably Cawsey's first mate. HUNTING CREEK WAREHOUSES: These tobacco warehouses at Alexandria had been established by the inspection acts of 1730 and 1732 (see entry for 25 Jan. 1760).
Sunday Mar. 9. No. Et. wind, and Snow by Intervals the whole day.
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Monday Mar. 10th. No. W. wind and clear, but the Ground too Wet for Plowing.
Rode to my Plantation and the Mill, & there partly agreed with Jerry Mitchell to rebuild my Mill when She runs dry in the Summer.
Dispatchd Mulatto Jack to Frederick for some Mares from thence to Plow.
The Snow (which was not more than an Inch & half deep) was entirely dissolvd today.
Jeremiah Mitchell, an independent artisan, contracted to do this repair work for 4s. 6d. a day. He put in 97 days in all, finishing the job by 1 Dec. 1760 (LEDGER A, 102).
Tuesday Mar. 11th. Visited at Colo. Fairfax and was informd that Clifton had sold his Land to Mr. Thompsons Mason for 1200 £ Sterlg. which fully unravelled his Conduct on the 2d. and convincd me that he was nothing less than a thorough pacd Rascall--disregardful of any Engagements of Words or Oaths not bound by Penalties.
The day clear but something cold, Wind at No. West.
George William Fairfax was one of GW's fellow commissioners in the Clifton case. Thomson Mason (1733--1785), a younger brother of George Mason, lived in St. Mary' County, Maryland. Mason moved c. 1764 to Stafford County, Va., and c. 1771 to Raspberry Plain in Loudoun County. He
This pastel of Thomson Mason, brother of George Mason of Gunston Hall, is apparently from a miniature done from life. (Board of Regents of Gunston Hall)
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studied law in England at the Middle Temple and in 1760 was a burgess for Stafford County.
Wednesday Mar. 12. Returnd home, Mrs. Carlyle accompanying us, the day being exceeding fine. Wind at South.
Found William Lodwick here with one Beef from Frederick. He set of with two but lamd the other and left him at Ricd. Colemans at the Sugar Lands.
Lodwick was apparently hired for this job only. In 1756 Richard Coleman (d. 1764) and his son James received a license to run an ordinary on the Leesburg Pike at Sugar Land Run.
Thursday Mar. 13th. Incessant Rain and No. Et. Wind.
Mr. Carlyle (who came here from Port Tobo. Court last Night) and Mrs. Carlyle were confind here all day.
Mulatto Jack returnd home with the Mares he was sent for, but so poor were they, and so much abusd had they been by my Rascally Overseer Hardwick that they were scarce able to go highlone, much less to assist in the business of the Plantations.
Merchants or their agents regularly made rounds of county courts, which met monthly to transact business and legal cases. Port Tobacco was the seat of Charles County, Md.
HIGHLONE: alone, without support.
Friday Mar. 14th. No. Et. Wind & rain witht. Intermission till after Noon. The Rain then abated, but clouds continued.
Mr. Carlyle & his Wife still remaind here. We talkd a good deal of a Scheme of setting up an Iron Work on Colo. Fairfax's Land on Shannondoah. Mr. Chapman who was proposd as a partner being a perfect Judge of these matters was to go up and view the Conveniences and determine the Scheme.
Colonel Fairfax's land on the Shenandoah River included the east bank of the crossing for Vestal's ferry. Carlyle and his brother-in-law George William Fairfax went ahead with the ironworks project. Nathaniel Chapman, who died later this year, had iron experience both with the Principio Company of Maryland and the Accokeek works in Stafford County. Chapman had also served as an executor for the estates of Augustine and Lawrence Washington, both of whom had had interests in ironworks.
Saturday Mar. 15. Snowd in the Morng. but afterwards clearing. Mr. Carlyle and his Wife returnd home.
Wm. Lodwick & the boy (Nat) who came down with him went up for the lame Beef they left upon the Road coming down.
The Vast quantity of Rain which had fallen in the last two
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days had Swelld the Waters so high that dogue Run carried of the Tumbling Dam of my Mill and was near carrying of the House also.
Wind at No. Et. & fair from a settled Sky. Sent word to Mr. Clifton by my Negro Will that I shoud be glad to see him here in the Morning having something to propose to him.
The bad Weather this Week put a Total stop to plowing except a little on Wednesday with one Plow.
GW's dam was an earthwork with a tumbling bay, or spillway, in one portion. Excess water flowed over this outfall, normally preventing the water level behind the dam from rising too high. But on this occasion water came downstream faster than it could flow out the spillway, and the dam collapsed.
Sunday Mar. 16th. In the Morning early began Snowing with a Strong No. Et. Wind and continued without the least Intermission, or Remission till dark, & how long after I know not.
Monday Mar. 17th. The Snow this Morng. was much drifted, & many places of considerable depth. It kept Snowing by Intervals till Noon & appeard unsettled the whole day.
Went to my Mill and took a view of the Ruins the Fresh had causd. Determind however to repr. it with all expedition & accordingly set my Carpenters to making Wheel & Handbarrows.
Beef from Coleman's was brought down.
Mr. Possey being here and talking of the Orphan Fren's Land adjoining mine on Dogue Run, he undertook to purchase it for me of the said Orphan Diana, who lives at Nangemy in Maryland with one--Wright who I think he said Married her Aunt.
Mr. Possey thinks it may be bought for £50 or 60 pound & there shoud be 207 Acres of it.
Posey finally purchased this land for GW in 1764, by which time Diana had married William Whiting. The Whitings received £75 in several installments for the property, which was then estimated to contain 200 acres (LEDGER A, 168; GW's list of quitrent lands for 1764, DLC:GW).
Nanjemoy, according to an English traveler who saw it in 1774, was "a small Village of about five houses" lying west of Nanjemoy Creek in Charles County, Md. All the inhabitants were planters except two men who ran a store there (CRESSWELL, 17).
Tuesday Mar. 18th. Cool in the morning, Wind at No. West, but afterwards Shifting to South grew more moderate and Melted the Snow much.
Went to Court partly on my own private Business and partly on Cliftons Affair but the Commissioners not meeting nothing
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was done in regard to the Latter. Much discourse happend between him and I con<cer>ning his ungenerous treatment of me. The whole turning to little Acct. tis not worth reciting here the result of which was that for £50 more than Mr. Mason offerd him he undertook if possible to disengage himself from that Gentleman & to let me have his Land. I did not think Myself restraind by any Rules of Honour, Conscience or &ca. from makeg. him this offer as his Lands were first engagd to me by the most Solemn assurances that any Man coud give.
Mr. Johnston not being in Town I coud not get Mr. Darrel's Deeds to me acknowledgd.
Killd the Beeves that came from Frederick.
The following month this move by GW in the Clifton affair was criticized by the General Court sitting in chancery. GW was putting himself into a potentially awkward situation, for as a commissioner he was responsible for giving a disinterested report to the chancery court on how the Clifton case should be settled.
GW dined today at Mrs. Chew's tavern (LEDGER A, 89).
Wednesday Mar. 19. Cold Southerly Wind & Lowring Weather till towds. Evening when the Clouds dispersing it became more moderate.
Peter (my Smith) and I after several efforts to make a plow after a new model--partly of my own contriving--was fiegn to give it out, at least for the present.
Snow but little dissolvd. Colo. Fairfax & Mrs. Fx. came here in the Evening.
Thursday Mar. 20th. Cold Northerly Wind. Colo. F[airfa]x and I set out to Alexa. by appointmt, to Settle & adjust (with the other Comrs.) Cliftons & Carrols accts. conformable to a decree of our Genl. Court but not being able to accomplish it then the 28th. was a further day appointed to meet and my house the place resolvd upon.
The other commissioners were Rev. Charles Green and John West, Jr., now sheriff of Fairfax County. It was the common practice in such cases for the court to appoint four commissioners, any three of whom could act as a quorum.
Friday Mar. 21st. Colo. Fairfax & Mrs. Fx. returnd home. The Wind being No. Easterly the Morng. and indeed the best half of the day was very Cold and Cloudy. The Wind towards Evening seemd to be getting So[uther]ly.
Brought 47 Bushels of Wheat from my Mill.
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Saturday March 22d. Cold southerly Wind and Cloudy, with Rain from 10 O'clock till Night.
Doctr. Laurie came here. Agreed with George Taylor for 3 Sows and Pigs--at 45/.
Taylor is a local small planter who apparently moved to Loudoun County later in 1760.
Sunday Mar. 23d. Southerly Wind and Warm. Miss Fairfax & Miss Dent came here.
Hannah Fairfax was a younger sister of George William Fairfax. Miss Dent was possibly Elizabeth Dent (1727--1796) or one of her younger sisters, all daughters of Peter Dent (c.1694--1757), Of Whitehaven, on Mattawoman Creek in the Piscataway region of Prince George's County, Md. (NEWMAN, 36--39).
Monday Mar. 24th. Began repairing my Mill Dam--with hands from all my Quarters Carpenters Included.
In digging Earth for this purpose great Quantities of Marie or Fullers Earth appeard.
In the Evening, in a Bed that had been prepard with a mixture of Dung on Saturday last, I sowed Clo<ver,> Lucerne, & Rye Grass Seeds in the Garden, to try their Goodness--doing it in the following Order. At the end next the Corner are two Rows of Clover Seed--in the 3d., 4, 5 & 6th. Rye Grass the last Row thinest Sowd 7th. & 8th. Barley (to see if it woud come up) the last also thinnest Sown--9, 10, 11, 12th. Lucerne--first a few seeds at every 4 Inches distance the next thicker & so on to the last wch. was very thick.
Carried the Sows I bot. of George Taylor to my Mill by Water.
The carpenters were needed to work on the spillway, which was made of timber. In addition, the dam probably had a timber foundation and may have been further strengthened by vertical planking on its upstream or downstream sides or in its center (CRAIK [1], 167--70).
CLOVER SEED: Trifolium pratense, red clover. Unless he specifies another dover by name, GW is referring to this species.
Tuesday Mar. 25th. Set one Plow to Work on the Field below the Garden.
All hands being employd on the Dam again the Water was Stopd. and the Work in a fair way of receiving a finish by tomorrow Night.
The Wind was Southerly--the Day Changeable.
Mrs. Possey, & some young woman whose name was unknown to any Body in this family, dind here.
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Milling machinery as depicted by Oliver Evans in The Young Mill-Wright and Miller's Guide, Philadelphia, 1795. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
Wednesday Mar. 26. One Plow at Work today also.
Miss Dent & Miss Fairfax returnd home.
My Dam was entirely compleated by Evening.
Spent the greatest part of the day in making a new plow of my own Invention.
Wind at No. West & very boisterous.
Thursday Mar. 27. Southerly Wind, day warm and very fine.
Sat my Plow to work and found She Answerd very well in the
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Field in the lower Pasture wch. I this day began Plowing with the large Bay Mare & Rankin. Mulatto Jack conting. to Plow the Field below the Garden.
Agreed to give Mr. William Triplet £18 to build the two houses in the Front of my House (plastering them also) and running Walls for Pallisades to them from the Great house & from the Great House to the Wash House and Kitchen also.
William Triplett (d. 1803) of Truro Parish lived with his wife Sarah Peake Triplett at Round Hill about four miles northwest of Mount Vernon. He had participated in a recent remodeling of GW's mansion house, doing brickwork on the foundation and chimneys and plastering the interior of the house. His bill for those jobs, which totaled £52 8s. 4d., had been discharged by GW on 26 Feb. 1760 (LEDGER A, 72). GW had planned to have the two outbuildings mentioned here built earlier, but Triplett's many engagements to work for other planters in the area had prevented him from undertaking the task until now (John Patterson to GW, 2 Sept. 1758, DLC:GW).
Friday Mar. 28. According to appointment, Colo. F<airfa>x & Mr. Green met here upon Clifton's Affair, he being present as was Mr. Thompson Mason (as Council for him). Mr. Digges and Mr. Addison were also here and after examining all the Papers and Accts. on both sides, and stating them in the manner wch. seemd most equitable to Us, the debt due from Mr. Clifton according to that Settlement amounted to £[ ] that is to say--to Mr. Carroll £[243 135.1d.] to Mr. Tasker pr. Mr. Digges [£304 155.3d.] to Do. pr. Mr. Addison [£364 19s.].
We also agreed to report several things which appeard necessary, as well, in behalf of Mr. Clifton as the other party.
The Gentlemen from Maryland, Mr. Mason & Clifton left this; but Colo. Fairfax and Mr. Green stayd the Night.
Abt. Noon Mulatto Jack finishd plowing the Field below the Garden and went into the lower Pasture to work.
Sun shone Warm but the Wind blew strong from South.
The Addison family of Maryland descended from John Addison, who emigrated from England in 1677. His son Thomas Addison (1679--1727) built the family home of Oxon Hill in Prince George's County, Md., across the Potomac from Alexandria. By his second wife, Eleanor Smith Addison, Thomas had one daughter and four sons, one of whom was John Addison (1713--1764) of Oxon Hill, who appears here.
The gross amounts filled in here are taken from the Virginia General Court decree of 12 April 1760 (NjWoG). They are probably the amounts decided upon at this meeting but left blank by GW because interest and court costs were still to be figured into the final totals.
Saturday Mar. 29th. About noon sat one Plow into the Fallow Ground below the Hill, & about an hour before Sunset the other.
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Fresh and variable Wind chiefly from South. Carried out about [ ] Tumbril Load of Dung from the Stable upon the Clover Field.
Sunday Mar. 30th. Little Wind, but moist Weather. A misty Rain continuing at Short Intervals through the day.
Monday Mar. 31st. Strong So[uther]ly Wind in the first part of the day with light Showers but Abt. Noon the Wind got No[rther]ly.
Went to Belvoir (according to Appointment on the 28th. past) and drew up and Signd a Report of our Proceedings in Clifton's affair to be sent with the Accts. to the Genl. Court.
Finishd plowing the Fallowd Ground abt. Sun Setting.
Mr. Walter Stuart who I met with at Belvoir gave me a Letter from Dr. Macleane and another from Bishop.
The Latter very desirous of returning but enlisted in the 44th. Regimt. the Former wrote to Colo. Byrd to ask his discharge of the Genl.
Wrote to Lieutt. Smith to try if possible to get me a Careful Man to Overlook my Carpenters. Wrote also to Harwick ordering down two Mares from thence & desiring him to engage me a Ditcher. Inclosd a Letter from my Brother Jno. to his Overseer Farrell Littleton and directed him what to do if the Small pox shd. come amongst them.
REPORT: The report included a recommendation that all sales by Clifton be set aside in favor of an auction. See entry for 28 Mar.
Dr. Lauchlin MacLeane (d. 1778), of England, served with units of the British army and practiced medicine in Philadelphia 1755--61. MacLeane, Steuart, Bishop, Byrd, and GW had all served together in the Forbes expedition against Fort Duquesne in 1758. GW knew that MacLeane was now in Philadelphia and may have written to Bishop in care of the doctor (see entry for 25 Jan. 1760). The 44th Regiment was brought from Ireland for Braddock's campaign and may have been Bishop's old unit. Col. William Byrd III (1729--1777), of Westover, had succeeded GW as commander of the Virginia Regiment, now stationed at Winchester. Bishop did not appear at Mount Vernon until Sept. 1761, when he resumed his service which continued to his death 33 years later.
Lt. Charles Smith, who was given command of Fort Loudoun at Winchester in 1758, had been recommended to that post by GW as an officer both "diligent" and "exceedingly industrious" (GW to John Blair, 28 May 1758, DLC:GW). Having lost an arm in the service, Smith received a life pension from the House of Burgesses on the recommendation of a committee which included GW (H.B.J., 1761--65, 179, 185).
DITCHER: a man who was employed to build and repair ditches. The customary boundaries delineating
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GW's fields consisted of two parallel ditches with a row of dense hedge along the center ridge. They served the dual purpose of draining wet lands and making it more difficult for livestock to pass through the hedge.
GW's brother John Augustine Washington (1736--1787), who lived at Bushfield in Westmoreland County, had inherited land in Frederick County which lay near GW's Bullskin plantation.
Tuesday April 1 -- 1760. Crossd plowd the Fallow Field to day wch. contains 3.2.38 wch. shews that 2 Acres a day in Level ground already broke up may easily be accomplishd.
Doctor Laurie came here.
The Wind at No. West. Weather clear, somewhat Cool and drying.
Moon at its first rising remarkably red.
Recd. a Letter from Mr. Digges, Inclosing a Packet for Messrs. Nichos. & Withe wch. he desird I woud send under Cover to some Friend of mine in Williamsburg as it was to go by Clifton suspecting that Gentleman woud not deal fairly by it.
Began to prepare a Small piece of Ground of abt. [ ] Yards Square at the lower Comer of my Garden to put Trefoil in--a little Seed given me by Colo. F[airfa]x Yesterday.
The next day GW wrote a covering letter to accompany the packet. In the letter, addressed to Benjamin Waller, of the General Court, GW recited his differences with Clifton and Thomson Mason and argued strongly for his own position, which was that the court should "confirm the Opinion of the Commissioners" (2 April 1760, ViMtV). Of the two interested parties named Digges, this reference is probably to William, since Ignatius, as an agent for Charles Carroll of Annapolis, consistently refused to cooperate in the Clifton proceedings (GW to Carroll, 31 July 1791, DLC:GW). In 1760 Robert Carter Nicholas (1728--1780), a burgess for York County, and George Wythe (1726--1806), the burgess for the College of William and Mary, were already recognized as having two of Virginia's most talented legal minds.
CONTAINS 3.2.38: He means 3 acres, 2 roods, 38 perches. A rood is 40 square rods or ¼ acre; a perch is 1 square rod or 1/160 acre.
TREFOIL: Trifolium procumbens, hop clover, or hop trefoil. GW is probably referring to this plant when he mentions yellow dover and yellow trefoil.
Wednesday Apl. 2d. Got the above Ground ready for Sowing tomorrow. Begn. to Cross plow the first plowd Ground in the lower Pasture endeavouring to get it in Order for Sowg. Lucerne Seed In.
A Drying Southerly Wind & Warm.
Thursday April 3d. Sowd 17½ Drills of Trefoil Seed in the ground adjoining the Garden, numbering from the side next the
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Stable (or Work Shop) the residue of them viz. 4 was sowd with Lucerne Seed--both done with design to see how these Seeds answer in that Ground.
Sowd my Fallow Field in Oats to day, and harrowed them in viz. 10½ Bushels. Got done about three Oclock.
Cook Jack after laying of the Lands in this Field went to plowing in the 12 Acre Field where they were Yesterday as did the other plow abt. 5 oclock after Pointing.
Got several Composts and laid them to dry in order to mix with the Earth brot. from the Field below to try their several Virtues.
Wind blew very fresh from South. Clouds often appeard, and sometimes threatned the near approach of Rain but a clear setting Sun seemd denoted the Contrary.
SOWD . . . OATS TO DAY: Avena sativa, the "common oat" in GW's papers. GW did far less experimenting with varieties of oats than with wheat or field peas, perhaps because there was less selection in process among English and American growers. While president, he wrote to manager James Anderson, 29 Jan. 1797, that he was obtaining several bushels of an oat from beyond the Alleghenies "of a quality, it is said, inferior to none in the world" (DLC:GW). See entry for 8 Mar. 1787 for a note on the Poland oat.
Friday Apl. 4th. Sowd abt. one Bushl. of Barley in a piece of Ground near the Tobo. House in the 12 Acre Field.
Harrowd, & crossd Harrowd the Ground in the sd. Field intended for Lucerne.
Apprehending the Herrings were come Hauled the Sein but catchd only a few of them tho a good many of other sorts. Majr. Stewart and Doctr. Johnston came here in the Afternoon and at Night Mr. Richie attended by Mr. Ross solliciting Freight--promisd none.
BUSHL. OF BARLEY: Hordeum vulgare, barley. Here GW is sowing spring barley, but his common practice is to use the winter variety (see entry for 2 Sept. 1763). "I tried it [spring barley] two or three years unsuccessfully" (GW to William Pearce, 23 Mar. 1794, NBLiHi). Elsewhere he mentions summer barley, Minorca barley, and English barley. For naked barley, see entry for 3 May 1788, and for bere barley, see entry for 10 April 1787.
Herring came up the rivers of tidewater Virginia and Maryland every spring to spawn near the falls (VOYAGE, 335). On 15 Mar. 1760 Cary & Co. of London sent GW an invoice listing two new fish seines which were described as being "35 fathoms long each, each 20 feet deep all through, made of the best 3 thd. laid twine, small Inch Meshes, hung loose on the lines & well fixd with Leads & Corks" (DLC:GW). Those seines, however, probably did not arrive in time to be of much use to GW during this fishing season.
Robert Stewart entered the Virginia Regiment in 1754. He was soon made captain and was with GW at Braddock's Defeat, becoming
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Washington eventually gave up trying to raise lucerne, now called alfalfa. From Farmer's Magazine, Sept. 1776. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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one of GW's favorite officers. In the fall of 1758 he became brigade major of the Virginia troops on GW's recommendation, and in 1760 he was still in the service, stationed at Winchester. Dr. Johnston is probably Robert Johnston (Johnson), originally of James City County, who served as the surgeon in both GW's and Col. William Byrd's Virginia Regiments; he may have been attending the Virginia troops in Winchester at this time. Johnston, who voted for GW in the lively 1758 burgesses' election in Frederick County, died in Frederick County in 1763 (CROZIER [1], 40; election poll for Frederick County, 24 July 1758, DLC:GW).
Archibald Ritchie (d. 1784) was a Scottish merchant in Hobbs Hole (Tappahannock, on the Rappahannock River, Essex County). Hector Ross, a merchant at Colchester, Fairfax County, bought tobacco and Indian corn from GW, and his establishment, in turn, served as a local store of convenience for clothing and minor necessities for GW's white servants, his tenants, and his slaves.
Saturday Apl. 5th. Planted out 20 young Pine trees at the head of my Cherry Walk.
Recd. my Goods from York.
Hauld the Sein again catchd 2 or 3 White Fish more Herring than Yesterday & a great Number of Cats.
Richie and Ross went away.
Made another Plow the same as my former excepting that it has two Eyes and the other one.
So[uther]ly Wind, but not so fresh as that wch. blew Yesterday. However, it blew up a little Rain abt. Dark with a good deal of Lightning & some Thunder.
WHITE FISH: shad. These fish usually ran in large numbers during April and May. CATS: catfish (VOYAGE, 335).
Sunday April 6th. Wind at No. Et. and Cool. About 3 Oclock it began Raining and continued to do so (moderately) for about an hour when it cleard, the Wind shifting So[uther]ly.
I just perceivd the Rye grass Seed wch. I sowd in the Garden to try its goodness was beginning to come up pretty thick; the Clovr., Lucerne, & Barley I discoverd above Ground, on the first Instant.
Majr. Stewart & Doctr. Johnston set out for Winchesr.
Monday April 7th. Raind till 6 Oclock pretty hard and then cleard--Wind So[uther]ly and Cloudy all day.
In the Evening Colo. Frog came here, and made me an offer of 2400 Acres of Land wch. he has in Culpeper for £400. This Ld. Lyes (according to his acct.) 46 Miles above The Falls of Rappahannock--is well Water'd Timberd & of a Fertile Soil--no Impr[ove]ments on it. I told him that I woud get Captn. Thomas
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Fitzhugh to give me his Opinion of the Land when he went next to his Quarter not far from it--or I woud take it in my way from Fredk. when I next went up there as it lies he says only 8 Miles from the place where Josh. Nevil livd at the Pignut Ridge.
One Captn. Kennelly lives within a Mile of the Land and is well acquainted with it.
People kept Holliday.
Col. John Frogg was living in Fauquier County but held land across Hedgman's River in Culpeper County. The falls were just above Fredericksburg. Capt. Thomas Fitzhugh (1725--1768) lived at Boscobel in King George (now Stafford) County. Many of the military ranks held by men appearing in the diaries are in the colonial militia, in which the highest rank was that of colonel; Fitzhugh was a captain in the militia. Joseph Neville (many spellings) lived in the vicinity of the Neville's ordinary shown on the 1755 edition of the Fry-Jefferson Map. KENNELLY: probably James Kennerley, of Culpeper County, whose land was close to John Frogg's (PRICHARD, 31).
HOLLIDAY: Easter Monday.
Tuesday April 8th. What time it began Raining in the Night I cant say, but at day break it was pouring very hard, and continued so, till 7 oclock when a Messenger came to inform me that my Mill was in great danger of blowing. I immediately hurried off all hands with Shovels &ca. to her assistance and got there myself just time enough to give her a reprieve for this time by Wheeling dirt into the place which the Water had Washd.
While I was here a very heavy Thunder Shower came on which lasted upwards of an hour.
Here also, I tried what time the Mill requird to grind a Bushel of Corn and to my Surprize found She was within 5 Minutes of an hour about. This old Anthony attributed to the low head of Water (but Whether it was so or not I cant say--her Works all decayd and out of Order wch. I rather take to be the cause).
This Bushel of Corn when Ground measurd near a Peck more Meal.
No. Et. Wind and Cloudy all day. Towards Night it dripd of Rain.
The mill was probably a small, one- or two-story wooden structure with an overshot or breast wheel and a single set of grinding stones. GW's assessment of the mill's machinery must have been correct, but Anthony recognized an equally important problem. The head of water was not high enough to generate much force when the water fell on the wheel, and without more power, better machinery could not be used to its full capacity. Some work was done on the millrace by Hosea Bazell during the late summer, but any improvement made in the head of water was probably minimal (LEDGER A,
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102). Jerry Mitchell apparently confined his efforts this year to rebuilding the mill's internal works.
The slave carpenter Anthony was in his middle fifties when he was brought to Mount Vernon in 1759 as part of Martha Custis's dower. GW made him his miller but the next year reassigned him to the crew of carpenters, where by 1762 he had become head slave carpenter. After 1763 Anthony disappears from GW's tithable lists.
Wednesday Apl. 9th. Wind at No. Et. Very Cloudy and sometimes Misty.
The Heavy Rains that had fallen in this few days past had made the Ground too wet for Plowing; I therefore set about the Fence which Incloses my Clover Field.
Doctr. Laurie came here. I may add Drunk.
Observd the Trefoil wch. I sowd on the 3d. Inst. to be coming up, but in a Scattg. manner. The Lucerne wch. was sewd at the same time and in the same manner appeard much better; & forwarder.
Thursday Apl. 10th. Mrs. Washington was blooded by Doctr. Laurie who stayd all Night.
This Morning my Plows began to Work in the Clover Field, but a hard Shower of Rain from No. Et. (where the Wind hung all day) abt. 11 Oclock, stopd them for the Remainder of the day. I therefore Employd the hands in making two or three hauls of the Sein, & found that the Herrings were come.
Val Crawford brought 4 Hhds. of my Mountain Tobo. to the Warehouses in Alexa. two in my own Waggon and with a Plow such as they use mostly in Frederick came here in the Night.
He informd me of my worthy Overseer Hardwicks lying since the 17th. Ulto. in Winchester of a Broken Leg.
Valentine Crawford (d. 1777) lived near GW's Bullskin plantation in Frederick County and was regularly hired to bring down GW's mountain tobacco from those quarters. Valentine was the brother of Col. William Crawford (1732--1782) and half brother to John, Hugh, Richard, and Marcus Stephenson, sons of Richard and Onora (neée Grimes) Crawford Stephenson, all of whom appear in the diaries.
Friday Apl. 11th. Set one Plow to Work again in the Morning the other about 10 Oclock in the Clover Field.
Tryd the new Plow brot. Yesterday, found she did good Work and run very true but heavy--rather too much so for two Horses, especially while the Gd. was moist.
Abt. 11 Oclock set the People to Hauling the Sein and by Night
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and in the Night Catchd and dressd [ ] Barrels of Herring and 60 White Fish.
Observd that the Flood tide was infinitely the best for these Fish.
The Wind came fresh from So. Et. the day Cool. Cloudy till Noon, but very clear promising settled Weather afterwards.
After cleaning, the catch was packed with salt into barrels and stored for use on the plantation, fish being a staple of the slaves' diet (MIDDLETON [2], 202--5).
Saturday April 12th. Hard No. West the whole day, very clear and Cool.
Hauld the Sein but without Success. Some said it was owing to the wind setting of the Shore, which seems in some Measure confirmd by the quantity we catchd Yesterday when the Wind blew on upon it.
About 11 Oclock finishd plowing the Clover Field. Abt. 1 Mullatto Jack began harrowing it with the wide Toothd Harrow and got half over the Field by Night. Cook Jack went to Plowing in the 12 Acre Field.
Perceivd my Barley and Oats to be coming up very thick and well.
Engag'd 150 Bushels of Oats of an Eastern shore Man & got 40 of them Landd. before I found they were damagd.
GW paid £2 16s. for 39½ bushels of the oats (LEDGER A, 89).
Sunday April 13th. Fine clear still Morng. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind (what little there was before being So.) came Easterly, blew fresh and Clouded. Towards Evening the Atmostphere was quite Overcast and threatned Instant Rain.
My Negroes askd the lent of the Sein to day but caught little or no Fish. Note the Wind blew upon the shore to day.
Monday Apl. 14. Fine warm day, Wind So[uther]ly and clear till the Eveng. when it clouded.
No Fish were to be catchd to day neither.
Mixd my Composts in a box with ten Apartments in the following manner viz.--in No. 1 is three pecks of the Earth brought from below the Hill out of the 46 Acre Field without any mixture--in No.
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All mixd with the same quantity & sort of Earth in the most effectual manner by reducing the whole to a tolerable degree of fineness & jubling them well together in a Cloth.
In each of these divisions were planted three Grains of Wheat 3 of Oats & as many of Barley, all at equal distances in Rows & of equal depth (done by a Machine made for the purpose).
The Wheat Rows are next the Numbered side, the Oats in the Middle, & the Barley on that side next the upper part of the Garden.
Two or three hours after sowing in this manner, and about an hour before Sun set I waterd them all equally alike with Water that had been standing in a Tub abt. two hours exposd to the Sun.
Began drawing Bricks burning Lime & Preparing for Mr. Triplet who is to be here on Wednesday to Work.
Finishd Harrowing the Clover Field, and began reharrowing of it. Got a new harrow made of smaller, and closer Tinings for Harrowing in Grain--the other being more proper for preparing the Ground for sowing.
Cook Jack's plow was stopd he being employd in setting the Lime Kiln.
GRAINS OF WHEAT: Triticum aestivum, wheat, was second to tobacco as a cash crop during GW's early farming years and his prime cash crop after he reduced his tobacco plantings in later years. When he speaks of "wheat" he means the common English red winter wheat, but during his lifetime he tried at least a dozen different kinds and experimented (as above) with various modes of culture. A common method of cropping was to sow wheat between corn rows after the corn had been topped in late summer. GW's diaries and papers show him trying early wheat, summer wheat, red-straw wheat, lamas wheat, double-headed wheat, yellow-bearded wheat, and Russian wheat sent him by British agriculturist Arthur Young. White wheat became his favorite variety but during the Revolution, when his farms were neglected, his seed became so mixed that it lost its original characteristics. Much of his experimentation with wheat after that time involved finding an ideal white variety. He sent a sack of early white wheat to Sir John Sinclair 10 July 1798, saying it had been developed in America about seven years earlier and
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was a white, full, and heavy grain. Possibly this is the strain which Thomas Jefferson sent home from Georgetown, Md., in 1790, reporting that Washington had assured him it was the best he had ever seen. It was a white wheat widely used in Maryland with a small, plump grain, weighing 62 to 64 pounds per bushel (BETTS [2], 153--54).
Tuesday April 15th. Sent Tom and Mike to Alexandria in my Boat for 20 or 25 Bushels of Oats.
Went up myself there to Court after calling at Mr. Green's & leaving Mrs. Washington there.
Mr. Darrell not being there the Execution of his Deeds were again put of.
Being informd that French, Triplet and others were about buying (in conjunction) a piece of Land of Simon Piarson lying not far from my Dogue Run Quarter I engagd him to give me the first offer of it so soon as he shoud determine upon selling it.
About 3 Oclock fell a very heavy Shower of Rain attended with much Wind at So. wch. Instantaneously abt. an hour by Sun changd to No. West & blew for a few Minutes most violently but soon after fell calm.
Good part of my New Fencing that was not Riderd was leveld.
Simon Pearson (c. 1738--1797) owned 558 acres of land which lay on the main road from Alexandria to Colchester, northwest of the land on Dogue Run that GW had bought from Sampson Darrell in 1757. To sell his tract Pearson had to dock the entail on it, which he achieved in 1762, and on 14 Feb. 1763 GW bought 178 acres of Pearson's land for £191 7s. (deed of Pearson to GW, DLC:GW). The remainder went to William Triplett and George Johnston.
FENCING... NOT RIDERD: In a rail fence, a rider is the top rail placed in a crotch of crossed stakes at the end of each panel, to lock all the rails in place and keep the fence firm.
Wednesday Apl. 16. My Boat which the Wind and Rain prevented from returning Yesterday came home this Morning the Wind being at North West and Fresh.
Mr. Triplet & his Brother came this day to Work. Abt. 10 Oclock they began, and got the Wall between the House and Dairy finishd.
Thinking the Ground Rather too wet for Sowing I set my Horses to Carting Rails, and both my Plows were stopd Cook Jack being employd abt. the Lime.
Finishd a Roller this day for Rolling my Grain.
Thursday April 17th. By 3 Oclock in the afternoon Mr. Triplet finishd the Wall between the Dairy and Kitchen. The Rain from that time prevented his Working.
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Sowed my Clover Field with Oats, 24 Bushels. The upper part next the Peach Orchard was Harrowed in during the Rain but before it began to Clog much.
Also sowd 18 Rows of Lucerne in the 12 Acre Field below the Hill. The first 4 Rows were Sowd in Drils the others by a line stretchd and the Seed Raked In.
Richd. Stephens brot. down 9 Hogsheads of Tobo. to go to the Inspection at Hunting [Creek Warehouse] in a flat which I borrowd (or I rather suppose hird) from Messrs. Carlyle and Dalton--wch. Flat brot. down 4 Barrels of Corn--being part of Eight that I was to have had of William Garner at the rate of 9/. pr. Barl. to be paid in Pistoles or Dollars. It seems the other 4 Barrels I am to get from Garner's House.
A Fresh Southerly Wind blew all day. Towards Noon it shifted more East and by 3 Oclock it began Raining and continued so to do witht. Intermission till we went to Bed & how long afterwards I know not.
The Alexandria retail partnership of John Carlyle & John Dalton lasted from 1744 to Dalton's death in 1777, an unusually long time in an age when most partnerships were entered into for one year at a time and few lasted more than a decade. GW carried this firm on his books from 1760 to 1769. William Gardner was a Truro vestryman from 1765 to 1776, when he apparently moved out of the parish. In 1766 and 1767 he served as a churchwarden with GW. FLAT: flatboat.
Friday April 18th. Righted up all my Fencing.
Planted other Pine Trees in the Fencd place at the Cornr. of the Garden the first being broke, and much hurt by Creatures.
Began Sowing my Clovr. and got 4 Acres sowd 14 lb. to the Acre. Harrowd it in with the fine toothd Harrow as light as I coud.
Tryd my Roller wch. find much too light.
Sowd 69 Rows more of Lucerne which makes 87 in all.
Got my Cloaths &ca. packd up for my Journey to Williamsburg tomorrow.
Mr. Barnes's Davy brot. home my Negroe fellow Boson who Ran away on Monday last.
Davy was one of Abraham Barnes's slaves. In 1760 Boson was assigned to the Mount Vernon quarter called Williamson's. GW today paid Davy 10s. for taking up Boson (LEDGER A, 89). For colonial Virginia slaves who "ran away" from their masters, see MULLIN.
Saturday Apl. 19th. Crossd at Mr. Possey's Ferry and began my journey to Williamsburg about 9 Oclock. Abt. 11 I broke my
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Chair and had to Walk to Port Tobo. where I was detaind the whole day getting my Chair mended--no Smith being with 6 Miles. Lodgd at Doctr. Halkerston's.
John Posey's ferry crossed the Potomac River from the lower point of the Mount Vernon neck to Marshall Hall in Charles County, Md., home of Capt. Thomas Hanson Marshall (1731--1801) and his wife Rebecca Dent Marshall (c. 1737--1770). By using Posey's ferry, GW could cut across Charles County, past Port Tobacco, and recross the Potomac, entering Virginia in the Chotank area of King George County. In this way he saved himself from traveling the lower "Potomac Path" on the Virginia side of the Potomac, which crossed a number of swamps and small streams now swollen by a week of hard rains. Robert Halkerston had lived in Fredericksburg during GW's youth, where he was a founding member of the Masonic Lodge in 1752 and was probably present at the 1753 lodge meetings in which the young GW was initiated, passed, and raised into Masonry.
Sunday Apl. 20th. Set out early, and crossd at Cedar point by 10; the day being very calm & fine, Dind and lodgd at my Brother's. The Evening Cloudy with Rain. Wind tho little at So. West.
The lower of the two Cedar Points in Maryland was about a 13-mile ride south from Port Tobacco. GW most likely used Hooe's ferry, although several ferries crossed the Potomac from Cedar Point in 1760. His brother Samuel's plantation in the Chotank area of Stafford County (now King George County) was originally one of their father's quarters, inherited by Samuel when he came of age in 1755 (HENING, 6:513--16). There Samuel settled and built a "dwelling house with six rooms below and three above... situated on a hill, that opens a most agreeable prospect for some miles up and down the [Potomac] river" ( Va. Gaz., R, 18 Aug. 1768, supp.). In the 1760s Samuel served as a justice of the peace for Stafford County and as a vestryman for St. Paul's Parish.
Monday Apl. 21st. Crossd at Southern's and Tods Bridge and lodgd at Major Gaines's.
After leaving his brother's home GW rode about three miles below Leedstown to Southern's (earlier Southings) ferry on the Rappahannock River, whose owner lived on the far side of the river in Essex County. In 1755 the ferryboat was manned by two Negroes (HENING, 3:22; FISHER, 170). GW then rode southwest through Essex and King and Queen counties to arrive at Todd's Bridge, where he crossed the Mattaponi River into King William County a short way upriver from Aylett's Warehouse (later the village of Aylett, Va.). In 1760 William Todd, who lived on the King and Queen side of the bridge, also had a warehouse and an ordinary at this crossing (GRAY [1], 303). Maj. Harry Gaines (d. 1766), a local planter, was elected a burgess for King William County in 1758.
Tuesday April 22d. Crossd Pamunky at Williams's Ferry, and visited all the Plantations in New Kent. Found the Overseers
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Washington's Williamsburg Neighborhood
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much behind hand in their Business. Went to Mrs. Dandridges and lodgd.
From Major Gaines's, GW rode south through King William County to cross the Pamunkey River into New Kent County at Williams's ferry. The crossing brought him very near the Custis plantations in the vicinity of the White House, which had been the home of Martha Dandridge Custis when GW met her. Mrs. Frances Jones Dandridge (1710--1785), widow of John Dandridge (1700--1756), was GW's mother-in-law. She lived at Chestnut Grove in New Kent County, about midway along the Pamunkey River between the White House and the Bassett's home, Eltham (GRAY [1], 304, 315).
Wednesday Apl. 23d. Went to Colo. Bassetts and remaind there the whole day.
Burwell Bassett's home, Eltham in New Kent County, was less than a mile up the Pamunkey River from West Point, where the Pamunkey joins the Mattaponi to form the York River.
Thursday April 24th. Visited my Quarters at Claibornes and found their business in tolerable forwardness. Also went to my other Quarter at [ ] where their was an insufficiently quantity of Ground prepard--but all that coud be had--it was sd.
Dind at Mr. Bassetts and went in the Evening to Williamsburg.
CLAIBORNES: This Custis plantation lay in King William County on the neck of land the Pamunkey River forms just above Eltham. Containing an estimated 3,080 acres, nearly half of which were marsh, Claiborne's was so named because Martha Washington's first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, had purchased it 14--15 Dec. 1750 from the executors of William Claiborne (d. 1746) of Romancoke (survey by William Groveham 14--18 April 1789 and 25--29 Mar. 1791, Vi). When the Custis estate was apportioned among Martha and the two children, Claiborne's was one of the plantations assigned to her by right of dower. As her second husband, GW was entitled to use the dower plantations as if they were his own, except that he could not sell them or encumber them "to the prejudice of her ultimate rights or those of her heirs," for on her death the dower plantations were to go to John Parke Custis (FREEMAN, 3:20). At this time 19 dower slaves worked at Claiborne's, growing tobacco, wheat, and corn under the direction of the plantation's overseer, John Roan ("Part of John Roan's Crop--1759," and "A List of Working Dower Negroes, where settld & under whose care, 1760," DLC:GW; both lists are at the beginning of the 1760 Virginia Almanack in which GW kept his diary for this year).
Friday Apl. 25th. Waited upon the Govr.
The governor of Virginia was an appointee of the king. Since, in the British imperial practice, the governorship was considered to be a source of revenue as well as an administrative responsibility, the governor often obtained the royal appointment of a lieutenant governor, who would live in Virginia as the colony's chief executive officer, and with whom the governor would come
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to some agreement over the income and perquisites of the office. In 1760 the governor of Virginia was Sir Jeffery Amherst, and the resident lieutenant governor was Francis Fauquier (1703--1768). Fauquier was commissioned lieutenant governor of Virginia 10 Feb. 1758, took the oaths of office in Williamsburg 5 June 1758, and died in office. He had thus been GW's superior during part of the 1758 campaigns against the French. It was Lieutenant Governor Fauquier whom he visited on this date; he was following the common practice of Virginians in referring to him as simply the governor.
Saturday Apl. 26th. Visited all the Estates and my own Quarters about Williamsburg. Found these also in pretty good forwardness.
Receivd Letters from Winchester informing me that the Small Pox had got among my Quarter's in Frederick; determind therefore to leave Town as soon as possible and proceed up to them.
ESTATES: John Parke Custis's plantations in York County. He had also inherited the Custis lands in New Kent, Hanover, and Northampton counties as well as lots in Williamsburg and Jamestown (Custis to GW, 11 May 1778, ViHi; Va. Gaz., P, 16 Oct. 1778). MY OWN QUARTERS: Martha Washington's dower plantations in York County--Bridge Quarter and the Ship Landing, both of which lay near the Capitol Landing on Queen's Creek about two miles north of Williamsburg. Together they contained about 1,000 acres, of which "100 or more" were "firm hard marsh, supporting a numerous flock of cattle winter and summer," and 10 to 12 were swamp ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 2 April 1767). Tobacco and corn were grown on the higher ground by 19 dower slaves who worked there at this time. The dower property also included a gristmill, which adjoined the two York plantations, plus lots in Williamsburg
Francis Fauquier, governor of Virginia, arrived in the colony 5 June 1758. (Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, London)
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and Jamestown ("A List of Working Dower Negroes, where settled, & under whose care, 1760," DLC:GW, at the beginning of GW's 1760 Virginia Almanack; GW to Custis, 12 Oct. 1778, DLC:GW).
Sunday Apl. 27th. Went to Church. In the Afternoon some Rain, & a great deal of severe Lightning but not much Thunder.
CHURCH: probably Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg.
Monday Apl. 28th. Let my House in Town to Colo. Moore, for Colo. Dandridge, who is to come into it in the Fall, and pay me 45 £ pr. Ann. In the meanwhile I am to paint it.
In the Afternoon after collecting what Money I coud I left Town and reachd Colo. Bassetts.
This day agreed with Mr. Jno. Driver of Nansemond for 25,000 shingles to be deliverd in October. They are to be 18 inch shingles and of the best sort. Desird him if he coud not cause them to be deliverd for 18/a Thousd. not to send them but let me know of it as soon as possible.
By "my House in Town," GW refers to a Williamsburg house in Martha's dower estate which was now under GW's management.
Colonel Moore is either Thomas Moore or his brother and near neighbor, Bernard Moore (d. 1775), of Chelsea, who was a burgess for King William County 1744--65 and again, 1769--71. Both were colonels and lived in the Custis-Dandridge-Bassett neighborhood along the Pamunkey River; both were heavily in debt to the Custis estate. Colonel Dandridge is Bartholomew Dandridge (1737--1785), a brother of Mrs. Washington.
The money GW collected today was for burgesses' wages and an old account from the colony of Virginia £60 4d. in all (LEDGER A, 89).
John Driver was a merchant in the port town of Suffolk, Va., on the Nansemond River. One of the major sources of roofing shingles for Virginians was the Dismal Swamp area just south of Suffolk in Nansemond County.
Tuesday Apl. 29th. Reachd Port Royal by Sunset.
GW crossed the Pamunkey River at Thomas Dansie's ferry and dined at Todd's ordinary on his way to Port Royal (LEDGER A, 89).
Wednesday 30th. Came to Hoes Ferry by 10 Oclock but the wind blew too fresh to cross: detained there all Night.
Hooe's ferry, running from Mathias Point in Virginia to lower Cedar Point in Maryland, was established in 1715 by Col. Rice Hooe (Hoe, Howe), grandson of Rice (Rhuys) Hooe, a seventeenth-century immigrant from Wales. At Colonel Hooe's death (1726), the ferry was inherited and run by his son John (1704--1766), and following John's death by John's widow, Ann Alexander Hooe, and their son Gerard Hooe (1733--1786), who married
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Sarah Barnes (1742--1815) and lived at the family home of Barnsfield in Mathias Neck, Stafford County (HENING, 4:93; Va. Gaz., R, 24 Mar. 1768; NICKLIN [1], 368).
From Hooe's ferry, GW probably retracted his steps home but entered no expense in his ledger for recrossing the Potomac to reach Mount Vernon.
Thursday May 1st. Got over early in the Morning and reachd home before Dinnertime and upon enquiry found that my Clover Field was finishd sowing & Rolling the Saturday I left home--as was the Sowing of my Lucerne: and that on the [ ] they began sowing the last field of Oats & finishd it the 25th.
That in box No. 6, two grains of Wheat appeard on the 20th.; one an Inch high--on the 22d. a grain of Wheat in No. 7 and 9 appeard--on the 23 after a good deal of Rain the Night before some Stalks appeard in Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, & 8 but the Ground was so hard bakd by the drying Winds when I came home that it was difficult to say which Nos. lookd most thriving. However in
The two Grains in No. 8 were I think rather the strongest, but upon the whole No. 9 was the best.
Friday May 2d. Cold, & strong Westerly Winds.
My English Horse Coverd the great bay Mare.
GW had bought an English colt from Col. Bernard or Thomas Moore in Mar. 1759 for £17 10s. (LEDGER A, 55).
Saturday May 3d. Wind got Southerly, but blew fresh and Cool.
The Stallion coverd Ranken--and afterwards breaking out of his pasture Coverd the great bay Mare again.
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Sunday May 4th. Warm and fine. Set out for Frederick to see my Negroes that lay Ill of the Small Pox. Took Church in my way to Colemans where I arrivd about Sun setting.
Monday May 5th. Reach'd Mr. Stephenson in Frederick abt. 4 Oclock just time enough to see Richd. Mounts Interrd. Here I was informd that Harry & Kit, the two first of my Negroes that took the Small Pox were Dead and Roger & Phillis the only two down with it were recovering from it.
Lodgd at Mr. Stephenson.
Richard Stephenson (d. 1765) of Frederick County married the widow Onora Grimes Crawford, mother of William and Valentine Crawford. By Mrs. Crawford, Stephenson had five sons, four of whom appear in the GW diaries. As an early entrepreneur in the Shenandoah Valley, Stephenson joined John Vestal and others in 1742 to set up an iron bloomery project. He hired GW to survey land for him in 1750 and during the French and Indian War was a supplier to GW's troops. GW sometimes referred to Stephenson as "Stevens" or "Stephens."
Richard Mount recorded a will in Frederick County in 1752.
Tuesday May 6. Visited my Brother's Quarter, & just calld at my own in my way to Winchester where I spent the day & Evening with Colo. Byrd &ca.
The Court was held to Day at Stephen's Town but adjournd to Winchester to Morrow.
Because of the smallpox epidemic in Frederick County, the county court was moved, by order of the governor 3 July 1759, to Stephensburg, "during the time the small pox rageth in the town of Winchester." Stephensburg (later Newton, later Stephens City), founded by Lewis Stephens in 1758, was competing with Winchester to become the seat for Frederick County. By Oct. 1759 the smallpox, according to a petition of the inhabitants of Winchester, "was raging at Stephensburg," and the court did not meet at all until Feb. 1760 (NORRIS [1], 121--22). GW is here noting the court's move back to its regular seat.
Wednesday May 7. After taking the Doctrs. Direction's in regard to my People I set out for my Quarters and got there abt. 12 Oclock--time enough to go over them and find every thing in the utmost confusion, disorder & backwardness my Overseer lying upon his Back of a broken Leg, and not half a Crop especially of Corn Ground prepard.
Engagd. Vale. Crawford to go in pursuit of a Nurse to be ready in case more of my People shd. be seizd with the same disorder.
Thursday May 8th. Got Blankets and every other requisite from Winchester & settld things upon the best footing I coud to prevt.
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the Small Pox from Spreading--and in case of its spreading for the care of the Negroes. Mr. Vale. Crawford agreeing in case any more of the People at the lower Quarter getting it to take them home to his House--& if any of those at the upper Quarter gets it to have them removd into my Room and the Nurse sent for.
GW today lent £15 to Crawford and gave £4 to his overseer Hardwick (LEDGER A, 89).
Friday May 9th. Set out on my return Home. The Morning drizzling a little. Calld at the Bloomery and got Mr. Wm. Crawford to shew me the place that has been so often talkd of for erecting an Iron Work upon.
The Convenience of Water is great--first it may be taken out of the River into a Canal and a considerable Fall obtained--& (then) a Run comes from the Mountain on which the largest Fall may [be] got with Small Labour and expense. But of the constancy of this Stream I know nothing nor Coud Crawford tell me. I saw none of the Ore but all People agree that there is an inexhaustable fund of that that is rich--but Wood seems an obstacle not but that there is enough of it but the Gd. is so hilly & rugged as not to admit of making Coal or transporting it.
I did not examine the place so accurately myself as to be a competent
THE BLOOMERY: a primitive means of turning iron ore into iron, consisting of a hearth rather larger than that of a blacksmith. Iron ore and charcoal were fed into a fire fanned by a bellows that was powered by a waterwheel. When the heated iron formed a lump, or "bloom," it was lifted to an anvil and beaten into a bar by a hammer, also powered by the waterwheel. The product was an impure wrought iron used by local artisans and blacksmiths. A bloomery for making bar iron was begun in 1742 by a group which included William Vestal and Crawford's stepfather, Richard Stephenson. It was located on John Vestal's land about four miles above Key's (later Vestal's) ferry, on the right bank of the Shenandoah River and the mouth of Evitt's Run.
IRON WORK: a more sophisticated process producing a high grade of iron for commercial sale. Such a work, using limestone for flux, needed a much greater amount of capital to finance a 25- to 30-foot-high furnace, a large bellows (often 25 feet long) for the blast, a waterwheel over 20 feet in diameter, and a minimum of 10 to 12 full-time workers. But it could turn out 20 tons of relatively pure pig iron per week, which would either be worked in the colonies or shipped to England for sale (BINING, 76--84). Vast amounts of firewood were needed to produce charcoal for the iron furnace.
William Crawford, brother of Valentine Crawford, entered the Virginia Regiment in 1755 as an ensign in the company of scouts and later served with GW on the Forbes expedition of 1758. He lived in Frederick County until 1765, when he removed to the Youghiogheny country in western Pennsylvania.
Despite Crawford's approval of this site for an ironwork, GW did not join in the venture.
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The familiar cradle for harvesting small grains, largest implement shown here, changed very little before mechanical devices replaced it. From La Nouvelle Maison rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
judge of this matter & Mr. Crawford says there will be no difficulty in the case.
Reachd Coleman's.
Saturday May 10. Arrivd at home abt. 10 Oclock where I found nay Brother Jno. And was told that my great Chesnut folded a Horse Colt on the 6 Instt. and that my Young Peach trees were Wed according to Order.
The Oats, & in short every thing else seemd quite at a stand, from the dryness of the Earth which was remarkably so partly for want of Rain and partly by the constant drying Winds which have blown for sometime past.
GW's younger brother, John Augustine Washington, had managed Mount Vernon for him during the former's absence in the French and Indian wars.
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"Jack," as GW called him, brought his bride, Hannah Bushrod Washington, to Mount Vernon in 1756 and lived there until 1758. It was partly in acknowledgment of Jack's help and loyalty that GW in his will left part of the Mount Vernon estate to Jack's older son, Bushrod Washington (MVAR, 1964, 18--21; WRITINGS, 37:288--89).
Sunday May 11th. Mrs. Washington we[nt] to Church.
My black pacing Mare was twice Coverd.
Proposd a purchase of some Lands which Col. F[airfa]x has at the Mouth of the Warm Spring Run joing. Barwicks bottom. He promisd me the preference if he shd. sell but is not inclind to do it at prest.
Monday May 12th. Fine Rain began in the Morning and continued by Intervals all day.
Sent Cook Jack & my Horses to get in Stephens Corn.
Black Mare was coverd again to day. Mr. Alexander sent a Mare but She refusd the Horse.
CORN: Zea mays, Indian corn. GW's principal variety was probably Virginia Gourdseed, a coarse, white dent corn with a red cob and soft and starchy kernel (SINGLETON, 73). He wrote Charles Carter 14 Dec. 1787 that his normal yield at that time was 2 to 2½ barrels per acre, an estimated 8 to 10 bushels. When he obtained early seed corn from the North, it was most likely to be a flint variety with white cob and a round kernel, much harder than that of the dent variety.
There were two main branches of the Alexander family in eighteenth-century Virginia, descended respectively from Robert and Philip Alexander, the two sons of John Alexander the immigrant (d. 1677). It was this John Alexander who in 1669 purchased the 6,000-acre Howsing Patent out of which the city of Alexandria was carved in 1749. In 1760 the "Robert" branch of Alexanders was represented by the brothers John Alexander (1711--1764), of Caledon, in the Chotank area of Stafford County, and Col. Gerard Alexander (d. 1761), of Alexandria, whose oldest son, Robert Alexander (d. 1793), is probably the Mr. Alexander mentioned here.
Tuesday May 13th. Cloudy with some slight Showers of Rain. People all working at Muddy hole getting in Stephens's Corn. My Brother Jno. returnd from Difficult.
DIFFICULT: Difficult Run, which empties into the Potomac River between the Great Falls and the Little Falls. From 1757 until 1798 it was the upper half of the boundary between Loudoun and Fairfax counties.
Wednesday May 14th. Wind at No. Wt. fresh and drying. Visited at Belvoir.
People & Plows at Muddy Hole.
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Thursday May 15th. Drying Winds--People at Muddy hole again.
Friday May 16th. Still Cool and Windy--my People yet continuing at Muddy hole. My Brother Jno. left this and I got Nations Estate Appraisd by Messrs. McCarty Barry & Triplet--as follows viz.
Nations's estate still owed GW £1 11s. 1d., but GW wrote off that balance as "given to his Widow" (LEDGER A, 69). Barry is probably John Barry (died c. 1776), the clerk of Pohick Church, an original trustee of the town of Colchester, and a neighbor of Daniel McCarty.
Saturday May 17th. Mulatto Jack returnd from King William with 3 Yoke of Oxen & lost Punch the Horse he rid.
Sent up 16 Hydes to Mr. Adams at Alexa. viz.
Brought a Pipe of Wine from there wch. Captn. McKie brought from Madeira also a Chest of Lemons and some other trifles.
Began weeding my Trefoil below the Hill.
The Great Bay was coverd. Got an Acct. that the Assembly was to meet on Monday. Resolvd to set of to Morrow.
Robert Adam (1731--1789) was born in Kilbride, Scot., migrated to America in the early 1750s, and settled in Alexandria, where he initiated a number of industries, including a tannery.
McKie is possibly Capt. William Macky, who entered his ship into the York River Naval District records, 1 April 1760, as having come from South Carolina, a common port of call in the trade between Chesapeake Bay and the wine islands (P.R.O., C.O.5/1448, f. 25).
GW was a burgess for Frederick County 1758--65. The House of Burgesses had met 4--11 Mar. 1760 to continue the existence of the Virginia Regiment for another six months, but GW had not attended that session (H.B.J., 175861, 157--68). The House met again 19--24 May 1760 to consider an urgent message from Governor Fauquier for men and money to relieve Fort Loudoun on the Little Tennessee River, which was in danger of falling to the Cherokees (H.B.J., 1758--61, 171--79).
Sunday May 18th. Set out in Company with Mr. George Johnston. At Colchester was informd by Colo. Thornton and Chissel that the Assembly wd. be broke up before I could get down.
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Turnd back therefore & found Colo. Fairfax and his Family and that Lightning wch. had attended a good deal of Rain had struck my Quarter & near 10 Negroes in it some very bad but with letting Blood they recoverd.
George Johnston, of Belvale, was a burgess for Fairfax County 1758--65. Colchester, a small settlement of Scottish merchants, lay on Occoquan Creek about eight miles below Mount Vernon. Colonels Thornton and Chissel may have been Col. Presley Thornton, burgess for Northumberland County, and John Chiswell, of Hanover County.
On 23 May the House of Burgesses passed a bill authorizing the raising of £32,000 and up to 700 soldiers plus officers for the relief of Fort Loudoun (H.B.J., 1758--61, 176).
Monday May 19th. Went to Alexandria to see Captn. Littledales Ship Launchd wch. went of extreamely well. This day was attended with slight shower's. Colo. F[airfa]x had a Mare Cover'd. So had Captn. Dalton.
In 1760 Isaac Littledale was establishing his trade between his home in Whitehaven, Eng., and the Potomac River valley. For this trade the Hero, a 200-ton ship which required 14 hands, was built in the Alexandria shipyard in 1760. Littledale was her captain on the maiden voyage.
Tuesday May 20th. Being Court day Mr. Clifton's Land in the Neck was exposd to Sale and I bought it for £1210 Sterlg. & under many threats and disadvantages paid the Money into the Comrs. hands and returnd home at Night with Colo. Fairfax & Famy. Captn. Dalton's Dun Mare again Covd.
The final decree of the General Court in chancery (decree, Clifton v. Carroll et al., 12 April 1760, NjWoG) ordered that the commissioners on 20 May at Alexandria sell at public auction to the highest bidder the lands in Clifton's Neck and that Clifton's creditors then be paid off. The "threats and disadvantages" to GW came from all sides. Thomson Mason threatened to appeal the sale decree; Ignatius Digges and Charles Carroll refused to show up at all to deliver their mortgages, thus barring GW from a clear title; and Carroll had already decided to appeal the case to the Privy Council in London (Charles Carroll of Annapolis to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 26 April, 4 July 1762, CARROLL, 264--69). Finally, Clifton declared he would not vacate the land until 1762, which, among other problems, threatened GW with a two-year loss of rent from the Clifton's Neck tenant farmers (Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe to GW, 27 May 1760, anonymous donor).
Wednesday May 21. Wrote to Messrs. Nicholas & With for Advice how to act in regard to Clifton's Land. Sent the Letter by the Post. A good deal of Rain in the Night.
Colo. Fairfax went home. Began shearing my Sheep. (Dalton's sorrel) Mare coverd.
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In their reply of 27 May 1760 Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe stated they were "sorry to find you are likely to be involved in so much Trouble" and warned GW that they could advise nothing "with any Certainty" (Nicholas and Wythe to GW, 27 May 1760, anonymous donor). After giving their opinion that Mason had a strong case and the Privy Council would probably find for Carroll, they referred GW to his local lawyer, George Johnston.
At this point in the diary GW inserts a lengthy paraphrase on the cultivation of lucerne from Jethro Tull, Horse-Houghing Husbandry: An Essay on the Principles of Vegetation and Tillage (London, 1731). This important British work on scientific agriculture ran through several editions--here GW is quoting the 1751 edition--and was still being published in 1829. GW relied heavily on it in his early years as a farmer; later he would turn to the books and personal communications of Arthur Young.
Material in angle brackets has been taken from DIARIES, 1:164.
Thursday May 22d. Continued shearing my sheep. A good deal of Rain at Night--and Cool as it has been ever since the first Reign on the 12th.
Captn. Dalton had a sorrell Mare coverd.
My Black Mare that came Frederick was Coverd Yesterday & the day before.
Captn. McCarthy had a Mare Coverd the 20th.
Memms.
To have 600 Tobo. Hills Marld at Williamsons quarter--to try the Virtues of it--to do it more effectually, tend 500 Hills of the same Ground witht. Marl giving both equal working and let them fare exactly alike in all Respects.
Illustration from Thomas Hale's Husbandry, London, 1758. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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For an Experimt.
Take 7 Pots (Earthen) or 7 Boxes of equal size and number them.
Then put in No. 1 pld. Earth taken out of the Field below, which is intend, for Wheat--in No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 equal proportion's of the same Earth--to No. 2 put Cow dung--to 3 Marle, 4 <with> Mud from the Marshes <& bottoms> adjoining the [ ] Field, to 5 Mud <tak>en out of the River immediately, to 6 the same Mud lain to Mellow sum time, and to 7 the Mud taken from the Shoreside at low Water where it appears to be unmixd with Clay. Of each an equal quantity--and at the proper Season of Sowing Oats put in each of these Pots or boxes 6 Grains of the largest and heaviest Oats planted at proper distances--and watch their growth and different changes till Harvest.
N.B. To preserve them from Accidents put them in the Garden <and> let the Pots be buried <up> to their brims.
[January]
1st. Fine warm Sun Shine--wind Southerly.
2. Warm, but Mist and Rain.
3. Just the same kind of Weather as Yestery.
4. Ditto.
5. Wind at No. West. Blew hard & grew very Cold.
6. Clear & tolerable warm.
7. Ditto.
8. The morng. fine, but Cloudy & cold afterwards.
9. High wind, but clear & tolerably warm.
10. Fine, clear & warm.
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11. Morng. Lowering, but fine & warm afterwards.
12. White frost & clear in the Morng. but Cloudy afterwd.
13. Wind at N. Wt. very clear, & extrame cold.
14. Wind Do. but not hard--yet very cold & frosty.
15. Do. pretty fresh & very cold & frosty.
16. Wind at So. Wt. very cloudy in the Mg. At 12 begn. to Sn[ow].
17. Wind at No. Et. and Rain till Noon then Mist.
18. Great Sleet, & mist till Noon, then clear Wd. So.
19. Wind So. tolerable clear--but cloudy afternn.
20. Wind Contd. So[uther]ly with Rain, & Warm.
21. So[uther]ly in the Morng. and Rain till Noon--then No[rther]ly & clear.
22. Wind cond. No[rther]ly. Clear, cold, & hard frost.
23. Clear and Moderate--wind Westerly.
24. Fine day. Wind So[uther]ly. Gradual thaw.
25. Warm & So[uther]ly wind in the Mg. Afterwds. at No. Wt.
26. No. Et. in the Morng. So[uther]ly afterwards.
27. Strong So. wind & Rain till 4 P. M. then No. Wt.
28. Wind at So. again & fresh. Clear all day.
29. Wind at Do. till 3 Oclock then No. W. clear all d[ay].
30. So[uther]ly Wind & Cloudy till 9 at Night then No. W. & clear.
31. <N>o. Wt. dear and Cold.
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[February]
1. Snow in the Morning, but clear afterwds.
2. Wind No[rther]ly but mild clear.
3. Wind shifting from East to So. Clear & <warm>.
4. So[uther]ly cloudy & clear by turns--white Frost.
5. So[uther]ly with Rain--gd. very Rotton.
6. Very fine drying day. No wind.
7. W. So[uther]ly, very warm & drying.
8. W. No. Wt. but not hard, fine dear & Warm.
9. Sml. Frost. Wd. No. Et.
10. Do. wind at No. threatning Rain.
11. Clear & fine. Wind Northwardly.
12. Very clear, still and fine.
13. Strong, & warm southerly Wind--clear.
14. Ditto Ditto Do. Do. but cloudy.
15. No. Et. wind and Rain.
16. Morng. cloudy--fair afterwds. & So[uther]ly Wind.
17. Wind at No. W. cloudy & very cold.
18. Cold in the Mg. Moderate afterwds. Wd. So[uther]ly.
19. Fine warm day. Fresh So[uther]ly Wind.
20. Fine Day & little wind.
21. Brisk So[uther]ly Wind & Cloudy with mch. Rain.
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22. So[uther]ly Storm.
23. Fine day. Wind shifting from So. to No. Wt.
24. Fresh So[uther]ly Wind & Cloudy Weather.
25. Wind still So[uther]ly, warm & fine day.
26. So[uther]ly wind Cloudy & a little Rain.
27. So[uther]ly wind & dripping Weather.
28. Little or no Wind till Night then No. Et. & Wet.
29. Rain till 12 Oclock then Wind at No. West.
[March]
1. Cold & Cloudy--wind first at No. Wt. then East[er]ly.
2. Fair day, variable Wind.
3. Southerly Wind & Cloudy.
4. High Westerly Wind--clear & cool.
5. So[uther]ly wind & Rain.
6. Do. fine day.
7. Do. fine Morning but Cloudy Afterwds.
8. No. Et. Wind, and much Rain.
9. No. Et. Wind & Snow by Intervals all day.
10. No. W. Wind & Clear.
11. Ditto--Ditto--somewhat Cold.
12. Southerly Wind--clear & very fine.
13. No. Et. Wind & Incessant Rain.
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14. Do. till Noon.
15. Wind at Do. Cloudy and little Snow.
16. No. Et. Wind and much Snow.
17. Snowd by Intervals all Day.
18. Wind in the Morng. at No. Wt. then So[uther]ly & War[m].
19. Lowg. & Cold, Wind So[uther]ly.
20. Cold No[rther]ly Wind--clear.
21. In the Morng. No. Et. Wind. So[uther]ly afterwards.
22. Cold south[er]ly Wind & Rain.
23. Southerly Wind and Warm.
24. South[er]ly in the Morng. Easterly After.
25. Do. but changeable Weather.
26. No. West & very boisterous.
27. So[uther]ly Wind, fine warm day.
28. Clear, & Warm strong So[uther]ly Wind.
29. Misty Rain at Intervals. Little wind.
30. Fresh & variable Wind, chiefly from So.
31. Do. & fresh, light Showers.
[April]
1. Clear, No. West Wind--a little Cool.
2. So[uther]ly drying Wind & Warm.
3. Do. and fresh, with Clouds.
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4. Clear--So[uther]ly Wind--fresh.
5. So[uther]ly Wind. Rain at Dark.
6. No. Et. Wind. Cool & Cloudy with Rain.
7. So[uther]ly Wind--with Rain. Cloudy all day.
8. Much Rain, wind variable.
9. No. Et. very cloudy sometimes Misty.
10. Do. Do. Do.
11. So. Et. & fresh. Cleard abt. Noon.
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[May]
May 24th. Betty from Riverside Quarter came home Sick & did not again in a Condition to work till the 13th. July fol.
Riverside Quarter, or River Quarter, a newly developed part of the Mount Vernon crop land, was in the 1,806 acres of land GW had bought from William Clifton in 1760. Most of the remaining cleared land in the Neck owned by GW was, in 1760, being worked by tenants. Riverside Quarter became the basis for the larger River plantation (later River Farm) that GW developed in subsequent years.
GW had gone to Frederick County early in May to campaign for reelection to the House of Burgesses. He and George Mercer won the two seats in the assembly despite a determined campaign by GW's old lieutenant from the Virginia Regiment, Adam Stephen (see FREEMAN, 3:55--56, 61--62).
[July]
11th. July. Edward Violette compleated his Planting at Muddy hole Quarter--that is, he planted 25,000 hills on the East side of the Plantn. & replanted all.
The same day Jno. Foster at Dogue Run Quarter finishd his, having 40,000 to plant besides replanting--18,000 of which lying at the south Extreame of the Plantn., 8,000 in the Orchard abt. the House, & the Rest around the New Tobo. House on the East.
N.B. The Reason of noting this late plantg. is to see how it succeeds.
Edward Violette (d. 1773) was overseer at Muddy Hole until he moved to the Bullskin plantation in 1762 (see entry for 27 Oct. 1762).
Friday July 31st. Sowd Turnips--upon which fell a heavy Rain immediately--so that they were neither Rakd nor harrowd in--the seed I mean. In a few days they came up very thick and well.
[August]
Augt. 15th. Sow'd abt. half an Acre of English Turnip Seed adjoining to the above and Raked them in the Ground being dry.
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A tobacco plant from Rembert Dodoeën's Cruydeboeck, Antwerp, 1554. (Arents Collections, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
Elsewhere GW calls his English turnips "Norfolk turnips," from the county in southeast England where the raising of turnips ( Brassica rapa) as a field crop for livestock was highly developed. Tull's method of drilling the seed in rows to permit cultivation by horsedrawn equipment had become a technique of the agricultural revolution in England. Elsewhere GW mentions the Naper turnip, Swedish turnip, winter turnip, and summer turnip.
GW contracted a bad cold during the election campaign in Frederick County in May 1761, which turned into a long, serious illness during the recover his health. Although he felt an improvement after a few weeks at the warm springs, he had a slight relapse while attending the House of Burgesses in October and missed some of the meeting. (On GW's illness, see FREEMAN, 3:62--63, 67--68, 70.)
[September]
Septr. 8. Sowed 12 Bushels of Ray Grass Seed and 2 Bushels of Hop Trafoil in the Inclosure adjoining the Quarter. The Weather was extreamely dry when it was sowd, however their fell a slight Shower that day--as there did likewise the 10th. but not more
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than sufficient to lay the Dust thoroughly. The seed was Harrowed in with a Brush Harrow and it is apprehended buried too deep by that means as none of it appeard till towards the last of the Month after a great deal of Rainy Weather and then of none but the Ray grass. The other is not to be seen at this time Octr. 23d.
RAY GRASS: Lolium perenne, perennial, or English, ryegrass.
[21] Cattle bought at My Bro. John Washington's Sale 21st. Septr. 1761.
The list of cattle has been moved from the flyleaf of the almanac.
[October]
Octr. 15th. Sowed a Bushel of Ray grass seed, a gallon of clean Timothy Seed, and abt. half a Bushel in Chaff of Ditto on my Meadow at Dogue Run quarter. Note this ground at the time of Sowing was very moist--but no Rain fell upon it afterwards Untill the 22d. of the Month, when it raind hard for two days. This Seed was also harrowd in with Bushes. Clean Timothy seed supposd not to be good.
English agriculturist Richard Parkinson wrote that American farmers usually sowed timothy grass, Phleum pratense, alone (PARKINSON, 2:343); here GW is mixing it with ryegrass. In his later years GW depended heavily on timothy, finding it suitable for a hot climate and able to survive in wet pasturelands.
Octr. 22d. Began Captn. Posey's Barn with Turner Crump & Six Carpenters.
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With books such as these, and the skill of his carpenters, Washington continually improved his expanding farms. (Boston Athenaeum)
Roof trusses illustrated in Francis Price's British Carpenter, London, 1768. (Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University)
Turner Crump was hired by GW in Dec. 1760 to oversee GW's slave carpenters at a wage £30 per year. This construction project apparently marked the first time GW contracted Crump and his slave carpenters out to do work for others.
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[January]
Note. Killed this 27th. of Jany.--18 hogs of abt. 15 Months old--and for an experiment weighed them alive, after they had fasted abt. 36 hours.
by which it appears that the odds between gross and Nett Porke shoud be abt. 15 pr. Ct.
HASLLETTS: haslets, the edible viscera of a slaughtered animal.
[February]
9. Began Plowing for Oats.
20. Rented George Ashfords Plantn. to Nelson Kelly for 1000 lbs. Tobo. & Cash.
Sowed a good deal of Tobo. Seed at all my Quarters.
George Ashford of Fairfax County sold GW 135 acres of land on the west side of Dogue Run 13--14 Jan. 1762 for £165 (Fairfax County Deeds, Book E-1, 22--30, Vi Microfilm). Adjoining this land on the north was another 135-acre tract that GW had bought from Ashford's brother John 29--30 Jan. 1761 for £150 (Fairfax County Deeds, Book D-1, 822--27, Vi Microfilm). Both tracts lay on the east side of the land that GW purchased from Simon Pearson on 14 Feb. of 1763, giving him a solid 448-acre section between Dogue Run and the main road from Alexandria to Colchester. Kelly later in the year became overseer of the Dogue Run plantation (see entry for 31 Aug. 1762).
27. Killed 27 Hogs after being Six days coming from Frederick and very well emptied--wch. hogs weighed gross as follows--viz.
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4643 lbs. being the gross wt. I then tryed what they woud weigh nett, after being killd 12 & 18 hours.
The difference between Nett. & gross Porke is 753 by wch. it appears that there is a loss of 16 pr. Ct.
March
2. There having fallen a Snow of abt. 2 Inches depth the Night before--I sowed thereupon, at the Meadow at Fosters, where the grass was entirely destroyd by the Winter's Frosts, Six pecks of Ray grass Seed & three quarts of Timothy Seed mixed well in Ashes.
Also Sowed, from the North Side of the Inclosure by the Quarter, to the Quarter with Ray grass, hop Clover, & Lucerne Mixed--viz. for the whole Inclosure 8 Pecks of Ray seed, 3 ditto of the Clovr., & 1 ditto of the Lucerne--but the Snow dissolving & the Wind coming out very fresh at No. West I was obligd to desist
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and a prodigious severe frost happeng. that Night 'tis to be fear'd the Seed all perished.
In March GW's half brother Augustine Washington died; GW records an expenditure of £2 13s. 3d. for a trip to Westmoreland County to attend the funeral. He undoubtedly gave some advice and help to Augustine's family, but he refused to act as executor, probably because of the distance involved and the press of his own affairs (LEDGER A, 146; FREEMAN, 3:73n; GW to John West, 13 Jan. 1775, DLC:GW). After his trip to Augustine's home, GW traveled to Williamsburg to attend a meeting of the House of Burgesses which began on 30 Mar. At this meeting Governor Fauquier announced that, according to instruction from the assembly in Jan. 1762, the Virginia Regiment had been disbanded. Now, however, there was a possibility of trouble with the Spanish in Florida, and the assembly voted to raise 1,000 troops to form a new regiment (see FREEMAN, 3:74--75).
18th. Agreed to give Turner Crump one Sixth part of what he can make by my Carpenters this Year, which is to commense the 22d. day of Octr. being the time when he began Captn. Poseys Work, and to give him the Seventh of what he can make by them the Year after.
20. Finished Plowing for Oats--abt. 20 Acs.
22. Began Plowg. and Ditchg. the Meadow at George Ashfords.
Also began Sowing & Harrowing in of Oats.
Also, grafted Six trees in the Garden. See Memorandum of this on 'tother side the Book.
24. Burnt Tobo. Beds.
Grafted 5 others of the same Cherry's on Scions standing in a Cluster in the Mint bed.
Also, 3 Bullock hearts (from Colo. Mason) one under the Wall to the right of the gate--2 others under the Wall also, between the 5 Cornation Cherrys & opposite to the Plumb trees.
Also--4 more of the fine early Cherrys from Colo. Masons, between the abo<ve> and the Cherrys which were graf<ted> last year from that tree by the Gra<pe> Vine. These were all upon growg. Sc<ions>.
Grafted likewise in the Peach Orch<ard> 4 More Apricots & in the Apple Orchard 6 more. Note. These Apricots came from the Plantation where Mr. Clifton used to live.
Beginning with the word "Grafted," the remainder of the 24 Mar. entry has been transferred from a dated memorandum on the back cover of the diary.
4 MORE APRICOTS: Prunus armeniaca, apricot. GW does not mention this fruit again in the diaries until 9 Feb. 1785, but other papers show that it was common in his orchards.
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25. Sowed them [tobacco beds] in the following Manner viz. in the first bed next towards the dividing fence Frederick Tobo. Seed--in 2d. Bed Thick joint in 3d. Sweetscented--4th. Johnson's 5th. br[oa]d long Green.
27th. Finished Sowing & harrowing in my Oats. Viz. 44 Bushels.
Also, finished Sowing the grass Seed by Quar[te]r.
29. Engagd my Ferriage at Fredksburg. by the Year of Mr. Jas. Hunter.
James Hunter, Jr. (1746--1788), inherited this Rappahannock River ferry from his father, William, who died in 1754. Since James Jr. was still a minor in 1762, GW must have dealt with his older cousin and guardian, James Hunter, Sr. (d. 1785), a major merchant, planter, and iron manufacturer then of King George County.
30. Sowed in the Meadow at Ashfords, eight Quarts of Timothy Seed four Do. of Lucerne, and three pecks of Hop Trefoil.
April
5. Sowed Timothy Seed in the old Apple Orchard below the Hill.
7. Sowed--or rather sprinkled a little of Ditto on the Oats.
8. to the 10th. Getting Swamp Mud, & laying it in heaps--also got a little of the Creek Mud--Both for tryal as Manures.
14. Inspected 20 Hhds. Tobo.
15. John Foster run away.
21. Sent Jno. Alton to take charge of Plantation.
John Alton (d. 1785), a white servant, worked faithfully for GW for more than 30 years. He accompanied GW as his body servant in the Braddock campaign and later served in various capacities at Mount Vernon. When John Foster ran away from Mount Vernon, GW sent Alton to take over the overseer's duties at the Dogue Run farm. Later in the year Alton was transferred to Muddy Hole to succeed Edward Violette (see entry for 27 Oct. 1762), and at the time of his death was overseer at River Farm. For several years Alton also managed the Mill plantation.
22. Attachts. in my hands for Fosters effects.
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The royal arms of colonial Virginia. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
24. Had the Plantn. viewed.
Herrings run in gt. quantity's.
Planted new gd. at Williamson's.
26. Began to plant Corn at all my Plantation's.
May
3. Mr. Daingerfields Negro Bricklayer Guy came here to work.
Three William Daingerfields were living in Virginia in 1762, all of whom GW knew. Col. William Daingerfield (d. 1769), of Greenfield, Essex County, whom GW had visited in 1752 as he was traveling home from Barbados, had a son and a nephew, both named William. The son William Daingerfield (d. 1781), of Coventry and Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, had served with GW as ensign and lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment and continued in service until the regiment was disbanded in 1762. The nephew William Daingerfield (d. 1783), of New Kent, was a first cousin to Burwell Bassett and lived in the Eltham neighborhood until about 1770, when he removed to Belvidera, just south of Fredericksburg (see RILEY [1], 172). GW hired Guy
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for £30 per year plus room and board and billed Daingerfield for Guy's clothing. Guy remained in GW's service until Oct. 1763.
4. Finished Planting Corn at all Places.
10. Counted the Tobo. Gd. at Doeg Run Qr. as follows--viz.--of
John Gist (d. 1778) was a planter who for many years had rented 106 acres on the east side of Dogue Run from Sampson Darrell--land that came under GW's ownership after his purchase of 500 acres from Darrell in 1757. Gist continued to rent his quarter from GW until 12 Aug. 1760, when GW bought out his lease for £30 (deed of Gist to GW, PHi: Gratz Collection; LEDGER A, 84). Gist apparently moved to Loudoun County.
11. Told my Sheep as follows--viz, & Cut & Markd
Note. The above Includes falling Sheep Ewes & Lambs.
Put 31 hides in Soak for Tanning.
Guy began the Garden Wall, after having built an Oven in the Kitchen, laid the hearth, & repaird the back.
Brought 5 Cows & Calves from Muddy hole.
13. Got a Cask of Leith Ale from Mr. Marshall Piscatwy.
Agreed to do Mr. Bells Work for £59.
Marshall is probably James Marshall, who owned or managed a "Public House of Entertainment" in Piscataway in 1761 ( Md. Gaz., 23 April 1761). Piscataway is on Piscataway Creek in Prince George's County, Md., almost directly across the Potomac from Mount Vernon. At this time it was a
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thriving town made up largely of Scottish merchants engaged in the tobacco trade.
MR. BELLS WORK: On 15 Aug. 1763 GW received £41 15s. 8d. from "Mr. Josias Bell for Carpenters w[ork]" (LEDGER A, 166). Most of GW's carpenters were involved in this work during the summer of 1762 (see entries for 28 June, 19 July, 27 July, and 29 July 1762). Bell was probably Josias Beall (born c. 1725) of Prince George's County, Md.
15. 6 Cows & Calves from S. Johnson. 3 Do. 2 Do. from C.
22. Young Countiss & black Mare Covered by Alexanders Ho[rse].
Alexander is probably Robert Alexander, son of Col. Gerard Alexander and his wife Mary Dent Alexander. It is probable that GW sent some of his mares to Alexander's nearby plantation to be bred, possibly to an English stallion which he had previously sold to Alexander (LEDGER A, 96).
28. Planted abt. 50, or 60,000--being the first--Tobo, put in. Roan's bay & sorrel covered by Mr. Rozers Traveller. English bay & black covered by Aeriel.
Roan may have been John Roan, overseer of Claiborne's, the Custis dower plantation in King William County.
Ariel was a thoroughbred black stallion from the famous Belair stables in Prince George's County, Md. In 1762 he was standing at William Digges's plantation (BELAIR STUD, 56).
Henry Rozer or Rozier (born c.1725), of Prince George's County, Md., lived at Notley Hall, nearly opposite Alexandria (BROWNE, 309; BRUMBAUGH, 1:85). The previous spring he had advertised in the Maryland Gazette: "YOUNG TRAVELLER, now in the Possession of Mr. Henry Rozer, in Prince-George's County, Covers Mares at Two Guineas. He is Five Years old, full Sixteen Hands and an Inch high, was bred by Col. Tasker, got by Mr. Moreton's TRAVELLER in Virginia, and came out of Miss COLVILL" (2 April 1761).
30. Chesnut Mare covered by Alexrs. H[orse] Countis & blk. refused.
Roan Mare & old black coverd by McCartys horse.
Capt. Daniel McCarty (d. 1791) of Mount Air charged GW £3 for "the use of your Horse to 4 Mares" (LEDGER A, 82).
31. White Mare & Rankin covered by Do.
June
1. Guy Sick and did no Work.
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2. Good Season at D[ogue] Run Quartr. planted abt. there.
4. Jno. Askew came to Work.
In 1759 GW hired John Askew (Askin), a local joiner, for £25 per year plus housing. In Oct. 1761 they changed the agreement, GW now paying Askew a per diem wage that amounted to the same £25-per-year rate. For a 5-day week with 11 holidays per year Askew's pay would come to 2s. per day. Hence, as Askew was paid per day, GW kept track of any absence or return to work by Askew.
7. Jno. Askew came to Work.
8. Roan Mare took McCartys Horse.
Old black--took--Do.--Do.
9. Rankin's--took--Do.--Do.
White--refused Do.--Do.
English Mare refused Alexrs. Horse.
13. Recd. a Pipe of Wine.
Hogs at Mill--viz.
Blaze Mare refused horse.
14. English Mare refused Do.
17. Began Mowing Meadow on C[ree]k side.
Planted at Orchard point--Craiks and Cowpen my 5 sorts of Tobo. as follow
At the point 100 hills of each sort in undunged gd. & 100 of dunged
The 1st. Row next Tobo. bed Fred[eric]k & so on as they were sowed in March last then begg. with the same & so on alternately.
The same Order observe at Craiks begg. next Greek & in the Cowpen next Wood.
Orchard Point was apparently a point of land on Clifton's Neck at the mouth of Little Hunting Creek (see "Observations" entry for 14 July 1768). On his
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1766 map of River Farm, GW refers to a point of land across the creek from this as Old Orchard Point ( GW Atlas, pl. 3).
19. Finished Mowing 2 Meadows--& Makg. Hay. Note 5 hands can easily cut both in two days.
Rankin Covered by McCarty's horse.
2 Steers & Cow & Calf from Dogue Run.
20. Roan Mare & old black took horse.
22. Hay in both Meadows Cured & stacked.
25. Began clearing at Rivr. Side Quarter.
27. Rankin covered by McCartys horse.
28. Corn planted in Tobo. Grd. at Muddy hole R[ive]r[side Quarter]. Will George & Ned went to Work at Bells.
29. Replanted Tobo.--poor Season--corn replanted just coming up. Much hurt by B< >.
30. Good Season--planted best part of Tobo. gd.
[July]
1st. Roan Mare took McCartys horse.
Black Do. Do. Do. Do.
3. Recd. 494 bushls. Oyster Shells.
4. My Mares came from Mr. Rozers.
MY MARES: the mares sent to Rozer's to be bred (see entry for 28 May 1762).
7. Broached pipe of Wine.
8. Finished plantg. & replantg. at all Qrs.
9. 10. Cut my wheat at R[iverside] Qr. & Ck. Do. Also finished first cuttg. of Hay.
12 Finished plowg. gal. behind Garden.
Carpenters went to Reapg. at Poseys.
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13. Mares brot. from Mr. Digges's.
GW brought back his English bay and black mares which had been sent to William Digges's plantation to be bred (see entry for 28 May 1762).
14. Counted my Sheep as follows--
15. Nancy Gist left this.
Nancy Gist, daughter of Christopher and Sarah Howard Gist, had gone to live with William Fairfax's family at Belvoir in 1757 while her father was on the frontier, first as a captain with the Virginia Regiment, then as deputy to Edmund Atkin, superintendent for Indian affairs in the southern colonies (William Fairfax to GW, 17 July 1757, DLC:GW; GW to Sally Fairfax, 25 Sept. 1758, WRITINGS, 2:292--94; TRIMBLE, 145--47). She never married and after her father's death in 1759 went to live with one of her brothers.
19. Will, George, Sam, & Mike went to Bells agn.
20. Recd. my Goods from the Unity--Captn. Robson.
Bot. Frederick & Judy of Mr. Lewis.
Began grubg. my Meadow. Note sometimes 4, & sometimes 6 hands at Wk.
Capt. William Robson of the Unity carried a large shipment of goods which GW had ordered from Robert Cary & Co. on behalf of himself and the two
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A typical tobacconist's trade card. (Trustees of the British Museum)
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Custis children. The complete order amounted to £463 15s. 8d. and included such items as a new still, clothing, china, food, farm equipment, and books (invoices of goods shipped to GW, 1754--66, DLC:GW). GW wrote Cary & Co. on 18 Sept. 1762 that everything had arrived except some shoes. "There must likewise have been a mistake in Shipping the Plows, for many of the most material parts being wanting, the rest, according to the Bill of Parcells, is entirely useless, and lye upon my hands a dead charge" (DLC:GW).
FREDERICK & JUDY: On this date GW paid £115 to Col. Fielding Lewis for two Negroes (LEDGER A, 146).
26. Sowed a little of each kind of Seed that came in, in the Garden to try their goodns.
Opened a Cask bottled Porter contg. as follows
27. Crump went over to Bells to work.
29. Tom also went over.
31. Guy finished the 3 sides of Garden all to Capp[in]g Pill[a]r. B. Mitchell went away.
Burgess Mitchell of Maryland had been employed 1 May 1762 by GW as overseer of the Home House plantation, the farm on which the mansion house was located. He was to work until the end of October, for which GW was to pay him £6 plus his levy and tax and to provide him with laundry services, lodging, and food. According to the terms of the agreement, if Mitchell did not fulfill his obligations satisfactorily he could be "turned of at any season between this" and the last of October and would forfeit his wages (agreement of Mitchell with GW, 1 May 1762, DLC:GW). He left before the six months were up.
[August]
2. Philip Fletcher came to making Bricks.
Sowed a Bushel of Buckwheat in Sandy grd. at Ch[arle]s C[rai]ks.
Philip Fletcher was paid £14 10s. for making 78,000 nine-inch bricks, 2,125 tiles for the garden wall, and 1,080 nine-inch-square flooring tiles (LEDGER A, 130).
After this early trial of Fagopyrum esculentum, buckwheat, GW appears to
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have neglected it as a crop for many years. He next begins to experiment with it when he receives 50 bushels from Leven (Levin) Powell of Loudoun County, as he notes in his entry of 1 Dec. 1786. When Powell sent him several more bushels in April 1787, he included a letter advising GW on raising the crop and explaining that it was fed to cows and horses as a meal mixed with straw or chaff. GW planned to use it both as livestock feed and as green manure to be plowed under. Seven years later he was still learning how to raise the crop. When the Whiskey Rebellion called him into rural Pennsylvania in 1794, he paused at Reading to write William Pearce at Mount Vernon some observations he had made on the methods used by Pennsylvania farmers. Eventually he gave up buckwheat completely, believing that it depleted as much as it enriched the soil.
3. Inspected 11 hogsheads--Tobo. H[untin]g C[ree]k Warehouse.
5. Sowed Turnip Seed.
12. Sowed Rye & Hop Trefoil behind Garden.
RYE: Secale cereale, important to GW in sheep husbandry and in his overall plan when in later years he had developed a seven-year crop rotation. He usually grazed sheep on the young rye, withdrawing them in time to produce a grain crop.
16. Began Sowing Wheat at River Quarter.
20. Began beating Cyder at Ditto.
Recd. 1 hhd. Molasses qty. 120 Gals. & 1 Barl. Sugar wt. 254 lb. of Colo. Walke.
Also recd. of Mr. Thos. Thompson leathr, as follows Viz.
Col. Anthony Walke (1692--1768), of Fairfield, Princess Anne County, was a merchant based in Norfolk who imported rum and sugar from the West Indies. By 1762 his son Anthony Walke (1726--1782) had become a partner in the business. In his LEDGER A, 118, GW records Thompson's first name as William.
21. Recd. 70 Bags of Salt--abt. 280 Bushels.
25. Began Sowing Wheat at Creek Quartr.
30. Began Sowing wheat at Muddy hole.
Began cutting Creek Meadow.
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31. Winney came from Mountain Quarter.
Agreed with Nelson Kelly to Overlook Gists &ca.
MOUNTAIN QUARTER: Bullskin plantation. Winney may be the slave of the same name who was a house servant at Mount Vernon from 1766 until some time after 1773 (Toner Transcripts, DLC).
According to articles of agreement signed the following day, Kelly, described as a "Planter," was to oversee the next year's tobacco and corn crops at GW's "quarters on Doegs Run known by the names of Gists and Ashfords" and in return he was to receive a part of the crops, some meat provisions, and a cash bonus on the tobacco (DLC:GW).
[September]
8. Carried the last of my Tobo. to H[ untin ]g C[ree]k W[are-house].
Finished sowing Wheat at Muddy hole 15 [ ].
13. Began getting Fodder at Muddy hole.
[October]
4. Put up 4 Hogs for forwd. Bacon at R[iver] Side.
GW had left Mount Vernon for Frederick County 3 Oct. and did not return until eight days later (GW to George W. Fairfax, 30 Oct. 1762, PHi: Dreer Collection).
12. 13. Sowed Rye at Muddy hole.
18. Planted 4 Nuts of the Medateranean Pine in Garden close by the Brick Ho[use].
23. At Night set fire to brick Kiln.
26. Put up at Muddy hole 21 hogs
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27. Stopd Kiln holes about 2 oclock.
Ned Violette moved off for Frederick & John Alton to Muddy hole.
30. Sowed 3 pints of Timothy Seed below my Meadow at Ashfords.
Note--A small part on the So. West Side not broke up, but very light notwithstanding.
[November]
4. Killed four hogs from Rivr. sid[ e ] Quarter. Nett wt . . . 435 lbs.
10. Set of for Williamsburg & returnd Decr. 1st.
GW apparently repeated his practice of visiting the Custis plantations on his way to Williamsburg and probably arrived in that city on 15 Nov., when he took his seat in the House of Burgesses. The fourth session of the 1761--65 assembly had begun on 2 Nov. 1762 and was a busy one, passing 44 acts before its prorogation on 23 Dec. As the assembly tended to do most of its major work in the middle half of a session, GW was present for consideration of most of the major bills, including some which must have had particular interest for him. Among the bills passed were four that concerned military affairs; one for encouraging local manufactures; one for enlarging the growing town of Alexandria; and one for enlarging the boundaries of Truro Parish, to whose vestry he had just been elected in October. While in Williamsburg, GW stayed at Christiana Campbell's tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street near the Capitol. He also tended to some personal and financial concerns: he paid Anthony Walke for the sugar and rum delivered the previous August, collected some of his burgess's allowances which, under the new act, allowed him 15s. per diem plus £7 10s. travel expenses per session, and visited his barber.
29. 28 hogs & 2 Beeves come from Bullskin.
30. Killed the above Hogs & 6 from Mudy. hol[e] & 10 from Doeg Run-wt. Nett.
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[December]
4. Finished Measg. & Lofting Corn.
6. 94 Barrls. Corn in great Corn Ho[use] at Muddy hole--when they began to use it.
Mr. Adams 8 Sheep from Mudy. hole.
GW records this delivery to Robert Adam of Alexandria in his LEDGER A, 133, as "8 Fat Sheep."
15. 8 Ditto from Doeg Run.
Killed 28 Hogs viz.
GW made the above entries in The Virginia Almanack for the current year, as was his custom. The 1762 edition, like many eighteenth-century almanacs, contained a printed section of proverbs and anecdotes, appearing in this case near the end of the volume. Of the 100 items there, GW marked 15 with an X, apparently indicating that he found them especially interesting or amusing.
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[March]
Brought to D. Run Plantn. 3 of my Stray Steers.
2. Seven young Pigs at R[iver] Side Qr.
6. Eight Do. at Muddy hole.
9. By this lost 3 of my Sheep viz. a Ram & two young Ewes.
10. Brot. a strayed Heifer of mine to Rivr. Side Qr.
April 24, 1763
At my Plantation in King William
M 190 Corn holes good Tale.
M 170 Tobo. Hills Do. Do.
M 190 CORN HOLES: That is, 190,000 corn holes. GW frequently used the roman numeral M to indicate one thousand.
[May]
At Bridge Quarter
Overseer--Cluning
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At Ship Landing
May 13. Told my sheep & cut & Marked Lambs as follows--viz.
Tobo. Ground belonging to Muddy hole
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[June]
24. Began to cut Timothy at Ashfords.
30. Finished Do.--2 days Rain in the time.
On 3 June 1763, GW attended the initial meeting, probably at Stafford Court House, of a group of Potomac valley men who were interested in developing western lands. This meeting followed by only four months the Treaty of Paris, in which France renounced all claim to lands west of the Appalachian Mountains, thus opening these lands to settlement by the American colonists. To this end colonial land companies began forming, and one of the first was the Mississippi Company, organized at this meeting. The regulations agreed upon provided for a limit of 50 members (there were never more than 40), each of whom was to get 50,000 acres, and none of whom could transfer his interest without approval of the company, thus protecting the company from infiltration by members of rival land companies. Assessments were to be provided for as needed. The company would be run by a ten-member executive committee, which was to execute the decisions of the annual meeting of the full company (Mississippi Company regulations, 3 June 1763, DLC:GW; CARTER [1], 109).
[July]
1st. Began to cut Rye by Garden.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Cut and secured all my Wheat (by Stacking) at River & Creek Quarters--abt. 60 Acres. Carpenters, Smiths, & home Gang employd.
Writing to Burwell Bassett 5 July, GW reported that his wheat crop was largely destroyed by rust and other defects, "and our Crops of Indian Corn and Tobacco in a manner lost in Weeds and Grass, occasioned by continual and excessive Rains" (WRITINGS, 2:401).
11. Cut & Stacked wheat at Mudy. hole & Cut Rye there.
12. 13. Cut & Stackd Do. at Dogue Run & Stackd Rye at Muddy hole.
14. 15. 16. & 18. Cut & made Hay of Clover at River Quarter with part of & the hands--the Rest Workg. at D[ogue] R[un].
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19. 20. Cutg. Hay at Hell hole.
21. 22. Makg. Do.--Rainy.
23. People doing Jobs.
25. 26. 27. Cutting & makg. Hay at Sein Landg.
28. 29. Cut Timothy Seed at Ashfords & new topd. the stack there.
Note. This seed was cut too soon & did not stand long enough in the field wch. occasioned gt. loss.
30. Doing Jobs.
[August]
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Cutting curing and Stackg. Hay from Creek Meadow.
Note. Too late cutting Hay for first Crop this year.
15. Sowed Turnips at Muddy hole.
16. Sowed Do. at Rivr. Quartr.
Do. at home in Peach Orchard--English seed from Clifton & Posey.
17. Sowed Do. below Garden. Seed from England.
18. Ditto in Apple Orchard. Some English seed & some Country Do.
Sowed likewise at Creek Qr. & Doeg Run--Country Seed.
Note. No Rain upon them until the < > Inst.
20. Counted sheep pr. List Inclosd.
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26. Sowed a little English cloverseed at Quince tree in Garden to see if it was good.
QUINCE TREE: Cydonia oblonga, an unimportant fruit in GW's orchard scheme.
29. Began sowing Wheat at Muddy hole.
31. In Turnips below garden and Peach Orchard sowed about a Peck of Spelts in Drills--also abt. a Hat ful in Apple Orchard lower corner.
Spelt is Triticum aestivum var. spelta or any other variety of wheat in which the chaff adheres to the grain. It therefore cannot be threshed like other wheats but must be milled. GW raised white and black varieties.
[September]
1st. Observed that my yg. Corn was just beginning to show, occasioned by Rains falling abt. the 25th. Quere has it time to make or Ripen.
2. Sowed a Bushel & half of Winter Barley on an Acre of Ground in Apple Orchard.
3. 4. Sowed Rye in Ditto & began Stilling Cyder.
8. Agreed with Thomas Nichols a farmer to Overlook my People at Home & work wt. them for £20.
9. Began to sow wheat at C[ree]k Qrs.
On this day GW attended the first annual meeting of the Mississippi Company, held at Thomas Ludwell Lee's home, Belleview, on the south side of Potomac Creek in Stafford County. At the meeting the company agreed upon a formal memorial to the crown, appointed William Lee treasurer-secretary, and chose its ten-member executive committee, which was to meet semiannually at Westmoreland Court House. GW was not one of the ten, probably because the members were chosen on the basis of their proximity to the meeting place; John Augustine Washington, who lived in Westmoreland County, was on the committee. GW paid his company quota of £8 5s. for hiring an agent in England who was to prosecute the memorial and also invite into the company not more than nine English members "of such influence and fortune as may be likely to promote its success" (CARTER [1], 170). The meeting also authorized special meetings of the full company.
Four weeks after this meeting the crown promulgated the Proclamation
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Line of 1763, which prohibited any settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. Although GW later observed to William Crawford (21 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW) that he could "never look upon that Proclamation in any other light . . . than as a temporary expedient to quiet the Minds of the Indians and must fall of course in a few years," the presence of the Line, coupled with the instability of British ministries during the 1760s and the claims of competing land companies, caused the Mississippi Company's petition to remain dormant for the next four years.
10. Began to sow Do. at Rivr. Qr.
12. Began to sow Do. at Doag Run.
Finished sowing Do. at Muddy hole 25 <Bls.>
15. Planted in 11 holes on the West side of the Garden 22 English Walnuts.
17. Began to sow Rye at Muddy hole.
19. Began getting fodder at Do.
21. Frost bit Tobacco at D[ogue] Run.
22 Frost bit Do. at Do. and at Muddy hole also bit Fodder very much.
Began to get fodder at Creek Quarter.
[October]
1st. Finished sowing 7 Bushels of Spelts in 7 Acres of Corn Ground at Muddy hole--the Sowing of which was began the day before.
Novembr.
4. Finished sowing Wheat at Doeg Run--viz. 33 Bushls. in the large Cut 24 in the next adjoining 4½ by the Gate & 3 in the other Tobo. Ground. In all 64½ Bushels.
5. Finished Sowing Wheat at C[ ree ]k Qr. in all 32½ Bushls. Finished sowing Do. at River Qr. in all 47½ Bushels.
7. Put up 10 Hogs to fatten at River Quarter.
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8. Put up 15 to fatten at Mudy. Hole.
9. Put up 24 to fatten at Doeg Run.
Got done Sowing Wheat at the Mill & home House viz. 32 at the first and 4½ at the last.
15. Put up 10 Hogs at Doeg Run from the Mill.
18. Killed 5 Hogs from Creek Quartr. nett wt.--590 lbs.
Memorandoms--March 21st.
Grafted 40 Cherrys--viz.
Grafted 12 Magnum Bonum Plums beginning at the further part of the Second Row.
Planted 4 Nuts of the Mediterranean Pine in the Pen where the Chesnut grows--sticks by each.
Note the Cherrys & Plums came from Collo. Mason's--Nuts from Mr. Gr[een].
Set out 55 cuttings of the Madeira Grape--viz.--31 in finishing the 2d. row where the Plums are and 24 in the next beginning at the hither end--these from Mr. Greens.
GRAFTED 40 CHERRYS: All the cherries mentioned here and elsewhere originated in England; the sweet varieties are Prunus avium, the sour P. cerasus, and the duke cherries P. avium regalis. Here GW is grafting the Bullock, or Ox Heart, a dark red cherry with large, heart-shaped fruit which ripened in July; one of several varieties of May cherries, and the Carnation, a large and handsome light red cherry highly esteemed for making brandy and preserves (DOWNING, 194). The Magnum Bonum plum was also known as the egg plum in American gardens, occurring in both white and yellow forms.
MEDITERRANEAN PINE: probably Pinus pinea, the Italian stone pine, native to Italy and southern Europe and often cultivated for its edible kernels. Nurseryman Bernard McMahon listed it as a desirable planting in his CALENDAR [1], 273, and it still is a popular landscaping tree in the South, but not hardy in Virginia. Peter Collinson sent seeds of this species to John
Arrangement of an orchard from Batty Langley, New Principles of Gardening, London, 1728. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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Custis, Williamsburg, from England, but in 1738 Custis reported that he had been unable to save the seedlings he produced (SWEM, 69, 74).
COLLO. MASON: George Mason (1725--1792), one of GW's neighbors, lived at Gunston Hall, located about 16 miles south of Alexandria on Pohick Bay. Mason was an enthusiastic farmer and he and GW frequently exchanged views on agriculture as well as on political events. Mason was a trustee of Alexandria, a member of the Truro Parish vestry, a justice of Fairfax County, and treasurer of the Ohio Company. Although he disliked holding public office, he served briefly in the House of Burgesses and for a number of years in the House of Delegates and exerted considerable influence on the political thought of his Virginia contemporaries.
22. Transplanted to the Corner of the Borders by Garden House a Cherry Graft--from the Cherry tree at the other Corner of the said Bord<er> by the first Fall.
26. Grafted 12 Quinces on Pear and Apple Stocks and planted them next the vines in Bd. [Border] Row in Nurs<ery>.
Also grafted 10 of a pretty little early (June) Pear from Collo. Mason's and planted them at the end of the Quinces except 3 wch. begins the 4th. Row at the other end.
Transplanted about 350 hundd. young Crab Scions from Creek Quarter into the Nursery.
30. Grafted, & planted as followeth.
viz.
12 Spanish pairs from Collo. Masons. They hang till November & are a very valuable Fruit--these stand next the little early pair in the 4 Row beging. with the 4th. Tree in the said Row.
Also grafted 12 Butter pears from Collo. Masons--these esteemed among the finest pears, & stand next the Spanish pears.
Grafted 10 black Pear of Worcester from Collo. Mason's next the Butter Pear--these are a large course fruit for baking.
Grafted 10 of the Winter Boon Chrns.--from Collo. Masons--who had them from Collo. Fairfx. who praises them much--these begin the 5th Row next Grass Ground.
Grafted 8 of the Summer Boon Chrns. next these. From Do. who had them from Do. &ca.
Grafted 10 of the Bergamy Pears from Collo. Masons next the Sumr. Boon. These are a very fine Fruit but Co<arser> than most other English Pears.
Grafted 10 of the New Town Pippin from Collo. Masons who had them from Mr. Presidt. Blair.
Grafted 43 of the Maryland Red Strick--had the Grafts from Mr. Win. Digges--these are the whole of the 6th. Row.
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George Mason, Washington's neighbor at Gunston Hall. (Mr. S. Cooper Dawson, Jr.)
WINTER BOON: GW means Bon Chrétien pears. There are several varieties, summer, fall, and winter.
The Newtown Pippin apple was developed on Long Island, proved most popular, and is now called the Albemarle Pippin because of its association with the orchards of Albemarle County, Va. When he writes "Strick," GW means "Streak." Downing describes a "Red Streak" variety and calls it a good cider apple. An English Redstreak was offered for sale by nurseryman Philip Walten of Baltimore in 1788. George Mason used the Redstreak for cider and sent GW a quantity of it 5 April 1785, cautioning him that it would not be ready for drinking until May. Mason suggested that if GW decided to drink some while it was still sweet, he ought to grate a little ginger into it to make it "much more grateful to the Stomach" (Mason to GW, 5 April 1785, DLC:GW).
John Blair (1687--1771), of Williamsburg, became a member of the council in Virginia in 1745. Upon Governor Dinwiddie's return to England in Dec. 1757, Blair took the oaths as president of the council and served as acting governor until the arrival of Gov. Francis Fauquier in June 1758. During that period GW, as commander of the Virginia Regiment, reported to Blair.
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Editorial note. The following entry, recording details of GW's visit to the Dismal Swamp, appears faintly in pencil on the front of the 1763 diary and is repeated, in ink, in the diary for 1764. Variations between the two texts are minor. Although the entry is dated 15 Oct., it covers his first visit to the swamp in May, while he was attending meetings of the General Assembly in Williamsburg. The notes apparently were prompted by his second visit to the area in October, during which he did not enter the swamp.
The Dismal Swamp, in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, is a coastal swamp about twenty miles long which at one time extended over some two thousand square miles. It is geologically unusual in that it is higher than the surrounding land, and water drains out of it rather than into it. At its center is Lake Drummond, about three miles across, which GW calls "the Pond" (see main entry for 28 Oct. 1768).
In 1763 GW and several partners including Fielding Lewis and Burwell Bassett formed a company, "Adventurers for Draining the Dismal Swamp," and the General Assembly of Virginia empowered them to construct canals and causeways through private land without being subject to suits for damages (HENING, 8:18). The purpose of the undertaking was to harvest lumber while the swamp was draining and to farm the land once it became dry. Early developers including Washington showed little interest in the digging of a canal for boat tragic between Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound, a project which was accomplished a generation later. Although GW acquired land in the area and helped to finance some draining, his interest waned about twenty years after the following memorandum was written. His Dismal Swamp activities will be dealt with more fully in notes accompanying his correspondence on the subject.
Here GW documents a trip from Suffolk, down the west side of the swamp, across the Perquimans River to a site near present-day Elizabeth City, N.C., then back along the eastern side of the
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The Dismal Swamp is shown in this detail from a manuscript map of 1749 by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson. (Manuscripts Department, University of Virginia Library)
swamp to Suffolk. Among the landowners named by GW were some from the prominent Nansemond County families of Riddick, Sumner, and Norfleet. Mills Riddick, from whom GW later bought land, was a member of the House of Burgesses for many years.
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15 Octobr. 1763
Memm. From Suffolk to Pocoson Swamp is reckoned about 6 Miles, and something better than 4 perhaps 5 Miles from Collo. Reddicks Mill run (where the Road x's it). The land within this distance especially after passing Willis Reddicks is Level & not bad. The banks down to this (Pocoson) Swamp declines gradually, and the Swamp appears to be near 75 yds. over, but no Water in it at present. Note--Mills Riddicks Plantn. seems to be a good one the land being level and stiff. So does Henry Riddicks above.
From Pocoson Swamp to Cyprus Swamp (which conducts more Water into the great Dismal than any one of the many that leads into it) is about 2½ Miles. This also is dry at present, but appears to be 60 or 65 yards across in the wettest part.
The next Swamp to this is called Mossey Swamp and distant about 3 Miles. Near this place lives Jno. Reddick on good Land, but hitherto from Pocoson Swamp, the land lyes flat, wet, & poor. This Swamp is 60 yards over and dry.
Between Cyprus Swamp, and the last mentioned one, we went on horse back not less than ½ a Mile into the great Swamp (Dismal) without any sort of difficulty, the horse not sinking over the fetlocks--the first quarter however abounding in Pine and Gallbury bushes, the soil being much intermixed with Sand but afterwards it grew blacker and richer with many young Reeds & few pines and this it may be observed here is the nature of the Swamp in general.
From Mossey Swamp to a branch and a large one it is, of Oropeak (not less than 80 yards over) is reckoned 4 Miles--two Miles short of which is a large Plantation belonging to one Brindle near to which (on the South side) passes the Carolina line.
The Main Swamp of Oropeak is about ½ a Mile onwards from this, where stands the Widow Norflets Mi<ll> & luke Sumners Plantations. This Sw<amp> cannot be less than 200 yards across but does not nevertheless discharge as much Water as Cyprus Swamp.
At the Mouth of this Swamp is a very large Meadow of 2 or 3000 Acr<es> held by Sumner, Widow Norflet, Marmaduke Norflet, Powel & others & valuable ground it is.
From Oropeak Swamp to loosing Swamp is about 2 Miles, and this 70 yards across.
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Extent of the Dismal Swamp is seen in this section of the Fry-Jefferson map of 1751, showing portions of Virginia and North Carolina. (Tracy W. McGregor Library, University of Virginia)
From hence again to Bassey Swamp the lower Road may be allowed 2 Miles More but Swamp seems trifling.
And from Bassey Swamp to Horse Pool (which is the last, & including Swamp running into the Dismal) is about 2 Miles more & 35 yards across only.
The whole Land Pocoson Swamp to this place and indeed all the way to Pequenmen Bridge is in a manner a dead level--wet & cold in some places--sandy in others and generally poor.
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This last named Swamp--viz. the Horse pool, is called 9 Miles from the upper Bridge on Pequemin River; within a Mile of which lives one Elias Stallens, and within 5 Miles is the lower Bridge--from whence to the bridge, or Ferry over little River is 15 measured Miles the course nearly due South as it likewise is from Suffolk to the said Bridge the Dismal running that course from that place.
From little River Bridge (or Ferry) to Ralphs Ferry on Paspetank is (I think we were told) abt. 16 Miles, the course East or No. East; and from thence if the ferry is not crossed along up the West Side of the River to the Rivr. Bridge of the said Paspetank is reckoned--Miles and about a No. Wt. course the Dismal bordering close upon the left all the way.
Note--the above Acct. is from Information only, for instead of taking that Rout, we crossed from Elias Stallens (one Miles above the upper bridge on Pequemin) across to a set of People which Inhabit a small slipe of Land between the said River Pequemen & the Dismal Swamp and from thence along a new cut path through the Main Swamp a Northerly course for 5 Miles to the Inhabitants of what they call new found land which is thick settled, very rich Land, and about 6 Miles from the aforesaid River Bridge of Paspetank. The Arm of the Dismal which we passed through to get to this New land (as it is called) is 3¼ Miles Measured--Little or no timber in it, but very full of Reeds & excessive Rich. Thro. this we carried horses--without any great difficulty.
This Land was formerly esteemed part of the Dismal but being higher tho' full of Reeds People ventured to settle upon it and as it became more open, it became more dry & is now prodigeous fine land but subject to wets & unhealthiness.
It is to be observed here that the tide, or still Water that comes out of the Sound up Pequemen River flows up as high as Stallens, and the River does not widen much untill it passes the lower Bridge some little distance. At Ralphs ferry upon Paspetank the River is said to be 2 Miles over, and decreases in width gradually to the bridge called River bridge, where it is about 30 yards across and affords sufficient Water for New England Vessels to come up and Load.
From what observations we were capable of making it appeared, as if the swamp had very little fall (I mean the Waters out of the great Swp.) into the heads of these Rivers which seems to be a demonstration that the Swamp is much lower on the South & East Sides because it is well known that there is a pretty considerable
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Stylized artist's view of the Dismal Swamp. (Library of Congress)
fall on the West side through all the drains that make into Nansemond River & the Western Branch of Elizabeth at the North End of the Dismal.
From the River Bridge of Paspetank to an Arm of the Dismal at a place called 2 Miles Bridge is reckoned 7 Miles, & a branch of Paspetank twice crossed in the distance.
This Arm of the Dismal is equally good & Rich like the rest & runs (as we were informed) 15 or 20 Miles Easterly, and has an outlet (as some say) into Curratuck Inlet by No. West River, or Tulls C[ree]k but these accts. were given so indistinctly as not to be relied upon. However it is certain I believe that the Water does drain of at the East end somewhere, in which case a common causay through at the crossing place would most certainly lay all that Arm dry.
From this place wch. is 2 Miles over to the Carolina line is about 4 Miles, and from thence to No. West landing on No. West Rivr. a branch of Curratuck, is 3 Miles more.
Note--the Carolina line crosses the Swamp in a West Direction, and is 15 Miles from the place where it enters to its coming out
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of the same near Brindles Plantation. Flats and small Craft load at No. West landing.
To the great Bridge from No. West landing is accounted 12 Miles the Lands good,as they are on all this (East) side and highly esteemed valued in general according to the Propretors own Accts. from 20/. to £3. acre but we were told they were to be had for less. This gt. Bridge is upon the South Branch of Elizabeth River & abt. 10 Miles for Norfolk and heads in the Dismal as does likewise No. West River Paspetank little River & Pequemen.
From the Great Bridge to Collo. Tuckers Mills is about 8 Miles within distance several small Creeks making out of South Rivr. head up in the Dismal.
Farleys Plantation at the Forks of the Road is reckoned 5 Miles from the aforesaid Mills near to which the dismal runs.
From hence to Robert's Ord[inar]y is 6 Miles and from thence to Suffolk 10 more. The lands from the Great Bridge to within a
Lake Drummond, in the center of the Dismal Swamp, shown in an early survey. (Library of Congress)
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Mile or two of Roberts's is generally sandy & indifferent. From hence to Cowpers Mill they are good & from thence to Collo. Reddicks Mean again.
Note--from the River B. on Paspetank to the Great Bridge on South River the Road runs nearly North and from thence to Farleys Plantation it seems to be about West from this again to Collo. Reddicks (or Suffolk) So. Wt. and from thence to Pequemen B. & little Rivr. South as beforemend. the Swamp bordering near to the Road all the way round--in some place close adjoining & in others 2 and 3 Miles distant.
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March
29. Grafted as follows viz.
8 Bullock Heart Cherry's: these are a fine large bla: Cherry, ripe in May, but not early. They begin the first Row in the Nursery next the Quarter--& at that end next to the Ray Grass Field. Between these and the rest a Stake is drove. Then--
8 of the finest early May Cherry--ending at another Stick. Then--
6 of the large Duke Cherry, ending at a stick likewise all in the same Row. These three Cherrys from Collo. Mason's. From hence to the end of the Row are Cherry Scions for Grafting upon another year.
Grafted also--12 Magnum Bonum Plumbs beginning the 2d. Row at the end next Ray Grass, & ending at a stake. From hence to the end of the Row are Plumb Scions for grafting upon--another year. Note the Magnum Bonum Plumb from Collo. Mason's.
In the 3d. Row (beging. next Ray Grass) the 1st. 4. & 5th. trees are of a pritty little early (June) pair from Collo. Masons.
The 2, 3, 6th. and to the 15th. tree Inclusive (at the end of which a stake is drove) are the bla: Pear of Worcester--from Collo. Mason--a large course Pear for Baking.
Then 10 Bergamy Pears from Ditto, ending at a Stake. These are a very fine fruit but Cou<rser> than most other English Pears.
Grafted also--the 3d. Row aforesd. continued.
Then--after the 10 Bergamy Pears--one of the Summer Boon Chrn. [bon Chrétien pear]. This from Collo. Mason who had them from Collo. Fairfax--who praises them much.
From hence to the end of the Row are apple Scions to Graft upon.
4th. Row all apple Scions to continue Pear Grafts upon next year.
5th. Row--beginning at the end next to Cherry Walk are first 15 New Town Pippins from Collo. Mason--who had them from Mr. President Blair. These end at a Stake & the Remainder of the Row & all the
6th. Row are Maryland red Stricks--68 in number.
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In the almanacs that he used for his diaries, Washington often used symbols which are discussed on p. 329. (Library of Congress)
Note the last years Grafts from Mr. Digges--this Collo. Mason.
Grafted also--In the 7 Row, 43 Gloucester White Apple. 8 Row beginning Next Ray Grass 7 more of Do. (in all 50) endg. at a Stake. Note these from Collo. Mason.
In the border just above the 2 Fall in the Garden Grafted one of the fine early May Cherry--Collo. Mason.
Note this is the 2d. Graff in the Border & stands nearest the middle walk.
All the old standard varieties of pear were derived from Pyrus communis, the European species. In the first catalogue of fruits published in America, gardener William Prince advertised the "black pear of Worcester, or Parkinson's warden." It is "dirty brown in color" and does against a wall (HITT, 344). A horticulturist writing in 1950 reported that trees of this
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variety are said to be more than 200 years old (HEDRICK, 35). There were several kinds of Bergamot, and the Autumn Bergamot may have been raised in England in the time of the Caesars. GW is following English custom in calling it a "Bergamy."
The Gloucester White apple does not appear to be a common variety; GW may simply be describing it on the basis of where he got it. A Gloucester Cheese variety is named in WATSON [1], 296--97.
[June]
5. Got one load of Hay from Peach Orchard weight 483 lbs.
6. Got the rest in viz. 1979
3462
7 & 8. Dug up abt. [ ] load of Marle to spread over Wheat Land--for experiment.
8. Sowed Lucerne again in the missing places below Garden.
11. Finishd (with two Plows) the Gd. behind the Garden wch. was begun the 4th.
12. Began to cut Meadow (Creek).
13. Meazured of 64 Gallons & put undr. Bishops care for Harvest &ca.
This month GW began to make various notations--words, names, abbreviations, letters, numerals, symbols, and other marks--in the margins of the monthly astronomical calendars printed in his almanacs. There are few substantial clues to the meaning of these casual jottings. Varying greatly in form and seldom having any apparent relation to corresponding diary or almanac entries, they appear at random over two widely separated periods: June 1764--Nov. 1775 and Feb. 1795--Dec. 1798. In most cases the editors can make no sense of them, but some can be understood. During the summer of 1770 GW used the calendar pages for a health record, counting his stepdaughter Martha Parke Custis's recurring epileptic attacks for a period of about three months (see main entry for 31 July 1770). During 1772 and 1774 the calendar notations served on several occasions to remind him of future obligations. The abbreviation "Fred" next to 15 Sept. and 23 Nov. 1772 meant that he had business in Fredericksburg on those days, and another notation next to 18 Sept. 1772 apparently told him that he must return to Mount Vernon by that date for a court-ordered survey and division of land that involved him. Several days in Nov. 1774 were similarly designated for the sale of a friend's lands (see main entries for 20--27 Nov. 1774). As aids to
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An earlier edition of this work on gardening was owned and used by Washington. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
memory and measurement, GW's notations in each of these cases served the same general purpose that the other parts of his diaries did, but without duplicating the exact functions of those other parts (see illus., p. 328).
[August]
1 & 2 Sowed Turnips--behind Garden.
10. Sowed Spelts--behind Ditto.
14. Cut Timothy Seed at Doeg Run.
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Allowing the artistic license, this engraving from Mawe and Abercrombie's Gardener's Calendar, London, 1803, might have been sketched in the Mount Vernon gardens. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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15. Onwards getting Apples for Cyder.
17 & 18. Brought Oats from Ashfords. Note they were good Oats & a bushl. of them when well cleand weighd 30 lbs. & a bushl. of Spelts--weighd 28.
22. Trimmed up 52 heads of Tobo. at Creek Quarter for Sweetscented Seed.
Began to cut Meadow on Creek.
23. Peaches require to be gatherd for B[rand]y.
24. Began to sow Wheat at Muddy hole.
27. Began to sow Do. at Riverside Qr.
28. Began--Do. at Creek.
30. Began--Do. at Doeg Run.
31. Finished curing & Stacking Hay.
[September]
8. Sowed a few Oats to see if they woud stand the Winter (at Doeg Run).
15. Finished Sowing Wheat at Riverside Quarter 50 Bushels.
20. Sowed Wheat as far as Ransoms Houses at Muddy hole 55 Bushels.
Elizabeth Ransom, a widow, had rented a farm from GW from 1757 to 1760.
21. Began to cut Tops at Muddy H. & R. Qrs.
The practice in GW's day was to remove the tops and blades from the cornstalks during the fall, leaving the bare stalks standing while the ears ripened. The tops and blades, and later the harvested stalks, became fodder for livestock.
22. Finishd Sowing the Wheat in Corn Ground on this side the Run at Doeg Run Qr. Wint[er] (Wheat) from home 36 Bls. thrashed at the Quartr. 38 Bls. in all 74 Busl.
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Washington raised nearly all the crops shown in this illustration from Hale's Husbandry, London, 1758. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Finishd plan[tin]g. Turnips behind Garden wch. was begun 20th.
27. A Negro & Apprentice of Robt. Wrights began to Work upon my Mill.
Transplanted Lucerne below Garden & Sowed [ ] Rows of St. Foine.
GW tried doggedly to raise sainfoin ( Onobrychis vicioefolia), also called esparcet, a crop now in very limited cultivation in the United States. It does not adapt well in areas where red clover and alfalfa will do much better, as Arthur Young knew when GW asked him for seed of the English strain in 1786. Young replied 2 Feb. 1787 that he was sending only a small quantity of seed, "for I cannot conceive that it will succeed at all with you" (DLC:GW). Young was correct. GW wrote Samuel Powel 15 Sept. 1788 that his fall planting in 1787 died by frost and his spring 1788 crop failed to come up at all (ViMtV). Still, GW continued to plant small quantities of it, hoping to accumulate enough seed for a full crop. Despite the dissatisfaction with the plant, it was still being advertised in the American Farmer, 1 (1820), 376, for sale in Baltimore. The advertisement referred to it also as "Hundred Year's Clover."
[October]
1st. Robert Wright began to Work at my Mill.
Gathered Apples for Cyder.
Robert Wright, a local millwright, finished repairing GW's mill by 20 Oct.
2. Sowed 7 Bushels of Spelts by the Orchard.
Morris & George went to Work at Mill along with the Mill wright.
13. Finishd getting & securing Fodder at Muddy hole & Creek.
15. Finishd Do. Do. at Doeg Run.
Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole & began to Sow Spelts.
18. Finishd securing fodder at Riv. Side.
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January
1st. Had at the Home House 78 sheep besides the 11 which are
Cattle at Home House--viz.--
[March]
5th. March 1765. Grafted 15 English Mulberrys on wild Mulberry Stocks on the side of the Hill near the Spring Path. Note the Stocks were very Milkey.
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Many of Washington's diaries were kept in interleaved copies of the Virginia Almanack. (Library of Congress)
There is no species known as the English mulberry, but Morus nigra, black mulberry, was commonly grown in England for its edible fruits. It was known to eighteenth-century Virginia planters as the English mulberry. While feeding silkworms on mulberry leaves and making paper from the bark were much discussed and attempted in GW's day, there is no evidence that he raised the trees for anything but ornamentation and fruit. M. alba multicaulis, the white mulberry used in silkworm culture, is not mentioned in any of the Mount Vernon documents. GW purchased four young paper mulberry trees, Broussonetia papyrifera, from William Hamilton in Mar. 1792.
6th. Grafted 10 Cornation Cherrys on growing Stocks in the Garden--viz. 5 of them in and about the Mint Bed, 3 under the Marella Cherry tree 1 on a Stock in the middle of the border of the East square, and just above the 2d. fall (note this Graft is on the Northernmost fork of Do. On the Westernmost one is a Bullock Heart & on the Easternmost one is a May Cherry out of the Cherry Walk) 1 other on a Stock just above the 2d. gate--note this is on the Northernmost prong. The other Graft on the said stock is of the May Cherry in the Cherry Walk.
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15. Grafted 6 Early May duke Cherrys in the Nursery, beginng. at that end of the first Row next to the Lane--the Row next the Quarter is meant--at the end of this a stake drove in.
Also Grafted joining to these in the same Row 6 of the latter May dukes--which are all the Cherrys in the Row.
Also Grafted 7 Bullock Heart Cherrys in the last Row.
30. Grafted 48 Pears which stand as follows viz. in the 3d. Row beging, at the end next the Cherry Walk are 12 Spanish Pears. Next to these are 8 Early June Pears then 10 latter Burgamy--then 8 Black Pear of Worcester--and lastly 10 Early Burgamy. Note all these Pears came from Colo. Masons & between each sort a stick is drove down. The Rows are counted from the end of the Quarter.
This day also I grafted 39 New Town Pippins, which compleat the 5th. Row and which Row are all of this kind of Fruit now.
The 6th. Row is compleated w. Grafts of the Maryland Red Streck, which are all of this sort of Fruit and contains [ ] trees so is the 8th. Row of this Apple. Also 54, in number and 20 in the 9th. Row beginning next the Cherry Walk.
The 7th. Row has 25 Grafts of the Gloucester white Apple which compleats this Row with that sort of Fruit.
[May]
12. Finish Sowing Oats at Muddy hole.
12. 13. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole by Swamp.
Sowed Do. above the Meadow at Doeg Run.
15. Sowed Do. at head of the Swamp Muddy H.
16. Sowed Hemp at the head of the Meadow at Doeg Run & about Southwards Houses with the Barrel.
GW had rented some land on Dogue Run from Benjamin Southward in 1761.
18. Began to Sow the old Gd. next the Orchard at Muddy hole with the Drill & finish'd 25 Rows & then stopd it sowing two fast.
20. Sowed 14 Rows more--the drill beg. altered with 1 Bushel of seed.
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Sowed two pices more at Doeg Run--viz. the two Orchards.
Sowed Lucern--also 4 Rows adjoining with St. Foin--& [ ] other Rows with Fenugreek Seed.
Trigonella foenum-graecum, fenugreek, is an annual trefoil grown as forage and bearing a seed with a strong, bitter taste; it was often used as an emollient in poultices. GW does not appear to have gone very seriously into its production.
30. Peter Green came to me a Gardener.
Apparently Peter Green was on a yearly wage contract of £5. He appears on GW's tithable lists only for July 1765 and left his position in June 1766. In 1771 GW was trying to find a good "Kitchen Gardener" on a four- or five- year indenture at a moderate wage, and even inquired in Scotland. He hired David Gowan, "late of Fredericksburg," as a gardener for the year 1773. According to the articles of agreement signed 11 Jan. 1773, Gowan agreed to serve "in the capacity of a Gardener; & that he will work duely & truely, during that time, at the business; and also when need be, or when thereunto required, employ himself in Grafting, Budding, & pruning of Fruit Trees and Vines--likewise in Saving, at proper Seasons, and due order, Seeds of all kinds" (DLC:GW). His salary was £25, plus lodging and food for his family.
31. Cut my Clover for Hay.
The diary entries for the month of May are taken from a loose sheet in the Dreer Collection, PHi.
[June]
8. Sowed Turnips for forward use.
17. Began to cut my Meadow by the Sein Landing, and on the 24th. finished securing all my Hay at the Home House out of the three Meadows and on the [ ].
25th. Began to cut my Timothy Meadows on Doeg Run & finished making & securing the Hay on the 2d. of July. Rain falling the 28th. otherwise the whole might have been compleated by the 30th.
27. Began my Harvest at the River Plantn.
[July]
22. Began to Sow Wheat at Rivr. Plantn.
23. Began to sow Do. at Muddy hole.
25. Began to Sow Do. at the Mill.
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His use of the almanac as a diary gave Washington convenient data on roads, lunar changes holidays, and other well-known almanac fare. (Library of Congress)
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[August]
3. Began to sow Turneps behind the Garden--the upper part of which, & down to a stake is the Norfolk Turnep. From thence to the bottom Naper Turnep.
5. Finishd sowing Do. & a good shower fell thereon the same day.
GW wrote to Burwell Bassett 2 Aug. that the weather had rendered the prospects of a good crop "truely melancholy." "I lost most of my wheat by the rust, so that I shall undergo the loss of a compleat crop here, and am informed that my expectations from below [in York County] are not much better" (WRITINGS, 2:424).
6. Sowed Turneps where the Drilld Wheat was, behind the Garden. These of old Seed.
Finish'd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole.
7. Began to separate the Male from the Female hemp at Do--rather too late.
HEMP: Cannabis sativa, a highly profitable fiber crop, providing work in the off-season. After the 1720--22 sessions, the General Assembly offered a bounty of 4s. for every "gross hundred" of hemp, water-rotted, bright, and clean, to encourage production (HENING, 4:96--97). GW speaks of separating the male and female plants. "This may arise from their [the male] being coarser, and the stalks larger" (CALENDAR [1], 457). In the 1790s he experimented with a variety from India.
9. Abt. 6 Oclock put some Hemp in the Rivr. to Rot.
10. Seperated my Ewes & Rams but I believe it was full late--many of the Ewes having taken Ram.
3. Finish'd Sowing Wheat at the Rivr. Plantn. i.e. in the corn ground. 123 Bushels it took to do it.
15. The English Hemp i.e. the Hemp from the English Seed was pickd at Muddy hole this day & was ripe.
Began to separate Hemp in the neck.
17. Finishd Sowing Wheat in the Corn field, which lyes over the Run at the Mill 27 Bushl.
22. Put some Hemp into the Water about 6 Oclock in the Afternoon--note this Hemp had been pulld the 8th. Instt. & was well dryed, & took it out again the 26th.
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[September]
4. Began to Pull the Seed Hemp but it was not sufficiently ripe.
5. 6. 7. 9. Sowed Turneps behind the Garden.
Getting of Fodder at Mill & Muddy H.
15. To this date my Carpenters had in all worked 82 days on my Schooner.
The schooner, apparently built at Mount Vernon, was finished and rigged by Dec. 1765 and launched the following February.
22. This Week they workd 22 days upon her.
Here GW means man-days. Hence, if four of the six slave carpenters GW had in 1765 worked a 5½-day workweek they would have put in 22 mandays for that week.
23. Began to sow Wheat from Colo. Colvils in Peach Orchard, & finishd 24th.--4 Bushls.
Began to cut my Meadows at Hell hole & Creek.
Col. Thomas Colvill (d. 1766), of Cecil County, Md., had inherited Cleesh, on the south side of Great Hunting Creek, from his brother John (d. 1756).
24. Took up Flax which had been in Water since the 12th. viz. 12 days.
FLAX: Linum usitatissimum. Arthur Young chided GW 19 May 1789 for wasting his time with flax. "What in the name of wonder can you do with flax? Not make linnen I hope; buy from England, from France, from Russia, anywhere rather than employ a soul in fabrics while wastes surround you by millions" (DLC:GW).
25. Hempseed seems to be in good order for getting--that is of a proper ripeness--but oblige to desist to pull my fodder.
26. Began to get fodder at Doegs Run & River Plantn.--rather too dry.
28. This Week my Carpenters workd 22 day's upon my Schooner. And John Askew 3 days upon her.
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GW revised his contract with his joiner Askew in April 1764, now paying him per diem at the rate of £4 per month. In Dec. 1765 Askew agreed to supervise GW's slave carpenter for an annual salary of £35 per year plus some provisions and to pay GW £7 10s per year for rent. Askew's employment ended in the spring of the 1767.
[October]
5. This Week my Carpenters workd 24 days upon the schooner & John Askew 4 Do.
7. Finish'd gettg. & securing my folder at Doeg Run.
8. Do.--Do. at Rivr. Plantation--too dry.
10. Finishd pulling Seed Hemp at River Plantation.
12. Finishd pullg. Do. Do. at Doeg Run. Not much, if any, too late for the Seed.
The Virginia General Assembly offered a bounty for raising high hemp of quality. From "Agriculture," in Diderot's Encyclopédie, Paris, 1780. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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This Week my Carpenters workd 22 days upon my Schooner & J. Askew 3 Do.
19. This Week the Carpenters workd 18 days which makes in all 190 days & 10 of Jno. Askew.
21. Began to sow Wheat in Hemp Gd. at Rr. Plantn.
22. Began to sow Wheat at Doeg Run, on the Corn field on this side.
25. Began to sow wheat in the Corn field on this side the Run at the Mill.
Sowed three Pecks of Wheat (had from Colo. Lewis, of a sort, which he says is early and of an extraordinary Increase, also very large graind) behind the Garden in drills. Note it begins next the ditch & ends at a stake.
26. Sowed the Remaining part of the Turneps in drills with an early Wheat also abt. 3 Bushels more broad[cast] in the same Ground & the residue thereof in spelts--6 Bushels.
28. Sowd. the residue of P. Orch. with spelts. [ ] B.
31. Finishd sowing Wheat in Hemp Ground at Rivr. Plantn. & plowd in a good deal of shattered Hemp Seed--27 Bushls. in all 152 [ ].
[November]
1st. Sent 1 Bull 18 Cows & 5 Calves to Doeg Run in all--24 head branded on the left Buttock GW.
Sent 3 Cows, & 20 Yearlings & Calves to the Mill, wch. with 4 there makes 27 head in all viz. 5 Cows & 22 Calves & Yearlgs. branded on the Right shoulder GW.
Out of the Frederick Cattle made the Stock in the Neck up 100 head--these branded on the Right Buttock GW.
Muddy hole Cattle in all [ ] head branded on the left shoulder GW.
6. Finishd sowing Wheat at the Mill--viz. 19 Bushls. in the large cut within the Post & Rail fence & 6 B. in the small cut wch. with 27 Bushl. sowed the other side makes in all 52 B.
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Repository Symbols
Bibliography
Index
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Dover, Del.: Public Archives Commission, 1944.
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Route." Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 46 (1938), 299--315.
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Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. New York, Philadelphia, Richmond: various publishers, 1819--23.
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Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical Commission, 1941.
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University of Pennsylvania Press, 1945.
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The index in the final volume of the Diaries will be complete and extensive. Preliminary indexes, such as the one that follows, consist primarily of references to persons. The abbreviation "id." is used for "identification."
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77, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86; id., 27; location of house, 35; recommends doctor for Lawrence Washington, 73
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sixth Baron (illus., 2), 3, 4, 6, 7, 29, 34, 219, 245; proprietor of Northern Neck, xxiii, 2, 4, 5, 9, 15, 241; home, xxiii, 7; GW surveys for, xxiii, li, 1--23; id., 1; GW visits, 7; subscriber to History of Barbados, 25; sees GW at Belvoir, 243; dines at Mount Vernon, 245
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surveying, xxiii--xxiv, 1--5, 6, 7--10, 15--16, 18, 19, 22, 226, 248, 249, 251, 276land transactionsFrederick County, xxiv, 226, 279western lands, 192, 245Mount Vernon, 237, 239, 241--42, 243, 245, 246--47, 250, 251, 252, 254--55, 268, 281, 282, 289, 293, 298Culpeper County, 263--64Custis lands, 274agriculture experiments, xxxi--xxxiii, 255, 257--58, 261, 265, 267--68, 275, 283, 293, 295, 296, 315, 317--18, 327--29, 335--37, 340travelsFrederick County, 6--23, 276--78, 289, 306Barbados, 24--117Williamsburg, 34, 269--75, 295, 307Fredericksburg, 37, 224--25western journeys, 126--61, 162--210Port Royal, 222--26Warm Springs, 290Westmoreland County, 295Dismal Swamp, 319--26Custis estate, 214, 223, 272, 273--74, 299, 307, 309--10and House of Burgesses, 245--46, 280, 289, 290, 295, 307
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The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume II
1766--70
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
and Philander D. Chase
George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR
Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR
DONALD JACKSON, EDITOR
DOROTHY TWOHIG, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington,
sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1976 by the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia
First published 1976
Frontispiece: Martha Washington, by John Wollaston.
(Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
The diaries of George Washington.
Bibliography: p. 341
Includes index.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title.
E312.8 1976 9734'1'0924 [B] 75-41365 ISBN 0--8139--0688-1 (v. 2)
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
Contents
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Acknowledgments
The editors' first obligation is to the sponsors and agencies whose financial support and enthusiastic backing made our work possible. The cosponsors of The Papers of George Washington are the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia. Our principal governmental support has come from the National Endowment for the Humanities, with strong additional funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. An annual grant from the William Stamps Farish Fund has been most appreciated.
Of the many colleagues at the University of Virginia who assisted in the formation and encouragement of The Papers of George Washington, the editors are particularly indebted to former president of the University, Edgar F. Shannon, Jr., and his special assistant Francis L. Berkeley, Jr. All the many others who gave us assistance with the countless details of planning, financing, and day-to-day operation are perhaps best represented by one person, Charles L. Flanders of the Office of the Associate Provost for Research at the University of Virginia.
We are grateful for the interest and encouragement of the Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, and of her predecessor, the late Mrs. Francis F. Bierne. The editors also owe a debt of gratitude to the Mount Vernon staff, especially Charles C. Wall, resident director; John A. Castellani, librarian; Frank E. Morse, librarian emeritus; Robert B. Fisher, horticulturist, and Christine Meadows, curator.
For assistance in research on Washington's diaries, we would like to thank the staff of the Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, the research staff of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and members of the Virginia Division of Parks. The Alderman Library at the University of Virginia has housed our editorial offices and its staff has graciously and efficiently performed all the library services essential to an editorial project.
The reproduction of Washington's diaries in these volumes has
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been made possible by the cooperation of the following repositories and individuals who own the original manuscript material: the Library of Congress, Columbia University Libraries, the Detroit Public Library, Mount Vernon, John K. Paulding, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Public Record Office, London.
Our typographic consultant for general design is P. J. Conkwright, of Princeton, N.J.
The editors acknowledge with appreciation the industry and competence of the following members of the research and clerical staff who over a period of several years were directly involved in the laborious task of transcribing and checking the Washington diaries: Lynne Crane, Dana K. Levy, Patricia Waddell, Corinne Poole, Jessie Shelar, Kathleen Howard, Patricia De Berry, Roger Lund, Barbara Morris, Cynthia S. Miller, Christine Hughes, Nancy Morris, and Karen Whitehill.
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Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the dash has been changed to a period and the following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are clearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been lowered,
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and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, al. though the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume II
1766--70
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January
14. Flax at the Mill put out to Rot.
18. Flax at Doeg Run put out to Rot.
March
Sowed Hemp about the old Tobo. House at Muddy hole.
Note, the latter part of Feby., & all Mar. till the 19th. was extreamely wet and disagreeable--scarce two fair days together & sometimes hard Frosts, insomuch that neither Hoe nor Plow coud be stuck into the Ground, which prevented my sowing Hemp till the 21st. as above.
22. Began to sow Hemp (adjoining the Lane going to Mrs. Wades) at the Mill. Sowed as far as a stick drove into the Ground.
Also sowed Ditto in the lower part of new Ground at Muddy hole--to a stake.
First part of this day warm Sun & southerly Wind. Latter part showery--high Wind at same place.
Mrs. Valinda Wade, widow of Zephaniah Wade (died c. 1746), lived with her three daughters, Valinda, Sarah, and Eleanor, on a 193-acre tract of land adjoining GW's mill plantation.
23. High wind at No. Wt.--cold & Cloudy.
24. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the second stake.
Hard frost--clear, but very cold the first part of the day--the Wind being at No. West.
25. Hard frost--afterwards warm & hazy. Wind Southwardly.
Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the third Stake, and at the Mill to the Second stake.
26. Constant dose Rain, from sometime in Night till 3 in the afternoon. Wind at North East--when it shifted to No. Wt. but did not blow hard.
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27. Cloudy, Wind at No. Wt. but not hard, nor very cold. Ground exceeding wet. No Hemp sowed this day.
28. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the 4th. stake. Ground too wet. No Hemp sowed elsewhere.
Wind Westerly, with Clouds, & Raw.
29. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the 5th. Stake & at Doeg Run (in the Orchard round Gists House) to the first (beginng. at that end of it next the Gate). Hoeing in Farm Dung at the Mill.
Wind at No. West, with some Clouds, & Cool.
30. Cool, & Cloudy all the day. Wind Northwardly.
31. Sometimes cloudy but warm and pleasant. Wind at South.
April
1st. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the Road--at the Mill to the 3d. Stake--and finished the Orchard at Doeg Run.
Wind at up No. Et. & very cloudy the whole day. At one O'clock it sat in to Raining which at 6 turnd to Snow.
The April entries in this diary are missing from the diary at DLC. The entries of 1--8 April are taken from a facsimile in the Toner collection at DLC and those of 9--13 April from a transcript in the same collection.
2. Day warm & fine. Wind Northwardly in the Morning--Southwardly afterwards. Ground too wet to prepare for or Sow in Hemp.
3. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the first Stake (beging. at the [ ]and next the woods) --at the Mill to The 4th. stake--and at Doeg Run (by the Lane) to 1st. stake beginng. at the great Mulberry.
Clear & pleasant--but not warm--the Wind being Northwardly in the forenoon--calm in the Evening.
4. Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole to the 2d. stake, at the Mill to the 5th. & at Doeg Run to the 2.
Hazy--Wind Southwardly & Rain. At 6 in the afternoon began to Rain. Ground full Wet for sowing, or Working before.
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An early map by Washington, showing a portion of his Mount Vernon estate. From George Washington Atlas, Washington, D.C., 1932. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library)
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5. Constant Rain all Night, and till 10 O'clock this day (Wind hard at No. Et.) & cloudy afterwards. At 6 in the Evening sat into close Raining again. No Hemp sowd to day.
6. Wind at No. Et. & raining all day--Sunday.
7. Raining till 10 Oclock--very cloudy afterwards till Night when it began to Rain again. Wind at No. East. Ground exceeding wet.
8. Cloudy the first part of the day--wind westwardly. Ground very wet.
9. Clear, wind hard at Northwest. Sowed Hemp at the mill to the 6th. stake. None sowed elsewhere--ground too wet.
10. Fine clear day till late in the afternoon when it cleared. Being little wind Sowed Hemp at the mill in the 7th. stake at Muddy hole to the 3d stake. At dog Run none sowed.
11. Cloudy, with light showers all day, wind briskly from the Southard. Sowed Hemp at the Mill to the 8th. stake--at Muddy hole to the 4th. & at Dog Run to the third.
Sowed a little Flax by the Peach orchd. Ground very wet.
12. Sowed Hemp at the Mill--none elsewhere ground being wet. Clear wind Northwardly.
13. Sunday--clear & warm--wind South.
On this day GW set out for the lower Tidewater, stopping at Fredericksburg to pick up Fielding Lewis. After stopping at Eltham, they crossed the James River and visited the Dismal Swamp. They then returned to spend a week at Eltham and in Williamsburg, where GW settled some accounts, including the purchase of two indentured servants. GW was back at Mount Vernon by 10 May.
June
16. Began to cut my Meadows at Home.
GW hired an extra hand, Thomas Plummit, who worked seven days on the mowing at 2s. 6d. per day (LEDGER A, 232).
25. Finishd Do. & brought it into Barnes. Weather often Raining--Hay hurt.
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26. Began to Cut my Timothy Meadow at Doeg Run & did not finish it till the 8th. of July--the Weather being Rainy & bad--which almost spoil'd 30,000 weight of Hay.
July
3. Cut my early Wheat behind Garden.
7. Began to cut Wheat in the Neck with the hands there.
8. Set into it with my whole force & two Cradlers hired. My Hay at D. Run finishd yesterday.
The two hired cradlers were James and Daniel Starke, who worked about 2 ½ weeks for 5s. per day each. GW also hired another helper, Amoriah Bonham, for a total of 23 days, which apparently was the duration of the harvesting. Bonham was also paid 5s. per day (LEDGER A, 232, 234).
9. My Schooner arrivd at Colchester.
12. Finished cuttg. binding & shocking Wheat in the Neck--152 Bushels sowing.
GW has added the following additional entries out of order in the diary. In the manuscript he placed them between 21 and 22 July.
".5. Pull'd my flax at home.
7. Pulld two patches at Doeg Run.
8. Put part of what I pulld at Home in Water.
12. Took it out, & spread it on the Green."
14. Began Harvest at Muddy hole.
15. Finished it--in Shocks 75 Bushels sowing.
16. Began and finishd at the Mill, in shocks 52 bushels Sowing.
17. Began Harvest at Doeg Run. My Schooner also came up with 10,031 feet of Plank from Occoquan Saw Mills.
Among the group of mills established on Occoquan Creek were two sawmills, which at this time were being operated by John Semple (see main entry for 23 Jan. 1770).
21. Securd all my Harvest in shocks at D[ogue] R[un].
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22. Put into the House.
23. Sowed Turneps in the flax patch at Home. Also sowed Do. at Muddy hole and ditto at Morris's.
24. Pulld a small patch of Flax at Doeg Run.
25. Began to Sow Turneps in Drills behind Quarter.
26. Sowed Do. in Do.--Do.
27. Sowed a few Do. Do.--Do. Hard Rain 28 & 9.
30. Sowed Do. in Neck.
31. Finishd Sowing behind Quartr. in Drills.
August
1. Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill.
Began to Sow Do. in the Neck in the upper part of the field.
6. Began to Sow Do. at Muddy hole.
Finished Sowg. Do. in clovr. patch at the Mill--9 Bushels.
22. Began to Sow Wheat at Doeg Run.
Finishd Sowing up Cut in the Neck.
25--26. 27. & 28. Spreading flax at Home.
28. Finishd sowing Wheat altogether at the Mill 46 ½ Bushls. the other side--in all 55 ½ Bl.
29. Finishd Sowing the Field by the Meadow at Doeg Run--26 Bushels.
Stopd sowing Wheat at Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Sowed 108 at the first place 1 8 Bl. in little fd.
Began to pull Hemp at the Mill and at Muddy hole--too late for the blossom Hemp by three Weeks or a Month.
[September]
4. 5. & 6th. Spreading flax at Doeg Run.
Do. Do. pulling Peas at Ho[me] House.
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PULLING PEAS: Lathyrus sativus, field pea, of which GW tried many varieties. His diaries and other farm records refer to the crowder pea; early, or "forward," pea; red pea; small white pea; small round pea; small gray pea; Yateman pea; and the "Albany or field pea," which persisted through more than a decade of GW's crop experiments. His diary entry for 16 April 1785 indicates a planting of the Albany variety, and he wrote Thomas Jefferson 6 July 1796 that it grew well but was subject to the same insect pests as the garden pea. The field pea differs from the cowpea, Vigna sinensis, of which the best known is the black-eyed variety, which GW called the Indian pea.
8. Began to Cut my Meadows a Second time.
10. Began to get Fodder at Muddy hole Quarter & at the Mill.
12. Began to get Fodder in the Neck.
15. Do.--Do.--Do.--at Doeg Run. Turnd flax at Home House.
27. Finishd getting & securing fodder at the Mill.
30. Ditto--Ditto at Doeg Run--that is, exclusive of what belonged to that Plantation at the River Quarter.
October
1st. 2, 3, & 4. Sowing Wheat Doeg Run.
2. Finished getting & securing Fodder at Muddy hole.
3. Getting Peas at Ditto--too late a good many of which being rotten on the Ground.
3 & 4. Continued Sowing Wheat at Do.
4. Finishd Sowing the little field at Doeg Run with 16 Bls.
6. Put my English Ram Lamb to 65 Ewes. Sheep at home as follows viz.
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(8.) Finishd getting & securing Fodder in the Neck also that which belongd to Doeg Run there.
9. Sowed a piece of Hemp Gd. at the Mill in wheat 2 ½ Bls. which makes in all th(r.) 58 B.
25. Finishd Sowing large field with [ ] Bls.
Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole--170 Bushels in all--18 of wch. white Wheat in the little field.
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[February]
1. Cloudy & Cool in the forenoon & till towards night. Wind at No. West. Gd. not froze.
2. Frozen Morning, clear still & pleast. afterwards.
3. Frozen morning. Clear, pleast. & thawing afterwards. Wind risg. from So. Wt.
4. Frozen--clear & Windy abt. 10, from the Northwest but thawing.
5. Soft, calm, & pleasant. Wind rising from No. West abt. & blew hard but not cold.
6. Frozen morning. Clear & cold Wind still at No. West & fresh.
7. Frozen Morng., brisk & cold Wind from the Southward. Clear till the Afternoon then cloudy. In the Evening clear again.
8. Soft, clear, & Warm. Wind Southwardly.
9. Soft, warm & Lowering, high Wind from the Southward. Hard rain in the Night.
10. Soft, cloudy & light showers of Hail Rain &ca. till ten Oclock--then excessive hard Wind from No. West. Cold.
11. Frozen & cloudy morning. Afterwards clear Wind Southwardly.
12. Soft & cloudy till Noon. Afterwards clear & still. Wind No[rth]wardly in Mg.
13. Soft Morning & snowing all day more or less from the Northward.
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14. Hazy in the Morng. Clear afterwards; w. hard wind from the No. West. Snow abt. 3 or 4 Inches deep.
15. Hard frost. Wind Westwardly & then Southwardly & cloudy.
16. Grey & frosty Morning. Wind Southwardly & thawing. Also clear afterwd.
17. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West. Morng. frozen thawing afterwards.
18. Frozen Morning. Thawing afterwards & pleasant tho somewhat Cool. Wind No. & No. Et.
19. Soft Morng. Somewhat Cloudy & still.
20. Soft Morng. Brisk wind from So. Wt. with which the Ground much dried. Snow all gone two days ago.
21. Ground not froze. Wind came to No. Wt. early in the Morning & blew very hard & turnd very cold towards Evening.
22. Ground froze. Clear, wind Southward & Warm.
23. Cloudy with spits of Snow first part of the day. Raining afterwards with the Wind at No. Et. In the Night Snow again which covd. the ground abt. an Inch.
24. Cloudy & Cold Wind at No. West.
25. Hard frost. Clear & not very cold. Wind at No. West--not high.
26. Brisk wind from the Southward. Clear warm & pleasant. According to Colo. West the greatest part of the next Moon shoud be as this day--i.e. the same kind of weather that happens upon the thursday before the change will continue through the course of the next Moon at least the first & 2d. quarter of it. Quere is not this an old woman's story.
27. Soft clear, warm, & Still.
28. Soft, Mild & pleasant. Wind Southwardly. Somewhat hazy & smoaky. A little rain in the Night.
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[February]
13th. Vestry to meet by 2d. appointmt.
Some of GW's diary entries, such as these three in February, are appointment reminders rather than a record of occurrences. The vestry of Truro Parish met on 23 Feb.
16th. Vestry to meet at Pohick.
26. Sale of Colo. Colvills Negroes.
Thomas Colvill had died in 1766, and these slaves apparently were sold to pay some of his debts. On his deathbed Colvill had persuaded GW to be one of his executors by assuring him that he would be expected only to give his good name to the administration of the will and to check occasionally on its progress, while the actual work was done by the other executors: Colvill's wife Frances (d. 1773) and John West, Jr., husband of Colvill's niece Catharine. As it happened, the estate was so troublesome and Mrs. Colvill and West proved to be so unequal to their task that GW had to take an active part in the matter, which was to plague him until 1797 (GW to Bushrod Washington, 10 Feb. 1796, DLC:GW). One difficulty was that Colvill had left legacies to English relatives who could not be easily identified and whose confusing claims were almost impossible to authenticate. A second problem was that in May 1765 Colvill, as executor for his brother John, had sold Merryland, a 6,300-acre tract in Frederick County, Md., to John Semple of Prince William County, Va., for £2,500 sterling. That sum was to have paid John's debts, including £742 owed to Thomas, but Semple gave a bond for the £2,500, which he was later unwilling or unable to honor. Thus, neither Colvill estate could be settled until some agreement could be reached with the contentious Semple (see main entry for 31 Dec. 1771; GW to William Peareth, 20 Sept. 1770, DLC:GW).
March
1st. Soft mild, still, & pleasant. Somewhat cloudy.
2. (No frost) Cloudy till abt. 11 Oclock then Rain & almost all Night very hard Wind at No. Et.
3. Fine clear Morning & Warm Wind southwardly. Cloudy abt. 1 Oclock & at 3 began to Rain hard g: constant.
4. Soft morning. Clear day, & very high wind from No. West but not cold.
5. Clear, warm & pleast, forenoon. Wind southwardly. Afterwards hazy & lowerg.
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This typical sheepfold was designed to be moved easily to better grazing land. From La Nouvelle Maison rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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6. Raining constantly the whole day. Wind at No. Et. but not cold.
7. Wind in the same place & Raing. more or less all day.
8. Flying clouds in the forenoon. Wind brisk from the No[rth]ward. Clear afternn.
9. Lowering Morning. Clear afternoon. Wind southwardly.
10. Fine, clear & mild day. Wind for the most part Westwardly & No. West.
11. Turnd cold abt. 10 oclock & after spittg. snow--wind hard at No. West.
12. Ground hard froze; wind high at No. West. Often spittg. snow in the forenoon & very cold.
13. Ground very hard froze & exceedg. Cold. Wind hard at No. West & clear.
14. Ground exceeding hard froze & cold in the Morning but pleasant afterwards, clear. Wind Westward.
15. Clear & tolerably pleasant. Wind westwardly. Little frost.
16. Little frost again but exceedg. pleast. Afterwards wind at south West.
17. Fine & Pleasant. Very warm wind at So. West.
18. Wind at No. Et. Somewhat cool in the Morning. Cloudy in the afternoon with Thunder Lightning--Hail Rain & Snow.
19. Cloudy & cold. Wind Northwardly.
20. Continual Rain. Wind at No. East.
21. Constant & hard Rain till 11 Oclock. Wind Southwardly. Afterwds. Westwd. & clear.
22. Clear. Wind westwardly & South[ward]ly.
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23. Clear Morning. Cloudy afterwds. Wind Southwardly, & eastwardly.
24. Cloudy Morning. Abt. 11 Constant Rain & contind. till 5. Wind varying.
25. Fine & clear. Wind Southw[ard]ly & brisk.
26. Clear & pleasant tho cool.
27. Clear pleast. & warm. Wind Southwardly & fresh.
28. Clear but cool. Wind fresh from the No. Et.--exceeding hard in the Evening--with Rain all Night.
Rain till 9 Oclock. Cloudy the remainder of the day with a brisk eastwardly Wind.
30. Cloudy all day. Wind at No. East and cold.
Cloudy, raw, & disagreeable Wind continuing at No. East.
April
16. Sowed a little flax at Muddy hole.
18. Sowed a little more of Do. by the Road at Ditto.
21. Began to Plant Corn in the Neck & at the Mill.
27. Began to Plant Ditto at Doeg Run & Muddy hole.
Sowed behind the Quarter 1320 sqr. yds. of flax with a little more than a Peck of Seed.
Sowed the same quantity of Ground along side of the flax with little more than ½ Bushel of Hemp Seed.
29. Sowed more flax seed behind the quarter.
30. Planted Irish Potatoes behind Do.
Solanum tuberosum, Irish potato. GW's plantings included red potatoes and white, with small and large varieties of each, grown both as a table product and a field crop. He instructed Anthony Whitting 4 Nov. 1792 to plant them early so they could be harvested before the planting of wheat on the same
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ground. More commonly he planted potatoes with corn. Thomas Jefferson described GW's method in this way: "He puts them in alternate drills, 4 f. apart, so that the rows of corn are 8 f. apart, & a single stalk every 18 i. or 2 f. in the row" (Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 11 Aug. 1793, DLC: Jefferson Papers).
April
1. Fine clear morning. Cloudy & cold afterwards. Wind at No. Et. all day.
2. Cloudy morng. Hard & violent Rain from 10 Oclock till 4. Wind Eastwardly.
3. Clear morning. Somewhat cloudy in the Afternoon. Wind at So. West.
4. Wind at So. West and pleasant tho sometimes lowering.
5. Weather lowering. Wind at No. Et. & Eastwardly all day. At Night Rain but not much.
6. Wind at No. East & very cloudy till abt. Noon--then constant Rain but not hard the remaindr. of the day & all Night.
7. Very cloudy & drizley all day. Wind still Eastwardly.
8. Cloudy & Misty till abt. Noon then clear, wind abt. So. West. In the Afternoon Cloudy & Rain again with Rain in the Night. Wind at East.
9. Clear middle day. Eveng. & morng. Cloudy with Rain & heavy Rain at Night. Wind So. West.
10. Clear and cloudy alternately with some Rain & variable wind. Rain.
11. Clear & pleasant tho somewhat cool. Winds Northwardly.
12. Morning clear. Wind very high from So. West. Afterwards cloudy with frequent showers of Rain & hail.
13. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West.
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14. Clear Morning. Cloudy & threatng. Afternoon. Wind at So. West.
15. Clear Morng. Wind at No. West & afterwards Southwardly.
16. Grey Morning. Clear Noon. Lowering Afternoon. Wind varying--chiefly Northwardly.
17. Clear with the Wind Eastwardly & cool.
18. Lowering with intervening sunshine till 5 Oclock then very cloudy & hard shower of Rain for 10 or 15 Minutes & high gust of Wind from So. West where it was all day.
19. Wind at No. West & cool in the Morng. Afterwards still clear & very warm.
20. Wind Eastwardly & fresh all day with some Showers of Rain in the Afternoon.
21. Cloudy with some gleams of Sunshine & Showers in the Afternoon. Wind very high & boisterous the whole day from South Et.
22. Squaly kind of a day. Wind mostly at So. West & fresh with some showers of Rain & hail & cool their falling a good deal of Rain at Night.
23. Clear Morning & cool. Wind Westwardly. Rainy afternoon.
24. Wind for the most part of the day at No. Et. & cloudy. Afternoon clear the whole day cool.
25. Clear. Wind at No. West & moderate.
26. Clear. Wind Nor[th]wardly--moderate & pleasant.
Clear, still, warm & pleast. Wind what little there was Southwardly.
28. Very warm & pleast. Wind So. Westwardly with clouds & appearances of Rain in the Afternoon.
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29. Warm & pleasant. Wind Southwestwardly till abt. 7 Oclock then fresh from No. East & Wind cold.
30. Cold Raw & cloudy. Wind Eastwardly. Rain in the Night.
[May]
8. Sowed Flax at Muddy hole.
9. My Schooner returnd.
11. Finishd plantg. Corn in the Neck & began with 4 plows to break up the 5 foot cut.
12. Finishd plantg. Corn at the Mill, & began to break up the field round the Overseers House.
Cut 22 old Rams in the Neck & began to shear my Sheep.
14. Finishd plantg. Corn at Muddy Hole.
16. Finishd plantg. at Doeg Run.
Sowed flax at Muddy Hole.
Finishd breakg. up the 5 foot cut in N. with 4 plows two days & 5 plows almost 3 days. Made in all abt. 20 days work.
18. Sowed flax at Muddy hole by the Pond.
Also began to plow Corn at Doeg Run with 3 plows.
Set into plowing at Muddy hole w. 3 plows-- 1 plow has been at work a day or two there.
22. Sale of the Glebe 18 Months Credt.
The sale of the Truro Parish glebe (and church plate) was necessitated by the creation of Cameron Parish (1749) and Fairfax Parish (1765) out of Truro and was authorized by an act of the assembly passed in Nov. 1766 (HENING, 8:202), which provided for an equal division of the parish property among the three parishes. As a churchwarden GW was responsible for running the sale, and on this date he went to the glebe with the vestry and sold the glebe and plate to Daniel McCarty, who in turn donated the plate back to Truro Parish. The income from this sale was split among truro, Cameron, and Fairfax parishes.
23. Morris finishd plowing his first cut (Doeg Run) with 3 plows by 12 oclock.
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Finishd plowg. the 5½ foot cut in the Neck with 4 plows, & replanted this & the 5 foot cut there.
25. Early Wheat at Muddy hole beginng. to head--that is the heads of some out some bursting the blade & others swelling Do.
26. Sowd. Hemp over again with near 5 pecks of Seed--the first comg. up much too thin.
28. Finishd plowing the 3--9 Inch cut in the Neck.
29. Finishd plowg. all the Mill Corn.
30. Finishd plowg. the other Cut in the Neck.
May
Cloudy & cool in the Morning. Wind Eastwardly. Clear & warm afterwards till 5. Wind Southwardly--then Eastwardly again.
2. Cool in the Morning. Wind Eastwardly. Clear & pleasant afterwards.
3. Cloudy. Wind at So. Et. & fresh. Rain in the Night but not much.
4. Hard Rain early in the morning. Wind abt. So. Et. & fresh with Clouds. Afternoon Rainy with hard wind & Hail from So. West.
5. Very cold & cloudy. Wind hard from No. West & West.
6. Clear and cool. Wind at No. West & hard.
7. Clear & warm. Wind southwardly till about Sunset--then No. East.
8. Still the first part of the day. Wind Eastwardly afterwards & cool--with flyg. Clouds.
9. Cloudy more or less all day. Wind at No. Et. & cool.
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10. Wind at No. East. Cool & clear.
11. Clear. Wind Northwardly & cool.
12. Clear. Wind Do. & warmer.
13. Warm & still. Wind what little there is Southwardly.
14. Very warm clear & still. Wind what there was of it Southwardly.
15. Warm & clear. Wind brisk from abt. SS. Wt.
16. Brisk Wind from same place in the Morning. Cloudy & still afternoon.
17. Cloudy & lowering till the Afternoon. Wind southwardly then clear & cool wind Northwardly.
18. Clear. Wind Southwardly in the Morning. Afternoon cloudy & likely for Rain but went of with cold No[rthw]ardly Wind.
19. <Wind> Southwardly, clear & some<what> cool.
20. Cloudy & sometimes dropping of Rain in the forenoon with the Wind Southwardly. Afterwards clear. Wd. at No. West & Cool.
21. Very cloudy all day. Wind at No. Et. and very cool.
22. Cloudy till Noon with the Wind at No. Et. then Sunshine & somewhat warmer, afterwards cloudy with Lightning & rumbling in the No. West.
23. A little Rain in the Night with lightning & pretty loud thunder. Morng. Cloudy, as it was all day. Abt. 10 Oclock a fine shower fell with thunder & lightning for an hour. Wind variable but not cold.
24. Good Rain in the Night. Cloudy & often drisling till the Afternoon when it cleard. Wind for the most part at No. Et. but not cold.
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25. Clear & pleast. Wind Southwdly. & warm.
26. Lowering & warm, wind South.
27. Clear--cool in the morning. Wind at No. West. Afterwards very warm & still.
28. Wind Southwardly. Warm, & cloudy in the afternoon with lightning.
29. Rain last night, but not much, then refreshing Shower. Calm & warm in the Morning. Clear & cool afterwards. Wind at No. Wt.
30. Clear. Wind southwardly & warm.
31. Clear. Wind abt. So. West & warm.
June
1st. Wind abt. So. West & warm. Cloudy in the afternoon & some Rain (in Fredk.).
2. Cloudy with Rain & thunder in the Morning. Afterwards clear--in Fred.
3. Clear & warm--in Fredk.
4. Do. & very warm--Do.
5. Do.--Do.--travelling down.
6. Do. & extreame Hot. Wind what little there was Southwardly.
7. Very hot & Sultry. Wind Southwardly. Some Clouds & a little thunder in the Afternoon.
8. Wind <at No.> West but warm in the Evening.
9. Wind Northwardly with much appearances of Rain in the fore noon but none near home.
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10. Very warm & Sultry but no Rain. Wind for the most part Eastwardly but little of it.
11. Exceeding warm & but little wind wch. blew from the So[uth]ward. In the Evening a refreshing shower from the Westward for abt. 15 Minutes with severe lightning & thunder none of wch. or very little reachd. either Doeg Run or the Mill.
12. Exceeding Sultry. Little or no Wind.
13. Very warm. In the Afternoon a fine Shower here & in the Neck but little at the Mill again, less at Doeg Run & not much at Muddy h[ole.]
14. Very warm with some appearance of Rain but none fell hereabouts.
15. Warm with Do. Do.
16. Cooler wind at No. West & clear.
17. Cool wind at No. West in the Morning. In the Afternoon at No. Et. & cloudy.
18. Drisling till abt. 9 Oclock then constt. & close Rain for abt. an hour or two--this pretty genl. & wet the gd. very well. Wind abt. So. Wt. & warm.
19. Wind Northwardly & warm.
20. But little Wind & variable. Warm and grewing weather.
21. Exceeding warm & still.
22. Warm. Wind Southwardly.
23. Wind Southwardly & not very warm.
24. Wind Southwardly & hot. Morng. cloudy as was the Afternoon with some thunder. In the Night a fine shower of Rain. Less at Doeg Run than elsewhe.
25. Warm wind Southwardly, with a good shower of Rain abt. 3 Oclock.
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Washington copied material from Jethro Tull's Horse-Hoeing Husbandry, London, 1733, into his diaries for ready reference. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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26. Cool & pleast. morng. Wind Northwardly afterwards, still & warm.
27. Pleasant in the Morning, Wind Southwardly. Warm & still afterwards.
28. Clear. Wind Eastwardly & not very warm.
29. Clear & warm. Wind Southwardly.
30. Wind Southwardly & exceeding hot. Little rain in the Evening wth. some thunder and a good deal of Lightning.
[June]
22. Pulled some Flax & put it into the water at the Wharf at Night.
23. Finishd setting Corn at Muddy hole & Doeg Run.
24. Began to cut Wheat at Muddy hole. Note--the straw of a good deal of wch. was green.
Took out & spread the flax this Morng.
July
14. Finishd my Wheat Harvest.
16. Began to cut my Timothy Meadow which had stood too long.
25. Finishd Ditto.
Sowed Turnep seed from Colo. Fairfax's in sheep pens at the House.
Sowed Winter Do. from Colo. Lees in the Neck.
26. Waggon to be down.
27. Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill with the early White Wheat wch. grew at Muddy hole.
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28. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole with the mixd Wheat that grew there.
Also began to Sow Wheat at Doeg Run of the red Chaff from Home.
Also sowed Summer Turnep behd. Garden.
29. Sowed Colo. Fairfax's kind in Flax Gd. joing. sheep pens.
July
1st. Clear and very Cool. Wind at No. West.
2. Do. Do. Do.
3. Do. Do. Do.
4. Still & somewhat warmer.
5. Winds varying. Cool & cloudy.
6. Winds Southwardly. Cool & cloudy with a good shower of Rain in the Night.
7. Cool & clear, wind No. West.
8. Do. Do. Do.
9. Clear & still but not hot.
10. Brisk Southwest Wind with clouds & a small sprinkle of Rain in the Afternoon.
11. Brisk southwest Wind in the forenoon. Very warm Afternoon with light Rain introduced with high Wind from No. West.
12. Southwardly Wind & clear.
13. Clear & pleasant. Wind northwardly in the morning.
14. Clear and not very warm. Wind Southwardly.
15. Clear with the Wind at South Wt.
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16. Warm & woud have been Sultry but for a pleasant breeze fm. S.W.
17. Very warm with the Wind at So. West. In the Afternoon a fine Rain.
18. Clear. Wind No[rth]wardly.
19. Ditto--Do. Do. and Cool.
20. Cloudy & Cool. Wind Eastwardly with a little light Rain.
21. Rainy & Misty all day. Wind Eastwardly. Gd. very wet.
22. Cloudy & warm first part of the day with Rain in the Aftern.
Warm and pleasant, growg. Weathr.
24. Very warm and still.
25. Cloudy & warm the first of the day--with Rain for some hours in the Afternoon.
26. Cloudy with Rain now & then but not hard. Wind Southwardly & warm.
27. Warm & Clear. Also calm.
28. Ditto--Ditto in the forenoon. Afterwards Rain.
29. Clear Warm and still.
30. Warm & clear. Wind Southwardly.
31. Warm & clear in the forenoon. Afterwards slight Rain.
August
9. Finishd sowing the cut of Corn on the other side at the Mill with 43 Bushels of Wheat.
Finishd sowing the 4 foot cut in the Neck with Wheat viz. 45 ½ Bushl.
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15. Finishd sowing the 39 Inch Cut of Corn in the Neck with 44½ Bushl. Wheat.
Finishd sowing that half of Muddy hole Corn field with Wheat round the Barn [ ] Bushel.
22. Finishd sowing Wheat on this side at the Mill viz. 28 Bushels which makes in all sewed there 71 Bushls.
25. Also finishd the 18 Inch cut at Doeg run. Sowd therein 35 Bushels of Wh. The 6 by 3 foot cut was sowed with 40½ Bushels abt. the 13th.
26. Finishd sowing the 5<> Cut of Corn in the Neck with 53 Bushels Wheat.
August
1st. Calm & still. Also warm.
2. Cloudy for the most part & wind southwardly with some thunder & showers abt. 4 Oclock.
3. Close and Cloudy the greatest part of the day. In the Afternoon Rain where I was (at Mr. Moodys).
Moody's is probably the home of Benjamin Moody (d. 1784), of Fairfax County. Moody, who was related by marriage to Thomas Colvill, was named a beneficiary in Colvill's will.
4. Warm with some Clouds & sprinkles of Rain abt. the long Glade.
5. Warm with Clouds--on the blue Ridge.
6. Very Warm.
7. Very warm. Arrivd at the Warm Springs.
8. Very warm also with some Rain.
9. Warm and Clear.
10. Cool & pleasant.
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11. Not very warm.
12. Tolerably pleasant but w.
13. Very warm, & Cloudy in the Afternoon.
14. Much Rain fell last Night & the forepart of this day--The Weather Warm.
Pleasant yet warm.
Cloudy & warm.
17. A good deal of Rain fell last Night. Pleast. today.
September
5. Finishd sowing the other half of Muddy hole field with Wheat viz. [ ] Bushl. wch. make in all there [ ] Bushels.
Also finishd the two foot Cut at Doeg Run with 39 Bushels.
12. Finishd sowing the 5½ foot cut in the Neck with Wheat viz. 51 Bushels which make in all there 194.
18. Finishd Sowing the 6 by 4 feet Cut at Doeg Run with 36 Bushels. Sowed the simling Rows at Do. with 1½ Bushels which makes in all there 152.
SIMLING[?]: a conjectural reading. GW did include the cymling, or summer squash ( Cucurbita pepo var. condensa), in his crop rotations. In his instructions for the operation of River Farm, 10 Dec. 1799 (DLC:GW), he directed that one quarter of field No. 2 be planted to pumpkins, "simlins," turnips, and Yeatman peas.
The diary entries for August and early September can only be retrospective, perhaps compiled from reports submitted by GW's cousin Lund Washington. GW and Mrs. Washington set out with the George Fairfaxes for Warm Springs, now Berkeley Springs, W.Va., about 3 Aug. By the next day they were in Leesburg and by 8 Aug. were settled at the Springs in a house owned by George Mercer. The expenses for the trip are recorded in an account headed "Expences in going to, from, and at the Springs [10 Sept.] 1767" (DLC:GW). The family cook who accompanied the Washingtons had soon laid in a quarter each of veal and venison and such sundries as butter, eggs, squash, corn, cucumbers, watermelons, peaches, and apples. Mrs. Washington's two children, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, remained at Mount Vernon under the care of Lund, who reported in letters of 22 Aug. and 5 Sept. to GW (ViMtV) that they were well. In his letter of
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5 Sept., Lund acknowledges GW's letter of 27 Aug., not found, and says he is glad to learn that the mineral waters have benefited Mrs. Washington. When GW and Fairfax split their expenses 10 Sept., the amount each owed was £7 8s. 7d. in Virginia currency. In a later letter to Rev. Jonathan Boucher, 9 July 1771, GW mentions having spent two seasons in the Mercer house at the Springs (DLC:GW).
[November]
Nov. 20. Vestry in Truro Parish.
This entry is from DIARIES, 1:240; the manuscript containing the entry has been lost since Fitzpatrick used it.
At the vestry meeting it was resolved to replace the old frame Pohick Church in Mason's Neck. Because the church was so near the southern boundary of the parish, it was no longer in a central location convenient to all of the Pohick parishioners, many of whom by the 1760s were settled in the northern half of the area served by Pohick Church. After a warm debate over a more central location for the new Pohick building, the new majority was able, by a vote of seven to five, to locate the new church in Pohick Neck, two miles north of the old Pohick Church at a site called the Crossroads (MVAR, 1964, 22--25; SLAUGHTER [2], 64).
Publick Levy 1767 8 lbs. Tob[acco] pr. Poll--No.
No. of Tythables in 1762--121022
1764--128000
1766--131799
Sold & applied to the fund for giving a Bounty on Hemp
PUBLICK LEVY: These notes appear on one of the last blank pages of the 1767 almanac. Except for GW's notation of the number of tithables for 1762,
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1764, and 1766, the rest of this entry is an abstract of an act of the assembly passed in April 1767 entitled: "An act for raising a public levy" (HENING, 8:273--75; the 34 acts in this series are incorrectly dated by HENING as Nov. 1766). In the act, which set the new levy at 8 pounds of tobacco per tithable (or poll), the above-named counties are listed as being in arrears for the 1764--66 levy period, and the respective number given for each county is the amount of arrearage in pounds of tobacco. The act provided that the income from this arrearage tobacco would be set aside as a "depositum" to support the colony's bounty for growing hemp. From time to time the assembly would lay a "general" or "public" levy colonywide on a per capita basis, which in the eighteenth century ranged between 4½ and 12½ pounds of tobacco per tithable. In 1767 a tithable was any white male aged 16 or over and every black and mulatto aged 16 and over, which in essence defined tithables as all adult workers. Although there was a technical difference between the terms poll and tithable, the two were commonly used interchangeably. Of the three years for which GW here notes tithable totals, the figure for 1762 is exactly the same as that reported by Governor Fauquier (GREENE [2], 141). [29]
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Jany. 1st. Fox huntg. in my own Neck with Mr. Robt. Alexander and Mr. Colvill--catchd nothing. Captn. Posey with us.
Although John Posey joined in the chase today and on other occasions during the next few months, he was now, in GW's opinion, a man "reduced to the last Shifts," for he was being destroyed financially by enormous debts that he had acquired over the past several years (GW to Posey, 24 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW). GW was one of Posey's principal creditors, holding mortgages on his lands and slaves for a total of £820 Virginia currency conveyed since 1763. With interest accumulating at the rate of £41 a year and miscellaneous charges against him, Posey now owed GW nearly £1,000 (LEDGER A, 168, 256). But Posey was strongly opposed to selling his property to dear his books and had begged GW several times to lend him more money in order to avoid that end. GW had agreed not to press Posey for repayment of his previous loans and was willing to act as his security for a £200 sterling loan from George Mason, but he refused to advance Posey any more cash (GW to Posey, 24 June and 24 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW).
2. Surveying some Lines of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land.
The Mount Vernon tract was the original Washington family land on Little Hunting Creek, being part of a grant for 5,000 acres between Little Hunting and Dogue creeks that the proprietors of the Northern Neck had made 1 Mar. 1674 to Col. Nicholas Spencer (d. 1689) of Albany, Westmoreland County, and GW's great-grandfather, Lt. Col. John Washington (1632--1677) of Bridges Creek, Westmoreland County (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book 5, 207--8, Vi Microfilm). The Spencer-Washington grant was divided in 1690 between Colonel Spencer's widow, Frances Mottram Spencer (died c. 1727), and John Washington's son Lawrence Washington (1659--1697/98). Mrs. Spencer chose the western half of the grant which bordered on Dogue Creek, or Epsewasson Creek as the Indians had called it, and Lawrence Washington took the eastern half on Little Hunting Creek (survey and division by George Brent, 18 Sept. and 23 Dec. 1690, ViMtV). The Little Hunting Creek tract was inherited by Lawrence's daughter Mildred Washington (1696--c.1745), who, after her marriage to Roger Gregory of King and Queen County, sold it for £180 to her brother Augustine Washington, GW's father (deed of Roger and Mildred Gregory to Augustine Washington, 19 Oct. 1726, ViMtV).
From Augustine the tract passed to GW's half brother Lawrence, who during the 1740s named it Mount Vernon (will of Augustine Washington, 11 April 1743, DLC:GW). After Lawrence's death in 1752, his widow Ann and her second husband, George Lee (1714--1761) of Westmoreland County, rented the tract and 18 slaves to GW for her lifetime at the rate of 15,000
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pounds of tobacco or £93 15s. Virginia currency a year, and upon Ann's death in 1761, it became GW's outright by virtue of a provision in Lawrence's will (deed of George and Ann Lee to GW, 17 Dec. 1754, KETCHUM, 25; LEDGER A, 47; will of Lawrence Washington, 20 June 1754, ViMtV). Although the tract was originally supposed to contain about 2,500 acres, it now contained only about 2,126 acres because of a change in the northern boundary that had been made about 1741 (survey by R. O. Brooke, c.1741, CALLAHAN, facing p. 3; GW's quitrent lists 176073, DLC:GW).
3. At Home with Doctr. Rumney.
Dr. William Rumney (d. 1783), who was born and trained in England, served as a surgeon with the British army in the French and Indian War and settled in Alexandria in 1763.
4. Rid to Muddy hole, D. Run, & Mill Plantns.
5. Went into the Neck.
6. Rid to Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner. Mr. B. Fairfax and Mr. Robt. Alexander here.
7. Fox hunting with the above two Gentn. and Captn. Posey. Started but catchd nothing.
8. Hunting again in the same Compy. Started a Fox and run him 4 hours. Took the Hounds off at Night.
9. At Home with Mr. B. Fairfax.
10. At Home alone.
11. Running some Lines between me and Mr. Willm. Triplet.
Triplett's land bordered on part of GW's Dogue Run farm (see main entry for 17 Mar. 1770).
12. Attempted to go into the Neck on the Ice but it wd. not bear. In the Evening Mr. Chs. Dick Mr. Muse & my Brother Charles came here.
Charles Dick (b. 1715), of Caroline and Spotsylvania counties, supplied GW's troops in 1754--55 as a Virginia commissary for the British forces. By 1768 Dick's mercantile business was centered in Fredericksburg. George Muse of Caroline County, married Elizabeth Battaile (d. 1786) in 1749 and had a son, Battaile Muse (1751--1803), who also appears in the diaries.
13. At Home with them--Col. Fairfax, Lady, &[ca.]
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14. Ditto--Do. Colo. Fx. & famy. went home in the Evening.
15. At Home with the above Gentlemen and Shooting together.
16. At home all day at Cards--it snowing.
GW lost 3s. 6d. in playing cards with his friends (LEDGER A, 269).
17. At Home with Mr. Dick &ca.
18. Went to Court & sold Colo. Colvils Ld. Returnd again at Night.
As an executor for Thomas Colvill's estate, GW signed an advertisement in Rind's Virginia Gazette (24 Dec. 1767) announcing that "upwards of six hundred acres of valuable LAND . . . will be sold to the highest bidder, at the court-house of Fairfax county, on the 3d Monday in next month (being court day)." The high bidder was Benjamin Moody.
GW today recorded losing 11s. 3d. at cards (LEDGER A, 269).
19. Went to Belvoir with Mr. Dick, my Bror. &ca.
20. Returnd from Do. by the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
Surveyd the Water courses of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land-taking advant, of the Ice.
The freezing over of the Potomac River and Little Hunting Creek enabled GW to survey their shorelines on this day more easily than he usually could, "the ice permitting him to work from the water at will, which greatly simplified the calculating" (DIARIES, 1:247 n.I).
22. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey, started but catchd nothing.
23. Rid to Muddy hole & directed paths to be cut for Fox hunting.
24. Rid up to Toulston in order to Fox hunt it.
TOULSTON: Towlston Grange on Difficult Run, home of Bryan Fairfax.
25. Confind by Rain with Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Alexander.
26. Went out with the Hounds but started no Fox. Some of the Hounds run of upon a Deer.
27. Went out again--started a Fox abt. 10. Run him till 3 and lost him.
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The Spencer-Washington grant, as divided in 1690, gave Washington's grandfather Lawrence about half the tract shown here. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
28. Returnd Home. Found Mr. Tomi Elsey there.
Thomasin (many spellings) Ellzey (Elzey) was a vestryman of Truro Parish from the 1765 election to the dissolution of the Virginia vestries in 1785. He was a son of Lewis Ellzey (d. 1786) and Mary Thomasin Ellzey (d. 1791). Thomasin married Alice, daughter of Col. Thomas Blackburn (d. 1807) and Christian Scott Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge.
29. Went to Belvoir with Mrs. W--n &ca. after Dinnr. Left Mr. Ellzey at home.
30. Dined at Belvoir and returned in the Afternoon. Borrowd a hound from Mr. Whiting--as I did 2 from Mr. Alexr. the 28th.
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GW was connected with the Whiting family of Gloucester County through his Uncle John Washington (1692--1746), who had married Catherine Whiting (1694--1734), daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Whiting of Gloucester County. The Mr. Whiting who loaned GW the dog today may be Catherine's nephew Francis Whiting (d. 1775), who was born in Gloucester County and moved to the Shenandoah Valley later in his life. Francis's older brother Beverley Whiting (c. 1707--1755), burgess of Gloucester County, may have been the Beverley Whiting who was one of GW's godfathers ( Va. Mag., 32:130; LEDGER A, 126; FREEMAN, 1:47n).
31. At Home alone all day.
Remarks of the Weather
Jany. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze, but this day calm & moderate.
2. Moderate. Wind Southwardly. Thawing a little.
3. Rain, with the Wind at So. West. Gd. still hard froze, except the Top of it.
4. Foggy g: Warm. Mid day clear. Frost still in the Earth. Calm.
5. Very thick & Foggy in the Morning. Wind afterwards at No. Et. and Rain all day the Wind shifting southwardly.
6. Warm, clear, & pleasant, in the Morng. Wind high from No. Wt. & cool afterwards.
7. Clear and frosty. Wind brisk from No. W.
8. Clear, frost, & still.
9. Cloudy, with Misty forenoon & constt. Rain afterwards. Wind Southwardly.
10. Weather clear. Wind Southwardly, yet raw and Cold. Hard frost.
11. Clear with the Wind at West. Evening very cold & Wind Northwardly. Severe Frost. River froze across.
12. Wind at No. West and exceeding cold and frosty.
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13. More moderate, and yet very cold, with a little Snow in the Morng. and Eveng. clear.
14. Clear and pleast. Wind at South River still froze.
15. Clear and pleasant. Wind Southwardly. Thawd a good deal.
16. Constant Snow the whole day from the Northward.
17. Clear and pleasant. Wind So. West and West. Hard frost.
18. Still & cloudy. Very like to Snow but broke away abt. Sun Set. Cold.
19. Clear and pleast. Morning. Afternoon Raw & cold.
20. Clear, still, & warm. Thawd a great deal.
21. Very warm and Still. Snow dissolving fast.
22. Warm, still, and clear again. Snow almost gone.
23. No Frost last Night. Warm, & clear in the forenoon. Cloudy with some Rain in the Afternoon-afterwards clear again. Ice broke in the River.
24. Lowering Morning, but very fine & Warm till 7 in the Afternoon, when the Wind shifted to No. East from So.
25. Drizling & Raing. all day. Wind--No. Et.
26. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & cold, with Spits of Snow.
27. Cold-cloudy--& still morng. Clear & pleast. afterwards. Wind Southwardly.
28. Wind at No. West & very cold.
29. Do. at Do. & Do. River froze up again last Night.
30. Very hard frost last Night. Morng. cold but more moderate afterwards. Wind gettg. Southwardly.
31. Lowering. Wind Southwardly & moderate. Ice breaking and dispersing.
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Observations
Jany. 1st. Neck People clearing a piece of ground which was begun the 23d. of Decr.
Doeg Run People working in the Swamp which they began to clear this Fall.
Muddy hole People (except two threshing) clearing the Skirt of woods within the fence 4 Men & 2 Women from Doeg Run assisting.
Mill People also clearing.
6. Doeg Run People finishd grubbing the Swamp they were in and proceeded to another adjacent.
12. Threshing Wheat at all Plantations Ground being too hard froze to Grub to any advantage.
16. Finishd my Smiths Shop-that is the Carpenters work of it.
18. Carpenters went to Saw Plank at Doeg Run for finishing the Barn there.
Will put new girders into my Mill where they had Sunk.
19. Mike, Tom, & Sam went abt. the Overseers House at Muddy hole.
20. Plantations chiefly employd in getting out Wheat.
22. Davy, George, Jupiter and Ned, finishd Sawing at Doeg Run & Joind Mike &ca. abt. Overseers House at Muddy hole.
Where & how--my time is Spent.
1st. Rid round into the Neck and directed the running of a Fence there.
2. Rid to Muddy hole-Doeg Run & Mill.
3. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey & Ld. Washington. Started but catchd nothg.
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Lund Washington (1737--1796), a distant cousin of GW, was the son of Townshend and Elizabeth Lund Washington, of the Chotank area, where GW spent part of his youth. Lund had managed the Ravensworth estates of Henry Fitzhugh (1723--1783) during the early 1760s, and in 1765 GW hired him as manager for his Mount Vernon plantations.
4. Snowing all day--but not very fast--at home.
5. At home alone till Mr. Robt. Alexander came in the Evening.
6. Fox hunting with Mr. Alexander & Captn. Posey. Started but catchd nothing.
7. At Home alone.
8. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run & Mill and in returng. met Mr. Alexander Mr. Stoddard and Captn. Posey, who had just catchd 2 foxes. Returnd w. them to Dinner.
Stoddard is possibly a member of the Stoddert family of Prince George's and Charles counties, Md. Thomas Stoddert, who served with the Maryland troops in the French and Indian War, was the father of Benjamin Stoddert (1751--1813) by his wife Sarah Marshall Stoddert, daughter of Thomas Marshall of Marshall Hall.
9. Went out Hunting again. Started a fox. Run him four hours & then lost him. Mr. Stoddard went home. Alexr. stayd.
10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and Mill, Mr. Alexander going in the Morng. as Mr. Magowan did to Williamsburg.
Walter Magowan (d. 1786), an immigrant from Scotland, was hired by GW in the fall of 1761 to tutor the two Custis children at a wage of £35 a year. Magowan left the position in the late fall of 1767 and applied for the rectorship of Frederick Parish in Frederick County. The parish promised to hold the position open until Dec. 1768, and Magowan was now preparing to go to England for ordination. For this trip GW gave him a letter of introduction to Robert Cary & Co., dated 10 Mar. 1768 (DLC:GW).
11. Went into the Neck and returnd to Dinner.
12. Fox hunting with Colo. Fairfax, Captn. McCarty, Mr. Chichester, Posey, Ellzey & Manley who dind here with Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas. Catchd two foxes.
Richard Chichester (c. 1756--1796), son of Richard Chichester (d. 1743) and Ellen Ball Chichester of Lancaster County, was, through his mother, a distant relation of GW. He inherited his father's plantation, Fairweathers,
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and in 1759 married Ann Gordon (1743--1765) of Lancaster County. Shortly after Ann's death he moved from Lancaster to Fauquier County and married Sarah McCarty (d. 1826), daughter of his cousin Capt. Daniel McCarty of Mount Air, here mentioned. In 1774 Chichester bought land on Accotink Creek in Fairfax County, near McCarty's home and settled there with his family for the rest of his life (HAYDEN, 106--7; deed of Richard Watts to Chichester, 6 Dec. 1774, Fairfax County Deeds, Book M-1, 28--32, Vi Microfilm).
Harrison Manley (d. 1773), the son of John Manley (d. 1751) and Sarah Harrison Manley, occasionally sold wheat to GW and used the services of GW's mill, blacksmith shop, and weaving shop as part payment in return (LEDGER B, 9).
Two daughters of Wilson and Sarah Cary--Sarah and Elizabeth--married the brothers George William and Bryan Fairfax. A third daughter, Anne Cary (b. 1733), married Robert Carter Nicholas (1728--1780) of James City County and had four daughters, one of whom, probably either Sarah Nicholas (b. 1752) or Elizabeth Nicholas (753--1810), is the Miss Nicholas who appears here.
13. Hunting in the same Company. Catchd 2 More foxes. None dind at Mt. Vernon.
GW today lent Ellzey £10 (LEDGER A, 269).
14. At home alone.
15. Ditto--Ditto.
16. Went up to Alexa. and returnd in the Eveng.
While GW was in town today he received £75 cash as part payment for wheat sold to the Alexandria firm of John Carlyle & Robert Adam. This partnership, which was separate from the one Carlyle had with John Dalton (see entry for 17 April 1760), had been formed in 1764 to deal in wheat and flour and lasted until about 1770. During that period GW sold most of his wheat to the firm and regularly drew on his account with it for his cash needs (LEDGER A, 180, 271, 280, 310, 326).
17. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & the Mill. Returnd to Dinner and alone.
18. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner. In the Afternoon Mr. Thruston Mr. Alexander, & Mr. Carter from Gloster came in.
Charles Mynn Thruston (1738--1812), originally of Gloucester County, raised a body of volunteers in 1758 and joined William Byrd's Virginia Regiment as a lieutenant (WRITINGS, 3:2; HAMILTON [1], 2:292). In 1760 he married Mary Buckner, daughter of Col. Samuel Buckner of Gloucester County; she bore him three sons and died in 1765. In the fall of 1764 Thruston, having
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been chosen minister of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, went to England to take orders, and was licensed for Virginia in Aug. 1765 (PETSWORTH, 323--24; GOODWIN, 312). The Alexander family of Gloucester County had been headed by David Alexander (d. 1750), who emigrated to Virginia from England. This Mr. Alexander may have been David's son Morgan Alexander (b. 1746), who, like Thruston, was now looking for land, in either Loudoun or Frederick County, where he could settle. There were several Carter families in Gloucester County at this time.
19. After dinner the above Gentlemen went to Belvoier.
20. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey. Catchd a Fox.
21. At home all day. Mr. Wm. Gardner dind here. A Gentleman from York River came to buy Wheat.
22. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner and went out with my Gun after it.
23. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey. Catchd a Fox we suppose, but being dark coud not find it.
On this day, while ordering a butt of Madeira wine from a dealer in the Madeira Islands, GW asked for some cuttings of the grape. As if suspecting that the request would run counter to the policy of the vintners, he wrote, "but if in requiring this last Article there be any sort of Impropriety I beg that no notice may be taken of it" (GW to Scott, Pringle, Cheape & Co., 23 Feb. 1768, DLC:GW).
24. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner & killd 2 Mallards & 5 bald faces. Found Doctr. Rumney here at Dinner who staid all Night. Mr. Magowan returnd.
Rumney had come to see GW's stepdaughter, Martha Parke Custis, who was known as Patsy (Patcy) to her family and friends. Now 11 or 12 years old, Patsy had suffered from epilepsy at least since the age of 6, and with the beginning of her adolescence, the malady showed no signs of abating (receipt from James Carter, 12 April 1762, ViHi: Custis Papers). On this occasion Rumney prescribed 12 powders of unidentified composition, "a vial of Nervous Drops," and a package of valerian, a drug that was thought to be useful in controlling epileptic spasms (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers; HOOPER, 981). But these medicines, and the many others that would be tried in the future, could not relieve Patsy's condition. She was beyond the help of eighteenth-century physicians, and much to the dismay of her family, epileptic attacks would plague her at frequent intervals until one caused her death in July 1773.
25. Doctr. Rumney went away. I went to the Creek but not cross it. Killd 2 Ducks-viz. a sprig tail and Teal.
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Until he became too old for the chase, Washington hunted foxes at every opportunity. This print still hangs in the library at Mount Vernon. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
26. Laid of a Road from Mt. Vernon to the Lain by Mr. Manleys.
27. Went on the Road, clearing between Mt. Vernon, and the Mill. In the Evening Mr. Stedlar came.
In 1765 GW hired John Stadler, a local music teacher, for the purpose of "teaching Mrs. Washington & two Childn Musick" (LEDGER A. 231). During the next six years Stedlar frequently visited Mount Vernon to give lessons, mostly to the children. Patsy was learning to play the spinet, and her brother, John Parke Custis, the fiddle (GW to Robert Cary & Co., 12 Oct. 1761 and 20 July 1767, DLC:GW).
28. In the Afternoon went up to Mr. Robt. Alexanders in order to meet Mr. B. Fairfax & others a fox Huntg. None came this day but Captn. Posey.
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Robert Alexander lived just north of Four Mile Run. He had inherited the house and 904 acres of land from his father, Gerard Alexander (will of Gerard Alexander, 9 Aug. 1760, Fairfax County Wills, Book B-1, 327--29, Vi Microfilm).
29. At Mr. Alexanders all day with his Phil & Captn. Posey--it raining.
PHIL: probably Robert Alexander's younger brother Philip Alexander (d. 1790), whose home was just north of Alexandria.
Remarks of the Weather
Feby. 1st. Mild, Still, & Warm.
2. Lowering Morning--but Wind Westwardly & clear afterwards.
3. Clear, & somewhat cool in the Morning. Cloudy afterwards.
4. Snowing all day; but not very fast. Towards Night it turnd to hail and then to Rain. Very little Wind.
5. Raining more or less till the Afternoon when it ceasd & became foggy & remaind Cloudy.
6. Cloudy & dull Morng. Clear Afterwds.
7. Gloomy Morning. Cloudy afternoon--and rainy Evening and Night.
8. Calm and Misty Morning & dull day.
9. Clear-calm-& warm Morning. Windy afternoon-from the westward.
10. Clear & fine day. Little wind.
11. Still and Lowering kind of a day wt. drops of Rain every now and then.
12. Dull Morning, & lowering Day but no Rain & very little Wind.
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13. Cloudy Morning--but very pleasant Mid day & afternoon being clear with very little wind.
14. Raining more or less till the Afternoon when turnd to a kind of Mist. Winds changeable.
15. Heavy Morng. Rain abt. 8 Oclock & till 2 then Snow. Variable Winds.
16. Clear and pleasant with little Wind and that variable.
17. Very white Frost; Morning clear, & Still. Afternoon muddy with the Wind at So.
18. Lowering day with drops of Rain every now and then. Afternoon Misty with the Wind at No. Et.
19. Thick mist the whole day with very little wind.
20. Foggy & Misty Morng. Cloudy all day. Wind Southwardly in the Afternoon.
21. Quite warm--still--and tolerably clear.
22. Warm and Cloudy--with Showers of Rain and some Thunder. Wind fresh from the So. West &ca.
23. Rainy morning & Misty day, with but little wind.
24. Clear, & cool. Wind brisk from the North West.
25. Hard frost. Clear & cool, Wind at No. West in the Morning but calm & pleasant in the Afternoon.
26. Dull morng. Wind at So. Wt. and cool. Clear Noon & Muddy Sky in the Afternn.
27. Showery all day (misty Showers) & still.
28. Misty Showers with intervening Sun. Wind Southwardly & fresh.
29. Constant Rain from abt. 7 Oclock till three--then Snow with variable Wind from So. Wt. to No. Et. Westwardly.
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Observations
Feby. 1st. Carpenters all (except Will) Went to Sawing Palling for a Goose yard.
13. Finishd the Goose Pen at Home. Also finishd clearing the Point of Woods between where Carney & Rollins & Crump livd in the Neck abt. 30 Acres.
Richard Rollins and William Crump apparently moved out of Clifton's Neck soon after GW purchased it in April 1760 (LEDGER A, 74, 80). John Carney remained as a tenant, paying GW the standard annual rental of 730 pounds of tobacco until 1765, when GW bought out his lease (LEDGER A, 82, 136, 218).
18. Rais'd Overseers House at Muddy hole.
Finishd Threshing & cleaning my Wheat at Doeg Run Plantn. [ ] Bushl.
23. Stopd clearing the Field on the Ck. in the Neck, and began upon those pieces of Woods in the other field by Mr. Sheridines.
John Sheridine of Charles County, Md., had rented land in Clifton's Neck from William Clifton in 1741. After GW bought the land in 1760, Sheridine continued to rent until GW bought out the remainder of the lease in 1773. Sheridine's son, John Sheridine (d. 1768), seems to have lived on the land until his death. After this, his widow Barberry (Barbara?) remained there for several years (deed of Sheridine to GW, 9 Aug. 1773, MWA; LEDGER A, 75, 134, 227, 351; LEDGER B, 39).
26. Began to deliver my Wheat to Mr. Kirk.
Carpenters not having quite finishd the Overseers Ho[use] at Muddy hole for want of some Plank went abt. a Corn Ho. there.
Much abt. this time a Hound Bitch Mopsey of Mr. R. Alexanders (now with me) was proud, & shut up chiefly with a black dog Taster who lind her several times as did Tipler once, that is known of. The little Bitch Cloe in the House was also proud at the same time--but whether lined or not cannot be known. See how long they go with Pup--and whether both the sametime--being very difft. in size.
James Kirk, an immigrant from England, established himself as a wheat merchant and also invested heavily in western lands. He kept a store and office in Alexandria and maintained a country residence across the Potomac in Maryland (LEDGER A, 270--71; CRESSWELL, 4, 27, 52). GW's wheat is today being loaded on a ship owned by Kirk for Carlyle & Adam, the purchasers.
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26 & 27. Transplanted trees of differt. kinds into the Lucern Patch.
Where & how my time is Spent.
Mar. 1st. Went a fox hunting with the two Alexrs. and Posey. Was during the chase (in which nothing was catchd) joind by Mr. Fairfax, Jno. Alexander & Muir.
John Alexander (1735--1775), of King George and Stafford counties, was in this period the eldest of three brothers in the "Philip" branch of the Alexander family. John, who had inherited a portion of the 1669 Howsing Patent from his father, Philip Alexander (1704--1753), was a burgess from Stafford County 1765--75. He married Lucy Thornton (d. 1781). John Muir (c. 17311791), of Dumfries, Scot., settled as a merchant in Alexandria; in 1758 he was chosen a town trustee.
2. Hunting again, & catchd a fox with a bobd Tail & cut Ears, after 7 hours chase in wch. most of the Dogs were worsted.
3. Returnd home much disorderd by a Lax, Griping and violent straining.
4. At Home, worse with the above complaints. Sent for Doctr. Rumney, who came in the Afternn.
5. Very bad the Doctr. staying with me.
6. Something better--Doctr. still here--& Mr. Ramsay came down to see me.
7. Rather better. Doctr. went home after breakfast. Mr. Ramsay staid to Dinner.
8. Mending fast. Colo. Thos. Moore calld here on his way from Alexa. Home, but made no stay. Colo. Fairfax, & Mr. Gilbt. Campbell (Comptroller) Dined here.
Moore, who was heavily indebted to the estate of the late Speaker of the House of Burgesses, John Robinson (d. 1766) of King and Queen County, was now trying to renew his bond to GW for his debt to the Custis estate, which GW had been carrying, with interest, for eight years (LEDGER A, 204; see main entry for 4 Nov. 1768).
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Gilbert Campbell, of Westmoreland County, was comptroller of the South Potomac Naval District. He was a signer of the Westmoreland County association to prevent the execution of the Stamp Act in the colony, 27 Feb. 1766, and was still serving as comptroller in 1776.
9. Still mending. At home alone.
10. Mending still. Rid out. Mr. Peake & Auge. Darrel dind here.
Humphrey Peake (1733--1785), who inherited Willow Spring from his father, William Peake (d. 1761), was a neighbor and fox-hunting companion of GW and a frequent visitor to Mount Vernon.
Augustus Darrell (d. 1777) of Fairfax County, a son of Sampson Darrell, married about 1771 Sarah McCarty Johnston, widow of George Johnston of Belvale and sister of Daniel McCarty of Mount Air (LEDGER A, 300).
11. At home alone all day.
12. Rid to the new Road-Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantns. & found Doctr. Rumney upon my return, who dind & stayd all Night.
During this visit Rumney treated Patsy Custis with valerian and powders and applied some type of plaster (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). GW today paid him £5 in cash (LEDGER A, 269).
13. At Home alone all day.
14. With the people working upon the New Road between breakfast and Dinner.
15. At home alone all day.
16. Hunting with Captn. Posey & L[un]d W. Started and catchd a fox in abt. three hours.
17. Rid into the Neck--to Muddy hole and upon the New Road. When I came home found Colo. Carlyle & his Wife & Children there.
Col. John Carlyle's firs wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, bore him two children: Sarah, who appears in the diaries as "Sally," and Anne (1761--1778), who appears as "Nancy." After the death of Sarah Fairfax Carlyle in 1761, Colonel Carlyle married Sybil West, daughter of Hugh West (d. 1764) and Sybil Harrison West (d. 1787). They had one child, George William Carlyle (d. 1781).
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18. Went with Colo. Carlyle & our Families to Belvoir. Myself & Mrs. W--n returnd leaving the others there. Found Mr. Stedlar at Mt. Vernon.
19. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here.
20. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar still here. In the Afternoon Mr. Carlyle & Family returnd from Belvoir.
21. Went to Court. Colo. Carlyle & Family also went up. Mr. Stedlar stay'd--& Sally Carlyle.
22. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole Plantation.
23. Rid out to see, & examine whether a Road coud not be discovd. & opend from Posey's ferry back of Muddy hole Plantn. thereby avoidg. the Gumspring, which I think may be done to advantage.
24. Rid out again with Mr. Peake on the above Acct. and observd that a good Road might be had along H[untin]g C[ree]k upon Colo. Masons Land.
25. Went into the Neck. Grafted some Cherries & began to manure the ground for my Grapevines.
26. Went Fox huntg.--but started nothing. Mr. Lawe. Washington came here & Miss Ramsay in the Afternoon.
MR. LAWE. WASHINGTON: probably Lawrence Washington (1728-c.1809), usually called "of Chotank," the son of John and Mary Massey Washington and first cousin to Lund Washington. His home was on a bluff of the Potomac River near Chotank Creek. This Lawrence was one of the two Chotank cousins remembered in GW's will as "acquaintances and friends of my Juvenile years" (WRITINGS, 37:286; EUBANK, 18--20). Lund Washington also had a brother named Lawrence (1740--1799), who may be the one referred to here.
William Ramsay (1716--1785) and his wife Ann McCarty Ramsay (c. 1730--1785) had two sons and five daughters. "Miss Ramsay" is probably the eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who appears in the diaries variously as "Betsy," "Betcy," and "Betty."
27. At home. Lawe. Washington went away.
28. At home.
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29. Fox hunting--with Jacky Custis & Ld. Washington. Catchd a fox after 3 hrs. chase.
JACKY: GW's stepson, John Parke Custis. He was described by GW in May of this year as "a boy of good genius, about 14 yrs. of age, untainted in his Morals, & of innocent Manners. Two yrs and upwards he has been reading of Virgil, and was (at the time Mr. Magowan left him) entered upon the Greek Testament" (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 30 May 1768, PHi: Dreer Collection).
30. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run & Mill Plantation's.
31. Went into the Neck. At my return found Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Wm. Crawford at the House. Dr. Rumney went away in the Afternoon.
On the following day Rumney charged twelve "Nervous Powders" and ingredients for a medicinal brew to Patsy Custis' account (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
Remarks--of the--Weather
Mar. 1st. Cool & clear. Wind fresh from the No. West. Ground froze.
2. Cool morning but clear, still, and pleasant afterwards. Frost again.
3. Lowering with some sprinkles of Rain.
4. Cool, Wind at No. West, & frosty.
The Custis family coat of arms. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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5. Cool, & Cloudy. Ground froze. Towards Night Snow--just to whiten the Ground.
6. Ground & snow hard froze. Clear, Wind Northwardly.
7. Clear & cool, wind still Northwardly.
8. Frosty Morning--but clear & pleast. day. Wind Southwardly.
9. No frost. Clear & pleast. forenoon & Mid day--but hazy afternoon. Wind fresh from South.
10. Lowering Morning. Rainy, & Windy afternoon from the So[uth]ward.
11. Clear with high Wind from the So. Wt.
12. Cloudy for the Most Part. Wind Southwardly. In the Evening Rain.
13. Wind at No. West and Cool--with a lowering Sun--& sometimes Cloudy.
14. Wind Southwardly till the Afternn. then Northwardly with first Rain then Snow, being cloudy & raw all day.
15. Snow abt. half an Inch thick. Morng. cold & clear. Wind at No. West till the Afternoon, then North with a thick Muddy Sky. Ground froze.
16. Ground froze. Morning thick and threatening--but clear afterwards with the Wind Southwardly.
17. Morning frozen and cold, wind Raw from the Northward. Afterwards something warmer but still cold & clear.
18. Hard frost. Clear and cool. Wind at Northwest.
19. Ground froze. Morning threatng. & cold. Abt. 8 Oclock began Snowg. which it did constantly the whole day from the No. Et. & was one of the most disagreeable day of the whole Winter. Snow abt. 6 Inchs. deep.
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20. Cold and boisterous. Wind at No. West and Snow drifting. Afternoon somewhat more moderate.
21. Moderately warm. Wind Southwestwardly & sometimes lowering but clear Aftn.
22. Calm, clear, & pleasant. Snow melting fast.
23. Calm, & cloudy, with a little Rain in the Morning--so likewise in the Evening.
Note. This Moon, wch. changd the 18th. appeard with the points directly upwards exactly of a height.
24. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West.
25. Clear. Morning Cool, & wind at No. West. Evening Mild & calm. Ground froze.
26. Morning still, clear, & warm. Afternoon clear & cool. Wind at No. West.
27. Cloudy & lowering till abt. 3 Oclock then Snowing more or less till Night when it raind a good deal but little Wd.
28. Cloudy & sometimes drizling with but little Wind. After Sunsetting clear.
29. Raw, cold, & cloudy forenoon. Clear & more moderate Afternoon, Wind being pretty fresh from No. Wt. all day.
30. Calm, clear & pleast. Morng. Afternoon also clear, but more cool--Wind being brisk from southward.
31. Grey Morng. Clear Afterwards & raw. Wind fresh from the Southward.
Observations
Mar. 3d. Deliverd a Load of 508 Bushels of Muddy hole Wheat to Mr. Kirks Ship and my Schooner returnd.
5. Deliverd another Load of 517 ½ Bushls. of the Neck Wheat to the above ship and returnd the same day.
Finishd cutting down Corn Stocks at all my Plantations.
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12. Large parts of my Wheat Field at Doeg Run--the same I believe at the Mill--were found to be exceedingly Injurd by the Frost (and I apprehend by the last frost abt. the 7 & 8th. Instt.). Upon examining the Wheat which appeard to be so much hurt, I found the Roots for the most part were entirely out of the ground. Some indeed had a small fibre or so left in, & here perhaps a green blade might be found in a bunch, but where the Root was quite Out the whole bunch seemd perishd & Perishing.
Note. Watch the Progress of this Wheat, & see if there be any possibility of its taking Root again (as it lyes thick on the gd.). Near a stake in the 18 Inch Cut and abt. 100 yds. from the Barracks is a spot of an Acre or so of this kind. Observe this place--being poor gd. also.
Carpenters returnd from the Road abt. Muddy hole Corn House.
15. Deliverd the last load of my Wheat to Mr. Kirks Ship which makes 1921 Bushls. delivd. him in all. Reckg. in 15 Bushls. to be deliv'd him by Mr. Digges.
GW had previously lent 15 bushels of wheat to William Digges of Warburton, the equivalent of which was now earmarked for delivery by Digges to Kirk as part of GW's total delivery (LEDGER A, 156). The total included 475 bushels delivered 11 Mar. but not mentioned in the diary (LEDGER A, 271).
16. Began to list Corn Ground at Muddy hole.
Recd. my Goods from Mr. Cary by Captn. Johnston.
Sent my Vessel abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon to Mr. Kirk agreeable to his Letter.
John Johnstoun, captain of the Lord Cambden, was delivering GW's major spring shipment of supplies from England; the shipment comprised a great variety of goods collected from 39 different London shops, including a set of surveyor's instruments for John Parke Custis and some harpsichord music for Patsy. These were all gathered together and shipped by Robert Cary & Co., which was the major London merchant house for the Custis estates and was subsequently retained by GW after his marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis.
18. Began to lay of my Corn ground in the Neck.
19. Sent Chaunter (a Hound Bitch) up to Toulston; to go to Mr. Fairfax's Dog Forester--or Rockwood--She appearg. to be going Proud. Forrester not beg. at Home she went to Rockwood.
25. Observ'd a Lamb in my Pasture being the first fallen from Ewes put to my Ram the [ ].
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26. My Vessel returnd from Mr. Kirks employ abt. sundown--being 10 days gone.
29. Began to Cork & pay the bottom of my schooner.
30. Finishd my Fencing & began to Enlist my Corn Ground at the Mill.
Looked again at the Wheat at Doeg Run (particularly abt. the Stake near the Barracks) and found no alteration for the better--it appearing to have no root in the Ground.
31. Finishd Corking my Vessel & weeding out my Lucern.
Memms.
If Ewes & Lambs are restraind from Wheat Fields, & no green food sowd to support them in the Spring--contrive that no more fall after this year till the last of March.
Where & how--my time is Spent.
April 1st. At home with Mr. Crawford.
William Crawford's visit was not purely social. By the fall of 1767 GW had concluded that because the Pennsylvania-Maryland boundary line (Mason and Dixon's Line) would soon be completed, and because western expansion (temporarily barred by the Royal Proclamation of Oct. 1763) would soon be at least partially opened up by a treaty with the Indians, the time was ripe for acquiring some parcels of choice land in western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley. GW wrote to Crawford (21 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW), who had settled the year before at Stewart's Crossing on the Youghiogheny River (BUTTERFIELD [1], vii), and proposed a partnership for taking up land. Crawford quickly replied that he would "heartly imbrass your Offer upon the Terms you proposed," and went on to sketch out the prospects, necessary procedures, and possible problems that the two land hunters might encounter (29 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW). Crawford's appearance at Mount Vernon, allowing land discussions which were spread over a six-day period, was GW's first opportunity to confer personally with his man in the field.
2. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run & the Mill. Mr. Crawford went to Alexandria.
3. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Crawford returnd in the Afternoon.
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4. Fox hunting with Messrs. Chichester, the Triplets, Manley, Posey, Peake & Adams. Never started a Fox--but did a Deer.
Abednego Adams (1721--1809), originally of Charles County, Md., married Mary Peake, a sister of Humphrey Peake. They appear to have settled for a time on land in the fork of Little Hunting Creek which Adams's wife inherited from her father in 1761.
5. At home with Mr. Crawford. Mr. Campbell came here g: dined, Mrs. Washington, Miss B. Ramsey & Patcy Custis went to Belvoir & returnd.
As an agent for the Alexandria partnership of Carlyle & Adam, Matthew Campbell (d. 1782) had come to Mount Vernon to pay GW £121 11S 9½d. for wheat purchased from him during the past six months (LEDGER A, 271).
6. Mr. Crawford set of home, and we (together w. Miss Betcy Ramsay) went up to Alexa. to a Ball.
GW had given Crawford £20 on the previous day (LEDGER A, 269).
7. We returnd from Alexandria thro Snow.
8. At home alone. Except with Price the Bricklayer who has been here since Tuesday.
In 1767 Thomas Price was asked by the Truro vestry to inspect the work at the still unfinished Falls Church building, around which the town of Falls Church later developed (Truro Vestry Book, 116, DLC). Several years later GW bought "a Bricklayer named Isaac Web" from Thomas Price for £30 Maryland currency (LEDGER B, 106).
9. FOX hunting with the two Triplets Mr. Peake & Mr. Manley. Started, but catchd nothing.
10. At home alone.
11. Planting out Grape Vines according to M[e]m[orandum]. Mrs. Posey dined here and Mr. Alexander & Mr. Edwd. Payne Supd. & lodgd.
Edward Payne served with GW as a vestryman of Truro Parish 1765--74. When Payne contracted with the parish in 1766 to build a chapel of case (later called Payne's Church) for the parishioners in the northwest corner of the parish, GW was appointed to the building committee (SLAUGHTER [1], 22, 50).
12. Payne and Alexander went away after Breakfast. And Miss Tracy Digges & her sister Betty came in the Aftern. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg R. & Mill.
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Theresa Digges (b. 1744) and Elizabeth Digges (1743--1845) were the two eldest daughters of William and Ann Digges of Warburton Manor.
13. At home. The Miss Digges here. In the Afternoon Mr. Chichester came.
14. Fox hunting with Mr. Chichester Captn. Posey Messrs. Triplet Peake & Adams. Startd but catchd nothing. Posey & Adams dind here as did Mr. Digges.
15. At home. Mr. Digges & his daughters went away after breakfast.
16. At home alone. In the Evening went into the Neck.
17. Went to a Church & returnd to Dinner.
18. Went to Court and returnd in the Evening.
19. Measurd the Field designd for Corn at the Mill, and Doeg Run this year.
20. At home alone all day.
21. Rode to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill Plantns.--at the first & last of wch. just began to check Corn Gd. Mr. Stedlar came here.
22. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here.
23. At home all day again. Mr. Stedlar still here.
34. Mr. & Mrs. Peake & their daughter dined here as also did Mr. Stedlar.
Humphrey Peake of Willow Spring married Mary Stonestreet, daughter of Butler Stonestreet (d. 1755) of Prince George's County, Md. The Stonestreet home, Exeter, was on Piscataway Creek, which emptied into the Potomac almost directly across from Mount Vernon. Of the two daughters of Humphrey and Mary Peake, this is probably the elder, Ann Peake (d. 1827), often referred to in the diaries as "Nancy."
25. Went to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill before Dinner, & into the Neck afterwards.
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26. Set of for Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington, Jacky & Patcy Custis & Billy Bassett. Lodgd. at Mr. Lawsons.
GW may have originally planned to combine this visit to Eltham and Williamsburg with attendance at a session of the House of Burgesses which, although scheduled to open on 1 May, had met from 31 Mar. to 16 April (H.B.J., 1766--69, 138, 140, 175--77). Billy is William Bassett (1760--1775), eldest son of Mrs. Washington's sister Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett and Col. Burwell Bassett of Eltham. The Washingtons probably stayed at the home of Thomas Lawson, who ran John Tayloe's ironworks on Neabsco Creek, Prince William County, from which GW bought some bar iron in 1761 (ViHi: Tayloe Papers; Lawson to GW, 28 June 1761, ICHi).
27. Reachd Fredericksburg.
28. Stayed there all day at Colo. Lewis.
29. Proceeded on our Journey and reached Hubbards Ordy. in Comy. with Colo. Lewis & Mr. Dick.
Benjamin Hubbard, who died about 1780, was one of a group of Quakers who moved from Pennsylvania to settle in Caroline County in the 1730s. Hubbard later embraced the established church and served as a Caroline County justice 1754--60. Hubbard's ordinary, located about 37 miles southeast of Fredericksburg in lower Drysdale Parish, was his base of operations for an extensive mercantile business in the Mattaponi River valley from 1756 to 1780. GW had stayed at Hubbard's as early as 1759, when he and his new bride apparently made a trip from the White House to Fredericksburg, possibly to visit the mother of the bridegroom (LEDGER A, 52, 55; CAMPBELL [1], 175--76 347, 392, 412).
30. Breakfasted at Todds Bridge--dind at Claibornes & came to Colo. Bassetts.
From Todd's Bridge on the Mattaponi River, GW's party followed his regular route through King William County to a fork in the road just beyond King William Court House. Although on previous trips GW chose the south fork, which crossed the Pamunkey River at Williams' ferry near the White House, the party now took the east fork, remaining on the main road to arrive at Sweet Hall, the home of William Claiborne, which lay on the Pamunkey River opposite New Kent County. About nine miles beyond Sweet Hall was Col. Burwell Bassett's home, Eltham, which he inherited as the eldest surviving son of his father, William Bassett (1709-C.1743).
GW today paid a Dr. Lee, possibly Arthur Lee, £2 3s. 9d. for Patsy Custis (LEDGER A, 269; see main entry for 6 July 1768).
Remarks--of the--Weather
April 1st. Ground a little froze. Day very cold, with flying Clouds & Wind high from No. Wt.
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2. Ground hard froze. Morning very keen & sharp, wind being at No. Wt. Afterwards more moderate winds varying--with Clouds.
3. Wind fresh from the Westward & very cold with Snow at times & Clouds.
4. Ground very hard froze (as it was yesterday). Day clear. Morning calm--but Wind from the Southward afterwards & Cold.
5. Ground very hard froze. Wind high from No. West. Very cold & Clear.
6. Ground hard froze. Morng. Calm--clear & pleast. Afternoon Muddy & cold. Wind at So. West. Abt. 10 Oclock at Night it began Snowg.
7. Snowed all Night, and all this day without Intermission from the No. and No. East. Ground coverd six or 8 Inches.
8. Clear and cold. Wind fresh from the No. West. Snow melting fast notwithstandg.
9. Clear & cool in the Morng. Wind at No. Wt. & ground hard froze. Still & pleast. in the Aftern.
10. White frost, & ground a little crusted over. Moderate but lowering. Wind at So. Et.
11. Clear--calm, and springing.
12. Clear--Warm & still till abt. three Oclock. Then fresh Wind from E.S.E.
13. Clear and rather Cool. Wind fresh from S.W. to N.W.
14. Lowering day. In the Afternoon a little Rain--with the Wind at So. Et.
15. Now and then slow Rain. Very cloudy till abt. 4 Oclock when it cleard--but little Wind, and that abt. So. Et.
16. Lowering most of the day, with the Wind Southwardly & cool till the afternoon when it was still, clear & warm.
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17. Clear & cool wind at No. West.
Note--the horns of this Moon (wch. changd yesterday) were directly up as the last.
18. Clear & Cool. Wind Northwardly.
19. Rather Cool for the Season. Wind variable. & in the Evening low.
20. Clear and Cool. Wind brisk from the East.
21. Cool--Cloudy & Raing more or less all day. Wind at East.
22. Constant Rain all last Night, and all this day, with the Wind at East.
23. Constant Rain again all last night & all this day. Wind still at No. Et.
24. Raining in the Night and till after Sunrise. Wind at No. West & cloudy, that is flyg. clouds, in the Morng. but clear still & warm in the Afternoon.
25. Still, clear, warm, & pleasant.
26. Warm, still, & very smoky. In the Evening the Wind very fresh from the Southward.
27. Clear and Cool, wind fresh from the No. West.
28. Clear, & rather Cool, wind variable and in the Evening at No. Wt.
29. Lowering all day & sometimes sprinkling of Rain. Wind southwardly & pretty fresh.
30. Clear and warm with but little Wind till Night when it blew very fresh from the Southward.
Observations
April 2d. Sewed a patch of Flax in the Neck.
Also sewed a patch at Doeg Run by the last yrs. Turneps.
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6. Sewed part of the Ground at home (the Cowpens) in Flax.
7. Carpenters finishd the Corn Ho. at Muddy hole. And went to trimmg. fish Barrls.
11. Planted out Grape Cuttings accordg. to Memm.
12. Sewed remainder of Flax Ground at Home.
Also sewed Flax Seed at Muddy hole.
White fish began to Run. Catching 60 or 70 at a Haul with some Her[rin]g.
14. Sowed Flax at Doeg Run at the head of the Meadow.
Began plowing at Doeg for Corn--that is to list.
Ditto Carpenters went to getting Staves for Cyder Casks.
18. Began fishing for Herrings with Carpenter's &ca.
21. Began to cross gd. at Muddy hole & the Mill--having Run only a single furrow for a list.
23. The great abundance of Rain which fell within this 48 hours carrd. away my Dam by the Miss Wades & broke the back Dam by the Mill.
The land north of GW's mill plantation was now jointly owned by three daughters of Zephaniah and Valinda Wade, Mrs. Wade having apparently died sometime within the previous two years. The dam near the Wades' property was about 300 yards up Dogue Run from the mill and had probably been built a short time before in an attempt to store more water for use in the mill during droughts. Nevertheless, the run regularly went dry in the summer. THE BACK DAM: the lower dam.
Where & how--my time is Spent.
May 1. Rid to a place calld Root's to see a Meadow of Colo. Bassetts. Returnd to Dinr.
ROOT'S: land owned by the Rootes family of Virginia. The first Rootes to appear in Virginia records was Maj. Philip Rootes (d. 1756), who lived at Rosewall, in King and Queen County, across the Mattaponi River from West Point; he also owned land in New Kent County. Rootes married Mildred Reade, who bore him four sons: Philip, of Rosewall; Thomas
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Reade. of Gloucester County; Col. George, who settled on the Virginia frontier; and John. who served in the 2d (William Byrd's) Virginia Regiment.
2. Went to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett, Colo. Lewis & Mr. Dick. Dind with Mrs. Dawson & went to the Play.
Mrs. Dawson was born Elizabeth Churchill (c. 1709--1779), daughter of Col. William and Elizabeth Churchill of Middlesex County. In 1729 she married Col. William Bassett (1709-c.1743) of Eltham, by whom she had at least five children, one of whom was Col. Burwell Bassett. After the death of her first husband, Elizabeth Churchill Bassett moved to the Bassett family town house in Williamsburg, two blocks south of the market square. In 1752 she married Rev. William Dawson, then commissary of the Church of England in Virginia, who died within a fortnight after the wedding. Although Mrs. Dawson continued to live in the Bassett town house, where GW dined on this date, she died at the Bassett country seat of Eltham.
The play was given in Williamsburg's second theater, built by local subscription in 1751 behind the Capitol on Waller Street. In 1768 a group of players--male and female--was formed by David Verling, their actor-manager, into the Virginia Company. After opening in Norfolk they moved to Williamsburg, where they opened their run on 31 March, coinciding with the meeting of the Burgesses. Which play GW saw is not known; the Virginia Company had a broad repertory, including Restoration comedy, eighteenth-century satire such as the popular Beggar's Opera by John Gay, and many of the plays of William Shakespeare, who was being "rediscovered" by the eighteenth-century English theater (see RANKIN).
3. Dined with the Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Peyton Randolph (c.1721--1775), son of Sir John and Susanna Beverly Randolph. was king's attorney and burgess for Williamsburg. From Nov. 1766 until the Revolution, Randolph served as Speaker of the House of Burgesses.
4. Dined with Mrs. Dawson, & suppd at Charlton's.
Richard Charlton (d. 1779) had announced in June 1767 that he had opened "the Coffee-House" in Williamsburg "as a Tavern," and GW had supped there on a visit to the city the previous fall ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 25 June 1767; LEDGER A, 262). The exact location of the coffeehouse is not known, but it was "nigh the Capitol" ( Va. Gaz., R, 2 Feb. 1769). In 1775 Charlton was said to be living "in the back street," probably present-day Francis Street ( Va. Gaz., D, 7 Jan. 1775). In addition to being an innkeeper, Charlton was a barber and wigmaker, and he may have plied those trades at his tavern ( Va. Gaz., P, 14 June 1776, and D&N, 11 Dec. 1779).
5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells.
Christiana Campbell's tavern was GW's habitual lodging place in Williamsburg from 1761 to 1771. On this visit to the city, he paid Mrs. Campbell £2 10S. "for Board," which included his lodgings as well as the daily breakfasts
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Peyton Randolph in a portrait by John Wollaston. (Virginia Historical Society)
Elizabeth Harrison Randolph, wife of Peyton Randolph, in a portrait attributed to John Wollaston. (Virginia Historical Society)
and other occasional meals that he ate at the tavern (LEDGER A, 274). Mrs. Campbell (1722--1792) was playfully described by a young Scottish merchant in 1783 as "a little old Woman, about four feet high; & equally thick, a little turn up Pug nose, a mouth screw'd up to one side" (MACAULAY, 187--88). The daughter of a Williamsburg innkeeper named John Burdett (d. 1746), she had married Dr. Ebenezer Campbell, an apothecary in Blandford, and had lived there with him until his death about 1752 (JETT, 24--25). Returning to Williamsburg a short time later, she had by 1760 begun to operate her tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street in the second block from the Capitol (GIBBS, 152--54). She was assisted in her business by her unmarried daughter Molly.
6. Rid to the Plantations near Williamsburg & dined at Mr. Valentines.
Joseph Valentine (d. 1771), who was in charge of all the Custis estates when GW married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759, stayed on as the "Common Steward" for both John Parke Custis' inherited portion and GW' dower portion of the Custis plantations (GW to Robert Cary, 24 Oct. 1760, CSmH).
7. Came up to Colo, Bassetts to Dinner.
8. Went to Church & returned to Dinner.
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When in Williamsburg, Washington sometimes attended Bruton Parish Church. (College of William and Mary)
GW probably joined the Bassetts in worship at Warrenray Church, a few miles from Eltham.Warrenray was the upper church of Blisland Parish, serving the eastern part of New Kent County.Col. Burwell Bassett was for many years one of the most active vestrymen of the parish; in 1768 he was joined on the vestry by Bartholomew Dandridge, younger brother of Mrs.Bassett and Mrs. Washington (CHAMBERLAYNE, 179).
9. Went a Fox hunting and catched a Fox after 35 Minutes chace; returned to Dinner & found the Attorney his Lady & daughter there.
John Randolph (c.1728--1784), of Williamsburg, succeeded his older brother Peyton Randolph as attorney general of Virginia in 1766. John married Ariana Jennings (1730--1801) of Maryland, who bore him a son, Edmund, and two daughters, Susanna and Ariana, Like GW, John Randolph was an avid gardener,and he wrote a book on vegetable gardening (probably during the 1760s) which became the first gardening book published in the American colonies (see RANDOLPH).
10. Rid to the Brick House & returned to Dinner--after which went a dragging for Sturgeon.
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The phrase "the Brick House" referred originally (in the seventeenth century) to a particular house built of brick, indicating how unusual such a building was in the early years of the colony. The original house lay about three miles east of Eltham on the south side of the York River across from West Point; after 1738 it was also the location of the Brick House tobacco warehouse (HENING, 5:15). By the mid-eighteenth century the Brick House lent its name to its immediate surrounding neighborhood, which is the sense in which GW refers to it here. In that neighborhood lay land that had been in the Bassett family for many years, as well as one of the larger quarters of the Custis estate, which GW was managing for Jacky (CHAMBERLAYNE, 335, 669--70; see also the Custis Papers in ViHi).
11. Dined at the Glebe with Mr. Davis.
Rev. Price Davies, of County Montgomery, Wales, who was born about 1732, received his B.A. from Christ Church, Oxford, in 1754. He later migrated to Virginia, married Elizabeth Perry of Gloucester County, and in 1763 became rector of Blisland Parish, New Kent County (GOODWIN, 262).
12. Went to New Kent Court with Colo. Bassett.
13. Went after Sturgeon & a Gunning.
14. Went to my Plantation in King William by Water, & dragd for Sturgeon & catchd one.
MY PLANTATION IN KING WILLIAM: Claiborne's (see entry for 24 April 1760).
15. Rid to see Colo. Bassetts Meadow at Root's.
16. Fishing for Sturgeon from Breakfast to Dinner but catchd none.
17. Rid to the Brick House & returnd to Dinner.
18. Did the same & got my Chariot & Horses over to Claibornes.
19. Went a Shooting, & hair huntg. with the Hounds who started a Fox wch. we catched.
20. Set of from Colo. Bassetts for Nomony. Crossd over to Claibornes--from thence by Frazers Ferry to Hobs hole dining at Webbs Ordinary.
Nomini was a Westmoreland County neighborhood clustered around Nomini Creek, which emptied into the Potomac River about 12 miles below GW's birthplace at Pope's Creek. From Claiborne's ferry, GW's party rode through King William County to cross the Mattaponi River at William Frazier's (many spellings) ferry (HENING, 7:402). They then proceeded almost
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Hannah Bushrod Washington, wife of John Augustine Washington. (Dr. and Mrs. John A. Washington)
Washington's brother, John Augustine, often called "Jack." (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
due north through King and Queen County, crossing into Essex County where they stopped in the afternoon for dinner at Webb's tavern (for the Webb family of Essex County, see WEBB [1], 270--77). After dinner they rode north to Hobbs Hole (now Tappahannock), a tobacco port on the south side of the Rappanhannock River and the seat of Essex County, which was described by a visitor in 1774 as "a small Village, with only a few Stores, & Shops" (FITHIAN, 203). GW spent £2 1s. 6d. for overnight lodgings, ferriages, and other expenses there (LEDGER A, 274).
21. Reachd my Brothr. John's who & his wife were up the Country. Crossd over to Mr. Booths.
Bushfield, where John Augustine Washington lived with his wife Hannah and their several children, was on the east bank of the Nomini near the mouth of the creek. "His House," said young Philip Vickers Fithian who saw it in 1774, "has the most agreeable Situation, of any I have yet seen in Maryland Or Virginia" (FITHIAN, 89). "Brother John" had succeeded his father-in-law, John Bushrod, as master of the Bushfield plantation upon the
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latter's death in 1760, and although the plantation contained only about 1,200 acres, he was now one of the ten leading landowners in Westmoreland County (MVAR, 1964, 18--21).
Col. William Booth lived almost directly across the Nomini from Bushfield at Nomini Plantation, which he, like John Augustine Washington, had taken over from his wife's father, in this case Col. William Aylett, who died in 1744. Aylett had married twice and had no sons, but four daughters. Elizabeth, who was probably the oldest, married Booth, and her sister Anne married GW's half brother Augustine Washington (EUBANK, 47--49).
22. Went to Church (nomony) & returnd to Mr. Booths to Dinner who was also from home in Glousester. Mr. Smith the Parson dind with us.
Nomini Church was on the east bank of Nomini Creek about 3½ miles upstream from William Booth's home. Rev. Thomas Smith (1738--1789) was the rector of Cople Parish, which comprised the lower end of Westmoreland County, including both Nomini and Yeocomico churches. He had assumed that post soon after his graduation from Cambridge University in 1763 and retained it until his death 26 years later (EATON, 22--23). A highly respected minister, Smith was a prosperous planter also; in 1782 he was credited with having 42 slaves, a total that made him the twentieth largest slaveholder in Westmoreland County at that time ( Va. Mag., 10:234). His wife Mary Smith (1744--1791) was a daughter of John Smith of Northumberland County and was a distant relation of GW, her great-grandmother Mary Warner Smith having been a sister of GW's grandmother Mildred Warner Washington (EUBANK, 52).
23. At Mr. Booths all day with Revd. Mr. Smith.
24. Came up to Popes Creek & staid there all day.
Pope's Creek was an addition to the Bridges Creek plantation, the original seat of GW's family in Virginia. In the 1720s GW's father, Augustine, built a house on the site lying on the west side of Pope's Creek about three-quarters of a mile from the Potomac River, and it was there that GW was born. On the death of GW's father, the plantation was inherited by GW's half brother Augustine Washington. It was now the home of Augustine's widow, Anne Aylett Washington, and their four children, including their only son, William Augustine Washington (1757--1810), who inherited the plantation upon his mother's death in 1773 and renamed it Wakefield. The present house, constructed in the 1930s, is a memorial house near the site of the original one (see FREEMAN, 1:15--47).
25. Got up to my Brother Sams. to Dinner. Found Mrs. Jno. Washington & ca. there.
GW lost 10s. playing cards today (LEDGER A, 274).
26. Remaind at my Brother Sams where my Brother Jno. came as also Mr. Lawe. Washington &ca. to Dinner.
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27. Dined at Mr. J. Washingtons with the compy. at my Brs.
John Washington (1730--1782) of Hylton was, like GW, a great-grandson of John the Immigrant. He married Catherine Washington, a sister of Lawrence Washington of Chotank. His home, Hylton, was in the Chotank neighborhood.
28. Went to Boyds hole & returnd to my Brother's to Dinr., where we found Colo. Lewis & my Br. Charles.
At Boyd's Hole on the Potomac River in Stafford (now King George) County was a small settlement of merchants clustered about one of the original tobacco warehouses established in 1730 (HENING, 4:268).
It was probably on this date, while at Boyd's Hole, that GW paid his share of a general levy on members of the Mississippi Company to the treasurer, William Lee (LEDGER A, 274). During the first four years of its existence the company had been making such a small impression in England that many contemporaries and most early authorities did not even know it had existed before 1767 (CARTER [1], 109 n.19). By Mar. 1767 the executive committee had decided that the time was ripe for another attempt at pressing their memorial. During the company meeting at Stafford Court House 16 Dec. 1767, which GW attended, a quota of £13 11s. sterling was approved for "employing an agent to proceed immediately to Britain, there to solicit the Company's Grant, as fully, speedily, and effectually as the nature of the Business will admit." GW recorded this payment as £16 18s. 9d. Virginia currency (CARTER [2], 16:316--19; LEDGER A, 169).
29. Went to St. Paul's Church & Dined at my Brothers.
Few churches in eighteenth-century Virginia had official names. Rather, a church tended to take a name from its location in the parish (the "upper" or the "lower" church), from its builder (Payne's Church), from a nearby geographical location (Nomini Church, Pohick Church) or simply from the name of its parish. Thus GW here refers to attending the church of St. Paul's Parish in Stafford County, which was the one closest to the home of his brother Samuel, a vestryman for St. Paul's Parish until 1770. By a change in county boundaries in 1776 this parish and its church became part of King George County (MEADE [1], 2:192, 187--88).
30. Went fishing & dined under Mr. L. Washingtons Shore.
GW today lost £1 8s. 9d. at cards (LEDGER A, 274).
31. Returnd home crossing at Hooes Ferry through Port Tobacco.
Remarks--of the--Weather
May 1. Cool. Wind Northwardly & fresh.
2. Cold & chilly wind to the Northward.
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Barnsfield, home of the Hooe family which ran Hooe's Ferry for many years. From Smoot, Days in an Old Town, Alexandria, Va., 1934. (Alexandria Library)
3. Warm, wind getting Southwardly and Cloudy.
4. Very Warm & Sultry, with flying Clouds & appearance of Rain.
5. Warm again. Wind Southwardly & fresh.
6. Rain in the Morning. Warm afterwards with Clouds.
7. Cool Wind Northwardly.
8. Less Cool than yesterday but not warm.
9. Very warm & Sultry. Wind Southwardly.
10. Wind Eastwardly & not so warm as yesterday--being Cloudy.
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11. Much Rain fell last Night and this Morning. Evening clear & warm.
12. Cool Evening and Morning but warm midday.
13. Wind Northwardly & rather Cool.
14. Warm & sometimes Sultry, with but little wind. In the Afternoon thunder & clouds with Slight Showers.
15. Not so warm as yesterday.
16. Wind at South but not fresh & tolerable warm, & clear.
17. Warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
18. Ditto--Ditto--Ditto.
Note the Horns of this Moon were also up as the two last were tho a little more declining.
19. Warm and but little Wind which was Southwardly. The weather very hazy as it had been for several days with the Sun and Moon remarkably red.
20. Clear, and but little Wind, & that Southwardly.
21. Warm, & clear in the Morning. Afternoon lowering, Wind Southwardly.
22. Showery all day. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward.
23. Wind shifted in the Night to No. Et. Blew and Raind hard all Night & till One or two Oclock this day, when it ceasd. The Afternoon became pleasant.
24. Morning clear but Cool. Afternoon lowering & very Cool wind No. East.
25. Misty all day and Cold with but little Wind.
26. Cloudy & very Cold Wind Northwardly. Sometimes Sun appearg.
27. Clear and somewhat Cool tho' there was but little Wind.
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28. Clear & Warm. Wind, tho' little of it Southwardly.
29. Clear with a small breeze from the Northward.
30. Clear & warm with little Wind & that Eastwardly.
31. Warm & flying Clouds. Wind abt. South.
Observations
May 2d. My Carpenters & House People went to Planting Corn at Doeg Run after they had finishd fishing.
3. The hound bitch Mopsey brought 8 Puppys, distinguishd by the following Names--viz.--Tarter--Jupiter--Trueman--& Tipler (being Dogs) --and Truelove, Juno, Dutchess, & Lady being the Bitches--in all eight.
23. My Carpenters & House People went to Work at my Mill repairing the Dams--hightening of them--& opening the Race.
29. The bitch Chanter brought five Dog Puppies & 3 Bitch Ditto which were named as follow--viz.--Forrester--Sancho--Ringwood--Drunkard--and Sentwell. And Chanter--Singer--& Busy.
Where & how my time is Spent.
June 1st. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & the Mill.
2. Went into the Neck.
3. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.
4. At Home all day writing.
5. Went to Church at Alexandria & dined at Colo. Carlyles.
6. Rid to Muddy hole and the Mill, & met with Doctr. Rumney upon my Return who dined here.
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While Rumney was at Mount Vernon, he gave Patsy Custis "a large Julep," probably a syrupy, nonalcoholic drink intended to soothe her nerves (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
GW today paid £15 for a horse for Jacky Custis (LEDGER A, 274).
7. Went up to Alexandria to meet the Attorney Genl. & returnd with him, his Lady & Daughter, Miss Corbin and Majr. Jenifer.
The Major Jenifer mentioned frequently in the diaries is Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer (1723--1790), who lived at Stepney, a large estate in Charles County, Md. He served in various public offices in Maryland before the Revolution and was at this time a member of the Maryland Provincial Court. From 1778 to 1782 he was a member of the Continental Congress. In 1785 he was made one of the commissioners to settle the navigation of the Potomac River, and later he was a member of the Constitutional Convention.
8. At Home with the above Company. Colo. Fairfax, his Lady & Miss Nicholas--Colo. West & his Wife--& Colo. Carlyle Captn. Dalton & Mr. Piper--the three last of whom stayd all Night.
9. The Attorney &ca. went away leavg. Miss Nicholas only here.
10. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill.
Rid to Ditto--Ditto & Ditto.
Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
13. Went to Belvoir where Mr. Seldon his Lady &ca. were.
Mary Cary (1704--1775), an aunt of Sarah Cary Fairfax, married Joseph Selden (d. 1727) of Elizabeth City County and had three sons: Col. Cary Selden of Buckroe, Elizabeth City County; Col. Samuel Selden of Selvington, Stafford County; and Rev. Miles Selden (d. 1785) of Henrico County ( Va. Mag., 9:109; MEADE [1], 2:205).
14. Returnd home again, & found Mr. B. Fairfax here. Sent for Doctr. Rumney to Patcy Custis who was seized with fitts. Mr. M. Campbell lodgd here.
Rumney treated this outbreak of epileptic convulsions by bleeding Patsy and prescribing some of the same medicines that he had given her earlier: valerian, "nervous drops," and ingredients for another medicinal brew (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
15. Colo. Fairfax & Family together with Mr. Seldon & his dind here as also Doctr. Rumney. Mr. B. Fairfax went in the Mg.
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16. Rid to the Mill Doeg Run and M. Hole. Mr. Campbell came here in the Eveng.
17. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole.
18. At home all day prepg. Invoices and Letters for England.
The "Invoices and Letters" were all dated 20 June 1768, the "Invoices" listing personal and plantation items needed from England for Mount Vernon and the Custis estates. To Charles Lawrence of London, GW wrote for a "Suit of handsome Cloth Cloaths," reminding the tailor that his long-legged correspondent stood a "full Six feet high" and was "not at all inclind to be corpulent." GW also ordered new clothes, including a green riding outfit for "Mastr. Custis . . . now 15 Yrs. of age & growing fast" and "a Suit of blew Livery" for Jacky's body servant (DLC:GW). From John Didsbury of London, GW ordered 32 pairs of shoes and boots for the Washington family, including 2 pairs of satin pumps, one in black and one in white, for Patsy Custis; also ordered were 4 pairs of "strong, course" shoes for Jacky's body servant (DLC:GW). In his cover letter to Robert Cary & Co., GW complained that for "four years out of five" he had made less profit by consigning his tobacco to Cary to sell in England than he would have made if he had sold it in Virginia (DLC:GW).
19. At home. Do. Do.
20. Went to Court and returnd at Night.
21. Went up again and stayd all Night.
22. Returnd home in the afternoon.
23. At Home all day.
24. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill before Dinner, & was sent for by express to come to Alexa. to settle and Arbitrate an Acct. between Mr. George West & Mr. Chs. Alexander wt. Mr. Thomson Mason & Mr. Ellzey.
George West (d. 1786), son of Hugh and Sybil West and brother of John West, Jr., was a Fairfax County surveyor. He married Ann Alexander, who was a first cousin of Charles Alexander (1737--1806) of Preston in Fairfax County. Charles Alexander married Frances Brown (d. 1823), daughter of Richard Brown of Maryland.
William Ellzey (d. 1796), a son of Lewis Ellzey by his first wife and thus a half brother to Thomas in Ellzey of Truro Parish, married Frances Westwood and lived in the neighborhood of Dumfries, where he practiced law until about 1773. By 1774 he was living on his father's land in Loudoun County. GW sought his legal help in several disputes in the late 1760s.
Jacky Custis rode up to Alexandria with GW this afternoon.
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25. Returned Home & remained there all day. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon & stayd all Night.
26. At Home. Doctr. Rumney went away in the Afternoon.
27. At home. Colo. Fairfax & his Lady dined here & returnd in the Aftern.
28. Set of for, and Reachd Fredericksburg.
GW was taking Jacky Custis to a boarding school in St. Mary's Parish, Caroline County, which the parish rector, Rev. Jonathan Boucher, ran in his home on a small plantation about 11 miles from the parish church. Jacky had received no instruction since Christmas when Magowan had ceased tutoring him, and GW was now anxious to have the boy resume his education. To school Jacky took his luggage, a body servant, and two horses (GW to Boucher, 30 May 1768, PHi: Dreer Collection).
29. Rid round and examind the Wheat Fields there. Which were fine.
30. Went to Mr. Bouchers. Dined there and left Jackey Custis. Returnd to Fredericksburg in the Afternn.
Jonathan Boucher (1737/8--1804), son of a poor English schoolmaster, came to Port Royal in 1759 to earn his living by tutoring gentlemen's sons. He soon began incurring heavy debts, a habit that would plague him for most of his life, but his fortune took a turn for the better in 1761 when he was offered the rectorship of neighboring Hanover Parish in King George County.
Jonathan Boucher, schoolmaster and clergyman, ran a boarding school below Fredericksburg which Jacky Custis attended. (Yale University Art Gallery, Mabel Brady Garvan Collection)
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During the following year he took holy orders in England and, returning to Virginia, was confirmed as Hanover's rector. He later moved to his present position as rector of St. Mary's Parish in Caroline County, where he had a busy bachelor existence, preaching, working his plantation, and running the school for boys that Jacky had come to attend. Boucher was a genial and often witty man, but he also had traits that frequently led him into difficulty, as he readily admitted in his Reminiscences: "There was nothing quite ordinary or indifferent about me; my faults and my good qualities were all striking. All my friends (and no man ever had more friends) really loved me; and all my enemies as cordially hated me. Women, in particular, were apt to be pleased with me, because I had a natural gallantry and attachment to the sex which made them secure of my good-will and friendship. . . . In most respects, when thwarted and opposed, I was obstinate and mulish; yet there was nothing which I might not be coaxed into. A woman might do anything with me. . . . As to my conduct in life, it was of a piece with the rest of me: no man took more pains, or laboured harder, to earn money, but I took no adequate care of it when I had earned it. I always intended well, but often acted ill" (BOUCHER [1], 80--81; see also CLARK [3], 19--32).
Remarks--of the--Weather
June 1st. Warm & still forenoon. Pleast. Afternoon a breeze from So. West.
2. Warm morning with Clouds & Thunder & Rain. Towards Night a good deal more Rain & Loud thunder.
3. Very warm morning with Rain abt. One Clock & a little thunder.
4. Cold and sometimes Raining. Wind Westwardly.
5. Cool with clouds & sometimes a sprinkle of Rain. Wind Westwardly.
6. Cool and Cloudy but no Rain the Wind Northwardly.
7. Clear & Cool. Wind at No. West.
8. Ditto--Do.--Wind Westwardly.
9. Clear and Warm, Wind abt. So. West. In the Afternoon Cloudy with Rain, and high wind from W.S.W.
10. Cloudy Morning but clear & cool afterwards with brisk Wind from No. Wt.
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11. Midling warm--with the Wind at So. Wt.
12. Warm. Wind Southwardly & fresh.
13. Wind Southwardly till the Afternoon when it Shifted to the Westward & blew a mere hurricane attended with hard Rain.
14. Wind very hard from the No. West with thunder & sevl. Showers of Rain.
15. Blustering Wind & varying from So. West to No. West. Cool.
16. Still & Warm with Rain in the Night.
17. Still & hot till abt. 2 Oclock then thunder & Rain with some Wind which afterwards dyed away.
18. Calm & cloudy with some Rain in the forenoon & thunder & Showery in the Afternoon & Night.
19. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West.
20. Clear and Warm. Wind Southly.
21. Warm & in the Afternoon Cloudy with Rain at Night.
22. Cool. Wind fresh from the No. Wt.
23. Wind very fresh from the So. West, and in the Night it blew a mere Hurricane from the same point with a little, & but a little Rain.
24. Wind fresh from the Westward.
25. Calm and Still & yet Cool. In the forenoon Wind Eastwardly in the Afternoon & Cloudy.
26. Cloudy with appearances of Rain in the Afternoon.
27. Wind fresh from the So. West & Warm. In the Afternoon thundr., & Rain for half an hour or more.
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28. Showery till 11 Oclock with very high Wind from the So. West & West all day, & cool.
29. Warm with but little Wind till the Evening then Cool with the Wind fresh from the No. West.
30. Cool with the Wind though not much of it Westwardly.
Observations
June 1st. Upon looking over my Wheat, I found all those places which had been injurd by the March frosts extreamely thin, low & backwards, having branchd but little, & looking puny--indeed in many places the Ground was entirely naked and where it was not, there was but too much cause to apprehend that the Wheat woud be choaked with Weeds.
It was also observable that all my early Wheat (generally speaking) was headed and heading. The common Wheat was but just putting out head; & the Red Straw Wheat had but very little or no appearance of head & was lower than any of the other, although first sown.
The heads of the whole appeard short & did not promise any great increase.
It was also remarkable that the Red Straw Wheat had a great number of Smutty or blasted heads in the same manner it had last year, when they did put out.
8th. Carpenters went to getting the frame for my Barn at the House.
[1]5. The Maryland hound Bitch Lady took Forrester & was also servd by Captn., & refusd the Dogs on the 11th.
Finishd breaking up Corn Ground at Doeg Run.
17. Finishd breakg. up Corn Ground at Muddy hole.
18. Finishd Do. Do. at the Mill.
22. About this time Captn. Posey's Bitch Countess was discoverd Lind to Dabster & was immediately shut up & none but Sterling sufferd to go to her.
Musick was also in heat & servd promiscuously by all the Dogs, intending to drown her Puppy's.
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25. The Carpenters finishd getting the Frame for the Barn at my Ho. House.
28. Began to cut the upper part of my Timothy Meadow.
Where & how--my time is Spent.
July 1st. Went over to Stafford Court House to a meeting of the Missisipi. Dined and lodged there.
With another change of ministers in England, and because of the new Indian treaties in progress which opened large parts of trans-Appalachian land to white settlement, the Mississippi Company's hopes were quickening. Dr. Arthur Lee, brother of the company's treasurer, William Lee, was taken into the company and chosen as the agent to be sent to England. He probably received his instructions at this meeting (CARTER [2], 318; CARTER [1], 109). The new agent, however, had little luck in his petitioning and lobbying. Although the Lee family--the original movers for the company--maintained their hopes up to the outbreak of the Revolution, GW was not so sanguine. While transferring his accounts to a new ledger in Jan. 1772, GW wrote off his £27 13s. 5d. investment in the company as a total loss instead of carrying it over (Richard Henry Lee to William Lee, 15 April 1774, BALLAGH, 1:106; LEDGER A, 169).
Stafford County's courthouse at this time stood on the south side of Potomac Creek about four miles upstream from Marlborough. During the Revolution it was moved to a site near present Stafford, Va. (WATKINS, 115--18), the location shown on the map on p. 1:220--21.
2. Dined at Dumfries and reachd home.
3. At Home all day.
4. Rid to see my Wheat at differt. Places. Doctr. Rumney came here in the afternn.
5. Went to Muddy hole with Doctr. Rumney to see the Cradlers at work.
6. Rid to Muddy hole and Doeg Run after Doctr. Rumney went away. When I returnd found Mr. Wm. Lee & Doctr. Lee here.
Arthur Lee (1740--1792) was the youngest of the six surviving sons of Thomas Lee (1690--1750), builder of Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, and his wife, Hannah Ludwell Lee (1701--1749/50). He attended Eton and the
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George Digges lived at Warburton, Prince George's County, Md. (Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Slowinski)
One of the many Lees in the Washington circle of friends, Dr. Arthur Lee had studied medicine in Edinburgh. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
University of Edinburgh, where he took a medical degree in 1764, and then returned to Virginia to practice medicine in Williamsburg. Arthur and his elder brother William (1739--1795) were now preparing for a visit to England which would see Arthur take up the study of law and William enter the tobacco trade in London (LEE [1], 195). During this visit to Mount Vernon the brothers probably discussed with GW the prospects for the Mississippi Land Company, in which both were deeply involved.
7. Mr. Lee went away. Mr. Darnel & Daughter--Mr. Geo. Digges & his two eldest Sisters came here & stayed all Night.
The Darnall (many spellings) family of Maryland descended from Col. Henry Darnall (d. 1711), who emigrated from England in 1672. This Mr. Darnall may be a great-grandson of Col. Henry, also named Henry, whose daughter Mary married Charles Carroll of Carrollton this same year (ROWLAND [1], 2:445--47).
George Digges (1743--1792) was the eldest son of William Digges of Warburton Manor. George's two eldest sisters were Theresa (Tracy) and Elizabeth (Betty).
8. Doctr. Lee & all the rest went away & I rid to the Cradlers (cutting my Wheat at the Mill).
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9. Rid to Muddy hole, the Mill, and Doeg Run before Dinner & to the Mill afterwards--where my People was harvesting.
10. Went to Church and returnd to Dinner.
11. Rid to Muddy hole where three white men were Cradling --& then to the Mill where we were getting in Wheat. Mr. Chichester with his wife Miss S. McCarty, & Dr. Rumney came.
Sinah McCarty (died c.1809) was a daughter of Capt. Daniel McCarty of Mount Air and a sister of Mrs. Sarah McCarty Chichester, with whom she appears here.
Rumney continued his treatment of Patsy Custis by giving her two capsules of musk, which in the eighteenth century was thought to be a strong antispasmodic agent and was commonly used as a remedy for epilepsy. Four or five days later Rumney apparently sent a dose of valerian to Patsy (receipt of William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
12. Rid to Muddy hole before breakfast where all hands were harvesting the Wheat. The Company went away.
13. Went in to the Neck where I this day began my Harvest. Colo. Fairfax & Doctr. Lee dind here and returnd.
14. Attended in the Neck Again.
15. Went over again & drove back by Rain about One Oclock, which continued all the Afternoon.
16. Went by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Vestry at Pohick Church. Stayd there till half after 3 Oclock & only 4 Members coming returned by Captn. McCartys & dined there.
By Virginia law, the presence of at least 7 of the 12 vestrymen was necessary to form a quorum (HENING, 7:303). The absence of so many members of the vestry on this occasion suggests the beginning of a new strategy by those vestrymen who disliked the location for the proposed new Pohick Church.
17. At home all day.
18. In the Neck with my People Harvesting.
19. In Ditto with Ditto. Mr. Richd. Graham came here in the afternoon.
Richard Graham (d. 1796) was a Scottish merchant of Dumfries, Prince William County, who was heavily involved in western lands. In 1757 he
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married Jane Brent (b. 1738), the youngest daughter of Col. George Brent (d. 1778).
20. In Ditto with Do. in the Forenoon. In the Afternoon went with them to cut the Wheat at Doeg Run.
21. Went to the Harvest Field at Ditto.
22. Rid to Ditto in the forenoon with my Wife & Patcy Custis.
23. Rid to Ditto in the forenoon--where I met with one Russel, a Tenant of mine upon the Land I bought of Carters Estate, coming down to see upon what terms he coud get the Land.
George Russell was a tenant on land in Fauquier County formerly owned by the late George Carter (see main entries for 10 and 17 March 1769).
24. Went to Pohick Church.
25. Went to Alexandria & bought a Bricklayer from Mr. Piper & returnd to Dinner. In the Afternoon Mr. R. Alexander came.
Michael Tracy (Treacy), probably an Irish indentured servant, was bought by GW for £18 4s., a good price if Tracy was an apt bricklayer (LEDGER A, 277). In July 1770 a Michael Tracey was advertised in the Virginia Gazette as a runaway from Andrew Wales, brewer, of Alexandria (R, 26 July 1770).
26. Rid with Mr. Alexander to my Meadow & returnd with him to Dinner. Mr. Vale. Crawford here. They went away.
27. Rid to the Meadow again. Vale. Crawford & his Br. Wm. both came this Afternoon.
28. Went to the Meadow with the above two.
29. But little Wind--that Southwardly--very Warm. Rid to the Meadow in the Afternn. Writg. in the Fore.
30. Rid into the Neck and from thence to Doeg Run where we were Haymakg. Colo. Carlyle & Lady came last N. & went to Day.
31. Went to Alexa. Church. Dind at Colo. Carlyles & returnd in the Afternoon.
The Fairfax vestry decided 27 Nov. 1766 to replace the parish's two church buildings with new brick structures, one near Four Mile Run called Falls Church, and one at Alexandria, later called Christ Church. The vestry advertised
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for bids and on 1 Jan. 1767 agreed with James Parsons (d. 1785) to build the church at Alexandria for £600. Because work on the new church was not yet finished, the worship services GW attended in town today must have been held in the old building (see entry for 3 Feb. 1760; POWELL, 85--87).
Remarks--of the--Weather
July 1st. Cloudy & Cool in the Morning--but clear and very warm in the Afternoon and Night.
2. Clear and exceeding Hot with but little Wind. Night also Warm.
3. Clear and Warm but Windy from the So. West.
4. Cool in the Morning, warm afterwards & Cool at Night again--but little Wind.
5. Warm & Cloudy--with appearances of Rain. Wind Southwardly. The Afternoon, & Evening Cool.
6. Drizling in the Morning, & very cloudy, all day--with the Wind Southwardly.
7. Cool & clear--with the Wind at No. West & westwardly.
8. Clear & tolerably cool. Wind at So. West.
9. Clear, warm, & still abt. Noon. Afterwards cooler Wind being risen from the Southward.
10. Very Sultry and hot--although the Wind blew fresh from So. & So. West. Clear.
11. Wind Southwardly--Warm--& showery abt. 2 Oclock.
12. Very warm and Sultry with appearances of Rain--but none fell. Wind Southwardly.
13. Warm and but little Wind--& that Southwardly.
14. Clear & Warm with a little Wind from the Southward.
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15. Cloudy Morning & drizling & rainy Afternoon--with wind westwardly. Note this Rain continued slow till some time in the Night and with but little Wind.
16. Clear & cool in the forenoon with thunder abt. 11 Oclock. Abt. 2 Oclock a black Cloud with Wind and Rain from the No. West & at 5 a Secd. Cloud from the same Quarter.
17. Wind Westwardly and little of it. Day moderate.
18. Warm & but little Wind. Some appearance of Rain--but none fell.
19. Clear and very warm with a small breeze from the Southward.
20. Very warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly. Clear.
21. Clear & Exceeding hot till abt. 10 Oclock--then a little cooler by the Wind Rising from the Southward.
Note--last Night & the Night before makes but the 4 or 5th. warm Night we have had this year.
22d. Clear & very warm--with the Wind Southwardly. Last Night warm.
23. Clear & very warm, with but little Wind & that variable. Hot Night again.
24. Very warm notwithstanding the Wind blew high from the So. W.
In the Afternoon some Rain & Wind here but a good deal towards Alexa.
25. Cool & showery in places. Very cool in the Eveng. Wind at No. West.
26. Wind at No. West & cool & clear.
27. Wind Westwardly, clear, & somethg. warmer.
28. Clear & something warmer still. Wind Southerly.
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29. But little wind & that Southwardly. Very warm.
30. Very little Wind but very hot with appearances of Rain tho none fell.
31. Very warm, with Rain flying abt. but none fell with us. Wind fresh from the southward in the Afternoon.
Observations
July 2d. Finishd going over my Corn ground in the Neck--both with the Plows & Hoes.
4. Began to cut my Wheat at the Mill--but upon examination, finding it too green desisted.
Note, upon looking into my Wheat the Rust was observd to be more or less in it all--but, except some at Doeg Run it was thought no great damage woud follow as the Wheat was rather too forward.
5. Jonathan Farmer coming down last Night, & examining my Wheat to day was of opinion that some of Muddy hole field was fit, at least might be cut with safety. Accordingly began it with himself 3 other White Men & 4 Negroe Cradlers letting the grain lye upon the stubble abt. 2 days to dry.
The three white cradlers were Eliab Roberts, Abner Roberts, and Andrew Jones. The text clearly reads Jonathan "Farmer," but GW meant to write Jonathan Palmer, who was hired as head harvester for 10s. per day (LEDGER A, 274, 277).
8. Began to cut the Wheat at the Mill in the field round the Overseers House which was cut, & abt. 4 Acres in the other this day by 10 and sometimes 11 Cradlers which were all that worked amounting in the whole to abt. 40 Acres.
9. Six and sometimes 7 Cradlers, cut the remainder of the field (abt. 28 Acres) on this side to day.
The Wheat at Muddy hole, was (that is all that was cut down) got into Shocks by 11 Oclock to day--and abt. ¾ of the field round the Overseers House at the Mill.
Pulld the Flax at Muddy hole.
On this day GW paid off Abner Roberts and Andrew Jones, giving them a total of £3 1s. 6d. for their work (LEDGER A, 274).
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11 & 12th. Pulld the Flax at home.
Got in the most of the Mill Wheat but was prevented finishing by Rain.
Three white Men (Cradlers) cut down abt. 10 or 12 Acres of Muddy hole Wheat.
Hands Went to Muddy hole & finishd Harvesting the Wheat there--that is cutting & securing it in shocks.
The three white cradlers were Jonathan Palmer, Eliab Roberts, and Robert Langley.
13. Some hands went & got the residue of the Mill Wheat into the House & all the Rest with the Cradlers went into the Neck & cut down & securd little more than 20 Acres of Wheat.
14. The hands from the Mill joind the others, & altogether finishd the Cut of Wheat (containing 50 Acres) at the Orchard point great part of which was very thick, Rank, & heavy Cuttg.
15. Began cuttg. the Wheat next to it on the Riverside. Abt. One Oclock was stopd by Rain which continued the whole afternoon.
16. Finishd this cut, & began the one next to the House. This day it also Raind & stopd the Harvest abt. an hour or two.
17. Dischargd three Cradlers keepg. only Jonathan Palmer & Eliab Roberts.
The three discharged cradlers, each of whom was paid 5s. per day, were David Kinsey, paid for 2 days of work; William Black, for 1¾ days; and Robert Langley, for 6 days (LEDGER A, 274).
18. Nine Cradlers at work including the two white men.
20th. About 11 Oclock finished Harvesting the Wheat in the Neck; that is cutting it down, & securing it shocks. In the whole, allowing for the time lost by Rain we were six days doing it.
About 2 Oclock in the Afternoon began to cut the Field at Doeg Run containing 150 Acres with 10 Cradlers--3 of them sorry hands.
21. Finishd one quarter of the above field abt. 2 Oclock.
Note this cut was, in places, greatly injured by the Rust.
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22. About 2 Oclock finishd another Cut in this field being of the same Size of the last. This was also injured by Rust--as well as by the frosts.
23. At 12 Oclock finishd the third cut of 37½ Acres at Doeg Run & clapd into the last one.
25. Finishd the last cut abt. One Oclock this day (Monday) part of wch. was much hurt by the Rust--& cut down the small piece at home & securd it.
Note--from the most accurate experiments I coud make this year, upon Wheat siezd with the Rust before it is fully formd & beginning to Harden, it appears to be a matter of very little consequence whether it is cut down so soon as it is siezd with this distemper (I mean the parts of the field that are so)--or suffered to Stand--for in either case the grain perishes & has little or no flower in it. That indeed wch. is sufferd to stand may gain a little, & but a little in respect to the grain & the other in respect to the straw so that I think it is nearly equal wch. of the two methods is followed.
Note also--from this year's experiments, it appears certain that Wheat may be cut down (suffering it to take a day or two's Sun) much Sooner than it generally is. I took Wheat of three differt. degrees of Ripeness i.e., some whose Straw and head was green (but the grain of full size and Milky) --some whose Straw from the upper joint was colouring--and some that the Straw from the said joint was col[ore]d but the Knots (at the Joints) Green, & observd after they had lain 2 or 3 days in the sun that the grain of the first was but little shrunk--the 2d. scarce perceptable--& the last plump & full by wch. it evidently appear's that to cut Wheat Knot green is not only safe but the most desirable state it can be cut in--& that where there is a large qty. the question is, whether it may not be better to begin while the wheat is colouring from the upper joint as the grain will loose but little (if any) than to cut it in an overripe state when it may loose a good deal more by shattering. For my part I am clear it is better to cut it green & shall have no reluctance to practice where the whole cannot be cut at the exact period one woud choose it.
26. Began to cut my Timothy Meadow.
GW discharged Eliab Roberts today, paying him £5 13s. (LEDGER A, 277).
30. Finished Do. & got into Stacks without damage.
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About the 27 and 28 Sowed some Turnep Seed in Corn Ground at Morris's--that is at Doeg Run Plann.
Memm. On the 30th. of this Month I agreed with Jonathan Palmer to come and Work with my Carpenters; either at their Trade--Cowpering--or, in short at any thing that he may be set about--In consideration of which, I am to pay him £40 pr. Ann. allow him 400 lbs. of Meat & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn. I am also to allow him to keep two Milch Cows (one half of whose Increase I am to have) and to have Wheat for which he is to pay. He is to be allowed a Garden & I am to get the old dwelling House at Muddy hole repaird for him. I am also to take his Waggon at £17, if he brings it free from damage and it is no older than he says--that is about a 12 Month. Note he is to be here as early as possible in April--if not in March.
On this day GW paid Edmund Palmer 17s. for 1 day of cradling and 4 days of mowing. He also settled accounts with his head harvester, Jonathan Palmer, who was paid £6 for 18 days of cradling and 4 days of mowing, plus a bonus of £1 4s. "in considn. of his g[oo]d, behaviour" (LEDGER A, 277). The contract with Palmer is typical of the time: while the form is standard, the content, being the product of bargaining by both sides, reflects the particular strengths and needs of each party. Such contracts were usually annual, and their renegotiation tended to reflect the changed circumstances of one or both parties.
COWPERING: an older spelling of coopering.
Where and how my time is Spent.
Aug. 1st. Went to Belvoir & dined. Returnd in the Afternoon.
2. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run, and Muddy hole. Miss Manly dind here & Mr. Alexr. came in the Evening.
MISS MANLY: probably Mary (Molly) Manley, eldest daughter of Harrison and Margaret Manley.
3. Mr. Alexander & Miss Manly went away. Rid to the Mill & Muddy hole.
4. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Lund Washington & Mr. Thos. Triplet. Started nothing.
5. Went by Muddy hole--the Mill--& Doeg Run Plantations to a Race at Cameron. Returnd in the Evening.
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Cameron was the name of the neighborhood which began at the junction of several major roads leading into Alexandria, between one and two miles west of town, and thence extending several miles west along Cameron Run, the stream which fed into Hunting Creek. In GW's lifetime Cameron lent its name to a proposed town, several family homes, a mill, and an ordinary. In the sense that GW uses the name here, Cameron was probably the junction point itself, a convenient location for horse-racing fans who lived in Alexandria or in the surrounding countryside (see HARRISON [1], 414--15; RICE, 2:89).
6. At home all day.
7. Ditto--Ditto.
8. Went a fox hunting but Started nothing. Visited Plantation's in the Neck & Mill.
9. At home all day.
10. Rid to the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole and returnd to Dinner.
11. Rid to the same places as yesterday & returnd to Dinner.
12. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill & returnd when I found Doctr. Rumney.
13. The hounds havg. started a Fox in self huntg. we followd & run it after sevl. hours chase into a hold when digging it out it escapd. The Doctr. went home.
14. At home. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas came in the Afternoon.
15. Went to Court. Mr. Igns. Digges Mr. Lee and Mr. Hill came here.
Ignatius Digges (1707--1785) of Melwood, Prince George's County, Md., was the grandson of William Digges (d. 1698), who moved from Virginia to Maryland in the late seventeenth century. Ignatius, a first cousin to William Digges of Warburton, married Elizabeth Parnham, and after her death Mary Carroll, daughter of Daniel Carroll of Duddington (1707--1734). His only child, a daughter Mary Digges (1745--1805) by his first wife, married Thomas Sim Lee (1745--1819), of Prince George's County, Md., who is probably the Mr. Lee mentioned here. Lee was a grandson of Philip Lee (1678--1718), who moved from Virginia to Maryland in 1700.
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Washington owned many hunting prints such as this one, evidence of his deep interest in fox hunting. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
In the mid-seventeenth century Clement Hill settled in Maryland, where he sat on the council. Since Hill had no issue, his nephew, also named Clement Hill (1670--1743), inherited his uncle's lands in Maryland, migrated from England to Maryland in 1696, and eventually settled at the Woodyard, Prince George's County. This Clement had three sons, John (d. 1800), Clement (1707--1782), and Henry (d. 1796), and two grandsons, Clement Jr. (1743--1807) and Henry Jr., all of whom were alive in 1768 (MACKENZIE [1], 2:310--17).
16. At home with the above Gentlemen. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas went home after Dinner.
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Ignatius Digges of Melwood in Prince George's County, Md. (Mr. Outerbridge Horsey)
Mary Carroll Digges, second wife of Ignatius Digges. (Peter H. Davidson & Co., Inc.)
17. Dined at Belvoir with the above Gentlemen & returnd in the afternoon.
18. Rid around all my Plantations after the above gentlemen went away.
19. At home--settled & paid the Sheriff.
Once a year the justices of each county would submit the names of three of their number to the governor and council, who would choose one of the three to be sheriff for the ensuing year. The Virginia county sheriff was more an administrator than a law officer, having the major responsibility for running elections, serving summonses, and collecting the annual levies in his county, which included those laid by the county and the parishes within the county as well as public levies set for the entire colony by the General Assembly. Much of this collecting was done by sub-sheriffs; in 1768 Sampson Darrell was sheriff of Fairfax County and Pierce Baily was the sub-sheriff who appears here to collect the balance owed by GW for this year, £1 15s. 3d. (LEDGER A, 277).
For the Fairfax County levy this year GW paid for 85 tithables at 14 pounds of tobacco each. Sixty-seven of these tithables lived in Truro Parish and thus came under that parish's levy of 41 pounds of tobacco per tithable. GW also paid the public tax of £1 10s. on his chariot and his chair as well as some minor fees he owed for government services. The total of the levies paid by GW in 1768 was 3.937 pounds of tobacco and £3 14s. 4d. cash. Because GW no longer grew tobacco at Mount Vernon, he paid his tobacco levies in local tobacco warehouse, or transfer, notes, mostly on tobacco paid
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him by his local Mount Vernon renters. With tobacco worth 2d. a pound, these notes were equivalent to £32 16s. 2d. in currency (LEDGER A, 236; Truro Vestry Book, 128, 130, DLC. See also FLIPPIN, 312--17; SYDNOR, 68--70, 78; HENING, 7:643--44).
20. Set of for my Brother Sam's & Nomomy. Crossd at the Mouth of Nangamy & went to my Brothers.
Mrs. Washington and Patsy Custis accompanied GW on this trip, and Jacky Custis, taking a vacation from his studies, met them today at Samuel Washington's house (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 19 Aug. 1768, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). During the family's stay in the Chotank area, GW loaned Samuel £1 and apparently played cards twice, losing £1 on one occasion and winning 3s. 9d. on the other (LEDGER A, 277).
21. At my Brothers. Colo. Lewis & my Brothr. Charles came there.
22. Still at my Brothers with other Company--his Child being Christned.
This child was one of several that did not live to maturity (DIARIES, 1:285n).
23. Hauling the Sein under Mr. Lawrence Washington's shore.
24. Imbarkd on board my Schooner for Nomomy. Lay of Captn. Laidler's.
John Laidler (d. 1773), of Laidler's ferry, just above Lower Cedar Point in Charles County, Md. Laidler's was the major ferry crossing to the Virginia shore on that part of the Potomac River.
25. Hauling the Sein upon the Bar of Cedar point for Sheeps heads but catchd none. Run down below the Mouth of Machodack & came to.
Upper Machodoc Creek, in Stafford (now in King George) County, flows into the Potomac about 14 miles above GW's birthplace at Pope's Greek, Westmoreland County.
26. Reachd my Brother John's at Night.
While the Washingtons were in Westmoreland County, Jacky Custis became "much disorder'd by an intermitting fever, attended with billeous vomittings," and Dr. Charles Mortimer of Fredericksburg was called to treat him. Jacky was soon better, but he remained so "very weak & low," that "his Mamma" insisted on taking him to Mount Vernon until he was fully recovered (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 4 Sept. 1768, PU; BLANTON, 358--59).
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27. Hauling the Sein upon Hollis's Marsh Bar & elsewhere for Sheeps heads but catchd none.
Hollis Marsh was at the upper cape of Nomini Bay.
28. Went to Nomony Church & returnd to my Brother's to Dinner.
29. Went into Machodack Ck. fishing and dind with the Revd. Mr. Smith.
Lower Machodoc Creek empties into the Potomac River about two miles below Nomini Bay in Westmoreland County, forming a bay about one mile wide at its mouth. This creek is not to be confused with Jackson's Creek, also in Westmoreland County, which empties into the Potomac six miles below Lower Machodoc Creek and was sometimes called "Lower Machodoc" (EATON, 71).
The Cople Parish glebe, where Thomas Smith lived, was near the mouth of the Lower Machodoc Creek about three miles east of Bushfield (FITHIAN, 190).
30. Hauling the Sein on the Bars near Hollis's Marsh & other places.
31. Dined with Mr. Jno. Smith who was marryed yesterday to the widow Lee.
John Smith (1715--1771) of Fleets Bay plantation on Indian Creek, Northumberland County, was a second cousin to GW. He had previously been married to Mary Jaquelin (1714--1764) of Jamestown and had lived for many years at Shooter's Hill plantation, Middlesex County. In 1767 he established a smallpox inoculation hospital at Fleets Bay, despite the fear of some Virginians that he was opening "a second Pandora's Box," spreading the disease instead of preventing it. In Feb. 1768 he was accused of causing two or three outbreaks of smallpox in the colony, including one in Williamsburg, by failing to quarantine his patients long enough after inoculation (William Nelson to John Norton, 14 Aug. 1767 and 27 Feb. 1768; MASON [1], 31--33, 38--40). But he persisted in offering his services as an inoculator until his death ( Va. Gaz., R, 9 June 1768 and 20 April 1769).
THE WIDOW LEE: Mary, daughter of J. Philip Smith and widow of both Jesse Ball (1716--1747) of Lancaster County and Col. John Lee (1724--1767) of Essex and Westmoreland counties. John Lee had left Mary the use, for her lifetime, of his land and slaves at Cabin Point in Westmoreland County, about 3 ½ miles east of Bushfield near the mouth of the Lower Machodoc Creek (indenture between John Smith and Mary Lee, 30 Aug. 1768, Westmoreland County Deeds and Wills, 1768--73, 13--15, Vi Microfilm). The newly married couple were now living at Cabin Point, and it was probably there that GW dined with Smith on this day.
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Remarks--of the--Weather
Augt. 1. But little Wind & yet not very warm.
2. Clear & warm. Wind Eastwardly.
3. Wind Eastwardly--with appearances of Rain but none fell.
4. But little Wind with great appearance of a settled Rain after noon tho not enough fell to make the House eves run.
5. Very warm with the wind Southwardly.
6. Exceeding hot--& still till the Evening, then a slight breeze from the Southward.
7. Very Warm, Wind Southwardly. Abt. 3 Oclock a slight Shower here & better at the Mill & Doeg Run--to the No. Wt. & Southward the appearance of a great deal of Rain.
8. Cloudy Morning, with Showers in difft. places but none here. Wind Southwardly.
9. Cloudy, with sometimes a mist till abt. One clock--after which two or three smart Showers for a few Minutes from the S.W.
10. A fine Settled Rain from the Northward for two or three hours in the Morning--with slight Showers afterwards.
11. Cool Wind being at No. West--with gt. appearances of Rain--but none fell.
12. Clear and tolerably warm. Wind Southwardly.
13. Warm with very little Wind. Clouds to the Westward--but no Rain here.
14. Wind abt. Southwest & tolerably fresh, otherwise Warm. Clouds to the Westward & thunder with a great deal of Rain upwards--but none here.
15. Great appearances of Rain but none fell with us. Warm.
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16. Clear and Warm with very little Wind.
17. Clear and warm in the first part of the day--with a fine Rain tho rather heavy abt. 5 Oclock lasting 2 hours first from the So. West--then from the North.
18. Clear and warm--also still.
19. Clear with the Wind fresh from the No. West--& cool.
20. Clear, & not warm--wind, what little there was, abt. So. West.
21. Clear & cool. Wind So. West.
22. Clear and Warm with very little Wind from the So. West. Abt. 11 Oclock at Night the Wind (witht. any Cloud or apparent cause) came out hard at No. West & blew so all Night.
23. The Wind fresh from the No. West all day and very cold.
24. Warmer, but still cool, with the Wind from the Eastward.
25. Warm with very little Wind and that Southwardly.
26. Exceeding Hot with very little or no Wind all day.
27. Very warm also with very little wind. Abt. 1 Oclock Thunder, but no rain. At Nomony.
28. Warm with but little wind and some Clouds, but no Rain.
29. Brisk Eastwardly Wind in the Morning. Calm midday, & Westwardly Wind in the Evening.
30. Very calm--& warm all day.
31. Clear with the Wind Westwardly & not warm.
Observations--in--August
Augt. 1st. Began to tread out Wheat at the Mill. Also began to draw it in, in the Neck.
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An ox cart of Washington's day. From Arthur Young, Annals of Agriculture, London, 1792. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
2. Began to draw it in (that is to carry it from the field on this side the Run over to the Barn) with only my Ox Cart at Doeg R.
5. Began to cut my Timothy Seed--there. Getting Wheat in at Muddy hole.
6. The Hound Bitch Lady brought four Puppys that is 3 dogs and a bitch distinguished by the following Names--viz. that with the most black Spots Vulcan--the other black spotted Dog Searcher--the Red spotted Dog Rover--and the red spotted bitch Sweetlips.
8. Sowed Turnep Seed at home--in the Neck and at Muddy hole Plann.
Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill & at Doeg Run.
10. Sowed Turneps at the Mill.
11. Began to beat Cyder at Doeg Run Muddy hole, & in the Neck.
15. Set in to Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole.
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26. Finishd drawing in & securing my Wheat in the Neck.
29. Began to Sow Wheat at Ditto.
Where & how my time is spent.
Septr. 1. Set out from Nomony in my return to Chotanck. Lodgd on board the Vessel between Swan Point & Cedr. P.
Here GW must mean Lower Cedar Point, in St. Mary's County, Md., only a few miles up the Potomac River from Swan Point and just across the river from the lower side of Chotank (now Mathias) Neck.
2. Came up as high as Hoes ferry & Walk to my Brother Sams.
3. Went to Mr. John Stiths & dined there. Returnd in the afternoon.
GW's host is probably John Stith (1724--1773), son of Drury and Elizabeth Buckner Stith; John married Elizabeth Wray (d. 1806) of Hampton and King George County.
4. Went to Church. Dined at Colo. Harrison & returnd to my Brs. in the afternoon.
Nathaniel Harrison (1703--1791), of Brandon, Prince George County, was the eldest son of Nathaniel Harrison (1677--1727) and Mary Cary Harrison of Wakefield, Surry County. After the death of his first wife, Mary Digges Harrison (1717--1743), he married Lucy Carter, daughter of Robert "King" Carter and widow of Henry Fitzhugh (d. 1742) of Eagle's Nest, where GW was visiting on this date.
5. Crossd over to the lower point of Nangemoy where I met my Chariot & returnd home.
6. Went in the Forenoon to the Mill-Doeg Run & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon paid a visit to Majr. Fairfax (Brother to Lord Fx.) at Belvoir.
Maj. Robert Fairfax (1707--1793), of Leeds Castle, Yorkshire, Eng., was the younger brother of Thomas Fairfax, sixth Baron Fairfax of Cameron. Robert had recently arrived from England to visit his relatives, dividing his time between Belvoir and Lord Fairfax's home, Greenway Court, in the Shenandoah Valley. Robert preferred Belvoir, finding that Valley living placed him "quite beyond the gentry . . . among the woods, with nothing but buckskins,
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Maj. Robert Fairfax, later seventh Baron Fairfax of Cameron, had just arrived in Virginia when he visited Mount Vernon in 1768. (Virginia Historical Society)
viz., back-woodsmen and brutes . . . it is almost past description" (quoted in BROWN, 160).
7. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. W--n &ca.
8. Went to a Ball in Alexandria.
9. Proceeded to the Meeting of our Vestry at the New Church and lodgd at Captn. Edwd. Paynes.
The "New Church," built for the vestry by Edward Payne to serve the upper part of Truro Parish, was about 12 miles north-northwest of Colchester. Although the building was not quite finished at the time of this meeting, the vestrymen, "understanding that it is the general Desire of the People in this part of the Parish to have the Church received," voted four to three to open it for use, GW voting with the majority (Truro Vestry Book, 131, DLC).
10. Returnd home & dind at Belvoir with Lord Fairfax &ca.
11. At Home all day.
12. Lord Fairfax, & his Brother & Colo. Fairfax & Mr. B. Fairfax dind here. The latter stayd all Night.
13. Went a fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax Colo. Fairfax & B. Fairfax. Catchd nothg.
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14. Mr. B. Fairfax & myself went a huntg. Started a Fox & run it into a hole but did not catch it.
15. Dined at Belvoir with Colo. Robt. Burwell.
Robert Burwell (1720--1779), a planter from Isle of Wight County, was a member of the council 1764--76. Besides his home plantation in Isle of Wight, he owned land in Surry, Loudoun, Prince William, and Frederick counties (ISLE OF WIGHT, 311--13).
16. Went into the Neck. Returnd to dinner.
17. At home--Colo. Robt. Burwell, Mr. Grymes & Colo. Fairfax dind here. The latter went home in the Evening.
In GW's lifetime the Grymes family of most prominence in Virginia descended from John Grymes (1691--1748), grandson of Charles Grymes the immigrant. John, who was receiver general of Virginia, 1723--48, bought Brandon in Middlesex County, which became the Grymes family seat. At the time of this diary entry two of John's three sons were still living: Benjamin Grymes (1725--c.1776), of Smithfield, Spotsylvania County, which he represented in the House of Burgesses 1766--71; and Ludwell Grymes (b. 1733), of Gloucester County and by 1771 of Burlington, Orange County. John Grymes's eldest son, Philip, died in 1754; Philip's sons were Peyton, Benjamin, Charles, John (who was at Eton in 1760), and Philip Ludwell Grymes (1746--1805) of Brandon, a burgess for Middlesex County, 1769--70.
18. Colo. & Mrs. Fairfax dind & lodgd here.
19. Went to Court with Colo. Burwell &ca.
On this day the Fairfax County court formally received a new commission of the peace from the governor and the council. Dated 29 July 1768, it authorized 23 justices for the county, including all the current justices but one and adding three new members to the court: GW, Daniel French, and Edward Payne (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:345). The total number of justices varied from time to time and from county to county. The law only required that a minimum of 8 justices be appointed for each county, and the number added above that limit depended primarily on the changing population and needs of the various counties (HENING, 5:489; SYDNOR, 79). In court today several of the old justices renewed their oaths of office according to law, but GW did not take his oaths until 21 Sept. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 36--55, Vi Microfilm).
20. Colo. Burwell &ca. went away to Belvoir--& Mrs. Washington & the two Childn. went up to Alexandria to see the Inconstant, or way to Win him Acted.
The Inconstant, or The Way to Win Him, by the Irish playwright George Farquhar (1677--1707), was first produced in London in 1702. Although not
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one of Farquhar's better farces, it became highly popular later in the century, enjoying long runs at Covent Garden and Drury Lane (FARQUHAR, 1:213--78). GW, who accompanied his family to town today, paid £3 12s. 6d. for tickets to this play and the one seen on the following day, both of which were performed by David Verling's Virginia Company (LEDGER A, 277; RANKIN, 145--46).
21. Stayd in Town all day & saw the Tragedy of Douglas Playd.
Douglas, written by John Home (1722--1808), a Presbyterian clergyman of Edinburgh, was produced first in Edinburgh in Dec. 1756 and opened in London at Covent Garden the following year. The play was considered one of the finest British tragedies of the period and with its medieval Scottish setting, probably drew well in Alexandria, a town founded and still heavily populated by Scots (see TUNNEY).
22. Came home in the forenoon.
23. Went a fox hunting & catchd a Bitch Fox, after abt. 2 Hours Chase.
24. At Home all day. Colo. Henry Lee & Lady, & Miss Ballendine came to dinner & stayd all Night.
Col. Henry Lee (1729--1787) of Leesylvania, Prince William County, was a younger son of Henry Lee (1691--1747) of Lee Hall, Westmoreland County, and a cousin of William and Arthur Lee. His wife was Lucy Grymes Lee,
Col. Henry Lee of Leesylvania, from an unlocated miniature. (The Society of the Lees of Virginia)
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daughter of Charles Grymes of Moratico, Richmond County. Colonel Lee, like GW, was first elected to the House of Burgesses in 1758 and served until the Revolution.
Miss Ballendine is probably Frances Ballendine (d. 1793) of Dumfries, sister of John Ballendine.
25. At Home. The above Company went away after Breakfast.
26. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & run a Fox or Foxes 3 Hours & then lost.
27. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill.
28. Dined at Colo. Fairfax's and returnd in the Afternoon.
29. Went to a Purse Race at Accatinck & returnd with Messrs. Robt. and George Alexander.
GW spent 12s. 6d. at the race and also paid Robert Sanford 12s. "for Pacing my Horse" (LEDGER A, 277).
George Dent Alexander (d. 1780), of Fairfax County, was a younger brother of Robert Alexander.
30. At Home all day. After Dinner Mr. Geo. Alexander went away. The other (Robt.) stayd.
Remarks--of the--Weather
Septr. 1. Brisk Eastwardly Wind in the Morning. Northwardly afterwards & Cool.
2. Wind at No. West and very cool.
3. Cool wind, tho very little of it Eastwardly.
4. Warm. Wind rather Westwardly tho but little of it.
5. Tolerably pleast. Wind Eastwardly in the Morning & Evening but calm Midday.
6. Very little Wind and that Eastward and rather Cool.
7. Cloudy forenoon, with appearances of Rain; & Wind Southwardly.
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8. Heavy Cloud in the Night, with thunder & lightning, but not rain sufft. to lay dust.
9. Very cool & clear, with the Wind at No. West.
10. Cool & clear again, Wind Shifting to the Southward.
11. Great appearances of Rain in the Morning, with thunder & Lightning but no Rain fell.
12. Clear and Cool. Wind at No. West.
13. Clear but not so cold as yesterday Wind being Southwardly.
14. Wind Southwardly with a fog in the Morning & Clouds all day.
15. But little Wind yet cool with some appearances of Rain.
16. Wind Northwardly & cool--with great appearances of Rain--especially in the Afternoon.
17th. But little Wind & that Westwardly. Cool--with appearances of Rain.
18. Wind at No. West & very cool, with great appearances of Rain in the Forenoon, but clear afterwards.
19. A Severe frost, wch. killd much Tobo. &ca. abt. Ravensworth & higher up. Wind Shifting Southwardly became warmer.
20. Warm with the Wind at South.
21. Very warm. Wind still Southwardly with appearances of Rain in the Morning and Evening but none fell.
22. Thunder, with severe wind (from the Northwest) and some Rain in the Morning. In the afternn. & Night a gd. deal of Rain.
23. Cloudy, and sometime misty all day; in the afternoon a good deal of Rain. NB. These are the only Rains to lay the dust since the 17th. of August, now 36 days.
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24. Cloudy & Misty forenoon. Clear Afternoon with but little Wind & that variable.
25. Clear & pleasant with but little Wd.
26. Flying Clouds with but little Wind & that Southwardly.
27. Clear with the Wind Westwardly & sometimes blowing fresh.
28. Clear, calm, & Warm, the fore part of the day, with a little wind from So. in the Aftern.
29. Misty all day, with the Very little Wind from the Northward & warm.
30. Heavy Rain for several hours in the forenoon, after which it now & then Misted. But little Wind and that variable & Warm.
Observations--in--Septembr.
6. My Ox Cart finishd drawing in the Wheat at Doeg Run--but during this time it was employd in getting home the Cyder from all the Plantation's.
14. Finishd Sowing the Second cut of Wheat in the Neck which compleated the half of the Corn Ground there.
16. Anointed all my Hounds (as well old Dogs as Puppies) which appeard to have the Mange with Hogs Lard & Brimstone.
17. Got done Sowing Wheat at Doeg Run. Sowed 92½ Bushels.
The Hound Bitch Mopsey going proud, was lind by my Water dog Pilot before it was discoverd--after which she was shut up with a hound dog--Old Harry.
18. My Schooner Saild for Suffolk for a load of Shingles.
22. Spread my Flax for Rotting at the Home House.
23. Finishd Sowing the third Cut of Wheat in the Neck.
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27. Spread Flax for Rotting at Doeg Run.
Began to Cut Tops at Doeg Run.
28. Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole. The field took 106 Bushls. to Sow.
Where & how--my time is--Spent.
Octr. 1. Fox huntg. back of Mr. Barry's with Mr. Robt. Alexander Mr. Manley & Captn. Posey. Started & catchd a bitch Fox. Mr. Stedlar came here in the Afternoon.
2. At home. Mr. Alexander went away before breakfast. Mr. Stedlar remd. all day.
3. Clear & pleasant with very little Wind. Rid to Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Miss Sally Carlyle came here.
4. Went into the Neck--& up the Creek after Blew Wings.
5. Went to Alexandria, after an early dinner to see a Ship (the Jenny) Launched but was disappointed & came home.
6. Went up again. Saw the Ship Launchd. Stayd all night to a Ball, & set up all Night.
On this date GW lost 19s. at cards and paid 5s. for a play ticket for Jacky Custis (LEDGER A, 277).
7. Game home in the Morning & remaind. Mr. Townd. Dade (of Chotk.) came here.
Townsend Dade (d. 1781), originally of the Chotank area of Stafford County, had by his first wife, Elizabeth Alexander Dade, five children who lived to adulthood, including Elizabeth Dade (b. 1734), who in 1751 married GW's Chotank cousin Lawrence Washington (1728--c.1809). Dade next married Parthenia Alexander Massey, widow of Dade Massey, Jr. (died c.1734); she bore Dade at least three children, including a son named Townsend.
8. Went Fox huntg. (in the Neck) in the forenoon. Started but catchd nothing & in the Afternoon went up the Ck. after Blew Wings--killd 7 or 8.
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9. At Home all day. Mr. Dade went away.
10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & the Mill. Captn. McCabe dind here.
11. At home all day alone.
12. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill in the forenoon. In the Afternoon went into the Neck.
13. Went a fox hunting and catchd a Bitch Fox after two hours chase.
14. Went into the Neck in the forenoon.
15. Went a hunting with Captn. Posey & Ld. Washington. Catchd a Bitch Fox after a chace of 1 Hour and 10 Minutes.
16. Went to Pohick Church. Dind at Captn. McCartys & came home at Night. Doctr. Rumney who came here last Night went away this Morning & Mr. Ramsay & Mr. Adams came here at Night.
17. At Home all day. Ramsay & Adams went home this Evening.
18. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & the Mill.
19. Set of on my Journey to Williamsburg & reachd Colo. Henry Lees to Dinner.
GW is beginning a multipurpose trip. Although the Assembly was not scheduled to meet, the General Court had begun its 24-day fall session, which would draw most of the merchants and many lawyers and planters to Williamsburg for both their public and private affairs. Virginia was also expecting the arrival in Williamsburg of a new governor; Norborne Berkeley, baron de Botetourt (c. 1718--1770), was appointed 12 Aug. 1768 to be the royal governor of Virginia. Rather than sending a deputy to the colony, Botetourt chose to reside in Virginia and govern directly, thus becoming the first peer in 80 years to reside as governor in Virginia.
Jacky Custis accompanied GW on this trip as far as Boucher's school where he resumed his studies.
Col. Henry Lee's home, Leesylvania, was on the south side of Neabsco Creek near the Potomac River. Henry and his wife Lucy had eight children who lived to maturity, all of whom appear in the diaries.
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20. Detaind there all day by Rain.
GW today gave Jacky 11s. (LEDGER A, 281).
21. Reachd Fredericksburg, found Warner Washington &ca. there.
Warner Washington (1722--1790), of Gloucester County, was a son of John and Catherine Whiting Washington, and a first cousin to GW. Warner's first wife, Elizabeth Macon Washington (c.1729--1763), of New Kent County, bore him one child who lived to maturity, Warner Washington, Jr. (1751--1829). In May 1764 Warner married Hannah Fairfax (1742--1808), daughter of William Fairfax of Belvoir, and by this date they had two children, Mildred Washington (b. 1766) and Hannah Washington (17671828). Warner was now in the process of moving his family from Gloucester County to settle in the Shenandoah Valley.
While GW was in Fredericksburg, he paid 5s. to have his watch cleaned and 1s. 3d. for repair of his boots (LEDGER A, 281).
22. Dined at Parkers Ordy. & lodgd at Mr. Benjn. Hubbards--Colo. Lewis also.
In the 1760s William Parker, a planter and justice of the peace, operated an ordinary in his home in Caroline County (CAMPBELL [1], 347, 413).
23. Dined at the Causey & got to Colo. Bassetts.
Because the shores of the lower Pamunkey River were rather marshy, it was difficult to maintain convenient ferry landings. In 1749 Thomas Dansie, who had a wharf on the north, or King William, side of the Pamunkey, was authorized to build a "Causeway from the [south shore of the Pamunkey] River opposite to his said Wharf through the said Marsh to the High Land in the said County of New Kent" (WINFREE, 413). Five years later the General Assembly authorized Dansie to run a ferry between his wharf and the causeway landing at "the same rates as are by law now taken . . . at Claiborne's Ferry," and also directed New Kent County to build a road from the causeway to the main road leading to Claiborne's ferry landing (HENING, 6:427).
Dansie's ferry was not yet open in May 1755 when a northbound traveler recorded: "came to Claibornes about Twelve [o'clock]. Was an hour in passing here; by making a long slant up the River, upon the account of large marshes" (FISHER, 165). The two ferries were so close to one another that travelers did not always bother to differentiate one from the other. Thus, although GW here records his dining at the causeway, he noted in his ledger that his dinner expenses and ferriages today were at Claiborne's ( Va. Gaz., 24 July 1752; LEDGER A, 281).
24. Dined at Josh. Valentine's sent Chair's & Horses over James River & lodgd in Wmsburg. ourselves.
Lower down the James River the 50-gun ship of the line of the Royal Navy, H.M.S. Rippon, was dropping anchor. On board was Virginia's new governor,
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whose pedigree had been printed earlier that month for the elucidation of all interested Virginians: "NORBORNE BERKELEY, Lord Botetourt, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Gloucester, Lord Lieutenant of the cities of Bristol and Gloucester, Constable of St. Briavel's castle, Colonel of the South battalion of the Gloucestershire militia, L.L.D. . . . His Lordship claiming the barony of Botetourt from the Lord Botetourt, High Admiral of England, and constable of St. Briavel's castle, in the time of Edward I, and III, after a solemn hearing of his claim in the House of Peers, had the title adjudged and confirmed to him in 1764, and accordingly took his seat in the House, next to Lord Dacre, being the 5th Baron of England. . . . His Majesty has since appointed him one of the Lords of the Bedchamber" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Oct. 1768).
25. Crossd James River & by Rain was forcd to lodge at one Captn. Stowe's.
GW crossed at Hog Island, about six miles south of Williamsburg (LEDGER A, 281). Captain Stowe may have been Joseph Stowe, a ship captain who sailed out of Virginia in the wine trade ( Va. Gaz., 24--31 Aug. 1739, and P&D, 29 Sept. 1768).
26. Breakfasted in Suffolk. Dined & lodgd in the Dismal Swamp at Jno. Washington's.
Suffolk, a small port town established on the east side of the Nansemond River in 1742, was the principal shipping outlet for products of the Dismal Swamp: rice, shingles, and naval stores. John Washington probably Lund Washington's brother John (1740--1777), who acted as manager of the Dismal Swamp Company before the Revolution ( Va. Mag., 26:419--20). On this trip GW opened an account with John Washington of Suffolk, buying 14,000 shingles, 4 pairs of shoes, and 2 barrels of crab-apple cider (LEDGER A, 281, 282).
For GW's interest in the Dismal Swamp, see the diary for 15 Oct. 1763.
27. Went up to our Plantation at Norfleet's in Carolina & returnd in the Aftern.
28. Went into the Pond with Colo. Lewis Majr. Riddick & Jno. Washington & at Night went to the Majrs.
THE POND: Lake Drummond.
29. Got to Smithfield in return to Wmsburg.
30. Set out early, breakfasted at Hog Island and dined in Wms.
GW returned to a capital in thrall over the presence of a peer of the realm: Lord Botetourt, who had arrived in the city four days before. Writing to Lord Hillsborough, Botetourt later described his reception: "Colonel Cary finding
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me eagerly bent upon being at Williamsburg that night, immediately order'd his Chariot and convey'd me within four miles of the City, where I was met by Mr. Secretary Nelson and his Brother; at the Capitol we found the Council and all the Gentlemen of Williamsburg assembled to receive us. I was immediately conducted to the Council Chamber; and after my Commissions were read took the oaths and swore in the Council" (l Nov. 1768, P.R.O., C.O.5/1346, f. 103).
GW lodged at Mrs. Campbell's tavern.
31. Dined at the Mayor's. Ent[ertaine]d at the Govr. in Ditto.
Colonial Virginia had a number of towns, such as Alexandria, that had a board of trustees with very limited powers. Two colonial towns, however, were incorporated in the eighteenth century: the Borough of Norfolk (1736) and the City of Williamsburg (1722). Under such a charter, the city gained governmental powers comparable to those of a county court, including a city hustings court and the right to one representative in the House of Burgesses. The city government consisted of a board of 6 aldermen, a 12-member common council, a recorder, and a mayor, the last of whom was elected from among the aldermen on 30 Nov. of each year. James Cocke, a prominent merchant, was mayor for 1767--68, and 1772--73. Cocke's home was about a block west of the Governor's Palace (WALKER, 36, 49).
In a session held the previous spring, which GW had not attended, the Virginia House of Burgesses had unanimously resolved to endorse a Massachusetts protest of the Townshend Acts by which Parliament, beginning late in 1767, imposed duties on certain British exports to the colonies: tea, glass, lead, paints, and some types of paper. Denying Parliament's right to levy such duties without consent of the colonists, the burgesses had petitioned both houses of Parliament and the king for repeal of the acts and had hinted that there would be a boycott of British goods into Virginia if their request was denied. The new governor was especially instructed by the king in Council to "converse with, the members of our . . . council [in Virginia], separately and personally, as also with the principal persons of influence . . . and endeavor to lead them . . . to disclaim the erroneous and dangerous principles which they appear to have adopted." The ship Rippon was to remain to assist Botetourt, including the ferrying from Boston of British troops, in case Botetourt encountered any "sudden commotion of the populace" (LABAREE [1], 1:364-65; Lord Hillsborough to the Lords of Admiralty, 28 July 1768, P.R.O., C.O.5/1346, f. 75).
Remarks--on the--Weather
Octr. 1. Clear and pleasant. Still forenoon but brisk Southwestwardly Wind afterwds.
2. Clear, Warm, & Still in the forenoon, a small Southwardly breeze in the Afternoon.
3. Clear & pleasant, with but little Wind & that Southwardly,
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4. Brisk Southwestwardly Wind & warm with flying Clouds.
5. Rain in the Night--& in the Morning--clear abt. 8 Oclock with showers afterwards with the Wind westwardly & cool.
6. Clear & cool. Wind brisk from West.
7. Clear with but little Wind--& that Southwardly.
8. Clear with a fresh No. West breeze in the morning, but still afterwards.
9. Cloudy with appearances of much Rain--but none fell. Wind Southwardly in the Morng. & westwardly & cool afterwds.
10. Cool in the Morng. Moderate Afterwds. with little Wind.
11. A Frost this Morning to bite Fodder. Calm & warm forenoon. Brisk So. Westwardly wind & like for Rain in the Afternn.
12. Clear and cool morning. Wind fresh at No. West. Calm afternoon & warm.
13. Clear and cool. Wind still at No. West--in the Evening Eastwardly.
14. Calm and warm forenoon. Cloudy afternoon with appearances of Rain.
15. Foggy & Misty Morning. Warm, clear, & still afterwards.
16. Cloudy with the Wind Northwardly--then cold & Chilly-with appearances of Rain.
17. Cold Rain & disagreeable, with the Wind abt. No. East.
18. A severe frost this Morning--but Calm clear & warm day.
19. Calm, clear, & Warm forenoon, but lowering afternoon.
20. Moderate Rain till abt. 2 Oclock & Cloudy & misty afterwards. Wd. North.
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21. A good deal of Rain in the Night & more or less till 9 or 10 Oclock then clear with the Wind Westwardly.
22. Clear and pleasant with a small Southwardly breeze.
23. Ditto--Ditto--Ditto.
24. Clear with the Wind Southwardly & Warm.
25. Foggy Morng. & Clouds--with a good deal of Rain in the Afternoon & night from No. East.
26. Clear & cool Wind brisk from the Westward.
27. Cold & clear. Wind abt. No. West.
28. Less cold Wind being at So. West & clear.
29. Warmer still. Wind continuing Southwardly & the weather clear.
30. Clear and very cool morning. Wind Westwardly. Afternoon Mild.
31. Mild Wind Southwardly and Clear.
Observation's--in--October
Octr. 1st. The hound Bitch Tipsey, was lind by the little Spaniel dog Pompey before she was shut up in the House with old Harry.
4. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Mill which field took 75 Bushels.
5. Finishd Sowing in the Neck. This field took 216 Bushels. Which makes the quantities sowed as follow--Viz.--
Began getting Fodder at the Mill.
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6. Began getting Ditto in the Neck.
11. Sowed Apple Pummice in the New Garden--from Crab Apples.
SOWED APPLE PUMMICE: The pomace, a residue from cider making, contained apple seeds that would produce seedlings to use in grafting.
15. Finishd pulling (but not securing) Fodder at Doeg Run Quarter.
Did the same also at Muddy hole.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
Novr. 1. In Williamsburg Dined at the Speakers--with many Gentlemen.
2. In Ditto. Dined at the Attorney Genls. with Lord Botetourt (the Govr.) & many other Gentlemen.
Botetourt described to Lord Hillsborough his dining out during his first week in Williamsburg: "I have been asked every day to dinner by the principal Gentlemen and am at present upon the very best terms with all. I like their stile exceedingly" (l Nov. 1768, P.R.O., C.O.5/1346, f. 104).
3. In Ditto. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's.
4. In Ditto. Dined with several Gentlemen at Ayscoughs. Colo. Byrds Lottery began drawing.
Christopher Ayscough and his wife Anne (both died c.1772) had recently opened a tavern on Francis Street about 100 yards south of the Capitol. Before Governor Fauquier died in March, Christopher had been a gardener at the palace, and Anne had cooked for the governor, performing her duties so well that she was rewarded with a bequest of £250 from Fauquier's estate. That sum was probably used to buy and stock the tavern, the chief attractions of which were Mrs. Ayscough's cooking skills and a supply of fine liquors ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Oct. 1768; GIBBS, 147--48).
Col. William Byrd III, in a desperate attempt to pay his debts, was raffling off much of his property, including "the intire TOWNS of ROCKY RIDGE and SHOCKOE, lying at the Falls of James river," valued at over £50,000, at £5 per ticket ( Va. Gaz., R, 23 July 1767). Besides owing gambling losses, Byrd was the largest single debtor to the estate of the late Speaker-Treasurer John Robinson. Upon Robinson's death it was discovered that he had loaned out personally over £100,000 worth of retired notes which
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Ayscough's was a tavern frequented by Washington during his trips to Williamsburg. From Virginia Gazette, P&D, 6 Oct. 1768. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
had been issued by the Virginia government to finance the French and Indian War. The paper notes were supposed to be destroyed as they were collected by the treasurer in payment of taxes and fees to the government, but Robinson privately had made loans to dozens of large and important but financially pressed planters, many of whom were burgesses or council members. To settle Robinson's estate and satisfy his creditors (mainly the government), his administrators had to force the sale of the land and slaves of a number of Robinson's debtors. Some debtors, like William Byrd, turned to lotteries. Besides causing financial confusion, the "Robinson affair" created an unsettling effect on the political life and social fabric of Virginia in the late years of the colonial period (see MAYS, 1:174--208).
GW, who, unlike Byrd, did not gamble for high stakes, lost £1 at cards today (LEDGER A, 281).
5. Dined at Mar. Campbells where I had spent all my Evenings, since I came to Town.
Today GW bought 100 forms for leasing land to tenants at John Dixon and Alexander Purdie's printing office on Duke of Gloucester Street. A few days earlier he had purchased 4 almanacs, probably at this same place (LEDGER A, 281).
6. Left Williamsburg--& Dine & at Colo. Bassetts.
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John Robinson, late Speaker of the House of Burgesses. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
7. Set out for home with Betcey Dandridge. Dined at King Wm. Court Ho. & Lodgd at Mr. Wm. Ayletts.
BETCEY: Elizabeth Dandridge (b. 1749), the younger of Mrs. Washington's two sisters who reached adulthood. In 1773 she married William Aylett's brother John.
The "publick house" at King William Court House was described in 1777 as being "72 feet by 20 with a portico the whole length, there are 4 rooms below and 4 above, with 4 closets on a floor" ( Va. Gaz., D&H. 26 Dec. 1777). The tavern was leased to various innkeepers by its owners, the Quarles family of King William County.
William Aylett (1743-c.1781) of Fairfield, King William County, which county he represented as burgess 1772--75 and in all five of the Virginia Conventions 1774--76, was appointed in 1776 deputy commissary for the Continental Army, serving until his death.
8. Dined at Parkers and lodgd at Fredericksburg.
9. Reached home in about 7 Hours & an half. Found Doctr. Rum[ne]y & Miss Ram[sa]y here.
Patsy Custis probably had another attack of epilepsy about this date, because during Rumney's visit he bled her and gave her another "vial of Drops" and two more musk capsules (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
10. At Home all day. The Doctr. & Miss Ramsay went home.
11. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill. Mr. Magowan & Mr. Stedlar came to Dinner as Mr. R. Alexr. did in the Aftern.
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Walter Magowan was now the Rev. Mr. Magowan, having taken his Episcopal orders in England in the summer of 1768.
12. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & was run out of hearg. of the Dogs--owing to the Wind. Whether they catchd or not is not known.
13. Went to Pohick Church, & dined at Home with Mr. Ths. Triplet H. Manley & Mr. Peake.
14. Rid to Muddy hole & all my Plantns.
15. Went a Fox hunting in the Neck. Catchd a bitch fox--after an hour and 40 Minutes chace.
16. Went to Colo. Fairfax's & Dind with Mrs. Wn. & Miss Dandridge. Returnd in the Afr.
17. Went up to a Race by Mr. Beckwiths & lodgd at Mr. Edwd. Paynes.
Mr. Beckwith is possibly the Marmaduke Beckwith who appears on the tax lists of Fairfax County for 1782 and 1785 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, 18, 85).
18. Returnd home. Breakfasted at Captn. McCartys--& came by the Mill & Muddy Ho.
19. At home all day--alone.
20. At home all day alone.
21. Went up to Court and returnd in the Evening with my Brothr. John.
GW was attending the Fairfax County court as a justice for the first time since taking his oaths of office 21 Sept. The Fairfax court by law convened on the third Monday of every month except when there was no business to be considered, and it continued to meet, beginning daily about 9:00 A.M., until the docket for the month was finished, usually within six days (HENING, 5:489--91, 8:47). In November the court convened on this date and remained in session until 24 Nov., but GW was present only today (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 56--75, Vi Microfilm). Like most Virginia county justices of the time, GW attended court primarily at his convenience, coming when his affairs allowed or when a matter of special concern was to be heard. Irregular attendance, however, seldom caused any problems, because the law only required a quorum of 4 justices, a number that was relatively easy to obtain from the many available, especially in Fairfax County where
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several of the 23 justices lived in Alexandria near the courthouse (HENING, 5:489; SYDNOR, 79). County courts had powers and responsibilities in many areas as most criminal, civil, moral, administrative, and political matters in the counties came under their jurisdiction. They could try nearly all crimes committed by slaves and, for freemen, those crimes, such as minor theft and assault, that did not involve punishment by loss of life or limb. Civil cases heard by the monthly courts--usually suits for land, debts, or damages--had to be for at least 25s. or 200 pounds of tobacco. Suits of less value were decided out of court by individual justices. County courts also levied some taxes, registered most legal documents, judged cases of bastardy and public drunkenness, supervised the care of orphans by guardians or the parish vestry, issued ordinary licenses and set tavern prices, controlled the constructionof roads and public buildings, and either recommended or appointed most county officials, including militia officers below the rank of brigadier. Justices as individuals, besides handling minor civil cases, had other duties and powers, such as the right to order attachments of property for debt and the right to issue warrants and peace bonds (HENING, 5:491--92, 6:105--11; SYDNOR, 76--83; CHITWOOD, 80--87).
22. Went a fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Colo. Fairfax & my Br. catchd 2 Foxes.
23. Went a huntg. again with Lord Fairfax & his Brother, & Colo. Fairfax. Catchd nothing that we knew of. A fox was startd.
24. Mr. Robt. Alexander here. Went into the Neck.
25. Mr. Bryan Fairfax as also Messrs. Grayson & Phil. Alexander came here by Sunrise. Hunted & catchd a fox with them & My Lord his Br. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom with Mrs. Fx. & Mr. Watson of Engd. dind here.
Benjamin Grayson (d. 1757) immigrated to Virginia from Scotland and built Belle Air, two miles south of Occoquan Creek, Prince William County. He married twice-widowed Susannah Monroe (1695--1752). Of their four children this Mr. Grayson was probably William (c. 1736--1790), the third son, who, after graduating from the College of Philadelphia (now University of Pennsylvania) in 1760, returned to practice law in Dumfries, which became the Prince William County seat in 1762 (W.F.A. [1], 91).
Mr. Watson of England is possibly Josiah Watson, who settled in Alexandria as a merchant before the Revolution. In answer to a query from the Whitehaven tobacco partnership of Dixon & Littledale, Harry Piper of Alexandria wrote on 14 July 1775: "Mr. [Josiah] Watson has been here and Trading Now about two or three Years, and is generally esteemed by all his acquaintances" (Piper Letterbook, ViU).
26. Hunted again in the above Compa. but catchd nothing.
27. Went to Church.
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28. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church.
After settling on the tithes for the year and disposing of minor business, the vestry discussed the proposed new Pohick Church. Agreement was reached that "notice be given in the Virginia and Maryland Gazettes of the building of the said Church, and that the undertakers may attend at the Vestry House at Pohick on the first friday in March next with Plans and Estimates" (Truro Vestry Book, 136, DLC; see also Va. Gaz., R, 2 Feb. 1769). No division among the vestrymen over this action was recorded.
29. Went a Huntg. with Lord Fairfax & catchd a Fox.
30. At home all day. Colo. Mason & Mr. Cockburne came in the Evening.
Martin Cockburn, son of Dr. Thomas Cockburn, of Jamaica, settled in Virginia after marrying Ann Bronaugh, daughter of Jeremiah Bronaugh, of Fairfax, and cousin of George Mason. His estate was Springfield near Colchester. Cockburn served on the Truro Parish vestry 1770--79.
Remarks--on the--Weather
Novr. 1. Clear, pleasant, & agreeable.
2. Rainy Morning. Wind eastwardly. But clear & pleast. Afternoon.
3. Clear & Pleasant. Wind Southwardly.
4. Do. Do. Do. Do.
5. Do. Do. Do. Do.
6. Do. Do. Do. Do.
7. Do. Do. Do. Do.
8. Cool, the Wind shifting Northwardly.
9. Very cool, & hard frosty Morng. In the Evening Rain (tho not much) & the Wind Eastwardly.
10. Very Cool. Wind at No. West & blowg. hard. With flying Clouds.
11. Moderate. Wind shifting Southwardly. The weather clear.
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12. High wind from the Southwest. And clear, till the Eveng. then Cloudy.
13. Hazy, but otherwise clear and Mild. Wind Southwardly.
14. Cloudy forenoon--but clear, & warm afterwards. Wind Southwardly.
15. Rainy forenoon--that is slow moderate rain--& Wind Southwardly--but clear, cool & windy afternoon from the Northwest.
16. Cold & Windy from the Northwest. Clear also.
17. Lowering Morning, but clear & pleasant afterwards. Wind Southwardly.
18. Clear Morning, but lowering Afternoon. Wind fresh from the Southwest and a good deal of Rain in the Night.
19. Raining more or less all the forenoon. Wind fresh from the No. West with Spits of Snow and some Rain in the Afternoon. Cold.
20. Very Cloudy with great appearances of Snow but none fell. Wind fresh from No. West & very cold.
21. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West--yet pleasant and agreeable--being clear.
22. Sometimes lowering but in genl. clear & pleast. with but little Wind.
23. Clear & pleasant--also Warm--there being no Wind.
24. Clear & pleasant, there being little or no Wind.
25. Warm and lowering with but little Wind. In the Evening Rain as there was in the Night.
26. Heavy & lowering day. Evening & Night Rain with some intermixture of Snow.
27. Wind at No. West & cold, with flying Clouds.
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28. Clear and cold Wind Northwardly till Night, then So. West. Hard frost.
29. Very hard frost, in the Morning but moderate & thawg. afterwd.
30. Pleast. forenoon with the Wind Southwardly but the Afternoon very cold & freezing.
Observations--in--November
Novr. Put up my Beeves & Weathers to Fatten--about the 25th.--of Octr.
Put up Hogs to fatten.
14. Began to gather Corn at Muddy hole in the Neck.
21. Measurd the Cut of Corn in the Neck adjoing. to the Gate, the contents of which was [ ].
Began to gather Corn at the Mill.
Where & how--my time is--Spent.
Decr. 1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County, & was there, with Colo. West chosen. Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.
The election, held at the county courthouse in Alexandria, had been called by the new governor, Lord Botetourt. White adult males who owned a minimal amount of real property were allowed to vote. This property restriction satisfied two convictions long held in English tradition: only a man who owned property would be free from being influenced at the polls by an employer or landlord, and those who held property held the interests of the society at heart. Free Negroes and mulattoes, whether they owned property or not, lost their franchise in Virginia in 1723 (HENING, 4:133). Although many women in colonial Virginia owned real property in their own right (Martha Custis, for instance, while she was a widow), their sex barred them from the polls.
In accordance with the English belief that secrecy bred corruption, all voting was done in public. The election proceedings were the responsibility of the county sheriff. As the clerks (one provided by each candidate) sat
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together at a table, each voter would step forward and announce his two choices, which were then marked down by the clerks on their respective poll sheets. As each vote was given and recorded, the candidate chosen would often thank the voter, and toward the end of a close election, when every vote would elicit a round of cheering, the crowd sometimes got rather unruly. During the voting in the 1755 Fairfax County burgess poll, GW got into a violent argument over the candidacy of his friend George William Fairfax (FREEMAN, 2:146).
In this election GW and Col. John West were standing for reelection. A third candidate was GW's neighbor and fox-hunting companion Capt. John Posey, who was trying for the second time to unseat West, possibly because West's nephew, John West, Jr., was pressing Posey over an inheritance left to Posey's wife by her first husband, George Harrison, who was John West, Jr.'s uncle. The final poll this day was: GW, 205; John West, 175; John Posey, 132. GW spent about £25 on his election, including cakes and drink (unspecified) and £1 each for his clerk, John Orr, and his "fidler [at] the ball" (FREEMAN, 2:146, 3:141, 209; Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, DLC:GW; LEDGER A, 281, 287; HENING, 4:476, 7:518). For detailed descriptions of elections in colonial Virginia, see SYDNOR.
2. Returnd home after dinner accompanied by Colo. Mason Mr. Cockburn & Messrs. Henderson Ross & Lawson.
Alexander Henderson (d. 1815) emigrated from Scotland in 1756 and settled as a merchant at Colchester. He was Fairfax County justice of the peace 1770-post 1785; Fairfax County representative in the House of Delegates 1781, 1783; Truro Parish vestryman 1765--85; and churchwarden 1769--70, 1779--80.
3. Went a fox huntg. in Company with Lord & Colo. Fairfax Captn. McCarty & Messrs. Henderson & Ross. Started nothg. My Br. came in the Afternoon.
4. At Home all day.
5. Fox hunting with Lord Fairfax & his Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax. Started a Fox & lost it. Dind at Belvoir & came in the Evg.
6. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & Mill.
7. At home all day--alone.
8. Fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom dind here. Started nothing.
9. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg run, & the Mill.
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10. Went a fox hunting in the Neck & catchd a fox. Afterwards went to the Plantatin. there. Doctr. Rumney came to Dr. & Mr. Alexr. in the Eg.
11. They went away after breakfast--alone aftds.
12. Rid to the Mill Doeg run & Muddy hole. Miss Carlyle & Miss Dalton came here.
Elizabeth Dalton was the daughter of John Dalton of Alexandria.
13. Set of abt. 12 Oclock for Towlston to hunt with Mr. Bryan Fairfax. Got there in the Afternn.
14. Stayd there all day. In the Evg. went to see his new Mill.
15. Returnd home, by the way (that is near Muddy hole) started & catchd a Fox.
16. At home all day. Jacky Custis came home from Mr. Boucher's.
17. Rid out with my Gun but killd nothg. Mary Wilson came to live here as a Ho. keeper a[t] 15/. pr. Month.
Mrs. Mary Wilson was probably a widow. She left her position at Mount Vernon in June 1769 (LEDGER A, 288).
18. At home all day. Miss Sally Carlyle & Miss Betcy Dalton went away & Mr. Stedlar came.
19. Went up to Court & returnd at Night.
Although today was the third Monday in the month, the day on which the Fairfax County court normally began its monthly sessions, the court apparently did not meet today or any other day in December because of a lack of pressing business.
Snowing.
Today GW bought "Fish &ca. of the New Englandman," which apparently visited Mount Vernon several times (LEDGER A, 112, 286).
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23. Went a Pheasant Huntg. Carrd. hounds & they started & followd a Deer.
24. Rid to the Mill & Doeg run.
25. At home all day.
26. Ditto--Do.--L. W--n. set of for Staffd.
27. Ditto--Do.--except Shooting between breakfast & Dinner.
28. At home all day alone.
29. Went a fox hunting. Started one but did not catch it. In the Afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper & Riddell came here. Also Mr. Mag[owa]n.
Mr. Riddell is probably either John or Henry. John was a merchant in Dumfries. Henry, to whom GW later wrote concerning the seating of his western lands, was a merchant at Piscataway, Md., and the chief Maryland factor for Glassford & Co. of Glasgow, Scot. (GW to Henry Riddell, 22 Feb. 1774, DLC:GW; MACMASTER, 61:153 n. 32).
30. At home with them all day.
31. Went a hunting & catchd a bitch fox--the above Gentlemn. with me.
GW played cards on this date, losing an unspecified amount (LEDGER A, 286).
Remarks--on the--Weather
Decr. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze. Weathr. very cold--& Snowing at times. The Eveng. of this day was remarkably cold.
2. Weather clear & very cold. Wind at No. West. River half froze over.
3. Night exceeding hard--but this day somewhat more moderate Wind Southwardly.
4. Close Rain all day with the Wind chiefly at No. East--but afterwards shifting to No. West & clearing.
5. Clear & tolerably pleast. Wind abt. West. Ground hard froze.
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6. Hard frost--& cool Morning--but mild afternoon. Wind Southwardly.
7. Constant slow rain all day--with the Wind variable--but chiefly Eastwardly.
8. Clear, & tolerably pleasant, although the Wind was fresh from the No. West.
9. Very cloudy & like to rain but none fell.
10. Also Cloudy, with sometimes Sunshine & Warm--being still. No frost.
11. Again cloudy & like for rain but none fell. Wind shifting to the No. West but not cold. No frost.
12. Lowering Morning, but clear & calm Noon. No Wind nor frost.
13. Fine mild & warm forenoon, Wind Southwardly--but lowg. afternoon wind No. Et. & Cold.
14. Snowd the best part of last Night and till 2 Oclock this day.
15. Snowd again this Morng. & cold Wind Northwardly. Snow 8 or 10 Inches deep.
16. Clear & cool tho the Wind was Southwardly.
17. Wind Southwardly yet cold & raw with great appearances of Snow.
18. A Little rain fell in the Night & this day lowering. But mild & thawg. Wind So.
19. Clear & pleast. forenoon. Lowering Aftern. with a good deal of Snow in the Night.
20. Snowing best part of the day--abt. 6 or 8 Inches deep.
21. Snowing on and of all day. With but little Wind.
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22. Snowing fast the forepart of the day with the Wind at No. West. Snow very deep; I suppose 15 or 18 Inches generally.
23. Clear & cold. Wind at No. West & fresh. Towards Evening it shifted Southwardly.
24. More moderate. Wind Southwardly. Clear Morng. & Eveng.-- threatng. Noon.
25. Clear, with the Wind moderately from the No. West and not very cold.
26. Wind rather to the East of North and Cloudy, but not cold. Frost this Mg.
27. No frost. Foggy & misty all day and thawing fast.
28. Raining more or less all Night, Snow mostly gone--off the open ground entirely. Good deal of Rain this day also--no frt.
29. Cloudy--Misting--& sometimes rain with the wind southwardly. No frost.
30. Clear. Wind at No. West, & fresh in the Morning but incling. Southwardly in the afternoon. No frost.
31. No frost. Wind southwardly--& Cloudy--but no rain. Evening clear.
Observation's--in--Decr.
13th. Killd Hogs.
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Where & how--my time--is Spent
Jany. 1st. At home alone. Mr. Magowan returnd from Alexandria in the Evening.
2. Went to Colo. Fairfax's with the Family and stayd all Night.
3. Came home again. Colo. Carlyle & Mr. Ramsay returnd with us.
The visit may have been more than social. About three weeks later, on 29 Jan., GW wrote William Ramsay to say that it was "out of my power . . . to furnish you & Mr. Fairfax with the sum asked." Then shifting to a subject closer to his heart, GW continued: "Having once or twice of late heard you speak highly in praise of the [New] Jersey College as if you had a desire of sending your Son William there (who I am told is a youth fond of study & instruction, & disposed to a sedentary Studious Life; in following of which he may not only promote his own happiness, but the future welfare of others) I shou'd be glad, if you have no other objection to it than what may arise from the expence, if you wou'd send him there as soon as it is convenient & depend upon me for Twenty five pounds this [Virginia] Currency a year for his support so long as it may be necessary for the completion of his Education. . . . No other return is expected or wished for, for this offer, than that you will accept it with the same freedom & good will with which it is made, & that you may not even consider it in the light of an obligation, or mention it as such; for be assur'd that from me it never will be known" (DLC:GW).
4. Went a fox huntg. with the above Gentlemen, & were met by the two Colo. Fairfax's but found nothing. Messrs. C & R. went home.
5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gr. appearance of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind comg. to No. Wt. & blowg. fresh dispeld the Clouds toward the afternoon. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill and in the Afternoon went into the Neck.
6. The two Colo. Fairfax's & Mrs. Fairfax & Dr. Rumney dind here & spent the Evening.
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THE TWO COLO. FAIRFAX'S: Robert and George William Fairfax.
Rumney brought two musk capsules for Patsy Custis on this visit (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
7. After Dinner the Compy. from Belvoir returnd home. Doctr. Rumney stayd.
8. At home all day with Doctr. Rumney.
9. At home all day. Opening the Avenue to the House--& for bringing the Road along.
10. Went a Fox huntg, with L[und] W[ashington]--Jackey Custis, & Mr. Manley. Found nothing.
11. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Mr. Peake, but found nothing.
12. Went out in the Morng. with the Hounds in order to meet Colo. Fairfax but did not. In Hell hole started a fox and after an hours chase run him into a hole, & left him. In the afternoon went to Alexa. to the Monthly Ball.
13. Havg. lodgd at Captn. Daltons was confind there till the Afternoon by Rain & then came Ho[me].
John Dalton lived on the north side of Cameron Street between Water (now Lee) and Fairfax streets (MOORE [1], 71--72).
14. At home all day. And alone.
15. Ditto Do. Do.
16. Went a ducking in the forenoon--otherwise at home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. B. Fairfax came here.
During this month Bryan Fairfax bought a hunting horn from GW for 6s. and paid him 2s. 3d. lost at cards (LEDGER A, 287).
17. Fox huntg. in the Neck with Mr. Fairfax Triplet & Peake-started nothing.
18. Fox huntg. again in the above Compa. and Harn. Manley-started a Fox and lost it. The above dind here as Mr. Wagener also did.
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MR. WAGENER: Probably Peter Wagener (1742--1798), who was a member of the committee of associators of Fairfax County, served as county lieutenant of Fairfax during the Revolution, and married a daughter of Daniel McCarty. He is generally referred to in the diaries as "Mr. Wagener." His father, Peter Wagener (1717--1774), Occoquan Creek, came to America from England in 1738 and served as vestryman in Truro Parish 1771--74. GW usually calls him "Major Wagener" in the diaries.
19. Fox hunting in the same Company--fd. nothing. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Wagr. dind here.
20. Fox huntg. again with Mr. Wagener Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Clarke. The two last dind here. Mr. Wagener went home.
MR. CLARKE: perhaps a member of the Clarke family of Salem, Mass., and Barbados, who were related by marriage to the Fairfaxes and the Washingtons.
21. Fox huntg. again upon long Branch with Mr. Fairfax Mr. Clarke Mr. Mac[ar]ty & Mr. Chichester. All went home from the field. Found Doctr. Rumney here.
LONG BRANCH: a tributary of Accotink Creek near Capt. McCarty's home, Mount Air.
22. Went to Pohick Church. Doctr. Rumney stayd all day & Night.
23. At home. Captn. McCarty & Wife, Mr. Chichesr. & his dind and stayd all Night.
24. At home. The above Company dind here & went home in the afternoon.
25. Hunting below Accatinck with Captn. McCarty Mr. Chichester & Mr. Wagener with their dogs. Found a fox & killd it in abt. an hour and 35 Minutes.
26. At home all day. Jacky Custis set of for School & Mr. Robt. Alexr. came here in the Aft.
27. At home again all day--Mr. Alexander Staying.
28. Went a Huntg. with Mr. Alexander. Traild a fox for two hours & then lost it. Mr. Alexander went home from the field.
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Dr. Hugh Mercer practiced medicine in Fredericksburg after serving in the French and Indian War. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift for Robert W. de Forest, 1906)
29. Ground froze. Wheater clear. Wind tolerable fresh at No. West but not very Cold. At home all day--alone.
30. At home all day, Mr. Campbell the Comptroller dind here & in the afternoon Doctr. Mercer came.
Hugh Mercer (c.1725--1777) was born in Aberdeenshire. Scot., and studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen from 1740 to 1744. In April 1746 Dr. Mercer server as a surgeon's mate with Prince Charles Stuart's forces at the bloody Battle of Culloden, where the prince's army was destroyed. Soon thereafter Mercer immigrated to America, settling on the Pennsylvania frontier. There he practiced medicine until the outbreak of the French and Indian War, when he joined the Pennsylvania forces as an officer. During this service he became acquainted with GW. After retiring from the military,
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he settled in Fredericksburg, where he opened an apothecary shop and practiced medicine. Dr. Mercer was not related to John Mercer of Marlborough.
31. Doctr. Rumney dind and lodgd here and in the afternoon Mr. Addisons and Mr. Baynes Sons came and lodgd here.
Rumney and Mercer apparently consulted with one another today about Patsy Custis's case and decided on a new way of treating her epilepsy, because four days later Rumney recorded giving her mercurial pills, purging pills, and ingredients for a decoction (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). Unfortunately, those medicines, like the others tried previously, would give Patsy no relief from her fits.
The youngest son of Thomas Addison (1679--1727) of Oxon Hill, Md., was Rev. Henry Addison (1717--1789), rector of St. John's Parish, Prince George's County, Md., from 1742 to 1775. At this time Addison, a friend of Jonathan Boucher, had placed his two sons in Boucher's school in Caroline County, Va.; the Addison boys appearing here are probably those sons. Col. John Baynes (born c. 1726), a local Maryland merchant with Whitehaven connections who worked out of his store at Piscataway, Prince George's County, Md., had at least one son, Joseph Noble Baynes, who was about 18 years old in 1769 and, like the Addison boys, was probably a schoolmate of John Parke Custis (BOUCHER [1], 51; MACMASTER, 61:151, 309 n. 107, 317 n.140).
An Acct. of the--Weather in Jan.
Jany. 1st. Ground but little froze, & soon thawed, day clear & pleasant--Wind Southwardly.
2. Perfectly calm, clear, and warm--the Morning was a little frosty--but gd. soon thawd.
3. A large white frost--the gd. a little froze, but soon thawd. Morng. calm g: clear--afternoon lowering, & Wind Southwardly.
4. Lowering Morning without frost, but clear afternoon. Wind Southwardly.
5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gt. appearances of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the wind comg. out fresh from the No. Wt. the Clouds were dispeld & the afternoon clear & cool.
6. Ground hard froze--but soon thawd the Morning being clear & moderate--the Wind Still--afternoon a little Muddy.
7. Wind at Southwest & moderate. Raing. slowly most part of the day.
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8. Rainy morning with little or no Wind. Abt. 10 Oclock the wind came out at No. Wt. but neither blew hard nor cold. In the Eveng. it cl[eared].
9. Hard frost. Clear & cold wind comg. keen from the No. Wt. More moderate towards the Afternoon with less Wind--but gd. not much thawed.
10. White Frost & Ground hard froze. A little thawd in the Afternoon. Cloudy & Still all day. In the Eveng. Wind at No. Et.
11. Rain from about 9 Oclock in the Morng. with very little Wind.
12. Clear & Calm morning but lowering Afternoon.
13. Raining all the forenoon, & till three Oclock in the Afternoon with very little Intermisn. Much rain fell in this time.
14. Cloudy & sometimes misty with little or no Wind as there was not yesterday.
15. Cloudy, & sometimes dropping--quite Calm and Warm.
16. Very cloudy and little Wind--sometimes droppg, of Rain & sometimes snow.
17. Clear. Wind high from the No. West & cool. Towards the afternoon wind lowered.
18. Ground froze. Wind fresh from the So. West & clear till the Afternoon then Muddy.
19. Clear--the Ground froze--and Wind at No. West but not hard. Afternoon hazy.
20. Clear and but little Wind--that variable. Ground froze.
21. Very little or no Wind. Clear and very Warm. A large white frost but the ground very little froze.
22. Clear, still & warm in the Morning. Wind brisk from the So. West in the Afternoon & in the Night very hard with a little Rain.
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23. Ground very slightly froze. Wind came out at No. Wt. this morning, & blew very hard, Day clear.
24. Ground very hard froze. Day clear and very cold. Wind still at No. West but not so hard as yesterday.
25. Forenoon cloudy & cold--afternoon clear & more moderate. Wind variable but chiefly Easterwardly. Grd. hard froze.
26. Cloudy Morning. Wind Northwardly and Cold--with a mixture of hail & rain in the Afternoon. Ground hard froze.
27. Raining moderately all day with little Wind & that chiefly Southwardly and warm.
28. Clear & cool forenoon. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & threatning afternoon.
29. Ground froze. Weathr. clear. Wind tolerable brisk at No. West--but not very cold.
30. Clear and pleasant Wind Southwardly. Ground hard froze.
31. Clear forenoon and ground froze; afternoon lowering & Raw wind Southwardly.
Remarks & Observations--in Jan.
Jany. 4. Finishd measuring Corn in the Neck--total quantity 694 Barrels. About this time Muddy hole People began clearing Ground.
5. Began clearing Ground in the Neck. Mill People getting Rails to fence Corn field by Mr. Manleys.
9. Began to open the Avenue in front of the House in order to bring the Road along it.
10. Finishd gathering Corn at Doeg run Quarter. 242 Barrels.
A Very spewing frost among Wheat particularly in the little field at Doeg run. Note the consequence of this.
SPEWING FROST: Farmers now refer to this process, which lifts and injures the roots of plants, as "heaving."
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16. Began to open my New Road that is to cut the Bank down this side Hell hole.
18. Another Spewing frost.
22. The hound bitch Musick got out of her confinemt, & was lind by Pilot.
26. She was lined by Mr. Fairfax's Hound Rockwood.
27. The black hound bitch Countess was lined by the above Dog Rockwd.
28. Countess was again lind by Rockwood.
This day recd. 505 Bushels of Oats from the Eastn. Shore for 500 that was put on board.
The freight of the oats was £6 5s. (LEDGER A, 287).
Where & how--my time is--Spent
Feby. 1st. Doctrs. Mercer & Rumney went away as did Mr. Addison's sons &ca. I dind at Belvoir & returnd in the Evening.
Before Mercer left, GW paid him £6 for seeing Patsy (LEDGER A, 287).
2. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill.
3. Went a Gunning up the Creek--killd 7 Ducks. In the Afternoon Colo. F. Lewis & son Fieldg. & Mr. Rozer came here.
Fielding Lewis, Jr. (1751--1803), was the eldest son of GW's sister Betty and Col. Fielding Lewis. About 1769 Fielding Jr. married Ann (Nancy) Alexander, daughter of Mary Dent and Gerard Alexander of Alexandria, and settled in Fairfax County (SORLEY, 142).
MR. ROZER: probably Henry Rozer (Rozier) of Prince George's County, Md.
4. Mr. Rozer went away after breakfast, the others stayd. At home all day.
GW today recorded losing 19s. at cards (LEDGER A, 287).
5. At home all day with Colo. Lewis &ca.
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Col. and Mrs. Fielding Lewis--she was Washington's sister, Betty--lived in Fredericksburg. (Kenmore Association, Inc.)
6. At home all day with &ca.
7. At home as above.
8. Colo. Lewis and son set of to go home but being stopd at Colchester by Ice returnd in the afternoon. I rid as far as the Mill with them.
9. Went a Ducking with Colo. Lewis. His son & Betcy Dandridge went to the Monthly Ball at Alexandria.
10. Went a shooting again. In the Afternoon fieldg. Lewis returnd from Ball.
11. Ducking till Dinner. Mr. Piper dind here. Betsy Dandridge came home in the Evening.
12. Mr. Piper went away after Breakfast. At home all day with Colo. Lewis & Son.
13. Colo. Lewis & Son set of for home. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole & Doeg Run.
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14. Went a fox hunting--but started nothing. The two Colo. Fairfax's dind here.
15. Rid to the Mill Doeg run, & Muddy hole.
16. At home all day, Joshua Evans who came here last Night put an Iron Ring upon Patcy (for Fits) and went away after Breakfast.
Joshua Evans is probably the blacksmith of that name who was living in Loudoun County at this time and died there in 1773 (Loudoun County Wills, Book B, 71--79, Vi Microfilm). According to an English folk tradition dating from the fourteenth century, certain rings called cramp rings could relieve or cure epileptic convulsions when worn on a finger. These rings varied in design and composition, depending on a particular blessing, inscription, or material for their supposed efficacy (JONES [2], 154--55, 162--65, 522--26). GW today paid Evans £1 10s. for his service (LEDGER A, 287).
17. Rid out with my hounds. Started a fox and lost it, after an hours chase. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon.
18. Went a hunting with Doctr. Rumney. Started a fox or rather 2 or 3 & catchd none. Dogs mostly got after Deer & never joind.
On this date GW paid Rumney for his medicines and visits during the past 12 months: £4 18s. on his own account and £19 6s. 6d. for Patsy Custis (LEDGER A, 287).
19. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner.
20. Went up to Alexandria to Court. Returnd home in the Evening.
While GW was in town, he apparently visited Dr. Rumney, who today supplied more ingredients for decoctions and another box of pills for Patsy Custis (receipt from William Rumney, 21 Sept. 1770, ViHi: Custis Papers). The February court lasted three days (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 76--92, Vi Microfilm).
21. Went to Court again and returnd home at Night.
The court today ordered GW and Col. John West to "settle & adjust accounts" in a dispute between William Payne and Francis Dade and to report at the next court, their decision to be the court's official judgment in the case. The report was not made until 18 April, when Dade was ordered to pay Payne 992 pounds of tobacco plus costs (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 85, 125, Vi Microfilm).
22. At Court again & home in the Eveng.
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23. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill.
24. At home all day without Company.
25. At home all day receiving my Goods from Captn. Johnstouns Craft.
Capt. John Johnstoun, master of the ship Lord Camden, brought goods from London shipped by Robert Cary & Co. for GW. The goods totaled £315 13s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 198).
26. At home all day alone.
27. Fox hunting with Colo. G. Fairfax & Mr. Warnr. Washington. Started & killd a Dog fox after havg. him on foot three hours & hard runng. an hour and a Qr. Dined at Colo. Fairfax's.
28. At home all day. Mr. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Miss Betcy Washington came here and staid all Night.
BETCY WASHINGTON: probably Warner Washington's niece Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Washington (c. 1718--1763) of Middlesex County.
An Acct. of the Weather--in Feby.
Feby. 1st. Ground not froze. Day calm & warm & mostly clear--but sometimes lowering.
2. The Ground slightly froze, Wind fresh from the northwest. Cloudy and cold.
3. Hard frost. Wind sharp & fresh from the No. West. Moderate & very pleast. afternn.
4. Ground froze. Cloudy with great appearances of Rain. Calm & still forenoon. Wind Eastwardly afterwards.
5. A little Snow & Rain in the Night. Wind hard (& cold) from the No. West. All day.
6. Clear and very cold--Wind being hard from the No. West. Gd. very hd. Froze.
7. Ground very hard froze havg. thawd none yesterday. Weathr. exceeding cold wind being still hard from No. Wt.
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8. No thaw yet. Grd. close blockd up and very cold. Wind still at No. Wt. but not so hard. Afternoon somewhat more moderate--quite clear. On the 6th. at Night the River was almost froze across & on the 7th. & last Night quite.
9. No thaw. Ground very hard froze. Weather clear with little Wind in the forenoon but No. Wt. in the Aftn.
10. Wind at No. West & cold. Ground hard froze & no thaw, weathr. Clear.
11. Ground hard froze in the Morning, & but little thawd afterwards. Wind at No. West in the Morng. & So. West in the aftern.
12. Ground still froze hard & no thaw; Morning cloudy with the Wind at No. Wt. as it contind. to be all day. Afternoon clear.
13. Clear & pleasant--with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
14. Raw, cloudy, & still forenoon. Cold afternoon and wind at No. West.
15. Cold Morning with Snow from 8 till one with the wind Northwardly--then clear with the wind Eastwardly & warmr.
16. Very hard frost. The River which hath never been clear of Ice since the 6th. was quite shut up today. Morng. clear & cold, wind Northly.--afternn. wind Southly.
17. Clear, still, warm, & pleasant. Ground still froze but from the continued frost not slopy.
18. Again Calm clear warm, & pleasant being hazy.
19. Warm. Wind at So. West--fresh in the forepart of the day--the latter part Cloudy with the Wind at No. Et. At Night Rain.
20. Rain more or less all Night with the wind fresh at So. West which cleard the river for the first time (since the frost set in) of Ice. Morning lowering but clear, calm, & pleast, day--no frost.
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21. No frost. Fine clear Morng. Lowering day with the Wind fresh at South.
22. No frost. Rain in the Night. Morng. exceedg, fine & calm. Day clear & pleast.
23. No frost. Day clear & pleast. Wind southwardly. In the Eveng. a little lowering.
24. Morning cloudy but not frozen. Aft[ernoon] clear & cooler than for some days past wind being at No. West.
25. A large white frost & grd. a little froze but not very cold. Wind first Northwardly & then Eastwardly and lowering.
26. A good deal of Rain fell last Night & some today. The Wind at So. West and fresh. No frost.
27. Cloudy Morning, but clear day--the wind being No. West & westwardly but not cold nor hard.
28. No frost. Lowering Morning with the wind at So. Et.--afterwards clearer, with the Wind at So. and warmer.
Remarks & Observations in Feby.
Killd a Wether which waid alive--
being a middlesized one
Note--the above at a low estimate, appears to be no more than the worth of a fat Wether--it being imagind, that they woud average the above weight and 3d. pr. lb. is a low price at this Season of the year.
25. Finishd the New road leadg. across Hell hole, to the House.
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Where & how--my time is Spent--
Mar. 1. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run & Mill Plantations with Mr. W[arne]r Washington, who with his Lady & Miss Betcy Washington that came yesterday also dind & lodgd here today &ca. Mr. Willm. Crawford came in the Afternoon.
2. At home all day with the above Company.
3. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church and returnd abt. 11 Oclock at Night. Found Mr. Tibbles here.
GW was late in returning because the proposed location of the new Pohick Church was not wearing well with the minority of vestrymen who lived conveniently near the old church. After prolonged debate lasting well into the evening, the vestry finally accepted Daniel French's bid for building the new church, but "not having compleated their business," they adjourned till "Fryday the Seventh Day of April next" to sign the articles of agreement (Truro Vestry Book, 137, DLC). For the tradition that GW led the Crossroads majority and George Mason led the old-location minority, see SLAUGHTER [1], 63--64; MVAR, 1964, 22--25.
MR. TIBBLES: GW to Thomas Lewis, 5 May 1774, refers to "Mr. Theobald (or Tibbles, as he is commonly called)," who was a partner of Michael Cresap in a western land speculation scheme (DLC:GW).
4. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Captn. Crawford & Mr. Tibbles went away after Brea[kfast]. Myself at home all day.
5. Went up to Alexa. after fieldg. Lewis & brot. him down to Dinner where I found Mr. Wr. Washington--who returnd after Din[ner].
6. Set out with Fieldg. Lewis for Fredg. where we reachd after dinner at Peyton's on Acquia--i.e. reachd my Mother's.
Peyton's ordinary, on Aquia Creek in Stafford County, was about 16 miles above Fredericksburg on the main road from Alexandria (see RICE, 2:93, 177). While GW was at Ferry Farm he gave his mother £3 cash (LEDGER A, 287).
7. Went to Fredericksburg & remaind there all day--ding. at Colo. Lewis's.
8. Still there, dind at the same place, spending the Evening at Weedon's at the Club.
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George Weedon (c.1734--1793) kept a "large and commodious" tavern on the main street of Fredericksburg (now Caroline Street) "nearly opposite" the town hall and public market. Frequented "by the first gentlemen" of Virginia and "neighboring colonies," it contained "a well accustomed billiard room" and was the place where local horse races were arranged ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 12 Sept. 1766 and P, 15 Sept. 1775; Fredericksburg Va. Herald, 23 Oct. 1788). His fellow Freemasons sometimes adjourned there for food and entertainment after meeting at the town hall (GOOLRICK, 37). Born in Westmoreland County, Weedon served in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War, being commissioned an ensign in 1755 and later rising to the rank of captain. Before April 1764 he married Catharine Gordon (d. 1797) of Fredericksburg, and by 1766 he was running the tavern on the main street, which her parents had previously owned and operated (KING [2]).
THE CLUB: It was a common practice among Virginia gentlemen of this time, when dining or supping at a tavern, to do so in groups either at a private table or, at a large tavern like Weedon's, in a private room. They would be served as a unit by the innkeeper and then would club for the cost of the food, drink, and room; that is, they would divide the total bill equally (GIBBS, 98--107). On this evening GW paid 2s. 6d. as his share of the club and lost 15. 6d. at cards (LEDGER A, 287).
9. Set of for Robt. Ashbys, and after dining by the way, reachd it a little after dark.
Capt. Robert Ashby (c.1707--1792) was the second son of Thomas Ashby (see entry for 12 Mar. 1748). Robert had worked as a marker for GW during the survey of the Fairfax lands in 1748 and was now living at Yew Hill, Fauquier County, about eight miles south of Ashby's Gap on the southern road to Winchester.
10. Went out to run out the bounds of the Land I bot. of Carters Estate but the Weathr. being very cold & windy was obligd to return.
George Carter, the youngest son of Robert "King" Carter, died intestate in England c.1742. To settle his estate the Virginia Assembly passed an act (HENING, 5:300) in 1744 directing trustees to sell Carter's vast holdings of more than 20,000 acres of land in Prince William, Fairfax, and Frederick counties. Twenty years later less than half of the lands had been sold, and Carter's heirs petitioned the Assembly to name a new set of trustees to sell the remaining acreage. An act was passed in 1766 (HENING, 8:215) naming Robert Burwell, Fielding Lewis, and GW as the new trustees. In Nov. 1767 they met at Capt. Robert Ashby's home in Fauquier County to sell the remaining lands and GW bought 2,682 acres "of Geo Carter's Estate" for himself ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 19 Nov. 1767; LEDGER A, 257).
11. Went out again on the same business & returnd at Night to Captn. Ashbys.
12. At Captn. Ashbys all day. In the afternoon Captn. Marshal came & spent the Evening.
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Thomas Marshall (1730--1802), father of Chief Justice John Marshall, was a burgess for Fauquier County 1761--67, 1769--73, and 1775--76. He was a delegate to the first three Virginia Conventions in 1775, and served as colonel of the Third Virginia Regiment during the Revolution. In the 1780s he moved with his family to Kentucky and represented Fayette County in the Virginia House of Delegates. At the time of this entry, Marshall was living at Rosebank near present-day Markham, Va., about five miles from Robert Ashby's Yew Hill home.
13. Out a Surveying till Night with sevel. attending.
14. Out in like manner.
15. Out again with many People attending.
16. Ditto--Ditto--Ditto.
17. Executing Leases to those who had taken Lotts--being at Captn. Ashbys.
GW had cut up his purchase of Carter's land into lots of about 100 acres each and was leasing them on a long-term basis to local farmers for about £4 Virginia currency per lot. On this day GW made at least 11 leases, some of which were for more than one lot. In GW's lease to George Russell, a fairly typical one, Russell was to be charged 30s. for each hand over four that was worked on the lot. Within ten years Russell was to plant and tend "at least Fifty Winter Apple trees at Thirty feet distance every way from each other and One hundred Peach trees at Sixteen feet distance every way from each other" and to build "a Good dwelling house at least Sixteen feet square of framed Work or Loggs Sawed and well hewed and a Barne or Tobacco house of Convenient Size or other houses and Buildings Equal thereto." GW retained the right to "all Mines Minerals and Quaries," as well as most of the timber, and reserved to himself "the Priviledge of hunting and fowling in or upon any part" of Russell's lot (17 Mar. 1769, ViWaC).
18. Went up to Greenway Court where I dined and stayd all Night. Met Colo. Lewis here.
Greenway Court was not only the residence of Lord Fairfax but also the permanent location of the proprietor's land office. There GW and Fielding Lewis, in their capacity as trustees for the sale of George Carter's estate, paid Fairfax the balance of quitrents owed by the estate since 1746 (receipt from Thomas, Lord Fairfax, to GW and Lewis, 18 Mar. 1769, DNA).
19. Went with Colo. Lewis to his Plantations where I stayd all day & Night.
20. Executing in the forenoon Deeds, & settling with those who had purchd. Carters Land upon Opechon. In the afternoon rid to Valentine Crawfd.
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Washington's plat of George Carter's land on Opequon Creek. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Gratz Collection)
Opequon Creek, then in Frederick County, now divides Berkeley and Jefferson counties, W.Va. It rises a few miles southeast of Winchester and flows into the Potomac 15 or 16 miles above Harper's Ferry (KERCHEVAL, 305; NORRIS [1], 29).
21. Went & laid of 4 Lots at the head of Bullskin for several Tenents.
22. Filling up leases for them at Val Crawfords all day.
23. Set of homewards. Breakfasted at Mr. Ariss's dind undr. the Ridges & lodgd at Wests.
John Ariss (d. 1799), originally of Westmoreland County, was one of the most successful architects and builders in Maryland and northern Virginia. In
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1769 he moved from Richmond County to Frederick (later Berkeley) County. Although he has been credited with participating in work on the Mount Vernon mansion house 1757--59 and 1773--87, no documentary evidence has been found to support such a view (WATERMAN, 243--300, 419). In 1788 he leased 700 acres on GW's Bullskin tract at £60 a year (LEDGER B, 281).
24. Reachd home before dinner. Found Colo. Bassett, Lady & 2 Childn. Betcy & Nancy here also Mr. W[arne]r Washington & Jacky Custis.
Betcy and Nancy are Elizabeth Bassett (1758--1773), who died in childhood, and Anna Maria Bassett (1763--1773), who was the second Bassett daughter so named, the first, born in 1760, having died in infancy.
25. Went a fox hunting with Colo. Bassett & Mr. Bryan Fairfax--who also came here last night. Started & run a fox into a hole after an hours chase. Mr. Fairfax went home after dinner. Dog fox killd.
26. Took an airing with Colo. Bassett on horse back. Mr. R. Alexander came in the Evg.
27. Went a Fox hunting--found and was run out of hearing by some of the Dogs.
28. Hunting again. Found a fox & killd it in an hour and an half. Mr. Magowan & Vale. Crawford came here today.
On 26 Jan. of this year GW wrote to Rev. Jonathan Boucher that Magowan "has been fortunate in a Presentation to a good Parish. . . and is now living therein" (WRITINGS, 2:498--99). This was the parish of St. James (commonly called Herring Greek Parish) which lay between Herring Creek and the West River in Anne Arundel County, Md. Magowan had apparently passed up Frederick Parish, Va., which was much larger in area and probably not as wealthy as St. James.
29. Rid with Colo. Bassett into the Neck. Vale. Crawford went to Colo. Fairfax's.
30. Dined at Colo. Fairfax's along with Colo. Bassett & Lady--returnd in the Eveng.
31. Hunting-found a fox & killd him in a hour. This & the last were both Dog Foxes. Mr. Magowan went to Alexandria.
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An Acct. of the Weather--in March
Mar. 1. No frost but raw & cold. Wind North in the Morning--but No. East afterwards and very cloudy--with Misling Rain at Night.
2. Not much Rain in the Night but some hard showers today, with the Wind Southwardly in the forepart of the day and No. Wt. afterwds.--then growing clear & cold.
3. The ground slightly froze. Wind still at No. West--but not cold. Weathr. clear.
4. Ground again slightly froze. Wind at No. Et., & day lowering. In the Afternoon fine Rain or Mist & wind fresh from the same point. Evening calm but still misty.
5. Morning clear & Wind Southwardly. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind came hard from the Westward & contd. all day but not cold.
6. Ground a little froze. Wind Westwardly but not hard. Pleast. till Evening then raw cold & cloudy. Wind Eastwardly.
7. Ground slightly froze. Weathr. raw cold cloudy, & in the Afternn. Snowg.; wind Northwd.
8. Ground coverd two or 3 Inches with Snow but not being cold it thawd fast after the morng. when the Sun broke out.
9. Ground hard froze--& very raw cold, and cloudy till 12 oclock then more moderate. Wind southwardly and clear.
10. Exceeding high & cold wind from the No. West all day. Ground hard froze.
11. Ground excessive hard froze & Morning very cold--wind being fresh from the No. Wt. but the Afternoon more moderate wind falling.
12. Ground hard froze. Calm Mild & pleasant with passive clouds & sunshine.
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13. Ground hard froze but the Weather very mild go pleasant after the Morning.
14. Very pleasant and warm there being but little Wind.
15. Again warm & pleasant with but little Wind.
16. Morning lowering and sometimes raining with high squals of wind.
17. Morning pretty sharp wind having shifted to the No. West in the Night--but the day clear still & pleasant.
18. Lowering with a little rain in the afternn. Wind southwardly and Evening clear.
19. A most delightful morning, & pleast. clear day. Afternoon lowering & windy.
20. A little cool but still clear and pleasant.
21. Clear and very warm the first part of the day. Windy the
latter part from the Westward & at Night cool wind at No. West.
22. Cool. Wind still at North West go clear.
23. Clear & pleasant. But little wind & that southwardly.
24. Wind Southwardly, & little of it. Day very warm and clear.
25. Southwardly wind & Warm. Day clear but very smoky as it hath been for sevl. days past.
26. Very warm & clear except smokey. Wind still to the southward.
27. Lowering Morning with rain from 10 Oclock from the No. East all day & Night.
28. Rather cool. Wind at No. West but not hard.
29. Fine warm Morning go Wind afterwards from So. West & cooler.
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30. A little Rain in the Morning, but clear afterwards with the Wind pretty fresh, & somewhat cool from No. Wt.
31. A fine warm & pleasant day with but little wind and that southwardly.
Remarks & Observations--in Mar[ch]
Mar. 2. Began to List Corn Ground at the Mill.
6. Began to List Do. at Muddy hole.
10. And from that to the 18 laying of Lotts & leasing them in Fauquier & Loudoun Countys on the Land which I bought of Carters Estate.
20. & from that to the 23d. doing the like on my Land at Bullskin in Frederick County.
24. Returnd home from my Journey to Frederick &ca. and found that the Hound Bitch Maiden had taken Dog promiscuously. That the Bitch Lady was in Heat & had also been promiscuously lined, & therefore I did not shut her up--That Dutchess was shut up, and had been lind twice by Drunkard, but was out one Night in her heat, & supposd to be lind by other Dog's--that Truelove was also in the House--as was Mopsy likewise (who had been lind to Pilot before she was shut up).
26. The Bitch Musick brought five Puppies one of which being thought not true was drownd immediately. The others being somewhat like the Dog (Rockwood of Mr. Fairfaxs) which got them were saved.
27. The Hound Bitch Countess brought 7 puppies and was with the Puppies carried away the next day by Alexr.
Mar. 31. To this time Mopsy had been lind several times by Lawlor as Truelove had been by Drunkard--but as this Bitch got [out] one Night during her Heat it is presumable she was lind by other Dogs especially Pilot, the Master Dog, & one who was seen lying down by her in the Morning.
Began about the 28th. to Plow behind the Quarter for oats & grass seeds.
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Where & how--my time is--Spent
April 1st. At home all day with Colo. Bassett &ca. and Betcy Washington who came home with us on Thursday last.
GW on this date lost £1 45. 6d. at cards (LEDGER A, 290).
2. At home all day. In the afternoon Mr. Rozer Mr. Carroll--Mr. Sydebotham & Mr. Magowan came here.
Several Carroll families were living in Maryland at this time. The visitor may have been Charles Carroll (1702--1782) Of Annapolis; his son Charles Carroll (1737--1832) of Carrollton in Frederick County, Md., a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Daniel Carroll (1730--1796), of Frederick (later Montgomery) County, Md., later a commissioner of the federal district; or John Carroll (1735--1815), brother of Daniel, later first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States.
William Sydebotham, of Maryland, supplied goods to Maryland troops during the Revolution. After the war he was a claimant against the property of the Loyalist Rev. Jonathan Boucher.
3. Colo. Bassett and family set of homeward as Jacky Custis did to School & the above Gentlemen for Dumfries. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.
4. After an early Dinner went to Belvoir to pay a visit to Colo. R. Fairfax, returnd at Night.
5. Run the back line of Spencer and Washingtons Patent & came home to Dinner.
The back line of the Spencer-Washington grant was the northern boundary.
6. At home all day. Mr. Magowan returnd from Dumfries.
7. Went a fox hunting in the Morning & catchd a dog fox after running him an hour and treeing twice. After this went to an intended meeting of the Vestry but there was none. When I came home found Mr. Buchanon & Captn. McGachin here--also Captn. Weeden and my Br. Charles.
The vestry did not meet because they lacked a quorum and hence could not legally sign the articles of agreement with Daniel French for constructing the new Pohick Church (Truro Vestry Book, 139--42, DLC).
Captain William McGachin (also McCachen), a sea captain, often supplied GW with goods from London. In 1763 and for some years earlier, he commanded
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a convict ship, a duty he greatly disliked. GW recommended him to his London merchants, Robert Cary & Co., for the command of one of their ships plying between London and the Potomac, "because a personal acquaintance with Mr. McGachin added to his general good Character enables me to introduce him to you as a Gentleman of known Skill, deligence and Integrety" (GW to Cary & Co., 4 Oct. 1763, DLC:GW).
8. The two first went to Occaquan works & returnd in the Afternoon. At home all day.
9. At home all day with the above Gentlemen & Mr. Tibbles. In the afternoon Captn. Jno. West came here.
10. Captn. McGachin & Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Tibbles went away. We were at home all day.
11. Went a fox hunting & took a fox alive after running him to a Tree. Brot. him home.
12. Chased the above fox an Hour & 45 Minutes when he treed again after which we lost him. Mr. B. Fairfax came this afternoon.
13. Went a Huntg. with him in the Neck & killd a Dog fox after treeing him in 35 Min[utes]. Mr. W[arner] Washington Dind here & both of them stayd all Night. My Br. & Captn. Weeden went away this Morning.
Warner Washington's wife Hannah Fairfax Washington was visiting her brother at Belvoir, where she had given birth the week before to a third daughter, Catharine.
14. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Washington went away and we set out to go to Captn. McCartys but Patcy being taken with a fit on the road by the Mill we turnd back.
15. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg run and the Mill.
16. Went to Pohick Church and returnd home to Dinner.
17. Went up to Court & lodgd at Mr. Jno. Wests at Night.
The court met two days in April. GW was present from the beginning today, but he came late the next day, arriving after five items of business were finished (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 120--27, Vi Microfilm). John West, Jr., and his wife Catharine Colvill West lived near Cameron (GW to West, Dec. 1767, DLC and 4 July 1773, NNebgGW). GW today lost
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£2 15s. 6d. at cards and apparently lost £1 is. more on the following day (LEDGER A, 290).
18. Went to Court again and come home in the Evening with Colo. Mason--Mr. Auge. Smith Mr. Ross & Mr. Denneson. Found Mr. Stedlar here.
MR. AUGE. SMITH: probably Augustine Smith (1739--1774) of Shooter's Hill plantation in Middlesex County, the eldest son of John Smith of Cabin Point, Westmoreland County (TYLER [2], 95)' MR. DENNESON: Since he and Mr. Ross went home together from Mount Vernon (see next entry), this is probably James Dennistone (or Dennistown), a merchant of Colchester. Both Ross and Dennistone signed the nonimportation association in Williamsburg, 22 June 1770, and both men, along with Alexander Henderson, represented Colchester on a committee appointed by the merchants to consider the general state of trade in the colony.
19. Mr. Wr. Washington came early in the Morng. Mr. Ross & Mr. Denneson went home, & Colo. Mason & myself went to settle the Bounds of our Land.
Mason owned land on the north side of the tract GW had bought from Sampson Darrell (LEDGER A, 61).
20. Mr. Smith & Mr. Washington went away as did Mr. Stedlar. Colo. Mason & myself again went into the woods a Surveying.
21. At home with Colo. Mason who went away in the Afternoon.
Mason today signed an agreement promising to sell GW a strip of 100 acres on Little Hunting Creek, adjoining the Darrell tract, for £100 (MASON [2], 1:102; LEDGER A. 61).
22. Surveying in the Woods all day. Mr. Chichester Mr. Ball Mr. Hale g: Miss Sinai McCarty dind here.
MR. BALL: probably Sinah McCarty's first cousin, Burgess Ball (1749--1800), of Lancaster County, who on 2 July 1770 married Richard Chichester's niece, Mary Chichester. MR. HALE: possibly William Heale (many spellings, including Hale), originally of Lancaster County, who was settled in Fauquier County by 1777. Although her name was often spelled "Sinai," Miss McCarty was named after her mother, Sinah Ball McCarty (see HAYDEN, 92, 111--16; HODGES, 274).
23. Dined at Belvoir. Met Majr. Wagener coming to dine with me. Doctr. Rumney came.
24. Measuring the Road to Poseys ferry and seeing how a new one coud be laid out. Captn. McCarty dind here.
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25. At home all day alone. The above two Gentlemen went away yesterday afternn.
26. At home. Mr. Martin Cockburn & Pierce Baily dind here & went away afterwards.
27. Rid to the Neck Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Captn. McCarty & wife dind here.
28. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney came here in the afternoon.
29. Went up to Alexandria and Mr. Jno. Wests & returnd to Dinner.
John West, Jr., today agreed in writing to sell GW about 200 acres of land lying on the Potomac River next to the Mount Vernon tract for 43s. an acre. This land had been part of John Posey's plantation by virtue of his wife Martha's inheritance from her first husband, George Harrison. She had been given use of it for her lifetime only, and during the past year she had died. According to the terms of Harrison's will, the land then automatically passed to John West, Jr., who as Harrison's nephew was his nearest male descendant (Harrison's will, 21 Nov. 1748, Fairfax County Wills, Book A-1, 260--61, Vi Microfilm). However, West was prevented from deeding the property to GW at this time because of a bitter dispute between West and Posey over the ownership of a thin strip along the Potomac, containing about 6 acres, on which Posey's house and ferry were located. Posey had bought that strip from Thomas Marshall 21 Sept. 1757 for £6 sterling (Fairfax County Deeds, Book D-1, 477--78, Vi Microfilm), but West claimed that it belonged to him, saying that Marshall had no right to sell it to Posey because it was included in the bounds of Harrison's land, which Harrison had bought from William Spencer before Marshall bought Spencer's remaining land in the area. West had recently brought suit to force Posey off the strip, and GW was obliged to await the outcome of that case so that there would be no further confusion over titles or acreages (West's agreement with GW, 29 April 1769, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.; West's agreement with GW, 18 Sept. 1770, PHi: Gratz Collection).
30. Set of for Williamsburg with Betcy Dandridge & was forcd into Peytons Ordy. at Aquia where we lodgd.
GW was going to Williamsburg to attend the House of Burgesses, scheduled to convene 8 May. This session promised to be a stormy one because of the deepening crisis in the American colonies over the Townshend Acts, which remained in effect despite American requests for their repeal. Leaders in several colonies north of Virginia had begun to organize nonimportation associations to boycott British goods until Parliament rescinded the offensive duties, and GW, who had heard of those endeavors, was convinced that some kind of nonimportation association was now needed in Virginia. "Addresses
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to the Throne, and remonstrances to Parliament," he wrote to George Mason on 5 April, "we have already . . . proved the inefficacy of; how far then their attention to our rights & priviledges is to be awakened or alarmed by starving their Trade & manufactures, remains to be tryed" (DLC:GW). GW made this trip to Williamsburg in his chair. (LEDGER A, 191).
An Acct.--of the Weather--in April
Apl. 1st. Raining all the forenoon with but little Wind & weather warm. In the Afternoon it ceasd but continued cloudy.
2. Clear, still, warm and very pleasant growing weather.
3. Clear, Warm and pleasant. Wind southwardly.
4. Clear & warm. Wind in the same place & fresh.
5. Cloudy & Lowering. Wind strong from the So. West. At Night very squally with a little Rain when the Wind shifted to No. West & turnd very cold for the Season.
6. Cold & clear--with a frost to kill the fruit. Wind still at No. West & fresh.
7. Another frost to freeze the Ground & very cold in the Morning but cloudy & more moderate afterwards.
8. A harder frost than yesterdays & very cold--Wind fresh from the No. West.
9. Still cool but not equal to three days past--clear & the wind getting abt. Southwardly.
10. Warm, clear & pleasant with very little wind.
11. Warm clear and pleasant with the Wind tho not much of it Southwardly.
12. But little wind and that from the same Quarter.
13. Clear & pleasant morning but showery day with thunder Morng. & Evening. In the Afternoon a severe Wind & exceeding
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hard rain for about 20 Minutes from the So. West. Afterwards clear & cool wind shiftg. to No. West.
14. Clear Morning but cool.
15. Clear & pleasant Morning but raining afternoon. Clear & cool Evening. Wind at No. West.
16. Clear & somewhat cool. Wind Westwardly and at Night No. West.
17. Very cold and disagreeable Wind being fresh & raw from the No. West.
18. Wind at So. Et. in the first part of the day. Raw cold & showery at 2 & 3 Oclock & clear & cold from the No. West afterwards. A large frost this Morning.
19. Clear and very cold. Wind at No. West and fresh-more moderate at Noon.
20. Rather warmer this morning but very lowering, with rain abt. 10 Oclock from the No. Et. Abt. 12 clear with the wind at No. West and towards Night very raw & cold.
21. Wind fresh from the No. West & very raw & cold all day--more moderate at Night.
22. Wind Southwardly, clear, & much warmer than it hath been for two or three days past.
23. Morning lowering with Rain, but soon cleard, Wind being fresh from the So. West & warm.
24. Wind very fresh from the So. West & west with Rain in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
25. Raining most part of the day with the wind Eastwardly & cold.
26. Cool in the Morning, wind being at No. West & clear, but mild pleasant & calm in the Afternoon.
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27. Lowering Morning & sometimes Raining with the wind Eastwardly. In the Afternoon slow settled Rain.
28. Raining of and on all day sometimes pretty fast but always misting. Wind in the same Quartr.
29. Misty all day with the wind still Eastwardly & fresh.
30. Wind still Eastwardly & Morning Lowering. Abt. 12 it began to rain & contd. to do so all this afternoon.
Remarks & Observations--in April
Aprl. 3. Sowed what St. Foin seed I had in the Lucern patch.
4. Got done threshing at Doeg run Plantation.
Sowed some St. Foine in the Lucerne patch.
11. The white fish ran plentifully at my sein landing having catchd abt. 300 at one Hawl.
14. Began to Plant corn at Muddy hole.
15. Began to Plant Do. at the Mill.
Sowed Oats in the Inclosure behind the Quarter.
18. Sowed Clover and Burnet Seeds on Do.
Sent Negroe George into the Neck.
BURNET: Sanguisorba minor, a perennial affording both grain and hay, which GW and other farmers tried in the latter part of the eighteenth century. It had been pretty well discontinued by 1820.
22. The Herrings run in great abundance.
27. Finished planting Corn in the Neck.
30. Finishd Ditto at Muddy hole.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
May 1. Set out from Peytons & passing thro Fredericksburg reachd Hubbards Ordy.
This engraving of Williamsburg public buildings, found in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, played a major part in the modern restoration of that town. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
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2. Got to Eltham--after foundg. my Horse.
GW crossed the Pamunkey at Sweet Hall as he had during the previous year, but since his last trip the name of the ferry there had changed from Claiborne's to Ruffin's. Robert Ruffin, a wealthy planter formerly of Dinwiddie County, had recently acquired Sweet Hall and the ferry from Claiborne and had moved there with his wife Mary, daughter of John and Mary Clack and widow of Col. John Lightfoot (d. 1751) of Brunswick County ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 24 Nov. 1768; P, 23 May 1777; RUFFIN, 252). At Ruflin's on this day GW spent 4s. for ferriages and 15s. to care for a sick horse (LEDGER A, 290).
3. Went into Williamsburg and dined with the Council spent the Evening in the Daphne.
The Daphne was a room in the Raleigh Tavern, on Duke of Gloucester Street about half a block from the Capitol. Owned at this time by Anthony Hay (d. 1770), a former cabinetmaker, the Raleigh was a center of social, political, and business activities in Williamsburg. Public auctions were often held in front of it, and many important meetings and fashionable balls took place inside its elegant rooms (RALEIGH TAVERN, 7--10). While GW was at the Raleigh on this date, he bought subscriptions to three Williamsburg purse races from Hay (LEDGER A, 290). "There are races at Williamsburgh twice a year," a visitor to the town about this time observed, "that is, every spring and fall, or autumn. Adjoining to the town is a very excellent course, for either two, three or four mile heats. Their purses are generally raised by subscription, and are gained by the horse that wins two four-mile heats out of three; they amount to an hundred pounds each for the first day's running, and fifty each day after; the races commonly continuing for a week" (SMYTH, 1:17--19).
GW also amused himself frequently at the card table during this visit to Williamsburg, winning £4 17s. 6d. this day but losing £1 the next (LEDGER A, 290). He did not lodge at the Raleigh but stayed as usual at Mrs. Campbell's place (LEDGER A, 291).
4. Dined with the Speaker and spent the Evening (that is supped) at Mrs. Campbells.
GW today borrowed £50 from Fielding Lewis to pay Peyton Randolph for a "tenth of 100 Tickets taken in Partnership with himself and others in Colo. Byrds Lottery" (LEDGER A, 290).
5. Dined at the Governors and supped at Mr. Carters.
Robert Carter (1728--1804) of Nomini Hall in Westmoreland County, a grandson of Robert "King" Carter, had become a member of the council in 1758 and now lived in a handsome town house next to the Governor's Palace. He returned to live at Nomini Hall in 1771 but remained on the council until the Revolution (MORTON, 42--45).
6. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & spent the Eveng. there without supping.
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Robert Carter, of Nomini Hall in Westmoreland County. (Virginia Historical Society)
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7. Dine at Ayscoughs and supped there also.
8. Dined at Anthony Hays and Supped at Mrs. Campbells.
The Raleigh Tavern had been named in honor of Sir Walter Raleigh many years earlier by one of Hay's predecessors, and it was known as the Raleigh throughout the rest of its existence. However, GW and others often referred to the tavern by the name of its current proprietor.
The House of Burgesses sat today as scheduled. Governor Botetourt gave a brief address and committees were appointed. GW was placed on the committee of propositions and grievances and the committee of privileges and elections (H.B.J., 1766--69, 187--92). Later this day he lost £1 at cards but won £1 5s. the next (LEDGER A, 290).
9. Dined at the Palace, & spent the Evening in my own Room.
The burgesses on this day began the routine business of considering various petitions and claims from citizens.
10. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and spent the Evening at Hay's.
GW paid £1 today for two pairs of snap earrings George Mason had asked him to buy (LEDGER A, 290).
11. Again dined at Mrs. Campbells, and spent the Evening at Hays.
12. Dined with Mr. Wythe and Supped at Hays.
A nineteenth-century painting of George Wythe, copied from a John Trumbull portrait. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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George Wythe, now clerk of the House of Burgesses and a prominent Williamsburg lawyer, lived in a brick mansion on the Palace green.
13. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went over to Gloucester to Colo. W. Lewis's afterwards.
Col. Warner Lewis (b. 1720), son of Col. John and Frances Fielding Lewis, lived at Warner Hall in Gloucester County. He was the elder brother of Fielding Lewis, husband of GW's sister Betty (SORLEY, 67--68).
Today being Friday, the burgesses adjourned for the weekend after attending to a few items of routine business.
14. At Colo. Lewis's all day.
GW won £1 at cards on this date (LEDGER A, 290).
15. Returnd to Williamsburg by nine oclock in the Morng. after Breakfasting in York Town. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & supped at Hays.
The burgesses resumed their session at the usual hour of 11:00 A.M. GW and several other members were today added to the committee on religion, which handled matters relating to the organization of parishes (H.B.J., 1766--69, 211).
16. Rid over my dower Land in York, to shew that, and the Mill, to the Gentlemen appointed by the Genl. Court to value & report thereon. Came in to Breakfast. Dined at the Speakers and spent the Evening at Hays.
GW had been trying for at least the last two years to rent out the dower property in York County, because it was too far from Mount Vernon for him to inspect as often as he thought he should ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 2 April 1767). "Middling Land under a Mans own eye," he later remarked, "is more profitable than rich Land at a distance" (GW to John Parke Custis, 24 July 1776, ViHi). He had now decided to rent the property to Jacky Custis and thus consolidate all the Custis lands in York County under his name, if a place could be found near Mount Vernon to which the dower slaves on the York plantations could be moved and if the General Court, to which GW was responsible for the administration of Jacky's estate, approved the transaction (GW to John Posey, 11 June 1769, DLC:GW; receipt from Edmund Pendleton, 23 Nov. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). Both conditions were fulfilled by 1771 when GW began to charge Jacky's account £150 a year for the use of the "Land and Mill in York County as settled with the Genl. Court" (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK). Claiborne's plantation in King William County was rented to Jacky in 1778 (GW to James Hill, 27 Oct. 1778, DLC:GW).
The burgesses on this date sat as a committee of the whole to consider various British treason acts being cited in London as legal grounds for bringing leaders of colonial protests against Parliament's taxes to England for trial. After a debate, four resolutions were put before the house and were promptly passed. Known as the Virginia Resolves, they declared that the burgesses, with the consent of the governor and the council, had the
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sole right to impose taxes on the inhabitants of Virginia; that Virginians had a right to petition the king for redress of grievances; that Virginians could be tried for treason and other crimes only by established procedures in the established courts within the colony; and that an address should be sent to the king beseeching him "as the Father of all his people . . . to quiet the Minds of his loyal Subjects of this Colony, and to avert from them, those Dangers and Miseries which will ensue, from seizing and carrying beyond the Sea, any Persons residing in America, suspected of any Crime whatsoever, to be tried in any other Manner, than by the ancient and long established Course of Proceeding." Before adjournment, the resolves were ordered to be sent to the assemblies of the other colonies, and a committee was appointed to write the petition to the king (H.B.J., 1766--69, 214--15).
17. Dined at the Treasurers and was upon a Committee at Hays till 10 oclock.
The address to the king was presented to the burgesses today and accepted without dissent. The house then turned to other business, but about noon Speaker Randolph received a message from Governor Botetourt commanding the burgesses to come immediately to the council chamber. When they were assembled there, Botetourt spoke: "Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses, I have heard of your Resolves, and augur ill of their Effect. You have made it my Duty to dissolve you; and you are dissolved accordingly" (H.B.J., 1766--69, 215--18). With that statement this session of the house came to an abrupt end, but most of the dissolved burgesses, including GW, promptly reassembled a few doors down the street at Hay's Raleigh Tavern, meeting unofficially in the Apollo Room to consider "their distressed Situation." Peyton Randolph was elected moderator of the group, and a committee was appointed to prepare a plan for a Virginia nonimportation association (H.B.J., 1766--69, xxxix--xl).
18. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went to Bed by 8 Oclock.
Another meeting of the dissolved burgesses was held in the Apollo Room today beginning at 10:00 A.M. The committee appointed on the previous day presented a nonimportation plan, and after being "read, seriously considered, and approved," it was signed by 88 "of the principal Gentlemen of the Colony," including GW. The subscribers promised that "by their own Example, as all other legal Ways and Means in their Power," they would "promote and encourage Industry and Frugality, and discourage all Manner of Luxury and Extravagence." No member of the association was henceforth to import directly or indirectly any article taxed by Parliament for the purpose of raising a revenue in America (except inexpensive paper) or any untaxed article appearing on a long detailed list of European agricultural and manufactured goods. Forbidden items that had been previously ordered could be received, but after I Sept. 1769, none in the colony, regardless of date of importation, was to be bought. These agreements were to remain in effect until one month after the repeal of the Townshend Acts or until the members of the association decided to dissolve it, but in the latter case the prohibition against taxed articles would remain in effect until repeal of the taxes (H.B.J., 1766--69, xl--xliii).
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GW today bought a copy of John Dickinson's recent pamphlet, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies. He also purchased a pair of gloves, medicines, and coffee and paid his bill at Hay's: £2 12s. 9d., including 20s. "arisg. from the Associaters meetg. there" (LEDGER A, 290).
19. Dined again at Mrs. Dawson's and went to the Queens Birth Night at the Palace.
Today "being the QUEEN'S birthday, the flag was displayed on the Capitol; and in the evening . . . the Governour gave a splendid ball and entertainment at the Palace, to a very numerous and polite company of Ladies and Gentlemen" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 25 May 1769).
20. Left Williamsburg on my return home. Dined at Colo. Bassetts & stayd the rest of the day there.
GW paid two accounts before leaving town: £6 15s. to Mrs. Campbell for his board and lodging and £2 6s. to the barber George Lafong for dressing his hair. He also lent £5 in cash to a friend, Robert Rutherford, burgess from Frederick County in the past session (LEDGER A, 291). At Eltham he paid Mrs. Bassett £3 2s. 3d. for a piece of chintz, a hairpin, and a hair comb (LEDGER A, 291).
21. Crossd over to my own Plantation. Dined at Todds & lodgd at Port Royal.
22. Reachd home after going as far as Colo. Harrisons with a view of crossing thro Maryland & being disappointed was obl[iged] to come up the Virginia side. Found Mrs. Bushrod Mrs. W. Washington & their families here--also Mr. Boucher Mr. Addison, Mr. Magowan and Doctr. Rumney--Jacky Custis.
Mildred Washington Bushrod (c.1720--1785), of Gloucester County, a cousin of GW, was the sister of Warner Washington, Sr., and the widow of John Bushrod (d. 1760) of Westmoreland County. She had been his second wife, and he her second husband, but she had no children by either of her two marriages, John Bushrod's daughters Hannah and Elizabeth having been born to his first wife, Jenny Corbin Bushrod (KENNER, 177--78; GW to Ruthey Jones, 25 Sept. 1783, DLC:GW). After John Bushrod died, Mildred apparently returned to Gloucester County, where she was listed on the tax roll for 1770 as owning 1,280 acres of land and a sedan chair (GLOUCESTER, 1:92). Her family on this visit may be children of her other brother, Henry Washington of Middlesex County, who at his death in 1763 had left a son, Thacker, and three underage daughters, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Ann (WAYLAND [1], 325).
MR. ADDISON: probably Rev. Henry Addison (1717--1789), who in 1751 married Rachel Dulany (d. 1774), eldest daughter of Daniel Dulany the elder. The Addison and Dulany families of Maryland were at this time allied in a bitter struggle to oust the rector of Saint Anne's Parish, the parish
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serving the town of Annapolis. For a new rector they were looking to Addison to bring in Jonathan Boucher, who was willing to open a school in Annapolis for the sons of the Addison and Dulany families (BOUCHER [1], 50--57; LAND, 280--82).
23. Mr. Addison and Mr. Boucher went away. At home myself all day.
24. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went down to Dumfries.
25. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and Mill & returnd to Dinner.
26. Rid into the Neck and from there went up to a Race at Cameron.
27. Went in to Alexandria to a Barbecue and stayed all Night.
GW on this date won 8s. playing cards (LEDGER A, 291).
28. Returnd home early in the Morning & went to Pohick Church returning to Dinner.
29. At home all day.
30. Rid to Muddy hole about 11 Oclock and returnd to Dinner.
31. Set of with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Mr. W. Washington & wife Mrs. Bushrod & Miss Washington & Mr. Magowan for Towlston in order to stand for Mr. B. Fairfax's 3d. Son which I did together with my Wife, Mr. W[arne]r Washington & his Lady.
MR. B. FAIRFAX'S 3D. SON: Ferdinando Fairfax (1769--1820), who is here becoming a godson of GW, married Elizabeth Cary, was the heir of George William Fairfax, and was a principal mourner at GW's funeral.
An Acct.--of the Weather--in May
May 1. Threatning Morning but clear and pleasant about 10 with little wind and that westwardly.
2. Clear and tolerably warm in the forenoon, but very cold in the Evening the Wind getting to No. Wt. and North.
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3. Cool and clear with the Wind Northwardly. Evening more moderate.
4. Clear and pleasant but rather cool.
5. Clear. Wind Southwardly--and warm.
6. Threatning Morning, & black clouds. Abt. 12 or one clock it began to rain & contd. to do so of & on moderately till 4 & then cleard.
7. Warm & pleasant with little or no Wind.
8. Warm clear and pleasant. Wind Southwardly.
9. Lowering in the Morning but clear afterwards & somewhat cooler than yesterday.
10. Warm and Sultry. Wind Southwardly & clear.
11. Wind fresh & warm from the So. West till the afternn. then cool & shifting to the Eastward.
12. Morning lowering & cool--with rain abt. one & 2 oclock. Clear again abt. 4 with a pleast. afternoon.
13. Clear & pleast. Morning--as it continued to be all day. Evening cool.
14. Wind fresh from the southwest with a little thunder & some Rain.
15. Warm forenoon with a fine Shower abt. two or 3 Oclock & pleast. afterwards.
16. Brisk southwardly Wind. Warm & lowering.
17. Wind southwardly and very warm. About five in the Afternoon a pleasant shower & still Warm after it.
18. Very Warm. Wind Southwardly. Fast & flying Clouds.
19. Warm with frequent Showers, and thunder and lightning. Wind southwardly.
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20. Wind Northwardly & cool--with thunder and lightning in the Night & high E. Wind.
21. Wind at No. West and cold--with flying clouds.
22. Cool Morning with the Wind Northwardly but warmer afterwards and wind at So. West.
23. Clear and rather cool notwithstandg. the Wind was at So. West and fresh.
24. Wind Westwardly with several showers of Rain. In the Evening the Wind shifted No. Wt.
25. Very cool Morning. Wind still at No. Wt. and clear.
26. Cool in the Morning but warm afterwards & clear. Wind Westwardly.
27. Lowering with the Wind at So. West & Warm--in the Afternoon a little sprinkling.
28. Cooler. Wind Westwardly--and lowering. In the Afternoon and Night fine Rain but cool. Wind Eastwardly.
29. Misty and Cloudy all day with Showers in the Afternoon. Wind still Eastwardly.
30. Cool & clear. Wind being at No. West.
31. Very cool and Wind Eastwardly. Weather lowering and like for Rain.
Remarks & Occurances in May
22. Returnd home from Williamsburg and found my Wheat much better in general; than ever it was at this Season before--being Ranker, better spread over the ground & broader in the Blade than usual.
It was also observable that in general the head was shot out, and in many places in Blossom.
27. Finishd breaking up my Corn Ground at the Mill.
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29. Mopsy the Hound Bitch and Truelove another Hound brought 12 Puppies--that is Mopsy had five and the other seven.
30. Finishd breaking up my Corn ground in the Neck with my Plows.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
June 1. Set of from Towlston with the Compy. that went up yesterday on our return home and reachd Mt. Vernon abt. 6 oclock.
2. Went to Alexandria to Mr. Saml. Johnsons Funeral Sermon & returned to Dinr.
Samuel Johnston (Johnson) had been living on part of the Clifton's Neck land that GW bought in 1760. He remained as a tenant, paying GW 1,013 pounds of tobacco annually for his lot, which was probably at least 100 acres. In 1762 Johnston leased two more lots in Clifton's Neck from GW at the same rental fee. Johnston also ran a ferry from his land to the Maryland shore. His son, Samuel Jr., worked for GW in his wheat and tobacco crops from 1762 to 1764. Johnston was survived by his widow, Hannah, seven children (at least four of whom were married), and two grandchildren (LEDGER A, 77, 132, 134, 200; KING [4], 27).
3. Mr. Warnr. Washington & family--Mrs. Bushrod and hers--& Mr. Magowan all went away this day. I rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill.
4. At home all day--alone.
5. Dined at Belvoir--Mrs. Washington and Patcy Custis going with me.
6. At home all day--Mrs. Fairfax, Colo. Fairfax & Mr. Wormely the elder ding. here & returning in the afternoon.
Ralph Wormeley (1715--1790), one of the wealthiest planters in the colony, lived at his family's old home, Rosegill, on the south bank of the Rappahannock River near Urbanna. He served as burgess from Middlesex County 1742--64 and later became comptroller of the Rappahannock River Naval District. He was twice married: in 1736 to Sally Berkeley, daughter of Edmund Berkeley of Middlesex County, and after her death (c.1741), to Jane, probably daughter of James Bowles of St. Mary's County, Md.
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Ralph Wormeley of Rosegill. (Virginia Historical Society)
7. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole & returnd to Dinner.
8. Went with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis on a visit to Mr. Wm. Digges & returnd in the Afternoon.
9. Rid to Captn. Posey's--from thence to the Mill & then home.
John Posey had recently gone to Maryland, where he married Elizabeth Adair of Chestertown. He had not yet brought his bride home to Rover's Delight, but GW today saw the sad state of affairs that would greet the newly married couple there. Almost everything not mortgaged to GW had been attached by the Fairfax County sheriff to be sold for payment of various debts, and, according to Posey's son Hanson, the slaves would be without bread in a few days and the horses had nothing to eat at all. Furthermore, several merchants had brought suit against Posey and GW in the county court to force a sale of the mortgaged property. No action had been taken on the suit to date, but clearly matters had, as GW wrote to Posey two days later, "come to a Crisis." He must either find money to pay all his debts before the end of the year or sell his lands and slaves (11 June 1769, DLC:GW).
10. At home all day.
11. Went to Pohick Church. Dined at Captn. McCarty's Stood for Mr. Chichesters Child & came home in the Aftern.
The second son of Richard and Sarah McCarty Chichester, born 27 Feb. 1769, is here being christened Daniel McCarty Chichester in his grandfather's home.
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12. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, and the Mill. Doctr. Rumney (& Mr. Stedlar, who came yesterday afternoon) Mr. Robt. Scott & Mr. Hy. Peake Dind here. Also Sally Carlyle.
Robert Scott was a Scottish merchant of Dumfries.
13. Went into the Neck.
14. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and Mill & from thence went to Belvoir to pay my respects to Lord Fairfax. Dind there & returnd in the Afternoon. S. Carlyle wt. Ho[me].
15. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and Mill & returnd to Dinner.
16. At home all day. Mr. Robt. Alexander & his Brothr. Geo. Dind here and went away in the Afternoon.
17th. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill Plantation.
18. At home all day--alone.
19. Went up to Court & returnd in the Evening.
The June court lasted until 24 June. GW and his fellow justice Alexander Henderson arrived today immediately after the first item of business was finished (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--72, 143--92, Vi Microfilm).
In Alexandria today GW settled with Peirce Bayly for this year's taxes. His personal bill was £1 10s. cash for the public tax on his chariot and chair, £2 2s. cash for miscellaneous fees, and 4,754 pounds of tobacco for the county and parish levies: 534 pounds to Fairfax County for 89 tithables at 6 pounds each, 1,140 pounds to Fairfax Parish for 19 tithables at 60 pounds each, and 3,080 to Truro Parish for 70 tithables at 44 pounds each (LEDGER A, 291, 293).
20. Went up to Court again & returnd in the Evening with Colo. Mason, Mr. Scott and Mr. Bryan Fairfax.
GW was again a little late for court, being recorded present with John Carlyle shortly after it began (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 153, Vi Microfilm).
21. Mr. Fairfax went away in the Morning to Court. The other Gentln. stayd all day.
GW remained at Mount Vernon with his company.
22. Colo. Mason & Mr. Scott went away & I to Court again.
GW arrived after the court's second item of business for the day (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 168, Vi Microfilm).
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23. Went to Court again and returnd in the afternoon.
GW, Col. John West, and Charles Broadwater were recorded present about a fifth of the way through today's court proceedings (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 180, Vi Microfilm).
24. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill & returnd to Dinner. Lord Fairfax, the two Colo. Fairfax's & Mr. Digges dind here & returnd.
25. I dined at Belvoir & returnd in the Eveng.
26. At home all day--Measuring salt from a Bermudian.
A BERMUDIAN: GW is here receiving salt from a Bermudian vessel, which likely came from Turks Islands in the British West Indies.
27. Rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole.
28. Rid to the Harvest Field at Doeg Run & returnd to Dinner.
29. Went to the same place again, & Returnd also to Dinner. In the Afternoon Doctr. Rumney came on a visit to Betty.
30. Went into the Neck where my Harvest People had movd to and returnd to Dinner. Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast.
Acct. of the Weather--in June
June 1st. Still cloudy and like for Rain with the Wind Eastwardly and cold.
2. Clear, and cool in the Morning--but warmer afterwards. Wind Northwardly.
3. Clear, and not so cool as yesterday. Midday warm--Wind being at So. Wt.
4. Clear and pleasant, being neither cold nor Warm. Wind abt. So. West.
5. Wind fresh from the So. West and warm. The forenoon clear--afternoon having appearances of Rain with rumbg. of Thunder.
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6. Wind very fresh from the So. West with but little Clouds & in general warm.
7. But little wind & that being Southwardly made the weather Warm & almost Sultry.
8. Wind in the same place and Weather Warm. In the Afternoon the Wind being fresh and a cloud rising to the So. West we had a fine shower in the Night with some thunder & much lightning.
9. Warm & fine growing weather, but little wind in the forepart of the day & that Southwardly--fresher in the afternoon.
10. Wind fresh from the So. West with Clouds a little sprinkle & some thunder. About sun set the wind shifted to the No. Wt.
11. Clear morning, with lowering afternoon. Wind Southwardly.
12. Warm and lowering--also Smoky. Wind southwardly & but little of it.
13. The Wind shifting to the Northward in the Night it became cool in the morning; but at Midday it grew a little warm although the wind hung to the Northwd. all day and was perfectly clear.
14. Clear and Temperate. But little Wind and that Eastwardly--but varying.
15. Close still and warm. But little wind & that Southwardly.
16th. Very warm & some slight appearances of Rain--with little or no Wind till the Eveng. then pretty fresh from the Southward.
17. Very warm again with little or no Wind in the forenoon but tolerably fresh. Southwardly Wind afterwards.
18. Wind getting to Northwest and blowg. fresh all day the Air grew cool & was clear.
19. There being but little wind and that southwardly it grew very warm again.
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20. Very Hot with very little wind & that to the Southward.
21. Again Hot with the Wind in the same Quarter.
22. There being flying showers abt. in the Night & Morning tho not hard the Wind shifted to the Northward & grew cool or Rather to the Eastward.
23. Warm wind getting to the Southward again.
24. Very warm with great appearan<ces> of rain, but none fell here. Still & calm.
25. Also very warm with the same shows but no rain fell here. Still & calm.
26. Small breeze from the southward but very hot and sultry notwithstanding w[ith] appearances of Rain.
27. Very hot and Sultry; indeed extreamly so. A small breeze from the Southwd.
28. Sun very hot, but the Heat corrected in some degree by a southerly Breeze. In the afternoon frequent Showers of Rain--but little of it here--with pretty smart Wind from the So. West.
29. Wind getting to the Northward, this day was something more temperate & yet warm. In the Night abt. 11 Oclock a fine Rain.
30. A shower in the Morng. with Thunder & a Rainbow in the West. In the Eveng. one or two other showers wt. some Thun[der].
Remarks & Occurances in June
June 2d. Finishd breaking up my Corn gd. with the Plows at Muddy hole.
3d. Finishd going over the field abt. the Overseers House at the Mill with the Hoes.
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6. Went over my plowed Corn at Doeg Run a 2d. time with the Plows.
7. Rid into the Neck, and went all ovr. my Wheat there, which in general I think very good; and at this time free from any appearance of Rust. I think it is observable that the Wheat on the River side appeard to be better head than the other tho not superior in look in any other respect to many other parts of the field.
8. Got over the little field at the Mill with the Hoes, commonly calld the Clover patch.
9. Finish plowing the Field round the Overseers House at the Mill a 2d. time.
This day I went through all my Wheat at the Mill, & find it very likely and promising, & entirely free from any appearance of Rust--the head beginning to expand by the plumping of the grain.
10. Got over my Corn Ground at Doeg Run Quarter a second time with the Plows and began it a third time with the Harrows.
Also got over all the old ground Corn at the same place with the Hoes.
12. Went over all my Wheat at Muddy hole and at Doeg Run & found it at both places good and promising, and entirely clear from every appearance of Rust.
I also found that the Straw at the lower joints was turnd, & turning yellow--that the blade was putting on a yellowish Hue--and that the head was in general grey--& turning yellowish the grain being mostly plump and the departments strutting with the Ripening Corn.
13. Went through my Wheat in the Neck and found it also clear of the Rust, & in much the same state of that of Muddy hole and Doeg run as described yesterday.
This day I put on board my Schooner from the Neck 500 Bushels of Indian Corn for Mr. Ross.
Hector Ross bought 100 barrels of corn from GW at 10s. a barrel, a total of £50 to which £4 3s. 4d. was added for freight (LEDGER A, 276).
17. Finishd going over my Corn at Muddy hole with the Hoes. Also went over my Corn at the Mill this day with the Hoes.
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22. Went over my Corn at the Mill the second time with the Plows that is finishd doing so--and began with the Harrows in the field about the Ovr. House.
24. Finishd going over my Corn in the Neck with the Hoes as also with the Plows the second time.
Worked over all the Swamps (North of the Meadow) at Doeg Run with the Hoes.
Jonathan Palmer who came to the House that was provided for him last Night began Working with my People this day.
On this day GW debited Jonathan Palmer, his newly hired master carpenter, "2 Barrels of Herrings delivered per your order to the Waggoner that brought his [Palmer's] family down" (LEDGER A, 294). The house, although not recorded by GW in their contract, was provided rent-free.
27. James Cleveland spaed the three hound Bitches Musick, Tipsey, & Maiden as also two hound puppies which came from Musick & Rockwood.
Note--the Bitch Tipsey was going into heat but had not been lind.
Began in the Afternoon to cut my wheat at Doeg Run Quarter with Jonathan Palmer and 6 other Cradlers.
James Cleveland was employed by GW as the overseer of the River Farm on Clifton's Neck from 1765 to 1775, when he was put in charge of an expedition of workers to GW's lands on the Ohio.
28. Elijah Houghton joind the above at the same place. The whole made but a bad days work. They complaind of the Straw cutting very hard.
Note. The wheat this year appeard different from what it did last year the Straw being quite changd (even the Knots and joints nearly so) when the Grain was not hard. On the Contrary last year--the grain was tolerably hard whilst part of the Straw retaind a good deal of green.
Elijah Houghton was retained by GW as a harvester and paid at the rate of 5s. per day, with an allowance of three Spanish dollars for travel. LEDGER A, 292, shows that on 13 July 1769 he was paid £3 13s.
29. Eliab Roberts, William Acres, Joseph Wilson & Azel Martin set into work today--& I think workd but indifferently. The Wheat on the other side the Run was not cut down. Michael Davy Schomberg & Ned Holt were left with Morris's People to finish it.
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Eliab Roberts, William Acres, Joseph Wilson, and Azel Martin were retained by GW as harvesters at the rate of 5s. per day, with an allowance of three Spanish dollars each for travel. The men were paid £4 13s., £3 16s. 4d., £1 15s., and £4 13s., respectively, for their work (LEDGER A, 292). Besides these men and Elijah Houghton, GW also retained Thomas Williams, Thomas Pursel (Pursley), John Pursel, and "Young Palmer," probably a son of Jonathan Palmer (LEDGER A, 292). Michael, Davy, and Schomberg were GW's slaves. Michael was a carpenter and tradesman; Davy, a mulatto, was a servant at the home house plantation 1762--64, a field hand on the Mill plantation 1765--69, and subsequently served for many years as overseer of various Mount Vernon farms; Schomberg was a field hand on River Farm. Ned Holt, who appears in GW's tithable list for 1761 as being at the home plantation, was probably one of GW's slaves.
30. The Rest of the Cradlers & hands went into the Neck & began there abt. 10 Oclock--Making a poor days Work--having cut only that piece of New Ground containing 14 Acres next the widow Sheridines.
Mrs. Barberry (Barbara?) Sheridine, whose husband John had recently died, continued to live on the land in Clifton's Neck which her father-in-law was renting from GW. Several years later she married Samuel Haley, and the couple remained there until the Revolution.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
July 1st. Went into the Neck to my Harvest People & returnd to Dinner.
2. At home all day--the Captn. of the Burmudian dining here.
THE CAPTN. OF THE BURMUDIAN: Captain Burch, from whom GW bought 562 barrels of salt, a cotton line, and 40 yards of nautical rope, totaling £35 7s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 291).
3. Rid round to my Harvest field in the Neck with Mrs. Washington, Patcy & Mill[y] Posey. Returnd to Dinner.
4. Went over into the Neck again & returnd to Dinner with the Captn. of the Burmudian.
5. Went into the Field in the Neck and returnd to Dinner. The Captn. dind here agn.
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6. Went into my Harvest field in the Neck. On my return to Dinner found Mr. Chichester, his wife and Nancy McCarty here, who stayd all Night.
Anne McCarty, called "Nancy" by GW, was a daughter of Capt. Daniel McCarty and thus a younger sister of Mrs. Chichester.
7. The above Company going away after Breakfast I went over into the Neck & returnd to Dinner.
8. Rid to Muddy hole in the Afternoon where We began to Cut Wheat.
9. At home all day.
10. Rid to Muddy hole in the forenoon. After dinner rid to Captn. Posey's where Mr. Jno. West was Surveying--and then to my wheat field again. Sally Carlyle came in the Afternoon.
John West, Jr., and Philip Alexander, attorney for John Posey, were today surveying the strip where Posey's house and ferry were located in preparation for a hearing of West's suit to evict Posey from the property (the dated survey is at ViMtV). Posey had by now returned home from Maryland but was unwilling yet to face the reality of his heavy debts, boasting to the assembled company at Rover's Delight today that his new wife had brought him much wealth, including "300 half Joes." GW knew that Posey was bluffing, having heard that his wife had not and would not convey any of her estate to him (GW to Posey, 26 July 1769, DLC:GW).
11. Rid to Muddy hole and returnd to Dinner. Found Mr. & Mrs. Ramsay & Mr. Stedlar here.
12. Mr. & Mrs. Ramsay & Mrs. Washington rid with me to Muddy hole & retd. to Dr.
Mrs. William Ramsay is Ann McCarty Ramsay, daughter of Maj. Denis McCarty (d. 1743), of Cedar Grove, and Sarah Ball McCarty. Through her mother, Mrs. Ramsay was distantly related to GW.
13. Mr. & Mrs. Ramsay & Sally Carlyle went away. I rid to the Mill where I was cutting of Wheat & returnd to Dinner when I found Mr. Frans. Thornton & my Br. Charles and his son--with whom rid out after Dinnr.
There were several Francis Thorntons. This is probably the one who died about 1795, the oldest son of Col. Francis Thornton of Spotsylvania County. His sister Mildred was Charles Washington's wife. The son of Charles Washington who appears here is probably George Augustine Washington (c. 1758--
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1793), who was about eleven years old at this time. A younger son, Samuel, would have been rather small to travel with his father.
14. Rid out in the fore and afternoon with my Brothr. & Mr. Thornton--to the Wheat field.
15. At home all day. Mr. Thornton & my Brothr. & son set of homewards after Dinner.
16. At Home all day. In the Morning Mr. Vale. Crawford came here--and in the afternoon Colo. Fairfax & Lady.
17. Went up to Alexandria to Court with Colo. Fairfax & returnd in the Evening with him & Mr. Magowan.
The July court met three days. Today GW, George Mason, and Daniel McCarty were recorded as present about two-thirds of the way through the proceedings (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 192--210, Vi Microfilm).
18. Colo. Fairfax and Lady went home & I to Court again. Returnd in the Evg. with Colo. Richd. Lee.
GW arrived at court shortly after it began today (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 199, Vi Microfilm). Richard Lee (1726--1795), son of Henry and Mary Bland Lee and an elder brother of Col. Henry Lee of Leesylvania, lived at Lee Hall in Westmoreland County, near present-day Hague, Va. Known as Squire Lee, he was a Westmoreland burgess 1754--74, naval officer of the South Potomac district, and a member of the Ohio Company. He today paid GW 16s. for a spinning wheel (LEDGER A, 292).
19. Again went up to Court and returnd in the Afternoon.
20. At home all day. Majr. Waggener came here to Dinner & stay'd all Night.
21. At home all day. Majr. Wagener & Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast.
22. At home all day.
23. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner. Mr. Magowan w. us.
24. Went to an intended Vestry at the cross Roads--but disappointed of one by Mr. Henderson's refusg. to Act.
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The vestry meeting was to be held at the Crossroads in order to decide on a site "to fix the new Church upon convenient to the said Cross Roads" and to lay out a churchyard (Truro Vestry Book, 138, DLC). GW and his associates had been able to muster only six of the seven vestrymen who supported the Crossroads location. When Alexander Henderson, apparently one of the five vestrymen who had been resisting the new location, realized his presence made a quorum, he prevented the meeting from coming to order by "refusing to act."
25. At home all day writing Letters & Invoices for England.
GW today ordered goods for Mount Vernon and the Custis plantations from Robert Cary & Co. and Capel & Osgood Hanbury. In his letter to Cary & Co., he requested that if any items on the invoices, except paper, "are Tax'd by Act of Parliament for the purpose of Raising a Revenue in America, it is my express desire and request, that they may not be sent, as I have very heartly enterd into an Association . . . not to Import any Article which now is or hereafter shall be Taxed for this purpose untill the said Act or Acts are repeal'd. I am therefore particular in mentioning this matter as I am fully determined to adhere religiously to it, and may perhaps have wrote for some things unwittingly which may be under these Circumstances" (DLC:GW).
26. Rid to my Meadow at the Mill & to Doeg Run after Dinner.
27. Went up in the afternoon to Alexa. with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis. Mr. Magowan returnd to Maryland.
Jacky Custis, who had been at Mount Vernon during the past few days for a short vacation from school, apparently returned to Boucher's today, taking with him £1 5s. pocket money and £42 1s. 11d. to pay his schooling and boarding expenses for a year (Jonathan Boucher to GW, 20 July 1769, DLC:GW; LEDGER A, 292).
28. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole.
29. At home all day posting my Books.
30. At Home all day preparing for my journey to the Springs.
31. Set out with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis for the Frederick Springs. Dind at Wm. Car Lains, & lodgd at Mr. Chs. Wests.
The family was going to Warm Springs in order to test the efficacy of the waters in relieving Patsy's epileptic fits (GW to John Armstrong, 18 Aug. 1769, PHi: Gratz Collection). GW had intended to leave on 27 July but had been delayed by other matters (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 13 July 1769, FORD [3], 12).
William Carr Lane and his brother James Lane (sometimes called James Jr.) owned the Newgate (sometimes called the Eagle) Tavern, one of the largest taverns in the Northern Neck at this time. It was on the Colchester
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road at Newgate, about 12 miles below Charles West's ordinary, and was kept at this time by Robert Sanford and his wife Kerrenhappuck (MCDONALD, 472--73, 482--84).
Acct. of the Weather--in July
July 1st. The Rains wch. lately fell, & the wind getting Northwardly coold the air & made it tolerably pleasant.
2. Clear, warm, and still, their being very little wind & that southwardly.
3. Very warm, & clear with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
4. Very sultry, with a breeze of Wind from the southward. Clouds & a little rain to the westward (with some Thunder) but none here.
5. Hot and sultry in the Morning but cool afterwards. In the afternoon a little Rain from the Westward--but not much.
6. The wind being pretty fresh from the No. Wt. the day was cool & pleasant.
7. Wind continuing from the same Quarter. This day was also tolerably pleasant.
8. Calm but not hot. Afternoon Cloudy with much apps. of Rain--wind being Ea<st.>
9. Wind being Eastwardly, about ½ after Six it set into Raining and continued to rain slowly till 9 or 10 constantly & in light fine showers afterwards all day.
10. Light thin showers at times till between 2 and 3 Oclock when it broke away.
11. Clear cool and pleasant--Wind being Northwardly.
12. Wind being in the same place--the day was also clear & pleast.
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13. Clear and not warm although the wind had got south-wardly.
14. Wind fresh from the Southwest with appearances and some drops of Rain in the Evening.
15. Very warm and close with gt. appearances of Rain and frequent showers to the Westward but very little here.
16. Warm with some Appearances of Clouds--but no Rain. Wind abt. S.W.
17. Close & Sultry in the forenoon with frequent light showers in the Afternoon & cooler.
18. Cool, clear & pleasant after the Morning which was Misty.
19. Wind being Northwardly the day was cool and pleasant--also clear.
20. About Noon it raind 10 or 15 Minutes pretty smartly and then cleard. Wind being pretty fresh from So. Wt.
21. Thunder in the Morning with the Appearance of a Settled Rain it beging. & contg. moderately for half an hour or more then cleard. Wind still contg. at So. Wt.
22. Wind fresh from the southwest and pleasant. Few Clouds but hazy.
23. Close and Sultry with Rain in the Night.
24. Warm with a shower about 3 oclock in the Afternoon.
25. Clear and pleasant.
26. Ditto--Ditto--Wind Southly.
27. Clear and pleast. Wind variable.
28. Clear and warm. Wind Southwardly.
29. Wind at southwest. Cloudy Morning. Rainy Midday, but clear Afternoon and warm.
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30. Clear, Still, & warm Morning. About 3 oclock a shower of Rain for a few Minutes with high wind from the So. Wt. and pleasant afterwards.
31. Clear and Cool--the Wind being fresh from the Northwest.
Remarks & Occurrences--in July
July 1st. Thoms. Williams, and Thomas Pursley set into Cradling today. The Grain being wet, there was no tying it up till about 10 Oclock--nor did we attempt to stack or House any till the afternoon & then old Palmer & others thought the straw & grain rather too Green.
Thomas Williams and Thomas Pursel (Pursley) were retained by GW as harvesters at the rate of 5s. per day, with an allowance of three Spanish dollars each for travel. LEDGER A, 292, shows that they were paid £3 4s. 8d. and £4 5s., respectively, for their work.
2. Sunday.
3. Finishd stacking what was left out on Saturday--also finishd cuttg. and getting to the stacks all the Wheat that was in the half Cut on the River by Dinner and in the afternoon went in to the half of the other Cut adjoing. and got about half of it cut down and Stack'd.
4. Finishd Cutting, getting in, and Stacking this half by Dinner, and finding our progress very slow & that the Cradlers were too many for the other workers, we reduced them to Ten after Dinner, after which about one half of the other half of the Second Cut was got in, and securd the work all going on well together but then the wheat was thinner which enabled the Rakers and carryers to keep up better.
A Dog coming here which I suspected to be Mad, I shot him. Several of the Hounds running upon him may have got bit. Note the consequences.
5. Finishd the other half of the Cut between Eleven and 12 (that is Cutting Binding and stacking) and went into the half of the 3d. Cut by the gate just at 12 Oclock with all hands.
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6. Finishd the half cut by the Gate before breakfast & the rest of the other half afterwards, just getting into the last Cut before sunset.
8. Finishd the whole field about one oclock. And began about five Oclock to cut in Muddy hole field.
12. Finishd cutting and stacking Muddy hole wheat and dischargd Elijah Houghton--Thomas Williams--and William Acres.
13. Went to cutting the Wheat at the Mill with the Residue.
15. Finishd at Do. by Breakfast time and went from hence to Doeg run Plantation & Cut the small field in this side the Run before Dinner. Note--from the Remarks and observations made this year in Harvesting my Wheat, it appeard evident that 10 and sometimes 9 Cradlers (according as the Wheat was thick or thin) were full surf. to keep the rest of my hands employd--and it likewise appeard that it was evidently to my advantage to employ my own hands to Cradle the Wheat rather than to hire white men to do it--and to get Rakers and binders if it be necessary to hire any at all, as these may be got for 2 shillg. or half a Crown a day whereas the Wages of the White Cradlers are exorbitantly high--but if Wheat of different kinds are sowed so as to prevent the Harvest coming on at once it is my opinion that hirelings of all kinds may be dispensed with. Two Rakers in the generality of the Wheat is sufficient to Rake & bind after a Cradle--and the rest of the hands can manage (after the Water Carriers & Cooks are taken out) to get the Wheat into convent, places & attend the Stackers.
Two, and sometimes three Stackers will Stack as fast as it is cut & I am of opinion that two brisk hands is sufft. for this purpose.
From experience it has been found advantageous, to put the Cradlers and their attendants into at least 3 Gangs. The Stops & delays by this means are not so frequent & the Work much better attended to as every Mans Work is distinguishable and the whole Cradles not always stopping for every little disorder that happens to each respective one as is the case when they cut altogether.
17. Began my Hay Harvest at Doeg Run Plantation.
21. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole Plantation.
22. Began to Sow Ditto at Doeg Run Quarter.
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28. The young Hound Bitch Chaunter was lined by Lord Fairfax's Rockwood (who appears to have the Mange) twice this day.
Got over my Corn in the Neck with the Plows the 3d. time.
29. Chaunter again lined by Rockwood. The black bitch Countess appeard to be going proud, was shut up in order to go to the same Dog.
30. Chaunter lined again--by Rockwood.
Where & how--my time is--spent--
Augt. 1st. Set out from Chs. Wests. Dined at Snickers and got to Mr. W[arne]r Washington's abt. 5 Oclock.
Edward Snickers (d. 1791) settled at a site near Buck Marsh Run in Frederick (now Clarke) County, where he later built his home, Springfield. Snickers' Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains was named after him. Warner Washington was living in Frederick (now Clarke) County, probably on the 3,000-acre plot he purchased in 1770 from his brother-in-law, George William Fairfax. On this land was built Warner's home, Fairfield, a few miles northwest of Snickers's ordinary.
2. Remaind there all day. Mr. Washington returnd from Winchester in the Afternoon.
3. At Mr. Washington's all this day also.
4. Still at Mr. Washington's. Mr. Thurston & Lady dining there. Note I was detained this day & yesterday by the Waggon's which had my Goods in for the springs loosing 2 Hs.
After stopping at Mount Vernon in mid-February of 1768, Thruston had attended the March meeting of the Frederick Parish vestry, Frederick County, where he offered to take the vacant rectorship. The vestry, having given Walter Magowan nine months to take orders, asked Thruston to come back in November. In May 1768 Thruston bought more than 1,000 acres of land in Frederick (now Clarke) County, located between Snickers' Gap and Warner Washington's home, Fairfield. Thruston returned to the Frederick Parish vestry in Nov. 1768, accepted an offer of the rectorship, and resigned his post in Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, the following month. His "Lady" was Ann Alexander Thruston, his second wife, whom he had married in 1766.
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Samuel Vaughan drew this plan of the Warm Springs, now Berkeley Springs, W. Va., in his journal for 1787. (Collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan)
5. Prosecuted our Journey to the springs (by Jacob Hites). Bated at Opeekon and lodged at Joshua Hedges.
Jacob Hite, son of Jost Hite, was a resident of Frederick County. In 1772 he became a justice of the peace of newly formed Berkeley County. Hite married Frances Madison Beale, aunt of President James Madison, and moved with his family to South Carolina in 1773, where most were killed by Indians during the Revolution.
6. Arrivd at the Springs about One Oclock & dind w. Colo. F[airfa]x.
7. Rid out into the Country to seek a good Pasture for my Horses & engagd to send them to one John Higgens's.
8. Sent my Horses to the above place with the Coachman.
9. Mr. Barcley dined with us--& Mr. Maze.
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John Barclay was an Anglican clergyman who came to Virginia by 1756 and was for a brief time in charge of Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg County. Some time before 12 Oct. 1760 he was appointed to All Hallows Parish, Anne Arundel County, Md., and in 1763 to St. Luke's Parish, Queen Anne County, Md. In 1761 Barclay was named one of the commissioners to run the line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. On 4 May 1768, he married Rachel Goldsborough, daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Goldsborough of Maryland (RIGHTMYER, 158--59).
Robert Mease (or Maze) was an Alexandria merchant and a partner in the mercantile firm of McCrea & Mease.
10. Mr. Barcley dined with us again as did Mr. Power and Mr. Geo. Thornton.
George Thornton, of Spotsylvania County, one of Charles Washington's brothers-in-law, married Mary Alexander in 1773. A prominent businessman in Fredericksburg for many years, he was a partner about 1772--74 with William Triplett of King George County in two stores, one in Fredericksburg and one in nearby Falmouth. After 1777 he was a partner with other gentlemen in a Fredericksburg brewery (CROZIER [2], 330, 344, 381). Appointed a major in the Spotsylvania County militia 16 Nov. 1780, he died soon afterwards, reportedly "from drinking cold water on a forced march" (WILSON, 66).
11. Lord Fairfax & Colo. Geo. Fairfax dined with us.
12. Mr. Barclay dined with us this day also.
13. We dined with Lord Fairfax.
14. Colo. Loyd, Mr. Cadwallader & Lady, Mrs. Dalton & Daughter & Miss Terrett dind with us.
Col. Edward Lloyd III (d. 1770) was of a prominent Maryland family and one of a long line of Edward Lloyds of Wye House, Talbot County, Md. He was married in 1739 to Anne Rousby of Patuxent, Md. He had been a member of the Maryland General Assembly, a member of the council, and receiver general of the province. He was in ill health at the time of this visit and died a few months later. His daughter Elizabeth had been married the previous year to John Cadwalader (1742--1786), of Philadelphia.
Mrs. Dalton is the wife of Capt. John Dalton of Alexandria and the daughter of Thomas Shaw (d. 1777). Miss Terret is probably a daughter of William Henry Terret (d. 1758), of Fairfax County, an original member of the Fairfax County court in 1742 and clerk of the Truro Parish vestry 1745--55.
15. Had my Horses brought in to carry Colo. Loyd as far as Hedges on his return home & rid with him as far as Sleepy Creek. Returnd to Dinner & had Mr. Barclay & a Mr. Brown to dine with me.
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16. Horses returnd from carrying Colo. Loyd. Mr. Barclay--Mr. Goldsbury Mr. Hardwick, Mr. Jno. Lewis & Mr. Wn. Washington Junr. dined here.
MR. GOLDSBURY: probably one of the brothers of John Barclay's wife, Rachel Goldsborough Barclay. Her three brothers were Nicholas, Thomas, and Foster Goldsborough (HANSON, 294--96).
John Lewis (1747--1825), only son of Fielding Lewis by his first wife, Catherine Washington Lewis, lived in Fredericksburg until 1811, when he removed to Kentucky. He was married five times (SEE SORLEY, 131--32).
17. Mr. Jno. Lewis & W. Washington dind here. We drank Tea with My Lord.
18. Mr. Barclay, Mr. Wodrow & Mr. Wood dined here. My Lord the two Colo. Fx's & others drank Tea here.
MR. WODROW: probably either Alexander or Andrew Wodrow. Alexander Wodrow served as provisioner of the garrison at Fort Cumberland during the French and Indian War and voted for GW in the Frederick County burgesses election of 1758. In 1774 he served on the committee of safety of King George County. Andrew Wodrow, perhaps a younger brother or son of Alexander, was clerk of the King George County committee of safety in 1775 and served in the Revolution as major and lieutenant colonel of the Virginia militia 1779--81 and as brigadier quartermaster of the Hampshire County militia. He was clerk of the Hampshire County court from c.1787 to c.1793 and represented the county at the Virginia Constitutional Convention in 1788.
James Wood (1741-1813) was the son of James Wood (d. 1759), the founder of Winchester, Virginia. He was a Frederick County burgess from 1766--76 and signed the nonimportation agreement this year and 1770. He later served throughout the Revolution and was later elected governor of Virginia.
19. Rid with Mrs. Washington & others to the Cacapehon Mountain--to see the prospect from thence. Mr. Barclay, Mr. Thruston & Mr. Power dined with us.
20. Went to Church in the fore and Afternoon. Mr. Jno. Lewis dind here. Lord Fairfax the two Colo. Fairfaxs & others drank Tea here.
21. Mr. Maze & Lady, Mr. Sebastian, Mr. Barclay, Mr. Allison dind here. Lord Fairfax &ca. drank Tea here.
Rev. Benjamin Sebastian (c.1745--1834) Was rector of Frederick Parish in Frederick County, 1766--67 and of St. Stephen's Parish in Northumberland County, 1767--77. He removed to Maryland and then to Kentucky, where he
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practiced law and served as a judge during the 1790s (GOODWIN, 305). Allison is probably John Allison, a merchant of Alexandria.
22. Mr. Jno. Lewis dined here.
23. Dined alone--Patcy unwell.
Patsy had "found little benefit" from taking the waters, but the Washingtons had decided to continue the experiment for another week or two in order to be sure there was no help for her here. The springs at this time were crowded with people from all walks of life seeking to restore their health. The waters, GW wrote to a friend, "are applied . . . in all cases, altho there be a moral certainty of their hurting in some. Many poor, miserable objects are now attending here, which I hope will receive the desired benefit, as I dare say they are deprivd of the means of obtaining any other relief, from their Indigent Circumstances" (GW to John Armstrong, 18 Aug. 1769, PHi: Gratz Collection).
24. Rid to Cacapeon with Lord Fairfax, the 2 Colo. Fairfaxs, Mr. Kimble Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis.
MR. KIMBLE: possibly Peter Kemble (1704--1789), president of the royal council of New Jersey.
25. Dined here Mr. Jno. Lewis and Mr. Flint.
Mr. Flint may be John, John Jr., or Thomas Flint of Frederick County, Md. John Flint was registrar of Prince George's Parish, and Thomas Flint kept a school in Frederick County. A Pennsylvania traveler recorded having been to "Flints on Potomak abot. 12 Miles above Fort Frederick, civil people" (KENNY, 200). This location was at the mouth of the Monocacy River and midway between Mount Vernon and the Pennsylvania line.
26. Dined alone.
27. Dined with Lord Fairfax & drank Tea there also.
28. Lord Fairfax, Colo. R. Fairfax, Mr. Allan, Mr. Meldrum & Colo. Stephen dined here.
Rev. William Meldrum, licensed by the bishop of London to preach in Virginia in 1756, served as rector of Frederick Parish in Frederick County for a time before 1765.
29. Dined alone.
30. Old Mr. Flint dined with us, otherwise we were alone.
31. Mr. Johnston, Mr. Wodrow, Captn. Dalton, his Daughter & Miss Terrett Dined here.
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Acct. of the Weather--in August
Augt. 1st. Very cool Morning, & not an unpleasant day.
2. Cool Morning & Evening again but midling warm Midday.
3. Clear with more warmth--but not hot.
4. Tolerably warm with the Mornings & Evenings still cool.
5. Warm morning & hot day with a thunder shower--to the Westward.
6. Warm again, with appearances of Rain but none fell.
7. Warm, but a brisk breeze about Noon.
8. Again Warm with a breeze as usual at & before noon.
9. Warm with appearances of Rain in the afternoon, but none fell.
10. Exceeding hot and Sultry, but the Heat corrected a little by the Breeze at Noon.
11. Lowering Morning with a thunder shower in the Afternoon & exceedg. Hott.
12. Again very warm--but a breeze as usual & noon wch. however sometimes dies away.
13. Very Warm with the accustomed breeze down the Vale of the Mountains.
14. Very warm forenoon with a shower or two in the Afternoon with thunder & sharpe Lightning.
15. Cool forenoon--the Wind being northwardly & fresh--but warm afternoon the wind dying away.
16. Wind Northwardly & fresh. Clouds in the Evening but no Rain here.
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17. Wind Eastwardly fresh & Cool especially in the Evening & night.
18. Morning Cool, but Midday warm notwithstanding the Wind blew fresh.
19. Morning tolerably pleasant, but very warm Evening. Wind fresh.
20. Morning Warm. Abt. Noon a shower with rumbling thunder. The afternoon wet.
21. Tolerably cool & pleasant. Wind northwardly. Night Cool.
22. Cool and pleasant. Night rather cold.
23. Clear, cool, and pleasant. Wind northwardly.
24. Clear & tolerably warm with but little wind.
25. A fine Shower from the Westward about One oclock with slighter ones afterwards.
26. Morning lowering but clear & cool afterwards.
27. Clear and cool especially in the Evening & morning.
28. Cool morning but Warm Midday & Cloudy afternoon.
29. Cloudy Morning with a Shower of Rain. Clear & warm afterwards.
30. Clear but warm wind being southwardly.
31. Clear and warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
Septr. 1st. Mrs. Washington, Patcy & myself dined at Mr. Maze's.
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2. Dined at home. Vale. Crawford dined with us.
3. Went to Church in the fore & afternoon and dined with Lord Fairfax.
4. Rid to the Pasture where my Horses were from thence to Mr. Flints & to the Pensylvania line & returnd to Dinnr. with Mr. Allan.
5. Dined at home alone except Mr. Flint.
6. Colo. Robt. Fairfax dined here.
7. Dined alone. Vale. Crawfords Waggon came up for my Goods in the Evening.
8. Day too unlikely to set out, therefore waited. Dined alone.
9. Set out on my return home about 8 Oclock but broke the Chariot & made it 11. before we got a Mile. Reachd Joshua Hedges.
10. Got to Mr. Warner Washingtons--I calling by Vale. Crawfords & Mrs. Stephenson's.
Onora Stephenson (née Grimes, d. 1776) was the mother of William and Valentine Crawford and the widow of Richard Stephenson (d. 1765), by whom she had five sons, Richard, James, John, Hugh, and Marcus.
11. Continued my Journey and reached Chas. Wests Ordinary after baiting under the Ridge at the blacksmiths shop.
12. Breakfasted at Wm. Carr Lanes & arrived at home about 3 Oclock in the Afternoon.
13. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill Plantations.
14. Went to Alexandria to the Election of Burgesses for Fairfax & was chosen together with Colo. West without a Poll, their being no opposition.
This election was called in consequence of Governor Botetourt's dissolution of the last House of Burgesses in May 1769. When there was no opposition in a burgess election (which was seldom) the sheriff took the vote "by view," although it is not clear whether GW was reelected by voice vote or by a show of hands.
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15. Returnd home. Mr. Grayson & Mr. Robt. Harrison came down in the afternoon.
Robert Hanson Harrison (1745--1790), originally of Charles County, Md., was an Alexandria lawyer. He was a signer of the Fairfax County nonimportation association in 1770. He served as GW's private secretary with the rank of lieutenant colonel 1775--81 and was chief justice of the Maryland General Court 1781.
16. Mr. Robt. Alexander came before Sun Rise this Morning we all went a fox huntg. Started one & run him into a hollow tree, in an hour & 20 minutes. Chase him in the afternn. & killd in an h[our and] ½.
17. At home all day. Mr. Harrison went away in the morning before breakfast. So did Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Grayson went away in the Afternoon.
GW today recorded winning 3s. 9d. at cards (LEDGER A, 296).
18. Went to court at Alexandria and returnd home in the Evening.
The court was in session 18--20 Sept. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 224--40, Vi Microfilm).
19. Went to Court again today. Stayd all Night & Went to see slight of hand performd.
20. Returnd home early this morning by a Messenger from Mrs. Washington. Mr. George Alexander dined here & went away in the afternoon.
21. Captn. Posey calld here in the morng. & we went to a Vestry. Upon my return found Mr. B. Fairfax & Mr. P. Wagener.
The meeting was again scheduled to be held at the Crossroads, and the "Cross-Roads majority" of seven, which was also the minimum needed for a quorum, finally appeared in full strength. These seven, in the name of the vestry, chose the spot for building the Pohick Church which stands today. At the same time they signed the building contract with Daniel French, giving him 36 months to complete the church, which was to be 66 feet long and 45 feet wide, with 28-foot-high walls (SLAUGHTER [1], 73).
22. Went a huntg. & killd a bitch fox in abt. an hour. Returnd home with an Ague upon me. Mr. Montgomery came to dinner.
Thomas Montgomerie was a prominent merchant in Dumfries. The purpose of his visit today was apparently to discuss the troubled affairs of Mrs. Margaret
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Savage,the elderly wife of Dr. William Savage, formerly of Dumfries. Mrs. Savage's first husband, Rev. Charles Green, had established a trusteeship for her, and after his death in 1765, GW and George William Fairfax became her trustees, giving the Fairfax County court a bond to guarantee that they would pay her an annuity out of the estate's proceeds (will of Green, 26 April 1763, Fairfax County Wills, Book B-1, 398--99, Vi Microfilm; GW and George W. Fairfax to William Savage, 25 April 1767, DLC: GW). Sometime before 24 April 1767, she married Dr. Savage, who subsequently took control of Green's estate and assumed responsibility for paying his wife's annuity, giving a bond for that purpose to GW and Bryan Fairfax, who were to be her trustees henceforth. By the terms of the doctor's bond, Mrs. Savage was to receive £100 at the beginning of each year (GW to William Savage, 28 June 1768, DLC:GW). However, since 1767, neither of the annuities that had come due had been paid, and during the latter half of 1768, Dr. Savage had taken his wife to Ireland to live, leaving his affairs in Virginia to the care of Thomas Montgomerie (GW to William Ellzey, 3 Oct. 1769, DLC:GW; Va. Gaz., R, 13 Oct. 1768). At Mount Vernon on this or the following day, GW and Bryan Fairfax, still holding Savage's bond, probably tried to convince Montgomerie to pay the annuities or at least one of them, but they had no success, for although Mrs. Savage had repeatedly told both GW and Fairfax in private that she wanted her money, the doctor insisted that she was willing to give up her annuities and had apparently given instructions not to pay them (GW to Margaret Savage, 28 June 1768, and Thomas Montgomerie to GW, 5 Oct. 1769, DLC:GW). The dispute, being complicated by Mrs. Savage's vacillation in the matter and her absence from the colony, would continue in and out of court for several years.
23. Went a huntg. again with the Compy. aforesaid & suppose we killd a fox but coud not find it. Returnd with my Ague again. Mr. Wagener went ho[me].
24. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Montgomery both went away after breakfast.
25. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.
26. Rid into the Neck. Found Mr. Stedlar here upon my Return. Mr. Geo. Alexander dined & lodgd here.
27. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg run and Mill. Mr. Alexr. went away this morng. & Colo. Fairfax & Lady & Sally & Nancy Carlyle dind here.
GW today paid Stedlar £8 12s. for teaching Jacky Custis music for eight months and £10 15s. for teaching Patsy ten months (LEDGER A, 296).
28. Mr. Stedlar went away. I rid to Alexandria to see how my House went on. Returnd to Dinr.
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GW had paid £48 10s. in 1764 for two lots on Pitt Street in Alexandria: No. 112 at the corner of Prince Street and No. 118 at the corner of Cameron Street (LEDGER A, 180; plan of Alexandria, MOORE [1], 22--23). The lot at the corner of Prince Street would remain vacant for most of GW's lifetime, but during the spring of this year he had engaged to have a small town house built on the other one. Construction of the house, which would continue until sometime in 1771, was primarily the responsibility of two Alexandria men: Edward Rigdon (d. 1772), a joiner, who was paid £30 19s. 2d., and Richard Lake--variously spelled Leak and Leake--(d. 1775), who was paid a total of £59 16s. 1½d. (LEDGER A, 278, 323, 333; Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 136--37, 225, Vi Microfilm). Lake had been granted a license to keep an ordinary in Alexandria during the previous fall but apparently did not remain long in that business, as his license was not renewed (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 66, Vi Microfilm).
29. Miss Sally Carlyle went away. I rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill.
30. Went a Hunting. Catchd a Rakoon but never found a Fox. One Doctr. Harris of Goochland dined here.
Several Virginia doctors of this name served in the Revolution. Samuel Harris was an army surgeon; Simeon Harris was surgeon of the 4th Virginia Regiment; and Simon Harris was a navy surgeon who served on the Revenge (GWATHMEY).
Acct. of the Weather--in Septembr.
Septr. 1. Cloudy forenoon, but clear afterwards & warm. Wind Southwardly.
2. Rain last Night and constant Rain all day & warm.
3. Clear and Cool. Wind fresh from the Northwest.
4. Cool Morning, but warm midday and clear--with but little Wind.
5. Clear and warm with but little wind & that appearing to be Southwardly.
6. Cloudy Morning and Rainy day with very little wind & not cold.
7. Raining more or less till abt. 5 Oclock in the afternoon when the Sun appeard.
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8. Cloudy & sometimes Misting with exceeding high wind from North & No. Et.
9. Morning cool--but clear and pleasant afterwards.
10. Frosty Morning & cool, but warm & clear afterwards.
11. Frost again, but clear, pleasant & rather warm afterwards.
12. Clear and pleasant with the Wind pretty brisk from the Southwards.
13. Clear and pleasant with but little wind & that Northwardly.
14. Clear warm and still.
15. Also clear and Warm with but little Wind and that South-wardly.
16. Clear and tolerably warm. Wind fresh from the So. Et.
17. Clear and pleasant. Wind Northwardly.
18. Wind still Northwardly tho but little of it. Day lowering & the Evening very Cloudy.
19. A pretty heavy Rain fell in the Night. The day clear, still & pleasant.
20. Showers this Morning with the Wind brisk from the So. West in the forenoon & at North West towds. night.
21. Wind Northwardly and day for the most part Cloudy & threatning but no Rain.
22. Clear with the Wind pretty fresh from the Eastward.
23. Clear, Calm and pleasant.
24. Clear and pleasant. Wind Northwardly but not cold nor hard.
25. Clear, pleasant and still.
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26. Clear and pleasant with but little wind.
27. Also clear, still and pleasant.
28. Much as yesterday with a light breeze from the Southward.
29. A Breeze from So. West in the Morning with some appearance of Rain--but clear & calm in the afternoon.
30. Light showers between day break and Sun Rising--with thin Mists afterwards till Ten Oclock. Wind in the Morning about No. Et. and in the afternoon So. Et. but at no time fresh.
Remarks & Occurences--in Sepr.
Septr. 1st. Finished Sowing Wheat at my Mill Plantation in all Bushels 75.
4. Finished Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole with 96
11. Began to get Fodder at the Mill.
12. Sowed all the Corn ground at Doeg Run with Wheat except some of the Swamps which were left for Barley 65½
Began to get Fodder at Muddy hole.
14. Finished sowing Corn Gd. Wheat in the Neck.
15. Began to get Fodder there.
27. Finished sowing the Fallowed Gd. in the Neck with Bushels 151 which makes in all sowed there 387½
Finished getting Fodder at the Mill.
29. Finished getting Ditto at Muddy hole.
30. Finished getting Do. at Doeg Run.
Note. The Fallowed Ground above mentioned containd abt. 40 Acres & lay in that part of the 211 Acre Field next to Abednego Adams about 30 Acres of which was old Ground the Rest New.
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This Land recd. its first Plowing in the month of Septr. & that part of it which the Corn Rows run through receivd no other Plowing. All the Wheat was Sowed--which was then plowed in and afterwards Harrowed. The other Part was cross Plowed, then sowed and Plowed in, and the end of the Field next to Abednego Adams Harrowed in the following manner--to wit--five Ridges, on Lands of eight feet each, harrowed, five others not harrowed--then 5 Harrowed & five not so for a good way. This was done to see which method was best that is whether the Wheat woud thrive better in the one way than the other & whether the Land was not preservd more by Harrowing than lying in Furrows.
This land of Abednego Adams is probably land willed to his wife Mary Peake Adams by her father in 1761. After her death, Adams married Hannah Moss, of Fairfax County, and settled at Mount Gilead in Loudoun County.
Where & how--my time--is Spent
Octr. 1. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. Washington and Patcy Custis. Returnd in the Evening.
2. Colo. Carlyle and two Daughters--Captn. Brady and Captn. Posey dined here.
CAPTN. BRADY: possibly William Brady, captain of the Berkeley County militia, later captain in Stephenson's Rifles and captain of the 11th Virginia Regiment in the Continental line. Brady resigned in 1778 and was awarded 4,000 acres of land.
Posey had been drinking heavily in recent weeks and had often been absent from his home, but he came to Mount Vernon today, as GW reported to Robert Hanson Harrison on 7 Oct., "perfectly Sober and proposed of his own voluntary motion to sell his Estate finding it in vain to struggle on longer against the Terms of Debt that oppresses him." The sale was to begin on 23 Oct. (DLC:GW).
3. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and Mill.
4. Rid to Alexandria to see how my Carpenters went on with my Ho. Returnd to Dinr.
5. Went after Blew Wings with Humphrey Peake. Killd 3 & returnd by Muddy hole.
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Page from Francis Price's The British Carpenter, London, 1768, showing suggested window treatments. (Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University)
6. Went a hunting but found nothing after which Rid to Muddy hole, D. Run & Mill.
7. At home all day.
8. Likewise at home all day. In the afternoon Mr. Robt. Alexander came.
9. Went a fox hunting & finding a Deer the Dogs ran it to the Water but we never see it. Mr. Alexr. went home.
10. Went to Captn. Poseys to run the Lines of the Land he bought of Mr. Marshall. Dined there.
This land was the small strip on the Potomac involved in John West, Jr.'s suit against Posey. GW's survey of this day, made "at the particular request of Captn. Posey," differed slightly from the one West and Alexander had made earlier (the dated survey is at ViMtV).
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11. At home all day.
12. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill. Captn. Posey dined here <afterw>ard.
13. Captn. Marshall came over here & dined & I rid with him round his Land.
Thomas Hanson Marshall owned 480½ acres that bordered the Mount Vernon tract on the west, lying on both sides of the road that ran from Gum Spring to Dogue Creek. GW had long wished to acquire that land, but Marshall, who was in no great want of money, had been reluctant to let it go unless he could make an exchange for land adjoining his Maryland plantation (Marshall to GW, 21 June 1760, DLC:GW, GW to Lund Washington, 15 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW; GW to Lund Washington, 18 Dec. 1778, NjP: de Coppet Collection). Consequently, GW persuaded his fellow fox hunter Robert Alexander to promise to sell him, at £2 Maryland currency an acre, 300 to 4000 acres of a tract next to Marshall's plantation that Alexander's wife, Mariamne Stoddert Alexander, had inherited. It was the offer of Mrs. Alexander's land that today brought Marshall to Mount Vernon, where he verbally agreed to give GW that part of his land lying south of the Gum Spring road in return for an equal acreage from the Alexander tract, provided that he could obtain immediate use of the Alexander land (LEDGER A, 96; Marshall to GW, 18 June 1769 and 8 Mar. 1770, DLC:GW).
14. Went a Fox hunting. Started a Dog Fox by old Palmers & run it back of Mr. Clifton & there catched it. Went afterwards into the Neck. Mr. Matthew Campbell dined here.
15. At home all day alone. My Brother Charles came at Night.
16. Went up to Court and returnd at Night.
The court met 16--19 and 24 Oct. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 240--47, Vi Microfilm).
17. Went to Court again and returnd. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Magowan came here.
GW was present when the court began today but soon excused himself from the bench because the suit that various merchants had brought against Posey and him was to be heard, despite the fact that Posey had already volunteered to sell his mortgaged property for the benefit of GW and his other creditors. The justices ordered that 23 Oct. should be the date of sale and authorized GW to hold the sale by himself if necessary (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 243--45, Vi Microfilm).
18. Went a Fox huntg. with Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Magowan. Found & killd a Dog Fox.
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19. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & Mill after Mr. Fairfax went away.
20. At Home all day.
21. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill. Mr. Magowan went to Colchester.
22. At home all day--alone.
23. Went to Poseys Sale. Returnd at Night with Colo. Mason Mr. Ross, Mr. Sebastian Mr. Harrison Mr. Magowan & Colo. Masons Son George.
According to the court's order for the sale, GW was to be the first creditor paid out of the proceeds, with the residue going to the merchants who had brought suit to force the sale. However, GW was not to receive everything that Posey owed him, because the court's order covered only three main portions of the debt: the loans for which GW had mortgages, £820 Virginia currency plus interest of £153 11s. 7d. Virginia; Posey's bond to George Mason for which GW as his security was responsible, £200 sterling plus interest of £20 12s. 7d. sterling; and GW's cost in the merchants' suit, £1 17s. Virginia for lawyers' fees. In a new statement of Posey's account, GW wrote off about £70 Virginia in miscellaneous debts and charged him only with the items in the court's order. That balance was completely discharged during the three days of the sale. GW took £571 16s. Virginia in "sundries" that he bought at the sale for himself, £140 13s. 10d. Virginia in cash, and the remainder in bonds and credits from various gentlemen. GW's "sundries" included the 200 acres of land that Posey had purchased from Charles Washington in 1759, but the strip of land on which Posey's house and ferry were located was not sold to anyone because of John West, Jr.'s suit (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 243--45, Vi Microfilm; LEDGER A, 256).
24. Went to the Sale again. Mr. Harrison Mr. Sebastian & Mr. Magowan came home with me also Robt. Alexander. Found Doctr. Rumney here.
At the sale today GW paid George Mason £100 for the 100 acres of land Mason had previously agreed to sell him (LEDGER A, 61). Mason had sent GW the deed for this tract ten days earlier, and it was registered in the Fairfax County court 22 Nov. 1769, being proved by Robert Hanson Harrison, William Carlin, and Humphrey Peake (Mason to GW, 14 Oct. 1769, NN: Washington Collection; Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 256, Vi Microfilm).
25. Went to the Sale again. Mr. Harrison & Mr. Magowan returnd home with me.
On this and the following day GW paid Robert Alexander a total of £418 148. Maryland currency for his wife's land: £218 14s. in cash and £200 sent to
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Fielding Lewis, Jr., on Alexander's account. Lund Washington gave Alexander £81 6s. more on 22 Nov., making the total price of the land £500 (LEDGER A, 96).
26. At home all day, Mr. Harrison went away in the Afternoon.
27. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill also to my New Purchase of Poseys Land. Mr. Stedlar went away.
28. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went home.
29. At home all day. Captn. McCarty came in the Afternoon.
30. Set out on my Journey to Williamsburg & reached Colo. Henry Lees to a Late Dinner.
Governor Botetourt had summoned the burgesses to a new session beginning 7 Nov. On this trip GW took Mrs. Washington and Patsy with him, traveling in a handsome green chariot trimmed with gold that had arrived from England some time during the past 12 months (invoice of goods shipped to GW. Sept. 1768, DLC:GW).
31. Set out from thence abt. Nine Oclock and reachd no further than Peyton's Ordy. on Aquia being stopd by Rain.
Acct. of the Weather--in October
Octr. 1. Clear, Wind being fresh from the No. West till the Evening.
2. Wind fresh from the Southwest all day--and clear.
3. Wind Northwardly and cold in the forenoon, but mild afterwards.
4. Still & clear till Evening then Cloudy with drops of Rain.
5. Clear & perfectly calm till Evening, then a little Wind from the No. West.
6. Cool Morning with the Wind fresh from the Northwest. Evening more moderate wind getting southwardly.
7. Wind southwardly with apps. of Rain. A large circle rd. the Moon.
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8. Cloudy with the Wind southwardly the forenoon & Eastwardly afterwards.
9. Rain in the Night--but not much, & Misting all the forenoon with the Wd. at Et. then shifting to the southward & clearg.
10. Wind Eastwardly but not fresh. Warm--with a little, fine Rain in the Afternoon.
11. Misty and foggy all day with sometimes fine Rain.
12. Wind very fresh from the So. West & very warm with flying Clouds.
13. Wind tolerably fresh & cool from the No. West with Clouds also.
14. Wind Eastwardly & very Cloudy in the Afternoon, it set in to raining & continued to do so most part of the Night. Warmer than yesterday.
15. Wind at No. West again but not hard. Clear & pleasant.
16. Pleast. Morning, but Wind got very suddenly & very hard from the No. West & also very cold.
17. A very hard & killing frost last night. Ice ½ Inch thick this Morng. Wind at No. West in the fore part of the day but Southwardly afterwards and raw.
18. Wind southwardly & fresh. Day tolerably pleasant.
19. Wind Eastwardly & very cloudy.
20. Raining in the Night and Misty all day. Wind still Eastwardly.
21. Clear warm & pleasant. Wind Southwardly.
22. The Weather clear & pleasant with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
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23. Pleast. Morning but the Wind hard from the No. West all day & cold. Weather clear.
24. Cold, the Wind being exceeding fresh from the No. West & cold & cl.
25. Clear & tolerably pleasant Wind being moderate & So. Westwardly.
26. Clear & very pleasant wind southwardly & warm.
27. Much such a day as the former there being but little Wind & that Southwardly.
28. Warm and pleasant. Little or no Wind & clear day but lowg. Eveng.
29. Clear & pleasant with but little wind & that southwardly.
30. Cloudy Morning and drisling afternoon. Wind Eastwardly.
31. Cloudy & misty Morning and rainy afternoon. Wind still Eastwdly.
Remarks & Occurs. in Octr.
Octr. 4. Finished getting Fodder in the Neck.
12. Finished Hoeing over my Swamps at Doeg Run & preparing them for Barley.
20. Sowed (at the rate of about two Bushels to the Acre) some large Salt on a piece of fallowed gd. in the Neck that was old & much worn.
Note, the manner in which I did this, was as follows--the Ground being plowed into 8 feet Lands; I sowed two of them and left two, sowed two, and left two alternately sticking Stakes at the Head of the Lands that were Sowed with Salt. This Salt was Sowed on a piece of Flat Ground that has been very much worn and was harrowed after the Wheat had been plowed in.
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Where & how--my time is--Spent
Novr. 1. Came from Peyton's to Colo. Lewis's after breakfasting at my Mother's.
2. At Fredericksburg all day.
3. About one Oclock set out and reachd Parker's Ordy.
Jacky Custis met the family in Fredericksburg, having come from Boucher's school by prior arrangement to join in the trip to Williamsburg (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 3 Oct. 1769, MoSW: Meissner Collection; GW to Boucher, 14 Oct. 1769, NN: Washington Collection).
4. Set out from thence after Breakfast. Dined at Todds Bridge & lodgd at King Wm. Court House.
5. Breakfasted at the Causey & Dind at Eltham & lodgd there.
GW's expenses today included 16s. at Ruffin's ferry and 3s. 1½d. for "Seeing Tyger" (LEDGER A, 296). This animal may have been a North American cougar which American colonists often called red tiger.
6. Came to Williamsburg. Dind at Mr. Carters with Lord Botetout Govr. Eden &ca. and suppd at Mrs. Vobes with Colo. Fitzhugh.
Mrs. Washington and Patsy remained at Eltham today, while Jacky accompanied GW to town, where they lodged at Mrs. Campbell's place (LEDGER A, 296' 299).
Sir Robert Eden (1741--1784), proprietary governor of Maryland 1769--76, was, according to his later friend Jonathan Boucher, "a handsome, lively, and sensible man. . . . He had been in the Army, and had contracted such habits of expense and dissipation as were fatal to his fortunes, and at length to life. Yet with all his follies and foibles, which were indeed abundant, he had such a warmth and affectionateness of heart, that it was impossible not to love him" (BOUCHER [1], 67). Eden's military experience included service with the Coldstream Guards in Germany during the Seven Years' War. In 1765 he had married Caroline Calvert, sister of the current proprietor of Maryland, Frederick Calvert, sixth Baron Baltimore (1732--1771), from whom Eden had received his appointment as governor.
Jane Vobe (died c. 1789) operated a well-furnished tavern on Waller Street near the theater, and according to a traveler who had stopped there four years earlier, it was a place "where all the best people resorted" (FRENCH TRAVELLER, 741). Mrs. Vobe was in business as early as May 1757, when GW first patronized her tavern, and she remained at this location until 1771 (LEDGER A, 35).
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Col. Fitzhugh is probably Henry Fitzhugh (1723--1783) of Stafford County. He was the son of Henry Fitzhugh of Bedford and married Sarah Battaile, daughter of Capt. Nicholas Battaile, in 1746. Fitzhugh was a colonel in the Stafford County militia and furnished supplies to the American army during the Revolution.
7. Dined at the Governors & supped at Anthony Hayes.
The burgesses convened today. A moderate tone was set for this session by Governor Botetourt's opening remarks to the house. Parliament, he assured the burgesses, would soon repeal all taxes for raising a revenue in America except the one on tea, and he pledged his own strong support for this action. The burgesses were not fully appeased by his speech, continuing to object to the tea tax, and no steps were taken to dissolve or modify the association. But Botetourt was personally popular with the burgesses, and they chose not to make an issue of the remaining tax at this time. The session would be a long one devoted to the colony's normal business. GW was today appointed to the same three committees on which he had served during the last session: religion, privileges and elections, and propositions and grievances (H.B.J., 1766--69, 225--30).
8. Dined at the Speakers & supped at Mrs. Campbells.
9. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons and supped at Mrs. Campbells.
10. Dined at the Treasurers and supped at Mrs. Campbells.
GW today paid 5s. to have his watch repaired and gave Jacky £2 in cash for pocket money. Another £1 10s. were lost at the card table (LEDGER A, 296).
11. Clear & pleast. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons and went up to Eltham.
Today being Saturday, the burgesses adjourned, after transacting the lengthy business of the day, until 11:00 A.M. Monday morning (H.B.J., 1766--69, 247--53).
12. Stayd at Eltham all day.
13. Came to Town abt. 11. Oclock. Dined & supp'd at Mrs. Campbells.
Jacky stayed at Eltham with his mother and sister.
14. Dined and Supped at Mrs. Campbells.
GW on this date paid 2s. 6d. to a tailor and lost 7s. 6d. at cards. "Coffee &ca. at Mrs. Campbells" cost him 2s. (LEDGER A, 296).
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At Eltham, Patsy was today visited by Dr. John de Sequeyra (1712--1795) of Williamsburg, who prescribed some medicine for her (receipt from Sequeyra, 16 Dec. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). Sequeyra (also Siquiyra, Siqueyra, or Sequayra), scion of a distinguished Sephardi Jewish family of physicians in England, was born in London, received his M.D. degree in 1739 from the University of Leyden, and settled in Virginia in 1745. He was one of the attending physicians during Lord Botetourt's last illness and in 1773 became the first visiting physician to the new hospital for the insane in Williamsburg, the first such public hospital in the American colonies (GILL, 95; ROTH, 14:1179).
15. Dined at Mr. Wythes and supped at Anthony Hays.
16. Dined at Mrs. Campbells at or after 5 Oclock, and spent the Evening there without supping.
17. Dined at Mrs. Campbells after 4 & spent the Evening there without supping--Having 1 Bowl of P. & Toddy.
18. Had a Mutton Chop at Mrs. Campbells with Colo. Bassetts abt. One Clock & then came up to Eltham.
The burgesses adjourned today until 11:00 A.M. Monday (H.B.J., 1766--69, 268--71).
19. Went to Church & returnd to Eltham to Dinner w. Mr. Dangerfd. & the Parson.
MR. DANGERFD.: probably William Daingerfield, who at this time was a New Kent County militia colonel and justice of the peace and a vestryman for Blisland Parish. In 1770 he moved to the plantation of Belvidera in Spotsylvania County, which had been inherited by his wife, Sarah Taliaferro Daingerfield. The parson for Blisland Parish in New Kent and James City counties was Rev. Price Davies.
20. At Eltham all day--occasiond by Rain.
The burgesses met today as scheduled (H.B.J., 1766--69, 271--75).
21. Came to Town with Mrs. Washington P & Jacky Custis. I dind at Mrs. Campbells. Mrs. W &ca. dined at Mrs. Dawsons. I spent the Eveng. (without suppg.) at Mrs. Campbells.
Patsy and Jacky lodged with GW at Mrs. Campbell's place (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK). Mrs. Washington may have stayed there also since GW apparently had a private room, or she may have been the guest of Mrs. Dawson or some other acquaintance in the city. GW today bought a padlock for 2s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 296).
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When he bought this book in 1769, the methodical Washington recorded not only the year of purchase but the cost--five shillings sterling. (Boston Athenaeum)
22. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons all of Us. I & J. P. Custis supped at Mrs. Campbells.
23. Dined with Mrs. Washington &ca. at the Speakers by Candlelight & spent the Evg. there also.
GW on this date paid Edmund Pendleton £9 13s. for representing the Custis estate in some legal matters, including asking the General Court whether or not Jacky should rent the dower lands (receipt from Edmund Pendleton, ViHi: Custis Papers).
24. J. P. Custis and I dined with others at the Govrs. I spent the Evening at Hayes.
GW and Thomas Nelson, Jr., of York County were today ordered by the burgesses to prepare "a Bill for laying a Tax upon Dogs." Nelson presented the bill to the house 1 Dec., but it was defeated (H.B.J., 1766--69, 289, 309).
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Dr. Sequeyra saw Patsy on 24, 25, 26, and 28 Nov. and 1 Dec. (receipt from John de Sequeyra, 16 Dec. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
25. Dined at Mrs. Campbells with Mrs. Washington & JPC[ustis] as also did Colo. & Mrs. Bassett. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
26. Dined at Colo. Burwells. Mrs. Washington JPC[ ustis ] & Mrs. Bassett dined at Mrs. Campbells. I spent the Evening in my own Room.
Col. Lewis Burwell (1716--c.1784) of James City County lived at Kingsmill plantation on the James River about four miles southeast of Williamsburg. He was a burgess for James City County 1758--74 and a member of the board of visitors and governors of the College of William and Mary from before 1769 to 1775. Heavily in debt at this time, he was selling much of his property to balance his books, but Kingsmill was not sacrificed until 1781 (MAYS, 1:213, 359; KINGS' MILL, 24).
The House of Burgesses did not meet today, it being Sunday (H.B.J., 1766--69, 295).
27. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's with Mrs. Washington & the Children. Supped with J. P. Custis at Mrs. Campbells.
28. Dined at Mrs. Campbells by Candlelight. Spent the Evening there without Supping.
29. Dined at the Treasurers. Mrs. Washington & Mr. & Miss Custis dind at Mrs. Dawson's. I supped at the Treasurers.
30. Dined at the Presidents & spent the Evening there without Suppg.
Acct. of the Weather--in Novr.
Novr. 1. Very Cloudy & sometimes Misty with but little Wind & that Eastwardly.
2. Misty & Raining all day. Wind Eastwardly tho but little of it.
3. Raing. in the Morning & misty afterwards till 4 Oclock, then clear. Wind Westwardly.
4. Clear. Wind westwardly.
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5. Clear, Calm, & pleasant.
6. Lowering with a good deal of Rain Lightning & some thunder in the Night.
7. Tolerably pleasant, & clear, Wind Northwardly.
8. Clear and very pleasant with but little wind and that Southwardly.
9. Very pleast. Morning with the Wind at south. Afternoon Lowering with an Eastwardly wind & a good deal of Rain in the Night.
10. Clear & pleasant but somewhat cool Wind being Northwardly.
11. Clear and pleasant Morning but lowering & threatning afternoon.
12. Rain in the Night. Wind high from the Northwest--but not very cold.
13. Cool Morning but more moderate afternoon. Wind South-wardly.
14. Raw & cold Wind at Southwest & like for Snow but turnd to Rain abt. 10 Oclock & cd. to Rain till two.
15. Wind Westwardly & cold. Ice upon the Waters & ground froze.
16. Clear and pleasant, tho somewhat cool wind being westwardly & No. Wt.
17. Clear & not so cool as yesterday tho the wind was in the same Qr.
18. Morning clear and pleasant but Wind Eastwardly--after which it grew Raw Cold & Cloudy threatning Rain.
19. Cold & disagreeable. Wind Eastwardly & very fresh. Very Cloudy also.
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20. A good deal of Rain in the Night & more or less all day. Wind still East.
21. A great deal of Rain fell last Night. Wind at No. West & After noon clear & cool. Morning Cloudy.
22. Clear & pleasant (but somewhat cool). Little or no Wind.
23. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind till late in the Night, when it shifted to No. Wt. & blew hard & Cold.
24. Wind No. & No. Wt. & very cold but clear.
25. A Remarkable white Frost.
26. Clear forenoon & pleasant with little or no wind. The Afternoon lowering & threatning Rain.
27. Much Rain fell in the Night, & showery all day, with the wind Southwardly & Warm with Lightng. and thunder. Wind shiftg. in the Eveng.
28. Clear and Cold. Wind Northwardly.
29. Clear and Cold. The afternoon lowering & like to Rain.
30. Misting all day but not Cold there being but little Wind.
Where & how--my time is--Spent
Decr. 1. Dined at Mrs. Campbells with the Speaker, Treasurer & other Company. Mrs. Washington & Childn. Dined at the Attorneys. Myself & J. P. Custis suppd at Mrs. Campbells.
2. Mrs. Washington & children, myself, Colo. Basset, Mrs. Basset & Betcy Bassett all Eat Oysters at Mrs. Campbells abt. One oclock and afterwards went up to Eltham.
The burgesses once more adjourned until 11:00 A.M. Monday. Before the family left town, GW paid Miss P. Davenport £3 3s. 8d. for clothing furnished
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Patsy and Mrs. Washington. He also paid 3s. for postage and gave Jacky £1 in cash. Mrs. Washington and Patsy had received spending money earlier in the week (H.B.J., 1766--69, 311--12; LEDGER A, 299; receipt from Davenport, 2 Dec. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).
3. At Eltham all day.
4. Returnd to Town and dined at Mrs. Campbells. Spent Eveng. there also witht. Supg.
Mrs. Washington and the children remained at Eltham. In town GW bought an ornamental comb for Patsy at John Carter's store on Duke of Gloucester Street (LEDGER A, 299; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & spent the Evening there without supping--in.
GW on this date paid Alexander Craig, a Williamsburg saddler, 9s. 6d. on his own account and 16s. for Jacky (LEDGER A, 299; receipt of Craig, 10 and 30 Nov. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). In the House of Burgesses, GW and Richard Henry Lee of Westmoreland County were ordered to prepare "a Bill for clearing and making navigable the River Potowmack, from the great Falls . . . up to Fort Cumberland" (H.B.J., 1766--69, 314).
6. Dined at Mr. Cockes & spent the Eveng. there.
7. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & the Evening spent in my Room.
8. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & was engagd. at Charltons abt. Colo. Moore's Lotty. the Evg.
Bernard Moore, of Chelsea in King William County, was forced to raffle all his property in a lottery to pay his debts, part of which were owed to the administrators of Speaker John Robinson's estate (MAYS, 1:144, 182, 205--6). GW was a manager for the lottery.
In the House of Burgesses today Richard Henry Lee introduced the Potomac navigation bill (H.B.J., 1766--69, 322).
9. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and suppd there with the speaker &ca.
10. Dined at the Speakers & spent the Evening in my own Room.
Today being Sunday, the burgesses did not meet. GW recorded under this date the payment of 7s. 6d. to Benjamin Bucktrout, Williamsburg cabinetmaker and merchant, for repairing a coach house belonging to the printer William Rind (d. 1773). GW may have kept his new chariot there while he was in town (LEDGER A, 299).
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11. Dined at Mr. Wythes--and the Eveng. Spent in my own Room.
12. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
Dr. Sequeyra visited Patsy today and on 14 Dec., probably at Eltham (receipt of John de Sequeyra, 16 Dec. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK and LEDGER A, 299). In the House of Burgesses, GW presented a petition on behalf of Daniel McCarty asking the burgesses to dock the entail on 2,000 acres of land McCarty had inherited from his grandfather and to put under entail in place of that land 1,000 acres in Fauquier County he had bought from his son-in-law Richard Chichester. GW and Richard Henry Lee were ordered to prepare a bill for that purpose (H.B.J., 1766--69, 332--33; McCarty to GW, 6 Dec. 1769, DLC:GW).
13. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Ball at the Capitol.
Today in the House of Burgesses, GW introduced Daniel McCarty's bill, and the Potomac navigation bill was referred for study to a committee composed of GW, Richard Henry Lee, and the burgesses from Frederick and Hampshire counties. The house also approved an address to the king and a memorial to the governor recommending that the colony's western boundary be changed by running a line from "the Western Termination of the North-Carolina line . . . to the River Ohio" (H.B.J., 1766--69, 334--36). The ball was given in the evening by the burgesses for the governor, the council, and the ladies and gentlemen of the town, and the Capitol was illuminated for the occasion. Of the ladies who attended, "near one hundred, appeared in homespun gowns" to show their support of the nonimportation agreement. "It were to be wished," William Rind's Virginia Gazette observed the following day, "that all assemblies of American Ladies would exhibit a like example of public virtue and private oeconomy, so amiably united" (R and P&D, 14 Dec. 1769). GW paid £1 toward the subscription for this ball on 16 Dec. (LEDGER A, 299).
14. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & spent part of the Evening in drawing Colo. Moores Lottery.
Richard Henry Lee today reported from the committee on the Potomac navigation bill that the committee had studied the bill and made several amendments to it. The house then approved the amended bill and ordered it to be engrossed for a final vote. However, no such vote was taken during this session, and the bill died for lack of further action (H.B.J., 1766--69, 338).
15. Dined at the Attorney's and went to Southalls in the Evening to draw Colo. Moores Lottery.
James Barrett Southall (b. 1726) was at this time operating a tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street which he had leased from the heirs of its original proprietor,
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Henry Wetherburn. Located in the block nearest the Capitol, the tavern had become very popular by 1760, when Wetherburn died, and it continued to have an excellent reputation under Southall, who took it over sometime before June 1767. An experienced innkeeper, Southall had been in business elsewhere in Williamsburg as early as 1757, when GW paid him for supper and club. He remained at the Wetherburn Tavern until 1771 (LEDGER A, 35; GIBBS, 196--97, 204--5).
Daniel McCarty's bill was on this day referred to a committee composed of all the burgesses from Westmoreland, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties. The committee must have met immediately because before the house adjourned for the day Richard Henry Lee reported the committee had finished its work. The members had found the allegations of the bill to be true and had recommended an amendment to it. The amended bill was then approved by the house and ordered to be engrossed for a final vote (H.B.J., 1766--69, 340--42).
16. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & drawg. Colo. Moores Lottery till 10 Oclock & then compleated it.
GW was today given permission by the House of Burgesses to be absent for a week, and he paid most of his bills in town as if he intended to go home (H.B.J., 1766--69, 343). The barber George Lafong was given £5 9s. 1d. to settle his account against GW, Jacky, and Patsy; James Craig, a Williamsburg jeweler, received £3 for two mourning rings bought for Harrison Manley and 2s. 6d. for repairing Jacky's buttons; Anthony Hay was paid 14s. for three suppers and other expenses at the Raleigh; and Patsy's medical bills were discharged: £10 15s. to Dr. Sequeyra and £2 13s. 3d. to Dr. William Pasteur, probably for medicines from his apothecary shop on Duke of Gloucester Street (LEDGER A, 299; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK) . Pasteur, who died in 1791, was the son of a Swiss immigrant. He had been apprenticed to a Williamsburg doctor at an early age and had opened his shop by 1759 (BLANTON, 321--22). GW also paid Pasteur 6s. 4d. on his own account (LEDGER A, 299).
17. Dined at the Palace and went up in the Afternoon to Colo. Bassetts.
The burgesses did not meet today, Sunday. GW paid Mrs. Campbell's account against him, Jacky, and Patsy, a total of £42 12s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 299).
18. Came to Town again abt. 12 Oclock. Dind at Mrs. Campbells, & spent the Evening in my own Room a writing.
GW apparently missed today's meeting of the House of Burgesses, a very brief one (H.B.J., 1766--69, 344--45).
19. Dined at Mrs. Campbells an hour after Candlelight & spent the Eveng. in my own Room.
Daniel McCarty's bill was passed today, and GW was ordered to take it to the council for approval (H.B.J., 1766--69, 347). However, that approval was not forthcoming. The councillors used their prerogative to reject the bill without
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explanation, and it failed to become law (H.B.J., 1770--72, 55--56). GW apparently attended the two remaining days of this session of the burgesses.
20. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and spt. the Evening in my own Room.
GW today paid 8s. 3d. for "Barber & Washing" (LEDGER A, 299).
21. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & came up to Eltham after the House adjournd.
Governor Botetourt was reluctant to let the burgesses go home at this time, despite the fact that they had sat six days a week for over six weeks. Apparently many matters remained to be considered. "The Inclination of this Assembly," he told them today, "could alone have engaged me to have interrupted the Business of this Session; but as I understand that it is generally desired to adjourn over the Christmas Holidays, and not to meet again till the Month of May, I do direct both Houses to adjourn themselves to the 21st Day of May next" (H.B.J., 1766--69, 355). Before GW left town, he paid Mrs. Campbell £1 10s. 6d. for his expenses at her place since 17 Dec. (LEDGER A, 299).
22. Sett of for home. Dined at Todds Bridge and lodgd at Hubbards.
Jacky Custis had apparently returned to Boucher's school before this date and was not with the family today.
23. Breakfasted at Caroline Ct. House and reachd Fredericksburg abt. 4 Oclock in the Aftern. ding. at Colo. Lewis.
Caroline Court House was about halfway between Todd's Bridge and Fredericksburg, but lay a few miles east of the main road (RICE, 2:176 and pl. 117; Va. Gaz., R, 19 Oct. 1769). GW's expenses there on this day were 8s. 9d. (LEDGER A, 299). The chief tavern at the Court House had been established about 1733 by Samuel Coleman (1704--1748) and was now owned by his son Francis Coleman (d. 177), a lawyer who served a term as a Caroline burgess 1769--70 (CAMPBELL [1], 410--13; KING [3], 258--59).
24. Went to Prayers, & dined afterwds. at Colo. Lewis. Spent the Evening with Mr. Jones at Julians.
Edward Jones was Mary Ball Washington's overseer at the Ferry Farm. Mrs. Julian kept a tavern on the main street of Fredericksburg until about 1777 ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 9 July 1772, and D&H, 15 Aug. 1777).
25. Dined & spent the Evening at Colo. Lewis's.
GW today recorded winning £2 5s. at cards (LEDGER A, 299).
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26. Dined at Colo. Lewis & went over the River and lodgd at my Mothers.
GW today paid 2s. 6d. to a barber and 3s. 9d. for having his chariot repaired (LEDGER A, 299).
27. Dined and lodgd at Dumfries with Mr. Boucher & J. P. Custis who overtook us on the Road.
Before GW left his mother he gave her £6 in cash (LEDGER A, 299).
28. Reached home to Dinner with Mr. Boucher & ca.
29. At Home all day.
30. Mr. Boucher went away. I Rid to My Mill with [ ] Ball and agreed with [him] to Build here.
GW had decided in the spring to replace his small plantation mill with a merchant mill which could manufacture large quantities of high-grade flour suitable for sale in the colony or for export to lucrative markets abroad (GW to Charles West, 6 June 1769, DLC:GW). By grinding his own wheat he might increase his profit from each year's crop, and if he bought wheat from other farmers and sold flour ground from it, he could make even more money. The new mill was to be built downstream from the old one, near the point where narrow, shallow Dogue Run widened into navigable Dogue Creek, a convenient location for water transportation. But the exact site would not be determined until the terrain in the area had been thoroughly studied.
The millwright was John Ball of Frederick County, who about this time was sending goods by wagon from the Shenandoah Valley to Falmouth (MALONE, 701). He was also probably the John Ball (1742--1806) who settled on Licking Run, Fauquier County, in 1771 (deed of James and Sarah Duff to John Ball, 2 April 1771, Fauquier County Deeds, Book 4, 158, Vi Microfilm). A son of William Ball (1718--1785) of Lancaster County, this John Ball married Sarah Ellen Payne in 1767 and later became a captain in the Fauquier militia (SNODDY, 308; GWATHMEY, 35). His eldest son, William, may have been the William Ball who was engaged to rebuild GW's mill in 1791 (George Augustine Washington's agreement with William Ball, 16 April 1791, DLC:GW).
31. At Home all day.
Acct. of the Weather--in Decr.
Decr. 1. Cloudy & misty the Chief part of the day.
2. Lowering Forenoon with some Intervals [of] Sun in the Afternoon. Warm. Wind So. Wt.
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3. Wind at No. Et. & Raining more or less all day.
4. Lowering & Misty day. But little wind and that at No. Wt.
5. Also lowering & disagreeable Afternoon the Morng. being clear & fine.
6. Cold & Raw. Cloudy afternoon with some Rain.
7. Clear and tolerable pleasant.
8. Clear but cool the Wind at No. West.
9. Clear and Cool the Wind Westwardly.
10. Also clear & cool. Wind in the same quarter.
11. Fine Morning, disagreeable Noon, & Rainy Afternoon. Wind Eastwardly.
12. Wind Southwest--& Misty, Rainy & sometimes Sunshine. Night warm.
13. Wind shifted to No. West in the Morning and blew hard growing amazingly Cold in the Night.
14. Ground exceeding hard froze and day cold (& clear) but not equal to Yesterday Afternoon.
15. Still cold but more moderate than yesterday. The Afternoon lowering & exceeding like for Snow.
16. Clear and more pleasant.
17. Clear & pleasant with but little Wind. Evening Cool.
18. Clear, warm & pleasant in the forenoon. Wind southwardly and Afternoon Lowering. Night Raining.
19. Misting & Raining by turns all day--the Wind being at No. East.
20. Cold Raw and Cloudy Wind what there was of it, Northwardly. Evening more moderate & clearing.
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21. Very pleasant, being clear & wind Southwardly.
22. Wind at No. Et. Cloudy & Cold with a little appearance of the Sun.
23. Exceeding cold Morning. Very cloudy with great appearance of Snow. Wind Northwardly.
24. Clear and more moderate but still cool. A very white frost & Wind Northwardly--but little of it.
25. A very white Frost, clear, still, & very pleasant till the Evening then cloudy and boisterous.
26. Clear but cool the Wind blowing fresh from the No. West till the Eveng.
27. A Very white frost but still clear & exceeding pleast. Gd. Hard froze.
28. Ground exceeding hard froze & a very white frost. The day lowerg. & very threatning of Snow. Wind East.
29. Remarkably fine, clear & still.
30. Wind at No. West & fresh & day Cold.
31. Clear, still & remarkably fine and pleasant.
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Where & how my time is Spent
Jany. 1. At home all day alone.
2. At home all day. Mr. Peake dined here.
3. At home all day alone.
4. Went a hunting with Jno. Custis & Lund Washington. Started a Deer & then a Fox but got neither.
5. Rid to Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Carrd. the Dogs with me but found nothing. Mr. Warnr. Washington & Mr. Thruston came in the Evening.
6. The two Colo. Fairfaxs and Mrs. Fairfax dind here as did Mr. R. Alexander & the two Gentn. that came the day before. The Belvoir Family returnd after Dinner.
7. Mr. Washng. & Mr. Thruston went to Belvoir.
GW today paid the Rev. Mr. Thruston £10 for his share of lands on the Ohio to be granted under the Proclamation of 1763 (LEDGER A, 302).
8. Went a huntg. with Mr. Alexander, J. P. Custis & Ld. W[ashingto]n, killd a fox (a dog one) after 3 hours chase. Mr. Alexr. went away and Wn. & Thruston came in the Aftern.
9. Went a ducking but got nothing the Creeks and Rivers being froze. Mr. Robt. Adam dined here & returnd.
10. Mr. W[ashingto]n & Mr. Thruston set of home. I went a hunting in the Neck & visited the Plantn. there. Found & killd a bitch fox after treeing it 3 times, & chasg. it abt. 3 Hr.
11. At home all day alone.
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A large part of Washington's pleasure in fox hunting lay in the breeding of fine hunting dogs. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
12. Ditto--Ditto.
13. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. Washington Mr. & Miss Custis & returnd afterwds.
14. At home all day alone.
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15. Went up to Alexandria, expecting Court but there was none.
16. Rid to the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
17. At home all day alone.
18. Went to the Plantn. in the Neck.
GW today paid a Mr. Awbrey 10s. for prescribing medicines for Patsy Custis (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
19. At home all day alone.
20. Went a hunting with Jacky Custis & catchd a Bitch Fox after three hours chace. Founded it on the Ck. by J. Soals.
Joseph Soal, a cobbler, rented a plantation from GW in 1769 and 1770 (LEDGER A, 304).
21. At home all day alone.
22. Rid to Posey's Barn and the Mill.
23. Went a hunting after breakfast & found a Fox at Muddy hole & killd her (it being a Bitch) after a chace of better than two hours & after treeing her twice the last of which times she fell dead out of the Tree after being therein sevl. minutes apparently we[ll]. Rid to the Mill afterwards. Mr. Semple & Mr. Robt. Adam dind here.
John Semple (d. 1773) was a Scottish speculator who moved from Charles County, Md., to Prince William County, Va., in 1763 and took over the iron furnace and gristmills on Occoquan Creek that John Ballendine had previously operated. About that same time, Semple acquired Keep Triste iron furnace, on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River a short distance above Harpers Ferry, and in May 1765 he bought from Thomas Colvill the tract of land called Merryland lying in nearby Frederick County, Md. (SKAGGS, 63:28 n.15). He was also an active promoter of a scheme to improve the navigation of the Potomac by forming a company to build locks around the falls and probably discussed the idea with GW on this visit (Semple to GW, 8 Jan. 1770, MnHi).
24. At home all day alone.
25. At home all day alone.
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26. Ditto. Do. Do.
27. Went a hunting, & after trailing a fox a good while the Dogs Raizd a Deer & run out of the Neck with it & did not (some of them at least) come home till the next day.
28. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Semple came here.
29. Dined at Belvoir (with J. P. Custis) & returnd in the Afternoon.
30. Went a hunting, & having found a Deer by Piney Cover. It run to the head of Accatinck before we coud stop the Dogs. Mr. Peake dined here.
Piney Cover was a densely wooded area along Piney Branch, a small stream flowing southeast into Dogue Run about a mile above GW's present mill. The head of navigation on Accotink Creek was about 2 miles southwest of the mouth of Piney Branch.
31. At home alone.
Acct. of the Weather in January
Jany. 1st. Constant Rain the whole day with high & boisterous Wind from the No. Et.
2. Clear and Gold, wind high from the No. West. River froze over.
3. Wind in the same Quarter & very fresh remarkably cold frosty.
4. But very little Wind, & that Southwardly. Day clear & more moderate but the ground very little thawed.
5. Clear & pleasant. Wind Southwardly--the Ground notwithstanding close blockd up.
6. Cloudy Morning, & Rainy Afternoon wind Eastwardly.
7. Again Cloudy in the Morning & rainy Afternoon. River opened.
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8. Clear and Cold. Wind at No. West.
9. Clear & cold Wind Northwardly & fresh River shut up again.
10. Remarkably fine & pleasant being perfectly calm & clear till the Evening then lowering.
11. Raining moderately all day with but little wind and that about So. Wt.
12. Much such a day as yesterday except that what little Wind blew appeard to come [from] the No. East.
13. Cloudy with great appearances of Snow in the forenoon but clear afterwards. Wind at No. West & very cold.
14. Exceeding hard frost River shut up. Wind at No. West and very cold.
15. Exceeding cold tho but little Wind that however at No. West.
16. Very Cold. Wind still at No. West but not hard--yet piercing--clear.
17. Clear & very cold Wind from the same place. Ground not the least thawed.
18. Clear & pleasant in the Morning Cloudy Afternoon & cold. Wind at N. Et.
19. Slightly snowing in the Morning & cloudy afterwards with but little Wind & that Southwardly.
20. Cloudy & still in the morning but a cold Southwesterly wind & wild sky afterwards.
21. Clear & tolerably pleasant Wind being about So. Wt. & yet cool.
22. Clear and tolerably pleasant with variable Wind which abt. Sunset was at No. Et.
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23. Clear and very pleasant Wind being Southwardly & thawing.
24. Very warm & thawing in the forenoon. Frequent showers in the afternoon & wind shifting from south to North & growing Cold. Ice breaking in the River for the first time since the 14.
25. Cold and disagreeable with a fine kind of Sleety Snow. Wind Northward<ly> & very cloudy.
26. Raw, cold & cloudy the first part of the day--but clearg. afterwards. Wd. N. W.
27. Wind Southwardly, pleast. & thawing.
28. Wind at No. West--tolerably fresh in the Morning but not cold. Still afterwards & pleasant.
29. Rather lowering, but moderate & pleasant, with but little Wind & that Southwardly. Ice broken again.
30. Clear and tolerably pleasant but the Wind very high in the Afternoon from the Westward.
31. Clear and cool again, wind No. West.
Where & how my time is Spent
Feby. 1. Went a huntg. (being joind by Mr. Peake Wm. Triplet & Harrison Manley) & after a Chace of near five hours we killd a Fox. Mr. Piper & Mr. Adams came here this afternoon.
2. Mr. Adam & myself walkd to the Mill & up Doeg Run before Dinner.
Robert Adam, who owned a merchant mill and a bakery near Alexandria, would be a major buyer of flour from GW's new mill.
3. At home all day, the above Gentlemn. returnd after dinner to Alexandria.
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4. At home all day. Carlin the Taylor came here in the afternoon and stayed all Night.
William Carlin of Alexandria made clothing for GW, Jacky, Patsy, and some of the Mount Vernon house servants 1764--72 (LEDGER A, 184; LEDGER B, 47; GW's account with Carlin 26 Sept. 1772, ViMtV).
GW today recorded winning £1 5s. at cards (LEDGER A, 302).
5. At home all day. In the Evening Sally Carlyle & Betty Dalton came here.
6. Rid to Muddy hole. Sally Carlyle went to Belvoir--Betty Dalton stayd.
7. Rid to Alexandria to a Meeting of the Trustees. Returnd in the Evening & found Captn. McCarty here.
GW had been appointed a trustee of Alexandria on 16 Dec. 1766, replacing George Johnston of Belvale. However, there is no record in the trustees' minutes of his ever officially attending one of their meetings, even on this day, nor is there any record of his formally resigning the office or being replaced. The business of the trustees today was routine: the draining of marshland, the building of a warehouse, the collection of debts owed to the town, the appointment of a clerk, and the appointment of Jonathan Hall as a trustee in place of John Kirkpatrick (Alexandria town trustees' minutes, 1749--80, 61, 75--76, Vi).
In Alexandria today GW paid several accounts including one for a pair of shoes for Jacky Custis (LEDGER A, 302).
8. Captn. McCarty, Doctr. Rumney and Mr. Jno. Ballendine Dined and lodged here.
Ballendine, having been forced by financial difficulties to transfer his Occoquan mills and iron furnace to John Semple, had since 1765 established another commercial complex farther up the Potomac River at Little Falls. At this time it consisted of merchant mills capable of grinding 50,000 bushels of wheat a year, a bakery with three ovens, a landing for large vessels complete with granaries and countinghouses, and a "public house, well finished, with 10 fire places, good cellars, and . . . a fine French cook." In addition, he was currently building another gristmill and a sawmill and had the rights to 40 lots in the town of Philee, which was planned for the area ( Va, Gaz., R, 29 Nov. 1770). Financial troubles, however, were again plaguing him. His debts were great, and his many creditors were beginning to press him. Nevertheless, like Semple, he was, and until 1775 would remain, a leading promoter of the Potomac navigation scheme.
9. Went a hunting--found a fox and lost it. Mr. Ballendine & the Doctr. still here. Captn. McCarty went from the field.
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10. Jacky Custis returnd to Mr. Bouchers to School. Mr. Ballendine and myself leveled Doeg Run in ordr. to fix on a Mill seat. Returnd to Dinr. wt. the Doctr.
Jacky's departure had been delayed for several weeks, first by the freezing over of the fords between Mount Vernon and Caroline County, then by the heavy snowfall of 4 Feb. (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 3--10 Feb. 1770, NN). He took 10s. in pocket money with him today and rode on a newly repaired saddle (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
11. The Doctr. still here. Mr. Ballendine went away early in the Morng. At home all day.
12. At home all day with the Doctr.
13. At home all day with the Doctr. Mr. Fairfax came in the Afternoon.
14. Went into the Neck with Mr. Fairfax a huntg. but was forcd back by Rain. Doctr. Rumney returnd to Alexandria after breakfast this day.
15. Went a huntg. again with Mr. Fairfax & found a fox at the head of the blind Pocoson which we suppose was killd in an hour but coud not find it. Mr. Peake dind here & Mr. R. Alexr. came after.
The mouth of the blind pocosin was on the Potomac shore below the mansion house, at the southwest corner of the Mount Vernon tract (survey by GW for John Posey, 10 Oct. 1769, ViMtV).
16. Huntg. again--found a bitch fox at Piney branch & killd it in an hour. Mr. Fairfax returnd from there and Mr. Alexr. went away [after] dinner.
17. At home all day alone.
18. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
19. Went to Court at Alexandria and returnd in the Evening.
The February court met 19--24 Feb. (Fairfax County Order Book for 176870, 285--331, Vi Microfilm). GW today collected a debt, paid one, and spent 1s. 6d. to have a coffeepot mended (LEDGER A, 302).
20. Went up to Court again and stayd all Night. Lodgd at Captn. Daltons.
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21. Came home in the Evening--Mr. Ross with me.
22. Went up to Court again. Mr. Ross returnd to Colchester. Returnd in the Evening and found my Brothers Saml. & John & the latters wife & Daughter Mr. Lawe. Washington & Daughter & the Revd. Mr. Smith here.
John Augustine and Hannah Bushrod Washington had two daughters: Jane Washington (1759--1791) and Mildred Washington (born c.1760). The daughter of Lawrence Washington of Chotank who came with him on this day is apparently Mary Townshend Washington, who married Robert Stith of King George County in 1773 (see main entry for 10 April 1770). The Rev. Mr. Smith is Thomas Smith of Cople Parish, Westmoreland County.
23. At home all day with the above Com[pany].
24. Went out with the hounds but found nothing.
25. At home all day.
26. At home all day.
27. Ditto. Ditto.
28. Went out with Guns returnd about 12 Oclock without killg. of any thing. My Brothers and the Company that came with them still here.
Acct. of the Weather in February
Feby. 1. Clear & tolerably pleasant there being but little Wind, that however was Northwardly & cool.
2. Cloudy with appearances of Snow but clear & pleasant in the Afternoon but little Wind stirring.
3. Cloudy with a slight mixture of fine hail & Rain. But little Wind & that southly.
4. Snowing more or less all day--the snow about 8 Inches deep. Wind Northward.
5. Cool and Clear Wind No. West.
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6. Pleasant Wind Southwardly and clear.
7. Clear Morning but lowering afternn. intermixed with Snow. Not very cold.
8. Misty kind of Rain at times with a Southwardly Wind and thawing.
9. Still giving and damp with the Wind Northwardly but not cold. Snow almost gone.
10. Heavy damp Morning, with little or no wind, Evening clear and pleast.
11. Still, Mild and pleasant with Clouds.
12. Wind at No. East and slow rain all day which Increasd in the Evening.
13. Rain in the Morning with the Wind abt. So. West. Cloudy & sometimes misty.
14. Cloudy Morning, and from nine or 10 Oclock, constant Rain till abt. One then appearance of fair weather. Wind Southwardly.
15. Calm, clear, and Warm Morning. About 10 Oclock the Wind came out at No. West and blew pretty fresh but not Cold tho it clouded.
16. Cloudy & cool forenoon, Wind being still at No. West, and sometimes pretty fresh. Afternoon clear.
17. Wind at No. West but neither fresh nor cold. Clear, & the Eveng. very pleast.
18. Clear and exceeding pleasant with the wind at So. and but little of it.
19. Fresh Wind from So. with more or less Rain all day. In the Afternoon late the Weather cleard the wind coming out hard & very cold from the No. West.
20. Hard frost. Wind fresh and cold from the No. West. Indeed it might be said that the Wind was high till the Eveng.
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21. But little Wind. Clear and pleast.
22. Lowering forenoon & Rainy Afternoon.
23. Foggy kind of Morning but clear & pleasant afterwards.
24. Rain in the Night & high Wind from the No. West afterwards & Cold afternoon clear.
25. Clear & cold in the forenoon wind being at No. West. Lowerg afternoon.
26. Hard frost. The Wind shifting in the Night to No. West--but the latter part of the day pleast. The Wind getting Southwardly.
27. Clear forenoon but lowering afternoon with the Wind raising from So. Wt. to No. West & Cool.
28. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southwardly.
Remarks & Occurs. in Feby.
Feby. 2d. Agreed with Joseph Goart, to come down and raise Stone out of my Quarry for my Mill at the Rate of Three pounds pr. Month 26 days to the Month and lost time to be made up.
The walls of the new mill were to be built with local sandstone, which the residents of the area called freestone because of its abundance and the ease with which it could be cut and carved (STUDEBAKER, 37). GW's quarry may have been on the banks of the Potomac River west of his mansion house, where a large bed of freestone was located (GW to Daniel Carroll, 16 Dec. 1793, DLC:GW). Goart, whose name GW variously spelled Gort, Goord, Goort, and Gourt, began his work on 6 Mar. (LEDGER A, 314, 333, 340).
3. Agreed with Mr. Robt. Adam for the Fish catchd at the Fishing Landing I bought of Posey, on the following terms--to wit
He is obligd to take all I catch at that place provided the quantity does not exceed 500 Barls. and will take more than this qty. if he can get Cask to put them in. He is to take them as fast as they are catchd with out giving any interruption to my people; and is to have the use of the Fish House for his Salt, fish, &ca. taking care to have the House clear at least before the next Fishing Season.
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In consideration of which he is to pay me Ten pounds for the use of the House, give 3/ a thousd. for the Herrings (Virg. Money) and 8/4 a hundred (Maryland Curry.) for the whitefish.
Mr. Piper and Lund Washington present.
The fishery was on the 200-acre tract of land GW had acquired at Posey's sale the previous October ( Va. Gaz., R, 19 Oct. 1769). Taken by seining in the Potomac, the fish were packed with salt in large barrels to be sold to local planters for their slaves or to be shipped abroad, often to the West Indies (Robert Adam to GW, 24 June 1771, DLC:GW). Between 13 April and the end of May, Adam received 473,750 herring and 4,623 shad (whitefish), and on 1 Oct. GW was credited with £102 Virginia currency for his fish and rent of his fish house. For shad he was paid 8s. 4d. Virginia per hundred, a better rate than the 8s. 4d. Maryland per hundred given above (LEDGER A, 310).
Where & how my time is Spent
Mar. 1. My Brothers and the Company with them went away about 10 O clock. I went to level the Ground on the other side of Doeg Run. Mr. Magowan & Captn. Wm. Crawford came here this afternoon.
GW was taking elevations west of Dogue Run to determine the best route for a millrace to his new mill. Several months earlier he had been thinking of supplying the new mill with water by having a race dug to it from the pond near his old mill (GW to Charles West, 6 June 1769, DLC:GW). But now he had another plan in mind. The dam near the old mill would be replaced with one farther up Dogue Run, a short distance above the place where it is joined by Piney Branch. From the new Dogue Run dam, a race would be dug southwest to a point on Piney Branch, a few hundred yards above its mouth, where a second dam would be built. Then the race, which would be about two miles in total length, would parallel Dogue Run along the higher ground west of the run down to the new mill, where it would pass through the building into Dogue Creek (VAUGHAN, 56; Warrington Gillingham's map of Mount Vernon, MUIR, between pp. 90 and 91). The idea for this arrangement may have come from John Ball or John Ballendine. Its advantage over GW's first idea was that it would make possible a higher head of water at the mill, because the race would begin at a greater elevation on Dogue Run and would remain near that level by following the higher terrain to the west.
Crawford came today to report on his surveys for GW in western Pennsylvania.
2. At home all day with the two.
3. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto.
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4. Mr. Crawford set of for Williamsburg & Mr. Magowan for Colchester the last of whom returnd.
GW lent Crawford £5 for his journey, which the captain repaid upon his return to Mount Vernon later in the month (LEDGER A, 302).
5. Mr. Magowan went to Dumfries and I to Mr. Rt. Alexanders on a hunting Party where I met Mr. B. Fairfax but first I went over to George Town returng. to Mr. Alexanders at Night.
Established in 1751, Georgetown, Md. (now part of Washington, D.C.), was at this time a small but active trading community at the mouth of Rock Creek, eight miles up the Potomac River from Alexandria. At Georgetown today GW paid John Jost £6 10s. Maryland currency for a rifle and apparently dined at one of the town's two taverns. He also played cards either at Georgetown or at Robert Alexander's house, winning £1 5s. (LEDGER A, 302; RICE, 2:87--88).
6. Went out a hunting with Mr. Alexander [and] his Brothers. Found two or three Foxes but killd neither.
7. Went a hunting again. Found a Fox and run it 6 hours & then lost [it]. I returnd home this Evening.
8. Went to Belvoir with Mr. Magowan, dined and Returnd in the afternoon.
9. At home all day.
10. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill. Mr. Magowan went home.
11. At home all day alone.
12. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill.
13. Went a huntg. above Darrels Hills & to G. Alexrs. Pocoson. Found a fox by two Dogs in Cliftons Neck but lost it upon joing. the Pack. Returnd abt. 5 Oclock & found Colo. Mason & Mr. Christian here.
Francis Christian, a dancing master from Richmond County who had married Katherine Chinn of Lancaster County in 1750, came this day with Mason to discuss a series of dancing classes to be held during the next few months for the young people of the neighborhood. Some of the classes would meet at Gunston Hall, some at Mount Vernon, and some possibly at other nearby homes (CARTER [3], 2:737; HAYDEN, 76).
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Detail of an early map, showing the Mount Vernon neighborhood. For an accurate map of the area based on recent research, see 1:213. (Library of Congress)
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14. At home all day. Colo. Mason & Mr. Christian dined here & returnd afterwards.
15. At home all day alone.
16. Went to doeg run and took the hounds with me--found a fox by the Widow Ashfords & soon lost him. Upon my return home found Colo. Lewis my Br[other] Ch[arle]s & Mr. Brooke here. In the Evening Mr. Jno. West & Mr. Stedlar came--also Mr. Whiting.
Elizabeth Ashford (died c.1773) is the widow of John Ashford who sold land on Dogue Run to GW in 1761. Mr. Brooke is probably Richard Brooke (died c.1792), a prominent Spotsylvania County landowner who lived near Fredericksburg, and Mr. Whiting is probably Francis Whiting, of Frederick County (later Berkeley County).
GW lost 6s. 3d. at cards on this day (LEDGER A, 302).
17. Rid with Mr. West to Mr. Triplets to settle the Lines of Harrisons Patent. Passd by the Mill with Colo. Lewis. Mr. Whiting went home this Mor<n>ing & Mr. West in the Afternn. from T[riplet]s.
Harrison's patent, a grant of 266 acres made to William Harrison 4 Dec. 1706, lay northwest of Dogue Run between the lands that GW had bought from Pearson and the Ashfords in 1761--62 and Trenn's land, which he had bought in 1764. Part of the patent was now owned by John West Jr.'s mother, Sybil, a daughter of William Harrison, and the remainder by William Triplett (Lord Fairfax's grant to GW, 4 Mar. 1771, Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book I, 187, Vi Microfilm; deed of Sybil West to Triplett, 26 Mar. 1777, Fairfax County Deeds, Book M-1, 315--16, Vi Microfilm). The boundaries of the patent were surveyed on this day because GW's proposed new millrace and dams would be near the southeast line and might infringe upon it.
18. Went to Pohick Church and retur<nd> to Dinner. Colo. Lewis &ca. went away this Morning & Jno. Ball the Millright came in the afternoon.
19. Went to the Mill with Jno. Ball to take the Level of the Run on the otherside. Did not get home till Night.
20. Went up to Court & returnd in the Evening.
The court was in session 19--23 Mar. GW attended only on this day, arriving late with John West, Jr. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 331--55, Vi Microfilm).
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21. Joind some dogs that were self hunting & from thence went to the Mill & was levelling all the remainder of the day with Jno. Ball &ca.
22. Rid to the Mill and laid of with the Millwright the foundation for the New Mill House. Upon my return found Captn. Crawford here.
The site selected for the new mill was about one-third of a mile down Dogue Run, on the opposite bank, from the old mill. There, as planned, the tidal waters of the navigable portion of the stream, Dogue Creek, would flow up to the tailrace, enabling flat-bottom boats to deliver grain to the mill's door, from whence it would be "hoisted . . . to the garners above" (advertisement, 1 Feb. 1796, WRITINGS, 34:433--41). The same boats would carry flour down to the mouth of the creek, where a brig or schooner would take the cargo aboard and transport it to the markets at Alexandria, Norfolk, or elsewhere. The site of the new mill was also convenient for land traffic, because the road from Gum Spring to Colchester passed between it and the edge of the creek, being only a few feet from both. The foundations of the building, as laid off on this day, measured roughly 40 by 50 feet (BURSON, blueprint no. 2). When finished, the mill would be 2½ stories high, equipped with a breast wheel 16 feet in diameter and two sets of millstones, one to be used exclusively for merchant work and the other for custom work, that is, grinding local farmers' grain in return for one-eighth of the amount brought in, the legal toll at this time (HENING, 6:58). This custom business would be still another source of income provided by the new mill.
23. At home all day. Captn. Crawford and Mr. Manley here.
On this day GW gave Crawford £8 15s. Pennsylvania currency to buy surveying instruments in Philadelphia and £57 Pennsylvania currency to survey and obtain rights to some tracts of land along the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers for him (LEDGER A, 316). Crawford later returned the £57 when doubt arose over whether those lands would be in Pennsylvania after the colony's western boundary was established, but GW continued to be interested in the area for some time (William Crawford to GW, 5 May 1770, DLC:GW). That interest was apparently shared by Harrison Manley, on whose account GW today advanced Crawford £27 Virginia currency plus £10 Virginia currency for Lund Washington and £15 Pennsylvania currency for Samuel Washington (LEDGER A, 115, 313, 315).
24. Surveying the vacancy's of waste Land by Mr. Triplet & straitning the Mill Race.
GW had found there was a small parcel of unclaimed land between Harrison's patent and Dogue Run, and he was now surveying it with the intention of obtaining a grant from Lord Fairfax and thus providing more room along the run to accommodate his new millrace and dams (grant of Lord Fairfax to GW, 4 Mar. 1771, Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book I, 187, Vi Microfilm).
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25. At home all day. In the afternoon Messrs. B. Fairfax & Robt. & Philip Alexander came here.
26. Went a hunting with the above Gentln. & killd a fox after two hours chace. The two Mr. Triplets Peake &ca. were with us. T. Triplet & H. Manley dind he<re>.
27. Again went a hunting with the above Compy. but found no Fox. Mr. Geo. Alexander & Mr. Peake dind here with the other Compa.--as Mr. Ramsay did.
28. Went a huntg. again & killd a fox. All the Compy. went home from the field.
29. Running some Lines by Mr. Wm. Triplets all day.
30. At Home. The two Colo. Fairfax's & Mrs. Fairfax dind here & returnd in the afternoon.
31. At home all day writing.
Acct. of the Weather in March
Mar. 1st. Wind Northwardly. Cold & Cloudy with Snow every now and then.
2. Cloudy with a Mixture of Hail Rain & Snow, but not much of it.
3. Clear and tolerably pleasant, but a little Cool. Wind being rather fresh from the No. West.
4. Cloudy Morning, then Snow, after that Snow and Rain mixd, and lastly constant Rain.
5. Snow about 3 Inches deep. Weather clear. Wind Westwardly in the forenoon but calm warm and thawing afterwards.
6. Clear and pleasant with the wind at South.
7. Clear & calm in the Morning, with a Northwardly Wind afterwards but pleasant Notwithstanding.
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8. Clear & pleasant with the Wind Southwardly.
9. Clear and very pleasant with the Wind still Southwardly. In the Afternoon the Wind fresh with appearances of Rain.
10. Lowering and very smoky all day. Wind very fresh from the Southward in the forenoon but quite calm afterwards.
11. Raining a little, and misting all the forenoon, which ceased in the Afternoon, but still kept cloudy. Wind variable but for the most part about North.
12. Cloudy Morning with but little Wind. Clear afternoon with the wind fresh at No. West & Cold.
13. Ground hard froze--but the morning calm, clear and pleasant. The afternoon raw & cold with the Wind fresh from So. West & very cloudy. In the Night Snow abt. an Inch deep.
14. Cloudy all day, & sometimes dropg. Rain. Wind being Eastwardly & fresh.
15. Wind Eastwardly--from thence shifting to North & No. Wt. Constant Snow about abt. Sun rise till 12 or one Oclock then ceasing but cloudy & cold afterwards.
16. Wind blowing fresh & clear all day from the No. West.
17. Ground hard froze and Morning Cool. Wind being fresh from the No. West. Afternoon being pleast. & little Wind--also clear.
18. Clear, warm & pleasant, there being but little Wind.
19. Cloudy all day--till Evening at least with much appearance of Rain in the Morning, but high Wind at No. West in the afternoon.
20. Clear & pleasant Morning with the Wind at South but lowering Afternoon & very cloudy Evening.
21. The Morning was fine, but the Wind and Weather was variable. Afterwards sometimes cloudy & then clear & sometimes calm & then the Wind woud be fresh.
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22. Wind at No. West and very hard. Snowd fast till abt. 9 or 10 Oclock then clear and cold. Wind still high.
23. Clear, and hard frost. Morning calm and pleasant but high & boisterous wind in the Afternoon from the No. West.
24. Ground very hard froze. The morning again clear and calm but the Wind hard from the No. West after 9 Oclock.
25. Clear, calm, warm and pleasant in the Evening. The Wind blew pretty fresh from the Southward.
26. Very smoky. Calm and some appearance of Rain, but none fell till in the Night & not much then.
27. Close warm Morning, & Rain (tho not hard) about 10 or 11 Oclock. No. Wind and the Afternoon clear.
28. Clear & still Morning with some Wind in the Afternoon from the Westward.
29. Hazy but pleasant notwithstanding. Wind westwardly & fresh.
30. Clear & pleasant with but little wind.
31. Clear and pleasant with but little wind and that Southwardly.
Remarks & Occurans. in Mar.
6th. Joseph Gort a stone Mason came here to raise Stone.
Began to Enlist Corn Ground at Muddy hole Plantation.
Began to Enlist Ditto in the Neck that is to lay of the Ground.
Began the same Work at Doeg Run Plantation.
Goart worked one month and was paid £3 as he and GW had agreed on 2 Feb. (LEDGER A, 314). But, instead of cutting stone in GW's quarry, Goart took it from quarries on George William Fairfax's land, where the stone could be obtained much more easily. Fairfax allowed his quarries to be used as a favor to GW and charged him nothing for that privilege (GW to Fairfax, 27 June 1770, IaST).
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26. Countess a hound Bitch after being confind sometime got loose and was lined before it was discovered by my Water dog once and a small foist looking yellow cur twice.
GW had paid £1 16s. for a spaniel on 5 Feb. (LEDGER A, 302).
28. She was lined by Ranger a dog I had from Mr. Fairfax.
I planted three french Walnuts in the New Garden, & on that side next the work House.
FRENCH WALNUT: Juglans regia, now the English walnut but often called the French or Eurasian walnut.
Where & how my time is Spent
Apl. 1. Went to Pohick Church and returnd home to Dinner.
2. Rid to see Mr. Humphrey Peake who lay ill. Returnd to Dinner.
3. Rid to see Mr. Peake again with Mrs. Washington. Returnd to Dinner.
4. Rid to the Mill--Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
5. Rid into the Neck and called to see Mr. Peake in my way.
6. Went a hunting but found nothing. Returnd to Dinner.
7. Run round the Lines of the Land I bought of the Ashfords. In the Evening Doctr. Craik his Wife and daughter & Mr. Phil Fendall came here.
Dr. James Craik had married Mariamne Ewell (1740--1814), daughter of Charles Ewell of Prince William County, in Nov. 1760. Her mother, Sarah Ball Ewell, was a granddaughter of GW's maternal grandfather, Joseph Ball. The Craiks eventually had nine children, of whom three were daughters: Nancy, Sarah, and Mariamne (HAYDEN, 341--43).
Philip Richard Fendall (b. 1734) was at this time a merchant and clerk of court in Charles County, Md. (MD. ARCHIVES, 62:280, 462). Son of Benjamin and Elinor Lee Fendall, he had married his cousin Sarah Lettice Lee, daughter of Squire Richard Lee of Blenheim, Charles County, Md. (LEE [1], 108 n.20).
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8. Major Wagener came here to Dinner, & the others went away after.
9. Major Wagener went away after breakfast. I rid to Muddy hole & from thence to the Mill.
10. Miss Polly Washington set of home. I rid to the Genl. Muster at Cameron.
Polly Washington must be Mary Townshend Washington, who apparently continued at Mount Vernon after her father and the rest of her party left on 1 Mar. General musters of county militias during this period were held once a year in March or April. Because GW was a county magistrate and held no rank in the Fairfax militia, he was exempt by law from attending its musters (HENING, 7:534, 8:242--45). He probably went to Cameron today to see friends or to conduct some business (LEDGER A, 314).
11. Rid to Doeg Run Qrs. & returnd to Dinner. Mr. John West came in the Afternoon.
12. Mr. West & I run and markd the Dividing Line between my Part & that of Spencer's Tract at least began to do it but cd. not finish it.
GW had long been frustrated in attempts to plot accurately the dividing line between the two halves of the Spencer-Washington grant, because about 1741 the northern boundary of the grant had been moved south nearly 200 rods to accommodate other grants (R. O. Brooke's survey, c.1741, CALLAHAN, facing p. 3). Thus, GW did not know whether to run the line as if it were coming from the center of the original northern boundary as stipulated in the 1690 division or from the center of the revised boundary (survey and division by George Brent, 18 Sept. and 23 Dec. 1690, ViMtV). In addition, many of the marking trees mentioned in the old surveys had disappeared or could not be found (survey by GW, 1--2 Oct. 1759, ViMtV). Determined to establish at last the exact western boundary of the Mount Vernon tract, GW had invited John West, Jr., and Thomas Hanson Marshall, the two gentlemen who now owned the portions of the old Spencer tract lying on the line, to join him in making the survey begun today. Marshall declined to come, giving first his own illness and then his wife's as his excuse, probably a legitimate one in the latter case, at least, because Mrs. Marshall died 5 Dec. 1770 (Marshall to GW, 8 and 11 April 1770, DLC:GW; GERALD, 173). None of the Spencer tract now remained in that family's possession, Col. Nicholas Spencer's grandson William having sold it in various parcels 1738--39. Those besides West and Marshall who now owned parts of the tract were Daniel French, Harrison Manley, the Wade sisters, and GW.
13. We finished to day what we began yesterday & he and Mr. Robt. Adam dined and lodged here.
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GW and West probably decided to use Brent's original dividing line, running it as accurately as possible, because West's and Marshall's tracts had been bought from William Spencer before the northern boundary had been changed (deed of Spencer to George Harrison, 25--26 May 1739, Prince William County Deeds, Book D, 94--100, Vi Microfilm; deed of Spencer to Thomas Marshall, 20--21 Nov. 1739, Prince William County Deeds, Book D, 289--94, Vi Microfilm).
14. Rid to the Mill & fishing Landg. at Poseys. Mr. Stedlar came in the afternoon and Mr. West & Mr. Adam went away in the Morng. before breakfast.
Rid to the Mill & came home by the Fishery at Poseys, found Mr. Stedlar here; & in the Afternoon the Stone Masons came to go about my Mill.
STONE MASONS: See "Remarks" entry for 14 April 1770.
15. At home all day. Mr. Grayson came here in the Afternoon.
William Grayson had brought suit in Fairfax County court against John Ballendine for recovery of a debt, and the case was to be heard on the following day along with several similar cases involving creditors of Ballendine (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 4, Vi Microfilm).
16. Went up to Alexandria to Court & stayed all Night.
The court met 16--17 April. On this day John Ballendine, having been convicted in several cases of debt and being insolvent, was committed to the county jail. After staying there for 20 days, he could, according to law, be released by a warrant from two or more justices, and his creditors could then sue to have his property seized and sold for their benefit (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 1--15, Vi Microfilm; HENING, 8:329).
17. Returnd home in the Afternoon with Mr. Josh. Gallaway, & Colo. R. Lee.
In court today Thomas Montgomerie of Dumfries had recorded a letter from Margaret Savage which granted him power of attorney in her affairs (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 15, Vi Microfilm). Mrs. Savage's husband had apparently coerced or coaxed her into taking this step, which put her trustees, GW and Bryan Fairfax, in the awkward position of having to demand payment of her annuity from Montgomerie as Dr. Savage's agent and then giving the money to him as Mrs. Savage's legal representative. Knowing that Montgomerie had no obligation to send Mrs. Savage her money, GW and Fairfax tried to postpone dealing with him until they could get some clarification of the matter from Mrs. Savage (GW to Bryan Fairfax, 12 Dec. 1770; GW to Margaret Savage, 5 Sept. 1771; and Margaret Savage to GW, 19 Aug. 1772, DLC:GW).
Joseph Galloway (c. 1731--1803) of Philadelphia was a rich and powerful lawyer with scholarly tastes. At this time he was Speaker of the Pennsylvania
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Assembly and vice-president of the American Philosophical Society. He also had a great interest in western lands and was a member of the Grand Ohio Company, commonly known as the Walpole Company.
18. The above Gentlemen went away after breakfast. Patsy Custis, & Milly Posey went to Colo. Mason's to the Dancing School. Mr. Magowan who I found here yesterday stayed. Mr. Ball & one of his People set in to Work today--as did the Mason's to raising stone yesterday.
GW today paid Francis Christian £2 to admit Patsy and Milly to his school (LEDGER A, 314). Christian's dancing classes often lasted several days in each home, and the days were usually long. In a class which he held in Westmoreland County in 1773, "the Scholars" began soon after breakfast by having "their Lesson singly round." Then, "there were several Minuets danced with great ease and propriety; after which the whole company Joined in countrydances." The class continued until 7:30 P.M. with breaks for dinner and candle lighting. Christian was observed to be "punctual, and rigid in his discipline, so strict indeed that he struck two of the young Misses for a fault in the course of their performance" (FITHIAN, 44--45).
MR. BALL: see "Remarks" for 16 and 18 April 1770.
19. Mr. Magowan & Mr. Adam dind here. The Mason's began to Dig the foundation of my Mill at 2/6 pr. day. I rid to the Mill & doeg Run.
20. Rid to see Mr. Peake who was Sick from thence to the Mill & home by Posey's. Mr. Adams dind here.
21. Rid to where they were digging the foundation of my Mill and home again by the Millwright and the fishery at Poseys.
22. At home all day. Mr. Adam & Doctr. Rumney dined here and the latter lodged here also & Captn. Posey.
23. Rid to see Mr. Peake, from thence to Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Mill & then home by the fishg. Landing. Mr. Adam dined and lodgd here. Captn. Posey also lodgd here.
Although the strip of land on which Posey's house and ferry were located was still involved in the court suit of John West, Jr., GW today agreed to rent it from Posey for £10 a year (LEDGER A, 256). Posey apparently moved to Queenstown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland some time during the next year (John Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, DLC:GW).
24. Went the same Round as yesterday. Captn. McCarty & Captn. Posey dined here & the Doctr. lodgd here.
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25. The Doctr. went away after breakfast and I rid the same round. Colo. Robt. Fairfax calld here in the forenoon but did not stay dinner.
26. Rid my usual rounds before Dinner and the same after dinnr.
27. Went to Belvoir--dined and returnd afterwards.
28. Rid to the Millwrights Mill, & to Mr. Peakes before dinner and to the fishery at Posey, & to the Mill again in the afternoon.
29. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney dined and lodged here & Mr. Matthw. Campbell lodged here.
30. The Doctr. stayed till after dinner and then returnd to Alexandria. I rid to the Mill & my usual rounds before dinner and to the Mill after Dinner.
Acct. of the Weather in April
April 1. Raw & cold Wind at No. Et. with great appearances (sometimes of falling Weather--at other times clear).
2. This Morning the Snow was an Inch or two deep & continued Snowing (fine Snow) all day with the Wind Northwardly & cold but the Snow did not Increase much in depth.
3. Clear and very cold, the Wind blowing hard at No. West notwithstanding wch. the Snow was almost wholely gone before Night.
4. The Ground froze very hard. The Weather clear and exceeding cold. The Wind blowing fresh at No. West.
5. Wind still Westwardly & cool, but not equal to the former days.
6. Warm and pleasant, tho the Wind was still Westwardly and fresh.
7. Cool. Wind blowing fresh at No. West. Weather clear.
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8. Lowering & much like Snow. Wind blowing cold & Raw from the No. & N. Et.
9. Cold & disagreeable Wind blowing fresh from the No. West again.
10. Just such a day as yesterday but if anything colder.
11. Wind still in the same place but not so cold as yesterday.
12. Wind at So. West and Weather warmer than the preceeding days.
13. Wind at South, the day very hot & sultry--with thunder, lightning & a Shower of Rain about three oclock.
14. Cooler than yesterday & lowering with the Wind abt. No. Et. In the Afternoon it began Raining & continued to do so more or less through the Night.
15. Misty & lowering all day with but little Wind & that from the Southward.
16. Lowering Morning but clear & Warm afterwards, the Wind being southwardly.
17. Also warm, notwithstanding the Wind was westwardly & varying to the North and blowing very fresh.
18. Cold & Raw all day. Wind Eastwardly in the Morning & Southwardly afterwards--much like Rain.
19. Clear & pleasant weather turning warm again.
20. Clear & warm in the forenoon--it being still. But cooler in the Afternoon. Wind being tolerably fresh from the Eastward.
21. Warm and still all the day till the Afternoon, then a floury of wind which soon subsided.
22. Very warm and still with some appearances of Rain.
23. Very warm in the forenoon clear and still with severe wind & some Rain from the No. West just at Night.
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24. Wind at No. West & cool compard with the preceeding days.
25. Wind Northwardly & cool in the M[orning] but warmer in the afternoon. Wind shifting Southwardly.
26. Something warmer than yesterday but rather cool still. Wind fresh from the Southeast & cloudy in the afternoon.
27. Wind pretty brisk & cool from the southward. Day cloudy and from abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon slow Rain.
28. Morning Calm, clear and pleast. Afterwards cool & windy from the Northwest.
29. High Wind from the Northwest all day, & cold.
30. Wind in the same place and very cold & hard. A smart frost this morning.
Remarks & Occurrances in Apl.
9th. Finished listing Ground for Corn at Muddy hole.
The Hound Bitch Singer was lind by Jowler.
11. The Bitch Truelove was lined twice by Ringwood. She had been frequently shut up with forrister--but it is thought he never lined her.
13. Forrister was seen lined to Truelove.
Began my Fishery at Poseys for Mr. Robt. Adam.
14. She was again lined by Ringwood and Singer I saw lined by Jowler.
This day I began to draw the Water of my Meadow by breaking the Dam or stop that confind it.
Hull & the other Stone Mason came here to set about my Mill --but did not began work till the 17th.
GW is having his old millpond drained. John Hull was paid £31 153. 1d. in September for work done on the new mill, which probably included wages for both stonemasons between April and September. Hull's partner could be Joseph Goart, who continued doing occasional work for GW through the spring of the next year (LEDGER A, 320, 333, 340).
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15. Singer was again lined by Jowler & Truelover by Ringwood.
16. Mr. Ball the Millwright and one of his People came here to work.
Ball at one time or another had five of his own men working on the mill: Thomas Ball for 38½ days, Richard Talbott for 31 days, John Grinstead for 24½ days, Reason Porter for 19½ days, and Edward Todd for 9 days. The helper who came this day was probably Grinstead, Porter, or Todd. Ball himself worked for 38 days on the mill (LEDGER A, 324).
17. Hull & his Partner began to raise stone.
18. Ball and his Apprentice set abt. the shaft for the Mill &ca. Jowler lined Singer & Ringwood Truelove again.
The shaft was the large wooden axle on which the waterwheel was to turn.
19. The Mason's went to digging the foundation of my Mill at 2/6 pr. day. Jowler lined Singer & Forrister lined truelove.
20. Jowler again lined Singer.
21. Richd. Talbot & one other of Ball's hands came here in the Afternoon.
23. Began to Plant Corn in the Neck--at Muddy hole, and at Doeg Run.
Mr. Ball, Talbot & Grinnel were levalling the Mill Race. His other hand went for their Tools to Cameron. T. Ball came this Aftern.
Thomas Bird set to work on the foundation of the Mill at 1/3 pr. day.
GRINNEL: This name does not appear in GW's ledger for this year and may be a garbling of the last name of Ball's helper, John Grinstead. T. BALL: The John Ball who settled in Fauquier County in 1771 had a younger brother Thomas (SNODDY, 308; see main entry for 30 Dec. 1769).
Thomas Byrd was paid £1 1s. 3d. in May for his work at the mill, and during the summer he received £3 15s. 6d. more for helping to harvest GW's wheat (LEDGER A, 321).
26. He began to work on my Mill Race at 1/3 pr. Rod & to find himself and Sciagusta a prisoner from the Indians came here, and began to work with my People.
Work on the millrace began near the mill, and during the next year it progressed slowly north toward Piney Branch and the upper part of Dogue
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Run. The race was dug several feet into the ground along its two-mile route, except where occasional low-lying areas had to be crossed. In those places earth embankments were raised to keep the water at a constant level, thus preventing any great lowering of the head of water at the mill. The sides of the race were probably supported by timber in both the banked and excavated sections (Lund Washington to GW, 2 Sept. 1778, ViMtV). TO FIND HIMSELF means that Byrd was to supply his own food. "Sciagusta did not work long, as he received but three shillings for his services" (DIARIES, 1:376 n.1; LEDGER A, 314). Other ditchers hired during the next two weeks to work on the millrace would prove to be no more eager to stick to this backbreaking task.
27. As it Raind from abt. 3 or 4 Oclock in the Afternoon I presume work was stoped by the Millwrights and Masons.
28. Clevelands Waggon & Team began to Work for me at [ ] pr. day.
Reason--one of Balls Men did no work by a Boyl under his Arm.
James Cleveland's wagon and team worked ten days at 10s. a day between this date and 9 May. GW had also employed them on 19 and 20 April at 12s. 6d. a day, and on 15 April they had carried two loads for him at 1s. 6d. a load (LEDGER A, 312).
29. Coxe Rice came to Work at the rate of 30/. pr. Month & Victuals found him.
Reason Porter went to work again today.
Rice, who may have been hired to help with the mill, was to receive his meals as well as wages for his work, but it is apparent, as he is not mentioned in GW's ledger, that he quit before earning any money.
Where & how my time is Spent
May 1st. Rid in the forenoon to where the Millwrights & Masons were at Work--also the Ditchers & the fish Landing at Poseys. In the afternoon rid to the Mill only. Mrs. W. Washington & her youngest Child & Mrs. Bushrod & Katy Washington came in the Eveng.
Mrs. Warner Washington's youngest child at this time was Catharine Washington (b. 1769). KATY WASHINGTON: Catherine Washington, daughter of the deceased Henry Washington of Middlesex County and niece of Mrs. Mildred Bushrod.
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2. Mrs. Washington went to Belvoir & Mrs. Bushrod continued here. I rid to the Mill and Ditcher[s] in the forenoon, and afternoon.
3. Went the above rounds before dinner--but did not go out afterwards.
4. Rid to the Masons & Ditchers before dinner.
5. Rid to the Mill Rights--Masons & Ditchers before dinner, & to Doeg Run Qr.
6. At home all day. Colo. Robt. Fairfax Mrs. Fairfax Mrs. W. Washington & the two Miss Carlyles came from Belvoir & dined here. Colo. Fairfax Mrs. Fairfax & Nancy Carlyle returnd after dinr. Mrs. W. & Sally stayed.
7. Rid to the Mill ditchers, &ca. before dinner & to the Mill afterwards.
8. Went the same rounds again and promised the ditchers 18d. a Rod if they woud be brisk and stick to it.
Miss Betty Ramsay & Milly Hunter also Anthy. Ramsay came here today. The latter returnd after dinner. The others stayed.
For GW's difficulties with the ditchers, see "Remarks" entries for 1--8 May 1770.
Amelia Hunter, a daughter of the Alexandria physician John Hunter and his wife Elizabeth, married a Mr. Terrett sometime before May 1776 (will of John Hunter, 10 June 1763, Fairfax County Wills, Book B-1, 364--65, Vi Microfilm; will of George Hunter, 17 May 1776, Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 257--58, Vi Microfilm). Anthony Ramsay of Alexandria was a lawyer who had been admitted to the bar of the Fairfax County court 19 Feb. 1770 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 286, Vi Microfilm). Young Ramsay, the eldest son of William Ramsay, died during the winter of 1772-73.
9. Mr. Christian danced here--(who) (besides his Scholars, and those already mentioned to be here) Mrs. Peake & Niece Mr. Massey--Mr. Piper & Mr. Adams dined here.
Mrs. Humphrey Peake's sister, Sarah Stonestreet, married Richard Edelen of Maryland; the niece is probably a daughter of that marriage, possibly Frances Edelin (see main entry for 28 Dec. 1771).
Rev. Lee Massey (1732--1814), rector of Truro Parish 1767--77, lived at this time on the Occoquan with his first wife, Mary Johnston Massey, daughter of George and Mary Johnston of Alexandria (will of Mary Johnston, 20 Nov. 1769, Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 73, Vi Microfilm; Mason
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Family Bible, MASON [2], 1:480--81). After her death he married a Miss Burwell, who soon died also; he then married Elizabeth Bronaugh of Prince William County (MEADE [1], 2:239--40). A lawyer in early life, Massey had been chosen successor to Rev. Charles Green by the Truro vestrymen in Feb. 1766 and had been sent to England for ordination, officially becoming rector the next February (Truro Vestry Book, 110, 119, DLC).
10. Rid to the Mill. Mr. Christian & some of his scholars went away this afternoon. Mrs. W--n & Mrs. B[ushrod] went to B[elvoir].
11. The rest of the Scholars went away after breakfast. Mrs. Washn. & Mr. W. Washington came this Afternoon. Mr. Semple who came last Night went away after Bt. I rid to the Mill &ca. before & after Dinner.
12. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here. Mr. & Mrs. Washington & Mrs. Bushrod went to Colchester & returnd in the Afternn.
13. Went to Church with all the Compy. here. Dind at Belvoir & returnd in the Afternoon.
14. Rid to Muddy hole to my Ditchers & the Mill. Mr. Washington wife & Child & Mrs. Bushrod &ca. went away.
15. Rid to the Ditchers & Mill before Dinner--at home afterwards.
16. Rid by Muddy hole to the Mill and to the Ditchers & came home by Poseys.
17. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers again.
18. Did the same. Returnd to Dinner with Mr. Ross. Found Mr. Ramsay there. Went in the Afternoon to McCartys Sale of Poseys Effects. He & Mr. Ramsay returnd with me & lodgd.
Daniel McCarty and Bryan Fairfax had given special bail for John Posey in several suits decided against him during Feb. 1770 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 234--35, 305--14, Vi Microfilm).
19. Set of for Williamsburg--dind at Dumfries--calld at My Mothers and lodgd at Colo. Lewis's in Fredericksbg.
The burgesses were to begin meeting again on 21 May. Before GW left home, he gave Lund Washington, who was to be in charge of his business at Mount
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A French officer sketched this plan of Dumfries during the Revolution. (Map Division, Library of Congress)
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Vernon while he was gone, £30 in cash to be accounted for (LEDGER A, 313, 314).
20. Breakfasted at Mr. Bouchers--dind at Coleman's & lodgd at Todds bridge.
Jonathan Boucher had been trying for several years to obtain the rectorate of St. Anne's Parish in Annapolis, Md., which offered a better livelihood than he had in Caroline County. Now, through the influence of Rev. Henry Addison, he was near to achieving that aim. At breakfast on this day, he and GW apparently discussed the matter and agreed that, if the move was made, Jacky would go to Annapolis also and continue his schooling under Boucher there, provided that Mrs. Washington approved. But GW was unwilling to agree with the tutor on another point. Boucher had been recently urging the Washingtons to allow him to take Jacky on an extended tour of Europe beginning about 1772. GW did not dispute the educational advantages of such a tour, but he was concerned that its cost would be more than Jacky's estate could afford. Any decision about the trip, he told Boucher, would have to wait until he consulted friends in Williamsburg (Boucher to GW, 9 and 21 May 1770, DLC:GW; GW to Boucher, 2--9 June 1770, NN).
This Coleman tavern was probably at Bowling Green, on the main road from Fredericksburg to Williamsburg, about three miles from Caroline Court House (see main entry for 25 June 1770 and Va. Gaz., R, 19 Oct. 1769). The Bowling Green tavern was owned by John Hoomes (d. 1805), "a very wealthy person" who was now living in Sussex County (RICE, 2:98, 176). He had advertised the tavern for lease during the previous October, and apparently a member of the local Coleman family, possibly Francis Coleman of Caroline Court House, had taken it over and had opened it since GW's last trip to Williamsburg, when he had eaten at the Court House ( Va. Gaz., R, 19 Oct. 1769). GW and most other travelers through this area preferred to stop at Bowling Green when the tavern there was open, because going to the Court House required a side trip of several miles.
21. Breakfasted at King Wm. Ct. House & dind & lodgd at Eltham.
GW today spent 3s. at Ruffin's ferry and somewhere on his route bought a pair of shoes costing 6s. for the mulatto manservant, Billy, who accompanied him (LEDGER A, 314).
22. Reached Williamsburg to Breakfast & dined at the Club at Mrs. Campb[ells] and supped at the Raleigh.
GW lodged at Mrs. Campbell's tavern for his stay in town. The House of Burgesses, which had convened the previous day as scheduled, dealt mostly with private bills during this session and transacted relatively "little business of a public nature" (GW to George W. Fairfax, 27 June 1770, IaST).
23. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and spent the Evening in my own Room.
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24. Dined at the Treasurers, & spent the Evening in my own Room.
Between this date and 29 May, GW bought four play tickets for 30s.; clubbed twice at the Raleigh, purchased a vial of red ink costing 1s. 3d., and paid 2s. for postage and coffee (LEDGER A, 314).
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], 1:418). Changes were needed, it was generally agreed, because the agreement was causing much confusion and dissatisfaction in the colony and there were many violations of its terms by Virginians. Men in some of the other colonies were complaining that "if some prudent steps are not taken to regulate importation, in a short time Virginia will be remarkable, only, for resolving" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 14 June 1770, supp.). However, the members of the committee were deeply divided in opinion about how the nonimportation agreement should be changed. Some members, led by Treasurer Robert Carter Nicholas and Edmund Pendleton, wanted to moderate or abolish it as a gesture of compromise to Parliament for repealing all the disputed taxes except the one on tea. Other members insisted there could be no compromise of principle as long as the tea tax remained, and they favored strengthening the association's agreement with stricter terms and stricter means of enforcement (CARTER [3], 1:418). GW seems to have agreed with this last viewpoint, but he was willing to relax the association in order to obtain a more general adherence to it (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 30 July 1770, IEN; GW to Robert Cary & Co., 20 Aug. 1770, DLC:GW).
26. Took a Snack at Mrs. Dawson's & went up to Eltham in the Afternn.
The House of Burgesses adjourned after today's meeting until 11:00 A.M. Monday, 28 May (H.B.J., 1770--72, 20).
27. At Eltham all day.
28. Returnd to Williamsburg by 9 Oclock. Dined at the Speakers and attended a Committee of the Associn. at Hayes till 11 Oclock.
29. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and spent the Evening in my own Room.
30. Dined at the Club and spent the Eveng. in my own Room.
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Although drawn a few years later, this map is a good depiction of Williamsburg during Washington's service in the House of Burgesses. (Princeton University Library, Berthier Papers)
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GW today paid £1 10s. to Col. John Henry (d. 1773), father of Patrick Henry, for a copy of his map of Virginia which had been published the previous February by Thomas Jefferys of London.
31. Dined at the Attorneys and attended a Committee of the Association at Hayes till One Oclock.
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. A hard frost which destroyd all the Peaches &ca. from the Water. Wind still at No. Wt. & West but neither so cold nor hard as the two preceeding days.
2. Calm and tolerably pleasant again altho the Morning was cool.
3. Wind fresh and cool from the So. West--which shifted to the So. Et. and East, & began to Rain briskly abt. Sunset attended with thunder & Lightg.
4. Very Cloudy, Misty & sometimes raining. Wind pretty fresh from the Northwest & cool.
5. Cloudy in the forenoon, & cool. Wind being at No. West--but clear and warm afterwards with but little Wind.
6. More moderate & pleasant in the forenoon--but cool & windy in the Evening--also Cloudy.
7. Cool in the Morning but Hot afterwards with appearances of Rain.
8. Very warm & clear in the forenoon with but little Wind--but a severe Gust of wind & Rain in the Afternn. from the So. West--which moderated abt. dark.
9. Raining more or less all day with the wind fresh and variable.
10. Drizzling several times with the Wind westwardly but not so cool as yesterday.
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11. Cloudy & sometimes Misty in the Afternoon. The forenoon clear & wind at No. West but variable.
12. Cloudy & sometimes Misting in the Morning but clear and pleasant afterwards.
13. Clear and very warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
14. Very like for Rain in the Morning but cleard afterwards. Wind fresh all day from the East and cool--especially towards Night.
15. A Lowery cloudy Morning but clear afternoon & tolerably warm.
16. Much such a day as yesterday, but a good deal warmer.
17. Misty kind of Morning but clear warm and calm afterwards.
18. Clear and Warm in the forenoon with but little Wind which howevr. after a little sprinkle came out violent from the No. West & contd. so all the Afternoon.
19. Clear & cool till abt. Noon. Wind blowg. fresh from No. West--then calm and warm. Eveng. still cool.
20. Morning & Evening Cool. Mid day warm--there being but little Wd.
21. Still & Calm forenoon Wind pretty fresh from the Eastward afterwards.
22. Clear and rather Cool Wind being fresh from the westward.
23. Clear and still cool for the Season notwithstanding the wind was Southwardly.
24. Warm with some appears, of Rain of which a little fell in the Night.
25. Very warm. Wind being Southwardly--a little Rain in the Morning.
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26. Wind very fast from the Westwd. all day and towards Evening Cool with appearances of Rain but none fell.
27. Cool and clear all day. Wind being still to the westward.
28. Lowering kind of a Morning but clear afterwards & cool all day.
29. Not as cool as yesterday. Wind variable with appearances of Rain.
30. Wind Eastwardly. Cool and cloudy with Rain towards Night which continued all Night.
31. Raining more or less all day with the wind westwardly.
Remarks & Occurs. in May
May 1st. John Harvey went to Ditchg. on my Mill Race at 1/3 pr. Rod.
Harvey settled 12 Aug. 1770 for £1 in return for his labor for GW (LEDGER A, 288).
3. The Mason's went to laying Stone in the walls of the water Pit (dry Stone). Mr. Flemings ship Carpenter finishd his work here and returnd home havg. been employd 31¼ days. Went to Flatting Sand &ca. round to the mill. Carrd a Load of sand this day.
The water pit was the trough in which the new mill's waterwheel was to turn. DRY STONE: The stones in the pit were fitted together without mortar. The ship carpenter was an indentured servant of Thomas Fleming (d. 1786), shipwright formerly of Annapolis and now of Alexandria. During the past several weeks, Fleming's carpenter had sheathed the bottom of GW's schooner and had made needed repairs (LEDGER A, 135, 314; LEDGER B, 10). FLATTING SAND &cA.: GW had materials needed by the stonemasons brought by flatboat up Dogue Creek to the site of the new mill. The sand was to be mixed with lime and water to form mortar needed to build the exterior walls of the mill.
3. Thomas Emmerson set into ditchg. on my Mill Race on the same terms as above that is 1/3 pr. Rod & finding himself. Finished planting Corn at Muddy hole Plantation.
Thomas Emmison had been hired by Lund Washington in 1764 to work on a mill then being built, apparently under Lund's general supervision, for
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William Fitzhugh of Chatham, Stafford County (Lund Washington's account book, 1762--85, MdAN). Lund was probably also responsible for engaging Emmison to help dig GW's millrace, but Emmison, like Coxe Rice, must have done little or no work for GW; he, too, is not mentioned in GW's ledger.
4. Began to flat Stone round--as also to carry wood round for burning Lyme. William Crook began to Work on my Mill Race on the same terms above mentioned.
Freestone from George William Fairfax's quarries and firewood for GW's limekiln are now being brought upstream by the flatboats. GW had oyster shells burned in the kiln to produce lime for making mortar. William Crook was another ditcher who apparently did not stick to his task long enough to justify an entry for payment in GW's ledger.
5. Richard Talbot, one of Mr. Balls hands was absent from work. John Harvey was also absent from his ditching. Finished Planting Corn at Doeg Run Plantation this day--viz the 5th. Richd. Talbot was not at work but went up to Alexandria.
7. Got the Battoe, & the two Boats round to the Mill with stone. William Crook nor Thoms. Emmerson were at work on the Mill Race today.
8. Neither of the above Persons were at work on the Race today. But Abel Cellicoe and one of his Sons set into ditching on the Race. Finished Planting of Corn in the Neck this day. Got two Boats load of Lime, Wood & one of Stone to the Mill--but the Battoe was stopd by Wind.
Abel Callico had worked for Lund Washington on Fitzhugh's mill in 1764, but neither he nor his son proved to be of much help in digging GW's millrace, as they also failed to merit any pay (Lund Washington's account book, 1762--85, 36, MdAN).
9. Dischargd Clevelands Waggon. Ball & his People Went about 12 Oclock to Framing the Mill Work.
10. Mr. Christian went away this afternoon. I rid to the Mill.
11. Eight hands were at work upon dry Mill Race today.
GW had given up hiring ditchers and had set some of his slaves to digging the race.
12. Seven hands were at Work this day upon my Mill Race.
14. Ten or Eleven hands were at Work to day.
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15. About 10 hands at Work to day on the Race.
16. Jonathan Palmer and his Family movd to Poseys to live. Abt. 7 hands at Work to day.
17. 10 hands at work to day. The H<oist> frame & Mill beam were put up to day. Began also to raise Scaffolds for the Masons this day.
18th. Mr. Ball & his People went into the Woods again to get Scantling to carry on his work there not being sufft. for that purpose.
The scantling was being taken for the new mill from the land Thomas Hanson Marshall had agreed to give GW in exchange for the Maryland property GW had bought from Robert Alexander. This was the most convenient location from which to get the timber. However, because Alexander had not yet given Marshall either use of or title to the land in Maryland, the deal was still pending, and GW was obliged to pay Marshall £5 for the trees cut here. Most of the timber for the mill had been obtained during the previous summer from land belonging indisputably to GW (LEDGER A, 139; GW to Marshall, 16 Mar. 1770, DLC:GW).
Set of for Williamsburg to the Assembly.
Where & how my time is Spent
June 1st. Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbells (Williamsburg) and attended a Meeting of the Association at the Capitol at 6 Oclock & contd. there till Eleven Oclock.
At this general meeting, it was resolved "THAT a friendly Invitation be given to all Gentlemen Merchants, Traders, and others, to meet the associators, in Williamsburg, on Friday the 15th Instant, in order to consult and advise touching an ASSOCIATION, and to accede thereto in such Manner as may best answer the Purposes of the same" ( Va. Gaz., R, 31 May 1770).
2. Dined at the Club & spent the Evening in my own Room.
GW wrote to Jonathan Boucher on this date, telling him that he had discussed the proposed European tour with several gentlemen in town and they had confirmed his suspicion that the expense would exceed Jacky's income. But he did not close the door on the matter. He would gladly approve the trip, he said, if a way could be found to reduce its cost and to gain the concurrence of the General Court (GW to Boucher, 2--9 June 1770, NN).
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Consideration of the tour would drag on inconclusively for several months.
GW on this date paid accounts with a Williamsburg tailor and a blacksmith (LEDGER A, 318).
3. Dined at the Club and spent the Evening in my own Room.
The burgesses were again adjourned for Sunday (H.B.J., 1770--72, 44).
4. Dined at the Club and spent the Evening at the Councills Ball at the Capitol.
GW today paid Edmund Pendleton £1 1s. 6d. for a legal opinion on John West, Jr.'s agreement to sell his land adjoining Mount Vernon (LEDGER A, 318). The council's ball was held this evening in honor of the king's birthday. Attending, besides the members of the council, were the governor, the burgesses, and "the magistrates and other principal inhabitants" of Williamsburg ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 7 June 1770).
[5.] Dined at the Club & spent the Evening in my own Room.
6. Dined at the Club and spent the Evening in my own Room.
7. Dined with the Council and spent the Evening in my own Room.
8. Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
9. Had a cold Cut at Mrs. Campbells and went up to Eltham in the afternoon.
The burgesses adjourned today until Monday morning, 11 June (H.B.J., 1770--72, 61).
10. Dined at Eltham and in the Afternoon went to see Mrs. Dandridge & returnd to Eltham again.
11. Went over to Colo. Thos. Moores Sale & purchasd two Negroes--to Wit Frank & James & returnd to Eltham again at Night.
All of Moore's estate, including 26 slaves and about 1,000 acres of land on the Mattaponi River, was offered for sale at West Point today in order to pay some of his many debts ( Va. Gaz., R, 31 May 1770). The Negro Frank cost £31 and James, a boy, cost £55. GW also bought a bay mare at the sale for £8 5s. All sums were credited against Moore's debt to the Custis estate (LEDGER A, 204).
12. Came to Williamsburg to Breakfast. Dined at the Club and spent the Evening in my own Room.
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13. Dined at the Club and spent the Evening in my own Room.
GW on this date received £357 10s. in cash from Joseph Valentine, manager of the Custis plantations (LEDGER A, 318).
14. Dined at the Speakers and went to Bed by 8 Oclock.
15. Dined at the Treasurers and went to a meeting of the Association at which till 11 Oclock then wt. to Bed.
The treasurer of the colony today gave GW £70 on an order from Richard Starke, clerk of the committees of privileges and elections and of propositions and grievances. Starke had given this order to GW 21 Dec. 1769 to pay two years' rent on a house and lots belonging to Jacky Custis, where Starke's mother lived (LEDGER A, 303, 318; GW to Starke, 14 Dec. 1767, DLC:GW). The treasurer also gave GW £4 19s. 6d. on this date as his bounty for making hemp (LEDGER A, 318; see entry for 7 Aug. 1765).
16. Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Play in the Evening.
GW today paid 6s. 3d. to a blacksmith and spent 15s. 6d. for tickets and other expenses at the play (LEDGER A, 318).
The American Company of Comedians had arrived in town from Philadelphia on 13 June and today opened the theater with The Beggar's Opera and "other entertainments" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 14 June 1770). Written by the English playwright John Gay (1685--1732), The Beggar's Opera is a burlesque of conventional Italian opera, "a Newgate pastoral, among the whores and thieves there." It was first performed in 1728 and became one of the most popular plays of the century, being included in the repertoire of almost every English acting company (GAY, 1--4).
17. Went to Church in the Forenoon & from thence to Colo. Burwells where I dind & lodgd.
The day being Sunday, the burgesses did not meet (H.B.J., 1770--72, 77). GW probably attended Bruton Parish Church before going to dine at Kingsmill.
18. Came into Williamsburg in the Morning. Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the Afternoon.
In the House of Burgesses today a bill for dividing Frederick Parish was referred to a special committee of six members, one of whom was GW (H.B.J., 1770--72, 78--79). No expenses for the play appear under this date in GW's ledger, but he did record paying the jeweler James Craig £1 10s. for a pair of gold earrings for Patsy Custis and £2 15s. for other merchandise. GW also bought Patsy a tortoiseshell comb costing 3s. 7½d. (LEDGER A, 318; receipt from Craig, ViHi: Custis Papers; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
19. Dined at the Club and went to the Play.
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Playbill for a performance of The Beggar's Opera in Williamsburg. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
GW on this date spent 7s. 6d. for a play ticket and paid several small accounts in town: 5s. 7d. to Anthony Hay, £2 19s. 6d. to the printer William Rind, and 10s. to the saddler Alexander Craig (LEDGER A, 318).
20. Dined at the Presidents and went to the Play Afterwards.
The House of Burgesses on this date gave permission to GW and two other members to be absent for the remainder of the session (H.B.J., 1770--72, 83). GW spent £1 today for play tickets and discharged two old debts totaling almost £88: one for lottery tickets sold for the benefit of Bernard Moore and the other for shingles bought of John Washington of Suffolk (LEDGER A, 318).
21. Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbells at 8 Oclock & went to Bed directly after.
GW today received £60 15s. 6d. from the treasurer of the colony in payment for his burgess's wages and traveling expenses since 30 april 1769 (LEDGER A, 191, 303).
22. Dined at the Club and went to the Play after meeting the Associates at the Capitol.
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On this day a new nonimportation agreement was signed by 164 persons, including GW, and a copy was sent to Governor Botetourt. The new association, GW wrote to George W. Fairfax on 27 June, "is form'd, much upon the old plan, but more relax'd" (IaST). Previously prohibited items now to be allowed included barley, pork, sugar, pewter, trinkets and jewelry, plate and gold, bridles, and cheap hats, shoes, boots, and saddles. Price limitations on several types of cheap cloth were eased somewhat, but horses were added to the list of prohibited imports. To enforce the agreement, the associators in each county were to elect a committee of five men, who would inspect invoices and other papers relating to imports and publish the names of signers who violated the terms (a printed copy of the agreement is in DLC: GW). GW, like many Virginians, was not entirely pleased with this compromise plan, but he was satisfied that "it was the best that the friends to the cause coud obtain . . . and tho too much relaxd from the Spirit, with which a measure of this sort ought to be conducted, yet, will be attended with better effects (I expect) than the last; inasmuch as it will become general, & adopted by the Trade" (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 30 July 1770, IEN).
Joseph Valentine today paid GW £52 10s. in cash (LEDGER A, 318).
23. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & set off homewards after it--reaching Colo. Bassetts.
In the House of Burgesses today, the report of the committee on the bill to divide Frederick Parish was given by James Mercer of Hampshire County. The house accepted several amendments suggested by the committee and ordered the bill to be engrossed. It was passed on the following day and was approved by the council soon afterwards (H.B.J., 1770--72, 94, 96, 98; HENING, 8:425--28). Before GW left Williamsburg, he paid several more bills, including £2 for play tickets, probably for the previous day's performance; £3 7s. 6d. to his barber George Lafong; £16 13s. 4d. for lodging and food at Mrs. Campbell's tavern; and 14s. to the printers Alexander Purdie and John Dixon (LEDGER A, 318; receipt from Christiana Campbell, NNPM). The House of Burgesses remained in session until 28 June.
24. Dined at Todds bridge & lodged at Hubbards.
25. Breakfasted at the Bolling green. Dined at Colo. Lewis's and lodgd at my Mothers.
GW ate breakfast in Coleman's tavern. During the day he paid 8s. to a blacksmith and gave his mother 7s. (LEDGER A, 318).
26. Breakfasted at my Mothers and dined at home before three Oclock.
27. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner & to where my People were cuttg. Hay at the upper Meadow.
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A miniature of Col. Burwell Bassett by Charles Willson Peale. (Society of the Cincinnati, Anderson House Museum)
28. Rid into the Neck between breakfast and Dinner. Mr. Addison and Mr. Boucher, who came yesterday in the Afternoon went away today after Breakfast.
Jonathan Boucher had been installed as rector of St. Anne's Parish in Annapolis 12 June, and now, accompanied by his sponsor Rev. Henry Addison, he was returning to Caroline County to settle his affairs there (ST. ANN'S, 10:135; BOUCHER [1], 59--60). Mrs. Washington had by this time given her permission for Jacky to go with him to Annapolis, and GW today paid Boucher £75 on the boy's account (LEDGER A, 318).
29. Dined at Belvoir. Went on Board the Boston frigate to Drink Tea and returnd in the Afternoon.
The Boston was a British man-of-war commanded by Sir Thomas Adams. Sent from England to serve three years on station in American waters, she had arrived at Hampton in early March of this year ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 2 Nov. 1769 and 8 Mar. 1770).
30. Went into the Neck between breakfast and Dinner.
Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. Cloudy & Misty all day. In the Evening a pretty hard shower of Rain.
2. Clear & exceeding pleasant--being also Warm & growing.
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3. Clear & pleasantly warm. The Wind being at So. West & rather fresh in the Afternoon.
4. Clear in the forenoon but cloudy & lowering afterwards with the Wind westwardly.
5. Lowering Morning & sometimes slight Showers--with the Wind about Southwest.
6. Clear and pleasant with the wind Eastwardly, which occasiond towards Night a lowering sky & Cool Air.
7. Raining more or less all day & sometimes very hard. Wind Eastwardly but not very cool.
8. Cloudy & now and then Misty. In the Evening very hard rain. Wind abt. So. West.
9. Very warm with but little Wind & that southwardly. In the Eveng. a little Rain.
10. Winds variable in the Afternoon & all Night Rain.
11. Raining till 10 Oclock with the Wind at So. Et. Afterwards clear with little or no wind.
12. Clear and Cool. Wind Westwardly.
13. Wind Southwardly and very warm & sultry--especially in the Afternoon--with appears. of Rain.
14. Wind Northwardly, & Cool in the Morning--but warm afterwards.
15. Clear, and tolerably pleasant Afternoon somewhat Cool.
16. Clear & Pleasant forenoon. Appearances of Rain afterwards but none Fell.
17. Cloudy forenoon--but clear afterwards and very warm, wind Eastwardly.
18. Calm and clear till the Afternoon then Showers--but very hot.
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19. Warm and sometimes slight Showers.
20. Clear and Warmer in the Afternn.
21. Lowering Morning, but clear day and Warm.
22. Forenoon clear--Afternoon promising Rain, but none fell. Both very warm.
23. Very warm with Clouds and a little Rain at Night.
24. Cool & cloudy with a good deal of Rain about Noon. Wind fresh & variable.
25. Cool and clear. Wind Northwardly & fresh.
26. Clear and not very warm. Wind at So. West.
27. Clear and warm with the Wind Southwardly. Some appearances of Rain but none fell.
28. Lowering Morning but clear afterwards and Hott.
29. Clear and very warm. Wind being southwardly and but little of it.
30. Cooler than yesterday. Wind being fresh from the westward.
Remarks & Occurans. in June
June 25. Began to cut my Meadow at Doeg Run Quarter.
29. Finish'd it, & got the Hay all Stack'd.
30. Got my Mill Walls up to the 2d. Floor of the House--and then quitted it for Harvest.
Began my Wheat Harvest in the Neck.
This fragment of remarks and occurrences is in the possession of the superintendent of schools, Exeter, N.H.
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Where & how my time is Spent
July 1st. At home--Sir Thomas Adams--the two Colo. Fairfax's & Mr. Waker a Midshipman dined here.
2. Went into my Wheat field before diner. Mr. Davis a Midshipman dined here.
3. One of the Bostons Midshipmen breakfasted here. Between breakfast and Dinner I went into my Harvest field.
4. Went into my Harvest field between breakfast and Dinner.
5. Sir Thomas Adams and Mr. Glasford his first Lieutt. Breakfasted here. Sir Thos. returnd after it, but Mr. Glasford dined here as did the 2 Lieutt. Mr. Sartell Mr. Johnston of Marines Mr. Norris 8: Mr. Richmore--two Midshipmen.
6. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar came to dinner. Mr. Wallace Burser to the Boston came in the Afternoon & purchased & Killed my Bull--the 4 quarters of which weighed 710 lbs. Nett.
MY BULL: see "Remarks" entry for 6 July 1770.
7. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Edward Smith came.
This visitor may be Edward Smith (1752--1826), a son of John Smith of Cabin Point (TYLER [2], 49, 99--100).
8. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Smith went to Colo. Fairfax's & returnd to Dinner & Mr. Stedlar went away after Breakft.
GW had paid Stedlar £21 10s. on the previous day for music lessons given to Jacky and Patsy Custis. Today he let Patsy have £2 2s. pocket money and her friend Milly Posey £s. 6d. (LEDGER A, 319).
9. Warm with but little Wind & that Southwardly. Rid to Belvoir to Breakfast in order to take leave of Sir Thos. Adams & Colo. R. Fairfax who was going to the Springs. Returnd by the Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantations to Dinr.
10. Clear and pleasant. In the Afternoon rid to the Harvest field at Muddy hole. On my return found Mr. Montgomerie & Sally Carlyle here.
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11. Mr. Montgomerie went away about 11 Oclock. Mr. Christian & all his scholars except Miss French came here to Dancing--also Miss Bronaugh.
Elizabeth French, daughter of Daniel and Penelope Manley French, was a "celebrated Fortune . . . whom half the world was in pursuit of" for, as her father's only child, she would eventually bring all his land and wealth to the young man who married her (GW to Burwell Bassett, 15 Feb. 1773, NjMoNP). Elizabeth Bronaugh (1738--1805) of Prince William County, a cousin of George Mason, later became Rev. Lee Massey's third wife (HAYDEN, 534).
2. Rid to my Harvest field at Muddy hole. Upon my return to Dinner found Mrs. Ambler & her daughter here who dind & went away afterwards.
Mary Cary Ambler (1732/33--1781) of Jamestown was a younger sister of Sally Fairfax and the widow of Edward Ambler (1732--1768). Mrs. Ambler and her daughter Sarah (1760--1782) were at this time visiting the Fairfaxes at Belvoir (CARY, 108).
13. Mr. Christian and all his Scholars except Peggy Massey went away. I rid to the Harvest field at M. Hole.
Peggy Massey was a daughter of Rev. Lee Massey (DLC: Toner Collection).
14. Rid to my Harvest People at the Mill in the forenoon & in the afternn. likewise with Mrs. W., Peggy Massey & P[atsy].
15. At home all day alone except Miss Massey being here.
16. Went to Alexandria to Court and returnd again in the Afternoon.
The court met only on this day in July. Because the governor and his council had issued a new commission of the peace for the Fairfax County court on 13 June, GW and the other justices present today took their oaths of office again as they were required to do (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 48--49, Vi Microfilm; VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:348). Commissions were reissued from time to time in order to add the names of new justices and eliminate those of the inactive or deceased.
While GW was in town today he settled his tax account with William Adams, sheriff for Fairfax Parish, and George Darrell, sub-sheriff for Truro Parish. This year he paid 658 pounds of tobacco to the colony for 94 tithables at 7 pounds each, 846 pounds to Fairfax County for the same number of tithables at 9 pounds each, 1,000 pounds to Fairfax Parish for 20 tithables at 50 pounds each, and 4,662 pounds to Truro Parish for 74 tithables at 63 pounds each, or a total of 7,166 pounds of tobacco for his personal taxes this year. He also paid £1 10s. cash for the public tax on his chariot and chair and £2 16s. cash for miscellaneous fees (LEDGER A, 293, 319).
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17. At home all day. Major Wagener dined here, & went away in the Afternn.
18. Rid to Harvest People at Doeg Run & returnd to Dinner.
19. At home all day. Alone--except P[eggy] M[assey].
20. Was riding out to the Mill &ca. met an Augusta Man with Horses with whom I returnd & purchasd four.
In GW's ledger entry for this date, he records purchasing horses from two men: David McCrae, two horses for £21 4s., and Samuel McChesney, two horses for £13 10s. (LEDGER A, 319). McChesney was a trader in Augusta County about this time ( Va. Gaz., Pi, 9 Feb. 1775).
21. At home alone.
22. At home all day alone except that Miss Massey, still here & Mr. Semple came just after we had dind & went away after dinner was got for him.
23. Miss Massey went away, and in the Evening Mr. Boucher, Majr. Taylor and Jackey Custis came here.
Boucher was now moving from Caroline County to Annapolis, where Jacky, as had been agreed, was going also to continue his studies under Boucher's direction. Major Taylor may be James Taylor (1732--1814), Caroline County sheriff and militia officer (GRINNAN, 366--67; VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:331; CAMPBELL [1], 369--70).
24. Colo. Fairfax & Lady and Mrs. Ambler dined here--with the Gentlemen that came yesterday & went away after.
25. Mr. Boucher & Major Taylor went away after Breakfast. Mr. Alexander (Robt.) who lodged here Last Night and went over to give Notice to his Tenant of Mr. Marshalls want of part of his Tenement dined here and went home afterwards.
Alexander's notice was a legal warning to the planter who was renting Mrs. Alexander's Maryland land that before the end of the year he would have to vacate the portion that GW had bought to exchange with Thomas Hanson Marshall. Marshall may have begun to use the property in 1772 (GW to Lund Washington, 18 Dec. 1778, DLC:GW). Nevertheless, the exchange still could nor be concluded because Alexander would not give Marshall a deed, claiming that his wife refused to consent to the transaction of her own free will as required by law. GW admonished Alexander for not prevailing on her "to do an act of justice, in fulfilling his Bargains and complying with his wishes," but the matter remained unresolved until 1779, when Lund
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Washington, acting on GW's behalf, bought all Marshall's approximately 480½ acres of land adjoining Mount Vernon for £5,304 in the inflated Virginia currency of the war years (GW to Alexander, 20 Mar. 1777, DLC:GW; deed from GW to Lund Washington, 25 Feb. 1785, Fairfax County Deeds, Book P-1, 415--17, Vi Microfilm). The £500 that GW had given Alexander for the Maryland land was charged to Alexander's account with interest and was finally repaid in 1789 by Col. William Lyles of Alexandria, who had assumed the debt (LEDGER B, 41, 361).
26. Jackey Custis went away after Breakfast to Annapolis to School.
Jacky took £2 13s. pocket money with him (LEDGER A, 319).
27. Went with Mrs. Washington and Patcy Custis to Belvoir to Dinner and returned in the Afternoon.
28. Went up to Alexandria with the Association Papers. Dined at Mr. Ramsays calld at Mr. Jno. Wests and returnd home in the Evening.
GW was apparently taking printed copies of the nonimportation agreement to Alexandria to be circulated and signed. At least 333 signatures were eventually obtained, and sometime before 11 Oct. an association committee was elected for the county. Its members were GW, George Mason, John West, Peter Wagener, and John Dalton ( Va. Gaz., R, 11 Oct. 1770; six signed copies of the agreement are in DLC:GW, and one is in DLC: U.S. Broadsides).
29. Captn. Ingles, and his Master, Mr. Bruce and Mr. John West dind here. All of whom returnd afterwards.
CAPTN. INGLES: probably Samuel Inglis, a Norfolk merchant who dealt in flour, wheat, corn, hemp, and West Indian goods ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 24 Jan. 1771, 7 July 1774, and P, 26 May 1775). There was a Captain Inglis of the British navy serving in American waters at this time as commander of the armed schooner Sultana, but he apparently visited Virginia only in the falls of 1769 and 1770 ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 2 Nov. 1769, 18 Oct. 1770; R, 29 Nov. 1770). Several Captain Bruces skippered merchant vessels in the colonial trade before the Revolution, including the impetuous James Bruce, captain of one of the ships involved in the Boston Tea Party of 1773 (ship list for Hampton, P.R.O., C.O.5/1350, ft. 9--10; Va. Gaz., P&D, 15 Sept. 1768, 31 Jan. 1771, and D&H, 11 Oct. 1776; LABAREE [2], 137).
30. After an Early Dinner (which Mr. Peake took with us), we set of for Fredericksburg that is Mrs. Washington, P. Custis & myself. Reachd Mr. Lawson's.
GW had asked the original officers of the Virginia Regiment to meet him at Fredericksburg 1 Aug. to discuss matters relating to bounty lands in the Ohio Valley that Gov. Robert Dinwiddie had promised members of the regiment
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in 1754 in order to encourage enlistment during the French and Indian War ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 21 June 1770; Proclamation, 19 Feb. 1754, P.R.O., C.O.5/ 1348, 334--36). Surveying and distribution of the lands had been delayed first by war and then by the Royal Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. However, much of the territory was opened by treaties signed with the Indians at Hard Labour and Fort Stanwix in 1768. In Dec. 1769 GW brought the Virginia soldiers' claims to the attention of the current Virginia governor, Lord Botetourt (8 Dec. 1769, DLC:GW), and in the same month presented the governor and the council a petition "in behalf of himself and the Officers and Soldiers who first imbarked in the service of this Colony . . . praying that the Two Hundred Thousand Acres of land which was given to them by Governor Dinwiddie's Proclamation . . . may be allotted to them, in one or more Surveys, on the Monongahela and its waters from the long narrows to or above a place commonly called the great Canhawa [Kanawha]" (VA. EXEG. JLS., 6:337).
The council agreed to the petition, specifying that the grant should be limited to veterans who had entered the service before the battle at Great Meadows in July 1754 and that the 200,000 acres should be "taken up in one or more Surveys, not exceeding twenty, on the great Canhawa and the other places particularized in their Petition so as not to interfere with prior Settlements or surveys actually and legally made." It was also suggested that GW should arrange for a surveyor and insert a notice in the Virginia Gazette requiring eligible officers and soldiers to present their claims to him (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:338). GW advertised for the claims in Purdie and Dixon's newspaper 21 Dec. 1769 and in Rind's newspaper every week from 28 Dec. 1769 to 26 Apr. 1770 (LEDGER A, 322). However, he decided that before beginning the expensive and troublesome business of surveying, he must assemble the officers "to consert measures how we shall proceed" (Andrew Lewis to GW, 1 Mar. 1770, ViU). The meeting at Fredericksburg was the result of that decision.
31. Got to my Mothers to Dinner and staid there all Night.
Patsy Custis became gravely ill today, suffering not only from "her old complaint" of epilepsy, but also "ague and fever" (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 15 Aug. 1770, excerpt, American Art Assoc. Catalogue, 21--22 Jan. 1926, item 294). Dr. Hugh Mercer of Fredericksburg was promptly summoned to Ferry Farm, where he bled the patient and gave her medicines. Patsy remained under his care until the family returned home nine days later (receipt from Mercer, 8 Aug. 1770, Villi: Custis Papers). The grip that epilepsy now had on Patsy is documented by a record of her seizures that GW kept 29 June-22 Sept. 1770 on the margins of the printed calendar pages in his almanac. Of the 86 days included in that period, Patsy had "fits" on 26, often two a day. For 31 July GW entered the notation "1 very bad Do.," indicating the exceptional severity of this day's attack.
Acct. of the Weather in July
July 1st. Lowering Morning and wind at East. Abt. 12 Oclock it began to Rain & continued to do so till after 3 Oclock.
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2. Cloudy Morning but afterwards clear & warm. Then thunder but no Rain.
3. Clear & very Cool--the Wind being at No. West & fresh.
4. Also clear but not so Cool as Yesterday. Wind in the same place but not fresh.
5. Cloudy & lowering all day--but no Rain. Wind Southwardly.
6. Cloudy & misty all day with some pretty smart showers of Rain. Wind still to the Southward.
7. Raining more or less till 3 Oclock then clear. With but little Wind.
8. Clear and pleasant with but little wind and that Southwardly.
9. Clear and Warm--with but little wind and that Southwardly.
10. Clear and tolerably pleasant not being warm. Wind Southwardly.
11. Clear & warm--especially in the afternoon. There being but little wind & that Southwardly.
12. Warm with thunder at the forenoon & moderate Rain (a good deal of it) in the Afternoon with hard thunder.
13. Still warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
14. Clear and Warm the Wind being Southwardly.
15. Warm, and clear notwithstanding the Wind blew fresh from the Eastward.
16. Clear and Warm. Wind Southwardly.
17. Rather lowering all day with appearances of Rain--but none fell--tho it thunderd a little in the Afternoon.
18. Hot and Sultry with but little [wind] and that Southwardly.
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19. Very hot and Sultry with but little wind.
20. Exceeding hot and Sultry with a southerly Breeze.
21 Also very hot with a black Cloud to the westward and great appearance [of rain]--but none fell here.
22. Clear and Warm in the forenoon with a Black Cloud to the Westward but no Rain here.
23. Again appearances of Rain to the Westward with only a sprinkle here.
24. Clear and Warm all day with but little Wind.
25. Light showers in the afternoon and sevl. of them but not sufft. to wet the Ground.
26. Sevl. very fine Showers but rather heavy in the Afternoon from the Southwest. With wind.
27. Clear and warm with but little Wind--that Northwardly.
28. Very warm. Wind Southwardly in the Afternoon Thunder, lightning and Rain.
29. Clear and Warm. Wind Southwardly again.
30. Exceedingly warm--especially in the Afternoon there being but little wind & that Southwardly.
31. Again very warm & still--especially in the Evening and Night.
Remarks & Occuran. in July
July 2. Prosecuting my wheat Harvest which I began on Saturday last in the Neck.
5. Stately A Hound Bitch was lind by Jowler.
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6. She was again lined by the same Dog. I killed and sold my English Bull to the Boston's Crew at 20/. p. Ct. His 4 Quarters weighd 711 lbs. Nett.
The Boston's purser paid GW £7 2s. in cash for the bull. GW had bought an English bull, probably this one, in Dec. 1765 for £3 (LEDGER A, 222, 318).
10. About Ten Oclock finished Cutting and Securing my Wheat in the Neck and about Eleven began the field at Muddy hole.
13. Finished cutting and Securing my Wheat at Muddy hole.
14. Began my Harvest at the Mill but did not quite finish the field on the other side by the New Mill.
17. Finished my Harvest at the Mill about 10 or 11 Oclock and began to cut the Wheat at Doeg Run Abt, 12 Oclock.
20. Compleated my Wheat Harvest altogether & exceeding bad I am apprehensive it will turn out--owing I am of opinion to the frequent Rains in the Month of June. The Heads containd but few grains--the Grain but little flower being for the most part perishd and Milldewed. The frequent Rains had by beating down the straw been the occasion of much loss in the Field both by shattering and unclean cutting & to compleat all I was too late in beginning my Harvest by 3 or 4 day as it ought where a Harvest is to continue 3 Weeks to be begun always before it is ripe as the loss in the shrinkage of Green Wheat is not equal to that of its shattering & various other Accidents when it is over-ripe & the straw falling.
23. Began to Cut my Meadw. at the Mill.
31st. Finished Do. Also laid the 2d. Floor of my Mill.
Where & how my time is Spent
Augt. 1. Dined at my Mother's. Went over to Fredericksburg afterwards & returnd in the Evening back again.
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2. Met the Officers of the first Virga. Troops at Captn. Weedens where we dined & did not finish till abt. Sun set. Mrs. Washington & Patcy dind at Colo. Lewis's where we lodgd.
Meeting a day later than scheduled, the officers and representatives of officers who were present accepted William Crawford as surveyor for the veterans' bounty lands and resolved that GW should make a journey to the Ohio Valley with Crawford and Dr. James Craik to locate the best areas for the surveys. It was also agreed that the costs involved would be divided proportionately among the officers according to their original ranks, the field officers paying the most and the subalterns the least. GW was empowered to begin collecting the money immediately (minutes of the officers of the Virginia Regiment, 5 Mar. 1771, DLC:GW; LEDGER A, 322).
3. Dined at my Brother Charles's--spent the Evening there & lodgd at Colo. Lew(is).
Charles Washington was now a leading citizen of Fredericksburg, being both a vestryman of St. George's Parish and a Spotsylvania County justice. He owned at least 759 acres of land in the county outside Fredericksburg, and in Aug. 1761 he had bought lots numbered 87 and 88 in town for £80 from Warner Lewis of Gloucester County (deed of Charles and Mildred Washington to Thomas Strachan, 20 April 1780, and deed of Lewis to Charles Washington, 3 Aug. 1761, CROZIER [2], 222, 353). Located on Fauquier Street between Princess Ann and Caroline streets, those lots include the site of the Rising Sun Tavern, which according to popular tradition Charles Washington built and operated (WAYLAND [1], 153--55).
GW today paid James Hunter of King George County £10 5s. for "Mill spindles Gudgeons &ca." to be used in his new mill. This sum was apparently the balance due for the parts, because about six weeks earlier GW had sent Hunter £15 on account of the mill (LEDGER A, 318, 319).
4. Dined at the Barbicue with a great deal of other Company and stayd there till Sunset.
5. Went to Church (in Fredg.) and dind with Colo. Lewis.
St. George's Church, built in 1732, had as its minister at this time James Marye, Jr. (1731--1780), who had succeeded his father as parish rector in 1767 (MEADE [1], 68--69).
6. Dined with Mr. James Mercer.
James Mercer (1735--1793), a younger brother of Lt. Col. George Mercer but no relation of Hugh Mercer, was a prominent Fredericksburg lawyer. Educated at the College of William and Mary, he served 1762--76 as a burgess from Hampshire County, where he owned land (GARNETT [1], 90). During 1769 he had bought five lots in Fredericksburg: two from GW, and three, including the ones on which his house and his study stood, from Fielding Lewis (deed of Lewis to Mercer,
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4 Sept. 1769, and deed of GW to Mercer, 13 Oct. 1769, CROZIER [2], 268--70). James Mercer had probably attended the meeting at Weedon's tavern on Aug., because although he had not been a member of the original Virginia Regiment, he was now handling the affairs of his brother George, who had joined the regiment in 1754 and was now living in England.
7. Dined at Colo. Lewis's--Colo. Dangerfield & Lady & Miss Boucher comg. there to see us.
COLO. DANGERFIELD & LADY: possibly Col. William and Sarah Taliaferro Daingerfield, of Belvidera, just south of Fredericksburg. But more likely they are Col. William's first cousin, also a Col. William, and his wife, Mary Willis Daingerfield (d. 1781), of Coventry in Spotsylvania County. It was this William who served with GW in the Virginia Regiment (see entry for 3 May 1762). Mary Willis Daingerfield was a granddaughter of GW's uncle by marriage, Col. Henry Willis. The Daingerfields' daughter Catherine later married George Lewis, son of Fielding and Betty Lewis. Miss Jane Boucher (1742--1794) lived with her older brother, Rev. Jonathan Boucher.
While the Washingtons were in Fredericksburg they purchased clothing and other items. Today GW bought silk and earrings for Patsy, paid George Weedon £6 for a tent and a marquee, and had a watch repaired for 5s. He also visited a barber and clubbed at Weedon's tavern in the evening (LEDGER a, 319).
8. Dined at Colo. Lewis's.
GW apparently clubbed at Weedon's again this evening and played cards, winning 5s. (LEDGER A, 320).
9. Breakfasted at my Mothers--dined at Dumfries & came home by Night.
10. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run and the Mill.
11. Rid into the Neck.
12. Rid to Belvoir after Dinner to see Sir Thos. Adams who was sick there.
Adams's frigate, the Boston, returned to Hampton Roads without him, while he tried to recover his health at Belvoir. He rejoined the vessel in early September and sailed her soon afterwards to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he died in October ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Sept. and 18 Oct. 1770, and R, 1 Nov. 1770).
13. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill.
14. At home all day writing Invoices and Letters.
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GW was again preparing invoices to be sent to Robert Cary & Co. in London. In his covering letter dated 20 Aug. 1770, he complained about the cost and quality of goods he had received from the company and about the prices paid for tobacco from the Custis plantations. He also noted that some of the items on his enclosed invoices were currently prohibited by the Virginia association and were to be sent only if the Townshend Acts were totally repealed before his goods were shipped, "as it will not be in my power to receive any Articles contrary to our Non-Importation Agreement, to which I have Subscribd, & shall religiously adhere to, if it was, as I coud wish it to be, ten times as strict" (DLC:GW).
15. Rid to the Mill--by the Ferry and returnd to Dinner. Miss Betty Dalton came here.
16. Rid to the Mill and to the Ditchers.
17. At home all day.
18. Rid to the Mill-Ditchers-Doeg run and Muddy hole.
19. Went to Pohick Church. Calld in our way at Belvoir to take leave of Sir Thos. Returnd to Dinner.
20. Went up to Alexandria to Court. Returnd in the Evening with Jacky Custis & Mr. Magowan.
The August court was in session 20--23 Aug. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 49--77, Vi Microfilm).
Jacky came from Annapolis to attend dancing lessons that Christian was to give during the next few days at a neighbor's house. On his way home he had visited Magowan on the West River, and his former tutor had then accompanied him to Mount Vernon (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 15 Aug. 1770, excerpt, American Art Assoc. Catalogue, 21--22 Jan. 1926, item 294; Jonathan Boucher to GW, 18 Aug. 1770, DLC:GW).
21. Went up to Court again and returnd in the Afternoon. Found Mr. Beal here along with Mr. Magowan.
Many members of the Beall family were living at this time in Prince George's and Frederick counties, Md. (BRUMBAUGH, 1--89. 177--257). The Mr. Beall who was at Mount Vernon today was probably Samuel Beall, Jr. (17401825), of Frederick County (see main entry for 27 Aug. 1770; MASON [2], 1:xxxiv; BEALL, 79--82).
22. Mr. Beal went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
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23. I went up to Alexandria calling by Mr. Jno. Wests going & coming. Returnd again at Night--with Mr. B. Fairfax.
GW was again going to court, arriving there near the end of this day's proceedings (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 76, Vi Microfilm).
24. Went out a huntg. with Mr. Fairfax. Killd a young fox without running him and returnd to Dinner. Doctr. Rumney dind here & lodged.
25. Mr. Fairfax--Doctr. Rumney--Mr. Magowan and Jacky Custis all went away after Breakfast. I rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole.
Jacky was returning to school in Annapolis.
26. At home all day alone.
27. Went by my Mill & Doeg Run to Colchesters--there to settle a dispute betwen. Doctr. Ross & Company & Mr. Semple.
In Feb. 1763 Dr. David Ross of Bladensburg, Md., became a partner with Richard Henderson of Bladensburg and Samuel Beall, Jr., and Joseph Chapline (d. 1769), both of Frederick County, Md., in a company that built and operated the Antietam (or Frederick) ironworks on the Potomac River near the mouth of Antietam Creek (SINGEWALD, 144--45). By 1770 John Semple was selling pig iron from his Keep Triste furnace to the forge at the Antietam works, and those sales may have led to this dispute with Dr. Ross and his company (proposal of John Scruple on Potomac navigation, c.1770, MnHi). But the quarrel probably concerned rights to ore deposits or land, possibly the Merryland tract Semple had bought from Thomas Colvill in 1765 (GW to John Rumney, 24 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW). GW was assisted in arbitrating the dispute by George Mason; Robert Mundell, a merchant from Port Tobacco, Md.; and Hector Ross of Colchester, who was no relation to Dr. Ross. After meeting for six days the arbitrators were unable to resolve the matter and adjourned until 24 Jan. 1771.
28. At Colchester all day--upon the same business.
29. Still at Colchester upon this Affair Colo. Lewis My Sister & Brothr. Chas. passd this in their way to Mount Vernon.
On this date GW paid Dr. Ross £38 1s. 9½d. Maryland currency for about 3,000 pounds of iron (LEDGER A, 320).
30. Still at Colchester upon the business before mentioned.
31. At the same place and on the same business.
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Acct. of the Weather in August
Augt. 1. Clear with the Wind very fresh from the So. West but very warm notwithstanding.
2. Again very warm with a brisk westwardly breeze.
3. More moderate--the Wind being Northwardly--cloudy with some thunder but no Rain.
4. Warm again but no appearance of Rain tho the wind was favourable for it.
5. Very warm but clear and little wind--that southwardly.
6. Clear and Warm--with but little [ ].
7. Clear in the Morning but very cloudy and like for Rain afterwards--tho little or none fell. Wind Eastwardly.
8. Cool and Clear. Wind fresh from the Northwest.
9. Clear and cool wind still continuing Northwardly.
10. Something warmer with but little wind.
11. Warm again--with some slight appearances of Rain.
Warm and still with Clouds.
13. Wind abt. So. West afterwards Shifting Eastwardly & blewg. fresh.
14. Cloudy all day. In the afternoon a hard shower of Rain for a few Minutes.
15. Cloudy all day with a good deal of Rain about but little or none fell here.
16. Some Rain again [in] the Night with hard winds.
17. Showery in the Morning and abt. in Places all day but little here.
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18. Very Cloudy all day at least the forepart of it but clear afterwards. Ground by this got thoroughly wet.
19. Showers again with the Wind fresh from the southward.
20. Very warm all Day. In the Night a good deal of Rain and a sudden change in the Air.
21. Very Cool and Cloudy. Wind being Northwardly & Eastwardly.
22. Cloudy & very cool all day. Being a close & constant Rain. Wind Eastwardly.
23. Warmer, Wind being Southwardly. Morning Misty & cloudy all day.
24. Misty Morning, and sometimes slight showers in the forenoon but clear & warm afternoon.
25. Cloudy generally through the day with the Wind pretty brisk from the Southwest especialy in the Morning.
26. Clear and Warm wind being still to the Southward.
27. Very Hot & even Sultry in the Evening with Clouds to the westward & some Rain.
28. Still warm but not so hot as yesterday. Raining most part of the Night.
29. Raining in the Morning but clear & cool afterwards.
30. Very cool. Wind being at No. West.
31. A Slight frost in the Morning but clear and cool all day.
Remarks & Occurances Augt.
Augt. 1. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole--the Ground Grassy & in bad order.
Began to Sow Ditto at Doeg Run Quarter where the Ground was exceeding foul, Grassy, & hard.
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8. Began to sow Wheat in the Neck in that Cut upon the Creek above Carneys Gut. The Ground here was tolerably clear and in Good Order the Grass and Weeds being Choped over.
Carney's Gut, named for GW's former tenant John Carney, is on the east side of Little Hunting Creek a short distance above the creek's mouth (see illus., p. 3).
10 & 11th. I rid over all my Corn Ground as well that in the Neck as those at Muddy hole & Doeg Run, and was surprizd to see how much it had fired; especially in Land that was any thing Stiff and poor. It was observable also, that in most of these places there appeard no shoots upon the Stalks and upon the whole the prospect [was] exceedingly shocking. It is further to be observd, that the Corn, in flat stiff places was fired even where it had not been lately workd but more so where it was. Why Corn in so short a droughth shoud fire so badly is difficult to Acct. for Unless it is owning to the great and frequent Rains which fell all the first part of the year and at the same time that it made the Corn Luxurient & exceeding tender baked the Ground hard & prevented the frequent and constant working of it that it ought to have had.
Nothing appears [more] clearly from the experience of this year than that a wet June is very injurious to both Corn and Wheat. The former is run too much into stalk by it--made tender & unable to stand the droughts which follow after & besides this is generally overcome with grass and Weeds. The Latter (that is Wheat) by being injurd in the blossom produces poor perished grain & but little of it--the head being subject to the spot & other defects.
My Corn this year has not been so well cultivated as it ought wch. partly has been owing to two causes--first the exceeding wet weather all the Month of June prevented my Plows from working constantly where the Land was level and next my force of Horses was rather inadequate to the Task & I think more than 35 or 40 Acres of Corn Land (where it is any thing stiff) ought not to be allotted to a plow and two middling good Horses. Finishd Sowg. the Cut upon the Creek above Carneys Gut. Finished the Remainder of that Cut on the other side the Gut.
17. Finished the Cut at Doeg Run abt. John Gists Houses.
25. I examined my Corn fields & perceivd that the late Rains had made a great alteration for the better. Many stalks were
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putting out entire New Shoots with young and tender Silk--but as the Tassels of most of all the Corn (especially in that field in the Neck) was entirely dry. The question is whether the Corn for want of the Farina will ever fill. This is a matter worthy of attention & should be observed accordingly.
29. The Rain that Fell last Night made the Ground too wet for plowing.
Where & how my time is Spent
Septr. 1st. Returnd from the Arbitration at Colchester. In the Evening my Brothr. Saml. & his wife & children came hither from Fredericksburg in their way to Frederick.
Samuel Washington, the brother of George Washington. (Dr. and Mrs. John A. Washington)
Charles Washington. From an unknown original reproduced in Charles H. Callahan, Washington the Man and the Mason, Washington, D.C., 1913. (University of Virginia Library)
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Samuel Washington moved his family about this time to Harewood in Frederick County, where he lived until his death in 1781 (see "Remarks" entry for 6 Oct. 1770). His present wife was his fourth, Anne Steptoe Washington, daughter of Col. James Steptoe of Westmoreland County and widow of Willoughby Allerton (d. 1759), also of Westmoreland. The children who came today were probably Thornton Washington (c. 1760--1787), Samuel's son by his second wife Mildred Thornton Washington, and Ferdinand Washington (1767--1788), his eldest surviving son by Anne Steptoe Washington, but there may have been others (WAYLAND [1], 143).
2. At home all day with the Company before Mentioned. Mr. Adam's Miller came here & went to see my Mill.
3. Went in the Evening a fishing with my Brothers Saml. & Charles.
4. Rid to My Mill and back to Dinner.
5. At Home all day playing Cards.
6. Rid to the Mill with Colo. Lewis &ca. returnd to Dinner.
7. Went a fishing into the Mouth of Doegs Creek.
8. A Fishing along towards Sheridine Point. Dined upon the Point.
Sheridine Point (now called Sheridan Point) is on the Potomac about a mile above the mouth of Little Hunting Creek. Part of GW's Clifton's Neck property, it was apparently so named because it was part of the plantation that John Sheridine, Sr., was renting from GW. The point was at this time the site of a fishing landing.
9. Colo. Lewis, my Sister & Brother Charles went away. At Home all day.
10. My Brothr. Saml. & self rid to the Mill & Back to Dinner.
11. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers again.
12. Rid to the Mill & Ditchers. Mr. Christian & his Scholars came here to Dancing.
Jacky Custis had again come home from Annapolis for dancing lessons (John Parke Custis to GW, 30 Aug. 1770, PHi: Gratz Collection).
13. Rid to the Mill Ditchers & Morris and Muddy hole--also the Mill in the Afternoon. Mr. Christian went away this afternoon.
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George Washington enjoyed fishing with friends, a pastime suggested by this contemporary print. From The Sportsman's Dictionary, London, 1735. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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14. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers in the forenoon with my Brother. In the Afternoon went a fishing.
15. Rid to Alexandria with my Brothr. & returnd to Dinner.
16. At home all day. My Brothr. Sam. and his wife set of in my Chariot for his House in Fredk. Mr. Renney came here this afternoon.
Rev. Robert Renney (d. 1774) served St. Margaret's Church, Westminster Parish, Anne Arundel County, Md., 1767--74 (RIGHTMYER, 209).
17. Went up to Court, and returnd in the Evening with Mr. Nash & Mr. Peachy.
The court met 17--20 Sept. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 78--97, Vi Microfilm). In Alexandria on this day Hector Ross put some of John Ballendine's property up for sale to the highest bidder to settle debts that Ballendine owed him. To be sold were 17 slaves, including 9 skilled craftsmen, and a tract of about 400 acres of land near the Little Falls of the Potomac ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 30 Aug. 1770).
MR. NASH: probably one of the several Nashes living in Richmond County at this time, but he could be Col. John Nash, Jr., a prominent citizen of Prince Edward County (RICHMOND COUNTY, 186--87; HENNEMAN, 6:175). MR. PEACHY: probably Col. William Peachey (1729--1802) of Richmond County, but possibly one of his brothers: Samuel Peachey (b. 1732) of Prince William or Essex County; Thomas Griffin Peachey (1734--1810), clerk of Amherst County; or LeRoy Peachey (b. 1736), clerk of Richmond County. William Peachey had been a captain under GW in the Virginia Regiment and was now adjutant general of militia for the colony's Middle District, the area between the James and Rappahannock rivers east of the Blue Ridge (KEEPER, 38--41 n.33; Va. Gaz., P&D, 11 May 1769; R, 15 Feb. 1770; and R, 14 Feb. 1771).
18. Mr. Renny & Jacky Custis set out for Annapolis. Mr. Nash &ca. went home & I to Court again & returnd in the afternoon.
Jacky had received 17s. pocket money on the previous day (LEDGER A, 320). GW was late in arriving for this day's court session (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 81, Vi Microfilm).
GW today began to rent from John West, Jr., the undisputed part of the land near Mount Vernon that West had earlier promised to sell him. The rent of this tract of about 200 acres was fixed at £12 10s. a year, and GW was to be allowed to take timber off the land as he pleased. West's earlier agreement to sell all the land to GW at 43s. an acre, after the conclusion of West's suit with Posey, was still in force, and West today specifically reaffirmed his promise to include Posey's small strip in the sale if he should recover it. The case was to be heard before the General Court in Williamsburg this fall (agreement of West with GW, 18 Sept. 1770, PHi: Gratz Collection).
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19. Rid to the Mill & Ditchers & come home to Dinner.
20. Rid to the Mill & Ditchers again & went by Poseys. Doctr. Rumney came.
21. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers. Doctr. Rumney went away.
Before Rumney left, GW paid him for services and medicines furnished since February: £6 4s. 6d. on his own account, £5 is, for Patsy Custis, and £1 for Fielding Lewis (LEDGER A, 320).
22. Rid to my Mill in the forenoon & afternoon. James McCarmack came here last Night & returnd today.
On this day GW docked Jonathan Palmer £5 for "Six Weeks lost by Sickness and going to Loudoun Court" (LEDGER A, 294). He then renegotiated his contract with Palmer, which was renewed annually through 1773. In June 1774 Palmer returned to help bring in the wheat harvest at a wage of 5s. per day (LEDGER B, 28).
James McCormack (died c.1789) had served under GW in the Virginia Regiment during 1754 and now lived with his wife Mercy, widow of Joshua Hains, on Bullskin Run in Frederick County (VIRKUS, 5:471; TORRENCE, 271).
23. At Home all day Mr. Campbell and Captn. Sanford dind here.
Capt. Lawrence Sanford, a shipmaster who had been sailing out of Alexandria for the past six years, currently commanded the brig Swift of Alexandria owned by Joseph Thompson & Co. (Sanford's deposition, 19 Oct. 1779, NAVAL OFFICE, 294--95; ship lists for South Potomac Naval District, P.R.O., C.O.5/1450, ff. 39--41, and C.O.5/1349, f. 207). He had taken a shipment of fish to the West Indies for GW during the previous year and today was arranging to take some herring jointly owned by GW and Matthew Campbell to Jamaica for sale (GW to Sanford, 26 Sept. 1769, DLC:GW). On 26 Sept. GW instructed Sanford by letter to bring him some West Indian goods on the return voyage: a hogshead of rum, a "Barrel of good Spirits," 200 pounds of coffee, 200 pounds of sugar, and 100 or 200 oranges "if to be had good." Those items were to be paid for out of GW's share of the herring sales, his balance to be rendered in cash (DLC:GW). The Swift returned with GW's goods a few months later, but GW received no cash balance, because the cost of his goods, £50 10s. 1d., exceeded his eventual proceeds from the deal, £40 15s. 9d. (Robert McMickan to GW, 7 Dec. 1770, MiU-C: Haskell Collection; Robert McMickan & Co.'s account with GW, 6 Dec. 1770--16 Feb. 1771, ViMtV).
24. At home all day alone.
25. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers in the forenoon.
26. Rid by Posey's and to the Mill & Ditchers again.
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Washington's account with a Jamaican firm that sold sixty-nine barrels of his herring. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
27. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers. In the afternoon Doctr. Rumney came here.
28. Rid to the Mill and Ditchers. Doctr. Rumney here Sick.
29. At Home all day--Doctr. Rumney still here Sick.
30. At home all day. Mr. Wr. Washington came in the Evening. Doctr. Rumney still here.
Acct. of the Weather in Septr.
Septr. 1st. Cool & clear--wind being still Northwardly.
2. Cool but rather Inclind to be Cloudy Wind being also fresh from the Eastward.
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3. Rain in the forenoon but clear afterwards with but little wind.
4. Showery with the wind at East.
5. Clear and tolerably warm and still.
6. Flying Clouds with the Wind tolerably fresh--but no Rain.
7. Clear with the Wind tolerably fresh from the North North East.
8. Still, Calm, Warm, and clear.
9. Clear and Calm but not so cool as yesterday.
10. Clear and tolerably Cool Wind being at No. East.
11. Cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell.
12. Rain in the Morning & cloudy afterwards & warm.
13. Still Cloudy with some Shows for Rain but none fell.
14. Clear and pleasant with the wind Southwardly.
15. Clear and warm with but little wind & that Southwardly--warm.
16. Clear in the forenoon and warm with some appearance of Rain in the afternoon.
17. Rain in the Fore & afternoon & Cloudy all day.
18. Clear and cool Wind at No. West.
19. Clear and very cool. Wind still continuing Northwardly.
20. Still cool--but warmer than yesterday--a remarkable great Fog & Dew.
21. Clear & tolerably warm Wind being Southwardly.
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22. Showery in the forenoon with the Wind at Southwest. Clear afterwards.
23. Clear and Cool--Wind Northwardly & westwardly.
24. Raining all day with variable Wind.
25. Raing. a little in the Morning and a good deal in the afternoon and very warm.
26. Clear and Cool Wind Northwardly.
27. Also clear and cool wind still Northwardly.
28. Something warmer and Cloudy with appearances of Rain.
29. Misting and every now and then a little Rain. Very cloudy all day and wind at No. East. In the Evening it began to Rain pretty constant--tho not hard.
30. Tolerably clear and Warm with the Wind Southwardly.
Remarks & Occurs. in Septr.
Septr. 4th. Got on the 2d. Floor (or rather the last Floor the walls being at their Height) of my Mill.
The Hound Bitch stately brought 7 Puppies viz 2 dogs & 5 Bitches 1 of the former dead--remaing. 1 dog & 5 Bitches.
13. Sett 3 Negroe Men, to Wit Harry, George & Frank to Work upon my Mill Race.
14. Two more men came to work on it from the Neck--to wit--Neptune and George.
Morris at Doeg Run began to sow his third Cut of Wheat.
20. Finishd Sowing Wheat in the Neck. Also at Muddy hole. This day also Dominicus Gubner a Dutch Smith set into work at the Rate of £32 pr. Ann he to be found when at Work here and to have the Plantn. on which John Crook livd (to settle his Family at) & Work in any thing he pleases rent free.
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Before this date GW had employed Gubner as a blacksmith on a daily basis, paying him 3s. a day for each of 19 days that he had previously worked in the shop at Mount Vernon (LEDGER A, 325). Under the terms of the one-year contract signed today, Gubner agreed to do blacksmithing for GW on a regular basis, attending to his business in GW's shop "at all hours & seasons that is customary & proper for a Smith to work at" and making up all time lost "by negligence, Sickness, or any private concerns of his own" (DLC:GW). The plantation on which John Crook had lived was apparently part of the Mount Vernon tract; it was first rented by Crook from GW in 1755, two years before GW began to acquire other lands in the area. Crook ceased to live there after 1767 (LEDGER A, 71, 128, 244). Gubner occupied the plantation and worked for GW until the fall of 1773, his contract being twice renewed with no changes in terms (LEDGER B, 34).
22. Receivd from Edwd. Snickers the Millstones he was to get for [me] which were thinner by two Inch<es> than what were bespoke.
GW paid Snickers £20 for these stones when he stopped at Snickers's ordinary 30 Nov. 1770 (LEDGER A, 329).
Where & how my time is Spent
Octr. 1. Rid to my Mill and the Ditchers with Mr. Warnr. Washington. Colo. Fairfax dind here. The Doctr. Rumney still here. Mr. Carr came in the Eveng.
William Carr (d. 1791), a Dumfries merchant, dealt in wheat and flour. He had been a trustee of the town since 1761 and in 1765 served as a commissioner to divide Fairfax Parish from Truro Parish (Carr to GW, 17 Dec. 1770, DLC:GW; HENING, 7:424--28, 8:157--59).
2. At home all day. John Savage formerly a Lieutt. in the Virga. Service & one Wm. Carnes came here to enter their claim to a share in the 200,000 acres of Land. Wr. Washington & Doctr. Rumney here.
Savage was commissioned a lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment 9 Mar. 1754 and promoted to captain in Sept. 1755 but resigned from the regiment the following spring (VA. TROOPS, 284; GW orders, 17 Sept. 1755, DLC:GW; GW to Robert Dinwiddie, 25 June 1756, DLC:GW). He may be the John Savage (d. 1791) who settled on Knobly Mountain, Hampshire County, about 1778 (SAGE AND JONES, 132; SIMS, 226). Carnes (Carns) was a private in the Virginia Regiment as early as 9 July 1754 (VA. TROOPS, 279).
3. At home all day. Mr. Washington--Mr. Carr--Savage & Games went away after Breakfast. The Doctr. still here.
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Dr. James Craik, Washington's former comrade in arms. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M., Alexandria, Va.)
4. In the afternoon Doctr. Rumney went away & Doctr. Craik came.
5. Set out in Company with Doctr. Craik for the Settlement on Redstone &ca. dind at Mr. Bryan Fairfax's & lodged at Leesburg.
Several factors induced GW to make the arduous journey through western Pennsylvania and the Ohio country in the fall of 1770. Among the most pressing was the question of locating bounty lands on the Kanawha and Ohio rivers for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia Regiment (see main entry for 30 July 1770). GW felt a special sense of urgency about this business because rumors had recently reached Virginia of a newly established land company in England whose proposed claims appeared to overlap those of the Virginia veterans (see "Remarks" entry for 8 Oct. 1770, n.1; GW to Lord Botetourt, 5 Oct. 1770, PPRF). Furthermore, GW noted, "any considerable delay in the prosecution of our Plan would amount to an absolute defeat of the Grant inasmuch as Emigrants are daily Sealing the choice Spots of Land and waiting for the opportunity . . . of solliciting a legal Title under the advantages of Possession & Improvement--two powerful Plea's in an Infant Country" (GW to Lord Botetourt, 9 Sept. 1770, CLU-C). See also William Nelson to Lord Hillsborough, H.B.J., 1770--72, xxii-xxiii.
GW's own land interests also induced him to make a first hand investigation of conditions in western Pennsylvania. In Sept. 1767 GW had instructed William Crawford, his western land agent, to "look me out a Tract of about 1500, 2000, r more Acres somewhere in your Neighbourhood. . . . Any Person . . . who neglects the present opportunity of hunting out good Lands & in some measure Marking & distinguishing them for their own (in order to keep others from settling them) will never regain it" (GW to Crawford, 21 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW). Crawford proceeded to have a considerable tract
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of land surveyed for GW in the area of Chartier's Creek (see main entry for 15 Oct. 1770). "When you come up," he informed GW, "you will see the hole of your tract finisht" (Crawford to GW, 5 May 1770, DLC:GW).
There are two sets of diary entries for those portions of Oct. and Nov. 1770 covering GW's trip to the Ohio country. Both entries for a day should be consulted.
6. Bated at old Codleys. Dind and lodgd at my Brother Sam's.
GW's expenses at Codley's (Caudley's) were £6 (LEDGER A, 329). Codley's was located at Williams' (later Snickers') Gap in the Blue Ridge. It was near the site of present-day Bluemont, some 15 miles from Samuel Washington's home at Harewood.
7. Dind at Rinkers and lodgd at Saml. Pritchards.
Casper (Jasper) Rinker's house was located approximately ten miles from Winchester on the Winchester-Cumberland road. Rinker, a member of a family of early German settlers in the Shenandoah Valley, was given a grant of land, 2 June 1762, in what is now Hampshire County, W.Va., on the basis of a survey by GW (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book K, 443, Vi Microfilm).
Samuel Pritchard resided on the Cacapon River some 40 miles from Samuel Washington's establishment. Pritchard was a resident of Frederick County as early as 1758, when he cast his vote against GW for burgess ( Va. Mag., 6:169).
8. Vale. Crawford joind us, & he and I went to Colo. Cresaps leaving the Doctr. at Pritchards with my boy Billy who was taken sick.
Thomas Cresap's establishment was at Shawnee Old Town (now Oldtown, Md.). See entry for 21 Mar. 1748. Billy is GW's mulatto body servant William, whom he had bought in 1768 from Mrs. Mary Lee of Westmoreland County, the widow of Col. John Lee, for £61 15s. (LEDGER A, 261). Billy had assumed the surname Lee, and was also referred to by GW as Will or William. He was to accompany his master throughout the Revolutionary War.
9. Went from Colo. Cresaps to Rumney where in the afternoon the Doctr. & my Servant & Baggage arrivd.
The town of Romney on the South Branch of the Potomac River was established in 1762 (HENING, 7:598--600). Here GW apparently met John Savage again, for he today recorded receiving £6 from Savage as part of his share of the surveying costs for the Virginia Regiment's land (LEDGER A, 329).
10. Bought two Horses & sent one of my Servants (Giles) home with those I rid up. Proceeded on our Journey and lodgd at one Wise (now Turners) Mill.
On this day GW paid £16 for a bay and £13 10s. for a gray (LEDGER A, 329). Wise's Mill was on Patterson's Creek.
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In this John Trumbull portrait, Washington's slave Billy Lee is shown at the right. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Charles Allen Munn, 1924)
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11. Set out about 11 Oclock and arrivd at one Gillams on George Creek 10½ Miles from the North Branch & same diste from F[ort] C[umberland].
GILLAMS: probably Joseph Gillam who lived on a branch of George's Creek, a little more than ten miles from the North Branch of the Potomac River. Fort Cumberland is now Cumberland, Md.
12. Started from Gillams between Sunrising & Day Break and arrivd at the Great crossing of Yaugha, about Sun set or before.
The Great Crossing of the Youghiogheny is near present-day Addison, Pa. GW spent 16s. there (LEDGER A, 329).
13. Left this place early in the Morning and arrivd at Captn. Crawfords (known by the name of Stewarts crossing) abt. ½ after four Oclock.
Stewart's Crossing was on the Youghiogheny River below present-day Connellsville, Pa. The site was named for William Stewart, who settled there in 1753 (COOK, 15). Braddock's army had crossed the Youghiogheny at this ford in June 1755 on the way to Fort Duquesne. The area was included in the tract of land on the Youghiogheny surveyed and occupied by William Crawford in 1769 (WHi: Draper Papers, E-11).
14. At Captn. Crawfords all day.
5. Rid to see the Land he got for me & my Brother's.
This land, which William and Valentine Crawford had surveyed for the Washingtons in 1769, is in the vicinity of Perryopolis, Pa., in what is now Fayette County, Pa.
16. At Captn. Crawfords till the Evening--then went to Mr. John Stephenson's.
John Stephenson was William and Valentine Crawford's half brother. After the death of the Crawfords' father, their mother, Onora Grimes Crawford (d. 1776), married Richard Stephenson, by whom she had five sons and one daughter (BUTTERFIELD [1], 93). John Stephenson had served in the French and Indian War and settled in the vicinity of the Great Crossing of the Youghiogheny about 1768. He was involved from time to time in the Crawfords' land activities.
17. Arrivd at Fort--dining at one Widow Miers at Turtle Creek.
GW had arrived at Fort Pitt. The Widow Myers's tavern was probably at Sycamore and Sixth streets within the boundaries of present-day Pittsburgh. It frequently served as a rallying point for frontier militia and was still operating
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Samuel Vaughan sketched the Younghiogheny River and the falls in 1787. (Collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan)
in the 1790s. GW spent 3s. 9d. at the tavern (LEDGER A, 329). Turtle Creek enters the Monongahela above the site of Fort Pitt.
18. Dined in the Fort at the Officers Club.
19. Dined at Colo. Croghans abt. 4 Miles from Pittsburg & returnd.
George Croghan was living at Croghan Hall near Pittsburgh. He and GW were old acquaintances from the 1754 campaign against the French, in which Croghan had agreed to provision the Virginia troops. At that time GW had been highly critical of his efforts (GW to William Fairfax, 11 Aug. 1754,
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DLC:GW). After the French and Indian War, Croghan acquired, on paper at least, an empire of some 250,000 acres of land in New York and 200,000 acres in Pennsylvania. By 1770, however, his pyramid of land speculation was crumbling and his creditors were pressing him for payment. In July 1770 he returned from his New York lands to his establishment near Fort Pitt, hoping to confirm title to his Pennsylvania holdings and sell them before returning to develop his tracts in New York. Exaggerated reports of land sales sent out by his agents had evidently reached GW, since at their meeting in mid-October they discussed the possibility of his purchasing a tract from Croghan. He wrote Croghan, 24 Nov., from Stewart's Crossing on his return from the Ohio, that he would be willing to buy a single tract of 15,000 acres. Since Croghan had had difficulty in securing an uncontested title to the Pennsylvania lands he had acquired from the Indians, GW added cautiously that the acres would be purchased only when legal title could be confirmed (DLC:GW). Croghan was optimistic after GW's visit: "I am likely to sell another Tract to Col. Washington and his Friends--if I do that, I expect to have One good Nights Rest before Christmas, which is more than I have had for eight Months past I assure you" (Croghan to Samuel Wharton, Jr., 25 Oct. 1770, PHi: Sarah A. G. Smith Family Papers). However, GW soon began to have serious doubts about the validity of Croghan's title and by late 1771 decided against purchasing the tract (William Crawford to GW, 2 Aug. 1771; GW to Crawford, 6 Dec. 1771, DLC:GW).
20. Set out for the Big Kanhawa with Dr. Craik Captn. Crawford & others. Incampd abt. 14 Miles off.
21. Got abt. 32 Miles further and Incampd abt. 3 Miles below little Bever Ck.
Little Beaver Creek empties into the Ohio from the north, about 42 miles from Fort Pitt (POWNALL, 166).
22. Reachd the Mingo Town abt. 29 Miles by my Computation.
Mingo Town (now Mingo Junction, Ohio) was an Indian village several miles below Steubenville, Ohio. "This was the only Indian village in 1766 on the banks of the Ohio from that place to Fort Pitt; it contained at that time 60 families" (CRAMER, 25n). Mingo Town appears on Thomas Hutchins's 1778 map of the Ohio.
23. Stayd at this place till One Clock in the Afternoon & padled abt. 12 Miles down the River & Incamped.
24. We reachd the Mouth of a Creek calld Fox Grape vine Creek (10 Miles up which is a Town of Delawares calld Franks Town) abt. 3 Oclock in the afternoon--distant from our last Camp abt. 26 Miles.
Fox Grape Vine Creek, also called Captina Creek, flows into the Ohio from the west. Frank's Town was a well-known Delaware village about six miles
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from the Juniata River. Originally called Assunepachla, it was referred to as Frank's Town, for the Pennsylvania trader Frank Stevens, as early as 1734. Apparently it was deserted by the Delawares before Braddock's Defeat in 1755. A Delaware village called Frank's Town on Captina Creek does not appear on early maps but it is possible that the Delawares had established such a settlement in the area. It may have been another name for the Grape Vine Town. "As late as 1772 the Rev. David Jones, a Baptist missionary, on his way to preach to the Ohio Indians, met a Frank Stephens at the mouth of Captina Creek (on the west side of the Ohio River, twenty miles below Wheeling). This man was an Indian, who had received his English name from that of Frank Stevens, the Trader. Possibly he may have been a half-blood son of the trader" (HANNA, 1:259--60).
25. Incampd in the long reach abt. 30 Miles from our last lodge according to my Computation.
The "long reach" of the Ohio is a section of the river with relatively few curves stretching approximately from Paden City to Raven Rock, W.Va. Its length is 18 to 20 miles.
26. Incampd at the Mouth of a Creek about 4 Miles above the Mouth of Muskingham distant abt. 32 Miles.
The Muskingum River joins the Ohio River from the Ohio side at Marietta.
27. Incampd at the Mouth of great Hockhocking distant from our last Incampment abt. 32 Miles.
The Little Hocking enters the Ohio from the west about 19 miles below Marietta. The Great Hockhocking is now the Hocking River. It flows into the Ohio at Hockingport, Ohio, some 26 miles below Marietta.
28. Meeting with Kiashuta & other Indian Hunters we proceeded only 10 Miles to day, & Incampd below the Mouth of a Ck. on the west the name of wch. I know not.
GW had met Guyasuta during his journey to the French commandant in 1753 (see entry for 30 Nov. 1753, n.49). After joining the French in 1755, Guyasuta had actively engaged in hostilities against the British during the French and Indian War and was a leader in Pontiac's rebellion. After the war he was again friendly to the English and aided the firm of Baynton, Wharton, & Morgan in opening up the Illinois trade. He maintained his allegiance to the British during the Revolution and participated in the attack against Hannastown, Pa., in 1782. After the Revolution he settled in the area of Pittsburgh and died there about 1800.
29. Went round what is calld the Great Bent & Campd two Miles below it distant from our last Incampment abt. 29 Miles.
The Great Bend of the Ohio is in the region of Meigs County, Ohio.
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30. Incampd Early Just by the old Shawna Town distant from our last no more than 15 Miles.
Shawnee Town appears on Lewis Evans's 1766 map of the middle colonies just north of the confluence of the Ohio and the Great Kanawha rivers. It is not the Lower Shawnee Town at the mouth of the Scioto River.
31. Went out a Hunting & met the Canoe at the Mouth of the big Kanhawa distant only 5 Miles makg. the whole distance from Fort Pitt accordg. to my Acct. 266 Miles.
GW's calculations on the distance from Fort Pitt to the mouth of the Great Kanawha at present-day Point Pleasant, W.Va., agree substantially with those of Capt. Harry Gordon, chief engineer of the Northern Department in North America. In Gordon's table of distances it is logged as 266¼ miles (POWNALL, 166).
Acct. of the Weather in October
Octr. 1st. Wind Southwardly and warm with flying Clouds.
2. Raining, Hailing, or Snowing the whole day--with the wind Northerly Cold & exceeding disagreeable.
3. Clear but cold. Wind being very high from the Northwest.
4. Clear and pleasant. Wind being fresh and very fresh.
5. Clear, warm & remarkably pleasant with very little or no Wind.
6. Again clear pleasant and still.
7. As pleasant as the two preceeding days.
8. Pleasant forenoon--but the wind Rising. About Noon it Clouded & threatned hard for Rain. Towards Night it raind a little & ceasd but contd. Cloudy.
9. Exceeding Cloudy & heavy in the forenoon & constant Rain in the Afternoon.
10. Cloudy with Rain & sunshine alternately.
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11. Wet Morning with flying Clouds afterwards. Towards the Evening the Wind sprung out at No. West.
12. Rain in the Night with flying Clouds accompanied with a little Rain now and then all day. Cold & Raw.
13. Clear and pleasant. Wind tolerably fresh from the Westward all day.
14. Very pleasant but wind fresh in the Afternoon.
15. Exceeding Cloudy & sometimes droppg. Rain but afterwds. clear.
16. Frosty Morning--but clear and pleasant afterwards.
17. Exceeding warm & very pleasant till the Evening then lowering.
18. Misty & Cloudy in the Evening. The Forepart of the day being very warm.
19. Misty & Cloudy all day.
20. Misty--but the Evening clear tho somewhat Cool.
21. Cloudy & very raw & cold in the forenoon. About Midnight it began to Snow & contd. to do so more or less all the remaing. part of the Night & next day.
22. Very raw & cold. Cloudy, & some times Snowing & sometimes Raining.
23. Exceeding Cloudy & like for Snow & sometimes really doing so.
24. Clear & pleasant Morning but cloudy & cold afterwards.
25. Rain in the Night but clear & warm till abt. Noon--then Windy & cloudy.
26. Clear and pleasant all day.
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27. A little Gloomy in the Morning but clear, still, & pleast. afterwards.
28. Much such a day as the preceeding one.
29th. Pleasant forenoon & clear but Cloudy and Wet afternoon.
30. Raining in the Night. Raw cold & cloudy forenoon but clear & pleasant afternoon.
31. Remarkably clear & pleasant with but little wind.
Remarks & Occurrs. in October
Octr. 5th.1 Began a journey to the Ohio in Company with Doctr. Craik his Servant, & two of mine with a lead Horse with Baggage. Dind at Towlston2 and lodgd at Leesburg distant from Mount Vernon abt. 45 Miles. Here my Portmanteau horse faild in his stomach.
1 For additional annotation of GW's diary entries for October, see the previous section.
2 Towlston Grange was Bryan Fairfax's home in Fairfax County.
6. Fed our Horses on the Top of the Ridge at one Codleys & arrivd at my Brother Samls. on Worthingtons Marsh1 a little after they had dind the distance being about 30 Miles. From hence I dispatchd a Messenger to Colo. Stephens2 apprising him of my arrival and Intended Journey.
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7. My Portmanteau Horse being unable to proceed, I left him at my Brothers & got one of his & proceedd, by Jolliffs1 & Jasper Rinkers to Saml. Pritchards on Cacapehen; distant according to Acct. 39 Miles; but by my Computation 42 thus reckond 15 to Jolliffs, 14 to Rinkers; & 13 to Pritchards. At Rinkers which appears to be a cleanly House my boy was taken Sick but continued on to Pritchards. Pritchards is also a pretty good House, their being fine Pasturage good fences, & Beds tolerably clean.
8. My Servant being unable to Travel I left him at Pritchards with Doctr. Craik & proceedd. myself with Vale. Crawford to Colo. Cresaps in ordr. to learn from him (being just arrivd from England) the particulars of the Grant said to be lately sold to Walpole1 & others, for a certain Tract of Country on the Ohio. The distance from Pritchards to Cresaps according to Computation is 26 Miles, thus reckond; to the Fort at Henry Enochs2 8 Miles (road exceedg, bad) 12 to Cox's3 at the Mouth of little Cacapehon and 6 afterwards.
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Virginia Regiment and the lands ceded to the "Suffering Traders" by the Six Nations, although some of these claims were recognized by the Walpole associates and concessions made to their holders (see SOSIN, 181--209; ABERNETHY, 40--58; George Mercer to GW, 18 Dec.1770, DLC:GW). For the reaction in Virginia to the proposed grant, see William Nelson to Lord Hillsborough, 18 Oct. 1770, H.B.J., 1770--72, xxii--xxv.
Thomas Cresap had spent much of 1770 in England and had made a particular inquiry into the affairs of the new company (BAILEY [4], 127). During their meeting on 8 Oct., Cresap gave GW extensive information about the new company including the fact that shares in the enterprise might be available from the members (see George Croghan to Joseph Wharton, Jr., 25 Oct. 1770, PHi: Sarah A. G. Smith Family Papers; GW to George Mercer, 22 Nov. 1771, DLC:GW). That GW was interested at least for a time in acquiring some interest in the Walpole company is indicated by the fact that he wrote to Croghan, 24 Nov. 1770, inquiring the latter's price for his share in the new company (DLC:GW). He made similar inquiries of George Mercer in 1771 (GW to Mercer, 22 Nov. 1771, DLC:GW).
9. Went up to Rumney in order to buy work Horses, & meet Doctr. Craik and my Baggage. Arrivd there abt. 12 distance 16 Miles. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik my Servt. (much amended) and the Baggage, arrivd from Pritchards; said to be 28 Miles.
10. Having purchasd two Horses, and recoverd another which had been gone from me near 3 Years, I dispatchd my boy Giles with my two Riding Horses home, & proceeded on my journey; arriving at one Wises (now Turners) Mill about 22 Miles it being Reckond Seven to the place where Cox's Fort formerly stood; 10 to One Parkers; & five afterwards. The Road from the South Branch to Pattersons C[ree]k is Hilly--down the C[ree]k on which is good Land, Sloppy to Parkers & from Parkers to Turners Hilly again.
11. The Morning being wet & heavy we did not set of till 11 Oclock & arrivd that Night at one Killams on a branch of Georges
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C[ree]k, distant 10½ Measurd Miles from the North Branch of Potomack where we cross at the lower end of my Decd. Brother Auge. Bottom, known by the name of Pendergrasses.1 This Crossing is two Miles from the aforesaid Mill & the Road bad as it likewise is to Killams, the Country being very Hilly & stony.
From Killams to Fort Cumberland is the same distance that it is to the Crossing above mentiond, & the Road from thence to Jolliffs by the old Town much better.
12. We left Killams early in the Morning--breakfasted at the little Meadows 10 Miles of, and lodgd at the great Crossings 20 Miles further, which we found a tolerable good days work.
The Country we traveld over today was very Mountainous & stony, with but very little good Land, & that lying in Spots.
13. Set out about Sunrise, breakfasted at the Great Meadows 13 Miles of, & reachd Captn. Crawfords about 5 Oclock.
The Lands we travelld over to day till we had crossd the Laurel Hill1 (except in smal spots) was very Mountainous & indifferent--but when we came down the Hill to the Plantation of Mr. Thos. Gist2 the L[an]d, appeard charming; that which lay level being as rich & black as any thing coud possibly be. The more Hilly kind, tho of a different complexion must be good, as well from the Crops it produces, as from the beautiful white Oaks that grows thereon. Tho white Oak in generl. indicates poor Land, yet this does not appear to be of that cold kind. The Land from Gists to Crawfords is very broken tho not Mountainous--in Spots exceeding Rich, & in general free from Stone. Crawfords is very fine Land; lying on Yaughyaughgane at a place commonly called Stewards Crossing.
1 Laurel Hill was a western ridge of the Alleghenies.
Sunday 14th. At Captn. Crawfords all day. Went to see a Coal Mine not far from his house on the Banks of the River. The
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Coal seemd to be of the very best kind, burning freely & abundance of it.
Monday 15th. Went to view some Land which Captn. Crawford had taken up for me near the Yaughyaughgane distant about 12 Miles.1 This Tract which contains about 1600 Acres Includes some as fine Land as ever I saw--a great deal of Rich Meadow and in general, is leveller than the Country about it. This Tract is well Waterd, and has a valuable Mill Seat (except that the stream is rather too slight, and it is said not constant more than 7 or 8 Months in the Year; but on acct. of the Fall, & other conveniences, no place can exceed it).
In going to this Land I passd through two other Tracts which Captn. Crawford had taken up for my Brothers Saml. and John. That belonging to the former, was not so rich as some I had seen; but very valuable on acct. of its levelness and little Stone, the Soil & Timber being good. That of the latter, had some Bottom Land up on sml. Runs that was very good (tho narrow) the Hills very rich, but the Land in genl. broken. I intended to have visited the Land which Crawford had procurd for Lund Washington this day also, but time falling short I was obligd to Postpone it making it in the Night before I got back to Crawfords where I found Colo. Stephen.
The Lands which I passd over today were generally Hilly, and the growth chiefly white Oak, but very good notwithstanding; & what is extraordinary, & contrary to the property of all other Lands I ever saw before, the Hills are the richest Land, the soil upon the sides and Summits of them, being as black as a Coal, & the Growth Walnut, Cherry, Spice Bushes &ca. The flats are not so rich, & a good deal more mixd with stone.
Tuesday 16. At Captn. Crawfords till the Evening, when I went to Mr. John Stephenson (on my way to Pittsburg) & lodgd. This day was visited by one Mr. Ennis who had traveld down the little Kanhawa (almost) from the head to the Mouth, on which he says the Lands are broken, the bottoms neither very wide nor rich, but covd. with Beach. At the Mouth the Lands are good, & continue so up the River; & about Weeling, & Fishing Ck., is according to his Acct. a body of fine Land. I also saw a Son of Captn. John Hardens who said he had been from the Mouth of little Kanhawa to the big, but his description of the Lands seemed
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A plan of Fort Pitt, drawn by Samuel Vaughan. (Collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan)
to be so vague and indeterminate, that it was1 much doubted whether he ever was there or not. He says however that at the Mouth of the Big Kanhawa there may be abt. 20 or 25,000 acres of Land had in a Body that is good--that you are not above five or 6 Miles to the Hills, & that the Falls of the Kanhawa are not above 10 Miles up it.
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Wednesday 17. Doctr. Craik & myself with Captn. Crawford and others arrivd at Fort Pitt, distant from the Crossing 43½ Measurd Miles. In Riding this distance we pass over a great deal of exceeding fine Land (chiefly White Oak) especially from Sweigley Creek1 to Turtle Creek2 but the whole broken; resembling (as I think all the lands in this Country does) the Loudoun Land for Hills.
We lodgd in what is calld the Town--distant abt. 300 yards from the Fort at one Mr. Semples3 who keeps a very good House of Publick Entertainment. These Houses which are built of Logs, & rangd into Streets are on the Monongahela, & I suppose may be abt. 20 in Number and inhabited by Indian Traders &ca.
The Fort is built in the point between the Rivers Alligany & Monongahela, but not so near the pitch of it as Fort Duquesne stood. It is 5 sided & regular, two of which (next the Land) are of Brick; the others Stockade. A Mote incompasses it. The Garrison consists of two Companies of Royal Irish Commanded by one Captn. Edmondson.4
2 Turtle Creek flows into the Monongahela about 12 miles above Pittsburgh.
Thursday 18th. Dind in the Fort with Colo. Croghan & the Officers of the Garrison. Supped there also meeting with great Civility from the Gentlemen, & engagd to dine with Colo. Croghan the next day at his Seat abt. 4 Miles up the Alligany.
Friday 19th. Recd. a Message from Colo. Croghan, that the White Mingo1 & other Chiefs of the 6 Nations had something to say to me, g: desiring that I woud be at his House abt. 11. (where they were to meet) I went up and receivd a Speech with a String of wampum from the White Mingo to the following effect.
That as I was a Person who some of them remember to have
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seen when I was sent on an Embassy to the French,2 and most of them had heard of; they were come to bid me welcome to this Country, and to desire that the People of Virginia woud consider them as friends & Brothers linked together in one chain--that I wd. inform the Governor, that it was their wish to live in peace and harmy. with the white People, & that tho their had been some unhappy differences between them and the People upon our Frontiers, it was all made up, and they hopd forgotten; and concluded with saying, that, their Brothers of Virginia did not come among them and Trade as the Inhabitants of the other Provences did, from whence they were affraid that we did not look upon them with so friendly an Eye as they coud wish.
To this I answerd (after thanking them for their friendly welcome) that all the Injuries & Affronts that had passd on either side was now totally forgotten, and that I was sure nothing was more wishd and desird by the People of Virginia than to live in the strictest friendship with them. That the Virginians were a People not so much engagd in Trade as the Pensylvanians, &ca., wch. was the Reason of their not being so frequently among them; but that it was possible they might for the time to come have stricter connections with them, and that I woud acquaint the Govr. with their desires.
After dining at Colo. Croghan we returnd to Pittsburg--Colo. Croghan with us, who intended to accompany us part of the Way down the River, having engagd an Indian calld the Pheasant3 & one Joseph Nicholson4 an Interpreter to attend us the whole Voyage. Also a young Indn. Warrior.
2 See GW's diary of his "Journey to the French Commandant," 1753.
4 Joseph Nicholson was well known on the frontier as a trader and interpreter.
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As early as 1766 he was in trade with the Tuscarora (JOHNSON PAPERS, 5:384), and he acted as interpreter on Maj. Gen. Daniel Brodhead's campaign in 1779. In May 1790 he was commissioned to bring the Indian chiefs Cornplanter, Half Town, and New Arrow to Philadelphia to confer with GW, and acted as interpreter during the talks.
Saturday 20th. We Imbarkd in a large Canoe with sufficient Stores of Provision & Necessaries, & the following Persons (besides Doctr. Craik & myself) to wit--Captn. Crawford Josh. Nicholson Robt. Bell--William Harrison--Chs. Morgan & Danl. Reardon a boy of Captn. Crawfords,1 & the Indians who went in a Canoe by themselves. From Fort Pitt we sent our Horses g: boys back to Captn. Crawford wt. orders to meet us there again the 14th. day of November.
Colo. Croghan, Lieutt. Hamilton2 and one Mr. Magee3 set out with us. At two we dind at Mr. Magees & Incampd 10 Miles below, & 4 above the Logs Town. We passd several large Island which appeard to [be] very good, as the bottoms also did on each side of the River alternately; the Hills on one side being opposite to the bottoms on the other which seem generally to be abt. 3 and 4 hundred yards wide, & so vice versa.
Sunday 21. Left our Incampment abt. 6 Oclock & breakfasted at the Logs Town, where we parted with Colo. Croghan&a. abt. 9 Oclock. At 11 we came to the Mouth of big Bever Creek,1 opposite
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to which is a good Situation for a House, & above it, on the same side (that is the west) there appears to be a body of fine Land. About 5 Miles lower down on the East side comes in Racoon C[ree]k2 at the Mouth of which, & up it appears to be a body of good Land also. All the Land between this Creek & the Monongahela & for 15 Miles back, is claimd by Colo. Croghan under a purchase from the Indians (and which sale, he says is confirmd by his Majesty). On this Creek where the Branches thereof interlock with the Waters of Shirtees Creek3 there is, according to Colo. Croghan's Acct. a body of fine Rich level Land. This Tract he wants to sell, & offers it at £5 sterg, pr. hundd. with an exemption of Quitrents for 20 years; after which, to be subject to the payment of 4/2 Sterg. pr. Hundd., provided he can sell it in 10,000 Acre Lots. Note the unsettled state of this Country renders any purchase dangerous.
From Racoon Creek to little Bever Creek4 appears to me to be little short of 10 Miles, & about 3 Miles below this we Incampd; after hiding a Barrl. of Bisquet in an Island5 (in Sight) to lighten our Canoe.
5 Probably Mill Creek Island or Custard's Island.
Monday 22d. As it began to Snow about Midnight, & continued pretty steadily at it, it was about ½ after Seven before we left our Incampment. At the distance of about 8 Miles we came to the Mouth of Yellow Creek1 (to the West) opposite to, or rather below which, appears to be a long bottom of very good Land, and the Assent to the Hills apparently gradual. There is another pretty large bottom of very good Land about two or 3 Miles above this. About 11 or 12 Miles from this, & just above what is calld the long Island2 (which tho so distinguishd is not very remarkable for length breadth or goodness) comes in on the East side the River, a small Creek3 or Run the name of which I coud not learn; and a Mile or two below the Island, on the West Side, comes in big stony Creek (not larger in appearance than the other) on
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neither of which does there seem to be any large bottoms or body's of good Land. About 7 Miles from the last Mentiond Creek 28 from our last Incampment, and about 75 from Pittsburg, we came to the Mingo Town Situate on the West side the River a little above the Cross Creeks4.
This place contains abt. Twenty Cabbins, & 70 Inhabitants of the Six Nation.
Had we set of early, & kept pritty constantly at it, we might have reachd lower than this place today; as the Water in many places run pretty swift, in general more so than yesterday.
The River from Fort Pitt to the Logs Town has some ugly Rifts & Shoals, which we found somewhat difficult to pass, whether from our inexperience of the Channel, or not, I cannot undertake to say. From the Logs Town to the Mouth of little Bever Creek is much the same kind of Water; that is, Rapid in some places--gliding gently along in others, and quite still in many. The Water from little Bever Creek to the Mingo Town, in general, is swifter than we found it the preceeding day, & without any shallows, there being some one part or other always deep which is a natural consequence as the River in all the distance from Fort Pitt to this Town has not widend any at all nor doth the bottoms appear to be any larger. The Hills which come close to the River opposite to each bottom are steep; & on the side in view, in many places, Rocky & cragged; but said to abound in good land on the Top. These are not a range of Hills but broken, & cut in two as if there were frequent water courses running through (which however we did not perceive to be the case consequently they must be small if any). The River along down abounds in Wild Geese, and severl. kinds of Ducks but in no great quantity.5 We killd five wild Turkeys today.
Upon our arrival at the Mingo Town we receivd the disagreeable News of two Traders being killd at a Town calld the Grape Vine Town, 38 Miles below this; which causd us to hesitate whether we shoud proceed or not, & wait for further Intelligence.
2 Probably Brown's Island, 9 miles below Yellow Creek.
3 This stream may be King Creek, flowing into the Ohio from the east (CLELAND, 250).
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Tuesday 23. Several imperfect Accts. coming in agreeing that only one Person was killd, & the Indians not supposing it to be done by their people, we resolvd to pursue our passage, till we coud get some more distinct Acct. of this Transaction. Accordingly abt. 2 Oclock we set out with the two Indians which was to accompany us, in our Canoe, and in about 4 Miles came to the Mouth of a Creek calld Seulf Creek,1 on the East side; at the Mouth of which is a bottom of very good Land, as I am told there likewise is up it.
The Cross Creeks (as they are calld) are not large, that on the West side however is biggest. At the Mingo Town we found, and left 60 odd Warriors of the Six Nations going to the Cherokee Country to proceed to War against the Cuttawba's. About 10 Miles below the Town we came to two other cross Creeks2 that on the West side largest, but not big; & calld by Nicholson French Creek. About 3 Miles or a little better below this, at the lower point of some Islands3 which stand contiguous to each other we were told by the Indians with us that three Men4 from Virginia (by Virginians they mean all the People settled upon Redstone &ca.) had markd the Land from hence all the way to Redstone--that there was a body of exceding fine Land lying about this place and up opposite to the Mingo Town--as also down to the Mouth of Fishing Creek.5 At this Place we Incampd.
1 Probably Beech Bottom Run, near Wellsburg, W.Va.
3 These must be Pike Island and the Twin Islands (see CRAMER, 82).
Wednesday 24th. We left our Incampment before Sunrise, and abt. Six Miles below it, we came to the Mouth of a pretty smart Creek comg. in to the Eastward calld by the Indians Split Island Greek,1 from its running in against an Island. On this C[ree]k
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there is the appearance of good Land a distance up it. Six Miles below this again, we came to another Creek on the West side, calld by Nicholson Weeling2 and abt. a Mile lower down appears to be another small Water coming in on the East side,3 which I remark, because of the Scarcity of them; fie to shew how badly furnishd this Country is with Mill Seats. Two or three Miles below this again, is another Run on the West side; up which is a near way by Land to the Mingo Town; and about 4 Miles lower comes in another on the East at which place is a path leading to the settlement at Redstone. Abt. A Mile & half below this again, comes in the Pipe Creek so calld by the Indians from a Stone which is found here out of which they make Pipes. Opposite to this (that is on the East side), is a bottom of exceeding Rich Land; but as it seems to lye low, I am apprehensive that it is subject to be overflowd. This Bottom ends where the effects of a hurricane appears by the destruction & havock among the Trees.4
Two or three Miles below the Pipe Creek is a pretty large Creek on the West side calld by Nicholson Fox Grape Vine by others Captema Creek on which, 8 Miles up it, is the Town calld the Grape Vine Town; & at the Mouth of it, is the place where it was said the Traders livd, & the one was killd. To this place we came abt. 3 Oclock in the Afternoon, & findg. no body there, we agreed to Camp; that Nicholson and one of the Indians might go up to the Town, & enquire into the truth of the report concerning the Murder.
1 Probably Wheeling Creek and Wheeling Island, site of Wheeling, W.Va.
2 This creek may be McMahon's Creek, 2 miles below Wheeling (CRAMER, 84).
3 McMahon Run enters the Ohio near McMechen, W.Va. (CLELAND, 253).
Thursday 25th. About Seven Oclock Nicholson & the Indian returnd; they found no body at the Town but two Old Indian women (the Men being a Hunting). From these they learnt that the Trader was not killd, but drownd in attempting to Ford the Ohio; and that only one boy, belonging to the Trader, was in these parts; the Trader (fathr. to him) being gone for Horses to take home their Skins.
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About half an hour after 7 we set out from our Incampment around which, and up the Creek is a body of fine Land. In our Passage down to this, we see innumerable quantities of Turkeys, many Deer watering, & brousing on the Shore side, some of which we killd. Neither yesterday nor the day before did we pass any Rifts or very rapid water--the River gliding gently along--nor did we perceive any alteration in the general face of the Country, except that the bottoms seemd to be getting a little longer g: wider, as the Bends of the River grew larger.
About 5 Miles from the Vine Creek comes in a very large Creek to the Eastward calld by the Indian's Cut Creek,1 from a Town, or a Tribe of Indians which they say was cut of entirely in a very bloody battle between them and the Six Nations. This Creek empties just at the lower end of an Island,2 and is 70 or 80 yards wide and I fancy is the Creek commonly calld by the People of Redstone&a. Weeling.3 It extends according to the Indians acct. a great way, & Interlocks with the Branches of Split Island Creek; abounding in very fine bottoms, and exceeding good Land. Just below this, on the west side, comes in a sml. Run;4 & about 5 Miles below it on the West side also another midling large Creek emptys, calld by the Indian broken Timber Creek;5 so named from the Timber that is destroyd on it by a Hurricane; on the head of this was a Town of the Delawares, which is now left. Two Miles lower down, on the same side, is another Creek smaller than the last & bearing (according to the Indians) the same name.6 Opposite to these two Creeks (on the East side) appears to be a large bottom of good Land. About 2 Miles below the last mentiond Creek on the East side, g: at the end of the bottom aforementioned, comes in a sml. Creek or large Run.7 Seven Miles from this comes in Muddy Creek8 on the East Side the River--a pretty large Creek and heads up against, & with, some of the Waters of Monongehela (according to the Indians Acct.) & contains some bottoms of very good Land; but in general the Hills are steep, & Country broken about it. At the Mouth of this Creek is the largest Flat I have seen upon the River; the Bottom extending 2 or 3 Miles up the River above it, & a Mile below; tho it does not seem to be of the Richest kind and yet is exceeding good upon the whole, if it be not too low & subject to Freshes.
About half way in the long reach we Incampd, opposite to the beginning of a large bottom on the East side of the River. At this place we through out some lines at Night & found a Cat fish of the size of our largest River cats hookd to it in the Morning, tho it was of the smallest kind here. We found no Rifts in this days passage,
Washington traversed some of the country shown in this detail from the Fry-Jefferson map when he went to the Ohio in 1770. (Tracy W. McGregor Library, University of Virginia)
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but pretty swift Water in some places, & still in others. We found the bottoms increasd in size, both as to length & breadth, & the River more Chokd up with Fallen Trees & the bottom of the River next the shores rather more Muddy but in general stony as it has been all the way down.
2 Fish Creek Island, Marshall County, W.Va.
3 GW is mistaken. He had already passed Wheeling Creek and Wheeling Island.
4 Probably what is now Johnson's Run, which enters the Ohio from the west in Monroe County, Ohio.
5 Now Bishop Run, Monroe County, Ohio.
6 Opossum Creek, entering the Ohio from Monroe County, Ohio.
7 Proctor's Run, Proctor, W.Va.
8 This stream may be Fishing Creek, entering the Ohio from the east near New Martinsville, W.Va.
Friday 26th. Left our Incampment at half an hour after 6 Oclock & passd a small run1 on the West side about 4 Miles lower. At the lower end of the long reach, & for some distance up it, on the East side, is a large bottom, but low, & coverd with beach next the River shore, which is no Indication of good Land. The long reach is a strait course of the river for abt. 18 or 20 Miles which appears the more extraordinary as the Ohio in general, is remarkably crooked. There are several Islands2 in this reach, some containing an 100 or more Acres of land; but all I apprehend liable to be overflowed.
At the end of this reach we found one Martin & Lindsay two Traders; & from them learnt, that the Person drownd was one Philips attempting in Compa. with Rogers another Indn. Trader, to Swim the River with their Horses at an improper place; Rogers himself narrowly escaping.3 Five Miles lower down, comes in a large Creek from the Eastward, right against an Island of good land,4 at least a Mile or two in length. At the mouth of this Creek (the name of wch. I coud not learn except that it was calld by some Bulls Creek from one Bull that hunted on it) is a bottom of good Land, tho rather two much mixd with Beach. Opposite to this Island the Indians showd us a Buffalo Path, the Tracks of which we see.
Five or Six Miles below the last mentiond Creek we came to the three Island5 (before wch.) we observd a small run on each side coming in. Below these Islands is a large body of flat Land, with a water course running through it on the East Side, and the
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Hills back, neither so high, nor steep in appearance as they are up the River. On the other hand, the bottoms do not appear so rich, tho much longer & wider. The bottom last mentioned is upon a strait reach of the River, I suppose 6 or 8 Miles in length; at the lower end of which, on the East side, comes in a pretty large Run from the size of the Mouth. About this, above--below & back, there seems to be a very large Body of fiat Land with some little risings in it.
About 12 Miles below the three Islands we Incampd just above the Mouth of a Creek6 which appears pretty large at the Mouth and just above an Island. All the Lands from a little below the Creek which I have distinguished by the name of Bull Creek, appears to be level, with some small Hillocks intermixd, as far as we coud see into the Country. We met with no Rifts today, but some pretty strong water upon the whole tolerable gentle. The sides of the River was a good deal incommoded with old Trees, wch. impeded our passage a little.
This day provd clear & pleasant, the only day since the 18th. that it did not Rain or Snow or threaten the one or other very hard.
1 Possibly Grandview Run, near New Matamoras, Ohio (CLELAND, 256).
4 Probably Middle Island and Middle Island Creek.
5 Eureka, Broadback, and Willow islands, commonly called the Three Brothers.
6 Probably the Little Muskingum, which enters the Ohio from the west just above Devol's Island.
Saturday 27. Left our Incampment a Quarter before Seven, and after passing the Creek near wch. we lay, & another much the same size & on the same side (West);1 also an Island2 abt. 2 Miles in length (but not wide) we came to the Mouth of Muskingham,3 distant from our Incampment abt. 4 Miles. This River is abt. 150 yards wide at the Mouth; a gentle currant & clear stream runs out of it, & is navigable a great way into the Country for Canoes.
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From Muskingham to the little Kanhawa4 is about 13 Miles. This is about as wide at the Mouth as the Muskingham, but the water much deeper. It runs up towards the Inhabitants of Monongahela, and according to the Indians Acct. Forks about 40 or 50 Miles up it; and the Ridge between the two Prongs leads directly to the Settlement.5 To this Fork, & above, the Water is navigable for Canoes. On the upper side of this River there appears to be a bottom of exceeding rich Land and the Country from hence quite up to the 3 Islands level & in appearance fine. The River (Ohio) running round it in the nature of a horse shoe, forms a Neck of flat Land wch. added to that rung. up the 2d. long reach (aforementiond) cannot contain less than 50,000 Acres in view.
About 6 or 7 Miles below the Mouth of the Canhawa we came to a small Creek on the west side, which the Indns. calld little Hockhocking; but before we did this, we passd another sml. Creek6 on the same side near the Mouth of the River & a cluster of Islands afterwards. The lands for two or three Miles below the Mouth of the Canhawa on both sides the Ohio, appear broken & indifferent; but opposite to the little hockhocking there is a bottom of exceeding good Land, through wch. there runs a smal water course. I suppose there may be of this bottom & flat Land together, two or three thousand Acres. The lower end of this bottom is opposite to a smal Island wch. I dare say little of it is to be seen when the River is high. About 8 Miles below little Hockhocking we Incampd opposite to the Mouth of the great Hockhocking, which tho so calld is not a large water; tho the Indians say Canoes can go up it 40 or 50 Miles.
Since we left the little Kanhawa the Land neither appear so level nor good. The Bends of the River & Bottoms are longer indeed but not so rich, as in the upper part of the River.
1 Duck Creek is almost opposite Devol's Island.
2 Devol's or Meigs' Island, now called Kerr's Island (COOK, 21).
3 The Muskingum River flows into the Ohio from the west at Marietta, Ohio.
4 The Little Kanawha flows into the Ohio from the east at Parkersburg, W.Va.
5 THE SETTLEMENT: that is, the settled area in the vicinities of Fort Pitt and Red Stone.
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until Washington's party had proceeded down the river to the foot of the large island, when, would have come into view, the 'Four Acre' lying in the Virginia channel, and 'Towhead' just below." Changes in the course of the river have now made both part of Blennerhassett Island (COOK, 22--23). GW later acquired land in this area. On 1 Feb. 1796, he offered for sale "the first large bottom below the mouth of the Little Kenhawa, beginning 3 or 4 miles therefrom, and about 12 or 15 miles below Marietta. Its breadth on the river is 5 miles and 120 poles, and contents 2314 [acres]" (WRITINGS, 34:438).
Sunday 28th. Left our Incampment about 7 Oclock. Two Miles below, a sml. run comes in on the East side1 thro a piece of Land that has a very good appearance, the Bottom beginning above our Incampment, & continuing in appearance wide for 4 Miles down, to a place where there comes in a smal Run2 & to the Hills. And to where we found Kiashuta and his Hunting Party Incampd.
Here we were under a necessity of paying our Compliments, As this person was one of the Six Nation Chiefs, & the head of them upon this River. In the Person of Kiashuta I found an old acquaintance. He being one of the Indians that went with me to the French in 1753. He expressd a satisfaction in seeing me and treated us with great kindness, giving us a Quarter of very fine Buffalo. He insisted upon our spending that Night with him, and in order to retard us as little as possible movd his Camp down the River about 3 Miles just below the Mouth of a Creek the name of which I could not learn (it not being large).3 At this place we all Incampd. After much Councelling the overnight they all came to my fire the next Morning, with great formality; when Kiashuta rehearsing what had passd between me & the Sachems at Colo. Croghan's, thankd me for saying that Peace & friendship was the wish of the People of Virginia (with them) & for recommending it to the Traders to deal with them upon a fair & equitable footing; and then again expressd their desire of having a Trade opend with Virginia, & that the Governor thereof might not only be made acquainted therewith, but of their friendly disposition towards the white People. This I promisd to do.
1 Lee's Creek, Wood County, W.Va.
2 Pond Creek, Wood County, W.Va.
3 Probably Shade River, Meigs County, Ohio.
Monday 29th. The tedious ceremony which the Indians observe in their Councellings & speeches, detained us till 9 Oclock. Opposite to the Creek just below wch. we Incampd, is a pretty long bottom.1 & I believe tolerable wide; but abt. 8 or 9 Miles below the aforemend. Creek, & just below a pavement of Rocks on the
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west side, comes in a Creek2 with fallen Timber at the Mouth, on which the Indians say there is wide bottom's, & good Land. The River bottom's above for some distance is very good, & continues for near half a Mile below the Creek. The pavement of Rocks are only to be seen at low water. Abt. a mile, or a little better below the Mouth of the Creek there is another pavement of Rocks on the East side in a kind of Sedgey Ground. On this Creek many Buffaloes use[d to be] according to the Indians Acct. Six Miles below this comes in a small Creek3 on the west side at the end of a small naked Island, and just above another pavement of Rocks. This Creek comes thro a Bottom of fine Land, & opposite to it (on the East side the River) appears to be large bottom of very fine Land also. At this place begins what they call the great Bent. 5 Miles below this again, on the East side, comes in (abt. 200 yds. above a little stream or Gut) another Creek; which is just below an Island,4 on the upper point of which are some dead standing trees, & a parcel of white bodied Sycamores. In the Mouth of this Creek lyes a Scycamore blown down by the wind. From hence an East line may be Run 3 or 4 Miles; thence a North Line till it strikes the River, which I apprehend woud Include about 3 or 4000 Acres of exceeding valuable Land. At the Mouth of this C[ree]k which is 3 or 4 Miles above two Islands (at the lower end of the last, is a rapid,5 & the Point of the Bend) is the Wariors Path to the Cherokee Country. For two Miles & an half below this the River Runs a No. Et. Course, & finished what they call the Great Bent. Two Miles & an half below this again we Incampd.
1 The Long Bottom is in Meigs County, Ohio.
3 Probably Oldtown Creek, which flows into the Ohio from the west.
Tuesday 30th. We set out at 50 Minutes passd Seven--the Weather being Windy & Cloudy (after a Night of Rain). In about 2 Miles we came to the head of a bottom (in the shape of a horse Shoe) which I judge to be about 6 Miles r[oun]d; the beginning of the bottom appeard to be very good Land, but the lower part (from the Growth) did not seem so friendly. An East
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course from the lower end woud strike the River again above, about the Beging of the bottom.
The upper part of the bottom we Incampd in was an exceeding good one, but the lower part rather thin Land & coverd with Beach. In it is some clear Meadow Land and a Pond or Lake. This bottom begins just below the Rapid at the point of the Great Bent, from whence a N. N. Wt. Course woud answer to run a parrallel to the next turn of the River.
The River from this place narrows very considerably, & for 5 or 6 Miles or more, is scarcely more than 150 or 200 yards over. The Water yesterday, except the Rapid at the Great Bent, & some swift places about the Islands was quite Dead, & as easily passd one way as the other; the Land in general appeard level & good. About 10 Miles below our Incampment & a little lower down than the bottom describd to lye in the shape of a horse Shoe comes in a small Creek on the West side,1 and opposite to this on the East begins a body of flat Land which the Indians tell us runs quite across the Fork to the Falls2 in the Kanhawa, and must at least be 3 days walk across. If so the Flat Land containd therein must be very considerable. A Mile or two below this we Landed, and after getting a little distance from the River we came (without any rising) to a pretty lively kind of Land grown up with Hicky. & Oaks of different kinds, intermixd with Walnut&a. here & there. We also found many shallow Ponds, the sides of which abounding in grass, invited innumerable quantities of wild fowl among which I saw a Couple of Birds in size between a Swan & Goose; & in colour somewhat between the two; being darker than the young Swan and of a more sutty Colour. The Cry of these was as unusual as the Bird itself, as I never heard any noize resembling it before.3 Abt. 5 Miles below this we Incampd. in a bottom of Good Land which holds tolerably flat & rich for some distance out.
1 Probably Leading Creek, entering the Ohio from the east, 18 miles below Letart's Rapids.
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Wednesday 31st. I sent the Canoe along down to the Junction of the two Rivers abt. 5 Miles that is the Kanhawa with the Ohio and set out upon a hunting Party to view the Land.1 We steerd nearly East for about 8 or 9 Miles then bore Southwardly, & westwardly, till we came to our camp at the confluence of the Rivers. The Land from the Rivers appeard but indifferent, & very broken; whether these ridges might not be those that divide the Waters of the Ohio from the Kanhawa is not certain, but I believe they are. If so the Lands may yet be good. If not, that which lyes of the River bottoms is good for little.
November 1st. A little before eight Oclock we set of with our Canoe up the River to discover what kind of Lands lay upon the Kanhawa.1 The Land on both sides this River just at the Mouth is very fine; but on the East side when you get towards the Hills (which I judge to be about 6 or 700 yards from the River) it appears to be wet, & better adapted for Meadow than tillage. This bottom continues up the East side for about 2 Miles, & by going up the Ohio a good Tract might be got of bottom Land Including the old Shawna Town, which is about 3 Miles up the Ohio just above the Mouth of a C[ree]k--where the aforementiond bottom ends on the East side the Kanhawa. An[othe]r begins on the W. which extends up it at least 50 Miles by the Indns. Acct. and of great width (to be ascertaind, as we come down) in many places very rich, in others somewhat wet & pondy; fit for Meadow; but upon the whole exceeding valuable, as the Land after you get out of the Rich bottom is very good for Grain tho not rich. We judgd we went up this River about 10 Miles today. On the East side appear to be some good bottoms but small--neither long nor wide, the Hills back of them rather steep & poor.
Novr. 2d. We proceeded up the River with the Canoe about 4 Miles more, & then incampd & went a Hunting; killd 5 Buffaloes &
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wounded some others--three deer &ca. This Country abounds in Buffalo & wild game of all kinds; as also in all kinds of wild fowl, the<re> being in the Bottoms a great many small grassy Ponds or Lakes which are full of Swans, Geese, & Ducks of different kinds.
Some of our People went up the River 4 or 5 Miles higher & found the same kind of bottom on the West side, & we were told by the Indians that it continued to the Falls which they judgd to be 50 or 60 Miles higher up. This Bottom next the Water (in most places) is very rich. As you approach to the Hills you come (in many) to a thin white Oak Land, & poor. The Hills as far as we coud judge were from half a Mile to a Mile from the River; poor & steep in the parts we see, with Pine growing on them. Whether they are generally so, or not, we cannot tell but I fear they are.
Saturday 3d. We set of down the River on our return homewards, and Incampd at the Mouth; at the Beginning of the Bottom above the Junction of the Rivers, and at the Mouth of a branch on the Eastside, I markd two Maples, an Elm, & Hoopwood Tree as A Cornr. of the Soldiers L[an]d (if we can get it) intending to take all the bottom from hence to the Rapids in the Great Bent into one Survey.1 I also markd at the Mouth of another Gut lower down on the West side (at the lower end of the long bottom) an Ash and hoopwood for the Beginning of another of the Soldiers Survey to extend up so as to Include all the Bottom (in a body) on the West side.
In coming from our last Incampment up the Kanhawa I endeavourd to take the courses & distances of the River by a Pocket Compass, & guessing; which I make thus. N. by W. 2 Mile--NNW 1½ Do. NW ½ Do. to the Mouth of a pretty smart Creek to the Eastward--No. Wt. 2 Do. to another Creek of the same size on the same side--West ½ a Mile--WNW ½ a Mile--N. Wt. 1 Do. WNW 2 Do. W by N 2 Do.--NW 1½ Do. WNW ½ Do. to the Mouth.
Sunday 4. The Ohio from the Mou<th> of the Kanhawa runs thus--North 2 Miles--NNW 1¼ to the Mouth of a Creek & old Shawne Town N 6 W 1½ Miles--NEt. 1 Do.--NE by Et. 1½ NNEt. 4 Do. ENE ¾ of a Mile to the Mouth of a C[ree]k on the
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west side,1 & to the Hills, wch. the Indians say is always a fire to which the Bottom from the Mouth of the Kanhawa continues & then ends. After passing these Hills (which may run on the River near a Mile) there appears to be another pretty good Bottom on the East side. At this place we met a Canoe going to the Illinoies with Sheep and at this place also, that is at the end of the Bottom from the Kanhawa, just as we came to the Hills, we met with a Sycamore abt. 60 yards from the River of a most extraordinary size it measuring (3 feet from the Gd.) 45 feet round, lacking two Inches & not 50 yards from it was another 3 1.4 round (3 feet from the Gd. also).
The 2d. Bottom hinted at the other side (that is the one lying above the Bottom that reaches from the Kanhawa) is that taken notice of the 30th. Ulto. to lye in the shape of a Horse Shoe, & must from its situation, & quantity of level Ground be very valuable, if the Land is but tolerably good.
After passing this bottom & abt. a Mile of Hills we enterd into the 3d. Bottom and Incampd. This bottom reaches within about half a Mile of the Rapid at the point of the Great Bent.2
1 Opposite the mouth of Campaign Creek, Gallia County, Ohio.
Monday 5th. I set of the Canoe with our Baggage & walkd across the Neck on foot with Captn. Crawford distant according to our Walking about 8 Miles as we kept a strait course under the Foot of the Hills which run about So. Et. & was two hours & an half walking of it.1
This is a good Neck of Land the Soil being generally good; & in places very rich. Their is a large proportion of Meadow Ground, and the Land as high, dry, & Level as one coud wish. The growth in most places is beach intermixd with walnut&a. but more especially with Poplar (of which there are numbers very large). The Land towards the upper end is black Oak, & very good. Upon the whole a valuable Tract might be had here, & I judge the quantity to be about 4000 Acres.
After passing this Bottom & the Rapid, as also some Hills wch. just pretty close to the River, we came to that Bottom before remarkd the 29th. Ulto.; which being well describd, there needs no further remark except that the Bottom within view appears to be exceeding rich; but as I was not out upon it, I cannot tell how it
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is back from the River. A little above this Bottom we Incampd--the afternoon being rainy & Night wet.
Tuesday 6th. We left our Incampment a little after daylight, & in about 5 Miles we came to Kiashutes Hunting Camp which was now removd to the Mouth of that Creek noted Octr. 29 for having fallen Timber at the Mouth of it, in a bottom of good land. Between the Bottom last describd & this bottom, there is nothing but Hills on the East side except a little fiat of a 100 Acres or so, between. This Bottom thro which the Creek comes may be about 4 or 5 Miles in length & tolerably wide. Grown up pretty much with Beach tho the Soil is good.
By the kindness, and Idle ceremony of the Indians, I was detaind at Kiashutas Camp all the remaing. part of this day; and having a good deal of conversation with him on the Subject of Land. He informd me, that, it was further from the mouth of the Great Kanhawa to the Fall of that River than it was between the two Kanhawas--that the Bottom on the West side (which begins near the Mouth of the Kanhawa) continues all the way to the Falls without the Interposition of Hills, and widens as it goes, especially from a pretty large Creek that comes in abt. 10 or 15 Miles higher up than where we were--that in the Fork there is a body of go<od>1 Land and at some pretty consider<able> distance above this, the River forks again at an Island, & there begins the Reed or Cain to grow--that the Bottoms on the East side of the River are also very good, but broken with Hills and that the River is easily passd with Canoes to the Falls wch. cannot be less than 100 M<iles> but further it is not possible to go with them and that there is but one ridge f<rom> thence to the Settlements upon the River above, that it is possible for a Man to travel; the Country betw<een> being so much broken with steep Hills & precipices.
He further informd (which < > seemed to be corroborated by all < > with whom I conversd) that the < > back of the Short broken Hills th< > but down upon the Rivers are < > uneven, & not rich, except the < > upon Creeks, till you come towards < > heads of the Creeks; then the La< > grows leveller, and the soil rich < >.
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Wednesday 7th. We set out < > ½ an hour after Seven and af< >sing the Botton through which < > Creek with the fallen Timber at the Mouth Runs & which I believe is calld Buffalo Creek, we came to a range of Hills for a Mile or more in length upon the River (East side) then comes in the Bottom, opposite to wch. the Creek below wch. we lodgd at with the Indians the 28th. Ulto. empties. This also appears to be a bottom of 4 or 5 Miles in length, and tolerable good from the River. When we < > pass this Bottom the Hills (rather < >aller & flatter than usual) comes < >se to the River (East side for 4 or < m>iles) then begins another Bottom < > above, or opposite to a small < >nd; but before we came to this < m>ile, or two, we passd a good smart < > on the East side. This Bottom < > opposite to Great Hockhocking < > above which, & opposite to Dela<ware> Hunting Party, we Incampd.
<Thur>sday 8th. We left our Incamp<ment> as soon as we coud clearly dis<tingu>ish the rocks; and after pas< > Bottom which neither ap< > to be long, wide, nor very < > came to a Second Bottom noticd the 27th. Ulto. opposite to a Creek on the west side called by the Indian's little hockhocking, but may easily be distinguishd by having a lar<ge> Stone just at its Mouth (the upper side). This bottom is about 7 in length and appears to be very wide, and go<od> and must be very valuable if it <is> not liable to be overflowd, some pa<rt> of it appearing low. The lower part of this bottom (as was obser<ved> the 27th. Ulto.) is opposite to a smal barren Island with only a few bu<shes> on it --the upper part of it begin< > at much such another place o< > side (and part of a pretty long < > and at a drain or small run Th<at > comes out of the Hills. This is < > in a Mile or two of the Mouth < > Kanhawa, & the next Bottom < > except a little narrow slipe < > at the foot of the Hills below the < >.
At the Mouth of the Ka<nawha> Captn. Crawford, one of the In<dians> and myself, left the Canoe, in<ten>ding to meet it again at the < > of Muskingham about 13 M<iles> above, but the Indian by < > brought us to the River < > Miles below it. In this excursion we passd over various kinds of Lands some tolerable good white Oak Ground level, & meadowey--some <v>ery Hilly, & broken with Stone; and <s>ome black Oak, thinly timberd but <g>ood for Farming and others abt. < > Mile before we came to the River <w>hich was at a place where there <wa>s no
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bottom) exceeding good, full < >el enough, & well timberd with < > & black Oak; but in all the Gd. < > passd over today, & I suppose < > coud not have walkd less than < > Miles there was no Water. This < >art of the Land where I thoug< > Octr. 27) 50,000 Acres might < >t; but it does not answer my <expe>ctations. However, by falling < > the River too low, I apprehend < > the worst of it; as we were < > the Ridges that divide the Wa< >t Ohio from the Kanhawa; & < > up, towards the 3 Islands, has < > appearance. < >st below the Mouth of Mus< > Incampd.
Friday 9th. The Night proving very Rainy, & Morning wet we did <not> set out till ½ after 10 Oclock, & Incampd by the 3 Islands. Seeing a Bear upon the shore we landed, and followd it abo<ut> half a Mile from the River wch. gave us an opportunity of s<eeing> a little of the Land, which was hilly but rich.
Saturday 10th. After a Nig<ht> of incessant Thunder & Lig<ht>ning, attended with heavy <con>stant Rain till 11 Oclock th< > day, we set of about Twelve < > (the Rain then ceasing) and < > to the lower end of the long distant about 12 Miles--< > little stream, imperceptab<le > the view in our passage do < > now pouring in her mite, < > River raising very fast < > grows so muddy as to ren<der > Water irksome to drink
<Su>nday 11th. The last Night provd <a> Night of incessant Rain attended <w>ith thunder and lightning. The <ri>ver by this Morning had raisd abt. < > feet perpendicular and was <lev>elling fast. The Rain seeming <to a>bate a little and the wind spring<ing> up in our favour we were <te>mpted to set of; but were deceivd < > both; for the Wind soon ceasd, & <the> Rain continued without inter<rup>tion till about 4 Oclock when <it> moderated. However tho we <did> not sit of till Eleven, We got <to the> head of the long reach abt. < >les the River continuing to < > fast, & much choakd with < > wood.
<Mo>nday 12th. There fell a little < > in the Night tho nothing to < > of. Abt. Sun rise we left our <Incam>pment to encounter a very < s>tream which by this time had < > 2 feet perpendicular & running < >t velocity. After contending < w>hole day we were not able to get more than about < > Miles. The water still rising, and the Currt.
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if possible running <w>ith more violence, we came to a res<olu>tion of ordering our Horses <whi<ch> by appointment were to be at P<itts>burg the 14th. Inst.) to meet us at Mingo Town accordingly.
Tuesday 13th. We dispatchd < > young Indian express to Val< > Crawford, who had the charge of<f> them to proceed on < > that place, where we purp<osed> if possible, to get the Canoe <it> being about 50 Miles below < > In pursuance of this resolu<tion> we Imbark'd again, and with <diffi>culty got about 5 Miles furth<er> to the Mouth of the Upperm<ost> broken timber Creek. In < > of last Night the River rose < > perpendicular, and in the w< > with what it rose in the day < > must be now 4 or 5 & twenty fee<t> its usual height, & not a great < > below its banks--in low pl<aces> them.
This day about 3 In the After<noo>n we met two Battoes & a large Ca<noe> going (at a very fast rate) to < > Illinois with Provisions for the <G>arrison at Fort Chartres.1
Wednesday 14th. The River began < >e at a stand between Sunset & dark Night, & contind, for some < > so; falling only 2 feet by Sun < >. About an hour by sun we < > our Incampment and reachd a < > above the Captening, (or Fox grape vine Creek) about 11 Miles; not finding <the w>ater quite so strong as yesterday, <lev>eling with a little assistance from < >ind. About 2 or 3 Miles below <Capte>ning I got out (on the West side) < >kd through a Neck of as good < > as ever I saw, between that & < >k; the Land on the Hill sides < >s rich as the bottoms; than < > nothing can exceed. The bottom < > the Mouth of Captening appears < > equal goodness with the one below < >.
<Thu>rsday 15th. The Canoe set of < > rise, as I did to view that < > opposite to the Mouth of Pike Creek. In <passing
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> Neck I found the lower pa<rt> N<ot> very rich <upon> the Ri<ver > very < > towards the Hills, with < > Land well Timberd; and not < > only in places--the Mid< > back of the Rich bottom < > black & white Oak Land f< >ming, or any purpose w< > & intermixd with Meadow.
The upper end is as rich < > quite to the Hills (which < > as ever I saw, but subjec<t > to freshes. Of this Bottom < > Timberd Land adjoining, I< > may be 12 or 1500 Acres go < > in this manner. Begin< > the Hills juts down to the < > ½ a Mile above Pipe Creek < > west) & a Mile or more to < > of another C[ree]k on the East, < > Bottom above the Capten<ing > East side the River, & just < > destruction of Timber Oc< > Hurricane of Wind--fro< > This bottom there is a r<un > abt. a Mile--then comes in < > mentiond (which I coud g< > on which & up the River < > there appears to be a < > rich at < >e is a run < >--the b<ott>om < > is pretty long but narrow < > Creek (on the West side) calld < > Nicholson the 24th. Ulto., r< > the River having fallen at < >t < >.
<Friday> 16th. Directing the Canoe < > me at the Mouth of the < > by the Indians split Island < > which I have since found < >e one distinguished by the < >t of Redstone &ca. by the < >eling; I set out with Capt<n>. < >n foot, to take a view < > a little distance from the < > doing this we asscended Hills < > to be almost impassable, < > the River with stone & < > Timber. Back of these < gro>und is very uneven, & ex< >n< > spots, not very good; < >ly well Timbered--as far < > see into the Country the < > his kind. Coming on < > split Island Creek) some < > on the Mouth, we had < opportu>nity of observing from < >, which are very high the course of the Creek which Mea<n>ders through a bottom of fine land especially at the Forks where there appears to be a large body of it. The vail (through which this Creek runs) as far as we coud see up it, appears to be wide, & the Soil of the Hills which confines it good, tho very steep in some places. On this Creek, which heads up a little to the Southward of Redstone Settlement, there is, according to the Indians Acct., & all the accts. I coud get, a great deal of fine land. The Body of flat Land at the Forks is but a very little way from the River in a direct line & may contain
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I guess a thousand Acres or more. Below the Mouth of this Creek there is a bottom of pretty good Land but not large and about 5 Miles above at the Mouth of a small run which comes in at the lower point of a Island (& which by mistake I calld, Octr. 23d. Fishing Creek) there is a bottom of as fine land as can possibly be but not large containing not more than two or 300 Acres. At the head of this Bottom & a little below the 2d. cross Creeks we Incampd dista<nt> from our last 13 or fourteen Miles.
Here it was for the 2d. time that the Indian with me spoke of a fine piece of Land and beautiful place for a House & in order to give me a more lively Idea of it, chalk out the situation upon his Deerskin. It lyes upon Bull Creek, at least 30 Miles from the Mouth, but not more than 5 from the Mouth of Muddy Creek, in an ESE direction. The spot he recommends for a House lyes very high commanding a prospect of a great deal of level Land below on the Creek--the Ground about it very rich & a fine spring in the middle of it about which many Buffaloes use & have made great Roads. Bull Creek according to his Acct. runs parrallel with the long reach in the Ohio--not above 6 or 7 Miles from it, having fine bottoms which widen as it extends into the Country & towards the head of it is large bodies of level rich Land.
Saturday 17th. By this Morning the River had fallen (in the whole) 2 or 3 & twenty feet, & was still lowering. Abt. 8 Oclock we set out, & passing the lower cross Creeks we came to a pretty long, & tolerable wide & good bottom on the East side the River; then comes in the Hills; just above which, is Buffalo Creek1 (a Creek I neither see nor remarkd in going down) upon which, and above it, between that & the cross Creeks near the Mingo Town (distant 3 or 4 Miles) is a Bottom of exceeding fine Land but not very large unless it extends up the Creek.
About 3 Oclock we came to the Town without seeing our Horses the Indian (which was sent express for them) having passd through only the morning before (being detained by the Creeks which were too high to ford, without going high up them). Here we resolvd to wait their arrival which was expected tomor<row> & here then will end our Water Voyage along a River the general course of which from Bever Creek to the Kanhawa is about S. Wt. (as near as I coud determine); but in its winding thro a narrow Vale, extreamely serpentine; forming on both sides the River alternately, Necks of very good (so<me> exceeding fine) Bottoms; lying for the most part in the shape of a half Moon, & of various sizes. There is very little difference in the genl. width
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of the River from Fort Pitt to the Kanhawa; but in the depth I believe the odds is considerably in favour of the lower parts; as we found no shallows below the Mingo Town, except in one or two places where the River was broad; & there, I do not know but there might have been a deep Channel in some part of it. Every here and there are Islands some larger, & some smaller, which operating in the nature of Locks or Stops, occasion pretty still water above but for the most part strong & rapid water alongside of them. However there is none of these so swift but that a Vessel may be Rowd or set up with Poles. When the River is in its Natural State, large Canoes that will carry 5 or 6000 weight & more, may be workd against stream by 4 hands 20 & 25 Miles a day; & down, a good deal more. The Indians who are very dexterous (even there women) in the Management of Canoes, have there Hunting Camps & Cabins all along the River for the convenience of Transporting their Skins by Water to Market. In the Fall, so soon as the Hunting Season comes on, they set out with their Familys for this purpose; & in Hunting will move there Camps from place to place till by the Spring they get 2 or 300, or more Miles from there Towns; Then Bever catch it in there way up which frequently brings them into the Month of May, when the Women are employd in Plantg.--the Men at Market, & in Idleness, till the Fall again; when they pursue the same course again. During the Summer Months they live a poor & perishing life.
The Indians who live upon the Ohio (the upper parts of it at least) are composd of Shawnas, Delawares, & some of the Mingos, who getting but little part of the Consideration that was given for the Lands Eastward of the Ohio, view the Settlement of the People upon this River with an uneasy & jealous Eye, & do not scruple to say that they must be compensated for their Right if the People settle thereon, notwithstanding the Cession of the Six Nations thereto. On the other hand, the People from Virginia & elsewhere, are exploring and Marking all the Lands that are valuable not only on Redstone & other Waters of Monongahela but along down the Ohio as low as the little Kanhawa; & by next Summer I suppose will get to the great Kanhawa, at least: how difficult it may be to contend with these People afterwards is easy to be judgd of from every days experience of Lands actually settled, supposing these to be made; then which nothing is more probable if the Indians permit them, from the disposition of the People at present. A few Settlements in the midst of some of the large Bottoms, woud render it impractacable to get any large qty. of Land Together; as the Hills all the way down the River (as
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low as I went) come pretty close and are steep & broken incapable of Settlements tho some of them are rich and only fit to support the Bottoms with Timber and Wood.
The Land back of the Bottoms as far as I have been able to judge, either from my own observations or from information, is nearly the same, that is exceeding une<ven> & Hilly; & I do presume that there is no body's of Flat rich Land to be found till one gets far enough from the River to head the little runs & drains that comes through the Hills; & to the Sources (or near it) of the Creeks & there Branches. This it seems is the case of the Lands upon Monogahela and yaughe. & I fancy holds good upon this River till you get into the Flat Lands (or near them) below the Falls.
The Bottom Land differs a good deal in quality. That highest up the River in general is richest; tho the Bottoms are neither so wide or long, as those below. Walnut, H. Loc<ust> Cherry, & some other Woods, that grow Snarly, & neither Tall nor large, but coverd with Grape Vines (with the Fruit of which this Country at this Instant abounds) are the growth of the Richest Bottoms, but on the other hand these Bottoms appear to me to be the lowest & most subject to Floods. Sugar Tree and Ash, mixd with Walnut &ca. compose the growth of the next richest low grounds and Beach Poplar Oaks &ca. the last. The Soil of this is also good but inferior to either of the other kinds & beach Bottoms are excepted against on Acct. of the difficulty of clearing them there Roots spreading over a large Surface of Ground & being hard to kill.
Sunday, 18th. Agreed with two Delaware Indians to carry up our Canoe to Fort Pitt for the doing of which I was to pay 6 Dollars & give them a Quart Tinn Can.
Monday 19th. The Delawares set of with the Canoe and our Horses not arriving, the day appeard exceeding long & tedious. Upon conversing with Nicholson I found he had been two or three times to Fort Chartres at the Illinois, and got from him the following Acct. of the Lands between this & that; & upon the Shawna River;1 on which he had been a Hunting.
The Lands down the Ohio grow more & more level as you approach the Falls, and about 150 Miles below them, the Country appears quite Flat, & exceeding rich. On the Shawna River (which comes into the Ohio 400 Miles below the Falls2 & about
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1100 from Pittsburg) up which he had hunted 300 & more Miles the Lands are exceeding Level, rich, fine, but a good deal intermixed with Cain or Reed, which mig<ht> render them difficult to clear; that game of all kinds was to be found here in the greatest abundance, especially Buffalo--that from Fort Chartres to Pittsburg by Land, is co<m>puted 800 Miles; & in travelling th<ro> the Country from that place he f<ound> the Soil very rich--the Ground exceeding level to O. Post3 (a French s<ettle>ment) & from Opost to the Lower Sha<w>na Town on Scioto equally flat--that he passd through large Planes 30 Miles in length without a Tree except little Islands of Wood--th<at> in these Planes thousands & 10,000<s> of Buffalo may be seen feeding. That the distance from Fort Cha<rtres> to Opost is about 240 Miles & the Country not very well Waterd--from Opost to the lower Shawna Town about 300 more abounding in good springs & Rivulets--that the remainder of the way to Fort Pitt is Hilly, & the Hills larger as you approach the Fort tho the L[an]d in general is also good.
At Fort Pitt I got the distances from place to place down the Ohio as taken (by) one Mr. Hutchings 4 & which are as follows--wt. some corrections of mine.
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The Distances from For Pitt to the Mouth of the Great Kanhawa are set down agreeable to my own Computation, but from thence to the Mouth of River Ohio are strictly according to Hutchingss. Acct.--which Acct. I take to be erroneous inasmuch as it appears that the Miles in the upper part of the River are very long, & those towards the Canhawa short, which I attribute to his setting of in a falling fresh & running slower as they proceeded on.
The Letters E and W signifie wch. side of the River the respective Waters come in on, that is, whether on the East or West side.
1 The Cumberland River, flowing through Tennessee and Kentucky.
3 Ouabache or Wabash Post, later Vincennes, Ind.
5 From this point GW's table substantially agrees with that appended to the
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Gordon journal, but several fractions of miles are dropped from the last entries.
8 Little Miami River flows into the Ohio at East Cincinnati.
9 Great Miami River enters the Ohio in the extreme southwestern part of Ohio.
11 The Kentucky River flows into the Ohio at Carrollton, Ky.
12 The Wabash River joins the Ohio at the southwest corner of Indiana.
15 Now called the Tennessee River.
17 The Ohio River joins the Mississippi at Cairo, Ill.
Remark & Occurs. in Novr.
Novr. 20th. About One Oclock our Horses arrivd, having been prevented getting to Fort Pitt by the freshes. At Two we set out & got about 10 Miles. The Indians travelling along with us.
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Tuesday 21st. Reach'd Fort Pitt in the Afternoon, distant from our last Incampment about 25 Miles & as near as I can guess 35 from the Mingo Town.
The Land between The Mingo Town & Pittsburg is of different kinds. For 4 or 5 Miles after leaving the first mentiond place we passd over Steep Hilly ground, hurt with stone; coverd with White Oak; & a thin shallow Soil. This was succeeded by a lively White Oak Land, less broken; & this again by Rich Land the growth of which was chiefly white & red Oak, Mixd; which lasted with some Intervals of indifferent Ridges all the way to Pittsburg.
It was very observable that as we left the River; the Land grew better, which is a confirmation of the Accts. I had before receivd, that the good Bodies of Land lay upon the heads of the Runs & Creeks but in all my Travels through this Country, I have seen no large body of level Land. On the Branches of Racoon Creek there appears to be good Meadow Ground and on Shirtees Creek (over both which we passd) the Lands Looks well. The Country between the Mingo Town and Fort Pitt appears to be well supplied with Springs.
Thursday 22. Stayd at Pittsburg all day. Invited the Officers & some other Gentlemen to dinner with me at Samples--among which was one Doctr. Connelly (nephew to Colo. Croghan)1 a very sensible Intelligent Man who had travelld over a good deal of this western Country both by Land & Water & confirms Nicho<l>sons Acct. of the good Land on the Shawana River up which he had been near 400 Miles.
This Country (I mean on the Shawana River) according to Doctr. Connellys acct. must be exceeding desirable on many Accts. The Climate is exceeding fine--the Soil remarkably good. The Lands well Waterd with good streams & full level enough for any kind of Cultivation. Besides these advantages from Nature, it has others not less Important to a new settlement particularly Game which is so plenty as not only to render the Transportation of Provisions there (bread only excepted) altogether unnecessary but to enrich the Adventurers with the Peltry for which there is a constant & good Market.
Doctr. Connelly is so much delighted with the Lands, & Climate on this River; that he seems to wish for nothing more than to induce 100 families to go there to live that he might be among them. A New & most desirable Government might be established here to be bounded (according to his Acct.) by the Ohio Northward & westward. The Ridge that divides the Waters of the
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Tenesee or Cherokee River Southward & Westward & a Line to be Run from the Falls of Ohio, or above so as to cross the Shawana River above the Fork of it.
Docter Connelly gives much the same Acct. of the Land between Fort Chartres in the Illinois Country, and Post St. Vincent (O Post) that Nicholson does, except in the Article of Water, wch. the Doctr. says is bad, & in the Summer Scarce. There being little else than stagnate Water to be met with.
Friday 23d. After settling with the Indians1 & People that attended me down the River & defray the Sundry Expences accruing at Pittsburg, I set of on my return home and after dining at the Widow Mierss. on Turtle Creek reachd Mr. John Stephenson (two or three hours in the Night).
1 GW paid the Indians £10 13s. (LEDGER A, 329).
Saturday 24th. When we came to Stewards Crossing at Crawfords, the River was too high to Ford and his Canoe gone a Drift. However after waiting there 2 or three hours a Canoe was got in which we passd and Swam our Horses. The remainder of this day I spent at Captn. Crawfords it either Raining or Snowing hard all day.
Sunday 25th. I Set out early in order to see Lund Washington's Land, but the Ground & trees being coverd with Snow, I was able to form but an indistinct opinion of it--tho upon the whole it appeard to be a good Tract of Land and as Level as common indeed more so. From this I went to Mr. Thos. Gists, and Dind, & then proceeded on to the Great crossing at Hoglands1 where I arrivd about Eight Oclock.
1 John Hogeland (DLC: Toner Collection).
Munday 26th. Reachd Killams on George's Creek where we met several Families going over the Mountains to live--some witht. having any places provided.
The Snow upon the Alligany Mountains was near knee deep.
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Tuesday 27th. We got to Colo. Cresaps at the Old Town after calling at Fort Cumberland & breakfasting with one Mr. Innis at the New store opposite.1 25 Miles.
1 This was presumably James Innes. THE NEW STORE: operated by the Ohio Company (DIARIES, 1:449 n.3).
Wednesday 28th. The Old Town Gut was so high as to Wet us in crossing it, and when we came to Coxs., the River was Impassable; we were obligd therefore to cross in a Canoe & swim our Horses. At Henry Enochs at the Fork of Cacapehon we dind, & lodgd at Rinkers. The distances thus computed--from the old Town to Coxs. 8 Miles--from thence to Cacapehon 12 and 18 Afterwards in all 38 Miles. The last 18 I do not think long ones.
Thursday 29th. Set out early & reachd my Brothers by one Oclock (about 22 or 3 Miles). Doctr. Craik having Business by Winchester went that way to meet at Snickers tomorrow by 10 Oclock.
Friday 30th. According to Appointment the Doctr. and I met & after Breakfasting at Snickers proceeded on to Wests1 where we arrivd at or about Sunset.
[November]
Where & how my time is Spent
1. Went up the Great Kanhawa abt. 10 Miles with the People that were with me.
2. Hunting the most part of the day. The Canoe went up abt. 5 Miles further.
3. Returnd down the River again and Incampd at the Mouth.
4. Proceeded up the Ohio on our return to Fort Pitt. Incampd abt. 9 Miles below the rapid at the Grt. Bent.
5. Walk'd across a Neck of Land to the Rapid and Incampd about < > Miles above it.
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6. In about 5 Miles we came to Kiashutas Camp & there Halted.
7. Reachd the Mouth of Hockhocking--distant abt. 20 Miles.
8. Came within a Mile of the Mouth of Muskingham 27 Miles.
9. Got to the 3 Islands in the 2d. long reach about 17 Miles.
10. Arrivd at the lower end of the long reach abt. 12 Miles--not setting of till 12 Oclock.
11. Came about 16 Miles after hard working the greatest part of the day.
12. Only got about 5 Miles the Currt. being very strong against us.
13. Reachd the uppermost broken Timber Creek distant about 7 Miles contending with a violent Currt. the whole day.
14. Came to the Captening or Fox Grape Vine Creek distant about 10 Miles.
15. Reachd Weeling (on the West) where there had been an Indian Town & where some of the Shawnes are going to settle in the Spring distant from our last Incampment 12 Miles.
16. Got within 13 Miles of the lower cross Creeks--13 Miles.
17. Reachd the Mingo Town about 13 Miles more.
18. At this place all day waiting for Horses which did not arrive.
19. At the same place, & in the same Situation as yesterday.
20. Our Horses arriving about One Oclock at 2 we set out for Fort Pitt & got about 10 Miles.
21. Reachd Fort Pitt in the Afternoon & lodgd at Samples.
22. Invited the Officers of the Fort and other Gentlemen to dine with me at Samples.
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23. Left Fort Pitt and reachd Mr. John Stephensons.
24. Got to Captn. Crawfords--the Rivr. Youghyaughgane being very high.
25. Reachd Hoglands at the great Crossing.
26. Came to Killams on Georges Creek.
27. Got to the Old Town to Colo. Cresaps distant from Killams about 25 Miles.
28. Reachd Jasper Rinkers about 38 Miles from Cresaps & 30 from Cox's--not long ones.
29. Came to my Brothers (distant about 25 Miles) to Dinner.
30. Reachd Charles Wests 35 Miles from my Brother's.
Acct. of the Weather in Novr.
Novr. 1. Calm, cool, & Cloudy, with great appearances of falling weather.
2. Windy & clear in the forenoon afterwards Rain & Hail--then clear again.
3. Clear & Windy--first from the So. Wt. then No. Wt.
4. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Northwardly.
5. Lowering Morning & rainy afternoon.
6. Cloudy forenoon but clear afterwards with the Wind high from the No. West.
7. Clear & moderate Wind from the West.
8. A lowering threatning Morning but more favourable afternoon & rain at Night.
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9. A Good deal of rain fell in the Night & till 10 Oclock this Morng. after which it contind. drisling more or less all day till abt. Sunset then set in to a close hard Rain.
10. About 1 Oclock it began to thunder & Lighten & contind. to do so incessantly till abt. 8 Oclock with constant hard Rain which lasted till about 11 and then ceasd but contd. cloudy & very warm the remaining part of the day.
11. Abt. 9 Oclock last Night it began to Rain again, & contd. to do so the whole Night, sometimes as if pourd out of Buckets; attended with thunder and lightning.
12. Sometimes Cloudy & sometimes threatning hard for Snow.
13. Clear with the Wind fresh & cool from the No. West.
14. Clear with a little wind from the South & very white frost.
15. Very large frost again with little or no wind & clear.
16. Another white frost and calm and dear after it.
17. White frost with Southerly Wind & clear.
18. A Frost as white as Snow but clear & calm.
19. Another white frost but clear calm and exceeding pleasant.
20. Pleasant forenoon but lowering afterwards.
21. Very cloudy all the Forenoon, & Raining moderately afterwards.
22. Raining moderately all day with the Wind at Northwest.
23. Flying Clouds and windy but nothing falling.
24. First Raining, then Snowing all day.
25. Very Windy all day, & snowing the first part of it. Cold.
26. Very clear, and Cold.
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27. Lowering Morning, & Snowy Afternoon.
28. Morning threatning but clear afterwards with the Wind fresh from the Northward.
29. Clear & Cold in the forepart of the day but tolerably pleasant afterwards.
30. Clear and Pleasant after the morning which was cold.
Where & how my time is Spent.
Decr. 1st. Reachd home from Wests after an absence of 9 Weeks and one Day.
2. At home all day alone.
3. Rid to the Mill in the forenoon, and returnd to Dinner.
4. Rid by Posey's to the Mill, and to the Ditchers. Mr. Boucher and Jacky Custis came here in the Afternoon.
Boucher had not given up the idea of taking Jacky to Europe. At this time he was urging the Washingtons to prepare the boy for travel by having him inoculated for smallpox in Baltimore, where Dr. Henry Stevenson ran a popular inoculation clinic, free of legal restrictions that the burgesses had recently imposed on inoculators in Virginia (Jonathan Boucher to GW, 1 Oct. 1770, DLC: GW; H.B.J., 1770--72, 100). Although the question of Jacky's tour was now no closer to being finally resolved than it had been in the spring, GW favored the inoculation, thinking that Jacky should be protected against smallpox whether he went abroad or not (GW to Boucher, 13 May 1770, WRITINGS, 3:12--15). But Mrs. Washington, while agreeing that the benefits were very desirable, feared exposing her son to the inoculating process, which, as practiced during this period, brought on a fatal case of the disease in 1 of every 50 to 60 inoculations (GW to Boucher, 20 April 1771, CSmH; KING [1], 321). Consequently the decision on this matter, like the one on the tour, was postponed.
5. Mr. Boucher went away again to Maryland. I rid to the Mill.
6. Rid by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Mill & returnd by Posey's.
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7. Rid to the Mill and returnd to Dinner.
8. Went a hunting but found nothing. From the Woods I went to my Mill & so home to Dinner. Doc<tor> Ross Dind here & went away after.
9. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
10. Went up to the little Falls to Balendines Sale. Returnd in the Evening.
John Ballendine was today attempting to satisfy all his creditors by leasing his enterprises at the falls and selling much of his other property, including about 100 hogsheads of tobacco, a large amount of wheat and corn, 50 head of sheep, one set each of blacksmith's and cooper's tools, some household furniture, 1,049 acres of land in Prince William County, and 91 acres in Fauquier County. However, he did not succeed in selling everything on this day, nor did all his creditors appear at the falls today to settle their accounts as he had requested, and a second sale and meeting of the creditors had to be called for 16 May 1771 ( Va. Gaz., R, 29 Nov. 1770 and 2 May 1771).
11. Rid to my Mill and Ditchers before Dinner.
12. At home all day. Mr. Semple Dined here, & went away afterwar<ds.> Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon and stayd all Night.
13. Doctr. Rumney went away after breakfast and the two Mrs. Fairfax's & Miss Nelly Marbray dind here. Mrs. Geo. Fairfax returnd afterds.
NELLY MARBRAY: possibly a member of the Marbury family of Prince George's County, Md. (MACKENZIE [1], 2:488--89).
14. Mrs. B. Fairfax & Miss Marbray went away after Breakfast & Mr. Peake dind here.
15. I rid to the Mill and Ditchers by Poseys.
16. Dined at Belvoir with Jacky Custis & returnd afterwards.
17. Jacky Custis went to Annapolis & I to Court. Returnd in the afternoon.
Jacky was not eager to return to school. "His mind," GW warned Jonathan Boucher, is "a good deal released from Study, & more than ever turnd to Dogs Horses and Guns" (16 Dec. 1770, NNC). The court met 17--19 Dec. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 157--68, Vi Microfilm).
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This view of the water end of a mill house illustrates a metal fish serving as a weather vane (5), the millstones (9), and the waterwheel (10). From Oliver Evans, The Young Mill-Wright and Miller's Guide, Philadelphia, 1795. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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18. Rid to my Mill and to the Ditchers in the Fore and Afternoon.
GW today completed a land transaction with Valinda Wade, paying her £175 for her share of the Wade family property on Dogue Run, which she and her two sisters, Sarah and Eleanor, had inherited. During the past few years Sarah had died unmarried, and Eleanor, who had married John Barry of Fairfax County, had recently died also, leaving a son William as her only heir. Because the 193-acre tract had never been divided among the sisters, it became, following the deaths of Sarah and Eleanor, the joint property of Valinda and her underage nephew, whose business affairs were handled by his father. With this day's purchase, GW obtained Valinda's right to divide the land with young Barry on an equal basis (deeds of Valinda Wade to GW, 17 Dec. 1770, NjMoNP, and 18 Dec. 1770, CSmH). The property was important to GW not only because it lay near the rest of his land, but because it was involved in a question of riparian rights on Dogue Run. The millrace that GW was currently having dug would, when finished, deliver much water with increased force to the new mill as planned, but it would do so at the cost of diverting water from Dogue Run between the dam and the mill, the stretch on which the Wade-Barry property lay. According to common law, a property owner who suffered damages from having his water diverted without his permission could sue the responsible person every year the water was diverted. Thomas Hanson Marshall, who also owned land on the run in the affected area, apparently would not be able to claim such damages, because his land was uninhabited and mostly woodland, but the owners of the Wade-Barry tract, which was inhabited and farmed, would have grounds to sue GW (Robert H. Harrison to GW, 5 April 1770, DLC:GW).
GW's purchase today from Valinda Wade solved only part of this problem. He still had to come to terms with William Barry's father either by purchasing the other half of the land or making some agreement about the riparian rights. However, John Barry was determined to drive a hard bargain and had refused thus far to cooperate with GW in settling the matter (George W. Fairfax to GW, 12 Mar. 1770, DLC:GW). The dispute would continue for several months.
19. Went to Colchester on an Arbitration between McCraes Exrs. and John Graham--no business done.
Allan Macrae of Dumfries had died in 1766, and the executors of his will were Thomas Lawson, of the Neabsco iron furnace in Prince William County, and Capt. John Lee (1709--1789), who lived on Chopawamsic Creek in Stafford County ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 11 Dec. 1766). John Graham (1711--1787), clerk of the Prince William County court, lived on the south side of Quantico Creek near Dumfries. He came to Virginia from Scotland about 1740 and acquired much land in Prince William County, including the tract on which Dumfries was established in 1749 (W.P.A. [1], 94). The dispute between Graham and Macrae's executors probably concerned debts he owed Macrae's estate; in Mar. 1771 he entrusted three slaves, some livestock and household furniture, and 200 acres of land adjoining Dumfries to two local merchants to be sold for the benefit of his creditors ( Va. Gaz., R, 28 Mar. 1771). The arbitrators of the dispute, in addition to GW, were George Mason of Fairfax
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County and Thomas Ludwell Lee of Stafford County. They met again on 12 Feb. 1771.
20. Returnd home.
21. Rid to the Mill in the fore and Afternoon.
22. Rid to the Mill & Mill Race in the fore and Afternoon.
Jacky Custis had been indulged with a further reprieve from studying and apparently was now at Mount Vernon again; on this date GW recorded giving the boy £2 6s. 3d. "to buy Sundries at Fred[ericksbur]g" (LEDGER A, 329). Jacky was probably sent to that town to spend the holidays visiting friends and relatives and engaging "in his favorite amusement of Hunting." He returned to Annapolis about 2 Jan. with a professed "determination of applying dose to his Studies" (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 2 Jan. 1771, WRITINGS, 3:36--37).
Rid to the Mill before Dinner. At home afterwards alone.
24. Rid to the Mill again in the fore and afternoon.
25. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
26. At Home all day alone.
27. Went a fox Hunting and killd a fox in Company with the two Mr. Triplets and Mr. Peake who dined here.
28. At the Mill in the Forenoon and Afternoon.
29. Went a fox hunting in Company with the two Mr. Triplets & Mr. Peake, found no Fox. Upon my return home found Mr. & Mrs. Cockburn here.
30. Mr. & Mrs. Cockburn went away. My Miller & his wife and Mr. Ball dind here.
GW's miller was William Roberts, a Pennsylvanian who had signed articles of agreement with Lund Washington 13 Oct. 1770 engaging himself to run the new mill at Mount Vernon for £80 a year plus the privilege of feeding a cow and raising domestic fowl at GW's expense (DLC:GW). Roberts was highly skilled in the business of grinding grain, a delicate art requiring great judgment in fixing the speed and interval of the millstones to produce good-quality flour with minimum waste. He was also, like John Ball, a capable millwright who could keep the mill in proper working order, and when he was not grinding grain, he could work in the nearby cooper's shop making
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barrels needed for flour and other products. Aided by an apprentice miller whom he had brought with him. Roberts worked diligently and honestly for GW for several years, but an addiction to liquor eventually proved to be his undoing (GW to Robert Lewis & Sons, 6 Sept. 1783, and 12 April 1785, DLC:GW).
31. I rid to My Mill in the forenoon and Afternoon. Nancy Peake came here.
GW gave Nancy £10 as a loan for her father, Humphrey Peake, who repaid the sum in June (LEDGER A, 307).
Acct. of the Weather in Decemr.
Decr. 1st. Cold & Raw in the forenoon & constant Snow in the Afternoon.
2. Clear, & tolerably pleasant, except being Cool. Wind at No. West.
3. Clear & cool, Wind at No. West, & Ground hard froze As it has been for several days.
4. Clear and Cool, Wind being Northwardly in the forenoon & Southwardly afterwards.
5. Lowering & like for Snow in the forenoon--but clearer afterwards.
6. Warm Morning but Cold & blustering Afternoon. Wind No. West.
7. Tolerably pleasant wind Southerly.
8. Calm and pleasant Morning but windy & cool afterwards.
9. Pleasant day and clear with but little Wind.
10. Very pleasant. Calm, clear & warm.
11. Lowery Morning and dripping Afternoon.
12. Drisling all the forenoon. In the Afternoon Rain.
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13. Clear Morning & pleasant, but Cloudy & blustering afterwards from the No. Wt.
14. Clear and not windy--nor so cold as Yesterday.
15. Calm and Pleasant forenoon--a little lowering in the afternn.
16. Quite Calm, clear, and exceeding pleasant.
17. Very pleasant Morning, but Cloudy & blustering afterwards.
18. Pleasant again tho a little Cool & frosty.
19. Calm, clear, and Pleasant.
20. Very pleasant, being clear and Calm.
21. Lowering Morning with a little Rain--but clear afterwards & windy.
22. High wind all day from the North West--but not very cold.
23. Clear & pleasant Morning but windy afterwards & a little Cloudy.
24. Cloudy & like for Rain but none fell.
25. Snowing in the Morning, but clear afterwards and Cool. Snow about an Inch deep.
26. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
27. Frosty Morning but clear and pleasant afterwards.
28. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
29. Very pleasant and quite Calm but somewhat lowering.
30. Exceeding pleast. calm and clear.
31. Also dear and Pleasant.
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[Remarks and Occurences in December]
Saturday 1st. Reachd home being absent from it Nine weeks and one day.
11th. Agreed with Christr. Shade to drive my Waggon by the year for the doing of which I am to find him in Bed, Board, & Washing, and to pay him Eighteen pounds a year.
Shade, or "Shields," was employed by GW as his wagoner until the end of 1774 (LEDGER A, 331; LEDGER B, 39).
19. Finishd digging & levelling the Mill Race from Piney Branch.
The Piney Branch dam had also been completed, and water could now be diverted from the branch into the race.
22. Began to Grind Sand in my Mill the Water being let in upon the Fore Bay.
Dry sand was being ground between the new millstones "to smooth down the sharp points" on their faces. When the faces were fully finished and fitted together, they would be furrowed and dressed for grinding grain (CRAIK [1], 298--99). The forebay was a deep reservoir at the end of the millrace, from which water was taken to run the waterwheel.
27. Shut up Singer after She had been first lined by one or two Cur Dogs. Jowler being put in with her lind her several times; and his Puppies if to be distinguished saved.
29. Truelove another Hound Bitch Shut up with Ringwood & by him alone lined.
Repository Symbols
Bibliography
Index
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Virginia from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. New York, Philadelphia, Richmond: various publishers, 1819--23.
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Morton. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1956.
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. . . . 2 vols. London: Printed for G. Robinson, J. Robson, and J. Stewell, 1784.
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The index in the final volume of the Diaries will be complete and extensive. Preliminary indexes, such as the one that follows, consist primarily of references to persons. The abbreviation "id." is used for "identification."
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Carter estate, 133, 134; at Frederick County plantation with GW, 134; GW borrows money from, 148; receives money from GW on R. Alexander's account, 190; meets GW at Colchester, 264; account with Rumney paid by GW, 272
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Vernon, 141, 221, 227, 228, 256; land transactions with GW, 143, 246, 271; attends court with GW, 221; runs dividing line between his Harrison patent and GW's land, 221; runs line dividing Spencer-Washington grant, 227, 228
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume III
1771--75, 1780--81
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
and Philander D. Chase
George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR
Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR
DONALD JACKSON, EDITOR
DOROTHY TWOHIG, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington,
sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
and the University of Virginia
with the support of
The National Endowment for the Humanities
and
The National Historical Publications
and Records Commission
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1978 by the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia
First published 1978
Frontispiece: Washington before Yorktown, by Rembrandt Peale.
(Corcoran Gallery of Art, gift of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association)
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799
The diaries of George Washington.
Includes bibliographies and indexes.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
2. Presidents--United States--Biography. I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919-- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title
E312.8 1976 973.4'1'0924 [B] 75-41365
ISBN 0--8139--0721--7 (v. 3)
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
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Contents
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Illustrations
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Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the dash has been changed to a period and following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are dearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been lowered,
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and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a square bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, although the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; those which have been identified in the first two volumes may be located by consulting the indexes of those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume III
1771--75, 1780--81
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Where & how my time is Spent
Jany. 1st. Rid to my Mill in the forenoon and afternoon.
2. Did the same thing again. Met Colo. Robt. Fairfax there, & upon my return home found Mr. Piper, Mr. Muir, and Doctr. Rumney here who dined & lodged.
Robert Fairfax was preparing at this time to return to his home in England, Leeds Castle, where he lived until his death in 1793 (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 3 Feb. 1771, CSmH). He became the seventh Baron Fairfax when his brother Thomas died in 1781.
Rumney apparently brought a quantity of the "Best Bark" for Patsy Custis. Peruvian bark, also called cinchona, was one of the popular eighteenth-century remedies for epilepsy as well as for malaria. Before Rumney left Mount Vernon, he also furnished Patsy with a fresh assortment of pills, powders, and drops (receipt from William Rumney, 24 June 1772, ViHi: Custis Papers).
3. The above Gentlemen stayed all day and Night. My Brother John and Mr. Lawe. Washington came here to Dinner.
4. After Breakfast Mr. Piper, Mr. Muir and Doctr. Rumney returnd to Alexa. My Brothr. Mr. Lawe. Washington & self went to the Mill.
5. My Brother & Mr. Lawe. Washington set of for Frederick. I went a hunting with the two Mr. Triplets and Mr. Peake but killd nothing.
6. At home all day alone.
7. The Two Colo. Fairfaxs and Mrs. Fairfax dined and lodged here.
Besides the Fairfaxes, Dr. George Steptoe (d. 1784), of Westmoreland County, apparently visited Mount Vernon about this time; on 8
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Jan., GW paid him £2 3s. for examining Patsy Custis and giving her a prescription (LEDGER A, 333; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK). Steptoe had graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1767.
8. The Same Company dined here again but went away in the Evening.
9. Rid to the Mill in the forenoon and Afternoon.
10. Mr. Robt. Adam & Mr. Josh. Watson dined and lodged here. Before they came I had rid to my Mill in the forenoon.
Robert Adam had recently entered into a business partnership with two friends, Matthew Campbell (d. 1782) and James Adam (died c.1787), both merchants of Alexandria. Known as Robert Adam & Co., this firm dealt in several agricultural commodities including wheat, corn, flour, and fish and had plans to import goods from Great Britain and the West Indies for sale in Alexandria. The partnership lasted until the end of 1776, when it was dissolved because of "Declining Business," but Robert Adam continued to operate his own milling and baking enterprises until his death in 1789 (LEDGER A, 324, 326, 341; Va. Gaz., D&H, 14 Feb. 1777; Robert Adam to GW, 10 April 778, DLC:GW).
Joseph Watson (d. 1773), burgess for Dunmore County 1772--73, was a friend of both GW and Robert Adam (Adam to GW, 16 Sept. 1773, DLC:GW; Va. Gaz., P&D, 23 Sept. 1773).
11. The above Gentlemen dined here again to day and went away in the Afternoon. In the forenoon we all went to the Mill.
12. Went a huntg. with the two Mr. Triplets Mr. Manley and Mr. Peake. Run a Deer to the Water but killed nothing.
13. Mrs. Washington Patcy Custis & myself Dined and lodged at Belvoir.
14. Dined there this day also and Returnd home after it.
15. Rid to the Mill & Race in the forenoon and afternoon.
16. Rid to the Mill and up the Mill Race in the Afternoon.
17. Rid to the Mill &ca. in the Afternn. and went up to Alexa. with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis in the Afternoon.
18. Rid to my Mill and the Race above it in the forenoon--at home afterwards.
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19. Went a hunting in Compa. with the two Mr. Triplets, Mr. Manley & Mr. Peake. Killed a Fox after two hours Chase. In the Afternoon rid to where my People were at work on the Mill Race.
GW's workers were now extending the millrace a few hundred yards northeast to a point on Dogue Run, a short distance above the mouth of Piney Branch.
20. Went to Pohick Church with Mrs. Washington and returnd to Dinr. Mr. Ball dined here.
21. Went up to Court Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis with me. Returnd in the Afternoon & Mr. Hr. Ross with us.
The January court met only today. At this session Lund Washington and James Wren, two witnesses to the signing of Valinda Wade's deeds to GW 17--18 Dec. 1770, took oaths verifying those deeds, and the justices ordered the documents to be certified (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 169--72, Vi Microfilm).
22. Dined at home and afterwards went to Colcherster with Mr. Ross on my way to Dumfries on the Arbitration between Doctr. Ross & Co. and Mr. Semple.
This arbitration, which had been begun in Colchester 27 Aug. 1770, was in GW's opinion "a very disagreeable" one (GW to Charles Washington, 25 Jan. 1771, CSmH). The arbitrators were obliged to meet in Dumfries for a third session beginning on 28 Mar. to settle it.
23. Waited at Colchester till 2 Oclock for Colo. Mason. Dined at Courts's & went to Dumfries afterwards & to the Play of the Recruitg. Officer. Lodgd at Mr. Montgomeries.
William Courts kept an inn, commonly called the Stone House, at the ferry landing in Colchester ( Va. Gaz., P, 8 Sept. 1775). The Recruiting Officer: A Comedy, by George Farquhar, was a genial satire about the British army and its brutal recruiting system. First performed in London in 1706, the play was a great favorite of English and American audiences throughout the eighteenth century (FARQUHAR, 2:33--112). This production was staged by the American Company of Comedians, which had recently left Annapolis and would soon return to Williamsburg for the spring court days.
24. On the Arbitration.
25. Ditto--Ditto.
26. Ditto--Ditto.
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27. Receivg. News of part of my Mill Wall's falling in I came home to Dinner and found Miss Molly Manley here.
Excavation of the mill site in 1932 revealed a layer of "soft aqueous sand" under the wall separating the water pit, where the waterwheel stood, from the cog pit in which the gears needed for transmission of power were located. It was also discovered that there were "bad subsoil conditions generally under the southeast corner of the building," where the raceway exited (BURSON, 10). The wall that fell today was probably one of the two walls meeting at this corner or the wall between the water and cog pits.
28. Returnd to Dumfries on the above Arbitration.
29. Employd therein. In the Evening went to a Play.
30. Employed as above and abt. [ ] Oclock at Night finished all the business we coud at this meeting.
31. Returnd home by my Mill & the Dam where my People were attempting to stop water.
The Dogue Run dam at the head of the millrace was apparently under construction, but the heavy rain that fell 29--30 Jan. had swollen the stream, making the job more difficult.
Acct. of the Weather in Jany.
Jan. 1. Calm & very pleasant--being clear with all.
2. Clear and very pleasant with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
3. Still clear but a little Cooler Wind Shifting to the Northward.
4. A little cool but pleasant notwithstanding being clear.
5. Frosty Morning but clear with the Wind rather fresh from the Southwd.
6. Clear forenoon & pleasant but gloomy Afternoon.
7. Very Raw, Cold & Cloudy in the forenoon but clear afternoon.
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8. A little Cool but clear and tolerably pleasant afterwards.
9. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southwardly.
10. Very pleasant and warm with but little Wind.
11. Much such a day as yesterday only a little Warmer.
12. Clear, Mild, and pleasant in the forenoon but lowering afterwards.
13. A little Rain last Night but clear again with the Wind at No. West.
14. Cold Morning, and hard frost. The Afternoon somewhat milder the Wind having got about to the Southward again.
15. A little Raw and Cold in the Morning altho the Wind was Southwardly. Afternoon very cloudy and threatning.
16. Constant Rain the whole day with the Wind high from the Eastward. In the Evening it Shifted to the Southward.
17. Clear & pleasant, the Wind what little there was of it being still Southwardly.
18. Ground froze--the Wind being tolerably fresh from the No. West and at times Cloudy. It was cold & Raw.
19. Ground very hard froze. Morng. clear & Gold. Wind (tho not much of it) at No. West. Midday and Afternn. clear & pleast. Wind Southwardly.
20. Ground hard froze. Morning Cloudy & Cold tho the Wind was Southwardly. Afternn. clear & pleast.
21. Clear and Calm forenoon with frozen Ground. Afternn. very lowering and like for falling Weather.
22. Rain the preceeding Night, and Snowing till near 2 Oclock with the Wind varying from East to North.
23. Calm and Cloudy but not very cold. No frost this Morning.
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24. No frost but calm and Cloudy all day.
25. Much such a day as yesterday but somewhat colder & Rawer.
26. Clear and a little Cool in the Morning. Ground frozen and wind (tho not much of it) Northwardly.
27. But a Slight frost and tolerably pleasant. Eveng. somewhat Cool.
28. Hard frost Wind Northwardly clear and Cold.
29. Very hard frost Afternoon lowering Cold and like for Snow.
30. A Great quantity of Rain fell last Night--a good deal the forepart of the day. Afternoon misting and tolerably warm.
31. Morning calm, clear, warm and pleasant but the Afternn. Cloudy cold and Windy from the No. West.
Where and how my time is Spent
Feby. 1st. At the Mill in the forenoon and afternoon. Doctr. Rumney came here before Dinner & stayd all Night.
2. At the Mill and where my People was at Work on the Race in the forenoon & afternoon. Mr. Rutherford & Price Posey came here in the Evening.
Robert Rutherford (1728--1803) was a prominent landowner and burgess from Frederick County. During the French and Indian War he had served for a time as a deputy commissary for the Virginia Regiment and in the fall of 1757, on the recommendation of GW, raised a partisan company called Rutherford's Rangers (GW to Robert Dinwiddie, 5 Oct. 1757, DLC:GW). After the war he married Mary Daubigny Howe, widow of a British army officer, and settled on Flowing Springs farm near Evitt's Run (BUSHONG, 436--37).
John Price Posey (d. 1788), a son of Capt. John Posey, began working about this time in Thomas Lawson's iron and flour business on Neabsco Creek. He was able to obtain the job because GW persuaded Lawson to hire him (Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, DLC:GW).
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3. Val. Crawford came this Afternoon & Price Posey went away in the Morng.
Young Posey was going to Annapolis and apparently carried a letter from GW to Jonathan Boucher, in which GW asked the tutor on behalf of Mrs. Washington to buy two ounces of ether for Patsy Custis, "if such a thing is to be had in Annapolis," and to send it by Price Posey on his return to Virginia (3 Feb. 1771, CSmH). Ether, like valerian and musk, was thought to be a strong antispasmodic, useful in treating epilepsy when taken internally in small doses (HOOPER, 383). It was not employed as an anesthetic until the next century.
4. Mr. Rutherford Went away After breakfast. I rid to my Mill &ca. Docter Rumney came to Dinner & Doctr. Craik in the Afternoon. Both stayd all Night.
5. The Gentlemen all went away. I rid to my Mill in the forenoon & Afternoon.
6. Rid to my Mill by the Ferry in the forenoon, & afternoon. Price Posey came here this Evening.
THE FERRY: Capt. John Posey's ferry which GW had begun to rent 23 April 1770.
7. Price Posey went away. I rid to the Mill, & Dam at the head of the Race in the forenoon & Afternoon.
8. Rid to my Mill & Tumbling Dam in the Forenoon & Afternoon. Doctr. Rumney dind here & went away afterwds.
GW today paid the millwright John Ball the balance of his account, £66 4s. 3d., plus a bonus of 5 guineas. Ball's total bill, the other part of which had been advanced in installments during August and December, amounted to £101 2s. 6d., including £31 2s. 6d. for the wages of Ball and his five workmen. The remaining £70 covered the cost of several items of mill equipment that Ball sold GW: two pairs of millstones, hoisting gear for lifting barrels of grain and flour to upper floors of the mill, and two bolting chests, devices in which flour was sifted through fine-mesh cloth to separate it from bran and other impurities (LEDGER A, 324, 333).
9. Attempted to go a hunting, but prevented by Rain. Rid to the Mill in the fore and Afternoon.
10. At home all day. Mr. Val. Crawford came to Dinner.
11. Rid by my Mill and Dam at the head of the Race on my way
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to an Arbitration between John Graham and the Estate of Allan Macrae deed.
For the Graham-Macrae arbitration, see the main entry for 19 Dec. 1770.
12. At Colchester on the said Arbitration.
13. Ditto--at Ditto--on Ditto.
14. Ditto--at Ditto--on Ditto.
15. Ditto--at Ditto--on Ditto--in Company with Colo. Mason & Colo. T. Lee the other Arbitrators--Mr. T. Mason & Mr. Mercer the Attorneys.
Thomas Ludwell Lee (1730--1778), of Stafford County, one of the sons of Thomas and Hannah Ludwell Lee of Stratford Hall, lived at Belleview plantation on the south side of Potomac Creek, near the Stafford County court house (FITHIAN, 23). Educated in London at the Inns of Court, he was a burgess 1758--65 and was said to be "the most popular man in Virginia, and the delight of the eyes of every Virginian" (John Adams to Richard Bland Lee, 11 Aug. 1819, ADAMS [2], 10:382). But he had no desire to play a prominent role in public life, being by nature a man of "extreme indolence, especially in affairs th[a]t require some little trouble" (William Lee to Anthony Stewart, 1769, LEE [1], 219--20).
16. Still at Colchester upon the same business and in the same Company till 8 Oclock at Night.
17. Returnd home to Breakfast by my Mill Damn. Found my Brother Charles & one Mr. Thompson here who came on Friday last.
Mr. Thompson is probably William Thompson (d. 1793), of Stafford County, son of Rev. John Thompson (d. 1772) of St. Mark's Parish, Culpeper County. He was a student at the College of William and Mary 1762--63 and married Sarah Carter, daughter of Col. Charles Carter of Cleve, King George County (SLAUGHTER [2], 174--77; ST. PAUL'S, 141).
18. Those two Gentlemen went a Gunning & I rid to my Mill in the forenoon.
19. They went a Ducking and I again Rid to my Mill in the forenoon.
20. Rid to my Mill. Colo. Thos. Lee came here to Dinner. My Bro. & Mr. Thompson a Ducking.
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21. At home all day. Colo. Lee still here. The other Gentn. went a Ducking.
22. Rid to my Mill in the forenoon. All the Gentlemen went away after Breakfast. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon and stayed all Night.
23. I rid to the Mill before breakfast and returnd to Dinner. Doctor Rumney went away after breakfast.
On the following day Rumney charged a package of valerian and "a vial of drops" to Patsy Custis's account (receipt from William Rumney, 24 June 1772, ViHi: Custis Papers).
24. At Home all day--alone
25. Rid to the Mill in the forenoon and Afternoon. Colo. Robt. Fairfax made a Morning Visit here.
26. Detaind at home all day by bad Weather.
27. Rid to my Mill in the Forenoon and Afternoon. Colo. Robt. Fairfax dined here.
28. Rid to the Mill in the Forenoon. Mr. Ross and Mr. Peter Waggener came here in the Evening and stayed all Night.
Acct. of the Weather in Feby.
Feby. 1st. Ground hard froze & day Cool, Wind being fresh from the No. West.
2. Ground froze but not so cool, nor the Wind so fresh as yesterday. The Morng. Cloudy after a white frost but the Eveng. Clear & Wind South.
3. Ground a little froze--day clear & pleasant with but little Wind.
4. Wind pretty fresh & somewhat Raw from the Southward.
5. Ground but little froze this Morng. but the Wind getting to No. West & blowing fresh it turnd very Cold.
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6. Very hard frost & keen Wind from the No[rth]ward, in the Morning. Midday tolerably pleasant Wind being Southwardly. Afternoon rather cool again the Wind getting to the East. The whole day tolerably clear.
7. Ground hard froze. Morning very Cloudy with a fine mixture of Snow & Rain. Eveng. Clear calm & pleast.
8. Frozen Morning & Cold. Midday Clear & Pleasant. Afternoon very Cloudy & Raining from the Eastward.
9. Much Rain fell last Night, & some this Morning. About 9 Oclock the Wind Shifting to No. West blew violently all day & grew very Cold being sometime Cloudy.
10. Wind still fresh and Cold from the No. West. Ground very hard froze.
11. Ground very hard froze. The Weather Cool and Clear but not so Cold as yesterday.
12. Rain in the Night. Wind exceeding high from the No. West towards Evening very Cold.
13. Last Night Colder than any Night we have had this year. Ground exceeding hard froze. Day clear & Wind still at No. West but not so Cold.
14. Weather clear and frosty but more moderate Wind getting Southwardly.
15. Tolerably calm and Still--what little wind blew was from the Southward. Weather clear, yet frosty.
16. Snow about 3 Inches deep in the Morning & snowing all day from the Northward.
17. Light Snow all the Morning with but little Wind. About 10 Oclock it came out of Northwest blew violent hard & dispersd the Clouds.
18. Exceeding Cold and frosty with the Wind still at No. West but not so hard. Evening more moderate.
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19. Morning not very Cold. Midday pleasant but Evening Cold, Wind getting to No. West again.
20. Exceeding Cold, & freezing Wind being high and piercing from the No. West.
GW on this date wrote Jonathan Boucher that it was "quite impossible . . . to cross the River in these Storms of wind." Ice was also hindering travelers (20--25 Feb. 1771, DLC:GW).
21. Colder than yesterday--Wind being still in the same place & higher. River & every place closd blockd up.
22. Wind still in the same place but not so fresh nor so cold.
23. Day moderate with but little Wind but that Northwardly in the Morning--Southwardly afterwds.
24. Morning Mild & lowering. Wind (what little stirg.) Southwardly. River opening fast. Afternoon Cloudy & sometimes dropping with Rain.
25. No frost--forenoon clear, Warm & very pleasant. Afternoon very Cloudy but still warm. Wind Southwardly. Snow almost gone.
GW informed Jonathan Boucher in a postscript of this date that "now the River is so much choked with Ice as to render . . . passage precarious" (20--25 Feb. 1771, DLC:GW).
26. Began Raining in the Night & kept constantly at it all day with the Wind fresh from No. East. Snow quite gone, and Ice also.
27. Pleasant Morning but cloudy afterwards and sometimes Raining slowly. In the Evening clear, Wind blowing fresh from the Westward. No frost.
28. Wind hard from the No. West, & growing very cold. Weather clear, & in the Evening Freezing, but no frost in the Morning.
Where & how my time is disposd of
Mar. 1. Messrs. Ross and Wagener went away after breakfast. I rid to my Mill and Ditchers in the forenoon. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came.
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Hector Ross today settled his current account with GW, paying him £89 9s. 5d. cash, much of which was owed as a result of an arrangement made at John Posey's sale in Oct. 1769 (LEDGER A, 276, 327, 333).
2. The Doctr. & I set of for Winchester. Dined at Triplets and lodgd at Wests.
GW had called a meeting of the officers of the Virginia Regiment at Winchester on 4 Mar. to report on the trip down the Ohio River that he had made the previous fall ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 31 Jan., 7 Feb., and 14 Feb. 1771, and R, 31 Jan. 1771).
TRIPLETS: the ordinary of James and William Carr Lane at Newgate (now Centreville). Since GW had last stopped there on 12 Sept. 1769, William Carr Lane had died, leaving the tavern and the other family enterprises to the care of James Lane and James's son-in-law Simon Triplett. A second cousin of Thomas and William Triplett of Fairfax County, Simon Triplett had married James Lane's daughter Martha in 1765 (MCDONALD, 474--76, 487--88).
3. Dined at Barry's (on Shanondoah) and reached Greenway Court in the Afternoon where we stayd all Night.
Berry's ferry was on the Shenandoah River about eight miles east of Greenway Court. Joseph Berry had moved into this area about 1759, and by April 1767 he had taken over the ferry and a nearby ordinary from Joseph Combs. He continued to operate both until at least 1795. The Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson map of 1755 and the Thomas Jefferson map of 1786 refer to the ferry as Ashby's ferry, but the Ashby family apparently was never connected with it (BERRY'S FERRY, 11--12).
4. Reachd Winchester to Dinner according to Appointment with the Officers &ca. claimg. part of the 200,000 Acs. of L[an]d.
Before GW left Greenway Court, he obtained a grant from Lord Fairfax for the unclaimed land on Dogue Run he had surveyed on 24 Mar. 1770, a total of 20½ acres (Lord Fairfax's grant to GW, 4 Mar. 1771, Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book I, 187, Vi Microfilm). This land gave him control of most of the area around his new dams and upper millrace, but a portion of the race still infringed upon William Harrison's patent, a problem that was not resolved until he exchanged some small strips of land there with William Triplett 18 May 1785.
5. At Winchester all day. Dined with Lord Fairfax.
Although scheduled for 4 Mar., the officers' meeting was actually held today. Besides GW and Dr. James Craik, only four officers or their representatives were present. After hearing GW's report and learning that William Crawford had begun to survey along the Great Kanawha River, they unanimously agreed that he should be instructed to finish his work there and then proceed as soon as possible to survey lands on the Tygart Valley River, a branch of the Monongahela. To cover Crawford's expenses, GW was authorized to advance
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him £80, collecting money for that purpose not only from officers but now for the first time from former rank-and-file members of the regiment also. Each field officer was assessed £11 5s., each captain £6 15s., each subaltern £4 10s., and each common soldier a fourth of a subaltern's share (minutes of the officers of the Virginia Regiment, 5 Mar. 1771, DLC:GW).
6. Dined at my Lodging which was at Mr. Philp. Bushes and went home with my Br. Mr. Saml. Washington in the Eveng.
Philip Bush (1732--1812) reputedly offered the best accommodations in Winchester at his Golden Buck Inn, a handsome two-story stone building on Cameron Street. He was born in Mannheim, Germany, and settled in Winchester about 1762 (NORRIS [1], 178; GREENE [3], 127).
7. At my Brothers all day writing Instructions & dispatches for Captn. Crawford the Surveyor of our 200,000 Acs. of Land.
8. Ditto--About Ditto.
9. Finished Ditto for Mr. Marcus Stephenson--who was to be the bearer of them. Mr. Dick & the two Mr. Nurses dined at my Brothers today.
Marcus Stephenson of Frederick County was a half brother of William Crawford. Mr. Dick is probably Charles Dick of Fredericksburg, who owned land on Patterson's Creek in Hampshire County ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 17 Oct. 1771). THE TWO MR. NURSES: James Nourse (1731--1784) and his son Joseph Nourse (1754--1841), who lived at Piedmont, about two miles east of Harewood. James Nourse was born in Herefordshire, Eng., and in 1753 married Sarah Fouace in London. They left London with their nine children in 1769 and settled at Piedmont a year later (LYLE, 8--10, 24).
10. Dined at Mr. Nurses, & returnd to my Brother's in the Evening.
11. Set of from my Brother's for Mr. Warnr. Washington's on my return Home.
12. Left Mr. Washingtons, & crossing at Snickers's (where I eat an early Dinner) reach'd Leesburg betwn. 4 & 5 Oclock in the Afternoon.
Leesburg, founded in 1758, was the county seat of Loudoun County. The English traveler Nicholas Cresswell described the town in 2774 as "regularly laid off in squares, but very indifferently built and few inhabitants and little trade, tho' very advantageously situated, for it is at the conjunction of the great Roads from the North part of the Continent to the South and the East and the West" (CRESSWELL, 48).
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13. Reachd home, after being obliged to Ferry over goose Creek at Houghs Mill & coming Round by Ellzeys. Found Doctr. Craik here.
Hough's mill was owned by John Hough (d. 1797), of Loudoun County, a well-known surveyor who had settled in the area about 1744 (DLC:Toner Collection; WILLIAMS [1], 82). He was one of the original trustees of Leesburg, an agent for Robert Carter of Nomini Hall 1767--77 and collector of quitrents for Lord Fairfax from 1764 until at least 1773 (HENING, 7:236; MORTON [1], 279; LEDGER A, 199, 257; LEDGER B, 53).
ELLZEYS: probably the home of Lewis Ellzey, father of William and Thomasin Ellzey. Lewis, who was the first sheriff of Fairfax County, served as a Truro Parish vestryman 1744--48.
14. Rid to my Mill & came home by Posey's. Captn. Adam dined here.
Although Robert Adam of Alexandria had been appointed a captain in the Fairfax County militia during 1768, GW usually refers to him in the diaries as Mr. Adam (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--70, 36, Vi Microfilm). The Captain Adam who came today was probably Thomas Adam, who commanded the brig Adventure on several trading voyages out of the South Potomac Naval District 1766--68. The Adventure had apparently been owned jointly by Thomas and Robert Adam until this year, but now the two men were having a new vessel built to replace the Adventure: the ship Martha, which on 23 Dec. 1771 would make her maiden voyage from the South Potomac under the command of John Thomas Boucher (P.R.O., C.O.5/1350, f. 51; P.R.O., G.O.5/1449, f. 83; P.R.O., C.O.5/1450, ff. 10--12, 40; see main entry for 14 April 1771).
15. Surveyed the Plantation at Posey's & came home to Dinner Plotting the Courses afterwards.
16. Rid by Posey's to the Mill in the forenoon--at home afterwards.
17. At home all day alone till the Evening when Doctr. Rumney came here.
18. Rid to Posey's to lay of a fence before Breakfast & went to Court afterwards & stayd all Night.
The court met 18--22 Mar., but GW attended only the first two days. On this date Harrison Manley appeared before the justices as a third witness to GW's deeds from Valinda Wade, and the documents were ordered to be officially recorded in the county deed books (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 172--75, Vi Microfilm). However, GW was unable to take immediate possession of the land he had bought because John Barry refused to let the 193-acre tract be divided and soon planted his own crops on most of it. GW
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hired two lawyers to represent him against Barry and his son, but the case did not come before the court until 20 Aug. 1772 (Robert H. Harrison to GW, 10 Jan. 1772, DLC:GW).
19. At Court all day. In the Afternoon came home, and found Majr. Jenefir, Mr. Boucher, & Jacky Custis here.
Jacky and his tutor had come at Robert Fairfax's request to see him before he returned to England. Fairfax shared Boucher's opinion that Jacky should tour Europe, and he had invited him to vacation at Leeds Castle during his stay abroad. The matter was probably discussed over dinner at Belvoir two days later, but still no definite decision was made about it (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 3 Feb. 1771, CSmH).
20. At home all day (except before Breakfast when I rid to the Mill) with the above Company.
21. Went with the above to Belvoir to Dinner & returnd in the Evening with Mr. Boucher and Jacky Custis.
22. At home all day.
23. Mr. Boucher went away after Breakfast. I rid to the Mill by Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Majr. Jenefir Mr. Saml. Gallaway & Mr. Thos. Ringold dined & lodgd here, as did Mr. B. Fairfax.
Samuel Galloway (d. 1785) was a prominent merchant from Anne Arundel County, Md. He lived with his invalid wife, Anne Chew Galloway, at Tulip Hill, an elegant house on the West River about ten miles south of Annapolis. A Quaker, he was, nevertheless, reputed to be "a man of opulence" and a great lover of horseflesh (TAYLOE, 90). Galloway's companion on this visit was either Thomas Ringgold (c. 1715--1772), of Chestertown, Md., or his son Thomas Ringgold (c. 1744--1776), also of Chestertown. The elder Ringgold had married Anna Maria Earle and was an active merchant who sometimes joined Galloway as a partner in the West Indian or Portuguese trades. Both he and Galloway dealt in a wide variety of commodities including tobacco, grain, lumber, wine, and slaves (BARKER [1], 98--100, 114, n.118). The younger Ringgold was married to Galloway's daughter Mary and was a merchant like his father.
24. At home all day. Majr. Jenefir & Mr. Ringold went away after Breakfast & Mr. Fairfax after Dinner. Mr. Robt. Adam & Mr. M. Campbell dined here.
25. Mr. Gallaway went away after Breakfast. I rid to my Mill and Dam both in the fore and afternoon.
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26. Rid to My Mill and Mill dam at the head of the Race in the forenoon (after going a hunting in the Morning). In the Afternoon Rid to Posey's.
GW today provided Jacky Custis with £5 10s. for traveling expenses to Annapolis and Baltimore. A decision had been reached to allow Jacky to go to the latter place to be inoculated, but upon his departure sometime within the next few days, he had "so many doubts and difficulties" about the matter, that GW and Mrs. Washington "concluded nothing was more foreign from his Intention" (LEDGER A, 335; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK; GW to Jonathan Boucher, 20 April 1771, CSmH).
27. Dined at Colchester in my way to Dumfries on the Arbitration between Doctr. Ross & Compa. & Mr. Semple. Supped at Grahams & lodgd at Mr. Montgomeres.
Graham's is probably the home of Dumfries merchant Richard Graham, but may be John Graham's home about 1½ miles southeast of town (MASON [2], 1:iv; VERME, 49, 126; W.P.A. [1], 94). GW recorded no tavern expenses for this stay in Dumfries.
28. Upon the Arbitration all day with Colo. Mason--Mr. Mundell & Mr. Ross.
29. Upon the Arbitration with the above Gentlemen as above.
30. Ditto--Ditto--Ditto.
31. Ditto--Ditto--Ditto.
Acct. of the Weather in March
Mar. 1st. Ground hard froze. Wind fresh & Cold in the forenoon--clear, calm, & warmer in the Afternoon.
2d. Lowering & Cloudy Morning (with the Ground frozen & Wind at No. East)--all the Afternoon Snowing.
3. Clear & Cool Wind being at No. West. Ground a little frozen.
4. Still, Cool, & frosty. Weather clear & Wind at No. West.
5. But little frost--day calm & the fore part of it clear, & very pleasant.
CALM: In the manuscript this word reads "claim."
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6. Scarce any Frost. Morning clear, calm, & pleasant but the afternn, very lowering & like for Rain.
7. Snowing all this day, and Night also, Wind appearing to be abt. No. Et.
8. Still Snowing more or less all day. In the Night it began to Hail & sometimes Rain.
9. Fine Snow with a mixture of Rain & then Snow. In the Night it Haild & Raind.
10. Fine Misting Rain all the day with the Wind pretty fresh at No. Et. but thawing (it never having yet froze).
11. Misting till abt. 12 Oclock then clearg. with the wind westwardly.
12. Wind at No. West & pretty fresh, tho neither Cold & freezing.
13. No Frost. Wind still continuing at North West pretty fresh with some Clouds. Snow all gone.
14. Still Cloudy and the Wind fresh from No. West but no Frost.
15. Pleasant Morning, but Cloudy afterwards With the Wind at No. West & cool but no frost in the Morning.
16. Ground very hard froze. Morng. clear, and Wind cold from the No. West which blew hard all day & very piercing.
17. Still at No. West & cold but neither so high or piercing as yesterday. Ground however froze hard.
18. Ground but little froze, Wind still in the same Quarter but moderate, and tolerably pleasant.
19. White frost but the Ground not froze. Morning clear, calm pleasant, but Evening very lowering with the [wind] at South.
20. Smoky, and more or less Cloudy with but little Wind and pleast.
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21. Clear and pleasant forenoon, with but little wind. Afternoon very cloudy & like for Rain.
22. Raining more or less till the Afternoon, then tolerably clear but in the Night heavy Rain with thunder.
23. Clear and pleasant with the Wind pretty fresh from the Northwest but not cold.
24. Clear & very pleasant with but little Wind and that from the Southward.
25. Clear, Warm, and pleasant with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
26. Very Pleasant, clear, and Calm forenoon. Lowering Afternoon with great appearance of Rain but none of consequence fell.
27. A little Cooler than yesterday but tolerably pleasant.
28. Warm forenoon, and Afternoon With Rain, thunder, Lightning, & Wind.
29. Flying Clouds with the Wind pretty fresh from the No. West & Cool.
30. Wind Eastwardly & Cool with Rain more or less all day.
31. But little wind. Misting & sometimes Raining all day.
Remarks & Occurs. in March
20th. Began to Manufacture my Wheat with the Water of Piney Branch, which being insufficient to keep the Mill constantly at Work, & Country Custom coming in no great progress coud be made.
COUNTRY CUSTOM: Farmers from the local countryside were bringing their grain to GW's mill to be ground in exchange for a one-eighth toll (HENING, 6:58).
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Where & how my time is Spent
April 1st. Still at Dumfries upon the Arbitration between Doctr. Ross and Compa. & Mr. Semple, which was finished about 9 Oclock this Night.
2. Got home to breakfast about 9 Oclock. Mr. Robt. Adam dined & lodgd Here. In the Afternoon, I rid to the Mill Race, Mill, & Posey's.
3. At home all day. Lord Fairfax, the two Colo. Fairfax's, and Mr. Chas. Alexander dind here & went away afterwards.
4. Lowering with the Wind very high from the Eastward wch. contd. all Night. Rid to my Mill--the Mill dam & fishing Landing in the forenoon & the two first again in the Afternoon. Mr. Hadan lodgd here.
5. Rid to the Mill Dam and contd. there all day. Returnd home by the Mill.
6. Rid to the Mill, the Mill Dam, & Fishing Landing before Dinner. Doctr. Rumney dind here.
7. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney dined here and went away afterwards.
8. Rid to my Mill Race & Mill before Dinner. Mr. Carson dined here.
Mr. Carson is probably Thomas Carson (died c.1772), merchant of Alexandria.
9. Rid to the fishing Landing before Dinner, in the afternoon Doctr. Craik came here, and stayd all Night.
10. Doctr. Craik went away in the Morning. I rid to the fishing Landing at Poseys. Mr. Magowan came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.
11. Rid by Muddy hole to Doeg Run & from thence to the Mill. Mr. Magowan went this Afternn. to Colchester.
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12. Rid into the Neck & returned home by Muddy hole & Posey's.
13. Rid to the Mill and to Poseys in the forenoon at home Afterwards.
14. Went to Pohick Church & came home to Dinner Mr. Magowan with us. Found Mr. Adam, Mr. Campbell & Captns. Conway & Adam who Dined and went away afterwds.
Richard Conway (died c.1808), of Alexandria, had commanded merchant vessels sailing out of the Potomac River since 1765 and at this time was captain of the Friendship, a schooner owned by John Williams & Co. of Alexandria. The Friendship had returned from the West Indies on 3 April with a cargo of rum, molasses, and sugar (P.R.O., C.O.5/1449, f. 82; P.R.O., C.O.5/1450, f. 11; P.R.O., C.O.5/1349, f. 207).
15. Went to Alexandria to Court. Stayd all Night. Mr. Magowan w[en]t.
The court met only on this day in April (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 205--8, Vi Microfilm).
16. Came home to Dinner. Mr. Magowan & Mr. Pierce Baily came with me the latter went away afterwds.
Before returning to Mount Vernon, GW attended a meeting of the Fairfax nonimportation committee. At the request of two merchants, Alexander Henderson of Colchester and William Balmain of Alexandria, the committee examined the invoices for cargoes that had recently arrived from Glasgow and ruled that the merchants could properly accept them ( Va. Gaz., R, 18 July 1771).
17. Rid to the Mill and fishing Landg. at Posey's in the forenoon. Majr. Wagener dined here & went away aftds.
GW today gave Hanson Posey 16s. drawn on the account of his father, John Posey, who was now living in Maryland (LEDGER A, 256, 335).
18. At home all day.
19. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run, the Mill, & Posey's in the forenoon. Mr. Campbell dined here with Mr. Magowan.
20. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill & came home by Posey's to Dinner. Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast & Mr. Campbell dind here.
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21. At home all day. Mrs. Fairfax din'd here and went away in the Afternoon.
22d. Rid by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Mill--from thence to the Fishing Landing at Posey & home to Dinner.
23. Rid to the Fishing Landing at Poseys & home to Dinner.
24. Rid with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis to the Fishg. Landing at Poseys & from thence I rid to the Mill & home to Dinner. Mr. Campbell dined here. Mr. Robt. Alexander came in the Evening.
25. Mr. Alexander & I rid to my Mill & then to the Fishg. Landing at Posey and came home to dinner after wch. he went away.
26. At home in the forenoon. In the Afternoon Rid by Muddy hole to Doeg Run from thence to the Mill & so home by the fishing Landing at Poseys.
27. Set out with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis on my journey to Williamsburg. Dined at Colchester & Suppd & lodgd in Dumfries.
Setting out only one day later than planned, the family traveled south in GW's chariot. The burgesses were not meeting this spring because they had no pressing business to consider. But GW had to go to Williamsburg to give the General Court his annual report on the administration of Jacky and Patsy Custis's affairs and to collect interest on various Custis bonds (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
28. Dined at my Mother's and lodgd at Colo. Lewis's. Supped at my Brother Charles's.
29. Dined at Caroline Court House and lodgd at Hubbards Ordinary.
GW today recorded paying 2s. 6d. for repair of his chariot (LEDGER A, 335).
30. Breakfasted at Todds Ordinary and after making some considerable stop at Ruffins Ferry, occasioned by a Sick Horse--reachd Colo. Bassetts a little in the Night.
Acct. of the Weather in April
April 1st. Morning Calm, & Warm. Afternoon a little Windy from the No. West & cooler--day clear.
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2d. Morning Cool Wind still Northwardly, the Weather clear, & tolerably pleasant.
3. Clear and the Wind variable, being Northwardly in the forenoon & Easterly afterwards.
4. Wind high and boisterous from the Eastward with great appearances of Rain (except being cold).
5. Wind in the same place all last Night & till 10 Oclock to day & as high. In the forenoon 2 or 3 hours close constt. Rain--then clear & pleast. Wind getting Westwardly.
6. Clear & tolerably pleasant Wind being Westwardly in the forenoon but Southwardly afterwards.
7. Clear in the forepart of the day but lowering afterwards. Wind very fresh from the So. West.
8. Rain in the Night and the Wind exceeding fresh from the No. West all day & Night & very Cold.
9. Ice this Morning & very cold. The Wind continuing all day in the same place but lying at Night.
10. Wind Southwardly and not fresh. Day Cloudy, & every now & then Raining tho' but little fell. In the Evening the Wind got to Northwest and blew fresh all Night.
11. Wind hard at No. West all day and Cold.
12. Wind still fresh and Cold from the West & No. West With a Muddy Sky.
13. Very Raw and Cold with but little Wind. Cloudy all day & sometimes Snowing, sometimes hailing & at other times Raining but little of any fell--most however of Rain.
14. Lowering in the Morning and calm. Clear afterwards with the Wind at No. West and tolerable fresh.
15. Clear and very Cold. Wind very high from the same point as yesterday.
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16. Wind still in the same quarter & high--also very Cold.
17. Wind till about an hour or two by Son in the Morning was Southerly--then hard at No. West but not very cold--clear also.
18. Calm and Cloudy in the Morng. then high Wind from the So. West after that at So. Et. with Rain.
19. Calm & lowering Morning--every now and then dropping Rain, and Warm. Afternoon high Wind from the No. West Cold.
20. Cold, & boisterous Wind from the North West.
21. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. till the Afternoon then Calm & more moderate.
22d. A Pleasant day & Warm--the Morning Calm. In the Evening Wind at So. East & somewhat threatning.
23. Warm and very pleasant with the Wind Southerly & clear.
24. Warm and very pleasant with but little Wind and that Southerly.
25. Clear & very warm in the forenoon with but little Wind. The Afternoon Cloudy with the Wind fresh & Cold from the No. West.
26. Cool all day Wind hanging to the Northward till the Afternoon when it shifted to the Eastward.
27. Still Cool tho the Wind was Southerly & weather clear.
28. Cool in the Morning, & Cloudy all day, with Appearances of Rain but none fell. Afternoon warmer.
29. Cloudy Morning, but clear and Warm afterwards, with the Wind Southwardly.
30. Lowering & like to rain all day but none fell. Wind Southwardly & Warm.
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Remarks & Occs. in April.
5th. Turn'd the Water of Doeg Run into my Mill Race, which seemd to afford Water enough for both Mills. One of which constantly employd in Grinding up my own Wheat.
With the new millrace and dams finished GW now had a gravitational force of water sufficient for his needs, but his water supply remained undependable. The millrace often froze in the winter and dried up in the summer. At other times freshets broke his dams and the sides of the race. The new mill could run only about half of each year. The two mills to which GW here refers are the two sets of millstones, each technically constituting a gristmill by itself, although both are in the same millhouse. When GW says "mill," he usually means the millhouse including both sets of stones or the small plantation surrounding the millhouse.
10. Began to Haul the Sein, tho few fish were Catchd, & those of the Shad kind, owing to the coolness of the Weather. Many Shad had been catchd on the Maryland Shore.
11. Obligd to send a hand to the Mill to Assist in Packing &ca.
GW's flour was being packed into large barrels and small casks for sale to Virginia merchants (LEDGER A, 326, 341; see "Remarks" entry for 6 June 1771).
17. Began to Plant Corn at my Mill Plantation.
20. Began to Plant Ditto at Muddy hole.
25. Began Ditto at Doeg Run.
The Herring began to run in large Shoals--but were checkd again by the Cool Weather.
Fishing on the Potomac must have soon improved, because by the end of May, GW had delivered 679,200 herring and 7,760 shad to Robert Adam's company. Despite the fact that some of the herring spoiled due to improper packing, he was credited with £134 4s. 3d. for the fish and £12 for rent of fish houses (LEDGER A, 326). This year Adam shipped GW's herring to Jamaica on board the brig Adventure now owned by Judson Coolidge of Maryland (P.R.O., C.O.5/1349, f. 208; Adam to GW, 24 June 1771, DLC:GW).
Where & how my time is spent
May 1st. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
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2. Set out with Colo. Bassett for Williamsburg and reachd Town about 12 Oclock. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's & went to the Play.
At the theater, GW saw a performance by the American Company of Comedians, which had been in Williamsburg for more than a month (LEDGER A, 335; RANKIN, 159). Mrs. Campbell, with whom he lodged as usual, had by this date moved down Duke of Gloucester Street to "the COFFEE-HOUSE . . . next the Capitol." Owned by the heirs of Nathaniel Walthoe, late clerk of the General Assembly, it was soon to be offered for sale at public auction by the executor of the estate ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 16 May 1771). Mrs. Campbell's old place in the second block from the Capitol had been bought during the previous year by James Anderson, a blacksmith and gunsmith (GIBBS, 152--54; WILLIAMSBURG, 24--25).
3. Dined at the Speaker's and went to the Play--after wch. Drank a Bowl or two of Punch at Mrs. Campbells.
4. Dined at Mrs. Campbells (& paid for Dinner & Club) and went up to Eltham with Colos. Bassett & Lewis.
5. At Eltham all day.
6. Returnd to Williamsburg by 11 Oclock with Colo. Bassett & Colo. Lewis. Dined at Mrs. Vobes and Suppd at Anderson.
Robert Anderson (b. 1743) had opened a public house near the College of William and Mary in the fall of 1769 but in March of this year had moved to the Wetherburn Tavern, succeeding James Barrett Southall as its innkeeper. Anderson leased the tavern from Wetherburn's heirs and operated it until 1779 (GIBBS, 145--47).
7. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening at Anderson's.
8. Dined at Southalls with Colo. Robt. Fairfax & some other Gentlemn. & went to the Play &
In March, James Barrett Southall had moved his place of business from the Wetherburn Tavern across Duke of Gloucester Street to the Raleigh Tavern, which he bought from the executors of Anthony Hay's estate. Southall operated the Raleigh for at least the next ten years, and under his management it continued to be a popular place for social events, meetings, and auctions (GIBBS, 196--97).
The "&" at the end of this entry seems to connect it to the entry for the following day and may indicate that both entries, and possibly others for this trip, were written at a later date from memory or notes (DIARIES, 2:17).
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9. Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and Spent the Evening at Southalls with the Treasurer &ca.
10. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & went to Bed early.
11. Returnd to Eltham with Colo. Bassett, after dining at Mrs. Campbells.
12. At Eltham all day except Ridg. to Colo. Bassetts Meadow at Roots's with him.
On this day Lund Washington sent GW the unhappy news that the mill was "once more in a bad way." The wall between the water and cog pits was falling down, allowing the floor of the mill, the forebay, and one of the waterwheel's supports to settle several inches. Grinding had to be stopped while the wall and forebay were temporarily braced with timbers. But, Lund reported, the wheat fields looked more promising than usual (ViMtV).
13. Rid to the Brick House with Colo. Bassett and returnd to Dinner.
14. Went into the Fields with Colo. Bassett a shooting--killd sevl. Hares &ca.
15. Went up to the Plantations about Rockahock. Dined at Mrs. Chamberlaynes with Mrs. Washington & returnd to Colo. Bassetts in the Eveng.
Rockahock was the New Kent County neighborhood in which the Custis White House was located (John Parke Custis to GW, 11 Sept. 1777, ViHi). The Custis plantations in New Kent were Rockahock, Brick House, Old Quarter, and Harlow's, all belonging to Jacky Custis ("An Inventory of the Stocks As given in by the respective Overseers in the Month of December 1771, after the decease of Mr. Valentine," ViHi: Custis Papers). Rebecca Chamberlayne, widow of Edward Pye Chamberlayne (1725--c. 1769), lived on the Pamunkey River about a mile from the White House.
16. Dined at Mrs. Dangerfields with Colo. Bassetts Family & returnd in the Afternoon to Eltham.
Mrs. Hannah Daingerfield of New Kent County appears on Burwell Bassett's census list of 1782 as head of a household consisting of 2 whites and 33 blacks (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 36). She was conducting her own financial affairs before 1776 ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 3 Aug. 1776).
17. Visited my Plantation in King William. Dined at Colo. Bd. Moores & returnd to Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon.
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MY PLANTATION: Claiborne's plantation (see entry for 24 April 1760). Bernard Moore was now able to support his family only through the charity of friends. Having finally disposed of all his property to pay his debts, he had obtained use of some land at no cost and was working it with slaves who had been bought with money lent by several acquaintances, including GW who had provided £100 (Moore to GW, 12 Jan. 1771, and GW to Moore, 23 Jan. 1771, DLC:GW).
18. Rid to the Brick House with the Family. Hauld the Sein & returnd to Dinner after which went to Mr. Davis's & Drank Tea.
19. Went to Church & returnd to Colo. Bassetts to Dinner with other Compy. among whom were the two Mr. Dandridges.
The two Mr. Dandridges are probably William and Bartholomew Dandridge, Mrs. Washington's brothers.
20. Rid to the Brick House to see my Chariot & Horses (which were sent round to my Quarter) cross.
The Brick House ferry crossed the Pamunkey River to West Point in King William County (RICE, 2: pl. 104). MY QUARTER: Claiborne's plantation.
21. Set out for my Brothers at Nomony--crossing over to my Quarter, & so by Frazer's to Hobs Hole where we dined, & then crossing the [Rappahannock] River lodged at Mr. Josh. Lanes.
MY BROTHERS: John Augustine Washington's home, Bushfield. Joseph Lane (d. 1796), a younger brother of James and William Carr Lane of Newgate, lived at Nomini Forest in Westmoreland County and was the deputy collector of customs for the South Potomac Naval District (MCDONALD, 468--77; Va. Gaz., P&D, 25 Feb. 1773).
22. Reached my Brothers pretty early in the day.
23. Rid with him to his Mill, and to Mr. Carters New Mills at the head of Nomony. Returnd to Dinr.
John Augustine Washington's mill stood on a branch of the Nomini River, about six miles upstream from Bushfield and about half a mile east of Robert Carter's house, Nomini Hall (FITHIAN, 109). It was during this month that Carter returned from Williamsburg with his family to resume living at Nomini Hall. He had decided recently to expand his flour-manufacturing facilities, and a short distance west of his house, where another branch of the Nomini flowed, he was apparently having a "Double Mill"--that is, a mill with two waterwheels--built or rebuilt along with a two-oven bakery ( Va. Gaz., R, 19 Nov. 1772; EATON, 55; MORTON [1], 178--80).
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Nomini Hall, home of Robert Carter. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
24. Dined at Mr. John Smiths at Cabbin Point. Returnd to my Brothrs. in the Afternoon.
25. Dined at the Revd. Mr. Smiths and returned to my Brother's again in the Evening.
26. Dined at Mr. Booths and proceeded to Mrs. Washington's of Popes Creek in the Afternoon.
27. Stayed there all day.
28. Set out after Breakfast. Dined at Mr. Burdett Ashtons and continued on Afterwards to Mr. Lawrence Washington's.
Burdett Ashton (1747--1814) was a son-in-law of Anne Aylett Washington, having married her daughter Ann Washington (1752--1777) in 1768.
29. Stayed at Mr. Washington's all day. Good deal of Company dining there.
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30. Reachd home--crossing at Boyd's hole to the Widow Martin's Landing & pass by Nangemoy Church & the Widow Elbecks to my own Ferry. Found Jacky Custis there.
WIDOW MARTIN'S LANDING: In 1774 Nicholas Cresswell visited "Mrs. Marsden, a widow lady in the neighbourhood" of Nanjemoy, Md. (CRESSWELL, 17). The Nanjemoy (Durham) Parish Church, built 1732--36, stood a few miles northwest of Nanjemoy, near present-day Ironsides, Md. (RIGHTMYER, 142--43). Sarah Edgar Eilbeck (d. 1780), widow of the merchant and planter William Eilbeck (d. 1765) and mother-in-law of George Mason, lived at the head of Mattawoman Creek about three miles southeast of present-day Mason Springs, Md. (W.P.A. [2], 489).
Jacky's presence at Mount Vernon was an occasion for some rejoicing. Without informing his mother or GW he had changed his mind about smallpox inoculation, had been inoculated in Baltimore 8 April, and was now fully recovered "without hardly one Mark to tell that He ever had it" (Jonathan Boucher to GW, 9 May 1771, DLC:GW).
31. Rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run & the Mill before Dinner. In the Afternoon Vale. Crawford came here & went away again in the Morning.
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. Wind tolerably fresh from the South East, with appearances of Rain but none fell.
2. Cloudy Morning and Warm with the Wind fresh from the Southward.
3. Warm, with appearances of Rain but none fell. Wind Southerly.
4. A little Cool. Wind Northwardly.
5. Clear & Cool. Wind in the same place.
6. Clear--the Wind getting Southerly again the Air grew warmer.
7. Warm (but not Hot)--the Sky Muddy & thick.
8. Raining in the Morning, & more or less all day. With but very little Wind.
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9. Clear and pleasant Morning with the Wind Westwardly. In the Evening thunder Lightning & Rain.
10. Clear and pleasant with the Wind Westwardly.
11. Clear forenoon--little like Rain afterwards with the Wind Eastwardly & cold.
12. Cold all day, and Cloudy.
13. Still Cold with the Wind fresh from the Northward.
14. Much such a day as yesterday Wind being in the same place.
15. Morning clear, but Afternoon like for Rain; Wind fresh from the Westward.
16. Clear, Calm, and Warm. What little wind stirrd was from the Eastward.
17. Wind still Eastwardly & pretty fresh.
18. Wind in the same place and somewhat cooler. In the Eveng. a great appearance of Rain but none fell at this place.
19. Warm with but little Wind. In the Afternoon great appearances of Rain, but none fell here. Thunder & lightning in the Night.
20. Wind still Southerly and Warm with great appearances of Rain but none fell here. In the afternoon the Wind blew very fresh from the Southwest.
21. Still warm, with the Wind Southerly and showery in places.
22. Morning lowering but clear afterwards, and warm. In the Afternoon showers.
23. Cloudy, & like to Rain--also warm wind being still Southerly.
24. Wind in the same place. The Weather clear and pleasant, but a little Warm, especially in the Afternoon.
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25. Wind very fresh from the So. West all the forenoon. In the afternoon it was Easterly and Raining.
26. Cloudy all the Morning with the Wind Eastwardly & cool. Afternoon something clearer & warmer.
27. Wind Southerly & Morning Raining. Afternoon clear & warm.
28. In the Morning early, Rain--then clear & warm. After that Rain with the Wind at No. & Cold.
29. Wind Northwardly & very Cold notwithstanding the weather was clear.
30. Clear, & not so cool as yesterday, being calm & still after the Morning.
31. Clear and Warm--Wind being Southwardly.
Where & how my time is Spent
June 1st. Rid into the Neck and to the Mill before Dinner. In the Afternoon a Mr. Debutts of Maryland came & stayd all Night.
John De Butts was a wealthy planter from St. Mary's County, Md.
2. After Breakfast Mr. Debutts went away, and in the afternoon Mr. Wagener the younger came here & stayed all Night.
3. Mr. Wagener went away after Breakfast. I rid to the Mill Plantation at Posey's before Dinner.
4. At home all day without Compa.
5. Ditto. Mr. Matthw. Campbell came in the Afternoon & stayed all Night.
6. Mr. Campbell went away after Breakfast, & Jacky Custis returnd to Annapolis. Mrs. Washington Patcy Custis & myself Dined at Belvoir.
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Jacky's departure from home had been briefly delayed so that his laundry could be done. He returned to school with £2 8s. Virginia currency to use as personal pocket money and £50 Maryland currency from which the bills for his inoculation and living expenses at Baltimore were to be paid (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 5 June 1771, WRITINGS, 3:42--46; LEDGER A, 337).
7. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner.
8. Rid to the Plantn. at the Ferry--then into the Neck, & so home to Dinner, by Muddy hole.
Henceforth, GW usually refers to Capt. John Posey's former plantation, all of which he now controlled either by purchase or rental, as Ferry plantation, the ferry there being its most distinctive feature.
9. At home all day.
10. Rid to Ferry Plantation--Mill--Doeg Run & home by Muddy hole to Dinner.
11. At home in the forenoon. In the afternoon Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill and back.
A nineteenth-century drawing of the new mill, probably completed in late 1770, and the miller's house built in 1771. (National Archives)
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12. At the Mill in the forenoon & Afternoon Inspecting and delivering Flour to Messrs. Robt. Adam & Co.
See agreement with Adam & Co. under "Remarks" entry for 6 June 1771.
13. At the same place as yesterday & on the same business till Dinner. Colo. Fairfax & Lady dined here.
14. Clear & Cool. Rid to the Mill and the Plantation at the Ferry. In the afternoon Doctr. Craik came here.
15. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. I rid as far as the Ferry with him afterwards was at the delivery of Flour at my Fish Ho[use] Landing.
16. At home all day. My Brother Jno. Came here to Dinner & Majr. Waggener in the Afternoon.
17. At home all day both the above Gentlemen here--the last of whom Sick.
18. Went up to Alexandria & returnd in the Afternoon Mr. Magowan with me. My Brothr. went in the Morning.
GW went to Alexandria for a meeting of the Fairfax nonimportation committee, which had been asked by Alexander Henderson and William Balmain to judge two new shipments of goods. Only 12 hats sent by mistake of the manufacturer were found to be unacceptable, and the committee was convinced that Henderson and Balmain had "strictly adhered to the spirit and intention of the association" for their part. But the two merchants complained "that they found so little regard paid to the association by others . . . that they should think themselves obliged for the future" to protect their businesses by sending "their orders in the same manner with other importers; restraining themselves only from importing tea, and other taxed articles" ( Va. Gaz., R, 18 July 1771).
19. Major Wagener went away this Morning. I rid to Muddy hole & Doeg Run Plantation's.
20. Rid to the Mill and Ferry Plantations. Mr. Magowan went to Colchr.
21. Mr. Robt. Adam came here in the Morning to Breakfast & went with me to Mr. French's Funeral. Mr. Magowan came here with me to Dinner where we found Mr. Stedlar.
Robert Adam today brought GW an initial payment of £300 for the flour he had agreed to buy on 6 June. Further cash payments totaling £201 6d. were
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made in October and November, and the balance was credited to GW's general account with Adam's company (LEDGER A, 340, 345, 347).
Although Daniel French had died 25 May, the public funeral sermon was apparently not preached until this day. The services may have been held at the still-unfinished new Pohick Church, the construction of which French had been directing before he died. French's grave is in the churchyard there.
22. Mr. Magowan returnd to Maryland. I rid to Muddy hole and into the Neck.
23. Went to Pohick Church and returnd home to Dinner.
24. At Home all day--writing.
25. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill from thence to Doeg Run Quartr. & home by Muddy hole.
26. At home all day Writing.
27. At home all day Writing. Miss Nancy McCarty came in the Afternoon.
28. Rid by the Ferry Plantation & Mill to Doeg Run Quarter & Meadow. Returnd home by Muddy hole Plantn.
29. Rid to Ferry Quarter Mill and Muddy hole.
30. At Home all day. Miss Nancy Peake &ca. dined here as did Price Posey & went away in the Afternoon as Miss Nancy McCarty also did.
Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. Clear and Warm--Wind being Southerly.
2. Also clear and pleasant--with but little Wind and that Southerly.
3. Warm, but clear, with little Wind & that Southerly.
4. Wind Easterly & pretty fresh. Evening Cool.
5. Very foggy Morning, then Rain with thunder and Lightning. Afternoon very Cloudy.
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6. Clear but very Warm with the Wind Southerly. Foggy Morning.
7. Very warm in the forenoon with Thunder & lightning & great appearances of Rain every[where] but none fell here. This Morning also.
The manuscript reads "great appearances of Rain every Rain every but none fell here."
8. Lowering Morning, and very warm day with Clouds & appearances of Rain in the Evening.
9. Dull foggy Morning & Afterwards warm--with black clouds & a little Rain in the Afternoon.
10. Clear & Warm--with very little [wind] & that Southerly. Appearances of Rain but none fell here.
11. Clear and tolerably pleasant with but little Wind.
12. Pretty smart & constant Rain in the forenoon. Afternoon clear with the wind Northwardly.
13. Clear and Cool--Wind Northwardly.
14. Clear and Cool--wind being still Northwardly but pleasant Notwithstanding.
15. Clear in the Morning, but Cloudy afterwards and Warm, with appearances of Rain. Wind Eastwardly.
16. Rain in the Night, & till 8 or Nine Oclock this Morning; then clear, and Warm. Wind Eastwardly.
17. Misting, of and on all day with the Wind still to the Eastward.
18. Much such a day as yesterday, till the Evening then the Wind Shifting to the Northward it grew cool.
19. The Morning Cool--the Afternoon warm, there being little or no Wind; day rather Cloudy & Lowering.
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20. A good deal of Rain fell last Night and this Morning. Wind Easterly.
21. Clear & Warm. Wind Southerly. In the Night Rain again.
22. Clear and something Cooler--Wind getting Westwardly.
23. Clear and Warm wind Southerly in the Night Rain.
24. Cloudy & Lowering. In the Evening Raining moderately.
25. Cloudy and like for Rain all day, but none fell. Still and very Warm.
26. Calm & very warm the first part of the day. The Latter part Raining with variable Wind.
27. Foggy Morning--close & still day, & very warm.
28. Dewey Morning, close still and Smoky--also very warm.
29. Dewey Morning and very Warm in the Afternoon two or three Showers of Rain.
30. Cool Morning with the Wind at North West. All the Afternoon showery.
Remarks & Occurs. in June
June 1st. Morris at Doeg Run Quarter Planted his Swamps with Corn.
Finished breaking up Corn Ground at Muddy hole.
Only half done in the Neck but quite finishd at Doeg Run.
6. Sold all the Flour I have left to Robt. Adam & Co. at the following Rates--fine flour at 12/6 Midlings at 10/. & Shipstuff at 8/4 pr. Ct. £300 of the Money, to be paid in Octr.--the residue in April with Int[eres]t from Octr.
In May the company had bought about 13,500 pounds of GW's flour for £60 7s. 10d., and during June it bought about 128,000 pounds more for £765 3s. 7d. (LEDGER A, 326, 341). Over three-fourths of this flour was of fine quality, that is, finely ground and relatively free of bran and impurities. The rest
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consisted of middlings, a coarse medium-grade flour containing some bran, and ship stuff, the lowest quality of flour, containing much bran. Adam & Co. may have used some of GW's flour for local sale or for making bread at the company's bakery, but much of it, especially the fine flour, must have been exported as it was. The brig Adventure sailed from the Potomac for Jamaica with 200 barrels of flour on 8 July, and the ship Nancy of Philadelphia, which left for Lisbon on the same day, carried 2,269 barrels of flour (P.R.O., C.O.5/1349, f. 208).
During the spring GW also sold flour to two Norfolk merchants. Philip Carberry, a baker, bought 1,432 pounds of ship stuff for £5 19s. 4d., and William Chisholm, who traded with the West Indies, purchased 36,997 pounds of fine flour for £236 19s. 8d. (LEDGER A, 336, 338; Lund Washington to GW, 12 May 1771, ViMtV).
7. Agreed with Mr. Pendleton of Frederick for all the Land to be Included by a Line to be run from the No. West C[orne]r of Owen Thomas's Patent to a Corner of the Land on which James McGarmick lives in my Line supposd to contain abt. 180 Acres for £400 the Money to be paid in two years with Int[eres]t from the 25th. of next Decr. This years Rent to be paid to me & only a special Warrantee to be given with the Land.
Got done breaking up my Corn Ground at the Mill.
GW is agreeing to sell Philip Pendleton (1752--1802) a small part of his Bullskin plantation. A contract was not signed until 7 Dec. 1771, but the terms remained unchanged. Owen thomas's patent for 400 acres, which GW had surveyed 3 April 1750, adjoined GW's land on the south and east. Pendleton had previously bought all or part of this patent from Thomas (Northern Neck Grants and Deeds, Book-H, 88, Vi Microfilm; CHAPPELEAR [2], map facing p. 56).
9. The Appearances of the Weather, for sevl. days past, has given the greatest room to apprehend the Rust--the Mornings close, foggy, and Calm; the Evenings Cloudy & sometimes Raining--Heavy Dews at Nights & Warm Sultry days.
11. Finished Breaking up Corn Ground at the Ferry Plantation.
15. Finished Ditto in the Neck.
24. Began to cut grass at Doeg Run Quarter.
25. Discoverd the Rust bad in the Wheat at the Mill. My Wheat every where being much Injurd by the Speck or Spot.
Finished Cutting the Meadow at Doeg Run--6 Scythe men being employd each day.
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27. Finishd Plowing over my Corn at Muddy hole a 2d. time and got all over it with the Hoes at the same time.
28. Finishd Securing my Hay at Doeg Run.
Also got over all but the last Cut of Corn in the Neck with the Plows and Hoes.
29. Got over all my Corn at Doeg Run twice with the Hoes and Plows.
Where & how my time is Spent
July 1. Rid into the Neck to my Harvest People, & back to Dinner. Mr. Robt. Rutherford came in the Afternoon & went away again.
2. Rid to the Harvest Field in the Neck & back to Dinner.
3. Rid to the Harvest Field in the Neck by the Ferry & Muddy hole Plantations. In the Afternoon Mr. Jno. Smith of Westmoreland came here.
John Smith of Cabin Point, the smallpox inoculator, was going to Warm Springs in Frederick County, apparently for his health, which by fall was so bad that "everyone expected to have the burying of him into whose house he came" (GW to Samuel Washington, 6 Dec. 1771, excerpt, Parke-Bernet Galleries Catalogue, 11 June 1941, Item 578).
4. At home all day with Mr. Smith. In the Afternoon Jno. Custis came.
Jacky probably brought GW the letter that Jonathan Boucher wrote to him on this date, asking for a final decision about the proposed European tour (DLC:GW). GW replied five days later that he thought that Mrs. Washington was so reluctant to part with her son for a long period, and Jacky was so indifferent about the trip, that "it will soon be declared he has no inclination to go" (9 July 1771, DLC:GW). Boucher did not again raise the subject.
5. Mr. Smith set out after breakfast on his journey to the Frederick Sprgs. In the Afternoon I rid to the Harvest Field in the Neck.
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6. Writing the forepart of the day. In the afternoon Rid to the Harvest Field at Muddy hole.
7. At Home all day. Mr. Alexr. Ross of Pittsburg and Mr. George Digges dined here & went away in the Afternoon.
Alexander Ross, a Scottish merchant who settled in Pittsburgh in 1763, served as the supplier to the Fort Pitt garrison. When the fort was abandoned by the British army in 1772 Ross bought the buildings. Like GW, he was heavily involved in western lands.
8. Went to a Vestry held at the New Church at Pohick. Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Robt. Harrison came home with me.
After Daniel French's death, responsibility for completing the new church devolved on his executor, George Mason. The work was apparently going well, for the vestrymen today had only a few small changes to request of Mason. Finding that the stone used at the corners of the building's brick walls was "coarse grain'd and rather too soft," they ordered it to "be painted with white Lead and Oyle." They also stipulated "that the rub'd Bricks at the returns of all the Windows ought to be painted as near as possible the same colour with the Arches" and that the dimensions of the altarpiece, which had been incorrectly given in the contract with French, should be "according to the true proportions of the Ionic order" of architecture (Truro Vestry Book, 148--49, DLC).
9. Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Harrison went away after Breakfast. In the Afternoon I rid to my Harvest People.
10. Mr. Jno. Custis returnd to Annapolis. I remaind at home all day writing my Invoices.
These invoices were apparently for goods that GW wished to order from Robert Cary & Co. and other English merchants (see main entry for 20 July 1771).
11. Rid by the Plantation at the Ferry & Mill to my Harvest Field at D. Run. In the Afternn. Messrs. Watson & West came.
12. I set of for Williamsburg & crossing at Laidlers lodgd at Mr. Lawe. Washingtons.
GW was going to attend the House of Burgesses, which had convened 11 July to deal with problems resulting from a great flood that had come down the James, Rappahannock, and Roanoke rivers in late May, causing about 150 deaths and much property damage. The calamity had not affected Mount Vernon or the Custis lands, but many Virginia planters had lost both their recently planted tobacco crop and the harvested tobacco they had stored in public warehouses for shipment to England. Prompt financial relief
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was needed to save those men from bankruptcy. GW delayed his departure from home, because he apparently knew that the first few days of the session would be devoted to ceremonial and organizational matters and he preferred to use that time to continue supervising his wheat harvest (FREEMAN, 3:273--74). Only 55 of the 118 burgesses were recorded as present at this session (H.B.J., 1770--72, 113--14).
Laidler's ferry landing on the Potomac River was about 14 miles below Port Tobacco, Md. In 1755 a ferry was authorized to cross the Potomac between Lawrence Washington's land in the Chotank neighborhood of Stafford (now King George) County and "the land opposite thereto," in Maryland (HENING, 6:494).
13. Dined at Leeds Town & reachd Todds Bridge.
Leedstown, founded 1742, was a tobacco port on the Rappahannock River in King George (now Westmoreland) County.
14. Breakfasted at King Wm. C[our]t Ho[use] Dined at Ruffins and reachd Colo. Bassetts.
15. Came to Williamsburg abt. 10 Oclock. Dined at Mrs. Campbells--spent the Evening in my own Room.
GW may have arrived too late to attend the House of Burgesses today; during this session the burgesses were sitting at 9:00 A. M. to avoid the midday heat, and this day's meeting was apparently a brief one. The matter of flood relief had been referred 12 July to a committee that was to determine as nearly as possible how much tobacco had been lost in the public warehouses, but it was not yet ready to report (H.B.J., 1770--72, 123--27).
Later this day at the Capitol there was a general meeting of the Virginia association, at which GW was probably present. Responding to complaints from Fairfax and Fauquier counties about unequal enforcement of the current agreements, the associators decided in the future to prohibit the importation of only "Tea, Paper, Glass, and Painters Colours of foreign Manufacture, upon which a Duty is laid for the Purpose of raising a Revenue in America" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 18 July 1771).
GW lodged with Mrs. Campbell.
16. Dined at the Speakers spent the Evening in my own Room.
17. Dined at the Treasurers. Supd at Mrs. Campbell's.
18. Dined and Supped at Mrs. Campbell's.
19. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & Spent the Evening at Southalls.
The flood relief bill was presented to the burgesses today, and after several amendments were made, it was ordered to be engrossed for a final reading. The bill as amended authorized the issuance of up to £30,000 in treasury
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notes for payment of planters' claims, which were to be examined and approved by a commission appointed for that purpose. Taxes for redeeming the notes were to be in effect 25 Oct. 1771 to 25 Oct. 1775 (H.B.J., 1770--72, 136--38; HENING, 8:493--503).
20. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & spent the Evening in my own Room.
The House of Burgesses passed the flood relief bill on its final reading this morning, and having accomplished the main purpose of this session, it was prorogued (H.B.J., 1770--72, 138--40).
GW today dispatched his orders for goods to Robert Cary & Co. and other English merchants. Included in them were many luxuries that he had apparently postponed buying while the nonimportation agreements were in full effect: expensive shoes and boots, fine silk and broadcloth clothing, "a man's very best Bear. Hat," a leather portmanteau and saddle of the very best quality, and two seals made of "Topaz or some other handsome stone . . . w[it]h the Washington Arms neatly engraved thereon" (GW to John Didsbury, 18 July 1771, GW to Thomas Gibson, 18 July 1771, and GW to Cary & Co., 20 July 1771, DLC:GW).
21. Set out early in the Morning for Colo. Bassetts & arrivd there abt. 10 Oclock.
22. Left Colo. Bassetts before Sunrise. Breakfasted at King Wm. Ct. House--dined at Todds bridge & lodgd at Hubbards.
23. Breakfasted at the Caroline Court House & Reachd Fredericksburg before two Oclock & dined and lodgd at Colo. Lewis's.
24. At Fredericksburg all day. Dined & Supped at Mr. Dicks.
25. Dined at Colo. Lewis's & went to the Play.
The American Company of Comedians had been performing in Fredericksburg every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday since late May, when it had come to take advantage of the crowds at the town's annual June fair ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 16 May 1771). The plays may have been staged in the county courtroom, a warehouse, or the 44-by-25-foot billiard room of George Weedon's tavern (RANKIN, 160; KING [2], 246--47).
26. Breakfasted at my Mother's. Dined at Dumfries & lodgd at Home.
27. At Home all day.
28. Ditto. Ditto.
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29. Rid to the Ferry Plantation the Mill--Doeg Run & Muddy hole & returnd to Dinner.
30. Rid into the Neck and to the Carpenters--also to the Mill Plantation.
CARPENTERS: See "Remarks" entry for 29 July 1771.
31. Rid to the Ferry Plantation to the Mill--Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
Acct. of the Weather in July
July 1st. Tolerable cool all day with Clouds. Wind Northwardly in the Morning, & Eastwardly in the Afternoon.
2. Cloudy all day with the Wind at East, and light Showers in the Afternoon. Cool & pleasant--in the Night a good deal of Rain.
3. For the most part clear and warm with but little wind and that in the Morning Northerly in the Afternn. Southerly.
4. Clear, calm, and rather warm in the Afternoon Cloudy but no Rain.
5. Warm Morning but cooler Afterwards. Wind fresh from the Southwest.
6. Cool & Cloudy all day with light showers now & then & Wind Southerly.
7. Clear and tolerably pleasant with but little wind and that Southerly.
8. Very Warm but clear with the Wind Southerly.
9. Very Warm with Clouds & a light Shower of Rain.
10. Cloudy for the most part of the day with a pretty smart Shower & Wind from the Westward.
11. Very Warm in the forenoon with a good deal of Rain in the Afternoon and Night.
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12. Cloudy, & Misting forenoon. Hot Noon, & Rainy afternoon where I was at Hoes.
13. Cloudy forenoon & midling pleasant but very Hot afternn.
14. Still, & very warm in the Forenoon. In the Afternoon much Rain & Wind from the So. West. At Colo. Bassetts.
15. Something Cooler in the forenoon with Rain. Afternoon Warm.
16. Clear and Warm. Wind, what little there was, Southerly.
17. Clear and something Cooler. Wind in the Evening Easterly.
18. Cooler than Yesterday Wind from the Eastward & fresh.
19. Warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
20. Still Warmer with but little Wind & that at South.
21. Very Warm the Wind in the same Quarter.
22. Clear & the Sun very hot but a pleasant breeze from the Westwd.
23. Clear forenoon with a fresh breeze from the So. West. Afternoon and Night very rainy.
24. Raining more or less all day sometimes very hard but little wind.
25. Much such a day as yesterday but not quite so much rain.
26. Misty Morning. Rainy Evening & cloudy all day.
27. Clear and warm. Wind Southerly.
28. Clear and warm forenoon Rainy Afternoon. Wind Southerly.
29. Clear forenoon & very warm but Cloudy afternoon no Rain however fell here.
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30. Clear and Warm Wind being Southerly.
31. Just such a day as yesterday.
Remarks & Occurs. in July
July 1. Began my Wheat Harvest in the Neck. Work'd Ten Cradles 8 of which were my own Negroes. Cut down the 50 Acre Cut upon Carneys Gut next the House.
5. Finishd the Wheat in the Neck abt. two Hours by Sun in the Afternoon.
6. Finishd going over my Corn in the Neck the 2d. Time.
Also Began my Harvest at Muddy Hole this day.
9. Finish'd Cutting & Securing my Wheat at Muddy hole abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon and removd my People to Doeg Run.
12. Left home for Williamsburg to the Assembly.
18. Finish'd Cutting and Securg. all my Wheat.
19. Began to Cut the Meadow at the Mill.
27. Finishd Curing Do. Weather being very unfavourable.
29. Three Carpenters belonging to the Estate of Colo. Steptoe (hired of Jas. Hardige Lane at £7 pr. Month) came to work here.
These carpenters were apparently engaged to build a house for GW's miller, but they may have done other construction or repair work. Col. James Steptoe (died c.1757), of Hominy Hall, Westmoreland County, was father of Anne Steptoe Washington, fourth wife of GW's brother Samuel. Steptoe's estate included, besides his Hominy Hall plantation, several hundred acres of land near Mount Vernon. James Hardage Lane (d. 1787), a prominent Loudoun County planter, may have been leasing that Fairfax County land and the laborers on it from Steptoe's executors or their agents (will of James Steptoe, 10 May 1755, Westmoreland County Deeds and Wills, Book 13, 95--98, Vi Microfilm; General Index to Fairfax County Deeds, 1742--97, 119, Vi Microfilm). GW paid Lane £17 6s. 6d. for hire of the carpenters on 24 Dec. 1771 (LEDGER A, 350).
30. Sowed Turneps at Home House.
31. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole Plantation.
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Where & how my time is Spent
August 1st. Rid to Muddy hole the Mill and where the Carpenter's were at Work.
2. At home all day a writing Letters & Advertisements of Harry who run away the 29th. Ulto.
GW spent £1 16s. to recover this slave, who apparently was soon returned to Mount Vernon (LEDGER A, 340; list of GW's tithables, 10 June 1772, DLC: Toner Collection).
3. Rid to the Mill--Muddy hole & Neck.
4. Went to Pohick Church, and came home to Dinner.
Old Pohick Church continued to be used for regular worship services until 15 Feb. 1774, when the vestry officially accepted the new church for use of the parish (Truro Vestry Book, 160, DLC).
5. At home all day. Colo. Fairfax came here to breakfast & returnd afterwards. Doctr. Craik came to Dinner & went away after it.
6. Dined at Belvoir and returnd in the Evening. Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis went with me.
7. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill--from thence to Doeg Run & so home by Muddy hole.
8. Rid into the Neck and from thence to the Mill.
9. Went to the Mill & returnd from thence to Dinner.
10. Rid to the Mill Doeg run and Muddy hole.
11. At home all day. Miss Polly Brazier dined here.
Polly Brazier may be a relation of Capt. Zacharias Brazier, who in 1759 married Elizabeth Fowke Buckner (1727--1797), a widow of Stafford County (agreement between Zacharias Brazier and Elizabeth Buckner, 5 Nov. 1759, Stafford County Deed Book, 1755--64, 241--43, and will of Elizabeth Brazier, 29 June 1795, Prince William County Will Book, 1792--1803, 194--95, Vi Microfilm).
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12. Rid to the Mill by the Plantation at the Ferry.
GW today wrote Robert Cary & Co., requesting that a few goods be added to his last order. The most important article, "and the principal end of my writing," he told the company, was "a pair of French Burr Millstones" for merchant milling. The stones that he was presently using were giving him flour of fine quality, but he wanted to produce superfine flour, which could best be done with buhrstone, noted for its hardness and the many minute cutting edges on its surfaces. In choosing the new millstones, GW instructed, care was to be taken to see that they were "of a good and even quality. I should not Incline to give any extravagent Sum for them on the one hand nor miss of getting a pair of good ones by limiting the price on the other" (DLC:GW; CRAIK [1], 293--94).
13. Rid to the Mill and returnd home by the Ferry Plantation.
14. Rid to the Ferry Plantation, Mill, Doeg Run, & Muddy hole.
15. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill--from thence into the Neck.
16. Rid by the Plantation at the Ferry to the Mill, & from thence home.
17. Rid by Muddy hole to Doeg Run--from thence to the Mill & so home by the Ferry Plantn.
18. At home all day alone.
19. Went up to Alexandria to Court, & returnd in the Evening, home.
The court met 19--23 Aug. GW was not recorded as being officially present today, but his name is among the justices who attended on 20, 21, and 23 Aug. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 231--74, Vi Microfilm).
20. Went up to Court again and lodgd in my own House.
GW was to spend little time at his recently completed town house at the corner of Pitt and Cameron streets. After the War of Independence he usually lent it to relatives or rented it.
21. At Court all day. In the Evening returnd home.
22. Rid by the Ferry Plantation & Mill to Colo. Fairfax's to see Mrs. Fairfax who was said to be Ill.
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Washington's house in Alexandria in an undated sketch by Miss M. I. Stewart. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M., Alexandria, Va.)
23. Went up to Court again and returnd home in the Afternoon.
24. Rid to the Ferry Plantation & Mill before Dinner.
25. At home all day. Mr. Jno. Smith came here to Dinner on his return from the Springs.
26th. Mr. Smith went away. After Breakfast I rid to the Ferry Plantn. Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
27. Rid to the Mill only before Dinner.
28. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill. Miss Manley here.
29. Went to the Mill, & returnd from thence. Miss Manley went home after Breakfast and Mr. Jno. Johnson who has a nostrum for Fits came here in the Afternoon.
Dr. John Johnson (b. 1745), of Frederick, Md., had for the past few months been sending the Washingtons a special herbal medicine to relieve the
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seizures that had been plaguing Patsy Custis (Thomas Johnson to GW, 18 June 1770, MnHi). His remedy had proved to be totally ineffective, but Johnson had come to Mount Vernon to prescribe further treatments (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 5 July 1771, WRITINGS, 3:42--48). A nephew many years later characterized Johnson as a person who was "extremely indolent, self-opinionated, and had as little of manhood as he had of his profession" (DELAPLAINE, 351).
30. Rid to the Mill in the forenoon. Mr. Johnson here all day. In the afternoon Doctr. Rumney came, & stayd all Night.
31. After Breakfast both Mr. Johnson & Doctr. Rumney went away. I rid to the Mill, and in the afternoon Mr. Lewis Burwell the younger came here.
Lewis Burwell the younger was either Lewis Burwell, Jr., son of Col. Lewis Burwell of Kingsmill, James City County, or Lewis Burwell (1737--1779), lawyer and burgess of Fairfield plantation, Gloucester County, who was also known as Lewis Burwell, Jr. at this time. Lewis Burwell of Fairfield studied law at the Inns of Court in London and represented Gloucester County in the House of Burgesses 1769--74. An avid horseman, he owned the stallion Eclipse, a "Noted High Bred Swift Running Horse" ( Va. Gaz., D&N, 8 May 1779).
Acct. of the Weather in August
August 1st. Clear and very warm with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southwestward.
2. Clear and warm again with the Wind in the same place. The Afternoon Cloudy with a little thunder & appearances of Rain but none fell here.
3. Very warm, Wind Southerly & Weather clear.
4. Still very warm & clear with the Wind Southerly.
5. Exceeding warm with the Wind still in the same place. Forenoon clear--afternoon Gusty but no Rain fell here tho it thunderd & lightnend.
6. Very warm with but little Wind. In the Evening a little Rain but not much.
7. Clear and very warm. Wind Westerly.
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8. Cloudy forenoon with appearances of Rain but none fell. Afternoon clear.
9. Afternoon Cloudy again with a fine mist for a few Minutes. Very little Wind.
10. Clear and Cool Wind being Northwesterly.
11th. Clear and quite Calm. Morning little Cool; Evening Warm.
12. Some appearance of Rain but none fell. Very warm.
13. Wind very fresh from abt. SSW with now and then great shews of Rain but very little fell.
14. Calm, and great appearances of Rain again, but scarce any fell in this Neighbourhood.
15. Clear in the forenoon and exceeding Hot with Clouds in the Afternoon but no Rain here.
16. Wind fresh from the Northwest & Cool, tho the Sun was very hot.
17. Very cool in the Morning & clear all day with the Wind Northerly.
18. Cool & clear all day. Wind in the same place.
19. Cool & Clear all day. Wind Northerly.
20. Evening & Morning very Cool Midday warmer--quite clear.
21. Quite clear with but little Wind & that at No. or No. East. Morning & Evening Cool--warm midday.
22. Much warmer than the preceeding days but little Wind & clear.
23d. Perfectly clear, with very little Wind & warm.
24. No Wind in the forenoon, or but little, & that Southerly. Afternn. Cloudy with a little Rain & pretty high Wind from the No. West.
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25. Clear and tolerably pleast. with but little Wind and that Westerly.
26. Clear and calm Morning. Warm Midday. Wind fresh in the Evening from the Southard with some Rain in the Night--but not much.
27. Morning Cloudy. Afternoon clear with but little Wind.
28. Clear and Cool in the Morning & Evening but warm in the midday with but little Wind.
29. Much such a day as yesterday.
30. Quite clear & pleasant without any Wind. Morning & Evening also Warm.
31. Wind at Southwest, with Clouds and appearance of Rain but none fell.
Remarks & Occurs. in August
August 1st. Began to Sow Wheat in the Neck with Wheat steep'd in Brine & allum.
3. Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill also steepd in Brine with Allum put thereto.
This day began to sow the Brined Wheat at Muddy hole. Before this the Wheat was not steepd in Brine at this place.
Note--The Brine was made by the direction's in the Farmers guide, as the common method practiced by Farmers but our Wheat was steepd only 24 hours instead of 35 which he recommends.
GW is steeping wheat in brine and alum in an attempt to prevent the fungus disease called rust. His "Farmers Guide" is The Farmer's Compleat Guide, through All Articles of His Profession (London, 1760).
5th. Began to Sow Wheat at Doeg Run, Steepd in Brine.
8. Finished Sowing the River Side Cut in the Neck--also the Corn ground at the Mill opposite Mr. Manley's.
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10. Finish'd Sowing all the Corn Ground at the Mill & began to prepare the Fallowd Land there for Sowing.
Also Raised a House at the Mill for the Miller to live In.
The miller's house, a one-story wooden structure about 24 by 16 feet with a small separate kitchen, was conveniently located within 30 yards of the new mill (GW to Robert Lewis & Sons, 1 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW; Lawrence Lewis's insurance policy, 7 April 1803, Vi).
13. Began to Sow Wheat at the Ferry Plantation in the Corner next the Ferry Road by the Pine Tree.
17. Finish'd Sowing Wheat in that Cut next the Gum spring at Muddy hole. [ ] Bushls.
Also the Second Cut in the Neck that next the Crab tree Branch.
20. Con McCarty began to Work on the Chimney of the Millers Ho[use] in the Morning, and [ ] Bond abt. 12 Oclock.
McCarty was employed at GW's mill until sometime in October, receiving £9 2s. 6d. for 36½ days of work (LEDGER A, 343). BOND: probably the last name of a helper, but may be a reference to the practice of bonding brick or stone.
22. Finishd Sowing the Cut of Wheat at the Ferry in which they began.
The Ground now exceeding dry Corn firing very badly & every discouraging appearance of a scarcity of this Article that can be.
31. Finish'd Sowing the third Cut of Wheat in the Neck.
Where & how my time is Spent
Sept. 1st. At home all day. Mr. Burwell here.
2. Went up to Alexandria with Mr. Burwell after an early Dinner. Returnd in the Evening with Mr. Piper.
3. Rid in the Forenoon to the Mill. Mr. Burwell, & Mr. Piper both here.
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4. Mr. Burwell and Mr. Piper both went away after Breakfast. I rid to the Mill.
5. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill--from thence to Muddy hole & so home to Dinner. In the Afternoon rid to the Mill again.
6. At home all the forenoon. In the Afternoon went to Belvoir with Mrs. Washington & P. Custis, & returnd in the Evening.
7. Rid into the Neck in the Morning early & from thence to the Mill. Mr. Crawford came here in the Aftern.
8. At home all day. Mr. Crawford went away after breakfast.
9. Rid to the Mill--from thence to Doeg Run Qr. & by the River Plantation home.
10. Rid to the Mill in the Forenoon. Mr. Thoms. Triplet dind with me. In the Afternoon set of for Fredericksburg and lodgd at Colo. Harry Lees.
The purpose of this trip was to make final arrangements for Mary Washington, now about 63 years old, to move from the Ferry Farm plantation to a house in Fredericksburg, where she could spend her latter years in comfort, free from the cares of the plantation. GW had previously discussed the matter with her, and in May, at her request and his expense, he had made a down payment of £75 on a house of her choice: a commodious white frame residence on Charles Street near the home of her daughter Betty Lewis (GW to Benjamin Harrison, 21 Mar. 1781, DLC:GW; LEDGER A, 336). Now, in further preparation for his mother's move to town, GW was ready to begin settling her affairs at Ferry Farm and at Little Falls Quarter, a tract of land about two miles farther down the Rappahannock which she had inherited from her father in 1711 (will of Joseph Ball, 25 June 1711, Lancaster County Wills, Book-10, 88, Vi Microfilm).
11th. Reach'd my Mother's to Dinner after Bating at Peyton's.
12. Rid all over the Plantn. at the Ho[me] House, & then went to the Quarter and rid all over that & returnd to Dinner Colo. Lewis & my Brothr. Charles being there. In the Afternoon went over to Fredg.
THE PLANTN. AT THE HO[ME] HOUSE: Ferry Farm. At this time it consisted of about 600 acres of land, and by the terms of Augustine Washington's will, it was legally GW's to do with what he wished ( Va. Gaz., R, 5 Nov. 1772).
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THE QUARTER: the plantation at Little Falls, which apparently contained about 400 acres. During this visit GW agreed to take over the quarter at the beginning of 1772, paying his mother an annual rent for it thereafter. Because the livestock and slaves at both Ferry Farm and the quarter were hers, he further agreed to buy her livestock and to rent her slaves. The price of the livestock and the rents for the land and slaves were to be determined within the next few weeks by Fielding Lewis and Charles Washington (GW to Benjamin Harrison, 21 Mar. 1781, DLC:GW; Mary Washington's account with GW, 14 Sept. 1771--30 Mar. 1775, PHi; Gratz Collection).
13. Returnd to my Mothers to Breakfast and Surveyd the Fields before Dinner, returnd to Town afterwards.
The survey covered about half of Ferry Farm, extending from the top of the Rappahannock riverbank, where the main house stood, several hundred yards northeast to a fence along a cornfield. GW apparently never platted this survey, but a plat based on his survey notes was drawn in 1932 for GW ATLAS (pl. 9).
14. Rid with Colo. Lewis to his Mill before Dinner. After it went over to my Mother's & stayd all Night.
GW today advanced his mother £4 12s. 6d. on the money that he was to pay her under their agreement (Mary Washington's account with GW, 14 Sept. 1771--30 Mar. 1775, PHi: Gratz Collection). The exact amount he owed her was not set until 15 Oct., when Fielding Lewis and Charles Washington finished evaluating her property. GW, they determined, was to pay £93 11s. 8d. for her livestock, £30 a year rent for the Little Falls Quarter, and £92 for a year's hire of her slaves: six men and four women, half of whom were at Ferry Farm and half at Little Falls ("Sundrys belonging to Mrs. Mary Washington valued by Chas. Washington & Fielding Lewis," 15 Oct. 1771, ViMtV).
15. Set of home. Din'd in Dumfries and got up by Sun set.
16. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill. Lund Washington returnd from Dr. Craiks this Eveng.
17. Rid to the Mill--from thence to Doeg Run, and Muddy hole before Dinner. After Dinner Rid into the Neck.
18. Went up to Court. Dind at Arrells and Lodgd at Mr. Jno. Wests.
The court met 16--19 Sept.; GW attended only the last two days (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 274--93, Vi Microfilm).
Richard Arell's tavern in Alexandria was frequently patronized by GW on his visits to the town between 1764 and 1774 and had apparently been the scene of his election ball on 1 Dec. 1768 (LEDGER A, 178, 281; LEDGER B, 80;
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Mr. and Mrs. Richard Arell, in a portrait by John Hesselius before 1775. (Mr. and Mrs. Elias Edmonds Gray IV)
Va. Gaz., P, 27 June 1777). Arell (variously spelled) had come to Alexandria from Pennsylvania with his wife, Eleanor, sometime before July 1762 and had been a merchant prior to becoming an innkeeper (BROCKETT, 96; deed of George Mason to Arell, 20--21 July 1762, Fairfax County Deeds, Book E-1, 102--4, Vi Microfilm).
19. Went to Court again. Dind at Arrells & come home in the Afternoon. Found young Mr. Wormely here.
Ralph Wormeley (1744--1806) of Rosegill, Middlesex County, was the eldest son of Ralph Wormeley (1715--1790) of Rosegill. Young Wormeley had been educated in England at Eton and Cambridge University and earlier this year had been appointed to the governor's council in Williamsburg (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:412).
20. Went with Mr. Wormeley to Belvoir on a Morngs. Visit, & returnd to Dinr.
21. Set out with Mr. Wormeley for the Annapolis Races. Dind at Mr. Willm. Digges's & lodgd at Mr. Ignatis Digges's.
The fall racing at Annapolis was an annual highlight of both the sporting and social seasons for the Chesapeake gentry, being an occasion not only for
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indulging in "the pleasures of the turf" but for going to dinners, balls, and plays in the city (EDDIS, XXV--XXVi, 54--55). Sponsored by the prestigious Annapolis Jockey Club, the races attracted the finest thoroughbreds in the region to run for purses of up to 100 guineas. This year the jockey club had announced four days of racing to begin at 11:00 A. M. each day from 24 to 27 Sept. and three balls to be held on the nights of 24, 25, and 27 Sept. ( Md. Gaz., 12 Sept. 1771).
22. Dind at Mr. Sam Gallaway's & lodged with Mr. Boucher in Annapolis.
Galloway belonged to the Annapolis Jockey Club, and on 24 Sept. he would race his horse Selim, for which he had paid £1,000 as a yearling in 1760 ( Md. Gaz., 26 Sept. 1771).
Jonathan Boucher and Jacky Custis were living in the St. Anne's Parish parsonage on Hanover Street. Jacky had written to GW on 18 Aug., extending an invitation on behalf of Boucher to stay at his house, as it would be "almost impossible to get a Room at any of the ordinaries, the Rooms being preengaged to their [regular] customers" (DLC:GW).
23. Dined with Mr. Loyd Dulany & Spent the Evening at the Coffee Ho[use].
Lloyd Dulany (1742--1782), son of Daniel Dulany the elder and his third wife, Henrietta Maria Dulany, had recently returned to Annapolis after studying law at the Inns of Court in London. About this time he built a handsome brick house on Conduit Street that reportedly cost him £10,000 (LAND, 294, 296--97).
The Coffeehouse, a popular tavern run by a Mrs. Howard, was on Main (now Church) Street near the State House ( Md. Gaz., 12 Sept. 177; RILEY [2]).
Sir Robert Eden, governor of Maryland. From a photograph of a painting, artist unknown. (Maryland Historical Society)
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24. Dined with the Govr. and went to the Play & Ball afterwards.
GW probably attended the races before dinner on this and the following three days. The track adjoined the town on the west, and because of the beautiful autumn weather "there was a prodigious concourse of spectators and considerable sums were depending on the contest of each day" (EDDIS, 54). Gov. Robert Eden's home stood on a small peninsula extending into the Severn River.
The play was performed by the American Company of Comedians, which had begun a run in town on 9 Sept., when a new theater was opened on West Street near St. Anne's Church (EDDIS, 55). The balls were held at the Assembly House on Duke of Gloucester Street. There was a room for dancing in the front of the building, and in a chamber at the back gentlemen gathered to play cards and to drink wine (STEVENS [1], 111). GW recorded losing £13 4s. 3d. "By cards--[at] different times" (LEDGER A, 344).
25. Dined at Doctr. Stewards and went to the Play and Ball afterwards.
Dr. George Steuart (d. 1784) was a member of the Maryland council and one of the two judges of the proprietary land office who issued land warrants and decided land disputes. A Scotsman, he had been educated at the University of Edinburgh and had immigrated to America in 1721. His wife was Ann Digges Steuart, sister of William Digges of Warburton (COKE, 358--59; RICHARDSON [2], 2;225--26).
26. Dined at Mr. Ridouts and went to the Play after it.
John Ridout (1732--1797), another member of the council, lived on Duke of Gloucester Street. He was born in England and after studying for six years at Oxford came to Maryland in 1753 as a secretary to Gov. Horatio Sharpe (NORRIS [2], 106--7).
27. Dined at Mr. Carrolls and went to the Ball.
Charles Carroll of Annapolis lived in a comfortable brick mansion on Spa Creek. His son Charles Carroll of Carrollton also resided there, and GW probably saw both of them on this occasion (ROWLAND [1], 1:93--94).
28. Dined at Mr. Bouchers and went from thence to the Play and afterwards to the Coffee Ho[use].
29. Dined with Majr. Jenifer and Suppd at Danl. Dulany Esqrs.
Daniel Dulany the younger (1722--1797), son of Daniel Dulany the elder and his second wife, Rebecca Smith Dulany (c.1696--1737), was one of the most important men in Maryland at this time, being both a councillor and secretary of the colony. Even his antagonist Charles Carroll of Annapolis admitted in 1765 that "He is a man of Great Parts, of Generall Knowledge
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Daniel Dulany the younger, an Annapolis attorney and secretary of Maryland. (Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Dulany Randolph)
Rebecca Tasker Dulany, wife of Daniel Dulany the younger. (Mrs. N. Holmes Morison)
indisputably the best Lawer on this Continent, a very entertaining Companion when he pleases" (Charles Carroll of Annapolis to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 17 April 1761, CARROLL, 10:342--43).
30. Left Annapolis, & Dind and suppd with Mr. Saml. Gallaway.
Acct. of the Weather in Septr.
Septr. 1. Wind fresh from the Eastward. Afternoon Cloudy & Night Raining.
2. Ground now for the first time since the Rains abt. the 25th. July Wet. Very warm and but little Wind.
3. A Breeze from the Northwest but very sultry notwithstanding--quite clear.
4. Still warm & clear--Wind Southerly.
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5. Warm and clear with but little Wind & that Southerly. The Afternoon Showery with some thunder.
6. Misting more or less all day & somewhat Cool, what Wind there was being westerly.
7. Very Cloudy in the Morning and raining more or less all day--fine Rain--Wind being about No. East.
8. Cloudy all day but clear in the Evening with but little Wind but Cool notwithstanding.
9. Clear and pleasand, rather warm with little Wind.
10. Warm, with appearances of Rain but none fell here.
11. Cool Wind fresh from No. West. Afternoon Warmer--Weathr. Clear.
12. Clear and Warmer. Wind Southerly.
13. Very warm with but little Wind and that Southerly. Clear.
14. Very Cloudy & cool. Wind Northerly but not much of it.
15. Cloudy all day, & cool with the Wind Easterly. In the Afternoon and Night Rain.
16. Raining very close & constant till about 10 Oclock--then clear & calm.
17. Clear & pleasant all day, Wind Westerly, but neither fresh nor cool.
18. Clear but cool, very cold wind fresh from the No. West.
19. A small frost, but to do no Injury Weather still cool and clear, but not so cold.
20. Clear and pleasant, weather much warmer.
21. Clear and warm with very little Wind.
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22. Much such a day as yesterday.
23. Very pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
24. Warm, clear, and pleasant with but little alteration in the Weather.
25th. The Weather the same as has been for 3 or 4 days last past.
26. Very Warm but clear with very little Wind.
27. Clear and pleasant with the Wind Southerly and warm.
28. Very warm with but little Wind & that Southerly wt. Clouds.
29. Wind fresh from the Northwest and very cool.
30. Still cool & clear--Wind Shifting South Westerly.
Remarks & Occs. in Septr.
Septr. 4. The Mason's began to work on the Mill Walls.
Finish'd Sowing the Cut of Corn round the Creek at the Ferry Plantn.
Permanent repairs apparently were being made because of damages that had occurred earlier in the year. The workmen were Michael Clark, Benjamin Mason, Thomas Tayler, William Bacon, and possibly Con McCarty. Clark, Mason, and Tayler were paid 16 Nov., receiving a total of £19 12s. 6d., while Bacon received £15 15s. nine days later (LEDGER A, 343, 345, 347).
10. Began to Plaister the Millers House.
12. Agreed with one William Powell to look after my Mothers Quarter on Rappahannock, on the following Terms; to wit--to continue the five hands now on the Plantation, & either to add one more horse to those which are there (amounting to four) or put two good ones there, and take away two of the most indifferent. To allow him 365 lbs. of Porke, the Milk of a Cow, and the Seventh part of all the Corn, Tobo., and Wheat he can make--In consideration of which he is to stay constantly on the Plantn. with
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his People furnish himself with bed and other necessaries & to keep no Horse or other Creature [of his own] on the Plantation.
The William Powell whom GW is engaging here as overseer of the Little Falls Quarter may be William Powell (d. 1796), son of the Dumfries merchant William Powell (C.1700--1787). Young Powell later became a lieutenant in the Continental Army and settled in Amherst County (LUCAS, 319--20; BURGESS, 3:1438--39).
GW must have chosen the option of putting two good horses at the quarter, because on 8 Nov. 1771, while at Eltham, he bought four horses costing a total of £30 "for Rappahannock," two of them evidently to go to Little Falls and two to Ferry Farm (LEDGER A. 345).
13. Agreed with Edwd. Jones to continue overseer at the place my Mother lives at [Ferry Farm] who is also to be constant in his attendance on the People he looks after (five in number) for which he is to be allowd the Seventh of Corn Wheat & Tobo. He also is to have two Horses added to those two he already has.
Where & how my time is Spent
Octr. [1]. Dined at Upper Marlborough & reachd home in the Afternoon. Mr. Wormley--Mr. Fitzhugh, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Burwell, & Jack Custis came with me. Found Mr. Pendleton here.
Upper Marlboro was a small tobacco town on the western branch of the Patuxent River in Prince George's County, Md., about halfway between Annapolis and Mount Vernon. In 1775 it was described by a visitor as "a very pleasant" place, "containing about a Dozen very neat houses & 3 or 4 stores" (HONYMAN, 4).
Atty. Gen. John Randolph of Williamsburg and Edmund Pendleton (1721--1803) of Caroline County were retained by GW about this time to act with James Mercer of Fredericksburg as attorneys for the Custis estate in a suit that was apparently to be heard in the General Court at Williamsburg between 10 and 15 Oct. The case involved an old claim against the family for payment of a substantial sum of money allegedly owed to descendants of an illegitimate daughter of Daniel Parke (1669--1710), Jacky and Patsy Custis's great-grandfather. That dispute, which had been going on for more than 50 years, would continue for at least a few more years, but the plaintiffs would never obtain a final judgment in their favor (LEDGER A, 345; FREEMAN, 2:281--91, 298--301, 3:225--27, 282, 335).
John Randolph had attended the races in Annapolis with his daughters, traveling there on board the armed schooner Magdalen ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 17 Sept. 1771).
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2. Mr. Pendleton went away after Breakfast. The other Gentlemen Stayd all day.
3. The Gentlemen went away after Breakfast & I rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill. Doctr. Rumney dind & lodgd here.
4. Rid to the Mill--Doeg Run, & Muddy hole. Captn. Oliffe dind here, and Mr. Robt. Rutherford Sup'd.
John Oliffe of Norfolk was a sea captain who sailed frequently from Virginia to the West Indies and the British Isles. He married Mrs. Anne Knight at Norfolk in 1769 (LOWER NORFOLK, 4:61).
5. Went a hunting with Jacky Custis but found nothing. Came home by the Mill. Mr. Rutherford went away after breakfast & Captn. Oliffe dind here.
6. At home all day. Captn. McCarty & wife Mr. Piper Captn. Oliffe & Polly Brazier dind here. The 3 first Went away after Dinner.
7. Rid by the Ferry Plantation to the Mill Captn. Oliffe & Polly Brazier here.
8. Went a hunting in the Neck and Catchd a Dog fox. Then went to the Plantn. there & came home to Dinr.
9. At home in the Afternoon. Rid to the Mill in the forenoon.
10. At home all day. Captn. Crawford came here in the Afternoon.
William Crawford had surveyed the lands between the Great and Little Kanawha rivers for the Virginia Regiment, and he was now bringing in his rough field notes from which finished drafts were to be made with GW's help (Crawford to GW, 2 Aug. 1771, DLC:GW). When the two men completed that task several days later, there were 10 surveys covering 61,796 acres, less than a third of the 200,000 acres that, according to the order of the council, had to be included in 20 surveys (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:438--39). But Crawford reported that few of the tracts could be much "enlarged with rich Land" because the countryside was "generally so Craggy, Steep, and Rocky" that fertile farming areas could be found only in isolated narrow strips along the rivers and creeks (Crawford's surveys, nos. 2--10, dated June 1771, are in DLC:GW; a copy of his first survey, dated June 1771, is at the University of Pittsburgh). Besides the surveys for the Virginia Regiment, Crawford apparently brought GW a personal survey for a 515-acre tract on the Ohio near
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Captina Creek (survey, 20 June 1771, DLC:GW) and one for some land about 16 miles from Fort Pitt (Crawford to GW, 2 Aug. 1771, DLC:GW).
11. Still at home all day Plotting & Measuring the Surveys which Captn. Crawford made for the Officers & Soldiers.
12. At home on the same business. Doctr. Craik came in the Afternoon.
13. About the same business. Mr. John West came to Dinner.
14. Ditto--Ditto. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast & Mrs. Barnes came. Mr. Manley dind here & Val. Crawford came sick at Night.
Harrison Manley apparently came to Mount Vernon today to ask GW to handle some personal business for him in Williamsburg, where GW was soon to go. GW agreed, undertaking to obtain copies of some legal documents that Manley wanted and to take a sum of money for him to the treasurer of the colony (GW to Manley, 13 Nov. 1771, DLC:GW).
15. At home about this Work. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon.
16. Ditto--Ditto. Mr. West & Doctr. Rumney went away after Dinner.
17. Rid to the Ferry Plantn. & Mill after Breakfast. Captn. Crawford went to Doctr. Craiks after Dinner.
18. Went into the Neck & run some Lines there. Captn. Crawford came in the Afternoon.
19. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.
20. At home all day. Mr. James Adam dined here.
James Adam brought GW £41 6d. cash, part payment from Robert Adam & Co. for the flour that GW had sold the firm earlier in the year (LEDGER A, 345).
21. Rid to the Mill. Mr. Ross dind here.
Hector Ross brought another £100 from Robert Adam & Co. in payment for flour (LEDGER A, 345).
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22. Rid to the Mill again. Captn. Crawford & his Brothr. returnd home. Mr. Jno. Smith of westmoreld. came in the Aftern.
Before William Crawford left Mount Vernon, GW paid him £41 14s. 4d. on account of the officers and soldiers of the Virginia Regiment and, on his own account, "5 half Joes," gold Portuguese coins worth a total of £11 10s. Virginia currency (LEDGER A, 345).
John Smith of Cabin Point was returning to Frederick County to obtain permission from the magistrates there to inoculate Samuel Washington and his family, but he died before he could do so. GW later wrote Samuel it was fortunate that Smith had not begun inoculating, "for I was morally sure he could not live to carry you through it. . . . What a madman must he have been to quit his house and friends in pursuit of so vain a shadow? To persist in it to the last argues something of insanity" (6 Dec. 1771, excerpt, Parke-Bernet Galleries Catalogue, 11 June 1941, Item 578).
23. After dinner set of for Williamsburg and lodgd at Mr. Lawson's. Left Mr. Smith & Mrs. Barnes at Mt. Vn.
GW was going to Williamsburg to give the council a list of 81 members of the Virginia Regiment who had presented him with claims under the Proclamation of 2754 and to petition the councillors to devise a system for distributing the 200,000 acres among the claimants (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:438--39).
24. Reachd my Mothers to dinner, & lodgd afterwards at Colo. Lewis's.
25. At my Mothers all day having lost my Horses. Spent the Eveng. at Weedons.
26. At Colo. Lewis's all day--Mr. Wormely & others dining there.
27. Continued on to Williamsburg having found my Horses. Dined at Caroline Ct. House & lodgd at Hubbards.
28. Breakfasted at Todds bridge, dind at Ruffins, and lodgd at Colo. Bassetts.
29. Reach'd Williamsburg before Dinner. And went to the Play in the Afternoon.
About four weeks before GW arrived in town, Christiana Campbell had moved again, this time to Waller Street behind the Capitol, and in a newspaper advertisement she had announced that "I shall reserve Rooms for the Gentlemen who formerly lodged with me" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 3 Oct. 1771). But for the first time in ten years, GW did not stay with her. He chose, instead, to lodge with John Carter, a well-established merchant who ran a general
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This sketch of George Weedon was made in 1791 by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery, gift of Mrs. Winchester Bennett)
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John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore and the last colonial governor of Virginia. (Mrs. Charles Murray)
store next door to the Raleigh Tavern and who at this time lived in a house directly across the street from the Raleigh ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Feb. 1772). Carter had not advertised rooms for rent, but he, like several merchants and craftsmen in town, was apparently supplementing his income by lodging visitors in his house during public times (GIBBS, 133).
The play was performed by the American Company of Comedians, which had again returned to Williamsburg from Annapolis (RANKIN, 164).
30. Dined at the Speakers and went to the Play in the Afternoon.
31. Dined at the Governors & went to the Play.
John Murray, earl of Dunmore (1732--1809), successor to Lord Botetourt as governor of Virginia, had taken his oath of office before the council 25 Sept. 1771 (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:430--31). A Scottish peer, he had sat in Parliament for several years and for 11 months before coming to Virginia had been governor of New York.
Acct. of the Weather in October.
Octr. 1st. The Weather clear & pleasant with very little Wind.
2. Clear and pleasant, with but little Wind.
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3. Very pleasant forenoon with some Appearances of Rain in the Afternoon.
4. Cloudy forenoon, & now and then Misting--turning Cool.
5. Great Fog & Dew with but little [wind] & that Northerly & Cold.
6. Clear and pleasant not being so cool as yesterday. Wind what little there was of it abt. East.
7. Clear in the forenoon and Warm but cloudy afternoon & very like for Rain with the Wind at So. Wt.
8. Cloudy forenoon and rainy Afternoon with the Wind Southerly.
9. Clear and pleasant till Night then Rain.
10. Raining more or less all day & part of the Night.
11. Clear and Cool.
12. Much such weather as yesterday.
13. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
14th. Clear in the forenoon with the Wind Southerly but Cloudy afterwards & Rain.
15. Raining almost all Night & till the Afternoon of this day.
16. Clear with the Wind fresh from the Westward.
17. Clear and Calm in the forenoon a little Windy afterwards but very pleasant notwithstandg.
18. Warm and pleasant with but little Wind.
19. Clear in the forenoon, but lowering afterwards with Rain in the Evening and all Night.
20. Cloudy all day and sometimes Misting with the Wind what little there was at No. East.
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21. Clear, warm, and pleasant with very little Wind.
22. Clear & very Warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
23. Lowering Morning with Rain then clear & Cool Wind fresh from the North West.
24. Clear and Cool in the forenoon but Warm afterwards.
25. Clear and pleasant forenoon but lowering afterwards.
26. Clear and Warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
27. Clear and very warm. Wind Southerly.
28. Clear in the forenoon with slight Rains afterwards & a change of Wind which turnd the Air Cool.
29. Clear and Cool Wind being at Northwest, and fresh.
30. Warmer--Wind getting Southerly again. Clear in the forenoon.
31. Very warm, but clear and pleasant notwithstanding.
Where & how my time is Spent
Novr. 1st. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's. Went to the Fireworks in the Afternoon and to the Play at Night.
2. Dined with the Council and Spent the Evening in my own Room a writing.
GW is probably preparing his petition to the council on behalf of the Virginia Regiment. In it he asked not only that individual allotments be made but that the limit of 20 surveys be removed, each claimant being permitted to survey his own portion of land and the 61,796 acres already surveyed by Crawford being divided only among the claimants who had shared the expense. Such an arrangement, he thought, would have several benefits. By being surveyed in many small plats, the full 200,000 acres could be covered "without taking in so many Mountains and barren Hills as would render the intended Bounty, rather a Charge" (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:438--39).
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"Every man would stand on his own bottom," and a few would not be obliged to bear the whole cost of the initial surveying, "whilst the Major part are standing aloof waiting the Event; if favorable to come in for part of the Prize but to pay nothing for the Ticket in case of a Blank." Claimants would also be spared being "doubly Taxed," not having to pay for both a share of the 20 surveys and an individual survey within one of the 20. In short, GW believed his petition to be "so reasonable, & so consistent with every principle of common justice . . . that . . . it could not possibly be rejected" (GW to George Mercer, 7 Nov. 1771, DLC:GW).
3. Dined at Anderson's and Supped at Mrs. Dawson's.
4. Dined with the Council and went to the play afterwards.
Governor Dunmore today presented GW's petition to the council. The councillors promptly decided to continue the limit of 20 surveys but postponed further action on the petition until 6 Nov. (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:438--39).
5. Dined at the Treasurers, and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
6. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
On this date GW and James Mercer appeared before the council to argue in favor of the petition presented two days earlier. After hearing them, the councillors met privately to deliberate matters. They reaffirmed the limit of 20 surveys and then proceeded to allot the 200,000 acres: 400 acres to each of 52 private soldiers who had made claims, 500 acres to each of 4 corporals, 600 acres to each of 7 sergeants, 2,500 acres to each of 2 cadets, 6,000 acres to each of 8 subalterns, 9,000 acres to each of 5 captains, and 15,000 acres to each of 3 field officers, including GW. The remaining 30,000 acres, after being used to satisfy the claims of any more private soldiers who might apply, were to "be divided among those who have hitherto born the whole Expense, & who in all Probability must continue to do so till the full Quantity is surveyed" (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:438--41). The council's answer to the petition did not please GW. In a letter of 7 Nov. to George Mercer, he accused the councillors of "putting the Soldiery upon a worse footing than the meanest Individual in the Community, rather than be thought to give a License to the pillaging of his Majestys, or the Proprietary Lands" (DLC: GW). Nevertheless, he remained determined to pursue the business regardless of the difficulties and expense involved.
Mrs. Campbell's new tavern on Waller Street was the one that Jane Vobe had kept there until recent months. In August, Mrs. Vobe had sold her furniture, and in September she had announced her intention to leave the colony ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 25 July and 17 Sept. 1771).
7. Left Williamsburg on my return home, dined & lodged at Colo. Bassetts.
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One of Washington's favorite innkeepers, Mrs. Campbell, announces the opening of her new tavern in Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
8. At Colo. Bassetts all day. Colo. Lewis & Mr. Mercer came here.
On the previous day GW had given Fielding Lewis £200 cash with which to pay the balance due for the house and two lots in Fredericksburg where Mary Ball Washington was to live (LEDGER A, 336, 345). The owner of the property, Michael Robinson, of Spotsylvania County, deeded it to GW on 18 Sept. 1772, but Mrs. Washington apparently moved into the house before spring (CROZIER [2], 294; see main entry for 11 April 1772). Although GW paid the full purchase price of £275 and retained the title to the property, he charged his mother nothing to live there for the nearly 18 years remaining of her life.
9. Set out in Company with those Gentlemen. Dined at Todds bridge and lodgd at Hubbards.
10. Dined at Doctr. Todds and reachd Fredericksburg at Night.
George Todd (1711--1790), a physician, operated a tavern from 1750 to 1781 on the stage road in Caroline County at the site of present-day Villboro, Va. (CAMPBELL [1], 411--12, 450). William Todd's ordinary at Todd's Bridge, where GW stopped much more frequently, was about 38 miles south of Dr. Todd's place (see entry for 21 April 1760).
11. Got home about Dark. And found Mr. Warner Washington his Wife and Child--Mrs. Bushrod & Katy & Nancy Washington--Sally & Nancy Carlyle & Sally Fairfax & Polly Brazier here.
Anne Washington (d. 1777), known as Nancy, was Katy (Catherine) Washington's sister and a niece of Mrs. Bushrod. Reputedly an amiable and attractive young lady, Nancy married Thomas Peyton of Gloucester County in May 1776 and died eight months later ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 25 May 1776 and 17 Jan. 1777). Sally Cary Fairfax (b. 1760), eldest child of Bryan Fairfax,
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visited her aunt and uncle at Belvoir about this time. She died unmarried between 1777 and 1779 (FAIRFAX, 213).
12. At home all day with the above.
13. Rid to the Ferry Plantation Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
14. Rid to the Mill with the Ladies & back again. Mr. Lawson came in the Afternoon.
15. Rid to the Ferry Plantation after breakfast Mr. Warnr. Washington his wife & Child, Re the two Miss Carlyles--Polly Brazier & Mr. Lawson went away.
16. Went a hunting but found nothing.
17. Went to Dinner at Belvoir with Mrs. Bushrod, Mrs. Washington, the two Miss Washington's, & Patcy Custis. Returnd in the Afternn.
18. Went up to Court. Dined at Arrells & lodged at Mr. John Wests. Sent my Horses home.
The court met 18--21 Nov. GW's name does not appear in the court records for this day, but he was officially present on 19 and 20 Nov. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770--72, 303--23, Vi Microfilm).
19. Dined at Arrells and lodgd at my own House. Supped at Arrells also.
20. Dined at Arrells. Came home in the Afternoon Mr. Magowan with me. Found Mr. Washington his Wife &ca. here as also John Custis.
21. At home all day. Mr. Danl. Jenifer dined & lodgd here.
Daniel Jenifer (1727--1795) was the son of Dr. Daniel Jenifer of Port Tobacco, Md., and brother of Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer.
22. At home again. Mr. Jenefir went away after breakfast as Mr. Washington &ca. did yesterday.
23. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went away before Dinner. Mr. Campbell came to Dinnr. & Doctr. Craik in the afternoon.
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Matthew Campbell probably brought the £60 cash that GW recorded receiving from Robert Adam & Co. on this date (LEDGER A, 341, 347).
24. Doctr. Craik & Mr. Campbell both went away after breakfast.
25. Went a hunting in the Morning with Jacky Custis. Returnd about 12 Oclock & found Colo. Fairfax & Lady here--Mrs. Fanny Ballendine & her Nieces--Miss Sally Fairfax & Mr. R. Adam Mr. Jas. Adam & Mr. Anthy. Ramsay all of whom went away in the Afternoon when Miss Scott came.
Frances Ewell Ballendine was John Ballendine's wife, and the nieces accompanying her are probably daughters of one or more of her brothers: Charles and Bertrand Ewell of Prince William County and Solomon Ewell of Lancaster County (HAYDEN, 334--38). Catherine Scott (b. 1741) was a daughter of Rev. James Scott (d. 1782), rector of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, and Sarah Brown Scott, a cousin of George Mason of Gunston Hall.
26. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, Mill and Ferry before dinner.
27. Set off before Sunrise with John Custis for Colo. Masons and went a driving [deer] in his Neck after breakfast--2 deer killed.
28. Went a driving again with Colo. Mason--killed nothing.
29. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church & reachd home in the Evening. Found Mr. Johnson here.
The Truro Parish vestry today set the parish levy for the year--70 pounds of tobacco per tithable--and appointed various parish officials (Truro Vestry Book, 150--52, DLC).
Dr. John Johnson was continuing to treat Patsy Custis for her epilepsy. He may have been at Mount Vernon earlier in the month also, because on 12 Nov., GW recorded paying him £14 in Maryland currency for his services (LEDGER A, 345). Although Patsy still had not improved in any way under the care of Dr. Johnson, the Washingtons continued to consult him about her health for several more months (Johnson to Martha Washington, 21 Mar. 1772; HAMILTON [1], 4:119, n.2).
30. Went a hunting in the Neck with Mr. Peake--found & killed a Fox. Mr. Johnson still here.
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Acct. of the Weather in Novr.
Novr. 1st. Warm and pleasant--Wind being Southerly.
2. Very warm in the forenoon & clear, Cloudy afterwards & a good deal of Rain in the Night.
3. Clear and Cool, wind being fresh from the Northwest.
4. Clear & pleasant not being so cool as yesterday. Wind however in the same place.
5. Wind pretty fresh from the Northwest and Cold again.
6. Less Cool than the day before but the Wind in the same place.
7. Cloudy & very threatning Wind at No. East in the Afternoon with Rain most part of the Night.
8. Wind Still Eastwardly with Rain more or less all day. In the Afternoon close hard rain & brisk Wind.
9. Clear and Cold. Wind fresh from the Northwest.
10. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
11. Very pleasant and clear with the Wind what little there was of it Southerly.
12. Very warm, clear and pleasant. Towards Night a little lowering.
13. Very warm & pleasant with but little Wind.
14. Clear, warm, and calm in the forenoon. The Afternoon lowering with a very brisk Wind from the Southward.
15. A good deal of Rain fell last Night. The Wind being very high from the Southward. The day cool with the Wind fresh from the Westward.
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16. Clear Morning and Evening, but Cloudy Midday. Wind pretty fresh from the Southwest and at Night from the Northwest.
17. Clear, Calm, and pleasant being tolerably warm.
18. Clear and pleasant but a little Cooler.
19. Cloudy with the Wind very fresh from the South West. About One Oclock a violent squal of Wind & Rain--clear afterwards.
20. Clear and Cool Wind Northerly and pretty fresh.
21. Clear and Cool Wind being again fresh from the Northwest.
22. Cool and Cloudy, with appearances of Snow but none fell.
23. Lowering Morning, but clear and pleasant afterwards with the wind Southerly.
24. Clear & remarkably pleasant with but little Wind and that Southerly.
25. Exceeding pleasant, being quite clear and Calm.
26. Pleasant forenoon, but cloudy afternoon with high Wind & Rain from the Southwest in the Night.
27. Clear, with the Wind fresh from the Northwest.
28. Wind very fresh from the same point with squally Clouds.
29. Cloudy & very like for Snow but none fell.
30. Very Cloudy with some rain but tolerably pleasant afterwards.
Remarks & Occs. in Novr.
Novr. 11th. Returnd home from Williamsburg.
20. Began to Plant Cuttings of the Winter Grape in the Inclosure below the Garden.
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30. Left of Planting the ground being two hard froze having planted [ ] Rows beginning to reckon from the side next the Spring.
Where & how my time is Spent
Decr. 1st. At home all day. Mr. Johnson still here. Doctr. Rumney came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
2. Rid to the River Plantation and the Mill. Mr. Johnson went away after breakfast as Did Mr. Rumney.
3. Rid to Muddy hole, and into the Neck. Mr. Val. Crawford came this aftern.
4. Went up to the Election & the Ball I had given at Alexa. Mr. Crawford & Jno. P. Custis with me. Stayd all Night.
On 12 Oct. 1771 Governor Dunmore had dissolved the General Assembly, which necessitated new elections to the House of Burgesses (H.B.J., 1770--72, 145). GW and Col. John West were again chosen to represent Fairfax County. GW's election expenses included £4 7s. &d. to tavern keeper John Lomax (d. 1787) of Alexandria for "getting a Supper" at the ball, £4 1s. 9d. to William Shaw, also of Alexandria, for "Sundries &ca. for the Election Ball & his own Trouble," 12s. to Harry Piper for his slave Charles playing the fiddle, and £1 9s. 8d. to a Mr. Young for cakes (LEDGER A, 347; LEDGER B, 50).
5. Came home in the Afternoon and found Miss Mason & Miss Scott who came the day before here.
Miss Mason is probably Ann Eilbeck Mason (1755--1814), eldest daughter of George Mason of Gunston Hall.
6. At home alone all day. In the afternoon Mr. Phil. Pendleton came.
The purpose of Pendleton's visit was to get the contract for the land that GW had agreed to sell him on 6 June. GW signed it on the following day, witnessed by Lund Washington, Valentine Crawford, and Jacky Custis (CctMMCH).
7. Went a fox hunting with the above two &ca. Killed a Fox and dined with Doctr. Alexander.
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George Dent Alexander had recently attended the College of Philadelphia where he had apparently studied in the college's new medical school but had not qualified for a bachelor or doctor of medicine degree. Despite young Alexander's local family connections, GW did not employ him as a physician, preferring Dr. Rumney's services (GW to John Armstrong, 20 Mar. 1770, from Rokeby Collections, Barrytown, Dutchess County, N.Y., courtesy of Richard Aldrich and others; CARSON [3], 67--75). During the Revolution, Alexander was a surgeon in Col. William Grayson's Additional Continental Regiment, serving from Feb. 1777 until his death in Philadelphia in Jan. 1780 (BURGESS, 1:133--36).
8. After breakfast Mr. Pendleton & Mr. Crawford went away as Miss Mason & Miss Scott did yesterday.
9. Went to meet Govr. Eden at Mr. Willm. Digges's where we dined. In the Afternoon the Govr. Mr. Calvert, Majr. Fleming Mr. Boucher, Mr. Geo. Digges and Doctr. Digges came over with me.
Benedict Calvert (C.1724--1788), an illegitimate son of Charles Calvert, fifth Baron Baltimore (1699--1751), lived at Mount Airy (later called Dower House) in Prince George's County, Md., near present-day Rosaryville. Born in England, he was known in his early years as Benedict Swingate, but Lord Baltimore, while refusing to identify Benedict's mother, acknowledged him as his son and provided well for him. Benedict took the Calvert name and at the age of 18 went to Maryland, where in 1745 he was appointed collector of customs at Patuxent and in the following year became a member of the provincial council. In 1748 he married a distant relation, Elizabeth Calvert (1730--1798), daughter of the Charles Calvert who was governor of Maryland 1720--27 (NICKLIN [2], 58, 313--14; W.P.A. [2], 464--65).
Maj. William Fleming of the British army, currently acting commander of the 64th Regiment of Foot stationed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, was visiting the southern provinces for his health. He apparently returned north early the next summer when his regiment was moved to a post near Boston (Thomas Gage to William W. Barrington, 6 Jan. 1769, GAGE PAPERS, 2:493--94; DAVIES, 1:304).
Dr. Joseph Digges, son of William Digges and younger brother of George Digges, had studied at the University of Edinburgh but had not received a degree. During the Revolution he was surgeon to the Charles County, Md., militia 1777--78. In Oct. 1778 the Maryland state council gave him permission to go to Bermuda to recover his health, which had been bad "for some time past" (MD. ARCHIVES, 21:222). He was apparently taken prisoner by the British during the trip; on 1 Nov. 1779, he wrote GW from Teneriffe in the Canary Islands that he had been paroled but had not heard of his being exchanged, "from whence I conclude, that the Family at Warburton either believe me Dead, or have neglected writing me" (DLC:GW). Digges died at Teneriffe a short time later (RAMSBURGH, 131).
10. The above Gentlemen dined here as did Colo. Fairfax who went away in the Afternoon.
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11. The Govr. and all the Compy. dined at Colo. Fairfaxs & returnd in the Afternoon.
12. The foregoing Gentlemen still here.
13. The Governor, and other Gentlemen cross'd over to Mr. Digges on their return home. I dined with them there & came back in the Aftern.
14. Went a fox hunting with John Parke Custis Lund Washington & Mr. Manley--killed a Fox.
15. At home all day alone, in the Evening the same.
16. At home all day. In the Evening Mr. Adam Mr. Belmain, Mr. Campbell & Price Posey came here.
Robert Adam was about to make a voyage to Great Britain, and GW recently had given him several "little Commission's to execute" there (GW to Robert Cary & Co., 22 Nov. 1771, DLC:GW). Adam was to have a gun repaired for GW and was to buy a gold-headed cane with the Washington arms engraved on it, 400 or 500 bookplates also engraved with the Washington arms, and for Jacky, a white agate stone set in a gold socket and engraved with the Custis arms. Also, GW had instructed Adam to try to buy the bounty land rights of two former Virginia Regiment officers who had gone to Britain after the war and, if the opportunity occurred, to engage "a good Kitchen
Washington's familiar bookplate. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Gardner" for Mount Vernon. Adam apparently sailed for London a week later aboard his and Thomas Adam's new ship Martha (see main entry for 14 Mar. 1771; GW to Robert Gary & Co., 8 Jan. 1772, DLC:GW).
MR. BELMAIN: probably William Balmain (d. 1784), the Alexandria merchant.
17. Mr. Belmain went away after Breakfast--the others after Dinner.
18. Went to Doeg Run & carried the Dogs with me who found & run a Deer to the Water.
19. Rid to the Ferry Plantation, Mill, & Muddy hole.
20. Rid into the Neck.
21. Went a hunting in the Neck with Mr. Peake & Mr. Wm. & Thos. Triplet the first two of whom dind with me. Found nothing.
22. Raining in the Night and most part of this day being tolerably warm. With but little Wind and that Southerly. At home all day alone.
23. At home all day writing and alone.
24. At home all day and writing as yesterday. Alone.
25. Went to Pohick Church with Mrs. Washington and returnd to Dinner.
26. Went a hunting in the Neck early. Killd a Fox and dined with several others at Mr. Peake's.
27. Went a hunting again in the Neck found a Fox and lost it. Dined with others at Mr. Thos. Triplets.
28. Hunted again in the Neck and killed a Fox. Dined at home with the following Person's--the two Mr. Triplets--Mr. Manley, Mr. Peake, young Frans. Adam's and one Stone Street--also Peakes Daughter & Miss Fanny Eldridge.
Francis Adams (1749--1811), only child of Abednego and Mary Peake Adams, inherited Mount Gilead from his father. Humphrey Peake's daughter is probably Ann (Nancy), who later married Francis Adams.
ONE STONE STREET: Humphrey Peake's wife, Mary Stonestreet Peake, had
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three half brothers living in Maryland: Henry, Richard, and Butler Edelen Stonestreet.
FANNY ELDRIDGE: possibly Mary Peake's niece, Frances Edelen, daughter of Richard and Sarah Stonestreet Edelen of Prince George's County, Md. She was now about 16 years old and apparently a favorite of Humphrey Peake; in his will he bequeathed her a good horse with a saddle and bridle (codicil to will of Humphrey Peake, 10 Sept. 1783 and 11 Nov. 1784, Fairfax County Wills, Book E-1, 91--98, Vi Microfilm; will of Richard Edelen, 17 Jan. 1791, Prince George's County, Md., Wills, No. 1, T, 300, MdAA Microfilm; BRUMBAUGH, 1:59).
29. At home all day. The two girls above mentioned here.
30. Went a hunting again with the former Compa. but found nothing. Dined at Mr. Wm. Triplets. Miss Peake &ca. went home.
31. Went up to Alexandria at the request of Messrs. Montgomerie Wilson and Steward, to settle with them along with Mr. John (as Exr. of Colo. Thoms. Colvil) for the Maryland Tract of Land which they had Purchasd of Mr. Semple. Staid all Night.
John Semple, plagued by many debts and unable to pay off the purchase bond for the Merryland tract that he had bought from Thomas Colvill, had assigned his rights to the land to three merchants: Thomas Montgomerie and Cumberland Wilson of Dumfries and Adam Stewart of Georgetown, Md. The Colvill executors--Frances Colvill, John West, Jr., and GW--had been empowered by the Maryland General Assembly on 23 Nov. 1771 to deed the Merryland tract to Semple, his heirs, or his assignees, provided that the balance due on the original contract was paid by 20 April 1773. If it were not paid, the executors could sell the land at public auction to the highest bidder (MD ARCHIVES, 63:293--95). The purpose of the meetings on this and subsequent days was to determine exactly what balance was owed for Merryland and to arrange for payment of it by the merchants (see "Remarks" entry for 1 and 4 Jan. 1772).
MR. JOHN: either John West, Jr., or John Semple.
Acct. of the Weather in Decr.
Decr. 1st. The Wind exceeding hard from the Northwest, very cold.
2. Wind variable with Clouds, and at the sametime cold.
3. The most variable Weather imaginable--sometimes sunshine sometimes snowing--sometimes calm & sometimes the wind very high from the South--the North & Northwest where it contd. all Night.
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4. Wind at Northwest and very cold, with great appearances of Snow, a little of which fell in the Night.
5. Morning Snowy with the Wind hard from the No. West & cold. Afternoon clear & not so Cold.
6. Cold & Cloudy with appearances of Snow. Wind variable & in the Afternoon Calm.
7. Morning Calm, and tolerably pleasant, with great appearances of Snow abt. Noon. Afternoon clear, Calm, & pleast, agn.
8. Clear and cool threatning bad weather but none fell. Wind North.
9. Clear and tolerably pleasant being Calm.
10. Mild, soft and giving with very little or no Wind.
11. Soft Morning but cloudy & lowering afterwards with the [wind] Westerly & something cooler.
12. Rain in the Night, and this Morning, but clear warm and pleasant afterwards with but little Wind.
13. Clear, calm, & pleasant Morning, Wind Southwest & West afterwards and something cooler.
14. Cool, and more or less Cloudy all day. About Noon it snowd fast--then cleard away and was a tolerable Evening.
15. Clear, calm, and pleasant till the Evening then lowering.
16. Clear Calm and pleasant with but little Wind.
17. Very Calm, & tolerable pleast.
18. Very white frost. Calm & lowering.
19. Wind Northerly & cold with Hail & Rain the first part of the day & constant Rain Afterwds.
20. Clear and very pleasant all day with little or no Wind.
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21. Very white frost. Calm and quite pleasant in the forenoon but lowering afterwards with Rain in the Night.
22d. Raining in the Night, and most part of this day. At the sametime warm with but little Wind and that at So. West.
23. The Wind Shifting to Northwest in the Night, blew very hard & cold as it was all this day the ground being very hard froze.
24. Exceeding hard & frozen with the Wind still high and Cold from the Northwest.
25. Very raw and Cold with the Wind Northerly.
26. Clear and Calm morning and tolerable pleasant day.
27. Clear and calm in the Morning and a remarkable white frost. Evening very lowering.
28. Raining all the latter part of the Night. The first of the day Cloudy & threatning but the Evening clear and pleasant.
29. Remarkable clear, calm, & pleasant.
30. Calm, and tolerably pleasant but lowering especially in the Morning.
31. Not as pleasant though Cooler Wind getting Northerly.
Remarks & Occurances
Decr. 16. Finished planting the Grape Cuttings in the Inclosure below the Garden. The first 29 Rows of which Reckoning from the side next the Spring are the winter Grape the other five are the Summer grape of tolerable good taste and ripening in October.
17. Killed my Porke and distributed the Overseers their Shares.
18. Agreed to raise Christophr. Shades Wages to £20 pr. Ann.
Shade worked at this rate until 25 Dec. 1773, when his salary was reduced to £18 a year. GW today advanced Shade £4 cash on his wages (LEDGER A, 331; LEDGER B, 39).
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Where & how my time is Spent
Jany. 1st. Upon the same business this day as brought me to Alexandria yesterday. Came home in the Afternoon and found Mr. Ramsay and his daughter here.
2. At home all day. Mr. Montgomerie Mr. Piper and Mr. Harrison came to dinner & staid all Night.
These gentlemen came to try to resolve the continuing problem of the annuities that Margaret Savage was supposed to receive from her husband, Dr. William Savage (see main entries for 22 Sept. 1769 and 17 April 1770). Harry Piper had replaced Thomas Montgomerie as Mrs. Savage's legal representative in June 1771, but during the previous April her trustees, GW and Bryan Fairfax, had been obliged to settle with Montgomerie for her annuities through 1771, allowing him to receive the money on her behalf. Mr. Piper and the others were now faced with the task of forcing Montgomerie to relinquish those annuities, which he, who was also agent for Dr. Savage, had not sent her. At the same time they had to demand payment of this year's annuity from him (GW to Margaret Savage, 5 Sept. 1771 and 20 Sept. 1772, DLC:GW). When no satisfactory settlement was reached during the next Jew days, GW and Fairfax directed Robert Hanson Harrison to bring suit against Dr. Savage. Before the end of the month, GW advanced £53 sterling to Mrs. Savage, who was now living apart from her husband in Dublin and was much in want of funds (GW to Margaret Savage, 27 Jan. 1772, DLC:GW).
3. Still at home with the above Gentlemen. In the afternoon Mr. & Miss Ramsay returnd to Alexandria and Mr. B. Fairfax came.
4. Went a Hunting with the above Gentlemen. Found both a Bear & Fox but got neither. Went up to Alexandria with these Gentlemen to finish the business with Montgomerie &ca. which was accordg. done.
5. Returnd home. Mr. Fairfax came with me. A Mr. Willis, & a Rhode Island Captn. dind here. The two latter went away afterwards.
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Francis Willis, jr. (1745--1828), son of John Willis (1719--1769) of Brunswick County, apparently lived in Leesburg at this time (Willis to GW, 16 Aug. 1773 and 17 Oct. 1773, ViMtV). He later moved to Berkeley County and eventually settled in Georgia (see "Remarks" entry for 5 Jan. 1772).
The Rhode Island captain was probably John Howland, master of the sloop Nelly of Nantucket, which entered the Potomac River in late Dec. 1771 from Rhode Island with a cargo of British goods, loaf sugar, chocolate, iron and wood ware, and 2,500 pounds of cheese (P.R.O., C.O.5/1350, f. 107).
6. Went a Hunting in the Neck with Mr. Fairfax. Found a fox & run him into a hole near Night, without Killing him. Found Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Magowan here when we returnd.
7. The above Gentlemen continued here all day and Night. Mr. Fairfax & myself rid to my Mill before Dinner.
8th. At home all day. Mr. Fairfax and Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast.
9. Mr. Magowan left this after breakfast for Colchester. I rid to the Ferry Doeg Run & Muddy hole & found Mrs. French & Daughter here when I returnd.
Penelope Manley French, sister of Harrison Manley and widow of Daniel French, was still residing with her only child, Elizabeth, at her late husband's home, Rose Hill. Although Mrs. French lived at least until 1799, she never remarried and apparently remained at Rose Hill until her death (will of Daniel French, 20 May 1771, Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 134--36, Vi Microfilm; GW to Benjamin T. Dulany, 12 Sept. 1799, NN).
Bryan Fairfax, after a miniature by an unknown artist. (Mrs. Charles Baird, Jr.)
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10. Mrs. French & Daughter went away before Dinner. I went to the Ferry Plantn. to run some lines for my fencing &ca.
11. Went a Hunting in the Neck. Found a fox about One Clock and killed it about 3 Oclock. Mr. Magowan returnd from Colchester to Dinner.
12. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went to Mr. Peakes to Dinner & returnd again at Night.
13. Went again to the Ferry Plantation to run some lines for my Fencing. Mr. Magowan went to Mr. T. Triplets to Dinner and returnd.
14. Went to Belvoir with Mrs. Washington, Miss Custis & Mr. Gowan [Magowan] dind and stayed all Night.
15. Dined at Belvoir this day also, and returnd with Mr. Magowan In the Evening.
16. Went to Run some Lines between Mr. Barry & me at the Mill--also to try some of the Lines of Mr. Jno. Wests Land.
17. Went into the Neck to remeasure the Creek field and lay of some Fences. Upon my return to Dinner found one Mr. Hanna here who stayd all Night.
Mr. Hanna is Francis Hanna of Prince William County (DLC: Toner Collection).
18. Mr. Hanna went away after Breakfast as Mr. Magowan also did. I went a Hunting & killd a Fox--was joind by Mr. M. Campbell--Mr. Manley & Mr. Peake who dined here & went away afterwds.
19. At home all day. In the Afternoon Majr. Wagener and Mr. John Barnes with Doctr. Craik came here.
John Barnes, eldest son of Abraham Barnes (d. 1777) of St: Mary's County, Md., had recently gone bankrupt as a tobacco merchant in Port Tobacco, Md. After settling his firm's affairs, he moved to western Maryland, where he eventually developed a prosperous plantation called Montpelier (COPELAND, 110, 160--61).
20. After Breakfast the Majr. went away for Court and Messrs. Lawe. & Jno. Washington with Mrs. Polly Washington came here.
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Polly Washington is probably Miss Mary Townshend Washington (see main entry for 10 April 1770).
21. Mr. Barnes and Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. The other two Gentlemen & myself rid to my Mill and back before Dinr.
22. At home all day with the two Mr. Washington's.
23. Went up to George Town to convey Deeds to Messrs. Montgomerie Stewart & Wilson for the Marryland Tract of Land wch. was accordingly done Mrs. Colvil being carried up in my Chariot returnd to Mr. Jno. Wests at Night.
As arranged at previous meetings, the three merchants today gave the Colvill executors £816 13s. 7d. in bills of exchange drawn on Glasgow firms (see "Remarks" entry for 1 and 4 Jan. 1772). GW received the bills on behalf of the executors and later this year converted them to Virginia currency (LEDGER B, 21). Although the Merryland tract was not formally deeded to the merchants until this date, they had begun to advertise in the Maryland Gazette on 16 Jan. that they would offer it for sale to the public on 28 May "in separate Lots or all together, for Sterling or Current Money." Merryland was eventually sold to several purchasers. However, money was still being collected from the merchants in Nov. 1790, and their obligations to the Colvill estate were not fully discharged until May 1795 (Thomas Montgomerie to GW, 17 Nov. 1790, DLC:GW; LEDGER C, 16).
24. Went from Mr. Wests to Alexanda. and returnd home to Dinner. In the Afternoon Mr. John Byrd and a Mr. Drew came here.
Mr. John Byrd is probably John Carter Byrd (b. 1751), second son of Col. William Byrd III and his first wife, Elizabeth Hill Carter Byrd. Mr. Drew is William or Dolphin Drew, both of whom settled in the Shenandoah Valley. William was appointed clerk of the county court when Berkeley County was organized in 1772 and served in that post until 1785. Dolphin, possibly a brother, practiced as an attorney in Berkeley County from 1772 (NORRIS [1], 224, 235, 295).
25. These Gentlemen went away after breakfast. I contd. at home all day.
26. At home all day alone that is with the Family.
27. At home by ourselves the day being dreadfully bad.
28. Just such a day as the former & at home alone.
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29. With much difficulty rid as far as the Mill the Snow being up to the breast of a Tall Horse everywhere.
30. At home all day it being almost impracticable to get out.
31. Still at home for the Causes above.
Acct. of the Weather in Jany.
Jan. 1st. Lowering with the Wind Westwardly. In the Afternoon it threatned Snow much and at Night began to Rain which contd. till near day.
2. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind and that Southerly.
3. Very pleasant forenoon but lowering afterwards with the Wind fresh from the Southward.
4. A little Rain fell last Night. The Morning calm, and Mild with Clouds; but the Afternoon cold with the Wind hard at No. West.
5. Clear and cool, with the Wind still at No. West; but neither hard nor cold--tho' the Ground was very close blockd up with frost.
6. Ground hard froze and Morning lowering without Wind. About 12 Oclock it began to Snow & continued to do so the remainder of the day very fast.
7. Soft and giving with very little Wind & no Sun. Snow about 3 Inches deep.
8. Clear, tolerably pleasant & thawing with but little Wind & that Northerly.
9. Very pleasant Mild Morning, & Clear day. Abt. Noon the Wind blew pretty fresh from the Westward but not Cold--Snow melting.
10th. Ground froze in the Morning. Till 8 or 9 Oclock it was clear & very pleasant--then cloudy & lowering till abt. two after
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which it grew clear & very pleast. No wind all day. Snow melted in the Fields.
11. Lowering Morning, and very Cloudy Afternoon, with but little Wind and that from the Northward. Ground froze in the Morning but thawd afterwards.
12. Snow fell in the Night and was about an Inch deep this Morning. Misty all day and thawing there being no frost, nor no Wind.
13. Cloudy forenoon but, tolerably Clear afterwards without any frost. Wind Westwardly but neither Cold nor hard.
14. Ground froze in the Morning, and thawd in the Afternoon. Wind fresh in the forenoon from the So. West but still afterwds. Clear.
15. Clear and very pleasant, with but little Wind, and that Easterly. Ground froze in the Morning & thawd afterwards.
16. Cloudy Morning with the wind pretty fresh from the Westward--clear afternoon. The Ground froze but not hard in the Morning. Thawd Afterwards.
17. Very hard frost in the Morng. Ground pretty well thawd in the Evening; which was pleasant--the Morning being cool, the Wind Southerly.
18. Cloudy in the forenoon, with a little Wind from the Southward; clear, Calm & pleasant afterwards. The Ground froze in the Morng. but thawd afterwards.
19. Soft and giving Morning without any Wind. The Afternoon Raining with but little wind which contd. through the Night.
20. No frost, but Cloudy all the forenoon with the wind fresh & Cold from the No. West.
21. Ground hard froze. Weather clear and very pleasant without any Wind.
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22. A White Frost and ground froze a little. Day a little lowering but very pleasant notwithstanding with the Wind Southerly.
23. Soft Morning and a White frost. Weather exceeding pleasant as it continued to be through the day without Wind & clear Sky.
24. Ground Open and Morning Foggy and Warm, with a few drops of rain. Afternoon clear and remarkably pleasant and Calm.
25. Ground frozen but afterwards thawd. Day clear & a little cool wind being at Northwest Eveng. Calm.
26. Raw, Cold, and Cloudy all day with the Wind tho not much of it Northerly.
27. A Snow which began in the Night and was about 5 or 6 Inches deep this Morning kept constantly at it the whole day with the Wind hard & Cold from the Northward.
28. The Same Snow continued all last Night and all this day with equal violence the Wind being very cold and hard from the Northward--drifting the Snow into high banks.
29. Fine pleasant Morning without any Wind--but before 11 Oclock it clouded up & threatned Snow all the remaining part of the day--being full 3 feet deep every where already.
30. Snowd all Night, with a brisk Wind from the Northward. The day cloudy and Misty--now & then Raining till the Afternoon when it grew clear, wind Westerly.
31. For the most part Cloudy and hazy like with but little Wind & that from the Southward. Warm at least not Cold.
For several days GW had been experiencing what one meteorologist has called "the greatest snowstorm in the history of the middle and lower Potomac Valley" (LUDLUM, 144; BETTS [2], 33; FAIRFAX, 213). Deep snows at Williamsburg delayed the convening of the General Assembly, and the Virginia Gazette carried no news from a northern source until 5 Mar.
Remarks & Occurs. in Jany. 72
Jan. 1 & 4. Settling with the Assignees of Mr. John Semple for the Maryland Tract of Land sold him by Colo. Thorns. Colvil &
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fixed the Balle. still due on that Land to £2576.15.2½ [sterling], £1000 of which to be paid upon acknowledgement of Deeds to them at George Town the 23d. Instt. and the Residue in June 1773. An allowance is to be made for any money which it shall appear Mr. Semple has credited Mr. Hough for on Colo. Colvils Acct.
The initial £1,000 to be paid by the three merchants was to cover several protested bills of exchange that John Semple had given in part payment for the Merryland tract. However, sometime before 23 Jan., Semple was credited with £183 6s. 5d. sterling paid in cash to take up part of those bills, and the merchants' initial payment accordingly was reduced to £816 13s. 7d. (LEDGER c, 16). The merchants gave their own bond for the £1,576 15s. 2½d. that was supposed to be paid in June 1773 (GW to John West, Jr., NNebgGW).
5. Told Mr. Willis of Loudoun that he might have my small Tract of Land adjoining Wormeley, Alexander, and others for £250--provided he took it without measuring; but if I run it out, it should be priced at 25/. pr. Acre let it measure more or less. He also wanted the Plantation Kennedy lives on upon Lease, & would give, if he liked the place upon examining of it, £40 pr. Ann. Rent if he had the liberty of Working 25 hands thereon. To this I told him I would give no definitive answer as I was under promise of giving the preference to another but would write him as soon as I could.
David Kennedy (Kennerly) served as ensign and lieutenant in the French and Indian War and was GW's quartermaster in the Virginia Regiment in 1758. After the war he settled in Frederick County, where he became a militia captain and a justice of the peace (CARTMELL, 89, 135). GW leased a plantation on Bullskin Run to Kennedy 1768--73 for £28 a year (LEDGER A, 248; LEDGER B, 22).
8th. Engaged to advance by, or at the April General Court for the use of Mr. Bryan Fairfax £150, or thereabouts, to discharge the Balle. of his Bond to Doctr. Savage. Also promised, if I could, to take up a Bill of Excha. of about £160 Sterg. with Int[eres]t thereon at the same time; In consideration of which I am to have the liberty of taking any of the Tracts of which he has given me a Mem[orandu]m at the prices there Stipulated in case I like them, or either of them upon examination thereof within [ ] Months from this date. If not he is then to become my Debtor for the money I shall advance on these two Accts.
Receivd 563½ Bushels of Oats from Arlington.
GW paid £150 on Bryan Fairfax's account to Dr. William Savage or his agent Thomas Montgomerie at the Fairfax County court, 20 April 1772, but
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did not make good Fairfax's bill of exchange, which had been drawn on the merchant John Muir of Alexandria and was held by John Baynes of Maryland (LEDGER B, 5; Fairfax to GW, 15 July 1772, DLC:GW). Nevertheless, Fairfax was grateful for GW's help in discharging his debt to Savage. "I could not have raised the money without your Assistance," he told GW in a letter dated 3 Aug. 1772 (DLC:GW). GW was compensated for the £150 with a tract of land in Fauquier County, which he chose from Fairfax's holdings there during May of this year (see main entries for 27, 29 May and 25 Sept. 1772).
Arlington plantation in Northampton County on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was part of the Custis lands owned by Jacky Custis (MEADE [1], 1:262--63). GW paid £10 13s. 4d. for freight of these oats (LEDGER B, 3).
Where & how my time is Spent
Feb. 1st. Attempted to ride as far as the Ferry Plantation to wch. there was a Tract broke but found it so tiresome & disagreeable that I turnd back before I got half way.
2. At home all day.
3. At home all day alone.
4. At home all day alone.
5. Went to run a line across from the Ferry Plantation to where My Pasture fence strikes the Creek--also to run and measure the Field I am going to Inclose.
6. Went across the Creek upon the Ice and staked off a fence for the Field on the Creek.
7. Attempted to ride to the Mill, but the Snow was so deep & crusty, even in the Tract that had been made that I chose to Tye my Horse half way & walk there.
8. At Home all day.
9. Ditto--Ditto.
10. Ditto--Ditto.
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11. Went out to make some further discovery of the Lines of West French & Manley & was much fatiegued by the deepness and toughness of the Snow.
John West, Jr., Penelope French, and Harrison Manley owned land between the Mill and Ferry plantations (see map, 1:240).
12. Attempted to ride out again but found the Roads so disagreeable and unpleasant that I turnd back before I got to the Ferry Quarter.
13. Went to the Ferry Plantation to run some Lines there. Returnd before 12 Oclock.
14. Went out with my Compass agn. & run the Courses of Doegs Creek up to my Mill. Also a line or two of the Wades Land.
15. At home all day.
16. Ditto--Ditto.
17. Rid to the Mill Plantation to See a Negro Man Sick of a Pleurisy.
18. Rid to the Mill again on the same business as yesterday.
19. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill before Dinner.
20. At home all day.
GW today wrote Robert Cary & Co., that he was "impatiently waiting for" the goods that he had ordered during the summer, especially the millstones of which he was much in need (DLC:GW). Unknown to GW, the ship Trimley of London had entered the South Potomac Naval District on the previous day, bringing him and his two stepchildren goods worth £722 17s. 2d. sterling from Cary & Co. On board was a pair of French buhrstones, 4 feet 4 inches in diameter, for which the company had charged him £40 16s. 10d. sterling, including packing and shipping (P.R.O., C.O.5/1350, f.52). All of the goods must have soon arrived at Mount Vernon, and the buhrstones apparently were installed in the mill in time for spring grinding.
21. Rid to the Ferry Plantation and to the Fishing Landing where a few Fish were catchd in the Sein.
22. Rid to the Ferry Plantation & Muddy hole, & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Ramsay & Captn. Conway Dind & lodgd here.
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During this visit GW gave William Ramsay £25, "advanced on acct of your Son William at the Jersey College" (LEDGER B, 47).
23. At home. Mr. Ramsay & Captn. Conway stayd all day.
24. These Gentlemen went away. I rid to the Ferry Plantation and returnd to Dinnr.
25. Set of for Williamsburg but not being able to cross Accatinck (which was much Swelled by the late Rains) I was obliged to return home again.
The first session of the new Virginia General Assembly, after several prorogations, was scheduled to begin on 6 Feb., but did not obtain a quorum until four days later due to the bad weather and poor roads (H.B.J., 1770--72, 145--53).
26. Sett off again and reachd Colchester by nine Oclock where I was detaind all day by high Winds & low tide.
27. Crossd early & breakfasted at Dumfries. Got to Fredericksburg in the Afternoon & lodgd at Colo. Lewis's.
28. Stayd all day in Town with my Brother John &ca. Dined at Colo. Lewis's & Spent the Evening at Captn. Weedon's.
29. Prosecuted my Journey. Dined at Caroline Ct. House & lodged at Todds Bridge.
The Coleman family tavern at Caroline Court House was now operated by Francis Coleman's widow, Hannah Johnston Coleman (CAMPBELL. [1], 413; KING [3], 259).
Acct. of the Weather in Feby.
Feb. 1st. Snow still so deep that there was no passing from one place to another where there was no tract made. Day for the most part clear, tho' the Sky lookd muddy. Weather Mild & wind what little there was Southerly.
2. Perfectly Calm and Mild till the Evening, when their Sprung up a little Wind from the Eastward. A little Snow fell in the Morning, the day cloudy and lowering quite thro'.
3. The Wind which began to rise from the Eastward Yesterday Evening blew very fresh all Night attended with a mixture of
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Hail Rain & Snow which made a Sleet. The same Weather contd. through the day the Wind however Shifting Southerly.
4. The Wind coming on from the No. West & Shifting more Westerly it grew clear and very cold--blowing hard and freezing hard--Rivr, being almost Froze across and the Snow hard enough to bare.
5. Very severe Frost. River quite froze. Morng. clear & not very cold but the Wind coming out at No. West it became very much so. Clear all day.
6. Day clear, and morning very hard frozen--first part warm & pleast. latter cool, wind blowg. fresh from the Southward.
7. Morng. clear, Midday Cloudy & like for Snow but clear afterwards with but little Wind & that Southerly.
8. Cloudy, Soft and thawing with but very little Wind--that Southerly.
9th. Raing. and thawing all Night and till 11 or 12 Oclock this day being foggy & Calm. About 12 the Wind came out hard & cold from the No. Wt. & froze.
10. Clear and Cold--Morning being hard froze with the Wind at No. West. In the Afternoon it got Southerly but still kept cool.
11. A Cold & fresh Southerly Wind blew all day. Clouds for the most part with appearances of falling Weather.
12. Wind & Weather both variable. In the Morning the Wind was Northerly Raw & Cloudy--in the Afternoon Southerly & clear--at least not very Cloudy.
13. Calm and pleasant in the Morning and till the Afternoon when the Weather Clouded and the Wind blowing pretty fresh from the So. and So. Et. grew raw & Cold.
14. Calm Warm and pleasant. Snow Dissolving a good deal.
15. Very variable both in Wind & Weather. In the Morning early it haild fast--then hail & Rain Mixd after that constant Rain
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till abt. Noon then clear Warm & pleasant. Wind in the Morning at No. East--then fresh from the So. Et. & south from thence to South West & died away becomg. quite Calm.
16. The Wind shifting to Northwest abt. 9 Oclock last Night blew hard & grew exceeding Cold as it contd. to be all this day. Wind fresh from the same Quarter.
17. A Cold and Sharp Southerly Wind blowing all day the Snow and Earth thawd but little.
18. Thawing pretty considerably to day Wind continuing at So. and Warm being also clear.
19. Warm and Hazy, with now and then a little Rain. Wind Southerly and thawing fast.
20. Fresh Southerly Wind with some heavy Showers in the forenoon--Snow melting exceedg. fast Ground in the old fields being almost bear.
21. Calm, clear, and very warm in the forenoon. But Cloudy a little in the Afternoon & Wind Easterly.
Jonathan Boucher today wrote GW from Maryland and began with an observation about the weather: "I congratulate You, & the World with Us, on our Restoration to a temperate Zone; for, in Truth, We have had a kind of a Greenland Winter" (DLC:GW).
22. Wind very fresh all the forepart of the day from the Southward Melting all the Snow in the Fields & drying the Ground fast.
23. The latter part of the Night and this Morning raining with Lightning and Thunder. Raing. more or less all day.
24. Raining in the Morning & Cloudy and lowering all day. In the Evening misting which afterwards turnd to Rain a good deal of which fell in the Night.
25. Raining fast the first part of the Morning--afterwds. clear, when the Wind blew violently hard at No. West.
26. Continued blowing violently hard all Night and the whole day through at least till the Evening but not remarkably Cold tho the Wind was at No. Wt.
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27. Calm and exceeding pleast. Ground this Morning and yesterday's pretty hard froze.
28. Very white frost & fresh Southerly Wind with Clouds & now & then a slight sprinkle of Rain. Ground not froze.
29. Wind at No. West and pretty Cool but no frost--also Cloudy till the Evening.
Where & how my time is Spent
Mar. 1st. Reachd Colo. Bassetts from Todds Bridge by 12 Oclock. Stayd there the remainder of the day.
GW crossed the Pamunkey River at Ruffin's ferry (LEDGER B, 3).
2. Set out for Williamsburg and got in about 12 Oclock. Dined at the Speakers and supd at the Treasurers.
Because the House of Burgesses met only briefly this morning, GW probably did not renew his burgess oaths until the next day (H.B.J., 1770--72, 204). This session of the assembly had already met for three weeks and was to continue for another six.
GW lodged with Edward Charlton, whose two-story frame house stood almost directly across Duke of Gloucester Street from the Raleigh Tavern (WILLIAMSBURG, 17). A wigmaker in Williamsburg for many years, Charlton had not advertised himself as a tavern keeper and was apparently renting private rooms in his house only during public times. His brother, Richard Charlton, had operated a regular Williamsburg tavern during the late 1760s, but there is no indication that his tavern was in business at this time (see main entry for 4 May 1768). Edward Charlton's wife, Jane Hunter Charlton, was a milliner who often furnished Mrs. Washington and Patsy Custis with various goods.
3. Dined and Supd at the Governors.
GW today was reappointed to the standing committees of privileges and elections, propositions and grievances, and religion, and was one of a committee of three appointed to review a petition for financial relief from John Robinson, a disabled veteran of the Virginia Regiment (H.B.J., 1770--72, 204).
4. Dined at the Attorneys and Spent the Evening at the Governors.
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In the House of Burgesses today GW reported committee approval of John Robinson's claim; he should be allowed £5 "for his present Relief" plus an annuity of £6 for life. The house promptly agreed to this proposal, and GW was ordered to take the resolution to the council for its concurrence, which it gave on 11 Mar. Later in today's proceedings a petition for relief was received from a second disabled veteran, Philip Hand. A new committee, again including GW, was appointed to consider his claim (H.B.J., 1770--72, 209--10, 234).
5. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
6. Dined and Spent the Evening at the Treasurer's.
7. Took an early Dinner at Mrs. Dawson's and went up to Colo. Bassetts with him in the Afternoon.
8. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
9. Returnd to Williamsburg by 12 Oclock and Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbells.
10. Dined and Spent the Evening at the Palace.
11. Dined and Spent the Evening at the Club at Mrs. Campbells.
Earlier in this session of the burgesses, the house had ordered its committee on propositions and grievances to prepare a bill empowering two planters to erect gates on public roads that crossed their property to public ferries. Today the committee was further instructed to include GW, Burwell Bassett, and Joseph Cabell in the bill. GW was to be permitted to "Keep a Gate or Gates, on his Land, across the Road leading to Posey's Ferry, on Potowmack River," while Bassett was to be allowed the same privilege on the road to the Brick House ferry on York River and Cabell on the road to his ferry on the James (H.B.J., 1770--72, 198, 235).
12. Dined at the Club and went to the Play.
The play was presented by David Douglass's American Company, which came to Williamsburg for the spring season, from the convening of the General Assembly in early February through the April session of the General Court (RANKIN, 165).
13. Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening at Southalls.
The House of Burgesses today referred a bill for docking the entail on some land owned by John Hancock of Princess Anne County to a special committee of five members, of which GW was one (H.B.J., 1770--72, 241--42).
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14. Dined at the Club & Spent the Evening there also.
15. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening at my own lodgings.
16. Dined at the Club, & spent the Evening there also.
17. Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the Afternoon.
18. Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening at the Burgesses Ball in the Capitol.
On this day the burgesses received a petition from several "Inhabitants and Freeholders of the County of Frederick," requesting passage of an act for improving "the Navigation of the River Potowmack from Tide-Water to Fort Cumberland." Such improvement, the petitioners argued, "would be productive of great Advantage, not only to those who are settled upon the adjacent Lands, but to the whole Colony, by introducing a most extensive Trade." Financing could be obtained from any of three sources: public tax money, private venture capital, or public subscription of private capital. According to usual procedure, the petition was referred for study to the committee on propositions and grievances. Other business before the house today included a report from the committee on John Hancock's bill that the bill's allegations were true (H.B.J., 1770--72, 252--53).
The burgesses' ball was briefly noted the following day in Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette: "Last Night there was a Ball and elegant Entertainment at the Capitol, given by the gentlemen of the Honourable the House of Burgesses to his Excellency the Governour and the People of Rank in this City."
19. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went to the Play in the Evening.
20. Dined at Mrs. Amblers and Spent the Evening at Southalls.
Mary Cary Ambler had a town house in Williamsburg, where GW apparently dined with her on this day, but her principal residence was at her plantation about seven miles away on Jamestown Island.
21. Dined at the Club & Spent the Evening there also.
The burgesses today passed an act to divide Frederick County into three counties: the northernmost portion to be called Berkeley County, the central portion Frederick County, and the southernmost portion Dunmore County. By this act, which the council approved two days later, GW's Bullskin Run lands became part of Berkeley County (H.B.J., 1770--72, 262, 268; HENING, 8:597--99).
22. Went over to Colo. Warner Lewis's in Gloucester. Dined & Lodged there.
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GW crossed the York River on the ferry running between Yorktown and Gloucester (Tindall's) Point (LEDGER B, 4).
23. Returnd to Williamsburg before 10 Oclock and dined at the Club & Spent the Evening at the same.
24. Dined at the Club & Spent the Evening at Mr. Andersons.
25. Dined at Mr. Lewis Burwells and went to the Play.
26. Dined at the Club and went to the Play.
GW is here attending the local premiere of the "new Comedy . . . A Word to the Wise," by Hugh Kelly 0739--1777). It was received, reported Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette a week later, "with the warmest Marks of Approbation." The newspaper went on to comment: "If the comick Writers would pursue Mr. Kelly's Plan, and present us only with moral Plays, the Stage would become (what it ought to be) a School of Politeness and Virtue."
27. Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
28. Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
29. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons and Spent the Evening at My Own Lodgings.
30. Dined and Spent the Eveng. at Mrs. Campbells.
In the House of Burgesses today John Hancock's bill was passed (H. R.J., 1770--72, 280, 289).
31. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & spent the Evening there also.
Acct. of the Weather in March
Mar. 1st. Ground pretty hard froze. Morning Calm & pleasant. Cool & Windy afterwards Wind fresh from the Northward.
2. Pretty Cool all day--Wind being abt. No. Et. & Cloudy in the Afternoon.
3. Cloudy & Snowing in the forenoon & raw & cold all day.
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4. Morning clear and tolerably pleasant but raw and Cold in the Afternoon & raining in the Night.
5. Wind blew very fresh and cold from the Northwest.
6. Hard frost and unpleasant with Clouds.
7. Tolerably pleasant--Wind getting Southerly.
8. Clear, Warm, and very pleasant with but little Wind.
9. The Rain which began to fall in the Night continued till abt. 9 Oclock when it ceased & clear away warm.
10. Tolerably pleasant in the Forenoon but lowering & like for Snow in the Afternoon.
11. Cold & raw in the forenoon Snowing in the afternoon.
12. Clear Morning but very hard frost ground being blocked up close. In the Night Snow again.
13. Snow about an Inch deep but soon Melted. The day Clear & cool especially in the Evening.
14. Hard frozen Morning & Cold all day but clear.
15. Very raw and Cold with the Wind Northerly and clear.
16. Wind fresh & raw in the forepart of the day from the So. West--afterwards still & pleasant.
17. Hard frost and very Cold, Wind at No. West again.
18. Lowering Morning, and Snowy day.
19. Cloudy & disagreeable in the Morning. Raining in the Afternoon & Misty Evening.
20. Snow several Inches deep this morning & continued Snowing, & Melting as it fell till 2 or 3 Oclock in the afternoon.
21. Clear & Windy from the No. West & cool for the Season.
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22. Wind very fresh from the same & clear but cold.
23. White Frost but clear till the Afternoon--then lowering a little.
24. Tolerably pleasant & at the same time clear & mild.
25. Raining more or less all the Afternoon. Clear and Cool Wind Northerly.
27. Tolerably pleasant in the Forenoon but raw & cold afterwards.
28. Pleasant forenoon but very Wet & Rainy afterwds.
29. Wind very fresh from the westward with Cool Clouds.
30. Wind from the same Quarter and Cool but clear.
31. Forepart clear but a little Cool--latter part Cloudy & like for Rain.
Where & how my time is Spent
Apl. 1. Dined and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
2. Dined and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
On this day GW was appointed to a committee of three to consider a proposed amendment to the act regarding deer hunting and the control of hounds. Today also a report was submitted from the committee on Philip Hand's claim to which GW had been appointed on 4 Mar. Hand's petition, the committee found, was reasonable, and the house promptly approved giving him £6 for "his present Relief" and an annuity of £5 for life (H.B.J., 1770--72, 290--91).
3. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Play--then to Mrs. Campbells again.
On this day GW was appointed to two committees, one to write a Potomac navigation bill and one to amend the colony's flour inspection regulations.
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Some previous thought must have been given to the second matter; a short time later today the flour inspection committee presented a bill to amend the current inspection act (H.B.J., 1770--72, 292--93). Designed "to prevent frauds, which may be committed by millers, bakers, and others, employed" in Virginia's growing flour export trade, this bill, as passed a week later, placed several new restrictions on mill owners. All flour for export must be "genuine and unmixed with any other grain, and . . . all of the same fineness, and faithfully packed in good casks, made of seasoned timber, and, when delivered, well and securely nailed." The casks were to be branded with the first letter of the mill owner's Christian name and his full surname or with the name of his mill and conveyed with an invoice "to the place of exportation" in a vehicle or vessel "sufficiently covered and secured from the weather." There the contents of each cask were to be examined by an official inspector, and if they were "found to be good and merchantable," he was to "stamp or brand" the cask's head with a "V" for Virginia, the first letter of county's name, his own name, and the quantity and grade of the flour (HENING, 8:143--44, 511--14).
Other business before the burgesses today included a favorable report on the deer-hunting amendment by the committee to which it had been referred and passage of the bill allowing GW and others to erect gates on public roads leading to ferries. The gate bill, however, was not approved by the council and it did not become law (H.S.J., 1770--72, 293--94, 298).
4. Took a Cold dinner at Mr. Southalls & came up to Eltham in the Afternoon.
5. Went to see Mrs. Dandridge betwn. Breakfast and Dinner.
6. Returnd to Williamsburg. Dined at Mrs. Campbells--went to the Concert & then to Mrs. Campbells again.
Today Thomson Mason, burgess for Stafford County, presented the Potomac navigation bill to the house on behalf of the committee. The bill, which authorized a public subscription to finance the project, was received, read, and ordered to be engrossed for final action (H.B.J., 1770--72, 297; HENING, 8:570--79). Later this day the burgesses passed a public road act which included a provision authorizing the county courts of Fairfax, Loudoun, Berkeley, and Frederick to impose special levies on their inhabitants for the next three years, to finance repair of the public roads leading from Alexandria and Colchester to the Shenandoah Valley. These roads, it was noted in the act, had been "rendered almost impassible" by "the great number of waggons which use the same," and the normal method of maintaining them entirely by local laboring tithables had proved to be "insufficient" (H.B.J., 1770--72, 299; HENING, 8:549--51).
7. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Play then to Mrs. Campbells again.
On this day the burgesses referred the flour inspection bill for further work to four of the six members on the committee that had prepared it. GW was one of the four (H.B.J., 1770--72, 302).
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Washington pays a bill owed to Mrs. Christiana Campbell for service at her tavern. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
8. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and Spent the Evening at my lodgings.
GW today paid Jane Charlton £1 12s. 3d. for goods supplied Patsy Custis and Mrs. Washington and £11 for his "Board . . . since the 1st. of March" (LEDGER B, 4).
In the House of Burgesses today three bills in which GW had some interest were passed and sent to the council: the deer-hunting bill, the Potomac navigation bill, and a bill to improve Alexandria's wharf and marshy lots. All three were soon approved by the councillors (H.B.J., 1770--72, 304--5, 310--13).
9. Took an early Dinner at Southalls and set of for Eltham on my return home.
Also on this day the flour inspection bill was reported with several amendments from its committee. The amendments were promptly accepted by the house, and on the following day the bill was passed by the burgesses and approved by the council (H.B.J., 1770--72, 311, 313).
GW left Williamsburg two days before Governor Dunmore prorogued the General Assembly (H.B.J., 1770--72, 317). Before GW left, he finished paying his personal accounts in town: £5 12s. 6d. for various play tickets for himself and others during his stay, £2 12s. 6d. for his and his servant's expenses at the Raleigh Tavern, and 5s. to a blacksmith for shoeing his horses. He also received from Jane Charlton, acting on behalf of her husband Edward, £240 Virginia currency for a £200 sterling bill of exchange GW had held as a Colvill executor since 23 Jan. Earlier in his stay he had converted two other bills of exchange for the Colvill estate at the same rate but through another merchant (LEDGER B, 4, 5).
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10. With Colo. Bassett & Lady & there 3 daughters set of for Mount Vernon. Dined at Todds Bridge and lodged at Hubbards.
Two of the Bassett daughters, Elizabeth and Anna Maria, had visited Mount Vernon with their parents three years earlier. The third, and youngest, daughter, Frances Bassett (b. 1767), later married George Augustine Washington, eldest son of GW's brother Charles.
GW again crossed the Pamunkey River at Ruffin's ferry (LEDGER B, 5).
11. Breakfasted at Hubbards and dined at Colo. Lewis's in Fredericksburg where Colo. Bassett &ca. lodged. I lodged at my Mothers.
During this stay in Fredericksburg, GW left £8 cash with his mother for his brother Charles, who was to use the money to buy corn for Ferry Farm. On the following day GW recorded paying is. 6d. for "ferriages at Hunters," indicating that he did not cross the Rappahannock River until then and that his mother was no longer at Ferry Farm but was ensconced in the house on Charles Street (LEDGER B, 5, 48).
12. Dined in Dumfries and reachd home in the Afternoon where I found Mrs. Barnes, Miss Carlyle, Miss Alexander Miss Hunter, Colo. Carlyle & Son & Daughter Nancy.
Miss Alexander is probably Mary Ann Alexander, daughter of Gerard and Mary Dent Alexander. The Alexanders' other daughter, Nancy, was by this time married to Fielding Lewis, Jr. (will of Gerard Alexander, 9 Aug. 1760, Fairfax County Wills, Book B-1, 327--29, Vi Microfilm).
John Carlyle's only son was George William Carlyle (1765--1781). During the Revolution he was a cadet in Lee's Legion and was killed at the Battle of Eutaw Springs in 1781.
13. All the above went away but Mrs. Barnes & Miss Hunter. About 12 Oclock Colo. Bassett & Family arrived.
14. At home all day.
15. Walk'd to the Fishing Landing at Poseys between breakfast & dinner with Colo. Bassett.
16. At home all day.
17. Rid with Colo. Bassett to my Mill from thence to Poseys & home to Dinner.
18. Walkd with Colo. Bassett to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry between Breakfast & Dinner. Captn. Posey dined here. J. P. Custis came here.
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Jacky Custis was returning from Jonathan Boucher's new home, Mount Lubentia, in Prince George's County, Md. Boucher had moved there from Annapolis the previous December to become rector of Queen Anne Parish, taking three of his students with him: Jacky, Overton Carr of Louisa County, Va., and Charles Calvert (1756--1777), son of Benedict Calvert of Mount Airy. Mount Lubentia was rented from the Magruder family of Maryland, a fact that inspired Boucher's students to dub it "Castle Magruder" (BOUCHER [1], 75; W.P.A. [ 2 ], 474--75).
19. At home all day. Mr. Campbell dined here.
20. Went up to Court, Colo. Bassett & Jno. Custis with me. Returnd in the Afternoon--Mr. Tilghman & Mr. Hanson with us.
The April court met only this day (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 25--26, Vi Microfilm). While GW was in Alexandria, he clubbed at Arell's tavern (LEDGER B, 5).
James Tilghman, Jr. (1748--1796), was the third son of James Tilghman (1716--1793), who moved from Talbot County, Md., in the 1760s to practice law in Philadelphia. James Jr. was living in Alexandria at this time, but later settled in Talbot County, Md., where he practiced law (see JOHNSTON [1], 369, 374; TILGHMAN [2], 1:8).
Mr. Hanson is probably young Samuel Hanson or his brother Thomas Hawkins Hanson, sons of Samuel Hanson of Green Hill, Charles County, Md.
21. Walkd to the Fishery at Poseys between Breakfast & dinnr. Mrs. Fairfax dined here & returnd in the Afternoon.
22. Rid to the Mill and Fishery with the Ladies & Gentlemen. Mr. Tilghman & Mr. Hanson went away.
23. Dined at Belvoir with Colo. Bassett & Lady & Daughter, Mrs. Washington & Patcy. Returnd in the Evening. J. P. Custis dind also.
24. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill with Colo. Bassett before Dinner. Mr. Mitchell & Mr. Ball who came yesterday went away.
Mr. Ball may be Burgess Ball of Lancaster County, Va., and Mr. Mitchell one of Ball's second cousins: William, Robert, or Richard Mitchell (HAYDEN, 62, 111--12).
25. Went a Hunting with Colo. Bassett. Found nothing.
26. Colo. Bassett & Mrs. Bassett, Mrs. Washington & Self went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinr.
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27. At home all day writing to send to Williamsburg by Colo. Bassett.
Bassett was to settle several financial matters for GW in the Williamsburg area (GW Memorandum, 27 April 1772, NjMoNP).
28. Colo. Bassett & Family set of home. I rid to the Mill and Fishing Landing at the Ferry.
29. Rid to the Mill and Fishing Landing again. Doctr. Rumney dined here.
30. Went to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry again.
GW today lent £2 10s. to John Posey, who was "going to Maryl[an]d" (LEDGER A, 256).
Acct. of the Weather in April
Apl. 1. Raw, Cold, & Cloudy Morning. Close and constant Rain afterwards.
2. Raining a kind of fine Rain more or less all day with the wind at East--cold & disagreeable.
3. Cloudy, Cold, & unpleasant all day. Wind Northerly.
4. Wind still in the same quarter. Cloudy & equally disagreeable with now and then a Sprinkle of Rain.
5. Clear, Calm, and tolerably pleasant but not very warm.
6. Rain Early this Morning and Cloudy till about 12 Oclock then clear and tolerably pleasant.
7. Clear and tolerably pleast, in the Forenoon. In the afternn. appearances of Rain and Wind Easterly.
8. Tolerably pleasant in the Morning but before 11 Oclock began to Rain and raind more or less all day--with thunder & lightning in the Evening.
9. Very Cold and very Windy from the Northwest with flying Clouds & sometimes a sprinkle of Rain.
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10. A little Cool and Windy from the westward but tolerably pleasant notwithstanding.
11. Warm, Calm, & pleasant in the forenoon, brisk wind from the Southward with Clouds & some Rain in the Afternoon.
12. Clear and Cool wind being Northerly.
13. Clear and Warm in the forenoon--but very windy in the Afternoon.
14. Clear but Cool with the Wind high from the Westward.
15. Clear, Calm, & Warm in the Forenoon, but Cloudy afterwds. with the Wind variable.
16. Lowering and Misting all day with but little Wind & Warm in the forenoon but Cooler afterwds. with the Wind Easterly.
17. Clear, & Cool in the forenoon wind at Northwest--Warmer afterwards.
18. Clear and tolerably pleasant with but little in the forenoon--lowering afterwards.
19. Raining more or less all day with the Wind at East.
20. Clear but the Wind very hard at No. West and Cold.
21. Tolerably pleasant and Moderately warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
22. Calm and Warm in the Morning. Wind very fresh from the Southwest in the Afternoon.
23. Quite calm and pleast, but a little cool.
24. Very cool with squaly Clouds & Snow with wind from the Northwest.
25. Cool, and Calm in the Morning but windy afterwards from the Northwest.
26. Clear Calm and Warm.
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27. Tolerably warm and pleasant but a little windy from the Southwest.
28. Clear and Calm, and very Warm.
29. Clear, Calm and very warm again.
30. Not quite so warm as yesterday but pleasant, clear & Calm--very smoky.
Where & how my time is Spent
May 1st. Went a Hunting with Mr. Jno. Custis. Found nothing. Returnd to Dinner.
2. At home all day. Mr. Foxcraft Mr. Hoops and Mr. Ramsay came here to Dinner and stayd all Night.
Two of GW's visitors were from the postal service. After 1764 British America was divided between a southern postal district, from the Carolinas to the West Indies, and a northern postal district, from Virginia to Canada. John Foxcroft, who shared direction of the northern postal district with Benjamin Franklin, was in direct charge of that district 1764--74 while Franklin was in England. John's brother Thomas Foxcroft became postmaster of Philadelphia in 1766. This Mr. Foxcroft was probably John, who often traveled to Virginia on postal business. William Ramsay was postmaster at Alexandria at this time (see HARRISON [4]; KONWISER; SMITH [1]; LABAREE [3]).
Mr. Hoops was David Hoops, probably traveling from his home in Philadelphia to Hanover County where a married sister lived (GLAZEBROOK, 2:xiii). He was a son of Adam Hoops (1709--1771), of Philadelphia, with whom GW had dealt when he was a commissary for the British troops during the 1758 campaign against Fort Duquesne (GW to John Forbes, 30 Dec. 1758, DLC:GW).
3. Mr. Foxcraft and Mr. Hoops went away after breakfast and Mr. Ramsay after dinner. I continued at home all day.
4. Rid to the Mill and Ferry Plantations, and to the Fishery at the Ferry. J. P. Custis returnd to Mr. Bouchers, and Mr. Ballendine came in the afternoon.
John Ballendine, now out of Fairfax County's debtor's prison (see main entry for 16 April 1770), had been encouraged by Virginia's recent Potomac
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navigation act and was rounding up support for a trip to England to study canal building there. He came to Mount Vernon today to ask for GW's support and for letters of introduction to leading men in Maryland, including Governor Eden, who might be persuaded to back him. GW obliged, but he warned his Maryland friends that although "Mr. Ballendine has a natural genius to things of this sort . . . I cannot help adding, that his Principles have been loose; whether from a natural depravity, or distress'd circumstances, I shall not undertake to determine" (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 5 May 1772, CSmH).
5. Mr. Ballendine Went away abt. 11 Oclock. At home all day.
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 (LEDGER B, 42).
7. Mr. Adam went away in the Morning early. Rid with the Doctr. to the Fishery at Poseys who came back to Dinner with Mr. Campbell & went away in the Afternoon.
8. Rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole.
9. Rid to Doeg Run Mill and Ferry. Mr. Campbell lodged here.
10th. Went to Pohick Church & returnd home to Dinner. Mr. Campbell Dined here.
11. Rid to the Ferry Plantatn. & Mill. Old Mr. Wm. Bayly dined here.
William Bayly (d. 1782), an original settler of Colchester in the late 1750s, had established a tavern there and later became the proprietor of the Colchester tobacco warehouse (SPROUSE [3], 173). Baily came to Mount Vernon today to discuss the rental of GW's bateau (LEDGER B, 28, 64).
12. Went up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington & Miss Custis to see Captn. Woods Ship Launched. Returnd in the afternoon.
13. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, Mill and Ferry Plantations before Dinner.
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14. Dined at Belvoir, and returnd in the Afternoon. FoundColo. Mason here.
15. At home all day. Colo. Mason & Captn. McCarty dined here, the former went away after Dinner the latter stayed all Night.
16. Went to Mr. Barnes's on Business of Mrs. Barnes & returnd to Dinner. Captn. McCarty went away after breakfast.
17. At home all day without Company.
18. Went up to Court and stayed all Night. In the Evening Mr. Peale & J. P. Custis came to Mount Vernon.
The court met 18--19 May; GW attended both days (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 27--34, Vi Microfilm).
Charles Willson Peale (1741--1827), a resident of Annapolis, came to Mount Vernon with a letter of introduction from Jonathan Boucher. Peale had forsaken his saddlery business, to which he had been apprenticed as a youth, to take up painting. He visited John Singleton Copley in Boston in 1765 and studied painting with Benjamin West in London 1767--69. He was now making his living painting miniatures, and on occasion larger portraits, of gentry and merchants in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
19. Mrs. Barnes came up to Alexandria. I returnd home in the Afternoon, & found Colo. Blackburn & Lady, Miss Scott Miss Brown, & Doctr. Brown here who came before Dinner--also found Mr. Peale & J. P. Custis.
Col. Thomas Blackburn (c. 1740--1807), a Prince William County justice, lived at Rippon Lodge near Dumfries. His wife was Christian Scott Blackburn (b. 1745), younger sister of Miss Catherine Scott. Dr. William Brown (c.1748--1792) had graduated from the University of Edinburgh during the previous year and had begun to practice medicine in Alexandria. He would soon marry Catherine Scott. Miss Brown is probably Dr. Brown's sister Frances Brown (d. 1823), who would later marry Charles Alexander of Fairfax County (HAYDEN, 165, 177--78, 601--3).
20. Colo. Blackburn & the Compa. with him went away after Breakfast. I sat to have my Picture drawn.
On 21 May, GW wrote to Jonathan Boucher: "Inclinations having yielded to Importunity, I am now contrary to all expectations under the hands of Mr. Peale; but in so grave-- so sullen a mood--and now and then under the influence of Morpheus, when some critical strokes are making, that I fancy the skill of this Gentleman's Pencil, will be put to it, in describing to the World what manner of man I am" (WRITINGS, 3:83--84).
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Charles Willson Peale visited Mount Vernon to make portraits of the Washington family, including these miniatures of Jacky and Patsy Custis. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
21. Captn. Posey who came here the 19th. went up to Alexandria this day. I set again to take the Drapery.
Peale's practice was to sketch the painting out in one neutral color, show the sketch to the subject for his approval, and then paint the portrait, thus demanding a minimum of time and patience, of the subject. On this day Peale had GW wear the "Drapery" (clothing) chosen for the painting, which was GW's colonel's uniform from his service in the Virginia Regiment (SELLERS, 1'106; MORGAN [1]. 24: see frontis., vol. 1).
22. Set for Mr. Peale to finish my Face. In the Afternoon Rid with him to my Mill. I returnd home by the Ferry Plantation.
23. Rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole before Dinner.
24. Set out after Dinner for Loud[ou]n &ca. Reachd Mr. Fairfax's and lodged there.
Peale remained at Mount Vernon to paint miniatures of Patsy and Jacky Custis. Jacky also paid Peale for a miniature of his mother, Martha Washington, probably for Jacky's own use (LEDGER B, 50; CUSTIS.ACCOUNT BOOK, 30 May 1772).
25. Got to Leesburg to Dinner & Stayed all Night.
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26. At Leesburg all day.
27. Set out with Mr. Bryan Fairfax to view some of his Lands on Goose Creek and Little River. Lodged at Mr. Charles Wests.
GW was inspecting Fairfax's lands in Loudoun and Fauquier counties in order to choose a tract as compensation for the £150 that he had previously paid on Fairfax's account (see "Remarks" entry for 8 Jan. 1772).
28. Surveyed one of Mr. Fairfax's Tracts on Little Rivr. Dined at one Jon. Jacksons a Tenant of his and loged again at Mr. Chs. Wests.
Charles West today signed an agreement to sell GW 484 acres of land on Dogue Creek for 25s. an acre, a total price of £605 (NjMoNP; LEDGER B, 59). GW had tried to purchase the eastern part of the tract in 1769, because its boundary on that side came within a few rods of the place where his merchant mill was soon to be built and because there was good timber on the land suitable for use in construction of the mill, but no deal was made at that time (GW to West, 6 June 1769, DLC:GW).
29. Went up to Mr. Robt. Ashbys dined and lodged there. After dinner went to view some more of Mr. Fairfaxs Land on Goose Ck. & Chattens R.
GW took a 600-acre tract on Chattins Run as his compensation from Bryan Fairfax. Located in Fauquier County near Rectorstown, this land had been inherited by Fairfax from his younger brother William, a lieutenant in the British army who died at Quebec in 1759. The patent for the tract was sent to GW in August (Fairfax to GW, 3 Aug. 1772, DLC:GW).
30. Set out early. Viewd some Land belonging to Jesse Ball & one Kinner. Stopd a little while among my Tenants under the Ridge. Dined at Snickers's and lodged at Mr. Warnr. Washingtons.
31. At Mr. Washingtons all day.
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. Very Smoaky and a little lowering with but little Wind and tolerably Warm.
2. Very smoaky and hazy all day--warm in the Afternoon and perfectly Calm.
3. A little Rain, with the Wind fresh from the No. East in the Morning and very cool--clear afterwards.
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4. Tolerably calm in the Morning but Windy and cool afterwards with Rain in the Afternoon & Night.
5. Tolerably calm and pleast. wind Southerly.
6. Wind very fresh from the Southward with Clouds & a little Rain in the Morning.
7. Clear and tolerable warm with the wind very fresh from the Southward.
8. Wind Easterly with Clouds & much appearance of Rain about Noon but very little fell.
9. Still Cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell. Wind high from So. West.
10. Cool, Wind being pretty fresh from the Northwest.
11th. Rather Cool & lowering with the Wind varying from South to East.
12. Very warm--there being but little Wind and that Southerly. Day clear.
13. Cooler than yesterday with some appearances of Rain but none fell.
14. Clear, and tolerably pleasant with but little Wind and that Southerly.
15. A little Cool but clear & not unpleasant.
16. Very Warm, and but little Wind, that Southerly.
17. Warm and clear in the forenoon. In the Afternoon & first part of the Night a fine Rain from the So. Wt.
18. Lowering forenoon & Warm. Wind from the Westward afterwards but not Cold.
19. Clear and somewhat cooler than yesterday--but pleasant notwithstanding.
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20. Clear and warm in the forenoon with but little wind. In the Afternoon a heavy Shower of Rain with Wind from the No. West which turnd the Air very Cool.
21. Clear, and Cool all day--with the Wind Westerly.
22. Still cool and clear the Wind in the same place.
23. Lowering Morning. Wind Southerly & day warm. With Rain in the Afternoon.
24. Very warm and Sultry especially in the Afternoon with but little wind.
25. Wind shifting to the No. West this day was a little cool in the forepart but pleast. notwithstanding.
26. Tolerable warm with but little Wind.
27. Pleasant but rather warm.
28. Much such a day as yesterday, with but little Wind.
29. Warm in the forenoon with Clouds and appearances of Rain in the Afternoon but none fell.
30. Very warm with Thunder and Rain. (Fred[eric]k).
31. Very Warm again with Rain abt. 2 Oclock.
Where & how my time is Spent
June 1st. Went with Mr. Wr. Washington & Mr. Willis to my Brother Saml. where we dined and stayed all Night.
2. Went to Run off the Land Captn. Kennedy lives on also my smaller Tract by Mr. Keiths. Accomplished the former but not the latter. Got to Mr. Wr. Washingtons to Dinnr. & met my Br. Jno. & Wife there.
3. Stayed at Mr. Washingtons all day.
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4. Set of on my return home. Dined at the Widow Evans's & lodged at Mr. Edward Paynes.
Two widows named Evans lived in Loudoun County about this time: Mary Evans (died c.1789), widow of John Evans (d. 1770), and Sarah Evans, widow of Price Evans (d. 1770), formerly of Pennsylvania (KING [6], 11--12, 53).
5. Met the Vestry at our New Church & came home in the Afternoon where I found Captn. Posey--who had been since I w[en]t.
The vestrymen today dealt with matters relating to the building of the new church. George Mason, who was overseeing the construction, was directed to have three flights of stone steps put at the front door instead of the one flight previously specified. The churchwardens, George William Fairfax and Edward Payne, were ordered to have the roof painted, to arrange for the building of a brick vestry house nearby, to engage workmen to carve ornaments on the altarpiece, and to have the religious inscriptions on the altarpiece gilded with gold leaf donated by GW and George William Fairfax. The vestrymen also decided that 12 pews in the church should be sold at the laying of the next parish levy on 20 Nov. (Truro Vestry Book, 153, DLC).
6. At home all day. Posey & Mr. Robt. Alexander dined here. The latter went away afterwds.
7. Went to Pohick Church and Return'd to Dinner. J[ohn] P[arke] C[ustis] came.
8. Rid to the Ferry Plantan. and Mill.
GW today gave John Posey £50 in cash and a horse and saddle worth £10 for a deed to the six-acre strip of land where Posey's house and ferry were located (LEDGER B, 50; deed of John Posey to GW, 8 June 1772, PPRF). Although the legal dispute between Posey and John West, Jr., over ownership of this land apparently remained unresolved in the courts, GW's purchase of Posey's rights cleared the way for a settlement of another kind. He now had only to conclude his deal with West on acceptable terms to gain undisputed possession of the strip (see main entry for 22 Sept. 1772).
9. Went into the Neck in the forenoon. Found Mr. Chichester & Wife--Miss Molly McCarty, and Mr. Phil. Pendleton here. The first went away.
Molly McCarty is probably Mary McCarty (d. 1786), a daughter of Capt. Daniel McCarty and a younger sister of Mrs. Sarah McCarty Chichester, who appears here.
10th. Rid to the Ferry Plantation & Mill. Mr. Pendleton went away after Dinner.
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11. Went into the Neck & run Round Johnson's Plantatin. also run some Lines across the Neck.
Susannah (Suckey) and Hannah Johnston were now renting from GW the Clifton's Neck plantation that their parents, Samuel Johnston (d. 1769) and Hannah Johnston (d. 1771), had previously rented (LEDGER A, 200, 308; LEDGER B, 46; will of Hannah Johnston, 8 July 1771, Fairfax County Wills, Book C-1, 123--24, Vi Microfilm).
12. Rid over Muddy hole Wheat Field--also that at Doeg Run. Dr. Rumney came in the Ev[ening].
Rumney brought Patsy Custis eight musk capsules to be used for relief of her epileptic seizures (receipt from William Rumney, 24 June 1772, ViHi: Custis Papers).
13. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney Dined here & returnd in the Afternoon. J. P. Custis returnd to Mr. Bouchers.
14. Made a Visit to Lord Fairfax at Belvoir. Mr. Byrd & Mr. Willis came home with me.
15. Mr. Willis went away early. Mr. Tilghman, & a Mr. Andrews came to Dinner & stayd all Night as did Mr. Magowan at Night.
16. The Gentlemen went away. I went up to Court & returnd at Night. Mr. Magowan came home with me.
The court met 15--18 June. GW was not recorded by the court clerk as one of the justices present today (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 61--89, Vi Microfilm).
17. Rid to the Ferry Plantation & back again from thence.
18. At home all day.
19. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast.
20. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Byrd--Mr. Andrews & Mr. Wagener came here.
21. Mr. Andrews & Mr. Wagener went away. Mr. Byrd & I went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner.
22. Lord Fairfax, Colo. Fairfax & Mrs. Fairfax dined here & returnd afterwards.
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23. Rid to the Ferry Plantation & into Muddy hole Corn Field.
24. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Tilghman came here & stayed all Night.
25. Rid as far as the Mill and turnd back on Acct. of Rain. In the Afternoon my Brothr. Jno. & Wife & Son Corbin came here on there way from Fred[eric]k.
Corbin Washington (1765--c.1799) was one of the younger sons of John and Hannah Washington (WAYLAND [1], 113, 318, 330).
26. At home all day with my Brother &ca.
27th. Rid with my Brother to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill. Found Mr. Byrd (who went from here on thursday last) & Mr. Tilghman here, who Stayed all Night.
28. With the above went after Dinner in my Whale Boat to the Spring at Johnson's Place.
In a letter dated 5 Mar., Jonathan Boucher told GW that Governor Eden of Maryland "has got You a very handsome . . . Whale Boat, for £20, which, I fancy is by this Time at Mount [Vernon]" (DLC:GW). On 22 May, Boucher invited GW to visit him in Maryland, and added: "Shou'd . . . your Whale Boat be arriv'd, perhaps You may be tempted to try her" (DLC:GW). Since GW paid 18s. for "Freight of my Whale Boat from Patux[ent]" on 17 June, this excursion may have been his first in it (LEDGER B, 50).
29. At home all day.
30. My Brother & Family Set of home--Mr. Tilghman also after Breakfast. I rid with Mr. Byrd in the Forenoon to my Meadow at Doeg Run and to the Mill and in the Afternn. went to Sound the Depth of the sevl. Fishing Shores from Poseys up to Gilbt. Simpson's.
Gilbert Simpson (d. 1773) leased land in Clifton's Neck, first from William Clifton, and then from GW after his purchase of the land in 1760 (LEDGER A, 113, 137, 209).
Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. But little Wind. Weather very hot & Sultry, with appearances (only) of Rain.
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2. Very hot and Sultry in the forenoon, with a good deal of Rain & Wind in the afternoon (in Frederick) but not much at Mt. Vernon.
3. Misting & Raining more or less all day (in Frederick) with the Wind fresh & Cool from the Eastward.
4. Flying Clouds, with the Wind very fresh & Cool from the Eastward.
5. Very Cold in the Morning & Cool all day, with the Wind high from the same point.
6. Very Cloudy & Misting, now & then all day, from the Eastward from whence the Wind blew fresh & Cool. No Rain.
7. Clear and grown warmer with the Wind Southerly.
8. Warm in the forepart of the day, but cool afterwds.
9. Cool in the forenoon with the Wind Easterly--warmr. afterwards.
10. Tolerably warm again with but little Wind and that Southerly.
11. Cloudy Morning. Clear Noon & Warm Sun with a small Shower or two of Rain in the Afternoon & good d[ea]l Wind.
12. Clear and Cool Wind Westwardly.
13. Clear and something Warmer Wind southerly.
14. Clear and but little Wind--very warm.
15. Very hot, with but little Wind in the forenoon--pretty fresh afterwards from the South.
16. Very Warm in the Morning but cooler afterwards wind getting to the Westward.
17. Tolerably Cool.
18. Warmer again Wind Southerly tho but little of it.
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19. Clear & not very warm--but little Wind & that Southerly.
20. Warm and lowering--afterwards misting with a good appearance of Rain wch. went off.
21. Wind pretty fresh from the No. West and cool in the forenoon--warmer afterwds.
22. Warm again, & cloudy in the forenoon--with a fine moderate Rain for an hour or more abt. 1 or two Oclock from the Eastward.
23. Wind Southerly and warm with flying Clouds & showers about--but none here.
24. Clear and Cool. Wind fresh from the Westward. Weather Clear.
25. Misting in the forepart of the day. Towards Night a close & constant Rain.
26. Misting more or less all the Forenoon, the Afternoon clear Windy from the Westward.
27. Clear--Wind Westerly, & pretty fresh but warm notwithstanding.
28. Warm and a little lowering with scarce any Wind, & that Southerly.
29. Clear and warm with but little Wind & that from the same Quarter.
30. Lowering all the forepart of the day but clear afterwds. with but little Wind from the So.
Where & how my time is Spent
July 1st. At home all day with Mr. Byrd.
2. Mr. Byrd went over to Belvoir. I continued at home all day.
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3. Rid to the Ferry Plantation Muddy hole & Doeg Run.
4. After Dinner Rid to Muddy hole to my Harvest People.
5. At home all day alone.
6. In the Afternoon Rid to my Mill where Messrs. Wm. Shaw and Adam Lynn had been Inspecting my Flour.
William Shaw (died c.1774), an Alexandria cooper, had been appointed an inspector of flour by the Fairfax County court 18 Dec. 1769, and Adam Lynn (died c.1785) of Alexandria had received his appointment as inspector from the justices 2 Feb. 1770 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768--72, 278, 287, and Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 312, Vi-Microfilm). By law, inspectors could charge mill owners a 3d. inspection fee for each barrel of flour weighing 220 pounds net or less and 6d. for each barrel over 220 pounds (HENING, 8:143--44). On 17 June 1771 GW had credited Shaw with £3 2s. 1½d. for inspecting 497 barrels, half the lower legal rate, and today credited him with £1 14s. 1½d. for 273 barrels, again half the lower legal rate. Although Lynn may have received the other half of the inspection fees, no cash payments to him for that purpose are recorded in GW's ledger (LEDGER A, 341; LEDGER B, 58).
7. Went up with Mrs. Washington and Patcy Custis to see Mr. Adams New Store. Returnd before Dinr.
GW did much business with Robert Adam & Co.'s store during the next 2½ years, and there is some evidence that he obtained "better terms than common" in return for his patronage (LEDGER B, 42, 133; GW to Matthew Campbell, 7 Aug. 1772, DLC:GW).
8. Rid to the Harvest field at the Mill--Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
9. Rid to Muddy hole, & into the Neck before Dinner and to the Mill &ca. after Dinner. J. P. Custis came.
10. At home all the forenoon. In the Afternoon Rid to the Mill &ca. Mr. Benjn. Dulany & Mr. Tilghman came in the Evening.
Benjamin Tasker Dulany (C.1752--1816), younger son of Daniel Dulany the younger and Rebecca Tasker Dulany, had been a student with Jacky Custis at Boucher's school in Annapolis. Dulany became a frequent visitor at Mount Vernon during this period, for he was courting Elizabeth French, whom he married in 1773.
11. At home all day with those Gentlemen.
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12. Mr. B. Dulany &ca. went up to Church in Alexa. and returnd again in the Afternoon.
The new church in Alexandria was still not finished, but the Fairfax vestry agreed with John Carlyle during this year to complete work on it for £220 (see main entry for 31 July 1768; POWELL, 87).
13. Mr. Dulany Mr. Tilghman & J. P. Custis went to Belvoir.
14. The above Gentlemen returnd to Dinner. I rid to the Ferry & Mill Plantn. In the Afternn. we went on board of Captn. Jordan. Mr. Geo. Digges returnd with us.
15. At home all day. Mr. Tilghman went away in the Morning early--the other Gentlemen in the afternoon.
16. Went up in the Afternoon with Mrs. Washington, J. P. Custis, Miss Custis, & Milly Posey to a Ball in Alexandria. Lodgd at my House in Town.
17. Came home to Dinner. Mr. Byrd returnd in the Afternoon.
18. At home all day except Riding to the Ferry Plantn. Mr. Byrd here.
19. Went with Mr. Byrd & J. P. Custis to Pohick Church & Dined at Belvoir. Returnd in the Evening.
20. Colo. Fairfax & Lady, Mr. W. Washington Lady & 3 Children; Mrs. B. Fairfax, Miss Carlyle, Mr. Norton, Mr. Prentis, Mr. Whiting & Mr. Jno. Lewis Dined here & in the afternoon Colo. Lewis came.
Mr. Norton is John Hatley Norton (1745--1797) of Yorktown, who, after his father's return to London in 1767, became the Virginia agent for John Norton & Sons of London (PRICE, 401--2). Mr. Prentis is Joseph Prentis (1754--1809) of Williamsburg, a ward of Norton's father-in-law, Robert Carter Nicholas. Both Norton and Prentis had been invited by George William Fairfax to accompany him this summer to Warm Springs, "not so much for the recovery as for the Establishment of his [Norton's] Health" (Robert Carter Nicholas to John Norton, 4 Aug. 1772, MASON [1], 263).
21. Colo. Fairfax & the two Mrs. Fairfax's--Miss Carlyle, Mr. Norton & Mr. Prentis went away after Breakfast.
22. At home all day with the Company that remaind yesterday. Mr. Jenifer Adams Dined here.
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Daniel Jenifer Adams (b. 1751), only son of Josias and Ann Jenifer Adams of Charles County, Md., had been taken into a trading partnership with GW, John Carlyle, and Samuel Brodie. Flour from GW's and Carlyle's mills was to be shipped to the West Indies on board the brig Fairfax, captained by Brodie. Adams was to be the supercargo, or agent, who would accompany the flour and decide on which island and at what price it should be sold (FREEMAN, 3:295, 307, 345; see "Remarks" entry for 24 July 1772).
23. Dined (with the above Compa.) at Belvoir & lodged there.
24. Dined at Belvoir this day also, & returnd in the Evening with Colo. Lewis, Mr. Jno. Lewis, Mr. Byrd & Mr. Whiting.
25. Went a fishing and dined at the Fish House at the Ferry Plantation.
26. Mr. W. Washington & Wife, & Mr. Norton & Mr. Prentis dined and Lodged here as did C[aptain] Posey.
27. The above four went away after Breakfast. As did Mr. Byrd also, along with them in order to set of home the next day.
28. Colo. Lewis & Son, and Mr. Whiting went away after Breakfast. So did J. P. Custis to Mr. Boucher's.
29. Rid to the Mill Plantation the Mill, and Doeg Run--also to the Meadow at the Mill. Mrs. Cox came here. Captn. Posey Daughter went over to Mary[lan]d.
Mrs. Cox may be Elizabeth Cox (d. 1792), wife of Presley Cox of Fairfax County. She was at Mount Vernon "making and altering Gowns for Mrs. Washington [ and ] Miss Custis" (LEDGER B, 55).
30. Rid into the Neck.
31. At home all day. Mr. Hy. Peake dined here. Mrs. Cox went away after Dinner.
Acct. of the Weather in July
July 1st. Lowering kind of a forenoon but clear afterwards with the Wind Southerly.
2. Wind tolerably fresh from the Southwest in the forenoon, and very Sultry. In the Afternoon a pleasant Shower, but not much of it.
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3. Very hot and Sultry with the Wind Southerly.
4. Very hot with a little Wind from the Southward. In the Afternoon a little, & but a little Rain.
5. Again very hot--Wind in the same Quarter. In the Afternoon a very pretty Rain.
6. Still warm and Sultry, Wind being Southerly.
7. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward--but Warm & Sultry Notwithstanding--appearances of Rain in the Evening but none fell.
8. Very Warm, with appearances of Rain but none fell. Wind Southerly.
9. Wind Easterly & Weather cooler than the preceeding days.
10. Cool & pleasant with the Wind still Easterly.
11. Much such a day as yesterday wind being in the same place.
12. Still tolerably Cool--Wind Southerly however.
13. Wind fresh from the Southward but pretty warm notwithstandg.
14. Lowering Morning with a little Rain (& but little) abt. Noon. No Wind. In the Night a little more Rain.
15. Lowering Morning, with little or no Wind. Clear afternoon & very warm.
16. Clear & Warm in the forenoon--a fine Shower betwn. two and five Oclock in the Afternoon.
17. Clear & pleasant, but tolerably warm.
18. Lowering all day with the Wind very fresh from the So. West.
19. Clear & pleasant with but little Wind.
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20. Much such a day as yesterday with but little wind.
21. Wind tolerably fresh in the forenoon & pleasant but Calm, & very warm afterwards.
22. Clear and tolerably pleasant with but little Wind & that Northerly.
23d. Lowering all the forenoon with some Rain which fell moderately, but in no quantity. Afternoon clear.
24. Clear in the forenoon, with some appearances of Rain but none fell here. But little Wind & that from the So. West.
25. Clear but Warm, with little wind from the Southward.
26. Much such a day as yesterday, except there being a little more Wind from the Westward.
27. Warm with but little Wind and that from the Southward.
28. Clear, Calm, and exceeding Hot.
29. Clear, & very Warm, Wind Southerly but very little of it.
30. Very Warm, notwithstanding the Wind blew fresh from the So. West. In the Afternoon a moderate Rain for upwards of two hours.
31. Cool, Wind blewing fresh from the Northwest which dryed the Ground fast.
Remarks & Occurs. in July
July 3d. Began my Wheat Harvest at Muddy hole & Doeg Run in the following Manner. Viz.--At Doeg Run with the two Davy's two Sons of Brummit as Cradlers, & the Wheat being rather green no regular assortment of Cradlers was allotted to them as yet.
At Muddy hole, Palmer (who did not work himself, but only acted as an Instructer) and Six of the youngest Cradlers began.
Brummit may be William Brummitt, who lived dose enough to GW to have made occasional use of the blacksmith at Mount Vernon (LEDGER B, 76).
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6. Began in the Neck with Mike & Tom and three white Men. But as hands were Shifted from place to place there were sometimes more, & sometimes less in each Field.
10. Finished the Harvest at Muddy hole & carried the hands from thence to the Ferry Plantation.
11. Finished at Doeg Run, from whence some hands went into the Neck, and the Rest to the Mill.
18. Compleated my Harvest in the Neck--The Ferry Plantation, & every where else. Began to Sow Wheat in the Neck.
22d. Began to cut my Meadow at the Mill & finished it the 30th.
23. Began to Ditch the Swamp at the Ferry.
24. Captn. Brodie Saild for the West Indies with my Flour on Board 273 Barls.
27. Began to Sow Wheat at Muddy hole; also at Doeg Run.
30. Finished Sowing one Cut in the Neck--that is the uppermost but one on the Creek 67 [bushels].
31. Began to Sow Wheat at the Mill.
Where & how my time is Spent
Augt. 1. Rid to the Ferry Plantn., Mill, Doeg Run, and Muddy hole.
2. Went to Pohick Church and Dined with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis at Captn. McCartys. Came home in the Afternn.
3. At home all day alone.
4. Rid to the Ferry Plantation and returnd from thence.
5. At home all day alone.
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6. Rid to the Ferry Plantation Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole.
7. At home all day writing & Posting my Books.
8. Ditto--Ditto.
9. At home all day alone.
10. Rid to the Ferry Plantation to the Mill & where my Ditchers were at Work there. In the Evening Doctr. Rumney, Mr. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Balmain & Mr. Cox came here.
Mr. Cox may be Presley Cox (d. 1783).
11. Went with those Gentlemn. a Fishing and Dined undr. the Bank at Colo. Fairfax's near his White Ho[use]. Found Mrs. Cox here when we returnd.
In 1758 George William Fairfax obtained the position of collector of the customs for the South Potomac River Naval District (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:100). The fishing party was dining near the customshouse, which was painted white to be clearly seen by ship captains, and thus referred to locally as Fairfax's White House.
12. After Breakfast the Gentlemen went away. Mrs. Cox continued, & I rid to my Ditchers at the Mill.
13. Went into the Neck and run round and divided the New Plantn. I intend to make there into three fields.
14. Rid to the Ditchers at the Ferry and Mill. Mrs. Cox went away about 12 Oclock.
15. At home all day alone.
16. At home this day also. In the afternoon Captn. Posey & his Daughter returnd.
17. Went up to Alexandria to Court. Stayd all Night. Dind with Mr. Adam.
The court met 17--21 Aug., and GW attended each day (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 89--118, Vi Microfilm).
18. In Town all day and Night. Din'd & Supd at Arrells.
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19. Ditto. Ditto. Dined at Arrells. Suppd no where.
20. Still in Town. Dined at Arrells ge went to the Ball in the Afternoon.
On this day Robert Hanson Harrison and William Ellzey brought suit for GW against John and William Barry to force a division of the 193--acre tract on Dogue Creek, part of which GW had bought 18 Dec. 1770. GW excused himself from the bench while the case was being heard. The court ruled in his favor and ordered county surveyor George West to divide the land fairly between the two parties before the court met in September. The surveying and other costs were to be equally shared by GW and the Barrys. Five justices were appointed to supervise the division: Sampson Darrell, Daniel McCarty, George Mason, John West, and John West, Jr., but only three were required to be present (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 114--15, Vi Microfilm).
21. Dined at Arrells again & returnd home after Dinr.
22. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Mill, Doeg Run, & Muddy hole--also to the Mill & Ditchers there.
23d. At home all day alone.
24. Went a Hunting, and into the Neck, but found nothing; came home by 12 Oclock.
25. At home all day a writing.
26. At home this day also.
27. Went with Mrs. Washington and Miss Custis to Mr. William Digges's and Dind there--only Betcy & Jenny Digges at home. Returnd in the Afternoon.
JENNY DIGGES: Jane Digges (c.1754--1826) was apparently the youngest of William and Ann Digges's many children (BOWIE, 255; RAMSBURGH, 130--31).
28. Surveyd Mr. John West's Land in my Neck at his request.
29. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run and to the Ditchers at the Mill.
30. At home all day. Mr. Willm. Digges Dined here.
31. At home all day alone. In the Evening Mr. Custis came.
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Acct. of the Weather in Augt.
Augt. 1. Cool--wind still Westerly.
2. Clear & pleasant, but rather Cool. Wind hanging still to the Westward.
3. Cool yet--Wind Eastwardly & Weather Clear.
4. Still Cool with the Wind Easterly.
5. Warmer, Wind getting Southerly.
6. Clear, Calm and Warm.
7. Very Warm in the forenoon. Wind pretty fresh in the Afternoon from the Southward.
8. Exceeding warm in the forenoon. Cooler afterwards the Wind rising from the Southwd.
9. Still Warm, with great appearances of Rain about two Oclock & all the Afternn. but only a few drops fell.
10. Great appearances of Rain all this day also with the Wind fresh from Southward--but none fell.
11. Wind very high all day from the Southwest & for the most part clear.
12. Cooler than the preceeding days. Wind Northerly and weather quite clear.
13. Warmer than Yesterday but not hot. Wind Southerly & Weather clear.
14. But little Wind and very Warm.
15. Clear and Warm with the Wind fresh from the Southward.
16. Very warm--in the Evening great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
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17. Still very Warm--in the Afternoon a very fine Rain all around but very little here.
18. Cloudy with little Showers about none here. Wind Westerly ge not warm.
19. Wind Westerly with appearances of Clouds but no rain here.
20. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind and that Westerly.
21. Clear and pleasant again with but little Wind.
22d. Quite clear with very little Wind & something Warmer than the preceeding days.
23. Clear with the Wind Southerly & rather Warm.
24. Cloudy a little and something Cooler.
25. Cloudy with fine Rain till towards 2 Oclock--then close ge constant for an hour or two which wet the Ground thoroughly.
26. Clear with but little [wind] & warm.
27. Wind fresh all the Forenoon from the Southward. In the afternoon frequent Showers of Rain--some of them pretty heavy.
28. Clear and pleasant in the forenoon being neither warm nor Cool. In the afternoon Clouds but no Rain.
29. Very little Wind and pretty warm in the forenoon.
30. Clear, and pleasant the Wind at East but not fresh.
31. Wind at So. & pretty fresh Weather clear.
Remarks & Occurs. in Augt.
Augt. 3d. Finished Sowing the Cut next the Tumbling Dam at Doeg Run with Wheat 43 Bls.
The same day began to Sow Wheat at the Ferry Plantn.
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4. Finished Sowing the uppermost Cut with wheat in the Neck--the Cut next Abn. Adams's 64 Bls.
10. Dennis Curran, Cook Jack, Schomberg Arlington, Peter ge London began to Work on my Mill Race, Scouring it out.
11. Finished the third Cut in the Neck with Wheat 65½ Bushls.
12. Also finished the Cut at Doeg Run about Jno. Gists Houses 53 Bushels.
14. Sowed all the Ground at the Ferry on this side the Swamp 68½ Bushels put therein.
17. Finishd Sowing the large Cut with Wheat at Muddy hole, 70 Bushls. & began to Sow the Small Field adjoining.
19. Finishd that also and Sowd 14 Bushls. of Wheat in it.
Finishd the third Cut with wheat at Doeg Run; to wit that next Marshalls Plantn. and Sowd 43 Bush. therein.
20. Finishd my fourth & last Cut in the Neck 74½ Bushels which makes the whole amount sowed there upon 210 Acres, 271 Bushls.
29. Finishd sowing the 4th. & last Cut with Wheat at Doeg Run Qr. 50 Bushls. which makes in all Sowed thereupon abt. 150 Acres 189 Bushels.
Where & how my time is Spent
Septr. 1st. Rid to the Ferry & from thence to the Mill. In the Afternoon Doctr. Rumney came & lodgd all Night.
2. Rid to the Ditchers at the Mill the Doctr. going away after Breakfast.
3. Rid to the Ditchers again.
4. Set out with Mrs. Washington & Miss Custis (attended by Mr. Custis) on a Visit to Mr. Boucher &ca. Breakfasted at Mr.
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Wm. Digges's (the Horses & carriage being got over the day before) and dined at Mr. Bouchers with Govt. Eden and Mr. Calvert ge his two Daughters.
In June, Jonathan Boucher had married Eleanor Addison (1739--1784) of Oxon Hill, niece of his benefactor Rev. Henry Addison. The Washingtons had intended to pay their respects to the newlyweds earlier in the summer but had been prevented by "Harvest, Company, and one thing or another" (GW to Boucher, 18 Aug. 1772, DLC:GW). Benedict Calvert's two eldest daughters were Elizabeth (Betsey) Calvert (born c.1752) and Eleanor (Nelly) Calvert (1754--1811). Unknown to the Washingtons or the Bouchers, Jack), Custis was at this time courting Nelly Calvert. When their romance did become known several months later, Boucher was shocked: "Never . . . had I the most distant Suspicion of any such Thing's being in Agitation,'' he wrote GW. "You will remember, I always thought, that He was enamoured of Miss Betsey [Calvert]; tho' even in that, I suspected not, that there was any Likelihood of its be coming so serious, without my first knowing more of it" (8 April 1773, DLC:GW).
5. Dined at the same place ge in the said Company. Mr. Calvert & Daughters went away in the Afternoon.
6. Went to Church with Govr. Eden in his Phaeton.
St. Barnabas Church, located several miles southeast of Mount Lubentia, was the parish church for Jonathan Boucher's parish of Queen Anne.
7. Dined at Mr. Calverts (going With the Govr. in his Phaeton & calling at Mr. Sprigs). Mr. Igns. Digges & Family dind here also--we lodgd--they retd.
Osborne Sprigg, Jr., son of Osborne Sprigg (1707--1750) and Rachel Belt Sprigg, lived less than two miles northwest of Boucher's house in Prince George's County.
8. At Mr. Calverts all day and Night. The Govr. returnd to Annapolis this Morning.
9. Mr. Boucher who came to this place with us returnd home early this Morning. We dined at Mr. Igns. Digges with a good deal of Compa. among whom Mr. Calverts D[aughte]rs he himself going to Annapolis.
10. At Mr. Digges's all day. Miss Calverts came, & returnd in the afternoon.
11. Returnd home by the way of Mr. William Digges's where we Dined & where my Boats met us.
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12. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, Mill & Ferry Plantations--also to the Ditchers in my Mill Race.
13. At home all day; In the Afternoon Mr. Willis came & lodgd.
14. Set out for Fredericksburg about 7 Oclock; Dined & Fed my Horses at Peytons on Acquia & reachd Fredericksburg abt. Dusk. Lodgd at my Mothers.
GW's purpose in going to Fredericksburg at this time was to meet with other veteran officers of the French and Indian War "to consider of a proper method to obtain the Lands granted" by the king's Proclamation of 1763 (resolutions of veteran officers, 15 Sept. 1772, MoSW).
15. Rid to my two Plantations on the River & returnd to Mr. Lewis's to Dinner. Spent the Eveng. at Weedons.
GW was preparing to advertise Ferry Farm in the Virginia Gazette "To be SOLD, RENTED, or EXCHANGED, for back lands in any of the northern counties" of Virginia (5 Nov. 1772). Fielding Lewis agreed to act as GW's Fredericksburg agent in this business.
Weedon's tavern was probably the scene of today's meeting of the veteran officers. Fourteen officers, including GW, were present and agreed to organize in order to push their claims. Each man was to be assessed £3 for every thousand acres claimed, and five officers living in the Fredericksburg neighborhood were appointed to disburse the collected money for surveying and other expenses (resolutions of veteran officers, 15 Sept. 1772, MoSW).
Sale of Washington's Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg is announced in Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette, 5 Nov. 1772. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
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16. Dined at my Brother Chas. & spent the Evening at Colo. Lewis's.
GW today recorded paying his mother £30 cash in the presence of brother Charles (LEDGER B, 45).
17. Set of on my return home. Dined at Dumfries & reachd home abt. Dusk. Found Mrs. French & her Daughter & Miss Molly Manly here.
18. Went upon the Survey ge Division of Wades Land between Barry & me. Colo. West, Mr. Jno. West, Captn. McCarty, & Captn. Darrel Commrs. came home with me as did Val. Crawford Mr. Geo. West & Chs. West.
As ordered by the court on 20 Aug., George West divided the disputed tract on Dogue Creek, allotting 75 acres to GW and 118 acres to William Barry (GW's list of quitrent lands for 1772, DLC:GW). GW received less land, probably because he received riparian rights on the creek as part of his share of the property. Almost 11 years later GW bought the 118 acres from William Barry and his wife, Sarah, for £150 Virginia currency (deed of William and Sarah Barry to GW, 16 June 1783, ViMtV).
19. Went on the same business again to day. Mrs. French &ca. went away after Breakfast. Colo. West Jno. West came home with me to Dinnr. & went afterwds.
20. At home all day--Weather clear and Warm with but little Wind.
21. Went up to Court at Alexa. Dined at Arrels, & supped at Arrels. Lodged at my own House.
The court met 21--24 Sept., and GW was present the first three days (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 118--31, Vi Microfilm).
22. In Alexandria Still. Dined and Supped at Arrels.
GW today paid John West, Jr., £436 9s. for the land near Mount Vernon that West had previously agreed to sell to him (see main entry for 29 April 1769). Two separate tracts were specified in the deeds: the undisputed section which GW had been renting from West since 18 Sept. 1770, said here to contain 196 acres, and the six-acre strip over which West and John Posey had been contending. Having bought Posey's rights to the strip 8 June 1772, GW with this purchase effectively ended the dispute between the two men and established his own unchallengeable right to that land (LEDGER B, 41; West's deed to GW, 21 Sept. 1772, MoSW; excerpt from West's deed to GW, 22 Sept. 1772, American Art Assoc. Catalogue, 21--22 Jan. 1926, Item 295).
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23. In Alexandria till the Afternoon. Dined at Arrels & came home with Colo. Fairfax & Val. Crawford.
24. Went with Colo. Fairfax to Survey Charles Wests land -- wch. I finished a little before Night. Mr. Bryan Fairfax came here.
GW and Fairfax were surveying the 484 acres of land on Dogue Creek that West had previously promised to sell to GW (see main entry for 28 May 1772). This tract extended west from the creek into Belvoir Neck, and because GW was primarily interested in the eastern part next to his mill, he agreed to sell Fairfax 72 acres of the land in the neck at the same rate he was to buy it from West: 25s. an acre, a total price of £90 (LEDGER B, 63, 66). West deeded the full 484 acres to GW on 28 Oct. 1772, and within the next few months GW gave a deed to Fairfax for his 72 acres (deed of Charles West to GW, ViMtV; General Index to Fairfax County Deeds for 1742--97, 218, Vi Microfilm).
25. Rid with Mr. Bryan Fairfax to look at some Land of his on Pohick. Tom Gist came this aftern.
Bryan Fairfax was showing GW this 463½-acre tract on the South Run of Pohick Creek with the hope that GW would pay off his £160 bill of exchange in return for it, but GW declined to accept the deal (Fairfax to GW, 3 Aug. and 2 Dec. 1772, DLC:GW; see "Remarks" entry for 8 Jan. 1772). Fairfax later sold the tract to Alexander Henderson of nearby Colchester for £166 (deed of Fairfax to Henderson, 16--17 April 1773, Fairfax County Deeds, Book K-1, 433--54, Vi Microfilm).
Christopher Gist had a brother Thomas and a son Thomas. This Tom Gist is probably the son, who lived in southwest Pennsylvania on the main route to the Ohio country (BAILEY [5], 154).
26. Went and resurveyed Wests Land--some mistake happening the first time. Mr. Gist & Mr. Vale. Crawford both went away this Morning.
27. Set of for Pohick Church and got almost there when word was brought that Mr. Massey was Sick. Returnd & found Nanny Peake & Biddy Fleming here who went away after Dinner.
Bridget Fleming was an unmarried daughter of Thomas Fleming of Alexandria (will of Thomas Fleming, 7 April 1786, Fairfax County Wills, Book E-1, 160, Vi Microfilm).
28. At home all the forenoon. In the Afternoon Rid to the Ferry Plantn. the Mill and Dogue Run.
29. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill and to the Ditchers on the Race. In the Afternoon Prior Theobald came here and lodged.
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30. Went to Colo. Fairfax's & Dined. Returnd in the Eveng. Mr. Fitzhugh--Mr. Brown & Mr. Burwell came here in the Afternoon.
Mr. Fitzhugh could be almost any of the many Mr. Fitzhughs living in Stafford or King George counties. Mr. Brown may be one of Dr. William Brown's brothers Mr. Burwell is probably one of the two younger Lewis Burwells. Colonel Burwell who came the next day is Robert Burwell, and John Fitzhugh is probably John Fitzhugh of Marmion, but may be John Fitzhugh (1727--1809) of Bell Air, Stafford County.
Acct. of the Weather in Septr.
Septr. 1st. Wind at No. Et. & Weather Cloudy but no Rain fell.
2. Clear, & Wind fresh from the No. West. Warm notwithstanding.
3. Clear & Warm, wind in the same place as yesterday.
4. Very Sultry Morning with great appearances of Rain which fell in the Afternoon for abt. an [ ].
5. The Air somewhat Coold, the Wind getting Northwardly.
6. Cool & pleasant--Wind still Northwardly.
7. Warmer a good deal but pleasant. Weather clear.
8. Rather Warmer than yesterday, but clear with the Wind Southerly.
9. Very Warm and Sultry all day and Night.
10. Cloudy & Warm all the day; in the Night a good deal of Rain.
11. Frequent Shower's about Noon. In the afternoon the Wind got to Northwest and blew fresh.
12. Wind fresh from the Northwest all day and Cool.
13. Clear and Cool tho there was but little Wind and that Southerly.
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14. Lowering for the most part of the day with but little wind moderately warm.
15. Clear and but little Wind--very warm.
16. Misting & sometins Raining with but little Wind & Warm.
17. Clear forenoon and Warm with Showers in the Afternoon.
18. Clear and very pleasant. At the sametime Warm with a little Wind from the Southd.
19. Very pleasant being much such a day as yesterday.
20. Pleasant but warm with little Wind and that Southerly.
21. Very Warm with the Wind Southerly.
22. Misting in the Morning & for most part of the day, with a very heavy Rain & high wind in the Afternoon. Much Rain fell in the Night.
23. Clear and Cool. Wind at No. West--but not very fresh.
24. Much such a day as yesterday.
25th. Still cool with the Wind Westerly and fresh.
26. Same kind of day as yesterday.
27. Very Cloudy & like for Rain all the forenoon with the Wind Northerly. In the Afternoon Misting.
28. Misting more or less all day with but little [wind] and not Gold.
29. Clear, and Warm, and without any wind.
30. Much Such a day as Yesterdy.
Remarks & Occurs. in Septr.
Septr. 1st. Finish'd Ditching at the Ferry Plantation--200 Rod in the whole.
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2. Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole Plantation 123½ Bushls. in the whole.
Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Ferry Plantation also 84 Bushls. on the other side the Swamp next Mrs. French's making in all 152½ Bushl. Sowed there.
3. Sent Adam & Jupiter from Muddy hole to work on the Mill Race. Also Bath & Robin from Dogue Run there.
4. Began to Sow Wheat at the Home House.
9. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Mill Plantation 89 Bushl.
10. Compleated Sowing my Wheat at the Home House 66½ Bush. which makes in all this year
17. This day agreed with my Overseer Powell, at the lower Plantation on Rappah. [Little Falls Quarter] to continue another year on the same lay as the last provided the Number of hands are not Increased--but, if I should add a hand or two more, & let him (as I am to do at any rate) choose 5 of the best Horses at that Quarter & the upper one [Ferry Farm] he is in that case to receive only the 8th. of what Corn, Wheat, & Tobo. he makes on the Plantation.
29. Danl. Minor and Joshua Key came here to work.
Joshua Kay was a boat builder who during the next two years repaired GW's fishing boats and ferryboat. He also built a boat with a 29-foot keel for GW (LEDGER B, 74).
Where & how my time is Spent
Octr. 1st. At home all day with the Gentn. that came yesterday Afternoon--Colo. Burwell g: Mr. Jno. Fitzhugh & Colo. Fairfax
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came to Dinner. Colo. Burwell & Mr. Jno. Fitzhugh Stayd all Night. The other Gentn. went away after Dinner.
2. Colo. Burwell & Mr. Fitzhugh went away after Dinner.
3. I rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run &ca. before Dinner, in the Afternoon went into the Neck.
4. Set of for the Annapolis Races. Dined and lodged at Mr. Boucher's.
Jacky Custis accompanied GW on this trip to the races (LEDGER B, 60).
5. Reachd Annapolis. Dined at the Coffee House with the Jocky Club & lodgd at the Govrs. after going to the Play.
6. Dined at Majr. Jenifers--went to the Ball and Suppd at the Govrs.
The four days of racing began this morning at 11:00. The Maryland Gazette expected "good Sport, as a great Number of Horses are already come from the Northward and Southward, to start for the different Purses." GW lost £1 6d. on this year's races (LEDGER B, 60). The ball was held at the Assembly House, "Tickets for Gentlemen [priced] at a Dollar each (without which they cannot possibly be admitted)" ( Md. Gaz., 1 Oct. 1772).
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer in a portrait by John Hesselius. (National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.)
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7. Dined at the Govrs. and went to the Play afterwards.
The plays attended by GW this week were part of the fall season of David Douglass's American Company, which opened in Annapolis 1 Sept. (RANKIN, 166--67).
8. Dined at Colo. Loyds and went to the Play. From thence early to my Lodgings.
Edward Lloyd (1744--1793), of Wye House, Talbot County, Md., was the son of Edward Lloyd (d. 1770) and Anne Rousby Lloyd. He was a member of the Maryland General Assembly with a handsome town house in Annapolis. He was married to Elizabeth Tayloe, daughter of John Tayloe of Mount Airy in Richmond County, Va.
9. Dined at Mr. Ridouts. Went to the Play & to the Govrs. to Supper.
Playing at the theater today were a new comedy, The West Indian, and a new comic opera, The Padlock ( Md. Gaz., 8 Oct. 1772; RANKIN, 132, 164).
10th. Dined with Mr. Carroll of Carrollton & set out for Mr. Bouchers which place I arrivd at abt. 8 Oclock.
11. Got home to a late Dinner. Jno. Parke Custis came with me found Mrs. Barnes there.
12. Rid to the Ferry, Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantns. before Dinner & went into the Neck to run some lines afterwds.
13. Went up to Alexandria & returnd home to Dinner. C[aptain] Posey came.
14. Went into the Neck to lay of some Fencing &ca. Posey went away.
GW today paid Posey £11 11s. 3d. for his right to 3,000 acres of land under the Proclamation of 1763 (LEDGER B, 61).
15. Rid to the Mill &ca.
16. At home all day. Mr. Piper & Mr. Adam came to Dinner and went away afterwards. Captn. McCarty his wife & Son came after Dinnr. & stayd the Night.
Capt. Daniel McCarty and his wife, Sinah Ball McCarty, had one son, Daniel McCarty (1759--1801), who married a daughter of George Mason.
17. They went away after Breakfast. I rid out in the Afternoon to the Mill & Doeg Run.
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18. Dined at Belvoir & returnd.
19. Went up to Court at Alexa. Returnd in the Afternoon.
The court was in session 19--20 Oct., but GW was not recorded among the justices present (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 131--39, Vi Microfilm).
20. Rid to the Ferry, Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantns.
21st. Set of for Williamsburg. Dined at Colchester & lodgd in Dumfries. Mrs. Washington Mr. & Miss Custis with me.
22. Reachd Fredericksburg to Dinner. Lodgd at Colo. Lewis's.
23. Dined at Caroline Court House and reachd Hubbards in the Afternoon. Founderd two of my Horses.
24. Reachd Todds Bridge to Breakfast & Colo. Bassets in the Evening.
Captn. Crawford came there to Dinner.
25. Assisting Crawford with his Surveys.
William Crawford had returned from the Ohio country with 13 surveys totaling 127,899 acres out of the 200,000 acres of bounty land promised in 1754 by Governor Dinwiddie to soldiers and officers of the Virginia Regiment. Crawford and GW were now preparing to enter the surveys and have patents issued to the various officers and men, or to their survivors (receipt for surveys from Thomas Everard, 13 Nov. 1772, ICHi).
26. About the same business day also.
27. On the same business.
28. Still employed in the same Work.
29. Ditto--Ditto.
30. Ditto--Ditto.
31. Went a fox hunting & killed a Fox in Compa. with sevl. others.
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Acct. of the Weather in Octr.
Octr. 1. Clear, Calm & pleasant being warm.
2. Very pleasant & warm without any Wind.
3. Such a day as yesterday but rather Warmer.
4. Very lowering with Mists now and then but no Rain.
5. Misting, & sometimes Raining in the forenoon with the wind Eastwardly.
6. Much such a day as yesterday. Misting more or less all day--wind in the same place.
7. Misting & sometimes Raining pretty smartly.
8. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly but neither cold nor very fresh.
9. Very pleasant without much wind--that however Westerly.
10. Very pleasant again with but little wind.
11. Cloudy & lowering with the wind westerly but no Rain.
12. Very foggy Morning but clear afterwards.
13th. Clear & very warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
14. Much such a day as yesterday.
15. Clear, Calm & pleasant with but little Wind.
16. Very pleasant & clear with but very little Wind.
17. Just such a day as Yesterday.
18. Such a day as yesterday. Wind a little fresher from the Southward.
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19. Warm & pleasant with but little Wind. In the Eveng. a black Cloud with thunder & Lightning but little Rain.
20. Warm & pleasant in the Afternoon another black Cloud with Thunder--Lightning & Rain--which cleard away with a high No. West Wind.
21. Clear with the Wind high from the No. West all day.
22. Calm and pleasant being moderately Cool.
23. Clear, calm, and very Warm.
24. Exceeding warm with very little Wind and that Southerly.
25. Still Warm, but Cloudy with Rain at Night and the Wind Easterly.
26. Wind fresh from the same point with more or less Rain all day.
27. Much such a day as the preceeding one.
28. Not much unlike yesterday. Wind in the same Quarter now & then Raining.
29. Still lowering with the Wind Easterly.
30. Wind high from the Westward with squally Clouds & now then Rain.
31. Clear, & pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
Remarks & Occurs. in Octr.
Octr. 7. Finished getting and Securing my Fodder at the Ferry Plantn.
8. Turnd the Water into My Mill Race this day finishing cleansing it out.
10. Finishd Securing my Fodder at the Mill.
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12. Finished Do. at Muddy hole & Doeg Run.
13. Also finishd Do. in the Neck.
Where & how my time is Spent
Novr. 1st. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
2. Went to Williamsburg in Company with Captn. Crawford. Dined at Southalls & went to Mr. Baylor's Ball in the Evening.
In town GW lodged with Edward Charlton, while the rest of the family remained at Eltham (LEDGER B, 62; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK). John Baylor (1750--1808) was the eldest son of Col. John Baylor (1705--1772), of Newmarket, Caroline County (CAMPBELL [1], 218; MEADE [1], 2:464--65).
3. Breakfasted, Dined & Suppd at the Governors.
4. Dined at the Speakers and Supped at Mrs. Vobes.
Jane Vobe had changed her mind about leaving Williamsburg, and by February of this year had opened a tavern called the King's Arms, across the street from the Raleigh, in the house where John Carter had been living ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Feb. 1772). She remained in business there until about 1785.
In the council today was presented a petition that GW had prepared on behalf of himself and veterans of the Virginia Regiment, renewing his arguments for allowing the veterans more than 20 surveys for their 200,000 acres and asking the councillors "to direct in what manner Patents ought to issue for the Lands already surveyed." The latter business was postponed until 6 Nov., but the request for more surveys was rejected without further consideration (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:510, petition of GW and Virginia Regiment to Lord Dunmore and Virginia council, Oct. 1772, PPRF).
5. Dined with the Council. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
6. Took a Cold Cut at Southalls & went up to Colo. Bassetts.
On this day GW appeared before the council and presented a plan that he had devised for apportioning the 127,899 acres of veterans' bounty lands already surveyed. Although the council had set the quantity of each claimant's land the previous year, there remained the more complex problem of giving everyone equal quality of land. The council accepted GW's solution to the problem and authorized issuance of patents according to his plan. But
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before the council rose, GW promised that if objections about the equity of distribution were raised at a meeting of veterans scheduled for Fredericksburg on 23 Nov. or "any Reasonable time after," he would "give up all his Interest" in the 20,147 acres allotted as his share "and submit to such Regulations" as the council might think proper (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:513--14; FREEMAN, 3:298--300).
7. Busy with Captn. Crawford all day.
GW today paid Crawford £31 15s., the balance due to him from the veterans of the Virginia Regiment (LEDGER B, 36, 61).
8. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
9. Ditto--Ditto.
10. Rid up with Mr. Hill to Rockahock, & Plantations, in New Kent; & returnd, after Dining with Mrs. Chamberlayne, to Colo. Bassetts at Night. Mr. Custis went with me.
James Hill of King William County had become steward of the Custis estates on 17 Mar. of this year, succeeding Joseph Valentine, who had died 7 Dec. 1771 (agreement of GW with Hill, 17 Mar. 1772, MH). Although Hill was now living on some of the Custis land near Williamsburg, he retained his own plantation of about 640 acres in King William (William Dandridge to GW, 21 Dec. 1771, DLC:GW; LEE [3], 327).
11. Went with Mr. Custis over to Claibornes & returnd to Dinnr.
12. Went to Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington Mr. & Miss Custis lodged at Mrs. Amblers also dined there & spent the evening at Mrs. Vobes.
Although GW and Jacky stayed this night in Mrs. Ambler's house, they apparently lodged at Edward Charlton's place for the remainder of their visit, leaving the ladies to continue lodging with Mrs. Ambler (LEDGER B, 62; CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK; receipt from Edward Charlton, Nov. 1772, ViHi: Custis Papers).
13th. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went to a Ball at the Apollo [Room, Raleigh Tavern] in the Evening.
14. Dined with Mrs. Ambler & Spent the Evening at the Coffee House.
On 23 Jan. 1772 an anonymous advertisement appeared in Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette, informing the public that "PRIVATE LODGINGS may be had for seven or eight Gentlemen, during the Assembly, at the Coffeehouse,
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Washington's trips to Williamsburg included many visits to the Raleigh Tavern. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
near the Capitol." This coffeehouse is probably the one "in the main Street" that Mrs. Campbell had briefly occupied before moving to Waller Street and possibly the one that Richard Charlton had operated as a tavern during the late 1760s ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 16 May 1771; see main entries for 4 May 1768 and 2 May 1771). In the fall of 1774 John Webb of Halifax, N.G., advertised "For SALE That valuable and well situated Lot in Williamsburg where the Coffeehouse is now kept," but it apparently was not sold until 1777 or later ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 13 Oct. 1774 and P, 26 Sept. 1777).
15. Dined and Spent the Evening at the Speakers.
16. Dined at Mrs. Amblers & Spent the Evening there also after setting a while with Colo. Bassett at Mrs. Dawsons.
Among the expenses that GW recorded in his ledger under this date were 7s. 6d. for "seeing Wax work" and 11s. 6d. for a "Puppit Shew" (LEDGER B, 61).
17. Rid to the Plantations under Mr. Hill near Town & dined at Southalls.
18. In my own Room setling Mr. Hills Accts. all Dinner time--but spent the Evening at Anderson's.
19. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening in my own Room a writing.
20. Set out about two Clock for Colo. Bassetts.
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GW was obliged to leave Williamsburg today in order to be present in Fredericksburg for the meeting of the Virginia Regiment, scheduled three days later. He left with some reluctance, because he had not been able to finish his personal business in Williamsburg "by reason of the late coming in of the merchants" (GW to Charles M. Thruston, 12 Mar. 1773, DLC:GW; Va. Gaz., P&D, 12 Nov. 1772).
21. Left Colo. Bassetts on my return home. Dined at King William Court House and lodged at Mr. Hubbards.
22. Breakfasted at Hubbards, and reachd Fredericksburg about 4 Oclock. Lodgd at Colo. Lewis's.
23. At Fredericksburg--attending the Intended meeting of Officers at Captn. Weedens.
Besides GW, six officers were present or represented at this meeting. Learning of GW's recent actions on behalf of the veterans, they warmly thanked him for his efforts and approved his distribution of the surveyed lands as an equitable one. He should, they recommended, be excused from his offer to sacrifice his own bounty lands in case of a redivision (resolves and statement of officers of the Virginia Regiment, 23 Nov. 1772, H. Bartholomew Cox). The council considered this recommendation on 9 Dec. and agreed that if no complaints were received by June, GW would be released from his promise (VA. EXEC. JLS., 6:516; FREEMAN, 3:302--3).
24. On the same business all day and at the same place.
25. Still in Fredericksburg.
26. Rid over the River to my Plantation's & examind the Land at the upper place.
All of the "tillable & Pasture Land" of the Ferry Farm had now been let by Fielding Lewis to James Hunter, Sr., and William Fitzhugh, both of whom had quarters adjoining the Ferry Farm (GW to Hugh Mercer, 11 April 1774, DLC:GW).
27. Set of from Fredericksburg & reachd Colo. Henry Lees where we lodged.
GW today recorded paying his mother £15 cash in the presence of his sister Betty (LEDGER B, 45, 62).
28. Stayed at Colo. Lees all day.
29. Reachd home to Dinner.
30. At home all day--writing.
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Acct. of the Weather in Novr.
Novr. 1. Clear, very Warm, & but little wind--that Southerly.
2. Clear & warm in the forenoon with Rain in the Afternoon, after which clear & Cool.
3. Clear & pleasant, being somewhat cool Wind Westerly.
4. Rather Warmer than Yesterday with some appearances of Rain.
5. Very Cool Wind fresh from the Westward & clear.
6. Clear, but not so cool as yesterday. Evening a little lowerg.
7. Lowering all day, with a little Rain now and then.
8. Still lowering in the forenoon & warm--clear afterwards.
9. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
10. Clear and Pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
11. Wind Easterly & pretty fresh in the forenoon but calm & warm also clear in the forenoon.
12. Clear & warm in the forenoon but cool, cloudy & a good deal of Rain afterwards with high So. Westerly Winds.
13. A little Rain, with flying Clouds & high Wind from the Westward.
14th. Clear & somewhat Cool Wind still pretty fresh from the same quarter.
15. Cold & raw wind getting to the Northwest.
16. Very Cold, with appearances of falling Weather, wind at Northwest.
17. Wind fresh from the same Point and very cold but clear.
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18. Very hard frost, but pleasant afterwards, with the Wind moderate, & more Southerly.
19. Very pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
20. Pleasant forenoon & clear after the fog broke away which was very heavy.
21. Foggy Morning, but clear and pleasant afterwards.
22. Cloudy, with Rain more or less all day.
23. Much such a day as yesterday Wind being at No. Et. all day.
24. Weather as the day before but the Rain rather more constt.
25. Still Raining more or less Wind in the same Quarter.
26. Clear Morning but Cloudy and unsettled afterwards.
27. Clear and very pleasant with but little Wind.
28. Remarkably pleasant & Calm in the forenoon--but lowering before Sunset, with the Wind spring[ing] up fresh from South, & Shifting more Easterly. In the Night blew a mere hurricane & was attended by a good deal of Rain.
29. Clear after the Morning with the Wind high--from the South & West.
30. Windy and Cold.
Where & how my time is Spent
Decr. 1st. At home all day a Writing to Williamsburg.
Most of GW's two days of writing was in regard to the bounty lands, including his final reports sent to the council in Williamsburg.
2. At home all day. Messrs. Dulany & Tilghman came at Dinner time, & stayd all Night.
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3. Went a Fox hunting, found one in Mr. G. Alexanders Pocoson & killd it after 3 hours chase. In the Afternoon Mr. B. Fairfax and Mr. Wagener came here.
4. Went a hunting again but found nothing. Mr. Wagener & Messrs. Tilghman & Dulany went home in the Afternoon.
5. Went a hunting with Mr. Fairfax. Found a Fox between Edd. William's & Johnsons which we lost after a Chase of two hours.
Edward Williams became GW's tenant in 1760 when GW bought the Clifton's Neck land. Williams was still there in 1786, when he was listed for tax purposes as having 12 whites and no blacks (LEDGER A, 113; LEDGER B, 19; HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 17).
6. Mr. Fairfax went away after breakfast, & Mr. Jno. Fitzhugh of Marmion came in the Afternoon.
JNO. FITZHUGH OF MARMION: possibly the son of William Fitzhugh (1725--1791) of Marmion in the old Chotank neighborhood. Another John Fitzhugh, son of Maj. John Fitzhugh (d. 1733) of Marmion, had died earlier in the year.
7. Mr. Fitzhugh went away abt. 12 Oclock. I rid to the Ferry Plantation before Dinner.
8. Rid over Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill Plantations before Dinner. In the Eveng. my Brothrs. Jno. g: Chas. & Mr. Jno. Smith came.
John Smith is probably John Smith (1750--1836), son of John Smith of Cabin Point. By this time the elder Smith's lands, Fleets Bay plantation in Northumberland County and a large tract in Gloucester County, had been sold to satisfy the enormous debts of his estate, and in 1773 young John, with his brother Edward Smith (1752--1826), moved to Frederick County, settling near Winchester ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 6 Aug. 1772; TYLER [2], 95--100).
9. Went into the Neck abt. 11 Oclock a fox hunting. Touchd the Drag where we found the last but did not move the Fox.
10. At home all day.
11. My Brothr. Jno. set of homewards Mr. Smith to Frederick. I accompanied him as far as Alexa. from whence I returnd in the Afternoon--Mr. Dulany--Doctr. Brown & Mr. Brown with me.
12. Doctr. Brown went away abt. 12 Oclock & Mr. Brown after Dinner.
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13. My Brother Chas. returnd home very Early this Morning and Mr. Dulany went up to Alexa. after Breakfast.
14. Went into the Neck on foot crossing the Creek with a Gun. Captn. McCarty & his Bro. Thadeus, & a Dutch Minister Dined here.
Thaddeus McCarty (c.1737--1812), of Loudoun County, was the youngest of the three sons of Denis and Sarah Ball McCarty of Cedar Grove, and hence a brother of GW's neighbor Capt. Daniel McCarty. Thaddeus married Sarah Elizabeth Richardson in 1768.
15. Went a Hunting & found two Foxes both of which were killd, but only one got, the Dogs running out of hearg. with the 2d.; found these Foxes on the Hills by Isaac Gates's.
The Isaac Gates family lived southwest of Mount Vernon. Gates occasionally used the services of GW's blacksmith and weavers, paying for them with chickens and eggs. In 1782 he was listed for tax purposes as having six whites and no blacks (DIARIES, 2:89, n.1; LEDGER A, 87; HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 18).
16. Mr. Val. Crawford who came yesterday went away this day. At home all day.
17. Govr. Eden & Mr. Custis came here to Dinner & Mr. Geo. Digges after Dinner.
18. Mr. Boucher, his Wife & Sister came to Dinner.
GW means Boucher's unmarried sister Jane (1742--1794), who lived in her brother's household (BOUCHER [1],200).
19. Mr. William Digges & his four Daughters came as also a Mr. B. Buckner who hot. Flour of me.
William Digges's will written in 1780 mentions four daughters: Theresa, Ann, Jane, and Elizabeth. Two other daughters are known: Susannah who died young and Mary who died single (BOWIE, 255; RAMSBURGH, 130--31). Baldwin Mathews Buckner (d. 1778) and his brother John Buckner (d. 1790), both of Gloucester County, were in partnership in the West Indies trade. Their younger brother Mordecai Buckner of Spotsylvania County, had served under GW in the Virginia Regiment (LEDGER B, 65; BUCKNERS, 154--58).
20. All the above Company here all day.
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21. The whole went over to Mr. Digges's. Mrs. Washington, myself &ca. went with them & stayd all Night.
Today William Shaw inspected 300 barrels of flour for GW and was credited with £1 17s. 6d. in fees (LEDGER B, 58).
22. Returnd home early in the Morning, & went up to Alexa. to Court. Came back in the Aftern.
The court met 21--22 Dec., but GW was not recorded present. On the previous day the justices had registered GW's brand for his flour, "G: WASHINGTON," in accordance with the act passed during the last session of the assembly (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 158--65, Vi Microfilm; see main entry for 3 April 1772).
23. Went a Hunting but found nothing. In the Evening Colo. Fairfax came.
On this day Baldwin Buckner, on behalf of himself and his brother John, contracted with GW to buy 300 barrels of "Superfine Flour & Cask" for £300 13s., to be paid the following April at the meeting of merchants in Williamsburg (LEDGER B, 65).
24. At home all day. After breakfast Mr. Buckner went away as Colo. Fairfax did after Dinr.
25. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner. Found Mr. Tilghman here.
26th. At home all day with Mr. Tilghman.
27. At home all day. Mr. Tilghman went away after Breakfast.
28. Went out a hunting. Found a fox back of Captn. Darrells & killd it. Doctr. Rumney & a Lieutt. Winslow Dind here the former stayd all Night.
29. Doctr. Rumney stayd all day & Night. To Dinner Came Mr. Wren, Mr. Cart, & Mr. Addison the former of whom went away.
Mr. Wren is probably James Wren (d. 1808) of Fairfax County, who supplied the building plans for Pohick Church (SLAUGHTER [1], 70). Mr. Carr is probably either Overton Carr or his father, John Carr (1706--1778), of Bear Castle, Louisa County. Mr. Addison may be Rev. Henry Addison or any one of the three sons of his brother John Addison (1713--1764) of Oxon Hill: Thomas, John, or Anthony Addison.
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30. Went a Hunting but found nothing. Messrs. Addison & Carr dining here--as did Mr. Manley.
31. Mr. Magowan came here Yesterday in the Afternoon & this day with Messrs. Carr & Addison went up after Dinner to Alexa.
Acct. of the Weather in Dec.
Decr. 1st. Cloudy & like for Falling weather; being also Cold.
2. Clear in the forenoon but Cloudy & cold afterwards.
3. Clear & calm in the forenoon but Wind fresh from the Northward abt. Midday--which died away in the Afternoon.
4. Clear and Calm in the Morning, but Winday afterwards from the Northwest.
5. Calm & Cold Morning, & very Cold day. Wind hard from the Northwest.
6. Very like for Snow in the Morning with the Wind at South. Afternoon clear but still Cold.
7. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
8. Clear & warm with the Wind in the same Quarter.
9. The forenoon quite calm, warm & pleasant. Afternoon a little more Windy from the Southward.
10. Much such a day as yesterday being very pleasant.
11. Very pleasant, but somewhat Cooler. Wind Northwardly.
12. Clear, Calm, & very pleasant.
13. Wind pretty fresh from the Southwest & very lowering.
14. Clear and very pleasant, with little or no wind & that Southerly.
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15. Tolerably, but a little Cloudy in the forenoon & calm, wind fresh from the Eastward in the Afternoon with Rain all Nig[ht].
16. Raining in the forenoon but clear afterwards & pleasant.
17. Very pleasant, being Mild and little Wind.
18. Wind Eastwardly & Raining more or less all day.
19. Misting Raining, & Foggy all day with but little Wind.
20. Much such a day as yesterday, but not quite so wet & bad.
21. Exceeding pleasant with but little Wind from the Southwd. & Clear.
22. Wind Southerly and pleasant, being clear.
23. Wind pretty fresh from the Northwest but not Cold.
24. But little Wind, & that Easterly with Rain more or less all Day.
25. Moderate, & tolerably clear in the forenoon. Afternoon Lowering with a good deal of Rain in the Night.
26. More or less Rain all day with the Wind Easterly.
27. Raining this day also with variable Winds which sometimes was pretty fresh from the No. West.
28. Calm and very pleasant Morning. Wind pretty fresh from the So. West afterwards.
29. Clear, Calm, & pleasant all day with but little Wind.
30. Calm and pleasant in the Morning. A good deal of Wind from the Westward afterwards.
31. Calm, Clear, & pleasant all day.
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The following is the opinion of the late Lord Chanceller Cambden, and Chanceller York, on Titles derivd by the Kings Subjects from the Indians or Natives.
"In respect to such places as have been, or shall be acquired by Treaty or Grant from any of the Indian Princes, or Governments, your Majestys Letters Patents are not necessary, the Property of the Soil, vesting in the Grantee by the Indian Grants, Subject only to your Majestys Right of Sovereignty over the Settlements, and over the Inhabitants as English Subjects who carry with them, your Majestys Laws wherever they form Colonies, and receive your Majestys Protection, by Virtue of your Royal Chartres."
OPINION OF THE LATE LORD CHANCELLOR CAMBDEN: In 1757 the East India Company had requested an opinion from Charles Pratt, first Earl Camden, and Charles Yorke, two prominent English jurists, on the validity of land grants acquired in India from native rulers. The Camden-Yorke opinion, upholding the validity of such grants, was clearly intended to apply only to company grants in India. In 1772, however, the opinion was resurrected by agents of the Vandalia Company and bowdlerized versions, such as the one quoted here by GW, were widely circulated in America to give substance to the claims of land speculators that purchases from Indian tribes were valid without sanction from the crown (LIVERMORE, 106--7; ABERNETHY, 116).
Sales of the Pews in Alexandria Church--to whom--&ca.
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The new church at Alexandria was formally presented to the Fairfax vestry on 27 Feb. 1773 (POWELL, 87). By that date GW had paid the £36 10s. for his pew, and all of the pews were ready for use. But he was disturbed to learn that some of the vestrymen were proposing to refund the purchasers' money and reclaim the pews as the common property of the parish, paying for them by a general tax on the parishioners. Such action, GW wrote to vestryman John Dalton on 15 Feb. 1773, would be "repugnant . . . to every Idea I entertain of justice . . . and the right of reclaiming the Pews by the Vestry . . . I most clearly deny; therefore, as a Parishioner who is to be sadled with the extra charge of the Subscription Money I protest agt. the Measure. As a Subscriber who meant to lay the foundn. of a Family Pew in the New Church I shall think myself Injurd" (DLC:GW). According to the vestry book, GW was not officially sold a pew in the church until April 1785 (FREEMAN, 6:3, n.11).
The Camden-Yorke opinion and the list of pews in the church in Alexandria are written in the front inside cover of GW's 1773 almanac.
TOWNSD. DADE: There were at least five Townshend Dades living at this time and their genealogies appear to be hopelessly confused and contradictory. This is probably Townshend Dade (d. 1781), the father of Rev. Townshend Dade, Jr., (b. ca. 1748), minister of Fairfax Parish from 1765 to 1778.
Where & how my time is Spent
Jany. 1st. Dined at Belvoir and returnd in the Afternoon. Found Mr. Grafton Dulany, Mr. Ben. Gallaway, Mr. Sam Hanson & Mr. Magowan and Doctr. Rumney here.
Grafton Dulany, son of Mary Grafton and Walter Dulany, the commissary general for Maryland, was a student at Jonathan Boucher's school in Annapolis. He became a Loyalist in the Revolution and served with the Maryland Loyalist Battalion in Florida, where he died in 1778 (LAND, 325). Benjamin Galloway, son of Samuel Galloway of Tulip Hill, Anne Arundel County, Md., lived at Hagerstown, Md. Samuel Hanson, son of Samuel Hanson of Green Hill (b. 1719) and Ann Hawkins Hanson, usually called himself Samuel Hanson of Samuel, in order to distinguish himself from several cousins of the same name. He may have been a student at Boucher's school with Jacky Custis and Grafton Dulany.
2. Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast. Lord Sterling Captn. Foy with Colo. Fairfax came to Dinner. The latter went away afterwards. The other Gentlemen stayd.
Capt. Edward Foy was secretary to Lord Dunmore. William Alexander (1726--1783) of New Jersey called himself Lord Stirling, although his claim to a Scottish earldom was disallowed by the House of Commons. He had served as aide and secretary to Gov. William Shirley of Massachusetts during the French and Indian War, and in the coming Revolution he was to serve
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throughout the war as a major general in the Continental Army. Stirling was a man of wealth and social prominence, but for several years he had overextended himself and was currently attempting to solve his financial difficulties by holding a lottery. It was to promote this "Delaware Lottery" that he visited Mount Vernon. He put 60 tickets into GW's hands, 6 of which GW kept himself, 12 were given to Walter Magowan to sell, and 42 were sent, by Stirling's instructions, to James Cocke, mayor of Williamsburg (LEDGER B, 83). The venture, however, was a failure, and Stirling eventually refunded the money to those who had bought tickets. George William Fairfax had written GW earlier to make arrangements for Stirling's and Foy's visit (GW to Fairfax, 19 Jan. 1773, DLC:GW).
3. In the Afternoon Mr. Ben Dulany came here. The other Gentlemen continued all day here.
4. Lord Sterling & Captn. Foy set out after Breakfast for the Northward thro Alexa. to which place I accompanied them. The two Dulanys & Mr. Hanson allso went away after Breakfast.
5. Mr. Gallaway went away. Mr. Magowan & I went a Hunting. Found a fox on Ackatinck just by Lawson Parkers and lost it. In the Afternoon Mr. Dulany came.
Lawson Parker was listed as head of a household of six whites in Fairfax County in 1782 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 18). His wife, Mrs. Dorcas (or Dorchas) Parker, sometimes acted as a midwife to GW's slaves (LEDGER B, 91, 149, 156).
6. The 4 Mr. Digges's came to Dinner also Colo. Fairfax, Colo. Burwell Messrs. Tilghman, Brown, Piper, Adam, Muir, Herbert, Peake, and Doctr. Rumney all of whom stay'd all Night except Mr. Peake.
The four Mr. Diggeses were probably Ignatius Digges of Melwood, William Digges of Warburton, and William's two sons, George and Dr. Joseph Digges. Mr. Brown may be Bennett Browne (Brown), who had business dealings with James Tilghman, Jr., of Alexandria (LEDGER B, 79). There was a merchant of this name in Urbanna, near the Rappahannock River ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 9 June 1775). William Herbert (1743--1818), merchant of Alexandria, emigrated from Ireland to Virginia c.1770. Herbert married Sarah Carlyle, eldest daughter of John Carlyle by his first wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle.
The large host of dinner and house guests who descended upon Mount Vernon this day may have been celebrating Twelfth Night and Twelfth Day.
7. All the above Company went away before Dinner except Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Magowan who both went afterwards.
8. I rid to Muddy hole, & into the Neck before Dinner. Captn. McCarty Dined here, & Mr. Magowan lodged.
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9. Mr. Magowan returnd to Maryland. I went a Hunting. Found a Fox near Timber Landing & lost it near Mrs. French's.
Penelope French's home, Rose Hill, was on the Fairfax Rolling Road, or Back Road, between the upper reaches of Dogue Run and Pike Branch (STETSON [1], 102).
10. At home all day. Mr. Geo. Digges Messrs. David & Chas. Stewart--Mr. Danl. Carrol Junr. & Mr. Richmond dind & lodged here.
Charles Steuart (1750--1802) and David Steuart (1751--1814) were sons of Dr. George Steuart, of Annapolis, and Ann Digges Steuart. Charles later married Benedict Calvert's oldest daughter, Elizabeth. Daniel Carroll, Jr. (d. 1790), was the son of Commissioner Daniel Carroll (1730--1796) of Rock Creek, in Frederick County, Md., and his wife, Elizabeth Carroll of Duddington. In 1776 he married Elizabeth Digges (1753--1845), daughter of William Digges of Warburton.
Mr. Richmond is probably Christopher Richmond of Maryland, who in 1785 was a member of the Potomac Company. He was also at that time auditor of Maryland.
11. Went a Hunting with the above Gentlemen. Found a Fox by Gilbt. Simpsons & killd him by Mrs. Frenchs. Mr. P. Pendleton & Mr. M. Campbell dined & lodgd here the others went away.
Philip Pendleton either no longer wanted or could not afford the parcel of land near Bullskin Run that GW had agreed to sell him 6 June 1771, because about this time he transferred his right to buy it to GW's brother Samuel (LEDGER B, 22, 36). Pendleton had not paid any part of the purchase price or the interest due, and Samuel would prove to be too impoverished to pay. Reluctant to press his brother on the matter, GW eventually allowed Samuel to keep the land and wrote off the debt (GW to David Stuart, 21 Sept. 1794, PHi: Dreer Collection).
12. At home all day, Mr. Peake dind here, who with Mr. Campbell went away afterwards.
13. Went into the Neck in the forenoon to lay of a Fence at Hallerys.
HALLERYS: GW probably means Samuel Halley (Haley), who had married John Sheridine's (d. 1768) widow, Barberry. Halley and his wife still lived in Clifton's Neck on the land her father-in-law, John Sheridine of Charles County, Md., rented from GW.
14. Mr. Pendleton went away after Breakfast. I rid up to Alexandria. Dind with Mr. Robt. Adam & returnd.
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15. Rid to the Ferry, Mill, & Mill Plantation before Dinner writing afterwards.
16. Rid into the Neck, to the Mill and Muddy hole.
17. At home all day alone. Mrs. Barnes went up to Alexandria.
18. At home all day alone.
19. At home all day alone.
20. At home all day alone.
21. Ditto. Ditto. In the Afternoon Doctr. Rumney came & stayd all Night.
22. At Home all day, Doctr. Rumney continuing here.
23. Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast. I went by the Mill to Doeg Run Plantation to lay of a fence there. Returnd to Dinner--Abedo. Adams here.
24. At home all day alone.
25. Went a hunting, & found a Fox upon the Hills by Edd. Wathings which run near 4 hours & was either killd or treed--but the wind blewing fresh we were thrown out & coud only judge from Circumstances. Came home to Dinner & found Doctr. Rumney here who stayd all Night.
Edward Wathing (Wathen) made shoes at various times for GW's slaves and in return had work done at GW's blacksmith shop (LEDGER B, 77).
26. Doctr. Rumney continued here all day. In the forenoon I rid to the Mill & returnd to Dinnr.
27. At home all day Doctr. Rumney continuing here this day also.
28. After breakfast Doctr. Rumney returning home I rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, Mill, & Ferry Plantations.
29. At home all day alone.
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30. Went a Fox hunting with Lund Washington. Took the drag of a Fox by Isaac Gates, & carrd. it tolerably well to the old Glebe then touchd now & then upon a Cold Scent till we came into Colo. Fairfax's Neck where we found about half after three upon the Hills just above Accotinck Creek. After running till quite Dark took of the Dogs & came home.
The old glebe was located on the Colchester-Alexandria road, along a branch of Accotink Creek. The 300-acre tract was bought from John Heryford in 1734 as a glebe for Truro Parish and in 1737 the vestry contracted for the building of a mansion house on the land. In 1752, however, the vestry sold this land and instead bought an adjoining tract of 176 acres from Rev. Charles Green to use as its new glebe (SLAUGHTER [1], 12, 29; Fairfax County Deeds, Book C-1, 362--63, Vi Microfilm).
Fairfax's Neck, or Belvoir Neck, was the neck of land between Dogue and Accotink creeks, where Belvoir was located.
31. At home all day alone.
Account of the Weathr. in Jan.
Jany. [1.] Calm, clear, & exceeding pleasant.
2. Calm & very pleasant in the Forenoon with Wind, Clouds, & Rain from the Southward & Eastward in the Afternoon.
3. Clear with the Wind pretty fresh first from the Southwest, & then from the Northwest. But neither Cold nor frosty.
4. A little Cool, but not frozen in the Morning. Clear, calm & pleasant afterwards.
5. Ground not frozen. Morning Cloudy & Calm--clear and Windy, but not cold afterwds.
6. Remarkable White frost, but Calm, clear and pleasant afterwards till the Evening when it clouded up & began to Rain.
7. Misty Morning but clear afterwards, with the Wind fresh from the South.
8. No Frost. Calm in the Forenoon Windy from the Westward afterwds. clear all day.
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9. Very white frost & ground pretty hard froze. Wind after 10 Oclock fresh from the Southward.
10th. Lowering Morning. Clear Midday & Raining in the Evening with but little Wind & that Southerly.
11. Ground a little frozen. Clear & Calm day.
12. Wind fresh from the So. Wt. in the forenoon. Then shifting to the No. West blew hard but moderated towards Night. Clear all D[ay].
13. Lowering Morning & very like for Snow--ground hard froze. Afterwards clear. Wind South.
14. Raining more or less all day. Wind Easterly. Ground froze.
15. Ground froze--day clear & Cold. Wind very hard from the No. West.
16. Ground very hard froze--but calm and moderate after the Morning.
17. Wind Shifting to the No. West in the Night it turnd exceeding cold froze the ground very hard & shut up the Creeks. Thawd very little all day.
18. Very piercing. The River allmost froze over but opend with the Wind wch. contd. Northerly thawd none.
19. More moderate; the Wind getting Southerly but thawd little--lowering in the Evening.
20. A Sleet till the Afternoon, with the wind (tho not much of it) at No. East. After that thawing and foggy--quite Calm.
21. A little Snow in the Night--ground about an Inch thick in the Morning. Variable Weather in the forenoon but clear afterwards with the Wind No. of West but neitr, hard nor cold.
22. Ground hard froze, fore part of the day Cold, Wind at No. West. Latter part calm, clear and more moderate.
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23. Ground very hard froze again and day variable--sometimes threatning snow--then promising to be fair and warm. Wind for the Most part Easterly but not much of it.
24. Ground very hard frozen. But little wind all day & that Easterly; with Rain now and then all the Afternoon. Evening moderate.
25. Ground froze again, but afterwards thawd--notwithstanding the Wind blew fresh from No. West till the Eveng.--clear all day.
26. Wind Southerly, & day moderate, but cloudy and lowering.
27. Raining very slow, and moderately all the forenoon, and ceasd about Noon. No wind all day, and Warm. No frost in the Morning it beginning to Rain in the Night.
28. No Frost. Very warm all day. Wind blew very fresh from the Southward which veer'd round to the Northwest before Morning & turnd very cold.
29. Exceeding cold--ground very hard froze & the Wind blowing very hard from the Northwest till the Evening when it lulld.
30. Ground very hard froze & thin Ice almost over the whole River. Day moderate with but little Wind & that Southerly.
31. Wind Southerly, all day & towards the Evening fresh. Cloudy more or less all the day.
Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent
Feby. 1. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Bryan Fairfax came here & Stayd all Night--as did three Travellers going to Maryland.
2. Mr. Fairfax & I went out with the hounds. Touchd upon the Drag of the Run[nin]g Fox upon the Hills just above Wathings but it being cold, as the day also was, we took the Dogs of and came home.
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3. Went out again and touchd upon a Fox upon the Hills by Gates's & found another in Colo. Fairfax's Neck abt. 2 Oclock which was killd after an hours chace. This Fox was found upon the Hills.
4. At home all day with Mr. Fairfax.
5. Mr. Fairfax went away. I continued in the House all day a Writing.
6. Rid into the Neck, and taking the Hounds with me, after being at the Plantns. found a fox between the two which was killd in ¾ of an hour.
7. At home all day alone.
8. Doctr. Rumney came to Dinr. and stayd all Night. I contd. at home all day.
9th. Doctr. Rumney continued all day, & Night. After an early Dinner I set of to Mr. Robt. Alexanders upon Fox hunting Party & in the Afternoon, Young Mr. Danl. Dulany Revd. Mr. Montgomerie, Mr. Tilghman & Jno. Custis came here & stayd all [night].
This Daniel Dulany (1750--1824) was called Daniel Jr. or Daniel III and was the son of Daniel Dulany the younger (1722--1797) and Rebecca Tasker Dulany of Hunting Ridge near Baltimore. He was educated in England and returned to Maryland about 1770, where he began to practice law in his father's Annapolis office. Having strong Loyalist feelings, Dulany left Maryland for England on 17 July 1775. There he remained for the rest of his life, except for a brief visit to America in 1785. His property in Maryland was confiscated (LAND, 192, 309--65).
John Montgomery was at this time minister at St. Anne's, sometimes called Middle Neck, Parish in Anne Arundel County, Md. During the Revolution he and his wife, Margaret Dulany Montgomery, daughter of Walter and Mary Grafton Dulany, fled to England.
This whole party of young people was undoubtedly on its way to Benjamin Dulany's wedding, which took place on 10 Feb. at the bride's home, Rose Hill, near Mount Vernon. A newspaper announced the marriage of "Benjamin Dulany, Esquire, of Maryland, to Miss FRENCH, of Fairfax county, with a fortune of twenty thousand pounds" ( Va. Gaz., R, 11 Mar. 1773).
10. Found a Fox in Mr. Phil. Alexanders Island which was lost after a chase of 7 hour's.
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Philip Alexander (d. 1790) lived on an island in the Potomac River which was part of the 904 acres left him by his father, Gerard Alexander (Fairfax County Wills, Book B-1, 327, Vi Microfilm). The island, just north of Four Mile Run, contained 302 acres (STETSON [1], facing p. 10). Commonly called Alexander's Island, it had earlier been known as Holmes Island.
11. Found a fox in the same place again which was killd at the end of 6 hours after wch. I came home & found Mr. Dulany & Mr. Custis here.
12. At home all day Mr. Dulany continuing here.
13. Still at home. Mr. Dulany & Mr. Custis went to Mrs. Frenchs after Breakfast.
The two young men undoubtedly went to visit young Daniel Dulany's brother Ben and his new bride.
14. At home all day alone.
15. Went up to Court, & returnd again in the Afternoon.
The Fairfax court met on 15 and 16 Feb. and GW attended both days, although he arrived late on the second day (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 166--71, Vi Microfilm).
16. Went up again this day also and returnd in the Afternoon.
17. Went to Colo. Fairfax's to Dinner and returnd again in the afternoon.
18. At home alone all day except one William Thompson's coming abt. a Lott of Land in Fauquier.
From 1772 to 1775 William Thompson rented 115 acres of land in Fauquier County from GW for £4 a year (LEDGER B, 73). This may be the man who visited Mount Vernon with Charles Washington on 17 Feb. 1771.
19th. Rid to the Ferry, Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantations before Dinner; at home alone afterwards.
20. Rid in the Forenoon to the Mill & Mill Plantation. Mr. Thomas Hite, & Mr. Wm. Shaw dind here, & went away after it.
Thomas Hite (1750--1779) son of Jacob Hite (d. 1778) and his first wife, Catherine O'Bannion Hite, lived in Berkeley County, Va. He was a justice of the county and a member of the House of Burgesses and later the House of Delegates until his death. In 1776 Hite was one of the trustees for the new
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town of Warm Springs in Berkeley County. He was married to his stepsister, Frances Madison Beale (DU BELLET, 4:336--50; Tyler's Mag., 3:49--50). In 1770 GW had been involved in a legal dispute with Hite (William Grayson to GW, 23 Sept. 1770, PHi: Gratz Collection).
Shaw had inspected 200 barrels of flour for GW on 16 Jan. and 137 on 10 Feb. for fees totaling £2 2s. 1½d. (LEDGER B, 58).
21. At home all day. Mr. Hoops & a Mr. Warton calld here but would not stay dinner--taking a Cut before it.
MR. WARTON: probably a member of the prominent Wharton family of Philadelphia.
A CUT: a lunch or snack.
22. At home all day alone.
23. At home this day also alone.
24. Rid to the Ferry--Mill--Mill Plantn. Doeg Run & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon Mr. Bryan Fairfax & Mr. Robt. Alexander came here.
25. Went a hunting with those Gentlemen, & being joind by the two Mr. Triplets, Mr. Manley, & Mr. Peake all came here to Dinner & Mr. Thos. Triplet stayd all Night. Found a Fox in this Neck but did not kill it.
26. Went a Hunting again with the above Company. Found a Fox in Colo. Fairfax's Neck with part of the Dogs but believe it was not killd. Found Mr. Tilghman here upon our return at Night.
27. Mr. Fairfax--Mr. Tilghman & Mr. Alexander went away after Breakfast. I contind. at home all day alone.
28. At home all day. About Noon Mr. Francis Willis--Mr. Warnr. Washington & my Brothr. Saml. came here.
Acct. of the Weather in Feby.
Feby. 1. Wind shifting in the Night to the No. West blew fresh & turnd Cold especially towards Night.
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2. Ground very hard froze, & River quite shut up. Day somewhat more moderate Wind not blowing hard but coming still from the same Point.
3. Ground very hard froze which thawd but little being Cloudy & like for falling weather all day--with the wind what little there was of it Southerly.
4. Raining more or less all day. Calm all the forenoon. In the Afternoon the wind came out from the No. & No. East.
5. Cloudy Morning with some Snow which had slightly coverd the Ground. More or less Cloudy till the Evening with the Wind at No. West--but not hard.
6. Ground froze in the Morning, but thawd afterwards, being Warm, Calm & pleasant.
7. Ground not froze--day warm & Pleasant till the Evening when the wind coming out from the No. Wt. blew violently, & turnd Cold.
8. Ground very hard froze. Forepart of the day cold & high Wind from the No. Wt. Latter part Calm, & more moderate.
9. Ground froze--but wind getting Southerly it presently turnd warm & thawing.
10. Ground not froze. The day very pleasant till the Evening when the Wind shifted to the No. West & began to freeze.
11. Ground froze again, but the Wind soon getting Southerly it turnd very pleasant.
12. Open Morning, & abt. 9 Oclock perfectly calm. Soon after wch. the Wind came out hard from the No. West and Shifted to the Southwest.
13. Ground hard froze--day Cold. Wind at No. West and fresh.
14. Cold Morning, but more moderate afterwards--being Calm & clear. Grd. hard froze.
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15. Wind, what little there was of it Southerly--day pleasant but ground froze notwithstanding.
16. Very pleasant, clear, & but little Wind which blew from the Southward.
17. Ground a little froze, but soon thawd. Wind however pretty fresh from the No. Wt. in the forenoon but calm afterwards & lowering.
18. Snow about 2 Inches Deep, or more, with the Wind pretty cool from the Northward. Afternoon Calm.
19. Clear and Cool, tho the wind was Southerly--blowing pretty fresh.
20. Clear but not very warm. Wind fresh from the So. West and weather variable. Snow for the most part gone.
21. Wind coming out hard from the No. West in the Night it froze exceedingly & the day very cold Wind continuing fresh from the same Point.
22. Last Night colder by odds than any this year--froze over the River, & every thing in the Cellars; day continuing very Cold--wind still at No. West but not fresh.
23. Weather somewhat more moderate--but still Cold, Wind continuing at No. West & North.
24. Quite calm, clear, and pleasant; Ground which had been froze exceeding hard thawd a little at Top.
25. Day quite Calm, & Cloudy, yet thawing a little--ground being very hard froze in the Morning.
26. A thick fog, or Mist, which continued without Wind & being Cold till the Evening when it set in to Raining.
27. A Good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Morning Misting and day Cloudy--with the Wind at No. West but neither hard nor Cold. Afternoon quite clear & perfectly Calm.
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28. Clear, & remarkably pleasant with the Wind fresh from the Southwest.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent.
March 1st. At home all day--in Company with Mr. Willis, Mr. Warner Washington & my Bro. Saml.
2. Set of for Williamsburg abt. 8 Oclock. Dined at Portobacco & Lodged at Laidlers.
Governor Dunmore had summoned the General Assembly to meet in Williamsburg beginning 4 Mar. to deal with problems resulting from a flood of bogus money that had been loosed on the colony by a counterfeiting ring in Pittsylvania County (H.B.J., 1773--76, 6--7; FREEMAN, 3:309--11).
3. Breakfasted at Port Royal, & Supped and Lodged at Todds Bridge.
In Port Royal, GW patronized the tavern run by William Buckner (LEDGER B, 82; CAMPBELL [1], 219, 413).
4. Dined at Doncastles, and got to Williamsburg abt. half an hour by Sun. Lodgd at Mr. Charltons, spending the Eveng. in my own Room alone.
In Dec. 1775 Thomas Doncastle described his tavern as "the noted and well accustomed TAVERN in James City County, about 15 Miles from Williamsburg, on the main Road from said City to New Kent Courthouse, Ruffin's Ferry, and the Brickhouse Ferry" ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 30 Dec. 1775). GW today used Ruffin's ferry to cross the Pamunkey River (LEDGER B, 82).
5. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening there also.
In the House of Burgesses today, GW was appointed to the standing committee of privileges and elections (H.B.J., 1773--76, 10).
6. Dined at the Treasurers & Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's.
7. Dined at the Governors and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
GW and Governor Dunmore were planning a trip sometime in the summer to inspect western lands in the Ohio Valley (FREEMAN, 3:317). The House of Burgesses did not meet today, Sunday (H.B.J., 1773--76, 13).
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8. Dined, and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
9. Dined at the Attorneys and Spent the Evening in my own Room Writing.
10th. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and Spent the Evening there also.
11. Dined and Spent the Evening in the Club Room at Mrs. Campbells.
12. Did the same.
After passing an act authorizing new treasury notes to replace the colony's current compromised ones, the House of Burgesses today turned its attention to what it perceived as increasing British encroachments upon both English liberty and colonial rights (H.B.J., 1773--76, 26--28). A group of younger burgesses, including Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee, proposed that the house create a committee of correspondence, whose "first measure would be to propose a meeting of deputies from every colony at some central place," as Jefferson later recalled (JEFFERSON [2], 1:8). Sitting as a committee of the whole house, the burgesses drafted a resolution authorizing and appointing an 11-member committee of correspondence and then passed it in open session without dissent (H.B.J., 1773--76, 28). GW was not a member of the committee of correspondence.
13. Dined no where but reachd Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon on my return home.
On this Saturday the burgesses passed an act making it a felony to counterfeit paper money of other British colonies, but the General Assembly did not finish its business until the following Monday, when it was prorogued by the governor (H.B.J., 1773--76, 31--36; HENING, 8:651--52).
14. Set off about 10 Oclock. Dind at King William Court House and lodgd at Todds Bridge.
15. Breakfasted at Port Royal about 12 Oclock, and lodgd at Mr. Lawe. Washingtons.
16. Breakfasted in Port Tobacco & reachd home abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon.
17. At home all day alone.
18. Ditto--Ditto. Except Riding to Muddy hole & the Plantation in the Neck & to sheridines Point where my People were clearing a fishing Landing.
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19. Went a hunting. Found a Fox by Muddy hole Plantation and killd it after a chase of two hours & 3 Quarters.
20. Rid to the Ferry, Mill & Doeg Run Plantations--also to the Mill.
21. At Home all day alone.
22. At Home this day also--alone.
23. Went over to Mr. Wm. Digges's to Dinner, to Meet Govr. Eden who with Mr. Calvert Mr. Digges, Mr. Geo. Digges & Mr. Custis returnd with me. Found Mr. Loyd Dulany here.
GW wrote James Tilghman, Jr., in Alexandria, "I expect Govr. Eden, and some Gentlemen from Maryland here this afternoon. If you are disengaged, I should be glad if you would come down & stay with us a day or two, or as long as they remain" (23 Mar. 1773, NjMoNP).
24. At home with those Gentlemen til the Evening when we went to Mr. Digges's again. Mr. Ben. Dulany also Dind with us.
25. At Mr. Digges's all day.
26. Ditto--Ditto.
27. Returnd home to Breakfast. Mr. Loyd Dulany, and Mr. Geo. Digges with me, at home all the remaining part of the Day.
28th. Went with Mr. Dulany, and Mr. Digges, &ca. to Dine with Mr. Benj. Dulany at Mrs, Frenchs. Returnd again in the Afternoon.
29. Went a hunting with those Gentlemen. Found a Fox by Thos. Baileys & had it killd by Cur Dogs in half an hour. Retd. to Dinner Mr. Manley with us.
Thomas Bailey had worked on GW's millrace in 1770. He also bought corn from GW and had some work done at the Mount Vernon blacksmith shop (LEDGER A, 130).
30. Went a hunting again. Found Nothing. Colo. Fairfax & Mr. Lan. Lee--also Mr. Herbert & Mr. Miller Dined here, the last two stayd all Night.
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Lancelot Lee was George William Fairfax's nephew, the son of his sister Ann Fairfax Washington Lee by her second husband, George Lee of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. MR. MILLER: William Milnor, a Philadelphia merchant who had business connections with William Herbert and was interested in buying fish from GW.
31. Mr. Herbert & Mr. Milner, also Mr. Digges went away before Breakfast--Mr. Dulany continuing.
Acct. of the Weather in Mar.
March 1st. Snowing all the forenoon--Wind being at No. East, which shifting to the No. West blew hard and dispeld the Clouds.
2. Ground a little froze. Day clear & pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
3. A little Raw in the morning, & Cool, tho' the Wind continued in the same place. Afternoon Muddy & like for falling weather.
4. Wind fresh from the Northward & Snowing till about lo Oclock. Afterwards clear, & more moderate, Morning being very Cold & disagreeable.
5. Wind Westerly, Clear, & tolerably pleasant--but Cool.
6. Lowering and like for falling Weather all day. In the Night Rain.
7. Close & heavy Morning--but no Rain. Afternoon clear & pleasant with but little wind.
8. Clear and very pleasant Morning--but somewhat Cooler in the Afternoon Wind Westerly.
9. Lowering Morning & Rainy day. Wind Easterly but not Cold.
10th. Heavy & Cloudy all day, & sometimes a little Rain.
11. Clear and turnd a little Cooler--Wind Westerly.
12. Very pleasant, being Calm clear & warm especially in the Morning.
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13. Raw & Cool with the Wind Easterly and cloudy withal.
14. Raining & Snowing till abt. 10 Oclock a good deal of the former having fallen in the Night. Wind Northerly and Cold.
15. Cloudy & Raw in the forenoon with the Wind still Northerly which shifting Southerly it became warm clear & pleasant.
16. More or less Cloudy all day with the Wind about So. Et. and South.
17th. A good deal of Rain fell last Night. This day variable with some Rain. At length the Wind came to No. Wt. & blew hard.
18. Clear & somewhat Cool. Wind blowing hard at No. West till the Evening when it turnd Calm.
19. Very pleasant--calm & clear in the forenoon--a little Wind from the Southward in the Afternn.
20. Lowering all day and sometimes Raining--with the Wind Southerly, warm, and growing.
21. Wind at North East and Raining more or less all day--in the Evening fast as it had done the Night before.
22. Raining all the forenoon with the Wind fresh from the No. West. Afternoon clear with less Wind thoh. from the same point.
23. Clear and pleasant with very little Wind, and that Southerly.
24. Calm, and Clear in the forenoon--lowering afterwards with the Wind at No. East and pretty fresh.
25th. The Wind having shifted in the Night to No. and No. Westerly, their came on a Most violent Storm, attended with much rain, which did inconceivable damage by the freshes--Many Houses Trees &ca. being blown down. This Storm of Wind & Rain continued with little abatement all this day likewise.
26. Raining ceasd, but the Wind continued to blow very hard at No. West, till Night.
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27. Wind still at No. West, but not much of it. Weather Clear and pleasant.
28. But little Wind and that Southerly. Weather clear & very Warm.
29. Clear, Calm, and very Warm.
30. Lowering all day with some Rain about Noon--the Wind being pretty fresh from the Southward.
31. Clear and pleasant with very little Wind.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
April 1st. Rid to my Mill, and Plantations on this side the Creek. Mr. Dulany went away after Breakfast & Colo. Frans. Thornton & his Son came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
Col. Francis Thornton was probably Francis Thornton (d. 1784) of Society Hill, King George County. He was a justice of the peace, colonel of the county militia, and a well-known breeder of horses. He had married Sarah Fitzhugh in 1747 and had two sons, John and William.
2. They with myself &ca. went up to Alexandria to the Genl. Muster & returnd in the Afternoon. One old Wilper came here to Dinner.
John David Woelpper (Wilper), born in Germany, was living in or near Philadelphia at this time. Now about 64 years old, he was asking GW for advice regarding a land grant for his service as a sergeant in GW's Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. GW went out of his way to help Woelpper, and the old sergeant returned the favor by giving GW advice on bringing Germans to America to be settled on GW's Ohio Valley lands (see GW to William Milnor, 23 Jan. 1775, DLC:GW; Woelpper to GW, 23 Mar. 1774, DLC:GW).
3. Colo. Thornton & Son went away after Breakfast. Mr. Custis also returnd to Maryld.
Jacky Custis probably carried with him a letter which GW wrote to Benedict Calvert on this date. Having just been apprised that Jacky had contracted a secret engagement to Calvert's daughter Eleanor (Nelly), GW wrote Calvert his feelings on the matter: "I am now set down to write to you on a Subject
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of Importance, & of no small embarrassment to me. My Son in Law [stepson] & Ward, Mr. Custis, has, as I have been informd, paid his Addresses to your Second Daughter, & having made some progress in her Affections required her in Marriage." He then expressed his approval of Nelly, but added firmly that Jacky was too young and inexperienced for marriage and needed to complete his education. "Delivering my Sentiments thus, will not, I hope, lead you into a belief that I am desirous of breaking of the Match--to postpone it, is all I have in view; for I shall recommend it to the young Gentleman with the warmth that becomes a Man of honour (notwithstanding he did not vouchsafe to consult either his Mother, or me, on the occasion) to consider himself as much engaged to your Daughter as if the indissoluble Knot was tied; and as the surest means of effecting this, to stick close to his Studies (in which I flatter myself you will join me) by which he will, in a great measure, avoid those little Flirtations with other Girls which may, by dividing the Attention, contribute not a little to divide the Affection" (DLC:GW).
4. Mrs. Fairfax and Polly Brazier Dined here, as did Majr. Wagener. The latter stayd all Night. Mr. Jno. Baylor came in the Afternoon.
5. At home all day, Majr. Wagener contd. till the Afternoon--Mr. Baylor all day & Night. Mr. Campbell and Captn. < > of the Brig Nancy Dind here.
BRIG NANCY: This brig was probably from the West Indies, and seems to have been tied up at GW's dock for at least five days. On 8 April GW bought a parrot for 6s., probably from the captain of the Nancy (LEDGER B, 88). The brigantine Nancy, Capt. John Cox, master, which sold a barrel of flour to Lund Washington on 12 May may have been the same vessel (LEDGER B, 140).
6. Mr. Baylor went away after Breakfast. The Captn. Dined here again & Mr. Campbell lodgd all Night.
7th. Mr. Herbert, Doctr. Rumney & the Captn. Dined here the Doctr. staying all Night. I went into the Neck this day.
8. The Doctr. went away after Breakfast. The Captn. Dind here.
9. At home all day. The Capt. Dined here--otherwise alone.
10. At home all day alone. Mr. Custis came in the afternoon.
John Parke Custis was probably returning from the Calvert home of Mount Airy with Benedict Calvert's reply (8 April 1773, DLC:GW) to GW's letter (3 April 1773, DLC:GW) regarding Custis's betrothal to Calvert's daughter Nelly. Calvert agreed with GW that the match, which met with his approval, should be postponed while Custis studied at King's College in New York City.
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11. Went to Pohick Church with Mrs. Washington & Mr. Custis & returnd to Dinner.
12. Set of for Annapolis with Mr. Custis. Dined & lodgd at Mr. Bouchers with Govt. Eden & others.
Jonathan Boucher had written to GW 8 April: "I am told, You have Business to our Provincial Court, the next week; I hope to see You either agoing, or returning. The Govr., Mr. Calvert, the chief Justice, & Mr. Dulany dine here on Monday: shou'd You set out on that Day, You know, You can be here in Time to Dinner" (DLC:GW). GW's business at the Maryland court was to submit a proved account against Daniel Jenifer Adams for £106 14s. 6d. Virginia currency. Adams, who had taken some of GW's flour to the West Indies to be sold (see main entry for 22 July 1772), had perpetrated what GW feared was a swindle, and GW was afraid he would be able to get no money from Adams for his cargo (for further information, see letters of GW to Robert McMichan, 12 Jan. 1773, 12 Feb. 1773, Feb. 1773, and 14 June 1773, DLC:GW).
GW's visit to Jonathan Boucher's home is his last contact with Boucher recorded in the diaries. In the fall of 1774 Boucher, coming under increasing attack for his personal resistance to the rising activism of local Whigs, moved to The Lodge, a plantation near Oxon Hill, across the Potomac from Alexandria (BOUCHER [1], 93; Va. Gaz., Pi, 1 June 1775). On 6 Aug. 1775, a month before he and his wife sailed for England, Boucher wrote GW a long letter regarding GW's apparent lack of sympathy toward his sufferings, which concluded: "You are no longer worthy of my friendship: a man of honour can no longer without dishonour be connected with you. With your cause I renounce you" (BOUCHER [1], 141). In 1797, however, Boucher published a collection of sermons on the Revolution and included a long dedication to GW in which he wrote: "I was once your neighbour and your friend: the unhappy dispute . . . broke off our personal connexion: but I never was more than your political enemy; and every sentiment even of political animosity has, on my part, long ago subsided" (BOUCHER [2]). GW replied 15 Aug. 1798 in a friendly letter that closed "With very great respect" (DLC:GW).
13. Got to Annapolis. Dind & lodgd at the Governors--where I also Supped.
14. Dined and Suppd at Mr. Loyal Dulany's. Lodgd at the Govrs.
15. Dined at Colo. Sharpes and returnd to Annapolis. Supd & Lodgd at the Governors.
Horatio Sharpe (1718--1790), former governor of Maryland, had retired in 1769 to his summer home on the Whitehall River in Anne Arundel County, seven miles from Annapolis. Sharpe had been governor during the French and Indian War and had been active in strengthening the frontier forts. He
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had been replaced in 1769 by Robert Eden, brother-in-law of the proprietor of Maryland.
16. Dined and Supped at Mr. Danl. Dulany's. Lodgd at the Govrs.
17. Left Annapolis. Dined & lodgd at Mr. Calverts.
18. Reachd home to Dinner after passing through Piscataway Town.
19. At home all day alone except Mr. Smith (manager of Messrs. Herberts &ca. fishery) who stays here.
Mr. Smith may be Edward Smith (1752--1826). According to Toner, Smith--who first appeared at Mount Vernon on 7 July 1770--was a clerk for Herbert & Co., the firm which contracted for the catch from one of GW's fisheries (DLC: Toner Collection). Herbert & Co. probably rented one of the fisheries on Clifton's Neck ( Md. Gaz., 9 Sept. 1773).
20. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis. Returnd in the Afternoon & found Mr. Tilghman, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Robt. Adam & his Nephew as also David Arrell. All of whom Stayd all Night.
Mr. Harrison is either Robert Hanson Harrison or Richard Harrison, a merchant (see main entry for 14 Oct. 1773). Robert Adam's nephew must have been his brother John's son Robert (Fairfax County Wills, Book E-1, 315--17, Vi Microfilm).
David Arell (d. 1792), son of Richard and Eleanor Arell, was a lawyer in Alexandria. During the Revolution he became a captain in the 3d Virginia Regiment.
21. Mr. Adam & Nephew went away after breakfast. The rest stayd to Dinner & all Night. Mr. Robt. Brent came to Dinner & stayd the Evening.
Robert Brent (c.1730--1780), the son of George and Catherine Trimmingham Brent, lived at Woodstock on Aquia Creek in Stafford County and owned the quarry at Aquia. Brent had undoubtedly come to see GW about the estate of Brent's aunt Elizabeth Clifton. Mrs. Clifton had appointed GW one of her executors, but GW was showing some reluctance to serve in an active capacity. Brent, another of the executors, wrote GW in Feb. 1774, urging him to accept the office. He added that he did not feel it would be a troublesome business, for Mrs. Ann Slaughter, who was Mrs. Clifton's only daughter and heiress, would probably continue to live apart from her husband, and in that case "the trust may be said in some measure to have ceas'd, as it does on her becoming a Widow" (DLC:GW).
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22. All went away before breakfast. I rid into the Neck after it.
23. Rid to Doeg Run & Mill. Mr. W. Washington & Lady came to Dinner & stayd the Night.
24. Lord Fairfax & Colo. Fairfax--Mr. Calvert, his Lady & two Daughters, & Mr. Geo. Digges & sister Teresa dind here. The two first went away--the others contd.
25. At home all day with the above Company.
26. Went with Mr. Calvert &ca. to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry. Found Doctr. Digges Mr. Tilghman & Mr. Fitzgerald here upon our return who Dind & stayd all Night.
John Fitzgerald (d. 1800), a native of Ireland, came to America in 1769 and settled in Alexandria as a partner of Valentine Peers (Piers) in a mercantile business. During the Revolution he served as aide-de-camp to GW. After the Revolution, Fitzgerald was mayor of Alexandria, collector of customs, and served as a director and later as president of the Potomac Company. He later married Jane Digges, daughter of William Digges of Warburton.
27. At home all day with the above Company. Mrs. Calvert Mrs. Washington & my wife went to hear Mrs. Masons Funeral Serm.
Ann Eilbeck Mason (Mrs. George Mason) in a copy of a John Hesselius portrait. (Mr. S. Cooper Dawson, Jr.)
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This funeral sermon was for Ann Eilbeck Mason, wife of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall. She had died on 9 Mar., following a long illness, and was buried at Gunston Hall. This memorial service was preached at Pohick Church by James Scott, rector of Dettingen Parish (MASON [2], 1:481).
28. Mr. Calverts Family, Mr. Washingtons, & the other Company all went away after Breakfast. I contd. at home all day.
29. Rid into the Neck, & from thence went to Sheridines Point attempting to clear it for the Sein.
30. Went to the Point again and made one or two pretty good Hauls.
Acct. of the Weather in April
April 1st. Warm and pleasant in the forenoon--but Cloudy & Cold in the Afternoon, Wind blowing fresh from the No. West.
2. Clear and Cool, Wind blowing fresh from the same quarter.
3. Much such a day as yesterday Wind from the same place but not quite so fresh.
4. Clear, Calm, and pleasant in the forenoon. In the Afternoon wind fresh from the No. Wt. and turning Cool.
5. Wind at No. West all day--fresh and Cool.
6. Clear, Calm, and pleasant. Wind what there was of it came from the Southward.
7. Clear but the Wind pretty fresh from the Southward & Warm.
8. Wind tho not much of it from the same quarter. Warm and Smoaky.
9. Very warm and Smoaky with but little Wind & that Southerly.
10th. Just such a day as the preceeding one. What little Wind there is coming from the same Quarter.
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11. Clear, Wind coming from the No. West blew hard, & turnd Cold.
12. Calm, clear, & pleasant, growing warm again.
13. Much a day as the preceeding one.
14. Lowering Morning & rainy afternoon with the Wind fresh from the No. East--all day.
15. Raining & drisling forenoon but clear afternoon--Wind getting to the South East.
16. Clear and pleasant with the Wind Westerly.
17. Lowering forenoon with the Wind at No. East. Afternoon Rainy & Cool.
18. Wind very fresh and Cool all day, from the No. East.
19. Much such a day as yesterday with the Wind fresh & a little Rain now & then.
20. Cool in the Morning but warm afterwards--wind getting to the Southward.
21. Clear and very warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
22. Clear and warm, Wind in the same place and but little of it.
23. Again Warm and Clear with little or no Wind from the Southward.
24. Calm & warm in the forenoon, but Cool in the Evening Wind springing up fresh from the Eastward.
25. Rather Cool with Easterly winds. Clear but Smoaky.
26. Clear, Calm, and pretty warm in the forenoon--but Cool in the Evening, Wind fresh from the Eastward.
27. Cold & raw all day, Wind fresh from the Eastward and like for Rain--but none fell.
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28. Cold, raw, and Misting in the forenoon--but warm afterwards--Clouds dispersg.
29th. Clear and tolerably warm in the forenoon but cool, the wind blowing a little fresh from the Eastward in the Afternoon.
30. Wind still Easterly, and Weather much the same as yesterday.
Where--how or with Whom my time is Spent
May 1st. Went to the different Fishing Landings on both sides the River as high as broad Creek & found that few Fish had been catchd.
This was a bad year for the herring and shad fisheries. The catch during May was much smaller than that of 1772 or 1774 (LEDGER B, 42). Broad Creek enters the Potomac in Prince George's County, Md., four miles above Piscataway Creek.
2. Went to Belvoir and dined. Returnd in the Afternoon.
One of the Mason children made this pencil drawing of the family home, Gunston Hall, ca.1830--40. (Board of Regents of Gunston Hall)
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3. Went by the Church to Colo. Mason's where I dind and returnd in the Afternoon. F[oun]d Mr. Ramsay here who stayd all Night.
4. Went with Mr. Ramsays to the fishing Landings at the Ferry & Sheridines point.
5. Mr. Ramsay went away before Dinner. I rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run--Mill & Ferry Plantations. Found Mr. Hall & Mr. Adam's here, who dind & went away afterwards.
6. At home all day. Mrs. Fairfax & Mrs. Washington came & went before Dinner. Mr. Tilghman came to Dinr. & stayd all Night.
7th. Mr. Tilghman & Captn. Mathis dind here--both of which went away afterwds.
8. Mr. Custis, set of for Mr. Calverts on his way to New York. I rid to the Plantations in the Neck.
Jacky Custis was on his way to enroll at King's College, now Columbia University. GW had been dissatisfied with his young stepson's progress under Jonathan Doucher and his desire to settle Jacky in college was further strengthened by the young man's engagement to Nelly Calvert. GW's first choice was the College of Philadelphia but Boucher persuaded him to enroll his stepson in King's College where Dr. Myles Cooper, president of the college, had introduced extensive reforms in curriculum and discipline. Although GW planned to leave for New York on 10 May to place Jacky in school, young Custis left two days early to spend some time at his fiancee's home in Maryland.
9. At home all day. Messrs. Ramsay, Rumney, & Herbert dind here--the last of whom went away. The others stayd all Night.
10. Those two Gentlemen stayd to Dinner, after which I set out on my Journey for New York. Lodgd at Mr. Calverts.
11. Breakfasted at Mr. Igns. Digges. Dind at the Coffee Ho. in Annapolis & lodgd at the Govrs.
12. Dined, Supped & lodgd at the Governors.
13. After Breakfast & abt. 8 Oclock set out for Rockhall where we arrivd in two hours & 25 Minutes. Dind on Board the Annapolis at Chester Town & Supped & lodgd at Mr. Ringolds.
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ROCKHALL: The route GW took from Annapolis to Philadelphia crossed the Chesapeake Bay by packet or ferryboat from Annapolis to Rock Hall in Kent County, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Another traveler who took the same route a year later in bad weather needed 4½ hours to make the same 25-mile crossing (FITHIAN, 130).
The Annapolis was owned and commanded by Capt. Thomas Eden, Gov. Robert Eden's brother. Thomas Eden's mercantile firm, T. Eden & Co., was engaged in the tobacco trade between Maryland and England (EVEN, 155, 164). Governor Eden was accompanying GW and Jacky Custis to Philadelphia, where he had a horse entered in the races.
Chestertown, Kent County, Md., was on the Chester River. Although it was officially named New Town, the names Chester or Chestertown were more commonly used at this time and the name was officially changed in 1780 to Chestertown. The town had been a port of entry for Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties on the Eastern Shore since 1708, and was a flourishing place during the eighteenth century, rivaling Annapolis in importance.
Thomas Ringgold (c. 1744--1776), a merchant, lived with his wife, Mary Galloway Ringgold, in Chestertown (CLARK [2], 82; BEIRNE, 79).
14. Stopd at George Town, on Sasafras, & dind & lodgd at Mr. Dl. Heaths.
Georgetown, Kent County, Md., is on the Sassafras River about 16 miles northeast of Chestertown. Daniel Charles Heath was the son of James Paul and Rebecca Dulany Heath, a sister of Daniel Dulany the younger (MCGRATH, 299; LAND, 191--92, 219, 354).
15. Dined at Newcastle & lodgd at Wilmington.
New Castle and Wilmington, both in New Castle County, one of the Three Lower Counties on Delaware. Dr. Robert Honyman in 1775 described Wilmington as "a large place, at least as large as Fredericksburgh [Va.], but much better built, the houses being all of Brick, & very neat" (HONYMAN, 11). New Castle, on the Delaware River at the confluence of Brandywine Creek and Christina (Christiana) River (Creek), was the capital of the Three Lower Counties until 1777. A British officer described it in that year as "small, and its Buildings mean & scattered" (SERLE, 257).
16. Breakfasted at Chester & Dined at Govr. Penns in Philadelphia.
Richard Penn (1735--1811) was the second son of Richard and Hannah Lardner Penn and the grandson of William Penn. He was appointed lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania in 1771 to replace his brother John, who returned to England. Richard served until Aug. 1773, when John returned to America and reclaimed the lieutenant governorship, thereby beginning a bitter feud between the two brothers. Richard returned to England in 1775. The governor's house, later owned by Robert Morris, was occupied by GW during his presidency.
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17. Dined again at Govt. Penns & spent the Evening at the Jocky Club.
The Jockey Club was formed in 1766 to promote racing and the breeding of good horses. Many prominent men in Philadelphia were members, including Governor Penn, president of the club, and John Cadwalader, vice-president (JACKSON, 116--17). The meeting on this evening was held at Michael Duff's tavern on Second Street, and among the visitors attending were GW, Jacky Custis, Lord Stirling, and Gov. Robert Eden of Maryland (JACKSON, facing p. 118).
18. Dined with sevl. Gentlemen at our own lodgings and went to the Assembly in the Evening.
OUR OWN LODGINGS: GW lodged at the same place both on his way to New York and on his return (see main entry for 2 June 1773). On 3 June he paid 10s. "By Board at Mrs. Greydon" (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW). Rachel Marks Graydon, widow of Alexander Graydon, for many years ran a fashionable boardinghouse in Philadelphia. At the time of GW's visit she was probably still at the famous old house known as the Slate House on Second Street at Norris's Alley. The house had had a long history and several famous occupants before it became a boardinghouse. In later years Mrs. Graydon moved to a larger house on Front Street (GRAYDON, 62--63).
The Philadelphia Assemblies, or subscription balls, begun in the winter of 1748--49, are the oldest series of society balls in the country. The directors of the assembly laid down strict rules governing the dances, the refreshments, and the behavior of the participants. For those who did not wish to dance, there were other entertainments, such as cards (BALCH [1], 14, 39--42).
19. Dined at the Govrs. and spent the Evening at Mr. Allans.
MR. ALLANS: probably William Allen (1704--1780), Philadelphia merchant and chief justice of Pennsylvania 1750--74. Allen had held a number of other important posts in the provincial government. His son James (1742--1778) mentions in his diary that "Governor Eden & Coll. Washington are in Town came to the races. . . . I asked Gov. Eden & Coll. Washington to dinner but they are engaged during their stay" (ALLEN, 180).
20. Dined with Mr. Cadwalader & went to the Ball.
John Cadwalader (1742--1786) was the son of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader and Hannah Lambert Cadwalader. He and his brother Lambert were Philadelphia businessmen.
On 18, 19, and 20 May an important series of races was run in Philadelphia, which GW and Jacky Custis almost surely attended, although there is no mention of it in the diaries. The races were run under the auspices of the Jockey Club and were among the most important social events of the year in Philadelphia. Governor Eden had entered his bay horse, Why-Not, in the Jockey Club Purse, the first and richest of the races, but the race was won by Israel Waters's horse, King Herod ( Pa. Chronicle, 24 May 1773; HARRISON [3], 2:117--18).
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21. Dined with Mr. Merideth & Spent the Evening at Mr. Mease's.
Mr. Meredith is either Reese Meredith (1705--1777) or his son Samuel Meredith (1741--1817). Both were Philadelphia merchants. Samuel was at the meeting of the Jockey Club GW had attended a few nights before (JACKSON, facing p. 118). During the Revolution he served as a brigadier general of Pennsylvania militia, and he was a member of the Continental Congress 1786--88. GW later appointed him first treasurer of the United States.
Mr. Mease is probably either Matthew or James Mease, both members of the Jockey Club, who had met GW at the meeting 17 May (JACKSON, facing p. 118). James was GW's host at dinner during the latter's stay in Philadelphia the following year (see 21 Sept. 1774). He became a commissary of the Continental Army in 1776 and clothier general in 1777 (LMCC, 1:205, n. 6).
22. Dined at Mr. Morris's & Spent the Evening at the Club.
Mr. Morris could be either Robert or Gouverneur Morris, both of whom were members of the Philadelphia Jockey Club (JACKSON, 117). The dub which GW visited after dinner may have been the Jockey Club.
23. Set out for New York with Lord Sterling, Majr. Bayard & Mr. Custis after Breakfasting with Govr. Penn. Dind with Govr. Franklin at Burlington & lodgd at Trenton.
Major Bayard is probably Maj. Robert Bayard, a member of the Jockey Club (JACKSON, 118). Lord Stirling had been a guest at the 17 May meeting of the Jockey Club (JACKSON, facing p. 118).
William Franklin (1731--1813), son of Benjamin Franklin, became the last royal governor of New Jersey in 1763. His championship of the rights of the crown led to an estrangement between father and son. During the Revolution he was held prisoner for two years by the Americans and went to England shortly after his exchange.
24. Breakfasted at Princeton. Dined at Bound Brooke & reachd Lord Sterlings at Basking Ridge in the Afternoon.
Lord Stirling's new home on the outskirts of Basking Ridge, N.J., was seven miles southwest of Morristown. The still unfinished house and grounds were designed in imitation of a large British estate, complete with deer park. The enormous expenses involved in building this country seat were partially responsible for Lord Stirling's financial straits (see 2 Jan. 1773).
25. Din'd and Lodg'd at Lord Sterling's. Drank Tea at Mr. Kimbles.
Peter Kemble (1704--1789), president of the royal council of New Jersey, lived near Morristown.
26. Din'd at Elizabeth Town, & reachd New York in the Evening wch. I spent at Hull's Tavern. Lodg'd at a Mr. Farmers.
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Hull's tavern, run by Robert Hull, was located "in the Broadway" ( N.Y. Gazette & Weekly Mercury, 8 Nov. 1773). In 1774, according to John Adams, Hull's tavern was at "the Sign [of] the Bunch of Grapes" (ADAMS [1], 2:102).
27. Din'd at the Entertainment given by the Citicens of New York to Genl. Gage.
Gen. Thomas Gage (1721--1787) had been for ten years commander in chief of British troops in North America with headquarters at New York. He was at this time relinquishing his post and returning to England for a brief visit. He returned to America a short time later as the last royal governor of Massachusetts. GW had known Gage during the French wars, when Gage served as lieutenant colonel of the 44th Foot in the ill-starred Braddock expedition. The entertainment GW attended was a farewell from the merchants of New York to General Gage, held at Hull's tavern ( Rivington's N.Y. Gazetteer, 3 June 1773).
28. Dined with Mr. James Dillancey & went to the Play & Hulls Tavern in the Evening.
MR. JAMES DILLANCEY: James De Lancey (1732--1800), eldest son of Lt. Gov. James De Lancey (1703--1760) of New York, was a merchant and landowner. He was also the owner of New York's largest racing stable, and GW had met him 17 May at the meeting of the Philadelphia Jockey Club, of which De Lancey was a member (JACKSON, facing p. 118). Although at first a supporter of the colonial position, he later became a Loyalist and fled to England with his family.
The plays GW saw this evening were Hamlet and a new farce by William O'Brien called Cross Purposes, performed for the first time. The playhouse was a large, red, wooden building on the north side of John Street (MONAGHAN, 123; DAY, 3:127).
29. Dined with Majr. Bayard & Spent the Evening with the Old Club at Hulls.
THE OLD CLUB AT HULLS: In the mid-eighteenth century, "most public houses of any reputation or following had their own loosely knit groups of customers, who met weekly to dine, drink, play cards or discuss, and from them developed an amazing number of social clubs of a more carefully organized type" (BRIDENBAUGH, 22).
30. Dined with Genl. Gage & spent the Evening in my own Room writing.
GW wrote to Rev. Myles Cooper, president of King's College, concerning financial arrangements for Jacky's stay at the college. He sent Cooper bills of exchange for £100 for Jacky's use and asked him to establish credit for him with recommended merchants. However, GW added, if Jacky was too extravagant he hoped Cooper would "by your friendly admonitions . . . check the progress of it" (GW to Cooper, 31 May 1773, PHi: Gratz Collection).
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GW had evidently discussed arrangements for young Custis's room and board with Cooper earlier, for on 5 July 1773 Jacky wrote reassuringly to his anxious mother: "I believe I may say without vanity that I am look'd upon in a particular Light by them all [the faculty]. There is as much Distinction made between me, & the other Students as can be expected. I dine with them [the professors] (A liberty that is not allow'd any but myself) associate & pertake of all their recreations & their Attention to my Education keeps pace with their other good offices. . . . I have a large parlour with two Studies or closets, each large enough to contain a bed, trunk, & couple of chairs, one I sleep in, & the other Joe [his servant] calls his" (DLC-GW).
31. Set out on my return home. Dind with Captn. Kennedy near New Ark & lodgd at Amboy.
Capt. Archibald Kennedy (d. 1794) lived on an estate called Pavonia between Newark and Powles Hook. He had been a captain in the British navy, until he lost his command after refusing to take stamped paper aboard his ship in Boston harbor for safekeeping during the Stamp Act controversy. Kennedy was suspected of being a Loyalist during the Revolution and much of his property was destroyed. In 1790 he went to England and two years later, upon the death of a cousin, became the eleventh earl of Cassillis.
Amboy is Perth Amboy, N.J.
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. Cool, & clear, Wind being pretty fresh all day from the No. West.
2. Wind So. West, & West, & Cool especially in the Evening.
3. Wind much in the same place & very cool in the Morning.
4. Wind Easterly all day with some appearances of Rain very little of which fell altho it thunderd more or less all the Afternoon.
5. Wind at No. West, and Cool, till the Afternoon when it grew warm again.
6. Calm & warm all day. Very Smoaky as it hath been for a Month pass'd.
7. Warm and clear (except smoak). Wind pretty fresh from the Eastward.
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8. Wind Easterly in the Morning and pretty fresh--also Cool. Afternoon Calm--clear & Warm.
9. Warm, & Clear, all day. Calm in the forenoon. Wind fresh from the So. East afterwards.
10th. Clear and Warm all the day. Wind at So. East.
11. Clear & Warm again. Wind continuing in the same place.
12. It began about 9 or 10 Oclock to Rain from the Southward & contd. more or less so all day.
13. Now & then Raining. Wind from the same Quarter & fresh.
14. Cloudy & somewhat Cool wind Shifting more Westerly.
15. Windy & Cloudy all day being also Cool.
16. Little or no Wind, & that being Southerly it grew warm again.
17. Again warm Wind Southerly & clear. In the Afternoon Thunder Lightning & Rain.
18. Clear & pleasant being at the same time a little warm.
19. Clear and pleasant the Wind Westerly.
20. Still clear & midling Cool wind fresh from the west.
21. A little Rain in the Morning but clear & pleasant afterwards.
22. Raining in the forenoon but clear afterwards then Raing. in the Night.
23. Cloudy in the forenoon but clear & warm afterwards with but little Wind.
24. Clear & tolerably with but little wind.
25. Clear in the forenoon, cloudy afterwards & Cool. Wind Easterly.
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26. Misting till about 9 or 10 oclock then clear and warm there being but little Wind and that Southerly.
27. Cool Wind Westerly and Weather clear.
28. Much such a day as yesterday--in all respects.
29. Clear and pleasant being rather Cool wind still Westerly especially towards the Evening.
30. Very warm--there being but little Wind.
31st. Very warm notwithstanding the Wind blew tolerably fresh from the Southward.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
June 1st. Breakfasted at Brunswick on the Banks of the Rariton, din'd at Princeton and lodgd at Bristol.
BRUNSWlCK: New Brunswick, N.J., on the Raritan River.
While at Princeton, GW "paid Doctr [John] Weatherspoon Presidt of Princeton College £48.16.0 Jersey" currency, equal to £39 9d. Virginia currency, for the schooling of William Ramsay, Jr., eldest son of William Ramsay of Alexandria (LEDGER B, 47).
On this same visit, GW looked up his two nephews, George and Charles Lewis, sons of Betty and Fielding Lewis, who were enrolled at the college. He gave his nephews and the Ramsay boy each a present of one pistole for pocket money (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW).
Bristol, Pa., is 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia and 3 miles northeast of the Neshaminy Creek.
2. Got to Philadelphia by Nine Oclock to my old lodging. Dind at my lodgings & spent the Evening there.
3. Rid to the Meadows along the River before breakfast. Abt. 11 Oclock left Phila. Dind at the Sorrel Horse 13 Miles from it & lodgd at the Ship Tavern 34 [miles] off.
GW probably rode along the Schuylkill River. This area was popular for drives and outings because of the scenic meadows and large estates on both sides of the river. The Sorrel Horse Tavern was just east of Radnor Meeting House in Radnor Township. Michael Stadleman, whose family kept several taverns in the area, bought the building about 1765 and called it the Horse
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and Groom. The name was shortly afterwards changed to the Sorrel Horse (BARKER [2], 218).
The Ship Tavern was built by an Irishman, Thomas Parke (c. 1704--1758), and seems to have been run after his death by his wife, Jane Edge Parke. It was one mile west of Downingtown on the Lancaster Road. Later, the sign was moved to a building in West Whiteland Township, east of Downingtown (LANDIS, 42 [1918], 24--25).
4. Breakfasted at the Sign of the Bull 13 Miles from the Ship. Dind at Lancaster 19 Miles further & lodgd at Wrights Ferry 10 Miles from Lancaster.
Wright's ferry, now called Wrightsville, is on the south bank of the Susquehanna River in York County. The ferry crossed from Columbia, in Lancaster County.
5. Breakfasted in York Town. Dind at the Sign of the Buck 14 Miles from Yk. wch. is 12 Miles from Wrights Ferry & lodgd at Suttons 15 M. from the Buck.
YORK TOWN: York, Pa. Sutton's was probably a tavern called the Black Horse in Harford County, Md., near the Baltimore County line. A village called Blackhorse now occupies the site.
6. Breakfasted at Slades 10 Miles from Suttons & dind and lodgd at Baltimore Town.
Slade's tavern was probably located on My Lady's Manor in Baltimore County, Md., a few miles east of the present town of Cockeysville.
7. Breakfasted at the Widow Ramsays 15 Miles from Baltimore & lodgd at Mr. Calverts.
The Widow Ramsay's, known as "Stevens" during the Revolution (MD. RED BOOKS, 134), was about 16 miles south of Baltimore at the junction of the Baltimore road with a road leading to the Carroll estate, Doughoregan Manor (W.P.A. [2], 461).
8. Reach'd home to Dinner about two Oclock. Mr. Buckner came here in the Evening & lodgd.
In Dec. 1772 GW had sold the finn of Baldwin & John Buckner, of Gloucester, 300 barrels of superfine flour, for which he received a bond to secure payment the following April in Williamsburg. Fielding Lewis was delegated to collect some debts for GW in Williamsburg at that time but was unable to collect from the Buckner brothers. The money was finally paid in June by Richard Robinson (LEDGER B, 65; GW to Lewis, 20 April 1773, PHi: Gratz Collection; GW's account with Lewis, 20 April 1773, NjMoNP).
9. Went up to Alexandria wth. him & returnd in the Afternn.
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10. At home all day alone.
11. Mr. Buckner & Mr. Robinson dind here--also Captn. Harper & a Mr. Large. After Dinner Miss Reed, Miss Nelly Calvert, Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Campbell came all of them staying the Night.
Mr. Robinson is probably Richard Robinson, who paid GW the £616 13s. which had come due in April from Baldwin & John Buckner's bond. GW recorded the payment in June 1773 (LEDGER B, 65).
John Harper (1728--1804), a Quaker from Philadelphia, carried a letter of introduction from Reese Meredith of that city. Harper and his partner, William Hartshorne, were considering moving their mercantile firm to Alexandria (5 May 1773, DLC:GW). The partnership was dissolved in 1775, and Harper became a prosperous shipping merchant in Alexandria.
Mr. Large is probably Ebenezer Large, a Philadelphia merchant.
Miss Mary Read, evidently a sort of retainer in Benedict Calvert's family, was left in his will a legacy "for Services in my family" (Prince George's County, Md., Wills, No. 1, T, 258--62, MdAA Microfilm).
12. Captn. Harper Mr. Large & Mr. Campbell went away after Breakfast, Mr. Buckner & Mr. Robinson after Dinner.
13. Went up with Miss Reed &ca. to Alexa. Church. Returnd to Dinner with Mr. Willis. Doctr. Rumney wt. away.
GW was apparently attending worship service at the new church for the first time.
14. At home all day Mr. Willis continuing here.
15. Still at home being here Mr. Willis. In the forenoon Mr. Tilghman came.
16. Mr. Willis went away after Breakfast. Mr. Robinson & Mr. Buckner came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
17. All of the Company here Rid to the Mill. To Dinner came Lame Jno. Washington & Miss Terrett.
Lame John Washington (d. 1787) of Leedstown, King George County, was crippled in both legs. He was a son of Robert Washington (d. 1765) and grandson of John Washington (b. 1671) and Mary Townshend Washington of Stafford County. His second wife, Constantia Terrett Washington, was a daughter of GW's neighbor, William Henry Terrett. The Miss Terrett who came with him to Mount Vernon was probably his wife's younger sister Susanna.
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18. Every one but Miss Reed & Miss Nelly Calvert went away after Breakfast. In the Afternoon my Bror. Jno. his wife, Daughter Jane & young Child came here.
The two children who came on this visit were Jane Washington (1759--1791), who later married GW's nephew William Augustine Washington (1757--1810), and her brother, another William Augustine Washington (1767--1785), who died unmarried.
19. At home all day. About five oclock poor Patcy Custis Died Suddenly.
GW wrote to Burwell Bassett 20 June that "yesterday removed the Sweet Innocent Girl into a more happy, & peaceful abode than any she has met with in the afflicted Path she hitherto has trod. She rose from Dinner about four Oclock, in better health and spirits than she appeared to, have been in for some time; soon after which she was siezd with one of her usual Fits, & expired in it, in less than two Minutes without uttering a Word, a groan, or scarce a Sigh. This Sudden, and unexpected blow, I scarce need add has almost reduced my poor Wife to the lowest ebb of Misery" (20 June 1773, NNMM).
20. Colo. Fairfax & Lady as also Mr. Massey dind here--Patcy Custis being buried--the first went away. Mr. Massey stayd.
Patsy was laid to rest in the family vault, about 200 yards south of the main house. Rev. Lee Massey read the funeral service, and GW paid him £2 6s. 3d., about normal compensation (LEDGER B, 90; JONES [1], 99--100). The coffin, which had been bought from James Connell of Alexandria, was draped with a black pall belonging to GW (LEDGER B, 90; Robert Adam to GW, 16 Sept. 1773; HAMILTON [1], 4:261).
21. Mr. Massey went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
22. My Brother, his Wife, Miss Reed & Nelly Calvert Dind at Belvoir & returnd in the Afternn. I contd, at home all day.
23. My Brother & Family also Mrs. Reed went away early. I contd. at home all day.
24. Mr. Digges & Mrs. Tracy came here to Dinner also Mr. Hoops & his Wife the latter of whom went away afterwards as did Mr. Digges. Miss Calvert came in the Afternoon.
MRS. TRACY: GW means Miss Tracy Digges; see main entry for 26 June. David Hoop's wife was his bride of seven months, Mildred Syme Hoops, daughter of Col. John Syme (1728--1805), of Hanover County, who was a half brother of Patrick Henry. Hoops lived in Louisa County until the death
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Patsy Custis was buried in the old family vault. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
of his wife (c.1778), when he removed to Sussex County, N.J. During this visit GW paid Hoops £40 Virginia currency for a phaeton (GLAZEBROOK, 2:64--76; LEDGER B, 90).
25. Walkd into the Neck.
26. Rid to Muddy hole Ferry &ca. after Miss Digges went away in the Morning.
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27. The two Miss Calverts went up to Church. Mr. Calvert came over to Dinner & stayd all Night as did Mr. Tilghman from Alexa.
28. Mr. Calvert & his Daughters & Mr. Tilghman all went away in the Morning Early.
29. Went with Mrs. Washington & dind at Belvoir. Returnd in the Afternoon.
30. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney Dind & lodgd here, as did Doctr. Craik & another Person with him.
Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. Cloudy & tolerably pleasant in the forenoon, Wind being fresh from the southward. Afternoon exceeding hot being clear & still.
2. Very warm again, notwithstanding the wind blew fresh from the Southward.
3. Again Warm after the Sun Broke out which happend about 9 Oclock.
4. Foggy, Misty, & tolerably Cool till abt. 10 Oclock--then Warm & Clear. In the Night a good deal of Rain.
5. Close & sultry, with Rain about Midday, & but little Wind till the Evening.
6. Very Cool Wind being fresh from the No. West, & Cloudy.
7. Grown Warm again, Wind getting Southerly.
8. Much such a day as yesterday, there being but little Wd.
9. But little Wind, but Rain at different times through the day with thunder.
10th. Warm and pleasant with some Clouds.
11. Cloudy & exceeding Cold Wind fresh from the No. West, & Snowing.
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SNOWING: "Memorandum--Be it remembered that on the eleventh day of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy three It rain'd Hail'd snow'd and was very Cold" (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, inside front, Vi Microfilm).
12. Equally Cold with the preceeding day Wind in the same place and as fresh.
13. Clear & moderately warm again, there being but little Wind and that Southerly.
14. Wind fresh from the Eastward and Cool.
15. Wind in the same place, with the Weather equally Cool. Some Rain in the Morning.
16. Growing warm again Wind Southerly, & but little of it.
17. Clear, Calm, and exceeding Hot.
18. Again very hot with appearances of Rain but none fell here. Wind from the southward.
19. Again very warm, & clear, wind being Southerly.
20. Still very warm with thunder and appearances of Rain but none fell here.
21. Warm again with a shower of Rain in the Afternoon wch. Cool'd the Air.
22d. Very Cool--Wind being fresh from the No. West.
23. Pleasant enough--Wind being pretty fresh from the So. West.
24. But little Wind, and very Warm.
25. Very little Wind again and exceeding Hot. In the Afternn. Rain, but none here with thunder.
26. Again warm with a little Rain in the afternoon & Very high Wind.
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27. Appearances of Rain but little or none fell. Still warm but not so hot as it had been.
28. Cloudy & like for Rain in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
29. Exceeding Warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
30. Again very warm but not so hot as yesterday there being more Wind.
Where, how, or with [whom] my time is Spent
July 1st. Doctr. Craik & his Companion went away before Breakfast; & Doctr. Rumney after Dinner. Miss Molly Manley came in the Afternn. & stayd all Night. Rid with Mrs. Washington to the Ferry Plantn.
2. At home all day alone.
3. Rid into the Neck & by Muddy hole. Miss Molly Manley went home in the Afternoon.
4. At home all day. Mrs. Peake & her daughter dind here.
Mrs. Peake's daughter is probably the younger girl Elizabeth Peake (c.1763--c.1783).
5. Rid with Mrs. Washington to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill Plantations.
6. At home all day. Mr. Peake dined here.
7. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill. Mrs. Barnes & Molly McCarty came.
Mary (Molly) McCarty was Mrs. Sarah Barnes's granddaughter.
8. At home all day. Colo. Fairfax & Mrs. Fairfax came in the Aftern. to take leave of us & returnd again. Doctr. Craik also came & stayd all Night.
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The inheritance of an estate in England necessitated George William Fairfax's presence there for an indefinite period. GW was to take over the management of his affairs during his absence, with the help of Francis Willis, Jr., and Craven Peyton. On this day GW was given Fairfax's power of attorney (see power of attorney to Craven Peyton, 14 Jan. 1774, NjMoNP). On 5 Aug., Fairfax wrote GW that their ship was still at Yorktown, where it had been delayed by sickness among the crew. He added, "Knowing that a House & Furniture, suffers much, by being uninhabited, I have directed Mr. Willis if any offers should be made to Rent the whole, to take your Advise, or the House with what Land may be wanted separate. If neither should offer, would it not be the best way to addvertise the Furniture?" (CSmH). GW retained his power of attorney and continued to supervise the Fairfax properties until the Revolution, when he wrote Fairfax that he could no longer continue to do so (26 July 1775, DLC:GW).
9. Doctr. Craik went away in the Morning Early--Miss Molly McCarty in the Afternoon. Mrs. Washington & self went to Belvoir to see them take Shipping. Mr. Robt. Adams and Mr. Mattw. Campbell dined here.
10. Mr. Calvert his Lady & two Daughters, & Mr. Geo. Digges & Sisters Nancy & Jenny came over early in the Morning & stayd all day.
11. Old Mr. Digges came over in the Forenoon--also Mr. Willis & Polly Brazier. Willis returnd in the Afternoon.
12. Mr. Digges's, & Miss Digges; as also Mr. & Mrs. Calvert went this forenoon the two Miss Calverts rem[ainin]g.
13. At home all day alone.
14. Rid with the two Miss Calverts & Mrs. Washington to the New Church at Pohick.
Construction of the new church was now nearing completion. A stone baptismal font and step costing £7 5s. were being made, and the pews were either ready or almost ready for the congregation. Although GW had been in Williamsburg 20 Nov. 1772, the day that the pews were auctioned, be had engaged to buy one next to the communion table for £16. Lund Washington, probably acting for GW in that transaction, had bought the adjoining pew for £13 10s. (Truro Vestry Book, 20 Nov. 1772, 156, and 4 June 1773, 157, DLC).
15. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill Plantations.
16. At home all day. Mr. Tilghman came.
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17. Went down to Colo. Fairfax's White House to haul the Sein. Returnd to Dinner.
18. Mr. Tilghman returnd to Alexa., Miss Calverts, Mrs. Washington & self went to Pohick Church. In the afternoon Mr. B. Fairfax came.
19. Mrs. Washington and the two Miss Calverts went to Alexa.
20. I went up to Alexandria and returnd in the Eveng.
21. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantation.
Rid to the Meadow at the Mill--to the Mill, & Ferry Plantations. Mrs. Barnes went away yesterday Bag & Baggage.
23. At home all day.
24. Mr. Calvert came here to Breakfast after wch. Mrs. Washington the two Miss Calverts & my self went over with him to Mr. Digges & dind. Nelly Calvert returnd with Mrs. Washington & myself in the Afternoon. Doctr. Rumney came here in the Eveng.
25. Went up to Alexandria Church & returnd to Dinner.
26. At home all day.
27. Ditto--Ditto.
28. Ditto--Ditto--Mr. Tilghman came here in the forenoon--as did Miss Sally Carlyle & Sister.
29. Colo. Carlyle & Son & Mr. Piper dind here & went away again in the afternoon with his Daughters.
HIS DAUGHTERS: Col. Carlyle's daughters.
30th. Mr. Tilghman returnd home. Mrs. Washington Miss Nelly Calvert & myself went to Mount Airy (Mr. Calverts) to Dinner.
31. At Mount Airy all day.
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Acct. of the Weather in July
July 1st. Clear & Warm--Wind howevr, fresh from the Eastward.
2. Very Warm. Clear & still in the forenoon--Wind pretty fresh from the Eastward afterwards.
3. Again very warm--being just such a day as yesterday.
4. Very warm in the forenoon some appearances of a Settled Rain in the Evening but none fell.
5. Very warm and calm in the forenoon. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward in the Aftern.
6. Clear & Warm in the forenoon. No Wind--fresh breeze in the Afternoon from the Southwd.
7. Again very warm in the forenn. Good Breeze in the Afternoon from the Southward.
8. Same kind of Weather and Wind as yesterday.
9. Very warm and like yesterday in all respects.
10. Again very warm & clear with the Wind Southerly & fresh in the Afternoon.
11. Same as yesterday with some appearances of Rain but none fell here.
12. Very Warm. Wind Southerly. In the Afternoon a Refreshing shower or two for a few Minutes.
13. Very warm with some appearances of Rain again but none fell here.
14. Very warm with great appearances of Rain in the forenoon. In the afternoon a little fell.
15. Wind in the Afternoon fresh from the So. West & great prospect of Rain but none fell here.
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16. Wind fresh from the No. West & tolerably cool.
17. Grown more warm with but little Wind.
18. Turnd very hot again, Wind getting Southerly.
19. Very warm. In the Evening Rain but very little of it here.
20. Exceeding close and warm with Rain again in the Afternoon but little or none here.
21. Still warm, and again Showers but little or none here.
22. Cool Wind at Northwest all day. And quite clear.
23. Turning rather warmer but still Cool.
24th. Warm with but little wind, & that Northwest[er]ly.
25. Very warm with some appearances of Rain but none fell.
26. More appearances of Rain but none fell here. Weather Warm.
27. Still very warm with Clouds & thunder but no Rain here.
28. Appearances of Rain but none fell here. Weather Warm & Wind southerly.
29. Great appearances of Rain again but none fell here. Weather warm.
30. Morning very warm, close & still--but somewhat cooler afterwards. Wind freshing up.
31. Warm--close and still in the forenoon. More Wind and Cooler afterwards.
Where--how or with whom my time is Spent
Augt. 1st. At Mr. Calverts all day.
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2. Dined at Mr. Igns. Digges's & returnd to Mr. Calverts in the afternoon.
3. Dined at Mr. Willm. Digges's & got home in the afternoon.
4. At home all day. Captn. Posey here--he came on Sunday last.
Posey's visit lasted for a week and was for the purpose of extracting more money from GW. His nerve failed, however, and it was not until he was on his way back to Maryland that he wrote GW the purpose of his visit: "You have grant'd me many Favours since I have been Acquaint'd with you. I am now Reduc'd Very Low and advanc'd in years. I have noe Person in the world to Apply to for Assistance and Really am not Able to work. Pray would you be kind Enough to Let me have the Some [of] About £50 Maryland Currancy. I think with that some I could fix myself for Life, and not to want again. . . . I want'd to mention'd this affaire to you when I was at your house but I could not have the Face to Doe" (9 Aug., DLC:GW). GW did not let Posey have the £50 but continued to supply him with small amounts of money from time to time. His ledger records £4 "By Charity to Captn. Posey" on 15 Oct. 1773 and, in April 1774, £12 (LEDGE B, 93, 106).
5. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, Mill, & Ferry Plantations.
6. At home all day. Captn. Posey went to Captn. McCarty's.
7. At home all day, alone.
8. Went up to Alexa. Church & returnd to Dinner. Captn. Posey & Son Price here. The last of whom went away after Dinner.
9. Mrs. Brown came here in the Afternoon & stayd all Night.
Mrs. Brown is Catherine Scott Brown, wife of Dr. William Brown of Alexandria.
10. Mr. George Digges & Sister's Teresa & Betcy came to Dinnr. & stayd all Night.
11. Mrs. Brown went away after Breakfast.
[12.] Mr. Digges & Sisters went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
13. At home all day. Price Posey came to Dinner: & stayd all Night.
14. Very warm. Rid to an intended meeting of Vestry at the New Church. Dind at Captn. McCartys.
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Washington's pew is still preserved at Christ Church, in Alexandria. The tower is an early nineteenth-century addition. (Virginia Historical Society)
There was no meeting on this day and the next meeting was not held until 22 Nov.
15. At home all day alone.
16. Went up to Alexandria being Court day. Returnd in the Afternoon. Found Majr. Jenifer & Colo. Mason here.
GW did not appear as a justice at this brief court meeting, (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 262--63, Vi Microfilm). However, he did apparently meet with several people to receive and pay out money on behalf of the Colvill estate (LEDGER B, 91).
17. At home all day--the above Gentlemen remaining here.
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18. After breakfast Colo. Mason & the Major left this. I continued at home all day. Mr. Craven Peyton came in the Afternoon and stayd all Night.
Major Jenifer was on his way home to Maryland and carried with him a letter from GW to Benedict Calvert, requesting Calvert to buy him an artisan in Annapolis (for Calvert's reply, see Calvert to GW, 25 Aug. 1773, DLC:GW).
Craven Peyton (d. 1781), the son of Valentine Peyton, was a justice of Loudoun County and a vestryman and churchwarden of Shelburne Parish. Peyton was a collector of rents for some of George William Fairfax's lands and in late 1773 and early 1774 had some surveying done on Fairfax's lands in Berkeley and Fauquier counties (account of Craven Peyton with Fairfax, 16 Sept. 1773, 26 April 1774, ViMtV).
19. Mr. Peyton went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
20. Rid with Mrs. Washington to Muddy hole, Mill Plantn. Mill before Dinner. At home afterwards alone.
21. At home all day. In the Afternoon a Mr. Lambkin came & stayed all Night.
Mr. Lambkin is probably George Lambkin or Lamkin of Fairfax County, who signed a bond of copartnership with Opie Lindsay, 21 Oct. 1771, to build a mill on Wolf Run in Fairfax County near the Prince William County line (Fairfax County Deeds, Book K-1, 36--40, Vi Microfilm). He is also probably the George Lambkin who was a justice for Fauquier County when it was formed in 1759 and was granted a license in 1761 to keep an ordinary in or near Warrenton ( Va. Gaz., R, Mar. 1768; GROOME [1], 188). Lambkin had owned a mill on Goose Creek in Loudoun County which he sold to Daniel Jenifer (1727--1795) in 1771 (MOFFETT, 37--38).
22. Went up to Church at Alexa. and returnd to Dinner. Found Doctr. Craik here who stayed all Night.
23. At home all day. In the Afternoon came David Allan, & James Whitelaw, two Scotchmen empowerd by a Number of Familys about Glasgow to look out Land for two hundred Familys who had a Mind to settle in America.
Although there had been a large emigration from Scotland for a number of years, after 1763 it greatly increased, and between 1763 and 1775 about 25,000 Scots immigrated to America. North Carolina received the largest number of them, most of whom were Highlanders, and only a small number Lowlanders (MERRENS, 57). David Allen and James Whiteland were commissioners sent by the Glasgow-based American Company of Farmers to find a large tract of land, 16,000--20,000 acres in size, upon which to settle the
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200 Lowland families waiting in Scotland. Although they promised to view GW's Ohio lands, they were concerned that the frontier area would be too far from markets or landing places (WYLIE, 322--23).
24. The above person's prosecuted their journey towards Carolina in pursuit of this scheme purposing also to view the Lands on Ohio, & to see Mine there before they returnd with their Report to Scotland. I rid to the Ferry Doeg Run and Mill Plantations.
GW had decided to lease his 20,000 acres of bounty land on the Ohio and Great Kanawha rivers ( Pa. Gaz., 22 Sept. 1773, supp.; see 6 Nov. and 23 Nov. 1772). He felt that these lands, leased to tenants who would settle and develop them for their own use, would prosper more than lands placed under the management of an overseer. Nothing ever came of this scheme. Perhaps, as one prospective tenant claimed, GW's terms were unrealistic (Richard Thompson to GW, 30 Sept. 1773, DLC:GW).
25. At home all day. Alone.
26. Went over (to dinner) to Mr. Digges's to meet Govr. Eden &ca. Kept there all Night by Rain.
27. Govr. Eden, Captn. Ellis, Mr. Danl. Dulany & Mr. George Digges--as also Miss Nelly Calvert, Miss Tracy Digges & Mrs. Jenny Digges came over with me to Dinr. Also came Mr. Ben. Dulany & Mr. Tilghman--all of whom stayd all Night.
CAPTN. ELLIS: John Joiner Ellis joined the 18th Regiment of Foot (Royal Irish) in America 21 Jan. 1773. Although Ellis was listed in a 1774 army list as holding the rank of lieutenant in the regiment, he may, like many other British officers, have held a higher rank in the army or for the duration of his service in America (BRITISH FIELD OFFICERS, 72).
Eden, Ellis, and the Dulanys were on their way to Williamsburg. Purdie and Dixon's Virginia Gazette for 9 Sept. 1773 reported that "Sunday last his Excellency Robert Eden, Esquire, Governour of Maryland, arrived in this City [Williamsburg] in Order to qualify to his new Commission before the Commander in Chief of this Colony, agreeable to Instructions from the Government, which having performed he sat out upon his Return on Wednesday Morning. He was accompanied by Captain Ellis of the Royal Irish, and Daniel Dulany, and Benjamin Dulany, Esquires." Upon the death of the sixth Baron Baltimore in 1771, the Maryland proprietorship had devolved upon Henry Harford, illegitimate son of Lord Baltimore. By an order in council dated 5 Mar. 1773, the proprietary lieutenant governor was required, upon this change of proprietorship, to take an oath to uphold the acts of trade and navigation and give security thereof. This oath was to be administered by the governor of Virginia (MD. ARCHIVES, 63:423--25).
28. Mr. Tilghman went away after Breakfast & Mr. Digges & his Sisters in the Afternoon.
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29. Govr. Eden, & the other Gentn. went away after breakfast. I continued at home all day.
30. Rid to the Mill & Mill Plantation--Muddy hole & into the Neck.
31. At home all day.
Acct. of the Weather in Augt.
Augt. 1st. Weather clear and Warm, Wind Southerly.
2. Warm forenoon--a little Rain in the Afternoon.
3. Still Warm. Forenoon a little Cloudy with some Rain. Afternoon clear.
4. A Great deal of Rain fell this day and Night ground being thoroughly wet.
5. Clear with but little Wind & pleasant.
6. Flying Clouds with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southwest. Afternoon Cloudy--with a little Rain in the Evening. Weather pleasant.
7. Warm.
8. Very warm with Clouds in the Afternoon but no Rain.
9. Cloudy forenoon with appearances of Rain, but none fell.
10. Very warm with no wind in the forenoon.
11. Fine showers at different periods through the day being gentle & general in appearance.
12th. Warm, with little or no Wind throughout the day.
13. Again warm with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southwd. with Clouds & much appeare. of Rain in the Afternoon but none fell here.
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14. Very warm with great Rain to the No. West. None or very little fell here.
15. Still warm & clear.
Rather Cooler but pleasant notwithstanding.
17. Clear and pretty warm with but little Wind, and that Southerly. Pretty Shower of Rain.
18. Calm still, & clear and very warm especially in the afternoon.
19. Wind at No. West & somewhat Cool in the Forenoon Warmer afterwards.
20. Very warm with some appearances of Rain but none fell here.
21. Clear with but little Wind and that Southerly. Also warm.
22. Clear and pretty warm, especially in the Afternoon. But little Wind and that Southerly.
23. Tolerably Cool Wind Northwardly with some appearances of Rain but little of which fell here.
24. Clear and Cool, especially in the forenoon. Wind being fresh from the Northwest.
25. Cool in the forenoon, but warmer afterwards; Wind Easterly.
26. Wind fresh from the Eastward all day. About Noon it set in to Raining & continued to do so more or less all day.
27. Clear and cool; Wind very fresh from the Northwest all day.
28. Warm again, with very little Wind and that Southerly.
29. Quite calm all day--also clear, warm, and growing.
30. Calm, Clear, and tolerably warm for the Season being.
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31st. Wind fresh all day from the Southward with fine Rain now and then but not enough to wet any thing.
Where--how or with whom my time is Spent
Septr. 1. Went with Mrs. Washington and Nelly Calvert to Mr. Digges's. Din'd & returnd in the Aftern.
2. Rid to Belvoir, Mill, & Mill Plantation. Found Mr. Magowan here upon my return.
3. At home all day.
4. Went with Mr. Magowan &ca. to the Barbicue at Accatinck.
5. Went up with him and Miss Nelly Calvert to Alexa. Church. Returnd to Dinner.
6. At home all day. Mr. Wilper came to Dinner and stayd all Night.
7. At home all day alone except Mr. Magowan & Nelly Calvert.
8. Mrs. Craig, Mrs. McCarty, Mrs. Chichester & Miss Nancy McCarty came here to Dinner & stayd all Night.
MRS. CRAIG: GW probably means Mariamne Ewell Craik, a cousin of Mrs. McCarty. GW and others sometimes spelled Craik's name "Craig."
9. The Company that came Yesterday went away after breakfast except Nancy McCarty. Mrs. Stewart of Annap[oli]s & her Son & Daughter, as also Mr. Geo. Digges & his Sisters Teresa & Nancy came to Dinnr. & returnd. Mr. B. Brown also came to Dinr. & stayd the Night.
MRS. STEWART: Ann Digges Steuart, wife of Dr. George Steuart and sister of William Digges of Warburton.
10. Mr. Brown, as also Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
11. At home all day alone.
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12. Govr. Eden, Captn. Ellis, Mr. Dulany, Mr. Lee & Mr. Fendal came to Dinner & stayd all Night as did Mr. F. Willis Junr.
MR. FENDAL: probably Philip Richard Fendall of Maryland. Mr. Lee is presumably a relative of Fendall's wife, Sarah Lettice Lee.
Francis Willis, Jr., was at Mount Vernon to seek GW's advice on the rental of Belvoir. George William Fairfax had left no instructions with Willis regarding either the number of years or the amount for which he would rent his house. During today's visit Willis and GW decided that they would do nothing about leasing the house or selling the furniture until they heard from Fairfax (NEILL, 137).
13. All the Gentlemen except Mr. Fendal & Mr. Lee went away after breakfast. Mr. Herbert & Mr. Miller came to Dinner & stayd all Night. In the Evening Mr. Tilghman also came.
MR. MILLER: GW probably means William Milnor. He confused the name earlier (see 30 Mar. 1773).
14. All the Gentlemen went away after breakfast.
15. I rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill Plantations.
16. Rid into the Neck to the Plantations there. In the Aftern. Mr. Robt. Harrison came here.
17. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Harrison went away.
GW paid Harrison on this day £5 for sundry legal opinions (LEDGER B, 93).
18. Went to a Barbicue of my own giving at Accotinck. Mr. Robt. Alexander & his Bror. George came home with me.
19. The two Mr. Alexanders went away after breakfast. My Brother Sam--his Wife & Two children came to Dinner.
Samuel Washington's wife is Anne Steptoe Washington, and the two children are probably Thornton and Ferdinand Washington, although George Steptoe Washington, who was born to Samuel and Anne sometime during the early 1770s, may have been one of them (WAYLAND [1], 139, 143).
20. I went up to Court, & returnd in the Afternoon. Colo. Mason, & Mr. Fendal came with me.
The Fairfax court met only one day this month, and GW's name does not appear on the list of attending justices. George Mason, who returned from Alexandria with him, had several cases that were being heard at this meeting (Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74, 263--68, Vi Microfilm).
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21. Colo. Mason & Mr. Fendal went away after Breakfast. I contind. at home all day. Mr. Robt. Hone dind & lodgd here.
Robert Townsend Hone of Charles County, Md., was a partner in an Alexandria firm called Hooe, Stone & Co. until 1773, when it became Jenifer & Hone. A few years later it became known as Hone & Harrison ( Pa. Mag., 61:64). Hone was a member of the Charles County committee of correspondence and a lieutenant colonel of the Charles County militia. In 1780 he became mayor of Alexandria. After the Revolution he was a member of the Fairfax County court and of the Fairfax vestry.
22. My Brother and my self rid to my Mill & returnd to Dinner.
23. At home all day.
24. Ditto. Ditto.
25. Still at home all day writing.
26. I set of for Annapolis Races. Dined at Rollins's & got into Annapolis between five & Six Oclock. Spent the Evening & lodged at the Governors.
Most of the Rollins (Rawlins, Rawlings) families of Maryland lived in the South River and West River neighborhoods of Anne Arundel County, Md. For their presence on GW's probable route, see COLLES, 178, 180. One old Rawlins house, which served as a tavern for much of the colonial period, was owned by Ann Gassaway Rawlins and inherited by her son Gassaway Rawlins, who owned it until 1810 (RICHARDSON [1], 115--16).
27. Dined at the Govrs. and went to the Play in the Evening.
Five days of racing began this day with a three-horse sweepstakes. As usual, all races began at 11:00 A. M.
28. Again Dined at the Govrs. and went to the Play & Ball in the Evening.
Tuesday's race was for the Jockey Club purse of 100 guineas, limited to horses of club members. The play was given by the American Company, which played through September in Annapolis. The ball was announced in the newspaper: "Assemblies as usual, on Tuesday and Friday" ( Md. Gaz., 9 Sept. 1773).
29. Dined at Mr. Sprigs & went to the Play in the Evening.
Today's race was run in three heats of three miles each, for a purse of £50.
Richard Sprigg (1739--1798), only son of Thomas and Elizabeth Galloway Sprigg, was born at West River Farm (later known as Cedar Park) in Anne
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Arundel County, Md. (KELLY [1], 41). In 1765 Sprigg married Margaret Caile (d. 1796) of Dorchester County, Md., and shortly afterwards moved to a new house designed for him by his friend William Buckland. This home, Strawberry Hill, was built on a promontory overlooking Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay and the site is now a part of the United States Naval Academy grounds. Sprigg became a leading citizen of the town, a steward of the Jockey Club, and one of the founders of St. John's College (TILGHMAN [1], 89).
30th. Dined at Mr. Ridouts & spent the Afternoon & Evening at Mr. Jenifers.
GW may mean Maj. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer rather than his brother Daniel Jenifer. During the years that Maj. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer served on the governor's council in Maryland, he lived at Retreat, his home near Port Tobacco in Charles County. In about 1784 he moved to Stepney, a few miles south of Annapolis in the South River country of Anne Arundel County, Md.
Acct. of the Weather in Septr.
Septr. 1. Wind fresh all day from the Southward with small Showers of Rain.
2. Wind Northwardly in the Morning & a little Cool but calm afterwards & Warm.
3. Clear and Warm in the forenoon with but little Wind. Evening Cloudy & like for Rain very little fell however.
4. Great appearances again for a Settled Rain but it went of again without any.
5. Clear and Cool. Wind pretty fresh from the No. West.
6. Again clear and cool wind being in the same place but not so fresh.
7. Clear and much warmer than yesterday. But little wind & that Southerly.
8. Clear, calm, and warm.
9. Clear, Calm and still again also warm.
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10. Much such a day as the one preceeding there being very little Wind & Warm.
11. Clear and Warm with but little Wind, and that Southerly.
12. Very Warm without any Wind all day.
13. Misty kind of a Morning with the Wind at No. East but no rain all day--in the Night a sml. Showr.
14. Another Misty Morning, with great appearances of Rain all day--only a little fell however.
15. Clear and Cool Wind still at No. East & fresh.
16. Clear and warmer. With but little wind and that East.
17. Quite Calm, clear, & warm Morning being foggey.
18. Again Foggy; & somewhat Cloudy. Day very close & Warm.
19. Some, but not much, Rain fell in the Night. Day for the most part Cloudy with the wind at East.
20. Clear and warm with the Wind Southerly.
21. Also clear and warm--wind in the same place.
22d. Warm--Wind blowing pretty fresh from the So. West.
23. Still Warm & Clear--Wind Blowing very fresh from the So. West.
24. Foggy Morning & a little Wind from the East. Forenoon Raining but clear afterwards.
25. Clear with a little Wind from the Eastward--a little in the Night.
26. Clear and very warm with but little Wind.
27. Clear & very warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
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28. Still Clear and very warm Wind fresh from the Southwd.
29. Very Warm with the Wind fresh from the Southward. In the Evening it began to Rain.
30. Raining more or less all day with the Wind at No. Et.
Where--how or with whom my time is Spent
Octr. 1st. Still at Annapolis. Dined with Mr. Ogle. Spent the Evening at the Governors.
Benjamin Ogle (1746--1808) was elected governor of Maryland in 1798. He was the son of Samuel Ogle (d. 1752) who served three times as governor of Maryland in the colonial period. In the Monday sweepstakes, Ogle's horse came in second out of three.
2. Set of on my return home. Dined at Marlborough & lodged at home. Mr. Custis coming with me.
The town of Upper Marlboro was frequently called Marlboro.
Jacky Custis, who had left King's College to return home for a holiday, evidently met GW in Annapolis. He carried with him highly laudatory letters from Dr. Cooper and from John Vardill, one of his tutors. Vardill wrote that Jacky "has discover'd a remarkable purity of Morals . . . [and] has with such constancy devoted himself to his Studies, as to give us the surest ground to expect that he will hereafter attain to that excellence which his natural powers render him capable of" (20 Sept. 1773, DLC:GW). Dr. Cooper wrote GW that Jacky's "Assiduity hath been equal to his Rectitude of principle; and it is hoped his Improvements in Learning have not been inferior to either" (20 Sept. 1773, DLC:GW).
3. At home all day. Alone.
4. At home all day. Mr. Thos. Triplet came here.
5. Went a hunting in the Neck with Mr. Custis & Lund Washington. Found a Fox & after runng. it two hours & half lost it.
6. At home all day.
7. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Richd. Thompson came and stayed all Night.
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Richard Thompson was interested in leasing some of the Ohio lands that GW was advertising for sale but considered the terms unrealistic. In a letter of 30 Sept. 1773 to GW, Thompson laid down what he considered to be appropriate terms and informed GW of his intention to visit him soon to discuss the matter.
8. I continued at home all day. After Breakfast Mr. Thompson went away.
9. At home all day. Mr. Tilghman & Mr. [Herbert] Came here & stayd all Night.
10. Mr. Herbert went away before Breakfast. Mr. Tilghman went with Mrs. Washington and I to Pohick Church & returnd with us.
11. Mr. Tilghman went away after Breakfast. I rid to Muddy hole--Doeg Run Mill & Mill Qr. & Ferry.
12. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Bell of Maryland came & stayd all Night.
13. Mr. Beal went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Willis & my Brother Charles came. As also Mr. Baker Surgeon Dentist.
Mr. Baker is Dr. John Baker (d. 1796), a Williamsburg surgeon dentist. Baker, who had a medical degree, was a native of England but had practiced in several countries before coming to America before 1767. One of the first qualified dentists to practice in the colonies, he settled in Williamsburg in 1772 but moved to Philadelphia during the Revolution. GW had consulted him as early as April 1772 for help in solving what were to become his perennial dental problems and used his services on other occasions, both in Williamsburg and later in Philadelphia (FAGGART, 551). Baker made short trips throughout the colonies, offering his services to the residents of the principal cities. On this trip to Mount Vernon, he stayed several days and charged GW £5 (LEDGER B, 93).
14. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Harrison the Lawyer & Mr. Harrison the Merchant came.
Richard Harrison (d. 1841), Maryland merchant, may have been of the same family as Robert Hanson Harrison. He was by 1775 a partner in the firm of Hooe & Harrison. Early in the Revolution he was sent to Martinique as commercial agent for Virginia to further trade between that island and Virginia. In Cadiz, 1780--86, he acted as unofficial consul for the United States. Later he settled in Alexandria as a merchant. After refusing an appointment by GW as consul to the port of Cadiz, he served as auditor of the
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U. S. Treasury 1791--1836. Some time after this visit, Harrison married Nancy Craik, daughter of GW's old friend Dr. James Craik.
15. Mr. Richd. Harrison went away before Breakfast. The others continued all day. At home.
16. Mr. Robt. Harrison & Mr. Baker both went away after Breakfast. I remaind at home all day. Captn. Bronaugh Dined here, as also did Mrs. Blackburn & Mrs. Brown.
William Bronaugh (1730--C.1800), son of Col. Jeremiah Bronaugh, was at this time a member of the vestry of Shelburne Parish, Loudoun County. He later became a trustee of the new town of Middleburg in Fauquier County. He had served as a lieutenant with GW in the Fort Necessity campaign and later was promoted to captain. Bronaugh was entitled to 6,000 acres of land under the Proclamation of 1754, and it may have been in regard to this that he was visiting GW. In June 1774 GW bought 2,000 acres of Bronaugh's land on the Great Kanawha River for £50 (LEDGER B, 114).
Mrs. Christian Scott Blackburn and Mrs. Catherine Scott Brown were sisters.
17. At home all day. Captn. Conway Breakfasting here from the Madeiras. Mr. Willis & my Brother went up to Church.
Capt. Thomas Conway commanded the 40-ton sloop Molly, which had been built earlier in the year in Norfolk. The owner of the vessel was Richard Conway of Alexandria, who may have been an elder brother of Thomas. During the previous summer GW had shipped 80 barrels of superfine flour on board the Molly to Lamar, Hill, Bisset & Co. in the Madeira Islands, to be exchanged for wine (GW to Thomas Newton, Jr., 10 July 1773, DLC: GW). The Molly returned to the Potomac 13 Oct. with a cargo that included four pipes of Madeira wine and two boxes of citrons for GW (P.R.O., C.O.5/1352, f. 133; LEDGER B, 92).
18. At home again the whole day. Mr. Willis & my Bror. go[in]g up to Court & returng. at Night.
19. Mr. Willis & my Brother set of home--as Mrs. Washington Mr. Custis & myself did for Wmsburg.--dining at Colchester & lodging at Colo. Blackburns.
20. Dined at Acquia & lodged at Colo. Lewis's in Fred[ericksbur]g.
21. Rid to my Plantation at the little Falls. Dind & Supd at Colo. Lewis's.
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22. Dined at Caroline Ct. House and lodged at Hubbards.
23. Breakfasted at Todds Bridge and reachd Colo. Bassett in the Afternoon.
24. At Colo. Bassetts all [day].
25. Ditto. Ditto.
26. Went to Williamsburg. Dined at the Raleigh & supped at the Coffee House.
27. Dined at the Govrs. & spent the Evening in my own Room.
28. Dined at the Speakers and Spend the Evening in my own Room.
29. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & Spent the Evening in my Room.
30. Returnd to Colo. Bassetts.
31. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
Acct. of the Weather in Octr.
Octr. 1st. Raining more or less all day--with the Wind fresh from the No. Et.
2. Raining in the Morning with fine mists through the day.
3. Clear, Wind at So. West & Warm.
4. Still Clear with but little Wind and that at the same point.
5. Still clear and Warm wind from the same Quarter.
6. Raining all the forenoon with the Wind Easterly & pretty fresh.
7. Lowering most part of the day. Wind Northerly.
8. Very like for Rain all the forenoon but Clear afterwds. Wind at East--but not much of it.
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9. Cloudy & threatning forenoon but clear afterwards. Wind Easterly.
10. Clear and pleasant--but little Wind & that rather Southerly.
11. Foggy Morning, but clear afterwards and warm wind Southerly.
12. Clear and Calm, as also warm there being but little wind & that Southerly.
13. Again Clear & Calm, wind what little there is of it Southerly.
14. Much such a day as yesterday there being but little Wind Southerly. Weather Clear.
15. Clear Calm and pleasant but rather too warm.
16. Cooler, Wind at No. & No. East & somewhat Cloudy but no Rain.
17. Clear & pleasant, with very little Wind.
18. But little Wind--that Southerly with some Rain in the Nig[ht].
19. Wind fresh from the Westward all the forepart of the day & somewhat Cooler.
20. Clear with but little Wind, & that getting Southerly again.
21. Lowering for most part of the day with a little Rain in the Evening.
22. Cloudy, lowering Morning & very warm all day but no Rain.
23. Wind fresh from the Southward, with much appearance of Rain, but none fell.
24. A Good deal of Rain fell last Night.
25. Clear and Warm with but little Wind.
26. Still clear and Warm with but little Wind.
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27. Clear and Warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
28. Again clear warm and pleasant.
29. Wind Northerly, and somewhat Cooler.
30. Wind still Northerly but pleasant, & rather Warm than otherwise.
31. Pleasant with but little [wind] & that westerly.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
Novr. 1. Went to Willmsburg. after Dinner. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
2. Dined at the Attorney's, and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
3. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's & Spent the Evening in my own Room.
4. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening at Southalls.
5. Took an Early Dinner & came up to Colo. Bassetts afterwards.
6. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
7. Dined at Mrs. Dangerfields & returnd to Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon.
8. Went over to see Mr. Blacks Land in King & Queen & King William. Dined at Colo. B. Moores & returnd to Colo. Bassetts in the Evg.
During the forced sales held to settle the Robinson affair, William Black acquired some lands of John Robinson's estate. Black also won some of Bernard Moore's land in the raffle held 14 Dec. 1769, for which GW was a manager. Black was now selling out, and in Dec. 1773 GW, on behalf of Jacky Custis, bought some of these lands in the Pamunkey River valley to add to the Custis estates.
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Miss Lucy Harrison, of Berkeley, made this watercolor of Westover ca.1825--30. (Virginia Historical Society)
9. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
10. Ditto. Ditto.
11. Went to Westover with Colo. Bassett & Mr. Custis. Dind at New Kent Court House in our way there.
The plantation of Westover is about 25 miles due west of Williamsburg and overlooks the James River in Charles City County. Built c. 1730 for William Byrd II (1674--1744), Westover was inherited by Col. William Byrd III, who was residing there in 1773 with his second wife, Mary Willing Byrd (d. 1814) of Philadelphia, whom he married in 1761.
12th. Dined at Westover. Riding to Colo. Harrisons Mills in the forenoon.
The home plantation of Benjamin Harrison (d. 1791), named Berkeley, was immediately to the west of Westover. In 1773 Harrison was a burgess for Charles City County; later he became a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia (1781--84). Harrison married Burwell Bassett's sister Elizabeth (1730--1792), who on 9 Feb. of this year had given birth at Berkeley to William Henry Harrison (d. 1841), ninth president of the United States (see WATERMAN, 163--68; HARRISON [5]).
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Benjamin Harrison as a young man, in a miniature attributed to Henry Benbridge. (Virginia Historical Society)
13. Rid with Colo. Byrd to see Shirly. Dined at Berkley & Returnd to Westover at Night.
The Shirley plantation, about six miles up the river from Westover and overlooking the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers, was the home of Charles Carter (1732--1806), son of Elizabeth Hill Carter Cocke (d. 1769) and her first husband, John Carter (1690--1742/43) of Corotoman, Lancaster County (WATERMAN, 358). Since Carter shared with GW a keen interest in experimental farming, this visit was probably agricultural in nature.
14. Returnd to Colo. Bassetts to Dinner.
15. Went a Fox hunting. Found but did not kill. Returnd to Dinner.
16. Went with Mrs. Washington & Mr. Custis, to Mr. Burbidges to see Mr. Bat. Dandridge. Stayed all Night.
Julius Burbidge's daughter Mary married Bartholomew (Bat) Dandridge (1737--1785), of New Kent County, a brother of Martha Washington.
17. After Dinner returned to Colo. Bassetts.
18. Went to my Plantation in King William, & with Mr. Custis over Blacks Land calld Woromonroke.
GW and Jacky Custis were inspecting land which was part of GW's purchase for the Custis estate and was thereafter called the Romankoke plantation.
19. Came to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett. Spent the Eveng. at the Coffee House.
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Berkeley, on the James River, in a watercolor by Miss Lucy Harrison, ca.1825--30. (Virginia Historical Society)
20. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's & Spent the Evening at the Coffee House.
21. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening in my own Room.
22. Dined at Mr. Southalls & spent the Evening at the Coffee House.
23. Dined with Lord Dunmore at his Farm & spent the Evening at Anderson's.
Dunmore had two estates, apparently continguous, totaling 579 acres, about six miles from Williamsburg in York County. One, called the Old Farm, Dunmore purchased from Robert ("Councillor") Carter in 1772 (petitions of Lord Dunmore to the commission on losses of American Loyalists, 1784, P.R.O., A.O.13/28; MORTON [1], 201). The other, called Porto Bello, had just been purchased by Dunmore two weeks before this visit ( Va. Gaz., R, 4 Nov. 1773). A description of Porto Bello marie in 1769 presented "its situation beautiful, the land good, fine meadows, plenty of fish, no end to oysters, close at the door; and the orchard accounted one of the finest on the continent" ( Va. Gaz., R, 30 Nov. 1769).
24. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening at the Coffee House.
25. Dined at Southalls and spent the Evening again at the Coffee House.
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26. Dined at Southalls and spent the Evening in my own Room.
27. Dined at Southalls and came up to Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon.
28. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
29. Went to Williamsburg again & Dined at Southalls. Spendg. the Evening at the Coffee House.
30. Again Dined at Southalls. Spent the Evening at Anderson's.
Acct. of the Weather in Novr.
Novr. 1st. Very pleasant--rather warm Wind being Southerly.
2. A good deal of Rain fell last Night. Wind Northerly today & a little Cooler.
3. Pleasant, and somewhat warmer than yesterday. Wind getting Southerly again.
4. Warm and pleasant in the forenoon--but cloudy with Rain in the Afternoon.
5. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Squally forenoon but clear & cooler afterwards.
6. Clear & pleasant but somewhat Cool.
7. Cool--wind being Northerly & clear.
8. But little wind in the forepart of the day. In the Afternoon it got to So. East & much rain fell.
9. Continued Rain all most the whole day & Night.
10. Wind fresh from the No. West & Cold. Clear after the Morning.
11. Clear and pleasant but a little Cool.
12. Cold & lowering forenoon but pleasanter afterwards.
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13. Again Cold and lowering (like for Snow) in the forenoon, but pleasanter afterwards, Wind Shifting to the No. West.
14. Clear and Cold in the Morning. Ground hard froze with Ice. Afternoon pleasant.
15. Remarkable white frost but clear and pleasant all day.
16. A white Frost & pleasant, afternoon somewhat lowering--but clear Evening.
17. Very pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
18. Very pleasant with but little Wind.
19. Raw & Cold. Wind Northerly & great appearances of Snow but none fell.
20. Clear & Cool, but pleast. notwithstanding wind Northerly.
21. Clear forenoon but cool wind rather variable but not much of it. Afternoon a little lowering.
22. Clear warm and pleast. with but little Wind.
23. Again clear & warm with but little wind.
24. Pleasant and clear. In the Night the wind changed & grew cool.
25. Cool but still tolerably pleasant being clear & but little wind.
26. Raw & Cold threatning bad weather but none fell.
27. Clear, Warm, & pleasant again with but little Wind. In the Evening Cloudy, with some appearances of Rain.
28. Raw & Cold, with flying Clouds in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
29. Clear but rather Cool--Wind being at No. West.
30. Pleasant and clear.
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Where, how, or with whom my time [is] Spent.
Decr. 1st. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & spent the Evening in my own Room.
2. Dined at Southalls, & Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
On 29 July 1773, Mrs. Campbell's tavern on Waller Street had been put up for auction by Nathaniel Walthoe's executor. Mrs. Campbell had bought it and two lots on six months' credit and got the deed in Jan. 1774 ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 20 May 1773; York County Deed Book, 1769--77, 385--86, Vi Microfilm). During the next few years the local Freemasons habitually held balls at her tavern, and she apparently prospered until 1780 when the capital was moved to Richmond (MASONS, 152). She was still on Waller Street three years later but was no longer open for business and her house, a traveler said "had a cold, poverty struck appearance" (MACAULAY, 187--88). She eventually moved to Fredericksburg, where she died in 1792 and was buffed in the Masonic cemetery (JETT, 24--25).
3. Dined at the Treasurers & Spent the Evening in My own Room.
4. Din'd at Southalls & reachd Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon.
5. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
6. Set out on my return home. Dined at King Win. Court Ho. & lodged at Hubbards.
7. Breakfasted at Caroline Ct. House & reachd Fredg. abt. 4 Oclock. Lodgd at Colo. Lewis's.
8. Breakfasted with my Mother & lodgd at Dumfries.
9. Breakfasted at Dumfries & reachd home to Dinner. Found Doctr. Rumney & Mrs. Barnes here the former going after Dinner.
10. At home all day alone. Mr. Custis comg. in the Aftn.
11. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Wm. Brown & his Sister, & my Brothr. John came.
William Burnet Browne (Brown), formerly of Salem, Mass., and his half-sister Anne lived in King William County. Brother John came to borrow money.
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On 13 Dec GW recorded that £400 belonging to Jacky Custis was lent to John A. Washington on interest (LEDGER B, 96).
12. At home all day the above Company here. Mrs. Washington & Miss Brown going to Ch[urc]h & returng. to Dinner.
13. At home all day--the above Compa[ny] Continuing.
14. My Brother Mr. Brown & his Sister went away after breakfast.
15. I rid out and joind the Dogs in hunting a Fox but did not kill it.
16. Rid to the Ferry & Mill Plantns. as also to the Mill.
17. Rid to Muddy hole, & into the Neck. Mr. George Mason Dined here.
During much of GW's lifetime there were three George Masons living within eight miles of Mount Vernon. Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall, who appears regularly in the diaries as "Col. Mason," had a son named George Mason (1753--1796), who lived near his father in Mason's Neck at Lexington. This George was called George Mason of Lexington, and sometimes George Mason, Jr. A third George Mason, first cousin of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall, lived near Pohick Creek, where in 1782 he owned one tithable slave (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 18). This George was called George Mason of Pohick and. to distinguish him from his elder cousin and neighbor Col. George Mason, was also sometimes called George Mason, Jr. (COPELAND, 88).
18. At home all day alone.
19. At home all day, alone. After Dinner Mrs. Barnes went to Mrs. French's.
20. Went up to Alexandria to Court. Returnd in the Eveng.
There is no record in the Fairfax County Order Book for 1772--74 of a session on this day or any other day in December.
21st. At home all day alone.
22. Went out after Breakfast with the Dogs. Dragd a fox for an hour or two, but never found. Returnd to Dinner & found Mrs. Slaughter here.
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Anne Clifton Slaughter (d. 1798), only child of William and Elizabeth Brent Clifton (d. 1773) of Clifton's Neck, was married to Thomas Slaughter. She borrowed £6 from GW on this day--the loan was not repaid until 1788 (LEDGER B, 98).
23. At home all day. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came.
24. At home all day. Doctr. Craik continuing here.
On this date Dr. Craik paid GW £10 12s. 6d. for flour bought in November. He also paid an old balance of £4 1s. 3d. from a previous year (LEDGER B, 44, 98).
25. At home all day. After breakfast the Doctr. went off homewards.
26. At home all day. Mr. Ben Dulany, & Mr. Peale dined here.
27. Went out in the Forenoon with the Dogs. Traild a Fox but did not find. Mr. Cato Moore dined here & in the Afternn. Mr. Geo. Digges & Mr. Custis came.
Cato Moore later served in the Revolution as a lieutenant in Grayson's Additional Regiment 1777--79. After the Revolution, Moore, along with GW's brother John Augustine, became one of 11 founding trustees of the new town of Charles Town, Berkeley County, Va. (now Jefferson County, W.Va.), which was laid out on land owned by GW's brother Charles. In 1795 Moore was sheriff of Berkeley County (BERG, 48; HEITMAN [1], 298; HENING, 12:371; VSP, 7:463).
28. At home all day Mr. Digges & Custis continuing here.
It was probably during this week at Mount Vernon that Benjamin Dulany, George Digges, Jacky Custis, and Charles Willson Peale participated in an event which Peale later related: "One afternoon several young gentlemen, visiters at Mount Vernon, and myself were engaged in pitching the bar, one of the athletic sports common in those days, when suddenly the colonel appeared among us. He requested to be shown the pegs that marked the bounds of our efforts; then, smiling, and without putting off his coat, held out his hand for the missile. No sooner . . . did the heavy iron bar feel the grasp of his mighty hand than it lost the power of gravitation, and whizzed through the air, striking the ground far, very far, beyond our utmost limits. We were indeed amazed, as we stood around, all stripped to the buff, with shirt sleeves rolled up, and having thought ourselves very clever fellows, while the colonel, on retiring, pleasantly observed, 'When you beat my pitch, young gentlemen, I'll try again'" (CUSTIS, 519).
29. Went out with the Dogs. Found a Fox but did not kill it.
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30. Mr. Digges & Mr. Custis went up to Alexa. returng. in the After.
31st. Went out with Mr. Digges & Mr. Custis a huntg. Found a Fox but did not kill it.
Acct. of the Weather in Decr.
Decr. 1st. Clear Warm and pleast. with but little Wind, and that Southerly.
2. Also Warm and pleasant a little lowering in the Eveng.
3. Clear Warm and pleasant again. With but little Wind & that from the Southward.
4. Much such Weather as yesterday in all respects.
5. Clear, and tolerably pleast. but rather Cooler. Wind being fresh from the Westward.
6. Warm and lowering--Wind being fresh from the So. West.
7. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night, & the Wind getting to No. West it turnd cold.
8. Cold but pleasant notwithstanding it being clear and but little Wind.
9. Cold, & Raw in the forenoon, the Wind being at No. West.
10. Clear and very pleasant with little or no Wind.
11. Clear but the Wind fresh from the No. West it grew Cold.
12. Clear, Calm and exceeding pleasant.
13th. Also clear Warm & pleasant. Wind being So. Westerly.
14. Calm, warm, & very foggy all day.
15. Just such a day as yesterday in all respects.
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16. Still Foggy & still, all day there not being Wind enough to dispel it. Also Warm.
17. Foggy & cloudy in the forenoon. Afternoon clear & pleasant.
18. Lowering Morning. Afterwards Rain, then Snow, after which a mixture of both. Wind Northerly.
19. Clear (except flying [clouds]) & very cold, Wind being at No. West & very fresh. Ground coverd abt. an Inch deep with Snow.
20. Wind in the same place & blowing hard. Weather very cold & clear.
21. Much more moderate than yesterday there being but little Wind & quite clear.
22. Wind in the forenoon fresh from the So. West wch. shifted round to the Northwd. & grew cold.
23. A Snow near Six Inches Deep fell in the Night--also Snowing more or less till near noon, after which clear & Warm.
24. Clear warm and pleast. in the forenoon. Afternoon Lowering. Not much Wind forenoon foggy.
25. Raining more or less all day with the Wind fresh from the Southward. Snow intirely dissolv'd.
26. Last Night there fell Snow enough to cover the ground abt. an Inch, which was again dissolvd this day. It being but Cool, & Windy tho clear.
27. Cloudy & threatning Snow all the forenoon. In the afternoon it Snowd on & off till Night then haild & was very bad Weather being also Windy from the Northward.
28. Gold with fine Snow on & off all day. Wind fresh from the No. Ward. The Snow about 4 Inches deep.
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29. Clear & moderate in the forenoon, Wind Southerly tho the River was quite shut up in the Morning opening afterwards. Afternoon Cold Wind getting to No. Wt.
30. Wind at No. West & the River quite shut up again. However it opend and was more moderate the wind dying away.
31. Little or no Wind & quite Warm and pleasant.
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Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent
Jan 1st. Fox hunting with Mr. George Digges, Mr. Robt. Alexr. & Peake who all dind here, together with Mr. Jas. Cleveland. In the Afternoon all went home but Mr. Alexander.
2. At home all day. Mr. Alexander went home after Breakfast. Mr. Benjn. Dulany Mr. Peale & Mr. Cox came here to Dinner, & stayd all Night.
3. Mr. Dulany & Mr. Cox went away after Breakfast as also did Mr. Custis to Maryland. Mr. Peale stayed, Captn. Jno. Ashby came in the Afternn. & stayd all Night.
Jacky was now in the midst of preparations for his wedding to Nelly Calvert, to be held the following month. On this day GW advanced him £24 "to provide your Wedding Cloaths" (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
4. Captn. Ashby went away and Mr. Grafton Dulany--Mr. Anthy. Addison--Mr. Saml. Hanson & Mr. Fitzgerald came to dinnr. & stayd all N.
Anthony Addison was the youngest son of John Addison (1713--1764), of Oxon Hill, Md.
5. All the above Gentlemen stayd here this day & Night also, except Mr. Fitzgerald who went away after Dinner.
6. Mr. Fitzgerald came down again this day in the Afternoon together with Mr. Herbert and a Mr. Stewart from Philadelphia--the whole staying all Night.
Mr. Stewart may be Andrew Stewart, who, in a mercantile partnership with William Herbert, purchased commercial property on the corner of Water and Princess streets in Alexandria later this year (Fairfax County Deeds, Book M-1, 1--4, Vi Microfilm).
7. Mr. Peale & all the other Gentlemen went away after Breakfast. Mr. Robt. Adam came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
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8. Rid with Mr. Adam (who dind here & went away in the afternoon to my Mill). Mrs. Slaughter & Mesr. Peake also dind here.
9. At home all day. In the Evening Captn. Posey came here.
10. At home all day. A Mr. Young recommended by Mr. Adams came here and dind--going away afterwards.
MR. YOUNG: GW was facing a deadline for establishing his rights to the Kanawha land in the Ohio Valley that he received under Governor Dinwiddie's 1754 Proclamation. Having been unable to attract settlers either from the colonies or from Ireland, Scotland, or Germany, GW was now planning at least to "seat" the lands within the three-year period provided by law. This "seating" involved making minimal improvements on the land that had been granted and surveyed, including constructing buildings and clearing and planting at least one out of every 500 acres (HENING, 3:31--314). For this job GW was buying white servants and hiring carpenters. George Young had been recommended to GW by Robert Adam of Alexandria to be the leader of GW's Kanawha expedition (12 Jan. 1774, DLC:GW).
11. Rid into the Neck. Captn. Posey still here.
12. Rid to the Mill--Mill Plantn. Dogue Run & Muddy hole before Dinner. A Rope Maker one Paterson Dind here.
Thomas Patterson was one of eight artisans with whom GW contracted for repairs to his brig Anne and Elizabeth (see main entry for 28 Mar. 1774).
13. Dind here no body but Captn. Posey. I walked out with my Gun. In the Afternoon Mr. Geo. Young came here to live.
GW hired Young at £25 for one year to accompany the Kanawha expedition (LEDGER B, 107).
14. Captain Posey went away to Maryland after Breakfast. Mr. Craven Peyton came to Dinr. & went away afterwards.
Craven Peyton came to Mount Vernon to receive a power of attorney from GW "for all & singular the purposes within mentioned as also for the further purposes of acknowledging Leases for Land Let & terms agreed on by the said Geo. Wm. Fairfax Esqr. in the Counties of Culpeper and Fauquier as also for conveying Sundrie pieces of Land sold by the said George Wm. Fairfax to Majr. Angus McDonald & Mr. Philip Bush both of the County of Fredk." (power of attorney to Peyton, 14 Jan. 1774, NjMoNP).
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15. Went out a hunting, & killd a dog fox wch. was found in Hell hole, after a chase of 3 hours. At home afterwards alone.
16. At home all day alone.
17. Went up to Alexa. to Court. Dind at Arrels. Suppd at Mrs. Hawkins & came home afterwards.
Mary Hawkins, a widow with five children, ran a tavern in Alexandria until her death in 1777.
18. At home all day. Mr. Custis came from Maryland yesterday & Hanson Posey came this Eveng.
19. Mr. Custis & I went into the Neck a Hunting. Found two Fox's but killd neither. Doctr. Rumney came to Dinr. & stayd all Nt.
20. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney continuing here. Miss Sally Carlyle & her Sister Nancy & Miss Betcy Ramsay & Miss Jenny Dalton all came to Dinnr. & stayed all Night.
Jenny Dalton was a daughter of John Dalton, merchant of Alexandria.
21. Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast. Mr. Custis & I went a hunting in the Neck & after run[nin]g a Fox 3 hours lost it.
22. At home all day. Miss Carlyle & the other Girls went away after Dinner--and Mr. Young to Bladensburg before it.
George Young, who had been working for Dr. David Ross, merchant of Bladensburg, was now probably returning to his old employer to move his effects to Mount Vernon.
23. At home all day. In the Evening Mr. Robt. Rutherford came.
24. At home all day. Mrs. Blackburn her Son & Miss Ellzey as also Mrs. Brown, came to Dinner & Doctr. Brown in the Afternoon as also did Valene. Crawford.
Christian Scott Blackburn (b. 1745) was the wife of Col. Thomas Blackburn of Rippon Lodge. Her son here is probably her elder son, Richard Scott Blackburn (d. 1804--5), whose daughter Jane Charlotte Blackburn was later mistress of Mount Vernon as the wife of GW's grandnephew John Augustine Washington (d. 1832). Miss Ellzey is probably a daughter of Thomasin Ellzey and his wife Alice, a sister of Col. Thomas Blackburn of Rippon Lodge.
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25. Mrs. Blackburn & those that came with her as also the Doctr. went away after Dinner.
The main diary entries for 25--31 Jan. and the weather entries for 9--15 and 25--31 Jan. were inadvertently dated December by GW.
26. Mr. Rutherford went away after Breakfast. I contd. at home all day.
27. At home all day alone, except Mr. Valentine Crawfords being here.
Valentine Crawford was GW's first choice to lead the Kanawha expedition (see main entry for 11 Feb. 1774).
28. At home all day. Majr. Chas. Smith & Andw. Wagener came here to dinner. The last went away after it--the other stayd all Night.
Andrew Waggener was the heir of Thomas Waggener who, along with Smith, was a veteran of the 1754 campaign against the French. They were probably at Mount Vernon to discuss their shares of the bounty land promised to all such veterans (GW to Charles Mynn Thruston, 12 Mar. 1773, DLC:GW). Wagener had made no effort heretofore to cooperate with GW in obtaining the grant for the veterans. On this visit GW presented Wagener with a bill of £9 58. 3d. for his share of the expenses already incurred (bill, GW to Andrew Wagener, 25 Jan. 1774, excerpt, Paul C. Richards, Autographs, Catalogue No. 46, 1969, Item 14).
29. At home all day. Majr. Smith went away after Breakfast.
30. At home all day. Mr. Bryan Fairfax came to dinner and stay'd all Night.
30[31]. At home all day--Mr. Fairfax continuing here. Mr. Custis returnd to Mr. Calverts by way of George Town.
On this day GW advanced Jacky £37, "given you when you went over to be married" (CUSTIS ACCOUNT BOOK).
Acct. of the Weather in Jany.
Jan. 1st. A little Rain fell in the Night. The day remarkably pleasant. Wind in the Afternn. at So. West.
2. Quite calm in the forenoon also clear & exceeding pleasant and Warm.
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3. Calm for the most of the day, clear in the forenoon, but very cloudy afterwards with a good deal of Rain in the Night. Wind Southerly.
4. Somewhat Cloudy with but little wind in the forenoon. In the Afternoon it got Northerly but did not blow much.
5. It Began raining in the Night, & continued to do so the whole day without intermission the wind being at East.
6. Tolerably clear in the Morning but Cloudy & lowering afterwards. In the Night a good deal of Rain fell.
7. A little Cloudy. The Wind fresh from the No. West.
8. Still lowering. Wind Southerly & raw. Towards Night a little Snow just sufficient to cover the Ground fell--the Wind blowing hard at No. West.
9th. Wind blowing hard all day at No. West. And very cold.
10. Exceeding Cold. Wind in the same place & harder than Yesterday. Much Ice.
11. Still a good deal of Ice upon the Flats. Wind at So. West, fresh & Cold all day--at Night shifted to No. West again & grew very cold.
12. River almost close froze--day cold, Wind fresh at No. West.
13. River entirely close in the Morning, but free from Ice afterwards except upon the Flats. Day cloudy with but little wind.
14. Ground lightly cover'd with Snow. Day foggy--Misty, & thawing with little or no Wind.
15. Foggy & warm Morning, with little or no Wind. Afterwards Windy from the No. West & turning Cold. Ice almost gone out of the River.
16th. Very Cold all day & not very Windy--but Northerly.
17. Tolerably pleasant. But little Wind & clear.
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18. Wind fresh from the No. West and very Cold all day. Clear.
19. Cold & hard frozen Morning but clear and not much wind from the Southward. Thawd but little.
20. Little or no Wind, and more moderate than yesterday--but sometimes threatning falling Weather being lowerg. all day.
21. Wind Southerly in the Morning, but about Noon it Shifted to the Northwest, blew hard & turnd exceeding Cold.
22. Very cold Morning. River quite Shut up in the Morning early; but opend into holes afterwards, & before Night broke much away. Not much Wind but that Northerly. Very cold & Cloudy.
23. Was also very cold. Wind still Northerly.
24. Raw cold & Cloudy all day, Wind still at No. West & fresh.
25. Tolerably pleasant--being clear with little or no Wind.
26. Clear and pleasant but little Wind and that Southerly.
27. Wind blowing fresh and cold all day from the No. West & freezing very hard. With Clouds.
28. Snowing till the Afternoon but not fast--ground coverd abt. 2 Inches. Very cold River quite shut up. Wind Northerly.
29. Wind in the same place & Cold. In the Afternoon abt. an Inch more Snow.
30. A kind of a Sleet after the Morning continued all day with the Wind abt. No. Et.
31. Clear and not so cold as yesterday. A great deal of Rain fell in the Night.
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Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
Feby. 1st. At home all day. Mr. Fairfax went away after Breakfast. In & abt. Dinner time Nancy Carlyle came.
2. I still continued home--alone except Mr. Crawford.
3. Set out after an early Dinner (with Lund Washington) for Mr. Calverts, to Mr. Custis's Wedding who was this Eveng, married to Miss Nelly Calvert.
On 15 Dec. 1773 GW had written to Rev. Myles Cooper, president of King's College, N.Y., that his hopes of Jacky's continuing his education were "at an end; & at length, I have yielded, contrary to my judgment, & much against my wishes, to his quitting College; in order that he may enter soon into a new scene of Life, which I think he would be much fitter for some years hence, than now; but having his own inclination, the desires of his mother & the acquiescence of almost all his relatives, to encounter, I did not care, as he is the last of the family, to push my opposition too far; & therefore have submitted to a Kind of necessity" (DLC:GW).
4. At Mr. Calverts all day. With much other company.
5. Returnd home to a late Dinner. Found Mr. Gist here who came the day I left home. Also found Doctr. Rumney & Val. Crawford here.
6. At home all day. Mr. Gist went away after Breakfast.
7. Went with Mrs. Washington and Nancy Carlyle by the New Church to Captn. McCartys. Dind there & came home in the Afternoon. Doctr. Rumney went away after Breakfast.
8. Rid into the Neck to the Plantation's there. And to the fishing Landing--where my Carpenters were at Work. Came home by Muddy hole. Mrs. Slaughter dind here & went away afterwards.
9th. At home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. Matthew Campbell & Captn. Crawford came.
10th. At home all day. After Breakfast Mr. Campbell went away and in the Afternoon Mr. Hugh Stephenson came.
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Hugh Stephenson, a son of GW's old friend Richard Stephenson of Frederick County and a half brother to Valentine and William Crawford, lived in the Shenandoah Valley until the Revolution. In response to a request by the Continental Congress in June 1775, Virginia raised two companies of riflemen, most of whom came from the Valley and the frontier. The two companies, led by Capt. Daniel Morgan and Capt. Hugh Stephenson, marched to Cambridge and participated in the siege of Boston. A year later (June 1776) Stephenson, now a colonel, was put in command of a combined Virginia-Maryland rifle regiment in the Continental service and died that summer during the New York campaign (BERG, 120, 132; HEITMAN [1], 381).
11. At home all day. Mr. Thos. Rutherford came here to dinner & Mr. Resin Bell in the afternn.
Rutherford is probably Robert Rutherford's brother Thomas, of Berkeley (later Jefferson) County (see GREENE [3], 375--82). Rezin Beall (1723--1809), whose name is variously spelled, was a descendant of Thomas Beall the immigrant and lived on Little Paint Branch, one mile north of Beltsville in northern Prince George's County, Md. (BEALL, 112--13). From 16 Aug. to 1 Dec. 1776 Beall served as a brigadier general with Maryland troops in the campaign in the Jerseys (HEITMAN [1], 79; BERG, 42, 67, 108).
Beall had brought a note from Jonathan Boucher recommending him for the job Valentine Crawford had just accepted from GW (see 27 Jan. 1774). On 15 Feb., GW explained to Boucher: "Before Mr. Beall deliver'd me your Letter of the 10th . . . (under a supposition of his willingness to undertake my business on the Ohio) I had conditionally agreed with Mr. Vale. Crawford for this purpose; who you must know, had Imbark'd in a Courting Scheme (in this neighbourhood) and, as I conceiv'd the task of pleasing a Master & Mistress, equal to that of two Masters, I made a point of his settling this business somehow or other with the Lady before he undertook mine; and this he did unfavourably to his wishes, the very day Mr. Beall came here & was at liberty for me" (NN; see main entry for 27 Jan. 1774).
12. After dinner the two Crawfords & Mr. Stephenson set out for Wmsburg. & Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Beall for their respective homes.
Valentine Crawford and Hugh Stephenson were carrying a letter from GW to Governor Dunmore, dated 11 Feb., attesting to their satisfactory military service in the early 1760s, by which they hoped to qualify for western bounty land under the royal Proclamation of 1763 (ViW). Thomas Rutherford was carrying a letter from GW dated this day recommending him as an assistant surveyor (PPiU).
13. At home all day alone.
14. Again at home all day. To Dinner came Master Geo. Carlyle--who went away afterwards with his Sister Nancy. In the Afternoon Captn. Bullet & his Brother Cuthbert came & stayed all Night.
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Capt. Thomas Bullitt, who had been surveying land in the Ohio Valley for Governor Dunmore and others, was now reporting to GW on his trip and on land he had chosen for GW. Thomas's brother Cuthbert Bullitt (d. 1791) was an attorney living in Prince William County. In 1788 Cuthbert Bullitt was elected by the General Assembly an additional judge of the Virginia General Court (VSP, 4:537). Another Bullitt brother, Benjamin, had been killed while serving with GW in the Virginia Regiment (HARRISON [6], 24:212).
15. These Gentlemen went away. I went to a Vestry at the New Church & returnd in the Aftern.
The main business for the Truro vestry at this meeting was recorded in the vestry book: "George Mason Esqr. Executor of Daniel French dec[ease]d, Undertaker [contractor for the construction] of the Church near Pohick, having finished the said Church tender the same to this Vestry . . . and the said Vestry being of Opinion that the said Church is finished . . . do receive the same . . . the said George Mason undertaking to finish the Horse Blocks and Benches under the Trees" (Truro Vestry Book, 160, DLC).
16. At home all day alone--being engaged in writing.
17. Went a Hunting. Found a dog fox in this Neck and killed him after treeing 3 times and running about 2 hours.
One of the Mason children drew this sketch of Pohick Church, ca.1830--40. (Board of Regents of Gunston Hall)
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18. At home all day alone Writing. In the Aftn. Mr. Jas. Lawson came.
This is probably James Lawson of Glasgow, who had come to Virginia to settle the accounts of the financially troubled Occoquan ironworks, which his brother-in-law John Semple had taken over from John Ballendine in the early 1760s (SKAGGS, 63:28, n.15; Va. Gaz., P&D, 13 June 1771). Lawson was now planning to sail for Scotland "to settle all his Business in Glasgow, and return here with his Wife and family to spend the rest of his Life" (Alexander Hamilton to James Brown & Co., 27 June 1774; MACMASTER, 61:166).
19. Went a Hunting in the Neck see three Foxs but killd none. Mr. Lawson went away after Breakfast.
20. At home all day. Mr. Willm. Brent & Mr. Notley Rozer came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
At least two William Brents lived along the Potomac at this time. One was William Brent of Charles County, Md.; the other was William Brent (1733--1782), of Richland, near Aquia Creek in Stafford County, Va., who married Eleanor Carroll (d. 1804), daughter of Daniel Carroll of Upper Marlboro, Md. (BRENT, 123). Notley Rozer was a son of Henry and Eleanor Neale Rozer, of Piscataway Parish, Prince George's County, Md. (BOWIE, 572).
21. A Wm. Stevens came here in the Evening, & stayd all Night. I continued at home all day.
GW hired William Stevens to accompany the expedition of workers GW was sending west to seat his Kanawha lands (GW to William Stevens, 6 Mar. 1775, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 103).
22. At home all day. Stevens went away Early. Miss Digges Miss Betcy Digges, & Mrs. Slaughter Dind here & went away afterwards.
23. At home all day. Mr. Robt. Adam came to dinner and Mr. B. Fairfax and Captn. Crawford came after Dinner--the whole staying all Night.
24. Went a huntg. in the Morning and from thence to the Vestry. Mr. Adams going away--upon my return found Doctr. Craik, Val. Crawford & Mr. Thos. Gist.
Meeting again "at the new Church near Pohick," the Truro vestry assigned pews, first to those (including GW) who bought pews at auction in the fall of 1772. Other pews were then assigned: the "Upper Pew . . . adjoining the South Wall . . . to the Use of the magistrates and Strangers, and the Pew opposite thereto to the use of their Wives, and the two Pews next below
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A twentieth-century floor plan of Pohick Church as visualized by architect Glenn Brown and published in Philip Slaughter, History of Truro Parish, Philadelphia, 1908. (University of Virginia Library)
them . . . to the Vestrymen and Merchants and their Wives." The "eight Pews below and adjoining the Cross Isle of the Church [were] assigned to the Use of the most respectable Inhabitants and House Keepers of the Parish, the Men to sit in the four Pews next the South Wall, and the Women in the other four next the North Wall" (Truro Vestry Book, 161--62, DLC).
The vestry also ordered "that the new Church... be furnished with a Cushion for the Pulpit and Cloths for the Desks & Communion Table of Crimson Velvet with Gold Firing, and that Colo. George Washington be requested to import the same" (Truro Vestry Book, 162, DLC). This was the last vestry meeting GW is recorded as having attended, although he remained a vestryman until he resigned the position in 1784 (GW to Daniel McCarty, 22 Feb. 1784, DLC:GW).
25. At home all day. Mr. Fairfax & Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. Hancock Lee came to Dinr. & went away after it.
Hancock Lee (1740--1819), of Greenview, Fauquier County, did much exploring and surveying in the Ohio Valley and later settled in Kentucky (LEE [l], 268, 355--56; WEAKS, 420, 436). Lee, newly commissioned as a surveyor, was preparing to accompany Capt. William Crawford on a surveying trip down the Ohio River (MASON [2], 1:448).
Although GW was not present, the Truro Parish vestry met again on this day to finish details regarding the new church. Among the business was an order "that William Bernard Sears gild the Ornaments within the Tabernacle Frames the Palm Branch and Drapery on the Front of the Pulpit (also the Eggs on the Cornice of the small Frames if the Gold will hold out)... to be done with the Gold Leaf given to the Parish by Colo. George Washington" (Truro Vestry Book, 164, DLC).
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26. At home all day. Captn. Crawford and Mr. Gist went away after Breakfast.
27. At home all day alone.
28. Mr. Tayler, Mr. Wagener & one Mordaica Red came to Breakfast & went away afterwards.
MR. TAYLER: possibly Hancock Taylor, who accompanied his first cousin, Hancock Lee, on a surveying trip into Kentucky in the spring of 1774. During that trip Taylor was killed by Indians ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 15 Sept. 1774). Mordecai Redd, of Frederick County, later bought a piece of land in Frederick County from the estate of George Carter, for which GW was a trustee (see main entry for 10 Mar. 1769).
Acct. of the Weather in Feby.
Feby. 1st. Tolerably warm, and thawing all day. Wind Southerly.
2. Still warm and thawing with little or no Wind. Ice upon the River beginning to Break & move about.
3. Raining very close and constant all the Morning with the Wind fresh from the So. West. Ice a good deal dispersal. In the Evening clear & Wind at No. West.
4. Clear, but rather cold, wind Westerly & pretty fresh. Ground froze in the Morng. but thawing afterwards.
5. Cloudy & a good deal like Snow with little or no wind.
6. Clear with the Wind pretty fresh from the No. West in the Forenoon, but calm, & not cold afterwards.
7. Pleasant Morning, being clear and Calm. Afterwds. windy from the westward, & Cold with appearances of Snow.
8. Clear Calm & pleasant again in the Morning. Wind Southerly afterwards and tolerably fresh. Afternoon a little Muddy.
9th. Wind shifting to the No. West it turnd very cold & freez'd exceeding hard before Night.
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10. Not so Cold as yesterday. Wind getting more westerly.
11. But little Wind, and that for the most part Easterly. Afternoon very lowering.
12. Last Night fell a good deal of Rain. Forenoon Cloudy and afternoon Raining Wind being Easterly.
13. The forenoon of this day Cloudy & afternoon Rainy.
14. Snow this morning abt. 3 Inches deep & weather very Cold--Wind being at No. Wt.
15. Clear & Cold with but little Wind, & Northerly. River quite Shut up again.
16. Clear, with but little [wind] & that Inclining to the Southward. Weather moderating.
17. Clear and pleasant--but little Wind and that southerly. Ice breaking fast.
18. Remarkably fine, with little or no Wind in the Morng. After Noon Raing. Wind at No. Et.
19. Pleasant and Warm in the Morning--after much Rain. Afternoon windy from the No. West but not Cold.
20. Ground not froze--day clear, calm, & very pleasant.
21. Morning lowering, but clear Calm & pleasant afterwards.
22. Very white frost, & ground a litle froze--but clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
23. Clear calm and exceeding pleasant. Ground little or nothing froze.
24. Again exceeding pleasant being Calm & clear without any frost.
25. Very pleasant, but somewhat Cooler, ground froze & Wind at No. West but neither hard nor Cold.
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26. Clear, with very little Wind, and exceeding pleasant--being warm.
27th. Lowering in the Morning but clear afterwards being also warm & pleasant.
28. Clear, Wind blowing pretty fresh from the No. West and turning some what cooler--but not Cold.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
March 1. Mr. & Mrs. Calvert & Miss Calvert with Mr. Custis & his Wife & Mr. George Digges came to Dinner.
On 20 Feb., Jacky Custis had written to GW: "All the [Calvert] family . . . expect to see you on Tuesday 1st. of March, if the Weather permits" (DLC: GW).
2. Walkd with Mr. Calvert &ca. to my Mill & Back. Mr. Muir, Mr. Piper, & Mr. Adams came to Dinner. & stayd all Night.
3. Miss Carlyle, Miss Ramsay, Mr. Dulany Doctr. Rumney, & Messrs. Herbert, Brown, Fitzgerald, Harrison Campbell and Alexr. Steward came to Dinner & Stayd all Night--as did Vale. Crawford. Piper Adam & Muir went away after Dinner.
Valentine Crawford was on his way to Baltimore with a request from GW to a sea captain, William McGachen, to buy some white servants for Crawford to take with him on the Kanawha expedition (13 Mar. 1774, DLC:GW).
4. All except Mr. Calverts Family Mr. Digges, Dulany & Doctr. Rumney went away after Dinner.
5. Mr. Dulany & Doctr. Rumney went away after Dinner.
6. The rest of the Company remaining.
7. Mr. Calvert, Lady, & daughter with Mr. Geo. Digges went away after breakfast.
8. I set of for Berkley &ca. & to Meet Mr. James Mercer at Bull run, on a div[isio]n of that Land between him and his Brothers. Dined at Moss's & lodgd at Leesburg.
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GW was a court-appointed trustee for James Mercer's brother George, who was in England.
GW took the main road from Alexandria to Leesburg. Later that same year Nicholas Cresswell, in taking the same route, found the road to be "very bad, cut to pieces with the waggons." Cresswell stopped halfway between Alexandria and Leesburg at "Mosses Ordinary, Loudoun County," which he found to be the only "public House" between those two towns (CRESSWELL, 47--48). In 1759 John Moss had been licensed by the Loudoun County court to keep an ordinary in Leesburg (WILLIAMS [1], 105). By 1774 Moss had probably moved to the ordinary that had earlier been run by James and Richard Coleman, on Sugar Land Run, about halfway between Alexandria and Leesburg. This southernmost section of Loudoun County was added to Fairfax County in 1798 (HARRISON [l], 326--29).
9. Dined at Snickers's & lodgd at Fairfield.
10. Went by my Tenants on Bullskin to my Brothers at Harewood.
11. At Harewood all day.
12. Returnd by my Tenants on Bullskin to Fairfield.
13. At Fairfield all day with others.
14. Set of for my Tenants in Fauquier, and lodged at one Lewis Lemarts a Tenants.
Lewis Lemart (Lamart) began leasing one of GW's lots on the Fauquier-Loudoun County border in Dec. 1772 at £7 per year for 150 acres. The lease was renewed annually, at the same rental, until 1786 (LEDGER B, 68).
15. At Lewis Lemarts till the Afternoon with my Tenants & making Leases. Rid to Cap. Ashby's in the Afternoon.
16. Viewed my Land on Chattins Run & Goose Creek, & came to Mr. Thos. Wests to Dinner to meet Mr. Mercer.
Charles West's son Thomas was now assisting his father at the family ordinary.
17. Looking over & running some Lines of Mercers Bullrun Tract. Returnd & lodgd at Wests again.
In checking some boundaries of the Mercer land that he would be responsible for selling in the fall, GW found that a mill had been built by a local settler inside a supposed Mercer line. GW sided with the mill owner (GW to James Mercer, 28 Mar. 1774, NNebgGW).
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18. On the same business again. Returnd to Mr. Wests at Night.
19. At Wests (my Horses being lost) till One Oclock then (after they were found) rid down to Mr. Edd. Paynes & lodgd there.
20. Got home to Breakfast.
21. At home all day. Alone.
22. At home all day. In the afternoon Mr. Thos. Addison came & stayed all Night. Also Mrs. Barnes.
In 1767 Thomas Addison (d. 1774) of Oxon Hill, eldest son of John Addison (1713--1764), married Rebecca Dulany, daughter of Walter Dulany (d. 1773) of Annapolis.
23. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney came to Dinner.
24. At home all day Doctr. Rumney continuing here. As did Mr. Valentine Crawford who came last Night.
Crawford returned from Baltimore with four servants indentured for three years, four convict servants, and a married couple indentured for four years, at a total price of £110 sterling (William McGachen to GW, 13 Mar. 1774, DLC:GW). GW apparently sent most of these servants on the Kanawha expedition that left Mount Vernon on 31 Mar.
25. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney went away after Dinner.
26. At home all day. Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner and stayd all Night.
27. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
28. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. I went up to Alexandria to the Sale of the Anne & Elizabeth which I bought myself at the price of £175. Returnd home in the Afternoon.
This purchase was in consequence of the voyage of John Carlyle's brigantine the Fairfax to the West Indies in the summer of 1772, carrying a cargo of herring and flour which GW had placed in the care of Daniel Jenifer Adams (see main entry for 22 July 1772). After selling the cargo, Adams bought the Fairfax from the captain, renamed it the Anne and Elizabeth (in honor, apparently, of his sisters), and proceeded to sail and trade about the West Indies and along the Atlantic coast without ever paying GW for the cargo. It was not until the fall of 1773 that GW was, by court order, finally able to
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get the brig to Alexandria, "within Thirty days after her arrival at which place if Mr. Daniel Jenifer Adams did not pay my demand agreeably to the terms of the Bottomry Bond I am to dispose of the Vessell" (GW to Thomas Pollock, 29 Nov. 1773, DLC:GW). GW later recorded that "after laying a Month agreeable to the terms of the Bond and being Advertized for Sale during that time . . . I was compelld to buy it in myself . . . much against my Inclination, as I had no desire of being concernd in Shipping." GW renamed the brig the Farmer and sent it off to the West Indies in May with another cargo of herring and flour (GW to Robert McMickan, 10 May 1774, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 57, 99, 117). GW alternately called this craft a brig and a brigantine, although by this time these were two distinct types of vessels. Both were two-masted, square-rigged vessels, but the brigantine differed from the brig in not carrying a square mainsail.
29th. At home all day alone.
30. Walk in the Evening over my three Plantations in the Neck.
On this day GW revised and completed his instructions to Valentine Crawford for the party setting out to seat GW's Kanawha River lands. The instructions, which are quite detailed, include the following directions: "that as much Ground as possible may be got in order for Corn, & planted therewith, I would have you delay building & Tenting till the Season is too late for Planting. . . . It will be essentially necessary to have all the work done upon any one Tract appraisd before you move to the next Tract" (DLC:GW). The appraisal, usually by local county court justices, was to satisfy the land law requiring improvements within the three-year limit (HENING, 3:312--13).
31. Mr. George Johnston dind here. I rid as [far as] the Gumsp[rin]g with my People and Vale. Crawford who were moving to the Ohio.
George Johnston, Jr. (1750--1777), a son of George Johnston (d. 1766), attorney of Fairfax County, in 1775 was made a captain in the 2d Virginia Regiment. In Jan. 1777, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, he became an aide-de-camp to GW, serving until his death in the fall of 1777.
Before Crawford could get his "People" to GW's lands, Dunmore's War broke out between settlers and Indians along the Ohio frontier. Less than two months after leaving Mount Vernon, Crawford gave up in the face of the hostilities and sold the servants to frontier buyers, including two to himself (Crawford to GW, 27 July 1774, DLC:GW).
Acct. of the Weather, in Mar.
March 1. Rather raw & Cold in the forenoon--pleasant afterwards and clear.
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2. Warm in the forepart of the day with Rain and the Wind at So. West. Afterwards Cooler.
3. Clear with the Wind at No. West but neither Cold nor hard.
4. Pleasant & Clear in the forenoon with the Wind Southerly. Afternoon lowering.
5. Raining constantly all day with the Wind pretty fresh from the No. East.
6. Drizling, & Cloudy all the forenoon. Afternoon clear & pleasant.
7. Clear, wind very hard, and tolerably cold from the No. West all day.
8. Very pleasant in the forenoon with but little wind. Afternoon lowering & wind at N. E.
9. Rain last Night. Wind high & Cool from the No. West all day but moderating towards Night.
10. Wind abt. So. West & tolerably fresh, but pleasant notwithstanding being also clear.
11. Very pleasant & Warm with but little wind & that Southerly.
12th. Wind fresh & Cool from the No. West in the Morning. Shifting to the No. Et. in the Afternoon & raw.
13. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
14. Lowering Morning & Rainy Afternoon. Slow Rain.
15. Pretty cool in the Morning but moderate & pleasant afterwards.
16. Clear in the forenoon & warm all day with but little Wind. Afternoon lowering.
17. Clear in the forenoon, but cloudy & lowering afterwards with a good deal of Rain in the Night.
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18. Misting and very much like Rain all day but none fell. Wind at No. Et.
19. Snowing in the forenoon with a Mixture of Rain and Misting afterwards. Wind No. Et.
20. Misting, and Raining, more or less all day. Wind in the same Quarter.
21. Misting with Rain in the forenoon. Clouds dispersg. afterwards--Wind west[erl]y.
22. Clear--Wind pretty fresh from the Westward and Cool.
23. Clear Wind still pretty fresh from the Westward & Cool.
24. Pretty smart frost--ground being hard.
25. Lowering but no Rain, Wind Southerly.
26. Wind at No. West and fresh also Cool.
27. Forenoon a good deal like Rain, but none fell. Afterwards clear. Wind Southerly and rather Raw.
28. Clear and Warm. Wind still Southerly, & fresh.
29. Clear. Wind Southerly.
30. Moderate Rain, from Morning till Evening. Wind Northerly. Evening clear.
31. Clear and Cool Wind being at No. West but not very hard.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent.
April 1st. At home all day. Price Posey dined here.
2. At home all day. Mr. Robt. Adam dined here.
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3. At home all day. Mr. Hooe & Mr. Robt. Harrison dined and lodged here.
4. The above Gentlemen went away early in the morning & Mrs. Washington and myself went & dined at Mr. Digges's with Mr. & Mrs. Custis on their way to Mr. Calverts.
5. Tuesday, at home all day. Captn. Posey came in the Evening.
6. At home all day.
For the past several weeks GW had been corresponding with Dr. Hugh Mercer of Fredericksburg, who wished to buy the Ferry Farm. On this day Dr. Mercer accepted GW's price, promising to pay the £2,000 Virginia currency in five annual payments, plus interest (Mercer to GW, 6 April 1774, DLC: GW).
7. At home all day. Captn. Posey went away after Dinner as Mrs. Barnes also did to her own habitation.
8. At home all day alone.
9. At home all day. Colo. Bassett, Mrs. Bassett, with Billy & Fanny came here to Dinner. Mr. Robt. Adam also dind here.
10. Went with Colo. Bassett &ca. to Pohick Church. Returnd to Dinner. Doctr. Brown dind here.
11. At home all day. Mr. Milner & a Mr. Marle dined here.
William Milnor, merchant of Philadelphia, had come to Mount Vernon to buy fish taken from GW's fishing grounds along the Potomac (LEDGER B, 123). Milnor also rented a new fish house, which GW had built for him at Johnston's fishery, on the Clifton's Neck land (GW to William Milnor, 16 Dec. 1773, DLC:GW). MR. MARLE: may be Richard Marley, merchant of Philadelphia.
12. Rid with Colo. Bassett &ca. to the Fishing Landing at Posey.
The fishermen were taking some shad but mostly herring, worth over £100 sterling, most of which was sold to Milnor on credit (LEDGER B, 123).
13. Rowed to the different Fishing Landings as high as Broad Creek. Met & brot. Mr. Custis & his wife home with us.
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14. Went a hunting. Killd a bitch Fox with three young ones almost hair'd. Doctr. Rumney dind here & stayed all Night.
15. Rid with Mrs. Bassett &ca. to the fishing Landing at Johnson's. Mr. Digges & his three daughters Teresa Betcy & Jenny dind here. Doctr. Rumney went away.
16. Rid with Mrs. Bassett &ca. to the Mill & Fishing Landing at Posey's. Colo. Richd. Lee dind & Lodgd.
17. Attempted to go to Alexa. Church but broke the Poll of the Chariot & returnd. Colo. Lee went away after Breakfast.
18. Went with Colo. Bassett &ca. to Alexa. Returnd in the Afternoon. Mr. Magowan came home with us.
19. Went with Colo. Bassett, Mrs. Bassett &ca. to Mr. Digges's & dined.
20. Rid to the Fishing Landg. at Johnson's. Mr. Herbert & Mr. Stewart came home with us to Dinner. Mrs. Brown dined here & in the Aftern. Colo. Mason, Doctr. Brown, Mr. Jno. Cook, & my Brother John came.
John Travers Cook (1755--1823), of Stafford County, married Mary Thomson Mason, daughter of George Mason of Gunston Hall.
21. At home all day. Mr. Herbert, Mr. Stewart, Colo. Mason, & Doctr. Brown & Wife went away before Dinner. Mr. Warnr. Washington & Captn. Nourse came to it.
22. Went with the above Compy. to the Fishing Landing at Johnsons.
23. All the foregoing Company except Colo. Bassett & Family went away after Breakfast. I rid with him to the Fish[er]y at Posey.
24. Mr. Tilghman & Mr. Stewart came here to Dinner. The first stayed all Night the other returnd.
On 7 April 1774 James Tilghman, Jr., had written to GW, mentioning "the agreeable Prospect that I have of shortly seeing all my Friends in Virginia, I shall leave Philadelphia in a Week, and in one week more hope to pay a Visit to Mount Vernon" (DLC:GW).
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25. Colo. Bassett & family went away after Breakfast and Mr. Tilghman after Dinner. Mr. Adam dind here. Mr. Lanphire came to W[or]k.
MR. LANPHIRE: Going Lanphier (1727--1813), a house joiner and carpenter from Alexandria, had first done interior carpentry for GW in 1759, when the Mount Vernon mansion house was "raised" from 1½ to 2½ stories (LEDGER A, 58). GW had now hired Lanphier to work on extending both ends of the house, which would add a downstairs library and upstairs master bedroom on the south end and a two-story room on the north end later referred to as the Banquet Hall. The south end, built first, was not completed until after GW had left Mount Vernon to serve in the Revolution. On 10 Dec. 1775 Lund Washington wrote to GW that the south addition was almost done, adding, "we have been trying to Cure the [new] Chimney from smokeg. & I am in hopes [I] have done it, after doing & undoing twenty times" (ViMtV). Because of his service in the Revolutionary War, GW did not see the south end or the unfinished north end until the fall of 1781.
26. At home all day alone.
27. Mr. & Mrs. Cox & Mr. Robt. Adam Dined here. The latter went away afterwards. The other two stayed.
28. At home all day. Mr. Robt. Adam Dined here.
29. At home all day. Mrs. French Miss Molly Manley and Mr. Thos. Addison dind here and went away afterwards.
30. At home all day alone.
Acct. of the Weather in Aprl.
April 1st. Clear & pleasant Forenoon with but little Wind. Lowerg. afterwards.
2. Raining a little in the forenoon with the Wind Easterly wch. ceasd in the afternoon Wind getting more Westerly.
3. Clear and tolerably pleasant but a little cool.
4. Clear but cool, wind pretty fresh from the South West.
5. Warm and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
6. Cool again with the Wind at No. East & pretty fresh.
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7. Wind in the same quarter & fresh. Also Cool.
8. Raw and Cold. Wind at No. Et. and like for Rain.
9. Raining a little in the forenoon--but clear afterwds. & Cool. Wind westwardly.
10. Cool in the forenoon with the Wind at No. West--Warmr. afterwards & Calm.
11. Tolerably pleasant & clear all day with not much Wind.
12th. Wind Westwardly & Cool. Weather clear.
13. A little Cool. Wind pretty fresh from the So. East. Clear.
14. Warm with but little Wind & that Southerly. Lowering with much appearances of Rain but little fell.
15. Clear, calm, & pleasant in the forenoon. Cool afterwards with the Wind fresh from the West, & No. West.
16. Clear & calm in the Morning. Wind pretty fresh from the Westward afterwards.
17. Wind very fresh from the Southwest all day & in the Evening like to Rain but none fell.
18. Clear all day & Warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
19. Clear & Warm. Wind pretty fresh from the So. East.
20. Clear and very warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
21. Again very warm with very little Wind.
22. Very Warm--with little or no Wind. In the Afternoon Thunder, with appearances of Rain, but none fell.
23. A little Cool in the Morning, but warm afterwards with but little Wind.
24. Clear and warm, with but very little wind. That Southerly.
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25. Much such a day as yesterday being clear, still and warm.
26. Clear & warm all day with very little Wind and that Southerly.
27. Very warm with but little wind and that Southerly again.
28. Lowering in the Morning with the Wind abt. No. Et.
In the Afternoon moderate Rain which con[tinue]d through the Night.
29. Warm in the forepart of the day with Showers. Cool in the Afternoon with the Wind blowing violently hard from the Northwest which again moderating it set in to Raining & Raind all Night.
30. Very cold. Wind blowing exceeding hard at No. West all day.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
May 1st. At home all day. Alone.
2. Rid in the forenoon with Mrs. Washington to Belvoir.
3. At home all day. Mr. Adam dined and lodged here.
4. At home all day alone.
5. Set off for Mr. Calverts. Dined and lodged there.
6. After dinner returnd home. Mr. & Mrs. Custis & Miss Calvert came home with us. Found Mr. Tilghman here.
7. Went with the above Company to a Boat Race & Barbicue at Johnson's Ferry. Returnd at Night with Mr. Milner.
In 1745 a ferry was authorized to cross the Potomac from the land of William Clifton to the Maryland shore (HENING, 5:364). GW's 1760 purchase of the Clifton's Neck land included Clifton's home, which, after Clifton moved out in 1761, GW rented to Samuel Johnston (Johnson). Near the house was
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the ferry, which was now called Johnston's ferry. It was often used by GW in trips northward, and GW described it in 1773 as being "upon the most direct Road leading from Annapolis . . . to Williamsburg" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 29 July 1773). A boat race held in 1774 on the Rappahannock River involved two long boats, each with a captain and five or six Negro hands, who rowed a mile out "round a Boat lying at Anchor" and then back to shore. Among the spectators, who picnicked on the shore and in boats in the river, small bets were made (FITHIAN, 198, 202). GW ordered 48 bottles of claret "for the Boat Race at Johnsons Ferry" from William Herbert, who later assumed the cost (LEDGER B, 122).
8. Mr. Tilghman, & Mr. Milner went away after Breakfast. We (that is the rest) went to Pohick Church.
9. At home all day alone.
10. Miss Calvert, Miss Custis & Mr. Custis went over to Maryland. I contd. at home all day. Major Wagener and Mr. Thoms. Triplet dind here.
MISS CUSTIS: GW obviously meant Mrs. John Parke Custis.
11. At home all day alone.
12. Set of with Mrs. Washington for Williamsburg. Dined at Dumfries & lodgd at Colo. Lewis's in Fredericksburg.
13. At Fredg. all day. Dined at Colo. Lewis's & spent the Evening at Weedens.
On 11 April 1774 GW wrote to Dr. Hugh Mercer: "I will bring down my title papers [for the Ferry Farm] & leave them with you, as I go to the Assembly" (DLC:GW). The sale by GW of his boyhood home to Hugh Mercer was concluded, probably on this day; but within a year the Revolution broke out, and in Jan. 1776 Mercer was appointed brigadier general in the Continental Army. He was with GW's army from the New York campaign in 1776 to the Battle of Princeton, where he was mortally wounded. Mercer's brother-in-law George Weedon, as executor of the estate, offered to pay GW in the current (1778) much-inflated currency. "After animadverting a little upon the subject," GW authorized Lund Washington to accept the payment (GW to Lund Washington, 17 Aug. 1779, DLC:GW).
14. Dined at Roys Ord[inar]y & lodgd at Tods Bridge.
During the previous year John Hoomes had built a new tavern on the main road, "a little above the Bowling Green," and it was now being kept by Wiley Roy ( Va. Gaz., R, 2 Dec. 1773, and P, 6 Dec. 1776).
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15. Breakfasted at Ruffins Ferry and dined and lodgd at Colo. Bassetts.
16. Came to Wmsburg., dind at the Governors & spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
The current session of the House of Burgesses opened on 4 May and achieved a quorum the next day. During this week, GW and John West received petitions from William Ramsay, Robert Adam, John Carlyle, and John Dalton, four of the leading merchants and town fathers of Alexandria, requesting certain acts to be passed in this session. One would lower the duty on rum. A second was for "the inlargement of our Town . . . as this place is in a very thriving condition." A third act would standardize the quality and packing of "the Herring fishery which you well know, is become very considerable." Finally, the two Fairfax County burgesses were advised they would also receive "a petition for a more effectual method to prevent the raising of Hogs and suffering them to run at large, also Goats and Geese" (16 May 1774, DLC:GW).
17. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening at Southalls.
18. Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbells and Spent the Evening at Southalls.
19. Dined & Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
20. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & Spent the afternoon at my own lodgings.
21st. Dined at the Speakers & went up to Colo. Bassetts in the afternoon.
During this week, news reached Williamsburg of the passage of an act by the British Parliament closing the port of Boston on 1 June until it paid reparations for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party the previous December.
22. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
23. Came to Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington. Dined at the Attorneys, & spent the Evening there.
While the Washingtons were dining at the home of John Randolph, a handful of younger burgesses, led by Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee, "cooked up a resolution," as Jefferson later recalled, "for appointing the 1st day of June, on which the [Boston] port-bill was to commence, for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer." To introduce the resolution, the young burgesses "agreed to wait the next morning on Mr.
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[Robert Carter] Nicholas, whose grave and religious character was more in unison with the tone of our resolution. . . . He moved it the same day [24 May]; the 1st of June was proposed; and it passed without opposition" (BERGH, 1:9--10).
24. Dined at the Speakers & Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbells.
25. Dined and spent the Eveng. at the Governor's.
26. Rid out with the Govr. to his Farm and Breakfasted with him there. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's, & spent the Evening at my lodgings.
Today's House of Burgesses session did not begin until 11:00 A. M., giving GW ample time to return the few miles from Governor Dunmore's farm. When the governor returned to town this day he proceeded to dissolve the assembly, ostensibly because of the resolution for a fast day. GW later discussed Dunmore's action in a letter to George William Fairfax: "this Dissolution was as sudden as unexpected for there were other resolves of a much more spirited nature ready to be offerd to the House wch. would have been unanimously adopted respecting the Boston Port Bill as it is call'd but were withheld till the Important business of the Country could be gone through. As the case stands the assembly sat In 22 day's for nothing--not a Bill being [passed]" (10 June 1774, WRITINGS, 3:223).
The expiration of two laws in particular would lead to major consequences in the colony. One was the law setting the schedule of fees for the colony's court system (HENING, 8:515), which had expired the previous month, thus closing the courts to civil cases. The other was the colony's basic militia act (HENING, 7:93--106), which had come up for renewal in the spring 1773 assembly but had been caught in a conflict between the burgesses and the council when Governor Dunmore had prorogued the assembly on 15 Mar. The militia act had thus expired on 20 July 1773.
27. Dined at the Treasurers and went to the Ball given by the House of Burgesses to Lady Dunmore.
For this date the Virginia Gazette had some political news: "This Day, at ten o'Clock, the Honourable Members of the late House of Burgesses met, by Agreement, at the long Room in the Raleigh Tavern, in this City, called the Apollo," where an "Agreement was unanimously entered into by that patriotick Assembly, in Support of the constitutional Liberties of AMERICA, against the late oppressive Act of the British Parliament respecting the Town of Boston, which, in the End, must affect all the other Colonies" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 26 May 1774).
The meeting agreed to boycott tea and other goods of the East India Company. They then directed their committee of correspondence to write to other colonies "on the expediency of appointing deputies from the several colonies of British America, to meet in general congress" (H.B.J., 1773--76,
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xiv). GW joined the other burgesses and a number of local leaders in signing the statement.
The "Ball and Entertainment at the Capitol" was given "to welcome Lady Dunmore and the rest of our Governour's Family to Virginia" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 26 May 1774).
28. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
29. Went to Church in the fore, & afternoon. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & spent the Eveng. at my Lodgings.
On this Sunday afternoon letters from Boston to the Virginia committee of correspondence arrived in Williamsburg asking for a nonimport and nonexport association by all of the colonies, to reopen the port of Boston.
30. Dined at Mr. Southalls. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
Peyton Randolph called together the 25 burgesses who remained in town to discuss what action Virginia should take on the circular letters from Boston. The meeting agreed that Virginia should act in concert as much as possible with the other colonies and voted to call a meeting of the burgesses in 90 days to decide on steps to be taken. The group then agreed to send the news of their decisions "through the Hands of our Friends in Philadelphia to our Friends in Boston" (H.B.J., 1773--76, 139--40).
GW commented that "the Ministry may rely on it that Americans will never be tax'd without their own consent that the cause of Boston . . . is and ever will be considerd as the cause of America (not that we approve their conduct in destroyg. the Tea) and that we shall not suffer ourselves to be sacrificed by piece meals though god only knows what is to be become of us" (GW to George William Fairfax, 10 June 1774, WRITINGS, 3:224).
31. Dined at Mr. Charltons & spent the Evening in my Room.
Although by law only the governor could summon the burgesses into session, the members remaining in Williamsburg today called for a convention of all their colleagues on 1 Aug. (Peyton Randolph et al. to members of the late House of Burgesses, 31 May 1774, DLC:GW; see also JEFFERSON [1], 1: 105--12; FREEMAN, 3: 348--66).
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. Cool, Wind blowing fresh all day from the Northwest. Also clear.
2. Clear and rather Cool. Wind still Northerly.
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3. Warm in the Morning. Sultry about Noon and exceeding Cold before Night Wind blowing very hard at No. West.
4. Very Cold all day with spits of Snow and the Wind blowing hard at No. West.
A severe frost this day killed half of GW's 1,000 acres of wheat, "as it hath also done our fruit, and the foliage of all most all the Forest Trees" (GW to Robert McMickan, 10 May 1774, DLC:GW). Later he wrote to his agent Robert Cary in London that the crop had been equal to his best prospects before the frost.
5. Ground Froze, & Ice, killing most things in the Garden the Leaves &ca. Wind at So. West & less Cool blowing pretty fresh however.
6. Wind pretty fresh from the So. East, and Cool, though more moderate.
7. Calm and pleasant in the forenoon, but a little Windy from the Eastward in the Afternoon.
8. A little lowering and warm in the forenoon. Cooler afterwards.
9. Lowering most part of the day with not much wind.
10th. Clear and tolerably pleasant with but little Wind.
11. Much such a day as yesterday.
12. Lowering in the forenoon with Rain more or less all the Afternoon. Wind Easterly.
13. Misting all day, with but little Wind and that Easterly.
14. Again Misting in the Morning with Showers in the Afternoon accompanied in some places with violent Hail.
15. Lowering all the forenoon & clear about Noon with but little Wind.
16. Clear and Cool, wind abt. No. West & pretty fresh.
17. Still Cool, Wind being in the same place.
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18. Clear and rather incling. to turn warm--there being but little Wind.
19. Warm with but little Wind and that Southerly.
20. Very warm, with a Thunder Shower in the Afternoon.
21st. Very warm in the forenoon with a Thunder Shower in the Afternoon.
22. A little Cloudy & still warm.
23. Clear and pleasant with the Wind pretty fresh at So. West.
24. Warm and clear.
25. Warm, with thunder, & some Rain at Night.
26. Warm with Rain about Noon & after it.
27. Clear and something Cooler.
28. Clear and warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
29. Clear and pleasant but somewhat Warm.
30. Much such a day as yesterday but the wind pretty fresh from the So. West.
Much such a day as yesterday.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
June 1st. Went to Church & fasted all day.
This service was pursuant to the resolution passed on 24 May for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to symbolize Virginia's solidarity with the people of Boston, and many of the Virginia parishes joined in the observance. In this service at Bruton Parish Church, Rev. Thomas Price, chaplain of the House of Burgesses, preached on the destruction of the city of Sodom, taking for his text the answer to Abraham's question to the Lord:
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"Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?" And he answered, "I will not destroy it for ten's sake" (GEN., 18:23, 32; see also VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:103).
2. Dined at Mr. Charlton's & came up to Colo. Bassets in the Afternoon.
3. At Colo. Bassetts all day in Compa. with Mr. Dandridge &ca.
Probably Bartholomew Dandridge and his family.
4. Went up by Water with Mr. & Mrs. Bassett, Mrs. Dandridge & Mrs. Washington to the L[an]d bot. of Black in King & Queen. Returnd to Colo. Bassetts to Dinr.
Douglas Southall Freeman gave the price paid to Black for these lands as £3,679 and attributed the figure given by Fitzpatrick of £6,375 to a typographical error (FREEMAN, 3:336; DIARIES, 2:129). The figures in GW's ledgers show a payment of £3,679 sterling (entered also in Virginia currency as £4,875) and also a subsequent payment of £500 (Virginia currency), which totals £5,375 in Virginia currency (LEDGER B, 96). Hence Freeman gave only the first of two payments, and that in sterling, while Fitzpatrick figured the total of the two payments in Virginia currency but somehow gave it as £6,375 rather than £5,375, the price actually paid in Virginia currency.
5. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
6. Set [out] with him for Williamsburg. Dined at Richd. Charltons & Supped at Anderson's.
7. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening at the Raleigh.
8. Dined at the Raleigh, and Spent the Evening at Andersons.
9. Dined at the Raleigh and spent the Evening there also.
10. Dined at the Raleigh, & went to the Fire works.
Fireworks were occasionally used to celebrate a public event, as in the "elegant set of fireworks . . . displayed in this city [Williamsburg] on the arrival of . . . Lady Dunmore" ( Va. Gaz., R, 10 Mar. 1774; CARSON [2], 200203). They may also have been to commemorate the second anniversary of the burning of the British revenue cutter Gaspee.
11. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went up to Colo. Bassetts in the Afternoon.
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12. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
13. Returned with him to Will[iamsbur]g. Dined at the Raleigh and Spent the Evening at Andersons.
14. Dined with the Council at Southalls and spent the Evening at Anderson's.
15. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's & Spent the Evening at the Capitol at a Meeting of the Society for promoting useful Kn[owledge].
The Philosophical Society for the Advancement of Useful Knowledge was formed in May 1773 in Williamsburg (BEAR, 122). This 1774 meeting, held "at the Capitol . . . at four o'Clock in the Afternoon," was the first attended by GW, and he paid his dues of £1 ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 9 June 1774; LEDGER B, 115). At this meeting the society voted a "pecuniary Reward, and Medal" to John Hobday, a local Virginian, "for his Model of a very ingenious and useful Machine for threshing out Wheat" ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 16 June 1774). The society's first president, the botanist John Clayton (1694--c. 1773), of Gloucester County, having died, the amateur astronomer John Page (1743--1808), of Rosewell, was elected president (BERKELEY [1], 168). With the outbreak of the Revolution no more meetings were held, although as president Page remained active on behalf of the society into the 1780s ( Va. Gaz., P, 16 May 1777; Page to Thomas Jefferson, 28 April 1785, JEFFERSON [1], 8:119--20).
16. Dined at the Governors & Spent the Evening at Anderson's.
17. Dined at Anderson's and Spent the Evening there.
18. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and came up to Colo. Bassetts in the afternoon.
19. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
20. Set of from thence on my return home. Dined at Todds bridge & lodged at Hubbards.
21. Breakfasted at the Bolling green. Dind & lodged at Colo. Lewis's in Fredericksburg.
22. Reachd home to a late Dinner, after Breakfasting at Aquia.
GW breakfasted at the old Peyton's ordinary on Aquia Creek, run since Mar. 1773 by Charles Tyler ( Va. Gaz., R, 25 Mar. 1773).
23. At home all day. Alone.
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An artist with General Rochambeau's army made this plan of Bowling Green, Va., in 1782. (Map Division, Library of Congress)
24. Rid up to Alexandria and returnd in the Afternoon.
25. At home all day alone.
26. Went up to Church at Alexa. Returnd to Dinner.
27. At home all day. Mr. Custis came here to dinner.
28. I rid to the Plantation's in the Neck and to the Muddy hole. Found Doctr. Rumney here upon my return who stayed all Night.
29. At home all day alone.
30. At home all day alone except Mr. Peake coming here in the Afternoon.
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Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. Very hot & clear with but little Wind.
2. Also very hot. Wind from the Southward but not fresh.
3. Clear & tolerably pleast. with but little Wind.
4. Clear. Wind Northerly but not much of it.
5. Clear in the forenoon but not warm. Lowering in the Afternoon but no Rain. Wind Easterly.
6. Wind in the same Quarter & Cool for the Season.
7. Wind more Southerly & warmer. With some appearances of Rain.
8. Wind Southerly & exceeding warm. Clear withal.
9. Very warm with wind Southerly.
10. Again warm with the Wind in the same place and some appearances of Rain.
11. Very warm Wind Southerly in the forenoon & Easterly afterwards.
12. Clear, with the Wind pretty fresh from the South west, & pleasant.
13. Wind blew very hard at So. West in the Night. Morng. lowering. Fine Rains abt. Mid day.
14. Cloudy in the forenoon, but clear afterwards.
15. Warm & clear wind at So. West.
16. Clear in the forenoon with a little Rain in the Afternoon.
17. Clear and tolerably pleasant--being a little warm.
18. Warm the wind being at Southwest.
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19. Clear and pretty Cool. Wind chiefly Eastwardly.
20. Lowering & Showery most part of the day.
21. Clear and tolerably pleasant. Wind Northwardly.
22. Tolerably cool in the forenoon, but warm afterwds. Wind Southerly.
23. Exceeding Warm. Two or three very fine showers in the Afternoon.
24. Clear and pleasant. Wind rather Westerly.
25. Warm, with some appearances of Rain but none fell here.
26. Tolerably pleasant. Wind pretty fresh from the Northd.
27. Warm with little or no Wind, & that Southerly.
28. Exceeding Warm, wind being Southerly with great appearances of Rain--but none fell here.
29. Very Warm again. Wind blowing fresh from the Southward.
30. Again warm with little or no Wind & that in the same Quarter. A little Rain in the Night.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
July 1st. Rid to Dogue Run, Mill, Mill Plantation & the Ferry at Posey's, before Dinner.
2. At home all day. Mr. Wm. Waite dind here.
William Waite (died c. 1787), of Fauquier County, was a stonemason who owned his own quarry. On this day GW made his first payment to Waite for an order of over 700 feet of stone (LEDGER B, 111).
3. Went to Pohick Church & returnd home to Dinner.
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In anticipation of the upcoming burgesses election, GW wrote Bryan Fairfax 4 July: "I entreated several gentlemen at our church yesterday to press Colonel [George] Mason to take a poll. . . . And therefore I again express my wish, that either you or Colonel Mason would offer. I can be of little assistance to either, because I early laid it down as a maxim not to propose myself, and solicit for a second" (WRITINGS, 3:227--28).
4. At home all day. Mr. & Mrs. Custis came here from Maryland.
5. Went up to Alexandria to a Meeting of the Inhabitts. of this County. Dined at Arrells & lodgd at my own Ho[use].
The date for the convention in Williamsburg had been set as late as 1 Aug., so that each burgess might "have an Opportunity of collecting the Sense of their respective Counties" (see main entry for 31 May 1774), and it was for this purpose that GW attended this Fairfax County meeting of inhabitants, probably held at the courthouse.
6. Dined at Doctr. Brown's & returnd home in the Eveng.
The meeting of inhabitants, held yesterday, chose a committee to draft resolutions to instruct their two burgesses, who would represent them in the August convention, on nonimportation, nonexportation, aid to Boston, a continental congress to give the 13 colonies one voice, and general views on English liberty and American rights. GW was chosen chairman of the committee, which was probably meeting in Alexandria on this day.
7. At home all day.
8. At home all day alone.
9. At home all day. Ditto.
10. At home all day--Ditto.
11. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney came here, Dined & stayed all Night.
12th. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run & Mill Plantation. Mr. Digges, Doctr. Digges & Miss Tracy Dind & went away in the Afternoon as did Doctr. Rumney also.
13. At home all day alone.
14. Went up to Alexandria to the Election where I was Chosen, together with Majr. Broadwater, Burgess. Staid all Night to a Ball.
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Governor Dunmore, who had dissolved the assembly upon its protest of the Boston Port Bill in May 1774, had issued the writs for new elections on 16 June ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 16 June 1774, supp.).
Maj. Charles Broadwater (d. 1806) lived at Springfield, in northern Fairfax County. After serving for a number of years as a vestryman in Truro Parish, Broadwater was elected to the vestry of newly created Fairfax Parish in 1765. He served in the last session of the Virginia House of Burgesses and in the first four Virginia conventions of 1774--75 (SLAUGHTER [1], 45, 120; STETSON [2], 236--38; STANARD, 199, 201, 204).
An English visitor in Alexandria, who was present for the election, recorded in his diary: " Thursday, July 14th, 1774. An Election for Burgesses in town. . . . There were three Candidates, the Poll was over in about two hours and conducted with great order and regularity. The Members Col. George Washington and Major Bedwater. The Candidates gave the populace a Hogshead of Toddy (what we call Punch in England). In the evening the returned Member [GW] gave a Ball to the Freeholders and Gentlemen of the town. This was conducted with great harmony. Coffee and Chocolate, but no Tea. This Herb is in disgrace amongst them at present" (CRESSWELL, 27--28).
In his accounts GW entered £8 5s. 6d. for "my p[ar]t of the Electn. Ball" (LEDGER B, 126).
15. Return'd home to a late Dinner.
16. At home all day alone.
17. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Colo. Mason came in the Afternoon & stayed all Night.
George Mason of Gunston Hall was a member of the Fairfax resolutions committee that GW chaired. He and GW probably spent this Sunday afternoon and evening perfecting a draft, probably Mason's, of resolutions to be presented the following day. The final draft submitted to the committee contained 24 separate resolutions regarding English liberty, American rights, taxation and representation, the boycotting of most British imports (including slaves), and "a Congress [that] shou'd be appointed, to consist of Deputies from all the Colonies, to concert a general and uniform Plan for the Defence and Preservation of our common Rights" (MASON [2], 1:205).
18. Went up to Alexandria to a Meeting of the County. Returnd in the Evening--Mr. Magowan with me.
When GW arrived in Alexandria he first attended a meeting wherein "the Resolutions [were] revised, alterd, & corrected in the Committee" (GW to Bryan Fairfax, 20 July 1774, ViHi). Then the whole committee went "into a general Meeting in the Court House," where GW found an almost "perfect satisfaction, & acquiescence to the measures propos'd," though his friend Bryan Fairfax thought otherwise (see Fairfax to GW, 5 Aug. 1774, DLC:GW). These resolutions, approved on this day by the "General Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the County of Fairfax, at
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Washington strongly backed the Fairfax Resolves, which he carried to a special meeting in Williamsburg. (Virginia State Library)
the Court House," thereafter were commonly known as the Fairfax Resolves (VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:127--33).
The meeting also chose a 25-man committee, headed by GW, which would "have power to call a General Meeting, and to Concert and Adopt such Measures as may be thought most expedient and Necessary" (VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:133; and see MASON [2], 1:201--10). This committee subsequently absorbed the role of the Alexandria committee of correspondence that had been formed the preceding May (PURVIANCE, 126--28).
There were meetings similar to this Fairfax County meeting in almost every county in Virginia during this summer, all of which passed resolutions and chose delegates (usually their burgesses) for the upcoming August convention (VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:105--168). Only a few of the preconvention meetings, however (including those of Fairfax, Dunmore, Frederick, and Stafford counties), formed county committees before the convention even met. While Dunmore and Frederick counties each chose committees of 6, Stafford County chose a 69-man committee, 5 of whom were cousins of GW (VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:161).
19. At home all day.
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20. Rid into the Neck. Mr. Piper, Mr. Ross & Mr. Gibson Dind & Lodgd here.
Mr. Gibson may be James Gibson, merchant of Suffolk, Nansemond County, with whom GW had some dealings (LEDGER A, 281, 283), or John Gibson, who in 1780 was a Colchester merchant (George Mason to James Mercer, 5 Feb. 1780, MASON [2], 2:617).
21. The Gentlemen who came Yesterday went after Breakfast. I contd. at home all day.
22. Mr. Magowan went away. I continued at home all day.
23. At home all day. Mr. Thoms. Johnson & Mr. Paca of Ann[ap]o[li]s & Mr. Digges & his Son George Dined here & went away afterwards.
Thomas Johnson, Jr. (1732--1819), the fifth child of Thomas Johnson, Sr. (d. 1777), and Dorcas Sedgwick Johnson (d. 1770), was born in Calvert County, Md. As a young man, Johnson read law in Annapolis with Stephen Bordley (1710--1764) and practiced law both in Annapolis and in frontier Frederick County, Md., where the Johnson family had interests in land and ironworks and where, by 1768, Johnson himself owned an interest in over
Thomas Johnson, of Maryland, was to nominate Washington to lead the army of the United Colonies. Portrait by John Hesselius. (Maryland Historical Society)
William Paca, who dined with Washington, was a fellow delegate to the Continental Congress. A Charles Willson Peale portrait. (Collection of the State of Maryland, Annapolis)
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22,000 acres (DELAPLAINE, 67). In 1762 Johnson, an early and active promoter of commercial navigation on the upper Potomac, became a manager of the navigation company and began correspondence with GW on the feasibility of opening a canal above the great falls of the Potomac River (DELAPLAINE, 59--84; GW to Johnson [1762], DLC:GW). From 1762 until the Revolution, Johnson represented Anne Arundel County in the Maryland House of Delegates, becoming a moderate but firm leader in the popular resistance to British incursions upon American interests and rights.
William Paca (1740--1799), second son of John and Elizabeth Smith Paca, was born in Harford County, Md. From 1768 to the Revolution, Paca represented Talbot County in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he, like Johnson, actively fought the Proprietary party. Paca joined Johnson a member of the Maryland committee of correspondence and became a Maryland delegate to the First Continental Congress.
24. Went up to Church at Alexandria. Returnd to Dinner.
25. At home all day alone.
26. Mr. Peake dind here. I continued at home.
27. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney Dined and lodged here.
28. Set of with Mr. Custis for Williamsburg. Dined at Tylers on Aquia and lodged at Colo. Lewis's.
29. Set out from Fredericksburg late. Dined at Roys and lodged at Hubbards.
30. Breakfasted at King Wm. Court Ho. Dined at Ruffins & reachd Colo. Bassetts.
31. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
Acct. of the Weather in July
July 1st. Very warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
2. Warm. Wind Southerly but not much of it. About 6 Oclock a pretty smart Shower for a few Minutes.
3. Another Shower in the Night with appearance's of Rain throughout the day.
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4. Very warm with the Wind Southerly. Cloudy in the Afternoon & a good deal of Rain in the Night.
5. Exceeding Warm, with little or no Wind.
6. Again very hot with Clouds in the Afternoon & a fine Rain in the Night.
7. Very Warm with a Shower of Rain & pretty high Wind from the No. West.
8. A little Cool in the forenoon. Wind at No. West. Warm in the middle of the day there being no Wind & cool again in the Afternoon the Wind blowing pretty fresh from the Eastward.
9th. Pretty warm in the forenoon with but little Wind. Cool afterwards Wind being Eastwardly.
10. Rather Cool all day altho there was but little Wind. That however was Northerly.
11. Clear and pleasand being rather cool. Without much wind.
12. Wind Northerly in the forenoon and rather Cool but warmer afterwards & clear all day.
13. Clear with but little wind & rather Warm.
14. Clear, and exceeding warm, especially in the Afternoon, there being no Wind at the time.
15. Warm Morning with fine Showers in the Afternoon.
16. Very warm, with but little Wind, & that Southerly. Appearances of Rain with some thundr. & lightning but none fell here or very little.
17. Very warm with but little Wind & that Southerly. Night very hot.
18. Morning exceeding Warm. Evening Cooler.
19. Cool all day, Wind Northerly & clear.
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20. Pleasant, but not so Cool as yesterday. Cloudy.
21. Warm again. Wind Southerly but not much of it.
22. Very warm, & clear. Wind Southerly.
23. Wind fresh from the Southward, but very warm. Abt. 2 Oclock a fine Shower, & another in the Evening.
24. Cool Wind at No. West & Clear.
25. Again Cool Wind in the same place.
26. Wind Southerly & turnd a good deal Warmer.
27. Warmer than yesterday, Wind what little there was of it Southerly.
28. Exceeding warm with but little & clear Wind.
29. Clear forenoon with but little Wind & exceeding Warm. In the Afternoon Rain where I was.
30. Clear, and again very Warm, there being but little Wind.
31. Exceeding Warm with little or no Wind.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
Augt. 1st. Went from Colo. Bassetts to Williamsburg to the Meeting of the Convention. Dined at Mrs. Campbells. Spent the Evening in my Lodgings.
After he arrived at the convention, GW wrote to Thomas Johnson: "We never before had so full a Meeting . . . as on the present Occasion" (5 Aug. 1774, MdHi). At least 108 delegates, most of whom were also burgesses, were present at some time during the convention, which met in the Capitol (see VAN SCHREEVEN, 1:109, 219--22).
2. At the Convention. Dined at the Treasurer's. At my Lodgings in the Evening.
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The Capitol in Williamsburg as it appeared during the turbulent meetings in 1774. (Valentine Museum, Richmond)
A brief report on the meeting of the Virginia Convention was carried in the Virginia Gazette. (Colonial Williamsburg Photograph)
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3. Dined at the Speaker's & Spent the Evening at my own Lodgings.
4. Dined at the Attorneys & Spent the Evening at my own Lodgings.
5. Dined at Mrs. Dawson's & Spent the Evening at my own Lodgings.
The Virginia Gazette reported: " Friday, August 5. This Day the Commissioners on Behalf of this Colony, to attend the General Congress at Philadelphia the 5th of next Month, were appointed by Ballot, and are as follows, viz. The Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq; Moderator of the present Meeting, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, and Edmund Pendleton, Esquires; and a Sum of Money, amounting nearly to [£]1000 ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 4 Aug. 1774). The convention voted to ask for a contribution of £15 from each of the 61 counties (MAYS, 1:277). GW's "proportion of the Sum voted" was £90 13s. 9d., which he received on the day he entered Philadelphia (LEDGER B, 30).
6. Dined at Mrs. Campbells & Spent the Evening at my own Lodgings.
The Albemarle resolution before the Virginia Convention grew into Jefferson's famous Summary View. (Rare Book Division, Library of Congress)
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On this day the convention adjourned, after a nonimportation, nonexportation association had been " unanimously resolved upon and agreed to" (VAN SHREEVEN, 1:231--35). Unless Britain repealed its new laws applying to Boston and Massachusetts, Virginia would stop all British imports, including slaves (but excluding medicines), beginning 1 Nov. 1774, and would end all export of tobacco to Britain beginning 1 Aug. 1775. The associators also agreed to foster county enforcement committees, encourage all merchants to sign the association and boycott those who would not, prevent inflated prices, support Boston with contributions, refrain from drinking tea, and empower the moderator to reconvene the convention when he thought necessary. These articles of association became the basis for those adopted for all of the colonies by the First Continental Congress in Oct. 1774.
7. Left Williamsburg abt. 9 Oclock & got up to Colo. Bassets to Dinner where I stayd the remaining part of the Day & Night.
8th. Left Colo. Bassetts. Visited my own Plantn. in King Wm. & Mr. Custis's in King & Queen. Dind at King Wm. Ct. House & lodged at Tods Bridge.
9. Breakfasted at Roys Ord[inar]y. Dined and lodged at Colo. Lewis's in Fredericksburg.
10. Breakfasted at Tylers on Acquiae & Dined at home.
11. At home all day. Miss Calvert here.
12. At home all day. Miss Carlyle & her Sister Nancy came here. Mr. Willis also dind here, & went away afterwds.
13. I rid to the Neck Plantation & came home by Muddy hole.
14. Went to Pohick Church with Mr. Custis. Found Messrs. Carlyle, Dalton, Ramsay, Adam, & Doctr. Rumney here upon my return. Doctr. Craik also came in the Afternoon.
15. Went in Compa. with the aforementd. Gentlemen to Colo. Fairfax's Sale. Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Dalton, & Doctr. Craik came home with me--the Rest did not. Miss Carlyle & her Sister went aw[a]y.
Francis Willis, Jr. (1745--1828), had advertised a sale, to take place on this date, of the household and kitchen furniture from Belvoir. He also placed an advertisement for rental of the mansion house itself with its 2,000 acres and several fisheries ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 2 June 1774). GW wrote George William Fairfax that he feared the latter would be disappointed in Willis's
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estimate of the rental value of Belvoir and he was not optimistic about the prospects of leasing the house and land, for "there are very few People who are of ability to pay a Rent equivalent to the Interest of the Money which such buildings may have cost, who are not either already provided with a Seat, or would choose to buy one, in order to Improve it . . . & as to your Fishery at the Racoon Branch, I think you will be disappointed there likewise as there is no Landing on this side the River that Rents for more than one half of what you expect for that. . . . I have already advertizd the Publick of this matter, also of the Sale of your Furniture, as you may see, by the Inclosd Gazette. . . . The Advertisements are in Mrs. Rinds Gazette also----& the one relative to Renting shall be put into the Papers of Maryland & Pensylvania whilst the other is already printed in hand Bills, & shall be distributed in the several Counties & Parts round about us" (10--15 June 1774, PPRF).
16. Ramsay Dalton & the Doctr. went away after Breakfast.
On this day GW paid £4 to Col. Thomas Ludwell "for a Card Table wch. he bot. at Colo. Fairfaxs. Sale & let me have." He also received from Dr. Craik £8 "for a Wilton Carpet bot. at Colo. Fairfax's Sale" (LEDGER B, 121).
17. I rid to Doeg Run, Muddy hole, Mill, & Poseys Plantns.
18. Rid to the Plantation's in the Neck. Found Mr. Fitzhugh here upon my Return.
19. Mr. Fitzhugh went away after Breakfast.
20. Rid with Mrs. Washn. to Alexa. & returnd to Dinner.
21. At home all day. Mr. Moylan, Doctr. Craik, & Mr. Fitzgerald Dind here. The latter went away.
Mr. Moylan may be Stephen Moylan (1737--1811) or his brother James, merchants of Philadelphia (GRIFFIN, 2).
22. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast, & Mr. Moyland after Dinner havg. Rid with [him] to Shew Belvoir.
23. At home all day alone.
24. At home all day alone.
25. Ditto. Mrs. Slaughter dind here.
26. Ditto. All day alone.
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27. Went to the Barbacue at Accatinck.
28. Went to Pohick Church. Messrs. Stuart, Herbert, Mease, Doctr. Jenifer Mr. Stone & Mr. Digges dind here. The first three stayed all Night.
Dr. Walter Hanson Jenifer (1751--1785) was a son of Daniel Jenifer (1727--1795) and grandson of Dr. Daniel Jenifer, of Charles County, Md. Jenifer's aunt, Elizabeth Jenifer, married David Stone (1709--1773) of Poynton Manor, Charles County, Md., by whom she had six sons, one of whom is probably the Mr. Stone who appears here.
29. The above Gentn. went away after Breakfast.
30. Colo. Pendleton, Mr. Henry, Colo. Mason & Mr. Thos. Triplet came in the Eveng. & stayd all Night.
Edmund Pendleton (1721--1803), a member of the House of Burgesses since 1752, was one of the most influential men in Virginia. Although a leader of the conservatives, he staunchly supported the rights of the colonists and was elected one of Virginia's delegates to the First Continental Congress. He and Patrick Henry, often political opponents, met by prearrangement at Pendleton's
Edmund Pendleton, in a miniature by William Mercer. (Virginia Historical Society)
Patrick Henry, in a portrait by Thomas Sully. (Virginia Historical Society)
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plantation in Caroline County 29 Aug. to travel together to Philadelphia, stopping at Mount Vernon on the way (WILLISON, 232).
31. All the above Gentlemen dind here, after which with Colo. Pendleton, & Mr. Henry I set out on my journey for Phila. & reachd uppr. Marlbro.
According to Pendleton, Mrs. Washington sent the delegates off with an admonition to stand firm in their demands against the British ministry (HENRY, 1:213).
Acct. of the Weather in August
1. Exceeding Warm. About 4 Oclock a fine Shower of Rain with thunder wch. Cool'd the Air a little.
2. Tolerably pleasant in the forenoon--but Warm Afterwards with but little Wind.
3. Very warm and clear with but little Wind.
4. Again warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
5. Warm with moderate Showers in the Afternoon & Night.
6. Close & warm all day with frequent Shower's.
7. Very hot with a heavy Rain abt. One Oclock. Still warm afterwards.
8. Close & warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
9. Raining more or less all the Morning. After noon warm.
10. Foggy Morning but no Rain. Warm.
11th. Clear and Warm, with but little Wind & that Southerly.
12. Much such a day as yesterday.
13. Cool in the Morning, and Evening with the Wind No. Easterly with some Rain at Night. Midday warm.
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14. Lowering Morning but clear & very warm afterwards with very little Wind.
15. No Wind, but clear & exceeding hot.
16. Again warm with but little wind. In the Afternn. a Shower or two of Rain.
17. Very warm with Rain at Night.
18. Again warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
19. Warm again and clear, after the Morning which was lowering with some appearances of Rain.
20. Very warm with little or No Wind.
21. Much such a day as the former.
22. Wind very fresh from the So. West--otherwise exceeding warm.
23. Lowering in the Morning with fine Showers afterwards. Wind Northerly & a little Cool.
24. Misting all day & sometimes Rain. In the Evening a settled Rain. Wind at No. East but not much of it.
25. Cloudy in the Morning, but clear afterwards. Wind at No. West.
26. Clear and very pleasant. Wind at No. West.
27. Pleasant, & clear with but little Wind.
28. Clear but turning Warm. Wind Southerly.
29. Warm & clear. Wind Southerly.
30. very warm. Wind in the same place tho' not much of it.
31. Exceeding hot with very little Wind v that Southerly.
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Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
Septr. 1. Breakfasted at Queen Anne. Dined in Annapolis, & lodged at Rock Hall.
Queen Anne was a small village on the Patuxent River in Prince George's County, Md., nine miles northeast of Upper Marlboro. It consisted of only a few houses and a tobacco warehouse in 1783 (SCHOEPF, 1:364; Md. Gaz., 5 Aug. 1746). ROCK HALL: GW lists expenses "at Hodges" as 16s. 9d. (GW's Cash Memoranda, 24 Mar.--25 Oct. 1774, CSmH). A 30 Nov. 1775 advertisement in the Maryland Gazette for the rental of the "White Rock-Hall ferry" describes James Hodges as currently living on the ferry plantation. He probably ran the ferry-house where GW stayed.
2. Din'd at Rock Hall (waiting for my Horses) & lodg'd at New Town on Chester.
3. Breakfasted at Down's. Dind at the Buck Tavern (Carsons) & lodg'd at Newcastle.
DOWN'S: a tavern operated by William Down at Down's Cross Roads, now Galena, Md., 1½ miles south of Georgetown (W.P.A. [2], 365). The Buck Tavern was in New Castle County, Del., 11 miles south of the present city of Newark, Del. William Carson, a tavern keeper in New Castle County in 1778, was probably the proprietor at this time (W.P.A. [3], 461; CALENDAR [2], 316).
4. Breakfasted at Christeen Ferry. Dined at Chester & lodged at Doctr. Shippens's in Phila. after Supping at the New Tavern.
Arriving in Philadelphia for the 1774 Continental Congress, Washington took his first meal at the City Tavern. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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Christina (Christiana) ferry crossed Christina (Christiana) River at Wilmington on the main road from New Castle to Philadelphia (LINCOLN, 83--84).
William Shippen, Jr. (1736--1808), son of Dr. William Shippen (1712--1801) and Susannah Harrison Shippen, was a Philadelphia physician and surgeon, educated at Edinburgh. In 1765 he was appointed professor of surgery and anatomy at the new medical school connected with the College of Philadelphia, and during the Revolution he was chief physician and director general of the military hospital of the Continental Army. Shippen was married to Alice Lee Shippen, sister of GW's fellow delegate, Richard Henry Lee. Lee had undoubtedly invited GW to stay at his brother-in-law's house until suitable lodgings were obtained.
The New Tavern, or City Tavern, was on the west side of Second Street, above Walnut. Designed in the style of the best London taverns, it contained several large club rooms. Daniel Smith was the proprietor at this time (SCHARF [1],1:291).
5. Breakfasted and Dined at Doctr. Shippen's. Spent the Eveng. at Tavern.
On this day the delegates to Congress met at City Tavern. The credentials of the various members were read, and Peyton Randolph of Virginia was elected chairman, or president, and Charles Thomson of Pennsylvania secretary. Carpenters' Hall, which has been offered by the Carpenters' Guild of Philadelphia, was chosen as the meeting place for Congress (JCC, 1:13--14). GW rarely mentions in his diaries anything concerning his presence in Congress, but he seems to have attended the sessions regularly. For information on the day-to-day transactions of the Congress, see Jcc and LMCC.
Carpenters' Hall, where delegates to the First Continental Congress assembled. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
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6. Dined at the New Tavern--after being in Congress all day.
On this day GW spent 15s. for shoes, etc., for William Lee, his body servant, who accompanied him to Philadelphia (Cash Memoranda, 24 Mar.--25 Oct. 1774, CSmH). In Congress today the decision was made to keep secret the proceedings of the Congress (JCC, 1:25--26).
7. Dined at Mr. Pleasants and spent the Evening in a Club at the New Tavern.
Mr. Pleasants is probably Samuel Pleasants, a Philadelphia Quaker, who was married to Mary (Polly) Pemberton, a member of another prominent Quaker family.
Most of the work of Congress during the next two weeks was done in two committees appointed this day, to neither of which GW was appointed (JCC, 1:26--27). Much of his time was spent becoming acquainted with delegates from the various colonies and exchanging views on important questions of the day.
8. Dined at Mr. Andw. Allan's v spent the Evening in my own Lodgings.
Andrew Allen (1740--1825), a son of William Allen, chief justice of Pennsylvania until 1774, and Margaret Hamilton Allen, graduated from the College of Philadelphia and studied law in England as well as Philadelphia. He was at this time an influential Patriot active in opposing British policies. Allen was attorney general of Pennsylvania, a member of the provincial council, and in November of this year became one of the founders of the First Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry. In 1775 he was elected to the Continental Congress. However, after the move toward independence seemed inevitable he resigned from Congress and fled behind British lines. Much of his property was confiscated and sold, and he spent most of his remaining years in England (KEITH [2], 361--65).
MY OWN LODGINGS: The location of GW's lodgings during his attendance at the First Continental Congress is uncertain. A mutilated entry in his cash memoranda book for 24 Oct., two days before he left Philadelphia, shows a payment of £34 2s. 6d. "at Carsons" (CSmH). The size of this expenditure would be commensurate with the cost of lodgings for himself and his servant, William, during his stay in the city. William Carson (b. 1728), an Irish immigrant, at this time ran a tavern called the Harp and Crown, on North Third Street just below Arch Street (DORLAND, 363).
9. Dined at Mr. Tilghman's & spent the Evening at home (at my Lodgg.).
James Tilghman, Sr. (1716--1793), originally of Maryland, had moved to Philadelphia in 1765 and married Anna Francis, daughter of Tench Francis. He was a member of the provincial council and secretary of the proprietary land office. In May 1774 he had been sent to Williamsburg with James Allen to consult with Governor Dunmore about the Pennsylvania-Virginia boundary dispute, and GW probably had seen the two men there during the meeting
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of the House of Burgesses. Tilghman was a moderate and tried to preserve his neutrality during the Revolution. His son Tench was one of GW's most trusted friends and aides and another son, James Tilghman, Jr., of Alexandria, appears frequently at Mount vernon (HANSON, 255; SCHARF [1], 2:1508).
10. Dined at Mr. Richd. Penn's.
Richard Penn was the former governor who had been superseded by his brother John (see main entry for 16 May 1773).
11. Dined at Mr. Griffen's.
GW visited a man named Samuel Griffin in Philadelphia several times in 1775. This may be Samuel Griffin of Williamsburg (1746--1810), a lawyer who was appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. Charles Lee in 1775. He later became deputy adjutant general of the Flying Camp and a member of the virginia Board of War. After the Revolution, Griffin served in the virginia House of Delegates 1787--88 and the United States House of Representatives 1789--95.
12. Dined at Mr. James Allan's.
James Allen (c.1742--1778), son of William and Margaret Hamilton Alien, was a lawyer and a member of the common council of Philadelphia. In May 1776 he was elected to the Pennsylvania assembly from Northampton, where his country seat, Trout Hall (near Allentown, Pa.), was located. Although a Patriot at this time, he, like his father and brothers, could not accept the Declaration of Independence and in the late summer of 1776 left the assembly to retire to Trout Hall (ALLEN, 176--77, 188--91).
13. Dined at Mr. Thos. Mifflins.
Thomas Mifflin (1744--1800), a Philadelphia merchant, was at this time a member of the provincial assembly and of the First Continental Congress. In June 1775 he was chosen GW's first aide-de-camp and later served as a general, quartermaster general, member of the Board of War, and president of the Continental Congress. After the Revolution, Mifflin was president of Pennsylvania and later governor.
14. Rid over the Provence Island, & dind at Mr. Wm. Hamiltons.
Province Island was a low island of 342 acres near the mouth of the Schuylkill River. On it the province of Pennsylvania had erected a "pest house" for the quarantine of sick immigrants and rented a portion of it for truck farms.
William Hamilton (1745--1813), son of Andrew Hamilton the younger, owned Woodlands, an estate on the Schuylkill River three miles from Philadelphia. Although he supported the colonists in their dispute with Britain, he disapproved of the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton was greatly interested in horticulture and after the Revolution introduced from England many specimens of plants and flowers (WARD [1], 160--62; BLACK [1], 1:242).
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Thomas Mifflin, as portrayed by Charles Willson Peale, (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
15. Dined at my Lodgings.
16. Dined at the State House at an Entertainment given by the City to the Members of the Congress.
The State House, later called Independence Hall, was to become the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress in 1775. "On Friday last the Honourable Delegates, now met in General Congress, were elegantly entertained by the gentlemen of this city. Having met at the City Tavern about 3 o'clock, they were conducted from thence to the state House by the Managers of the entertainment, where they were received by a very large company composed of the Clergy, such genteel strangers as happened to be in town, and a number of respectable citizens, making in the whole near 500. After dinner . . . toasts were drunk, accompanied by musick and a discharge of cannon" ( Pa Packet, 19 Sept. 1774).
17. Dined at Mr. Dickensons about 2 Miles from Town.
John Dickinson (1732--1808) was a representative to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania. He had gained fame by his "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" and had drafted the petition to the king from the Pennsylvania legislature in 1771. During the First Continental Congress, Dickinson drew up Congress's petition to the king and was on the committee that prepared an address to the people of Canada. Dickinson lived at Fair Hill, north of Philadelphia on the Germantown Road.
18. Dined at Mr. Hills about 6 miles from Town.
Henry Hill (1732--1798), son of Richard Hill of Maryland, was a Philadelphia merchant engaged largely in the Madeira wine trade. He became a
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member of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention of July 1776 and in 1780 subscribed £5,000 for relief of the Continental Army. Hill's home was on the Germantown Road near the Schuylkill Falls. GW had met Hill in 1773 when he attended the meeting of the Jockey Club in Philadelphia with Jacky Custis (JACKSON, facing p. 118).
19. Rid out in the Morning. Dined at Mr. Ross's.
Mr. Ross is either George Ross (1730--1779), a Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress 1774--77 and member of the colonial legislature, or John Ross (c. 1725--1800), a Scottish-born Philadelphia merchant who was active in the cause of the colonies before and during the Revolution.
20. Dined with Mr. Fisher the Mayor.
William Fisher, a Quaker merchant, was mayor of Philadelphia 1773--74. He had been a member of the common council of Philadelphia 1767--70 and of the board of aldermen 1770--76 (LOYALIST, 105, n.1).
21. Dined with Mr. James Mease.
22. Dined with Mr. Chew the Chief Justice.
Benjamin Chew (1722--1810), son of Dr. Samuel Chew (1693--1743) and Mary Galloway Chew of Maryland, moved from Delaware to Philadelphia c. 1754. He held a number of posts in the provincial government, including attorney general from 1755--69, member of the council from 1755 to the Revolution, and Speaker of the assembly of the Lower Counties in 1756. In 1774 he replaced William Allen as chief justice of Pennsylvania. He remained a moderate Loyalist during the Revolution but retained GW's friendship. In 1791 he became president of the High Court of Errors and Appeals in Pennsylvania. Chew lived on South Third Street between Walnut and Spruce.
23. Dined with Mr. Joseph Pemberton.
Joseph Pemberton, son of Israel Pemberton, Jr., was a member of a prominent Philadelphia Quaker family. He was married in 1767 to Ann Galloway of Maryland.
24. Dined with Mr. Thos. Willing and Spent the Eveng. at the City Tavern.
Thomas Willing (1731--1821), merchant, was a partner of Robert Morris in the Philadelphia firm of Willing, Morris & Co. He held a number of posts including that of commissioner for trade with the western Indians 1758; mayor of Philadelphia 1764; member of the provincial assembly 1767; justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1767--77; and a member of the Continental Congress 1775--76. He refused to support the move for independence and remained neutral during the Revolution.
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25. Went to the Quaker meeting in the Forenoon & St. Peters in the Afternoon. Dind at my lodgings.
QUAKER MEETING: It cannot be determined which Quaker meetinghouse GW attended. According to Toner, it was probably the meetinghouse at Second and High streets (Toner Transcripts, DLC).
St. Peter's, an Anglican church located at Third and Pine streets, was completed in 1761. From 1762 to 1775 both St. Peter's and Christ churches, called the United Churches, were under the rectorship of Rev. Richard Peters.
26. Dined at the old Doctr. Shippens v went to the Hospital.
William Shippen (1712--1801) was a Philadelphia physician and father of Dr. William Shippen, Jr. (1736--1808). He was one of the founders of the College of Philadelphia, a member of the American Philosophical Society, and a member of the Continental Congress 1778--80. Among the guests at Dr. Shippen's on this evening, in addition to GW and some of the other virginia delegates, were Dr. William Shippen, Jr., Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Blair, John Adams, and the New Jersey delegates (ADAMS [1], 2:137).
The Pennsylvania Hospital, the first of any importance in the colonies, was bounded by Eighth and Ninth and Spruce and Pine streets. It had been completed in 1756, partly by money voted by the assembly of Pennsylvania and partly by subscription. According to John Adams, on this visit to the hospital young Dr. Shippen gave him, GW, and the other guests a lecture on anatomy. John Adams had also visited the hospital earlier with young Dr. Shippen: "We saw in the lower Rooms under Ground, the Cells of the Lunaticks, a Number of them, some furious, some merry, some Melancholly. . . . We then went into the Sick Rooms which are very long, large Walks with rows of Beds on each side, and the lame and sick upon them--a dreadfull Scene of human Wretchedness" (ADAMS [1], 2:116).
27. Dined at the Tavern with the Virga. Gentn. &ca.
VIRGA. GENTN: the virginia delegates.
28. Dined at Mr. Edward Shippens. Spent the afternn. with the Boston Gentn.
Edward Shippen, Jr. (1729--1806), the son of Edward Shippen of Lancaster, Pa., was a lawyer in Philadelphia and at this time was prothonotary of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a member of the provincial council, and judge of the court of vice admiralty. Although a moderate Loyalist in the Revolution, he became chief justice of Pennsylvania in 1791. He was married to Margaret Francis, daughter of Tench Francis of Philadelphia.
The Boston gentlemen were the Massachusetts delegates to the Congress: Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, all from Boston. Richard Henry Lee and young Dr. Shippen were also present. John Adams made this entry in his diary: "Spent the Evening at Home, with Coll. Lee, Gull. Washington and Dr. Shippen who came in to consult with us" (ADAMS [1], 2:140).
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29. Dined at Mr. Allan's and went to the Ball in the aftern.
30. Dined at Doctr. Cadwalladers.
Dr. Thomas Cadwalader (c. 1708--1799) was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Hospital, a vice-president of the American Philosophical Society, and a member of the provincial council from 1755 until the Revolution.
An Acct. of the Weather in Septr.
Sepr. 1. Exceeding Hot, with but little wind from the Southward. In the Night Rain (where I was).
2. Again very warm with but little wind & that Southerly. In the Night Rain.
Cloudy & Cool, Wind fresh from the Northward.
4. Again Cloudy & Cool. Wind about No. East & fresh.
5. Cloudy all day & now and then Misting. Wind at No. Et.
6. Clear & pleasant with but little Wind.
7. Clear and Warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
8. Again Warm & clear, wind in the same place.
9. Warm & close, Weather lowering, & in the Afternoon Rain, tho little of it.
10. Clear & cool, Wind Westwardly & tolerably fresh.
11. Pleasant, but growing warmer, there being but little Wind.
12. Warmer than yesterday and clear.
13th. Lowering most part of the day--with a little Rain in the Evening.
14. Wind a little fresh from the Northward v day clear & somewhat Cooler.
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15. A little lowering & dull in the forenoon--but cool.
16. Rather warm being clear with little Wind.
17. Warm & clear with but little Wind & that Southerly.
18. Warm in the forenoon with a brisk Southwest Wind. In the Afternoon Rain.
19. Pleasant, and clear with but little Wind.
20. Very pleasant and clear as also a little Cool.
21. Much such a day as yesterday.
22. Ditto. Ditto.
23. Clear but Pleast. and Cool. Wind Northerly.
24. Clear and pleasant but somewhat cool. Wind in the same Quarter.
25. Very pleasant and somewhat [warmer], there being no Wind.
26. Clear and pleasant but rather warm there being no wind.
27. Again clear and warm with but little or no wind.
28. Very warm. Foggy in the Morning but clear afterd.
29. Very warm again, being clear with no Wind.
30. Still warm with some appearances of Rain.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent
Octr. 1st. At the Congress till 3 Ocl. Din'd with Mr. Hamilton at Bush Hill.
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Christ Church in Philadelphia, where Washington attended a service. Columbian Magazine, Nov. 1787. (New-York Historical Society)
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James Hamilton (c.1710--1783) Of Bush Hill, north of Philadelphia, was the son of Andrew Hamilton (d. 1741) and Anne Brown Preeson Hamilton. He had held various public positions including those of mayor of Philadelphia, member of the provincial council, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, and acting governor of the colony in 1771 and 1773. Hamilton was arrested as a Tory during the Revolution.
2. Went to Christ Church & dined at the New Tavern.
Christ Church, the oldest Anglican church in Philadelphia, was located on the corner of Second and Market streets. On this day, one of the assistant rectors. Rev. Thomas Coombe, preached upon "Judge not according to the Appearance, but judge righteous Judgment" (ADAMS [1], 2:146).
3. At Congress till 3 Oclock. Dined at Mr. Reed's.
Joseph Reed (1741--1785), a lawyer in Philadelphia, had been educated at the Middle Temple. In 1773--75 he carried on an extensive correspondence with the British secretary of state for colonial affairs, Lord Dartmouth, attempting to acquaint him with conditions and attitudes in the colonies and to warn him against instituting oppressive measures in dealing with America. In Nov. 1774 Reed was appointed to the committee of correspondence in Philadelphia, and in 1775 he became president of the provincial congress and a lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania militia. In June of that year GW appointed him his first military secretary. Reed became adjutant general of the Continental Army in t 776, a delegate to the Continental Congress 1777--78, and president of Pennsylvania 1778--81.
4. At Congress till 3 Oclock. Dined at young Doctr. Shippens.
5. At Congress as above, Dined at Doctr. Bonds.
Dr. Thomas Bond (1712--1784), physician and surgeon, was a native of Maryland who began practicing medicine in Philadelphia around 1734. He was influential in the establishment of the Pennsylvania Hospital and was a member of the staff until his death.
6. At Congress. Din'd at Mr. Saml. Meridith's.
7. At Congress. Dined at Mr. Thos. Smiths.
Thomas Smith (1745--1809) was deputy surveyor of the frontier area around Bedford, Pa., in 1769. After the formation of Bedford County in 1771, he held the offices of prothonotary, recorder of deeds, and clerk of the sessions and orphans courts. Smith later became colonel of the 2d Battalion of Bedford County Associators and a member of the Pennsylvania legislature 1776--80. He served in the Continental Congress 1780--82 and in 1794 was appointed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
8. At Congress. Dined with Mr. John Cadwallader.
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9. Went to the Presbeterian Meeting in the forenoon and Romish Church in the Afternoon. Dind at Bevans's.
PRESBETERIAN MEETING: Which Presbyterian church GW attended is unknown, although prevailing opinion favors the Presbyterian meetinghouse at Third and Arch streets. However, GW may have been with John Adams, who on this day attended the Presbyterian meetinghouse on Market Street between Second and Third streets and heard Dr. Francis Alison or Allison (1705--1779) deliver a sermon on the Lord's Supper (ADAMS [1], 2:149).
The Catholic church which GW attended was St. Mary's, built in 1763 and located at Fourth and Spruce streets.
10. At Congress. Din'd at Doctr. Morgan's.
John Morgan (1735--1789), a graduate of Edinburgh, had also studied medicine and anatomy in England, France, and Italy. In 1765, shortly after his return to Philadelphia, Morgan was responsible for founding at the College of Philadelphia the first medical school in the American colonies. At the outbreak of the Revolution he aligned himself with the Patriots, and in Oct. 1775 he was appointed director general of hospitals and physician-in-chief of the Continental Army. Feuds and jealousies caused Morgan's removal from office in 1777.
11. Din'd at my Lodgings & Spent the Evening at Bevan's.
12. At Congress all the forenoon. Dined at Mr. Josh. Whartons & went to the Govrs. Club.
JOSH. WHARTONS: This man is more likely to be Joseph Wharton, Jr. (1734--1816), a merchant of Philadelphia, than his father, Joseph Wharton (1707--1776), who was living in retirement outside Philadelphia at his country place, Walnut Grove.
GOVRS. CLUB: An earlier visitor to Philadelphia described the Governor's Club as "a Select Number of Gentlemen that meet every Night at a certain Tavern, where they pass away a few Hours in the Pleasures of Conversation and a Cheerful Glass" (SCHARF [1], 1:235). The club at this time probably met at Peggy Mullen's Beefsteak House on Water Street at the corner of Tun Alley (JACKSON, 122).
13. Dined at my lodgings--after being at Congress till 4 Oclk.
This long day in Congress was caused by an extended debate "about the Parliamentary Power of regulating Trade. 5 Colonies were for allowing it, 5. against it, and two divided among themselves, i.e., Mass. and Rhode Island" (ADAMS [1], 2:151).
14. Dined at Mr. Thos. Barclay's and Spent the Evening at Smiths.
Thomas Barclay (1728--1793) was a partner in the Philadelphia mercantile house of Carson, Barclay & Mitchell and was a member of the Philadelphia
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committee of correspondence. He was appointed to the state navy board in 1777 and in 1780 subscribed £5,000 for supplies for the Continental Army. Barclay was appointed consul in France in 1781. SMITHS: the City Tavern, run by Daniel Smith. GW's cash memoranda book for this date lists "club at Smiths--.6.3" (CSmH). GW clubbed frequently at Smith's as well as at other taverns during his stay in Philadelphia.
15. Dined at Bevans's. Spent the Evening at home.
On this day GW gave £1 14s. to his old Indian acquaintance Guyasuta, who was on a mission from the tribes in the Illinois and Ohio country to Guy Johnson, superintendent of Indian affairs for the Northern Department (GW's Cash Memoranda, 25 Mar.-25 Oct. 1774, CSmH; WHARTON LETTER BOOKS, 450).
16. Went to Christ Church in the forenoon. After which rid to, & dind in the Provence Island. Suppd at Byrns's.
17. After Congress dind on board Captn. Hamilton. Spent the Evening at Mr. Miflins.
Although Hamilton has been identified elsewhere as Capt. W. Hamilton of the ship Union (DIARIES, 2:168n), that vessel had cleared the port of Philadelphia before 3 Oct. ( Pa. Packet, 3 Oct. 1774).
18. Dined at Doctr. Rush's and Spent the Evening at the New Tavern.
Benjamin Rush (1745--1813), the best-known American physician and medical writer of his day, was a professor of chemistry at the College of Philadelphia
Benjamin Rush, by Charles Willson Peale after a painting by Thomas Sully. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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and a member of the American Philosophical Society. Rush was elected to the Continental Congress in 1776. In April 1777 he became surgeon general of the hospital for the Middle Department and, in July, physician general for the same department.
19. Dined at Mr. Willings & Spent the Evening at my own lodgings.
20. Dind at the New Tavern with the Pensa. Assembly. Went to the Ball afterwards.
DIND AT THE NEW TAVERN: "On Thursday last an elegant entertainment was given at the City Tavern, by the Assembly of this province, to the Gentlemen of the Congress" ( Pa. Packet, 24 Oct. 1774). GW's cash memoranda book shows a payment of 7s. for the ball ticket and a 1s. offering to Christ Church (CSmH).
21. Dined at my lodging & Spent the Evening there also.
22. Dined at Mr. Griffins & drank Tea with Mrs. Roberdeau.
Mary Bostwick Roberdeau (d. 1777), daughter of Rev. David Bostwick of New York, was the wife of Daniel Roberdeau, a Philadelphia merchant and Patriot.
23. Dined at my lodgings and spent the Evening there.
24. Dined with Mr. Mease & Spent the Evening at the New Tavern.
25. Dined at my lodgings.
26. Dined at Bevans's, and Spent the Evening at the New Tavern.
After approving an address to be printed for distribution among the inhabitants of Quebec, the First Continental Congress adjourned (JCC, 1:113--14). GW and Richard Henry Lee were the only members of the Virginia delegation still remaining in Philadelphia at the time of the adjournment. The other Virginia delegates had left on 23 Oct. for Virginia, where the House of Burgesses was due to meet on the first Thursday in November.
27. Set out on my return home. Dined at Chester and lodged at Newcastle.
28. Breakfasted at the Buck Tavern. Dined at Downs's & lodged at New town upon Chester.
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29. Breakfasted at Rockhall & reachd Annapolis in the Afternoon.
30. Breakfasted at Mr. Calverts & reachd home abt. 3 Oclock.
31. At home all day.
Acct. of the Weather in October
Octr. 1st. Very warm & lowering all day. In the Evening much Rain fell.
2. Lowering but much Cooler. Wind at West.
3. Cool. Wind fresh from the No. West.
4. Cool, but not quite so much so as yesterday.
5. Warm without wind &c being clear at the same time.
6. Little or no Wind. Clear & Warm.
7. Again warm--wind notwithstanding Easterly.
8. Warm, but somewhat lowering.
9. Rather warm in the forenoon with appearances of Rain abt. 2 Oclock but none fell. However it turnd Cool.
10. Much Cooler than Yesterday. Wind Northerly.
11. Still cool, but pleasant notwithstanding.
12. Rather warm being clear with but little Wind.
13. Much such a day as yesterday.
14. Thick & close Morning with Appearances of Rain. Very warm afternoon.
15. Clear with very little wind & warm.
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16. Lowering forenoon but no Rain. Wind fresh from the Southwest.
17. Somewhat Cool especially towards the Evening Wind being westerly.
18. Pretty cool--a large white Frost.
19. Again cool & somewhat lowering.
20. Warm, & lowering, but no rain fell.
21. Warm and still lowering but no Rain.
22. Very foggy & lowering Morning but clear and warm afterwards. In the Evening Rain.
23d. Foggy Morning but clear and warm afterwds.
24. Foggy again in the forenoon, but clear afterwds. & Warm.
25. Again foggy in the forenoon but clear and warm afterwards.
26. Foggy & misting all the forenoon. In the Evening Rain.
27. Much such a day as yesterday.
28. Showery through the day. Wind Easterly.
29. Clear and cool. Wind Westerly & fresh in the forenoon but less of it afterwds.
30. Clear and pleasant. Wind westerly.
31. Much such a day as the preceeding one.
Where, how, or with whom my time is, Spent
Novr. 1. At home all day. Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Muir, Mr. Rob. Harrison & Doctr. Rumney came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.
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2. The Gentlemen went away after Breakfast. I rid to the Mill. Mr. Ben. Dulany & Wife came here to Dinner & stayd all Night as did Mr. R. Thompson.
Richard Thompson was living on the Maryland side of the Great Falls of the Potomac, where he was trying to establish a business in the manufacturing and sale of smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff. In 1774 he was appointed to be the clerk for the trustees for Potomac navigation ( Va. Gaz., R, 8 Oct. 1772; Va. Gaz., D, 7 Jan. 1775).
3. I went up to Alexandria after the Company abovementioned Went away. Returnd in the Aftern.
4. At home all day alone.
5. Ditto. Mr. Piercy a Presbeterian Minister dined here.
Mr. Piercy was probably William Piercy (Percy), a Calvinistic Methodist and disciple of George Whitefield. Piercy was chaplain to Selina Hastings, countess of Huntingdon, a devoted follower of the new Methodist movement. In order to give protection to Methodist preachers, she appointed large members of them to the nominal position of chaplain in her household. She had sent Piercy from London to Georgia in 1772 to act as president of Whitefield's Orphan House, or college, at Bethesda, near Savannah, and to preach wherever he could collect an audience in the colonies. Piercy had preached at various locations in Philadelphia during the year. He had given a farewell sermon in late October at the Arch Street Presbyterian meetinghouse, and was probably at this time on his return to his headquarters in Georgia (KNIGHT, 213, HILTZHEIMER, 30--32; SPRAGUE, 5:293--96).
6. Went to Pohick Church. Mr. Triplet & Mr. Peake & Daughter dined here.
Probably Humphrey Peake's younger daughter, Elizabeth, still a minor in 1774. GW commonly referred to a child of a friend as a "son" or "daughter" while still a minor and as a "Mr." or "Miss" after the age of about 16. Thus Humphrey Peake's elder daughter, Ann (Nancy), would be a "Miss" by this time.
7. Mr. Martin Cockburn & Mr. Geo. Mason Junr. dined here.
George Mason, Jr. (1753--1796), was the eldest son of George and Ann Eilbeck Mason of Gunston Hall. He married Elizabeth Mary Ann Barnes Hooe and settled at Lexington in Mason's Neck.
8. At home all day alone.
9. At home all day.
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10. At home all day. Doctr. Craik came here in the Evening and stayed all Night.
11. At home all day. Mr. Bryan Fairfax came here & stayed all Night.
12. I went up to George Town To an intended meeting of Trustees for openg. Potomack River. None Met. Returnd home at Night.
After inspecting canal works in England, John Ballendine had returned to the Potomac valley in the late summer of 1774 with a plan for opening navigation of the Potomac River "at and above the Lower Falls" to boats that could carry wheat and iron downriver to the ports of Georgetown and Alexandria ( Md. Gaz., 8 Sept. 1774). At a meeting held in the early fall, probably at Georgetown, 37 trustees were chosen from the subscribers to Ballendine's project, among whom was GW. Today's meeting was scheduled to choose an executive committee of 10 trustees, but because the notice for the meeting did not appear in the Maryland Gazette until In Nov. 1774, there probably was not a quorum present.
13. Went up to Alexandria Church. In the Evening Colo. Blackburn Mr. Lee, & Mr. Richd. Graham came here as a Committee from the Prince Wm. Independ. Compy.
Mr. Lee was Philip Richard Francis Lee (died c. 1834), son of Squire Richard Lee of Blenheim, Charles County, Md. Philip Richard, a merchant in Dumfries, was a captain in the Prince William Independent Company, which was absorbed into the 3d Virginia Regiment early in 1776 (VSP, 8:216; LEE [1], 347).
PRINCE WM. INDEPEND. COMPY.: On 21 Sept. 1774 a meeting of local men in Alexandria formed an agreement to organize the Fairfax Independent Company of Volunteers, which was probably the first "Independent Company" so organized in a Virginia county (MASON [2], 1:210--11). On 11 NOV. 1774 the Independent Company of Cadets of Prince William County appointed the three men who appeared here today as a delegation to "wait upon Collonel George Washington, and request of him to take the command of this Company as their Field Officer, and that he will be pleas'd to direct the fashion of their uniform," which request GW accepted (HAMILTON [1], 5:68--69). By the late spring of 1775 GW had also accepted the commands of the independent companies of Fairfax, Fauquier, Richmond, and Spotsylvania counties (photostat, Vi). In contemporary military terminology an independent company was a company unattached to any regiment. These independent companies were also independent of the militia system, and were usually founded independently of the county committees of inspection, although some men were members of both organizations.
14. At home all day. Those Gentn. Went away after Dinnr.
15. At home all day alone.
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16. Ditto. Ditto.
17. At home. Mr. Francis Willis Junr. dined here, & went to B[elvoir].
18. Captn. Dalton dined here and went away afterwards.
19. At home all day.
20. Set out for Wests Ordinary in order to attend Colo. Mercers Sale of the Bull run Land. Dined at New Gate & lodged at Colo. Fras. Peytons.
GW did more than "attend" the sale; he was in charge of the auctions to settle the estate of James Mercer's brother George. Francis Peyton, son of Valentine Peyton, was a justice and burgess for Loudoun County. Peyton accompanied GW to the sale the next day (GW to John Tayloe, 11 Dec. 1775, WRITINGS, 37:515).
21st. Attended at Wests Ordy. with Mr. James Mercer & sold. all the Bull run Lands. Returnd to Colo. Peytons.
GW found his role in the auctioning of the Mercer land, which had "a good deal of exceeding poor and broken ground in it," to be a frustrating experience. As the auction proceeded, he saw he was not getting prices anywhere near the original estate inventory valuation made in 1767. "But," he reported to his fellow executor, John Tayloe, "there was no help for it; everything that could be done, was done, to dispose of it to the best advantage; in attempting which, I had three Lots of the Land (by endeavouring to raise [the price of] them) left upon my hands" (30 Nov. 1774, WRITINGS, 37:508).
22. At Colo. Peytons all day taking Bonds & making Conveyances.
23. Set out for Frederick, in order to sell Colo. Mercers Estate in that County. Dind at Morgan Alexanders Ordy. & lodged at Colo. Warner Washington's.
Morgan Alexander (1746--1783), originally of Gloucester County, moved to the Shenandoah Valley in the late 1760s and married Sarah Snickers (b. 1756). As she was a daughter of Edward Snickers, whose home and ordinary, in Frederick (now in Clarke) County, were on the Shenandoah River near the gap in the Blue Ridge that bore his name, Alexander may have been running the ordinary for Snickers at this time.
Warner Washington's home was Fairfield in Frederick County, a few miles north of the present town of Berryville (WAYLAND [1], 171--73).
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24. Went to the Sale, which began at the Middle Plantation, at Willm. Dawson's, the Head Overseers. Lodged there.
Having held the land sale at a spot convenient to buyers from both sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains, GW was now auctioning off the slaves, stock, and tools which were gathered together at the main Mercer plantation for examination by the bidders. GW was disturbed at finding "only 90 instead of 110 Negroes, and a proportionate difficiency of Horses and stock; and few or no Plantation utensils" (GW to John Tayloe, 30 Nov. 1774, WRITINGS, 37:508).
25. Sale continued at the same place where I again lodged.
In the margin of his Virginia almanac for this month, GW, apparently as a reminder, noted for 21 Nov. "Mercer's sale at Wests" and for 24 Nov. "do. at Snicker's," but the latter sale seems to have been held at Dawson's. Edward Snickers had a home where the road from Snickers's ferry to Winchester crossed Buck Marsh Run, about three miles due south of Warner Washington's home, Fairfield (CHAPPELEAR [1], 37).
26. Sale again--remained there.
27. Still continued to sell at the same place where I again lodged.
28th. Dined at Mr. Booths and returned to my Lodgings at Dawson's.
As no sales were held on Sunday, GW went to visit an old friend from the Nomini region of Westmoreland County, William Booth, who had recently settled on upper Buck Marsh Run, about two miles southwest of Fairfield.
29th. Continued the Sale at Dawson's & finishd at that Plantation.
GW was becoming increasingly suspicious about his host's honesty regarding the estate. His suspicions were confirmed when he was later told by Edward Snickers that Dawson had been selling off timber and stock at reduced prices; this, GW thought, would "account for the deficiency we found in the Articles of Horses & Stock" (GW to James Mercer, 12 Dec. 1774, DLC:GW).
30. Concluded the whole Sales at all the Plantations & went to, and dined at Alexanders where I also lodged.
Acct. of the Weather in Novr.
Novr. 1st. Clear & pleasant, but somewhat Cool till Eveng. then Rain.
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2. Again cool & somewhat lowering.
3. Clear & pleasant but little Wind.
4. Cool but clear with but little Wind.
5. Very pleasant with but little [wind].
6. Clear & pleasant in the forenoon but lowering & cold in the Afternoon. Wind Easterly.
7. Lowering and cold.
8. Tolerably pleasant not being so cool.
9. Cold Wind hard at West or No. West all day.
10. Clear, & not quite so cold notwithstanding the Wind kept in the same place but not quite so hard.
11. Clear, warm and pleasant with but little Wind and that Southerly.
12. Exceeding pleasant, being clear and without wind.
13. Clear and pleasant being quite warm.
14. Warm and pleasant with but little Wind. Lowering in the Evening.
15. A little Rain in the Night & lowering in the forenoon. Clear afterwards.
16. Rain in the Night & this Morning. Clear afterwards & windy from the No. West. Cold.
17. Clear with not much Wind & that Southerly.
18. Hard Wind all day from the No. West and very cold. Weather clear.
19. Clear and Cold. Wind hard at No. West all day.
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20. Not so cold as the two preceeding days wind not being so fresh--but in the same place.
21. Snowing and raining all day and the greatest part of the Night. Wind at No. Et. & fresh.
22. Flying Clouds, & Wind fresh from the Northwest but not very cold.
23. Wind in the same Quarter but more moderate & not cold.
24. Southerly Wind, after a very white frost & Cloudy.
25. Raining more or less till abt. one Oclock--then clear.
26. Clear and pleasant, with but very little Wind.
27. Pleasant day, being clear with little or no Wind.
28. Very pleasant after a very white frost. Southerly wind & Warm.
29. Another very white frost. Wind fresh from the Southward. Rain at & all Night.
30. It Continued Raining on & off till Noon then a close & Wet Snow till Night.
Where, how, or with whom my time is spent
Decr. 1st. At Alexanders till 12 oclock taking Bonds &ca. then set of for, & lodged at Leesburg.
2. Breakfasted at Moss's and dined at home.
3. At home all day alone.
4. At home all day. Mr. Willis and a Mr. Harrison dind here & Parson Morton lodged here.
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Andrew Morton, or Moreton (died c. 1776), was minister of Drysdale Parish in King and Queen County and Caroline County in 1774 ( WMQ, 5 [1896--97], 202). He was at Mount Vernon to try to lease Belvoir from GW, who was acting as George William Fairfax's agent. GW refused a seven-year lease on the house without a bond for payment of the rent; but Morton arrived at Belvoir before Feb. 1775, with the bond unexecuted, and seems to have persuaded GW to let him live there for a year without a lease (GW to Morton, 21 Dec. 1774, CtY; Morton to GW, 1 Feb. 1775, ViMtV). He died some time before Sept. 1776, while still living at Belvoir (Fairfax County Will Book, D-1, 94--95).
5. Went to Colo. Fairfax's Sale at Belvoir. Returnd in the Evening alone.
A second sale at Belvoir was advertised for this day. It consisted of two rooms of household furniture, kitchen furniture, cattle, plantation utensils, etc. The mansion house and land were also again advertised for lease on this date, as was a small plantation and two fisheries ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 20 Oct. 1774).
6. At home all day alone.
7. Rid to the Mill, Morris's & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Calvert came.
8. At home all day with the above Company. Mr. Willis lodged here.
9. At home all day. The foregoing Company continuing.
10. Mr. & Mrs. Calvert--together with Mr. & Mrs. Custis went to Maryland. Mr. Willis continued.
11th. At home all day. Mr. Willis went to Alexandria after breakfast.
12. At home all day alone.
13. At home. Doctr. Craik and Miss Nancy McCarty came here in the Evening.
14. I went up to Alexandria, to an intended meeting of the Committee but was disappointed. Found Doctr. Craik & Mr. Willis here upon my return.
15. At home all day.
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16. Ditto--Do. Mr. Willis went away.
In GW's ledger under date of 17 Dec. is a payment to Mr. Willis of £47 10s. for 200 barrels of wheat. He received from Willis at the same time £9 4s. 9d. "for Sundrys sold at Belvoir for Cash" (LEDGER B, 128).
17. Early this Morning my Brother and Mr. Phil Smith came here--as did Mr. Booth.
MY BROTHER: John Augustine Washington, whose wife's sister, Elizabeth Bushrod, married Philip Smith (d. 1782), of Washington Parish, Westmoreland County.
18. At home all day.
19. Went with Mrs. Washington my Brother & Mr. Smith to Alexandria and stayed all Night. Mr. Booth went to Mary[lan]d.
GW went to town on committee business: "at a meeting of the committee for Fairfax County, in the town of Alexandria, on Monday the 19th day of December, 1774, Messieurs [John] Fitzgerald and [Valentine] Peers, informed the committee that the ship Hope . . . had arrived in this colony . . . from Belfast, with sundry packages of Irish linen, amounting . . . to £1101 4s. 8d. sterling, their property, and requesting that the same should be sold, agreeable to the loth article in the continental association . . . ordered, that the said goods be sold by the package, to the highest bidder . . . and if any profit shall arise from such sale, that [it be used] for relieving and employing such of the poor inhabitants of the town of Boston as are sufferers by the Boston port bill, subject to the direction of the committee for the said county of Fairfax" ( Va. Gaz., Pi, 29 Dec. 1774).
While in Alexandria, GW also met with several other trustees of John Ballendine's Potomac navigation project and authorized Ballendine to hire 50 slaves as laborers ( Va. Gaz., D, 7 Jan. 1775).
20. Returnd in the Afternoon. Found Mr. Booth & Captn. Chs. Smith here.
21st. At home all day with my Brothr. Jno. & Mr. Smith.
22. In the Afternoon my Brother & Mr. Smith went away.
23. Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Thos. Triplet dined here.
24. At home all day. Mr. Richd. Washington came here to Dinner, as did Mrs. Newman.
Richard Washington, a London merchant to whom GW apparently believed he was distantly related, had been a correspondent and tobacco dealer for GW from 1755 to 1763. GW warmly assured him that "in the Event of your
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ever visiting America . . . Mrs. Washington and I both woud think ourselves very happy in the oppertunity of shewing you the Virginia Hospitality . . . and I must . . . add, that I shall think myself very happy in seeing you at Mt. Vernon where you might depend upon finding the most cordial entertainment" (27 Sept. 1763, 10 Aug. 1760, DLC:GW). The other guest was possibly the Mrs. Newman who was employed by George Mason of Gunston Hall as a schoolmistress for his daughters at this time (ROWLAND [2], 1:97).
25. At home all day with the above.
26. At home all day.
27. Ditto. Ditto. Colo. Carlyle & his Son George came here and stayed all Night.
28. They went away again after Dinner and Mr. Robt. Graham came and stayed all Night.
This was probably Robert Graham (1751--1821), son of John Graham of Graham Park near Dumfries, Prince William County. Robert succeeded his father as Prince William County clerk in 1777 (HAYDEN, 162--63).
29. Mr. Graham went away after breakfast. I contind. at home all day.
30. At home all day. In the Afternoon Genl. Lee, & Mr. Jno. Ballendine came here.
Charles Lee (1731--1782) was a veteran English soldier, who, having recently embraced the American cause, was publicly defending the rights of the colonists and encouraging them to believe that they could successfully fight British or other professional troops if war came. A member of the English gentry by birth, he had served with distinction during the Seven Years' War in America and Portugal, but at the end of the war he had been retired on half pay with the rank of major. His title of general derived from later service under the king of Poland, who had commissioned him a major general in his army in 1769. After returning to America in the fall of 1773, Lee had traveled extensively, talking to many colonial leaders. At this time he was on the way to Williamsburg, having come from Annapolis where, according to his former army friend Josiah Martin, now royal governor of North Carolina, he had been "employed in diciplining or rather drilling a set of people to arms . . . and by the most extravagant discourse exciting contempt of the Troops and power of Great Britain and of every character and act related to Government sparing not the most sacred" (Martin to the earl of Dartmouth, 10 Mar. 1775, N.C. COL. REC., 9:1155--59). GW had seen Lee in Philadelphia while attending the First Continental Congress but may have met him first during the Braddock expedition of 1755 in which both men participated. Their conversation during Lee's stay at Mount Vernon probably included a discussion of a plan that Lee had devised for organizing
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A caricature of Major General Charles Lee. (Prints Division, New York Public Library)
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American troops into battalions and may have touched on the subject of western lands, in which Lee was also much interested (ALDEN, chaps. 1--5).
31. At home all day. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came.
Acct. of the Weather in Decr.
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 of Rain.
6. Clear and very pleasant with little or no Wind & warm.
7. Lowering all day with but little Wind. Warm.
8. Much such a day as the preceeding one. In the Evening Rain which contd. all Night.
9. Fine Rain all day, with but little Wind. Rather Raw & cool but not Cold.
10. Clear after the Morning with the Wind fresh & cold from No. Wt.
11th. Clear and very cold. Wind very fresh from the North West.
12. Clear and Cold, wind continuing in the same place.
13. More moderate, but Snowing fast all the forenoon.
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14. Clear and not unpleast. with but little Wind.
15. Much such a day as yesterday.
16. Very pleasant.
17. Ditto.
18. Warm and pleasant. Wind Southerly very little.
19. Still Warm with Showers of Rain, & Wind fresh from the So. West. In the Afternn. it chang'd to No. Wt. & blew hard.
20. Wind still at No. West but not very hard or Cold, clear.
21. Calm all the forenoon and very warm and pleasant in the Afternoon. Wind at No. Et.
22. Again calm & pleasant. Afternoon hazy & Wind Easterly.
23. A little Snow in the forenoon. Wind continuing in the same place.
24. Clear and pleasant. Wind Northerly.
25. Remarkably pleasant Morning with little or no Wind. Afternoon hazy with a little Rain.
26. Clear, and neither very cold, or unpleasant, although the Wind blew fresh from the No. West.
27. Clear and pleasant forenoon. Cloudy afterwards with Snow in the Afternoon. Wind at No. East.
28. Lowering, and Snowing now and then throughout the day. Wind abt. No. West but not very Cold.
29th. Clear and tolerably moderate and pleasant notwithstanding the Wind was pretty fresh at So. Wt.
30. Calm and exceeding pleasant--being clear in the forenoon. Somewhat lowering afterwards.
31. Clear but pretty cool. Wind fresh from No. West.
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Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
Jan. 1st. At home all day. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
2. Genl. Lee and myself rid up to Alexandria & returnd in the Afternoon. Mr. Richd. Washington went away after Dinner.
3. At home all day.
4. Genl. Lee went away after Breakfast. A Mr. Tarrant Breakfasted & Dined here. And Mr. & Mrs. Custis, & Miss Calvert came here in the Afternoon.
Leonard Tarrant was visiting GW as a representative of the firm of Balfour & Barraud, of Norfolk, seeking to obtain from GW "about a Thousand Barr[el]s flour & a few hundred Bar[rel]s of bread" (Balfour & Barraud to [GW], 25 Dec. 1774, DLC:GW). Tarrant got his contract.
GW today lent Charles Lee £15 cash, probably for traveling expenses to Williamsburg. According to a memorandum that GW wrote for Fielding Lewis on 30 April 1775, the debt was to be discharged by Col. William Byrd, with whom Lee supposedly left money for that purpose (PHi: Gratz Collection). Nevertheless, the £15, plus £9 12s. which GW lent Lee in June of this year, remained unpaid until four years after Lee's death, when the account was settled without interest by the executor of his estate (LEDGER B, 137).
5. At home all day.
6. Mr. George Digges & three of his Sisters--to wit Tracy; Nancy & Jenny, and Mr. Danl. Carroll & Nancy Peake came here & stayed all Night.
7. Mr. Digges & his Sisters and Mr. Carroll went away after Breakfast.
8. Miss Nancy Peake went away after Breakfast. Doctr. Rumney Dined and lodged here.
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9th. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney & Mrs. Newman went away after Breakfast.
10. At home all day, Mr. Stone dined here.
11. Again at home and alone.
12. Went a Fox hunting--found but did not kill.
13. At home all day alone.
14. Ditto--Ditto.
15. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Colo. Mason & Son, Mr. Dulany & Mr. Cockburn came home with me & stayed all Night.
16. Went up to Alexandria to a review of the Independant Company & to choose a Com[mitt]ee for the County of Fairfax.
When first organized in Sept. 1774, the company agreed to limit its number to 100 men, to elect its own officers, to drill from time to time, and to supply its own ammunition. Each volunteer was to carry "a good Fire-lock and Bayonet, Sling Cartouch-Box, and Tomahawk" and to dress in "a regular Uniform of Blue, turn'd up with Buff" (MASON [2], 1:211).
Although most of the Virginia county committees that had been formed before the Continental Association transferred their authority to meet and act from the Virginia Association to the Continental Association in the fall of 1774, there was strong sentiment to hold new elections for county committees as called for by the 11th article of the Continental Association. Many counties simply reelected the old committees or changed them slightly; some other counties took advantage of these new elections to expand the membership of their committees.
17. Under Arms this day also and in Committee in the Eveng.
Today the committee, chaired by GW, passed resolutions to assess 3s. for every tithable in the county to pay for powder, to keep a list "of such persons as shall refuse to pay the same," and to organize a. countywide militia system of 68-man companies (MASON [2], 1:212--13).
18. In Committee all day.
No contemporary reference has been found during the period covered by GW's diaries to any county committee in Virginia being called a committee of safety, each committee usually referring to itself merely as "the committee" for the county.
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19. Returnd home to Dinner alone.
20. At home all day. Miss Calvert returnd home.
21. Went a hunting with Mr. Custis. Killd a Dog Fox & returnd to Dinner.
22. At home all day. Danl. Jenifer Adams came here abt. 11 Oclock, & went away. Price Posey came--Dined and stayd all Night.
Adams was still trying to settle his debts to GW growing out of his role in the 1772 voyage of the brig Fairfax to the West Indies (see main entry for 22 July 1772). GW was pressing "that worthless young Fellow" Adams for possession of about 550 acres of Adams family lands in Charles County, Md., which GW accepted later in the year as "all I am likely to get for my debt" (GW to Robert McMickan, 10 May 1774, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 99; Daniel Jenifer Adams to GW, 4 Feb. 1775, DLC:GW; GW to Thomas Pollock, 29 Nov. 1773, DLC:GW).
23. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney came here in the Afternoon.
24. Doctr. Rumney visited the Sick--returnd to Dinner & stayed all Night. Mr. Alexr. Ross dind & went away after it.
25. Doctr. Rumney visited the Sick & returnd to Dinner. I went a hunting. Found a fox but did not kill it.
26. Went up to Alexandria to an intended meeting of the Trustees for opening the Rivr. Potomack. None met. Stayd in Alexandria all night & bo[ugh]t a parcel of Servants.
This meeting had been called to "form and digest proper Plans to be laid before the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland" in the hope of raising capital for John Ballendine's Potomac navigation project ( Va. Gaz., D, 7 Jan. 1775).
27. Went up to four Mile run to view the Land bought of Mr. Mercer. Lookd at part of it, & returnd home at Night.
Four Mile Run is a small stream, about eight or nine miles long, which flows into the Potomac approximately four miles north of Hunting Creek. The land GW bought from James and George Mercer consisted of two patents, one for 378 acres and the other for 790 acres. These lands were deeded to GW 12 Dec. 1774 and proved 15 Oct. 1775. GW paid £892 for the two tracts (STETSON [1], 39--60).
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28. At home all day alone.
29. At home all day. Ditto. Mr. & Mrs. Custis went to Pohick Church & from thence to Colo. Masons.
30. Rid into the Neck to see the Sick People--came home by Muddy hole. A Mr. Bruce dined here.
Normand Bruce (d. 1811), of Frederick County, Md., brought a letter of introduction from Thomas Johnson, who wrote: "his Drift is to persuade people in general to manufacture coarse Linnens in earnest, to shew that Hemp is the proper material for us to rely on much in preference of Flax. . . . he wishes for your Encouragement of a Work so well intended" (17 Jan. 1775, DLC:GW).
31. At home all day. Miss Dent & a daughter of Captn. Marshalls dind here.
The daughter of Capt. Thomas Hanson Marshall of Marshall Hall was Mary Marshall (1767--1789). Miss Dent is probably Mary's aunt, Sarah Dent, a sister of Mary's mother, Rebecca Dent Marshall, who died in 1770 (NEWMAN, 35).
Acct. of the Weather in January
Jan. 1. Calm, clear, warm, & exceeding pleasant.
2. Very pleasant again, with but little Wind, and that Southerly.
3. Exceeding pleasant, being clear, warm, & Calm.
4. Just such a day as yesterday.
5. Very pleasant in the Morning, and calm. Towards Noon the wind sprung up Northerly, but neither cold or hard.
6. Calm & pleasant in the Morning, but Wind at No. Et. afterwards.
7. Calm & clear Morning, but Wind from the No. West afterwards but neither hard or Cold.
8. Clear & pleasant in the Morning but the Wind coming out fresh from the No. Wt. it turnd Cool.
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9th. Clear & pleasant though a hard frost in the Morning being calm. Wind Southerly afterwards & a little lowering.
10. Calm & clear in the forepart of the day--hard frost. Wind Southerly in the Afternoon & somewhat lowering again.
11. Clear all the forepart of the day & calm--lowering afterwards & Wind fresh from the Southward.
12. Rain fell last Night. Morning still & calm, Afternoon very windy from the No. West. Day cloudy.
13. Very cold in the forepart of the Day. Wind fresh from the No. West--Southerly towards Night.
14. A little smoky & hazy. Wind fresh from the So. Wt. all day. Warm.
15. Exceeding pleasant but rather too warm--there being but little wind & that Southerly.
16. Warm, but lowering wind fresh from the Southwd.
17. Lowering all day & Wind Southerly. At Night a good deal of Rain.
18. Cloudy but little or no Rain till Night. Wind Easterly.
19. Raining, or Snowing, more or less all day--with the Wind at East.
20. Foggy in the Morning, but clear, warm, & pleasant afterwards.
21. Calm, warm, and exceeding pleasant in the forenoon with a White frost. In the Afternoon the wind got to No. West but neither blew hard or cold.
22. Very white frost but clear, Calm, & remarkably pleast. all day.
23. Calm, but lowering all day and warm.
24. Warm and pleasant, but rather lowering.
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25. Very warm and pleasant. Evening lowering, & Night Raining.
26. Clear, & very pleasant after the Morning--wind Southerly.
27. Calm, clear, warm, and exceeding pleasant till the Afternoon then lowering.
28. In the Night Rain. Misting all day with the Wind at No. East.
29. Cloudy all day, and somewhat raw & cold. Wind at No. West but not hard.
30. A very white frost--clear & very pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly.
31. Clear, warm, & pleasant. Wind pretty fresh from So. Wt.
Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
Feby. 1st. Went into the Neck to see the Sick. Also went a fox huntg. Found nothing.
2. At home all day. In the Afternn. Mr. Calvert, Mr. Bordley, Mr. Jacques from Maryland and. Mr. Wagener, Mr. Mills, Doctr. Rumney, & Mr. Rutherford came here.
John Beale Bordley (1727--1804), of Baltimore and Wye Island, Md., pursued an avid interest in all areas of agriculture, including crop rotation, farm industry, and proper diet. Like GW, he turned from tobacco to wheat as a cash crop and practiced extensive experimental farming at his farms on Wye Island, on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Launcelot Jacques (d. 1791) was apparently a descendant of French Huguenots who had settled in England. Jacques immigrated to Maryland and in the 1760s settled on the Potomac River at Green Spring, in Frederick (now Washington) County, Md. There he developed several ironworks in partnership with Thomas Johnson, both of whom had been working for years to open up the navigation of the upper Potomac (SCHARF [3], 2:1293--97). MR. MILLS: possibly John Mills (died c.1784), a merchant of Alexandria ( Va. Gaz., D&N, 10 July 1779).
3. Mr. Wagener, & Mr. Mills went away after Breakfast.
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4. Mr. Calvert & the Gentlemen from Maryland went away after Breakfast. Colo. Nathl. Harrison & a Mr. Murdock came to Dinner.
Mr. Murdock is possibly John Murdock (1733--1791), who inherited land in Frederick County, Md., and in the fall of 1774 was chosen a trustee of John Ballendine's Potomac Navigation Company ( Va. Gaz., 10 Nov. 1774).
5. 6. They contd. here.
7. Colo. Harrison, Mr. Murdock & Mr. Rutherford went away after Breakfast.
8. Mr. Willm. Milner came to Dinner & went over to Mr. Digges's in the Aftern.
William Milnor continued to do business with GW, although there is no record of his buying fish after May 1774. Milnor was a Quaker, but he was an ardent supporter of the colonists against the British ministry and, on GW's orders, furnished drums, fifes, and colors for the Fairfax and Prince William Independent companies, as well as a number of muskets. He also furnished GW with an officer's sash, gorget, epaulettes, and sword knots, a treatise on military discipline, and several political pamphlets (LEDGER B, 123; Milnor to GW, 29 Nov. 1774, DLC:GW).
9. At home all day alone.
10. Doctr. Jenifer & his Brother dind here, & Mr. Milner Lodged here.
11. Mr. Milner went away. Mr. Custis & myself went a hunting but killd nothing although we found a Fox. Robt. Ashby & bro. lodgd here.
12. Ashby & his brother went away. I contd. at home all day.
13th. At home all day. Mr. Geo. Digges came in the Afternoon.
14. Went a Fox hunting--found & killd a Fox. Robt. Phil, & George Alexander came home with us. Mr. Muir Doctr. Rumney & Cap. Harper lodgd here.
15. Went a Huntg. again--found Nothing. None but Mr. Digges came home with me. Doctr. Rumney contd. here all day.
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16. At home all day. The Doctr. went away after Breakfast, & Mr. Digges after Dinner.
17. At home all day alone.
18. Went up to Alexandria to meet & exercise the Independant Company.
19. At home all day alone.
20. Went up to Alexandria to the Choosing of Delegates to go to Richmond. Doctr. Rumney.
Pursuant to a resolution by the First Virginia Convention (1--6 Aug. 1774) authorizing the moderator, Peyton Randolph, to call another convention when he thought necessary, Randolph issued a call on 19 Jan. 1776 for each county to choose two delegates to a convention to be convened in Richmond on 20 Mar. (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:245--54).
21. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney & Captn. Marshall Dined here. Mr. Grayson & Mr. Henderson came in the Afternoon & lodgd.
On 16 Feb., James Scott, Jr. (1742--1779), of Fauquier County, wrote to GW that he and Capt. Thomas Marshall were "the persons chosen by our [Fauquier County] Independent company, to wait on you for the purpose of offering you the command," but Scott was not able to join Marshall in this visit (DLC:GW).
William Grayson was at this time head of the Prince William County Independent Company. He served as aide-de-camp to GW from Aug. a 776 to Jan. 1777, when, promoted to colonel, he raised Grayson's Additional Regiment, which he commanded until he retired from the service in 1779 (BERG, 48; W.P.A. [1], 91--92).
22. The whole went away after Breakfast. Went with Mrs. Washington to Mr. Digges & Dind. Mr. Custis and wife went to Maryland. Doctr. Craik came in the Aftern.
23. Doctr. Craik staid all day. Mr. Rutherford came to Dinner & also stayd all Night. A Mr. Corse dind & went away afterwds.
Mr. Corse may have been John Corse, a captain in the Delaware Regiment during the Revolution (see DIARIES, 2:186n).
24. Doctr. Craik went away early in the Morning & Mr. Rutherfd. after Dinner.
25. Mr. Danl. Jenifer came to Dinnr. & went away afterwards.
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26. Mrs. Washington & self went to Pohick Church. Dind at Captn. McCartys. Mrs. Craik came home with us.
27. Mrs. Craik went away after Breakfast--the Doctr. coming for her.
28. Went up with Mrs. Washington to Alexandria--returnd to Dinner.
Acct. of the Weather in Feby.
Feby. 1. Pleasant with but little Wind, & that Near No. West.
2. A White frost but clear & very pleast. with but little wind that Southerly.
3. Calm, warm, & pleasant all day--being also clear.
4. Pleasant & clear in the Morning, but lowering afterwards with some rain in the Evening & Night.
5. Quite calm and Pleasant being warm.
6. Very little wind, but lowg. & like for falling weather.
7. Cloudy & calm, & something like Snow in the forenoon. Afternoon clear & exceeding pleasant. Wind Southerly.
8. Wind blowing very fresh from the So. West all day & for the most part clear.
9. Cloudy all day, with the wind fresh from the No[rth]ward. In the Afternoon Snowing & wind at No. Et.
10. Snowing & Raining till 12 or one Oclock then clear--wind getting to No. West at Night.
11. Cloudy for the most part and Raw. Wind at No. Et. with Snow.
12. Snowing all the forenoon but not fast. Afternoon clear and Gold. Wind at No. Wt.
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13. But little Wind, and that Southerly. For the most part clear.
14. Cool & raw all day--the fore part at least. Wind Northerly.
15. Clear but cool. Wind fresh from the So. West.
16. Calm, at least very little Wind & that Southerly. Clear & exceeding pleasant.
17. Rather lowering with but little Wind & that at East.
18. Cloudy a little in the forenn. but clear afterwards & warm with very little wind.
19. Cloudy all day, but not Cold with but little wind, and that variable. At Night Rain.
20. Clear & very warm with but little wind & that Southerly.
21. Again very warm and pleast. with but little wind.
22. Quite warm with little or no Wind and Clear.
23. Clear and warm with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. At Night Rain.
24. Raining more or less till the Afternoon, then clear, wind fresh all day from the Southward.
25. Clear and a little Cool--Wind fresh all day from the West & So. Wt.
26. Wind pretty fresh from the Northwest and a little cold towards Noon.
27. Wind fresh from the Southward. Raw & cool and lowering towards Eveng.
28. Lowering Morning but clear, warm, & exceeding pleasant afterwards--till the Evening when it Clouded & look like Rain. Wind blowing fresh from the Southwd.
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Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
Mar. 1st. Cloudy all the forenoon with a little Rain. Clear afterwards. Wind very fresh all day from the No. West. Mrs. Barnes, & Miss Betcy Ramsay came in the Eveng. as did Mr. Morda. Red.
Betcy Ramsay was Mrs. Sarah Barnes's granddaughter.
2. Morda. Red went away after Breakfast. Doctr. Jenifer & wife & Mrs. McCarty came to Dinner & stayd all Night.
Dr. Walter Hanson Jenifer's wife Ann was commonly called Nancy.
3. They went away after Breakfast. I contd. at home all day.
4. Went a Hunting but found nothing. Colo. Harrison and Captn. Wood came here to Dinner.
5. At home all day. Colo. Richd. Lee came to Dinner and Doctr. Craik in the Evening.
6. Colo. Harrison & Colo. Lee went away, as did Mrs. Barnes & Miss Ramsay after Breakfast.
7. I set my People off for the Ohio under the care of Willm. Stevens. Captn. Wood went away and Doctr. Craik went up with Lund Washington to see Jas. Cleveland. Colo. Harrison returnd. Mr. Whiting, & Mr. Catesby Woodford came to Dinner also & Stayed all Night.
GW was making his second attempt in two years to seat his frontier lands on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, for which he had gathered, through purchase and hire, a collection of black and white artisans and laborers. He was now sending them west under the temporary direction of William Stevens, who had replaced the ailing James Cleveland. In his instructions to Stevens dated 6 Mar. 1775, GW wrote: "I cannot pretend to say with certainty, when I shall be with you; but hope it may happen in May--if not in May, it shall be so soon after as I can make it convenient" (DLC:GW).
Mr. Whiting is probably Francis Whiting, who died in this year.
Catesby Woodford (1738--1791), a younger brother of Brig. Gen. William Woodford of the Revolution, was born in Caroline County. Catesby married Mary Buckner in 1771 and settled in Fauquier County (STEWART, 1:70, 238, 276, 313; CROZIER [3], 171).
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John Hoskins Stone, copied from an unknown artist by Charles Willson Peale. (Collection of the State of Maryland, Annapolis)
8th. The above Gentlemen went away after Breakfast. Docter Craik came to Dinner & wt. away afterwards.
9. At home all day. Lewis Lemart & George Chin came & stayd all Night.
10. At home all day. Mr. Custis who came over on Sunday returnd again to Maryland.
11. At home all day. Mrs. Slaug[h]ter dind here.
12. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Found Mr. Jno. Stone here who went away afterwards. Jas. Cleveland came in the Afternoon.
John Hoskins Stone (1745--1804), of Charles County, Md., had come to Mount Vernon to pay £300 for 3,000 bushels of GW's corn (LEDGER B, 190).
13. At home all day. Capt. Mc[Car]ty dind here.
14. At home all day. Doctr. Craik came in the Afternn. Cleveland still here.
15. Set of for Richmond. Dind in Colchester with Mr. Wagener lodgd at Colo. Blackburns.
16. Went to Dumfries to review the Independant Company there. Dind & lodged with Mr. Leitch. Spent the Evg. at an Entertt. at Grahams.
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GW reviewed the Independent Company of Cadets of Prince William County. Andrew Leitch, a merchant of Dumfries, was a member of the Prince William County Committee (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:204).
The entertainment at "Grahams" may have been in the 60-by-28-foot "Assembly room" which was constructed about 1769 under the management of Richard Graham and financed by subscription in Dumfries for assembly balls, celebrations, and entertainments on public occasions ( Va. Gaz., R, 23 Mar. 1769).
17. Reachd Fredericksburg first dining at Mr. James Hunters--detaind by Wind.
GW's host was probably James Hunter, Sr. (d. 1785), then of King George County.
8. Clear and pleasant--in Fredericksburg all day.
19. Dined at Roys at the Bolling green and lodged at Hanovr. Court House.
Hanover Court House, now Hanover, is 15 miles north of Richmond. In 1781 there was a "very fine and large inn here" (RICE, 2:101).
20. Reach'd Richmond abt. 11 Oclock. Dind at Mr. Richd. Adam's. Went to Col. Archy Carys abt. 7 Miles in the Aftern.
The Second Virginia Convention was called to order at the Henrico Parish Church in Richmond, built in the 1740s on Indian Town Hill and set in a yard which in time became bounded by Broad, Grace, Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, In 1772 a north wing was added, and it was in this building that the Second Virginia Convention met. Indian Town Hill, which was also called Richmond Hill, came in time to be called Church Hill, after the church building, which itself was variously called Indian Town Church, New Church, Old Church, Henrico Parish Church, and the Town Church. The present name, St. John's Church, first appeared in the early nineteenth century (RAWLINGS, 165--68).
The house of Richard Adams (c.1726--1800) was about a block from the church (SCOTT, 12). Adams, who bought up so many lots in the area that Church Hill was sometimes called Adams Hill, became a successful merchant and entrepreneur (SCOTT, 12--13; HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 112, 115; MORDECAI, 45, 137). He represented Henrico County in the House of Burgesses 1769--75 and in all five Virginia conventions.
Col. Archibald Cary (1720--1787) lived at Ampthill, on the south side of the James River in Chesterfield County, the county he represented in the House of Burgesses 1756--75 and in the Virginia conventions. The Ampthill house and major dependencies have since been moved to a site in Richmond (WATERMAN, 212--16; ROTHERY, 254--56).
21. Dind at Cooleys Tavern in Richmd. & returnd to Colo. Carys.
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Col. Archibald Cary of Ampthill. (Virginia State Library)
The convention spent this day's session hearing reports from their seven delegates to the First Continental Congress and discussing the proceedings of that congress (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:353). Cowley's, (Cooley's Coley's) tavern, inherited in 1769 by Abraham Cowley, was located near the intersection of what later became Main and Twenty-second streets.
22. Dined at Galts Tavern & lodgd at a House of his providing.
The convention concluded the day's deliberations by voting unanimous approval to "the proceedings and Resolutions of the American Continental Congress" and unanimous thanks to their seven delegates (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:361). Gabriel Galt (1748--1788) ran the City Tavern, on the northwest corner of Nineteenth and Main streets below Church Hill (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 116; REPS, 277).
23. Dined at Mr. Patrick Cootes & lodgd where I had done the Night before.
At this day's session Patrick Henry proposed resolutions "that this Colony be immediately put into a posture of Defence." After much debate, in the course of which Henry gave his "liberty or death" speech, the resolutions passed by a close vote. GW was appointed to a committee to "prepare a Plan for embodying, arming and disciplining" such an armed force, after which the convention adjourned for the day (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:366--69; also see FREEMAN, 3:304--5; MAYS, 2:4--11; MEADE [1], 2:25--40).
At this time Patrick Coutts (d. 1776), a Richmond merchant, was living on Shockoe Hill, later the site of the state Capitol ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 4 Nov. 1775; REPS, 274, 277).
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24. Dined at Gaits & spent the Evening & lodgd at Mr. Saml. Duvals.
The convention decided on this day to send seven delegates to the Second Continental Congress (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:371).
Samuel Du Val (1714--1784) lived near Shockoe Creek at Mount Comfort, then situated northwest of Richmond but since incorporated into the city limits. From 1772 he had represented Henrico County in the House of Burgesses and the first two Virginia conventions (GRABOWSKII, 171--81; VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:171--72).
25. Returnd to the Convention in Richmond. Dined at Galts & went to Mrs. Randolphs of Wilton.
Today the convention accepted an amended report of the defense committee, which recommended that each county "form one or more voluntier Companies of Infantry and Troops of Horse," that every infantryman have a rifle or firelock and a tomahawk and "be cloathed in a hunting Shirt by Way of Uniform," while the county committees were to be in charge of raising the money for munitions from among the local citizenry (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:374--75). The convention also appointed a committee to report on manufactures, to which GW was appointed, and then chose the same seven delegates who had attended the First Continental Congress to attend the second Congress set for May. In the polling GW stood second to Peyton Randolph (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:376).
Anne Harrison Randolph, a daughter of Benjamin and Anne Carter Harrison of Berkeley, was the widow of William Randolph (1710--1761). Since her husband's death she had presided over Wilton, which was built in the early 1750s about six miles south of Richmond on the north side of the James River. The house was later moved to the west end of Richmond (DU BELLET, 4:133).
26. Stay'd at Wilton all day.
27. Returnd to Richmond. Dined at Mr. Richd. Adam's.
Today, in its final session the Second Virginia Convention made Thomas Jefferson, delegate from Albemarle County, Peyton Randolph's alternate delegate to the Second Continental Congress (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:385--86).
28. Left Richmond. Dined at Hanover C[our]t Ho[use] & Lodged at Roys at the Boiling Green.
29. Got to Fredericksburg abt. 11 Oclock. Dined at Colo. Lewis's & spent the Evening at Weedons.
George Weedon was described by an English traveler who stopped at his tavern about this time as "very active and zealous in blowing the flames of sedition" (SMYTH, 2:151). Weedon was indeed a vigorous advocate of the American position; by April 1776 he had rented his tavern to another innkeeper
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and had accepted a commission as a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army ( Va. Gaz, P, 6 Oct. 1775 and 5 April 1776). He became a brigadier general in Feb. 1777 and served until 1783, seeing action at Brandywine, Germantown, and Yorktown. After the Revolution he returned to Fredericksburg, where he died in 1793.
30. At Fredericksburg all day. Dined at Colo. Lewis's.
31. Set of from thence. Dined at Dumfries & reachd home about Sun Set.
Acct. of the Weather in March
March 1st. Cloudy all the forenoon with a little Rain--clear afterwards. Wind very fresh all day from the No. West & towards Night cold.
2. Clear, with little or no Wind in the forenoon but Southerly afterwards.
3. Clear & very pleasant all day. In the forenoon the Wind was a little fresh from the Southward but quite calm afterwards.
4. Warm, Calm, and pleasant. In the Afternoon a little Wind from the Southward.
5. A very foggy Morning but Calm, warm, & pleasant afterwards.
6. Clear, Warm, & Calm in the forenoon, but the Wind a little fresh from the Southward afterwards.
7. Calm and Lowering in the forenoon with but little wind. At Night Rain.
8. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind. Warm also.
9th. Wind very fresh all day from the No. West but not Cold--though clear.
10. Clear and very pleasant with little or no Wind all day. In the Eveng. it was fresh from the Southward.
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11. Foggy in the Morning & very Smoaky all day with but little Wind & that Southerly.
12. Clear warm and very pleasant with but little wind & that Southerly.
13. Again warm & pleasant but lowering.
14. Misting with Rain now and then through the day. Wind at So. West.
15. Clear but somewhat Cool. Wind very fresh from the Westward, and No. West.
16. Cloudy with Rain now & then through the day. Wind very fresh first from the No. East--then No. West.
17. A frost & cold--Wind very hard all day from the No. Wt.
18. A White as well as a black frost.
19. Clear and very pleasant with but little Wind and Southe[rly].
20. Lowering and very warm with the Wind fresh from the So. West.
21. Very Windy all day from the West, & turnd much Cooler.
22. Cold all day with the Wind fresh from the No. Wt.
23. Cloudy & Chilly--with appearances of Snow--wind being Easterly but none fell. Afternn. clear.
24. Clear & warm in the forenoon--Wind very fresh from the So. West. In the afternoon Wind shifting to the No. West & Cooler.
25. Wind Northerly & somewhat Cool but not unpleasant.
26. Wind Easterly with Misting Rain all day.
27. Raining in the Afternoon with the wind fresh at No. Et. In the Evening it got to No. Wt.
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28. Very Cold with a Frost--Wind fresh from the No. West.
29. Severe Frost. White & Black. Fruit distroyd.
30. A tolerable pleasant day with but little Wind.
31. Cool with the Wind at No. West but not very hard.
Memm.
[March 10 1775]. On the 10th. of March when the Cherry buds were a good deal Swell'd, & the White part of them beginning to appear, I grafted the following Cherries viz.
In the Row next the Quarter & beginning at the end next the grass walk, 13 May Duke & next to those 12 Black May Cherry both from Colo. Masons and cut from the Trees yesterday.
In the Row next to these 6 Cornation, and 6 May Cherry from Colo. Richd. Lees but I do not know which is first as they were not distinguishd.
March 11th. At the head of the Octagon--left hand side--in the first Row, next the gravel walk 5 Peach Kernals fine sort from Philadelphia. In the next 4 Rows to these 130 Peaches also of a fine kind from Phila.--same as Colo. Fairfax white Peach. Row next these 25 Missisippi Nuts--something like the Pignut--but longer, thiner shelld & fuller of Meat.
OCTAGON: GW had four small octagonal buildings incorporated into the newly finished brick walls of his upper (north) and lower (south) gardens. Two of these were located on either side of the west lawn near the mansion house. The other two were at the far end of the two garden walls facing the lawn. GW referred to these houses variously as garden houses, seed houses, and necessaries.
MISSISSIPPI NUTS: Carya illinoensis, pecan. GW also called this species the Illinois nut and "pekan."
Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
Apr1. 1. At home all day, Mr. Magowan came here.
2. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went to church & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Wilper came in the Afternoon--as did Captn. Curtis also.
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Philip Curtis was the captain of GW's brig Farmer, just arrived at Mount Vernon from a voyage that had carried 4,000 bushels of "Indian Corn" to Lisbon and returned with 3,000 bushels of salt from the Turks Islands in the Caribbean (P.R.O., T.1/512, ft. 196, 197).
3. Mr. Wilper went away. Mr. Magowan & self walkd into the Neck.
4. Mr. Tilghman Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Danl. Carroll & Mr. Fitzgerald came down to Dinner & the two last returnd in the Aftern.
5. At home all day with the above Gentleman.
6. All the above Gentlemen except Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast. Mr. R. Adam came in the Evening & stayd all Night.
7. Mr. Adam went away after Breakfast. I continued at home all day.
8. Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast. Mrs. Washington & self rid to the Mill.
9. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Doctr. Craik and Mr. Dank Jenifer came in the Afternoon and stayed all Night.
10. At home all day alone.
11. At home. Captn. Saunders came and lodged here.
CAPTN. SAUNDERS: probably either Joseph Saunders (died c.1792), a merchant of Philadelphia, or his son John Saunders, who was settling in Alexandria in this year (Fairfax County Wills, Book F-1, 251--55, Vi Microfilm; Fairfax County Deeds, Book M, 41--46, Vi Microfilm).
12. Captn. Saunders went away after Dinner. A Lloyd from Pen[n]s[ylvani]a Came to Dinner & stayd all Night. Mr. Andw. Stewart also came to Dinr. & returnd.
This Lloyd may be John Lloyd (1751--1811), who was traveling through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia at this time as a partner of his brother-in-law, Osgood Hanbury (1731--1804), of London (SAYERS, 5--12, 348; Pa. Mag., 35:502--5, 249; GW to Osgood Hanbury & Co., 4 Aug. 1774, DLC: GW).
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13. Mr. & Mrs. Custis, & Mrs. Newman came to Dinner. Mrs. Slaughter also.
14. Doctr. Rumney Mr. Adam & Captn. Broadstreet came to Dinner. The two first stayd all Night--the other went away.
CAPTAIN BROADSTREET: was probably Capt. Lyonel Bradstreet, who apparently brought GW the acceptance by Thomas Contee of GW's offer to sell his brig Farmer. Contee assured GW that "Capt. Bradstreet will take her in Charge when or as Soon as you please" (Contee to GW, 11 April 1775, DLC:GW; see also Lyonel Bradstreet to GW, 26 April 1785, DLC:GW).
15. Went up to Alexandria to the Muster of the Independt. Company. Returnd late at Night.
16. At home all day. Genl. Lee Mr. Harry Lee Junr. Mr. Geo. Mason, Mr. Thompson, & Mr. McDonald came to Dinner. The three last went away afterwards. Colo. Mason came in the Afternn.
Charles Lee was returning north from Williamsburg to be present in Philadelphia when the Second Continental Congress convened there in May. Henry Lee (1756--1818), later known as Light Horse Harry Lee for his exploits as a cavalry officer in the Revolution, was the eldest son of Col. Henry Lee of Leesylvania and no relation to Charles Lee. He had graduated in the fall of 1773 from the college at Princeton, N.J., where he had acquired a lifelong passion for Latin classics, and now he was developing a second great passion; soldiering. Much impressed by Charles Lee, he was soon to write him, requesting the privilege of serving under him and learning the art of war (ALDEN, 72).
Henry Lee, soon to command mounted troops and earn the nickname of Light Horse Harry. (The Society of the Lees of Virginia)
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Mr. Thompson is probably William Thompson, a merchant, originally from King George County but established in Colchester by 1773.
Mr. McDonald is probably Angus McDonald (c.1726--1778) who immigrated to America from Scotland after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. In the 1760s he built his home, Glengary, near Winchester in Frederick County, where he was a rent collector for Lord Fairfax and in 1774 performed a similar service for GW (MCDONALD, 357--76).
17. Colo. Mason & myself went up to Alexa. to a Committee & to a New choice of Delegates. I returnd at Night.
This meeting was called in Alexandria for election of delegates to the Virginia Convention from Fairfax County. GW and Charles Broadwater were again elected. By early May GW and the other Virginia delegates to the Second Continental Congress, all of whom were also Virginia Convention delegates, had advised their Virginia constituents to replace them in the convention "during their necessary Absence" at the Congress in Philadelphia ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 13 May 1775). On 12 July a "meeting of the freeholders" of Fairfax County chose George Mason to replace GW in the Third Virginia Convention which convened in Richmond five days later (George Mason to William Ramsay, 11 July 1775; MASON [2], 1:239). GW was the only one of the Virginia delegates to the Continental Congress who had not resumed his seat in the Third Virginia Convention by mid-August (STANARD [1], 203--5).
18. Walkd with Genl. Lee to Mr. Adams's Fishing Landg. Mrs. Blackburn & Mrs. Brown Dined & stayd all Night here.
Mrs. Thomas Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge, and Mrs. William Brown, of Alexandria, were sisters.
19. Mrs. Blackburn & Mrs. Brown went away after Dinner. Mr. Rutherford who came yesterday to Dinnr. went away after Breakfast today. Dr. Rumney came in the Afternn.
20. Genl. Lee, & Doctr. Rumney both went away after Breakft.
21. Captn. Curtis dind here. In the Afternoon my Brother Jno. Billy Washington, & George & Charles Lewis came.
Capt. Philip Curtis and GW were settling the accounts of the brig Farmer, which GW sold ten days later to Thomas Contee, of Maryland (LEDGER B, 192). Billy was William Augustine Washington (1767--1785), son of GW's brother John Augustine Washington. George and Charles Lewis were sons of GW's sister Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis.
22. I rid with my Brother to Alexa. & returnd to Dinner.
23. At home all day. In the afternoon Mr. Leitch & his Wife & Mr. Robt. Adam came.
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24. My Brother John, Mr. Adam & Mr. Leitch & his Wife went away. I continued at home.
25. At home all day. A Mr. Johnson--a Muster Master dind here & went away afterwds. Thos. Davis came Express & returnd.
William Johnson was sent by the Fairfax County Independent Company to consult GW on its new uniform. The members wrote GW to ask if they could "take the fashion of the Hunting shirt Cap and Gaiters from you," and inquired "whether you Intend to send yours up that we may get the fashion" (Fairfax County Independent Company to GW, 25 April 1775, DLC:GW). Thomas Davis (Davies) was sent from Fredericksburg to GW with £4 16s. to buy gunpowder for the Spotsylvania Independent Company (LEDGER B, 192).
26. Went up to Alexa. to meet the Indt. Company. Mr. Hepburn came home with me & Mr. Loyd I found there.
William Hepburn, of Alexandria, owned a ropewalk from which GW had bought rope for refitting his brig Farmer (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 16; LEDGER B, 117).
27. At home all day--those Gentlemen continuing.
28. Mr. Hepburn & Mr. Loyd both went away.
29. At home all day.
30. Went up to Alexandria & returnd in the Afternoon.
Acct. of the Weather in April
Apl. 1. Cool, with the Wind at No. Wt.
2. Wind in the same place, and weather Cool.
3. Wind at No. Wt.--fresh & Cool all the forepart of the day--latter part moderate--Wind Southerly.
4. Misting, & Raining more or less all day with but little Wind and that Southerly.
5. Wind very fresh and Cold from the No. West all day.
6. A hard frost--day colder & wind harder from the same Quarter than yesterday.
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7. Pleasant forenoon, but rather cool & Raw afterwards notwithstandg. the Wind was Southerly.
8. Rather Cool, Wind, what there was of it at No. East.
9. Again Cool, & Wind still at No. East.
10. Lowering all day with the wind at No. Et.
11. Misting all day and a good deal of Rain in the Night--with the Wind at No. Et.
12. Raining in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
13. Clear but Windy from the No. West & Cool.
14. Very Cool & Wind very hard at No. West.
15. Very pleasant. Wind what little there was Southerly.
16. Warm & towards the Evening lowering. Wind very fresh from the So. West.
17. Wind very fresh from the Southwest with Rain in the Night.
18. A little Rain in the Morning but clear, & the wind hard, & cold from the Westward afterwards.
19. Wind hard from the same Quarter till Night & clear.
20. Wind very hard from the Southwest. Clear.
21. Wind more moderate from the Eastward.
22. Not much Wind in the forenoon but pretty fresh afterwards from the Southward and very warm.
23. Wind Southerly and very warm all day.
24. Wind, what little there was of it, Easterly but warm notwithstanding.
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25. Wind fresh from the Westward all day & rather hard from thence in the Morng.
26. Clear & pleasant but rather warm.
27. Lowering & Misting with rain at Night.
28. Clear and a little warm. Wind Southerly.
29. Wind Southerly & warm.
30. Lowering--Wind Easterly with Showers of Rain.
Where, how, or with whom, my time is Spent.
May 1. Went up to Alexa. to meet the Independt. Company. Mr. Herbert came at Night.
2. Messrs. Hendks. Dalton & others Breakfasted here & Majr. Gates & Mr. B. Fairfax dind & lodgd here.
James Hendricks, an Alexandria merchant, was one of ten Alexandrians who formed a town committee of correspondence in May 1774; he later served in the Revolution as a major and colonel with the Virginia troops (VAN SCHREEVEN, 2:88; HEITMAN [2], 217).
Horatio Gates (1727--1806) had been a captain in the British army in 1755 when he was wounded in Braddock's Defeat. After serving in the French and Indian War he returned to Great Britain, where he subsequently retired on half pay with the rank of major. In 1772 he and his family moved to America and settled on a farm near Opequon Creek, about six miles northwest of Charles Town in the Shenandoah Valley. This home, which he named Traveller's Rest, was situated in newly formed Berkeley County (now in Jefferson County, W.Va.), where he served with GW's brother Samuel Washington as a county justice of the peace (NORRIS [1], 292).
Gates probably used this visit at Mount Vernon to discuss with GW the recent battles of Lexington and Concord, the current siege of Boston by New England troops, and the prospects for the two serving in an American army against Lt. Gen. Thomas Gage, with whom they had both served in Braddock's campaign, and who was now commander of the British troops in Boston.
3. Mr. Fairfax went away. Majr. Gates stayd all day. In the Afternoon Colo. Richd. H. Lee & Brothr. Thoms. as also Colo. Chas. Carter came here.
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Richard Henry Lee as painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1795. (National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.)
Horatio Gates, an old comrade in arms, became Washington's adjutant general. (Print Division, Library of Congress)
Richard Henry Lee (1732--1794) married Anne Aylett (1738--1768), whose half sister, also named Anne Aylett, had married GW's half brother Augustine Washington, of Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County. Lee built his home, Chantilly, just a few miles down the Potomac River from Pope's Creek and Stratford Hall and across Nomini Bay from Bushfield, home of GW's brother John Augustine Washington.
Lee and GW entered the House of Burgesses the same year (1758), and Lee represented Westmoreland County as a burgess until the Revolution, distinguishing himself for an accomplished command of the English language. He had been one of the leading Virginia delegates to the First Continental Confess in 1774 and was now on his way to the second Congress, where in June 1776 he moved a resolution that resulted in the Declaration of Independence.
Colonel Carter is probably Charles Carter, Jr. (1733--1796), eldest son of Charles Carter of Cleve (1707--1764). He was variously referred to as Colonel Carter, Charles Carter, Jr., and Carter of Ludlow and Nanzatico. Carter served as burgess from King George County 1756--71. During part of his service two other Charles Carters also served in the House of Burgesses--his father, Charles Carter of Cleve, also representing King George County, and a cousin, Charles Carter of Corotoman and Shirley, representing Lancaster County. Charles Carter, Jr., was at this time living on his Stafford County property, Ludlow, and representing that county in the House of Burgesses. Carter had been in serious financial difficulties even before his father's death and acted for a time as manager of one of Iris uncle Landon Carter's farms
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(CARTER [3], 2:817, 856). In later years Carter borrowed money from GW for the education and establishment of his sons (GW to Carter, 10 June 1797, Garter to GW, 3 Mar. 1795, GW to Carter, 10 Mar. 1795, DLC:GW).
4. Set out for the Congress at Phila. Dind in Alexa. & lodgd at Marlborough.
GW left Mount Vernon in his chariot, probably accompanied by Richard Henry Lee. He may have met several of the other delegates on the road between Mount Vernon and Baltimore, because GW, Lee, Peyton Randolph, Edmund Pendleton, and Benjamin Harrison of Virginia and Joseph Hewes and Richard Caswell of North Carolina all arrived in Baltimore on the same day (SCHAPF [2], 132; FREEMAN, 3:418).
GW evidently dined with friends in Alexandria, for there are no expenses posted in his ledger for this date except 7s. 6d. for the ferry at Alexandria (LEDGER B, 195). On this trip to Philadelphia, GW tried a different route. He had on earlier trips north used either Posey's ferry or Johnston's ferry on Clifton's Neck. The ferry crossing at Alexandria was probably located on West's Point (Point West), at the foot of Oronoco Street, and terminated on Thomas Addison's land just south of Oxon Creek in Prince George's County, Md. Addison had run the ferry, but he had died the previous September and the ferry building and the land adjoining it were for rent ( Md. Gaz., 1 June 1775). From the ferry, GW journeyed to Marlboro and from there across the Patapsco ferry to Baltimore. From Baltimore he followed the road across the Gunpowder River to Susquehanna Lower Ferry (now Havre de Grace), on the west bank of the Susquehanna River. He then crossed the Susquehanna to Perryville in Cecil County and continued on to Charlestown, and from there to Head of Elk and Wilmington, Del.
5. Breakfasted at Mrs. Ramsays & Lodged at Baltimore.
Although GW had traveled the Baltimore-Marlboro road on his return south in 1773, he still was unfamiliar with the route and paid 7s. 6d. for a guide to Baltimore (LEDGER B, 193). The roads in this part of Maryland ran through farms, and much time was lost in stopping to open and close gates each time the road passed from one field to another. Ebenezer Hazard complained in 1777 that he passed through 32 gates in one day on his way from Baltimore to Marlboro (HAZARD, 48--50).
Upon their arrival at Baltimore, GW and the other Virginia and North Carolina delegates who arrived on this day were met by three companies of militia and escorted to the Fountain Inn (SCHARF [2], 132). This inn and tavern, run by a former Philadelphian, Daniel Grant, was a "large and commodious house, lately built by Mr. GOUGH, in Market-street, Baltimore" ( Md. Journal, 20 Aug. 1773). The Fountain Inn was moved in 1782 a short distance to a new edifice built by Grant on Light Lane between Market Street and Ellicott's Wharf ( Md. Journal, 3 Dec. 1782). GW stayed at the inn several times on later trips to Baltimore.
6. At Baltimore all day. Reviewd the Companies there & dind at an Entertainmt. given by the Townsmen.
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"Four companies of the town militia were drawn upon the Common, where they were reviewed by Col. Washington . . . accompanied by the other delegates. . . . In the afternoon the delegates, accompanied by the Rev. Clergy and principal gentlemen of the town, preceded by Capt. [Mordecai] Gist's independent company, and the officers of the other companies, walked from the Fountain Inn to the new Court-house, where an entertainment was provided" (SCHARF [2], 132). Pursuant to a resolution by the Second Maryland Convention (8--12 Dec. 1774), Baltimore County organized 68-man militia companies in each district or "Hundred" of the county ( Md. Journal, 2 Jan. 1775; Md. Gaz., 19 Dec. 1774, 26 Jan. 1775). GW may also have reviewed a company of Baltimore Independent Cadets, which had been formed in December ( Md. Hist. Mag., 4:372).
7. Breakfasted at Cheyns's. Dind at Rogers's & lodged at Stevensons this side Susqueha[nna].
CHEYNS'S: probably the tavern located about 13 miles east of Baltimore at the head of Bird River, a tributary of the Gunpowder River. It was operated for a number of years by a series of different keepers, and at one time was called the Red Lion Tavern.
John Rodgers (C.1726--1791), a Scot who came to America about 1760, opened a tavern at Susquehanna Lower Ferry, Harford County, Md., in 1774. About 1778 he moved across the river to Perryville, in Cecil County, where he ran a tavern and the ferry for several years. Rodgers was captain of a troop of Maryland militia during the Revolution and a member of the Harford County committee of correspondence. Since he was always referred to in later years as Colonel Rodgers, he probably was promoted to the higher rank sometime during the Revolution (PAULLIN, 16--19).
William Stephenson, a Scottish emigrant, and his wife, Rachel Barnes Stephenson, kept a hotel or tavern during the Revolution at Perryville, in Cecil County, Md., directly across the Susquehanna River from Rodgers's establishment at Susquehanna Lower Ferry (HARFORD, 374). A traveler in 1777 called Stephenson's and Rodgers's the two best public houses between Philadelphia and Edenton, N.C. (HAZARD, 53).
8. Breakfasted at Charles Town & Dined & lodged at Wilmington.
Charlestown, a flourishing port on the Northeast River, was the county seat of Cecil County, Md., until 1786, when the courthouse was moved to Elkton (Head of Elk).
The road followed by GW from Charlestown to Wilmington led him through Christiana Bridge, or Christiana (LEDGER B, 193). Another traveler who passed this way in the same year described the village as lying "in a Bottom at the head of Christeen creek over which there is a Bridge here & to which the Tide flows, bringing up sloops & such like vessels" (HONYMAN, 11). On later trips, GW alternated between this route and the road closer to the coast which led through New Castle and the Christina (Christiana) ferry.
9th. Breakfasted at Chester, & dined at the City Tavern Phila. Supped at Mr. Jos. Reads.
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The arrival in Philadelphia of the delegates from Virginia and other southern colonies was celebrated, according to Christopher Marshall, by a large reception and parade at the outskirts of the city (MARSHALL [1], 25). However, since Marshall himself was not present at the scene, and no other contemporary accounts have been found that mention any such reception, it seems probable that he confused this with the enthusiastic reception and parade accorded the New England delegates on the following day. The reception of the New England delegates was described by numerous participants and eyewitnesses, but is not mentioned by Marshall.
Samuel Curwen, a Loyalist, also spent this evening at Joseph Reed's house "in company with Colonel Washington a fine figure, and of a most easy and agreeable address," Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, and others. "I staid till 12 o'clock, the conversation being chiefly on the most feasible and prudent method of stopping up the Channel of Delaware to prevent the coming up of any large King's ships to the City. I could not perceive the least disposition to accomodate matters or even risk" (CURWEN, 1:7--8).
10. Dined at Mr. Thos. Mifflins & spent the Eveng. at my lodgings.
MY LODGINGS: GW's cash memorandum lists a payment of £17 13s. 3d. in Pennsylvania currency "By Mr. Randolph Bd. &ca." on 22 June, the day before he left Philadelphia (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW). Benjamin Randolph was a cabinetmaker who lived on Chestnut Street between Third and Fourth streets. Thomas Jefferson also lodged with Randolph when he went to Philadelphia later in the year (JEFFERSON [1], 1:293n).
GW today attended the first meeting of the Second Continental Congress, held in the State House. Peyton Randolph and Charles Thomson were again unanimously chosen president and secretary (JCC, 2:11--12).
11. Dined at Young Doctr. Shippens--spent the Eveng. at my Lodgings.
In Congress the credentials of the delegates were read and the decision was again made to keep the proceedings secret. A letter was read from colonial agents in London reporting the rejection of the colonists' petition to the king, the failure of the earl of Chatham's plan for reconciliation, and the embarkation of more British troops for America. Massachusetts delegates laid before Congress numerous documents concerning the recent troubles at Lexington and Concord (JCC, 2:13--44).
12. Dined and Supped at the City Tavern.
GW's expenses on this day include 6s. 7d. in Pennsylvania currency for "Club at Smith's" (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW). George Read, Delaware delegate, wrote his wife a description of these dinners at Daniel Smith's City Tavern: "I then dine at the City Tavern, where a few of us have established a table for each day in the week, save Saturday, when there is a general dinner. Our daily table is formed by the following persons, at present, to wit: Messrs. Randolph, Lee, Washington, and Harrison, of
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Virginia, Alsop of New York, Chase of Maryland, and Rodney and Read. A dinner is ordered for the number, eight, and whatever is deficient of that number is to be paid for at two shillings and sixpence a head, and each that attends pays only the expense of the day" (LMCC, 1:92).
13. Dined at the City Tavern with the Congress. Spent the Eveng. at my Lodgings.
This was Saturday, the day all members of Congress met together for dinner at the City Tavern.
14. Dined at Mr. Willings, & Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
15. Dined at Burns's & Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
In Congress a question was raised by the New York delegates on how the colony was to conduct itself in regard to the British troops expected there. Recommendations were made in Congress and a resolution passed for appointing a committee to consider what posts in that colony should be occupied and how many troops should be necessary to guard them. It was further "resolved, That Mr. Washington, Mr. Lynch, Mr. S. Adams, and the delegates from New York, be the committee for the above service, and that they be desired to report as speedily as possible" (JCC, 2:49--53).
16. Dined at the City Tavern & Spent the Evening at Doctr. Shippens.
17. Went to the Commencemt. at the College and dined at Mr. Saml. Griffins--after wch. attended a Comm[itt]ee at the Conistoga Waggon.
GW attended the ceremony at the College of Philadelphia in his role as a member of the Continental Congress, which attended as a group. For a description of the commencement, see Pa. Packet, 15, 22, 29 May 1775.
The Conestoga Wagon was a small inn on Market, or High, Street, between Fourth and Fifth. After the Revolution it was run by Maj. Samuel Nichols, or Nicholas, but at this time the proprietor may have been Charles Jenkins (SMITH [2], 39--56; SCHARF [1], 2:995--96).
The committee was to consider posts to be occupied in New York and the number of troops to be used there.
18. Dined at the City Tavern, and attended a Comee. afterwards at the State House.
The president of Congress on this day gave Congress news of the capture of Ticonderoga, which he had received by messenger the evening before. Congress resolved to recommend to New York that the cannon and stores be removed from Ticonderoga to the south end of Lake George, where a strong post should be established (JCC, 2:55--56).
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19. Dined at Mr. Allans. Spent the Evening in my own lodgings.
The committee of Congress to consider the defense of New York, which had occupied much of GW's time for two days past, brought in its report. The report was read and referred to the committee of the whole, which made its resolutions regarding New York's defense on 25 May (see JCC, 2:57).
20. Dined at the City Tavern & Spent the Evening at my Lodg.
21. Dined at Mr. Richd. Willings and Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
Richard Willing (1745--1798) was a captain in the Philadelphia Associators during the Revolution (WALKER [3], 24:422).
22. Dined at Mr. Griffins & spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
23. Dined at Mr. Jno. Cadwalladers & spent the Evening in my own Room.
24. Dined at Mr. Andw. Allan's & Spent the Evening at the Gov[e]r[nor']s Club.
25. Dined at Mr. Tilghman's, & Spent the Evening at the City Tavern.
26. Dined at Mr. Meridiths and Spent the Evening at the City Tavern.
27. Dined at the City Tavern & spent the Evening at my own Lodgings.
GW, Philip Schuyler, Thomas Mifflin, Silas Deane, Lewis Morris, and Samuel Adams were named a committee to "to consider of ways and means to supply these colonies with Ammunition and military stores and to report immediately" (JCC, 2:67).
28. Rid out to the Provence Island & dind there in Compy. with sevl. other Gentlemen.
29. Dined at the City Tavern. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
30. Dined at Mr. Mease's, & after setting a while with the Boston Gentlemen retird to my own Room.
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BOSTON GENTLEMEN: GW is referring to the Massachusetts delegates to Congress.
31. Dined with Mr. Jno. Rutlidge. Spent the Evening in my Chambers.
John Rutledge (1739--1800) was the elder of two Rutledge brothers representing South Carolina in the Continental Congress at this time. He had served in the South Carolina House of Commons for a number of years and in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. During the Revolution Rutledge was president of South Carolina 1776--78, governor of the state 1779--82, and again a member of Congress 1782--83.
Acct. of the Weather in May
May 1st. Exceeding hot. Wind southerly.
2. Also warm, but not so hot as yesterday.
3. Again warm & clear. Wind Southerly.
4. Very warm indeed with but little wind & clear.
5. Again very Warm with a violent Gust abt. 5 Oclock in the Evening.
6. Somewhat Cool. Wind Easterly.
7. Cool & pleasant. Wind Northerly.
8. Still Cool & lowering with Rain now and then.
9. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly.
10. Clear and pleasant not being very warm.
11. Clear but rather Cool wind being Westerly.
12. Clear & pleasant, but rather Cool.
13. Lowering with a little Rain in the forenoon. Clear afterwards.
14. Clear & pleasant--rather warm.
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15. Clear in the afternoon. A little lowering in the forenoon.
16. Clear & pleasant. Evening a little Cool.
17. Clear and pleasant in the forenoon but Cloudy & dropping of Rain afterwds.
18. Clear and Warm all day.
19. Clear & warm in the forenoon, but lowering & Cool afterwards.
20. Clear and pleasant. Rathr. cool.
21. Clear in the forenoon with a good deal of Rain afterwards.
22. Lowering in the forenoon with Rain in the Afternoon.
23. Lowering most part of the day.
24th. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind.
25. Clear & pleasant but growing warmer.
26. Clear and Warm. Wind Southerly but not fresh.
27. Clear and very Sultry. Wind still Southerly.
28. Clear and warm. Wind pretty fresh from the South.
29. Warm with some appearances of Rain but none fell.
30. Lowering all day & warm. Wind fresh from the So[uth]ward.
31. Warm, & somewhat lowering. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward.
Where, how, or with whom my time is Spent.
June 1. Dined at Burns's and Spent the Evening in my own Room.
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GW's committee on ways and means of supplying ammunition and military stores to the colonies read its report, which was referred to the committee of the whole (JCC, 2:74).
2. Dined at Mr. Josh. Shippens & spent the Evening at Mr. Tilghman's.
Shippen was probably Joseph Shippen, Jr. (1732--1810), son of Edward and Sarah Plumley Shippen of Lancaster, Pa. He had graduated from Princeton in 1753 and served as an officer in the Pennsylvania Regiment during the French and Indian War. He was with Gen. John Forbes on the Fort Duquesne expedition and probably knew GW at that time. From 1762 until its dissolution in 1775, Shippen served as secretary of the Pennsylvania council and in 1786 was appointed a judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas (SHIPPEN, 36:367; BALCH [2], 28:399).
3. Dined at the City Tavern & spent the Evening at my lodgings.
Congress appointed a number of committees, including one composed of GW, Philip Schuyler, Silas Deane, Thomas Cushing, and Joseph Hewes, "to bring in an estimate of the money necessary to be raised" (JCC, 2:79--80).
4. Dined at Mr. Robt. Morris's on the Banks of Schoolkill & Spent the Eveng. at the City Tavn.
Robert Morris (1734--1806), born in England, came in his youth to Maryland where his father was engaged in the tobacco export business. The younger Morris settled in Philadelphia and in 1754, as a partner in the firm of Willing, Morris & Co., eventually became one of America's wealthiest
Robert Morris, a Charles Willson Peale portrait. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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merchants. Morris signed the nonimportation agreement in 1765 and in 1775 was a member of the council of safety. He was a member of the Continental Congress Nov. 1775--78, and he served as superintendent of finance 1781--84. After the Revolution, Morris and his wife, Mary White Morris of Maryland, became close friends of the Washingtons. At the convening of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, GW gratefully accepted the hospitality of the Mortises, and later they gave up their handsome town house for the use of GW and his family during the presidential years. Morris's country home, called The Hills, where GW dined on this day, is located on the east side of the Schuylkill River, in what is now Fairmount Park.
5. Dined at Mr. Richard Penns. On a Committee all the Afternn.
This was the committee appointed on 3 June to estimate the amount of money needed to be raised.
6. At Mr. Willm. Hamiltons & Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
7. Dined at the City Tavern and spent the Evening at home.
GW's committee to estimate the amount of money to be raised today gave its report, which was referred to the committee of the whole (JCC, 2:81). GW made a number of purchases on this day, including "5 Books--Military" (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW).
8. Dined at Mr. Dickensons and spent the Evening at home.
9. Dined at Mr. Saml. Pleasants and went to hear Mr. Piercy preach.
10. Dined at Mr. Saml. Griffens. Spent the Evening in my own Room.
11th. Went to Church in the forenoon & then went out & Dined at Mr. H. Hills. Returnd in the Afternoon.
12. Dined at the City Tavern & Spent the Evening at my lodgings.
13. Dined at Burn's in the Fields. Spent the Evening at my Lodging's.
14. Dined at Mr. Saml. Merediths. Spent the Evening at home.
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After Congress resolved that "six companies of expert rifflemen, be immediately raised in Pensylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia . . . That each company, as soon as compleated, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army," it named GW, Schuyler, Deane, Cushing, and Hewes to a committee to draw up rules for the regulation of the army (JCC, 2:89--90).
15. Dined at Burns's in the Field. Spent the Eveng. on a Committee.
Congress resolved today "that a General be appointed to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty" (JCC, 2:91). GW, nominated by Thomas Johnson of Maryland, was unanimously elected. For a discussion of GW's election and the reasons behind it, see FREEMAN, 3:432--40; ADAMS [1], 3:321--23.
The committee which occupied GW all the evening was the one on drafting army regulations.
16. Dined at Doctr. Cadwaladers. Spent the Evening at my lodgings.
GW was informed officially in Congress of his appointment as general and commander in chief, and he read his acceptance speech "standing in his place." He refused the salary which Congress had voted, asking only that his expenses be paid. Other resolutions on this day set up an establishment of major generals, brigadiers, aides, secretaries, etc. (JCC, 2:92--94).
17. Dined at Burns's in the Fields. Spent the Evening at my Lodgings.
18. Dined at Mullens upon Schoolkill. Spent the Evening at my lodgings.
Thomas Mullen opened a tavern called Vauxhall, at Passyunk on the Schuylkill River, in 1775. His wife, Peggy Mullen (d. 1774), had run the famous Beefsteak House on Water Street which GW probably had visited the previous year (see entry for 12 Oct. 1774; JACKSON, 122; SCHARF [1], 2:996).
19. Dined at Colo. Rieds. Spent the Evening at Mr. Lynch's.
Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1727--1776), a South Carolina planter, was a member of the Continental Congress 1774--76. He had served for many years in the South Carolina legislature and was a member of the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. Silas Deane, a Massachusetts delegate for Congress, wrote that Lynch was "plain, sensible, above ceremony, and carries with him more force in his very appearance than most powdered folks in their conversation" (LMCC, 1:8).
On 18 June, perhaps while he was alone in his room during the evening,
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On 23 June 1775, as he was leaving Philadelphia for Boston, Washington penned a farewell to Martha. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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GW wrote to Mrs. Washington: "My Dearest: I am now set down to write to you on a subject, which fills me with inexpressible concern. . . . Believe me my dear Patsy . . . that I should enjoy more real happiness and felicity in one month with you, at home, that I have the most distant prospect of reaping abroad, if my stay was to be seven times seven years. . . . I shall rely therefore, confidently, on That Providence which has heretofore preserved, and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall" (owned by Armistead Peter 3rd, Washington, D.C.). In the letter GW enclosed his will.
On 19 June, John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, signed GW's commission as "General and Commander in Chief of the army of the United Colonies" (DLC:GW). Meanwhile, GW was writing more letters home to Virginia, including one to his closest brother, John Augustine, wherein he "bid adieu to you, & to every kind of domestick ease, for a while. I am Imbarked on a wide Ocean, boundless in its prospect & from whence, perhaps, no safe harbour is to be found. I have been called upon by the unanimous Voice of the Colonies to take the Command of the Continental Army. An honour I neither sought after, nor desired, as I am thoroughly convinced, that it requires greater Abilities, and much more experience, than I am Master of" (20 June 1775 DLC:GW).
During this week, while Congress was choosing 13 new generals, drafting GW's initial instructions, and deciding how to finance the campaign, GW was preparing for his trip to Massachusetts to form the thousands of citizen-soldiers surrounding Boston into an army of the united colonies. He chose Joseph Reed as his secretary and Thomas Mifflin as his first aide-decamp. He queried the Massachusetts delegates about what arrangements their government had made for supporting the army and whom he would be dealing with (Massachusetts Delegates to GW, 22 June 1775, DLC:GW). And he sent his chariot home.
On 23 June the new commander in chief left Philadelphia, accompanied by Generals Charles Lee and Philip Schuyler and their aides. While he was but "a few Minutes of leaving this City" and "surrounded with Company to take leave of me," GW wrote again to Mrs. Washington: "My Dearest. . . . I could not think of departing . . . without dropping you a line. . . . I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time or distance can change. . . . I go fully trusting in that providence, which has been more bountiful to me than I deserve, & in full confidence of a happy meeting with you some time in the fall" (ViMtV). He then rode off to a campaign that would last for more than seven years, during which he saw Mount Vernon only in his 1781 visits during the Yorktown campaign.
For the period between 19 June 1775 and January 1780, no diaries of GW have been found; his opening remarks in his 1781 Yorktown diary indicate that no other war journals were kept.
Acct. of the Weather in June
June 1st. Warm and clear in the forenoon--Cool afterwards.
2. Clear & rather Cool.
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3. Clear and tolerably pleasant.
4. Lowering in the Forenoon, & Raining in the Afternoon. Cool all day.
5. Raining more or less all day. Wind abt. No. Et.
6. A little lowering and in the Mid day warm.
7. Lowering all day--especially in the Evening. Cool.
8. Lowering in the forenoon but clear afterwards and warm.
9. Clear after the Morning and very warm.
10. Lowering Morning but clear afterwards. A [ ]
11. Very warm with little or no wind in the forenoon--a thunder gust in the Afternoon & cooler.
12. Warm with Showers about Noon--Cooler afterwards.
13th. Clear but somewhat Cool.
14. Very warm--being clear & the wind Southerly.
15. Clear, and Cooler than Yesterday.
16. Cooler, wind Easterly, & somewhat lowering.
17. Clear and warm with but little Wind & that So.
18. Very warm, and but little wind--clear.
19. Very warm in the forenoon but cooler much afterwds. Wind shifting Northerly.
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EDITORIAL NOTE: The following weather diary for the first five months of 1780 was kept at Morristown, N.J., during GW's second winter encampment there during the Revolution. It is one of the two surviving diaries for the war period. It represents one of the earliest instances of GW's interest in keeping a weather record while away from Mount Vernon. The manuscript is neat, uniform, showing some attempt at decorative lettering, and appears to be copied from an earlier original. Because it shares some calligraphic characteristics with the 1781 diary, we assume that both were rendered into fair copies by GW after 1781 probably after the war.
In terms of hardship and the bitterly cold weather, the winter at Morristown (1779--80) was the story of the earlier Valley Forge experience all over again. Many persons who lived through both encampments declared that it was far worse. The blizzard of 2--4 Jan. was one of the most severe on record, with high winds and heavy drifts. Although GW shows little inclination to dwell upon the rigors of the storm in his notations for early January, his correspondence adds a few details. He wrote to Congress 5 Jan. that the late violent storm "has so blocked up the Roads that it will be some days before the scanty supplies in this quarter can be brought to Camp" (DNA: PCC, Item 152). And to the Magistrates of New Jersey, 8 Jan.: "The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commencement and uncommon rigor of the Winter, which have greatly obstructed the transportation of our supplies" (DLC:GW).
As spring approached, GW looked back on a period of remarkable travail and wrote to Lafayette, 18 Mar.: "The oldest people now living in this Country do not remember so hard a Winter as the one we are now emerging from. In a word, the severity of the frost exceeded anything of the kind that had ever been experienced in this climate before" (DLC:GW).
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He was describing the only winter in recorded American history during which the waters around New York City froze completely and closed down navigation for several weeks. Jefferson reported that Chesapeake Bay froze solid from its head to the mouth of the Potomac (LUDLUM, 111--18).
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1st. Clear--cold & freezing with little wind.
2d. Very cold--about noon it began to Snow, & continued without intermission through the day, & night. The wind high & variable, but chiefly from the west & No. West.
3d. The same weather as yesterday--to wit cold & stormy--wind from the same point.
4th. Very cold with high winds from the west & No. West and intermitting Snow.
5th. Cloudy till the afternoon--when the Sun appeared.
6th. Snowing & Sunshine alternately--cold with the Wind and west & No. West & encreasing--Night very stormy. The Snow which in general is Eighteen Inches deep, is much drifted--roads almost impassable.
7th. Very boisterous, from the West & No. West & sometimes Snowing, which being very dry drifted exceedingly. Night intensely cold and freezing--Wind continuing fresh.
8th. Morning cold & Windy from the No. West. Mid-day and afternoon more moderate and less Windy--Weather clear. After Sunset it again turned very cold the Wind freshning from the No. West.
9th. Morning clear and cold the Wind (though not high) from the No. West--Mid-day moderate with but little Wind--the evening cold though the wind had shifted to the Southward.
10th. Morning clear and Mild--Wind at So. East. Before noon it clouded & about two began to Snow & continued to do so all the afternoon & evening.
11th. Clear and moderate with little or no Wind in the foren[oo]n but rather cloudy--variable Wind in the afternoon.
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12th. Variable weather with a little Snow in the day & more in the Night. In the whole a fall of about three Inches. In the afternoon it turned very cold.
13th. Wind fresh at No. West and exceeding cold. Weather clear and frost very severe.
14th. Clear & cold--Wind steadily from the West--but not hard.
15th. Wind at No. West--Weather clear but not cold. Of a sameness through the day.
16th. Fine morning, and pleast. day though cool--but little Wind & that Southerly.
17th. Morning cloudy and great appearances of Snow. Mid day clear with a disposition to thaw, but the wind shifting to No. West it turned exceeding cold & froze hard.
18th. Clear & cold--Wind at No. Wt. but not very fresh.
19th. Clear--Morning tolerably pleasant--Evening cold--Wind at No. West but not very fresh.
20th. Intensely cold & freezing--Wind very fresh from the No. West the whole day.
21st. In the Night the Wind shifted to the Southward & the severity of the cold abated. The day pleasant with but little Wind & that abt. So. Wt. till the evening when it got more to the Westward blew fresh, & grew colder.
22d. Tolerably pleasant with but little wind from the westward. At Night it grew cold & froze severely.
23d. Wind westerly & little of it. Air fresh & no thawing even in the Sun South of the House.
24th. Clear in the forenoon and cloudy afternoon--Cold but little or no Wind--but that Westerly--No thaw.
25th. Clear and pleasant, yet cold--wind contg. to the Westwd.
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26th. Wind for the most part of the day Southerly--but cold & sharp air notwithstanding--Weather clear.
27th. Cold in the Morning with a little Snow--clear Midday & afternoon with the Wind at West.
28th. Very cold--the Wind being fresh from the No. West--Frost severe.
29th. Clear and cold without much wind--which in the forenoon was Westerly & in the afternoon to Southwd.
30th. Warm and clear in the forenoon with the Wind at South & thawing fast--afternoon cold & freezing. Wind getting to the No. West and blowing fresh particularly in the Night.
31st. Very cold & freezing--Wind being fresh from the No. West the whole day.
1st. More mild--especially in the forenoon. Wind variable but mostly Southerly. Afternoon chilly with appearances of Snow.
2d. Clear & tolerably pleasant in the Morning. In the afternoon a keen air from the Westward.
3d. Moderate--rather warm & thawing--Wind for the most part of the day Southerly. Eveng. cold.
4th. Clear and cold--Wind Westerly--little or no thawing.
5th. Wind at No. West & cold--frost very severe. In the evening the Wind shifted to the Southward & moderated.
6th. Clear and tolerably pleasant--wind rather South of West--Snow melting.
7th. Clear, mild and moderate in the forenoon but little Wind--afternoon rather lowering and cooler.
8th. A fall of nine or 10 Inches Snow in the Night from the No. Et. Wind continuing in the same quarter all the forenoon with a
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little Snow and some rain. In the afternoon the wind got westerly in the evening cleared.
9th. Wind fresh in the Night from the Westward--day clear & not very cold. The wind continued Westerly all day.
10th. Wind Southerly--Weather moderate but somewhat lowering.
11th. Wind at So. West and pretty fresh--forepart of the day very lowering & dropping rain--Snow much softened & beginning to dissolve. Afternoon clear & pleasant.
12th. Clear & pleasant with but little wind--rather cooler than yesterday--Snow dissolving a little--Frost at Night.
13th. Clear and pleasant with but little wind & that at No. East thawing a little in the middle of the day.
14th. Air keen, though but little Wind--forenoon clear, afternoon a little lowering.
15th. A kind of Sleet in the Morning, & moderate rain all the remaining part of the day with but little wind--Snow much dissipated.
16th. Clear & quite warm in the forenoon. Snow yielding fast to the Sun. Much Water in the roads & brooks and the thick beds of Snow over which good sleighing had been were now too soft to bear and too difficult & dangerous to Horses to pass. Afternoon lowering.
17th. Clear and pleasant with but little wind--thawing all day pretty considerably.
18th. Wind fresh from the No. West but moderate with respect to cold, notwithstanding it continued to blow from that quarter all day.
19th. In the Morning it was a little Cool. In the afternoon somewht. raw, but upon the whole pleasant. Wind at West & No. Wt. but not fresh.
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20th. Clear & pleasant Morning. Wind about So. West in the forepart of the day, but shifted to the west & No. West afterwards & tho' pleasant got a little cooler.
21st. Ground where bare, and top of the Snow pretty hard frozen. But little wind in the morning or any part of the day--the first part of which was clear. The latter part lowering.
22d. Wind at No. Et. and raining moderately all day--beginning about 7 Oclock with fine hail. In the Night the Wind freshned from the same quarter.
23d. Lowering Morning with a little snow in the forenoon--Wind at So. West. But shifting to the No. West abt. 3 Oclock & blowing hard it cleared and grew cold and began to freeze very hard.
24th. Hard frost--flying clouds in the forenoon but clear afterwards. Wind fresh from the No. West & very cold. No thawing even in the Sun at Mid day though the roads & fields in many places were uncoverd.
25th. Perfectly clear--Wind westerly, fresh, & cool but thawing nevertheless.
26th. Hazy & lowering in the Morning--clear about Noon--but moderately raining by intervals afterwards till eight Oclock at Night when it cleared & the wind blew pretty fresh from the westward. There was but little wind in the day and that Southerly.
27th. Clear and pleasant morning with the wind at west--the day much of a sameness throughout. Thawing pretty considerably.
28th. A great Hoar frost--quite clear. Wind still westerly and pleasant--thawing--the Snow having dissipated very considerably in the course of the last two or three days.
29th. Clear, warm and exceeding pleasant with but little Wind & that Southerly. Snow almost wholly gone off the fields & Roads--the latter of which is beginning to get deep.
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1st. Raining in the morning and drizling all day with very little Wind but a thick fog. Roads very deep.
2d. Wind coming out very fresh at West. In the Night it cleared, & froze a little. Continued boisterous thro' the day & towards evening grew cold.
3d. Ground hard frozen. Morning clear & pleasant with but little wind and that from the South. Mid-day cloudy & lowering--variable afterwards--sometimes snowing, at other times Sunshine--Wind getting westerly. The Northern lights or aurora Borealis was seen last evening but not in a very conspicuous degree.
4th. Cloudy in the Morning with flying clouds all day. Wind Westerly and pretty fresh in the forenoon. Less so afterwds. and milder.
5th. Clear--warm and pleasant with but little wind--that however was Westerly.
6th. A little rain fell in the Night. Morning lowering but clear & warm afterwards without wind except a little breeze from the Southwestward. Roads deep.
7th. Morning soft and lowering without Wind. About 11 O'clock it began to rain with the wind from the No. East & continued to do so & at times hard through the day. In the evening it cleared the wind shifting to the westward without blowing hard.
8th. Flying clouds--wind pretty fresh from the westward but not cold.
9th. Lowering Morning--Wind at No. East all day, but not fresh. A little rain in the forenoon, afterwards Sunshine then cloudy with a good deal of rain in the Night.
10th. Wind and Weather variable but upon the whole warm.
11th. A hoar frost. Morning clear & pleasant with the Wind Westerly. Mid-day cloudy with the Wind at East. Afternoon very lowering & cold. Roads very deep.
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12th. Snowing & hailing in the Night, with the Wind fresh from the No. East. In the Morning the ground was covered about two Inches deep. The wind continuing in the same place was accompanied by a rain and mist the whole day. In the evening it cleared the wind having shifted to the Westwd.
13th. Clear and pleasant morning with but little wind & that at west. Variable afterwards with squals of rain & wind from the same quarter. In the Night it became very high and turned colder.
14th. Ground pretty hard froze. Morning clear and cool. Wind fresh from the Westward & continued so through the day, with flying clouds.
15th. Ground frozen again. Morning cold & a little cloudy with the wind fresh from the No. Wt. where, & westerly, it continued briskly & cool all day. About Noon it grew very cloudy with appearances of Snow, & towards dusk turned warmer.
16th. Ground was frozen again. About Sunrise it began to Snow from the North or North a little westerly and continued without intermission the whole day--at the same time cold. Snow abt. 9 Inchs. deep.
17th. Lowering in the morning but clear afterwards. Wind Westerly & rather cool.
18th. Ground hard froze. Morning clear & rather cool. Warmer afterwards, wind getting to the Southward. Afternoon lowering with much appearance of Rain--spitting Snow.
19th. Morning clear, but raw & lowering afterwards--Wind southerly. The grd. was pretty hard froze in the morning. In the evening the wind shifted to the Westward & blew hard all Night.
20th. Rather cool in the Morning but the Wind getting to the Southward it grew warmer. The ground was hard froze in the morning.
21st. Wind Southerly but not high--clear & pleasant in the forenoon--lowering afterwards or rather hazy. In the Night it shifted to the West or No. West & blew fresh. Ground froze.
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22d. Clear but rather cool the wind being pretty fresh from the No. West all day. Ground froze again.
23d. Pleasant Morning but rather cool. Wind in the forenoon westerly afterwd. Easterly & raw with much appearance of Rain.
24th. Lowering Morning and Wind at East. About Noon it began to rain and continued drizzling all the latter part of the day and till some time in the night the wind continuing to blow pretty fresh.
25th. Morning fine, being clear, warm, pleasant--the Trees and Earth being glazed looked beautiful. About the hour of nine the wind came fresh from the West & shifting to the No. West blew very hard & became very cold towards Evening.
26th. Ground very hard frozen & day cool. The Wind continuing rather fresh from the No. West--Weather clear. Towards evening the wind seemed to be shifting round to the Southward.
27th. Morning lowering & raw the wind being pretty fresh from South. About Noon it blew exceeding hard from the same point with much appearances of Rain. After Sun down the wind shifted round to the West or No. West blew fresh--cleared & became cold.
28th. Clear & cool--Wind fresh from the No. West, all day.
29th. Ground hard frozen--Morning clear & cold, wind fresh from the Westward--the Northern light conspicuous.
30th. Clear & cool--Wind continuing to blow from the same pt.--Ground froze again.
31st. Snowing more or less all day & generally pretty fast. Wind tho not much of it abt. No. East.
1st. The Snow which fell yesterday & last night was about 9 or 10 Inches deep upon a level. The Morning and remainder of the day clear & pleasant overhead. Wind Westerly but thawing nevertheless. Pretty good Sleighing in the forenoon.
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2d. Hard frost--clear & very cold--wind fresh from the No. West & continued so all day. Towards evening it began to freeze hard. The Snow but little dissipated.
3d. Clear and more moderate than yesterday--though the ground was very hard froze in the morning. Wind still fresh from the West & No. West.
4th. Lowering in the Morning with little or no Wind. Clearer afterwards with the wind pretty fresh from the No. East.
5th. Morning clear & rather cold wind being pretty fresh from the No. East. In the evening it turned warmer.
6th. Grey morning and warm--clear afterwards and rather hot, there being but little wind & that Southerly.
7th. Warm & pleasant morning. About Noon the Wind began to blow pretty fresh from the southward.
8th. Clear & pleasant in the morning with little or no Wind. Afterwards the Wind freshned from the Eastward. Grew rather cool and in the evening began a misty kind of Rain.
9th. In the night there fell a good deal of Rain accompanied with lightning & thunder. The day vareable--sometimes sunshine & clear--at other times cloudy & rain. Wind though not much of it, was for the most part westerly.
10th. Wind fresh from the West or No. West & cold--the ground being pretty hard froze.
11th. Cold--raw & cloudy in the forenoon with the Wind fresh from the westward. Afternoon it began to rain, & continued to do so moderately till 9 or 10 O'clock at Night when it cleared.
12th. Clear & pleasant, but cool Wind still fresh from the Westward.
13th. Ground frozen--weather clear & cool but pleasant. Wind at No. West.
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14th. Ground frozen again. Morning cool but pleasant, the Wind in the forepart of the day being Westerly the latter part Southerly.
15th. Cold & raw--Wind very fresh from the Eastward. Weather lowering with appearances of Snow or Rain.
16th. Lowering all the forenoon with rain afternoon. Cold and raw again. Wind northerly.
17th. Wind at No. West & cold--day clear. Frost in the Morning.
18th. Morning clear and tolerably pleasant. Mid-day warm and afternoon very lowering & very likely to rain. Wind also at No. East.
19th. A little rain fell last night. This day lowering & dripping quite throughout, with the Wind, for the most part disagreeably fresh from No. West.
20th. Wind still at No. West & fresh; the Morning lowering and dripping, but clearer afterwards and cold.
21st. Clear & cool--Wind fresh from the No. West all day.
22d. Morning a little lowering but clear afterwards. Wind about West.
23d. Wind Westerly and very fresh--at the same time clear & cold for the Season.
24th. Wind in the same place but not fresh; day clear & pleasant but rather cool.
25th. Morning very pleasant but cold raw and cloudy afterwards with appearances of rain. Wind fresh from the Southward or So. Et. afternoon.
26th. Lowering & cloudy all day the forepart of it without much wind but fresh afterwards, with a little rain from the Northward and, for the season, very cold and disagreeable.
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27th. Cold in the Morning and Evening but warm about Midday. In the Morning the Wind was fresh from the Westward. In the Evening it had got Easterly.
28th. Cold & disagreeable in the forenoon. With clouds & a little rain in the afternoon. Wind getting Southwardly.
29th. Clear & very pleasant Morning with little or no Wind & warm. In the afternoon it grew a little lowering & showery.
30th. Morning pleasant and clear, with the Wind Southerly--afternoon Showery and foggy.
1st. Raining moderately all the forenoon with a little thunder--thick and misty afterwards--wind Northerly.
2d. Foggy & misting all day at the same time cold & raw. Wind still in the same quarter as yesterday.
3d. Close and misting--the Wind being at West in the Morning & continuing so all day. Abt. 9 it cleared.
4th. Very pleasant and clear. Wind being Southwardly & Warm.
5. Clear & pleasant--Wind being rather variable, it was cooler than could be wished. In the Morning the Wind was Northerly & southerly in the afternoon.
6th. The forenoon was clear & Warm with little or no Wind. In the afternoon the Wind was fresh from the Eastward & became raw & cold.
7th. Clear morning, & not unpleasant but rather cool. Mid-day lowering & raw. Wind at East.
8th. Lowering all day with the Wind at East, or So. East & a small sprinkle of Rain.
9th. Clear, warm, and pleast. with the Wind at South, and in the evening pretty fresh.
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10th. Morning very pleasant & warm. Wind fresh from the Southward afterwards.
11th. Clear but too cool for the Season the Wind being fresh from the No. West.
12th. As yesterday in Wind and Weather.
13th. Clear & more pleasant, being warmer till the afternn. when it again turned cool. Wind in the forenoon tho there was not much of it was Southerly. In the afternoon it got more to the Eastward.
14th. Pleasant & clear, being neither cool nor warm--Wind southerly.
15th. Clear and pleasant Wind, though not much of it hanging to the Southward & growg. warm.
16th. A very great dew & fog. With little wind in the forenoon & very warm. In the afternoon it was pretty fresh from the Southward and about dusk came out from the Northward.
17th. Clear (except being smoky) & morning rather cool--wind being Northerly--but shifting afterwards to East it grew raw & disagreeably cool.
18th. Heavy & uncommon kind of Clouds--dark & at the same time a bright and reddish kind of light intermixed with them--brightning & darkning alternately. This continued till afternoon when the sun began to appear. The Wind in the Morning was Easterly. After that it got to the Westward.
19th. Lowering with but little Wind and that Southerly--weather grown warmer.
20th. Wind Southwardly with some appearances of Rain but none fell--day warm & very dusty.
21st. Appearances of Rain but none fell--warm and dry.
22d. Very little wind and rather Warm in the forenoon but cooler afterwards the Wind coming out pretty fresh from the Northward.
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23d. Lowering with some drops of Rain, but not enough to lay the dust. The Wind what there was of it was Northerly.
24. Clear Morning with but little wind, but pretty fresh afterwards and from the Eastward.
25th. Warm--The Wind blowing fresh from the West, or So. West--Exceeding dry and dusty with appearances of rain in the afternoon--but none fell.
26th. Wind fresh from the Westwd. Very warm--dusty & dry--Also hazy with appearances of Rain but none fell.
27th. Very warm and extreme<ly> dusty. The Wind in the forepart of the day blew fresh from the South West. Afterwards it got more to the West or No. West. Clouds & appearances of Rain but none fell here.
28th. Clear morning and rather Cooler than yesterday--the wind being pretty fresh from the No. West--but warm afterwards with but little of it.
29th. Clear with but little wind in the forenoon, but more refreshing afterwards, tho' from the Southward--exceeding dry dusty--grass beginning to decline.
30th. Warm with appearances of Rain but none fell here but little wind & that at So. or So. West.
31st. Raining more or less all day. The showers were moderate exceedingly refreshing as the Earth imbibed the moisture as it fell & the Earth became well penetrated. Very little wind accompanied the Rain.
1st. Clear and very pleasant being also warm. But little Wind & that Southerly.
2d. Clear & cooler than yesterday--the wind in the forenoon being abt. No. West & continued in the same way all day.
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3d. Rather cool--Wind fresh from the Westward with a little Rain about 3 Oclock.
4th. Clear and rather Cool--Wind being fresh from the Westward.
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I begin, at this Epoch, a concise Journal of Military transactions &ca. I lament not having attempted it from the commencement of the War, in aid of my memory and wish the multiplicity of matter which continually surround me and the embarrassed State of our affairs which is momently calling the attention to perplexities of one kind or another, may not defeat altogether or so interrupt my present intention, & plan, as to render it of little avail.
To have the clearer understanding of the entries which may follow, it would be proper to recite, in detail, our wants and our prospects but this alone would be a Work of much time, and great magnitude. It may suffice to give the sum of them--wch., I shall do in a few words--viz.--
Instead of having Magazines filled with provisions, we have a scanty pittance scattered here Oclock. there in the different States. Instead of having our Arsenals well supplied with Military Stores, they are poorly provided, & the Workmen all leaving them. Instead of having the various articles of Field equipage in readiness to deliver, the Quarter Master General (as the denier resort, according to his acct.) is but now applying to the several States to provide these things for their Troops respectively. Instead of having a regular System of transportation established upon credit or funds in the Qr. Masters hands to defray the contingent Expences of it, we have neither the one nor the other and all that business, or a great part of it, being done by Military Impress, we are daily & hourly oppressing the people--souring their tempers and alienating their affection. Instead of having the Regiments compleated to the New establishment (and which ought to have been So by the [ ] of [ ] agreeably to the requisitions of Congress, scarce any State in the Union has, at this hour, an eighth part of its quota in the field and little prospect, that I can see, of ever getting more than half. In a word--instead of having everything in readiness to take the Field, we have nothing--and instead of having the prospect of a glorious offensive campaign before us, we have a bewildered, and gloomy defensive one--unless we should receive a powerful aid of Ships--Land Troops and
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Money from our generous allies & these, at present, are too contingent to build upon.
May 1st. Induced by pressing necessity--the inefficacy, & bad tendency of pushing Military Impresses too far and the impracticability of keeping the Army supplied without it, or money, to pay the transportation I drew for 9000 dollars of the Sum sent on by the State of Massachusetts for payment of their Troops; and placed it in the hands of the QM General1 with the most positive orders to apply it solely to this purpose.
Fixed with Ezekiel Cornell Esqr. a member of the Board of War (then on a tour to the Eastward to inspect some of the Armoury's & ca.) on certain articles of Cloathing--arms and Military Stores which might be sent from hence to supply the wants of the Southern Army.2
Major Talmadge was requested to press the C--s Senr. & Junr. to continue their correspondence and was authorized to assure the elder C-- that he should be repaid the Sum of 100 Guineas, or more, with interest; provided he advanced the same for the purpose of defraying the expence of the correspondence, as he had offered to do.3
Colo. Dayton was also written to, and pressed to establish a correspondence with New York, by way of Elizabeth Town for the purpose of obtaining intelligence of the Enemys movemts. and designs; that by a comparison of Accts. proper & just conclusions may be drawn.4
1. Timothy Pickering (1745--1829) had been appointed quartermaster general in Aug. 1780.
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Tallmadge had written to GW, 25 April, stating that the Culpers had decided Townsend should take up residence in New York City if his frequent trips back and forth from Long Island to the city were not to lead to enemy suspicion. A sum of money was therefore necessary to defray his expenses and Woodhull had volunteered to advance 100 guineas (DLC: GW). GW's letter to Tallmadge concerning the Culpers is dated 30 April 1781 (DLC:GW).
May 2d. No occurrence of note. A very fresh and steady gale of Wind all day from the So. East. Upon its shifting (about dusk) it blew violently, & continued boisterous through the Night or greatest part of it.
4th. A Letter of the Baron de Steuben's from Chesterfield Court House Virga. dated the 21st. Ulto. informs that 12 of the Enemys Vessels but with what Troops he knew not, had advanced up James River as high as Jamestown--that few Militia were in arms and few arms to put into their hands--that he had moved the public Stores from Richmond &ca. into the interior Country.1
A Letter from the Marqs. de la Fayette, dated at Alexandria on the 23d., mentioned his having commenced his march that day for Fredericksburg--that desertion had ceased, & that his detachment were in good Spirits.2
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forces in Virginia, moved against the Continental troops in Richmond and Chesterfield Court House. Lafayette arrived at Richmond 29 April with reinforcements in time to force Phillips's withdrawal to the area of Jamestown Island. Steuben's letter to GW of 21 April is in DLC:GW.
5th. Accounts from Brigadr. Genl. Clinton at Albany, dated the 30th. ulto. & 1st. Inst., filled me with anxious fears that the Garrison of fort Schuyler would be obliged to evacuate the Post for want of Provisions and that a Mutiny in the other Troops was to be apprehended.1 In consequence of this alarming information, I directed the Q. M. GL. to send 50 Barls. of flour & the like qty. of Salted Meat immy. up for the Garrison of Fort Schuyler--but of the latter there being only 24 in Store, no more could be sent.2
6th. Colo. Menonville,1 one of the Adjutt. Generals in the French Army came to Head Quarters by order of Count de Rochambeau to make arrangements for supplying the Troops of His Most Christian Majesty with certain provisions contracted for by Doctr. Franklin. This demand, tho' the immediate compliance with it, was not insisted upon, comports illy with our circumstances; & is exceedingly embarrassing.2
The D[eputy] Q[uarter] M[aster] at Sussex C[our]t House,3
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conceiving that the Provision Magazine, & other stores at that place were exposed to a surprize, and in danger of being destroyed by the Indians & Tories who were infesting the Settlement at Minisink,4 I directed Colo. Dayton to send a guard there from the Jersey Brigade near Morristown.
Mr. John Flood (at present a liver at lower Salem) whom I had sent for to obtain from him an acct. of the Harbours in the Sound from Frogs point Eastward, arrived; and gave the information wch. is filed in my Office.5
Other letters arriving this Evening late (more expressive of the wants of the York Troops at Albany, & the Posts above) I ordered 100, out of 131 Barrls. of Flour which were in Store, to be immediately sent up; & again called upon the Q. M. Genl. in the most pointed terms to send active men to forward on, by every means they could devise, the Salted provs. in Connecticut; & flour from Sussex Ct. Ho. &ca.6
That the States might not only know our Wants, which my repeated & pressing letters had recently, & often communicated, but, if possible, be impressed with them and adopt some mode of Transporting it to the Army, I resolved to send Genl. Heath (2d. Offr. in Commd.) to make to the respective legislatures East of York State, pointed representations; & to declare explicitly that unless measures are adopted to supply transportation, it will be impossible to subsist & keep the Troops together.7
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May 1781 (DNA: PCC, Item 152). Ménonville then conferred with Robert Morris, superintendent of finance, who informed him that the prospects for supplying the French army were not promising. By late July, however, Morris wrote Franklin that he would endeavor to carry out the commitment to France (Morris to Franklin, 21 July 1781, DLC: Robert Morris Papers).
7th. The Wind which blew with great force from the So. East the last two days was accompanied this day by incessant Rain and was a most violent Storm & is supposed to have done damage to Ships on the Coast.
9th. Went to the Posts at West point, and found by enquiry of General Heath, that all the Meat deposited in the advanced redoubts for contingent purposes would not, if served out, serve the Army two days--that the Troops had drawn none that day & that none remained in the common Magazine.
10th. The Q. M. Genl. representing, that it was not in his power to get the Salt Meat of Connecticut transported--even for the Money that was put into his hands for this purpose--the people now alledging that they had no forage--when the badness of the roads was an excuse when they were called upon by the Executive of their State in the Month of March and that nothing but Military force could affect the transport for our present wants. Parties were ordered out accordingly and the Officers commanding them directed to receive their Instructions from him.1
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11th. Major Genl. Heath set out this day for the Eastn. States, provided with Instructions, and letters couched in strong terms--representing the distresses of the Army for want of provisions and the indispensable necessity of keeping up regular supplies by the adoption of a plan, which will have system & permanency in't.1
This day also I received advice from Colo. Dayton that 10 Ships of the line, and 3 or 4000 Troops had sailed from New York. The intelligence was immediately communicated to Congress, and to the French Genl. & Admiral at R. Isld.2
12th. Colo. Dayton's intelligence, so far as respected the Sailing of Troops, was confirmed by two sensible deserters from Kingsbridge; which place they left yesterday Morning at two Oclock. They add the detachment consisted of the Grenadrs. (Bh.)--the Corps. of Anspach (two Battalions) & the 37th. & 43d. British regiments, amounting, as is supposed, to about 2000 Men under the Command of Majr. Genl. Redeisel.1
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at Saratoga. According to the terms of the Convention of Saratoga, the British and Hessian forces were to be allowed to sail to England with the stipulation they would not again serve in America. Fearing that their return to Britain would free other troops for service in America, the Continental Congress refused to honor the agreement, and Riedesel and the other British and Hessians from Saratoga became the so-called Convention Army. Quartered first in Boston, the Convention troops were later shifted to Charlottesville, Va. Riedesel and his family remained in Charlottesville until Oct. 1780, when he was exchanged. After his exchange Riedesel was then given a command on Long Island by the British (see RIEDESEL, xxi--xli).
13th. Received Letters from Count de Rochambeau advising me of the arrival of his Son1 & from Count de Barras2 informing me of his appointment to the Command of the French Squadron at Rhode Island--both solliciting an Interview with me as soon as possible. Appointed, in answer, Monday the 21st. Inst. & Wethersfield, as the time & place of Meeting.
Sir Henry Clinton, Washington's military opponent, in a miniature by Thomas Day. (R. W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, La.)
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reinforcement of troops would not be available for the campaign and that the present army under Rochambeau would serve under GW's orders. A sum of six million livres tournois had been granted for the supply of the American army (DONIOL, 5:466--70). In addition, he learned that Admiral de Grasse's fleet had been ordered to the West Indies and would be available to support the upcoming summer campaign. In light of this new information Rochambeau urgently requested a conference with GW (see also CLOSEN, 78). GW agreed to meet with Rochambeau and Admiral Barras at Wethersfield, Conn., on 21 May (GW to Ralph Pomeroy, 14 May 1781, DLC:GW).
14th. About Noon, intelligence was recd. from Genl. Patterson at West point, that the Enemy were on the No. side of Croton in force--that Colo. Green, Majr. Flag, & some other officers with 40 or 50 Men were surprized & cut off at the Bri<dg>e & that Colo. Scammell with the New Hampshire Troops had Marched to their assistance. I ordered the Connecticut Troops to move in & support those of New Hampshire.1
In the evening, information was brot. that the enemy (consisting of about 60 horse, & 140 Infantry) had retreated precipitately & that several of our Soldiers had been inhumanly murdered.
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15th. Information, dated 12 oclock yesterday reports 15 Sail of Vessels & a number of Flatboats to be off Fort Lee.1 Ordered a detachment of 200 Men to March immediately to support the Post at Dobbs's. ferry--countenance the Militia, & cover the Country in that Neighbourhood.2
Intelligence from C-- Senr., dated 7293--a detachment is expected to Sail tomorrow from New York, & said to consist of the Anspach Troops's 43d. B. Regiment, remainder of the 76th., 80th., 17th. Dragoons, & Infantry of the same--to be conveyed by 7 Ships of the line, 2 fifties, & 3 forty fours which are to cruize of the Capes of Virginia. He gives it as the opinion of C-- Junr. that the above detachmt. does not exceed 2000 Men--that not more than 4000 remain--wch. is only (he adds) to be accounted for on the supposition of their expecting a reinforcement immediately from Europe.4
1. Fort Lee was on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, opposite Fort Washington.
2. GW to John Paterson, 15 May 1781 (DLG:GW).
16th. Went to the Posts at West point. Received a particular acct. of the surprize of Colo. Green & the loss we sustained which consisted of himself & Major (Flag) killed--three officers & a Surgeon taken prisoners (the latter & two of the former wounded) --a Sergeant & 5 R[ank] & F[ile] killed--5 left wounded & 33 made Prisoners & missing--in all 44 besides Officers.1
The report of the number of Shipping &ca. at Fort Lee was this day contradicted in part--the number of Vessels being reduced, & said to be no higher than Bulls ferry.2 In consequence of this intelligence Lt. Colo. Badlam3 who marched with the detachment of 200 Men pursuant to the order of Yesterday & had reached Stony point halted--but was directed not to return till the designs of the enemy were better understood.
1. For the attack on Greene's force, see entry for 14 May 1781.
2. Bull's Ferry was approximately two miles below Fort Lee.
17th. Received a letter from Captn. Lawrence, near Dobbss ferry, informing me that abt. 200 Refugees were building a block house & raising other works at Fort Lee.1 Order'd the detachment
The Campaign of 1781 in the North
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which had halted at Kings Ferry2 & another forming under Colo. Scammel to advance down & endeavour to annoy, if they could not prevent them.
A Letter from Genl. Foreman of Monmouth (dated the 14th. Instt.) informs me that the British fleet from New York consisting of Seven Ships of 60 Guns & upwards--12 large Transport Vessels, & 10 topsail Schooners & Sloops made Sail from Sandy hook the 12th., with the wind at So. East. but veering round to the Southward, & Westward, it returned within the hook & lay there till 10 o'clock next day when it again Sailed. By two oclock it was clear of the hook and steering Southward.3
2. King's Ferry was the Hudson River crossing between Verplanck's Point and Stony Point.
18th. Received Letters from Generals Schuyler and Clinton giving an acct. of the threatened Invasion of the Northern Frontier of this State from Canada, and of the unfavourable prospects from Vermont and of the destruction of the Post of Fort Schuyler--the indefensible State of the Works occasioned thereby & submitting for considn. the propriety of removing the Garrison to the German Flatts which he (that is Clinton) was requested to do if it appear'd to be the sense of the Governor & other principal Gentn. of the State that it would be eligable.1
Set out this day for the Interview at Weathersfield with the Count de Rochambeau & Admiral Barras. Reached Morgans Tavern 43 Miles from Fishkill Landing after dining at Colo. Vandebergs.2
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15 May 1781, is addressed to Brig. Gen. James Clinton and was enclosed, with other correspondence, in Clinton's letter to GW, 16 May 1781 (DLC: GW). At the beginning of May 1781 the barracks at Fort Schuyler had been partially destroyed by fire and further devastated by a heavy rainstorm which followed. On 27 May, GW informed Congress that the post had been abandoned and the garrison and stores removed to German Flats (in the area of present-day Herkimer, N.Y.), since a post at that location "would be more easily supported, and equally advantageous to the security of the Frontier" (GW to Samuel Huntington, 27 May 1781, NjP: deCoppet Collection).
19th. Breakfasted at Litchfield--dined at Farmington & lodged at Weathersfield at the House of Joseph Webb Esqr. (the Quarters wch. were taken for me & my Suit).1
20th. Had a good deal of private conversation with Govr. Trumbull who gave it to me as his opinion that if any important offensive operation should be undertaken he had little doubt of our obtaining Men & Provision adequate to our wants.1 In this opinion Colo. Wadsworth & others concurr'd.2
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21st. The Count de Rochambeau with the Chevr. de Chastellux arrived about Noon.1 The appearance of the British Fleet (under Adml. Arbuthnot) off Block Island prevented the attendance of the Count de Barras.2
22nd. Fixed with Count de Rochambeau upon a plan of Campaign--in Substance as follows. That the French Land force (except 200 Men) should March so soon as the Squadron could Sail for Boston--to the North River & there, in conjunction with the American, to commence an operation against New York (which in the present reduced State of the Garrison it was thought would fall, unless relieved; the doing which wd. enfeeble their Southern operations, and in either case be productive of capital advantages) or to extend our views to the Southward as circumstances and a Naval superiority might render more necessary & eligable. The aid which would be given to such an operation in this quarter--the tardiness with which the Regiments would be filled for any other--the insurmountable difficulty & expence of Land transportation--the waste of Men in long marches (especially where there is a disinclination to the Service--objections
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to the climate &ca.) with other reasons too numerous to detail, induced to this opinion. The heavy Stores & Baggage of the French Army were to be deposited at Providence under Guard of 200 Men (before mentioned) & Newport Harbour & Works were to be secured by 500 Militia.1
23d. Count de Rochambeau set out on his Return to Newport,1 while I prepared and forwarded dispatches to the Governors of the four New England States calling upon them in earnest & pointed terms, to compleat their Continental Battalions for the Campaign, at least, if it could not be done for the War or 3 Years--to hold a body of Militia (according to the Proportion given them) ready to march in one Week after being called for and to adopt some effectual mode to supply the Troops when assembled with Provisns. & Transportation.2
I also sollicited the Governors of the States of Massachusetts & Connecticut earnestly for a Loan of Powder & the means of Transporting it to the Army.3
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A Letter from Genl. St. Clair came to hand with accts. of an apparent intention of the enemy to evacuate New York.4
1. Rochambeau reached Newport on 27 May (CLOSEN, 80).
24th. Set out on my return to New Windsor--dined at Farmington and lodged at Litchfield.1
25th. Breakfasted at Squire Cogswells1--dined at Colo. Vandeburgs & reached head Quarters about Sunset where I found letters from Generls. Schuyler & Clinton, full of uncertain information respecting the enemys landing at Crown point & intention to penetrate on the Hudson & Mohawk Rivers.2 This uncertainty respects the number, not the fact--the latter seeming to be beyond a doubt. In consequence of this information I ordered the Companies of Vanscaicks Regiment3 at West point to hold themselves in readiness to Move at an hours warning.
26th. Received a Letter from the Honble. Jno. Laurens Minister from the United States of America at the Court of Versailles --informing me that the Sum of 6,000,000 of Livres was granted as a donation to this Country--to be applied in part to the purchase of Arms--Cloaths &ca. for the American Troops and the
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ballance to my orders, & draughts at long sight and that a Fleet of 20 Sail of the Line was on its departure for the West Indies 12 of which were to proceed to this Coast where it was probable they might arrive in the Month of July.1 He also added that the Courts of Petersbg. & Vienna had offered their Mediation in settling the present troubles wch. the King of France, tho' personally pleas'd with, could not accept without consulting his Allies.2 A Letter from Doctr. Lee--inclosing extracts of one from his Brother Wm. Lee Esqr. dated the 20th. of Feby. holds out strong assurances of Peace being restored in the course of this Yr.3
Lt. Col. John Laurens, Washington's valuable aide and envoy. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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will accept the mediation with eagerness" (Laurens to GW, 24 Mar. 1781, DLC:GW). For the mediation attempts of Russia and Austria and Vergennes's maneuvers, see BEMIS, 172--88; MORRIS, 173--90. The Austro-Russian mediation offer was transmitted to Congress by the French minister on 26 May 1781 (JCC, 20:560--63).
28th. The Commanding Officer of Artillery & the chief Engineer were called upon to give in estimates of their wants for the intended operation against New York.1 The intention of doing this was also disclosed to the Q. M. General who was desired to give every attention toward the Boats, that a number of them might be prepared; & provide other matters necessary to such an undertaking--especially those things which might be called for by the Artillery, & the Engineering departments.2
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promoted to brigadier general in Nov. 1777 (JCC, 8:539, 571, 9:932). In April 1780 he was attached with the rank of lieutenant colonel to the newly arrived French army.
2. GW's instructions to Timothy Pickering may have been verbal. No letter has been found.
31st. A Letter from Count de Rochambeau informed me that the British fleet had left Block Island--that Adml. de Barras would Sail with the first fair Wind for Boston (having 900 of his Soldiers on Board to Man his fleet) and that he should commence his March as soon as possible, but would be under the necessity of Halting a few days at Providence.1
A Letter from Major Talmage, inclosing one from C--Senr. & another from S. G. dated the 27th. were totally silent on the subject of an evacuation of New York;2 but speak of an order for Marching the Troops from Long Island and the Countermand of it after they had commenced their March; the cause for either they could not assign. Neither C. Senr. nor S. G. estimate the Enemys regular force at New York or its dependencies at more than 4500 men including the New Levies; but C-- says it is reported that they can command five & some add 6,000 Militia & refugees. S. G. disposes of the Enemys force as follow.
The detachment which left Sandy hook the 13th Instt. according to the S. G.'s acct.--consisted of the Troops on the other side
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--though it is thought he must be mistaken in naming the 46th. & 86th. Regimts.--the first of them being a convention Regimt.7 and the other not in America. By Accts. from Deserters the 37th. Regt. went with the detachment and must be in place of the 46th. as the 80th. must be that of the 86th.
1. Rochambeau's letter to GW, 29 May 1781, partly in cipher, is in DLC:GW.
5. Horn's Hook, a strip of land extending into the East River near E. 88th Street in Manhattan.
6. Lt. Col. Ludwig Johann Adolph von Wurmb's Jaeger Corps.
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1st. Received Letters from Generals Schuyler & Clinton,1 containing further but still indistinct accts, of the enemys force at Crown point. Letters from Doctr. Smith of Albany,2 &--Shepherd3 principal armourer at that place, were intercepted, going to the enemy with acct. of our distresses--the strength & dispositon of our Troops--The disaffection of particular Settlements--the provision these Settlemts. had made to subsist them--their readiness to join them--the genl. temper of the people and their earnest wishes for their advance in force--assuring them of the happy consequences which would derive to the Kings arms if they would move rapidly to Albany. In consequence of this information I directed the Q. M. General to provide Craft for, & the 6 Companies of Vanscaicks Regiment & Hazens to proceed immediately to Albany & put themselves under General Clintons orders.4
1. James Clinton to GW, 30 May 1781, enclosing Philip Schuyler to Clinton, 24 May 1781 (DLC:GW).
4th. Letters from the Marqs. de la Fayette of the 25th Ulto. informs that Lord Cornwallis had formed a junction with Arnold at Petersbourg1--that with their United force he had Marched to City point2 on James River and that the detachment which sailed from New York the 13th of May had arrived in James River and were debarking at Westover and that he himself had removed from Wilton3 to Richmond.
The Duke de Lauzen arrived this afternoon with Letters from Count de Rochambeau & Admiral Count de Barras, with the proceedings of a Council of War held on Board the Duke de Burgoyne
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proposing to continue the Fleet at Rhode Island under the protection of 400 French Troops & 1000 Militia in preference to the plan adopted at Weathers field; requiring my opinion thereon which was given to the effect--that I conceived the first plan gave a more perfect security to the Kings fleet than the latter, & consequently left the Land force more at liberty to act, for which reason I could not change my former opinion but shou'd readily acquiesce to theirs if upon a re-consideration of the matter they adhered to it. Accordingly, that delay might be avoided, I inclosed letters (under flying Seals) to the Governors of Rd. Island & Massachusetts, to be made use of or not, requesting the Militia; & pressed the March of the Land Troops as soon as circumstances would admit of it.4
2. City Point, Va., now part of Hopewell, is near the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers.
5th. Governor Rutlidge of South Carolina came to Head Qrs. with representations of the situation of Southern affairs, & to sollicit
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aids. I communicated the plan of Campaign to him & candidly exposed the true State of our Circumstances which convinced him--or seemed to do so--that no relief cd. be given from this army till we had acquired a Naval Superiority and cd. transport Troops by Water.1
7th. A Letter from the Govr. of Virginia dated at Charlottesville the 28th. Ulto. representing the distressed State of Virginia & pressing my repairng thither, was received1--other letters (but not official) speak of Lord Cornwallis's advance to Hanover Court House--that the Marquis was retreating before him towards Fredericksburg and that General Leslie2 was embarked in James River with about 1200 Men destined, as was supposed, to Alexandria whither it was conjectured by the letter writers Lord Cornwallis was pointing his March.
Accts. from Pittsburg were expressive of much apprehension for that quarter as a force from Canada was expected thither by way of the Lakes and the Alligany River.
A Letter from the Executive of Pennsylvania afforded little hope of assistance in the article of Provision or other things from that State and was more productive of what they had done, than what they meant to do.3
3. Joseph Reed, president of Pennsylvania, to GW, 17 May 1781 (MH: Sparks Transcripts).
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9th. A Captn. Randolph--sent by General Clarke from Pittsburg, arrived here with letters & representations of his disappointments of Men, and the prospect of failure in his intended Expedition against Detroit unless he could be aided by the 9th. Virginia Regiment & Heths Company at Pittsburg--but the weakness of the Garrison & other considerations would not admit this--nor did it appear to me that this reinforcement would enable him to undertake & prosecute the Plan.1
11th. Received Letters from the Marqs. de la Fayette, containing information of Lord Cornwallis's movements from Westover, and that, at the date of his letter--the 3d. Instt.--he had advanced to the North Anna--but his design was not sufficiently understood
A mezzotint of the marquis de Lafayette, after Charles Willson Peale. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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--supposed Fredericksburg. The Marqs. was retreating before him with abt. 3000 Men Militia included--the Enemys force exclusive of Leslies detachment being estimated at five or 6000 Men, 600 of wch. were Horse.
13th. To facilitate the building, and repairing of Boats, a number of Carpenters was ordered from the line of the army to the Q. M. G. to aid the artificers of his department in this important business and Major Darby with a Captain 5 Subs & 6 Sergts. and 100 Rank & file were drawn from the army in order to collect and take care of the public Boats.1
14th. Received agreeable acts. from General Greene, of his Successes in South Carolina1--viz.--that Lord Rawden2 had abandoned Cambden with precipitation, leaving all our wounded taken in the action of the 25th. of April last, together with 58 of his own too bad to remove--that he had destroy'd his own Stores--burnt many buildings and in short left the Town little better than a heap of Rubbish--That Orangeburg, Forts Mott. & Granby, had surrendered;3 their Garrisons including officers consisting of near 700 Men--That Ninety Six & Fort Augusta were invested4--that he was preparing to March to the Former and that, Lord Rawden was at Nelsons ferry5 removing the Stores from that place which indicated an Evacuation thereof.
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5. Nelson's Ferry was on the Santee River about five miles from Eutaw Springs, S.C.
16th. Directed that no more Invalids be transferred till further Orders1--that a detachment be formed of the weakliest Men for garrisoning of West point & that a Camp be marked out by the Chief Engineer & Q. M. Genl. near Peekskill to assemble the Troops on.
18th. Brigaded the Troops, and made an arrangement of the Army, which is to March for the New Camp in three divisions--the 1st. on Thursday the 21st.--the 2d. on the 23d. and the 3d. on the 24th. Instt.1 To strengthen the detachment intended for the Garrison of West point, I had previously called upon the State of Connecticut for 800 Militia.
20th. Recd. Letters from Genl. Clinton at Albany inclosing the examination of two Prisoners taken at Crown point by wch. and other intelligence it appears that no Troops had landed at that place and that the enemys Shipping only, had ever been there.1 In consequence, the Continental Troops to the No[rth]ward were ordered to be in readiness to join the army on the shortest notice & Governor Clinton informed thereof that the New levies of the State, & nine months, men might be hastened to relieve them.2
2. GW to George Clinton, 21 June 1781 (CSmH). Because of rumors
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of a British attack on the New York frontier, GW had sent reinforcements to the area. See entries for 18, 25 May, 1 June 1781. GW informed Governor Clinton that from "the examination of two Prisoners who were lately taken . . . it appears the Enemy in Canada, have not made any Movements in force, or preparations for an incursion; and indeed this intelligence corresponds so exactly with that, which has been received through other channels, that I cannot but regret having sent the Reinforcement to the Northward, at a time when the aid of every Man was so essential to the success of the operations in contemplation."
24th. A Letter from the Count de Rochambeau dated at Windham the 20th. advises me of his having reached that Town, that day, with the first division of his army--that the other 3 divisions were following in regular succession--that he expected to Halt the Troops two days at Hartford, but would come on to my Camp from that place after the arrival of the division with which he was.1
By a Letter from Govr. Trumbull it appear'd that the assembly of Connecticut had passed some salutary Laws for filling their Battalions, & complying with my requisition--but it is to be feared that their list of deficiencies, which the respective Towns are called upon to make good by drafts to compleat the Battalions is short of the number wanting for this purpose.2
25th. A Letter from Genl. Heath of the 18th. holds up favourable Ideas of the disposition prevaling in the State of Massachusetts Bay to comply with every thing required of them.1
Joined the Army at its Encampment at Peekskill. Mrs. Washington set out at the same time towards Virginia but with an intention to Halt at Philadelphia if from information & circumstances it was not likely she should remain quietly at Mt. Vernon.2
A Letter from Count de Rochambeau informs me that he shall be with his first division at Newtown on the 28th. where he purposed to assemble his force & March in Brigades while the Duke de Lauzens Legion continues to move on his Left flank.3
Had an interview with Govr. Clinton, Lieut. Govr. Courtlandt,4 & Generals Schuyler & Tenbrook;5 in which I pressed the necessity of my recalling the Continental Regiments from Albany,
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This handsome miniature of Martha Washington was made by Charles Willson Peale in 1776. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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& the Posts above, & of the States hastening up their Levies for 3 Years & Nine months and agreed to order 600 Militia (part of the quota required of Massachusetts bay) from the Counties of Berkshire and Hampshire to March immediately to Albany which was accordingly done & Govr. Hancock advised of it.6
Genl. Stark was directed to repair to Saratoga & take command of the Troops on the Northern & western frontier and Genl. Clinton called upon in pointed terms to have the Continental Troops under his command in the most perfect readiness to join the Army.7
Recd. a Letter from the Minister of France advising me of the arrival of between 3 & 4000 Troops abt. the 4th. Inst. at Charles Town8--that 2000 of them had debarked & that the rest were said to be destined for St. Augustine & New York--that George Town was evacuated & the Enemy in Charles town weak (not exceeding 450 Men before the reinforcement arrived--which latter must be a mistake, as the Ministers informant added, that Lord Rawden had got there after a precipitate retreat from a Post above and that the American parties were within 5 Miles of the Town. Lord Rawdens Troops alone amounted to more than the Number here mentioned).
Having suggested to the Count de Rochambeau the advantages which might be derived to the common cause in general and the Southern States in particular, if by arming the Fantasque & bringing the 50 gun ship to Rhode Isld. (which then lay at Boston) the fleet of his most Christian Majesty at Newport could appear in Chesapeak bay.9 I received an answer from the French Admiral through the General that he was disposed to the measure provided he could obtain a loan of the French Guard (of 400 Men which were left at Newport & which were granted) and 4 pieces of heavy artillery at Brentons point10 which the Count could not spare but that the fleet could not be ready to Sail under 20 days from the date of his letter (the 21st.)--thus, uncertain, the matter stands.
1. William Heath to GW, 18 June 1781 (DLC:GW).
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having been sick for more than a Month with a kind of Jaundice" (PU: Armstrong Photostats).
3. Rochambeau to GW, 23 June 1781 (DLC:GW).
4. Pierre Van Cortlandt (1721--1814) was lieutenant governor of New York from 1777 to 1795.
5. Abraham Ten Broeck (d. 1810) was mayor of Albany.
6. GW wrote John Hancock 25 June 1781 (M-Ar). See entries for 18, 25 May, 1, 20 June 1781.
10. Brenton's Point is at the entrance of Newport harbor.
28th. Having determined to attempt to surprize the Enemys Posts at the No. end of Yk. Island, if the prospt. of success continued favourable, & having fixed upon the Night of the 2d. of July for this purpose1 and having moreover combined with it an
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attempt to cut off Delancy's2 And other light Corps without Kingsbridge and fixed upon Genl. Lincoln to Commd. the first detachment & the Duke de Lauzen the 2d. every thing was put in train for it and the Count de Rochambeau requested to file of from Ridgebury to Bedford & hasten his March--while the Duke de Lauzen was to do the same & to assemble his command (which was to consist of abt. 3 or 400 Connecticut State Troops under the Command of Genl. Waterbury3--abt. 100 York Troops under Captn. Sacket4--Sheldons Legion5 of 200, & his own proper Corps.). Genl. Lincolns command was to consist of Scammells light Troops and other detachments to the amt. of 800 Rank & file properly officerd--150 watermen and 60 artillerists.
Washington's irreplaceable drillmaster, Baron Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben. A painting by Ralph Earl. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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light, it is evident that the attack was anything but successful in spite of the cooperation of the French. The forts along the Hudson were unexpectedly reinforced by the return of British foraging parties from New Jersey, one of which encountered Lincoln's men, costing the Americans the element of surprise. Lauzun's forces arrived too late and most of the outlying British posts were withdrawn across the Harlem River to safety. The only material result of the raid was the opportunity of "reconnoitring the works upon the north end of the Island and making observations which may be of very great advantage in future" (GW to Samuel Huntington, 6 July 1781, DNA: PCC, Item 152). For a description of the raid from the British side, see MACKENZIE [2], 2:556--59; Rivington's Royal Gazette, 14 July 1781. See also RICE, 1:32, 248--49; STEVENS [3], 6--10; CLOSES, 88--91. Preliminaries to the attack are discussed in the exchange of letters, 30 June (DLC:GW) between GW and his aide David Cobb, who was with the French forces at this time.
5. Elisha Sheldon was colonel of the 2d Continental Light Dragoons.
29th. Recd. a letter from the Marqs. de la Fayette informing me that Lord Cornwallis after having attempted to surprise the Virginia Assembly at Charlottesville and destroy some Stores at the Forks of James River in which he succeeded partially had returned to Richmond without having effected any valuable purpose by his manoeuvers in Virginia.1 In a private letter he complains heavily of the conduct of the Baron de Steuben whom he observes has rendered himself extremely obnoxious in Virga.2
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Steuben believed that his first priority was preparations for the support of Nathanael Greene in the Carolinas and his policy, unchanged by renewed British military threats in Virginia in May 1781, was to leave the defense of the state to Lafayette. When the two detachments under Simcoe and Tarleton moved up the James in the direction of Point of Fork and Charlottesville, Steuben was still more concerned with protecting the recruits destined for Greene than with guarding the state stores at Point of Fork. On the morning of 4 June, Steuben moved most of his men to positions of safety, leaving only a token force to defend the Fork. For Steuben's movements at this time, see CHASE, 228--46; PALMER, 272--82. On 13 July, GW wrote Lafayette that "What you say in confidence of the conduct of a certain Officer shall be kept a profound secret, and I will contrive means of removing him from the quarter where he is so unpopular" (DLC:GW).
July 2d. Genl. Lincoln's detachment embarked last Night after dark, at or near Tellers point;1 and as his operations were to be the movement of two Nights he was desired to repair to Fort Lee this day & reconnoitre the enemy's Works--Position and strength as well as he possibly could & take his ultimate determination from appearances--that is to attempt the surprize if the prospect was favourable or to relinquish it if it was not, and in the latter case to land above the Mouth of Spikendevil2 & cover the Duke in his operation on Delancys Corps.3
At three o'clock this Morning I commenced my March with the Continental Army in order to cover the detached Troops and improve any advantages which might be gained by them. Made a small halt at the New bridge over Croton abt. 9 Miles from Peekskill--another at the Church by Tarry Town till Dusk (9 Miles more) and compleated the remaining part of the March in the Night--arriving at Valentines Hill4 (at Mile square) about Sun rise.
Our Baggage & Tents were left standing at the Camp at Peekskill.
1. Teller's Point (Croton Point) is on the Hudson River below Verplanck's Point.
2. Spuyten Duyvil, a creek connecting the Hudson River with the Harlem River.
3. See entry for 28 June 1781.
4. Valentine's Hill, north of Spuyten Duyvil in present Yonkers.
3d. The length of Duke Lauzens March & the fatiegue of his Corps, prevented his coming to the point of Action at the hour appointed. In the meantime Genl. Lincolns Party who were
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ordered to prevent the retreat of Delancy's Corps by the way of Kg. Bridge & prevent succour by that Rout were attacked by the Yagers and others but on the March of the Army from Valentines Hill retired to the island. Being disappointed in both objects from the Causes mentioned I did not care to fatiegue the Troops any more but suffered them to remain on their Arms while I spent good part of the day in reconnoitering the Enemys works.
In the afternoon we retired to Valentines Hill & lay upon our Arms. Duke Lauzen & Waterbury lay on the East side of the Brunxs [Bronx] river on the East Chester road. Our loss in this days skirmishing was as follows--viz.--[ ]
4th. Marched & took a position a little to the left of Dobbes ferry & marked a Camp for the French Army upon our left. Duke Lauzen Marched to the Whitepl[ai]n & Waterbury to Horseneck.1
1. The area called Horseneck is now the borough of Greenwich, Fairfield County, Conn.
5th. Visited the French Army which had arrived at Northcastle.1
Anne César, chevalier de La Luzerne, another portrait by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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July, finding few amenities (see RICE, 1:248). On his arrival at North Castle, GW inspected the French troops and spent some five hours in conference with Rochambeau. He dined with the French officers, who then escorted him for several miles on his return to the American camp at Philipsburg (CROMOT DU BOURG, 296).
6th. The French Army formed the junction with the American on the Grounds marked out.1 The Legion of Lauzen took a position advanced of the plains on Chittendens hill2 west of the River Brunx [Bronx]. This day also the Minister of France arrived in Camp from Philadelphia.
2. Chatterton's Hill was at White Plains, Westchester County, N.Y.
8th. Began a Work at Dobbs's ferry with a view to establish a communication there for the transportation of provision and Stores from Pensylvania.1
9th. Received a Letter from the Marqs. de la Fayette informing me of Cornwallis's retreat to Williamsburg--that he had pushed his rear and had obtained advantages--having killed 60 & wounded an hundred with small loss.1
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Southern accts. though not official speak of the reduction of Augusta and Ninety Six by the arms of Major Genel. Greene.2
2. See entry for 14 June 1781.
10th. A Letter from Governor Trumbull, inclosing the proceedings of a convention of Eastern Deligates gives better hope of a regular supply of provision than we have been accustomed to for more than two years as the business seem to be taken up Systematically and regular modes adopted to furnish supplies at stated periods.1
General Heath also writes very favourably of the disposition of the Eastn. States but still we are without the reinforcements of Men required of them.2
The Boats undertaken by General Schuyler, are, by his letters, in a promising way3--as those at Wappings Creek also are by the Q. Mr. Genls. report.4
John Trumbull's portrait of his father, Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Yale University Art Gallery, gift of the artist, 1821)
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Hazen's, and the 1st. York Regimt. who had been ordered to West point arrived there, but not till the latter had mutinied on acct. of their pay & several had deserted. The other York Regiment were detained at Albany to bring down the Boats & boards.5
13th. The Jersey Troops arrived at Dobbs's Ferry agreeable to orders. Some French Frigates made an attempt on the Enemy's Post at Loyds Neck but without success not being able to Land in the Night.1
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14th. Near 5000 Men being ordered to March for Kings bridge, to cover and secure a reconnoitre of the Enemys Works on the No. end of York Island, Harlaem river, & the Sound were prevented doing so by incessant rain.1
15th. The Savage Sloop of War of 16 Guns--the Ship Genl. Washington, lately taken by the Enemy--a row Galley and two other small armed Vessels passed our post at Dobbs Ferry (which was not in a condition to oppose them).1 At the same time three or four river Vessels with 4 Eighteen pounders--stores &ca. had just arrivd at Tarry town and with infinite difficulty, & by great exertion of Colo. Sheldon, Captn. Hurlbut, (who got wounded)2--Captn. Lieutt. Miles3 of the artillery & Lt. Shayler4 were prevented falling into the hands of the Enemy as they got a ground 100 yards from the Dock and were set fire to by the Enemy but extinguished by the extraordinary activity & spirit of the above Gentn. Two of the Carriages however were a good deal damaged by the fire. The Enemy however by sending their armed Boats up the River took the Vessel of a Captn. Dobbs laden with Bread for the French Army--Cloathing for Sheldons Regiment & some passengers. This was done in the Night--it being after Sunset before the Vessels passed the Post at Dobs ferry.
2. George Hurlbut (d. 1783) of Connecticut was a captain in the 2d Continental Dragoons.
3. John Miles of New York was a captain lieutenant in the 2d Continental Artillery.
4. Joseph Shaylor (d. 1816) of Connecticut was a lieutenant in the 4th
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Continental Regiment. These officers were thanked for their actions by GW in General Orders, 17 July 1781 (DLC:GW).
16th. The Cannon & Stores were got out of the Vessels & every thing being removed from Tarry town, two french twelve pounders, & one of our 18 prs. wer[e] brought to bear upon the Ships which lay of Tarry town, distant about a Mile, and obliged them to remove lower down & move over to the West shore.
17th. The Vessels being again fired at in the position they took yesterday run up the River to Tellers point & there came to burning the House of the Widow Noy<e>ll.
18th. I passed the North River with Count de Rochambeau Genl. de Beville1 his Qr. Mr. Genl. & Genl. Duportail in order to reconnoitre the Enemy Posts and Encampments at the North end of York Island. Took an Escort of 150 Men from the Jersey Troops on the other side.
From different views the following discoveries were made--viz.--
That two Ships of 20 Guns & upwards lay opposite to the Mouth of spikendevil--one pretty near the East Shore the other abt. the same distance from the West; the first is intended to guard the Mouth of Spikendevil equally with the No. River. Below these, & directly opposite to Fort Washington (or Knyphausen) lay two transports with about 6 Guns & few Men in each. The Eastermost Ship seems designed to Guard the landing at the little bay above Jefferys Rock.2 About the center of the Ground leading to Jeffreys Rock or point a Guard Mounts. It appears to be no more than a Sergeants guard with one centry in front where there is a small Work--the Guard House standing within.
These are all the Guards and all the security I could discover upon the No. River--on the right flank of the Enemy. The Shore from Jeffreys rock downwards, was quite open, and free--without Hutts of any kind--Houses or Troops--none being encamped below the heights. There did not even appear springs, or washing places any where on the face of the Hill which were resorted to.
The Island is totally stripped of Trees, & wood of every kind; but low bushes (apparently as high as a Mans waste) appear in places which were covered with Wood in the year 1776.
The Side of the Hill from the Barrier below Fort Tryon,3 to
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the Bay opposite to fort Knyphausen,4 is difficult of access; but there seems to be a place abt. 200 yds. above the bay, which has the best appearance of a landing, and is most private--but a hut or two on the heights abt. 200 yds. above Fort Knyphausen, & a little above the old long Battery, which was thrown up in 1776 must be avoided by leaving it on the left in getting to the Fort last mentioned.
In the hollow below Morris's heights5 (between that & Haerlam) is a good place to land but near the York Road opposite there appeared to be a few Tents and many Dragoon Horses seemed to be at Pasture in the low land between the heights. A landing perfectly concealed, but not so good, might be made a little higher up the river, and nearer to those heights which ought to be immediately occupied--(between the old American lines and the aforesaid hollow).
From the point within the Mouth of Spiken devil, the way to the Fort on Cox's Hill6 seems difficult, and the first part of it covered with bushes. There is a better way up from the outer point, but too much exposed to a discovery from the Ship which lays opposite to it, and on acct. of its being less covered with wood.
The ground round the Fort on Cox's hill is clear of Bushes. There is an abatis round the Work, but no friezing; nor could I discover whether there is a ditch. At the No. Et. corner there appeared to be no Parapet & the whole seemed to be in a decaying State. The gate is next the No. River.
Forts Tryon, Knyphausen & Ft. George on Laurell, with the Batteries in the line of Pallisading across from River to river appeared to be well friezed, ditched & abattied--In a word to be strong and in good repair.
Fort No. 87 is also abatied & friezed at the Top. The gate is next Haerlam River. There are no Houses or Huts on the side of the Hill from this work till you come near old Fort Independence.
On McGowans heights8 there appears (by the extent of the Tents) to be two Battns. Encamped--supposed to be the British Grenadiers. A little in the rear of this, and on the (enemys) left, are a number of Huts but whether they are Inhabited or not could not be ascertained there being different opinions on this point, from the nearest view we could get of it. On the height opposite to Morris's white House there appeared to be another Regt. (supposed to be the 38th. British). Between this and Fort Knyphausen (abt. half way) are two small Encampments contiguous
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to each other--both together containing two or 3 and 40 Tents--Hessians. On Laurel Hill near Fort George is another Encampment in view abt. 40 Tents & huts which appear to be Inhabited also--by (it is said) --the 57th. Regiment. The other, and only remaining Encampment in View, & discoverable from the West side of the river, is betwn. the Barrier and Kings bridge--in the Hollow between Cox's hill and the heights below. One hundred Tents could be counted in view at the same time, and others might be hid by the Hills. At this place it is said the Jagers--Hessian & Anspach lay.
2. The British had constructed Fort Knyphausen on the site of the American works at Fort Washington.
4. Fort Tryon was a British fort on upper Manhattan. The site was west of 190th Street.
6. Cox's Hill was at the extreme northern tip of Manhattan near Spuyten Duyvil Creek.
8. McGowan's Heights were above McGowan's Pass at the northeast end of present Central Park.
19th. The Enemys Shipping run down the river, and left the Navigation of it above once more free for us.1 In passing our Battery at Dobbs's where were 2 Eighteen & 2 twelve pounders and two Howitzers, they recd. considerable damage; especially the Savage Sloop of War which was frequently hulled, and once set on fire; occasioning several of her people, and one of our own (taken in Dobbes Sloop, and) who gives the Acct. to jump over hoard. Several people he says were killed & the ship pierced through both her sides in many places and in such a manner as to render all their pumps necessary to free the Water.
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vessels and blowing up an arms chest on board the Savage, killing several men. See MACKENZIE [2], 2:569; CLOSEN, 97; and the entry for 15 July 1781.
20th. Count de Rochambeau having called upon me, in the name of Count de Barras, for a definitive plan of Campaign, that he might communicate it to the Count de Grasse1--I could not but acknowledge, that the uncertainties under which we labour--the few Men who have joined (either as recruits for the Continental Battns. or Militia) & the ignorance in which I am kept by some of the States on whom I mostly depended--especially Massachusetts from whose Govt. I have not received a line since I addressed him from Weathersfd. the 23d. of May last--rendered it impracticable for me to do more than to prepare, first, for the enterprize against New York as agreed to at Weathersfield2 and secondly for the relief of the Southern States if after all my efforts, & earnest application to these States it should be found at the arrivl. of Count de Grasse that I had neither men, nor means adequate to the first object. To give this opinion I was further induced from the uncertainty with respect to the time of the arrival of the French Fleet & whether Land Troops would come in it or not as had been earnestly requested by me & inforced by the Minister of France.
The uncertainty of sufficient aids, of Men & Means from the States to whom application had been made, and the discouraging prospects before me of having my requisitions complied with--added to an unwillingness to incur any expence that could be avoided induced me to desire Genl. Knox to suspend the Transport of the heavy Cannon & Stores from Philadelphia lest we should have them to carry back again or be encumbd. with them in the field.
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21st. Wrote to the Count de Grasse in a Cypher of the Count de Rochambeau's, giving information of the junction of the allied armys--the Position they had taken--our strength and that of the enemy's--our hopes & fears & what we expected to do under different circumstances.1 This letter was put under cover to Genl. Forman, who was requested to have look outs on the heights of Monmouth, and deliver it himself upon the arrival of the Fleet and who was also requested, to establish a chain of Expresses for quick communication between Monmouth and Dobbs's ferry--the Expence of which I would see paid.2
Again ordered abt. 5000 Men to be ready to March at 8 oclock, for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemys Posts at Kings bridge and to cut off, if possible, such of Delancys Corps as should be found without their lines.3
At the hour appointed the March commenced in 4 Columns, on different roads. Majr. Genl. Parsons4 with the Connecticut Troops 8c 25 of Sheldon's horse formed the right column (with two field pieces) on the No. River road. The other Two divisions of the Army, under the Majr. Generals Lincoln & Howe,5 together with the Corps of Sappers and Miners, and 4 field pieces, formed the next column on the Sawmill river road.6 The right column of the French (on our left) consisted of the Brigade of Bourbonnis, with the Battn. of Grenadiers and Choissairs, 2 field pieces & 2 twelve pounders. Their left column was composed of the Legion of Lauzen--one Battn. of Grenadiers, & Choissairs of Soussonnis,7 2 field pieces & 2 Howitzers. General Waterbury with the Militia and State Troops of Connecticut, were to March on the East chester Road and to be joined at that place by the Cavalry of Sheldon, for the purpose of Scouring Frogs Neck.8 Sheldons Infantry was to join the Legion of Lauzen for the purpose of Scouring Morrissania,9 and to be covered by Scammells light Infantry who were to advance thro' the fields & way lay the Roads--stop all communication & prevent Intelligence getting to the Enemy.
At Mile Square (Valentine's hill) The left column of the American Troops, and right of the french formed their junction, as did the left of the French also, by mistake as it was intended it should cross the Brunx by Garrineaus,10 & recross it at Williams's bridge.11
The whole Army (Parson's division first) arrived at Kingsbridge about day light & formed on the heights back of Fort independence12--extending towards delancy's Mills13--While the Legion of Lauzen & Waterbury proceeded to scour the Necks of
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Morrissania & throgs to little effect, as most of the Refugees were fled, & hid in such obscure places as not to be discovered; & by stealth got over to the Islands adjacent, & to the enemys shipping which lay in the East River. A few however were caught and some cattle & Horses brought off.
1. GW to the comte de Grasse, 21 July 1781 (DLC:GW).
2. GW to David Forman, 21 July 1781 (NHi).
4. Samuel Holden Parsons (1737--1789) was in command of the Connecticut divisions.
5. Maj. Gen. Robert Howe (1732--1786) of North Carolina.
9. Morrisania, the estate of the Morris family, in southern Westchester County.
10. Garineau's was about 16 miles north of the mouth of the Bronx River (DLC: Toner Collection).
11. Williams's Bridge crossed the Bronx River in southern Westchester.
13. De Lancey's Mills was on the Bronx River near West Farms in Westchester County.
22d. The enemy did not appear to have had the least intelligence of our movement or to know we were upon the height opposite to them till the whole Army were ready to display.1
After having fixed upon the ground, & formed our line, I began, with General Rochambeau and the Engineers, to reconnoitre the enemy's position and Works first from Tippets hill2 opposite to their left and from hence it was evident that the small redoubt (Fort Charles)3 near Kings bridge would be absolutely at the
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command of a battery which might be erected thereon. It also appeared equally evident that the Fort on Cox's hill was in bad repair, & little dependence placed in it. There is neither ditch nor friezing to it, and the No. East Corner appears quite easy of access (occasioned as it would seem by a Rock). The approach from the inner Point (mentioned in the Reconnoitre from the Jersey shore) is secured by a ledge of Rocks which would conceal a party from the observation & view of the ship till it got within abt. 100 Yds. of the Fort round which for that, or a greater distance the ground has little covering upon it of bushes. There is a house on this side under Tippets hill but out of view, I conceive of the crossing place most favourable to a partizan stroke. From this view, and every other I could get of Forts Tryon, Knyphausen & Laurel hill the Works are formidable.
There is no Barracks or huts on the East side of the Hill on which Fort Tryon and Knyphausen stands--nor are there any on the hill opposite except those by Fort George. Near the Blew bell4 there is a number of Houses but they have more the appearance of Stables than Barracks. In the hollow, near the Barrier gate, are about 14 or 15 Tents; which is the only Encampment I could see without the line of Pallisading as the large one discovered on the 18th. through the brake of the Hill betwn. Fort Tryon & Coxss hill was not to be seen from any view I had.
A continued Hill from the Creek, East of Haerlam River, & a little below Morris's White House,5 has from every part of it, the command of the opposite shore, & all the plain adjoining, within range of shot from batteries which may be erected thereon. The general width of the river along this range of Hills, appears to be from one to two hundred yards. The opposite shore (tho' more or less marshy) does not seem miry, & the banks are very easy of access. How far the Battery, under cover of the block Ho[use] on the hill No. West of Harlaem town is capable of scouring the plain, is difficult to determine from this side, but it would seem as if the distance was too great to be within the range of its shot on that part of the plain nearest the Creek before mentioned & which is also nearest the height back of our old lines thrown up in the year 1776. It unfortunately happens that in the rear of the (continued) hill before mentioned, there is a deep swamp, and the grounds East of that swamp, are not so high as the heights near Harlaem river. In the rear of this again is the Brunx which is not be crossed without Boats below De Lancys Mills.
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lines "but had not time to bring off their stock, which the Rebels seized upon and drove off" (MACKENZIE [2], 2:570). See also RICE, 1:36; CLINTON, 321.
2. Tippett's Hill, on the bank of Tippett's Brook, a tributary of Spuyten Duyvil Creek.
5. Presumably the Morris-Jumel Mansion at 160th Street and Edgecombe Avenue in Manhattan.
23d. Went upon Frogs Neck, to see what communication could be had with Long Isld. The Engineers attending with Instrumts. to measure the distance across found it to be [ ] Yards.1
Having finished the reconnoitre without damage--a few harmless shot only being fired at us--we Marched back about Six o'clock by the same routs we went down & a reversed order of March and arrived in Camp about Midnight.
This day letters from Genls. Greene and the Marqs. de la Fayette came to hand, the first informing of his having taken all the Enemy's posts in Georgia except Savanna and all those in So. Carolina except Charles Town & Ninety Six--the last of wch. he was obliged to abandon the siege of, on acct. of the relief which was marching to it, consequent of the late reinforcemt. received at Charles Town. The second, that Waynes affair with Lord Cornwallis on the 6th. Instt. was partial on our side, as a part of our force was opposed to the enemys whole Army--that on our Side the loss in killed, wounded & missing, amounted to 5 Capt. 1 Captn. Lieutt. 4 Lieutts. 11 Sergts. & 118 R. & file--that the enemys loss was computed at 300 at least--that our loss of two field pieces proceeded, from the horses belonging to them being killed and that Lord Cornwallis had retreated to the South side of James River from the Peninsula at James Town.
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who drew by the bridle two horses, good swimmers. These were followed by all the others, urged on by the lashes of some dragoons remaining on the other shore, and for whom we sent back the boats. This maneuver was made in less than an hour, but happily our embarrassment was unnoticed by the enemy" (ROCHAMBEAU, 1:283--84).
29th. A Letter from the Marqs. de la Fayette (commanding in Virginia)1 informed me that after Lord Cornwallis had crossed James River he detached Tarlton with a body of horse into Amelia County with a view, as was supposed, to destroy some Stores which had been deposited there but which had been previously removed--that after this the enemys whole force removed to Portsmouth with a design it was said to embark part of them and that he had detached Generl. Wayne to the South side of James River to cover the Country, while the enemy lay in it, & to March Southerly if they did not--he himself with the Main body of his Army having taken a position at a place called Malvin hill not far from Shirley.2
Part of the Second York Regiment came down from Albany with such of the Boats as had been undertaken by Gen. Schuyler, & were finished. The light Infantry Company of the Regiment were ordered down with the next Boats & the remainder of the Regiment to bring down the rest when done.3
About this time, the discontents in the Connecticut State line, occasioned by some disappointment of a Committee sent from it to the Assembly, in settling an Acct. of Subsistence &ca. began to increase, & put on a more serious face; which induced me to write a second letter to the Govr. of that State. The distress of the Line for want of a small portion of the pay due it contributed not a little to irritate them.4
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Malvern Hill was a plantation on the James River in Henrico County, Va. Shirley plantation, also near the James, was in Charles City County.
30th. Ordered the Jersey Militia, who were directed to Assemble in the first instance at Morristown to Dobbs ferry and there join the remains of the Jersey Brigade and receiving Letters from Govt. Clinton & Genl. Clinton complaining that none of the Massachusetts Militia had repaired to Albany agreeable to my requisition I again addressed Govr. Hancock in pointed terms to send them on & complained of not having recd. answers from him to any of my letters since the Conference with Count de Rochambeau and a communication of the plan of operation which was agreed on at Weathersfield the 22d. of May last.1
Received a Letter from the Count de Barras,2 refering me to one written by him to Genl. Rochambeau in Cypher; pointing, in stronger terms than heretofore, his disinclination to leave Newport till the arrival of Adml. de Grass. This induced me to desist from further representing the advantages which would result from preventing a junction of the enemy's force at New York; & blocking up those which are now in Virginia, lest in the Attempt any disaster should happen, & the loss of, or damage to his fleet, should be ascribed to my obstinacy in urging a measure to which his own judgment was oppos'd, & the execution of which might impede his junction with the West India fleet, & thwart the views of the Count de Grasse upon this Coast--especially as he gave it as a clear opinion, that the West India fleet might be expected by the 10th. of Next Month.
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informing him that reports had come in from the Massachusetts frontier that "the Orders for raising your Militia but recently received in that Part of the State; and that no Orders had been received for any Part to march to Albany" (DLC:GW). On 15 Aug., Hancock replied that the orders had miscarried but he had now given the necessary orders to the Berkshire and Hampshire militia to march immediately to Albany (DLC:GW).
For the Wethersfield Conference, see entry for 22 May 1781.
31st. Governor Trumbull informed me, that in order to facilitate the Collection of a Specie Tax for the purpose of sending Money to the Troops of the Connecticut line Gentlemen were sent to the different Towns of the State to try by personal influence & exertion to hasten it to the Army and that he & some of his Council had removed to Hartford to forward on the Recrts. for the Continental Regiments and the Militia and in a word to promote the operations of the Campaign as much as in them lay.1
1st. By this date all my Boats were ready--viz.--One hundred New ones at Albany (constructed under the direction of Genel. Schuyler) and the like number at Wappings Creek by the Qr. Mr. Genl.; besides old ones which have been repaired. My heavy ordnance & Stores from the Eastward had also come on to the North Rivr. and every thing would have been in perfect readiness to commense the operation against New York, if the States had furnished their quotas of men agreeably to my requisitions but so far have they been from complying with these that of the first, not more than half the number asked of them have joined the Army; and of 6200 of the latter pointedly & timously called for to be with the Army by the 15th. of last Month, only 176 had arrived from Connecticut, independant of abt. 300 State Troops under the Command of Genl. Waterbury, which had been on the lines before we took the field, & two Companies of York levies (abt. 80 Men) under similar circumstances.
Thus circumstanced, and having little more than general assurances
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of getting the succours called for and energetic Laws & resolves or Laws & resolves energetically executed, to depend upon--with little appearance of their fulfillment, I could scarce see a ground upon wch. to continue my preparations against New York--especially as there was much reason to believe that part (at least) of the Troops in Virginia were recalled to reinforce New York and therefore I turned my views more seriously (than I had before done) to an operation to the Southward and, in consequence, sent to make enquiry, indirectly, of the principal Merchants to the Eastward what number, & in what time, Transports could be provided to convey a force to the Southward if it should be found necessary to change our plan & similar application was made in a direct way to Mr. Morris (Financier) to discover what number cd. be had by the 20th. of this Month at Philadelphia or in Chesapeak bay.1 At the sametime General Knox was requested to turn his thoughts to this business and make every necessary arrangement for it in his own Mind--estimating the ordnance & Stores which would be wanting & how many of them could be obtained without a transport of them from the North River. Measures were also taken to deposit the Salt provisions in such places as to be Water born. More than these, while there remained a hope of Count de Grasses bringing a land force with him, & that the States might yet put us in circumstances to prosecute the original plan could not be done without unfolding matters too plainly to the enemy & enabling them thereby to Counteract our Schemes.
1. GW to Robert Morris, 2 Aug. 1781 (DLC:GW).
4th. Fresh representations of the defenceless State of the Northern frontier, for want of the Militia so long called for and expected from Massachusetts bay; accompanied by a strong expression of the fears of the People that they should be under the necessity of abandoning that part of the Country & an application that the Second York Regiment (Courtlandts)1 at least should be left for their protection induced me to send Major Genl. Lincoln (whose influence in his own State was great) into the Counties of Berkshire & Hampshire to enquire into the causes of these delays & to hasten on the Militia. I wrote at the same time to the Governor of this State consenting to suffer the 4 Companies of Courtlandts Regiment (now at Albany) to remain in that Quarter till the Militia did come in, but observed that if the States instead of filling their Battalions & sending forth their
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Militia were to be calling upon, & expecting me to dissipate the sml. operating force under my command for local defences that all offensive operations must be relinquished and we must content ourselves (in case of compliance) to spend an inactive and injurious Campaign which might--at this critical moment--be ruinous to the common cause of America.2
6th. Reconnoitred the Roads and Country between the North River and the Brunxs from the Camp to Philip's1 and Valentines Hill and found the ground every where strong--the Hills 4 in Number running parallel to each other with deep ravines between them--occasioned by the Saw Mill river--the Sprain branch and another more Easterly. These hills have very few interstices or Breaks in them, but are more prominent in some places than others. The Saw mill River, & the Strain branch occasion an entire seperation of the hills above Philips's from those below commonly called Valentines hills. A strong position might be taken with the Saw Mill (by the Widow Babcocks)2 in Front, & on the left flank and the No. River on the right Flank and this position may be extended from the Saw Mill river over the sprain Branch.
A Letter from the Marqs. de la Fayette of the 26th. Ulto. gives the following acct.--That the two Battalions of light Infantry--Queens Rangers--the Guards & one or two other Regiments had Embarked at Portsmouth & fallen down to Hampton Rd. in 49 Transports--that he supposed this body of Troops could not consist of less than 2000 Men--That Chesapeak bay & Potomack River were spoken of as the destination of this detachment--but he was of opinion that it was intended as a reinforcement to New York. Horses were laid for the speedy communication of Intelligence and an officer was to be sent with the acct. of the Fleets Sailing.3
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(see SHONNARD, 443--44). Her residence was some five miles below Dobbs Ferry at the eastern foot of Wild Boar Hill.
3. A copy of Lafayette's letter to GW, 26 July 1781, is in DNA: PCC, Item 156.
7th. Urged Governor Greene of Rhode Island to keep up the number of Militia required of that State at Newport & to have such arrangements made of the rest as to give instant & effectual support to the Post, & the Shipping in the harbour, in case any thing should be enterprized against the latter upon the arrival of Rodney; who, with the British fleet, is said to be expected at New York, & in conjuction with the Troops which are Embarked in Virginia & their own Marines are sufficient to create alarms.1
8th. The light Company of the 2d. York Regiment (the first having been down some days) having joined the Army, were formed with two Companies of Yk. levies into a Battn. under the Command of Lieutt. Colo. Hamilton1 & Major Fish2 & placed under the orders of Colo. Scammell as part of the light Troops of the Army.
9th. A Letter from the Marqs. de la layette of the 30th. Ulto., reports, that the Embarkation in Hampton Road still remained there--that there were 30 Ships full of Troops chiefly red Coats
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in the fleet--that Eight or ten other Vessels (Brigs) had Cavalry on Board--that the Winds had been extremely favourable--notwithstanding which they still lay at anchor & that the Charon & several other frigates (some said Seven) were with them as an escort. The Troops which he now speaks of as composing the detachment are the light Infantry--Queens Rangers and he thinks two British & two German Regiments--no mention of the Guards as in his former Acct.1
1. Lafayette to GW, 30 July 1781 (DLC:GW).
10th. Ordered the first York, and Hazens Regiments immediately to this place from West point--The Invalids1 having got in both from Philadelphia & Boston and more Militia got in from Connecticut, as also some from Massachusetts bay giving with 4 Companies of Courtlandts Regiment in addition to the detachment left there upon the March of the Army perfect security to the Posts.
1. That is, troops from the Corps of Invalids (see entry for 16 June 1781).
11th. Robt. Morris Esqr. Superintendant of Finance & Richd. Peters Esqr. a Member of the Board of War, arrived at Camp to fix with me the number of Men necessary for the next Campaign and to make the consequent arrangements for their establishment and Support.1
A. Fleet consisting of about 20 Sail, including 2 frigates & one or two prizes, arrived within the harbour of New York with German recruits--to the amount--by Rivington--of 2880 but by other, & better information to abt. 1500 sickly Men.2
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At first it was conjectured that the fleet was carrying part of Cornwallis's troops from Virginia to reinforce Clinton in New York (Forman to GW, 11 Aug. 1781, GW to Forman, 13 Aug. 1781, DLC:GW). The fleet observed by Forman, however, consisted of 2 British armed ships and 23 transports carrying German recruits. According to a "Return of the troops arrived from Germany. 11th Augt 1781," 2,750 Hessian troops arrived (MACKENZIE [2], 2:585). The soldiers were under the command of Col. Friedrich yon Benning, and "a little more than one hundred and thirty sick, most of them suffering from scurvy, of which they will soon be cured, were disembarked earlier and taken to hospitals." Twenty-two men had died during the 13-week voyage (BAURMEISTER, 457).
The arrival of the transports was reported in the 15 Aug. issue of the Royal Gazette by editor James Rivington (1724--1802). Rivington, a native of London who emigrated to America in 1760, had established Rivington's New York Gazetteer in 1773, after a varied career as printer and bookseller. Openly supporting the crown when the Revolution broke out, he was appointed the king's printer in New York in 1776, and his newspaper, now operating under various titles, became a leading Tory organ until he suspended publication in 1783. After the war he remained in New York City, but his business ventures failed to prosper and he died in comparative poverty. For his secret career during the Revolution as an agent for GW's intelligence system in New York, see CRARY, 61--72; FORD [4], 323--24.
12. By accounts this day received from the Marqs. de la Fayette it appeared that the Transports in Hampton road had stood up the Bay & came too at the distance of 15 Miles and, in conseqe. he had commenced his March toward Fredericksburg that he might more readily oppose his operations on Potomack or up Chesapeak bay.1
1. Lafayette to GW, 1 Aug. 1781 (DLC:GW).
14th. Received dispatches from the Count de Barras announcing the intended departure of the Count de Grasse from Cape Francois with between 25 & 29 Sail of the line & 3200 land Troops on the 3d. Instant for Chesapeake bay and the anxiety of the latter to have every thing in the most perfect readiness to commence our operations in the moment of his arrival as he should be under a necessity from particular engagements with the Spaniards to be in the West Indies by the Middle of October--At the same time intimating his (Barras's) Intentions of enterprizing something against Newfoundland, & against which both Genl. Rochambeau and myself remonstrated as impolitic & dangerous under the probability of Rodneys coming upon this Coast.1
Matters having now come to a crisis and a decisive plan to be determined on--I was obliged, from the Shortness of Count de
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Grasses premised stay on this Coast--the apparent disinclination in their Naval Officers to force the harbour of New York and the feeble compliance of the States to my requisitions for Men, hitherto, & little prospect of greater exertion in future, to give up all idea of attacking New York; & instead thereof to remove the French Troops & a detachment from the American Army to the Head of Elk2 to be transported to Virginia for the purpose of cooperating with the force from the West Indies against the Troops in that State.3
15. Dispatched a Courier to the Marquis de la Fayette with information of this matter--requesting him to be in perfect readiness to second my views & to prevent if possible the retreat of Cornwallis toward Carolina. He was also directed to Halt the
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Troops under the Command of General Wayne if they had not made any great progress in their March to join the Southern Army.1
16th. Letters from the Marqs. de la Fayette & others, inform that Lord Cornwallis with the Troops from Hampton Road, had proceeded up York River & landed at York & Gloucester Towns where they were throwing up Works on the 6th. Inst.1
1. Lafayette to GW, 11 Aug. 1781 (DLC:GW).
19th. The want of Horses, or bad condition of them in the French army delayed the March till this day. The same causes, it is to be feared, will occasion a slow and disagreeable March to Elk if fresh horses cannot be procured & better management of them adopted.
The detachment from the American [army] is composed of the light Infantry under Scammell--two light companies of York to be joined by the like Number from the Connecticut line--the remainder of the Jersey line--two Regiments of York--Hazens Regiment & the Regiment of Rhode Island--together with Lambs regiment of Artillery with Cannon and other Ordnance for the field & Siege.1
Hazens regiment being thrown over at Dobbs's ferry was ordered with the Jersey Troops to March & take Post on the heights between Spring field & Chatham & Cover a french Battery at the latter place to veil our real movement & create apprehensions for Staten Island.2 The Quarter Master Genl. was dispatched to Kings ferry--the only secure passage--to prepare for the speedy transportation of the Troops across the River.
Passed Singsing3 with the American column. The French column marched by the way of Northcastle, Crompond & Pinesbridge being near ten miles further.
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Charles Cornwallis, second Earl Cornwallis, the general defeated by the Americans and French at Yorktown, sat for this Thomas Gainesborough portrait in 1783. (National Portrait Gallery, London)
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At this time Hazen's 2d Canadian Regiment was acting as the 4th Battalion of Lafayette's Light Division under the command of Lt. Col. Edward Antil.
Lamb's Regiment was the 2d Battalion of Continental Artillery, organized in 1777 and composed of companies from New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. It was commanded by Col. John Lamb of New York.
For the army's movement to the rendezvous at Head of Elk, see TRUMBULL [1], 331--33.
20th. The head of the Americans arrived at Kings ferry about ten O'clock & immediately began to cross.
21st. In the course of this day the whole of the American Troop, all their baggage, artillery & Stores, crossed the river. Nothing remained of ours but some Waggons in the Commissary's & Qr. Mr. Generals departmt., which were delayed, that no interruption might be given to the passage of the French Army.
During the passing of the French Army I mounted 30 flat Boats (able to carry about 40 Men each) upon carriages--as well with a design to deceive the enemy as to our real movement, as to be useful to me in Virginia when I get there.
Some of the french Artillery wch. preceeded their Infantry got to the ferry & crossed it also.1
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in RICE, 1:40). For descriptions of the march, see CLOSEN, 106--8; TRUMBULL[ [1], 331--32; DEUX-PONTS, 121--24.
22d. 23d. 24th. & 25th. Employed in transporting the French Army, its baggage & Stores over the river.1
1. On 23 Aug., GW and Rochambeau visited West Point (CROMOT DU BOURG, 307).
[25th.] The 25th. the American Troops marched in two Columns--Genl. Lincoln with the light Infantry & first York Regiment pursuing the rout by Peramus to Springfield--while Colo. Lamb with his Regiment of Artillery--the Parke1--Stores and Baggage of the Army covered by the Rhode Island Regt. proceeded to Chatham by the way of Pompton & the two bridges.
The Legion of Lauzen & the Regiments of Bourbonne & Duponts2 with the heavy Parke of the French Army also Marched for percipony3 by Suffrans Pompton & [ ].
1. That is, gun or artillery park.
3. Parsippany, Morris County, N.J., is six miles northeast of Morristown.
[26th.] The 26th. the remainder of the French army, its baggage & Stores, moved from the ferry and arrived at Suffrans--the ground the others had left.
28th. The American columns and 1st. division of the French Army arrived at the places assigned them.
29th. The Second division of French joined the first. The whole halted--as well for the purpose of bringing up our rear--as because we had heard not of the arrival of Count de Grasse was unwilling to discover our real object to the enemy.
30th. As our intentions could be concealed one March more (under the idea of Marching to Sandy hook to facilitate the entrance of the French fleet within the Bay), the whole Army was put in motion in three columns--the left consisted of the light Infantry, first York Regiment, and the Regiment of Rhode Island--the Middle column consisted of the Parke Stores & Baggage
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A French officer, Guillaume, comte de Deux-Ponts, with notes about his uniform, done by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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--Lambs Regt. of Artillery--Hazens & the Corps of Sappers & Miners--the right column consisted of the whole French army, Baggage Stores &ca. This last was to march by the rout of Morristown--Bullions Tavern1--Somerset C[our]t House2 & Princeton. The middl. was to go by Bound brooke3 to Somerset &ca. and the left to proceed by the way of Brunswick to Trenton, to which place the whole were to March Transports being ordered to meet them there.
I set out myself for Philadelphia to arrange matters there-provide Vessels & hasten the transportation of the Ordnance Stores, &ca.--directing before I set out, the secd. York Regiment (which had not all arrived from Albany before we left Kings ferry) to follow with the Boats--Intrenching Tools &ca. the French Rear to Trenton.
1. Bullion's Tavern was at Liberty Corner, N.J.
2. Somerset Court House is now Millstone, Somerset County, N.J., eight miles west of New Brunswick.
3. Bound Brook is on the Raritan River, Somerset County, N.J., six miles northwest of New Brunswick.
31st. Arrived at Philadelphia to dinner and immediately hastened up all the Vessels that could be procured--but finding them inadequate to the purpose of transporting both Troops & Stores, Count de Rochambeau & myself concluded it would be best to let the Troops March by land to the head of Elk, & gave directions accordingly to all but the 2d. York Regiment which was ordered (with its baggage) to come down in the Batteaux they had in charge to Christiana bridge.1
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5th. The rear of the French army having reached Philadelphia and the Americans having passed it--the Stores having got up & every thing in a tolerable train here; I left this City for the head of Elk to hasten the Embarkation at that place and on my way--(at Chester)--received the agreeable news of the safe arrival of the Count de Grasse in the Bay of Chesapeake with 28 Sail of the line & four frigates--with 3000 land Troops which were to be immediately debarked at james town & form a junction with the American Army under the command of the Marqs. de la Fayette.1
Finding upon my arrival at the head of Elk a great deficiency of Transports, I wrote many letters to Gentn. of Influence on the Eastern shore,2 beseeching them to exert themselves in drawing forth every kind of Vessel which would answer for this purpose and agreed with the County de Rochambeau that about 1000 American Troops (including the Artillery Regiment) and the Grenadiers & Chasseurs of the Brigade of Bourbonne with the Infantry of Lauzen's legion should be the first to Embark
Comte de Rochambeau, the French commander in chief, in a painting by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
The chevalier de Chastellux, Washington's French friend and comrade in arms, by Charles Wilson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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and that the rest of the Troops should continue their march to Baltimore proceeding thence by Land, or Water according to circumstances. The Cavalry of Lauzen, with the Saddle horses & such teams of both armies as the Qr. Masters thereof might judge necessary to go round by Land to the place of operation.
Judging it highly expedient to be with the army in Virginia as soon as possible, to make the necessary arrangements for the Siege, & to get the Materials prepared for it, I determined to set out for the Camp of the Marqs. de la Fayette without loss of time and accordingly in Company with the Count de Rochambeau who requested to attend me, and the Chevr. de Chastellux set out on the3
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and transported down the Chesapeake. The General proceeds to the Head of Elk where the troops and a great part of the stores are arrived and beginning to embark.
"The want of water craft obliges part of the troops to march by land to Baltimore, and eventually as far as An[n]apolis. Many ox and horse teams are sent on by land, the General expecting to find little or no means of land transportation in Virginia. The many rivers and great abundance of water communication almost superceeding the necessity of that convenience.
"7. At Elk writing letters, forwarding troops, stores &c. The country through which we have passed greatly pleased with the prospect of our Expedition" (TRUMBULL [1], 332--33).
8th. and reached Baltimore where I recd. and answered an address of the Citizens.1
9th. I reached my own Seat at Mount Vernon (distant 120 Miles from the Hd. of Elk) where I staid till the 12th. and in three days afterwards that is on the 14th. reached Williamsburg. The necessity of seeing, & agreeing upon a proper plan of cooperation with the Count de Grasse induced me to make him a visit at Cape Henry where he lay with his fleet after a partial engagement with the British Squadron off the Capes under the Command of Admiral Graves whom he had driven back to Sandy hook.1
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7 Aug. 1781), Sir Samuel Hood had sailed for New York, joining Graves there on 28 Aug. The combined fleets of Graves and Hood, consisting of 19 ships of the line, did not sail from New York until 31 Aug. Both admirals underestimated de Grasse's strength. Still unaware of the arrival of de Grasse, the British fleet reached the Chesapeake on 5 Sept. and virtually stumbled into the French fleet anchored just inside the bay (see Verger journal, RICE, 1:137--38). The two fleets met on 5 Sept. off the Chesapeake in a 2½-hour action. The results were inconclusive, but the two fleets remained in contact, 6--7 Sept., drifting south to the vicinity of Cape Hatteras, which allowed Barras's fleet from Newport to sail into Chesapeake Bay unmolested. By 11 Sept. the French fleet was back in the Chesapeake, and on 14 Sept. the British fleet sailed for New York. For a description of the engagement off the Capes, see Graves to Philip Stevens, 14 Sept. 1781 (CRAVES PAPERS, 61--69; RICE, 1:137--38; GOUSSENCOURT, 69--75; JOURNAL OF AN OFFICER, 155--58; HOOD, 28--36).
On the way to Williamsburg, Trumbull noted that the party heard "rumours of the return of the French Fleet, with some advantage, which relieved our fears" (TRUMBULL [1], 333). Both GW and Trumbull mistakenly date the party's arrival in Williamsburg as 15 Sept. rather than 14 Sept. St. George Tucker states that GW reached the city about four o'clock in the afternoon. "He had passed our camp which is now in the rear of the whole army, before we had time to parade the militia. The French line had just time to form. The Continentals had more leisure. He approached without any pomp or parade attended only by a few horsemen and his own servants. The Count de Rochambeau and Gen. Hand with one or two more officers were with him. . . . The Marquis [de Lafayette] rode up with precipitation, clasped the General in his arms and embraced him with an ardor not easily described. The whole army and all the town were presently in motion. The General--at the request of the Marquis de St. Simon--rode through the French lines. The troops were paraded for the purpose and cut a most splendid figure. He then visited the Continental line" (St. George Tucker to Frances Tucker, 15 Sept. 1781, COLEMAN, 70--71). In Williamsburg, GW lodged at George Wythe's house. In the evening "an elegant supper was served up" and "an elegant band of music played an introductive part of a French Opera" (BUTLER, 106).
On 15 Sept., GW wrote to de Grasse, expressing his desire for a conference aboard the admiral's flagship, the Ville de Paris, and requesting de Grasse to send some form of conveyance for GW and his officers (DLC:GW). In the evening he dined with Lafayette and on 16 Sept. with Baron yon Steuben (BUTLER, 106).
17th. In company with the Count de Rochambeau--the Chevr. Chastellux-Genls. Knox & Duportail, I set out for the Interview with the Admiral & arrived on board the Ville de Paris (off Cape Henry) the next day by Noon and having settled most points with him to my satisfaction except not obtaining an assurance of sending Ships above York and one that he could not continue his fleet on this Station longer than the first of November I embarked on board the Queen Charlotte (the Vessell I went down
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in) but by hard blowing; & contrary Winds, did not reach Williamsburg again till the 22d.1
22d. Upon my arrival in Camp I found that the 3d. Maryland Regiment had got in (under the Command of Colo. Adam)1 and that all except a few missing Vessels with the Troops from the head of Elk were arrived, & landing at the upper point of the College Creek2--where Genl. Choisy3 with 600 Fr. Troops who had from R. Isld. had arrived in the Squadron of Count de Barras4
had done before them during my absence.
1. Lt. Col. Peter Adams was in command of the 3d Maryland Regiment.
2. College Creek is a branch of the James River.
25th. Admiral de Barras having Joined the Count de Grasse with the Squadron and Transports from Rhode Island, & the latter with some Frigates being sent to Baltimore for the remr. of the French army arrived this day at the usual port of debarkation
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above the College Creek and began to land the Troops from them.
28th. Having debarked all the Troops and their Baggage--Marched and Encamped them in Front of the City and having with some difficulty obtained horses & Waggons sufficient to move our field Artillery--Intrenching Tools & such other articles as were indispensably necessary--we commenced our March for the Investiture of the Enemy at York.
The American Continental, and French Troops formed one column on the left--the first in advance--the Militia composed the right column & marched by the way of Harwoods Mill. Half a mile beyond the halfway Ho[use]1 the French & Americans seperated. The former continued on the direct road to York, by the Brick House.2 The latter filed of to the right for Murfords bridge,3 where a junction with the Militia was to be made. About Noon the head of each column arrived at its ground, & some of the enemys Picquets were driven in on the left by a Corps of French Troops, advanced for the purpose, which afforded an oppertunity of reconnoitering them on their right. The enemy's Horse on the right were also obliged to retire from the ground they had Encamped on, & from whence they were employed in reconnoitering the right column.
The line being formed, all the Troops--Officers & Men--lay upon their arms during the Night.
3. Murford's Bridge crossed Skiffes Greek, which flows into the James River.
29th. Moved the American Troops more to the right, and Encamped on the East side of Bever dam Creek,1 with a Morass in front, about Cannon shot from the enemys lines. Spent this day in reconnoitering the enemys position, & determining upon a plan of attack & approach which must be done without the assistance of Shipping above the Town as the Admiral (notwithstanding my earnest sollicitation) declined hazarding any Vessells on that Station.
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middle of the allied lines which stretched from the edge of the York River above Yorktown to Wormley Creek.
30th. The Enemy abandoned all their exterior works, & the position they had taken without the Town; & retired within their Interior works of defence in the course of last Night--immediately upon which we possessed them, & made those on our left (with a little alteration) very serviceable to us.1 We also began two inclosed Works on the right of Pidgeon Hill2--between that & the ravine above Mores Mill.3
From this time till the 6th. of October nothing occurred of Importance--much deligence was used in debarking, & transporting the Stores--Cannon &ca. from Trebells Landing (distant 6 Miles) on James Riv., to Camp; which for want of Teams went on heavily and in preparing Fascines, Gabions, &ca. for the Siege--as also in reconnoitering the Enemys defences, & their situation as perfectly as possible, to form our parallels & mode of attack.
The Teams which were sent round from the head of Elk, having arrived about this time, we were enabled to bring forward our heavy Artillery & Stores with more convenience and dispatch and every thing being prepared for opening Trenches 1500 Fatiegue men & 2800 to cover them, were ordered for this Service.4
3. Moore's Mill was on Wormley's Pond at the head of Wormley Creek.
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dispense in future with the necessity of demanding men from my vessels. I am mortified that I can not do all that I would wish, but there is no doing impossibilities" (WASHINGTON AND DE GRASSE, 56--57).
During this period GW also ordered construction and fortification of a trench commanding the main British defenses. He personally inspected the ground selected for this first parallel on 1 Oct., narrowly escaping fire from the British defenses Boo yards away. The parallel was not occupied until the siege guns could be transported from Trebell's Landing on the James River six or seven miles from Yorktown. A minor contretemps was presented to GW by Lafayette when he requested command of the right wing of the siege army in place of Benjamin Lincoln, who held the position by right of seniority. GW refused as tactfully as possible (Lafayette to GW, 30 Sept. 1781, DLC:GW). On 3 Oct. the marquis de Choisy moved his troops in tighter formation about Gloucester Point. In the process the duc de Lauzun, one of his officers, encountered Banastre Tarleton's Dragoons, resulting in an action also involving the Virginia militia which GW described somewhat excessively in General Orders as a "brilliant success." On 5 Oct. the army rejoiced at the news of Nathanael Greene's success at Eutaw Springs, S.C. Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., notes that during these days there was almost no fire from the British on the Americans busily digging in on the Yorktown perimeter. "A matter of Speculation. The General determined to return no fire upon the enemy till our batteries are all ready to play to some purpose" (TRUMBULL [1], 335).
6th. Before Morning the Trenches were in such forwardness as to cover the Men from the enemys fire.1 The work was executed with so much secresy & dispatch that the enemy were, I believe, totally ignorant of our labor till the light of the Morning discovered it to them. Our loss on this occasion was extremely inconsiderable, not more than one Officer (french) & about 20 Men killed & Wounded--the Officer & 15 of which were on our left from the Corps of the Marqs. de St. Simond, who was betrayed by a deserter from the Huzzars that went in & gave notice of his approaching his parrallel.2
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the West Indies. On the night of 6 Oct. he launched a diversionary attack against the British defenses on lower Yorktown Creek.
7th. & 8th. Was employed in compleating our Parallel--finishing the redoubts in them and establishing Batteries.
9th. About 3 o'clock P.M. the French opened a battery on our extreme left, of 4 Sixteen pounders, and Six Morters & Hawitzers and at 5 oclock an American battery of Six 18s & 24s; four Morters & 2 Hawitzers, began to play from the extremity of our right--both with good effect as they compelled the Enemy to withdraw from their ambrazures the Pieces which had previously kept up a constant firing.1
10th. The French opened two batteries on the left of our front parallel--one of 6 twenty four pounders, & 2 Sixteens with 6 Morters & Hawitzers--the other of 4 Sixteen pounders and the Americans two Batteries between those last mentioned & the one on our extreme right the left of which containing 4 Eighteen pounders--the other two Mortars.
The whole of the batteries kept an incessant fire--the Cannon at the Ambrazures of the enemy, with a view to destroy them--the Shells into the Enemy's Works, where by the information of deserters they did much execution.
The French battery on the left, by red hot shot, set fire to (in the course of the Night) the Charon frigate & 3 large Transports which were entirely consumed.
11th. The French opened two other batteries on the left of the parallel, each consisting of 3 Twenty four pounders. These were also employed in demolishing the Ambrazures of the enemys Works & advancd Redoubts.
Two Gentlemen--a Major Granchien & Captn. D'Avilion being sent by Admiral de Grasse to reconnoiter the Enemys Water defences, & state of the River at and near York, seemed favourably disposed to adopt the measure which had been strongly urged of bringing Ships above the Town & made representations accordingly to the Count de Grasse.1
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of Admiral de Ternay, which brought Rochambeau to America. While at Newport he had been influential in planning French strategy. The other officer, a M. de la Villeon (see GW to de Grasse, 11 Oct. 1781, DLC:GW), is listed as a lieutenant de vaisseau on board de Grasse's flagship, the Ville de Paris (COMBATTANTS FRANçAIS, 109).
12th. Began our second parallel within abt. 300 yards (& in some places less) of the enemys lines and got it so well advanced in the course of the Night as to cover the Men before morning. This business was conducted with the same secresy as the former undertaken so much sooner than the enemy expected (we should commence a second parallel) that they did not by their conduct, & mode of firing, appear to have had any suspicion of our Working parties till day light discovered them to their Picquets; nor did they much annoy the Trenches in the course of this day (the Parallel being opened last Night from the ravene in front, and on the right flank of the Enemy till it came near to the intersection of the line of fire from the American 4 Gun Battery to the enemy's advanced redoubts on their left. The french Batteries fired over the second parallel.1
13th. The fire of the enemy this Night became brisk--both from their Cannon and royals1 and more injurious to us than it had been; several Men being killed, and many wounded in the Trenches, but the works were not in the smallest degree retarded by it. Our Batteries were begun in the course of the Night and a good deal advanced.
1. A royal was a small mortar carrying a shell with a diameter of 5.5 inches.
14th. The day was spent in compleating our parallel, and maturing the Batteries of the second parallel. The old batteries were principally directed against the abattis & salient angles of the enemys advanced redoubts on their extreme right & left to prepare them for the intended assault for which the necessary dispositions were made for attacking the two on the left and,
At half after Six in the Evening both were carried--that on
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their left (on the Bank of the river) by the Americans and the other by the French Troops. The Baron Viominel commanded the left attack & the Marqs. de la layette the right on which the light Infantry were employed.1
In the left redoubt (assaulted by the Americans) there were abt. 45 men under the command of a Major Campbell;2 of which the Major a Captn. & Ensign, with 17 Men were made Prisoners--But few were killed on the part of the Enemy & the remainder of the Garrison escaped. The right Redoubt attacked by the French, consisted of abt. 120 Men, commanded by a Lieutenant Colo.--of these 18 were killed, & 42 taken Prisoners--among the Prisoners were a Captain and two Lieutenants. The bravery exhibited by the attacking Troops was emulous and praiseworthy--few cases have exhibited stronger proofs of Intripidity coolness and firmness than were shown upon this occasion. The following is our loss in these attacks and since the Investiture of York.
The loss of the French from the Investiture to the Assault of the Redoubts Inclusive, is as follows--viz.--
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2. Maj. James Campbell was an officer in the 71st Regiment.
Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton in a detail from John Trumbull's "Surrender of Lord Cornwallis." (Copyright, Yale University Art Gallery)
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15th. Busily employed in getting the Batteries of the Second parallel compleated, and fixing on New ones contiguous to the Redoubts which were taken last Night. Placed two Hawitzers in each of the Captured Redoubts wch. were opened upon the enemy about 5 oclock in the Afternoon.
16th. About four O'clock this Morning the enemy made a Sortee upon our Second parallel and spiked four French pieces of Artillery 7 two of ours--but the guards of the Trenches advancing quickly upon them they retreated precipitately. The Sally being made upon that part of the parallel which was guarded by the French Troops they lost an Grocer & 12 Men killed and a Officer taken prisoner. The American loss was one Sergeant of Artillery (in the American battery) Wounded. The Enemy, it is said, left 10 dead and lost 3 Prisoners.1
About 4 Oclock this afternoon the French opened two Batteries of 2. 24s. & four 16s. each. 3 pieces from the American grand battery were also opened--the others not being ready.
17th. The French opened another Battery of four 24s. & two 16s. and a Morter Battery of 10 Morters and two Hawitzers. The American grand Battery consisting of 12 twenty fours and Eighteen prs.--4 Morters and two Hawitzers.
About ten Oclock the Enemy beat a parley and Lord Cornwallis proposed a cessation of Hostilities for 24 hours, that Commissioners might meet at the house of a Mr. Moore (in the rear of our first parallel) to settle terms for the surrender of the Posts
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of York and Gloucester.1 To this he was answered, that a desire to spare the further effusion of Blood would readily incline me to treat of the surrender of the above Posts but previous to the meeting of Commissioners I wished to have his proposals in writing and for this purpose would grant a cessation of hostilities two hours--Within which time he sent out A letter with such proposals (tho' some of them were inadmissable) as led me to believe that there would be no great difficulty in fixing the terms.2 Accordingly hostilities were suspended for the Night & I proposed my own terms to which if he agreed Commissioners were to meet to digest them into form.
18th. The Commissioners met accordingly; but the business was so procrastinated by those on their side (a Colo. Dundas & a Majr. Ross) that Colo. Laurens & the Viscount De Noailles who were appointed on our part could do no more than make the rough draft of the Articles which were to be submitted for Lord Cornwallis's consideration.1
19th. In the Morning early I had them copied and sent word to Lord Cornwallis that I expected to have them signed at 11 Oclock and that the Garrison would March out at two O'clock-both of which were accordingly done.1Two redoubts on the Enemys
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The surrender at Yorktown as seen by a German artist. (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
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left being possessed (the one by a detachment of French Grenadiers, & the other by American Infantry) with orders to prevent all intercourse between the army & Country and the Town--while Officers in the several departments were employed in taking acct. of the public Stores &ca.
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On the evening of the 19th Cornwallis was invited to dine at Headquarters "but excuses himself on account of health. Keeps his Quarters." O'Hara came in his place "very social and easy" (TRUMBULL [1], 337).
20th. Winchester & Fort Frederick in Maryland, being the places destined for the reception of the Prisoners they were to have commenced their March accordingly this day, but were prevented by the Commissary of Prisoners not having compleated his Accounts of them & taken the Paroles of the Officers.1
21st. The prisoners began their March & set out for the Fleet to pay my respects, & offer my thanks to the Admiral for his important Services and to see if he could not be induced to further co-operations before his final departure from this Coast. Despairing from the purport of my former conferences with him, & the tenor of all his letters, of obtaining more than a Convoy, I contented myself with representing the import, consequences and certain prospect of an attempt upon Charles town and requesting if his orders or other Engagements would not allow him to attend to that great object, that he would nevertheless transport a detachment of Troops to, & cover their debarkation at Wilmington that by reducing the enemy's post there we might give peace to another State with the Troops that would afterwards join the Southern army under the Command of Majr. Genl. Greene.1
Having promised the Command of the detachment destined for the Enterprize against Wilmington to the Marqs. de la Fayette in case he could engage the Admiral to convey it & secure the debarkation I left him on Board the Ville de Paris to try the force of his influence to obtain these.
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In this French print, Washington holds the Declaration of Independence and the treaty of alliance with France. (Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library)
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23d. The Marqs. returned with assurances from the Admiral, that he would countenance, & protect with his fleet, the Expedition against Wilmington. Preparations were immediately [ begun ] for Embarking Wayne's & Gists1 Brigades with a sufficiency of Artillery, Stores, & provisions for this purpose.
24th. Received advice, by Express from General Forman, of the British Fleet in the Harbour of New York consisting of 26 Sail of the line, some 50s. & 44s.--Many frigates--fire Ships & Transports mounting in the whole to 99 Sail had passed the Narrows for the hook, & were as he supposd, upon the point of Sailing for Chesapeak.1 Notice was immediately communicated to the Count de grasse.
From this time to the 28th. was employed in collecting and taking an acct. of the different species of Stores which were much dispersed and in great disorder.
All the Vessels in public employ in the James River were ordered round for the purpose of receiving and transporting Stores &ca. to the Head of Elk.
28th. Began to Embark the Ordnance and Stores for the above purpose.
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Received a Letter from the Count de Grasse, declining the Convoy he had engaged to give the detachment for Wilmington & assigning his reasons for it. This after a suspence & consequent delay of 6 or 7 days obliged me to prepare to March the Troops by Land under the command of M. Genl. St. Clair.1
In the Evening of this day Intilligence was received from the Count de Grasse that the British fleet was off the Capes, & consisted of 36 Ships 25 of which were of the line & that he had hove out the Signal for all his People to come on board & prepare to Sail--but many of his Boats & hands being on Shore it could not be effected.
29th. The British Fleet still appeared in the offing without the Capes, but the Wind being unfavourable, and other causes preventing, the French Fleet kept to their Moorings within. In the Evening of this day the former fleet disappeared, & Count de Grasse engaged to remain a few days in the Bay to cover the Water transport of our Stores & Troops up the Bay to the River Elk.
From this time to the 5th. of Novr. was employed in embarking the ordnance & Stores, & the Troops which were returning to the Northward--preparing the detachment for the Southward--providing Cloathing & Stores for the Army commanded by Majr. Genl. Greene--depositing a Magazine at Westham for the use of the Southern States and making other necessary arrangements previous to the division of the army and my return to the North river--also in marching off 467 Convalescents from the British Hospital under escort of Courtlandts York Regiment for Fredericksburg on their way to join their respective Regiments at Winchester & Fort Frederick in Maryland.
5th. The detachment for the Southward, consisting as has been before observed, of Waynes & Gists Brigades (excepting such Men of the Maryland & Virginia lines whose terms of Service would expire before the first of Jany.). Began their March and were to be joined by all the Cavalry that could be equiped of the first--third & fourth Regiments at [ ].1
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Detail of cartouche from a 1783 map of the United States (Prints Division, New York Public Library)
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affliction of the Wife of this amiable young Man, requires every comfort in my power to afford them; the last rights of the deceased I must also see performed; these will take me three or four days; when I shall proceed with Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to Mount Vernon" (WRITINGS, 37:554). See also CUSTIS, 254--55, and Eliza Parke Custis to David Baillie Warden, 20 April 1808, in HOYT, 95.
GW probably left Eltham on 11 Nov. or possibly early on the 12th (see WRITINGS, 23:338 for routes), stopping briefly at Fredericksburg to visit his mother, who proved to be away from home (Mary Ball Washington to GW, 13 Mar. 1782, facsimile, CSmH). By 13 Nov. he was at Mount Vernon and remained there until he left for Philadelphia, probably on 20 Nov., to concert with Congress plans for a 1782 campaign.
Repository Symbols
and Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
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Revolutionary Spies." Master's essay, Columbia University, 1963.
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Franklin. New York: Reynal & Hitchcock, 1942.
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in Custis Papers, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond.
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Periods. Richmond: Dietz Printing Co., 1931.
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Development. London: Oxford University Press, 1939.
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to Washington, Together with an Appendix, Containing Revolutionary Journals and Letters, Hitherto Unpublished. Albany: J. Munsell, 1876.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; identification notes for those which previously appeared in the first two volumes may be located by consulting the indexes for those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
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231, 244; GW visits, 129, 173, 178, 186, 194, 196, 197, 248, 288
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387, 390, 391, 401, 402; Southern campaign, 401; Yorktown campaign, 409, 410, 411, 413, 423, 425, 429; Yorktown surrender, 429, 430, 432, 433; exchange, 437
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129, 170, 171, 178, 225, 228, 231, 248; attends horse races, 136, 137, 180; travels to Williamsburg, 138, 142, 210, 264; visits in Va., 142, 214, 215, 437; travels to Philadelphia, 178, 180, 181; travels to New York, 178--83; education at King's College, 178, 181, 182, 183, 208, 231; death of, 437
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433; engagement with British fleet, 420; lands troops, 421; off Yorktown, 422, 423, 425; at Yorktown surrender, 432; receives prisoners, 433; and aborted Wilmington campaign, 433, 435, 436; receives word of British fleet, 435, 436
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27, 215, 298; visiting friends, 26, 27, 128, 129, 250; clothing for, 94, 120; miniature by Charles Willson Peale, 109; at Mount Air, 123, 231, 310; at Warburton, 125, 128, 149, 203, 244, 309; at Mount Airy, Md., 129, 194; and GW, 272, 338, 382; in Revolution, 382, 384, 438
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The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume IV
1784--June 1786
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
and Philander D. Chase
George H. Reese, Consulting Editor
Joan Paterson Kerr, Picture Editor
DONALD JACKSON AND DOROTHY TWOHIG
EDITORS
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington, sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
and the University of Virginia
with the support of
the National Endowment for the Humanities
and
the National Historical Publications and Records
Commission.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1978 by the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia
First published 1978
Frontispiece: Samuel Vaughan's sketch of Mount Vernon,
from his 1787 journal.
(Collection of the descendents of Samuel Vaughan)
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data (Revised)
Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
The diaries of George Washington.
Includes bibliographies and indexes.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
2. Presidents--United States--Biography. I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title.
E312.8 1976 973.4'1'0924 [B] 75-41365
ISBN 0-8139-0722-5
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
Contents
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Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the dash has been changed to a period and following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are clearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in the manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been
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lowered, and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a square bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, although the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; those which have been identified in the first three volumes may be located by consulting the indexes of those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume IV
1784--June 1786
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Having found it indispensably necessary to visit my Landed property west of the Apalacheon Mountains, and more especially that part of it which I held in Co-partnership with Mr. Gilbert Simpson1--Having determined upon a tour into that Country, and having made the necessary preparations for it, I did, on the first day of this month (September) set out on my journey.
Having dispatched my equipage about 9 Oclock A.M., consisting of 3 Servants & 6 horses, three of which carried my Baggage, I set out myself in company with Docter James Craik;2 and after dining at Mr. Sampson Trammells (abt. 2 Miles above the Falls Church)3 we proceeded to Difficult Bridge, and lodged at one Shepherds Tavern 25 Miles.4
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Among the earliest engravings of George and Martha Washington were these portraits, done in 1782 by John Norman. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Simpson's art, his remoteness from Mount Vernon, and the unavoidable neglect of GW's personal affairs during the War of Independence all combined to stay the day of reckoning for the partnership. However, on 13 Feb. 1784, a few weeks after returning him from the war, GW dispatched a letter to Simpson demanding by 15 April "a full & complete settlement of our Partnership accounts, wherein every article of debit is to be properly supported by vouchers. . . . The world does not scruple to say that you have been much more attentive to your own interest than to mine. But I hope your Accots. will give the lie to these reports, by showing that something more than your own emolument was intended by the partnership" (DLC:GW). Simpson was not able to give lie to the world's opinion, and arrangements were soon made to dissolve the partnership. On 24 June 1784 GW wrote an advertisement announcing that on 15 Sept. at Washington's Bottom, Simpson's farm would be leased to the highest bidder and GW's part of the partnership effects, including livestock, would be sold. Simpson was allowed to do as he wished with his share of the effects ( Va. Journal, 15 July 1784; GW to Simpson, 10 July 1784, DLC:GW).
Besides settling the partnership with Simpson, GW was going west to inspect his vacant bounty lands on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers (see entries for 10 Sept. and 4 Oct. 1784). A third main purpose of the trip was to learn about the possibilities for convenient water transportation between the Ohio Valley and the eastern seaboard, especially via the Potomac River (see entry for 3 Sept. 1784).
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wished to go, but GW declined to invite them. "It can be no amusement," he wrote Craik 10 July 1784, ". . . to follow me in a tour of business, and from one of my tracts of Land to another;. . . nor wou'd it suit me to be embarrassed by the plans, movements or whims of others" (DLC:GW). Craik was invited not just because he was an old friend but also because he had lands near GW's to which he needed to attend after his long service as a senior physician and surgeon in the Continental Army.
GW's baggage included "a Marquee, some Camp utensils, & a few Stores." Each man was to bring his own bedding, a servant to look after his horses, and a gun if he wished to hunt (GW to Craik, 10 July 1784, and GW to John A. Washington, 30 June 1784, DLC:GW; see also entry for 22 Sept. 1784).
Sep. 2. About 5 Oclock we set out from Shepperds; and leaving the Baggage to follow slowly on, we arrived about 11 Oclock ourselves at Leesburgh, where we Dined.1 The Baggage having joined we proceeded to Mr. Israel Thompsons & lodged makg. abt. 36 M.2
1 Dinner was at Thomas Roper's ordinary (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW).
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Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
3d. Having business to transact with my Tenants in Berkeley;1 & others, who were directed to meet me at my Brother's (Colo. Charles Washington's)2, I left Doctr. Craik and the Baggage to follow slowly, and set out myself about Sun rise for that place--where after Breakfasting at Keys's ferry3 I arrived about 11 Oclock--distant abt. 17 Miles.
Colo. Warner Washington, Mr. Wormeley,4 Genl. Morgan,5 Mr. Snickers6 and many other Gentlemen came here to see me & one object of my journey being to obtain information of the nearest and best communication between the Eastern & Western Waters; & to facilitate as much as in me lay the Inland Navigation of the Potomack; I conversed a good deal with Genel. Morgan on this subject, who said, a plan was in contemplation to extend a road from Winchester to the Western Waters, to avoid if possible and interference with any other State but I could not discover that Either himself, or others, were able to point it out with precision. He seemed to have no doubt but that the Counties of Frederk., Berkeley & Hampshire would contribute freely towards the extension of the Navigation of Potomack; as well as towards opening a Road from East to West.
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as well as from ones in Loudoun and Fauquier counties, was much neglected during the war years, and what rents were received were paid mostly in badly depreciated currency. GW could do little about this last circumstance, having given lifetime leases that specified particular cash payments with no allowance for inflation (GW to John Armstrong, 10 Aug. 1779, DLC:GW). Nevertheless, he could collect the considerable balances still due and, being in need of ready cash, was determined to do so. On 28 Feb. of this year, he sent a stern warning to his Berkeley County tenants through Charles Washington: "if they do not settle & pay up their arrearages of Rent very soon I shall use the most efficatious means to do myself justice" (InU). One tenant, Isaac Collet, who held 200 acres on Bullskin, settled in April, but the others still had debts outstanding (LEDGER B, 22, 31, 32, 71, 72, 101, 113).
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4th. Having finished my business with my Tenants (so far at least as partial payments could put a dose to it)1 and provided a waggon2 for the transportation of my Baggage to the Warm springs (or Town of Bath)3 to give relief to my Horses, which from the extreme heat of the weather began to rub & gaul, I set out after dinner, and reached Captn. Stroads4 a Substantial farmers betwn. Opeckon Creek & Martinsburgh5--distant by estimation 14 Miles from my Brothers.
Finding the Captn. an intelligent Man, and one who had been several times in the Western Country--tho' not much on the communication between the North Branch of Potomack, & the Waters of Monongahela--I held much conversation with him--the result of which, so far as it respected the object I had in view, was, that there are two Glades which go under the denomination of the Great glades--one, on the Waters of Yohiogany, the other on those of Cheat River; & distinguished by the name of the Sandy Creek Glades6--that the Road to the first goes by the head of Pattersons Creek--that from the accts. he has had of it, it is rough; the distance he knows not--that there is away to the Sandy Creek Glades from the great crossing of Yohiogany (on Braddocks road)7 & a very good one; but how far the Waters of Potomack above Fort Cumberland, & the Cheat river from its Mouth are navigable, he professes not to know--and equally ignorant is he of the distance between them.
He says that old Captn. Thos. Swearengen8 has informed him, that the navigable water of the little Kanhawa comes within a small distance of the Navigable Waters of the Monongahela, & that a good road, along a ridge, may be had between the two9 & a young Man who we found at his House just (the Evening before) from Kentucke, told us, that he left the Ohio River at Weeling (Colo. David Shepperds), & in about 40 Miles came to red stone old Fort on the Monongahela, 50 Miles from its Mouth.10
Captn. Strodes rout to the Westward having been, for the most part, by the way of New river and the Holsten, through (what is called) the Wilderness, to Kentucke, he adds that when he went out last fall he passed through Staunton, by the Augusta Springs, the Sweet springs, &ca. to the New River; on which he fell about <10> Miles as he was told above the Fall in that river, that these falls are about 70 Miles from the Mouth, that a Vessel could not pass them tho' the perpendicular fall did not exceed Six feet.11
The distance from Staunton to the [Augusta] Springs, according to his Acct., is 45 Miles; between the [Augusta and Sweet]
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Springs 28 Miles; and from the Sweet Springs to the New River, 30; in all 103 from Staunton to the New River: from this part of the New River to the place called Chissels Mines, is passable for Canoes & Batteaux with little difficulty; & from thence to the Roanoke where it is as large as the Opeckon near his house is only 12 miles & a tolerable level Country.12
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5th. Dispatched my Waggon (with the Baggage) at day light; and at 7 Oclock followed it. Bated at one Snodgrasses, on Back Creek and dined there;1 About 5 Oclock P.M. we arrived at the Springs, or Town of Bath--after travelling the whole day through a drizling rain, 30 Miles.2
6th. Remained at Bath all day and was shewed the Model of a Boat constructed by the ingenious Mr. Rumsey, for ascending rapid currents by mechanism; the principles of this were not only shewn, & fully explained to me, but to my very great satisfaction, exhibited in practice in private, under the injunction of Secresy, untill he saw the effect of an application he was about to make to the assembly of this State, for a reward.
The model, & its operation upon the water, which had been made to run pretty swift, not only convinced me of what I before thought next to, if not quite impracticable, but that it might be turned to the greatest possible utility in inland Navigation; and in rapid currents; that are shallow. And what adds vastly to the value of the discovery, is the simplicity of its works; as they may be made by a common boat builder or carpenter, and kept in
James Rumsey's mechanical boat, from a drawing in Bennet Woodcroft's A Sketch of the Origin and Progress of Steam, London, 1848. (Virginia State Library)
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This plan of the town of Bath, or Warm Springs, was drawn by Samuel Vaughan for his 1787 journal. (Collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan)
order to easy as a plow, or any common implement of husbandry on a farm.1
Having obtained a Plan of this Town (Bath) and ascertained the situation of my lots therein, which I examined; it appears that the disposition of a dwelling Hous; Kitchen & Stable cannot be more advantageously placed than they are marked in the copy I have taken from the plan of the Town; to which I refer for recollection, of my design: & Mr. Rumsey being willing to undertake those Buildings, I have agreed with him to have them finished by the 10th. of next July. The dwelling House is to be 36 feet by 24, with a gallery of 7 feet on each side of the House, the whole fronts. Under the House is to be a Cellar half the size of it, walled with Stone, and the whole underpined. On the first floor are to be 3 rooms; one of them 24 by 20 feet, with a chimney at the end (middle thereof)--the other two to be 12 by 16 feet with corner chimneys. On the upper Floor there are to be two rooms of equal sizes, with fire places; the Stair case to go up in the Gallery--galleries above also. The Kitchen and Stable are to be of the same size--18 by 22; the first with a stone Chimney and good floor above. The Stable is to be sunk in the ground, so as that the floor above it on the North, or side next the dwelling House, shall be level with the Yard--to have a partition therein--the West part
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Letterbook copy of Washington's certificate to James Rumsey. (Library of Congress)
of which to be for a Carriage, Harness and Saddles--the East for Hay or Grain--all three of the Houses to be shingled with [ ]2
Meeting with the Revd. Mr. Balmain at this place, he says the distance from Staunton to the Sweet Springs is 95 Miles; that is, 50 to what are commonly called the Augusta Springs & 45 afterwards. This differs widely from Captn. Strodes acct., and both say they have travelled the Road.3
From Colo. Bruce4 whom I also found at this place, I was informed that he had travelled from the North Branch of Potomack to the Waters of Yaughiogany, and Monongahela--that the Potomk. where it may be made Navigable--for instance where McCulloughs path crosses it, 40 Miles above the old fort (Cumberland), is but about 6 Miles to a pretty large branch of the Yohiogany, but how far it is practicable to make the latter navigable
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he knows not, never having explored it any length downwards5--that the Waters of Sandy Creek, which is a branch of Cheat River, which is a branch of Monongahela, interlocks with these; and the Country between flat--that he thinks (in order to av[oi]d passing through the State of Pensylvania) this would be an eligable Rout using the ten Miles C[ree]k with a portage to the Navigable Waters of the little Kanhawa; which from report he says, are only 10 Miles apart.6 He adds that the distance from the North branch to Cheat Rivr. is great--and from the South branch greater, but it is to be observed that most of this information is from report--vague and not much to be depended upon. I therefore endeavoured to prevail upon Colo. Bruce to explore the Country from the North Branch of Potomack at McCulloughs path, or the highest practicable navigation on it to the Nearest Waters of Yohiogany--thence to Sandy Creek, & down that to its junction with the Cheat River--laying the whole down by actual surveys & exact measurement; which he has promised to do, if he can accomplish it.7 On my part I have engaged, if a Surveyor can be obtained, to run the Water of the little Kanhawa from the Mouth to the highest Navigation--thence across to ten miles Creek on the Monongahela, & up that to the Mo[uth] of Sandy Creek, in order to connect the two Works together, & form a proper plan with observations and even to continue up the Cheat River further, to see if a better communication cannot be had with the Potomack than by the Sandy Creek.
Having hired three Pack horses--to give my own greater relief--I sent my Baggage of this day about one oclock, and ordered those who had charge of it,8 to proceed to one Headricks at 15 Miles Creek, distant abt. ten miles, to Night, and to the old Town next day.9
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the force of the current against which it was to move. The "boat" actually consisted of two boats with a paddle wheel mounted between them. As the wheel turned with the current, it operated poles that were supposed to push against the river bottom, making the vessel "walk" upstream (Rumsey to GW, 10 Mar. 1785, GW to Hugh Williamson, 15 Mar. 1785, DLC:GW).
Before leaving Bath, GW gave Rumsey a certificate attesting to the potential value of the invention and his faith in its ultimate success (7 Sept. 1784, DLC:GW). Rumsey promptly had the certificate published in several prominent newspapers, and soon obtained exclusive rights from the legislatures of Virginia, Maryland, and several other states to make and operate his mechanical boat, a necessary step to protect his invention in the absence of any national patent office. A modified full-scale version of the vessel was tried 9 and 13 Sept. 1786 on the Potomac River near Shepherdstown with little success. The poles slipped on the bottom on the first occasion, and the current was too slow to operate the poles on the second one (Rumsey to GW, 19 Sept. 1786, DLC:GW). Rumsey then abandoned this particular invention, having previously decided on developing a steamboat, a decision that led him in a more fruitful direction, but involved him in much controversy.
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1783 the Maryland State Council, acting in accord with a resolution of the General Assembly, appointed him and Charles Beatty of Montgomery County "to examine, and report their Opinion of opening, clearing and making navigable the River Potomack . . . to the Line of this State, the Time the work would take, and the Expences" (MD. COUNCIL, 1781--84, 443; GW's undated notes on their report are in MHi: Jeremiah Colburn Papers). Bruce wrote to GW 13 Nov. 1784 outlining a proposal for a Potomac Navigation Company, to be financed by issuing paper money, circulation of which, he argued, would greatly benefit the general economy (NUTE, 706--10).
6 Tenmile Creek in Harrison County, W.Va., is a branch of the West Fork River.
7 GW later obtained a rough sketch map of this region from Bruce (GW ATLAS, pl. 25).
8 GW engaged drivers with the horses (Cash Memoranda, DLC:GW).
8th. Set out about 7 oclock with the Doctr. (Craik) his Son William,1 and my Nephew Bushrod Washington;2 who were to make the tour with us. About ten I parted with them at 15 Miles Creek, & recrossed the Potomack (having passed it abt. 3 Miles from the Springs before) to a tract of mine on the Virginia side which I find exceedingly rich, & must be very valuable. The lower end of the Land is rich White oak; in places springey; and in the winter wet. The upper part is exceedingly rich, and covered with Walnut of considerable size many of them. Note--I requested a Mr. McCraken at whose House I fed my horses, & got a snack, & whose Land joins mine--to offer mine to any who might apply for £10 the first year, £15 the next, and £25 the third--the Tenant not to remove any of the Walnut timber from off the Land; or to split it into rails; as I should reserve that for my own use.3
After having reviewed this Land I again recrossed the river & getting into the Waggon road pursued my journey to the old
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Bushrod Washington was a law student in Philadelphia when Henry Benbridge painted his 1783 portrait. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Town where I overtook my Company & baggage. Lodged at Colo. Cresaps--abt. 35 Miles this day.4
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lease this Hampshire tract for a term of seven years to the highest bidder at Bath on 7 Sept. ( Va. Journal, 15 July 1784). As GW's actions of this date indicate, no satisfactory offer was received while he was in Bath. The tract apparently was not leased during GW's lifetime, and over the years much timber was taken off it by trespassers.
Ovid McCraken appears in the 1784 Hampshire County census as head of a family of nine whites (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 73). In 1799 Squire Virgil McCraken lived next to GW's land (Isaac Weatherington to GW, 24 Aug. 1799, ViHi).
9th. Having discharged the hired Horses which were obtained at the Springs, & hired one more only to supply the place of one of mine, whose back was much hurt, we had them loaded by Six oclock, and was about to set out when it began to rain; which looking very likely to continue thro' the day, I had the Loads taken of to await the issue.
At this place I met with a Man who lives at the Mouth of ten Miles Creek on Monongahela, who assured me, that this Creek is not Navigable for any kind of Craft a Mile from its Mouth; unless the Water of it is swelled by rain; at which time he has known Batteaux brought 10 or 12 miles down it. He knows little of the Country betwn. that and the little Kanhawa & not more of that above him, on the Monongahela.
The day proving rainy we remained here.
10th. Set off a little after 5 Oclock altho' the morning was very unpromissing. Finding from the rains that had fallen, and description of the Roads, part of which between the old Town this place (old Fort Cumberland)1 we had passed, that the progress of my Baggage would be tedeous, I resolved (it being Necessary) to leave it to follow; and proceed on myself to Gilbert Simpson's, to prepare for the Sale which I had advertised of my moiety of the property in co-partnership with him and to make arrangements for my trip to the Kanhawa, if the temper & disposition of the Indians should render it advisable to proceed. Accordingly, leaving Doctr. Craik, his Son, and my Nephew with it, I set out with one Servant only. Dined at a Mr. Gwins at the Fork of the Roads leading to Winchester and the old Town, distant from the latter abt. 20 Miles2 & lodged at Tumbersons at the little Meadows 15 Miles further.3
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The Road from the Old Town to Fort Cumberland we found tolerably good, as it also was from the latter to Gwins, except the Mountain which was pretty long (tho' not steep) in the assent and discent;4 but from Gwins to Tumberson's it is intolerably bad--there being many steep pinches of the Mountain--deep & miry places and very stony ground to pass over. After leaving the Waters of Wills Creek which extends up the Mountain (Alligany) two or three Miles as the road goes, we fell next on those of George's Creek, which are small--after them upon Savage River which are more considerable; tho' from the present appearance of them, does not seem capable of Navigation.5
11th. Set out at half after 5 oclock from Tumbersons, & in about 1½ Miles came to what is called the little crossing of Yohiogany--the road not bad.1 This is a pretty considerable water and, as it is said to have no fall in it, may, I conceive, be improved into a valuable navigation; and from every Acct. I have yet been
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able to obtain, communicates nearest with the No. Branch of Potomack of any other. Breakfasted at one Mounts, or Mountains,2 11 Miles from Tumberson's; the road being exceedingly bad, especially through what is called the shades of death.3 Bated at the great crossing [of the Youghiogheny], which is a large Water, distant from Mounts's 9 Miles, and a better road than between that and Tumbersons. Lodged at one Daughertys, a Mile & half short of the Great Meadows--a tolerable good House.4 The Road between the [Great] Crossing and Daughertys is, in places, tolerable good, but upon the whole indifferent--distant from the crossing 12 Miles.
4 James Daugherty of Fayette County, Pa. (WESTERN MD., 291).
12th. Left Daughertys about 6 Oclock, stopped a while at the Great Meadows, and viewed a tenament I have there, which appears to have been but little improved, tho capable of being turned to great advantage, as the whole of the ground called the Meadows may be reclaimed at an easy comparitive expence & is a very good stand for a Tavern. Much Hay may be cut here when the ground is laid down in Grass & the upland, East of the Meadow, is good for grain.1
Dined at Mr. Thomas Gists at the Foot of Laurel [Hill], distant from the Meadows 12 Miles, and arrived at Gilbert Simpsons about 5 oclock 12 Miles further. Crossing the Mountains, I found
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tedeous and fatieguing. From Fort Cumberland to Gwins took me one hour and ten Minutes riding--between Gwins & Tumbersons I was near 6 hours and used all the dispatch I could--between Tumbersons and Mounts's I was full 4 hours--between Mounts's and the [Great] crossing upwards of 3 hours--between the crossing and Daughertys 4 hours--between Daughertys and Gists 4¼ and between Gists and Simpsons upwards of 3 hours and in all parts of the Road that would admit it I endeavoured to ride my usual travelling gate of 5 Miles an hour.
In passing over the Mountains, I met numbers of Persons & Pack horses going in with Ginsang;2 & for salt & other articles at the Markets below; from most of whom I made enquiries of the Nature of the Country between the little Kanhawa and ten Miles Creek (which had been represented as a short and easy portage) and to my surprize found the Accts. wch. had been given were so far from the truth that numbers with whom I conversed assured me that the distance between was very considerable--that ten Miles Ck. was not navigable even for Canoes more than a Mile from its mouth and few of them, altho I saw many who lived on different parts of this Creek would pretend to guess at the distance [to the Little Kanawha].
I also endeavoured to get the best acct. I could of the Navigation of Cheat River, & find that the line which divides the States of Virginia & Pensylvania crosses the Monongahela above the Mouth of it; wch. gives the Command thereof to Pensylvania--that where this River (Cheat) goes through the Laurel hill, the Navigation is difficult; not from shallow, or rapid water, but from an immense quantity of large Stones, which stand so thick as to render the passage even of a short Canoe impracticable--but I could meet with no person who seemed to have any accurate knowledge of the Country between the navigable, or such part as could be made so, of this River & the No. Branch of Potomack. All seem to agree however that it is rought & a good way not to be found.
The Accts. given by those Whom I met of the late Murders, & general dissatisfaction of the Indians, occasioned by the attempt of our people to settle on the No. West side of the Ohio, which they claim as their territory; and our delay to hold a treaty with them, which they say is indicative of a hostile temper on our part, makes it rather improper for me to proceed to the Kanhawa agreeably to my original intention, especially as I learnt from some of them (one in particular) who lately left the Settlement of Kentucke that the Indians were generally in arms, & gone, or
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going, to attack some of our Settlements below and that a Party Who had drove Cattle to Detroit had one of their Company & several of their Cattle killed by the Indians--but as these Accts. will either be contradicted or confirmed by some whom I may meet at my Sale the 15th. Instt. my final determination shall be postponed 'till then.
13th. I visited my Mill, and the several tenements on this Tract (on which Simpson lives).1 I do not find the Land in general equal to my expectation of it. Some part indeed is as rich as can be, some other part is but indifferent--the levellest is the coldest, and of the meanest quality--that which is most broken, is the richest; tho' some of the hills are not of the first quality.
The Tenements, with respect to buildings, are but indifferently improved--each have Meadow and arable [land], but in no great quantity. The Mill was quite destitute of Water. The works & House appear to be in very bad condition and no reservoir of Water--the stream as it runs, is all the resource it has. Formerly there was a dam to stop the Water; but that giving way it is brought in a narrow confined & trifling race to the forebay, wch. and the trunk, which conveys the water to the Wheel are in bad
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order. In a word, little rent, or good is to be expected from the present aspect of her.2
14th. Remained at Mr. Gilbert Simpsons all day. Before Noon Colo. Willm. Butler1 and the Officer Commanding the Garrison at Fort Pitt, a Captn. Lucket2 came here. As they confirmed the reports of the discontented temper of the Indians and the Mischiefs done by some parties of them and the former advised me not to prosecute my intended trip to the Great Kanhawa, I resolved to decline it.3
This day also, the people who lives on my land on Millers run came here to set forth their pretensions to it; & to enquire into my right. After much conversation, & attempts in them to discover all the flaws they could in my Deed, &ca.; & to establish a fair and upright intention in themselves; and after much Councelling which proceeded from a division of opinion among themselves--they resolved (as all who live on the Land were not here) to give me their definitive determination when I should come to the Land, which I told them would probably happen on Friday or Saturday next.4
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and after the War of Independence, Butler was an Indian trader in the Ohio Valley. During the war, as a lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania line, he was assigned by GW to help defend the New York frontier 1778--79. In Oct. 1778 he led a small expedition of Continental soldiers which destroyed a number of Indian villages near Unadilla, N.Y., and the following year he was responsible for wiping out several more Indian settlements in the vicinity of Lake Cayuga. In all Butler served nearly seven years in the Continental Army before retiring 1 Jan. 1783 (BOATNER [1], 152; CHALFANT, 69--70; GW to Continental Congress, 22 July 1778, and GW to John Stark, 5 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW).
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by Force of Arms," Crawford wrote GW 29 Dec. 1773, and such tactics would be of little use, because "they will corn back Emedetly as soon as my back is turnd. They man I put on the Land, they have drove away, and Built a house so Colse to his dote that he cannot get into the house at the dore" (DLC:GW).
On 5 July 1774 GW obtained a patent for his Millers Run land from Virginia, which was then disputing Pennsylvania's jurisdiction over what is now southwestern Pennsylvania (Va. Colonial Patents, Book 42, 516--18, Vi Microfilm). Although Virginia gave up its rights to the area six years later, its grants there remained valid, being recognized by Pennsylvania as the price for Virginia's concession (CRUMRINE [3], 521--23). Nevertheless, the people on Millers Run questioned GW's title on grounds that Crawford was not a Virginia county surveyor in 1771; that his survey was registered and the patent granted after they moved on the land; and that the tract was deserted when they occupied it.
Among the arguments GW later made in response were that Crawford did not have to be a county surveyor because the land was surveyed under a military warrant; that most of the present occupants did not move on the land until after the date of his patent; that none of them ever took any steps to obtain a patent; that Crawford improved and had the land occupied long before anyone else did; and that the settlers were frequently warned over the years that they were trespassing. In short, he was convinced that the Millers Run people had taken "a very ungenerous advantage" of him (GW to John Harvie, 19 Mar. 1785, and GW to Thomas Smith, 14 July 1785 and 10 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW).
15th. This being the day appointed for the Sale of my moiety of the Co-partnership stock--Many People were gathered (more out of curiosity I believe than from other motives) but no great Sale made. My Mill I could obtain no bid for, altho I offered an exemption from the payment of Rent 15 Months. The Plantation on which Mr. Simpson lives rented well--Viz, for 500 Bushels of Wheat payable at any place with in the County that I, or my Agent should direct. The little chance of getting a good offer in money, for Rent, induced me to set it up to be bid for in Wheat.1
Not meeting with any person who could give me a satisfactory acct. of the Navigation of the Cheat River (tho' they generally agreed it was difficult where it passed thro' the Laurel Hill) nor any acct. of the distance & kind of Country between that, or the Main branch of the Monongahela and the Waters of Potomack--nor of the Country between the little Kanhawa and the Waters of Monongahela tho' all agreed none of the former came near ten Miles Creek as had been confidently asserted; I gave up the intention of returning home that way--resolving after settling matters with those Persons who had seated my Lands on Millers run, to return by the way I came; or by what is commonly called the Turkey foot Road.2
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16th. Continued at Simpsons all day--in order to finish the business which was begun yesterday. Gave leases to some of my Ten[an]ts on the Land whereon I now am.1
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GW vigorously refuted that argument and demanded payment; legal action was threatened and may have eventually been taken (GW to Thomas Freeman, 16 Oct. 1785, and Freeman to GW, 27 July 1785, DLC:GW).
17th. Detained here by a settled Rain the whole day--which gave me time to close my accts. with Gilbert Simpson, & put a final end to my Partnership with him.1 Agreed this day with a Major Thomas Freeman to superintend my business over the Mountains, upon terms to be inserted in his Instructions.2
18th. Set out with Doctr. Craik for my Land on Millers run (a branch of Shurtees [Chattier's] Creek). Crossed the Monongahela at Deboirs Ferry--16 Miles from Simpsons1--bated at one Hamiltons about 4 Miles from it, in Washington County,2 and lodged at a Colo. Cannons on the Waters of Shurtees Creek--a kind hospitable Man; & sensible.3
Most of the Land over which we passed was hilly--some of it
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very rich--others thin. Between a Colo. Cooks4 and the Ferry the Land was rich but broken. About Shurtee, & from thence to Colo. Cannon's, the soil is very luxurient and very uneven.
19th. Being Sunday, and the People living on my Land, apparently very religious, it was thought best to postpone going among them till tomorrow1--but rode to a Doctr. Johnsons who had the Keeping of Colo. Crawfords (Surveying) records--but not finding him at home was disappointed in the business which carried me there.2
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20th. Went early this Morning to view my Land, & to receive the final determination of those who live upon it. Having obtained a Pilot near the Land I went first to the plantation of Samuel McBride, who has about 5 Acres of Meadow & 30 of arable Land under good fencing--a Logged dwelling house with a punchion roof, & stable, or small barn, of the same kind--the Land rather hilly, but good, chiefly white oak. Next--
James McBride. 3 or 4 Acres of Meadow. 28--Do. of Arable Land. Pretty good fencing--Land rather broken, but good--white & black oak mixed--A dwelling House and barn (of midling size) with Puncheon roofs.
Thomas Biggart. Robt. Walker living thereon as a Tenant. No Meadow. Abt. 20 Acres of Arable Land. A dwelling House and single Barn--fences tolerable and Land good.
William Stewart. 2½ Acres of Meadow. 20 Do. of Arable Land. Only one house except a kind of building adjoining for common purposes--Good Land and Midling fences.
Matthew Hillast [Hillis]. Has within my line--abt. 7 Acres of Meadow. 3 besides, Arable--also a small double Barn.
Brice McGeechen [McGeehan]. 3 Acres of Meadow. 20 Do. arable--under good fencing. A small new Barn good.
Duncan McGeechen [McGeehan]. 2 Acres of Meadow. 38 Do. Arable Land. A good single Barn, dwelling House Spring House & several other Houses. The Plantation under good fencing.
David Reed. Claimed by the last mentioned (Duncan McGeechin). 2 Acres of Meadow. 18 Do. Arable Land. No body living on this place at present--the dwelling House and fencing in bad order.
John Reed Esquire. 4 Acres of Meadow. 38 Do. Arable Do. A small dwelling House--but Logs for a large one, a still House--good Land and fencing.
David Reed. 2 Acres of Meadow. 17 Do. arable. A good logged dwelling House with a bad roof--several other small Houses and
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an indifferent Barn, or Stable--bad fences; but very good Land.
William Hillas [Hillis]. 20 Acres of Arable Land. No Meadow. But one house, and that indifferent--fences not good.
John Glen. 2 or 3 Acres of Meadow within my Line--his plantation & the rest of his Land without.
James Scott. Placed on the Land by Thomas Lapsley. Has 17 acres under good fencing--only a dwelling House (which stops the door of a Cabbin built by Captn. Crawford)--white oak Land--rather thin--but good bottom to clear for Meadow.
Matthew Johnson. 2 Acres of Meadow. 24 Do. Arable Land. A good Logged house--Materials for a dble. Barn--very gd. Land, but indifferent fences.
James Scott. A large Plantation--about 70 Acres of Arable Land. 4 Do. of improved Meadow. Much more may be made into Meadow. The Land very good, as the fences also are. A Barn dwelling House & some other Houses.
The foregoing are all the Improvements upon this Tract which contains 2813 acres.1
The Land is leveller than is common to be met with in this Part of the Country, and good; the principal part of it is white oak, intermixed in many places with black oak; and is esteemed a valuable tract.
Dined at David Reeds, after which Mr. James Scot & Squire [John] Reed began to enquire whether I would part with the Land, & upon what terms; adding, that tho' they did not conceive they could be dispossed, yet to avoid contention, they would buy, if my terms were moderate. I told them I had no inclination to sell; however, after hearing a great deal of their hardships, their religious principles (which had brought them together as a society of Ceceders) and unwillingness to separate or remove; I told them I would make them a last offer and this was--the whole tract at 25/. pr. Acre, the money to be paid at 3 annual payments with Interest; or to become Tenants upon leases of 999 years, at the annual Rent of Ten pounds pr. ct. pr. Ann. The former they had a long consultation upon, & asked if I wd. take that price at a longer credit, without Interest, and being answered in the negative they then determined to stand suit for the Land; but it having been suggested that there were among them some who were disposed to relinquish their claim, I told them I would receive their answers individually; and accordingly calling upon them as they stood
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This business being thus finished, I returned to Colo. Cannons in company with himself, Colo. Nevil,3 Captn. Swearingen (high Sherif)4 & a Captn. Richie,5 who had accompanied me to the Land.
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1790 Washington County census: Thomas Lapsley was nearby in Allegheny County, while Brice McGeehan and William Hillis are not listed in Pennsylvania (HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 16, 245--58). In the 1800 census only Duncan McGeehan's name is missing from the state. Lapsley was still in Allegheny County; Brice McGeehan appears in Beaver County; and William Hillis was in Washington County, where the other 11 names remain (see PA. IN 1800).
Thomas Biggert was also typical of his claimants in his relative obscurity. Only the brothers David Reed and Squire John Reed (d. 1816) achieved any real local prominence. Having moved to Millers Run from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1777, they served as officers in the frontier militia during the war: David as a captain and John as a lieutenant. Upon creation of Washington County in 1781, John Reed became one of the first justices of the county court and was again appointed a judge in 1788 (CRUMRINE [2], 859--60; PA. RANGERS, 266, 282, 310).
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Frederick County, Va., about 1775, but served in the Virginia line during the War of Independence, John being breveted a brigadier general and Presley a lieutenant colonel in the course of the war. A favorite of Lafayette, Presley served for a time as one of the marquis's aides-de-camp. He was captured with the Virginia troops at Charleston, S.C., in 1780, but was exchanged the following year, and served until the end of the war (BALDWIN [2], 45--46; HEITMAN [1], 308).
21st. Accompanied by Colo. Cannon & Captn. Swearingin who attended me to Debores ferry on the Monongahela which seperates the Counties of Fayette & Washington,1 I returned to Gilbert Simpson's in the Afternoon; after dining at one Wickermans Mill near the Monongahela.2
Colo. Cannon, Captn. Sweringin & Captn. Richie all promised to hunt up the Evidences which could prove my possession & improvement of the Land before any of the present Occupiers ever saw it.
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22d. After giving instructions to Major Thomas Freeman respecting his conduct in my business,1 and disposing of my Baggage which was left under the care of Mr. Gilbert Simpson--consisting of two leather & one linnen Valeses with my Marquee & horseman's Tent Tent Poles & Pins--all my bedding except Sheets (which I take home with me)--the equipage Trunk containing all that was put into it except the Silver Cups and Spoons--Canteens--two Kegs of Spirits--Horse Shoes &ca.2 I set out for Beason Town,3 in order to meet with & engage Mr. Thos. Smith to bring Ejectments, & to prosecute my Suit for the Land in Washington County, on which those, whose names are herein inserted, are settled.4 Reached Beason Town about dusk about (the way I came) 18 Miles.
Note. In my equipage Trunk and the Canteens--were Madeira and Port Wine--Cherry bounce5--Oyl, Mustard--Vinegar and Spices of all sorts--Tea, and Sugar in the Camp Kettles (a whole loaf of white sugar broke up, about 7 lbs. weight). The Camp Kettles are under a lock, as the Canteens & Trunk also are. My fishing lines are in the Canteens.
At Beason Town I met with Captn. Hardin6 who informed me, as I had before been informed by others, that the West fork of Monongahela communicates very nearly with the waters of the little Kanhawa--that the Portage does not exceed Nine Miles and that a very good Waggon Road may be had between--That from the Mouth of the River Cheat to that of the West Fork, is computed to be about 30 Miles, & the Navigation good--as it also is up the West fork--that the South or Main branch of the Monogahela [Tygart Valley River] has considerable impediments in the way, and were it otherwise would not answer the purpose of a communication with the North or South branch of Potomack from the westerly direction in which it runs--That the Cheat River, tho' rapid and bad, has been navigated to the Dunkard bottom about 25 Miles from its Mouth7 and that he has understood a good way may be had from thence to the North branch, which he thinks must be about 30 Miles distant. He also adds, that from the Settlemts. on the East of the Alligany [Mountains] to Monongahela Court House8 on the West, it is reported a very good road may be opened, and is already marked; from whence to the Navigable Water of the little Kanhawa is abt. [ ] Miles.
From this information I resolved to return home that way; & My baggage under the care of Doctr. Craik and Son, having, from Simpsons, taken the rout by the New (or Turkey foot) road as it is called (which is said to be 20 Miles near than Braddocks)
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with a view to make a more minute enquiry into the Navigation of the Yohiggany Waters--my Nephew and I set out about Noon, with one Colo. Philips for Cheat River;9 after I had engaged Mr. Smith to undertake my business, & had given him such information As I was able to do.
Note, It is adjudged proper to ascertain the date of the Warrt. to Captn. Posey and the identity of his hand writing to his Bond to me; the latter so as to give it authenticity--as also the date of Lewis's return, on which my Patent Issued--because if this is antecedent to the settlement of the occupiers of my Land, it will put the matter out of all kind of dispute; as the claim of those people rests upon their possessing the Land before I had any legal Survey of it; not viewing Crawfords as authentic. 'Tis advisable also, to know whether any location of it was ever made in the Land, or Surveyors Office, and the date of such Entry. And likewise, what Ordainance it is Captn. Crawford speaks of in his Letter of the 20th. of Septr. 1776 which passed he says at the last Convention, for saving equitable claims on the Western Waters.10
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A section from Reading Howell's 1792 map of Pennsylvania, showing the area traversed by Washington in 1784. From a facsimile in The PennsylvaniaArchives, 3d ser., a appendix for vols. 1--10, n.d. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library) The Pennsylvania.
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1784 the town, according to newly arrived Ephraim Douglass, consisted of "a court-house and school-house in one, a mill . . . four taverns, three smithshops, five retail shops, two Tanyards, one of them only occupied, one saddler's shop, two hatter's shops, one mason, one cake woman, we had two but one of them having committed a petit larceny is upon banishment, two widows and some reputed maids. To which may be added a distillery" (DOUGLASS, 50).
5 A drink "made by steeping cherries in brandy with sugar" (GREEN, 111).
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The Craiks took that part of GW's baggage which had not been left with Gilbert Simpson and which GW would not need on his journey home.
Theophilus Phillips (died c. 1789), of Fayette County, lived about 2½ miles north of the mouth of the Cheat River near present-day New Geneva, Pa. He came to this area in 1767, apparently from New Jersey, accompanied by his brother-in-law James Dunlap, a Presbyterian minister. The first courthouse of Monongalia County, Va., was Phillips's converted blacksmith shop, and he was probably both clerk and one of the justices of that court. When the 1780 boundary settlement between Virginia and Pennsylvania put his property a few miles inside Pennsylvania, he seems to have had little difficulty in transferring his allegiance to the Pennsylvania government. In 1782 he appears as a lieutenant colonel in the Westmoreland County militia, and in 1783 he was one of the men directed by the Pennsylvania legislature to purchase land for the courthouse of newly formed Fayette County. He was elected to the legislature in 1789, but before he could serve he died at sea while returning from a business trip to New Orleans by way of New York (WALKINSHAW, 2:83--84, 181; MULKEARN AND PUGH, 245--46; WESTMORELAND MILITIA, 295).
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or unappropriated land in Virginia, to which there is no other claim, shall have the pre-emption, or preference, in the grants of such lands" ( Va. Gaz., P, 28 June 1776).
23d. Arrived at Colo. Philips abt. five oclock in the afternoon 16 Miles from Beason Town & near the Mouth of Cheat Rivr. The land thro' wch. I rid was for the most part tolerably level--in some places rich--but in general of a second quality. Crossed no water of consequence except Georges Creek.1
An Apology made to me from the Court of Fayette (thro' Mr. Smith) for not addressing me; as they found my Horses Saddled and myself on the move.
Finding by enquiries, that the Cheat River had been passed with Canoes thro' those parts which had been represented as impassable and that a Captn. Hanway--the Surveyor of Monongahela County lived within two or three Miles of it, Southside thereof;2 I resolved to pass it to obtain further information, & accordingly (accompanied by Colo. Philips) set of in the Morning of the
2 Samuel Hanway (1743--1834) became surveyor of Monongalia County 3 June 1783 with the provision that his appointment would be voided should his predecessor, who was "supposed killed by the Indians," turn up alive, but he held the office for most of the rest of his life (VA. COUNCIL JLS., 3:265). Born in Chester County, Pa., he came to Charles City County, Va., about 1768 and later was a merchant in Petersburg. At the beginning of the War of Independence he raised and led a unit of Amelia County minutemen and then served several months as a captain of state marines before resigning his commission in Dec. 1776 (VA. COUNCIL JLS., 1:262, 2:405, 498, 506). He apparently moved to Monongalia County about the time of his appointment as surveyor (JOHNSTON [4], 4:45). 24th. And crossed it at the Mouth, as it was thought the river was too much swelled to attempt the ford a little higher up.1 The fork was about 2 Miles & half from Colo. Philups, & the ground betwn. very hilly tho' rich in places. The Cheat at the Mouth is about 125 yds. wide--the Monongahela near dble. that. The colour of the two Waters is very differt., that of Cheat is dark (occasioned as is conjectured by the Laurel, among which it rises; and through which it runs). The other is clear; & there appears a repugnancy in both to mix, as there is a plain line of division betwn. the two for some distance below the fork; which holds, I am told, near a mile--the Cheat keeping the right shore as it descends, & the other the left.
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The Line which divides the Commonwealths of Virginia & Pensylvania crosses both these Rivers about two miles up each from the point of fork & the Land between them is high as the line runs being a ridge which seperates the two Waters--but higher up the fork a good road (it is said) may be had from one river to the other.
From the Fork to the Surveyors Office, which is at the house of one Pierpoint, is about 8 Miles along the dividing ridge.2 At this Office I could obtain no information of any Surveys or Entries made for me by Captn. Wm. Crawford; but from an examination of his books it appeared pretty evident that the 2500 acres which he (Crawford) had surveyed for & offered to me on the little Kanhawa (adjoining the large Survey under the proclamation of 1754) he had entered for Mr. Robert Rutherford and that the other tract in the fork between the Ohio & little Kanhawa had been entered by Doctr. Briscoe & Sons.3
Pursuing my enquiries respecting the Navigation of the Western Waters, Captn. Hanway proposed, if I would stay all Night, to send to Monongahela C[our]t House at Morgan town, for Colo. Zachh. Morgan and others;4 who would have it in their power to give the best accts, that were to be obtained, which, assenting to, they were sent for & came, & from them I received the following intelligence
viz.
That from the fork of Monongahela & Cheat, to the Court House at Morgan Town, is, by Water, about 11 Miles, & from thence to the West fork of the former is 18 More. From thence to the carrying place between it and a branch of the little Kanhawa, at a place called Bullstown, is about 40 Miles, by Land--more by Water and the Navigation good.5
The carrying place is nine Miles and an half between the navigable parts of the two Waters; and a good road between; there being only one hill in the way, and that not bad. Hence to the Mo[uth] of the [Little] Kanhawa is 50 Miles.
That from Monongahela Court House, 15 Miles along the new road which leads into Braddocks road, East of the winding ridge,6 and McCulloch's path, to one Joseph Logston's on the North branch of Potomack7 is about 40 Miles--that this way passes through Sandy Creek glades, and the glades of Yohiogany, and may be made good. But, if the road should go from Clarke's Town on the Western fork of Monongahela,8 15 Miles below the [Bulltown] carrying place to the aforesaid Logston's, it would
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A page from Washington's 1784 diary. (Library of Congress)
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cross the Tyger Valley River (the largest branch of Monongahela) above the falls therein,9 go through the glades of Monongahela;10 cross Cheat river at the Dunkers bottom (25 Miles from its Mouth) and thence through the Glades of Yohiogany--in all f[ro]m the [Little] Ka[naw]ha 85 Miles.
That the Cheat river where it runs through the Laurel hill is, in their opinion, so incomoded with large rock stones, rapid, and dashing water from one rock to another, as to become impassable; especially as they do not think a passage sufficient to admit a Canal can be found between the Hills & the common bed of the river--but of these matters none of them pretended to speak from actual knowledge, or observation; but from report, and partial views.11
That from these rapids to the Dunkers bottom, & four Miles above, the navigation is very good, after which for 8 Miles the river is very foul, & worse to pass than it is through the Laurel hill; but from thence upwards, thro' the horse Shoe bottom, 12 & many miles higher, it is again good, & fit for transportation; but (tho' useful to the Inhabitants thereof) will conduce nothing to the general plan, as it is thought no part of the Cheat River runs nearer to the navigable part of the No. branch of Potomack than the Dunkers bottom does, which they add is about 25 Miles of good road. From the Dunkers bottom to Clarkes Town they estimate 35 Miles, and say the Tyger Valley fork of the Monongahla affords good navigation above the falls which is 7 Miles only from the Mouth, & is a Cateract of 25 feet.
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Parkersburg, W.Va.) was to have been equally divided between Crawford and GW. Crawford originally surveyed this land for himself, but finding that the acreage to which he was entitled as a French and Indian War veteran would not cover the whole survey, he wrote GW 12 Nov. 1773 and proposed to split the tract with him if GW would apply some of his military warrants to the uncovered part (DLC:GW). GW agreed and had two warrants ready for his section of the land. However, Crawford for some reason was unable to get a warrant for his part, and rival claims to the land were soon discovered, a fact that apparently discouraged GW from pursuing the matter vigorously (Crawford to GW, 10 Jan. 1774 and 6 Mar. 1775, GW to Thomas Lewis, 1 Feb. 1784, and GW to John Harvie, 10 Feb. 1784, DLC: GW). Although Dr. John Briscoe (1717--1788) of Berkeley County and his sons may have entered a survey for this land, it was not granted to them, [or Robert Thornton had apparently staked out a prior claim to 1,350 acres at the mouth of the Little Kanawha in 1773. Ten years later Alexander Parker of Pittsburgh bought out Thornton's claim for $50 and in 1787 patented the land in two tracts, one of 950 acres and one of 400 acres (DANDRIDGE, 60, 304; W.P.A. [5], 261; SIMS, 489).
8 Clarksburg, seat of Harrison County, Va. (now W.Va.).
9 The Tygart Valley River runs east of the West Fork River, joining it at
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present-day Fairmont, W.Va., to form the Monongahela River. Valley Falls, a series of cascades, lies about 12 miles above the mouth.
25th. Having obtained the foregoing information, and being indeed some what discouraged from the acct. given of the passage of the Cheat river through the Laurel hill and also from attempting to return by the way of the Dunkers bottom, as the path it is said is very blind, & exceedingly grown up with briers, I resolved to try the other rout, along the New road to Sandy Creek; & thence by McCullochs path to Logstons; and accordingly set of before Sunrise.
Within 3 Miles I came to the river Cheat abt. 7 Miles from its Mouth at a ferry kept by one Ice;1 of whom making enquiry, I learnt that he himself, had passed from the Dunkers bottom both in Canoes and with rafts--that a new Canoe which I saw at his Landing had come down the day before only, (the owner of which had gone to Sandy Creek) that the first rapid was about 1½ Miles above his ferry--that it might be between 50 and 100 yards thro' it--that from this to the next, might be a Mile, of good water--That these 2 rapids were much alike, & of the same extent; that to the next rapid, which was the worst of the three, it was about 5 Miles of smooth water--That the difficulty of passing these rapids lies more in the number of large Rocks which choak the river, and occasion the water not only (there being also a greater dissent here than else where) to run swift, but meandering thro' them, renders steerage dangerous by the sudden turnings--That from his ferry to the Dunkers bottom, along the river, is about 15 Miles; and in his opinion, there is room on one side or the other of it at each of the rapids for a Canal.
This acct. being given from the Mans own observation, who seemed to have no other meaning in what he asserted than to tell the truth, tho' he, like others, who for want of competent skill in these things cou'd not distinguish between real & imaginary difficulties, left no doubt on my Mind of the practicability of
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opening an easy passage by Water to the Dunker bottom.2 The river at his house may be a hundred or more yards wide, & according to his acct. (which I believe is rather large) near a hundred miles by water to Fort Pitt.
The Road from Morgan Town, or Monongahela C[our]t House, is said to be good to this ferry--distance abt. 6 Miles. The dissent of the hill to the river is rather steep & bad and the assent from it, on the North side, is steep also tho short, and may be rendered much better. From the ferry the Laurel hill [Chesnut Ridge] is assended by an easy and almost imperceptible slope to its summit, thro' dry white oak Land. Along the top of it, the road continues for some distance, but is not so good, as the Soil is richer, deeper, & more stony, which inconveniences (for good roads) also attends the dissent on the East side, tho it is regular, & in no places steep. After crossing this hill the road is very good to the ford of Sandy Creek at one James Spurgeons, abt. 15 Miles from Ice's ferry.3
At the crossing of this Greek McCullochs path, which owes it origen to Buffaloes, being no other than their tracks from one lick to another & consequently crooked & not well chosen, strikes off from the New road which passes great Yohiogany 15 Miles further on, and enters Braddock road at the place before mentioned [east of Winding Ridge], at the distance of 22 Miles.
From Spurgeons to one Lemons, which is a little to the right of McCullochs path, is reckoned 9 Miles, and the way not bad;4but from Lemons to the entrance of the Yohiogany glades which is estimated 9 Miles more thro a deep rich Soil in some places, and a very rocky one in others, with steep hills & what is called the briery Mountain to cross is intolerable5 but these [ascents] might be eased, & a much better way found if a little pains was taken to slant them.
At the entrance of the above glades I lodged this night, with no other shelter or cover than my cloak; & was unlucky enough to have a heavy shower of Rain. Our horses were also turned loose to cator for themselves having nothing to give them. From this place my guide (Lemon) informed me that the Dunkers bottom was not more than 8 Miles from us.
It may not be amiss to observe, that Sandy Creek has a fall within a few miles of its mouth of 40 feet, & being rapid besides, affords no navigation at all.
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26th. Having found our Horses readily (for they nevr. lost sight of our fire) we started at the dawning of day, and passing along a small path much enclosed with weeds and bushes, loaded with water from the overnights rain, & the showers which were continually falling, we had an uncomfortable travel to one Charles friends, about 10 Miles; where we could get nothing for our horses, and only boiled Corn for ourselves.1
In this distance, excepting two or three places which abounded in stone, & no advantage taken of the hills (which were not large) we found the ground would admit an exceeding good Waggon road with a little causeying of some parts of the Glades; the ridges between being chiefly white oak land, intermixed with grit & Stone.
Part of these glades is the property of Govr. Johnson of Maryland who has settled two or three families of Palatines upon them.2 These glades have a pritty appearance, resembling cultivated Lands & improved Meadows at a distance; with woods here and there interspersed. Some of them are rich, with a black and lively soil--others are of a stiffer, & colder Nature. All of them feel, very early, the effect of frost. The growth of them, is a grass not much unlike what is called fancy grass, without the variegated colours of it; much intermixed in places with fern and other weeds, as also with alder & other Shrubs. The Land between these glades is chiefly white oak, on a dry stony Soil. In places there are walnut & Crab tree bottoms, which are very rich. The glades are not so level as one would imagine. In general they rise from the small water courses which run through all of them
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to the ridges which separate one from another--but they are highly beneficial to the circumjacent Country from whence the Cattle are driven to pasture in the Spring & recalled at Autumn.
A Mile before I came to Friends, I crossed the Great branch of Yohiogany, which is about 25 or 30 yards over; and impassable, according to his Acct., between that [crossing] and Braddocks road [at the Great Crossing] on acct. of the rapidity of the Water, quantity of stone, & Falls therein--but these difficulties, in the eyes of a proper examiner might be found altogether imaginary; and if so, the Navigation of the Yohiogany & No. Branch of Potomack may be brought within 10 Miles, g: a good Waggon road betwn.; but then, the Yohiogany lyes altogether in the State of Pensylvania, whose inclination (regardless of the interest of that part which lyes west of the Laurel hill) would be opposed to the extension of their navigation; as it would be the inevitable means of withdrawing from them the trade of all their western territory.
The little Yohiogany3 from Braddocks road [at the Little Crossing] to the Fails [of the Youghiogheny River] below the Turkey foot, or 3 forks, may, in the opinion of Friend, who is a great Hunter, & well acquainted with all the Waters, as well as hills, having lived in that Country and followed no other occupation for nine years, be made navigable and this, were it not for the reason just assigned, being within 22 Miles of Fort Cumberland, would open a very important door to the trade of that Country.
He is also of opinion that a very good road may be had from the Dunkers bottom to the No. Branch of Potomack, at or near where McCullochs path crosses it; and that the distance will not exceed 22 Miles, to pass by his house, i.e. 10 to the No. Branch, & 12 to the Dunkers bottom--half of which (10 or 11 Miles) will go through the glades, & white oak ridges which separate them.
There will be an intervention of two hills in this road--the back bone near the [North] Branch4 and the Briery Mountain near the [Dunkard's] Bottom, both of which may be easily passed in the lowest parts by judicious slants, & these with some Causeys in the richest & deepest parts of the glades will enable a common team to draw twenty hundred with ease from one place to the other.
From Friends I passed by a spring (distant 3 Miles) called Archy's, from a Man of that name5--crossed the backbone & descended into Ryans glade.6 Thence by Joseph Logstons, & McCulloch's ford of the No. Branch, to old Mr. Thos. Logston's
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(the father of Joseph).7 The way & distances as follow--to the foot of the back bone, about 5 Miles of very good ground for a road; being partly glady, and partly White Oak ridges--across the ridge to Ryans glade one Mile and half bad, the hill being steep & in places stony--to Joseph Logston's 1½ Miles very good going--to the No. Branch at McCullochs path 2 Miles--infamous road and to Thos. Logstons 4 more, partly pretty good, & in places very bad. But it has been observed before to what fortuitous circumstances the paths of this Country owe their being, & how much the ways may be better chosen by a proper investigation of it; & the distances from place to place reduced. This appeard evident from my own observation and from young Logston, who makes hunting his chief employment; and according to his own Acct. is acquainted with every hill & rivulet between the North Branch & the Dunkers bottom.
He asserts that from Ryan's glade to the No. branch, 2 Miles below the Mouth of Stony river (wch. is about 4 below McCullochs crossing) a very good road may be traced, and the distance not more than it is from the same place to the crossing last mentioned, which is a circumstance of importance as the No. Branch above its junction with Stony river (which of the two seems to contain most water) would hardly afford water for Navigation.
He agrees precisely with Charles Friend respecting the Nature of the road between the North Branch and the Dunkers bottom; but insists upon it that the distance will not exceed 20 Miles & that Friends ought to be left two Miles to the Westward. This may acct. for their difference of opinion; the latter wanting his House to be introduced as a stage and here it may be well to observe, that however knowing these people are, their accts, are to be received with great caution--compared with each other and these again with one's own observatns.; as private views are as prevalent in this, as any other Country; and are particularly exemplified in the article of Roads; which (where they have been marked) seem calculated more to promote individual interest, than the public good.
From the reputed distances, as I have given them from place to place between Monongahela Court House and the No. branch at McCullochs ford, & description of the Country over which I travelled, it should seem that Colo. Morgan and those with whom I had the meeting at Captn. Hanways are mistaken in two points--viz. measurement, & the goodness of road--They making the distance between these places only 40 Miles and the way good,
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whereas by my Acct. the first is computed 55 Miles and a part of the road very bad. Both however are easily accounted for; the rout being circuitous, & beasts, instead of Men, having traced it out. Altho' I was seldom favored with a sight of the Sun but handsomely besprinkled with rain the greater part of the way it was evident to me that from Pierpoints (Captn. Hanways Quartrs.) to the crossing of Sandy Creek, I rid in a No. Et. direction--from thence for many Miles South and afterwards South Easterly.
I could obtain no good Acct. of the Navigation of the No. Branch between McCulloch's crossing and Wills's Creek (or Fort Cumberland). Indeed there were scarce any persons of whom enquiries could be made, for, from Lemon's to old Logston's there is only Friend & young Logston living on the track I came and none on it for near 20 Miles below him--but in general I could gather from them, especially from Joseph Logston, who has (he says) hunted along the water course of the river that there is no fall in it--that from Fort Cumberland to the Mouth of Savage river the water being good is frequently made use of in its present State with Canoes and from thence upwards, is only rapid in places with loose Rocks which can readily be removed.
From the Mouth of Savage River the State of Maryland (as I was informed) were opening a road to their western boundary which was to be met by another which the Inhabitants of Monongahela County (in Virginia) were extending to the same place from the Dunkers bottom through the glades of Yohiogany making in the aggregate abt. 35 Miles. This road will leave Friends according to his Acct. a little to the Eastward & will upon the whole be a good road but not equal to the one which may be traced from the Dunkers bottom to the No. Branch at, or below the fork of it & Stony River.8
At this place--viz. Mr. Thos. Logston's--I met a brother of his, an intelligent man, who informed me that some years ago he had travelled from the Mouth of Carpernters Creek (now more generally known by the name of Dunlaps) a branch of Jacksons, which is the principal prong of James River to the Mouth of Howards Creek wch. emptys into the Greenbrier a large branch of New River abe. Great Kanhawa--that each river, at the Mouths of these Creeks is large & very competent for navigation--that the distance between them does not exceed 20 Miles and not a hill in the way.9 If this be fact, and he asserts it positively, a communication with the western Country that way, if the falls
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in the Great Kanhawa (thro' the gauly Mountn.)10 Can be rendered navigable will be as ready, perhaps more direct than any other for all the Inhabitants of the Ohio g: its waters below the little Kanhawa and that these Falls are not so tremendous as some have represented I am inclined to believe from several Circumstances--one of which, in my mind, is conclusive--so far at least--as that they do not amount to a Cataract, and that is that Fish ascend them--it being agreed on all hands that the large Cats and other fish of the Ohio are to be met with in great abundance in the river above them.
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one half of the expense of examining, surveying, cutting, clearing, improving, and keeping in repair, a proposed road from the waters of Potowmack river to the river Cheat, and, if necessary, to the Monongahela" (OLD STATE ROAD, 313; VA. COUNCIL JLS., 3:444; see entry for 3 July 1786).
27th. I left Mr. Logston's a little after day-break. At 4 Miles thro' bad road, occasioned by Stone, I crossed the Stony River; which, as hath been before observed, appears larger than the No. Branch. At ten Miles I had by an imperceptible rise, gained the summit of the Alligany Mountain and began to desend it where it is very steep and bad to the waters of Pattersons Creek which embraces those of New Creek.1 Along the heads of these, & crossing the Main [Patterson's] Creek & Mountain bearing the same name (on the top of which at one Snails I dined)2 I came to Colo. Abrahm. Hites at Fort pleasant on the South Branch about 35 Miles from Logstons a little before the Suns setting.3
My intention, when I set out from Logstons, was to take the Road to Rumney by one Parkers;4 but learning from my guide (Joseph Logston) when I came to the parting paths at the foot of the Alligany (abt. 12 Miles) that it was very little further to go by Fort pleasant, I resolved to take that Rout as it might be more in my power on that part of the Branch to get information of the extent of its navigation than I should be able to do at Rumney.
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28th. Remained at Colo. Hite's all day to refresh myself and rest my Horses, having had a very fatieguing journey thro' the Mountains, occasioned not more from the want of accomodation & the real necessaries of life than the showers of Rain which were continually falling & wetting the bushes--the passing of which, under these circumstances was very little better than swimming of rivulets.
From Colo. Hite, Colo. Josh. Neville1 & others, I understood that the navigation of the South Branch in its present State, is made use of from Fort pleasant to its Mouth--that the most difficult part in it, and that would not take £100 to remove the obstruction (it being only a single rift of rocks across in one place) is 2 Miles below the old Fort. That this [distance to the mouth of the river], as the road goes, is 40 Miles; by water more and that, from any thing they knew, or believe to the contrary, it might at this moment be used 50 Miles higher, if any benefits were to result from it.2
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29th. Having appointed to join Doctr. Craik and my Baggage at Colo. Warner Washington's, but finding it required only one day more to take the rout of Mr. Thos. Lewis's (near Stanton) from whose Office I wanted some papers to enable me to prosecute my ejectments of those who had possessed themselves of my Land in the County of Washington, State of Pensylvania;1 and that I might obtain a more distinct acct. of the Communication between Jackson's River & the green Brier; I sent my Nephew Bushrod Washington (who was of my party) to that place [Warner Washington's] to request the Doctr. to proceed [to Mount Vernon] & accompanied by Captn. Hite, son to the Colonel,2 I set out for Rockingham in which County Mr. Lewis now lives since the division of Augusta.
Proceeding up the So. fork of the So. Branch about 24 Miles--bated our Horses, & obtained something to eat ourselves, at one Rudiborts.3 Thence taking up a branch & following the same about 4 Miles thro' a very confined & rocky path, towards the latter part of it, we ascended a very steep point of the So. Branch Mountain, but which was not far across, to the No. fork of Shanondoah;4 down which by a pretty good path which soon grew into a considerable road, we discended until we arrived at one Fishwaters in Brocks gap, about Eight Miles from the foot of the Mountain--12 from Rudiborts & 36 from Colonl. Hites. This gap is occasioned by the above branch of Shannondoahs running thro the Cacapehon & North Mountains for about 20 Miles and affords a good road, except being Stony & crossing the water often.5
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30th. Set out early--Captn. Hite returning home and travelled 11 or 12 Miles along the River, until I had passed thro' the gap. Then bearing more westerly by one Bryan's1--the widow Smiths2 and one Gilberts,3 I arrived at Mr. Lewis's about Sundown, after riding about 40 Miles--leaving Rockingham C[our]t House to my right about 2 Miles.4
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October 1st. Dined at Mr. Gabriel Jones's,1 not half a mile from Mr. Lewis's, but seperated by the South fork of Shannondoah; which is between 80 and a hundred yards wide, & makes a respectable appearance altho' little short of 150 Miles from its confluence with Potomack River; and only impeded in its navigation by the rapid water & rocks which are between the old bloomery2 and Keys's ferry; and a few other ripples; all of which might be easily removed and the navigation according to Mr. Lewis's account, extended at least 30 Miles higher than where he lives.
I had a good deal of conversation with this Gentleman on the Waters, and trade of the Western Country; and particularly with respect to the navigation of the Great Kanhawa and it's communication with James, & Roanoke Rivers.
His opinion is, that the easiest & best communication between the Eastern & Western Waters is from the North branch of Potomack to Yohiogany or Cheat River; and ultimately that the Trade between the two Countries will settle in this Channel. That altho James River has an easy & short communication from the Mouth of Carpenters or Dunlaps Creek to the Greenbriar which in distance & kind of Country is exactly as Logston described them, yet, that the passage of the New River, abe.
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Gabriel Jones, "The Valley Lawyer," by Edward C. Bruce, after a painting by Gilbert Stuart. (Miss Louisa M. Crawford)
Kanhawa, thro' the gauly Mountain from every acct. he has had of it, now is, and ever will be attended with considerable difficulty, if it should not prove impracticable. The Fall he has understood, altho it may be short of a Cateract, or perpendicular tumble, runs with the velocity of a stream discending a Mountain, and is besides very Rocky & closely confined between rugged hills. He adds, that from all appearance, a considerable part of the Water with which the River above abounds, sinks at, or above this rapid or fall, as the quantity he says, from report, is greatly diminished. However, as it is not to his own observations, but report these accts. are had, the real difficulty in surmounting the obstructions here described may be much less than are apprehended; wch. supposition is well warranted by the ascention of the Fish.
Mr. Lewis is of opinion that if the obstructions in this River can be removed, that the easiest communication of all, would be by the Roanoke, as the New River and it are within 12 Miles, and an excellent Waggon road between them and no difficulty that ever he heard of, in the former, to hurt the inland Navigation of it.
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in much of western Virginia during the next three decades. To his contemporaries he became known as "the Valley Lawyer" (GRIGSBY, 2:16--19; BLUE COAT BOYS, 44--45; BARTON, 19--22). He also served the Shenandoah counties as a burgess at various times, representing Frederick 1748--54, Hampshire 1754--55 and 1758--61, and Augusta 1756--58 and 1760--71. It was due in part to Jones's influence and activity that GW was first elected to the House of Burgesses from Frederick County in 1758 (Jones to GW, 6 July 1758; DLC:GW; GW to Jones, 29 July 1758, PHi). Jones lived in Frederick County near present-day Kernstown, Va., from 1747 to about 1753, when he moved to Augusta County, taking up residence at the place where GW visited him today, about 2½ miles down the South Fork of the Shenandoah from present-day Port Republic. His move may have been prompted by the fact that Thomas Lewis and another neighbor, John Madison, were both married to sisters of Jones's wife, Margaret Strother Morton Jones (d. 1822). After 1777, when Jones's home passed into Rockingham County, he became prosecuting attorney for the new county, servinguntil 1795 (WAYLAND [4], 350--51; WAYLAND [2], 220--23, 226).
At Gabriel Jones's home today GW met Jones's son-in-law, John Harvie (1743--1807), register of the Virginia land office 1780--91 (HESTER, 4, 32). GW had corresponded frequently with Harvie earlier this year about warrants and surveys on the Ohio and on Millers Run (GW to Harvie, 10, 29 Feb., and 18 Mar. 1784 and 19 Mar. 1785, and Harvie to GW, 21 Feb., 12 and 14 April 1784, DLC:GW).
2 Bloomery, W.Va. See entry for 9 May 1760.
2d. I set off very early from Mr. Lewis's who accompanied me to the foot of the blew ridge at Swift run gap,1 10 Miles, where I bated and proceeded over the Mountain. Dined at a pitiful house 14 Miles further where the roads to Fredericksburgh (by Orange C[our]t House) & that to Culpeper Court House fork.2 Took the latter, tho in my judgment Culpeper Court House was too much upon my right for a direct Course. Lodged at a Widow Yearlys 12 Miles further where I was hospitably entertained.3
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Madison, Va. According to a family tradition, GW gave a watch to one of the children during his stay (EARLY, 205--6).
3d. Left Quarters before day, and breakfasted at Culpeper Court house which was estimated 21 Miles, but by bad direction I must have travelled 25, at least.1 Crossed Normans ford2 10 Miles from the Court Ho[use] and lodged at Captn. John Ashbys3 occasioned by other bad directions, which took me out of the proper road, which ought to have been by Elk run Church4 3 or 4 Miles to the right.
1 GW took his breakfast at "Kemps" (LEDGER B, 200).
4th. Notwithstanding a good deal of rain fell in the night and the continuance of it this morning (which lasted till about 10 Oclock) I breakfasted by Candlelight, and Mounted my horse soon after day break; and having Captn. Ashby for a guide thro' the intricate part of the Road (which ought, tho' I missed it, to have been by Prince William old Court Ho[use])1 I arrived at Colchester, 30 Miles, to Dinner; and reached home before Sun down;2 having travelled on the same horses since the first day of September by the computed distances 680 Miles.
And tho' I was disappointed in one of the objects which induced me to undertake this journey namely to examine into the situation quality and advantages of the Land which I hold upon
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Schull's 1770 map of Pennsylvania, used by Washington. (Map Division, Library of Congress)
the Ohio and Great Kanhawa and to take measures for rescuing them from the hands of Land Jobbers & Speculators--who I had been informed regardless of my legal & equitable rights, Patents, &ca.; had enclosed them within other Surveys & were offering them for Sale at Philadelphia and in Europe. I say notwithstanding this disappointment, I am well pleased with my journey, as it has been the means of my obtaining a knowledge of facts--coming at the temper & disposition of the Western Inhabitants and making reflections thereon, which, otherwise, must have been as wild, incoher[en]t, & perhaps as foreign from the truth, as the inconsistencys of the reports which I had received even from those to whom most credit seemed due, generally were.
These reflections remain to the summed up.
The more then the Navigation of Potomack is investigated & duely considered, the greater the advantages arising from them appear.
The South, or principal branch of Shannondoah at Mr. Lewis's is, to traverse the river, at least 150 Miles from its mouth; all of which, except the rapids between the Bloomery and Keys's ferry, now is, or very easily may be made navigable for inland Craft,
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and extended 30 Miles higher. The South Branch of Potomack is already navigated from its Mouth to Fort Pleasant; which, as the road goes, is 40 computed Miles; & the only difficulty in the way (and that a very trifling one) is just below the latter, where the River is hemmed in by the hills or Mountains on each side. From hence, in the opinion of Colo. Joseph Neville and others, it may, at the most trifling expense imaginable, be made navigable 50 Miles higher.
To say nothing then of the smaller Waters, [of the Potomac River], such as Pattersons Creek, Cacapehon [Cacapon River], Opeckon [Opequon Creek] &ca.; which are more or less Navigable; and of the branches on the Maryland side, these two alone (that is the South Branch & Shannondoah) would afford water transportation for all that fertile Country between the blew ridge and the Alligany Mountains; which is immense, but how trifling when viewed upon that immeasurable scale which is inviting our attention!
The Ohio River embraces this Commonwealth [Virginia] from its Northern, almost to its Southern limits. It is now, our western boundary & lyes nearly parallel to our exterior, & thickest settled Country.
Into this river French Creek, big bever Creek, Muskingham, Hockhocking, Scioto, and the two Miames (in its upper region) and many others (in the lower) pour themselves from the westward through one of the most fertile Country's of the Globe; by a long inland navigation; which, in its present state, is passable for Canoes and such other small craft as has, hitherto, been made use of for the Indian trade.
French Creek, down whh. I have myself come to Venango, from a lake near its source, is 15 Miles from Prisque Isle on lake Erie; and the Country betwn. quite level.3 Both big bever Creek and Muskingham, communicate very nearly with Cayahoga; which runs into lake Erie; the portage with the latter (I mean Muskingham) as appears by the maps, is only one mile; and by many other accts. very little further; and so level between, that the Indians and Traders, as is affirmed, always drag their Canoes from one river to the other when they go to War--to hunt, or trade.4 The great Miame, which runs into the Ohio, communicates with a river of the same name, as also with Sandusky, which empty themselves into lake Erie, by short and easy Portages.5 And all of these are so many channels through which not only the produce of the New States, contemplated by Congress, but the trade of all the lakes, quite to that of the Wood,6 may be
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conducted according to my information, and judgment--at least by one of the routs, thro' a shorter, easier, and less expensive communication than either of those which are now, or have been used with Canada, New Y[or]k or New Orleans.
That this may not appear an assertion, or even an opinion unsupported, I will examine matters impartially, and endeavor to state facts.
Detroit is a point, thro which the Trade of the Lakes Huron, & all those above it, must pass, if it centres in any State of the Union; or goes to Canada; unless it should pass by the River Outawais, which disgorge's itself into the St. Lawrence at Montreal and which necessity only can compel; as it is, from all accts., longer and of more difficult Navigation than the St. Lawrence itself.7
To do this, the Waters which empty into the Ohio on the East side, & which communicate nearest & best With those which run into the Atlantic, must also be delineated.
These are Monongahela and its branches, viz., Yohiogany & Cheat and the little and great Kanhawas; and Greenbrier which emptys into the latter.
The first (unfortunately for us)8 is within the jurisdiction of Pensylvania from its mouth to the fork of Cheat indeed 2 Miles higher--as (which is more to be regreted) the Yohiogany also is, till it crosses the line of Maryland; these Rivers, I am perswaded, afford much the shortest routs from the Lakes to the tide water of the Atlantic but are not under our controul; being subject to a power whose interest is opposed to the extension of their navigation, as it would be the inevitable means of withdrawing from Philadelphia all the trade of that part of its western territory, which lyes beyond the Laurel hill--Though any attempt of that Government to restrain it I am equally well perswaded, w[oul]d cause a seperation of their territory; there being sensible men among them who have it in contemplation at this moment--but this by the by. The little Kanhawa, which stands next in order, & by Hutchins's table of distances (between Fort Pit and the Mouth of the River Ohio)9 is 184½ Miles below the Monongahela, is navigable between 40 and 50 Miles up, to a place called Bulls Town. Thence there is a Portage of 9½ Miles to the West fork of Monongahela. Thence along the same to the Mouth of Cheat River, and up it to the Dunker bottom; from whence a portage may be had to the No. branch of Potomack.
Next to the little is the great Kanhawa; which by the above Table is 98½ Miles still lower down the Ohio. This is a fine Navigable river to the Falls; the practicability of opening which,
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Washington's map, drawn in 1787, of three tracts of his land on the Ohio River between Great and Little Kanawha rivers. From George Washington Atlas, Washington, D.C., 1932. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library)
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seems to be little understood; but most assuredly ought to be investigated.
These then are the ways by which the produce of that Country; & the peltry & fur trade of the Lakes may be introduced into this State [Virginia]; & into Maryld.; which stands upon similar ground. There are ways, more difficult & expenceve indeed by which they can also be carried to Philadelphia--all of which, with the rout to Albany, & Montreal, and the distances by Land, and Water, from place to place, as far as can be ascertained by the best Maps now extant--by actual Surveys made since the publication of them and the information of intelligent persons--will appear as follow--from Detroit--which is a point as has been observed as unfavorable for us to compute from (being upon the North Western extremity of the United [States] territory) as any beyond Lake Erie can be:
viz.--
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Note--This rout may be more incorrect than either of the foregoing as I had only the Maps, and vague information for the Portages and for the distances from the Mouth of the Kanhawa to the Carrying place with Jacksons (that is James) river and the length of that River from the Carrying place to Richmond. The length of the carrying place above is also taken from the Map tho' from Information one would have called it not more than 20 Miles.
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Note--The distances of places from the Mouth of Tobys Creek to Philada. are taken wholly from a comparitive view of Evans's and Sculls Maps.17 The number, and length of the Portages, are not attempted to be given with greater exactness than these and for want of more competent knowledge, they are taken by a strait line between the sources of the different waters which by the Maps have the nearest communication with each other. Consequently, these Routs, if there is any truth in the Maps, must be longer than the given distances--particularly in the Portages, or Land part of the Transportation, because no road among Mountns. can be strait or waters navigable to their fountain heads.
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Admitting the preceding Statement, which as has been observed is given from the best and most authentic Maps and papers in my possession--from information and partly from observation, to be tolerably just, it would be nugatory to go about to prove that the Country within, and bordering upon the Lakes Erie, Huron, & Michigan would be more convenient when they come to be settled--or that they would embrace with avidity our Markets, if we should remove the obstructions which are at present in the way to them.
It may be said, because it has been said, & because there are some examples of it in proof, that the Country of Kentucke, about the Falls, and even much higher up the Ohio, have carried flour and other Articles to New Orleans--but from whence has it proceeded?
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Will any one who has ever calculated the difference between Water & Land transportation wonder at this? Especially in an infant settlement where the people are poor and weak handed and pay more regard to their ease than to loss of time, or any other circumstance?
Hitherto, the people of the Western Country having had no excitements to Industry, labour very little; the luxuriency of the Soil, with very little culture, produces provisions in abundance. These supplies the wants of the encreasing population and the Spaniards, when pressed by want have given high prices for flour. Other articles they reject: & at times (contrary I think to sound policy) shut their ports against them altogether--but let us open a good communication with the Settlemts. west of us--extend the inland Navigation as far as it can be done with convenience and shew them by this means, how easy it is to bring the produce of their Lands to our Markets, and see how astonishingly our exports will be encreased; and these States benefitted in a commercial point of view--wch. alone, is an object of such Magnitude as to claim our closest attention--but when the subject is considered in a political point of view, it appears of much greater importance.
No well informed Mind need be told, that the flanks and rear of the United territory are possessed by other powers, and formidable ones too--nor how necessary it is to apply the cement of interest to bind all parts of it together, by one indissolvable band--particularly the Middle States with the Country immediately back of them. For what ties let me ask, should we have upon those people; and how entirely unconnected shod. we be with them if the Spaniards on their right, or Great Britain on their left, instead of throwing stumbling blocks in their way as they now do, should envite their trade and seek alliances with them? What, when they get strength which will be sooner than is generally imagined (from the emigration of Foreigners who can have no predeliction for us, as well as from the removal of our own Citizens) may be the consequence of their having formed such connections and alliances, requires no uncommon foresight to predict.
The Western Settlers--from my own observation--stand as it were on a pivet--the touch of a feather would almost incline them any way. They looked down the Mississipi until the Spaniards (very impoliticly I think for themselves) threw difficulties in the way, and for no other reason that I can conceive than because they glided gently down the stream, without considering perhaps the tedeousness of the voyage back, & the time necessary to perform
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it in; and because they have no other means of coming to us but by a long land transportation, & unimproved roads.
A combination of circumstances make the present conjuncture more favorable than any other to fix the trade of the Western Country to our Markets. The jealous & untoward disposition of the Spaniards on one side, and the private views of some individuals, coinciding with the policy of the Court of G. Britain on the other, to retain the Posts of Oswego, Niagara, Detroit &ca. (which tho' done under the letter of the treaty is certainly an infraction of the Spirit of it, & injurious to the Union) may be improved to the greatest advantage by this State [Virginia] if she would open her Arms, & embrace the means which are necessary to establish it. The way is plain & the expence, comparitively speaking deserves not a thought, so great would be the prize. The Western Inhabitants would do their part towards accomplishing it. Weak as they now are, they would, I am perswaded, meet us half way rather than be driven into the arms of, or be in any wise dependent upon, foreigners; the consequence of which would be, a seperation, or a War.
The way to avoid both, happily for us, is easy, and dictated by our clearest interests. It is to open a wide door, and make a smooth way for the produce of that Country to pass to our Markets before the trade may get into another channel. This, in my judgment, would dry up the other sources; or, if any part should flow down the Mississipi, from the Falls of the Ohio, in Vessels which may be built--fitted, for Sea & sold with their cargoes the proceeds I have no manner of doubt, will return this way; & that it is better to prevent an evil than to rectify a mistake none can deny; commercial connections, of all others, are most difficult to dissolve--if we wanted proof of this look to the avidity with which we are renewing, after a total suspension of Eight years our corrispondence with Great Britain; So, if we [Virginians] are supine; and suffer without a struggle the Settlers of the Western Country to form commercial connections with the Spaniards, Britons, or with any of the States in the Union we shall find it a difficult matter to dissolve them altho a better communication should, thereafter, be presented to them. Time only could effect it; such is the force of habit!
Rumseys discovery of working Boats against stream by mechanical powers principally, may not only be considered as a fortunate invention for these States in general but as one of those circumstances which have combined to render the present epocha favorable above all others for securing (if we are disposed to avail ourselves
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of them) a large portion of the produce of the Western Settlements, and of the Fur and Peltry of the Lakes, also--the importance of which alone, if there were no political considerations in the way, is immense.
It may be said perhaps, that as the most direct routs from the Lakes to the Navigation of Potomack are through the State of Pensylvania and the inter[es]t of that State opposed to the extension of the Waters of Monongahela, that a communication cannot be had either by the Yohiogany or Cheat River; but herein I differ. An application to this purpose would, in my opinion, place the Legislature of that Commonwealth in a very delicate situation. That it would not be pleasing I can readily conceive, but that they would refuse their assent, I am by no means dear in. There is, in that State, at least 100,000 Souls West of the Laurel hill, who are groaning under the inconveniences of a long land transportation. They are wishing, indeed looking, for the extension of inland navigation; and if this can not be made easy for them to Philadelphia--at any rate it must be lengthy--they will seek a mart elsewhere; and none is so convenient as that which offers itself through Yohiogany or Cheat River. The certain consequence therefore of an attempt to restrain the extension of the navigation of these rivers (so consonant with the interest of these people) or to impose any extra duties upon the exports, or imports, to, or from another State, would be a seperation of the Western Settlers from the old & more interior government; towards which there is not wanting a disposition at this moment in the former.
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navigation on it would save only a few overland miles. A total land route by Braddock's Road or Turkey Foot Road was preferable, and of the two, Craik tended to favor the latter: "It is infinitely better and above two miles shorter. Indeed I found the whole Turkey foot Road across the mountains much better & nearer than Braddocks Road, that if there were good entertainment no one could hesitate in the choice" (Craik to GW, 2 Oct. 1784, MnHi).
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23 This portage was around the Little Falls of the Mohawk River.
24 The 70-foot high Cohoes Falls at the mouth of the Mohawk River made
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this portage necessary in order to reach the Hudson River (SHAW, 9; W.P.A. [7], 627). Schenectady on the Mohawk is about 21 miles above the falls; Albany on the Hudson is about 11 miles below them.
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First Monday. Colo. Bassett, who brought his daughter Fanny to this place to remain on the 24th. of last Month set off on his return to the Assembly now sitting at Richmond.
I took a ride to my Plantations in the Neck, & called to see my neighbour Humphrey Peake who has been long afflicted with ill health and appears to be in the last stage of life & very near his end.
Wind Southwardly. The day very fine & pleasant.
Frances (Fanny) Bassett's mother, Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett, had died in 1777, and since then Fanny seems to have spent much time visiting various relatives. She came to Mount Vernon in Dec. 1784 to make her permanent home with her aunt and uncle.
Sunday 2d. Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.
Drizzly Morning which first turned to rain, & then to snow.
Monday 3d. Doctr. Stuart--his wife Betcy & Patcy Custis who had been here since the 27th. ulto. returned home.
Doctr. Craik visited Mr. Peake & returned to Dinner.
While we were at Dinner Colo. Blackburne & his daughter Sally came. The whole remained the Evening.
Variable & very squally weather with Snow & Sunshine alternately. Towards evening the Wind came from the No. West & blew violently. Turned very cold & froze hard.
Dr. David Stuart (1753--C.1814) had, late in 1783, married John Parke Custis's widow, Eleanor Calvert Custis. Stuart was the son of Rev. William Stuart of St. Paul's Parish, then located in Stafford County (HARDY, 493). Stuart attended the College of William and Mary and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1777. He practiced medicine in Alexandria, and was at this time living four miles above the city. Elizabeth Parke (Betsy) Custis (1776--1832) and Martha Parke (Patsy) Custis (1777--1854), the two eldest children of John Parke Custis, lived with their mother and stepfather. The two youngest children lived at Mount Vernon. Stuart was a member of the Virginia Assembly 1785--88 and of the Virginia ratifying convention of 1788 and was one of the first three commissioners appointed by GW for the District of Columbia. About 1792 he moved his family to his Hope Park farm and, in later life, to Ossian Hall, both in Fairfax County. In the 1780s
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Stuart served as translator for the many French letters that GW received, and during the presidency, he helped to keep GW informed of public sentiments in Virginia.
Sarah (Sally) Blackburn was the daughter of Col. Thomas and Christian Scott Blackburn of Rippon Lodge.
Tuesday 4th. Colo. Blackburne went to Alexandria leaving his daughter here.
Doctr. Craik attempted to cross the river at my Ferry, but failing on acct. of the Ice returned, & stayed dinner & the evening.
Wind variable & cold.
Wednesday 5th. The Doctr. in vain attempted my ferry & being disappointed went to George Town with a view of crossing on the Ice.
Colo. Blackburn returned this Evening from Alexandria.
Wind Northwardly & cold.
Thursday 6th. Colo. Blackburn & his daughter left this after breakfast.
Wind from the Southwest, raw, cold & disagreeable.
Friday 7th. Road to my Mill, Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations.
Fanny Bassett, painted by Robert Edge Pine at Mount Vernon in 1785. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Preparing my dry well, and the Well in my New Cellar for the reception of Ice.
But little wind, and that Southwardly. Day very pleasant--tho' it thawed but little.
The well in the new cellar was to prove unsatisfactory (see entry for 5 June). The dry well that GW used as an icehouse was first mentioned in 1773, when it was being repaired (LEDGER B, 140). It was located at the southeast corner of the river lawn. In 1784 GW had considered building a new icehouse but decided instead to repair and improve the old one. On 2 June he wrote Robert Morris that the snow with which he had packed his icehouse was already gone, and requested advice and a description of Morris's icehouse (DLC:GW). Morris suggested, among other things, that GW not use snow but pound ice into small pieces so it would freeze into a mass (15 June 1784, DLC:GW).
Saturday 8th. Drawing Ice from the river to my well in the Cellar--got it ¾ full & well pounded, as it was thrown in.
Wind pretty fresh from the Southwest.
The little Snow, not exceeding 2 Inches with which the ground was covered began to disappear and the ground to soften very much. The day for the greater part was lowering & variable.
Sunday 9th. Not much wind, and that at West, & So. West.
Moderate & thawing a little. The Mercury in the Thermometer was at 32 this afternoon. Appearances of Rain.
Monday 10th. Mercury at Sun rise was at 38--at Noon the same and at Night 42.
Drizzly all day with but little wind--that westerly.
Made a finish of the Ice in my well in the Cellar and began to fill the dry well--but the Ice unexpectedly leaving the Shore was obliged to quit.
But little thawing to day, notwithstanding the wind & weather.
Tuesday 11th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon & 44 at Night.
Until Noon it was foggy, with but little wind.
Afternoon it cleared, & was very pleasant. The wind pretty fresh from the So. West--which bringing the Ice to the Shore again I renewed the Work of filling my dry Well with it by assembly Carts & hands from my Plantations.
Wednesday 12th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--40 at Noon & 38 at Night.
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Morning very fine with but little Wind from the So. Wt. At 10 o'clock it shifted to the No. Wt. blew very hard & turned Cold.
Road to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses.
At the Sein Landing & between that & the point at the old Brick kiln I found about half a dozn. young Elm trees, but not very promising ones. Many thriving ash trees on high (at least dry) ground of proper size for transplanting and a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes. In the field which I bought of Barry & Miss Wade along the drain, & prongs of it, are one or two more; but rather of large size--but in the latter (a prong of the drain in Barry's field) there are great abundance of the white thorn (now full of the red Berries in clusters). Within the Meadow fence at the Mill, & within that Inclosure next Isaac Gates's are some young Crab apple trees and young Pine trees in the old field of all sizes. And in the Branch of Hell hole betwn. the Gate & its mouth are a number of very fine young Poplars--Locusts--Sasafras and Dogwood. Some Maple Trees on high ground & 2 or 3 Shrubs (in wet ground) wch. I take to be of the Fringe tree.
About Sundown Lewis Lemart--one of my Tenants in Fauquier & Collector of the Rents arising from the Tract on which he lives came in with some money & stayed all Night.
WALKS, GROVES, & WILDERNESSES: Before the Revolution, GW designed a formal English landscape for the western front of Mount Vernon. Little work was done on it, however, until after the war. The design called for a small circular courtyard, bounded by a carriage road. Beyond this was to be a bowling green with a serpentine drive bordering both sides down to a gate at the road. On the outer edges of this serpentine drive, between the drive and the north and south gardens, were what GW called his shrubberies and wildernesses. The shrubberies extended from each side of the courtyard to a point just beyond the gardens, while the wildernesses, more thickly planted areas, stretched from the shrubberies to the road. At the north and south ends of the mansion were to be thick plantings of trees which GW called his groves.
The trees named here are Ulmus americana, American elm; Fraxinus americana, white ash; Cercis canadensis, redbud; Crataegus crus-galli, white thorn; Malus coronaria, American crab; Pinus virginiana, Virginia scrub pine; Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip poplar; Robinia pseudo-acacia, black locust; Sassafras albidum, sassafras; Cornus florida, dogwood; Acer sp., maple; Chionanthus virginica, fringe tree.
Thursday 13th. Mercury in the Thermomiter at 26 about Sunrise--30 at Noon & 32 at Night.
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Morning clear & cold, the Wind being fresh from the No. West, Which, about Noon, died away and grew moderate.
Was envited, & went to the Funeral of Mr. Peake who died on Tuesday night.
Returned to Dinner, accompanied by the Revd. Doctr. Griffith. Found a Mr. Dalby (an English Gentleman) here--both of whom stayed all Night.
David Griffith (1742--1789), a native of New York, was educated for the medical profession and practiced in New York for several years before studying for the ministry. He was ordained by the bishop of London in 1770. In 1771 he became minister of Shelburne Parish in Loudoun County. During the Revolution, Griffith served as chaplain and surgeon of the 3d Virginia Regiment. In Feb. 1780 he was chosen rector of Fairfax Parish (Christ Church, Alexandria), where he remained until his death. Griffith was a deputy at the first general convention of the Episcopal church in 1785 and was chosen first bishop of Virginia in 1785. A lack of funds kept him from journeying to London for consecration, and he resigned from the post in 1789.
Philip Dalby, a merchant, in May 1785 opened a store in Alexandria on the corner of Royal and Cameron streets. He offered "a large Assortment of Goods" for cash, produce, or credit ( Va. Journal, 12 May 1785).
Friday 14th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning 34 at Noon & 38 at Night.
The Wind tho' there was not much of it came from the So. West and continued at the same point the whole day.
Appearances of Snow in the Forenoon but clear afterwards until Sunset--when it went down in a bank.
Mr. Griffith & Mr. Dalby both went away after breakfast.
Received an Invitation to the Funeral of Mr. Thos. Kirkpatrick at 3 oclock tomorrow, but excused myself.
Yesterday, & this day also was closely employed in getting Ice into my dry well.
Thomas Kirkpatrick, of Fairfax County,' was in 1782 head of a household of two whites and one black (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 16). He signed the resolution forming the Virginia nonimportation association, in Williamsburg in 1770, as a merchant from Alexandria (VA. REG., 3:79). Thomas Kilpatrick, probably the same man, was a wheat purchaser and inspector of flour at Alexandria in 1775 (HARRISON [1], 417).
Saturday 15th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--42 at Noon and the same at Night.
Wind Easterly in the Morning but before noon it shifted to the So. West & blew fresh & towards Night it veered round to the No. Wt. & blew very hard.
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With the Easterly wind there was a little rain which ceased with it. Grew clear & turned cold.
Sunday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the morning--38 at Noon & night.
Wind light all day from the No. West. Weather clear & pleast.
Monday 17th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--36 at Noon & 46 at Night.
Day fine & pleasant--wind at South.
Went to and returned from Alexandria to day.
At my return found dispatches from the assembly respecting the Potomack Navigation.
On 22 Jan. 1785 GW wrote to William Grayson, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Fairfax County, acknowledging receipt of "your letter, with the Books, Potomac bill and other papers" (DLC:GW). Included in the dispatches was the actual engrossed copy, "spared indulgently from the Clerks office," of "An act for opening and extending the navigation of Potowmack river" (HENING, 11:510--25), passed by the Virginia Assembly on 5 Jan. 1785; a "cover" note from the House clerk, John Beckley; several books for enrolling the subscriptions of the private capital authorized to finance the Potomac Company; and a list of "the James River rate of Tolls" for the newly authorized James River Company, authorized to open navigation on the James River above Richmond (GW to John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne, 18 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW; HENNING, 11:450--62).
Also included in today's dispatches from Grayson was a letter to GW from James Madison (1751--1836), member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Orange County (9 Jan. 1785, ICU). Madison had visited Mount Vernon just before the fall 1784 session of the Virginia General Assembly in which he shepherded the Potomac and James River navigation bills through the lower house. In his letter to GW he enclosed three resolutions regarding internal improvements passed in that session (see MADISON, 8:235).
Tuesday 18th. Mercury at 50 this Morning--55 at Noon & 58 at Night.
Wind Southwardly & fresh all day and now and then dripping of rain. In the evening the Clouds dispersed & the Sunset clear.
Sent the dispatches which came to me yesterday to Messrs. Fitzgerald and Hartshorne (managers named in the act for improving & extending the Navigation of Potomack and) who are appointed to receive Subscriptions--that they might get copies of the Act printed and act under them.
William Hartshorne, a Pennsylvania Quaker, was a merchant in Alexandria. He was elected treasurer of the Potomac Company on 17 May 1785 and served until Jan. 1800 (BACON-FOSTER, 61, 100).
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The Virginia Act provided: "Whereas . . . many persons are willing to subscribe large sums of money to effect so laudable and beneficial a work; and it is just and proper that they, their heirs, and assigns, should be empowered to receive reasonable tolls forever, in satisfaction for the money advanced by them in carrying the work into execution, and the risk they run . . . it shall and may be lawful to open books in the city of Richmond, towns of Alexandria and Winchester in this state, for receiving and entering subscriptions for the said undertaking." Hartshorne and John Fitzgerald were named in the act to be the managers of the Alexandria subscription book (HENING, 11:510--11). Subscription books also were opened in Annapolis, Georgetown, and Frederick, Md.
Wednesday 19th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--the same at Noon and at Night.
Day clear & fine. The Wind at No. West & Cool.
Employed until dinner in laying out my Serpentine road & Shrubberies adjoining.
Just as we had done dinner a Mr. Watson--late of the House of Watson & Cossoul of Nantes--and a Mr. Swift Merchant in Alexandria came in, and stayed all Night.
Elkanah Watson (1758--1842), born in Massachusetts, was apprenticed just before the Revolution to John Brown, of Providence, a merchant who became active in importing gunpowder and other supplies for the army. In 1779 Watson went to France as agent for Brown and others. He opened a mercantile business in Nantes in partnership first with Benjamin Franklin's grandnephew, Jonathan Williams, and later with a M. Cassoul (Cossoul). The business failed in 1783 and Watson returned to the United States in 1784 (HEDGES, 245--54). While he was abroad, Watson sent GW some Masonic ornaments from France (GW to Watson & Cassoul, 10 Aug. 1782, DLC:GW). Watson was greatly interested in both agriculture and canals and, in later life, founded the Berkshire (Mass.) Agricultural Society and endeavored to raise capital for building canals. He came to Mount Vernon bearing a gift for GW from Granville Sharp, the British philanthropist and founder of the colony of Sierra Leone in Africa. Sharp had entrusted to Watson two bundles of books for GW, "embracing his entire publications on emancipation and other congenial topics" (WATSON [2], 233). During his visit to Mount Vernon, Watson and GW discussed canals at great length, and particularly the Potomac Company and its plans for navigation of that river (WATSON [2], 244--45).
Jonathan Swift (d. 1824) was a merchant who had moved to Alexandria from New England sometime before 1785. In September of this year, he married Ann Roberdeau, daughter of Brig. Gen. Daniel Roberdeau. In his later years, Swift served as a consular agent for several European countries(BUCHANAN [2], 122--23).
Thursday 20th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Wind at No. Et.--day raw--lowering--damp & disagreeable.
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Mr. Watson and Mr. Swift went away after breakfast. I continued my employment of yesterday--arranging the Walk &ca.
Began to grub & clear the under growth in my Pine Grove on the margin of Hell hole.
Friday 21st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning--54 at Noon & 55 at Night.
More or less rain all night and variable wind--which, at times, blew exceedingly hard.
In the Morning the wind was at No. Et. attended with rain. Before Noon it shifted to the Southward--blowing pretty fresh. The weather then cleared.
This day a large Ship went up--on Tuesday last 4 square rigged vessels also went past wch. was the first day the Navigation opened so as to admit this since the frost commenced, on the 4th. instant.
Saturday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning--the same at Noon & 44 at Night.
Clear weather--the wind being at No. West all day.
In the Evening Doctr. Craik Junr. came here & stayed all Night.
James Craik, Jr. (died c.1803), was the son of Dr. James Craik. His company, Jas. Craik & Co., did some business with GW in 1786 (LEDGER B, 212). In 1787 he dissolved his mercantile business but continued selling drugs and medicines in his store (MOORE [1], 190). There is no indication that he ever practiced medicine, although he received a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1782 and was frequently referred to as Dr. Craik, Jr. (LIPPINCOTT, 32).
Sunday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--38 at Noon & 42 at Sun setting.
Clear & quite calm all the forenoon. Towards evening the Wind sprung up from the Eastward.
Doctr. Craik left this after breakfast--attending Miss Bassett to his Fathers--to the wedding of his Sister Sally.
Sarah (Sally) Craik, daughter of Dr. James Craik, was married 25 Jan. 1785 to Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756--c.1809).
Monday 24th. Mercury at 41 in the morning--57 at Noon & 54 at Night.
Drizzly at intervals all day--Fresh wind from the South.
Renewed my labors on the Walks, Shrubberies &ca.--but was much interrupted by the unsettledness of the weather.
In the Night it rained pretty much.
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Tuesday 25th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning 38 at Noon--and [ ] at Night.
In the Morning early it rained a little, but the wind coming out from the No. West it soon cleared--blowing hard until night when it moderated & soon ceased.
A little before Dinner a Doctor Gilpin & a Mr. Scott--two West India Gentlemen came here introduced by a letter from Mr. Rob. Morris of Philadelphia and a little after them a Mr. Blaine all of whom stayed the Evening.
Day very cold--latter part.
A third member of Dr. Gilpin and Mr. Scott's party, called Mr. Colby, "remained indisposed at Baltimore" (GW to Robert Morris, 1 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW). MR. BLAINE: may be Thomas Blane (Blaine) of Westmoreland County.
Wednesday 26th. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 38 at Noon & 39 at Night.
But little Wind and that from the Southward--day clear & very pleasant overhead, but sloppy & disagreeable under foot, after it began to thaw--the ground having been hard froze in the Morning--which freezings & thawings it is apprehended, will be very injurious to the Winter grain.
Thursday 27th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--the same at Noon & 37 at Sunsetting.
Wind at No. West & clear all day--air pretty sharp in the forenoon.
Made Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington a mornings visit--from thence I went to Belvoir and viewed the ruined Buildings of that place. In doing this I passed along the side of Dogue Creek & the river to the white Ho[use] in search of Elm & other Trees for my Shrubberies &ca. Found none of the former but discovered one fringe Tree and a few Crabtrees in the first field beyond my line and in returning home (which I did to Dinner) by the way of Accatinck Creek I found several young Holly trees growing near Lawson Parkers.
In 1779 Lund Washington married his cousin Elizabeth Foote, daughter of Richard Foote of Prince William County. The couple lived at Mount Vernon until 1784 when they moved into their newly built home, Hayfield, located on the Alexandria Road five miles south of Alexandria. Lund's property consisted of about 45° acres, comprising most of the three parcels of land GW had acquired from Simon Pearson and George and John Ashford in 1761--63 and a small piece of wasteland obtained in 1771. This land was not formally deeded to Lund by GW until 25 Feb. 1785. However, there
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seems to have been an earlier lease on at least a part of the land, probably with GW's promise to deed the land to Lund at a later date. GW specified in the deed that the land was in repayment o of £5,304 Lund had earlier paid to Thomas Hanson Marshall for land on GW's behalf (Fairfax County Deeds, Book P-1, 415--17, Vi Microfilm; see entry for 15 Feb. 1785).
RUINED BUILDINGS: Belvoir had been badly damaged by fire in 1783. GW wrote George William Fairfax of this visit to his home: "I took a ride there the other day to visit the ruins--& ruins indeed they are. The dwelling house & the two brick buildings in front, under went the ravages of the fire; The walls of which are very much injured: the other Houses are sinking under the depredation of time & inattention, & I believe are now scarcely worth repairing. In a word, the whole are, or very soon will be a heap of ruin. When I viewed them--when I considered that the happiest moments of my life had been spent there--when I could not trace a room in the house (now all rubbish) that did not bring to my mind the recollection of pleasing scenes; I was obliged to fly from them; & came home with painful sensations, & sorrowing for the contrast" (27 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW). In 1814 the remaining walls of Belvoir were leveled by shells from British ships (MUIR, 23). HOLLY: Ilex opaca, American holly.
Friday 28th. Mercury at 32 this Morning--42 at Noon and the same at Night.
Wind pretty fresh from the Southward, with Sun shine, and appearances of rain alternately. In the evening it lowered very much.
Road to day to my Plantations in the Neck--partly with a view to search for Trees; for which purpose I passed through the Wood and in the first drain beyond the Bars in my lower pasture, I discovered in tracing it upwards, many small & thriving plants of the Magnolio and about & within the Fence, not far distant, some young Maple Trees; & the red berry of the Swamp. I also, along the Branch within Colo. Masons field, where Mr. T. Triplett formerly lived came a cross a mere nursery of young Crabtrees of all sizes & handsome & thriving and along the same branch on the outerside of the fence I discovered several young Holly Trees. But whether from the real scarcity, or difficulty of distinguishing, I could find none of the fringe tree.
MAGNOLIO: This may be any one of several varieties indigenous to the area: Magnolia virginiana, or sweet bay, which in the eighteenth century was called Magnolia glauca, or swamp laurel; Magnolia tripetala, or umbrella tree, a deciduous variety; or Magnolia acuminata, or cucumber tree. RED BERRY OF THE SWAMP: Ilex verticillata, black alder or winterberry.
Saturday 29th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning and the same at Noon & Night.
Raining until about 10 Oclock when it ceased. About 12 the
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Sun appeared and the day became exceedingly pleasant afterwards.
The Wind, until some time after noon came from the Southward but not very fresh. Towards the evening it inclined to the westward more--blew fresh & grew cold.
Sunday 30th. Mercury this morning at 26 at Noon 32 and at Night 28.
Wind fresh from the No. Wt. & Cold--day clear.
In the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Scott with the two Miss Blackburns came in and stayed the Night.
William Scott (c. 1751--c. 1787) was a son of Rev. James and Sarah Brown Scott of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, and the uncle of the Blackburn girls. Scott lived at Strawberry Vale "near the Lower Falls of Potomack, in Fairfax County" ( Va. Journal, 15 April 1784). There were four unmarried Blackburn girls at this time--Julia Ann (Nancy), Sarah, Catherine, and Mary Elizabeth (Polly). Sarah Blackburn was to marry Nathaniel Craufurd of Prince George's County, Md., in about two weeks and Nancy Blackburn (1768--1829) would marry GW's nephew Bushrod Washington on 13 Oct. 1785.
Monday 31st. Mercury at 22 in the Morning 28 at Noon & 29 at Night.
Wind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh in the forenoon--less of it from the Eastward in the afternoon. Day clear until the Evening when it lowered & after dark turned very cloudy.
About one oclock Mr. Wm. Hunter of Alexa. with a Mr. Hadfield (a Manchester Mercht.) recommended by Colo. Sam Smith of Baltimore & Colo. Fitzgerald & a Mr. Dawson came in. Dined & returned to Alexandria.
William Hunter, Jr. (1731--1792), a Scottish-born merchant of Alexandria, carried on extensive trade with London and Liverpool. He was a member of GW's Masonic lodge and mayor of the city 1788--90 (BROCKETT, 95; POWELL, 237, 361).
Joseph Hadfield (1759--1851), a member of the Manchester firm of Hadfield & Co., was one of a host of British agents who came to America after the Revolution to try to collect pre-Revolutionary debts owed to their firms by American merchants (HADFIELD, v--vii).
Samuel Smith (1752--1839) served in the Continental Army 1775--79 and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 4th Maryland Regiment in 1777. After the war, Smith returned to his father's mercantile house in Baltimore, becoming a prosperous trader and land speculator.
Mr. Dawson was possibly George Dawson, a friend of Hadfield who had served under Banastre Tarleton during the Revolution as a captain in the King's Orange Rangers, a Loyalist company. He accompanied Hadfield on some of his travels through the colonies (SABINE, 2:504; WRIGHT, 131, 137).
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Tuesday 1st. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 28 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Snowing, raining, or Hailing all day & Night and very disagreeable.
Wind at No. Wt. and West the whole time.
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at 28 in the Morning 32 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Snow this morning is about 9 Inches deep & pretty well compressed.
Wind at No. West and very cold.
Mr. Scott went away after Breakfast Employed myself (as there could be no stirring without) in writing Letters by the Post and in Signing 83 Diplomas for the members of the Society of the Cincinnati and sent them to the care of Colo. Fitzgerald in Alexandria--to be forwarded to General Williams of Baltimore the Assistant Secretary of the Society.
The Society of the Cincinnati, founded in 1783, was open to American officers who had served for three years in the army, or were in the army at the end of the Revolution, and to French officers of the rank of colonel
Blank diploma of the Society of the Cincinnati, signed by Washington. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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and above. Later, naval officers were also included. The hereditary nature of the new society in particular aroused much bitter opposition. It was usual practice for GW to sign blank diplomas and send them to the state secretaries to be completed and issued to members (HUME, xi--xvii).
Otho Holland Williams (1749--1794) was born in Prince George's County, Md., the son of Joseph and Priscilla Holland Williams. He was secretary of the Maryland chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati and the first assistant secretary general of the national society. Williams had joined the army as a lieutenant in 1775 and retired as a brigadier general in 1783. After the war, he was appointed naval officer of Baltimore and, under the new Constitution, collector of customs for the port of Baltimore, a post he retained until his death.
Thursday 3d. Mercury this morning at 22 at Noon [ ] and at Night 28.
Wind at No. West all day but it did not blow hard--clear & cold.
Mr. Benja. Dulany came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.
We concluded a bargain which has been long in agitation for the Exchange of his Land in this Neck which he & his wife have the reversion of for the tract I bought of Messrs. Adam Dow McIver on Hunting Creek. The Exchange is simply Tract for Tract--but as he cannot put me in possession of his, Mrs. French his wife's mother having her life in it he is to pay me, during that period--or until she shall relinquish her right therein, and the full & absolute possession is vested in me--the same annual rent I now receive from Mr. Dow--viz. One hundd. and twenty pounds Virga. Curry.
Writings & conveyances to this effect to be drawn by Mr. Charles Lee--Who from both is to be furnished with the necessary Papers.
HIS LAND IN THIS NECK: a tract of 543 acres on Dogue Creek, part of the 5,000 acres granted by Lord Culpeper to Nicholas Spencer and John Washington in 1674. With the exception of a small tract still held by the heirs of Harrison Manley, GW, by this exchange, now would control the entire neck of land lying between Little Hunting Creek and Dogue Creek, which had composed the original grant. To own the whole grant had long been one of GW's ambitions, and he made every effort over a period of years to purchase the French-Dulany land. In 1782 GW had bought the 376-acre Dow tract, located on Hunting Creek and up the Long Branch of Hunting Creek, for the express purpose of trading it for the French-Dulany land. However, despite Mrs. Penelope French's earlier approval of a trade for land nearer her home, a change of heart had led to a stubborn refusal on her part to relinquish her lifetime rights to the land (Benjamin Dulany to GW, 28 Feb. 1782, and GW to Lund Washington, 21 Nov. 1782, two letters, DLC:GW; Lund Washington to GW, 20 Nov., 4 and 11 Dec. 1782 and 8 Jan. 1783, ViMtV). It was not until 1786 that the Dulanys and GW finally prevailed
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upon Mrs. French to sign a deed giving up her rights. Peter Dow, one of the former owners of the Hunting Creek Tract, was then living on that land (agreement between Dulany and GW, 4 Feb. 1785, PHi: Gratz Collection).
Charles Lee (1758--1815), the brother of Col. Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee, was naval officer of the South Potomac District. In 1789 he was appointed collector of customs at Alexandria and from 1793 to 1795 was a member of the Virginia General Assembly from Fairfax County. He also practiced law in Alexandria and after the Revolution handled much of GW's legal work. In 1795 GW appointed him attorney general of the United States.
Friday 4th. Mercury at 22 in the Morng.--28 at Noon and at 32 at Night.
Calm, clear, and very pleasant over head, all day.
The Snow began to melt a little.
The two Miss Blackburns left this after breakfast, in order to return home--but it is to be feared they would meet with some difficul(ty) at the ferry at Occoquan.
Saturday 5th. Mercury at 25 in the Morning--32 at Noon & 32 at Night.
Day lowering with appearances of Snow. In the Morning the Wind (tho' there was not much of it) was at No. West. At Noon there was scarce any and towards night that which did blow came from the No. East.
Sunday 6th. Mercury at 31 in the morning--38 at Noon and 39 at Night.
Morning lowering with appearances of Snow or rain. Abt. Noon the Sun came out--but soon disappeared and became thick & lowering. No Wind.
Doctr. Brown was sent for to Frank (waiter in the House) who had been seized in the Night, with a bleeding of the Mouth from an Orifice made by a Doctr. Dick who some days before attempted in vain to extract a broken tooth & coming about 11 Oclock stayed to Dinner & returned afterwards.
Elisha Cullen Dick (1762--1825), of Alexandria, was a Pennsylvanian who had received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1782. He settled in Alexandria after taking his degree and soon became a popular member of Alexandria society. One of the founders of the Masonic lodge at Alexandria, he served as its master 1787--99, except for a year and a half when GW was master. He held several offices in Alexandria, including that of mayor. GW seems not to have used Dick's services again after his servant's unfortunate experience. Dick was, however, one of the doctors called in for consultation by Dr. Craik during GW's final illness.
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Benjamin Tasker Dulany, by an unknown artist. (Mrs. Thomas B. Atkinson)
Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A. F. & A. M., Alexandria, Va.)
Monday 7th. Mercury at 39 this morning--44 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Day clear, perfectly calm, Warm & pleasant. The Snow began to dissolve fast.
Tuesday 8th. Mercury at 39 in the morning--42 at Noon--46 at Night.
Morning lowering--clear at Noon, & cloudy afterwards.
Wind in the forenoon abt. So. East. Afterwards it veered more Easterly, & blew fresher. Thawed a good deal.
Finding that I should be very late in preparing my Walks & Shrubberies if I waited till the ground should be uncovered by the dissolution of the Snow--I had it removed Where necessary & began to Wheel dirt into the Ha! Haws &ca.--tho' it was it exceeding miry & bad working.
HA! HAWS, &CA: A ha-ha wall was a sunken wall which prohibited cattle from approaching the house, but left an uninterrupted view of the landscape.
Wednesday 9th. Mercury at 44 in the morning--at Noon 50 and at Night 56.
Morning lowering--but clear, calm, warm & pleast, afterwards
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Two alternate floor plans for his greenhouse drawn by Washington. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
which with the rain that fell last night had uncovered the ground in many places & was dissipating the Snow very fast.
Transplanted an English Walnut tree from the Corner near where the old School house stood to the opposite side wch. with the one that was moved in the fall were intended to answer the two remaining ones--but from their size and age I have little expectation of their living. Also moved the Apricots & Peach Trees which stood in the borders of the grass plats which from the same causes little expectation is entertained of their living. These were placed under the Wall in the North Garden on each side of the Green House and an old pair tree was moved at the same time into the lower. Square of the South Garden from which less hopes of its living were entertained than of any of the others.
Road to where my Dogue run people were grubbing in the Mill Swamp & Meadow.
In the Afternoon Fanny Bassett returned from Doctr. Craiks accompanies by his son William.
The schoolhouse was a small building at the west end of the north garden. The greenhouse was located at the north end of the north garden, and at this time was incomplete. GW had undertaken the construction of the greenhouse soon after his return from the war. On 11 Aug. 1784 he wrote his former aide, Tench Tilghman, for the dimensions and other details of a greenhouse at Mrs. Margaret Tilghman Carroll's plantation in Maryland (RPJCB). Tilghman replied on 18 Aug., sending details and sketches (DLC:GW). Completion of the building was delayed, and not until 1787 were the roofing and flooring finished (Mount Vernon Store Book, ViMtV).
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Badge of the Society of the Cincinnati.
The two wings designed as slave quarters were not finished until after 1971 (GW to Anthony Whitting, 14 Aug. 1791, ViMtV).
Thursday 10th. Mercury this Morning at 46 at Noon [ ] and at Night 52.
Day clear, calm, & pleasant until the Evening when it grew a little hazy & the Sunset in a bank. The little wind that stirred came from the Southward.
Road up to Alexandria today and dined with Colo. Fitzgerald.
Friday 11th. Mercury at 46 this Morning--51 at Noon and the same at Night.
The first part of the Morning was hazy & rather cool. Before Noon it grew clear, warm, and pleasant and towards the Evening it lowered & the Sun set in a bank.
The Wind in the Morning was Northwardly. Afterwards it got round to the Southward but there was very little of it.
Employed all day in marking the ground for the reception of my Shrubs.
In the Evening a Mr. Andrews, Jeweller in Philadelphia,
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called to shew me an Eagle medal, which he had made, & was about to offer as Specimen of his Workmanship to the Members of the Society of Cincinnati in hopes of being employed by them in that way. He was accompanied by a Mr. [ name not known.
EAGLE MEDAL: Maj. Pierre-Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer who served in the Continental Army, designed the badges and diplomas for the Society of the Cincinnati and had them produced in France. He returned to America with a supply in time for the May 1784 meeting. The medal was a gold eagle, with an enameled medallion on its breast bearing a motto and a representation of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, the Roman general-farmer after which the Society was named. It was suspended from a sky-blue ribbon edged in white (HUME, xii--xiv). Jeremiah Andrews advertized the medals for sale in the Pa. Packet, 5 July 1787.
Saturday 12th. Mercury at 44 this Morning, 44 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Planted Eight young Pair Trees sent me by Doctr. Craik in the following places--viz.
2 Orange Burgamots in the No. Garden, under the back wall--3d. tree from the Green House at each end of it.
1 Burgamot at the Corner of the border in the South Garden just below the necessary.
2 St. Germains, one in each border (middle thereof) of the upper Squares by the Asparagas Bed & Artichoake Ditto upper bordr.
3 Brown Beuries in the west square in the Second flat--viz. on the border (middle thereof) next the Fall or slope--the other two on the border above the walk next the old Stone Wall.
Received an Invitation to the Funeral of Willm. Ramsay Esqr. of Alexandria--the oldest Inhabitt. of the Town; & went up. Walked in a procession as a free mason--Mr. Ramsay in his life time being one & now buried with the Ceremony & honors due to one.
The ground getting uncovered, I again with my people from the Quarters, began to clean up the ground under the Pines, and along the hollow of H. Hole & its branches. This Work I renewed yesterday, & contd. it to day.
Mr. Willm. Craik called and dined in his way home.
The Sun rose clear this Morning, but it soon overcast begun to Snow & then to rain wch. continued until abt. 10 Oclock. About Noon the wind sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West & grew colder.
EIGHT YOUNG PAIR TREES: Varieties not previously mentioned are the St. Germain, a large, long pear which is picked green and allowed to ripen
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for winter use, and the "Brown Beuries." Many varieties were called Beurre or butter pears, which GW is here rendering as "Beuries."
Asparagus officinalis, asparagus, and Cynara scolymus, French or globe artichoke, were common garden vegetables at the Mansion House.
WILLIAM RAMSAYS: GW undoubtedly means the earliest inhabitant of Alexandria.
Sunday 13th. Mercury at 34 this Morning, 38 at Noon, & the same at Night.
Wind at No. West all day but not fresh--clear & not unpleasant--ground hard froze.
Monday 14th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Morning clear and calm--Ground hard froze. Wind afterwards, fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds which gave a rawness & chili to the air.
In company with Mrs. Washington made a visit to Colo. McCarty & family. Dined there and returned home afterwds.
Tuesday 15. Mercury at 28 this morning--at noon not observed, but at Night 36.
Morning fine, wind Southwardly, which shifted to the Eastward grew colder. Abt. Noon it began to Snow, & continued to do so until past 3 oclock.
Went this day to ascertain the quantity of Land given to, and received from Mr. Willm. Triplett by way of exchange & to run a dividing line betwn. him & the Land I let Mr. Lund Washington--but the badness of the day prevented the execution. Thursday next I appointed to go again on this business.
GW needed a small piece of land owned by William Triplett which bordered on GW's tumbling dam and millrace. He proposed to give Triplett some small strips of land in exchange. The negotiations had gone on for years because of boundary disputes and GW's long absence during the war. Some of the land GW was leasing to Lund Washington was also involved in the dispute. On 18 May 1785 a deed was signed giving Triplett 29 acres on the northwest side of the millrace. The acreage involved was part of land GW had bought from George Ashford and Simon Pearson, and also a small strip of wasteland granted him in 1771. In return, Triplett gave GW 26 acres on the lower, or east, side of the millrace with 5s. token fee (Fairfax County Deeds, Book P-1, 432--35, Vi Microfilm).
Wednesday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--45 at Noon & 49 at Night.
Wind Southwardly & pretty fresh in the forenoon--calm afterwards and somewhat lowering.
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Mountain laurel, from Washington's copy of Curtis's Botanical Magazine, 1796. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Transplanted along the So. side of the Wall of the No. Garden, the Ivy; which I had taken up with as much dirt about the roots of it as I could obtain.
Weather soft and thawing--the Southwardly having dissolved all the Snow that fell yesterday.
IVY: Here GW is not referring to Hedera helix, the classic English ivy, or even to the domestic Parthenocissus quinquefolia, the Virginia creeper. Rather, it is Kalmia latifolia, the mountain laurel. Curtis's Botanical Magazine, which GW had in his own library, reproduces a drawing of K. latifolia and describes it as vulgarly called mountain ivy. Writing some instructions to Lund Washington 19 Aug. 1776, GW explained his wishes for plantings in his groves by the mansion house (CsmH). In the south grove he wanted flowering trees such as crabapple, dogwood, and tulip poplar, interspersed with such evergreens as holly, pine, cedar, and ivy. Evidently he was attempting to produce a showy undergrowth among his flowering trees and was not calling for a climbing ivy. The flowers of GW's ivy were coming
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into bloom when he made his 30 May 1785 diary entry, another indication that this was mountain laurel.
Thursday 17th. Mercury at 39 in the Morng.--46 at Noon and 49, at Night.
Wind at No. West all day but not hard. Clear and cold in the Morning. More moderate about Noon & very pleasant in the Afternoon being calm.
In the morning early I went to Mr. L. Washingtons (to Breakfast) in order to finish the Work I had began on Tuesday last but after having plotted & measured the slipes which were to be given in Exchange for the Land below the Race, I found it did not agree with my former measurements & therefore left the business undetermined until I could go there again & run some lines of Harrisons Patent or compare it more carefully with my former works.
Dined with Mr. Willm. Triplett & returned home in the Afternoon--soon after which the two Doctr. Jenifers came, & stayed the Evening.
The two doctors are Dr. Walter Hanson Jenifer and Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756--c.1809), of Maryland, sons of Daniel and Elizabeth Hanson Jenifer (see main entry for 28 Aug. 1774).
Friday 18th. Mercury at 36 this Morning, 40 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Not much Wind. In the forenoon, the little that blew was Northwardly--in the afternoon Eastwardly.
The two Doctr. Jenifers went to Alexandria after breakfast.
Planted border of Ivy under the No. side of the So. Garden wall.
Also four Lime or Linden Trees, sent me by Govr. Clinton of New York which must have been out of the ground since the middle of Novr. without any dirt about the Roots and only a covering of Mat. These were planted in the Serpentine Roads to the door--the 3d. trees on each side next the Walls & the second trees on each side next the grass plat.
LIME OR LINDEN TREES: Tilia americana, linden or basswood. GW wrote to Gov. George Clinton that the seedlings had been delayed at Norfolk by the severity of the winter and that he did not expect them to live. He asked for other plants and seeds, saying he would make no apology because "I persuade myself you will have pleasure in contributing to an innocent amusement" (20 April 1785, DLC:GW).
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Saturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 43 at Noon, and 48 at Night.
Morning lowering, but the Clouds dispelling about Noon, it became warm & pleasant afterwards. The Sun set in a bank.
Little or no wind at any time of the day.
Went to Mr. Tripletts and rectified the mistakes in running the Lines and finished the business respecting the quantities of Land given in Excha. and the partition between him and Mr. Lund Washington.
Finished planting Ivy in front of the Gardens.
My Nephew George Steptoe Washington came here to Dinnr. from the Acadamy at George Town.
George Steptoe Washington (c.1773--1808) was the second of the three sons of Samuel Washington and his fourth wife, Anne Steptoe Washington. He and his younger brother, Lawrence Augustine Washington (1775--1824), were being educated under GW's supervision and largely at his expense. Samuel Washington had left his estate badly encumbered by debts, and its proceeds were not enough to provide for his children. GW placed George and Lawrence in Rev. Stephen Bloomer Balch's academy at Georgetown in 1784, but their extravagances led him to remove them in November 1785 to the Alexandria academy. The two boys were to cause problems for GW for several years. During his presidency, GW sent them to the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1792 both went to study law with Atty. Gen. Edmund Randolph, then living in Philadelphia (DECATUR, 180, 270). The money that GW expended on behalf of the two nephews was never recovered, but by the terms of his will the debt, amounting to nearly £450, was erased.
Sunday 20th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 47 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Morning lowering. About Noon great appearances of rain--but towards sunsetting the clouds dispersed and the Sun came out.
A large, but not a very distinct circle about the moon.
Monday 21st. Mercury at 42 in the Morning [ ] at Noon, and 46 at Night. Wind at No. West, and pretty fresh all day--weather clear and very pleasant.
Went to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined at Mr. Dulany's and exchanged Deeds for conveyance of Land with him Mrs. Dulany--giving mine, which I bought of Messrs. Robt. Adam, Dow & McIvor for the reversion of what Mrs. Dulany is entitled to at the death of her Mother within the bounds of Spencer & Washington's Patent.
Fanny Bassett who went on Thursday last to the wedding of
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Miss Blackburn returned--accompanied by my Nephew Bushrod Washington. George Steptoe Washington returned this morning to the Academy at George Town & in the Evening the Manager of his & Brothers Estate came here with some money for their use--Sent by my Brother Charles.
The manager of the estate of George Steptoe Washington and his brother was probably Robert Carter (LEDGER B, 229, 301).
Tuesday 22d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and the same at Night.
Wind pretty fresh all day from the No. Wt. and Cool. Weather perfectly clear--ground hard froze. Removed two pretty large & full grown Lilacs to the No. Garden gate--one on each side, taking up as much dirt with the roots as cd. be well obtained--also a Mock Orange to the Walk leading to the No. Necessary.
I also removed from the Woods and old fields, several young Trees of the Sassafras, Dogwood, & red bud to the Shrubbery on the No. Side the grass plat.
Syringa vulgaris, lilac, and Philadelphus coronarius, m??k orange.
Wednesday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 42 at Night.
In the Morning it was calm and clear. About 10 oclock the wind, for about an hour, blew pretty fresh and cool from the No. West. It then shifted to the Eastward--died away and grew cloudy and towards Night had all the appearances of falling weather.
Planted trees on the South Shrubbery similar to those of yesterday, in the South Shrubbery except the Lilacs for which I thought the ground too wet.
Brought down a number of young Aspan trees from one Saml. Jenkins's near the old Court House to transplant into the Serpentine Avenues to the Door. As they came late I had the roots buried until they could be transplanted in the places they are intended to grow.
In his second reference to "South Shrubbery" in this entry GW apparently should have written "North Shrubbery." ASPAN TREES: Populus tremuloides, aspen or quaking aspen.
Fairfax Old Court House was built in 1742 on the road leading from Hunting Creek to Key's, or Vestal's, Gap. In 1755 the county seat was moved to Alexandria and in 180 removed to its present location southwest of the old courthouse, on the road from Alexandria to Williams', or Snickers' Gap (HARRISON [1], 321--26).
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Thursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 44 at Noon and 42 at Night.
About two Inches of Snow fell in the Night. Before daylight, it began to rain, and continued to do so until near Sundown when it ceased, & the horizon became clear to the Westward.
Prevented by the weather from preparing my grounds or transplanting trees.
Wind Eastwardly in the forenoon & westwardly afterwds.
Friday 25. Mercury at 40 in Morng. 42 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Wind Westwardly and cloudy all day--rather cool--although the ground was not frozen this morning.
Laid off part of the Serpentine Road on the South side the grass plat, to day. Prevented going on with it, first by the coming in of Mr. Michael Stone about 10 oclock (who went away before noon)--then by arrival of Colo. Hooe, Mr. Chas. Alexander, & Mr. Chs. Lee before dinner and Mr. Crawford, his Bride & sister after it.
The same cause prevented my transplanting trees in my Shrubberies, & obliged me to cover the roots of many which had been dug up (particularly Dogwood, Maple, Poplar, & Mulberry) the ground not being marked for their reception.
Colo. Hooe, Mr. Chs. Alexander & Mr. Lee went away after Dinner.
Charles Lee by Cephas Thompson. (National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.)
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GW is probably referring to Michael Jenifer Stone (1747--1812), the son of David Stone and his second wife, Elizabeth Jenifer Stone, of Charles County, Md. Stone served in the Maryland House of Delegates 1781--83, as a member of the Maryland ratification convention in 1788, and in the federal House of Representatives 1789--91. He was appointed judge of the first Maryland judicial district in 1791. MR.CRAWFORD: probably Nathaniel Craufurd and his new wife, Sarah Blackburn Craufurd.
Saturday 26th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 37 at Night.
Wind at No. West all day and at times pretty fresh--more or less cloudy and in the evening lowering. The ground was hard froze this morning.
Finished laying out my Serpentine Roads. Dug most of the holes where the trees by the side of them are to stand and planted some of the Maple which were dug yesterday and some of the Aspan which had been brought here on Wednesday last.
Sunday 27th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning 34 at Noon and 37 at Night.
Weather clear--Wind fresh from the No. West all day.
After Breakfast Mr. Crawford, his wife & Sister went away--they crossed at my Fer<ry> to Marlborough. Mr. Bushrod Washington also set oft for his fathers passing through Maryland.
Monday 28th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning 36 at Noon and 43 at Night.
Wind No. Wt. & westerly all day & cool--ground hard froze--Flying clouds but no appearance of rain.
Planted all the Mulberry trees, Maple trees, & Black gums in my Serpentine walks and the Poplars on the right walk--the Sap of which and the Mulberry appeared to be moving. Also planted 4 trees from H. Hole the name unknown but of a brittle wood which has the smell of Mulberry.
BLACK GUMS: Nyssa sylvatica.
Tuesday 1st. Mercury at 34 in the morning 38 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Wind at No. West all day, & sometimes pretty fresh; at others very moderate. In general clear with some flying clouds.
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Planted the remainder of the Poplars & part of the Ash Trees--also a circle of Dogwood with a red bud in the Middle close to the old Cherry tree near the South Garden Ho[use].
Began with my two Tumblers to Cart Dung upon the Ground designed for Clover and Orchard grass.
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at 35 this Morning--40 at Noon and 39 at Night.
Wind at No. West all day, and for the most part of it pretty fresh and cold. Cloudy and towards Sunsetting much the appearance of Snow. Planted the remainder of the Ash Trees--in the Serpentine walks--the remainder of the hinge trees in the Shrubberies--all the black haws--all the large berried thorns with a small berried one in the middle of each clump--6 small berried thorns with a large one in the middle of each clump--all the swamp red berry bushes & one clump of locust trees.
Thursday 3d. Mercury at 34 in the Morng., 40 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning calm, warm, and very pleasant--wind afterwards from the Southward & pretty fresh. Sun set in a bank.
Planted the remainder of the Locusts--Sassafras--small berried thorn & yellow Willow in the Shrubberies, as also the red buds--a honey locust and service tree by the South Garden House. Likewise took up the clump of Lilacs that stood at the Corner of the South Grass plat & transplanted them to the clusters in the Shrubberies & standards at the south Garden gate. The Althea trees were also planted.
Employed myself the greatest part of the day in pruning and shaping the young plantation of Trees & Shrubs.
In the Evening Mr. Story formerly an assistant to Genel. Greene & afterwards Aide de Camp to Lord Stirling came in and spent the Evening.
His yellow willow is Salix pentandra, now called the bay-leaved willow, and his service tree is Amelanchier obovalis, serviceberry or juneberry. A specimen of the English service tree, Sorbus domestica, was still standing in 1917 near the northwest corner of the bowling green (SARGENT [2], 12--13), perhaps surviving from the cuttings of this species which GW acquired from William Bartram in 1792. The althea, Hibiscus syriacus, is also called rose of Sharon.
Maj. John Story (1754--1791), of Massachusetts, served as deputy quarter-master general of the Continental Army from 1777 to 1780, having earlier held several minor posts. He later acted for a short time as aide to Maj. Gen. Lord Stirling until the general's death in 1783.
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Friday 4th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning. 46 at Noon and the same at Night.
Morning thick and heavy, with appearances of rain. Before noon the Sun made some feeble efforts to shine, but was again obscured in the afternoon; & towards Night it began a mizling rain and in the Night there fell more, so as to wet the ground.
Planted two more Service trees at the North Garden wall one on each side the gate--two Catalpas (large) West of the Garden Houses--28 Crab trees and the like number of Magnolia--besides a number of little Sprouts, from 6 Inches to two feet high of the last mentioned tree. The Magnolia had good roots wch. were well enclosed with the Earth they grew in. Also compleated my Serpentine walks with Elm trees.
After breakfast Mr. Story went away and about Noon Colo. Mercer came in & spent the remaining part of the day & Night here.
Catalpa bignonioides, catalpa.
Lt. Col. John Francis Mercer (1759--1821) was the son of John Mercer of Marlborough. During the Revolution he served in the Continental Army, at one time acting as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. He was a member of the Continental Congress 1782--85 and the Virginia House of Delegates 1782 and 1785--86. On 3 Feb. 1785 Mercer married Sophia Sprigg (1766--1812), eldest daughter of Richard Sprigg of Strawberry Hill at Annapolis. Soon after his marriage he moved to his wife's home in Annapolis, and in 1789 moved to the Sprigg family farm in Anne Arundel County. He later served in the Maryland House of Delegates, the United States House of Representatives, and as governor of Maryland.
Saturday 5th. Mercury at 45 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 54 at Night.
Morning cloudy; but clear by 10 Oclock; the wind being at No. West tho' neither fresh nor cool. About noon the wind shifted to So. West grew quite warm & pleasant. Sun Set in A Bank.
Planted all the Holly trees to day--most of them with a good deal of dirt about the Roots--but they were very indifferent trees having stragling limbs & not well leeaved.
Colo. Mercer went away after breakfast. I rid into the Neck & to Muddy hole Plantn.
Sunday 6th. Mercury at 48 in the morning, 50 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Morning a little lowering & calm--Wind afterwards pretty fresh from the Southward--weather Mild.
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Munday 7th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 50 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Wind Southwardly in the forenoon & until about 3 oclock when it shifted to the No. West blew pretty fresh & turned cold.
The morning lowered, and until Noon, sprinkled rain at Intervals. About 12 Oclock the Sun came out very warm & pleasant & continued so until the wind shifted which brot. up Clouds again.
Planted all my Cedars, all my Papaw, and two Honey locust Trees in my Shrubberies and two of the latter in my groves--one at each <side> of the House and a large Holly tree on the Point going to the Sein landing.
Began to raise the Bank of Earth & to turf it, along the Northernmost row of Trees in the Serpentine Walk in the right.
Finished Plowing the Ground adjoining the Pine Grove, designed for Clover & Orchard grass Seed.
Juniperus virginiana, red cedar, and Asimina triloba, papaw.
Tuesday 8th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and 38 at Night.
In the Night there fell a good deal of rain which about Sun rise changed to hail & sleet wch. prevailed through the day and loaded the Trees with Ice with the weight of which the Evergreen in my Shrubberies were a good deal bowed.
Wind pretty fresh all day at East. The ground was covered about an Inch with the hail &ca.
Wednesday 9th. Mercury at 38 in the morning, 44 at Noon and 48 Night.
A great deal of rain fell last Night and the heaviest Sleet I ever recollect to have seen.
The bows of all the trees were incrusted by tubes of Ice, quite round, at least half an Inch think--the weight of Which was so great that my late transplantation in many instances sunk under it either by bending the bodies of the young trees--breaking the limbs--or weighing up the roots. The largest pines, in my outer circle were quite oppressed by the Ice; and bowed to the ground: whilst others were loosened at the roots and the largest Catalpa trees had some of their principal branches broken. The ground also where the holes had been dug to receive the Trees, and Where it had not been rammed, was a mere quagmire.
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The ground this morning was covered nearly two inches deep with Snow--little of wch. remained at Night.
The morning was cloudy with the wind at No. West wch. soon died away and then, abt. Noon, sprung up pretty brisk from the Southwest--which a little before sun down again Shifted to the No. West and as Night approached came on to blow pretty fresh & cold.
The ground being covd. with Snow the lore part of the day, in no condition to work the latter part I set the jobbers to pounding the plaister of Paris by hand for want of other & better convenience to do it.
GW began experimenting with plaster of paris (gypsum) as a fertilizer about this time. The plaster was pounded into a powder and spread over the ground. Although he mentions in his entry of 9 May 1785 that he can see no benefit from its use on the circle in his courtyard, the results were evidently satisfactory in other instances, for he continued to use it on grass and some crops for the rest of his life.
Thursday 10th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Wind fresh from the No. Wt. all day and cold. Ground hard froze in the morning and but little thawed through the day.
Sent my Waggon with the Posts for the Oval in my Court Yard to be turned by a Mr. Ellis at the Snuff Mill on Pohick & to proceed from thence to Occoquan for the Scion of the Hemlock to plant in my Shrubberies.
Continued with my jobbers to pound the Plaister of Paris as the Earth was too hard frozen to be dealt with.
Went to return the visits of Colo. Mason and others in his Neighbourhood. Called first at Mr. Lawrence Washington's, who being from home, I proceeded to Colo. Masons, where I dined & lodged.
MR. ELLIS: GW means William Allison, who, in partnership with Col. George Mason's son Thomson Mason, operated a snuff mill or factory in Fairfax County. The mill was on Pohick Creek above Gunston Hall, on land owned by George Mason of Pohick (MASON [2], 2:777--79, 874).
SCION OF THE HEMLOCK: In grafting today, a scion is considered to be that portion of the plant to be grafted to the main stock. Here and elsewhere GW uses the term to mean young seedlings. The hemlock is Tsuga canadensis.
Lawrence Washington (1740--1799), Lund's brother, had moved from the Chotank area during the Revolution and settled at Belmont, the old Catesby Cocke home near the mouth of Occoquan Creek in Fairfax County.
Friday 11th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning, 34 at Noon and 41 at Night.
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Left Colo. Masons about 12 oclock. Dined with Mr. Martin Cockburn, & came home in the afternoon.
Planted the Hemlock Scions which were brought home yesterday, 28 in Number in the Shrubbs--2 poplar trees wch. had been omitted (by an oversight) in my Serpentine Walks before; and 13 Weeping and 13 Yellow Willow trees alternately along the Post & rail fence from the Kitchen to the South ha-haw & from the Servants Hall to the Smith's Shop.
Brought 9 Scions of the Portugal Peach from Mr. Cockburn with me.
The weeping willow is ordinarily Salix babylonica, but GW often interchanges the words "weeping" and "yellow." Here he may be referring to S. alba vitellina, an introduced species. SERVANTS HALL: The new dependency adjoining the mansion on the north was used for white servants. The blacksmith shop lay a short distance north of the servants' hall.
The Portugal peach is a large clingstone. In sending a few pits to George Mason, Thomas Jefferson said the Portugal required more care than common peaches but, when carefully cultivated, was the finest he had ever tasted (BETTS [2], 91).
Saturday 12th. Mercury at 34 in the morning, 38 at Noon & 44 at Night.
Day clear and pleasant until about 5 oclock, when it began to lower, and the Sun set in a bank.
Wind Southerly all day. After dark it shifted to the No. Et. blew pretty fresh and grew colder.
Went to Abingden to see Mr. John Lewis who lay sick there. Returned in the Afternoon and brot. Betcy Custis home with me.
Planted two Hemlock trees in a line with the East end of my Kitchen, & Servants Hall; & 10 feet from the corner of the Post & rail fence at each.
Had a Bushel of the Plaister of Paris (which my people had been pounding) sifted & Weighed--which, in this State, amounted to 82 lbs.
Laid the borders of the gravel walk to the No. Necessary--from the circle in the Court yard.
Abingdon, the home of Jacky Custis's widow, Nelly, and her second husband, David Stuart, was situated on the Potomac River just north of Four Mile Run. Jacky and Nelly Custis, who had lived at the Custis White House on Pamunkey River after their marriage, had both wanted to return to the Mount Vernon--Mount Airy neighborhood. In 1778 Jacky bought this house and about 900 acres of land from Robert Alexander, agreeing to pay him £12 per acre, the principal and compound interest to be paid in 24 years. GW was horrified at this latest example of his stepson's fecklessness and reminded him that "£12,000 at compound Interest, [amounts] to upwards of
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£48,000 in twenty four Years. . . . No Virginia estate . . . can stand simple Interest; how then can they bear compound Interest"? (GW to John Parke Custis, 3 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW). The Stuarts lived at Abingdon until about 1792 (STETSON [1], 24--27; STETSON [2], 78--79).
Sunday 13th. Mercury at 42 this Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Wind very fresh from the So. West, and great appearances of Rain in the forenoon. About Noon the wind ceased, and the Sun came out--after which it again clouded--the wind shifted to the No. Et. and it set in for a serious rain about 5 oclock which was unlucky on acct. of an open Boat load of Flour from my Mill, bound to Alexandria for Mr. Hartshorne and wch. I was obliged to detain at my Fish house under as good cover as I could provide for it.
Munday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night.
A great deal of rain fell in the Night, which never ceased until after 8 oclock.
My Boat with the flour went off about day break but whether the flour received any damage or not I cannot tell.
The wind remained at No. East until 9 oclock when it died away and sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West when the Sun came out. It did not turn cold notwithstanding the point from whh. the wind blew and the freshness of it.
Planted the 9 young peach Trees which I brought from Mr. Cockburns in the No. Garden--viz.--4 on the South border of the second walk (two on each side of the middle walk) --2 in the border of the Walk leading from the Espalier hedge towards the other cross walk and 3 under the South wall of the Garden; that is two on the right as we enter the gate & one on the left. The other Peachtree to answer it on that side & the two on the West Walk, parrallel to the Walnut trees were taken from the nursery in the Garden.
Drove Stakes to support the largest of the evergreens in my Shrubberies--the wind shaking & giving too much disturbance to the roots of them especially when the ground is soft.
Tuesday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the morning--38 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Ground hard frozen in the Morning--Wind brisk (and cold) all day from the No. West; which made the borders to my Walk, progress slowly.
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Laid out a walk for the wilderness, intended on the No. of the Serpentine road on the right.
Began to open Vistos throw the Pine grove on the Banks of H. Hole.
Visited my Plantations at the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Dogue run.
Wednesday 16th. Mercury at 26 in the morng.--27 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Ground very hard froze & air Sharp from the No. West all day which prevented any movement of Earth.
About 1 Oclock a Mr. Alexander Donald came here introduced by a letter from Govr. Henry.
Alexander Donald was a Richmond merchant who often acted for Robert Morris in business matters. He had been for many years an intimate friend of Thomas Jefferson (JEFFERSON [1], 12:132, 347). GW did business with Donald over a period of several years, probably on behalf of the Custis estate. For a brief time after 1789, Donald was in London as a partner in the firm of Donald & Burton, which failed in 1793 (HAMILTON [2], 15:619, n.3).
Thursday 17th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Ground hard froze--the Creeks quite fast with Ice & the river covered with it to the channel.
Wind Southerly all day, but not very fresh. The day, until after the middle of the afternoon, was very clear--it then began to lower, & at Sunset looked very much like rain.
No earth could be moved until the afternoon; and even then, it not being in good order, it was not attempted.
Laid out a walk for the Wilderness intended on the South of the Serpentine road on the left.
After breakfast Mr. Donald went away and to dinner Colo. Andrew Lewis (son of Genl. Andw. Lewis) and a Mr. Neiley, came--afterwch, they crossed into Maryland.
Trimmed the Weeping and Yellow trees which were transplanted on the 10th. & put 80 cuttings of the former into a nursery.
Col. Andrew Lewis (1759--1844) was a son of Brig. Gen. Andrew Lewis (1720--1781), the hero of Point Pleasant. Lewis at this time resided on the south side of the Roanoke River in Botetourt County (MCALLISTER, 183; KEGLEY, 566). MR. NEILEY: possibly one of the several sons of Capt. James Neely, who lived near Col. Andrew Lewis (KEGLEY, 566--67).
Friday 18th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 44 at Night.
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Wind Southerly all day--very lowering in the forenoon. Soon after 12 Oclock there began a light mixture of Snow & rain, which continued through the day; encreasing as it advanced.
I went to my Dogue run Plantation to make choice of the size, & to direct the taking up of Pine trees, for my two wildernesses. Brought 3 waggon load of them home, and planted every other hole round the Walks in them. Began with that on the right, which was planted before the wet fell, & better planted; that is with more pains the other (on the left) being hurried more and the ground wet and sticky.
Also planted 20 Pine trees in the lines of Trees by the sides of the Serpentine roads to the House.
Received from Mr. Josh. Parke of Norfolk a box containing young trees of the live oak and no Acorns which I presume is from the same sort of Trees.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night.
MR. JOSH. PARKE: Col. Josiah Parker (1751--1810), of Macclesfield, Isle of Wight County, had been a member of the committee of safety and the Virginia conventions of 1775 and an officer in the American army. After resigning as colonel of the 5th Virginia Regiment on 1 April 1778, Parker became commander of all Virginia militia south of the James River until the end of the war. In 1780 and 1781 he was a member of the House of Delegates and from 1783 to 1789 was naval officer and collector at Portsmouth. He served in the United States Congress 1789--1801.
Quercus virginiana, live oak, is an evergreen ranging along the east coast of the United States from Virginia to Florida.
Saturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 43 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. all day; and more or less rain mixed in sml. degree with Snow; which with what fell in the Night made the ground so wet that I could plant no trees to day. Many of those planted yesterday yielded to the Wind & Wet, and required propping.
Received a Swan, 4 Wild Geese, & two Barrels of Holly Berries (in Sand) from my Brother John and a Barrel of the early Corn from New York.
The early corn from New York had been sent by Gov. George Clinton, who called it "small white Indian corn." On 5 Mar. 1785 he told GW that if it thrived in Virginia he ought to obtain new seed every three years. It was probably a flint variety, as were most northern corns of that period (DLC:GW).
Sunday 20th. Mercury at 39 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
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James Madison, a miniature painted by Charles Willson Peale. (Library of Congress)
Thomas Stone, painted by John Beale Bordley. (State House, Annapolis, Maryland, Maryland Commission on Artistic Property)
Morning lowering. About Noon the Sun came out and the Weather looked promising but in the afternoon it clouded & threatned, and sometime after dark began a mixture of Snow and rain.
Wind was at East, and So. East all day--sometimes pretty fresh but for the most part of it moderate.
Major Jenefir came here to dinner and my carriage went to Gunston Hall to take Colo. Mason to a meeting of Comrs. at Alexandria for settling the Jurisdiction of Chesapeak Bay & the rivers Potomack & Pocomoke between the States of Virginia & Maryland--The Commissioners on the Part of Virginia being Colo. Mason--The Attorney General--Mr. Madison & Mr. Henderson--on that of Maryland, Major Jenifer Thoms. Johnson, Thos. Stone & Saml. Chase Esqrs.
Conflicting claims of colonial Virginia and Maryland over the control of the Potomac River and the Chesapeak Bay were put to rest only temporarily during the Revolution. In 1784 Virginia authorized the four commissioners here named to confer with agents of Maryland for the purpose of settling those questions. The Virginians were also authorized to consult with the Maryland commissioners on how to gain the cooperation of Pennsylvania in developing a water and land route from the Potomac Valley to the Ohio Valley, wherein the Potomac River water route would be developed by the
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Potomac Company recently authorized by Maryland and Virginia. GW hoped that the project "may be of great political, as well as commercial advantages . . . as it may tie the Settlers of the western Territory to the Atlantic States by interest, which is the only knot that will hold" (GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW).
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Edmund Randolph (1753--1813) was at this time attorney general of Virginia and a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was the son of John Randolph, the attorney general of the colony who had fled with Governor Dunmore at the outbreak of the Revolution. Randolph served as an aide to GW, 1775--76, and was a member of the Virginia Convention of 1776.
James Madison, of Montpelier, Orange County, sponsored the resolutions establishing the Virginia commission. Thomas Stone (1743--1787), one of the six sons of David and Elizabeth Jenifer Stone of Poynton Manor, Charles County, Md., studied law in Annapolis under Thomas Johnson, who appears here. Stone married Margaret Brown (d. 1787), one of nine daughters of Dr. Gustavus Brown (1689--1762) of Rich Hill, Charles County, Md. His home, Habre-de-Venture, was near Port Tobacco in Charles County, Md. Stone, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for Maryland, was now serving his second term in the senate of that state. Samuel Chase (1741--1811), a lawyer, merchant, and speculator, now of Annapolis, had been a Maryland leader in the Revolution, and as a member of both Continental Congresses, he had been a strong supporter of GW throughout the war. GW later appointed Chase to the United States Supreme Court where, although impeached during Jefferson's presidency, he served until his death.
The Virginia commissioners had not been notified that this first meeting was to be held in Alexandria this week, and only George Mason and Alexander Henderson, who both lived nearby, were present on the day appointed (see FREEMAN, 6:30; MASON [2], 2:812--23; MADISON, 8:89--90, 206--7, 337--39).
Monday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 46 at Night.
Very little wind all day but foggy and moist which carried away the Snow & hail that fell in the Night rather better than an Inch thick.
Staked up the largest of my Trees in the avenues and Wilderness and Shrubberies to day, which from the softness of the ground & impression made on them by the Wind were leaning.
Bought 150 Bushels of clean & good Oats from an Eastern shore man at 2/4 pr. Bushel.
Major Jenifer left this for Alexandria after Dinner.
Tuesday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning, 52 at Noon and 51 at Night.
Mizling Morning and very little Wind. About 8 Oclock it
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sprung up at No. West, & encreasing, blew hard all the remaining part of the day from that point & West.
Mrs. Grayson sent me 8 Yew & 4 Aspan trees & Colo. Mason some Cherry Grafts. Planted the intermediate holes round the Walk in the Wilderness on the right and filled the spaces between with young Pines.
Went to Alexandria--dined & returned in the Evening.
Eleanor Smallwood Grayson was the wife of GW's friend and former aide, Col. William Grayson. GW had written William Grayson, asking him to send him scions of the aspen and shoots of the yew or hemlock growing along Quantico Creek near Dumfries, which Grayson had offered during an earlier conversation. "Plantations of this kind are now become my amusement & I should be glad to know where I could obtain a supply of such sorts of trees as would diversify the scene" (22 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW). Grayson replied from New York that he had procured some aspen trees from Landon Carter's plantation on Bull Run and that Mrs. Grayson promised to send them to Mount Vernon along with any of the yew scions she could procure (10 Mar. 1785, DLC:GW).
If GW went to Alexandria today to check on the progress of the Potomac commissioners, he discovered they had already "waited some Days" for the two absent Virginia commissioners (George Mason to James Madison, 9 Aug. 1785, MASON [2], 2:826).
Wednesday 23d. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Wind fresh and cool all day from the No. West. Very clear.
Finished Planting the Pine trees in the wilderness on the left and planted 4 of the live Oak Trees (which I had received from Norfolk) in the Shrubberies on the right and left on the grass plat in front of the House. Staked most of the Pines that had been planted.
Thursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Wind Southerly. The Sun, tho' it rose clear had a Watery look and soon became obscured. The Weather very lowering. About 4 Oclock it began to Snow (fine Snow) & continued to do so with a small mixture of rain until I went to bed.
Finding the Trees round the Walks in my wildernesses rather too thin I doubled them by putting (other Pine) trees between each.
Laid oft the Walks in my Groves, at each end of the House.
Sent my Carriage to Alexandria for Colo. Mason according to appointment--who came in about dusk.
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The "appointment" was probably an agreement made on 22 Mar. that if the two absent Virginia commissioners did not appear in another day, the remaining commissioners would accept GW's hospitality at Mount Vernon to proceed with their conference. GW and Mason had this evening and the following morning to review prospects for the meeting.
Friday 25th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 45 at Night.
A thick fog, or mist, all day; with little or no wind.
Planted some of the largest Pine trees on the Circular bank which is intended to inclose the Court yard, Shrubberies &ca. and Staked most of those wch. had been planted in the two Wildernesses.
About One O'clock Major Jenifer, Mr. Stone, Mr. Chase, & Mr. Alexr. Henderson arrived here.
In his letter of 9 Aug. 1785 to James Madison, George Mason reported that the Potomac conference had "adjourn'd to Mount-Vernon . . . at the particular Invitation of the General" (MASON [2], 2:827).
Saturday 26th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning clear, but a watery Sun, which was soon obscured by clouds; the whole day was lowering; towards Sundown it began to Snow, which continued until it became two Inches deep.
The Wind was at No. East all day & was raw & chilling.
My jobbers spent the greater part of this day in placing stakes for the Support of the young Pine trees. Mr. G. Mason Jr. & Dr. Brown came, dined, & returned.
Sunday 27th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 52 at Night.
All the Pines, & other evergreen Trees which were not well staked, being heavily loaded with Snow, yeilded to the weight, and where the ground was very soft (which was the case in many places) quite laid to the ground.
Wind Southerly all day but not much of it. Morning cloudy & more or less so all day.
The Snow which was not more than two Inches deep, soon disappeared.
Mr. Waltr. Stone dined here and went away afterwards. Mr. Henderson also went to Colchester after dinner to return in the morning.
Walter Stone may be either Walter Stone (died c.1791), son of David and Elizabeth Jenifer Stone, or Walter Hanson Stone (1765--1792), son of Samuel and Anna Hanson Mitchell Stone.
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Monday 28th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Wind Southerly all day and clear weather.
Mr. Henderson returned to the Meeting of the Commissioners abt. 10 Oclock and Mr. Chase went away after dinner.
The commissioners' final agreement and official letters all were dated Mount Vernon, 28 Mar. 1785, and historians have since referred to this meeting as the Mount Vernon Conference (see MASON [2], 2:812--22; FREEMAN, 6:30).
Tuesday 29th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 54 at Night.
The Sun rose with a watery appearance tho' the hemisphere was clear--which however soon clouded & towards evening began to rain.
Wind at No. East all day but not very fresh until dark.
Major Jenifer, Mr. Stone and Mr. Henderson went away before breakfast & Colo. Mason (in my carriage) after it by the return of which he sent me some young Shoots of the Persian Jessamine & Guilder Rose.
Transplanted in the groves at the ends of the House the following young trees. Viz.--9 live oak--11 Yew or Hemlock--10 Aspan--4 Magnolia--2 Elm--2 Papaw--2 Lilacs--3 Fringe--1 Swamp berry & 1 H < >
Doctr. Stuart came in the afternoon.
Syringa persica, Persian jasmine, and Viburnum opulus roseum, guelder rose or snowball.
Wednesday 30th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--62 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night--showers all day with thunder; & alternate Squals and calm.
Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast & carried the three Children Betcy, Nelly, & Washington Custis with him to Abingdon.
Arthur Lee Esqr. came to Dinner.
Eleanor Parke (Nelly) Custis (1779--1852) and George Washington Parke Custis (1781--1857), usually called Washington, were the two youngest children of David Stuart's wife Nelly and her first husband, John Parke Custis. Little Nelly had been brought to Mount Vernon soon after her birth for her mother was too ill to take care of her. Washington, too, had lived with his grandparents most of his life. Although there seem to have been no legal documents drawn up, GW spoke of these two youngest children as "adopted" by him and Mrs. Washington (GW to Lawrence Lewis, 20 Sept. 1799, DLC:GW).
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The "Virginian Scarlet Honey-suckle," or trumpet honeysuckle, from Catalogus Plantarum, London, 1730. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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Arthur Lee, who served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1781--83 and the Continental Congress 1781--84, was one of the commissioners who concluded treaties with the Indians in Oct. 1784 and Jan. 1785, and was at this time awaiting the action of the Congress on his nomination to the Board of Treasury.
Thursday 31st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind very hard all day from west--weather clear.
Mr. Lee went away after Breakfast and in the Afternoon Mr. Thos. Hanson & two of his Sisters arrived and Nelly Hanson came in.
Planted the Scarlet or French honey suckle (as my Gardner calls it, & which he says blows all the Summer) at each Column of my covered ways--as also against the circular walls between the Store house &ca. and the two new necessaries.
Also planted the Gilder rose & Persian Jessamine opposite thereto on the Walks leading up to these necessaries--4 of the first and Six of the latter on each walk.
Capt. Thomas Hawkins Hanson, son of Samuel Hanson of Green Hill, had served in the 3d Maryland Battalion of the Flying Camp in 1776. He was married to Rebecca Dulany Addison, widow of Thomas Addison (d. 1774), and lived at the old Addison farm, Oxon Hill, across the Potomac River from Alexandria. He was probably a partner in the Alexandria firm of his brother, Samuel Hanson of Samuel. Hanson had several sisters including Sarah Hawkins, Anna, and Chloe. Nelly Hanson may have been a niece or cousin.
Lonicera sempervirens, trumpet honeysuckle. MY GARDNER: Philip Bateman (Bottiman), GW's gardener, had been at Mount Vernon as early as 1773 (GW's tithable list for 1773, DLC:GW). In 1783 Lund Washington had written GW: "As to Bateman (the old gardener) I have no expectation of his ever seeking another home. Indulge him but in getg. Drunk now and then, and he will be Happy. He is the best Kitchen gardener to be met with" (Lund Washington to GW, 1 Oct. 1783, ViMtV). Philip Bater, gardener, who appears in the ledgers from 1786 through 1789, is probably the same man.
[1.] Mercury at 50 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Wind variable--from So. West to No. Wt.--pretty fresh, and towards Evening more cool; then being at No. West.
Mr. Hanson went away after breakfast.
Grafted 12 Duke, 12 May Duke and 12 black May heart
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Cherries & 12 Burgamy Pears. The Cherries were chiefly on Stocks wch. had been taken up a considerable time, & the roots covered with Earth. These Cherries and pears are planted on the left of the Area leading from the Gate to the Green House in the following manner--next the cross walk are the Duke Cherries--then the May Duke--then the black May Heart and lastly the Burgamy Pears. A Peg is driven between each sort--the last being nearest the back Wall.
Again began to right my Trees & ram round them.
Rid to my Ferry and Muddy hole Plantations.
Saturday 2d. Mercury at 50 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. & pretty fresh until the afternoon, when it got to the No. West & turned cold.
About day breaking it began to Snow, & continued to do so until the ground was covered with it about an inch deep, after which there fell a mixture of Snow & rain till about ten oclock when it turned to constant rain the remainder of the day; accompanied by pretty sharp thunder.
Sunday 3d. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Wind very fresh all day from So. Wt. & West, and unpleasant.
After Dinner Mr. George Lewis & his wife & Mr. Chas. Carter and his wife and Child came here having been detained on the Road by the Weather.
George Lewis (1757--1821) was a son of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. At the beginning of the Revolution, he had been captain of an independent troop of cavalry which acted as part of GW's personal bodyguard. In 1777 this troop was incorporated into the newly established 3d Continental Dragoons. Lewis was married during the Revolution to Catherine Daingerfield (1764--1820), daughter of Col. William and Mary Willis Daingerfield of Coventry, Spotsylvania County. They lived for a time near Berryville in what was then Frederick County, but by 1785 seem to have been living in Fredericksburg. In 1796 they moved to Marmion in King George County.
Charles Carter, Jr. (1765--1829), son of Edward and Sarah Champe Carter of Blenheim, was married in 1781 to GW's niece, Betty Lewis (1765--1830), daughter of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. The Carters lived for a time in Culpeper County, and Charles was often designated as "of Culpeper." They later moved to Frederick County and then to Pittsylvania. At this time Betty and Charles Carter had two children.
Monday 4th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning-- [ ] at Noon and 46 at Night.
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Wind fresh indeed hard at No. W. all day, with flying Clouds.
Grafted Six of the May white heart Cherry growing in my walk and Six of the small cherry opposite, or transplanted stocks, which were placed by the Area in front of the Green Ho[use] left hand approaching it, and in a line with the young Mulberry Cuttgs.--the first sort standing next the cross Walk, with a stake between them and the second sort. And my Gardener to shew his cunning, grafted ten Pairs from the Tree transplanted from the grass plat Feby. 9 (as will appear from this Diary) on Plumb Scions, & removed them to the Area above mentioned and along side the 12 Cherries wch. I grafted & planted as above.
Went to Alexandria to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Ramsay who died (after a lingering illness) on Friday last and to present Colo. Hooe with Major Jenifer's order, & to obtain a draft, consequent thereof on New York towards payment of my debt to Governor Clinton--but his indisposition prevented my doing business with him. Dined at Mr. Muirs & after the funerl. obsoques were ended returned home.
GRAFTED . . . ON PLUMS SCIONS: NO gardener today is "cunning" enough to make pears grow on plum stocks. GW does not say whether or not the grafts were successful.
Ann McCarty Ramsay, daughter of Denis and Sarah Ball McCarty, was the widow of William Ramsay, whose funeral GW attended 13 Feb. Mrs. Ramsay's son Dennis Ramsay wrote on 7 April 1785 to his absent brother Dr. William Ramsay, Jr., to say their mother had been buried "on Monday Evening attended by a very respectable number of the Inhabitants and Strangers in this place [Alexandria], the Revd Mr Griffith preached a Sermon on the unhappy event" (DSI: Ramsay Papers).
DEBT TO GOVERNOR CLINTON: GW had been forced to borrow money from Gov. George Clinton of New York to make his purchase of the land from Adam, Dow & McIver (see entry for 3 Feb. 1785). For further information see George Clinton's bond with GW, 1 Dec. 1782, NjP; GW to Clinton, 18 Dec. 1782, GW to Robert Morris, 8 Jan. 1783, DLC:GW.
Tuesday 5th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning-- 50 at Noon and 53 at Night.
Wind very brisk all day from the No. West, & cool for the Season.
Mr. Carter and Mr. Geo. Lewis went to Abingdon after breakfast.
Wednesday 6th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
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Clear, calm & pleasant in the Morning. Wind afterward springing up from the Eastward, it began to lower and before Night had much the appearance of rain.
Sowed the semicircle North of the front gate with Holly berries sent me by my Brother John--three drills of them--the middle one of Berries which had been got about Christmas and put in Sand--the other two of Berries which had been got earlier in the year, gently dried, & packed in Shavings.
Planted in a Nursery in my Vineyard 17 Live Oaks sent me by Colo. Parker of Norfolk 13 of one, and 7 of another kind of what I suppose to be the wild Honeysuckle, they being in different Bundles, and he having been written to for the wild Honey Suckle.
Sent my Shad Sein and Hands to the Ferry to commen<ce> Fishing for Mssrs. Douglas & Smith who had engaged to take all the Shad & Herring I can catch in the Season--the first at 15/. a hundred, and the other at 4/. a thousand.
A Mr. Vidler, to whom I had written '(an Undertaker at Annapolis) came here and opened the cases wch. contained my Marble chimney piece--but for want of Workmen could not undertake to finish my New room.
Mr. Carter, & Mr. Geo. Lewis returned here this afternoon.
Lonicera periclymenum, wild honeysuckle. NURSERY IN MY ViNEYARD: This was one of several experimental or nursery areas GW had on his Mount Vernon farms. The vineyard was behind the stables, south of the mansion house. DOUGLAS & SMITH: Smith & Douglass of Alexandria, also bought the shad and herring for the 1786 season, paying GW a slightly increased rate (LEDGER B, 225). The firm partnership was dissolved late in 1786 ( Va. Journal, 26 Oct. 1786).
There was an Edward Vidler living in Annapolis in 1785 ( Va. Journal, 25 Aug. 1785). AN UNDERTAKER: a contractor or subcontractor.
MY MARBLE CHIMNEY PIECE: Samuel Vaughan, a London merchant in the colonial trade, had enthusiastically supported the colonies during the Revolution, and had immigrated with his family to Philadelphia in 1783. He was a great admirer of GW and wrote to him in 1784 offering to send a marble chimney piece for his New Room at Mount Vernon (8 April 1784, DLC:GW). The chimney piece, packed in ten cases, arrived in Alexandria in Feb. 1785 aboard Capt. W. Haskell's brig May. GW wrote Vaughan's son Benjamin that "by the number of cases . . . I greatly fear it is too elegant & costly for my room, & republican stile of living" (GW to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW; Va. Journal, 3 Feb. 1785).
NEW ROOM: the large room at the north end of the mansion, now called the Banquet Hall, but always referred to by GW as the New Room. Construction on this room had been begun during the Revolution by Going Lanphier under Lund Washington's supervision (see main entry for 25 April 1774), but Lanphier had left before the interior of the room was
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completed. After his return to Mount Vernon GW was anxious to have work resumed on the unfinished structure.
Thursday 7th. Mercury at 48 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and 52 at Night.
Wind at East & fresh all day; Morning heavy, with great appearances of rain which began to fall about One clock moderately, but encreasing, it came on by Night to rain hard and in the Night much fell.
This day I had Assembled a number of Plows to prepare, if possible, the enclosure by my Barn. & the Pine groves for sowing my Grass Seeds; but I had not plowed one half of it before the Rain obliged me to desist.
Sowed the South Semicercle--rather half of it, for the lower part was too wet, with Holly berries in the same manner I did the No. one with this difference, that the middle drill was sowed with the berries which had been dried & were packed in Shavings & the outr. drills of the othr. sort.
Colo. Willm. Fitzhugh of Maryland, & a Mr. Clare came here to Dinner; as did Nelly & Washn. Custis.
Col. William Fitzhugh (1721--1798) was the son of George Fitzhugh (died c. 1722), of Stafford County. He represented Stafford in the House of Burgesses 1748--58. Shortly after his second marriage, to Ann Frisby Rousby of Maryland in 1755, Fitzhugh moved to Rousby Hall in Calvert County, Md. He was a member of the Maryland Council 1769--74 and commissary general of the state from 1773 until the Revolution. Fitzhugh served with GW's half brother Lawrence in the Cartagena campaign and his dose friendship with GW dated back to the French and Indian War. Mr. Glare may have been a relative or a retainer of Fitzhugh's, for the colonel 'was infirm and blind at this time, and would have needed a traveling companion to care for him.
Friday 8th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 59 at Night.
Morning clear, wind fresh from the No. West, which rather decreased wth. the Sun's altitude and in its decline, became nearly calm.
The ground being too wet to stir where it had been before plowed or worked, I was--unable to touch that which I had been preparing for grass; and therefore began to hoe that wch. lyes between the New circular ditches, & the Wild rose hedges; on which I propose to make experiments of the quantity of the Plaister of Paris which is most proper to manure an acre of Land & to sow the same in grass seed.
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Colo. Fitzhugh & Mr. Clair went away after breakfast. I rid to the Sein Landing at the Ferry.
Scattered 2½ bushels of the Powdered plaister of Paris on little more than half of the circle in my Court yard--next the Servants Hall (on the poor part of the ground); the Mould having been taken off that to raise the other side, which was the lowest.
WILD ROSE HEDGES: Rosa eglanteria, sweetbrier or eglantine. The sweetbrier is not a wild rose in the sense of being a native species but can grow into a disheveled planting if not trimmed.
Saturday 9th. Mercury at 47 this morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Morning calm & clear. Abt. Nine Oclock the wind sprung up at No. West, with flying Clouds and abt. Noon shifted to the So. West, & looked showery; but only a few drops of rain fell.
Laid of a piece of my Wheat field, containing 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] At Muddy hole, & part of the adjoining field, containing 4 A[cres] o R[ods] 8 P[erches] for Grass seeds. The first I propose to sow Orchard grass seed on, & to roll it in. The other having been spread pretty thick with Dung from the Farm yard, I set the Plows to breaking it up & to prepare it for the reception of the Seed.
From hence I rid to my Dogue run Plantation and thence to the fishing Landing at the Ferry.
Mr. Geo. Lewis, his Wife and Sister (Mrs. Carter) went up to Abingdon to see their Brother Mr. John Lewis; & returned in the Evening. The two Miss Hansons crossed the river in order to return--but their Carriage not having arrived--came back again.
Continued Hooeing the grd. between my Circles by the outer gate, as noted on friday.
Dactylis glomerata, orchard grass.
Sunday 10th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Clear all day--Morning calm; about 8 Oclock the Wind sprung up pretty fresh from the South West; which before ten got to No. West, & continued to blow hard.
Just as we had dined the two Doctr. Jenifers and Mr. Willm. Craik came in. The eldest of the Jenifers after getting his Dinner went away, to visit Mr. Wagener.
ELDEST OF THE JENIFERS: Walter Hanson Jenifer.
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Monday 11th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning--68 at Noon and the same at Night.
Clear all day, with appearances of dry settled weather.
Calm in the Morning, but pretty brisk Southerly wind the remainder of the day.
As the ground had dryed a good deal I set the plows (tho' it was not in such order as I could wish) to work in the field they were driven from by the rain on Thursday last and the Hooes also in the piece adjoining.
Rid to Muddy hole & Neck Plantations.
After breakfast Mr. Carter, Wife & Child--Mr. Lewis & his wife, Mr. Craik & the youngest Doctr. Jenifer went away. Soon after which a Mr. Duchi a french Gentleman recommended by the Marquis de la Fayette to me, came in.
YOUNGEST DOCTR. JENIFER: Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756--c.1809).
Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher was a Parisian lawyer who came to America to study the commercial laws of the states. In a shipwreck on the Long Island coast he lost a large part of his personal fortune and suffered badly from exposure (NUSSBAUM, 14). Lafayette's letter of introduction asked GW's advice and patronage for him (14 Sept. 1784, PEL). GW replied that there was nothing he could do to help Ducher, since he was a foreigner and spoke no English. Many states, he added, demanded a period of residence and study as a prerequisite to practice in the courts. His suggestion was that Ducher's friends procure him a consular post (GW to Lafayette, 12 April 1785, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). On 1 Sept. 1785 Ducher was appointed vice-consul ad interim at Portsmouth, N.H., and in 1787 he was transferred to Wilmington, N.C. His extensive reports and writings were influential in forming French commercial policies, including the Navigation Act of 21 Sept. 1793 (NUSSBAUM, 14--17, 34--36; NASATIR AND MONELL, 560).
Tuesday 12th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 58 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Clear all day; Wind until late in the afternoon, pretty fresh from No. West--Sunset red with appearances of dry Weather.
Plowing, rolling, and Harrowing my ground for grass seeds.
Sowed on the inner side of the Post & rail fences running from the Kitchen to the South Haw, ha! & from the Servts. Hall to the North Haw ha! three rows of Holly berries 6 Inches a part--the middle one of the berries wch. were preserved in Shavings. The first row is 9 Inches from the outer edge of the Posts.
Mr. Duchi went away after breakfast.
Wednesday 13th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 61 at Night.
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Wind variable. In the morning it was Eastwardly. About 10 Oclock it came from the Southward and after Noon fresh from the No. West. Clear all day.
Received from Colo. Henry Lee of Westmoreland 12 Horse Chesnut Trees (small) and an equal number of cuttings of the Tree Box. They appeared to have been sometime out of the ground being very dry. Planted 4 of the Chesnuts in my Serpentine Walks and 4 of the Box in my shrubberies--two on each side--the rest in the Vineyard.
Sowed the Guinea grass seed sent me by [ ] in the ground I had been preparing in the Hop inclosure--4 Rows and a piece next the fence. At the beginning & end of each Row drove in a peg--Rows 18 Inches a part.
Planted & Sowed in boxes placed in front of the Green House the following things--Box No. 1 partition No. 1 Six buck eye nuts, brought with me from the Mouth of Cheat River; they were much dried & shrivelled--but had been steeped 24 hours in water--Same Box partn. No. 2, Six acorns, which I brought with me from the South Branch. These grew on a tree resembling the box Oak, but the cup which contained the Acorn, almost inclosed it; & was covered with a soft bur. Same Box partn. No. 3 Eight Nuts from a tree called the Kentucke Coffee tree; these had been steeped 48 hours. Box No. 2 partn. No. 1 Ten acrons sent me by Colo. Josiah Parker with the first live Oak Trees; and which I take to be the Acorn of that Tree. Same box, Partn. No. 2, Six Acrons from the same Gentleman wch. came in a Paper accompanying the second parcel of Trees, & a small Keg of Acorns--which I also suppose to be those of the live Oak. Box No. 6 a Scarlet triangular berry the cover of which opens in 3 parts and looks well upon the Shrub. Box 7 Berry of a Shrub, brot. from the western waters with me. Box 8 a Seed brot. from the same place. Box 9 Seed of a cluster of red Berrys which looks pretty and if I recollect right grows on a Vine. Rid to Muddy hole Plantation and the fishing Landing at the Ferry between breakfast & Dinner.
Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee was now master of Stratford Hall, having married in 1782 Matilda Lee, elder daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee (1727--1775).
The horse chestnut tree is Aesculus hippocastanum.
Guinea grass, or Panicum maximum, is a coarse perennial, reaching ten feet in height. It does not endure frost and it is unlikely that GW succeeded in growing it. The species was brought from the coast of Guinea to Jamaica and at one time was second only to sugarcane as a Jamaican crop. It is now commonly grown in the South.
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The common Ohio buckeye is Aesculus glabra; those planted by GW this day were nuts that he had brought from the Cheat River, an affluent of the Monongahela, in 1784. Botanist Charles S. Sargent once thought that this planting was A. octandra var. virginica, sweet buckeye, and called it the only tree known to have been discovered and first planted by GW. Sargent later decided that the trees in question could not be of that variety. Today no specimen of the Ohio buckeye is growing at Mount Vernon and the lone remaining specimen of A. octandra has been shown by trunk borings to have been growing no earlier than the 1840s.
BOX OAK: Quercus stellata, post oak. Jefferson had not heard of this species in 1803 (BETTS [2], 288).
His "Kentucke Coffee tree" is still the Kentucky coffee tree, Gymnocladus dioica.
SCARLETT TRIANGULAR BERRY: Euonymus americana, strawberry bush, the fruit or seed pods of which have a triangular appearance, and the seeds of which have a red skin.
Thursday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Winds variable--in the Morning Easterly--then, Southerly--then Calm. Afterwards pretty fresh at So. West--Sometimes with appearances of rain--but generally clear.
Sowed the ground at Muddy hole, which had been twice plowed--once harrowed & gone over with the Hoes to break the clods.
Began to Sow the field at the House, but my Seedsman (Dolls Will) by sowing it much thicker than I intended, put 60 pints, or pounds of Clover Seed, on abt. [ ] Acres of Ground. Leaving a space of about 6 feet, I sowed half a bushel of Orchard grass Seed & five pints (or lbs.) of clover Mixed, in a breadth through the Field.
On the ground at Muddy hole I sowed 40 lbs. of clover seed. It was in tolerable good tilth considering the Season, but ought to have been in better. The field at the House had been three times Plowed--twice Rolled, & twice harrowed; upon the last of which the Seed was Sowed & was in better order than I ever expected to get it, from the unfavorable weather which we have had during the winter and Spring.
Sowed 5 rows and a small piece of the bird grass seed (sent me by Mr. Sprig of Annapolis) by the side of the Guinea grass, leaving 3 feet between the kinds; & the rows 18 Inches apart, as in the other.
At the end of the piece of a row of the Guinea grass & to the next stake I planted the everlasting Pea--one at every Six Inches.
And by the side of the bird grass but 3 feet from it, are planted two rows and a piece of the Acorn of the live Oak 6 Inches apart
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in the rows, & the rows 18 Inches asunder. The piece of a row I planted with the Spanish Nut.
Rid to Muddy hole Plantation with Miss Bassett.
DOLLS WILL: GW had several slaves named Doll and Will. This is probably the dower slave Will, who was made overseer of Muddy Hole farm later in the year (see entries for 19 Dec. 1785 and 18 Feb. 1786). He was probably the son of Doll, a dower slave at the River plantation.
BIRD GRASS: Poa trivialis, rough-stalked meadow grass.
MR. SPRIG OF ANNAPOLIS: Richard Sprigg of Strawberry Hill, near Annapolis. He also sent GW grass seed in 1786 and corresponded with him at various times concerning farm matters. Sprigg's home was famous for its gardens and orchards (GW to Richard Sprigg, 28 June 1786, DLC:GW).
EVERLASTING PEA: Lathyrus latifolius, perennial or everlasting pea. It is considered an ornamental today but GW may have been trying to develop it as a field crop, as it was recommended for large yields of hay and pasture grass.
SPANISH NUT: Castanea sativa, Spanish or Eurasian chestnut; the foreign variety best known in GW's day, with a nut nearly as large as that of the horse chestnut (DOWNING, 262). GW had bad luck with this variety; at first the crop seemed promising but later the burs began to fall prematurely, as he advised Samuel Powel in a letter 23 Sept. 1788 (PHi: Gratz Collection).
Friday 15th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 52 at Night.
Rid to my Muddy hole Plantation and thence to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry.
Sowed the 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] which I had laid of (on Saturday last) in my Wheat field at Muddy hole, with 3 Bushels of Orchard grass Seed, and 6 bushels of the Plaister of Paris, in powder; which I ordered to be rolled in.
Harrowed with a bush, the clover seed which was sowed at that place yesterday and ordered it to be rolled also.
Leaving a space of Six feet between the breadth which was sowed yesterday with Clover & orchard grass, I sowed 4½ Pecks of the orchard grass Seed unmixed; & had the whole of both days sowing, harrowed with a brush harrow.
Next the Planting of the acorns of the live Oak, I planted (two feet from them, & six Inches a part in the Row) a row of the Shellbark hickory Nutt, from New York.
Winds variable to day & fresh, first from East with appearances of rain--then from No. West until the Afternoon, then at East again & very raw and cold.
Mr. Delasier & Mr. Dulany; Doctr. Craik, his wife, & three Daughters came here to Dinner. The two first went away after it, & in the Evening Colo. Allison & Miss Harrison (Daughter of Judge Harrison) came here.
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This day was very unfavorable for sowing my Seeds--but the advanced Season, and fear of rain which might retard the operation I did not incline to Postpone it--but to render the disadvantage as small as possible instead of Sowing up and down the Land I sowed all one way.
SHELL-BARK HICKORY NUTT: Carya ovata, shellbark hickory. MR. DELASIER: a member of the Delozier family of Maryland, possibly Daniel Delozier (d. 1813), who was deputy collector of customs at Baltimore c. 1786--93. In 1793 he was appointed surveyor for the district of Baltimore and inspector of the revenue for the port of Baltimore (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:143; Delozier to GW, 8 Aug. 1793, DLC:GW).
The three daughters of Dr. James and Mariamne Ewell Craik were Sarah, who was married to Dr. Daniel Jenifer, and Mariamne and Nancy, still unmarried.
Col. Allison is probably Lt. Col. John Allison, an Alexandria merchant. He had served with a Virginia state regiment throughout most of the Revolution. Robert Hanson Harrison had two daughters, Sarah and Dorothy. Their mother Sarah was a daughter of George Johnston of Belvale.
Saturday 16th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 54 at Night.
A great Hoar frost and Ice at least the 1/8 of an Inch thick. What injury this may have done to the fruit & vegetation, will soon be seen. The Buds of every kind of tree & Shrub are swelling. The tender leaves of many had unfolded. The Apricot blossoms were putting forth. The Peaches, & Cherries were upon the point of doing the same. The leaves of the Apple tree were coming out. Those of the weeping willow & Lilac had been out many days, and were the first to show themselves. The Sasafras was ready to open. The red bud had begun to open but not to make any show. The Dogwood had swelled into buttons. The Service tree was showing its leaf and the Maple had been full in bloom ten days or a fortnight. Of this tree I observed great difference in the colour of the blossoms; some being of a deep scarlet, bordering upon Crimson--others of a pale red, approaching yellow.
Rid to Muddy hole and discovered that the Wheat ground which had been sowed with Orchard grass Seed had received little or no benefit from the rolling it had obtaind being two hard & dry, & two much baked for the roller to make a proper impression. The Corn hills yielded but little to its weight, and the interstices scarcely being touched. It is to be feared therefore that the Seed (especially if rain shd. not come soon) will be all lost. The Clover field seems to be well broke by the Roller at the place.
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Sowed one Bushel & three Pecks of the Albany, or field Pea in the inclosure behind the Garden, called the Vineyard. This ground had been Hooed in the winter--lately plowed; cross plowed; & Harrowed and the Pease harrowed in.
Cross harrowed with a bush the field of Grass which had been Sowed the two preceeding days at the Home House and began to Roll it abt. 2 Oclock for the third time.
Planted some Filberts given me by my Sister Lewis, in the row in which the Everlasting Pea was planted on Thursday; and stuck a stake where they finished. These were planted Six Inches a part in the row. After Breakfast Doctr. Craik went up to Alexandria & returned in the Afternoon. Mrs. Charles Stuart, Nelly Stuart, & Betsey Custis came to Dinner & stayed all Night. After Dinner Colo. Allison and Miss Harrison returned to Alexa.
FILBERTS: Corylus americana, hazelnut or filbert, which GW also calls cob nuts.
SISTER LEWIS: that is, his sister Betty Lewis.
MRS. CHARLES STUART: In June 1780 Eleanor Custis Stuart's sister, Elizabeth Calvert, had married Dr. Charles Steuart of Annapolis.
Sunday 17th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind fresh all day from the So. West but more moderate in the Afternoon.
Doctr. Craik and his family went to Colo. McCartys after Breakfast and to Dinner came Mr. Chas. Steward & Mr. George Digges--Doctr. Walter Jenifer and his wife Mr. Wilson Mr. Hunter & a Mr. Lymebarie--all of Whom, with the two Mrs. Stuarts & Betcy Custis went away after dinner. Fanny Bassett went up with Mrs. Doctr. Stuart.
Mr. Wilson is probably William Wilson (died c. 1823) of Alexandria. William and his brother James (1767--1805) emigrated from Scotland c.1777 and were partners in a Glasgow-based mercantile and shipping business, James Wilson & Sons (NORFLEET [1], 222; Alexandria City Hustings Court Deed Book C, 215--19, Vi Microfilm). Wilson was involved in the settlement of the complicated Colvill estate which had burdened GW for so many years.
MR. LYMEBARIE: Adam Lymburner (c.1745--1836), a Scottish merchant who had settled in Quebec in 1776. In 1791 he was appointed to the executive council of Lower Canada but never served. He was on a tour of the United States during the spring of 1785 (WRIGHT, 19--20, 50).
Monday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Wind Southerly with great appearances of rain until the afternoon
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when there was a red sky and clear horizon towards the sun setting.
Rid to Alexandria to the Election of Delegates for this County and dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds. Colo. Syme & Doctr. Steuart were chosen & for whom I gave my suffrages.
Had the Roots, shrubs (which had been grubbed) & Tussics of broom Straw in the point of New ground below the field I had been sowing in clover & Orchard grass, next the Hop inclosure raked of & burnt. I then sowed it up to stakes which run a cross the ground at a double Chesnut Tree with Barley and Orchard grass Seed. On the East side I sprinkled two Bushels of the plaister of Paris (powdered) and harrowed it in along with the Barley--after which the grass Seed was Sowed & harrowed with a Bush harrow. I intended to have sprinkled the same quantity of Plaister, on the West side, but Night coming on I could only get the Barley sowed & harrowed in with the Iron harrow, and the Grass seed with the Bush. The Plaister was postponed until the Morning. I intended this as an experiment (the ground being poor, & equal in quality) --first to try the effect of the Plaister & next whether spreading it on the Surface, or burying it with the Seed was most efficatious. The slipe adjoining the Fence of the hop ground was also sowed in Barley & Orchard grass Seed this day. This had been well spread with Stable & farm Yard Dung upon the Hooeing it had received previous to the Plowings.
COL. SYME: Charles Simms (1755--1819), son of Alexander Simms of Cecil County, Md., was lieutenant colonel of the 6th Virginia Regiment during the Revolution. Shortly before the end of the war he moved from his home near Pittsburgh to Alexandria, where he practiced law. He served in the House of Delegates from West Augusta in 1776 and in 1785--86, 1792, and 1796 he served as delegate from Fairfax County. In later years Simms was collector of the port of Alexandria and mayor of the city. He was also at this time a member of the Potomac Company.
Tuesday 19th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Wind at East all the forenoon and fresh, with constant rain. About Noon it got more to the Northward, and turned colder. Ceased raining for a while but began again after a small intermission, & continued until Night.
Took the advantage of the intermission, & sprinkled the 2 Bushels of Plaister which was left undone last Night.
Wednesday 20th. Mercury at 44 this Morning. 44 at Noon and 42 at Night.
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Morning clear and tolerably pleasant; but before eight Oclock the Wind coming hard from the No. West it clouded--grew cold and was very disagreeable, all day.
No working of ground but sent my Roller to Muddy hole to Roll the orchard grass Seed wch. had been sowed in the 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] of Wheat, friday last, and which from the hardness of the Earth received no benefit from the former rolling.
Thursday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 58 at Night.
Ground hard crusted with frost this morning (no hoar frost) Ice the 1/8 of an Inch thick--day clear--Wind pretty fresh from the No. West in the Morning.
My Seedsman (foolishly) renewed his Sowing of the Barley this Morning; the ground being too wet to plough or harrow it. He sowed all the Seed he had, & left 5 or 6 rod unfinished for want of Seed. Did not sow grass seed--nor attempt to harrow the Barley in.
Rid to the Fishing Landing--No fish caught--thence through the ferry Wheat field, to Muddy hole. Found the Roller had passed once over the grass Seed. Ordered it over a second time, crosswise.
Found what is called the spice bush (a fragrant Aromatic shrub) in bloom. Perceived this to be the case on Monday also as I returned from Alexandria, & supposed it had been blown 2 or 3 days. It is a small greenish yellow flower growing round the twigs, & branches, and will look well in a shrubbery. The Sassafras not yet full out, nor the red bud. Dogwood blossom still inclosed in the button.
After an early dinner, I went up in my Barge to Abingdon, in order to bring Mr. John Lewis (who had lain there sick for more than two months) down. Took my Instruments, with intent to Survey the Land I hold by purchase on 4 Mile run of Geo. & Jas. Mercer Esqrs.
Called at Alexandria & staid an hour or two.
SPICE BUSH: Benzoin aestivale, also known in the southern United States as Roman laurel.
The boundaries of the two patents on Four Mile Run had been in dispute since 1774 when GW wrote James Mercer that he intended to run the lines of the two tracts himself (26 Dec. 1774, WRITINGS, 3:252--55). However, before he could do so, the war intervened (see STETSON [1] for discussion of these disputed boundaries).
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Friday 22d. Mercury at 50 in the morning--56 at Noon and 63 at Night.
Took an early breakfast at Abingdon; & accompanied by Doctr. Stewart & Lund Washington, and having sent for Mr. Moses Ball (who attended); I went to a Corner of the above Land, within about 3 poles of the Run (4 Miles run) a white Oak, 18 Inches in diameter, on the side of a hill abt. 150 yards below the Ruins of an old Mill, & 100 below a small Branch which comes in on the No. Et. side and after having run one course & part of another, My Servant William (one of the Chain Carriers) fell, and broke the pan of his knee wch. put a stop to my Surveying; & with much difficulty I was able to get him to Abingdon, being obliged to get a sled to carry him on, as he could neither Walk, stand, or ride; At Mr. Adam's Mill I took Lund Washingtons horse & came home. After my return I had the grd. which was sowed yesterday Morning with Barley harrowed.
Perceived the Service tree to be full in bloom. It bears a white flour in clusters but on single stems, and is a tolerable handsome tree in bloom.
Sowed the remainder of the circle which (on acct. of wet) was left unfinished on the Seventh instant. Put both kind of the Holly Berries together mixing them well.
Moses Ball (1717--1792) received a grant from Lord Fairfax of 91 acres lying on the south side of Four Mile Run in Fairfax County near Alexandria, the land adjoining GW's on the west. He seems to have been one of the earliest patentees to clear land and live in the Four Mile Run area, and probably built a house there in 1755. GW undoubtedly requested Ball's presence as much because of his long familiarity with the area as for his personal interest in the boundaries; Ball had earlier made lengthy depositions during several boundary disputes over these and surrounding lands (see STETSON [1]).
RUINS OF AN OLD MILL: probably on the land of Moses Ball.
MY SERVANT WILLIAM: The accident to his servant put an end to the surveying of this land for another year (see entries for 4 and 5 May 1786). William (also called Billy or Will) Lee broke the other kneepan in 1788 and was a cripple for the rest of his life. GW greatly indulged Will in his later years because he was an old and faithful servant. "This is enough for the President to gratify him in any reasonable wish" (Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 3 May 1789, DLC:GW). In his will, GW gave William his freedom but allowed him, if he preferred, to remain at Mount Vernon in his present situation. In either case, he was to have an annuity of $30 for the rest of his life.
MR. ADAM'S MILL: GW is probably referring to a mill at the ford over Four Mile Run, where the road from the ford over Hunting Creek passed on its way north to the ferry crossing at Georgetown. This mill is listed on a 1789
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map as "Adam's" (COLLES, 182), and in earlier years was called Chubb's Mill (STETSON [1], 97--98). It was probably the mill operated by Robert Adam, the Alexandria merchant.
Saturday 23d. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Wind fresh all day from the South West & weather clear and warm. Vegetation much quickened.
Sowed all the Orchard grass Seed I had remaining of my first Stock on part of the ground which was sowed on thursday with Barley. Rolled it. Sent to Alexandria for another parcel which had just arrived for me from Philadelphia, and brought it home [ ] Bushels.
Sowed three Rows of the Holly Berries next the row of shell bark Hickory Nutt; leaving 2 feet space between the Nutts and the Berries, & 18 Inches betwn. the rows of Berries--sticking a stake down at both ends of each row.
Rid to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry, and all over my Wheat field there. Found the Wheat in general good--in places greatly destroyed by the Winters frost, but some of it, by fibres wch. had retained a little footing in the ground, beginning to vegetate feebly. Whether it can recover so much as to produce Wheat remains to be tried. From here rid to my Plantation on Dogue run, & examined that Wheat, & perceived that it had sustained greater injury than that at the Ferry had done--being in places entirely destroyed & the ground generally, not so well covered.
No appearances of any of the Clover, or Orchard grass seed of the first sowing (now the 9th. day) coming up--which affords cause to apprehend defect in them--especially the first.
The Sassafras buds had perfectly displayed but the numerous flowers Within had not opened. The Dogwood buttons were just beginning to open as the Redwood (or bud) blossom for though they had appeared several days the blossoms had not expanded. The Peach Trees were now full in bloom and the apples, Pears, and Cherries pretty full of young leaf.
Mr. John Lewis & his Brother Lawrence came down from Abingdon in my Barge before Dinner.
PARCEL . . . FROM PHILADELPHIA: a parcel of grass seed sent by Clement Biddle (GW to Biddle, 16 May 1785, NNC), who had probably procured it from Elias Boudinot. In a letter of 31 Jan. 1785, GW thanked Boudinot for grass seed the latter had promised to send through Biddle but protested against Boudinot's depriving himself of the seed (owned by Adm. Lewis L. Strauss, Brandy Station, Va.).
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John Lewis's illness (see entry of 12 Mar.) must have been severe, for he would remain at Mount Vernon recuperating for almost two more months before he returned home (see entry for 15 June 1785). Lawrence Lewis (1767--1839) was the son of Fielding Lewis and his second wife, Betty Washington Lewis. He was half brother to John Lewis.
Sunday 24th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Calm and clear all day--at least till the afternoon when there was a little breeze & variable.
Upon a close examination I perceived the clover seed was coming up--but could discover no appearance of the Orchard, Guinea, or Bird grass Seed rising.
An Express arrived with the Acct. of the Deaths of Mrs. Dandridge & Mr. B. Dandridge, the Mother and Brother of Mrs. Washington.
Mrs. Frances Jones Dandridge was Martha Washington's mother and Col. Bartholomew Dandridge her last surviving brother. Colonel Dandridge had charge of the tangled affairs of John Parke Custis's estate.
Monday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Perfectly calm all the forenoon, & very little wind in the Afternoon. Clear & very warm--all nature seemed alive. Cherries, Plumbs, Pears & Apples bloomed forth and the forest trees in general were displaying their foliage.
Got the ground, on the North side of the gate--between the outer ditch & the Sweet brier hedge in a proper state of preparation to receive grass seed; and for making a compleat experimt. of the Plaister of Paris as a manure. Accordingly, I divided it into equal sections; by a line from the Center of the old gate, between the New Garden Houses, stretched to the outer ditch at which they were 18½ feet apart and 16 apart at the outer edge of the Holly berries by the Sweet brier hedge. Each of these Sections contained 655 square feet. On the 1st. that is the one next the road I sprinkled 5 pints of the Plaister in powder--on the 2d. 4 pints--on the 3d. 3 pints--on the 4th. 2 pts. on the 5th. one pint and on the 6th. none. On the 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. & 11th. 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1 pints again; and on the 12th. nothing and on the 13th. 14th. 15th. 16 & 17th.--5, 4, 3, 2 & 1 in the same manner as before. On these three grand divisions (as they may be called) I sowed Orchard Grass Seed. But before I did this, I harrowed the first grand division with a heavy Iron toothed harrow--The 2d. grand
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division was gone over with a Bush harrow (without the Iron harrow)--and the third grand division was only rolled without either of the above harrowings. The whole of this ground was, in quality, as nearly alike as ground cou'd well be and this experiment, if the grass seed comes up well, will show first what quantity is most proper for an acre (the above being, as nearly as may be, in the proportion of l, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre) and secondly, whether burying the Powder of Paris deep (as a heavy harrow will do it)--shallow--or spreading it on the Surface only, is best.
Adjoining to this, on a piece of grass ground, as nearly alike in quality as may be, I staked off 5 square rod side by side and on the 1st. Beginning at the fence I sprinkled 2 gills of the powdered Stone--on the next 4 gills--on the 3d. 6 gills--on the 4th. 8 Gills and on the 5th. 10 gills--which as nearly as may be is (also) at the rate of l, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre. On this piece of circular ground I sowed about 8 quarts of the orchard grass Seed which was Nothing like so clean as the first parcel I received.
I also finished Sowing all the ground behind the Barn, and adjoining the Pine groves, with the Orchard grass Seed which took about [ ] Pecks.
Tuesday 26th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Quite calm, clear, and very warm all day.
The ground on the South side of the Road (between the Ditches) being prepared I sprinkled the same quantity of Powdered stone on it--sowed the same quantity of Seed (orchard Grass) on it and Managed it in all respects as I did that on the North side opposite yesterday--beginng. with the greatest quantity of powdered Stone next the road, & decreasing it Southerly, as I did Northerly yesterday. The 2 circles took 1½ Bushels of the Stone.
The Barley and Pease were seen coming up--the first very generally--the latter just making its appearance.
Doctr. Stuart came here to Breakfast, & returned after Dinner. Doctr. Griffith came to the latter, & stayed all night.
The blossom of the Red bud was just beginning to display. The Dogwood blossom tho' out make no figure yet: being small and not very white. The flower of the Sassafras was fully out and looked well. An intermixture of this and red bud I conceive would look very pretty--the latter crowned with the former or vice versa.
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Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--76 at noon and 78 at Night.
Marked out a new place for my front gate & serpentine Post & rail fences from it to the Outer Ditch.
Sowed in drills, 18 Inches a part, & 3 feet from the Holly berries in the inclosure by the Hop Patch 10 rows of the small berried thorn.
Rid to Muddy hole. Upon my return, found General & Mrs. Moylan here.
Stephen Moylan (1737--1811), an Irish-born Philadelphia merchant, was appointed muster-master general of the Continental Army in Aug. 1775, secretary to GW in Mar. 1776, and quartermaster general in June 1776. From 1777 to 1783 Moylan served as colonel of the 4th Continental Dragoons. GW appointed him commissioner of loans for Pennsylvania in 1793. Moylan was married to Mary Ricketts Van Horn, of Phil's Hill, N.J.
Thursday 28th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--75 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear & warm--Wind from the So. Wt. & in the Evening pretty fresh.
To Dinner Mr. Pine a pretty eminent Portrait, & Historian
Elizabeth Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, two of Mrs. Washington's grandchildren, were painted by Robert Edge Pine during his visit to Mount Vernon. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
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Martha Washington's granddaughters, Eleanor Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, painted by Pine. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Painter arrived in order to take my picture from the life & to place it in the Historical pieces he was about to draw. This Gentleman stands in good estimation as a Painter in England, comes recommended to me from Colo. Fairfax--Mr. Morris Govr. Dickenson--Mr. Hopkinson & others. Colo. Hooe, Mr. Hibert, & a Captn. [ ] also came here to Dinner & returned after it.
Robert Edge Pine (1730--1788), an English portrait painter well known for his historical works, was in the United States to complete a series of paintings of the Revolution. During his stay at Mount Vernon, Pine also painted portraits of Martha Washington, her four grandchildren, and her niece Fanny Bassett. George William Fairfax's letter of introduction was dated 23 Aug. 1784 (DLC:GW). Robert Morris's letter, dated 15 April 1785, informed GW that Pine wanted to take Martha Washington's portrait, as well as GW's (DLC:GW). John Dickinson of Pennsylvania had moved to Delaware during the Revolution, where he became president of the executive council in 1781. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania where he was elected president of the executive council. Francis Hopkinson (1737--1791) of new Jersey had been an active pamphleteer during the Revolution. A member of the Continental Congress in 1776, he was chairman of the Continental Navy Board 1776--78, treasurer of loans 1778--81, and judge of the admiralty court in Pennsylvania 1779--89.
MR. HIBERT: probably Mr. Huiberts, of the firm of Leertouwer, Huiman &
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Huiberts of Alexandria. The firm had a store for a short time in Hooe & Harrison's house on Water Street, where it sold goods from Holland ( Va. Journal, 29 April 1784 and 26 May 1785).
Friday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Dull day and not much wind; Weather not very warm.
Leaving Genl. Moylan & Lady, and Mr. Pine at Mt. Vernon, I set off for the appointed meeting of the Dismal Swamp Company at Richmond. Dined at Dumfries, & lodged at My sister Lewis's (after visiting my Mother) in Fredericksburgh.
Showers in the Afternoon to the Eastward of where I was.
The affairs of the Dismal Swamp Company were in abeyance during the years of the Revolution. GW wrote Hugh Williamson of North Carolina on 31 Mar. 1784 that he was "unaquainted with the opinions, & know as little of the Affairs & present management of the Swamp Company, in Virginia, (tho' a Member of it) as you do, perhaps less, as I have received nothing from thence nor have heard any thing of my interest therein, for more than nine years" (DLC:GW). On 10 April 1785 GW wrote Dr. Thomas Walker: "I have requested a meeting of the Proprietors of the Dismal Swamp in Richmond on Monday the 2d. day of May next, at which time and place I should be glad to see you as it is indispensably necessary to put the affairs of the Company under some better management. I hope every member will bring with him such papers as he is possessed of respecting this business" (WRITINGS, 28:127; see also BROWN [3]; NORFLEET [2], 114--17; PARKER, 1--2, 8--11).
Saturday 30th. Mercury (by Mrs. W's acct.) in the Morning at 68--at Noon 69 and at Night 62.
Wind Northerly all day, & towards Night cold.
Dined at General Spotswoods, and lodged at Mr. Jno. Baylors (New Market).
Alexander Spotswood (1751--1818), son of John and Mary Dandridge Spotswood and grandson of the governor, lived at New Post, his home on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County. He was married to Elizabeth Washington (1750--1814), eldest daughter of GW's half brother Augustine. Spotswood served in the 2d Virginia Regiment from Feb. 1776 until his resignation with the rank of colonel in Oct. 1777. In Mar. 1781 the Virginia legislature appointed him brigadier general and empowered him to raise two legions for the defense of the state. Spotswood shared GW's interest in scientific agriculture, and the two men often exchanged letters on this subject.
John Baylor (1750--1808), the brother of GW's former aide-de-camp George Baylor, lived at Newmarket, his farm in Caroline County. George Baylor had died in Barbados in Nov. 1784 as the result of old war wounds.
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Sunday--First. Mercury 51 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Day cool, Wind at No. West & clear all the forenoon, with flying clouds afterwards.
Took a late breakfast at Hanover C[our]t House. Went from thence to Mr. Peter Lyon's where I intended to dine, but neither he nor Mrs. Lyon being at home, I proceeded to, & arrived at Richmond about 5 oclock in the afternn.
Supped & lodged at the Governor's.
Peter Lyons (d. 1801) was an Irish-born Virginia lawyer. In 1763 he was attorney for Rev. James Maury in the "Parson's Cause." In 1779 Lyons was made judge of the General Court; in 1789 he became a member of the Virginia Court of Appeals and in 1803 became its president (LYONS, 184--85). Lyons's second wife, whom he married in 1773, was Judith Bassett of Williamsburg, an aunt of Mrs. Washington's niece, Fanny Bassett ( Va. Gaz., P&D, 30 Dec. 1773; MASON [1], 295).
Patrick Henry (1736--1799) served his fourth and fifth terms as governor of Virginia from Nov. 1784 to Nov. 1786. The governor's residence in Richmond impressed a visitor in 1782 as being "very plain but spacious," and was later described as "a very plain wooden building of two stories, with only two moderate sized rooms on the first floor" (CHASTELLUX, 2:428; MORDECAI, 73; see DUMBAULD, 220--27). Governor Henry also kept a farm, Salisbury, in Chesterfield County about 12 miles west of the capital, to which his family often retired during the summer (MEADE [3], 302, 507).
Monday--2d. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night. Received and accepted an invitation to dine with the Sons of Saint Taminy, at Mr. Andersons Tavern, and accordingly did so at 3 Oclock.
About Noon, having Assembled a sufficient number of the Proprietors of the Swamp, we proceeded to business in the Senate Chamber; & continued thereon till dinner, when we adjourned till nine Oclock next day.
Raw & cold Easterly Wind the whole day. Towards evening it turned very cloudy & very like Rain & became quite cold.
The Sons of St. Tammany, a democratic society opposing aristocracy and privilege, was named for a seventeenth-century Delaware chief supposed to have befriended the whites. The first society was formed in 1772 in Philadelphia, as the Sons of King Tammany, a Loyalist group, but shortly afterwards, as political attitudes changed, the name was changed to the Sons of St. Tammany. After the Revolution; the number of societies in various cities greatly increased. The first of May was normally the day celebrated in St.
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List in Washington's handwriting of shareholders in the Dismal Swamp. (George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association)
Tammany's honor, but in 1785 the first of May fell on Sunday, thus postponing the celebration by a day.
Anderson's tavern was commonly used for civic meetings until it burned in 1787. It may have been opened by Robert Anderson (d. 1784), who operated a tavern in Williamsburg in the 1770s (MARSHALL [2], 1:140; GIBBS, 145--47).
PROCEEDED TO BUSINESS: At this meeting of the proprietors of the Dismal Swamp Company, there was a discussion of proposals for procuring a large number of laborers from Holland or Germany and for obtaining a large foreign loan to aid in the work of draining the swamp (GW to Jean de Neufville, 8 Sept. 1785, GW to John Page, 3 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW; NORFLEET [2], 115; see also editorial note for 15 Oct. 1763).
Tuesday 3d. Mercury 54 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 58 at Night.
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Raining more or less all day, with the wind flesh at East.
Met according to adjournment & finished the business by 3 oclock. Dined at the Governors.
Wednesday 4th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning 59 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Raining until 7 O'clock, when the wind getting to the Westward, the Clouds broke, g: the weather cleared & was tolerably pleast.
After doing a little business, & calling upon Judge Mercer and the Attorney General, I left Richmond about 11 Oclock. Dined at one Winslow's abt. 8 Miles from the City, & lodged at Clarkes Tavern 10 Miles above Hanover Court House.
JUDGE MERCER: James Mercer of Fredericksburg was a judge of the General Court 1779--89. He later served on the Virginia Court of Appeals from 1789 until his death in 1793.
Winslow's was located near the Henrico-Hanover County line. This tavern, recorded by GW in his accounts as "Winsters" (LEDGER B, 203), may have been the "Winstons' Ordinary" that was in existence in that area in 1751 (VSP, 1:244). CLARKES: The tavern located ten miles up the stage road from Hanover Court House was owned during the Revolution by James Head Lynch, of Caroline County, and appears in a 1789 map as the tavern of "Head Lynch." Clarke may have been the tavern keeper in 1785 (CAMPBELL [1], 413; COLLES, 189; and see 25 April 1786).
Thursday 5th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--60 at Noon and the same at Night.
Wind Southerly in the forenoon & clear, but Showery afterwards where I was, between Fredericksburgh & Dumfries.
Breakfasted at the Bowling Green. Dined with my Sister Lewis in Fredericksburgh. Spent half an hour with my Mother and lodged at Stafford C[our]t House (at one Taylors Tavern).
Friday 6th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 64 at Night. Dark foggy Morning, with little wind, but great appearances of rain all the forenoon--after noon clear & pleasant.
Breakfasted at Dumfries, & dined at home; where I found Mrs. Moylan (Genl. Moylan having gone on some business towards Fredericksburgh) Mr. Pine, Mr. Jno. Lewis & his Brother Lawrence--all of whom I had left at Mt. Vernon--and where I found everybody and thing well except little Washington Custis who had had two or three fits of the Ague & fever.
Saturday 7th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 62 at Night.
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Day clear, and tolerably pleasant till the Afternoon, when it turned cold. The Wind being at No. W. all day.
Upon enquiry, found that William Skilling, a hired man has done no work in my absence; nor since the 21st. Ulto.; occasined by a fever, and violent Cough wch. there is reason to apprehend may prove fatal to him.
Most of my transplanted trees have a sickly look. The small Pines in the Wildernesses are entirely dead. The larger ones in the walks, for the most part, appear to be alive (as yet). Almost the whole of the Holly are dead. Many of the Ivy, wch. before looked healthy & well seem to be declining. Few of the Crab Tree had put forth leaves. Not a single Ash tree has unfolded its buds whether owing to the trees decline, or any other cause, I know not; as those in their native places are all in leaf (tho' late putting out) and some of all the other kinds have displayed their leaves, it is somewhat singular that not one of these should yet have discovered signs of life. The lime trees, which had some appearance of Budding when I went away, are now withering and the Horse-chestnut & Tree box from Colo. Harry Lee's discover little signs of shooting. The Hemlock is almost entirely dead, & bereft of their leaves and so are the live Oak. In short half the Trees in the Shrubberies, & many in the Walks, are dead & declin[in]g.
The Barley & Pease seem to have come on well--but the clover has not advanced much. The first Sowed Orchard grass Seeds are making their appearance but none of the Second are yet to be seen. Nor can I discover anything yet of the Guinea, or bird grass seeds coming up; or any of the Acorns or Nutts which were planted by the side of them any more than I can of those things which were put in boxes--the seeds of the Crab apple are up and the woodbine (or Honey suckle) which I cut & set out, appears to be about half alive.
I cannot discover that the grass ground on which the Powdered plaister of Paris was strewed, in different quantities, is benefitted in the smallest degree by it--nor the circle in the Court yard.
William Skilling, a laborer, worked for GW as early as 1767 (LEDGER A, 249). Articles of agreement on 25 Feb. 1775 between Skilling and GW provided for Skilling to take GW's servants and Negroes to his Ohio lands, there to work with them on whatever was necessary (DLC:GW). There is no further word of Skilling until 1784, when GW offered him £30 per year and two pairs of shoes to work again at Mount Vernon. "It may be to ditch, to Garden, to level & remove Earth, to work alone, or with several others, & in the last case, to keep them closely employ'd as well as yourself" (GW to Skilling, 22 July 1784, DLC:GW). Skilling replied that he would come in mid-November if his health permitted (28 July 1784, DLC:GW). The last entry in GW's
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ledger for Skilling is for 17 July 1785, when GW paid "Negro Moll on Accot. of Willm. Skilling" £1 10s. (LEDGER B, 203). Skilling died in 1785 or 1786 (GW to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 3 Aug. 1788, DLC: GW).
Sunday 8th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--61 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Cool all day; Wind at No. West with flying Clouds.
Monday 9th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear & warm--But little Wind & that Southerly.
Rid to my Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations and from the latter to the fishing Landing at the Ferry.
Perceived the Orchard grass seeds which had been sown on the Wheat at Muddy hole were coming up tolerably well--but could not discover that the Wheat had derived any benefit from the Plaister of Paris which had been sprinkled thereon--or from the rolling.
Mathew Baldridge who had been engaged for me by Mr. John Rumney, as a Joiner, and sent over in his Brig the Caesar, Captn. Atkinson, and who arrived here yesterday, set in to work today.
The blossom of the Crab tree is unfolding, & shedding its fragrant perfume. That of the black Haw, had been out some days; and is an ornamental flower being in large clusters, tho' individually small upon single foot stems. They are white with a yellowish cast. The flower of the small berry thorn is also good looking--the tree being full of blossoms, which is not much unlike the blossom of the apple tree, but quite white.
On 3 July 1784 GW wrote John Rumney, Jr., who was going to England, to say that he, "being in want of a House Joiner & Bricklayer . . . would thank Mr. Rumney for enquiring into the terms upon which such workmen could be engaged for two or three years . . . Bed, board & tools to be found by the Employer, cloaths by the Employed." GW added that "rather than encounter delay [he] would be obliged to Mr. Rumney for entering into proper articles of agreement on his [GW's] behalf with them, & for sending them out by the Vessel to this port" (DLC:GW). The articles of agreement with Mathew Baldridge, a joiner, were signed for three years (bill from Peter How Younger, 8 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW). GW paid Baldridge £25 sterling for the first two years and £31 10s. for the third year (LEDGER B, 249). He seems to have left Mount Vernon after this three-year period.
John Rumney, Jr. (1746--1808), was a partner in the English mercantile firm of Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney, which had a store in Alexandria in the 1780s and early 1790s. In addition to his request for a joiner and a bricklayer, GW asked Rumney to make inquiries regarding flagstones for the piazza at Mount Vernon (GW to Rumney, 3 July 1784, DLC:GW). Rumney's search for a bricklayer was unsuccessful, but he did contract for the
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flagstones to be delivered to GW. Later, Rumney moved to Geneva, N.Y., where he lived until his death (BROCKETT, 107--8). Rumney may have been a brother of Dr. William Rumney.
The brig Cesar, Capt. J. Atkinson, had stopped at the Mount Vernon wharf on its way to Alexandria, where it arrived by 12 May. The brig brought European goods for sale by Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney ( Va. Journal, 12 May, 26 May 1785).
Tuesday 10th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from So. East--raw, cold, & not much unlike rain.
Quitted fishing at the ferry landing, as I had done at the House landing on Saturday last.
Began to weed a yard for Brick making at home.
Rid into the Neck. Found my Wheat there tolerably promising.
General Moylan returned before dinner. Doctr. Jenifer & his wife came here to dinner & Stayed all Night. A Mr. Stephens from the red stone Settlement came in the afternoon & remained all Night.
Mr. Stephens is possibly Dennis Stephens, who had built the mill on GW's Pennsylvania land.
Wednesday 11th. Mercury at 57 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 59 at Night. Raining more or less all day moderately. Wind at No. Et. & pretty fresh.
Thursday 12th. Mercury at 59 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 68 at Night. Foggy Morning--Wind at So. Wt. About noon the Clouds dispersed and afterwards became clear, warm, & pleasant.
Added some more Filberts to those planted on the 16th. of last Mo[nth] in the 5th. row of the Guinea grass seeds, below the Everlasting Pease and at the end of these, & below the 3d. Stake, I planted some Cobb Nuts (given me by my Sister Lewis) at the distance of Six Inches a part.
Yesterday (tho' it escaped Notice at the time) I sowed in drills (three) on the South side the gate, adjoining the Orchard grass Seeds and upon the bank of the old ditch which I had levelled a few Seeds of a grass given me by Colo. Archibald Cary--who had it from Colo. Wm. Peachy who speaks of it in high terms. This I did just before the rain set in.
Friday 13th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 68 at Night. Growing Weather--day clear and pleasant. Wind fresh from the Southward.
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Washington owned an abridgment of this eighteenth-century book on gardening. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
Began to set my turned Posts in the Circle in the C[our]t yard.
The Guilder roses in my Garden had just got into bloom--but as the Trees had been transplanted this spring I presume they were backened by it, for I observed some in the Gardens at Fredericksburgh (but these were in a sandy Soil) as forward eight days ago as mine are now.
Saturday 14th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Rid to My Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue run, & Muddy hole. Found the Wheat had grown a good deal since the last rain & warm weather.
The wood honey suckle wch. has been in bloom about 8 days is an agreeable looking flower and deserves a place in my Shrubberies.
My Nephew, George Augustine Washington arrived here from Charles Town after having been to Burmuda & the West Indies in pursuit of health which he had but imperfectly recovered.
George Augustine Washington sailed from Alexandria to the West Indies in the spring of 1784 in an effort to recover his health. He had suffered for some time from what may have been tuberculosis. GW gave him 100 guineas to cover his expenses (LEDGER B, 197). After visits to several of the islands, George went to South Carolina and spent the winter in Charleston and at
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Sandy Hill, the nearby farm of his distant cousin, Col. William Washington (1752--1810). GW sometimes refers to George, who served as an aide to Lafayette during the Revolution, as Major Washington.
Sunday 15th. Mercury at 59 in the morning--63 at Noon and 65 at Night. General Cadwallader came here yesterday.
Today Colo. Fitzgerald--Mr. Murray,--Mr. Porter--Mr. Munser Mr. Darby & the Revd. Mr. Prince came here to dinner, & went away after it.
In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart Mrs. Stuart & Miss Stuart came and stayed all Night.
Wind at So. East all day, with some appearances of Rain.
John Cadwalader served as a brigadier general of the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolution. In 1778 his admiration for GW led him to challenge Maj. Gen. Thomas Conway and seriously wound him in a duel, after Conway had made disparaging remarks about GW. In 1785 Cadwalader was living at his country seat in Kent County, Md., and was a member of the Maryland legislature.
Mr. Murray is probably John Murray, an Alexandria merchant. Murray's store was at this time located on Fairfax Street, nearly opposite the courthouse, but shortly afterwards moved to the corner of Prince and Water streets ( Va. Journal, 4 Nov. 1784 and 13 April 1786).
Thomas Porter (d. 1800) was a partner in the Alexandria firm of Porter & Ingraham which operated a store near the corner of Fairfax and King streets at this time ( Va. Journal, 23 Dec. 1784). Porter was recommended to GW by Benjamin Lincoln (GW to Lincoln, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW) and seems to have become a close friend of George A. Washington.
MR. MUNSER: William Mounsher, "an intimate friend and confident" of Thomas Porter (Porter to Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 19 July 1787, MHi: Benjamin Lincoln Papers), advertised a store, counting room, and cellar for rent on King Street in Alexandria ( Va. Journal, 5 April 1787). A few months later he gave notice of his intended return to Europe ( Va. Journal, 17 May 1787), but continued to visit Mount Vernon for another year. GW had difficulty with Mounsher's name and spelled it various ways (Monshur, Munsher).
MR. DARBY: probably a son of Elias Hasket Derby, a wealthy merchant and shipowner of Salem, Mass. Rev. Mr. Prince is probably John Prince (1751--1836), minister of the First Church in Salem. Derby and Prince were traveling together with a letter of introduction from William Grayson (Grayson to GW, 5 May 1785, DLC:GW).
Miss Stuart is undoubtedly Dr. David Stuart's sister Ann, who was living at Abingdon with her brother and sister-in-law at this time (TORBERT, 49). She later became the second wife of William Mason, son of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall.
Monday 16th. Mercury at 63 in the Morning--66 at Noon, and 68 at Night. General Moylan, Mrs. Moylan, Doctr. Stuart, Wife & Sister, went away after Breakfast.
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Mr. Mazzai came here to breakfast and went away afterwds.
Philip Mazzei (1730--1816), born in Italy, had been a wine merchant in London for 18 years before coming to Virginia in 1773. He purchased an estate named Colle, adjoining Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Albemarle County, where he carried on agricultural experiments. In 1774 GW subscribed for one share at £50 sterling to Mazzei's scheme to form a company "for the Purpose of raising and making Wine, [olive] Oil, agruminous Plants and Silk" (JEFFERSON [1], 1:156--58). The project came to a halt during the Revolution, and in June 1779 Gov. Patrick Henry sent Mazzei to France to borrow money for the state. He returned in 1783 but sailed for Europe again in June 1785, shortly after his visit to Mount Vernon. In 1788 Mazzei published his history of America, Recherches historiques et politiques sur les États-Unis de l'Amérique septentrionale (Paris, 1788), based in part on notes Jefferson gave him.
Tuesday 17th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night.
General Cadwallader went away after Breakfast, and I went to Alexandria to the appointed meeting of the Subscribers to the Potomack Navigation. Upon comparing, & examining the Books of the different Managers, it was found, including the Subscriptions in behalf of the two States, & the 50 Shares which the Assembly of Virginia had directed to be Subscribed for me, (& which I then declared I would only hold in trust for the State) that their were 403 Shares Subscribed, which being more than sufficient to constitute the Company under the Act--the Subscribers proceeded to the choice of a President & 4 Directors; the first of which fell upon me. The votes for the other four fell upon Governors Johnson & Lee of Maryland and Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin of this State.
Dined at Lomaxs and returned in the Afternoon.
The law authorizing the creation of the Potomac Company provided for the subscription of 500 shares at 444 and 4/9 dollars (£100 sterling) each, and stipulated that if at least half the shares were not subscribed by the end of the meeting set for this day the company could not be organized (HENING, 11:512). The state governments of Virginia and Maryland each subscribed for 50 shares. In addition, the Virginia Assembly had voted 50 shares (plus 100 shares of James River navigation company stock) to GW as thanks from the state for his services in the Revolution.
Holding firm to his determination to accept no gifts or remuneration for his Revolutionary War services, GW agreed, as here stated, only to hold the shares in trust for the public benefit. By his will GW devised the Potomac Company shares to a national university, to be established in the District of Columbia (these shares depreciated and became worthless), and the James River shares to Liberty Hall Academy, Rockbridge County, Va., which later became Washington and Lee University (DIARIES, 2:376 n.4; FREEMAN, 6: 28--30).
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Thomas Sim Lee (1745--1819), son of Thomas Lee (d. 1749) and Christian (Catherine) Sim Lee and grandson of Philip Lee, founder of the Maryland Lees, served as governor of Maryland, 1779--82 and 1792--94, and as a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress 1783--84. He married Mary Digges (1745--1805), daughter of Ignatius Digges of Melwood, and settled in Frederick County, Md., at Needwood, located about 12 miles west and south of Frederick Town. He had acquired the estate during the Revolution (LEE [5], 306--11; W.P.A. [2], 347).
George Gilpin (1740--1813) was born in Cecil County, Md., and settled in Alexandria before the Revolution. A wheat merchant, Gilpin was inspector of flour in Alexandria in Mar. 1775 (MERCHANTS, 246). During the Revolution he was a colonel of Fairfax County militia and a member of the committee of safety. He was one of the most active members of the Potomac Company and in July 1785 went to Seneca Falls to procure workmen (NUTE, 713, n.1). He also for many years served as a vestryman for Fairfax Parish (POWELL, 203--4, 162--63).
John Lomax's tavern, on the southwest corner of Princess and Water (now Lee) streets, was the site.of today's meeting ( Va. Journal, 21 April 1785).
Wednesday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Wind Southerly in the forenoon and Westerly afterwards.
The forepart of the day was very warm. In the Evening it turned much Cooler.
Finished Planting Corn at Muddy hole.
Rid to Alexandria to enter myself security for Doctr. Stuarts administration of Mr. Custis's Estate. At the same time exchanged Deeds in Court with Mr. Willm. Triplett for the Lands we had swapped.
The Locust blossom is beginning to display.
EXCHANGED DEEDS IN COURT: see 15 Feb. 1785.
Thursday 19th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Mr. Pine left this (on his return to Philadelphia) in my Phaeton, which was to carry him to Annapolis.
Sent My Overseer & Barge to Popes Creek for the Baggage of Geo. Auge. Washington, and such Articles as he had brot. from the West Indies & South Carolina for my use--as also some Wild Geese which Mr. Wm. Washington had procured for me.
Wind at East all the day; until towards Sun down, when it turned quite calm.
The forenoon was a little dripping but not much rain fell.
MY OVERSEER: In the fall of 1784, GW hired John Fairfax (c. 1764--1843) as his overseer for the Mansion House farm and grounds at a wage of £30 for
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the year, and when the contract was renegotiated in the fall of 1785 Fairfax obtained a raise to £40 (LEDGER B, 209). John was distantly related to the Fairfaxes of Belvoir through his great-grandfather, John Fairfax, a Roman Catholic who emigrated from Yorkshire to Charles County, Md., in the early eighteenth century. In 1785 the head of the Maryland Fairfaxes was William Fairfax, Sr. (d. 1793), who moved from Charles County in 1789 to settle near Occoquan, Prince William County. By his two wives he had six daughters and four sons, one of whom was John (CARTMELL, 244, 247--48).
WILD GEESE: GW must have written his nephew, William Augustine Washington, to be on the lookout for some wild geese for his Mount Vernon estate. Washington wrote GW shortly after this that he had "been industrious in inquiring for some Wild Geese & Swans for you, at length I have procured these Geese, which I now send you. . . . I shall indeavour to procure you some Swans this Winter" (William Augustine Washington to GW, 1 June 1785, CSmH).
Friday 20th. Mercury at 61 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Brisk Southerly Wind until Noon when it became calm till the Evening--then the Wind sprung up again from the same point. Day warm and clear.
Rid to my Mill, and to Morris's.
Planted in boxes No. 10 & 11 in the garden, adjoining to the other boxes 48 seeds of the Mahogany tree brot. by Mr. G. A. Washington from the West Indies.
A Mr. Noah Webster came here in the Afternoon & stayed all Night. As did one Richd. Boulton a House joiner and Undertaker recommended to me by Colo. Wm. Fitzhugh of Maryld.
Noah Webster, attributed to James Sharples. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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Upon enquiry, found that my overseer at the ferry had begun to plant Corn on the 12th. and Morris at Dogue run on the 18th.
MAHOGANY TREE: Swietenia mahogani.
Noah Webster (1758--1843), of Massachusetts, had a short time before this published his Grammatical Institute of the English Language. The failure of Congress to enact copyright laws had led him to spend several years traveling through the states in an effort to encourage local legislation. During this year he had also published Sketches of American Policy, a plea for a strong federal government. He probably brought a copy to GW during this visit or during a return visit in November, for in December he wrote GW from Alexandria, asking to borrow his pamphlet long enough to have excerpts printed in the newspaper (16 Dec. 1785, PHi: Gratz Collection).
Richard Boulton of Charles County, Md., signed an agreement with GW on 21 May 1785 in which he agreed to finish the New Room "in a plain and elegant manner; either of Stucco, Wainscot, or partly of both." He was also, among other things, to make repairs to the roof of the mansion, wainscot the new piazza which had gone up under Lund Washington's supervision, and "do the necessary work of a Green House" (DLC:GW). In employing a joiner to finish the New Room, GW was contradicting his earlier assertion to Samuel Vaughan on 14 Jan. 1784 (DLC:GW): "I found my new room, towards the completion of which you kindly offered your house-joiner, so far advanced in the wooden part of it, the Doors, Windows, & floors being done, as to render it unnecessary to remove your workman with his Tools (the distance being great) to finish the other parts; especially as I incline to do it in stucco, (which, if I understood you right, is the present taste in England)." Despite his contract with GW, Boulton reneged on his promise to come to Mount Vernon, and so the finishing work on the New Room was delayed for another year (Boulton to GW, 4 June 1785, GW to Boulton, 24 June 1785, GW to William Fitzhugh, 14 July 1785, DLC:GW).
MY OVERSEER AT THE FERRY: Hezekiah Fairfax, overseer at the Ferry plantation for several years, was a son of William Fairfax (d. 1793), of Maryland and Occoquan, by his first wife, and thus a half brother to John Fairfax, GW's Home House overseer. Hezekiah married Margaret Calvert and lived in Prince William County.
Saturday 21st. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Calm all the forepart of the day, and warm. The wind came out from the Southward afterwds.; and a thunder shower of no long continuance Succeeded; thence it turned cool, the wind getting to the Westward.
My Phaeton which had been with Mr. Pine to Annapolis returned about 3 Oclock to day; as did my Barge which had been sent to Popes Creek on thursday last. The latter brought the Plants of the large Magnolio of South Carolina--Some scions of the live Oak, & a few young Trees of the Civil, or sower oranges in a box, all of which seem to be in a thriving State. As also
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sundry kinds of Seed which Mr. G. Washington had provided for me in his travels & the Palmeto royal which Mr. Blake of So. Carolina had sent me accompanied by some of the Plants.
Agreed with one Richd. Boulton a House joiner & undertaker, to do my New Room, & other Work--who is to be here in abt. 3 Weeks with his Tools.
Mr. Webster went away after breakfast and in the Afternoon Captn. Kalender came & stayed all Night.
THE LARGE MAGNOLIO; Magnolia grandiflora. CIVIL, OR SOWER ORANGE: Citrus aurantium, the Seville or sour orange. PALMETO ROYAL: Sabal palmetto, palmetto, or S. umbraculifera, palmetto royal; some botanists say they are the same species. For the entry on other seeds and plants brought to GW by George Augustine Washington, see 13 June 1785. William Blake, of Charleston, S.C., wrote on 20 Mar. 1785, informing GW that he was sending him the plants and seeds he requested (DLC:GW). CAPTN. KALENDER: Eleazer Callender of Fredericksburg had been a captain in the Virginia State Navy during the Revolution. He had come to Mount Vernon to visit his friend George Augustine Washington (Callender to George A. Washington, 19 May 1785, ViMtV).
Sunday 22d. Mercury at 66 in the Morning 68 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Wind Easterly all day, and at times fresh. About 9 'Oclock it began to rain & continued to do so, more or less all day.
In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart & Mrs. Stuart arrived here.
Monday 23d. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Calm, cloudy, & warm all day; at times, when the sun came out it was hot. Veg[it]ation rapid by the warmth & moisture of the weather.
Set out the Palmeto Royal in my garden--in number [ ] Plants and put the box in which the Magnolio, live oak & Sower Oranges were in the Area in front of the Green House.
Doctr. Stuart went away after Dinner. Mrs. Stuart & the Girls remained.
Tuesday 24th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Much rain fell in the Night (& continued Showery at intervals all day) with thundr. & Lightng.
Wind very high in the Morning, and at times through the day from the Southward.
Bought 15,114 feet of Inch Pine Plank a 10/. pr. Ct.
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Laid a Margin of grass between the pavement, & the Post & rail fence From the Servants Hall, to the cross fence.
Doctr. Brown came here on a Visit to Richmond (a boy) who had hurt his Shoulder. Dined and returned afterwards.
Richmond, a dower slave, was about nine years old. He was the son of Lame Alice, a seamstress at the Home House (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
Wednesday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Clear, and pleasant--very conducive to Vegetation.
The blossom of the transplanted fringe tree was beginning to display. The locust blossom full out.
Expected General Roberdeau and some Methodist Clergymen to dinner but they did not come. Had Peas For the [first] time in the season at Dinner.
Daniel Roberdeau (1727--1795), once a Philadelphia merchant dealing largely in the West Indies trade, served as a brigadier general of Pennsylvania militia during the early years of the Revolution and later served in the Continental Congress. He had moved his family to Alexandria some time before 1780, when he became a member of a fire company in that town (MOORE [1], 152).
Thursday 26th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 67 at Night.
Wind Southerly and warm in the forenoon and till about 5 O'clock afternoon when Clouds to the westward arose attended With high wind From the No. West Which continued an hour or two & changed the temparature of the air remarkably.
Rid to Muddy hole and the Neck Plantations.
Upon my return Found Mr. Magowan, and a Doctr. Coke & a Mr. Asbury here--the two last Methodest Preachers recommended by Genl. Roberdeau--the same who were expected yesterday.
Mrs. Stuart and Betcy & Patcy Custis accompanied by Fanny Basset set out for Abingdon after Breakfast and my Nephew G. A. Washington did the same for Richmond.
After Dinner Mr. Coke & Mr. Asbury went away.
Thomas Coke (1747--1814) and Francis Asbury (1745--1816) were sent to America by John Wesley as missionaries to superintend the Methodist movement in this country. Asbury came shortly before the Revolution and Coke in 1784. They were at Mount Vernon to ask GW to sign an antislavery petition which was to be presented to the Virginia legislature. Coke later wrote that GW informed them that "he was of our sentiments, and had signified
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his thoughts on the subject to most of the great men of the State: that he did not see it proper to sign the petition, but if the Assembly took it into consideration, would signify his sentiments to the Assembly by a letter" (VICKERS, 98).
Friday 27th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind at No. Wt. all day with flying clouds and little sprinklings of rain. Cold and disagreeable.
Mr. Magowan went away after breakfast.
Saturday 28th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind at No. West all day, & pretty fresh scattered Clouds and disagreeably cool.
Sunday 29th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 64 at Night. But little wind all day and much pleasanter than it had been for several days--being also clear.
The Honble. Mr. Sitgreave a Delegate to Congress from the State of North Carolina, Mr. Tillotson & Mr. Edward Livingston came to Dinner and stayed all Night.
John Sitgreaves (1757--1802) served in the Continental Congress 1784--85 and was later appointed a district judge for North Carolina. He was on his way home to North Carolina and carried with him a copy of the Northwest Ordinance of 1785, adopted by the Congress on 20 May, providing for the surveying, subdividing, and disposal of public lands.
Thomas Tillotson (1750--1832), who served in the Maryland militia during the Revolution, in 1780 was appointed physician and surgeon general of the Northern Department. He married Edward Livingston's sister, Margaret, in 1779 and was now practicing medicine in New York.
Edward Livingston (1764--1836), son of Robert R. Livingston (17181775), of New York, was a young lawyer. He was later to represent both New York (1795--1801) and Louisiana (1823--31) in Congress and become mayor of New York City (1801--3), secretary of state (1831--33), and minister to France (1833--35).
Monday 30th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 69 at Night.
But little Wind, and that Southwardly--warm--& pretty clear.
The Gentlemen who came here to Dinner yesterday went away after Breakfast.
I went to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Co. Dined at Colo. Fitzgerald and returned in the Evening--after
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the Directors had agreed to meet at Mount Vernon tomorrow at 10 Oclock.
The flower of the Ivy is just getting pretty fully into Bloom & the trees which I transplanted from the Blind Pocoson & to which I could find no name were putting forth their blossoms--white, in small Clusters.
Tuesday 31st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Govrs. Lee & Johnson, Colo. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin came here according to appointment.
Fanny Bassett returned. Raining more or less all day--in the Evening & Night much fell.
The directors of the Potomac Company agreed at this meeting to divide the clearing of the Potomac into two areas of responsibility, one above and one below Harpers Ferry. For each of these two areas 50 men under an assistant manager would be hired, and both groups would be under a general manager to be chosen at the next meeting of the directors, set for 1 July in Alexandria ( Va. Journal, 9 June 1785). In this way, GW wrote to the marquis de Lafayette, work could begin "in those parts which require least skill; leaving the more difficult 'till an Engineer of abilities & practical knowledge can be obtained" (25 July 1785, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 1st. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 72 at Night.
But little Wind and that from the Southward--day clear, warm & growing.
Govrs. Johnson & Lee, and the other Gentlemen with a Son of the first went away after Breakfast.
In the Afternoon Mr. Mathew Whiting, Mr. Wm. Booth, & a Doctr. Graham [came] here & stayed all Night.
Gov. Thomas Johnson had three sons: Thomas Jennings, James, and Joshua.
Matthew Whiting (d. 1810), formerly of Gloucester County, had moved to Snow Hill on Bull Run in Prince William County by about 1770. In 1782 he paid a tax on 4 whites and 73 slaves in Prince William. Whiting had been married to Warner Washington's sister Hannah, and had by her an only son, Matthew, who was lost at sea during the Revolution (FOTHERGILL, 135; Whiting to GW, no Aug. 1786, DLC:GW; W.P.A. [1], 179--80).
Dr. Graham is probably either William Graham (1751--1821), son of John Graham of Dumfries and a surgeon's mate in the 2nd Virginia Regiment during the Revolution, or George Graham, a member of the committee of
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safety and a surgeon in the Prince William County militia during the Revolution (BLANTON, 404; W.P.A. [1], 31, 33).
Thursday 2d. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Wind, what there was of it, came from the Westward. Day very warm, & the forepart of it clear--the latter part cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell.
Friday 3d. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue Run and Muddy hole Mr. Whiting, Mr. Booth, and Doctr. Graham having first set out for Maryland, immediately after breakfast.
Very little Wind in the forenoon but Warm when the Sun was out. Afternoon Raining, with the Wind pretty violent from the So. West.
Saturday 4th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--80 at Night [Noon] and 80 at Night.
Not much Wind, and that Southerly--very warm.
In the afternoon a thunder Gust above & below this but little rain fell here.
In the Afternoon the celebrated Mrs. Macauly Graham & Mr. Graham her Husband, Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Lux of Baltimore arrived here.
Catherine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham (1731--1791), a prominent English author, wrote the much-lauded History of England from the Accession of James I to That of the Brunswick Line, published in London, in eight volumes, 1763--83. Richard Henry Lee's letter of introduction to GW indicated that her only reason for going as far south as Virginia was to see GW (Lee to GW, 3 May 1785, DLC:GW). GW thanked Lee for the introduction to Mrs. Macaulay Graham, "whose principles are so much, & so justly admired by the friends of liberty and of Mankind. It gives me pleasure to find that her sentiments respecting the inadequacy of the powers of Congress . . . coincide with my own" (GW to Lee, 22 June 1785, PPAmP: Lee Papers). Mrs. Macaulay Graham's first husband, George Macaulay, had died in 1766 and her remarriage in 1778 to the 21-year-old William Graham, 26 years her junior, had caused her much criticism and ridicule.
Mr. Lux is probably Darby Lux, Jr. (d. 1795), a Baltimore merchant dealing mainly in the Barbados trade.
Sunday 5th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Opened the Well in my Cellar in which I had laid up a store
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of Ice, but there was not the smallest particle remaining. I then opened the other repository (called the dry Well) in which I found a large Store.
Colo. Fitzgerald went away after Breakfast.
My Nephew Geo. Auge. Washington returned in the afternoon.
Wind Southwardly, but not much of it, warm & clear.
Monday 6th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Wind at East all day but not very fresh--Clouds & Sunshine alternately.
Mr. Herbert (Willm.) came here to dinner & returned after it.
Mr. Lux rid to Alexandria after Breakfast.
Tuesday 7th. Mercury at 70 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 67 at Night.
Wind at East and Cloudy all day, with fine Rain at times.
Mr. Dulany, Mr. Saml. Hanson, and Mr. Roberdeau (Son to Genl. Roberdeau) as also Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner. The three first went away after it--the latter stayed all Night.
Mr. Lux returned in the evening.
Mr. Roberdeau is Isaac Roberdeau (1763--1829), oldest child of Daniel Roberdeau; Daniel's only other son was an infant at this time. Although some sources claim Isaac was at school in England until 1787 (BUCHANAN [2], 104), he had certainly returned by the spring of 1786, for in April of that year he was one of three men put in charge of the engine for the Sun Fire Company, in Alexandria (MOORE [1], 50). Isaac became a well-known engineer, working with Pierre L'Enfant in laying out the city of Washington.
Wednesday 8th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--65 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A great deal of rain fell last Night and much fine rain this day. Wind at East all day and at times pretty fresh.
Placed my Military records in to the Hands of Mrs. Macauly Graham for her perusal & amusemt. (these indeed were placed there yesterday).
Doctr. Stuart returned home after Breakfast.
MILITARY RECORDS: In 1783 GW ordered "six strong hair Trunks, well clasped and with good Locks" in which to transport his military papers (GW to Daniel Parker, 18 June 1783, DLC:GW). On 9 Nov. of that year the papers were packed, loaded on wagons, and under military escort sent to Virginia. One bundle, containing GW's accounts as commander in chief, was left with the superintendent of finance at Philadelphia. The remaining manuscripts
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went to Mount Vernon. These were to form the nucleus of the Washington Papers at the Library of Congress (WASHINGTON PAPERS INDEX, vi).
Thursday 9th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Tolerably clear in the Morning, but more or less cloudy all day afterwards. Not much Wind and that Southwesterly.
Captn. Brooke dined here. I rid to my Mill and to the Dogue run & Muddy hole plantations.
CAPTN. BROOKE: probably Walter Brooke (d. 1798), a son of Thomas Brooke (1706--1748) and Sarah Mason Brooke of Charles County, Md. During the Revolution, Brooke served as captain of the sloop Liberty in the Virginia navy and in 1777 was made a commodore. He was now living in Fairfax County, probably in the vicinity of Mount Vernon (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 86).
Friday 10th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--71 at Noon and [ ] at Night. But little wind in the forenoon. In the afternoon it was at Et. with a pretty heavy shower of rain about 5 Oclock.
In the Afternoon Mr. Whiting Doctr. Graham and a Mr. Wyat came here.
In the Morning Mr. Lux set out on his return home.
MR. WYAT: perhaps Dr. William E. Wyatt (1762--1802) of Prince William County, who was married in 1781 to Mary Graham (b. 1753), daughter of John Graham of Dumfries (STANARD [3], 3:178).
Saturday 11th. Mercury at 71 in the Morning--75 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
After Breakfast Mr. Whiting, Doctr. Graham, & Mr. Wyatt went away and my Brother Charles Washington, Colo. Robt. H. Harrison of Maryland & Mr. Ballendine & his Sister Fanny came to Dinner.
In the Evening Colo. Jno. Mercer his wife & Miss Sprig came--All of whom stayed the Night.
Showers around us, but none fell here. The Morning was quite calm. In the Afternoon a small Southerly Breeze and very warm.
Thomas William Ballendine (died c. 1797), of Prince William County, and Frances Ballendine were children of John and Frances Ewell Ballendine. Thomas attended the College of William and Mary about 1779--80 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (TYLER [1], 224--26, 232--36).
Miss Sprigg was one of Mrs. Mercer's sisters from Strawberry Hill at Annapolis.
Sunday 12th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--76 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
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Very little Wind in the forenoon, in the Afternoon there was more, & variable with Clouds & thunder but no rain.
Captn. Conway and his Wife, Colo. Hooe & De Neufville, Colo. Henley Mr. Sanderson & Mr. George Digges dined here--all of whom went away [after] dinner except Mr. Digges.
Whilst we were at dinner, a Mr. Aldge & a Mr. Patterson came in recommended by Genl. Greene & Mr. Benjn. Harrison Junr.
Mr. Ballendine left this in the forenoon.
Capt. Richard Conway was married to Mary West Conway (died c.1805), daughter of Col. John West (d. 1777).
Leonard de Neufville was the son of Jean de Neufville (1729--1796), formerly of Amsterdam. Jean de Neufville had been a good friend and commercial agent to the United States in Holland during the Revolution. His firm, Jean de Neufville en Zoon, refitted John Paul Jones's squadron in 1779, tried to raise money for a loan for the United States, and in 1778 negotiated with William Lee an unauthorized and abortive treaty between the United States and the Netherlands. The Neufville firm by 1783 was going bankrupt, and Jean de Neufville and his son Leonard came to America and settled at Albany. On 22 April 1785 Leonard de Neufville wrote to Congress requesting payment of debts due Jean de Neufville en Zoon for its services in the Revolution, but was refused. After Jean de Neufville's death, Congress authorized the payment of $3,000 to de Neufville's widow and his son and daughter. The account of the United States with Jean de Neufville en Zoon was finally settled in 1851 (BIOGRAFISCH WOORDENBOEK, 8:1211--14; WHARTON, 3:379--80, 597, 817--18, 855--57; ADAMS [1], 2:444--45; 6 Stat. 29 [2 Mar. 1797]; 9 Stat. 814 [3 Mar. 1851]).
David Henley (1748--1823) was a partner in the Boston firm of Otis & Henley, "Agents for the purpose of supplying clothing (or materials for it) for the Army" during the Revolution (GW to Henley, 5 Sept. 1785, DLC: GW). He had also served as colonel of one of the 16 Additional Regiments of the Continental Army. About this time, Henley was made a commissioner for settling the claims of Virginia on account of the western territory ceded to the United States. Robert Sanderson was a partner in the firm of Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney of Whitehaven, Eng. The firm's Alexandria store was located on Fairfax Street.
Monday 13th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 80 at Night.
But little wind in the Morning. At times afterwards it blew pretty fresh from the Westward, but was nevertheless very Warm.
Colo. Mercer, Lady & Sister went away after breakfast. My Brother, Mr. John Lewis and G. A. Washington dined at Mr. Lund Washingtons & returned in the Evening.
Sowed the following Nuts, & Seeds, in the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery--viz.
In the first Section--beginning by the walk next the Ho[use]
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Frontispiece of Catalogus Plantarum, a catalogue of plants. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
I built for a hospital (since used for Spinning)--the first row contains 17 Nuts of the Sand Box tree. Next to these are 2 rows containing 85 of the Palmetto Nut, or acorn. Next, 2 rows 87 Physic Nut; Next 3 rows of the Seed of the Pride of China. Next 9 rows containing 635 Acorns of the live oak (wch. seemed bad). Next (which compleated the section) 3 rows of a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens.
In the next section to this, (immediately back of the Salt House) the first row, and parallel thereto--is the same as the last--that is Acacia. The next is the flower fence, also used as an inclosure to Gardens. Next to this are two rows of the Bird pepper--then one row of the Cayan pepper. Then 2 rows of the Seed of the Privy. The remainder of this Section was compleated with Guinea Grass--which, as all the others, were planted and Sowed in Drills 12 Inches a part.
Colo. Harrison left this by Sunrise today.
All the planting done this day was apparently with materials brought to GW by George Augustine Washington. in addition to the plants already identified, they include:
Hura crepitans, sandbox tree, a native of the West Indies and South America, reaching a height of 100 feet.
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Jatropha curcas, Barbados nut or physic nut, a small tropical tree cultivated for its purgative oil.
Melia azedarach, chinaberry, Indian lilac, or pride of China, widely planted in the South from the Atlantic to western Texas.
Acacia sp., acacia. There are about 450 species, but as GW says it was used in the West Indies to encircle gardens it is possibly A. cavenia, a shrub with a stout spine good for hedges, found in tropical America. Most acacias are native to Australia.
Poinciana pulcherrima, Barbados flower fence or Barbados pride.
Capsicum frutescens, bird pepper.
C. frutescens longum, cayenne pepper.
Ligustrum vulgare, common privet.
GW had written to George Augustine Washington on 6 Jan. 1785 that he would be glad to receive trees not native to his area "which would be ornamental in a grove or forest, and would stand our climate" (owned by H. Bart Cox, Washington, D.C.). His nephew replied that he would do his best, with the assistance of Col. William Washington and that of an unnamed botanist and gardener who lived in the vicinity (25 Feb. 1785, ViMtV).
Tuesday 14. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--80 at Noon And 80 at Night.
Calm in the Morning and very little wind at any time in the day. In the Morning there was rumbling thunder at a distance and Clouds indicative of rain as there also was in the Afternoon but none of it reached us.
About 7 Oclock Mr. Graham & Mrs. Macauly Graham left this on their return to New York. I accompanied them to Mr. Digges's to which place I had her Carriage & horses put over. Mr. Digges escorted her to Bladensburgh.
Sowed on each side of the Great Gate in front of the Ho[use] (between the Serpentine railing and the Orchard grass plats, & Ditches) Seeds of the Palmetto royal in Drills 15 Inches a part.
Wednesday 15th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 84 at Night.
Mr. John Lewis after a stay of almost 8 Weeks took his departure, very well recovered. My brother Charles also left this on his return home.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Ferry, and Dogue run. Also to the Mill.
Mr. Bushrod Washington came here before dinner.
Thursday 16th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning--84 at Noon And 86 at Night.
Light wind from the Southward all day. Weather very warm. Some appearances of rain in the afternoon, but none fell here.
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Friday 17th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 83 at Night. Between 4 & 5 Oclock it was at 85.
Westerly Wind in the forenoon & So. Wt. afterwards with rumbling thunder at a distance & some appearances of rain--but none fell near this.
Cut down the Weeds in the ground which had been sowed with Clover & Orchard Grass Seeds in the Inclosure adjoining H[ome] H[ouse]--as also those in the orchard Grass in the South Circle by the Gate, which had got high where the ground was strong & was about to Seed.
The Catalpa Trees were pretty generally displaying their Blossoms; & Chesnut also.
Mr. Geo. A. Washington went up to Alexandria to Dinner & returned in the Afternoon.
Saturday 18th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Wind Westwardly in the forenoon, & Southwardly afterwards.
In the Afternoon my Brother John came hither from Alexandria, having gone to that place by Water.
Sunday 19th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--80 at Noon And 82 at Night.
Very little wind all day, & none in the Afternoon.
Mr. Montgomery came here to dinner & went away afterwards.
Monday 20th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 86 at Night.
Clear with very little wind, Sultry in the Afternoon.
My Brother John went up to Alexandria after an early Breakfast.
Began to pull the seeds of the Blew, or English grass, and cut the top from the Walnut tree wch. I transplanted in the Spring, as it seemed to be declining; the leaves which had put out falling off by degrees.
The Weather being hot and dry I commenced the Watering of the Guinea grass Seeds wch. were sowed on the 13th. Instt. & perceiving the physic Nut & the Seeds of the Flower fence & Acacia to be coming up, I watered these also.
Tuesday 21st. Mercury at 82 in the Morning--86 at Noon And 88 at Night.
Little or no Wind but extremely Sultry.
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Mr. Ballendine came here abt. 5 Oclock in the Afternoon and my Brother returned from Alexandria abt. 8 Oclock.
Wednesday 22d. Mercury at 82 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Calm, and very warm in the forenoon. About one Oclock it began to cloud, and to thunder. Soon after which the clouds parted, and powerful rains went above, and below us. Very little more than laid the dust fell here, but we had a pretty high Wind from the Westward.
After Breakfast Mr. & Miss Ballendine and Mr. Bushrod Washington went away. And just as we had done dinner Colo. Bassett & his two Sons, Burwell & John, arrived.
The little rain which fell prevented my continuing to pull the Seeds of the blew or English grass altho there was not a sufficiency to wet the Earth.
Burwell Bassett was a member of the Virginia Senate, where he served from 1777 until his death in 1793. Burwell Bassett, Jr. (1764--1841), eldest surviving son of Burwell Bassett, enjoyed a long career in the Virginia House of Delegates (1787--89, 1819--21), the Virginia Senate (C.1794--1805), and the United States House of Representatives (1805--13, 1821--29). He resided at Eltham, which he inherited at his father's death in 1793. John Bassett (1766--1826), a lawyer, lived in Hanover County. In 1786 he married Elizabeth Carter Browne, daughter of William Burnet and Judith Walker Carter Browne of Elsing Green, King William County.
Thursday 23d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning lowering with appearances of rain. About 10 Oclock the clouds dispersed and it turned very warm. A little after noon a cloud arose in the So. West quarter and thundered and about 3 Oclock we had a fine shower wch. gave sufficient refreshment to vegetation.
Very little Wind in the forenoon--Eastwardly afterwards.
A Mr. Brisco, introduced by a letter from Colo. R. H. Harrison came here to offer himself to me as a Secretary.
Cut the grass in my Court yard and began to do the like in the river front of the House.
Mr. Brisco after dining went away. I took 8 or 10 days to give him a definitive answer in. My Brothr. Jno. returned home.
MR. BRISCO: Harrison introduced William Briscoe as a close relative of his wife (Harrison to GW, 20 June 1785, DLC:GW). He may have been a son of Harrison's sister-in-law, Mary Hanson Briscoe and her husband, John Briscoe. Briscoe was not hired for the job. For further information on GW's search for a secretary, see 2 July 1785.
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Friday 24th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell at and before day break--continued cloudy all day with the Wind at East.
Finished cutting all the grass within the inclosures on both Sides the House.
Saturday 25th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Clear and but little wind during the whole day.
Making, with the jobbers about the House, the Hay which had been cut the preceeding days--got it into Shocks.
My Nephew, George Steptoe Washington came here in the Afternoon.
Sunday 26th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Southerly wind and clear. Major Edwards and a Mr. Philips came here before Dinner. Mr. Charles Lee also came to Dinner. The whole stayed all Night.
Evan Edwards of Pennsylvania served throughout the Revolution in various Pennsylvania regiments. In 1777 he acted as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. After the Revolution, Edwards moved to Charleston, S.C. He was probably on his way north from there at this time to visit his family in Pennsylvania or to inspect land in Berkeley County which had been willed to him by General Lee (LEE [6], 4:31). Charles Lee (1758--1815), who came to dinner at Mount Vernon today, was no relation to the general.
Charles Philips bore an introduction from Jacob Read of South Carolina. He was "a Gentleman of very ample fortune in the West Indies and is now on his return to Europe after visiting his Estates." Philips, a native of Yorktown, was educated in Europe and spent most of his life there (Jacob Read to GW, 8 May 1785, DLC:GW).
Monday 27th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 77 at Night. A little rain in the Morning--with Clouds and appearances of it in the Afternoon, but none fell here. In the Morning there was but little wind. The Clouds which appeared in the Afternoon produced a good deal of wind from the West & No. West wch. changed the Air & made it much Cooler.
Mr. Lee went away before Breakfast.
Tuesday 28th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear & pleasant, wind what their was of it, westerly.
Finished my Hay at and about the House & got it into large Cocks or small stacks on the grd. where cut.
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Doctr. Stuart, Mr. Booth and a Mr. Hawkins came here to dinner, the first of whom went away after it. In the Afternoon my Brother Charles came.
Col. Josias Hawkins (C.1735--1789) of Charles County, Md., commanded a battalion of militia during the Revolution. He and William Booth, who appear together at Mount Vernon, probably were engaged in a business transaction of some sort, for a few months later GW wrote Hawkins at Booth's request, defending Booth's character "from the injurious aspersions, which he says have been cast at it" (GW to Josias Hawkins, 27 Feb. 1786, DLC: GW).
Wednesday 29th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--74 at Noon And 76 at Night.
Clear & pleasant all day except being warm. Wind Westerly.
Messrs. Philips and Edwards, and Mr. Booth & Mr. Hawkins left this after Breakfast. Colo. Bassett his two Sons, Fanny Bassett, and Nelly & Washington Custis, followed soon after for Abingdon.
Mr. George Lee & Doctr. Craik came here to breakfast and after Dinner returned.
Discovered the Cayan pepper Which was sowed on the 13th. to be coming up.
George Lee is probably the son of Philip Lee of Maryland and younger half brother of Squire Richard Lee of Blenheim.
Thursday Both. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear & warm, with little Wind at any time of the day.
My Brother Charles left this after breakfast and G. Auge. Washington went up to Abingdon.
Rid to my Hay field at the Meadow--from thence to my Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations and dined with only Mrs. Washington which I believe is the first instance of it since my retirement from public life.
July 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear with but little Wind and warm.
Went to Alexandria to a meeting of the Board of Directors, who by Advertisement were to attend this day for the purpose of agreeing with a Manager and two Assistants to conduct the
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Undertaking of the Potomack Navigation--but no person applying with proper Credentials the Board gave the applicants until thursday the 14th. to provide these & for others to offer.
Returned in the Evening accompanied by Colo. Bassett & Colo. Spait, a Member of Congress for the State of No. Carolina. Fanny Bassett, her Brothers--G. Washington & Betcy & Washington Custis came down to Dinner.
ADVERTISEMENT: The advertisement agreed to at the directors' first meeting (see 31 May 1785) was printed in newspapers in Alexandria ( Va. Journal, 9 June 1785), in Baltimore ( Md. Journal, 10, 14, 17, 24 June 1785), and in Philadelphia ( Pa. Packet, 22 June 1785). The company also printed handbills to be distributed about the Potomac Valley (GW to James Rumsey, 2 July 1785, DLC:GW).
COLO. SPAIT: Richard Dobbs Spaight (1758--1802), later a member of the Constitutional Convention and governor of North Carolina.
Saturday 2d. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 84 at Night.
A little wind from the Westward in the forepart of the day & from the Southward in the Afternoon.
Doctr. Stuart, Wife & Sister, and Patcy & Nelly Custis came here to Dinner--As did Mr. McCrae & a Mr. Shaw whom Mr. Montgomerie recommended to me as a Clerk or Secretary.
All of these stayed the Night.
Robert McCrea (C. 1765--C.1840), a native of Scotland, became a partner in the Alexandria firm of McCrea & Mease (POWELL, 310--11).
GW had asked various friends to be on the lookout for someone to live at Mount Vernon and help him with the voluminous correspondence and bookkeeping which made increasing demands on his time. Thomas Montgomerie recommended William Shaw, newly arrived in the United States from Canada. Although Montgomerie knew Shaw only slightly, he knew his family, and the young man came with strong recommendations from Montgomerie's friends (Montgomerie to GW, 21 June 1785, DLC:GW). GW wrote Montgomerie on 25 June that besides writing letters and keeping books, Shaw would be required to "methodize my papers (which from hasty removals into the interior country [during the Revolution], are in great disorder); ride, at my expence, to do such business as I may have in different parts of this, or the other States . . .; & occasionally to devote a small portion of time to inetiate two little children (a Girl of six, & a boy of four years of age, descendants of the decd. Mr. Custis who live with me . . .) in the first rudiments of Education" (DLC:GW). Shaw would not agree to a definite term of service and demanded the large sum of £50 sterling per year, in addition to bed, board, and washing (Shaw to GW, 4 July 1785, DLC:GW). GW agreed to these terms, and Shaw returned to Mount Vernon to begin his services on 26 July. He stayed only 13 months, leaving GW's service in Aug. 1786. GW was doubtless happy to see the last of Shaw, for the young man obviously spent too much time away from his duties, The diaries for
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the last months of 1785 and 1786 abound with the general's unhappy references to Shaw's absences from Mount Vernon.
Sunday 3d. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--80 at Noon and [ ] at Night. A little wind from the Westward till towards Noon; then Calm, until near 5 Oclock when there was a squall from the No. Wt. with appearances of rain but little or none fell here.
Mr. McCrae and Mr. Shaw left this after Breakfast, & Doctr. Stewart, his wife, Sister & Betcy & Patcy Custis after dinner. In the Evening Mrs. and Miss Blackburn came here.
Monday 4th. Mercury at 76 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Tolerably pleasant in the forenoon, the Wind being No[rth]wardly, but warm afterwards.
Rid to my Ferry--Dogue run & Neck Plantations--at all of
Charles Willson Peale's portrait of business partners Gouverneur Morris and Robert Morris. (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts)
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which my Wheat Harvests had begun. That in the Neck had commenced on thursday last.
Tuesday 5th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 82 at Night. Very warm in the forepart of the day altho the wind was Northerly. About One Oclock a cloud arose in the So. W.; and an hour or two after, we had a fine Shower of rain for about 10 or 15 minutes, preceeded by a squall of wind from the same quarter, wch. cooled the Air & made the Afternoon pleasant.
After dinner Mr. Govournr. Morris and Mr. Wm. Craik came in.
Gouverneur Morris (1752--1816), formerly a member of the Continental Congress from New York and a longtime supporter of GW, was from 1781--85 assistant to Robert Morris, superintendent of finance. Gouverneur Morris was involved in several business deals with Robert Morris and had come to Virginia in Jan. 1785 to attend to Robert Morris's tobacco shipments and to try to collect a debt from Carter Braxton of Virginia. The Braxton lawsuit was finally settled at the end of June and Morris was on his way from Williamsburg back to Philadelphia at this time (MINTZ, 165--67, 170--71).
Wednesday 6th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning 84 at Noon and 84 at Night.
Clear and warm, with but little Wind & that variable.
Mrs. Blackburn and her daughter went away before breakfast.
General Lincoln & his Son; Mr. Porter, & a Doctr. Milne came to Dinner & returned afterwards.
Received from Genl. Lincoln 3 young trees of the Spruce Pine and two of the Fir or Hemlock in half Barrels which seemed to be healthy & vegitating.
Also received from Doctr. Craik by his Son a parcel of Chinese Seeds similar to those presented to me by Mr. Porter on the 2d Instt.
Benjamin Lincoln of Massachusetts and his son, Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. (d. 1788), were probably in Virginia on business. Their firm, Lincoln & Sons, conducted business with William Lyles & Co. and Porter & Ingraham, both of Alexandria. Thomas Porter, who appears here with them, was a close friend of both the Lincolns.
Thursday 7th. Mercury at 78 in the Morng.--82 at Noon and 86 at Night. Very little Wind at any time in the day, & that from the So. West. In the afternoon there were Clouds and appearances of Rain but very little fell here.
Rid to my Harvest fields at the Ferry--Dogue run and the Neck between Breakfast & Dinner.
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Mr. Govournr. Morris went away before Breakfast as did Mr. Craik. Colo. Bassett & Mr. Geo. Washington accompanied the former as far as Alexandria. Mr. Arthur Lee came to Dinner, to which Colo. Bassett & G. W. returned.
In the afternoon a Mr. Turner, Steward to Colo. Richd. Corbin, came here with a letter from Mr. Thos. Corbin enclosing one from Colo. Geo. Fairfax respecting the said Thomas.
Richard Corbin (c.1714--1790), for many years a member of the royal governor's council and receiver general of Virginia, had, despite Loyalist sentiments, lived quietly in retirement at his home in King and Queen County during the Revolution. His son Thomas Corbin had served in the British army and had just returned to America. The letter from George William Fairfax concerned aspersions on Thomas Corbin's character by his brother, Richard Corbin, and attempted to enroll GW's support for Thomas. On 8 July, GW wrote to Thomas Corbin assuring him that he would be happy to see him at Mount Vernon. For correspondence on this subject, see George William Fairfax to GW, 19 Mar. 1785 and 23 Jan. 1786, GW to Fairfax and GW to Thomas Corbin, 8 July 1785, DLC:GW.
Friday 8th. Mercury at 81 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 85 at Night.
Exceedingly warm with little or no Wind day clear.
Colo. Bassett & Mr. Arthr. Lee went away after Breakfast & Mr. Turner before it. Mr. Burwell and Mr. John Bassett dined at Mr. Lund Washington's & returned in the Evening.
Perceived the Guinea grass Seed to be coming up.
Sowed one half the Chinese Seed given me by Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik, in three rows in the Section next the Quarter (in my Botanical garden) beginning in that part next the garden Wall, and at the end next the Middle Walk.
First Row
Between the 1st. & 2d. pegs 1 Muc qua fa--betwn. the 2d. & 3d. Do., 1 Pung ton lean fa
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Second Row
Third Row
N.B. The above are the Chinese names which were accompanied by characters or hierogliphics. A concise description of the Seeds are annexed to their names on the Paper that enrolls them.
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Although a few of GW's Chinese seeds have been identified in recent years, the matter is academic because only a few of them sprouted and none grew to maturity (see entry for 13 Aug. 1785).
Saturday 9th. Mercury at 80 in the Morng.--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Morning very warm, with but little Wind, which coming from the Eastward in the Evening & blowing brisk cooled the Air and made it pleasant.
Burwell & John Bassett and G. A. Washington set out after Breakfast for the Sweet Springs in Bottetourt County.
I rid to my Harvest fields at the Ferry and at Dogue run and over my Cornfields at each of those places and at Muddy hole. Found the first not good--the 2d. very indifferent and the third--viz. that at Muddy hole as good as could be expected from the Land.
A Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman, a Gentleman of Lisbon recommended by Govr. Henry to me as a Man of fortune & one who had been exceedingly attentive and kind to the American prisoners in captivity came here, dined, and continued his journey afterwards to New York with letters of Introduction from me to the Presidt. of Congress, and to Messrs. Wilson Grayson and Chase Members of it, from me.
Arnold Henry Dohrman (1749--1813), a Portuguese merchant, aided American seamen captured during the Revolution by the English and set down penniless on the Portuguese coast. He not only gave them money and weapons but also helped them to reach home. In 1780 Congress made him United States agent in Portugal, with no pay but with his expenses to be paid by Congress. In 1785 he came to the United States to try to collect for the disbursements he had made. Dohrman left Mount Vernon with letters from GW to Richard Henry Lee (president of Congress), James Wilson of Pennsylvania, William Grayson of Virginia, and Samuel Chase of Maryland. In 1787 Congress finally awarded Dohrman $5,806 72/90 with interest from the time of the expenditure and a salary of $1,600 per annum, computed from the period "at which his expenditures commenced to the present day." Also he was granted one entire township in the Northwest Territory. He and his family settled in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1809 (JCC, 33:587--88; Dohrman to James Madison, 4 Mar. 1809, DLC: Madison Papers).
Sunday 10th. Mercury at 76 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Morning calm--but the Wind fresh afterwards from the Eastward. Cool and pleasant.
At home all day alone.
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Monday 11th. Mercury at 75 in the Morning 80 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Wind at So. West in the Morning, fresh & Cloudy. About Noon it began to thunder, & at 3 Oclock to Rain; and continued Showery at Intervals till near sun down--one of which was very hard, accompanied by heavy wind from the No. West or more Northerly.
Rid to my Harvest fields in the Neck, Dogue Run, & Ferry Plann. Perceived the Sand box trees (the Nuts of which I sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up.
Tuesday 12th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh from the Westward, or No. West in the Morning, & cool & pleasant with clouds--but clear warm & still afterwards.
Rid to my Wheat fields in the Neck, Dogue run and ferry Plantations. Found great damage done in the former by yesterdays Wind, and Rain, having beat down, and entangled the Straw so as to render it difficult to cut and of consequence much left on the ground.
The Revd. Mr. Allison & Miss Ramsay dined here and returned to Alexandria afterwards.
The Brick Wall, from the No. Garden House was begun on the 8th. instt. tho' no minute was taken of it at the time.
Patrick Allison (1740--1802) was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore from 1763 until his death. He may have been a brother of Robert Allison, an Alexandria merchant who was married to William Ramsay's daughter Ann. The Miss Ramsay who appears at Mount Vernon with Patrick Allison is either Sarah or Amelia Ramsey, William Ramsey's two unmarried daughters.
Wednesday 13th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Morning calm & clear. Afternoon clear with the Wind from the Southward but not very fresh.
Transplanted the Spruce & Fir (or Hemlock) from the Boxes in which they were sent to me by General Lincoln to the Walks by the Garden Gates. The Spare one (Spruce) I placed in my Nursery, or Botanical Garden.
Thursday 14th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.--77 at Noon and 79 at Night.
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Ferdinando Fairfax, third son of Bryan Fairfax, painted in later life. (Virginia Historical Society)
Day clear--with a little Wind from the Southward.
Went through my Harvest field at Muddy hole to Alexandria, to a Meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company. Agreed with Mr. James Rumsey to undertake the Management of our works and a Mr. Stuart from Baltimore as an Assistant. Gave them directions--passed some Accts.--paid my quota of the demand for these purposes to Mr. Hartshorne the Treasurer--Made Mrs. Dalby a visit and came home in the evening.
Found Mr. Bryan Fairfax & his son Ferdinando here at my return who had come down before dinner.
GW had written Rumsey on 2 July, saying that he "took the liberty of mentioning your name to the Directors" and urged Rumsey to apply for the position of manager (DLC:GW). MR. STUART: Richardson Stewart. GW recorded the "quota" he paid today for five shares at £5 sterling per share as £33 6s. 8d. Virginia currency (LEDGER B, 203; BACON-FOSTER, 62--63).
Mrs. Mary Rose Dalby (C.1762--1790), a young Englishwoman, was the wife of Philip Dalby (WRIGHT, 189--91; WMQ, 1st ser., 10:106).
Friday 15th. Mercury at 74 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and 76 at Night. Lowering Morning with the Wind at So. West, and pretty fresh. A black cloud, with high wind, and a little rain about 3 Oclock.
Observed the Seeds of the Palmetto Royal which I had sowed on each side of the Gate in Front of the House were coming up.
Mr. Fairfax and his Son Ferdinando left this after breakfast.
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Saturday 16th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 80 at Night. Day clear & warm, with but little Wind and that Southerly.
Rid to my Wheat fields at Muddy hole and in the Neck; the first would be finished harvesting this day, the next not till Monday. Finished cutting the Wheat at Dogue run on Tuesday, and at the ferry on Wednesday last.
Sunday 17th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Clear forenoon with the Wind pretty brisk from the Southwest--which continued all day with appearances of rain in the Afternoon but little or none fell here.
Fanny Bassett and Nelly Custis went to Church at Alexandria. Dined at Mr. Ramsays & returned in the Evening.
Mr. Ridout and Son called here between breakfast and Dinner but would not stay 'till the latter.
John and Mary Ogle Ridout had two sons, Samuel Ridout (c.1765--1840), who was now studying law in Annapolis after several years abroad, and Horatio (EDGAR, 250, 268--69, 279--80; HAMMOND, 67).
Monday 18th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Wind Westerly in the Morning with Clouds, and appearances of rain. In the Afternoon it got to the Southwest & cleared.
Finished my Wheat Harvest in the Neck and began to cut Grass at Morris's.
Tuesday 19th. Thermomiter at 70 in the Morng.--74 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Very little Wind through the day, and in general clear.
Rid to the Plantation in the Neck--to Muddy hole, and to Dogue run at the last of which they were cutting grass and at the first just begin[nin]g.
Wednesday 20th. Thermomiter at 72 in the Morng.--75 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Wind Easterly and moderate in the Morning, but by 10 Oclock it shifted to the So. West and blew up two Showers of Rain each of which continued about 10 Minutes. In the Afternoon there were other slight Showers but altogether made but little. Fresh Southwester all the Afternoon.
Rid to the Ferry & the Plantation there.
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Thursday 21st. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.--79 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Cloudy morning, but clear Afternoon with a brisk Southerly Wind all day and warm.
Mr. Thompson, a Presbaterian Minister (introduced by Mr. Robt. Adam) came here, dined and Stayed all Night.
Friday 22d. Thermometer at 80 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 82 at night.
Southerly Wind and very warm all day with Clouds and appearances of Rain but a few drops only fell here.
Rid to the Ferry--Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations.
Mr. Lund Washington & his Wife dined here.
And Mr. Thompson went away after Breakfast.
The leaves of the locust Trees this year, as the last, began to fade, & many of them dye. The Black Gum Trees which I had transplanted to my avenues or Serpentine Walks, & which put out leaf and looked well at first, are all dead; so are the Poplars, and most of the Mulberrys. The Crab apple trees also, which were transplanted into the Shrubberies & the Papaws are also dead, as also the Sassafras in a great degree. The Pines wholly & several of the Cedars. As also the Hemlock almost entirely. The live Oak which I thought was dead is putting out shoots from the bottom and have appearances of doing well.
Saturday 23d. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Wind Westwardly in the forenoon, but quite calm afterwards; afternoon cool. Rid to Muddy hole and River Plantations.
Finished my Hay Harvest in the Neck.
Perceived a few Plants of the Pride of China (the Seed of which were Sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up.
And also the Jien pien Cou fa--between the 8 & 9 pegs and the Seeds without name (only one) between the 4 & 5 pegs--the 1st. in the Second, & the other in the 3d. Row of the Chinese Sowing. These tho unnoticed at the time have been up several days.
Sunday 24th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morng.--74 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Wind Westerly all the forenoon; calm afterwards & cool.
Monday 25th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--76 at Night [noon] and 76 at Night.
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Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue run and in the Neck.
Southerly Wind, and warm in the Afternoon.
Tuesday 26th. Thermometer at 75 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Lowering day, with little drippings of Rain (not enough to lay the dust) through the day. Wind pretty brisk from the Southward.
With Mrs. Washington, Miss Bassett and the two Children I dined at Mr. Lund Washington's.
On my return, found Mr. Will Shaw (whom I had engaged to live with me as a Book keeper, Secretary, &ca.) here.
Wednesday 27th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Morning a little lowering--forenoon perfectly calm & the wind at South afterwards. A Cloud rising about 5 Oclock afforded a pretty Shower for about 10 or 15 Minutes.
Finished cutting my Meadows at Dogue run but the Rain prevented my getting it secured either in Cocks or otherwise.
Also cut my Field Pea's the Seed of which came from Albany.
Mrs. Fendal, Miss Lee (eldest daughter of the Presidt. of Congress) Miss Nancy Lee, Grand daughter of Richd. Lee Esqr. of Maryland--Mr. Chas. Lee & Mr. Lawe. Washington, Lund Washington & their wives and Mr. Lawe. Washington, Son of Lawrence & Mr. Thos. Washington Son to Robert all dined here and went away in the Afternoon.
Mrs. Fendall was Philip Richard Fendall's second wife, Elizabeth Steptoe Lee Fendall (died c.1789), widow of Philip Ludwell Lee of Stratford. The Fendalls were married about 1780 and lived at Stratford Hall until the marriage of Mrs. Fendall's elder daughter, Matilda Lee, to Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee in 1782. Philip Fendall and his wife then moved to Alexandria, leaving Henry and Matilda in possession of Stratford. The eldest daughter of Richard Henry Lee, president of Congress, was Mary Lee (b. 1764). In 1792 she became the second wife of GW's nephew, William Augustine Washington. Ann (Nancy) Lee was the daughter of Philip Thomas Lee (d. 1778) and granddaughter of Squire Richard Lee of Maryland.
MR. LAWE. WASHINGTON: either Lawrence Washington (1728--c.1809) of Chotank or Lund's brother Lawrence (1740--1799) of Belmont. The wife of Lawrence Washington of Chotank was Elizabeth Dade Washington. Lawrence of Belmont's wife, Catherine Foote Washington, was the sister of Lurid Washington's wife Elizabeth Foote Washington. LAWE. WASHINGTON SON OF LAWRENCE: The younger Lawrence Washington who appears here, often called Lawrence Washington, Jr. (d. 1809), was the son of Lawrence Washington
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of Chotank. Young Washington had killed a man in a duel in 1783 and the following year found it expedient to leave King George County for a time to allow public opinion to cool (MASON [2], 2:763--65).
Thomas Washington (1758--1807) was the son of Lund Washington's oldest brother Robert. Thomas served in Grayson's Additional Continental Regiment 1777--78 and in Lee's Legion 1778 until the end of the war. He married his cousin Sarah (Sally) Washington Harper, daughter of John Washington of Leedstown and widow of Robert Harper of Alexandria.
Thursday 28th. Thermometer at 77 in the Morng.--81 at Noon and 84 at Night. Southerly wind in the forenoon. Calm afterwards until about 5 Oclock & very warm--Southerly from thence through the Night.
Finished my Harvest at Dogue run, which compleated the business of Haymaking for this year.
Friday 29th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 78 at Night. A Squall of Wind and a little fine Rain came on about 6 oclock in the Morning; both of which were soon over: but the former continued pretty fresh from No. West until the Evening, when it became Calm.
Cut the Weeds, wild grass &ca. which had intermixed with the Clover that I sowed at the home house and at Muddy hole--this being the second time I cut that at home the cutting being about a week before Harvest.
Rid to my Plantations in the Neck Muddy hole, Dogue Run & Ferry--at all of which they had got their Wheat in except at the Neck Plantn.
Saturday 30th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng.--72 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Clear with but little Wind at any time of the day.
Put shades over the Spruce & Hemlock pines, brought me by Genl. Lincoln, which seemed to be declining fast.
Mr. Shaw went this Afternoon to Dumfries.
Sunday 31st. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Calm & clear all day.
Monday 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 78 at Night.
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But little wind, weather clear & day very warm.
Left home at 6 Oclock P. M. and after escorting Fanny Bassett to Alexandria I proceeded to Doctr. Stuarts where I breakfasted; and from thence went to George Town to the Annual Meeting of the Potomack Company appointed to be held at that place.
About Noon, a sufficient number of sharers having assembled to constitute a meeting, we proceeded to business--Mr. Danl. Carroll in the Chair--when the President & directors of the Company made a report of their transactions since their appointment, which was received & approved of.
The Board of Directors then sat, and after coming to some resolutions respecting rations to be allowed the Workmen--the mode of payment--manner of keeping an acct. of their work &ca. &ca. and to a determination of proceeding first to the Senneca Falls and next to those at the Mouth of Shannondoah for the purpose of investigation & to direct the operations thereat adjourned Sine Die.
Dined at Shuters Tavern, and lodged at Mr. Oneals.
SHUTERS TAVERN: In 1783 John Suter (d. 1794) opened a tavern in Georgetown, Md., on the east side of Water Street (now Wisconsin Ave.) several doors south of Bridge (now M) Street. During the 1780s this tavern was commonly used for meetings of the Potomac Company and the commissioners of Georgetown. Suter later moved his business around the corner and opened the Fountain Inn on the south side of Bridge Street near the eastern edge of the original town (see HOLMES; ECKER). Bernard O'Neill, who became a commissioner of Georgetown in 1782, was a member of the Potomac Company (ECKER, 10; BACON-FOSTER, 59).
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Weather clear and Warm with but little wind.
Left George Town about 10 Oclock, in Company with all the Directors except Govt. Lee who went to Mellwood to visit Mr. Igns. Digges (his father in Law) who lay at the point of death and being accompanied by Colo. James Johnson (Brother to Govt. Johnson) and Messrs. Beall, Johns & others who took with them a cold Collation with Spirits wine &ca. We dined at Mr. Bealls Mill 14 Miles from George Town and proceeded--that is the Directors and Colo. Johnson--to a Mr. Goldsboroughs, a decent Farmers House at the head of the Senneca falls--about 6 Miles and 20 from George Town.
Col. James Johnson (b. 1736) lived in Frederick County, Md., and helped to manage several furnaces and forges owned by the Johnson family both
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there and in Loudoun County, Va. He served during the Revolution as colonel of a battalion of infantry in the Flying Camp (DELAPLAINE, 13--14; WILLIAMS [2], 1062).
Thomas Beall, son of George Beall, signed his name "Thomas Beall of George" to distinguish himself from other contemporary Thomas Bealls. A commissioner for Georgetown and a local landholder, Beall was a member of the Potomac Company (ECKER, 10; BACON-FOSTER, 59). Mr. Johns was probably Thomas Johns, a merchant of Georgetown, who had been a member of the pre-Revolution Potomac navigation project ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 7 Jan. 1775; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 86).
The 1790 federal census of Montgomery County, Md., shows no Goldsboroughs, but does list the household of Jonathan Goldsberry, with three adult males, one female, and seven slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 87).
Wednesday 3d. Wind at No. West & tolerably pleasant with appearances of Rain, without any falling.
Having provided Canoes and being joined by Mr. Rumsay the principal Manager, & Mr. Stewart an Assistant to him, in carrying on the Works, we proceeded to examine the falls; and beginning at the head of them went through the whole by water, and continued from the foot of them to the Great fall. After which, returning back to a Spring on the Maryland Side between the
"The Great Falls of the Potomac" painted by George Beck, c. 1796. The painting was owned by Washington and still hangs at Mount Vernon. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Seneca & Great Falls, we partook (about 5 O'clock) of another cold Collation which a Colo. Orme, a Mr. Turner & others of the Neighbourhood, had provided and returned back by the way of Mr. Bealls Mill to our old Quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs. The distance as estimated 8 Miles.
The Water through these Falls is of sufficient depth for good Navigation; and as formidable as I had conceived them to be; but by no means impracticable. The principal difficulties lye in rocks which occasion a crooked passage. These once removed, renders the passage safe without the aid of Locks & may be effected for the Sum mentioned in Mr. Jno. Ballendine's estimate (the largest extant) but in a different manner than that proposed by him. It appearing to me, and was so, unanimously determined by the Board of Directors, that a channel through the bed of the river in a strait direction, and as much in the course of the currant as may be, without a grt. increase of labour & expence, would be preferable to that through the Gut which was the choice of Mr. Ballendine for a Canal with Locks--the last of which we thought unnecessary, & the first more expensive in the first instance, besides being liable to many inconveniences which the other is not, as it would, probably be frequently choaked with drift wood--Ice--and other rubbish which would be thrown therein through the several inlets already made by the rapidity of the currts. in freshes and others which probably would be made thereby; whereas a navigation through the bed of the river when once made will, in all probability, remain forever, as the currt. here will rather clear, than contribute to choak, the passage. It is true, no track path can be had in a navigation thus ordered, nor does there appear a necessity for it. Tracking, constitutes a large part of Mr. Ballendines estimate--The want of which, in the rapid parts of the river, (if Mr. Rumseys plan for working Boats against stream by the force of Mechanical powers should fail) may be supplied by chains buoyed up to haul by which would be equally easy, more certain, and less dangerous than setting up with Poles--whilsttrack paths, it is apprehended can not be made to stand, and may endanger the Banks if the Wood is stripped from them, which is their present security against washing.
The distance between the Seneca & Great Falls, is about 5 Miles; and except in one place within ¾ of a Mile of the latter, the navigation now is, or easily may be made, very good; and at this place, the obstruction arises from the shallowness of the Water. Boats may go almost to the Spout with safety. To the place
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where the water passes when the river is full it is quite easy & safe to descend to, being in a Cove of still Water.
Col. Archibald Orme (1730--1812), of the Rock Creek neighborhood in Montgomery County, Md., was an active surveyor in the area. Mr. Turner may be Samuel Turner, who was living in that neighborhood in 1790, or Hezekiah Turner (1739--c.1812), of Fauquier County, Va., who was active after the Revolution as a surveyor of lands in the upper Potomac Valley (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 88; MACKENZIE [1], 2:564; SCHARF [3], 1:744; BLUM, 426).
TRACK PATH: The problem GW is discussing is that of aiding boats to ascend the Seneca Falls (actually rapids). The track path was a towing path used to tow the boats through the rapid part of the river. GW disliked the cost of constructing and maintaining canals and locks and accepted the necessity of cutting a canal only when locks were clearly necessary, as at the Great Falls (GW to Edmund Randolph, 16 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW). THE SPOUT: The point in a river where the banks formed a narrow channel, thus creating rapids, was called a spout. In his tour this week GW passes through three such sections of the Potomac, referring to each as "the Spout." For the sake of clarity, each spout will be referred to by the name of the rapids or falls associated with it. This one is the Great Falls Spout, described in 1760 by Andrew Burnaby: "the channel of the river is contracted by hills; and is... narrow.... It is clogged moreover with innumerable rocks; so that the water for a mile or two flows with accelerated velocity" (BURNARY, 68--69).
Thursday 4th. In order to be more certain of the advantages and disadvantages of the Navigation proposed by Mr. Ballendine, through the Gut; we took a more particular view of it--walking down one side & returning on the other and were more fully convinced of the impropriety of its adoption first because it would be more expensive in the first instance and secondly because it would be subject to the ravages of freshes &ca. as already mentioned, without any superiority over the one proposed through the bed of the River unless a track path should be preferable to hauling up by a Chain with buoy's.
Engaged nine labourers with whom to commence the Work.
Thermometer [ ] in the Morng.--76 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night.
After Breakfast, and after directing Mr. Rumsey when he had marked the way and set the labourers to Work to meet us at Harpers ferry on the Evening of the Morrow at Harpers Ferry (at the conflux of the Shannondoah with the Potomack) myself and the Directors set out for the same place by way of Frederick Town (Maryland). Dined at a Dutch mans 2 Miles above the
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Thomas Johnson and his family, painted by Charles Willson Peale. (C. Burr Artz Library, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, Maryland)
Mo[uth] of Monocasy & reached the former about 5 'Oclock. Drank Tea--supped--and lodged at Govr. Johnsons.
In the Evening the Bells rang, & Guns were fired; & a Committee waited upon me by order of the Gentlemen of the Town to request that I wd. stay next day and partake of a public dinner which the Town were desirous of giving me. But as arrangements had been made, and the time for examining the Shannondoah Falls, previous to the day fixed for receiving labourers into pay, was short I found it most expedient to decline the honor.
Robert Harper (d. 1782), of Philadelphia, settled at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers in Virginia before 1747, and there developed a ferry which crossed the Potomac to Maryland just above the mouth of the Shenandoah. By 1785 Harper's home had become a nucleus for a small village, variously called Shenandoah Falls and Harpers Ferry (BUSHONG, 17--21). In 1795 GW, as president, chose Harpers Ferry as a site for a federal arsenal and armory.
Frederick Town was laid out and settled in the 1740s on land owned by
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View of Harpers Ferry, engraved by J. W. Steel after a drawing by T. Doughty. (Library of Congress)
the Dulany family of Maryland. Lying on a major crossroads in the heart of the Monocacy River Valley, it became the seat of Frederick County, Md., when that county was formed in 1748. Its population was for many years heavily German, mostly immigrants from German communities in Pennsylvania whom the English colonists commonly referred to as "Dutch" (LAND, 180, 252). The "Dutch mans" may have been the inn located on the road between the Potomac River and Frederick Town, which in 1780 was being kept by Leonhard Heil (MERENESS, 591).
Saturday 6th. Thermometer 76 in the Morning--88 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Breakfasted in Frederick Town, at Govt. Johnsons, and dined at Harpers ferry. Took a view of the River, from the Banks, as we road up the bottom from Pains falls to the ferry, as well as it could be done on Horse back. Sent a Canoe in a Waggon from the Ferry to Keeptriest Furnace in ordr. to descend the Falls therin tomorrow.
In my ride from George Town to this place, I made the following observations. That the Land about the first, is not only hilly, & a good deal mixed with flint stone, but is of an indifferent quality 'till we left the great Road, (3 Miles from G. Town) which leads to the former. The quality of the Land then improves,
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and seems well adapted to the culture of small grain but continues broken and by No means in a state of high cultivation. It is also better timbered and of a sameness to the Seneca Falls. That about the Maryland Sugar Lands (1400 Acres of which belong to George Plater Esqr.) which is five Miles above Seneca It is remarkably fine, & very level. From thence to Monocasy about 12 Miles further they are less levl. and of much inferior quality. That from Monocasy to Frederick Town (distant 12 or 13 Miles) nothing can well exceed them for fertility of Soil--convenient levelness and luxurient growth of Timber. The Farms seem to be under good cultivation, which is somewhat Surprizing, as the possessors of them (on a Mannor belonging to Chs. Carroll Esqr. of Carrolton who holds in one Tract, 12 or 14,000 Acres) are Tenants at will--paying for the low grounds on Potomack & Monocasy 5/. Maryland Curry. pr. acre & for the high land 4/. for all the land within the boundaries of their respective Tenements. That from Frederick Town to the Kittoctan Mountain (about 7 Miles) the Land is nearly similar but not quite so luxurient to the eye. And from that Mountain to the river estimated 10 Miles it is more hilly & of a second quality but strong & very productive especially of small grain. That the remaining 3 Miles to the Ferry is river bottom and of course good.
Frederick Town stands on a branch of Monocasy, and lyes rather low. The Country about it is beautiful & seems to be in high Cultivation. It is said to contain about [ ] Houses; for the most part of wood; but there are many of Brick and Stone, & some good ones. The number of Inhabitants are computed to be [ ] Souls. There are Churches, a Court House--Work House & other public buildings. The Mechanics are numerous, in proportion to the aggregate; and the Spirit of Industry seems to pervade the place--tho' Trade, it is said, has slackened.
Johnson's house in Frederick Town was on Market Street; his country estate was about four miles northeast of the town (SCHARF [3], 1:487).
The Keep Triste iron furnace was located on the right (Virginia) bank of the Potomac near the mouth of Elk's Run, about two miles above the confluence of the Potomac with the Shenandoah River. This area is now in Jefferson County, W.Va.
GW left the Great Road to Frederick Town to follow the river road along the Potomac. The Sugar Lands were named for the stands of sugar maple trees found in the Broad Run area in the western part of Montgomery County, Md., which also extended across the Potomac into the Sugar Land Run neighborhood of Virginia.
George Plater (1735--1792), of Sotterly, on the Patuxent River in St. Mary's County, Md., practiced law in Maryland and took a leading role in
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the Revolution, representing Maryland in the Second Continental Congress (1778--80). In 1776 Plater participated in a joint Virginia-Maryland commission for safer navigation of the Potomac River.
Carrollton, a tract of land of over 10,000 acres in the fork of the Potomac and Monocacy rivers in Frederick County, Md., was given to Charles Carroll (1737--1832) by his father Charles Carroll (1702--17822) when the younger Charles returned to America in 1765 following his schooling in Europe. The younger Charles Carroll added "of Carrollton" to his name to distinguish himself from three other Charles Carrolls then living, although he never maintained a home at Carrollton. His regular residence was on the great plantation Doughoregan Manor in Anne Arundel (after 1851 in Howard) County, Md., about 16 miles west of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Carrollton. In 1821 Carroll divided Carrollton among a dozen members of his family, while retaining a life interest in the rentals from his tenants there (W.P.A. [2], 331; Charles Carroll to Charles Carroll [of Carrollton], 10 April 1764, Md. Hist. Mag., 12:167; ROWLAND [1], 1:68--69, 180--81, 196, 2:49, 409).
GW's party apparently followed the old road from Frederick Town to the gap in South Mountain made by the Potomac River. KITTOCTAN: now Catoctin Mountain, which runs almost due south through Frederick County Md., into Loudoun County, Va., and is cut by the Potomac at Point of Rocks, Md.
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 76 at Night.
About Sunrising, the Directors & myself rid up to Keeptrieste, where Canoes were provided, in which we crossed to the Maryland side of the river and examined a Gut, or swash through which it is supposed the Navigation must be conducted. This Swash is shallow at the entrance, but having sufficient fall, may easily (by removing some of the rocks) admit any quantity of water required. From the entrance to the foot, may be about 300 yards in a semicircular direction with many loose, & some fixed rocks to remove. Having examined this passage, I returned to the head of the Falls, and in one of the Canoes with two skilful hands descended them with the common Currt. in its Natural bed--which I found greatly incommoded with rocks, shallows and a crooked Channel which left no doubt of the propriety of preferring a passage through the Swash.
From the foot of the Swash the Water is pretty good for 3 or 400 yards further, when there is another fall of it, or rapid with an uneven bottom which occasions a considerable ripple at Top--but as their is sufficient depth, & the channel Middling straight, the difficulty here in descending is not great but to return without the aids spoke of at the Seneca falls may be labourious. From hence the Water is good to the head of the Island just above the ferry by which it is shoal on the Virginia side with some rocks and tho' deeper on the Maryland side is worse on acct. of the
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Rocks which are more numerous. The distance from the head of the Falls to the Ferry may be about a Mile & half.
Here we breakfasted; after which we set out to explore the Falls below; & having but one Canoe, Colo. Gilpin, Mr. Rumsay (who joined us according to appointment last Night) and Myself, embarked in it, with intention to pass thro' what is called the Spout (less than half a mile below the ferry) but when we came to it, the Company on the shore on acct. of the smallness, and low sides of the Vessel, dissuaded us from the attempt, least the roughness of the Water, occasioned by the rocky bottom, should fill, & involve us in danger. To avoid the danger therefore we passed through a narrow channel on the left, near the Maryland' Shore and continued in the Canoe to the lower end of Pains falls distant, according to estimation 3 Miles. These falls may be described as follow.
From the Ferry, for about 3 hundred yards, or more, the Water is deep with rocks here and there, near the surface, then a ripple; the Water betwn. which, and the Spout, as before. The Spout takes its name from the rapidity of the Water, and its dashings, occasioned by a gradual, but pretty considerable fall, over a rocky bottom which makes an uneven surface & considerable swell. The Water however, is of sufficient depth through it, but the Channel not being perfectly straight; skilful hands are necessary to navigate and conduct Vessels through this rapid. From hence, their is pretty smooth & even Water with loose stone, & some rocks, for the best part of a Mile; to a ridge of rocks which cross the river with Intervals; thro' which the Water passes in crooked directions. But the passage which seemed most likely to answer our purpose of Navigation was on the Maryland side being freest from rocks but Shallow. From hence to what are called Pains falls the Water is tolerably smooth, with Rocks here and there. These are best passed on the Maryland side. They are pretty Swift--shallow--and foul at bottom but the difficulties may be removed. From the bottom of these Falls, leaving an Island on the right, & the Maryland Shore on the left the easy & good Navigation below is entered.
At the foot of these falls the Directors & myself (Govr. Lee having joined us the Evening before) held a meeting--At which it was determined, as we conceived the Navigation could be made through these (commonly called the Shannondoah) Falls without the aid of Locks, and by opening them would give eclat to the undertaking and great ease to the upper Inhabitants as Water transportation would be immediately had to the Great Falls
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from Fort Cumberland to employ the upper hands in this work instead of removing the obstructions above, and gave Mr. Rumsey directions to do so accordingly--with general Instructions for his Governmt.
Govt. Lee, on Acct. of the death of his Father in Law, Mr. Igs. Digges, & consequent circumstances; left us at this place with a view of carrying his Lady next day to Mellwood. The rest of us returned to the Tavern at Harpers Ferry.
THE FALLS: Shenandoah Falls, running about two miles down the Potomac from Elk's Run to the mouth of the Shenandoah River. HIS GOVERNMT.: In these instructions Rumsey was directed to hire as many workers as necessary to open the Shenandoah and Seneca Falls (BACON-FOSTER, 64).
Monday 8th. Thermometer at 68 this Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
This being the day appointed for labourers to engage in the work we waited to see the issue until Evening, when Mr. Johnson & his Brother Colo. Johnson took leave of us.
Many Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood visited us here today--among whom Mr. Wormeley Senr., my Brother Charles--Colo. Morgan, Captn. Shepherd and Colo. Shepherd his Brother of Wheeling on the Ohio were of the number.
A few hands offered and were employed.
Col. William Morgan (d. 1788), of Shepherdstown, Berkeley County (now in W.Va.), was a founding justice when that county was organized in 1772 (NORRIS [1], 220--21; DANDRIDGE, 336; James Rumsey to William Hartshorne, 24 Oct. 1785, ViU). Abraham Shepherd (1754--1822), a captain in Stephenson's Maryland and Virginia Rifle Company, was captured at Fort Washington during the New York campaign (1776) and was later exchanged and returned home due to illness. The Shepherd brothers were sons of Thomas Shepherd, founder of Shepherdstown (DANDRIDGE, 346; HEITMAN [2], 493).
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Having provided a light & convenient Boat--hired two hands to work her and laid in some Stores, Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin, and myself embarked in it, leaving Mr. Rumsey to engage more hds. & to set those he had to work about 6 Oclock P.M.
In this Boat we passed through the Spout, and all the other Falls and rapids, and breakfasted at a Captn. Smiths on the Maryland side; to which place our horses had been sent the Evening before--after which and dining on our prog at Knowlands Ferry (about 15 Miles from Harpers) we lodged at the House of a
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Mr. Tayler, about three Miles above the Mouth of Goose Creek and about 10 M. below Knowlands.
CAPT,. SMITHS: probably the home of Capt. John Smith, near the Smith's ferry mentioned by GW on 10 Aug. (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 63). PROG: food, victuals, provender; especially provisions for a journey. KNOWLANDS FERRY: Noland's Ferry crossed the Potomac downstream of Noland's Island from Loudoun County, Va., to the mouth of Tuscarora Creek in Montgomery County, Md. The ferry was established before 1757 by Philip Noland (Knowland) and in 1785 was owned by Philip's son Thomas (HARRISON [1], 503--4). MR. TAYLER: possibly Thomas Taylor who lived in the vicinity of Harrison's Island. Taylor appears in the Montgomery County, Md., census of 1790 and his will, probated in Loudoun County in 1797, shows him as owning land in both Virginia and Maryland (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 67; KING [6], 73).
Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Before Sun rise we embarked and about Nine Oclock arrived at the head of the Seneca Falls and breakfasted with our old Landlord Mr. Goldsborough to which place our horses had proceeded the Over Night from Captn. Smiths.
The Nature of the river, from the foot of Pains falls to which a description has already been given, is--From that place to Smiths ferry, on the No. of the Island already noticed (about 2 Miles) the Water, generally, is pretty smooth, with round Stones of different sizes at the bottom and in places shallow. From hence to Luckets ferry at the Mouth of the Maryland Kittoctan (about 5 Miles further) the Water is Smooth and of sufficient depth in one part or other of the river for Boats, except at one ripple near to, and just above Luckets ferry which is occasioned principally by a fish dam. From & between this, & the Virginia Kittoctan where the river passes through the Mountain of that name is what are called Hooks falls which are no otherwise difficult than from the Shallowness of the Water & crookedness of the Channel--both of which it is presumed, may be much improved. From these Falls to Knowlands ferry, which is about 4 Miles and Six from Luckets the Navigation leaving Trammels Islands on the Left & Peach Island on the right is easy & pleasant, with only Shoal Water in one or two places which may be deepned without much expence. From hence to the Seneca Falls, the Navigation is in no part difficult. In one or two places, particularly above tht upper Island now, or formerly, belonging to the Hites the water is rather Shoal, but may readily be deepned (as the bottom is of round Stone) if a better passage cannot be had on the No.
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side of the Island. The Fish pots, of which there are many in the River, serve to clog the Navigation, & to render the passage more difficult upon the whole.
Between the Shannondoah falls, and those of Seneca, there are many valuable Islands--but those of Lee, McCarty, Hites, & Trammels, may greatly claim the preference; the River Bottoms have also a rich & luxurient appearance & in some places look to be wide.
After Breakfasting, and spending sometime with the labourers at their different works, of blowing, removing stone, getting Coal wood &ca.--we left the Seneca Falls about 2 Oclock A.M. & crossing the River about half a mile below them and a little above Captn. Trammels we got into the great Road from Leesburgh to Alexandria and about half after Nine O'clock in the Evening I reached home after an absence from it of 10 days.
Smith's ferry, in Frederick County, Md., crossed the Potomac lust below the mouth of Dutchman Creek in Loudoun County, Va. Near the ferry landing on the Maryland shore was founded in 1787 the town of Berlin, later renamed Brunswick (W.P.A. [2], 348--49).
LUCKETS FERRY: The Luckett family of that part of Frederick County in the 1780s was headed by William Luckett (FREDERICK, 55, 69; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 66). TRAMMELS ISLANDS: John Trammell (d. 1794), of Frederick County, Md., owned several islands by Point of Rocks, the largest of which is now called Conoy. Lee's Island was possibly that island once owned by Thomas Lee, father of Gov. Thomas Sim Lee (LEE [5], 156). It may be the Lee's Island at the mouth of Broad Run, Loudoun County, which was later renamed Seldon's Island (SCHEEL, 5).
Thursday 11th. Thermometer 77 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 84 at Night.
The Drought, the effects of which were visible when I left home, had, by this (no rain having fallen in my absence) greatly affected vegetation. The grass was quite burnt & crisp under foot--Gardens parched and the young Trees in my Shrubberies, notwithstanding they had been watered (as it is said) according to my direction were much on the decline. In a word nature had put on a melancholy look--everything seeming to droop.
Friday 12th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 83 at Night.
Very little wind, but some appearances of rain in the West but none fell.
Mrs. Fendall and Miss [ ] second Daughter of the President of Congress dined here and returned home after it.
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The second daughter of Richard Henry Lee, president of Congress, was Hannah Lee (1766--C.1801), who was married in 1787 to GW's nephew, Corbin Washington. GW usually followed the custom of referring to the eldest daughter of a family only by her family name (i.e., Miss Lee) and to her younger sisters by their given names (Miss Hannah Lee). Thus, since he could not remember the girl's given name, he left a blank in the manuscript.
Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 80 in the Morng.--84 at Noon and 86 at Night.
Rid to my Muddy hole and Neck Plantations, and beheld Corn in a melancholy situation, fired in most places to the Ear with little appearance of yielding if rain should soon come & a certainty of making nothing if it did not. Attempts had been made at both these Plantations to sow Wheat, but stirring the ground in the parched condition it was in, had so affected the Corn as to cause well grounded apprehensions that it would die if not restored by seasonable & sufficient Rains. This put a stop to further Seeding which is almost as bad as the injury done by it to the Corn as latter sowing in old Corn ground seldom produces. At the first mentioned place about 30 Bushels had been sowed--at the latter less.
The two kinds of Chinese Seeds which had appeared before I left home were destroyed either by the drought or insects. That between the 8th. & 9th. stakes in the 2d. row was entirely eradicated--indeed some kind of fly, or bug, had begun to prey up on the leaves before I left home. The other was broke of near the ground & cannot I fear recover.
In the Evening late, Doctr. Craik arrived, on a Visit to John Alton (my Overseer in the Neck) who has been ill, & confined to his bed for near 3 Weeks.
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning--82 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning calm & clear. Abt. Noon the wind came out from the Westward and in the afternoon there were appearances of rain No. Wt. & Southward of us with rumbling thunder at a distance but the clouds vanished without shedding any of their Watry particles.
Doctr. Craik left this after Breakfast.
Monday 15th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning--82 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Westerly in the Morning wch. died away about Noon--when clouds in the Southwest indicated Rain but none fell.
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Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Found the two first were suffering as I had described the other two on Saturday and that both had discontinued sowing of Wheat after putting about 30 Bushels at each place in the ground.
My Overseer at the Ferry (Fairfax) ascribes the wretched condition of his Corn to the bug which has proved so destructive to both Wheat and Corn on James River and elsewhere equally with the drought & shewed me hundreds of them & their young under the blades at the lower joints of the Stock. The Corn is effected by their sucking the juices which occasions a gradual decline of the whole plant. He also shewed me a piece of course grass that was quite killed by them, by the same kind of operation.
Mrs. Washington and Fanny Bassett went to Abingdon to day on a visit to Mrs. Stuart who had been sick of a fever and head Ach for 15 or 16 days. The former returned, the latter stayed.
In the Evening my Brother John came in.
From the Accts. given me by my Overseers the yield of my Wheat stacks is very indifferent.
THE BUG WHICH HAS PROVED SO DESTRUCTIVE: probably the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus. GW also had trouble with this pest in 1786 (see entries for 22, 24, and 25 July 1786).
Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 86 at Night.
Foggy & close morning with but little wind all day.
Accompanied my Brother to Alexandria and meeting Mr. & Mrs. Fendal & Miss [Nancy] Lee who proposed to dine here I made but little stay in Town. My Brother not being able to complete his business did not return 'till the Evening. Mr. Fendall, Mrs. Fendall &ca. stayed all Night.
Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 86 at Night.
Cloudy & damp Morning, with the Wind at South. In the Afternoon Clouds gathered all round us with thunder & lightning and a good deal of rain appeared to fall upon Patuxent and above us on this river but not enough fell here to wet a handkerchief.
Mr. [and] Mrs. Fendall and Miss Nancy went away before breakfast and my Brother John directly after it.
Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner on a visit to John Alton and stayed all Night.
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Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 81 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 88 at Night. About 4 Oclock the Mercury was at 90.
The fore part of the day was quite calm, and the whole of it intensely hot. About Noon it began to cloud & sprinkle rain which went off again. At 4 another cloud arose, out of which we had a pretty shower for about 15 or 20 Minutes, but not sufficient to wet the ground more than an Inch where it had been fresh worked. On Patuxent there was the appearance of abundant rain.
Doctr. Craik set off after brakfast to return home--but a Messenger recalled him to Jno. Alton where he remained all day & Night.
Mrs. Washington & Nelly Custis visited Mrs. Stuart, and returned in the Evening with Fanny Bassett.
Began with James and Tom to work on my Park fencing.
Cut down the two Cherry trees in the Court yard.
JAMES AND TOM: two of GW's slave carpenters. Tom is called Tom Nokes in the 1786 list of slaves (see main entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
PARK FENCING: GW was laying out an English-style deer park or paddock in the area between the mansion house and the Potomac River. He planned to stock it with English and native species and received deer from several friends, including Benjamin Ogle of Maryland, Andrew Lewis, and William Fitzhugh of Chatham (GW to George W. Fairfax, 25 June 1786, MoSW; GW to Lewis, 1 Feb. 1788, GW to Fitzhugh, 11 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). In his long absence from Mount Vernon during the presidency, the fences surrounding the park fell into disrepair and the deer escaped to roam over much of the farm, doing considerable damage to the gardens and shrubberies. In spite of this, GW would not permit them to be hunted and killed, either by his own dependents or by neighbors (GW to the Messrs. Chichester, 25 April 1799, DLC:GW). He wrote a neighbor in 1792 that he had given up all his own foxhounds because they frightened the deer (GW to Richard Chichester, 8 Aug. 1792, DLC:GW).
Friday 19th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Morning lowering, and very like for rain, but about noon it cleared after a very slight sprinkling, not enough to wet a man in his shirt.
Doctr. Craik returned from John Alton's, took breakfast, & proceeded home.
Encouraged by the little rain which had fallen, and the hope that more would fall I sowed about half an Acre of Turnips at home, and some at Dogue run Plantation.
Saturday 20th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
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Clear, with the wind at East the greater part of the day but not very fresh. Mr. Shaw went to Dumf[rie]s.
Rid to all my plantations, and visited John Alton, who still lay ill, and in great danger.
At Muddy hole, there appeared to have fallen more rain than at any other of my Plantations. At this place my Overseer had recommenced sowing of Wheat, & was continuing it. In the Neck they had done the same, but finding the ground only superficially wet, they had discontinued it. Neither at the Ferry nor dogue run had they attempted to sow any, tho at the latter there had been a good shower, but by no means a sufficiency of Rain.
Sunday 21st. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Calm & foggy Morning with but little Wind all day, and no appearances of rain.
Monday 22d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Very cloudy morning with the Wind at So. West. About 8 Oclock it began to rain moderately and with intervals continued to do so through the day, and Night--but as the rain was fine, & not const[an]t the ground was not penetrated deep by it especially where it was before hard.
Tuesday 23d. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Morning lowering, with drops of rain now and then, but none fell to wet the ground. Wind for the most part of the day Easterly.
Doctr. Craik came here before Dinner. Visited John Alton in the Evening and returned and stayed all Night.
Mr. Shaw returned home in the Afternoon.
With the Guinea grass Seed I had on hand, I began to make good the missing spaces of what was sowed in my small or Botanical Garden on the 13th. of June last but did not finish half of it.
The botanical garden was a plot of ground between the spinning house and the flower garden. It was used for experimenting with seeds and fertilizers.
Wednesday 24th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Weather clear and but little wind and that variable.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
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Sowed some more of the Guinea Grass seed today in the manner of yesterday.
Measured round the ground which I intend to inclose for a Paddock, and find it to be abt. 1600 yards.
Receiv'd Seven hounds sent me from France by the Marqs. de la Fayette, by way of New York viz. 3 dogs and four Bitches.
My Boat went to Alexandria and brought home 100 Bushels of Salt, a hogshead of common rum, and a Cask of Nails 20d.
GW had requested Lafayette to send him some French hounds. Lafayette wrote GW that "French Hounds are not now very easily got because the King Makes use of english dogs, as Being more swift than those of Normandy. I However Have got seven from a Normand Gentleman Called Monsieur le Comte doilliamson. The Handsomest Bitch Among them was a favourite with his lady who Makes a present of Her to You" (13 May 1785, PEL). The dogs were accompanied from France to New York by young John Quincy Adams and were shipped from New York to Mount Vernon in Capt. S. Packard's sloop Dove (Lafayette to GW, 16 April 1785, PEL; William Grayson to GW, 5 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW; Va. Journal, 1 Sept. 1785).
Thursday 25th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Wind Southwardly in the forenoon, but not much of it. About Noon a Cloud arose in the West & promised rain but none fell here, but the Wind shifting to the Westward it blew hard for a few minutes & the cloud went above us.
Finished sowing the Spaces of the Guinea Grass in the little Garden.
Friday 26th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and 76 at Night.
Clear with but little wind at any time of the day.
A Mr. Mar<t>el (or some such name) a Frenchman came in and dined, and just before dinner Mr. Arthur Lee, and Mr. P. Fendall got here; all of whom went away after it was over. In the Afternoon--Doctr. Marshall and his Sister, and Miss Hanson crossed the River, drank Tea, and returned.
Received 63 Bushels of Stone Lime from Loudoun for which I paid 2/6 pr. Bushl. & allowed 18/ for the difference of coming to this place instead of going to Alexandria.
My Boat brot. home another 100 Bushels of Salt from Alexandria and two Casks of 30d. Nails containing upwards of 13 M. The Cask of 20d. Nails which were brot. home on Wednesday, being returned.
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Dr. Thomas Marshall (c. 1757--1829), son of Thomas Hanson Marshall of Marshall Hall, Charles County, Md., had lost his eyesight during his service as a surgeon in the Revolution. His sister, Mary, Marshall (1767--1789), married Philip Stuart in 1787 (GERALD, 173--75).
Saturday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Morning clear with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. About 10 Oclock it clouded up, and rained a little; then cleared; but about 5 Oclock, a very black and heavy cloud arose in the Southwest, out of which (about Six oclock) proceedd for a few minutes very heavy wind, & a powerful Shower; the last of which continued about 12 or 15 Minutes. This being succeeded by lighter Showers, wch. with intervals continuing thro the Night afforded abundance of rain.
Before this came up (and during the slight shower in the Morning) I planted in a small piece of ground which I had prepared in the inclosure below the Stable (vineyard) about 1000 grains of the Cape of Good Hope Wheat (which was given to me by Colo. Spaight) in Rows 2 feet a part, and 5 inches distant in the Rows.
Fanny Bassett crossed the River immediately after dinner, on a visit to Miss Hanson.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE WHEAT: GW tried this variety for three years in succession without much luck. It never produced a full grain, and one year succumbed to frost.
Sunday 28th. Mercury at 74 in the Morng.--76 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Wind Southerly; with clouds, slight Showers, and Sunshine by intervals all day.
In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came here--on a visit to Jno. Alton.
Monday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 73 at Night.
Wind Southerly, with Showers in the Morning, and Clouds all day, with appearances of Rain but none fell after noon.
Doctr. Craik after visiting John Alton before breakfast, went after it to see Lund Washingtons child who had been siezed with fits & the family alarmed by it.
Lund and Elizabeth Foote Washington had at least two daughters who died in infancy.
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Tuesday 30th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 74 at Night.
But little Wind and that westerly--clear and pleasant.
Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue run and Muddy hole. Found the Corn a good deal improved in its looks, and that it had put forth many young Shoots but it is to be apprehended that the tassel in a great deal of it had got too dry for the farina to impregnate the grain.
The Wheat which had been Sowed before the late rains fell was up, and coming up, very well.
I observed that Corn, whh. had been planted under the Persimon trees in the fields looked as thriving and well as that which was not shaded--the same thing I had observed before (formerly) with respect to Wheat under these sort of trees and also of grass which proves them to be a valuable tree in Inclosures.
Mrs. Washington visited the Sick Child of Mr. L. Washington, and returned to dinner.
Finished gravelling the right hand Walk leading to the front gate from the Court yard.
Wednesday 31st. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Westerly wind and Clouds all day. Rid the Plantations in the Neck, & at Muddy hole. Found the Corn at the first as mentioned yesterday at the other places.
Mrs. Washington rid to see the Sick Child of Mr. Lund Washington from whence Doctr. Craik came here to Breakfast--after which he visited John Alton, and then returned to Maryland.
The Cape of Good hope Wheat which I sowed on Saturday, was perceived to be coming up to day.
And the Bird pepper which was sowed in the Botanical garden on the 13th. of June was just making its appearance and thick.
Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria immediately after breakfast and did not return to day.
This day I told Doctr. Craik that I would contribute One hundred Dollars pr. Ann., as long as it was necessary, towards the Education of His Son Geo. Washington either in this Country or in Scotland.
SICK CHILD: manuscript reads "silk child."
George Washington Craik (1774--1808) was one of several children whose education GW helped to finance. Young Craik probably studied law; he practiced for a short time in Alexandria but was appointed a private secretary to GW in 1796. In 1799 he became a lieutenant of light dragoons and served until 1800 (CRAIK [2], 135--37).
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Thursday first. Mercury at 70 in the Morng.--69 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Cloudy Morning--with the Wind at East. Between 9 & 10 Oclock it began to drip slow rain, in which I planted the remainder of the Wheat from the Cape of Good Hope leaving 230 grains to replant the missing seeds, & some that had been washed up by the late rains; the whole number of grains given me by Colo. Spaight amounting to 2476; which in measure, might be about half a Gill.
Below the Wheat, and in a continuation of the rows, nearly to the bottom of the Inclosure, I sowed the Guinea grass Seed which I reserved from my sowing on the 13th. of last June in my Botanical Garden.
Mr. Shaw came home about Noon.
In the Afternoon--about 4 Oclock the wind got more to the Northward--nearly No. Et. and began a close (tho not hard) & constant rain.
Friday 2d. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. and pretty fresh all day, with misling Rain wch. sometimes became stronger.
Saturday 3d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Much such a day as yesterday until the Evening when the Sun made a feeble effort to appear and the clouds began to thin and disperse.
In the Evening James Madison Esqr. came in.
Sunday 4th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night. Foggy, or Misling morning, and Cloudy most part of the day, with but little Wind.
Monday 5th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Day clear & pleasant with very little wind. About 2 Oclock, Fanny Bassett and Mr. [ ] Craik third Son of the Doctr. came here; the last of whom went away after dinner.
Mr. Madison left this after Breakfast.
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Began to spade up the Lawn in front of the Court yard. And also began to prepare the Scaffolds for ceiling the Piazza.
The third son of Dr. Craik was probably Adam Craik. He later married Mrs. Sarah Harrison Jordan, a daughter of GW's friend and former aide, Robert Hanson Harrison. In the 1790 census Adam Craik was listed as head of a household in Charles County, Md.
LAWN IN FRONT OF THE COURT YARD: The lawn on the west front of the house was to be made into a bowling green.
Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 73 at Night.
Wind at No. West, and fresh all day, yet warm in the Sun.
Fanny Bassett went to Mr. Lund Washington's and stayed all Night. I rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole and returned about 12 Oclock.
A Mr. Tayler, Clerk to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs came here whilst we were at Dinner, sent by Mr. Jay, by order of Congress, to take Copies of the report of the Commissioners who had been sent in by me to New York, to take an Acct. of the Slaves whch had been sent from that place (previous to the evacuation) by the British.
George Taylor, Jr., in 1785 was appointed clerk to the secretary for foreign affairs, John Jay. Commissioners for embarkation had been appointed by GW in 1783 to go to New York to superintend the embarkation of the British troops and to try to enforce article seven of the provisional treaty of peace of Nov. 1782, which forbade British troops to carry off any American property, notably runaway slaves. There was, however, little the commissioners could do to enforce the provision, and so they withdrew. The report GW refers to is probably that of 30 May 1783, written by Egbert Benson and William Stephens Smith, two of the commissioners (DLC:GW). On 23 June of that year GW sent a letter to Congress, enclosing copies of his entire correspondence with the commissioners (DLC:GW).
Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear day with the Wind fresh & Cool from the No[th]ward in the forenoon but still & warm in the Afternoon.
Fanny Bassett returned before Dinner, and Doctr. Craik came to it & went away afterwards to visit John Alton, and his Children at Mr. Chichesters from thence.
About Noon brought two Negro men from the River Plantation to assist in spading up the ground in front of the Court yard and Cornelius being Sick Tom Davis went to assist them.
Bought 28,430 good Cyprus Shingles.
At Night, a Man of the name of Purdie, came to offer himself
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to me as a Housekeeper, or Household Steward. He had some testimonials respecting his character--but being intoxicated, and in other respects appearing in an unfavorable light I informed him that he would not answer my purposes, but that he might stay all night.
Cornelius was undoubtedly the Irishman, Cornelius McDermott Roe, who signed an agreement with GW on 1 Aug. 1786 for one year as a "Stone Mason, Bricklayer, and (when not employed in either of these) in other jobs which he may be set about." McDermott Roe was to receive £32 in addition to board, washing, and lodging "as he has been usually accustomed to in the family; and will give him the same allowance of spirits with which he has been served" (DLC:GW). This portion of the agreement indicates that McDermott Roe had already been employed at Mount Vernon under an earlier arrangement, and he appears several times in the diaries before the Aug. 1786 agreement. Tom Davis, a dower slave, worked primarily as a bricklayer and stonemason. He also occasionally did painting and carpentry.
GW had advertised for a " House-Keeper, or Household Steward, who is competent to the charge of a large family, and attending on a good deal of company" ( Va. Journal, 18 Aug. 1785). Because of the increasing number of visitors at Mount Vernon since the Revolution, GW felt it necessary to hire someone to help run the household.
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Calm clear and pleasant. Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck. Found that at the first they had begun to sow Rye yesterday (as they had also done at the Ferry Plantation) and at the latter to day.
Doctr. Craik came here to Breakfast & crossed the river afterwards. Purdie went away.
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Clear and rather warm, with but little Wind.
Rid up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington, who wanted to get some cloathing for little Washington Custis; and for the purpose of seeing Colos. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin on the business of the Potomack Company. Returned home to Dinner.
GW and the directors, after discussing reports of unruly Potomac Company workers at the Shenandoah Falls, agreed to inquire into the purchasing of indentured servants and the hiring of slaves (see PICKELL, 77; GW to Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 10 Sept. 1785, DLG:GW).
Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the morning--70 at Noon and 72 at Night.
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Calm and warm, with some appearances of rain which vanished in the evening.
Rid with Fanny Bassett, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Shaw to meet a Party from Alexandria at Johnsons Spring (on my Land where Clifton formerly lived) where we dined on a cold dinner brought from Town by water and spent the Afternoon agreeably--returning home by Sun down or a little after it.
From the Scarcity of Apples generally this year and the depredations which were committing every Night upon the few I have, I found it necessary (tho much too early) to gather & put them up for Winter use. Finishd the ceiling of the Piaza.
Johnston's (Johnson's) Spring was on Clifton's Neck (now GW's River Farm) near the ferry-house, which served travelers using Clifton's (Johnston's) ferry to cross over into Maryland. This locality across from Broad Creek and Piscataway in Maryland was a favorite with eighteenth-century duelists (SNOWDEN, 34, 37).
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Wind fresh at No. West all day & clear--warm notwithstanding.
Mr. Potts, and Doctors Mortimer and Craik Junr. dined here and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.
Mr. Shaw and Mr. Tayler went to Alexandria after breakfast in my barge & did not return until after midnight.
John Potts, Jr. (1760--1809), a Pennsylvanian, in partnership with William Herbert operated an import store on the corner of Fairfax and Queen streets in Alexandria. The partnership was dissolved in 1787 ( Va. Journal, 19 May 1784 and 4 Oct. 1787). Potts was a subscriber to the Potomac Company and for several years was secretary of the company.
Dr. Charles Mortimer, Jr., advertised in 1784 that he was setting up a practice in Alexandria. He claimed to be "bred to the practice of Physic, Surgery, and Midwifery, both in America and Europe" ( Va. Journal, 9 Dec. 1784). Mortimer was probably a son or nephew of Dr. Charles Mortimer of Fredericksburg, Mrs. Mary Washington's personal physician.
Monday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.--68 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon, but calm afterwds. and perfectly clear.
Rid to my Ferry--Dogue run--& Muddy hole plantations.
A Mr. Cawood, Sheriff of Charles County in Maryland, came here in the forenoon with an acct. of Taxes of the Land I hold in that County & in Nangemy Neck. Promised to get Doctr. Craik to enquire into the matter & to lodge money with him to pay it.
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Benjamin Cawood, Jr., was the sheriff of Charles County, Md. GW later stated that "this was the first application ever made to me, for the same" and noted that he intended to ask Lund Washington whether he had had any earlier demands for the taxes (GW Memoranda, 30 Mar. 1787, DLC: GW). This was the land GW had acquired from Daniel Jenifer Adams (see main entry for 22 Jan. 1775), and consisted of "Josias's help, 109 acres; Wades Addition, 33½; Adam's Retirement, 100; Ditto Outlet, 50 and Williams's folly 260" (LEDGER B, 99).
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Calm morning, but a brisk Southerly wind all day afterwards and clear.
Began to level the ground which had been spaded up in the lawn fronting the House, having turned it up as far as to where the old cross wall of the former Gardens stood.
Colo. Willm. Fitzhugh of Maryland & his Son William and Doctor Marshall came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.
William Fitzhugh, Jr. (C. 1760--1839), was a son of Col. William Fitzhugh (1721--1798) by his second wife, Ann Frisby Rousby Fitzhugh. He served as an officer in the 3d Continental Dragoons during the Revolution. After the war he moved to Hagerstown, Md., where he remained until about 1800, when he moved his family to Livingston County, N.Y. Col. William Fitzhugh had written GW on 25 July that he had to attend a land sale in Virginia on 20 Sept. and intended stopping at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). Before leaving Mount Vernon, he paid GW £10 for the use of the treasurer of the Potomac Company (LEDGER B, 204). He also collected £46 17s. 9½d. from GW for some surplus building materials he sent GW earlier (Fitzhugh to GW, 13 May and 25 July 1785, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 204).
Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind still at So. and pretty fresh in the Morning with Clouds and some Appearances of rain in the forenoon but more in the Afternoon as there was distt. thunder and a good deal of Lightning.
Colo. Fitzhugh & Son and Doctr. Marshall went away after Breakfast, and Docter Craik came to Dinner, and stayed all Night.
Thursday 15th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 73 at Night.
Brisk Southerly wind all the forenoon, and cloudy-- in the Afternoon the wind was more moderate & clear.
Doctr. L'Moyer came in before Dinner.
Jean Pierre Le Mayeur (Lamayner, L'Moyer), a French dentist who came to New York during the Revolution, went to GW's headquarters in 1783
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to do some work on his teeth (GW to Le Mayeur, 16 July 1783, GW to William Stephens Smith, 15 May and 18 June 1783, Smith to GW, 20 May 1783, DLC:GW). Le Mayeur visited Mount Vernon in the summer of 1784 and evidently became a favorite with little George Washington Parke Custis. He played games with the child and in August sent him a new red toy horse "just big Enough for the little house which master George and myself built on the side of the hill" (Le Mayeur to GW, 14 Aug. 1784, DLC:GW). After this visit to Mount Vernon, Le Mayeur went to Richmond where he advertised that he performed "operations on the teeth, hitherto performed in Europe, such as transplanting, &., &., &." Le Mayeur also offered a payment of three guineas for good front teeth from anyone but slaves (Va. Mag., 10 [1902--3], 325).
Friday 16th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Calm and clear in the forenoon--Southerly wind afterwards with clouds and appearances of rain but none fell here.
Mr. Hiebert came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria afterwards.
Sent my Chariot at the request of Mrs. Stuart with Betcy & Patcy Custis to Mr. Calverts. Nelly & Washington Custis went with them to return with the Carriage.
MR. HIEBERT: probably Mr. Huiberts (see entry for 28 April 1785).
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 70 at Night.
At or before Sunrising it began to rain moderately--after which it continued by hard Showers with intervals until between One & two in the Afternoon accompanied with sharp lightning and loud thunder.
The rain coming on moderately, induced me to Sow the Ground which I had levelled of the Lawn whilst it was raining--but the heavy showers wch. fell afterwards washed and floated it into heaps.
In the Afternoon when the rain had ceased, I made an experiment of transplanting Turnips to see if the method would succeed in practice. In a part of the Turnip Inclosure, where the Seed had been sowed the 19th. of last Mo[nth], I pulled up all that growed on a square of about ten feet--cut the Taproot of a sufficient Number of Plants and transplanted them thereon at the distance of a foot each way, from one another.
Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.--67 at Noon and 69 at Night.
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Clear, and the Wind fresh from No. West all day.
Colo. Henley, Mr. Porter, Mr. Hunter and Doctr. & Colo. Ramsay came here, dined and returned in the afternoon.
Dr. William Ramsay, Jr., and Col. Dennis Ramsay were the two sons of William and Ann McCarty Ramsay of Alexandria, whose funerals GW attended earlier this year. Doctor William, whose education at the College of New Jersey at Princeton was financed by GW, served as a naval surgeon in the Revolution, making at least one voyage on the George Washington, a privateer out of Alexandria ( Va. Mag., 17:175--78). He then returned to Alexandria to practice medicine. William's younger brother Dennis (1756--1810), whose colonelcy was apparently in the militia, began his business career in Alexandria with the firm of Jenifer & Hooe.
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear, calm, and serene all day.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Took my French Hounds with me for the purpose of Airing them & giving them a knowledge of the grounds round about this place.
Upon my return, found a Mr. John Defray here--a Dane from Copenhagen, who had been cast away on the coast of No. Carolina.
Doctr. La Moyer left this for Alexandria in my Carriage after Breakfast.
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Wind Easterly. Morning & whole day lowering. About Sunsetting it began to rain slow and moderately & continued to do so through the Night.
About Noon, agreeably to an appointment I set off for the Seneca Falls. Dined at Colo. Gilpins and proceeded afterwards with him to Mr. Bryan Fairfaxs where we lodged.
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at N.
The rain continuing without intermission until 10 or 11 Oclock, and no appearances of fair weather until Noon, we did not leave Mr. Fairfax's 'till a little after it and then meeting much difficulty in procuring a vessel, did not get to the works at the Seneca fall until the labourers had quit them. We then went to our old quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs were lodged. Mr. Fairfax
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accompanied us. The Wind for the greater part of the day (though there was not much of it) was at No. West.
Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Nig[ht].
The Wind having shifted to the Eastward in the Night it commenced a fine raining again, and did not altogether cease until Noon. However about 10 Oclock we left Mr. Goldsboroughs, & in a boat passed down the Seneca falls to the place where the work men were blowing Rocks, but the Water having raised, and the river being muddy, I could form no accurate judgment of the progress which had been made. To me it seemed, as if we had advanced but little--owing to the fewness, and sickliness of the hands which it appeared ought to be encreased and their Wages raised in order to obtain them.
After viewing the works we crossed to the Virginia side and proceeded to the Great Falls where by appointment we were to have met Colo. Fitzgerald and Vessells to take us by Water to the little Falls in order to review the river between the two. The latter we found, but not the first, & parting with Mr. Fairfax here, and sending our Horses by Land to Mr. Hipkins's at the Falls Warehouse we did, after having examined the ground along wch. it is proposed to open the Canal, and which nature seems clearly to have marked out, embarked about 3 Oclock; Colo. Gilpin myself & one hand in one Canoe, and two other people in another Canoe, and proceeded down the river to the place where it is proposed to let the water again into a Canal to avoid the little Falls.
The place for the Canal at the Great Falls as I have just observed is most evidently marked along a glade which runs quite from the still water above the spout, or Cataract, to the river or a Mile below it & from appearance will not be deep to dig; but at the upper and lower end, is a good deal incommoded with rocks. The glade itself seems tolerably free from them but how the bottom may turn out when the Soil is taken of I know not. More than probably it will be found Stony.
At the Mouth of the branch wch. issues from this glade locks I think may be well secured by the point of a hill & Rocks just above it. Here we embarked in smooth water, that is not very rapid; and in a quarter of a mile passed a short rapid not difficult--a Mile further another rapid rather worse but not very bad and afterwards two more the last of which in its present state is the worst but none of them very bad. In many parts the River is
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tolerably smooth--the current by no means rapid, and upon the whole easier than I had conceived. In places it is tole[r]ably wide and not deeper than I had supposed. Between the two Falls, there are several smal Islands, most of them rocky but one tolerably large & to appearance of good Land.
The place at which it is proposed to take the Canal out, above the little falls, seems favourably formed for it by an Island which may be abt. half a mile above the Falls & the Land through which it must pass on the Maryland Side level but Stoney all the way to the mouth or near it of the Canal begun by Mr. Ballendine if it is carried on a slope. If on the other h[an]d it is to go on a level the Hill side adjoining does not appear unfavourable.
Lodged this Night at Mr. Hipkens's at the Falls warehouse where we arrived at Dark tho' we were only 2 hours & an half from the place of embarkation at the Great Falls to the debarking above the little Falls. The little falls, if a Rock or two was removed might be passed without any hazard--more especially if some of the Rocks which lye deep & which occasion a dashing surface could be removed.
MR. HIPKINS'S: Lewis Hipkins (died c.1794), of Fairfax County, lived near the Virginia tobacco warehouse at the Little Falls which had been authorized in 1742 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 17, 86; HARRISON [1], 149; HENING, 5:143). The island with "good Land" may have been Sycamore Island. The island about "half a mile above the Falls" was probably High Island, just off the Maryland shore. Shortly before the Revolution, John Ballendine had begun cutting a canal around the Little Falls on the Maryland side on a piece of land that he named Amsterdam (BACON-FOSTER, 26--28; TAGGART 177). A canal "on a slope," carrying a downstream current just as in the river, would make locks unnecessary.
Friday 23d. After taking an Early breakfast at Mr. Hipkins's I set out & reached home about 11 Oclock.
Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Morning cloudy, and afternoon raining. Wind at No. Et.
About One Oclock My Nepw. G. A. Washington & the two Mr. Bassetts arrived.
Found the late rains had brought up the Seeds of the pride of China, and several more of the Palmetto.
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 62 in the morning--61 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind at No. & No. Et. all day & tempestuous with allmost a constant rain.
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Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng.--66 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Clear & serene with the Wind & pretty fresh about Midday. Morning & Evening calm.
Doctr. La Moyer & Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner. The latter went away afterwards. The other stayed all Night.
Monday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Clear day, and calm Morning but brisk wind afterwards from the No. West.
Went up to Alexandria to meet Colonels Gilpin & Fitzgerald on business of the Potomack Compa. Doctr. La Moyer, Mr. B. Bassett and G. A. Washington accompanied me the first of whom remained there. Dined at the New Tavern, kept by Mr. Lyle.
Brought home Mr. Thomas McCarty, with whom I had agreed to serve me in the capicity of a Ho[use] keeper--or Household Steward at Thirty pounds pr. Ann.
GW and the directors of the Potomac Company ordered that 60 indentured servants be purchased in Philadelphia or Baltimore (PICKELL 78). TAVERN: Capt. Henry Lyles (d. 1786) of Maryland had recently opened the commodious, three-story Alexandria Inn and Coffeehouse on the corner of Fairfax and Cameron streets. Lyles, who had served in the 3rd Maryland Regiment during the Revolution, also had a store on Fairfax Street near King Street ( Va. Journal, 12 May and 29 Sept. 1785 and 18 May 1786).
Thomas McCarty was probably not related to GW's close neighbor, Daniel McCarty. He worked for only a year at Mount Vernon and proved unsatisfactory as a steward (see 12 Aug. 1786).
Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morng. 59 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds, and Cold.
Doctr. Craik who came here last Night, returned this Morning to Maryland.
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 60 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Morning lowering, with appearances of rain but Evening clear, wind still to the No[rth]ward.
Doctr. Jenifer and his wife came here to Dinner, and went away after it, to Colo. McCartys.
Mr. Tayler having finished the business which brought him here, I sent him up to Alexandria to take a passage in the Stage, for New York.
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Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Day clear, and not much wind, especially in the Afternoon.
Mr. Sanders, an Undertaker in Alexandria, came down between breakfast & Dinner to advise a proper mode of Shingling--putting Copper in the Gutters between the Pediments & Dormants, and the Roof and to conduct the Water along the Eves to Spouts & promised to be down again on Tuesday next to see the work properly begun.
MR. SANDERS: John Saunders, a joiner and carpenter in Alexandria, seems to have been originally from Philadelphia. He later served as a member of the Alexandria City Council (Fairfax County Deed Book M-1, 15, 41--46; Alexandria City Hustings Court Deed Book, D, 74--81, 330--41). DORMANTS: dormers.
Friday 30th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Day clear, wind pretty brisk from the Southward--till the Evening when it veered more to the Eastward.
Mr. Hunter, and the right Honble. Fred. von Walden, Captn. in the Swedish Navy--introduced by Mr. Richd. Soderstroin came here to Dinner, and returned to Alexandria afterwards. In the Evening a Mr. Tarte--introduced by letter from a John Lowry of Back river came in to request my Sentiments respecting some Entrys they, in Partnership, had made in the Great Dismal Swamp, which I gave unreservedly, that they had no right to.
One of the Hound Bitches wch. was sent to me from France brought forth 15 puppies this day; 7 of which (the rest being as many as I thought she could rear) I had drowned.
Run round the ground which I designed for a Paddock for Deer & find it contains 18 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 20 P[erches].
Began again to Smooth the Face of the Lawn, or Bolling Green on the West front of my House--what I had done before the Rains, proving abortive.
Capt. Frederick yon Walden on 28 July laid before Congress a plan of coinage of "copper to the amount of 100,000 £ Stg." No action had yet been taken on his plan, and he may have been at Mount Vernon to try to enlist GW's support for the scheme (LMCC, 8:171, 210--11; JCC, 29:587).
RICHD. SODERSTROIN: Richard Söderström, the new Swedish consul at Boston, had been recently embroiled in a controversy with Congress because he had presented his credentials to the governor of Massachusetts before presenting them to Congress. Söderström's act was soon recognized, not as a sign of disrespect, but as an innocent blunder (see LMCC, 8:33, 51--52; JCC, 28:360--61, n.2, 393--94; State of Söderström's Case, n.d., MHi: Knox Papers). Söderström's letter of introduction was dated 12 Sept. 1785 (DLC:GW).
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John Lowry was probably the son of John Lowry (died c. 1766) and Mary Lowry of Elizabeth City County. Back River runs through Elizabeth City County and empties into the Chesapeake Bay, midway between James and York rivers. Several members of the Tarte (Tart) family lived in Elizabeth City County--Norfolk County area.
Saturday first. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Southerly Wind and clear.
Began to raise a Scaffold for Shingling the Front side of my House, next the Court yard.
Rid to my River, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations.
Doctr. Stuart came in whilst we were at Dinner & stayed all Night.
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--76 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Weather warm. Forenoon clear, Afternoon lowering.
Went with Fanny Bassett, Burwell Bassett, Doctr. Stuart, G. A. Washington, Mr. Shaw & Nelly Custis to Pohick Church; to hear a Mr. Thompson preach, who returned home with us to Dinner, where I found the Revd. Mr. Jones, formerly a Chaplin in one of the Pensylvania Regiments.
After we were in Bed (about Eleven Oclock in the Evening) Mr. Houdon, sent from Paris by Doctr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson to take my Bust, in behalf of the State of Virginia, with three young men assistants, introduced by a Mr. Perin a French Gentleman of Alexandria, arrived here by water from the latter place.
James Thomson (1739--1812), the minister of Leeds Parish, Fauquier County, 1769--1812, was a Scotsman who had emigrated to Virginia as a tutor in 1767. He went to England in 1769 to take holy orders and returned to Fauquier County where he preached at the four churches in Leeds Parish (MEADE [1], 2:218--19). David Jones (1736--1820), minister of the Great Valley Baptist Church, Chester County, Pa., had been a chaplain in the 3rd and 4th Pennsylvania regiments during the Revolution.
Virginia in 1784 adopted a resolution commissioning a statue of GW; and Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, then ministers to the Court of France, agreed to locate and engage an outstanding sculptor for the commission. Jean Antoine Houdon (1741--1828) agreed to make the statue but insisted that he come to America to make a life mask of GW and then return to France to complete the work. Jefferson's agreement with Houdon provided for a salary of 1,000 guineas plus expenses to America and the purchase of an insurance policy on the sculptor's life during the journey. Although the fee was much less than Houdon had asked, he was eager to make
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Houdon's bust of Washington. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
a statue of GW and agreed to the terms, leaving such clients as Catherine the Great of Russia to await his return to Europe (JEFFERSON [1], 7:566--67, 8: 282--84, 279--80).
Joseph Marie Perrin, a merchant in Alexandria, had a store on Royal Street next to John Wise's tavern and opposite the courthouse. By Aug. 1786 the business was operated under the name of Perrin & Brothers (Va. Journal, 21 April 1785 and 17 Aug. 1786). Perrin came to Mount Vernon as an interpreter for Houdon's party.
Monday 3d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Wind at So. West, weather variable until Noon when it became more cloudy & dripping. Towards evening it began to Rain and the Night was wet.
The two reverend Gentlemen who dined and lodged here, went away after breakfast.
Tuesday 4th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Wind at So. West, veering more Westerly. Morning wet, and till Noon dripping; Clear afterwards, and wind fresh.
Wednesday 5. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and 68 at Night.
Brisk wind from the Southward all day. Weather clear.
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Stripped the Shingles of the South side of the Pediment of the West front of the House, in expectation of Mr. Sanders's coming to direct the Shingling of it, but he never appeared.
Colo. Ramsay introducing a Mr. McComb, & a Mr. Lowry; dined here, & went away afterwards.
Mr. Perin went from this after Breakfast.
MR. MCCOMB: GW may mean James McKenna, formerly a partner of William Lowry in the firm of Lowry & McKenna. McKenna continued to carry on a retail business in Alexandria for a number of years (SPROUSE [2], 27; Va. Journal, 23 June 1785).
Mr. Lowry is William Lowry, an importer of English goods who had a store in 1784 on Fairfax Street, at the corner of Queen Street in Alexandria ( Va. Journal, 16 Sept. and 21 Oct. 1784). Lowry, an Englishman, had by 1787 moved his wife and seven children to Alexandria (VAUGHAN, 58).
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Flying clouds and a Rainbow in the Morning with but little wind; drippings of rain, more or less all day.
Mr. Burwell Bassett, and Mr. Shaw set out after Breakfast for Dumfries.
The appearances of the day, and the impracticability of giving, on acct. of the clammyness of the Earth, an even face to any more of my lawn, until the grd. should get dryer, of which there is no immediate prospect, I sowed what was levelled & smoothed of it, with English grass Seeds; and as soon as the top was so dry, as not to stick to the Roller, I rolled & cross rolled it; first with a light wooden roller; and then with a heavy wooden roller; with a view of compressing the Ground--smoothing the Surfice of it & to bury the Seeds.
Mr. Sanders not coming according to expectation I began with my own people to shingle that part of the Roof of the House wch. was stripped yesterday, & to copper the Gutters &ca.
Friday 7th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--64 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Southwardly all day and weather clear, warm, & pleasant.
Sat to day, as I had done yesterday, for Mr. Houdon to form my Bust.
Mrs. Jenifer, wife of Doctr. Waiter Jenifer, dined here, and returned afterwards; and Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon, and stayed all Night.
Mr. Shaw and Mr. Bassett returned from Dumfries about Noon
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& Doctr. Brown came in the afternoon to visit a sick Servant of the Mr. Bassetts, & returned.
Finished trenching my Lawn, the spading of which had recd. several interruptions by odd Jobs intervening. The ground getting a little drier I began again to level & smooth it.
Plowed up a Cowpen in order to sow the ground with Orchard Grass Seeds.
PLOWED UP A COWPEN: This cow pen, containing about a quarter of an acre, was on the west front of the house, on ground intended for the bowling green (GW's "Notes and Observations," 1785--86, DLC:GW).
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 68 at Night.
But little wind--weather clear, and exceedingly pleasant.
Sowed the ground which was plowed yesterday, and which might amount to about a quarter of an Acre, with near half a Bushel of the Orchard Grass Seeds; which was neither very clean nor I fear not very good.
Also sowed with English Grass Seeds, as much more of the Lawn as I could get levelled & smoothed and rolled it in the same manner as that on thursday last was done.
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Morning and Evening lowering. Midday tolerably clear, warm & pleasant.
Accompanied by Mr. Houdon and the two Mr. Bassetts, attended the Funeral of Mrs. Manley at the Plantation of Mr. Willm. Triplett, and returned to Dinner.
Sarah Harrison Manley (d. 1785), a sister of George Harrison of Fairfax, had been married first to John Triplett and second to John Manley. William Triplett, at whose home the funeral took place, was probably a nephew of her first husband, and was, moreover, the executor of the estate of her son, Harrison Manley.
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Thunder about day. Morning threatning but clear & pleasant afterwards.
A Mr. Jno. Lowe, on his way to Bishop Seabury for Ordination, called & dined here. Could not give him more than a general certificate, founded on information, respecting his character; having
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no acquaintance with him, nor any desire to open a Corrispondence with the new ordained Bishop.
Observed the process for preparing the Plaister of Paris, & mixing of it--according to Mr. Houdon. The Oven being made hotter than it is usually heated for Bread, the Plaister which had been previously broken into lumps--that which was hard, to about the size of a pullets egg; and that which was soft, and could be broken with the hands, larger; was put in about Noon, and remained until Night; when, upon examination, it was further continued until the Morning without any renewal of the heat in the Oven, which was close stopped. Having been sufficiently calcined by this operation, it was pulverized (in an Iron Mortar) & sifted for use through a fine lawn sieve, & kept from wet.
When used, it is put into a Bason, or other Vessel with water; sifted through the fingers, 'till the Water is made as thick as Loblolly or very thick cream. As soon as the plaister is thus put into the Water, it is beat with an Iron spoon (almost flat) until it is well Mixed, and must be immediately applied to the purpose for which it is intended with a Brush, or whatever else best answers, as it begins to turn hard in four or five minutes, and in Seven or ten cannot be used, & is fit for no purpose afterwards as it will not bear wetting a second time. For this reason no more must be mixed at a time than can be used within the space just mentioned.
The brush (common painters) must be put into water as soon as it is used, and the plaister well squeezed out, or this also becomes very hard. In this case to clean it, it must be beaten 'till the plaister is reduced to a powder, & then washed.
John Lowe (1750--1798), a minor Scottish poet, was born in the Galloway district of Scotland and educated at the University of Edinburgh. He came to Virginia in 1772 and became a tutor in the family of John Augustine Washington. He later ran an academy in Fredericksburg attended by Fielding Lewis's children. After his ordination at St. George's Church, Hempstead, Long Island, he became minister at Hanover Parish in King George County, Va.
Samuel Seabury (1729--1796) was the first bishop of the Episcopal church in America. He had been an outspoken and active Tory before and during the Revolution, and his choice by the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut as their candidate for consecration caused much controversy among the American churchmen and laity. The fact that he was consecrated in Scotland rather than in England made some question the validity of his office, and he was a controversial figure until his death.
PLAISTER OF PARIS: Houdon used the plaster of paris to make a life mask of GW, from which he made two busts. One of these he took back to France with him, along with the mask; the other remained at Mount Vernon.
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Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 71 at Night.
A Very heavy fog until near 10 Oclock, with very little wind, from the Eastward. From thence till five P. M. it was tolerably clear; when it clouded again, & looked like rain.
Sowed more English grass Seed on All the ground that had been levelled, & Smoothed on the Lawn.
Began the foundation of the House at the Southwest Corner of the South Garden.
Mr. Dulany, Mr. Sanderson and Mr. Potts dined here and returned afterwards to Alexanda.
After dark it began to rain and continued to do so fast, more or less, all Night--which appeared to have washed all the Seeds (at least all the Chaff with its contents) which had been just sowed from the ground, and carried it to the lowest parts of it.
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 62 at Night.
The Rain which fell last Night had made the ground so Wet that I could neither level or in any manner work it. I was obliged therefore to employ the labourers thereon in other Jobs.
Mr. Livingston (son of Peter Van brugh Livingston of New York) came to Dinner, & stayed all Night. And in the Evening Mr. Madison arrived.
Wind at No. Et. and thick weather all day; and fine Rain with intervals.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston (1710--1792), of New York, was the brother-in-law of William Alexander, Lord Stirling, and had been his partner in a mercantile business. In 1775 Livingston had been presiding officer of the New York provincial congress but resigned shortly afterwards because of ill health. Livingston's two sons were Philip Peter Livingston (b. 1740) and Peter Van Brugh Livingston (b. 1753).
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. all day, and raining more or less--sometimes hard.
Mr. Livingston, notwithstanding the Rain, returned to Alexandria after dinner. A Suspension of all out doors work.
Friday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Lowering most of the day, but no wind.
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Mr. Madison went away after Breakfast. My Chariot which went up for, brought down Miss Sally Ramsay & Miss Kitty Washington, to be Bridesmaids tomorrow at the wedding of Miss Bassett.
Mr. George Washington, & Mr. Burwell Bassett went to the Clerks Office & thence to Colo. Masons for a license, & returned to Dinner; having accomplished their business.
The ground being too wet, I employed the labourers who had been levelling the Lawn, in cleaning & weeding the Shrubberies.
FOR A LICENSE: In order to obtain a marriage license for the wedding of his underage daughter, Fanny, to George Augustine Washington, Col. Burwell Bassett had to give his consent personally before the clerk of the court or in writing with two witnesses. His eldest son, Burwell, was probably taking this written permission with him to Alexandria at this time. The clerk then issued the license, certified that bond was given, and certified "the consent of the father, or guardian, and the manner thereof, to the first justice sworn in commission of the peace, or in his absence to the next justice sworn in that county, who is hereby authorised and required to sign and direct the same" (HENING, 6:81--85). George Mason, who was a Fairfax justice by 1749 (SPROUSE [1], 16), was probably the oldest justice in point of service, and had therefore to sign the license.
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
A Heavy lowering morning with the wind at South. Clear afternoon and fine Evening.
The Reverend Mr. Grayson, and Doctr. Griffith; Lund Washington, his wife, & Miss Stuart came to Dinner--All of whom remained the Evening except L. W.
After the Candles were lighted George Auge. Washington and Frances Bassett were married by Mr. Grayson.
The ground continuing too wet to level, the labourers worked in the Shrubberies.
Put two thousand of the Common Chestnuts into a box with dry Sand--a layer of each & two hundred of the Spanish Chesnut in like manner to plant out in the Spring. These were put into Sand in a day or two after they were taken from the Trees.
Spence Grayson (1734--1798) was a son of Benjamin Grayson of Prince William County and a brother of William Grayson. He lived at Belle Air, two miles from Occoquan River, and had been for a number of years minister of Cameron Parish, Loudoun County. At this time Grayson was serving as minister of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, which included two churches, one near Dumfries and the other near Broad Run and Slater Run. During the Revolution, Spence Grayson served as chaplain of Grayson's Additional Continental Regiment, commanded by his brother William.
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David Griffith was probably at Mount Vernon to deliver to GW some Cape of Good Hope wheat, which Samuel Powel of Philadelphia had sent (GW to Powel, 2 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW).
Miss Stuart is probably David Stuart's sister Nancy.
Although he was still concerned about George Augustine's health (see 14 May 1785), GW wrote Fanny's father on 23 May 1785, "It has ever been a maxim with me thro' life, neither to promote, nor to prevent a matrimonial connexion, unless there should be something indispensably requiring interference in the latter . . . & therefore, neither directly nor indirectly have I ever said a syllable to Fanny or George upon the subject of their intended connexion; but as their attachment to each other seems to have been early formed, warm & lasting, it bids fair to be happy: if therefore you have no objection, I think the sooner it is consummated the better." He added that he and Mrs. Washington wished the young couple to live at Mount Vernon (GW to Burwell Bassett, DLC:GW).
Sunday 16th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Morning thick and lowering, with appearances of rain, which vanished about Noon; after which it was clear and very pleasant--wind continuing at South.
Mr. Grayson went away very early in the Morning, & Mr. Griffith, Mrs. Lund Washington and Miss Stuart after Dinner.
Monday 17th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Foggy & lowering morning, with but little wind. Clear afterwards, and Wind at No. West & cool.
Set out to meet the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at George Town. Where, having all assembled, we proceeded towards the Great Falls, and dispersing for the convenience of obtaining Quarters, Govr. Johnson and I went to Mr. Bryan Fairfax--Govr. Lee, Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr. Potts the Secretary, Mr. Rumsay the Manager, & Mr. Stuart the Assistant, went to a Mr. Wheelers near the G. Falls. Colo. Gilpin--I should have said before--had proceeded on to prepare the way for levelling &ca. at that place, in the morning.
Mr. Wheeler's may have been the home of Samuel Wheeler, who in 1791 was living between Difficult Bridge and Old Courthouse Run in Fairfax County (SPROUSE [2], 35).
Tuesday 18th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
After an early breakfast at Mr. Fairfax's, Govt. Johnson & I set out for the Falls (accompanied by Mr. Fairfax) where we met
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the other Directors and Colo. Gilpin in the operation of levelling the ground for the proposed cut or Canal from the place where it is proposed to take the Water out, to the other where it will be let into the river again. In the highest of which, and for near 70 rod, it is between five & Seven feet higher than the Surface of the water at the head. After which it descends, & for at least 300 yards at the lower end, rapidly. This Cut, upon the whole, does not appear to be attended with more difficulty than was apprehended, for tho' the ground is higher than was expected--it appears from some experiments of sticking a spiked stake down in those parts, that there is two or 3 feet of soft earth at Top, & the lower end of the Canal well calculated to receive locks to advantage; as also to dam the water, to throw it back into the Canal, & thereby reduce the digging--wch. may also be done at the head by loose Stones being thrown into the River to a Rocky Island. The length of the Cut, from the work of to day, is found to be about 2400 yards--a little more or less--upon exact measurement.
Took a view of the River from the Spout, or Cateract to the proposed entrance of the Canal below, to see if I could discover (as some supposed there was) the advantage of a Canal on the Maryland side in preference to one on this, but saw no likely appearances of it. About 400 yds. below the Cateract, there is a Cove into which emptys a small part of the river, thro deep & steep rocks on both sides which is a good defence to it, and some little distance below this again, is another Cove, but how a Canal was to be brought thither, I could not (having the river between) discover. However, at, & below both, is rapid water--one little, if any, inferior to the Spout at Shanondoah.
Having taken a rough level of the proposed cut, formed general ideas for the Canal--determined to go on with it this winter, as soon as our operations on the water, on acct. of the Season must cease--& come to some resolutions respecting the hireg. of Negros, we broke up, after dark & I returned to Mr. Fairfax's.
The lock canal around the Great Falls became the major project of the Potomac Company. Completed in 1802 with five locks, it was the most ambitious civil engineering project in America in the eighteenth century (see BROWN [2]).
Wednesday 19th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind which had been at No. Wt. yesterday, & clear, had now shifted to the So. Et. and lowered till Night, when it began to
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A crayon drawing of Washington's nephew, William Augustine Washington, by Saint-Mémin. (Mrs. Richard Washington)
rain; which it did more or less through the Night, the wind blowing fresh.
Immediately after breakfast I set out for my return home--at which I arrived a little after Noon. And found my Brother Jno., his Wife; Daughter Milly, & Sons Bushrod & Corbin, & the wife of the first--Mr. Willm. Washington & his wife & 4 Children & Colo. Blackburn--to whom was added in the Evening Mr. Willm. Craik.
Mr. Houdon having finished the business which brot. him hither, went up on Monday with his People, work, and impliments in my Barge, to Alexandria, to take a Passage in the Stage for Philadelphia the next Morning.
Sowed (after making good the vacancies of the former) about a pint of the Cape of Good hope Wheat, sent me by Mr. Powell of Philadelphia, in 14 rows alongside of the other in the enclosure behind the Stables.
Also--sowed about a table Spoonful of the Buffaloe or Kentucke Clover sent me by Doctr. Stuart alongside of the Guinea grass at the foot of the above Wheat & continuance of the rows thereof.
THE WIFE OF THE FIRST: Bushrod Washington was married on 13 Oct. to Julia Ann (Nancy) Blackburn (1768--1829), daughter of Col. Thomas Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge.
GW's nephew, William Augustine Washington, and his wife, Jane, usually called Jenny, were now living at Blenheim in Westmoreland County. This
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house was only a short distance inland from Wakefield, their former residence, which had burned in 1780. Shortly after this visit, the Washingtons moved again, to Haywood, across Bridges Creek from Wakefield. Their four children living at this time were Hannah Bushrod Washington (C.1778--C.1801), Augustine Washington (C.1780--1797), Ann Aylett Washington (1783--1804), and Bushrod Washington, Jr. (1785--1830).
MR. POWELL Of PHILADELPHIA: Samuel Powel (1739--1793) held several political offices in Philadelphia and was for many years mayor of the city. He strongly supported the Revolution and had subscribed £5,000 for the support of the Continental Army. Powel was a member of the American Philosophical Society, a founder of the University of Pennsylvania, a manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and president of the newly founded Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture. Powel and his wife, Elizabeth Willing Powel, became intimate friends of the Washingtons during GW's presidential years.
BUFFALOE OR KENTUCKE CLOVER: Trifolium stoloniferum, a native perennial found in open woodlands and prairies from West Virginia to South Dakota.
Thursday 20th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morng. 66 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Wind fresh at South East and weather threatning, with Showers of rain (some pretty heavy) through the day.
George Washington & his wife, Bushrod Washington, his wife Sister & Brother, the two Mr. Bassetts, Mr. Craik and Mr. Shaw, notwithstanding the weather set out for the races at Alexandria, and were disappointed of seeing them, as they were put off. They did not return.
Friday 21st. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 53 at Night.
Flying Clouds and cold, with appearances of Snow; wind being at No. West.
My Brother, Mr. Willm. Washington and his wife went up with me to this days races at Alexandria. We dined at Colo. Ramsays & returned in the Evening with the Company who went from here the day before, Except Mr. Wm. Washington, the two Mr. Bassetts and Mr. Shaw.
There were two races in Alexandria on this day. In the morning, the Alexandria Jockey Club Purse of 100 guineas was won by Capt. Edward Snickers's horse Careless. The afternoon race, for a purse of 50 guineas, also sponsored by the Jockey Club, was won by "Mr. Hammersley's bay Colt Spry" ( Va. Journal, 27 Oct. 1785).
Saturday 22d. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 52 at Night.
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Wind at No. West and fresh; & Cold with appearances of unsettled weather.
Went up again to day, with my Brother, and the rest of the Gentlemen to the Race, & dined at Mr. Herberts. All returned, except Mr. Jno. Bassett, who got hurt on the race field, and Mr. Shaw. Mr. Willm. Scott came here in the Evening, from Alexandria.
The race today, for the Alexandria Town Purse of 50 guineas, was won by Gen. Alexander Spotswood's horse Cumberland ( Va. Journal, 27 Oct. 1785).
Sunday 23d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 59 at Night.
Fine & pleasant all day, with the Wind at South. No frost as was expected.
My Brother, his wife Daughter and Son; Mr. Willm. Washington his wife & 4 Children; Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife; and Mr. Scott all went away after Breakfast. Mr. Jno. Bassett & Mr. Shaw came home in the forenoon and Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Genl. Spotswood, Mr. McCarty of Pope Creek, and a Colo. Middleton of South Carolina came here to dinner, & went away afterwards.
Perceived the Orchard Grass Seeds which I sowed on the 8th. Instt. in the same Inclosure of the Turneps, to be coming up thick & well.
William Fitzhugh (1741--1809), of Chatham in Stafford County, was the son of Lucy Carter and Henry Fitzhugh (1906--1742) of Eagle's Nest. He had been a member of the House of Burgesses 1772--75, the Virginia conventions of 1775 and 1776, and the Continental Congress 1779--80. He served in the House of Delegates 1776--77, 1780--81, and 1787--88 and in the Senate 1781--85. Fitzhugh was one of the foremost enthusiasts in Virginia of breeding and racing horses.
MR. MCCARTY OF POPE CREEK: The second son of Speaker Daniel McCarty, named Daniel McCarty (d. 1744), remained at the original family home, Longwood, at Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County. He was a neighbor of the Augustine Washington family during their years at their Pope's Creek home, and Augustine and Daniel named each other as executors in their wills. This Daniel had one son, also named Daniel (d. 1795), of Pope's Creek, who appears here. A contemporary of GW's, he is often confused with his first cousin and GW's close neighbor, Colonel Daniel McCarty of Mount Air in Fairfax County.
Arthur Middleton (1742--1787), of Middleton Place near Charleston, had been in the South Carolina militia during the Revolution. He served in the South Carolina assembly, was a member of the council of safety, and in 1776 had been on the committee which prepared the South Carolina constitution. Middleton served in the Continental Congress for several terms.
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Monday 24th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--58 at Non and 58 at Night.
Variable, & squally with a little rain. Wind at South in the Morning, and Westwardly afterwards.
The two Mr. Bassetts (Burwell and John) left this after breakfast, to return home.
In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came in, and stayed all Night.
I rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole--found the Orchard grass Seeds which had been sowed at Dogue run come up very well--as the Timothy also had--and that my Corn fields, now that the Fodder was taken off, looked miseraby bad--the wheat on the other and very good.
Tuesday 25th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Forenoon clear and serene, and pleasant; but the Afternoon Windy & cold, with flying clouds. Wind about West.
Doctr. Craik went away before Breakfast--he intended to [go to] Alexa. but was to cal upon John Alton.
Rid to my Plantation in the Neck. Found my Corn & Wheat
The honey locust, from Catalogus Plantarum. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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there similar with those at the other plantations as described yesterday.
Finding the Seeds of the Honey locust had come nearly, or quite to a state of maturity although the thick part of the pod still retained its green colour I had them gathered, lest when ripe they should be gathered by others, to eat.
Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 56 Night.
"The Imported and very Docile ASS," from American Farmer, 16 March 1821. (Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University)
A large white frost this morning. Wind brisk and cold from the No. West all the day, after 9 O'clock.
Took the cover off my dry Well, to see if I could not fix it better for the purpose of an Ice House, by Arching the Top, and planking the sides.
Having received by the last Northern Mail advice of the arrival at Boston, of one of the Jack Asses presented to me by His Catholic Majesty, I sent my Overseer John Fairfax, to conduct him, and his Keeper, a Spaniard, home safe; addressing him to Lieutt. Governor Cushing, from whom I received the information.
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Sent to Morris (Overseer of my Dogue run Plantation) a Bushel of clover seed (reserving Six pounds) to sow as fast as he could get the ground which is intended for the reception of it, in order.
Yesterday I transplanted a Cornation Cherry tree, and Apricot tree, which were within the Lawn before the door into the North Garden--little expecting that either will live--the first being 33 Inches in circumference and the latter 21 inches and a good deal decayed.
Finished the Shingling on the West front of the House.
GW had decided not to build a new icehouse but to remodel the old one extensively along lines suggested in Robert Morris's letter of 15 June 1784 (DLC:GW). The rebuilt icehouse had an inner well within the first, which was lined with wood for better insulation. Over the well was an arch, covered with soil and sodded. There was a tunnel in the face of the hill through which the ice could be carried from the river (MVAR, 1939, 30--31).
ONE OF THE JACK ASSES: Knowing that Spain produced excellent jackasses, GW made some inquiries about how he might obtain one for breeding purposes. Upon learning of this, Charles III, king of Spain, sent word that two Spanish jacks were being shipped to him as a gift (Thomas Jefferson to GW, 10 Dec. 1784, DLC:GW). Early in October, GW was notified by Lt. Gov. Thomas Cushing, of Massachusetts, that one of the jacks had arrived at Beverly in the care of Pedro Tellez, and that another animal was expected soon (Cushing to GW, 7 Oct. 1785, GW to Francisco Rendon, 19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). GW dispatched John Fairfax to Boston with instructions to escort the Spaniard and the two jacks (26 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW). It later developed that the second jack had died at sea (GW to Tench Tilghman, 30 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). Setting out from Boston on 10 Nov., Fairfax and Tellez reached Mount Vernon on 5 Dec. (Cushing to GW, 16 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW; see entry for 5 Dec. 1785). It soon appeared that while the jack itself was a gift, GW was expected to pay all charges except Tellez's wages (GW to Cushing, 26 Oct. 1785, GW to William Hartshorne, 20 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW). The jack, to be named Royal Gift, seemed a disappointment at first. GW wrote Lafayette 10 May 1786 that although the animal was handsome, "his late royal master, 'tho past his grand climacteric, cannot be less moved by female allurements than he is" (DLC:GW). "I have my hopes that when he becomes a little better acquainted with republican enjoyments, he will amend his manners & fall into our custom of doing business; if the case should be otherwise, I shall have no disinclination to present his Catholic Majesty with as valuable a present as I received from him" (GW to William Fitzhugh, 15 May 1786, DLC:GW). Subsequent letters indicate that Royal Gift did amend his manners. GW wrote to Richard Sprigg:"It is, I believe, beyond a doubt that your Jenny is with foal by my Spaniard" (1 April 1787, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.).
Thursday 27th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 58 at Night.
A remarkably great white frost and the ground a little frozen.
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Wind Southerly all day, after it rose in the Morning, but not very fresh. Forenoon clear but the afternoon, especially towards the Suns setting, a little hazy & lowering.
Mr. Battaile Muse came here before dinner but would not stay to it. After finishing some business with me respecting my Tenants and my agreeing to allow him Six pr. Ct. for Collecting my Rents, he went up to Alexandria.
Purchased 1000 Bushels of Wheat of him, to be delivered as fast as he could have it brot. down, at my Mill--for which I am to give Six Shillings in March next or when he comes here in April.
Began to put up my Hogs at the different Plantations, to fatten for Porke.
Battaile Muse (1751--1803), son of Col. George Muse of Caroline County, had settled in Berkeley County. Muse, who in 1784 was the agent for George William Fairfax's Virginia properties, was hired by GW as the rental agent for his tenant lands in Frederick, Fauquier, Berkeley, and Loudoun counties.
Friday 28th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind Southerly; clear and pleasant all day.
Finished levelling and Sowing the lawn in front of the Ho[use] intended for a Bolling Green--as far as the Garden Houses.
Also began to sow clover seed at Dogue run plantation.
Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning 64 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant. About Noon it began to lower a little, and continued to do so all the Afternoon.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run--at the last of which finished Sowing the Clover Seed which I sent there the 26th.; With this I mixed 9 Bushels of the pounded Plaister of Paris; and Sowed the whole on about 4 1/4 acres of Ground (on the Side of the run along the old Mill race) as near as I could judge from stepping it.
Sunk the inner well in the Dry well now fitting up for an Ice house, about 8 feet untill I came to a pure sand.
Mrs. Stuart & Child Nancy, & Miss Allan, came here this Evening.
CHILD NANCY: Ann (Nancy) Calvert Stuart, born in Aug. 1784, was the eldest child of David and Eleanor Calvert Custis Stuart and the first of many half brothers and sisters to the four Custis children.
Sarah Allen lived at the Calvert home, Mount Airy. She seems to have
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been a close friend of Eleanor Stuart's and often helped her with the education of the Custis and Stuart children.
Sunday 30th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Thunder and lightning about day Break and Raining more or less all day, attended in the forenoon with very high Wind from the Westward.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria after Breakfast, & stayed all Night.
Monday 31st. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and 56 at Night.
A raw and moist air, with a westerly wind & lowering Sun.
Mr. Shaw returned to Breakfast, & Mrs. Stuart, Miss Allan &ca. went away after it.
A Captn. Fullerton came here to Dinner on business of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania; for whom I signed 250 Diplomas as President. Went away after.
Sent half a Bushel of Clean Timothy Seed to Morris--to sow at Doeg run Plantation.
Richard Fullerton (d. 1792) served throughout most of the Revolution, first as a volunteer and then as an officer in the 3d and 1st Pennsylvania regiments. He was breveted captain in 1783. As assistant secretary of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, he was at Mount Vernon to obtain GW's signature on a supply of blank diplomas for the state society.
Tuesday first. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night.
A White frost and damp kind of a Morning, with but little Wind. Rather hazy all day, & towards evening lowering.
Rid to my Plantations at Dogue run and Muddy hole--at the former preparing, & Sowing Ground with Timothy seed.
Mrs. Fendall, Mrs. Lee & Miss Flora Lee, daughters of the former with Doctr. Skinner, came here to Dinner. And stayed all Night.
A Mr. Sacket from Tygers Valley on the Monongahela, and another person came here before Dinner and shewed me some propositions they had to make to Congress for a large territory of Country West of the Ohio, which I discouraged them from
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offering, as I was sure they never would be acceded to by that body.
Mrs. Lee was Matilda Lee, the wife of Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee. Flora Lee, Matilda's sister, was the younger daughter of Elizabeth Steptoe Lee Fendall and her first husband, Philip Ludwell Lee. In 1788 Flora married her cousin Ludwell Lee (1760--1836).
Alexander Skinner (1743--1788) served as head of the military hospital at Suffolk in 1776. He later served as surgeon of the 1st Virginia Regiment and of Lee's Legion.
MR. SACKET: possibly Nathaniel Sackett of New York who had, during the Revolution, supplied GW with intelligence from behind the British lines. He laid before Congress on 22 Aug. 1785 a plan for making a "new state intended for the relief of all our distressed and neglected citizens." For this purpose, Sackett wanted a grant of western lands bounded by the Ohio, Scioto, and Muskingum rivers and Lake Erie. Congress did not act on the memorial, and so Sackett again presented the plan with 340 supporting signatures on 28 Dec. Nothing ever came of the scheme (Sackett to GW, 23 May 1789, DNA: PCC, Item 78; Sackett to GW, 7 April 1777, GW to Sackett, 8 April 1777, NNebgGW; BOND [2], 273; JCC, 29:650, n.3, 788, n.1, 909). GW's designation "from Tygers Valley" may have meant that Sackett had just come from a visit to Tygart Valley River.
Wednesday 2d. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A Very thick, damp Morning, g: heavy Fog until about 9 Oclock, when it began to Rain; & continued to do so until Noon, when it thinned, and looked as if it would be fair, but soon recommenced raining, which lasted until near night.
Perceived the Wheat from the Cape, which had been sent to me by Mr. Powell of Philada., & which I sowed on the 19th. of last Month had come up very well.
The Guinea Grass in my Botanical Garden was as much injured by the frosts which we have had, and the colour of the blade as much changed, as those of Indian Corn would have been from the same cause.
Could perceive none of the Guinea grass up which I sowed in the Inclosure behind the Stable (old Vineyard) --the 1st. day of Sepr.
Thursday 3d. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Morning clear, Calm, and very pleasant; but the wind springing up about 10 Oclock in the No. West, & blowing pretty fresh, it turned cool towards Evening.
Borrowed a Scow from Colo. Gilpin, with which to raise Mud
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from the Bed of the river or Creek, to try the efficacy of it as a Manure, and sent it to the river Plantation for that purpose. Went over there myself to mark off a piece of ground to spread it on, after it should get mellowed by the frosts of the Winter.
Mrs. Fendal, Mrs. & Miss Lee & Doctr. Skinner went away, breakfasting first.
Took up 11 Pines of a large size & planted them in the green brier hedge & circle at the extremity of the Lawn within the Gate.
Friday 4th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and 60 at Night.
Lowering, and the wind very brisk from the So. West in the Morning; but clear, calm, warm, and very pleasant afterwards.
A plan of one of John Fitch's early steamboats appeared in this December 1786 issue of Columbian Magazine, which Washington had in his library. (Boston Athenaeum)
Raised the heavy frame in my [Ice] House to day and planted 16 Pines in the avenues on my Serpentine Walks.
Rid to my Dogue run Plantation, where they were still preparing ground for, & sowing of, Timothy seed. Went from thence to Mr. Lund Washington's on a visit to Mr. Robt. Washington who was gone up to Alexandria. Returned home by the way of Muddy hole.
In the Evening a Mr. Jno. Fitch came in, to propose a draft & Model of a Machine for promoting Navigation, by means of a Steam.
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John Fitch (1743--1798), of Bucks County, Pa., had been experimenting with a steam--driven boat for the navigation of rivers. He applied to the Continental Congress for financial assistance in Aug. 1785 and to the American Philosophical Society in September, but without success. He was at this time on his way to Richmond to try, again unsuccessfully, to procure assistance from the state legislature. On his way south, Fitch had stopped at former governor Thomas Johnson's in Frederick Town, Md., where he first heard of James Rumsey's boat. Concerned about the possibility that Rumsey too was experimenting with steam power, Fitch had, at Johnson's suggestion, stopped to ask GW whether Rumsey was experimenting with steam. According to Fitch, GW evaded a direct answer and gave him no encouragement (WESTCOTT, 127--47).
Saturday 5th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng. 64 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Morning a little lowering with the wind pretty brisk from the Southward until about Noon when it became Calm & clear.
Went over the Creek to see how my people went on in raising mud from the bed of the Creek--their progress but slow.
Mr. Robert Washington of Chotanck--Mr. Lund Washington & Mr. Lawrence Washington dined here, as did Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Noah Webster. The 4 first went away afterwards--the last stayed all Night. In the afternoon a Mr. Lee came here to sollicit Charity for his Mother who represented herself as having nine Children--a bad husband and no support. He also stayed the Evening.
Noah Webster, in his effort to get the state to enact a copyright law, had come to request letters of introduction from GW to the governor of Virginia and to the speakers of both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Webster wrote GW, on 16 Dec. 1785, to inform him that the legislature had passed such an act. He also offered to come to Mount Vernon to act, without pay, as tutor for the Custis children, provided he would be given access to GW's papers (PHi: Gratz Collection). GW refused this offer, as he needed someone who could also act as secretary (GW to Webster, 18 Dec. 1785, NN: Washington Collection).
Sunday 6th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Clear, Calm, and remarkably pleasant all day. Sun set in a bank.
Mr. Webster and Mr. Lee went away after breakfast.
Mr. Geo. Washington & wife went to Church at Alexandria--as did Mr. Shaw. The two first returned to dinner. The other not 'till some time in the Night--after the family were in bed.
Although it was omitted in the occurrences of Yesterday, I tried 2 quarts of the pulverized plaister of Paris; one of them burned, the other unburnt; upon two sections of the Circle in front of
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the House--from the Dial Post to the Center post, opposite to the pavemt, leading to the Gate by the Quarter. The section nearest the House was sprinkled with the burned Plaister. These sections are only from one Post to another in the circle, and do not contain more than about 145 square ft. A quart therefore on each is at the rate of 8 Bushels to the Acre. This was the poorest part of the Circle.
Monday 7th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 69 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Clear, calm, and remarkably pleasant all day, but rather too warm for the Season.
Mrs. Peake and Miss Eagland dined here and returned in the Eveng.
Employed since I first began to supply the dead Trees in the Serpentine Walks which I compleated this day except with the lime (or Linden) and horse chesnut, neither of wch. I have or could easily get at. The numbers replanted are as follow--of Pine 19--of Elm 2--of Poplar 18--of the black Gum 17--of the Aspan 2 --of the Mulberry 5--Ash 2--and of the Maple none.
MISS EAGLAND: probably Mrs. Peake's niece, Frances Edelen. GW constantly misspelled her name, calling her Eaglin, Eldredge, England, and Evelin.
Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night.
A very heavy fog (with little or no wind) until near Noon--when it dispelled; became clear, warm & pleasant.
Rid to Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations--the first preparing Ground, & sowing Timothy Seed.
Began to replace the dead trees in my shrubberies.
Doctr. Craik first, and a Captn. Lewis Littlepage afterwards, came here to Dinner; the first went away after it--the other stayed all Night. This Captn. Littlepage has been Aid de Camp to the Duke de Crillon--was at the Sieges of Fort St. Phillip (on the Island of Minorca) and Gibralter; and is an extraordinary character.
In the Evening Doctr. Griffith came, & stayed all Night.
Lewis Littlepage (1762--1802), of Hanover County, served briefly in John Jay's legation in Spain in 1780 and as a volunteer with the Spanish army in the sieges of Port Mahón (Fort St. Philip) 1781--82 and Gibraltar 1782--83. He had received an invitation from the king of Poland to accept a position at his court, and had been given a year's leave of absence to arrange his affairs in America. In Richmond, Littlepage received from Coy. Patrick
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Henry a letter of introduction to GW and also a draft for £300 on the state of Virginia, to be conveyed to the sculptor Houdon as a partial payment for his statue of GW. Littlepage stopped at Mount Vernon on his way to New York. After he arrived in New York a long--standing feud with John Jay almost sent him to jail, and he used the money belonging to the state of Virginia to extricate himself from his difficulties. This done, he sailed for France and by 1786 was serving as chamberlain and envoy in the service of Stanislas II Augustus, king of Poland.
Louis de Berton des Balbes de Quiers, duc de Crillon--Mahón (1717--1796), was a Frenchman in the service of Spain. In 1782 he had captured Fort St. Philip, the fortification for Port Mahón on Minorca, and then commanded an unsuccessful Franco--Spanish siege of Gibraltar.
Wednesday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night.
A red, & watery Sun in the Morning, which about Noon was obscured, slow rain afterwds. Wind Southerly all day; and at Night appeared to be getting to the Westward.
Mr. Griffith went away after Breakfast and Captn. Littlepage after Dinner.
Having put in the heavy frame into my Ice House I began this day to Seal it with Boards, and to ram straw between these boards and the wall. All imaginable pains was taken to prevent the Straw from getting wet, or even damp, but the Moisture in the air is very unfavourable.
Thursday 10th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
There having fallen so much rain in the Night as to convince me that the Straw which I had placed between the ceiling & the Wall of my Ice House, must have got wet, and being in some doubt before of the propriety of the measure, lest it should get damp, heat, & rot; I had it all taken out, leaving the Space between unfilled with any thing.
Went up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. Dined at Mr. Fendalls (who was from home) and returned in the Evening with Mrs. Washington. Mr. George Washington & his wife who accompanied us remaining to a Ball.
Planted 8 of the Hemlock Pine which were brought from Neabsco in my Shrubberies--More still wanting to make up the deficiencies.
Friday 11th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and 55 at Night.
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Wind at No. Et. and fresh all day. Very cloudy and sometimes dripping. At Night it began to fall a little more seriously, but in no great qty.
Sent my Carriage up for & brought George Washington & his wife down after dinner.
Saturday 12. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind a little west of the No. and pretty fresh all the forenoon; and cloudy. Afternoon clear, still, & very pleasant.
Received 215 Apple trees (red striek) from Major Jenifer; wh[ic]h I sent to the river plantation in the Neck, to be planted. At the same time, and from the same place, received two New Town & 2 Golden Pippin trees--Two of the Bury, & two St. Germain Pear Trees and 2 duke Cherry Trees.
Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue run and Muddy hole; at the second of which they were yet preparing ground, sowing grass-seeds--at the last gathering Corn.
Covered my exotic plants in that section of my Botanical Garden between the Salt House & the House next the Circle; & began to cover the Guinea grass, which two days before I had cut of near the Crown--but did not finish it.
Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning--65 at Noon--65 at Night.
Clear all day. Morning calm & very pleasant; but Windy afterwards from the No. West.
Mr. Saml. Hanson and his wife, Mr. Thos. Hanson and their two sisters, & Mrs. Dulany wife to Waltr. Dulany, lately from England came to Dinner, & stayed all Night.
Samuel Hanson of Samuel was married to Mary Key (Kay) Hanson, of New Jersey, and was a merchant in Alexandria at this time. GW's ledger entries between 1784 and 1786 include several business transactions with the "Messrs. Hansons" (LEDGER B, 180, 207). Maj. Walter Dulany, Jr., brother-in-law of Thomas Hawkins Hanson, served in the Maryland Loyalist Regiment during the Revolution. In 1785 he returned to Maryland from England with his new wife, Elizabeth Brice Dulany, widow of his uncle, Lloyd Dulany.
Monday 14th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Calm, clear, & pleasant Morning. Wind pretty brisk afterwards from the No. Wt., but fine notwithstanding.
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The Company who came to dinr. yesterday, & lodged here last Night went away after breakfast--upon which I went to my Neck Plantation in the Neck with intention to take a descriptive list of my Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Working Tools &ca., but the forenoon being far spent I could only do it of the Horses & Tools.
Began to Plant the Apple Trees which were brought from Major Jenifers on Saturday.
Finished covering the Guinea grass in my Botanical Garden except 6 rows of it which I left uncovered--and uncut--to try the effect of the Winters frosts & snows upon it.
In the Evening Mr. Willm. Craik returned from his trip over the Alligane Mountains having effected no business for his father or me, being disappointed of seeing those with whom he had it to transact.
NO BUSINESS FOR HIS FATHER OR ME: GW had given young Craik a letter to be delivered to Maj. Thomas Freeman of Red Stone, now Brownsville, Pa., detailing what Freeman was to do regarding the lands in Pennsylvania under lease to Gilbert Simpson (16 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW). Simpson was dissatisfied with his lease and had been threatening to leave the tenement (see entries for 15 and 17 Sept. 1784).
Tuesday 15. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 60 at Noon [night].
Wind Southerly and pretty fresh. Weather somewhat hazy and Smoaky.
Went to my Neck Plantation and compleated the Acct. of my Stock there--except that of the Hogs--which stand thus.
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Plates depicting a ram and a bull, from La Nouvelle Maison rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Various types of garden implements, from "Agriculture" in Diderot's Encyclopédie, Paris 1780. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Wednesday 16th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 66 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A large circle round the Moon last night--a red & angry looking sky at the Suns rising and a brisk Southerly Wind all day with rain in the Evening and Night.
Finished the Arch over my Ice House to day.
Went early in the Morning to take an acct. of My Stocks &ca. at Dogue run & Muddy hole Planns.
N.B. The Tools not being got up no Acct. was taken of them at this time.
Sheep
Tools & Implements
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The Hogs at all the Plantations running in the Woods after the Mast, no Acct. could be taken of them.
Richard Henry Lee, lately President of Congress; his Son Ludwell, Colo. Fitzgerald, and a Mr. Hunter (Mercht.) of London came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.
The Stock at the Ferry not being got up, Postponed taking the Acct. of them until they shod. be got together.
Richard Henry Lee's son Ludwell Lee lived at Shuter's (Shooter's) Hill near Alexandria.
Mr. Hunter was a son of Robert Hunter, a Scottish merchant living in London and trading primarily with Canada. Hunter's son Robert Jr., or John, as he is identified in some sources ( Pa. Mag., 17:76--82), was only 20 years old when his father sent him to America in 1785, at a time when representatives of British mercantile houses were swarming into the country to collect pre-Revolutionary debts. In Montreal young Hunter met Joseph Hadfield, who was also collecting debts for his family's firm, and the two joined forces for part of their journey through the states (see 31 Jan. 1785). Hadfield, who had visited Mount Vernon in January, remained in Baltimore while Hunter went to Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Among the subjects discussed during Hunter's visit was navigation of the Potomac River. GW "gave success to the navigation of the Potomac for his toast, which he has very much [at] heart. . . . He is quite pleased at the idea of the Baltimore merchants laughing at him and saying it was a ridiculous plan and would never succeed. They begin now, says the General, to look a little serious about the matter, as they know it must hurt their commerce amazingly" (WRIGHT, 193).
Thursday 17th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Colo. Lee & all the Company went away after Breakfast.
Mr. Shaw went up to the Assembly in the Afternoon at Alexand.
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Morning a little foggy & thick but clear afterwards with the Wind at No. West and cool.
ASSEMBLY . . . AT ALEXAND.: "The Gentlemen of Alexandria, who are desirous to become Subscribers to the Assemblies for the approaching Season, are requested to meet at the Coffee-House this Evening at 6 o'Clock, to form Regulations for the same. It is intended that the Assemblies commence on Thursday the 17th Instant, at Mr. Wises's new Room" ( Va. Journal, 10 Nov. 1785). John Wise's Fountain Tavern, where the assemblies were held, was located on Royal Street ( Va. Journal, 16 June 1785 and 17 Aug. 1786).
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Morning clear & serene--a white Frost and ground froze--Ice an eighth of an Inch thick. Wind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh untill the afternoon when it was almost calm.
Began to take up a number of small Pines to replace the dead ones in my wilderness. Got them with much dirt about the Roots.
Took an Account of the Horses, Cattle & Sheep at Home.
Note. One of the Cows that came from the River Plantn. (making the above, 9) got mired this Fall and died, and of the above, the 4 Cows from Camp--two from the Ferry--three from Dogue run--and one from the Neck are ordered to be detained here--and all the rest to be sent to their respective places.
Began to take up my summer Turnips at the House. Got abt. half up to day.
Sent to Mr. Digges for Papaw Bushes to replace the dead ones in my Shrubberies. Coming late I had not time to plant them but put the Roots in the ground until tomorrow.
Planted the two duke Cherries--sent me by Major Jenifer in the two gardens--one under each Wall, abt. 30 feet from the Garden Houses--and planted the Bury & 2 St. Germain Pairs also sent me by him in the No. Garden--new part thereof--one of each kind on the circular Walk and the other two on the Strait walk.
Put the Box with the Magnolia, & other exotics from So. Carolina and that with the Kentucke Coffee tree under a bush cover in the open part of the Green Ho[use] and began to cover the Palmetto Royal at the Front gate with Brush with the leaf on--but got a small part only South of the gate & South part thereof done before night.
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Magnolia, or Magnolio, was an Arabian horse which GW had bought for £500 from the estate of John Parke Custis (LEDGER B, 224). He was a five-year-old, "a chesnut colour, near sixteen hands high, finely formed, and thought by all who have seen him to be perfect. He was got by the Ranger Arabian, his dam by Othello son of Crab, her dam by Morton's Traveller, and her dam was Selima by the Godolphin Arabian" ( Va. Journal, 24 Mar. 1785).
Nelson and Blueskin, two horses that had carried GW during the Revolution, were now in honorable retirement at Mount Vernon. Nelson was, according to George Washington Parke Custis, the chestnut which GW rode at Yorktown. He was named for Gov. Thomas Nelson, Jr., of Virginia, and was probably the horse which Governor Nelson sent GW as a gift in 1778 after hearing of GW's difficulties in finding a suitable animal to replace one he had been riding (CUSTIS, 166; Nelson to GW, 11 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW). Blueskin seems to have been sold or given to GW by Benjamin Dulany or his wife, and GW wrote late in 1785 to Elizabeth French Dulany, presenting the horse to her: "Marks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr. Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her [Mrs. Dulany] to the meagre appearance he now makes" (GW to Elizabeth French Dulany, c.23 Nov. 1785, MdHi).
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind at No. West and cold all day, with Clouds which threatned Snow in the evening. Ground very hard frozen.
Finished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a Cellar.
Also finished covering the Palmetto royal at the front gate, except a small piece on the south side, nearest the gate, for which brush could not be got in time.
My Ice House Walls except the Pediment over the outer door and the inner Walls of the arch were compleated this day likewise.
Doctr. Craik whom I had sent for to visit York George (in the Neck) who is much afflicted with the gravel came here about Sundown and stayed all Night.
Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night.
Clear and calm all day, but the Air keen notwithstanding.
George Washington & wife & Mr. Shaw went to Lund Washingtons to Dinner & returned in the afternoon.
Colo. Harrison (Judge) came here to Dinner and Doctr. Craik (who went away early this Morning) at Night.
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My Nephew Lawe. Washington came here with a letter today from Mr. Bayley respecting their Board &ca.
William Bailey, a Georgetown merchant, boarded GW's nephews George Steptoe and Lawrence Augustine Washington during part of their stay at the Georgetown academy, furnishing them with supplies from his store (GW to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 26 June 1785, Benjamin Stoddert to GW, 21 June 1785, DLC:GW).
Monday 21st. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Lowering morning, with the wind at No. Et. About half after ten A.M. it began to Snow & continued to do so (of a Wet kind) until Night, when it ceased tho' the ground was not covered more than an Inch thick.
Colo. Harrison & Doctr. Craik left this after Breakfast, and I went up to Alexandria with G. Washington to meet the Directors of the Potomack Coma. and to a Turtle feast (the Turtle given by myself to the Gentlemen of Alexa.).
Returned in the Evening and found the Count Doradour recommended by, & related to the Marqs. de la Fayette here, as also the Revd. Mr. Magowan.
The directors of the Potomac Company met to approve some accounts receivable (PICKELL, 82).
The comte de Doradour, a Frenchman from Auvergne, was "going to look for a settlement in America. His fortune Has Been partly deranged By a law suit, and what Remains of it He intends to fix in some of the United States" (Lafayette to GW, 11 May 1785, PEL). Doradour carried letters of introduction to numerous Virginians from Thomas Jefferson, at this time United States minister to France, and eventually purchased a large tract of land west of the mountains (Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 19 Dec. 1786, DLC: Jefferson Papers).
Tuesday 22d. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Clear and cold Wind at No. West all day. The Snow, except on the No. side of Hills & Houses had dissolvd.
The Count Doradour and Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast.
The Reverd. Mr. Keith of Alexandria and a Mr. Bowie of Philadelphia came to Dinner and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.
Gave my People their Cloathing pr. list taken.
Removing Earth to day, as yesterday, to cover my Ice Ho[use].
Isaac Stockton Keith (d. 1813) became minister of the Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria in 1780 and was one of the first trustees of the Alexandria
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academy. He left to go to Charleston, S.C., in 1788. Keith was probably the Isaac Keith, a Pennsylvanian, who received a degree from Princeton in 1778 (MCGROARTY, 17--18; POWELL, 101; HENING, 12:393).
John Bowie asked permission in 1784 to write a biography of GW. Although GW initially agreed to the proposal, he had second thoughts and put so many restrictions on Bowie that it is doubtful that the book was ever completed. GW's foremost worry seems to have been that he would be thought vain for allowing his biography to be written during his lifetime, and he insisted the book not be published until after his death (see GW to James Craik, 25 Mar. 1784, GW to John Witherspoon, 8 Mar. 1785, DLC: GW).
Wednesday 23d. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear, warm, and pleasant, with the Wind at South.
Finished all the Brick work of my Ice House today.
Miss Kitty Washington, Genl. Lincoln, Colonels Hooe & Lyles, Mr. Porter, Captn. Goodwin, Doctr. Swift, Mr. Potts, Mr. Dalby, Mr. Monshur Mr. Williams, Mr. Philips & a Mr. Cramer or Cranmur came here to Dinner and all of them returned in the evening except Kitty Washington.
Sent Mr. Shaw through Alexandria, to agree for the Schooling & Board of my Nephews George & Lawrence Washington now at the Academy at George Town & thence to the latter place to conduct them to the former for the purpose of going to School at the Alexandria Academy.
William Lyles, a merchant from Charles County, Md., who had moved to Alexandria c.1782, had a distillery and a dry goods store there and rented the house formerly owned by George W. Fairfax on Prince Street ( Va. Journal, 10 June 1784, 30 Nov. 1786; MOORE [1], 87--92).
Capt. Nash Goodwin of the ship Mary was a cousin of Thomas Porter and nephew of Josiah Watson. His ship was due to leave for Le Havre, France, on 10 Dec. ( Va. Journal, 1 Dec. 1785; WRIGHT, 190).
Dr. Foster Swift, of Massachusetts, settled in Alexandria to practice medicine ( Va. Journal, 7 July 1785). He later moved to New London, Conn., and eventually became resident physician on Governor's Island in New York harbor (BROCKETT, 128). Swift was the brother of the Alexandria merchant Jonathan Swift and a friend of Benjamin Lincoln, who introduced him to GW on this day (BUCHANAN [2], 92, 96).
Mr. Williams is probably Thomas Williams, an Englishman and a partner in the Alexandria firm of Williams, Cary & Williams, which sold European and East Indian goods. In 1784 the business moved from Capt. John Harper's wharf to Fairfax Street, next to Robert Lyle's store (WRIGHT, 191; SPROUSE [2], 19; Va. Journal, 3 June and 4 Nov. 1784).
The Alexandria academy was formed in 1785 through the efforts of Dr. William Brown and other Alexandria residents. In November, GW became a trustee of the academy.
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Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Clear, Warm & pleasant, wind being still southerly.
Immediately after Breakfast, rid to my Plantation at the Ferry and took the following Acct. of my Stock--viz.
From the Ferry, I went to the Plantation at Dogue run and took the following Account of the Tools there--being omitted when I was there last.
Recapitulation of all my Stocks of Horses, Cattle & Sheep.
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Note, In the above Acct., are included 2 English Mares and their Colts--the one a Horse, and the other a Mare which by being at a Meadow had not been included in any of the foregoing lists.
Of the above Mares 16 may go to Magnolio and 33 to the Jack Ass if he should arrive safe, and both of them be in order at the proper Season for covering.
Friday 25th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Westerly & cooler than it had been the two days preceeding. About Noon a black Cloud arose to the Westward out of which came a mixture of Snow and Rain--this disappearing the Sun shone but the day upon the whole was variable & unpleast.
Set out after breakfast, accompanied by Mr. G. Washington, to
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make Mr. Mason at Colchester a Visit, but hearing on the road that he had removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall where we dined and returned in the Evening & found Colo. Henry Lee & his Lady here.
Mr. Shaw returned, having removed George & Lawe. Washington to the Alexandria Academy & fixed them at the Widow Dades.
Mrs. Dade was probably Parthenia Alexander Massey Dade, widow of Townshend Dade (d.1781), and the aunt of GW's neighbor, Robert Alexander. GW's two nephews boarded at Mrs. Dade's house in Alexandria until Jan. 1787, when they were moved to the home of Samuel Hanson of Samuel (LEDGER B, 206, 229). Hanson had difficulties with the boys and eventually they were removed to the care of GW's old friend, Dr. Craik (LEDGER B, 301; GW to Hanson, 5 May 1788, GW to George Steptoe Washington, 23 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).
Saturday 26th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--51 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Wind Westerly and rather Cool in the Morning but less of it & warmer afterwards. Day variable--Clouds & sunshine.
Colo. Lee & his Lady went away after breakfast--crossing to Maryland on their Way home.
Sunday 27th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 52 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Very little wind all day but smoaky with some Clouds and rather chilly.
General Lincoln and Colo. Henley Dined here & returned in the Afternoon.
Monday 28th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--50 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Thick Smoak and Clouds in the morning & great appearances of Snow until one Oclock, when the Sun came out and was More pleasant but cold notwithstanding.
Went with G. Washington to dine with Colo. Lyles in Alexandria. Returned in the evening.
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night.
A large hoar frost followed by Southerly Wind and some Clouds--but upon the whole tolerably clear & pleasant.
Sent my Boat to Alexandria for a Hhd. of Common Rum and some Articles brought from Boston for me by General Lincoln. Majr. G. Washington went up to receive them.
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George Mason of Lexington, eldest son of George Mason of Gunston Hall. (Board of Regents of Gunston Hall)
Went out after Breakfast with my hounds from France, & two which were lent me, yesterday, by young Mr. Mason. Found a Fox which was run tolerably well by two of the Frh. Bitches & one of Mason's Dogs. The other French Dogs shewed but little disposition to follow and with the second Dog of Mason's got upon another Fox which was followed slow and indifferently by some & not at all by the rest until the sent became so cold that it cd. not be followed at all.
ARTICLES BROUGHT FROM BOSTON: Among the items received on this day were eight boxes of "Spermacita Candles" and "68 lbs. New England Cheese" (LEDGER B, 205). YOUNG MR. MASON: GW probably means George Mason, Jr., oldest son of George Mason of Gunston Hall. He and his new wife, Elizabeth Mary Ann Barnes Hooe Mason, lived at Lexington, a plantation on Dogues Neck given him by his father (COPELAND, 238).
Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Morning very thick with Clouds & Smoak. About 9 Oclock it began to snow very moderately, which neither continued long--nor lay on the ground. At one the Sun came out, and the afternoon became clear & pleasant, the Wind, though not much of it, being Southerly all day.
On the Wheat which was given to me by Colo. Spaight from the Cape of Good hope, and which having been sowed forward
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had become very forward--full half leg high--and jointed, I determined to try an experiment and accordingly on three Rows next the fencing on the East side the Inclosure I cut it within 4 Inches of the ground just above the Crown of the plant from whence the Shutes had issued. The remainder I suffered to remain in its exuberent state to try the difference.
Thursday 1st. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 52 at Night.
White frost, and clear morning--very little wind all day, and that Southerly.
Took the Hounds out before Sun rise and about 8 Oclock, after being upon several drags, or the same drag several times, put up a Fox which the Dogs run very indifferently--being very much dispersed and often at Cold Hunting until about 12 or between that and one when the Scent had got so cold that they could follow it no longer. 3 or 4 of the French Hds. discovered no greater disposition for Hunting today than they did on tuesday last.
Miss Kitty Washington went from this After Breakfast, to Alexandria and Mr. Shaw who with G. Washington went out a Hunting with me meeting her in the Road accompanied her to that place.
In order to try the difference between burning Spermaciti and Tallow Candles--I took one of each--
Friday 2d. Thermometer at [ ] in the morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Colo. & Mrs. Macarty came here to Dinner--as did Colonels Fitzgerald and Gilpin and Mr. Chas. Lee & Doctr. Baker.
Wind Southerly all day--clear & pleasant.
Dr. Baker is probably Dr. William Baker of Alexandria.
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Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 61 at Night.
The day very pleasant until the afternoon, when it began to lower. The Wind in the morning was Westerly, & in the Evening Easterly but not much of it.
Employed all day at my writing Table on business of the Potomack Company. Brot. 2 Hounds fm. Colo. McCarty.
George Washington & wife went up to Abingdon after Breakfast.
Doctr. Brown dined here and went away afterwards.
Finished covering my Ice House with dirt, & sodding of it.
Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 53 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 59 at Night.
A thick fog, or rather mist in the morning, without any Wind until about 10 Oclock when it turned to a slow rain--which ceased about Noon and assumed the appearance of fair Weather --but about 4 Oclk. it began to drip again.
Last Night Jno. Alton, an Overseer of mine in the Neck--an old & faithful Servant who had lived with me 30 odd years died of an imposthume in his thigh after lingering for more than 4 Months with it, and being reduced to a mere skeleton--and this evening the wife of Thos. Bishop, another old Servant who had lived with me an equal number of years also died.
Thomas Bishop's wife, Susanna, had served as midwife for slaves and servants on the Mount Vernon plantations.
Monday 5th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--58 at Noon & 58 at Night.
Lowering all day--with very little wind and that Northerly.
It being a good scenting morning I went out with the Hounds (carrying the two had from Colo. McCarty). Run at different two foxes but caught neither. My French Hounds performed better to day; and have afforded hopes of their performing well, when they come to be a little more used to Hunting, and understand more fully the kind of game they are intended to run.
When I returned home, wch. was not until past three Oclock found a Doctr. Baynham here--recommended to me by Colo. Fairfax of England.
George Washington and his Wife returned in the Evening from Abingdon.
My Overseer Fairfax also returned this Evening with Jack Ass, and his Keeper, a Spaniard from Boston.
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William Baynham (1749--1814), from Caroline County, Va., was introduced by George W. Fairfax as "a young Gent. of a most worthy character, held in the highest Esteem by all that know him, in Scotland, where he lived many years, prosecuting his Studies in Surgery, also in London, where I understand he was in considerable practice sometime past" (Fairfax to GW, 23 June 1785, DLC:GW). Baynham was returning to his native country after 16 years abroad. He settled in Essex County, where he practiced surgery and medicine, enjoying a national reputation as one of the ablest surgeons in the United States.
Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 52 in the morng. 57 at Noon and 59 at Night.
Morning clear & very pleasant with but little wind. Before Noon it sprang up from the Westward and afterwards became cloudy but the Sun set clear.
Finished getting in the Woods the Posts & railing for the fencing of my paddock.
Made another experiment of the difference in expence between burning Spirmaciti & Tallow Candles which stand thus:
A Tallow Candle weighing 3 oz. 11 py. Wt. burned 5 Hrs. 48 M.
A Spirma Citi Do. weighing 3 oz. 9 P.W. 18 grms. burned 7 Hrs. & 28 M.
Which is an hour and 40 mints. longer than the Tallow Candle & of which when the latter was burnd out there remained 14 penny Wt. 6 grs. Hence, reckoning as in the former instance Tallow at 1/. pr. lb. & Spirma Citi at 3/. pr. lb. the latter is dearer than the former as 31½ is to ten & an half or [ ]
Wednesday 7th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning & 59 at Noon--but removing it afterwards out of the room where the fire was, into the East Entry leading in to my Study, this circumstance with the encrease of the cold fell the Mercury to 42.
Morning clear calm & pleast.; but the wind coming out violently from the No. West about half after eight Oclock, it turned cold & uncomfortable.
Doctr. Baynham went away after breakfast.
Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria, to discharge Lieutt. Governor Cushings draft on me for 300 Silver Dollars in favor of Mr. [ ] the Order being in the hands of Mr. Tayler--and to do other business.
Took away the supports to the Arch over my Ice house.
CUSHINGS DRAFT: This was for money that Gov. Thomas Cushing had expended for the care of the Spanish jackass after its arrival in Boston and
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before GW's overseer arrived to take it to Mount Vernon (see entry for 26 Oct. 1785). Cushing wrote that he had "at present taken the liberty to draw a sett of bills of exchange dated November 16th. 1785 for the sum of three hundred dollars in favour of Messrs. Isaac & William Smith merchants of this Town or their order, payable at sight" (Thomas Cushing to GW, 16 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW).
MR. TAYLER: probably Jesse Taylor, Sr., a Belfast merchant who immigrated to America in 1779. He had a store in Alexandria which dealt in imported goods ( Va. Journal, 3 June 1784; BROCKETT, 95).
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--38 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind to the Eastward of North, in the Morning, and Cold--ground hard frozen. Afterwards it died away in a great Measure and Shifted more to the westward backing.
Finished removing the Earth for covering of, and the way in to my Ice House. And again set the People to taking up & planting small Pines in the Wilderness on the Right of the lawn.
Also sent to Colo. Masons Quarter, and got young Crab trees for the Shrubberies--but not getting them home in time to plant, the Roots were buried until they could be planted in the places designed for them to morrow or &ca.
Captn. Sullivan, of a Ship at Alexandria, agreeably to my request, came here to dinner, to interpret between me and the Spaniard who had the care of the Jack Ass sent me. My questions, & his Answers respecting the Jack, are committed to writing. Captn. Sullivan returned after dinner & Captn. Fairley of New York came here in the afternoon.
Capt. Giles Sullivan's ship Union was lying in Alexandria harbor awaiting a cargo of tobacco for L'Orient ( Va. Journal, 24 Nov. 1785). Sullivan was connected with the firm of Hooe & Harrison in Alexandria.
CAPTN. FAIRLEY: James Fairlie (d. 1830), a major and aide-de-camp to Baron von Steuben during the Revolution, had brought GW letters from Alexander Hamilton (25 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW) and Henry Knox (22 Nov. 1785, DLC: GW). Hamilton requested GW's help in getting financial relief through Congress for Steuben, whose affairs were in serious difficulties. He also, as did Knox, informed GW of problems in getting the state chapters of the Society of the Cincinnati to accept the recommendations of the general meeting held at Philadelphia on 12 May 1784. These recommendations had been designed to quiet the widespread fear and criticism of the society.
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--39 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Not much wind--thick and Misting all day. Towards Night it began to rain fast & continued to do so until day.
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Planted the Crab trees which were brought home yesterday and more young pines.
Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Little or no wind all day but thick and Mizling as yesterday till Night when it began to rain fast again.
Opened a drain into the Shoat that goes from the Cellers, to receive the water from the Gutters, and spout from the House top that it may be carried of under ground.
Flooring the Ice House. Preparing with the Negros for Killing Hogs on Monday.
SHOAR: shore, an open sewer or drainage ditch.
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 50 at Noon and 58 at Night.
A heavy mist all day with little or no wind. At or before dusk it began to rain fast and about 9 at Night it cleared with a puff of Wind from the Southward and the Moon & Stars appeared.
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Sanderson and a Mr. Hugh Mitchel dined here and went away in the afternoon.
Hugh Mitchell is probably a member of the large Mitchell family of Maryland, whose members were intermarried with the Hansons and Jenifers. A Hugh Mitchell was listed as a juror in Fairfax Court in 1786 (Fairfax County Order Book, 1783--88, 277, Vi Microfilm). In 1790 there was a Hugh Mitchel living in Anne Arundel County, Md. (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 12).
Monday 12th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 58 at Night.
Morning cloudy and soft without any wind. In the Evening it began to Mizzle, and after dark to rain fast and continued to do so until I went to bed and how much longer I know not.
Majr. Farlie went away before breakfast, with 251 Diplomas which I had signed for the Members of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, at the request of General McDougall Presedent of that Society.
After an early breakfast George Washington, Mr. Shaw & my self went into the woods back of Muddy hole Plantation a hunting and were joined by Mr. Lund Washington and Mr. William Peake. About half after ten Oclock (being first plagued with the Dogs running Hogs) We found a fox near Colo. Masons Plantation on little Hunting Creek (West fork) having followed on his
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"The Death of the Fox," one of a series of hunting prints which hung at Mount Vernon during Washington's lifetime. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Drag more than half a Mile; and run him with Eight Dogs (the other 4 getting, as was supposed, after a second Fox) close and well for an hour--When the Dogs came to a fault, and to cold Hunting until 20 Minutes after 12 When being joined by the missing Dogs they put him up a flesh and in about 50 Minutes killed [him] up in an open field of Colo. Mason's--every rider & every Dog being present at the death.
Two Hounds which were lent, and sent to me yesterday by Mr. Chichester--viz.--a Dog named Rattler, & a Bitch named Juno--behaved very well. My French Dogs also come on--all, except the Bitch which raized Puppies, running constantly whilst the Scent was hot.
Mr. Peak & Lund Washington came home to dinner with us.
Alexander McDougall (1732--1786), a Scottish emigrant, was a prosperous New York merchant. He had been a leading radical in New York
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before the Revolution, and became a brigadier and major general in the Continental Army. He served in the Continental Congress in 1781--82, 1784--85 and was president of the New York chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati from its organization until his death.
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng. 47 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Westerly, fresh, & air turning cold. Flying Clouds all day, but clear at Night, and still.
Finished killing my Hogs--The Number & weight of which are as follow.
Out of the above Thos. Bishop & Thos. Green are each to have 500. Hezekiah Fairfax has had 480 & Morris 416 and Davy 414--leaving for family use 15075 lbs. which with 4 Hogs killed for early Bacon (in October) Weighing 810 lbs. make in all 15,885 lbs. laid up for the consumption of my Table--use of my People--and the poor who are distressed for it.
Mr. Baldwin, formerly a Chaplain in the Army from Connecticut--now a Lawyer in the state of Georgia called here on his way to the last but would not stay [to] dinner.
A Mr. Douglas came here to rent my Land on Difficult run for which I asked him £50 pr. Ann. and to which he is to give an Answer after consulting his Brothers in Alexanda.
Thomas Green, overseer of the plantation carpenters, was working at Mount Vernon as a joiner by Jan. 1783 and stayed until late 1794. He was a drunken incompetent, and although GW often threatened to fire him, his compassion for the man's family restrained him. Green finally ran away or was fired and left his wife Sarah (Sally), daughter of GW's old servant, Thomas Bishop, and several small children destitute (LEDGER B, 170, 209, 239, 243, 252, 279, 350; THANE, 246, 328--30).
Morris and Davy, two of GW's slaves, were at this time in charge of Dogue Run and Muddy Hole farms, respectively.
Abraham Baldwin (1754--1807) was a tutor at Yale during the early years of the Revolution and then served as chaplain of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment. He later studied law and in 1784 settled in Georgia where he became a member of the Georgia Commons House of Assembly. He was influential in setting up an educational system in Georgia and was the first president of Franklin College (later the University of Georgia). Baldwin was a member of the Continental Congress 1785, 1787--88, and of the Federal
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Convention in 1787. He was in the United States House of Representatives 1789--99 and the United States Senate 1799--1807. He was undoubtedly on his way home from the Continental Congress at this time.
MR. DOUGLAS: This may have been Hugh Douglass (Douglas) of Garrallan in Loudoun County (WISE, 292--96). GW's 300--acre tract on Difficult Run in Loudoun County was of value chiefly for its location at Difficult Bridge on the road from Alexandria to Leesburg and Winchester (WRITINGS, 37:295).
Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and 42 at Night.
Morning and day clear & pleasant--wind at So. East. Ground a little froze in the Morning.
Mr. George Washington and his Wife set off to visit her friends in New Kent &ca.--Mr. Bassetts Carriage & Horses having come up for them on Sunday Night last.
Rid to the Ferry Plantn. The Mill, and Dogue run Plantation and went & came by the place (in front of the Ho[use]) where Muddy hole [people] were at Work.
Thursday 15th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morng. 45 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Moderate & clear all the fore part of the day with the Wind at So. East, but not fresh. In the Afternoon it began to lower--at Dusk turned very cloudy and in the Night set in to a constant rain.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria, after dinner, to a Ball I presume. And in the Evening Joseph Winzor & Willm. Kirchwall 2 of my tenants from Frederick came in & stayed all Night.
TENANTS FROM FREDERICK: GW had bought two lots totaling about 570 acres at George Mercer's 1774 sale of a 6,500-acre tract in Frederick County. The land, now in Clarke County, was on the Shenandoah River near the present town of Berryville. Late in 1784 Joseph Winzor of Maryland bargained with Edward Snickers, who was acting as GW's agent in the matter, for a 14-year lease on 172 acres of the land. Although GW preferred a shorter lease, he honored Snickers's agreement with Winzor for a lease commencing 1 Jan. 1785 and ending 31 Dec. 1798, at a rent of £17 4s. per year. William Kirchwall's (Kercheval) lease for 172 acres was for 13 years, commencing 1 Jan. 1786 and ending 31 Dec. 1798 at a rental of £17 6s. per year. Both men had their rent increased slightly after the 1789 resurvey, when their farms were discovered to total 174½ acres each (CHAPPELEAR [3], 33--36; GW to Battaile Muse, 28 July 1785, DLC:GW; GW's rental accounts, 1788--90 and 1791, ViMtV).
Friday 16th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Rainy Morning and an Easterly wind, but not much of it.
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Drizzling all day and towards Night it began to rain again and threatned a wet Night. Very light wind all day.
Before dinner Joseph Hickman, another of my Tenants from Frederick came in, to whom and those that came yesterday and [ ] Williams, I passed Leases for the Land on which they live. All went away after it.
Mr. Shaw returned before dinner from Alexandria.
Joseph Hickman and John Williams seem to have been living on GW's Frederick lands before the leases were made out. Both were given 14-year leases, retroactive from 1 Jan. 1785 to 31 Dec. 1798. Hickman's tenement was 116 acres, for which he paid £11 12s. per year. Williams leased 100 acres for?10. GW wrote his rental agent, Battaile Muse, on this day, instructing Muse to use his own judgment in making decisions about whether the tenants were complying with the terms of the leases. Since Williams did not come to Mount Vernon on this day, GW sent his lease to Muse for completion. GW also requested that Muse send him a list of his tenants, with an account of the lots they leased, the rents due, and the amounts paid (GW to Muse, 28 July and 16 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW; CHAPPELEAR [3], 33--36; GW's rental accounts, 1788--90 and 1791, ViMtV).
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Rainy Morning, wind though not fresh at No. West which afterwards more to the No. & East & continued raining off & on all day.
Went to Alexandria to meet the Trustees of the Academy in that place and offered to vest in the hands of the said Trustees, when they are permanently established by Charter, the Sum of One thousand pounds, the Interest of which only, to be applied towards the establishment of a charity School for the education of Orphan and other poor Children--which offer was accepted. Returned again in the Evening--Roads remarkably wet & bad.
GW wrote the trustees: "It is not in my power at this time to advance the above sum; but that a measure which may be productive of good may not be delayed--I will until my death, or until it shall be more convenient for my Estate to advance the principal, pay the interest thereof (to wit, Fifty pounds) annually" (GW to Trustees of the Alexandria Academy, 17 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). In his will, GW left 20 shares of stock in the Bank of Alexandria, valued at $4,000, to fulfill this promise. The charity school was incorporated as an integral part of the academy, to be governed by the same board of trustees. In 1786 there were 20 charity children attending the school.
Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 52 at Night.
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Morning perfectly clear & pleasant, with but little wind and continued so through the day. Serene moderate and pleasant.
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Calm and pleasant all day, especially in the Morning. Towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered.
Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue run Plantation. Took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox, which the Dogs run very well for an hour-after which, coming to a fault--they took (as I presume) the heel, & in Muddy hole found a fresh Fox, which was only run by part of the Dogs. The others did not seem inclined to hunt.
Davy a Mulatto Man who has for many years looked after my Muddy hole Plantation, went into the Neck to take cha[rge] of the River Plantation in the room of Jno. Alton deceased. And Will (Son of Doll) was sent to Muddy hole as an Overseer in his place.
Both my Mills stopped & repairing.
THE PINCUSHION: The Devil's Pincushion, or Mother Minton's Pincushion, was a large rock near the Alexandria-Colchester road about halfway between Dogue Run and Little Hunting Creek. The land around the rock was called the Pincushion (MUIR, 5152).
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 47 at Night and 45 at Noon.
Morning tolerably clear; but a red sky at the place of the Suns rising (which is an indication of dirty weather) and the wind (tho not fresh) at No. East. The day continued tolerably clear and pleasant, until the Evening when it began to lower.
Dispatched at his own reqt. the Spaniard who had the cha[rge] of my Jack from Spain. Sent him with Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to go in the Stage to New York.
Brought some Carts and Cutters from my Plantations to assist in laying in a Stock of Fire wood for Christmas.
Mr. Shaw returned in the evening accompanied by my Nephew Ferdinando Washington.
THE SPANIARD: Pedro Tellez, who had accompanied the Spanish jackass to Mount Vernon (see entry for 26 Oct. 1785), had asked to return to Spain by way of New York, where he would see the Spanish minister, Don Diego de Gardoqui. He refused any payment from GW, asserting that he was being paid by the king, but GW did prevail upon him to take £21 "as an acknowledgment
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of the obligation I am under to him, for his care of the animal on which I set the highest value" (GW to Francisco Rendon, 19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 205). GW also gave the Spaniard two certificates. One, for the benefit of the king, acknowledged Tellez's care and attention to the animal; the other, addressed to the public at large, identified Tellez and solicited aid in his behalf: "Not being able to speak any other language than that of his native tongue, it is requested as a favor of the good people on the road to assist & direct him properly" (19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW).
Ferdinand, or Ferdinando, Washington (1767--1788) was the oldest son of GW's brother Samuel and Anne Steptoe Washington. In 1783 GW had written his brother John Augustine about the possibility of a berth in the navy or on a merchant ship for their nephew but nothing seems to have come of this inquiry. Ferdinand, by extravagance and bad conduct, incurred GW's displeasure, and GW later refused to assist in settling the young man's estate (GW to Robert Chambers, 28 Jan. 1789, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Lowering all day with but little Wind and that Easterly.
Mr. Danl. Dulany (son of Danl.) Mr. Benja. Dulany, Messrs. Saml. & Thos. Hanson, Mr. Philp. Alexander, and a Mr. Mounsher came here to Dinner and Stayed all Night.
Finished measuring my Corn at the several Plantations, which stand thus.
River Plantation viz. Barrels
Muddy hole Plantn. viz.
Dogue Run Plantn. viz.
Ferry Plantation-viz.
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Deduct
Daniel Dulany, Jr. (1750--1824), had come back to America to try to settle problems arising from the confiscation of his family's estates during the Revolution. He sailed for England a few months later, never to return to his native land.
This Alexander was either Philip Alexander (died c.1790), son of Gerard Alexander (d. 1761), of the "Robert" Alexanders, or Philip Alexander (b. 1742), son of Philip Alexander of the "Philip" branch. The second Philip served Fairfax County on the committee of safety (1774) and in the House of Delegates (1777).
[Thursday 22d.] Went a Fox hunting with the Gentlemen who came here yesterday--together with Ferdinando Washington and Mr. Shaw, after a very early breakfast. Found a Fox just back of Muddy hole Plantation and after a Chase of an hour and a quarter with my Dogs, & eight couple of Doctor Smiths (brought by Mr. Phil. Alexander) we put him into a hollow tree, in which we fastned him, and in the Pincushion put up another Fox which in an hour & 13 Minutes was killed. We then after allowing the Fox in the hole half an hour put the Dogs upon his Tracks & in half a Mile he took to another hollow tree and was again put out of it but he did not go 600 yards before he had recourse to the same shift. Finding therefore that he was a conquered Fox we took the Dogs off and all came home to Dinner except Mr. Danl. Dulany who left us in the Field after the first Fox was Treed. Lund Washington came home with us to dinner.
Doctr. Brown who had been sent for to Philip Bateman came to Dinner and returned afterwards as did all the Gentlemen except the two Mr. Hansons and Mr. Alexander.
The Morning of this day indeed all the forenoon was very lowering but the Evening was clear & very pleasant.
Lund Washington by this time was winding up his long tenure as manager at Mount Vernon. He had told GW in November that he wished to leave his employment as soon as convenient, and by 20 Dec., GW had made definite arrangements for the change. "Having come to a fixed determination . . . to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: [Augustine] Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their inclinations, I now inform you that it will be in my power to comply with your wishes with less inconvenience than
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appeared when you first proposed to leave my employment" (DLC:GW). GW did request that Lund continue to help with the mill and some business matters until George Augustine Washington became familiar with these. "Nothing else occurs to me at this time in which it is essential to give you any trouble after the present year; for if I should not be able to visit the plantations as often as I could wish . . . I am resolved that an account of the stock & every occurrence that happens in the course of the week shall be minutely detailed to me every saturday. Matters cannot go much out of sorts in that time without a seasonable remedy" (GW to Lund Washington, 20 Nov. and 20 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW).
Friday 23d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng. 44 at Noon and 49 at Night.
Morning cloudy, with the Wind at West; which shifting to the No. Et. produced strong, and encreasing appearances of falling weather before the Evening.
Went out with the two Mr. Hansons & Mr. Alexander, when they set out on their return after breakfast, with the Dogs; just to try if we could touch on a Fox as we went along the Road they homewards and I to my Plantation in the Neck. This we did, but the Scent being Cold, and seeing no great prospect of making it out the Dogs were taken off and the Gentlemen Went home and I to Muddy hole Plantation instead of the Neck-it being too late to go to, and return from the former before Dinner.
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 34 at Night and 36 at Noon.
Wind at No. East with rain in the Morning (a good deal of wch. appeared to have fallen in the Night). About 10 Oclock it began to Snow & continued to do so untill about 2 Oclock when it ceased-just covering the ground the Snow being wet.
Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morng. 42 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Morning perfectly clear and fine without Wind. About 9 Oclock it sprung up from the Southward and blew fresh with various appearances of weather sometimes much like rain & then clearing. At Night the Wind Shifted to the Westward and before Morning got to No. West blowing hard all the while.
Count Castiglioni, Colo. Ball, and Mr. Willm. Hunter came here to dinner--the last of whom returned to Alexandria afterwards.
Count Luigi Castiglioni (1757--1832) of Milan, a student of natural sciences, arrived in America in May 1785 and spent two years traveling throughout
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the states, studying various aspects of American life, especially the political institutions and the flora and fauna. He was a great admirer of GW and an impartial observer of American life. His Viaggio negli Stati Uniti dell' America Settentrionale was published in Milan in 1790.
Burgess Ball (1749--1800), formerly of Lancaster County, served in various Virginia regiments throughout most of the Revolution, retiring in 1781 as a lieutenant colonel. He was at this time married to Frances Washington (1763--1815), sister of George Augustine Washington, and was living in Spotsylvania County.
Monday 26th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Clear and cold in the Morning with the wind high at No. West which moderated a little towards Night.
Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--44 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear with the wind very high from the Southward until the Evening when it shifted to the Westward & blew equally hard but did not get to be very cold.
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--38 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Colo. Ball went away yesterday, after breakfast--tho' it was unnoticed in the occurrances of the day.
Wind exceedingly high from the No. West & clear.
A Mr. Israel Jenny of Loudoun County came here in the Afternoon, respecting some Land which he has been endeavouring to obtain under an idea of its being waste, but which he finds to be within the lines of my Chattin run tract in Fauquier County, though claimed by Mr. Robert Scott who has put a Tenant upon it of the name of Jesse Hitt, who has now been upon it three years and thereafter to pay Rent.
Mr. Muse my Collector to be written to on this Subject as also concerning my Land in Ashbys Bend part of wch. is claimed by Mr. Landon Carter.
Israel Janney (died c. 1823) was a son of Jacob Janney (d. 1786) of Loudoun County. He was interested in agricultural experimentation and was a pioneer in the use of gypsum (plaster of paris) to improve his lands.
GW's Chattins Run tract in Fauquier County was on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge near Rector Town. The land in question amounted to 17080 acres, and the suit brought against GW by Robert Scott ran on for years and was still unsettled in 1791. For further details of the dispute, see GW to Battaile Muse, 5 Jan. and 4 Feb. 1786, Muse to GW, 7 Feb., 21 Mar. 1789,
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22 Aug. 1791, DLC:GW. GW's Ashby's Bent land, amounting to approximately 2,500 acres, was located in both Fauquier and Loudoun counties on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge. Both this and the Chattins Run land was subdivided into small farms, or tenements, of about 100--200 acres each, which were rented out for periods of time varying from ten years to three lives.
It is uncertain which of the three Landon Carters then living in Virginia claimed the Ashby's Bent land.
Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning-[ ] at Noon and 40 at Night.
Morning clear with very little wind and that from the South. Pleasand all day until the evening when it began to lower and about eight at Night set in to raining with a strong Southerly wind wch. continued through the Night.
Count Castiglioni went away after breakfast, on his tour to the Southward.
Mr. Jenny also left this at the same time.
After which I went to my Dogue run Plantation to measure, with a view to new model, the Fields at that place. Did not return until dark nor finish my Survey.
Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly.
Friday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the [morning]-[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night which ceased about day break but the Wind from the Southward continued to blow very hard all day with flying Clouds.
Went to Dogue run again to compleat my Surveys of the Fields which I did about 2 Oclock and upon my r[e]turn
Found Miss Sally Ramsay Miss Kitty Washington-Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik Junr. here.
Mr. Shaw also returned from Alexandria before Dinner.
Saturday 31st. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning-[ ] at Noon and 37 at Night.
A Raw Wind from the Eastwd. blew in the forenoon. Afternoon Calm, but chilly with appearances now & then of a change in the weather.
Rid to my Plantations in the Neck Muddy hole, and Ferry. George Steptoe Washington came here to dinner and after it went away the Company that came yesterday.
Landed 230 Bushels of Oats today from an Eastern shore Vessel
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and by her had brought from Alexandria the Pictures drawn by Mr. Pine of Fanny Bassett now Washington and the young Custis.
BUSHELS OF OATS: GW's Indian corn crop for 1785 was very poor and did "not amount to one third of what I made last year; which is insufficient to feed my negroes, much more to afford support for my Horses" (GW to David Stuart, 24 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). He was forced to buy grain to supplement his own supply.
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Sunday 1st. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Lowering day, with but little Wind, and that Easterly.
Lund Washington and Wife dined here & returned in the Afternoon.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria and stayed all Night.
Monday 2d. Thermometer at 34 in the Morng. 35 at Noon and 35 at Night.
Heavy lowering Morning with the wind at East. About 9 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so, slowly, all day.
Immediately after an early breakfast I went out with the Hounds but returned as soon as it began to rain, without touching upon the drag of a Fox.
Mr. Shaw returned from Alexandria this Morning before Breakt.
Tuesday 3d. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Clear and pleasant morning without wind at Sun rising but it soon sprung up from the Southwesterly quarter and veering more to the westward blew hard until the evening when it again turned calm & very pleasant.
Wednesday 4th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Morning calm and clear with very little wind all day.
After breakfast I rid by the places where my Muddy hole & Ferry people were clearing--thence to the Mill and Dogue run Plantations and having the Hounds with me in passing from the latter towards Muddy hole Plantation I found a Fox which after dragging him some distance and running him hard for near an hour was killed by the cross road in front of the House.
Having provided cutting Knives, and made the Boxes at my own Shop, I directed my Overseers at the several Plantations at which I had been to cut Straw and mix three 4ths. of it with one
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fourth Bran (from my Mill) to feed their out lying Horses--whilst their work Horses is also to be fed with this and Oats mixed.
I also directed that my Chariot Horses and all others about my home Ho[use] except the Stud horse and three horses which will be frequently rid a hunting to be fed with Bran & chopped Hay
Plate from Washington's copy of Jacques de Solleysell's Compleat Horseman, London, 1729. (Boston Athenaeum)
in the above proportion and that my waggon & Cart Horses should be fed with chopped Rye & chopped Hay in the same proportion of one to 4.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his wife came here in a Chariot 4 Horses & 3 Servants just after we had dined.
Thursday 5th. Thermometer at 33 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Morning clear and cold--ground hard froze--as it was yesterday
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Morning. Wind at No. West, blowing pretty fresh all day. Went into the Neck.
A Daniel McPherson from Loudoun came here with some money from my Loudoun Tenants--sent by the Widow of Lewis Lamart.
The Cape Wheat which (on the 30th. of November) was cut, not as I thought and had ordered, that is within 4 Inches of the ground; but between 6 and 8 from it; having grown a good deal I ordered (and 6 or 8 days ago tho not noticed before, it was in par[t] done) that it should be again cut. Part of 2 Rows of the No. Et. Corner were, by mistake of orders, cut within 1 or 2 Inches of the ground; so as to shew the Crown of the Wheat quite bear & white. I thereupon stopped the cutting of any more, resolving to attend to the effect of this close shearing, at this season. About 12 feet of these Rows, were all that received the second cutting.
Took an Acct. of the Tools about the home house which are as follow
Lewis Lemart (Lamart), GW's rent collector in Loudoun Hoes County, had died sometime in 1785, and his widow, Anne, sent to Mount Vernon the £27 125. owed by GW's tenants in that county (LEDGER B, 68).
Friday 6th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng. 28 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, which was Cloudy, with intervals of Snow through the day and very cold. The wind towards Night getting to the No. Westward blew h[ar]d.
My Boat went up with a load of Flour to Alexandria from my Mill for Mr. Hartshorne. A distressing time It is to be feared the people must have had of it & probably would not, after all, reach the Port.
Saturday 7th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Morning clear with the Wind at No. West. Fresh, and Cold, all day. The little Snow which fell yesterday had disappeared except in places where the influence of the Sun could not be felt.
The Boat which was sent off yesterday with flour got no further
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than Johnsons Ferry & there by neglect suffered to get aground. Sent and ordered it to be got off, and to proceed, or to return, as circumstances might dictate. The last of which was done.
Sunday 8th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morng.--38 at Noon and 35 at Night.
Day clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon which moderating as the Sun rose backed to South West and grew calm towards the evening.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his Wife went away after Breakfast and about 11 Oclock Betcy & Patcy Custis returned to Abingdon in my Chariot--accompanied by their Brother & Sister, Nelly & Washington Custis.
Sent my Boat of this afternoon with the Flour for Alexandria, with which she returned last Night on Acct. of the weather.
Monday 9th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morng. 38 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Southerly all day. Clear but a chilly air.
Saturday, yesterday, and this day morning, the flats and Creeks were froze, but that on the former dispersed with the tide when the Winds blew. The latter remained.
Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to dispatch my Boat which went up yesterday and to pur<cha>se & send down a ton of Iron in <it> wch. was accordingly [done]. He and the Boat both, returned at Night.
Rid over my ferry plantation--thence to the Mill, & thence to my Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations before dinner--as also to the place where my Negro Carpenters were at Work and directed them to get me a stick for a heavy roller, and scantling for Plow stocks--Harrows &ca. &ca.
Tuesday 10th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 38 at Night.
Wind Southerly all day & at times pretty fresh, and in the forenoon cold--but warmer & much pleasanter afterwards.
Rid to my Plantation in the Neck, and took the hounds with me. About 11 Oclock found a fox in the Pocoson at Sheridens point and after running it very indifferently and treeing it once caught it about one Oclock.
In the evening one William Barber from the lower end of
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Fauquier came here to rent some Land I have in that quarter and stayed all Night.
Wednesday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning--36 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Morning very thick and heavy. About 8 Oclock it began to Snow moderately with the Wind at So. Et. and continued to do so until 12.
Agreed to let William Barber have 50 (or more acres of Land if he chooses it) at the rate of Ten pounds pr. Hundred Acres; for the term of fourteen years; and to allow him one year free from Rent in consideration of the improvements he may make.
Sent Mr. Shaw to my Mill to get the Mill Book, and to take a state of the flour in the Mill.
And sent my Overseer to forwarn some persons who were hunting upon my land from the like practice.
Thursday 12th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--39 at Noon and 40 at Night.
The Snow which fell yesterday had not covered the ground more than ¾ of an inch thick.
A very heavy hoar frost this Morning. Day calm, and the evening clear, and remarkably pleasant & warm.
Mr. Shaw went up to the Ball at Alexandria.
Friday 13th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 35 at Night.
But little wind all day and that from the No. West. Evening quite calm.
Laid out the ground behind the Stable, formerly a Vineyard, for a fruit Garden.
Mr. Shaw returned about 12 Oclock from Alexandria.
Saturday 14th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morng.--35 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Went out with the Hounds, & run a fox from 11 Oclock untill near 3 Oclock when I came home and left the Dogs at fault after which they recovered the Fox & it is supposed killed it.
Before the Chase, I visited my Ferry & Dogue run Plantations.
Sunday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning 42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Little or no Wind all day. Clear and very pleasant.
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"Design of a Complete Fruit, Kitchen, and Physick Garden," from Batty Langley's New Principles of Gardening, London, 1728. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
Nelly & Washington Custis returned home to day.
Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner & returned in the Afternoon.
Monday 16th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morng. [ ] at Noon and 38 at Night.
Lowering Morning with theatnings, & spittings of Snow till about Noon when the wind (for before it was calm) came out at No. West tho' not hard dispelled the Clouds.
Run round my Plantation at the Ferry and on my return found a Mr. Armstrong here on business of Mr. Balch's respectg. my Nephews--who after dining returned.
Began, from an appreh[ensio]n that there would not be much frost to put Ice in to my Ice Ho[use] tho there was but little of it.
Sent my Stone Mason--Cornelius McDermott Roe, to the Proprietors of the Quarries of free Stone along down the River to see if I could be supplied with enough of a proper kind to repair my Stone Steps & for other purposes.
Along the right bank of the Potomac River below Occoquan Creek lay large reserves of sandstone that were quarried for constructing buildings in the Potomac Valley, including George Mason's Gunston Hall (MILLER, 47).
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January 17th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 28 at N.
Wind at No. West all day, and Cold. Thawed but little, altho' it was clear.
Employed as yesterday, in collecting Ice, but under many disadvantages, being obliged to go over to the Maryland shore and pick up the floating Ice in the River--which I was disposed to do, rather than run the risk of not laying up a store.
Cornelius McDermott Roe returned, having had the offer of Stone [from] Mr. Brent.
Sandstone quarries along the lower reaches of Aquia Creek were owned in the eighteenth century by the Brent family of Woodstock and Richland, Stafford County. Stone from these quarries was later used in the construction of the Capitol and the president's house in Washington (BRYAN, 1:,69).
Wednesday 18th. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning--22 at Noon and 26 at Night.
Day very cold--no thawing and the afternoon threatning of Snow. A fine mist of it falling--Wind Northerly.
Colo. Fitzgerald called here on his way from Dumfries & dined and then proceeded. Fixed with him, and requested that he would give the Board of Directors of the Potomack Company notice of the meeting intended to be held at the Great Falls on Monday the 30th. Instt.
Getting Ice this day also.
Thursday 19th. Thermometer at 19 in the Morning--20 at Noon and 22 at Night.
Morning Cloudy--Wind Northerly and weather cold. Snow about an Inch deep fell in the Night. After ten oclock it began again, & continued Snowing fine till bed time with the wind Northerly.
Discontinued getting Ice, the river not being in a State to get it from the other shore and the prospect such as to get it any where in the course of a day or two.
The Negro Shoemaker belonging to Mr. Lund Washington came to work here in the forenoon of this day.
Friday 20th. Thermometer at 18 in the Morng.--24 at Noon and 26 at Night.
A Mixture of Snow and hail fell all the fore part of the day and hail & rain the latter part, which consolidated the Snow
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which in the Morning might be about 6 or 8 Inches deep. Wind Northwardly all day, but not much of it in any part of it.
Saturday 21st. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 34 at Night.
Cloudy and hazy till betwn. eleven & 12 oclock when the Suns feeble efforts to shine were overcome. About one oclock a heavy mist came on. About two it grew very dark--thundered and rained--after whch. it continued misling till bed time.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and Dogue run--from thence to the Mill. Upon my return found Mr. Jno. Dandridge here.
MR. JNO. DANDRIGE: either John Dandridge (d. 1799), son of Mrs. Washington's brother Bartholomew, or John Dandridge (b. 1756), son of Nathaniel West Dandridge and grandson of Mrs. Washington's paternal uncle, William Dandridge of Elsing Green.
Sunday 22d. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Raining more or less all day, and a close thick fog the whole day proceeding from the dissolution of the Snow which by Night was almost gone. Wind tho' not much of it Southerly and warm--the damps in the house being also very great the damps upon the walls being to be swept of.
Monday 23d. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear all day with the Wind at No. West but neither hard nor cold.
Snow entirely gone, except in places hid from the influence of the Sun & the Southwardly wind which blew yesterday.
Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Morning clear & pleasant: Lowering afterwards; with appearances of Snow--little or no Wind all day.
Began my work of Ice-getting again to day but it was not in a proper State being rather a mixture of Snow & Ice and not hard enough.
Wednesday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning [ ] at Noon and 40 at Night.
Morning calm and very foggy till after 8 oclock when the fog
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dispersed and was very pleasant. About one oclock the Wind sprung up at No. West but blew neither hard nor cold.
Mr. Jno. Dandridge set off on his return home after breakfast.
I rid to Morris's, Muddy hole and Neck Plantations between Breakfast and dinner.
The State of the Ice was such that I was obliged to disist from getting more until the next freezing spell.
And set about the Banks round the Lawn, in front of the gate between the two Mounds of Earth.
Thursday 26th. Thermometer at 33 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and 39 at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day and more especially in the afternoon --Not much wind, but that from the No. West.
Renewed my Ice operation to day, employing as many hands as I conveniently could in gettg. it from the Maryland shore, carting, and pounding it.
Mr. Shaw went up to the dancing assembly at Alexandria after Dinner.
Friday 27th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day; Wind at No. West in the forenoon and Eastwardly afterwards, but not much of it.
Mrs. Washington set out after breakfast for Abingdon--to see Mrs. Stuart who is ill.
I rid to my Mill and to the Plantation at Dogue run--also to the places where the Muddy hole & ferry people were at Work.
Mr. Shaw returned home an hour or two within Night.
Getting Ice again to day.
Saturday 28th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning--43 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning calm & clear but the [ground] hard frozen. About 10 oclock the wind sprung up at South, but did not blow hard. Thawed the ground a good deal.
Went out after breakfast with my hounds. Found a Fox in the Branch within Mr. Thomson Masons Field and run him sometimes hard and sometimes at cold hunting from 11 oclock till near two when I came home and left the huntsman with them who followed in the same manner two hours or more longer, and then took the Dogs off without killing. In the course of the chase, & at the upper end of the cover in which the above Fox was
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found I see two run out at once neither of which appeared to be the chased Fox. This shews how plenty they are on that side the Creek.
When I came home found Colo. Gibson a Mr. Pollock (of Richmond) and Colo. Allison here, who dined and stayed all night.
Getting Ice again to day.
George Gibson (1747--1791), born in Lancaster County, Pa., joined the Virginia service at the beginning of the Revolution and held the rank of colonel in the 1st Virginia State Regiment from 5 June 1777 to Jan. 1782. After the war he returned to his home in Cumberland County, Pa. ( Va. Mag., 18:24--25, n.1; HEITMAN [1], 189).
Oliver Pollock (c. 1737--1823), born near Coleraine in northern Ireland, came to Philadelphia in 1760. He went into the West India trade and before the Revolution settled in New Orleans, where he developed a prosperous trading business. During the war Pollock served as commercial agent both for Virginia and the Continental Congress. His financial assistance to George Rogers Clark's army in the West was vital to its success. Gibson's association with Pollock dated from Aug. 1776 when the two men collaborated in securing a supply of gunpowder for Virginia from Don Luis de Unzaga y Amézaga, governor of Louisiana (JAMES [2], 1, 3, 4, 61, 143--45). Pollock carried a letter of introduction from Patrick Henry (Henry to GW, 18 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW).
Sunday 29th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The morning remarkably fine & pleasant, with little or no wind--the afternoon a little lowering and at Night it began a mizzling rain which encreased and continued raining all night.
After breakfast the Gentlemen who came yesterday returned.
In the afternoon Colo. Grayson & his Nephew Mr. Benjn. Orr, came in and stayed all Night.
Col. William Grayson's sister married John Orr (b. 1726); Benjamin Grayson Orr was one of their three sons.
Monday 30th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The Morning foggy, with showers at intervals till near 11 oclock after which it cleared, with a brisk Southwardly wind.
Mrs. Washington with Betcy & Patcy Custis came home, from Abingdon before dinner and after it Colo. Greyson & Mr. Orr left this.
Planted the Hemlock Pine wch. was brought to me by Cornelius McDermot Row from Colo. Blackburns, in my shrubberies --and--on sixteen square rod of ground in my lower pasture, I
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put 140 Bushels of what we call Marie viz--on 4 of these N. Wt. corner were placed 50 bushels--on 4 others So. Wt. Corner 20 bushels--On 4 others So. Et. Corner 40 bushels and on the remaining 4: 20 bushels. This marl was spread on the Sod, in these proportions--to try--first whether what we have denominated to be marl possesses any virtue as a manure--and secondly--if it does, the quantity proper for an acre.
Transplanted (after dividing it into two) the French honeysuckle in my North garden to the Lawn--one half in front of ca. garden gate.
Tuesday 31st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 34 at Night.
The morning was a little cloudy but the weather soon cleared with a brisk No. Wester which occasioned a great change in the air.
Planted a few pine trees in my Wildernesses.
Wednesday first. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Ground very hard froze, Wind Eastwardly in the Morning, and So. Et. the remaining part of the day; but clear, & tolerably pleasant notwithstanding.
Not being able to leave here yesterday (as I intended) for the appointed meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at the Great Falls this day, I set out this Morning at the first dawning of day, for this purpose, and after as disagreeable a ride as I ever had for the distance, arrived, at the Falls at half after 11 Oclock where I found Colo. Gilpin (who had been there since Sunday Night) levelling &ca. and Colo. Fitzgerald who got there just before me.
Spent the remainder of this day in viewing the different grounds along which it was supposed the Canal might be carried and after dining at the Huts went in the evening accompanied by Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts to a Mr. Wheelers in the Neighbourhood (abt. 1½ Miles off) to lodge.
THE HUTS: The Potomac Company made its construction headquarters on the Virginia side of the Great Falls, where in 1790 the town of Matildaville was authorized. In 1786 this settlement, which was never more than a construction
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town, probably consisted of little more than "huts" for the workers (HENING, 13:171; BACON-FOSTER, 87).
Thursday 2d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at [noon] and [ ] at Night. A very remarkable hoar frost, with but little Wind; day pleasant till the evening when it clouded up and abt. 8 oclock began to Snow.
Spent this day in examining the ground more attentively, and levelling the different ways we had discovered yesterday but on acct. of the swolen state of the river, & rapidity of the currant we could not determine, absolutely, upon the best cut and therefore directed Mr. Stuart, the Assistant Manager to have all of them opened, accurately measured, levelled, & their bottoms sounded by the day of March when the Directors are to be requested pointedly to meet for the final choice.
Dined again at the Hutts; some little time after which, Govr. Lee (who had been detained by high waters) and Mr. Rumsey came in--the first concurred in sentiment with us on these measures.
After 7 Oclock at Night, Colo. Fitzgerald Mr. Potts & Myself left the Hutts, & came to Mr. William Scotts about 6 Miles on this side of the Falls where we lodged.
Friday 3d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Snow that fell last Night did not cover the ground an Inch. The Wind was at So. West, and the day overhead was pleasant. Snow soon disappeared.
After an early breakfast we left Mr. Scotts; and about noon I reached home; where I found an Eastern shore man delivering the Oats which Doctr. Stuart had engaged on my behalf of a Mr. George Savage of Northampton--viz. 800 Bushels.
Soon after I arrived Miss Sally Ramsay, Miss Kitty Washington, Doctr. Craik Junr. & Mr. Porter came in and Dined, and stayed all Night. After Dinner Mr. Rumsey arrived and stayed the evening also.
George Savage, of Northampton County, Va., was a planter descended from an established Eastern Shore family. In a letter to Dr. David Stuart on 24 Dec. 1785, GW thanked Stuart for contracting on his behalf with Savage for 800 bushels of oats. In addition, GW asked Stuart to try to procure for him another 1,200 bushels because his corn crop had been less than one-third of the previous year (DLC:GW). Early in February, GW acknowledged the delivery of the 800 bushels by Savage's skipper John Whitney (GW to George Savage, 8 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW) and later that month, Savage wrote GW to expect shortly a shipment of corn from him via the schooner Molly
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and Betsey (18 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW). Since about 1782 Savage had held the position of commissioner of wrecks in Northampton. After becoming president, GW appointed Savage collector of the port of Cherry Stone, also in that county.
Saturday 4th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear morning with very little wind--after which it sprung up but not fresh, from the Eastward, and lowered.
Sketch of a garden house at Mount Vernon. From Benson J. Lossing's Mount Vernon and Its Associations, New York, 1859. (University of Virginia Library)
Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik went away before Breakfast and Mr. Rumsay after dinner.
Having assembled the Men from my Plantations, I removed the garden Houses which were in the middle of the front walls to the extreme points of them; which were done with more ease, & less damage than I expected, considering the height one of them was to be raised from the ground.
Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning--36 at Noon and 37 at Night.
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Wind Northerly. About 9 oclk. last Night it began to Snow which turned soon to rain which continued through the Night and more or less all day, intermixed now & then with spittings of Snow. Abt. Noon the Wind shifted to the No. West and blew pretty fresh but the weather in other respects did not change.
Monday 6th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Flying Clouds in the morning with a brisk No. West wind all day and cold though clear after ten oclock.
The largest of my Buck fauns which had been missing since friday last came home after dinner with its left hind knee broke & much shivered--supposed to be by a shot.
Planting pines in the wilderness on the left of the lawn and spading the ground there to day.
Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 54 at Night.
Morning clear & very pleasant, as it continued to be all day. Wind Southerly, but not fresh.
Mrs. Washington, Kitty Washington, Miss Ramsay, Mr. Shaw and myself went to Colo. McCartys to the funeral of Mrs. Peers (one of his daughters). I took my ferry & dogue run plantations in the way. We returned home to dinner--after which Doctor Griffith came in and my overseer from the Plantation on Rappahannock.
Valentine Peer's wife was Margaret (Peggy) McCarty Peers (Fairfax County Deeds, Book 0-1, 432-40, Fairfax County Courthouse).
Wednesday 8th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng.--52 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Day rather variable, but upon the whole pleasant; In the morning there were flying clouds with the wind pretty fresh from the No. West--after which it was clear and still, till the evening, when the Wind came out at So. East.
After Breakfast Mr. Griffith went away, and before dinner Mr. Wm. Craik came in and stayed all Night.
Finished planting all the young pine trees in the Wilderness on the left.
Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morng.--54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Clear morning, with a remarkable white frost. Wind Southerly all day.
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Went early in the Morning to my river Plantation. Took the Dogs with me and on my return hunted, but never got a fox a foot tho I dragged one to Mr. Robt. Alexanders Pocoson at whose house I called.
In my way home I took Muddy hole plantation. Found Mr. Willm. Craik gone and Mr. Fendall and Mr. Hipkins here who went away at Night by which Doctr. Craik Senr. came in.
Friday 10th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Wind Southerly & pretty fresh all day, till evening, when it shifted to the No. West and turned cold--a large circle round the Moon. This day was remarkably fine & promotive of vegitation. The buds of the lylack were much swelled & seemed ready to unfold.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
I began to hand weed the drilled wheat from the Cape behind the Stables. The part which was cut so close by mistake appeared to be quite dead to, if not at the roots. The top of the blades of the other, in some places, had turned red as if singed with the frost; and the bottom blades were, in many places grown yellow. The last sowed wheat had, within these few days, vegitated a good deal, and was stooling very prettily.
Making up the banks round the serpentine walks to the front gate.
Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind at No. East all day--very raw, and cold--a red angry sky at Sunrising; lowering about Noon and snowing afterwards, by intervals, towards night.
A Mr. Wooldridge (an English gentleman) and a Mr. Waddell of No. Carolina--together with Mr. Murray, Mr. Wilson, & Mr. Maize came here to dinner & stayed all night.
Transplanted the following trees, to the following places in the North garden--viz.--the first on the left, looking eastward from the garden house, along the walk in front of it, is a peach tree transplanted the 14th. of last March from the Gardeners nursery, to the South side of the walk, by the Englh. Walnuts. The 2d. & 4th. on the same side, are burgamy Pears, grafted the first of April last yr. by the green House. The 3d. on the same side, is a black May heart cherry, grafted at the same time, in the same place. The 5th. on the same side is a Duke cherry, Do. Do. The 3d. tree from the same house, on the right side (looking the
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same way) is also a Duke cherry, grafted as above. By the stumps of the Cornation Cherry, and apricot, which were removed in to the same garden on the 26th. of last October (not expecting either of them to live) I planted a white heart cherry; and one of the small cherries that used to grow in the walk, in front of the House; the white heart was placed by the stump of the Cornation Cherry.
Brought a Goose & Gander of the Chineese breed of Geese, from the reverend Mr. Griffiths and also two of the large white (or Portugal) Peach trees; and 2 Scions from a tree growing in his garden, to which he could give no name--the last for my Shrubberies.
In 1775 the merchants of London appointed a committee to consider the importance of American trade to Britain. They chose Thomas Wooldrige, a British merchant, and two others to report on the situation in North Carolina ( Va. Gaz., D&H, 8 April 1775). Residing in New York City after the war, Wooldrige belonged to the firms of Wooldrige & Kelly and Kelly, Lot & Co., which engaged in West Indian trade. Wooldrige was in financial straits in 1786, for on 20 July 1786 Alexander Hamilton wrote to him concerning ways to satisfy his creditors. The following year Wooldrige was imprisoned in New York City for debts (HAMILTON [2], 3:678, n.1).
Edmund Waddell (Waddill), a prosperous planter of Randolph County, N.C., represented that county in the state House of Commons in 1787 and in the Senate from 1793 to 1798. In 1788 Waddell attended the state convention called to ratify the Constitution.
Sunday 12th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.--32 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Snow about half an inch deep in the Morning but soon disappeared afterwards--cloudy for the most part and but a feeble Sun at any time of the day--not much Wind and that about So. Et.
Messrs. Wilson, Murray, and Mease went away before breakfast--Mr. Wooldridge and Mr. Waddell after it and Miss Ramsay & Kitty Washington some time after them in my Chariot.
Monday 13th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Cloudy Morning but tolerably clear afterwards till Noon when it lowered and sprinkled fine Snow by intervals till Night by which the ground was not covered more than half an inch. Wind Southerly but raw and cold notwithstanding.
Planted the two peach trees which were brought on Saturday from Doctr. Griffiths in my fruit garden behind the Stable (the
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two uppermost ones at the No. Et. Corner of it). Also planted [ ] others from the Nursery in the Garden.
Began to raise the Mound of earth on the right of the gate (coming in).
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole--Dogue Run and Ferry and also to the Mill. Found Doctr. Craik here on my return, who dined with us and proceeded to Mr. Littles at Cameron to whose wife he was sent for.
Charles Little (c.1744--1813) emigrated from Scotland to Virginia in 1768, married Mary Manley, a sister of Penelope Manley French, and settled near Cameron at Cleesh, which he bought from the estate of the late Thomas Colvill (POWELL, 202; HARRISON [1], 285).
Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--36 at [noon] and 38 at Night.
In the course of last night there fell 8 Inches Snow and it continued snowing slightly till 10 or 11 Oclock when it cleared & became a fine afternoon and evening--Not much wind and that variable sometimes at So. Et. then at No. West and then calm.
Employed all the women and Weak hands (who on acct. of the Snow) could not work out, in picking the Wild Onion from the Eastern shore Oat for seed.
Doctr. Craik came in whilst we were at Dinner and stayed all Night.
Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Morning lowering. Towards Noon it became clear and warm, after which it clouded up again. Between 4 and 5 it began to Rain wch. turned to snow in a little time soon after which it ceased. Wind for the most part of the day was Southerly.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
Began with some of the Men abt. the House to bundle faggots for filling up gullies; as they could not on acct. of the Weather remove earth.
Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Morning cloudy and not pleasant, wind being at No. West, but not fresh. Afterwards it became clear, calm, and exceedingly agreeable.
The warm & pleasant afternoon almost carried of the Snow.
Put one of Doctr. Gordons Subscription Papers (yesterday) in the hands of Doctr. Craik to offer to his acquaintance.
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Rev. William Gordon. (Massachusetts Historical Society)
Dr. William Gordon (1728--1807), a dissenting minister in England, migrated to America in 1770 and settled in Roxbury, Mass., where he soon became active in the independence movement. As the Revolution progressed Gordon began copying and collecting documents with which to write a history of the struggle, and in 1784 he visited at Mount Vernon for 2½ weeks while he copied and abstracted Revolutionary documents from among GW's papers (FREEMAN, 6:36). Before he returned to England (1786) to find a publisher, Gordon circulated subscription papers for his history, which was first published in four volumes as The History of the Rise, Progress, and Establishment of Independence of the United States of America (London, 1788). Besides this subscription paper given to Dr. Craik, GW forwarded copies to correspondents in Alexandria and Fredericksburg. GW subscribed to two sets himself, for a total of £2 (GW to James Mercer, 20 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 223; see also PITCHER).
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 Doctr. Brown, who visited my Negro Overseer (Will) and Gabriel at Muddy hole who were both sick--the first since this day week & was visited by Doctr. Brown on Tuesday last.
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Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The morning lowered--cleard at Noon and about two it rained a little; with appearances of a good deal, at first--however it soon ceased, though it continued cloudy till night, when the Wind, which had blowed pretty fresh from the Southward all day, shifted to the No. West.
Began the yards back of the Green house designed for the Jack Ass & Magnolia.
The Bitch Stately was lined by the Dog Vulcan. Jupiter had been put to her and Venus but never seemed to take the least notice of them but whether he ever lined either of them is not certain. The contrary is supposed.
Rid to the Plantation in the Neck and returned home by Muddy hole and visited the sick men there whom I found better.
Took a list to day of all my Negroes which are as follows at Mount Vernon and the plantations around it--viz.--
Home House.
Children
Mill
River Plantn.
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Children
Dogue Run--Plantn.
Children
Ferry--Plantn.
Children
Muddy hole Plann.
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Children
N.B. Those marked with asterisks are Dower Negros.
Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 35 in the morning--38 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Morning clear and tolerably pleasant, though the horison was red & angry at the place of the Suns rising. After noon it lowered a good deal and at Night there fell a mixture of Snow and Rain--which turned to a kind of misling rain that continued through the Night. But little wind in the fore part of the day--at So. Et. and East afterwards.
Monday 20th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Missling all day intermixed at times with Rain with but little wind.
Began, though the ground was too wet, to set the Posts of my Paddock fence.
Mr. Lawrence Washington of Chotank, Mr. Wm. Thompson Mr. Willm. Stuart and Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner--all of whom except the first went away after it.
William Thompson, of Colchester (see entry for 16 April 1775), in 1785 married Ann Washington, daughter of Lund Washington's brother Robert Washington (b. 1729). William Stuart (b. 1761) was a younger brother of David Stuart.
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Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 38 at N.
Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon calm afterwards.
A Mr. McPherson of Alexandria came & returned before dinner. His business was, to communicate the desires of a Neighbourhood in Berkeley County, to build a School & Meeting House on some Land of mine there, leased to one [ ]. My answer was, that if the tenant's consent could be obtained, and the spot chosen was upon the exterior of my Land, so as that no damage would result from Roads &ca. to it, mine should not be wanting.
Colo. Carrington, Doctr. Brown, and a Mr. Scott of Maryland (a liver with Colo. Fitzhugh) also Mr. Lawe. Washington (of this County) came here to dinner; all of whom except Colo. Carrington went away after it. In the evening Mr. Crawford and his wife--child and nurse came in and stayed all night.
Edward Carrington (1749--1810) was the son of George and Anne Mayo Carrington of Goochland County, Va. He served in the Revolutionary War as a lieutenant colonel in the 1st Continental Artillery and was a member of the Continental Congress 1786--88; in 1789 GW appointed him marshal of the United States District Court of Virginia. In 1791 he was made supervisor of the revenue for Virginia. Carrington served as the foreman of the jury in the Aaron Burr treason trial in 1807.
Wednesday 22d. Thermometer 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 40 at Night.
A grey Morning with a red and angry looking horison at the place of the Suns rising. About 10 Oclock it began to lower very much & at Noon to drip Rain which continued with intervals all the remaining part of the day but not so as to drive people from their work. Calm all day.
After breakfast Colo. Carrington & Mr. Crawford [and] his wife left this--the first for Alexandria to pursue his rout to Congress (of which he is a member)--the other on his return home.
Mr. Lawe. Washington went up to Alexandria after breakfast--dined & returned in the Evening.
Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Wind at East all day. By eight A.M. it began to Snow and continued to do so more or less all day, covering the ground by Night 3 or 4 Inches when it became a kind of Sleet.
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Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner, and returned afterwards. A Mr. Rice Hooe came in the afternoon and stayed all Night.
Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly and to do some business in town for me.
The weather early in the Morning obliged me to quit planting Posts for my Paddock.
MR. RICE HOOE: probably Rice Wingfield Hooe (1764--1806), of King George County, the son of Richard and Anne Ireland Hooe. In 1790 he married Susannah Fitzhugh. He was sheriff of King George County 1804--6.
Friday 24th. Thermometer at 32 in the morning--33 at Noon and 29 at Night.
Cloudy about day break--but it soon cleared, and about 8 oclock the wind began to blow very high from the No. Wt. and continued to do so all day--growing very cold & freezing hard especially towards Night.
Mr. Lawe. Washington and Mr. Hooe left this after breakfast, and crossed in my Boat (which could not get back till the wind moderated after Sun down) to Maryland, as the nearest cut home.
After sunset Mr. Shaw returned from alexandria.
Not being able either to remove Earth, set Posts, or plant Trees sent the Men into the New grounds to making faggots and the Women to picking the wild onions from the Oats which I wanted to Sow.
Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 24 in the morning--31 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Clear and calm in the forenoon--wind Southerly afterwards and thawing, the ground being hard frozen.
Renewed the fencing of my Paddock to day.
Went into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations to measure the fields which I had plowed for Oats & for experiments--also to Dogue run to divide some fields and to mark the Rows for planting Corn.
In the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Boo<th> came in and stayed all Night.
Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear & calm all the forenoon, wind Southerly afterwards, & towards sunset lowered a good deal; but cleared again after dark.
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Monday 27th. Thermometer at 38 in the morning--46 at Noon and 43 at Night.
Forenoon warm, and variable with but little wind. About noon it sprung up fresh from No. West and blew hard all the afternoon.
Mr. Booth went away after breakfast--and Doctr. Brown came after dinner (and returned) to visit Boatswain a sick Negro man.
Having received, yesterday Evening, a number of fruit trees from my Nephew, Mr. Willm. Washington of Blenheim I planted them in my fruit garden in the following order & places--
viz.
In the No. Et. Square of this garden--the Tree at the No. Et. Corner is a Carnation Cherry--and the next to it, below, on the East side, is also a Carnation. The 3d. row, three two pound Pears, east side, next the Carnation--& one, 1 pound ditto. 5th. Row. 2 Cooks pears East, & 2 green Burgamot. 7 Row, 3 Bell pears East & 1 Catharine Ditto. 9th. Row 2 yellow Burgamot East & 2 Boncriton Pears.
No. West Square.
2d. Row 1 popes pear--next the cross walk & 3 of Colo. Richd. Henry Lee's fine winter Pear. 5 Row, four old Ho. Russitans. 6 Row four of the Heath Peach. 7 Row--four of Booth's Genitan. 8 Row, three amber Plumbs next the cross walk and 2 Green gage Do. west of them. 9th. Row, two Booths Genitans next the cross Walk & 2 Newtown pippin west of them.
So. West Square
1st. Row, next the cross Walk, Peaches from the Garden. 2d. Row 4 New town pippin. 3d. Row, Peaches from the Garden. 4th. Row, 4 Gloucester white apple--5 Row Peaches from the garden. 6 row 2 Glostr. whe. Ap. on the West side, & next these, adjoining the cross walk, are 2 apple trees taken from the middle walk in the No. Garden--said to be Vandiviers--7 Row, Peach trees from the Garden--8 Row, 1 apple tree next the cross walk, taken from the border in the No. garden, by the English Walnut trees & the other 3 trees are from Stratford, given to me by Colo. Henry Lee 1 of which he calls the Medlar Russitan--another the Chantilly pear--and the 3d. the Carnation cherry but this being a mistake, the others are not to be depended upon.
The 3d. and 7th. Trees in the outer or East row, next the fencing are May duke Cherry from Blenheim.
So. East Square
2d. Row, next the cross walk, are two Golden, and two New Town Pippins from Major Jenefirs--4th. Row four of the Maryland
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Red strick from the same place. 6th. Row--next the cross walk, two more of the same--that is Maryland red strick.
Fruit trees not previously mentioned in the diaries are listed here. The Pound pear was used only for cooking, a very common "kitchen" variety. The Bell may be the Windsor, often called Summer Bell, a summer pear not highly regarded. The Catherine pear was listed in the first catalogue of fruits issued in the colonies, William Prince's 1771 catalogue. Boncriton is GW's rendering of Bon Chretien. DOWNING, 406, lists two Pope's pears, the Scarlet Major and the Quaker, both from Long Island. Colonel Lee's winter pear is not further identified. The Russitan apple is GW's rendering of Russeting, an alternate form of Russet. The Heath peach was a late-ripening clingstone developed in Maryland from a stone brought from the Mediterranean. "Booths Genitans" means the Jenneting, an early apple which folk etymology often corrupted into "June-eating." It was probably brought to GW by William Booth, of Westmoreland and later the Shenandoah Valley, who left Mount Vernon this day. The Amber plum may be the Amber Primordian, an early variety from the south of France. The Green Gage is still a universally popular variety (all plums are Prunus domestica). The Vandervere apple was a winter variety said to have been named for a family in Wilmington, Del., where it originated (DOWNING, 141). The medlar, Mespilus germanica, no longer considered to be an apple, is a crooked tree or large shrub bearing fruit which is eaten after frost. The Chantilly pear is one of the seemingly endless number of French pears, not further identified. The Golden Pippin is a variety of the Newtown Pippin already discussed.
Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A hard frost, and very cold morning, Wind being still at No. West. The forenoon clear--afternoon lowering and about eight oclock in the evening it began to Snow.
Set out, by appointment, to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Potomack Company at the Great Falls. Dined and lodged at Abingdon, to which place Mrs. Washington and all the Children accompanied me. Mr. Shaw also set out on a visit to Dumfries.
Wednesday 1st. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Snow which fell in the night was little, if any over an inch deep this Morning. The forenoon of the day was variable and foggy--the afternoon clear, warm, and pleasant till the evening, when it lowered and threatned a disagreeable change.
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After a very early breakfast at Abingdon I set off for the meeting at the Great falls & passing near the little falls arrived at the former about 10 Oclock; where in a little time, assembled Govr. Johnston Colo. Fitzgerald, and Colo. Gilpin.
Little or no business done to day--& seperating in the evening for the purpose of procuring Quarters, I went to Mr. Fairfax's (about 3 Miles off) where I lodged.
Thursday 2d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A little Snow fell in the Night. About Sun rise there were some appearances of fair weather but about 8 Oclock it began to Snow fast. By 10 it was intermixed with hail & Rain--which, about Noon, became wholly Rain and towards Sun down all Snow, and storming; indeed the day through it blew hard from the No. East quarter.
Accompanied by Mr. Fairfax I repaired again to the Falls where we arrived about 8 oclock & where we found Colo. Gilpin, who remained there all Night. About two hours afterwards, Govt. Johnson, Colo. Fitzgereld and Mr. Potts arrived but the day was so stormy that we could neither level, nor Survey the different tracks talked of for the Canal--which, & to determine on the most eligable one were the principle objects of the meeting. Unable to do any business without doors, we returned to the Huts--resolved on the next advances--considered some other Matters--dined there as we did yesterday and again seperated for lodgings. Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts accompanied Mr. Fairfax & myself to Towlston.
THE NEXT ADVANCES: Although almost all of the 500 shares had been subscribed, many of the subscribers (including the state of Maryland, which held 50 shares) were delinquent in paying the first two "advances" (which were also called "dividends") of 5 and 2½ percent. The board resolved to press these delinquents and to call for payment by subscribers of two more dividends of 10 percent each (PICKELL, 84--87).
Friday 3d. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Snow which fell yesterday & last night covered the ground at least a foot deep and continuing snowing a little all day, & blowing hard from the No. West. We were obliged tho' we assembled at the huts again to relinquish all hopes of levelling & Surveying the ground this trip; & therefore resolved on the Rout for the Canal from the best view we could take, & information
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Payroll for workmen employed at the Great Falls. (Library of Congress)
get; and after doing some other business, as a board--particularly resolving to advertize a Contract for the Supply of our labourers with provisions, we broke up the Meeting; and I again returned (first dining at the Hutts) with Colo. Fitzgerald to Towlston, in a very severe evening.
The provisions per man per day were advertised as consisting of 1½ pounds of fresh meat, or 1¼ pounds of salt beef, or 1 pound of salt pork, plus ½ pounds of flour or bread and "3 gills of good spirituous liquor, per day; also, 1 gill of salt and 1 of vinegar per week, to each ration" ( Va. Journal, 23 Mar. 1786).
Saturday 4th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon--30 and at Night.
The Wind blew hard all last Night at No. West, and it was as cold this Morning as at any time this winter; but not havg. the thermometer to apply to, I could only judge from appearances, & my own feelings.
After breakfast Colo. Fitzgerald and myself set off on our return home, & parted at 4 Mile Run. About half after four I got to Mount Vernon, where Mrs. Washington, Nelly, and little Washington had just arrived--as also Mr. Shaw from Dumfries.
Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 34 at Night.
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Miniature of Richard Bland Lee, by James Peale. (Mr. John W. Davidge, Jr.)
Elizabeth Collins Lee, wife of Richard Bland Lee. From a copy attributed to Alice Reading. (Virginia Historical Society)
Wind pretty fresh from the No. West all day, and much appearance of Snow; but none fell.
Mr. Richd. Bland Lee came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Richard Bland Lee (1761--1827) was the third son of Henry Lee of Leesylvania, and younger brother of Light Horse Harry and Charles Lee. He lived in Loudoun County, which he represented in the Virginia House of Delegates 1784--88 and 1796. He later moved to Alexandria and served as a delegate from Fairfax County 1799--1800.
Monday 6th. Thermometer at 36 in the morng.--37 at Noon and 37 at Night.
Cloudy & heavy all day, with little wind & that soft.
Mr. Lee went away about 10 Oclock and Mr. Thornton Washington came in after we had dined and stayed all night.
Mr. Lund Washingtons Negro Shoemaker left working here on saturday last.
Returned to the erection of my deer paddock, which the bad weather had impeded. Brought carts from the plantations to assist in drawing in the Materials for the Work.
Thornton Washington lived at Cedar Lawn, near Harewood, in Berkeley County. He was married twice, first to Mildred Berry and then to Frances Townshend Washington.
Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--<4>6 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Morning clear & calm--grd. a little frozen. Wind pretty fresh afterwards from the Northwest--notwithstanding which it lowered a good deal towards evening.
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I rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations and by the grd. where the ferry hands were at work.
Wednesday 8th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--43 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning clear and calm; but very strong appearances of Snow afternoon, not enough how[eve]r to cover the ground--The Wind all the latter part of the day blowing pretty fresh from the No. West.
A Mr. [ ] Nisbett brother to J. M. Nisbett accompanied by Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr. Herbert and Mr. Potts came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Alexander Nesbitt (d. 1791) and John Maxwell Nesbitt (c. 1730--1802) were sons of Jonathan Nesbitt of Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland. The brothers established themselves as merchants after emigrating to Philadelphia: Alexander with Walter Stewart in the dry goods house of Stewart & Nesbitt, and John with a distant relative, Redmond Conyngham, in the mercantile firm of Conyngham, Nesbitt & Co., which during the Revolution became known as J. M. Nesbitt & Co. Both Alexander and John served during the war as members of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. John was prominent in Philadelphia financial circles, serving as a director of the Bank of North America 1781--92 and as the first president of the Insurance Company of North America 1792--96 (CAMPBELL [3], 126--27).
Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Clear all day, & for the Season cold, the wind being fresh from the No. West.
After breakfast the Gentlemen who came yesterday returned to Alexandria and after candles were lighted Doctr. Jenifer came in and stayed all Night.
Friday 10th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Ground very hard froze in the Morning, which was cold--the wind being fresh all day at No. West. In the evening it became calm. The day was clear.
Lund Washington came here to Breakfast--after which he and Doctr. Jenifer both went away.
Between breakfast and Dinner, a Mr. Rollins, who has undertaken to finish my new Room came here settled a plan with my joiners & returned before dinner.
John Rawlins, a stucco worker, or plasterer, was originally from England. Recommended by GW's former aide, Tench Tilghman, now a Baltimore
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merchant, Rawlins had come to Mount Vernon in Sept. 1785 to make an estimate of the cost of decorating the New Room and in November sent GW a drawing of his design for the room and an estimate of £168 Maryland currency plus traveling expenses for "Ornaments in Ceiling, Cove, Cornice & moulding at top of cove, with pannels on the walls plaine" (Rawlins to GW, 15 Nov. 1785, NjMoNP; GW to Tilghman, 14 Sept. 1785, Tilghman to GW, 31 Aug. 1785, DLC:GW). Although GW declared this price to be exorbitant, he let Tilghman make an agreement with Rawlins for the work (GW to Tilghman, 30 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). Articles of agreement were signed by Rawlins and Tilghman on 25 Feb. 1786 and Rawlins was to start work by 15 April. GW was to provide food and lodging for Rawlins and his workers and transportation for them and for "such of the Stucco as it shall be necessary to mould at Baltimore" (DLC:GW). In order not to delay the work on the room, GW's own joiners and carpenters were to do any work necessary to prepare for Rawlins's arrival (GW to Tilghman, 30 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW).
Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Weather clear and cool, Wind at No. West, and ground hard froze in the Morning. Rode to all my Plantns. and to the Mill. On my Return found a Mr. James Hains, the Manager of the James River Canal here--sent by the Directors to me--and to proceed with Letters from me to the Potomack and Susquehanna Works which being given, he proceeded after dinner to the former.
Brought a Load of Salt in my Boat from Alexandria, for Fishing.
MR. JAMES HAINS: James Harris, who carried a letter dated 2 Mar., to GW from Edmund Randolph introducing Harris as "a mechanic, formed by nature for the management of water, when applied to mills," and asking GW to aid Harris's inspection trip to the two navigation projects (DLC: GW). SUSQUEHANNA WORKS: In 1783 Maryland chartered a company similar to the Potomac and James river navigation companies to make the Susquehanna River navigable through Maryland. By 1786 the company was cutting a canal along the left bank of the river beginning at Port Deposit, just below the Pennsylvania line, and eventually running almost to its mouth. After 20 years of work the canal was officially open but was never successful; it was later superseded by the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, the Maryland portion of which ran along the right bank of the river (SCHARF [4], 2:524; LIVINGOOD, 34, 71--73).
Sunday 12th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng.--53 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Very clear and pleasant, all day, till towards sunset, when the western horison became thick. The Wind in the forenoon was at No. West but not hard. Afterwards it was at East and variable
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--alarge circle round the Moon at 8 and 9 Oclock in the Evening.
About dusk, Mr. William Harrison (a delegate to Congress from the State of Maryland) and his Son came in on their way to New York.
William Harrison was the brother of Robert Hanson Harrison, a close friend and wartime secretary of GW's. The former was a delegate to Congress 1785--87.
Monday 13th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Clear and pleasant with but little Wind, and that variable. In the forenoon it was Northerly and in the afternoon easterly and towds. Sun set lowering--the sun setting in a bank.
Mr. Harrison and son went away after breakfast and Mr. Lund Washington came immediately afterwards and stayed till the afternoon.
The ground being in order for it, I set the people to raising and forming the mounds of Earth by the gate in order to plant weeping willow thereon.
Sent my Boat to Alexanda. for Salt with the Overseer in it who by my order, engaged my Fishing landing at Johnsons ferry to Mr. Lomax in Alexandria--who is to put doors and windows to the house and pay Twenty five pounds for the use of it during the fishing Season.
MOUNDS OF EARTH: GW's plan for the landscaping of the west front of Mount Vernon called for two artificial mounds, one on each side of the gate at the end of the bowling green. A weeping willow was to be planted on each mound.
Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 42 at Night.
A Red horison in the East at Sunrising; but tolerably clear till towards Noon, with a large circle round the sun. After noon it turned cloudy, and towards night there were strong appearances of rain--Wind at East all day.
Rid to my Plantations at Dogue Run, Muddy Hole, and in the Neck. At the former had begun to sow Oats in ground that was intended for, and had been added to my upper Meadow but after sowing the narrow slipe at the lower end I ordered the plowmen to stop and forbid any more harrowing as the ground was too wet & heavy to be worked to any advantage.
That ground in the Neck wch. I was cross plowing, for Oats also, was too wet and heavy; but the lateness of the season induced
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me to continue plowing as I wanted to bring it into fine tilth on acct. of clover seed which I meant to sow with the Oats.
Planted the intervals between the forest trees in my serpentine roads, or walks to the House from the front gate, with Weeping Willow. Note, part of these (nearly all on the right side going to the gate) were planted on Wednesday the first day of this Month, whilst I was on the business of the Potomk. Company at the great Falls.
Sent my Overseer, and Boat to Alexandria for another load of Salt.
Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 38 in the morning--41 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Misting all day, and now and then raining pretty smartly, wind constantly at East.
The wet obliged me to discontinue my working on the Mounds and set the people to picking the wild onions out of the Oats which I am abt. to sow.
In the afternoon, the Vessel wch. I sent to york river for Corn from the Plantations of the deceased Mr. Custis arrived with 1000 bushels.
THE VESSEL WCH. I SENT TO YORK RIVER: This was the shipment of corn which GW had employed George Savage's skipper, John Whitney, to bring to Mount Vernon (see entry for 3 Feb. 1786). In addition to the Indian corn, Whitney brought six bushels of peas, all from John Parke Custis's plantation on the Pamunkey River (GW to Savage, 17 Mar. 1786, owned by Mr. Randolph P. Barton, Salem, Mass.).
Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Misling morning. About 9 Oclock it cleared and was warm and pleasant overhead but very wet under foot, occasioned by the quantity of Rain that fell last Night--but little wind and that from the Westward. About 4 oclock a pretty heavy shower of Rain fell.
Finished the Mound on the right and planted the largest weeping willow in my nursery in the centre of it--ground too wet to do any thing to the other Mound on the left.
Landed 450 Bushels of Corn to day--more might have been got up but for the badness of the road occasioned by the late rains made it difficult passing with Carts.
Friday 17th. Thermometer at 49 in the morning--52 at Noon and 48 at Night.
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Cloudy all day, and sometimes dripping rain--Wind at No. West but not fresh nor cold.
Finished landing Corn--viz. 1000 Bushels which had swelled 13 bushels over.
Had every species of stock turned off my Muddy hole Wheat field except two English Colts and [ ] with young.
Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Morning a little cloudy, and the Wind at No. West with appearances of blowing hard; but towards noon it cleared, the wind moderated, and in the afternoon it became calm and very pleasant.
Rid to my Ferry, Dogue Run, Muddy hole, and Neck plantations. On my return before dinner found a Mr. Charton (a french Gentleman) here introduced by a letter from Governr. Henry.
Got the Mound on the left so far compleated as to plant the next largest of my weeping Willows thereon the buds of which were quite expanded, and the leaves appearing in their unfolded state--quaere, how much too far, in this state of the Sap, is the Season advanced? Also planted the cuttings from, or trimming, of these trees in a nursery they being in the same forward State.
Spaded up some of the ground in my botanical garden for the purpose of planting the scaly bark hiccory nut of Gloucester in.
Also a piece of ground No. West of the green House, adjoining thereto, the garden Wall, & Post & rail fencing lately erected as yards for my Stud horses in order to plant the Seed of the Honey loccust &ca. &ca.
About Noon this day finished crossing the ground in the Neck --designed for Oats and clover--and nothing but the lateness of the Season could (if that will) justify my doing it whilst the ground is so wet--or beginning to inlist Corn ground which I did at the same place whilst the ground was in this condition.
Henry L. Charton was introduced to GW a week before his visit to Mount Vernon by a letter from Patrick Henry. Henry wrote that Charton, Albert Gallatin, and Savary de Valcoulon proposed "to settle (a large body of land, on the waters of Ohio near to some of yours) by white people, chiefly from Europe" (excerpt, Patrick Henry to GW, 11 Mar. 1786, sold by Mercury Stamp Co., Inc., 5 June 1970, Item 3079). Apparently Charton discussed the possibility of purchasing some of GW's land in the west during this visit. In early May there was further correspondence concerning the property, but the western settlement negotiations never got beyond this stage (GW to Henry Charton, 20 May 1786, InHi).
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Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning--50 at Noon & 46 at Night.
Wind moderate in the forenoon, and the morning exceedingly pleasant; but blowing fresh from the Eastward after twelve o'clock. It lowered in the afternoon and threatned an unfavourable change.
A Gentleman calling himself the Count de Cheiza D'arteignan Officer of the French Guards came here to dinner; but bringing no letters of introduction, nor any authentic testemonials of his being either; I was at a loss how to receive, or treat him. He stayed dinner and the evening.
Mr. Charton went away after dinner.
The comte de Cheiza d'Artaignan had just arrived in Alexandria from Cap Français in Santo Domingo (see d'Artaignan to GW, 18 Mar. 1786, DLC: GW).
Monday 20th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Wind fresh from the No. East all day--misling and raining, more or less, till eveng. At times it fell pretty heavily.
Planted in that square of my Botanical garden, adjoining to the Servants & spinning House in two and an half rows, 95 of the gloucester hiccory nut. They are on that side of the square next the House--between the Walk, and a locust tree standing within the Square.
Trimmed all the Weeping willow trees which had been planted in the serpentine Walks both sides & which had begun to display their leaves.
Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at [ ] in the morning--60 at Noon, and 58 at Night.
Wind brisk from the No. West all day (drying the ground finely)--in the morning it was a little cloudy but clear afterwards.
The Count de Cheiza D'Artingnon (so calling himself) was sent, with my horses, to day, at his own request, to Alexanda.
Mr. Shaw went to town to day on my business.
In the So. West square of my fruit Garden, beginning with the upper row, next the cross walk, the following trees were planted--viz.--1st. row 4 damisons--3d. Row 4 common plumbs--5th. row 4 damisons--7 Row 4 common Plumbs--9th. row 4 damisons; according to my Gardiners account--all from Mr. Manleys place--And in the So. East square, at the east side of the 3d. Row (counting
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from the cross Walk) are 2 Pears (common) from the same place.
A Captn. Hite came here between breakfast and dinner to see if I would join him in an Iron work on the So. Branch wch. proposition I rejected--and
Captn. W. Brooke came here to dinner and returned afterwds.
Mr. Shaw returned from Alexandria abt. 9 Oclock at Night.
Wednesday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the morning--58 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Wind rather variable, but chiefly from the Westward. About noon it lowered and a large circle appeared round the Sun--but the Sun set clear and the evening was red.
Had the intervals between my Cape Wheat hoed. Cut the top of every other row of the first sowed of it about 8 Inches from the ground it being not less than 12 or 14 Inches high and many of the blades, in places, appearing to be dying. Left the alternate rows untouched, to see what effect this cutting will have. The second sowing of this Wheat appears very lively & thriving. Having a few grains of it left I had it planted in the missing places.
Hoed the ground behind the Garden again and planded therein, in three Rows 177 of the wild, or Cherokee plumb; (sent me by Mr. Geo. A. Washington) 8 inches a part in the rows with 18 inch intervals.
Also hoed up, under the Pines, in the inclosure near H[ell] hole abt. 4 Rods of ground wch. is much shaded, and poor, to try whether it will bring the orchard grass.
Rid to all my Plantations; directed the Overseer at Dogue Run to harrow the ground wch. had been sometime plowed for Oats, in order to get it ready for sowing, though it was much wetter than were to be wished. Did the same in the Neck, or River plantation, where the ground intended for the same purpose was in like condition.
CHEROKEE PLUMB: possibly Prunus angustifolia, Chickasaw plum.
Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 50 at night.
Wind very fresh the whole day at No. West, and weather clear.
Along side the Cherokee plumb (planted yesterday) I planted in a Row and piece, the Spanish chesnuts sowed last fall.
And next these 43 rows, one foot apart & about an inch asunder in the row between 17 and 18,000 seed of the honey locust.
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Next these, in three rows, planted 160 of the Portugal peach stones.
And adjoining these are 3 other rows of the common chestnut.
In the Evening Doctr. Craik came in.
Muddy hole hands finished grubbing their side of the New ground, in front of the House, & went about their fencing at home.
Friday 24th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning--56 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Wind at No. West in the Morning, and rather cool. After noon it was at South west and blew pretty fresh--looking hazy.
Rid to my Plantations at Dogue run, Muddy hole and in the Neck. Began again to sow Oats at the first and last of these, though the ground was yet too wet.
Sowed the ground which was prepared on Wednesday last under the Pine trees with about 1 quart of Orchard grass seeds, and a gill of red Clover seeds mixed.
Doctr. Craik went up to Alexandria after breakfast.
Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 53 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Clear, warm, and pleasant all day--wind southerly, and pretty fresh--smoaky, the sun, consequently, looking red.
Rid to all the Plantations, and to the Mill.
Finding the ground both at Dogue run and River plantation (which had been twice plowed at each) for Oats, too much consolidated & baked (the last plowings being when it was too wet) for the harrow to make much impression in it, and the lateness of the Season not allowing time to give it another plowing before sowing, I directed the Seed to be sown on it as it now is, and to be plowed in, smoothing it afterwards with the harrow--but the ground in many places breaking up in large clods, & flakes, more so indeed than at the first plowing, it is to be feared the seed will be irregularly sown--burried too deep--and the Crop (after all the pains I intended to take with it) be indifferent and in bad condition to receive the grass seeds which were intended to be sown therewith.
In removing the planks about the Venetian Window, at the North end of the house, the Sill, and ends of the Posts, and studs, were found decayed; and were accordingly, the first renewed, and the other repaired.
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Doctr. Craik came here to dinner, & returned to Maryland after it.
Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 57 in the morning--67 at Noon and 67 at Night.
Clear and very smoaky all day, with the wind brisk from the Southwest. Towards sundown it began to lower a little.
The warmth of yesterday and this day, forwarded vegetation much; the buds of some trees, particularly the Weeping Willow & Maple, had displayed their leaves and blossoms & all others were swelled, and many ready to put forth. The apricot trees were beginning to blossom and the grass to shew its verdure.
Monday 27th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning [ ] at Noon and 56 at Night.
Cloudy all the forenoon--Wind at No. Wt.
Rid to all my Plantations. Finished plowing in the Oats at Dogue Run--ground much too wet; but not to be avoided, as nothing could be well worse than a longer delay of getting them sowed. Ordered the ground to be harrowed, to smooth and prepare it for the Timothy seed which I mean to sow with the Oats when they are up and require rolling.
What from the wetness of the above ground, and the last plowing (after sowing) being deeper than I chose, it is to be feared the Seed will come up badly.
The same apprehension I have concerning the Oats in the Neck, which are plowed in in the same manner, and the ground equally wet. The harrow at this place follow the plows close. At Dogue Run the whole was first plowed in before the harrow moved.
Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 42 in the morning--50 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Clear all day with the Wind at So. It should have been noted, that in the Night of the 26th. there fell Rain--tho' not a great deal--enough however to wet the top of the ground.
Finished sowing my Oats in the Neck and plowing them in, but not the harrowing of the ground after the Plows.
Finished the Land sides of my Paddock fencing, and as a temporary expedient, set about Water fences at each end, to serve till the fishing season is over.
Also finished the Mound on the left side (going out) of the front gate.
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Sowed in [ ] rows in my botanical garden, one foot assun<der,> and about ¾ of an inch a part, in the rows, all the seed I had of the palmetto royal.
Replaced the following trees in my Shrubberies which were dead or supposed to be so--viz.--
Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to settle some accts. and receive money. He returned in the evening.
Wednesday 29th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Lowering in the forenoon, and sometimes dropping Rain--clear afterwards--Wind Southerly all day and at times fresh.
Some varieties of burnet, from Museum Rusticum et Commerciale, London, 1764. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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Finished crossing the ground at Muddy hole plantation, intended for experiments.
Began to plow a piece of grd. in the Neck for Burnet, Saintfoin and Rib grass, in front of the overseers house.
Rid to all my Plantations and to the fish house at the ferry where my Carpenters were at work. In the afternoon a Mr. Brindley, manager of the Susquehanna canal and Mr. Hanes manager of the James River Navigation came in and stayed all night.
RIB GRASS: Plantago lanceolata, plantain or ribwort. Arthur Young said he had long recommended it as a forage crop (ANNALS, 6:47), but it is now a common weed in grasslands.
James Brindle), was a nephew of James Brindley (1716--1772), the talented Englishman who had initiated the dry-land canal era in England in the 1760s under the auspices of the duke of Bridgewater. Coming from the Susquehanna canal works Brindley and Harris "took the great Falls in their way down, & both approve of the present line for our Canal," wrote GW to John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin, adding, "no person in this country has more practical knowledge than Mr. Brindley" (31 Mar. 1786, DLC:GW). Brindley was on his way to Richmond to consult and advise on the James River project and GW hoped he would do the same for the Potomac project on his way hack to the Susquehanna.
Thursday 30th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--63 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Lowering more or less all day, with the wind at South.
Rid to the ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole plantations & to the Mill.
On my return home, found a Mr. Wallace, an Irish Gentlemen--some time since recommended to me by Mr. Edward Newenham, here.
The Corn which I had lately received from York River having got very hot, I was obliged to send part of it to be spread in my Mill loft--part to be spread on the Barn floor at Muddy hole--part I spread above stairs in the servants Hall and part I spread on Carpets in the yard the last of which from the appearance of the Weather I was obliged soon to take in again.
Finished harrowing the ground in which Oats had been sowed at Dogue Run, and in the Neck; and set a number of Hoes at the former to breaking the clods wch. the harrow could hot effect. The ground in the Neck in many places was left very lumpy also but on acct. of other jobs there I could do no more to it at present.
Perceived the Oats which had been sown, at Dogue run on the 14th. instt. to be generally up. On Monday last they were beginning to peep out of the ground.
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Planted in the holly clumps, in my shrubberies, a number of small holly trees which some months ago Colo. Lee of Stratford sent me in a box with earth--also in the same shrubberies some of the slips of the Tree box. I also planted several holly trees which had been sent to me the day before by a Neighbour Mr. Thos. Allison.
Mr. Brindley and Mr. Hains or Harris, went away after breakfast.
Sir Edward Newenham (1732--1814), the Irish politician who represented Dublin in Parliament at this time, had recommended Wallace to GW. GW and Newenham corresponded from at least 1781 until a few years before GW's death. Wallace returned to Mount Vernon early in June and left soon after for Bordeaux (see entries for 8, 9, and 17 June 1786).
Thomas Allison (Alliston) lived in the lower Accotink Creek area on the road leading to GW's mill (SPROUSE [2], 16).
Friday 31st. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Raining a little before day with thunder & lightning--after which it misted till towds. Noon when there were appearances of its clearing; but in the afternoon it rained pretty smartly, and continued threatning. Wind No. & No. West sometime No. E.
Walked to my Plantation in the Neck where, tho' the ground was nearly prepared for my grape Seeds I could not sow them on acct. of the Weather.
Got my Paddock fence quite inclosed except along the margin of the Rivr.
In the afternoon, George Washington and his wife arrived in Colo. Bassetts Chariot.
Saturday 1st. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
A very disagreeable mixture of Rain and fine hail fell all day, with a fresh and cold No. easterly wind. Towards night and in the Night it snowed. Few days or Nights this year have been more inclemt. and disagreeable than this.
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 31 in the morning--40 at Noon and 41 at Night.
A very hard frost this Morning; Water & wet Ice frozen and
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day cold--Wind hard at No. West and weather clear--Snow which fell in the Night had drifted so as not to tell the depth of it easily. All the blossoms & young foliage much injured, and the forward fruit (if no more) entirely destroyed.
Just after dinner Mr. Fendall came in, and about Sun down a Doctr. Middleton--both of whom stayed all night.
April 3d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng.--50 at Noon and 50 at Night.
A hard frost this morning & a good deal of Ice--Wind Southerly and clear till the afternoon, when it shifted to the East and lowered.
Mr. Fendall went away before Breakfast and Mr. Wallace & Doctr. Middleton soon after it.
Lund Washington dined here. Snow chiefly dissolved--ground very wet and unfit to stir.
Planted [ ] stocks of the imported haw thorn--brought by Mr. G. A. Washington from Mr. Lyons--in the inclosure below the Stable--also, 4 of the yellow Jessamine by the Garden gates.
Tryed my Jack to day to a Mare that was horsing but he would not cover her. Mr. Griffith came.
Tuesday 4th. Thermometer at 45 in the morning--49 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Little wind, but very cloudy in the morning, and before 10 oclock it began to Rain; and continued to do so moderately all day and till we went to bed from the East.
Sent my Seins and People to the Fishing landing at the ferry, but no hand was made of Fishing.
Planted 6 of the pride of China brought from Mr. Lyons by G. A. Washington in my shrubberies in front of the House--3 on each side the right & left walks between the Houses & garden gates and also the two young trees sent me some time ago by Mr. Griffith, to which no name had been given. These latter were planted, one on each side of the Right & left walks--near the garden gates on the hither or Et. side.
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Wind at No. West or more northerly all day and raining and mizzling without intermission--being very disagreeable and the ground very wet.
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Fanned all the heated Corn to day. The trouble this Corn has occasioned to preserve it from entire destruction is equal to the worth of it. To prevent its receiving some damage & getting musty I have not been able to do.
Hauling the Sein again to day to no great effect.
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 54 at Night.
Very clear all day and upon the whole pleasant though the Wind blew pritty fresh and cool in the Morning from the No. West--but shifting to the Southward it grew calm in the afternoon.
Mr. Griffith went away after breakfast and I rid to my Plantations at the ferry Dogue run & Muddy hole.
Transplanted 46 of the large Magnolio of So. Carolina from the box brought by G. A. Washington last year--viz.--6 at the head of each of the Serpentine Walks next the Circle--26 in the Shrubbery or grove at the South end of the House & 8 in that at the No. end. The ground was so wet, more could not at this time be planted there.
Took the covering off the Plants in my Botanical garden, and found none living of all those planted the 13th. of June last, except some of the Acasce or Acacia, flower fence, and privy & of these it was doubtful.
The Guinea grass shewed no signs of vegitation, and whether the root is living, is questionable.
None of the plants which were sowed with the seeds from China (a few of which had come up last year) were to be seen.
Whether these plants are unfit for this climate or whether covering & thereby hiding them entirely from the Sun the whole winter occasioned this to Rot, I know not.
Cut two or three rows of the Wheat of good hope, within 6 Inches of the ground, it being near 18 Inches high (the first sowing) and the blades of the whole singed with the frost.
Friday 7th. Thermometer at 50 in the morng.--[ ] at Noon and 52 at Night.
Rid to Muddy hole Plantation and finding the ground which had been twice plowed to make my experiments in there middling dry in some places, though wet in others, I tried my drill or Barrel plow; which requiring some alteration in the harrow, obliged me to bring it to the Smiths shop. This suspended any further operation with it to day.
No fish caught to day, of neither Herring or shad.
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A drill plow, from Arthur Young's Annals of Agriculture, London, 1785. (Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University)
Set my Brick layer to getting sand & preparing for laying brick on Monday.
Mr. George Washington went to Alexandria and engaged 100,000 Herrings to Smith and Douglas (if caught) at 5/pr. thousand.
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and 44 at Night.
Lowering more or less all day and sometimes dropping. Wind South, So. Et., & more Easterly and at times pretty fresh. Towards Sun down the appearances of fair weather was more favourable.
Rid a little after Sun rise to Muddy to try my drill plow again which with the alteration of the harrow yesterday I find will fully answer my expectation and that it drops the grains thicker, or thinner in proportion to the quantity of Seed in the Barrel. The less there is in it the faster it issues from the holes. The weight of a quantity in the barrel, occasions (I presume) a pressure on the holes that do not admit of a free discharge of the Seed through them--whereas a small quantity (sufficient at all times to cover the bottom of the barrel) is, in a manner sifted through them by the revolution of the Barrel.
I sowed with the barrel today, in drills, about 3 pints of a
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white well looking Oat, brought from Carolina last year by G. A. Washington in 7 rows running from the path leading from the Overseers Ho[use] to the Quarter to the West fence of the field where the ground was in the best order. Afterwards I sowed in such other parts of the adjoining ground as could at any rate be worked the common Oat of the Eastern shore (after picking out the Wild Onion) but in truth nothing but the late Season could warrant sowing in ground so wet.
None of the ground in wch. these Oats were sown had received any improvement from manure--but all of it had been twice plowed, and then listed--after which the harrow had gone over it twice before the Seed harrowing. This, had it not been for the frequent rains &ca. which has fallen would have put the ground in fine order.
Transplanted as many of the large magnolio into the Grove at the No. end of the Ho[use] as made the number there [ ]
Also transplanted from the same box, 9 of the live Oak--viz., 4 in the bends of the lawn before the House and five on the East of the grove (within the yard) at the No. end of the House.
Plowed up my last years turnip patch (at home) to Sow Orchard grass Seeds in.
No fish caught to day.
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Lowering more or less all day. In the morning there were great appearances of Rain. About Noon it brightened up a little but in the evening it grew cloudy again and a large circle appeared round the Moon between 9 and 10 Oclock at Night. The Wind was at So. Et. and E.So. Et. all day and at times pretty fresh.
Mr. Dalby of Alexandria came here to dinner, and returned afterwards. In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart and his Sister arrived and stayed all night.
Philip Dalby came to enlist GW's support in recovering a slave. While visiting in Philadelphia, Dalby's servant had been lured away by a group of Quakers organized for the purpose of freeing slaves brought to that city. Dalby inserted a long notice in the Alexandria newspaper warning the general public of this "insidious" practice of the Quakers ( Va. Journal, 30 Mar. 1786) and was at this time going to Philadelphia to petition the Pennsylvania assembly for the return of his property. GW wrote to Robert Morris: "If the practice of this Society of which Mr. Dalby speaks, is not discountenanced, none of those whose misfortune it is to have slaves as attendants, will visit the city if they can possibly avoid it" (12 April 1786, DLC:GW). He added that although he deplored the institution of slavery,
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its abolition must come through legislative authority. Dalby's suit was successful and he recovered his slave (Robert Morris to GW, 26 April 1786, DLC:GW).
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Cold and raw Northerly wind blew all the forenoon, and in the afternoon shifted Easterly & was not much pleasanter.
Began my brick work to day--first taking away the foundations of the Garden Houses as they were first placed, & repairing the damages in the Walls occasioned by their removal. And also began to put up my pallisades (on the Wall).
Compleated Sowing with 24 quarts the drilled Oats in the ground intended for experiments at Muddy hole; which amounted at 38 Rows ten feet apart (including the parts of rows sowed on Saturday last). In the Afternoon I began to sow Barley, but finding there were too many Seeds discharged from the Barrel, notwithstanding I stopped every other hole, I discontinued the sowing until another Barrel with smaller holes cd. be prepared. The ground in which these Oats have been sowed and in which the Barley seeding had commenced--has been plowed, cross plowed, listed (as it is called, that is 3 furrow ridges) and twice harrowed before the drill plow was put into it. With this the furrow is made & the seed harrowed in witht. manure afterwds.
Began also to sow the Siberian Wheat which I had obtained from Baltimore, by means of Colo. Tilghman, at the Ferry Plantation in the ground laid apart there for experiments. This was done upon ground which, sometime ago, had been marked off by furrows 8 feet apart, in which a second furrow had been run to deepen them. 4 furrows were then plowed to these, which made the whole 5 furrow Ridges. These being done some time ago, and by frequent rains prevented Sowing at the time intended had got hard. I therefore before the Seid was sowed, split these Ridges again, by running twice in the same furrow--after wch. I harrowed the ridges and where the ground was lumpy run my spiked Roller with the Harrow at the tale, over it--wch. I found very efficacious in breaking the clods & pulverizing the earth; and wd. have done it perfectly if there had not been too much moisture remaining of the late rains: after this harrowing, & rolling where necessary, I sowed the Wheat with my drill plow on the reduced ridges in rows 8 feet apart--but I should have observed that, after the ridges were split by the furrow in the middle, and before the furrows were closed again by the harrow--I sprinkled a little dung
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in them. Finding the barrel discharged the Wheat too fast; I did, after sowing 9 of the shortest (for we began at the furthest corner of the field) rows, I stopped every other hole in the barrel, and in this manner sowed 5 Rows more, & still thinking the seed too liberally bestowed, I stopped 2, & left one hole open, alternately, by which 4 out of 12 holes only, discharged Seeds; and this, as I had taken the strap of leather off, seemed to give Seed enough (though not so regular as were to be wished) to the ground.
Doctr. Stuart and his Sister left this after breakfast (passing through Mary land) to his fathers from whence the Doctor is to proceed to Richmond.
FOUNDATIONS OF THE GARDEN HOUSES: GW was in the process of enlarging his upper and lower gardens. The north and south walls of each garden were extended westward in an inward curve to a point where they converged. At this point in each garden, GW rebuilt an octagonal garden house.
Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. all day, and at times pretty fresh--raw and disagreeable. Towards evening it lowered a good deal, & the Sun set in a bank.
Sowing the Siberian Wheat to day, as yesterday, at the ferry.
And sowed 26 rows of Barley (except a little at each end wch. was too wet for the ground to be worked) at Muddy hole; below, & adjoining to the Oats. This was done with 12 quarts of Seed, and in the manner, and in ground prepared as mentioned yesterday. The ends of these rows are to be sowed as soon as the ground is in order for it.
Rid to the Fishing Landing, where 30 odd shad had just been caught at a haul. Not more than 2 or 3 had been taken at one time before, this spring. And from hence I went to Muddy hole & river Plantations; at the last of which the Overseer after 3 plowings & 3 harrowings--had begun to sow in drills three feet apart, & abt. nine Inches asunder in the Rows, the Seed (without name) saved from those given to me by Colo. Archibd. Cary last year.
In the Section in my botanical garden, next the House nearest the circle, I planted 4 Rows of the laurel berries in the grd. where, last year I had planted the Physic nuts &ca.--now dead & next to these in the same section are [ ] rows of the pride of China. The Rows of both these kinds are 16 inches asunder & the Seeds 6 inches apart in the Rows.
Perceived, the last Sowed Oats at Dogue Run and those wch. had been sowed in the Neck, were coming up.
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Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng.--55 at Noon and 50 at Night.
A Brisk wind all day from the No. Et.--cold & raw, with appearances of a change of Weather especially towards evening when it lowered very much.
Rid to the fishing Landing, ferry, Dogue Run, and Muddy hole plantations.
Finished at the first, Sowing the ground intended for experiments, with the Siberian Wheat. This spot contained 16 a[cres] 1 R[od] 24 P[erches]--Including the fodder Ho[use] &ca. which would reduce the cultivated Land to 10 acres at most. To sow these it took about 18 quarts of Wheat. [ ] of the last rows had no dung in them and those adjoining for [ ] back were only manured in the poorest parts. The last rows were listed wholly as they were too hard baked for the harrow & roller notwithstanding the middle furrow, to make much impression on them.
At Dogue Run I set the plows to listing the ground which had before been listed, in order to commence my experiments there on Friday. Began in the first long row by Wades houses.
At Muddy hole, I sowed two rows of the Albany Peas in Drills 10 feet asunder (the same as the Oats and Barley) but conceiving they could not, for want of support, be kept [pre]vented from falling when they shd. come near their growth I did not incline to sow any more in this way but to put all the ground between these two rows and the fence along the Road in broadcast. The ground in which these Peas were sowed was managed exactly as that had been in which the Barley & Oats (at this place) was.
Next, adjoining the Oats, on the upper, or South side, I plowed 10 Rows for Tarrots two deep furrows in the same place for each over and above all the plowings, & harrowings which the Barley &ca. had received--In the alternate rows--beginning at the second from the Oats--I sprinkled dung all along in the bottom of the furrows, and covered it with the earth which had been thrown out of them, with Hoes. The same was done with the rows in which there was no dung. This was done to try: first, how this kind of land; and management would do for Carrots and next the difference between manuring in this manner which was pritty liberal and without. On the top of the ridge, made over the furrow, I directed 2 or 3 Seeds to be dropped in a place at the distance of 10 Inches from each other and to be scratched in with a thorny bush.
Planted in the No. West section of my Botanical Garden 5 rows
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more of the seeds of the pride of China in the same manner those were done yesterday.
ROWS FOR TARROTS: GW inadvertently wrote "tarrots" for carrots. He had a choice of two varieties of Daucus carota, the orange and the red horn, and used both varieties as a field crop important in his rotation plan to produce feed for livestock.
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 52 at Night. A high, cold, and disagreeable wind from the No. East blew all day and the Sun for the most part hid.
Rid to Muddy hole and river Plantations. The Carrots at the first were sowed as directed yesterday and at the latter I began to Sow Oats in Rows ten feet a part in grd. managed in the following manner. 1 Marked off with single furrows. 2 another, and deep furrow in this. 3. four bouts to these. 4. plowed agn. in the same manner. 5. a single furrow in the middle of these. 6. Dung sprinkled in this furrow--7 the great harrow over all these and 8th. the Seed sowed after the harrow with the drill or barrel plow, & harrowed in with the harrow at the tale of it. Note--It should have been observed that the field intended for experiments at this Plantation is divided into 3 parts, by bouting Rows running crossways and that dung and the last single furrow are (at least for the present) bestowed on one of these only--viz. that part which is most westerly, or nearest the Barn.
Doctr. Craik, & Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington dined here--the first stayed all Night.
Friday 14th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--64 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear Morning with the wind at No. East, but neither very fresh nor cold. Afterwd. Southly. & warm.
Doctr. La Moyeur sent for his Black horse & Chaise which his Servant carried away to day.
Doctr. Craik went to Alexanda. after breakfast & returned again at Night.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run, and ferry in the forenoon and walked to that in the Neck in the Afternoon. At the first I finished sowing the Barley rows and harrowed the ground intended for the Albany Peas in broadcast. At the next I began to sow the remainder (14 qts.) of the Siberian Wheat, which was left at the Ferry and began to Run deep furrows in the Middle & to make five furrow ridges in a piece of the corn grd. for Carrots. At the ferry I ordered a piece of ground to be plowed
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for Corn & Potatoes and in the Neck after sowing 24 rows of Oats upon a Dunged furrow, I ordered the discontinuance, and to begin sowing Barley adjoining.
Sowed, or rather planted at this place, 11 Rows of the Seeds saved from those had last year from Colo. Archd. Cary and 35 rows (next to them) of Rib-grass Seed. These rows were 3 feet asunder, and the Seeds (3 or 4) dropped at about 1 foot apart, in the rows.
Dr. Jean Pierre Le Mayeur wrote GW, 10 April 1786, that his servant was coming to relieve GW "from the trouble of my Black horse" which was being kept at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW).
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear all day--Wind Easterly in the Morning, & Southerly in the Evening & rather cool.
Rid to Alexandria to a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company, who had advertised their intention of contracting on this day with whomsoever should bid lowest for the Supplying the Companys Servants with Rations for one year. A Mr. Abel Westfall of Berkeley having done this the Contract was made with him accordingly. Dined at Mr. Lyles's tavern and returned in the Evening, when I found Mrs. Stuart and her Children and Mr. Arthur Lee here.
In my way to town, I passed through Muddy hole & Dogue Run Plantations. At the first I ordered the ground which was harrowed yesterday for Pease to be sowed with 6 Bushels--which was accordingly done, and harrowed it. The qty. was but little more than an acre & an half.
Finished at the latter, sowing the Siberian Wheat in 34 rows. This ground had been only twice plowed into 5 furrow ridges and then harrowed, before seeding; 8 of the first rows, counting from Wades Houses had been rolled; but wanting the Oxen to Cart dung I was obliged to discontinue the rolling. These workings, with the harrowing at the tale of the barrel plow, did not put the ground by any means in such order as it ought to be for this grain--but the wet Spring, and late Season, would not allow me to do more to it.
Sowed in the Neck, 23 rows of Burnet Seed, in part of what was intended there, along side the rib grass. This was put in exactly as the rib-grass & other grass were--that is in rows 3 feet asunder & about 1 foot apart in the rows.
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Plowed a piece of ground containing two acres, at the ferry plantation, for the purposes of drilling Corn, & planting Irish Potatoes in it. This was plowed flush & intended to be cross plowed.
Abel Westfall served in 1776 and 1777 as a captain in Rev. Peter Muhlenberg's 8th Virginia Regiment, which was made up mostly of Germans from the Shenandoah Valley (wust, 80). MR. LYLES'S TAVERN: Henry Lyles had died 12 days earlier ( Va. Journal, 6 April 1786).
Sunday 16th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 67 at Night.
A brisk Southerly wind all day and at times much appearances of rain, but none fell.
Mr. Lee went away after breakfast.
Very few fish caught yet at my fishery at the ferry.
Monday 17th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 58 at Night.
Morning clear and warm, with very little wind. About 10 Oclock it began to lower, and about 2 there were great appearances of rain but the Wind getting to No. West & blowing pretty fresh they all vanished.
Went up to Alexandria to an election of Delegates to represent this County; when the suffrages of the people fell upon Colo. Mason and Doctr. Stuart--on the first contrary to, and after he had declared he could not serve and on the other whilst he was absent at Richmond. Captn. West who had offered his Services & was present, was rejected. The votes were--for Colo. Mason 109--for Doctr. Stuart 105 and for Captn. West 84.
Returned home in the evening.
Tuesday 18th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--58 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind at No. West--pretty fresh & cool--cloudy also without much signs of Rain.
Rid to Muddy hole--Dogue Run & ferry plantations; & to the fishing Landing. At the first they had begun to plant the Irish Potatoes in drills; 4 rows were allotted for this purpose 2 whereof had a handful of dung put upon each set--which were at the distance of one foot in the rows. The other 2 Rows were planted at the same distance, and in the same manner excepting in the article of manure there being none in the Rows. At Dogue Run I
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began to sow barley in drills, next the Siberian Wheat and had (beginning at the meadow fence, & extending towards the old Houses) sowed 11 Rows (long & short) in Carrots; 6 of which, beginning with the first and so on alternately, were dunged; the others not. At the Ferry plantation little progress had been made in breaking up the ground for Potatoes &ca. it being hard occasioned by the late drying & baking winds. At the Fishing landing little success had attended the Seins.
One of Mr. Rawlins workmen (who came here on Saturday last in the Baltimore packet) began lathing my New Room.
In the evening Mr. Danl. Brent and Mr. Wm. Stuart came in and stayed all night.
Sent my Boat to Alexandria this evening in order to bring down Flagstones & Fish Barrels &ca.
Mr. Daniel Brent is probably Daniel Carroll Brent (1759--1814), of Prince William County, a son of Eleanor Carroll Brent and William Brent (1733--1782), of Richland, Stafford County. FLAGSTONES: These were the flagstones for the piazza, procured for GW by John Rumney (see 9 May 1785).
Wednesday 19th. Thermometer at 50 in the morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Calm and warm in the forenoon. What little [wind] there was came from the Southward. In the afternoon the wind sprung up--but not fresh from the East.
Rid to my Ferry Plantation, and walked into the Neck. At the first few fish were caught. At the latter I found (including what was sowed yesterday and Saturday) 50 rows of Burnet Seed planted along side, and in the same manner of, the rib grass & that they had begun to sow the Sainfoin Seed. Sowing Barley yesterday & this day, at this plantation 30 Rows of which had been put in before I got there every other one of which had a slight sprinkling only of dung not being able to get it out fast enough to manure every row.
Mrs. Stuart and her Children went away immediately after breakfast--as did Mr. Brent & Mr. Stuart.
A Mr. Chavillie & another Gentleman (the first introduced by the Governor) came just as we had done breakfast & after one had been got for them proceeded on their journey to the Northward.
Before dinner, Mr. Rollins and a Mr. Tharpe came here; the first being the undertaker of my New Room intended to commence the Work, and then to leave it under the conduct of the latter which I objected to for reasons which I assigned him; he
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therefore determined to return & come back prepared to attend to it himself.
My Muddy hole People having compleated all the work that was to do except with the Plows before Corn planting in the common way, came to get the New ground in front of the House in order for that grain by fencing &ca.
Major Washingtons Charles returned from New Kent with the Calves & Jenny he went for.
Jean Auguste Marie Chevallié (1765--1838), born in Rochefort, France, was the son of Pierre François and Jeanne Esther Chariot Chevallié. The elder Chevallié was an agent for Beaumarchais in furnishing supplies for Virginia during the Revolution. After he failed to receive full payment for his services, he sent his son, Jean Auguste, to America, armed with letters from the French government and from prominent Frenchmen, to press his claims (Jean Auguste Marie Chevallié to James Madison, 27 Aug. 1785, MADISON, 8:358). Eventually Jean Auguste was successful in collecting the debt (Chevallié to Jefferson, 19 Jan. 1787, JEFFERSON [1], 11:55). A few years later, he left France and settled permanently in Richmond where he became a partner in the Gallego Mills (RICHMOND, 36--37).
Richard Tharpe (Thorpe), a stucco artisan, was the "principal workman of the ornamental parts" of the New Room (GW to Sir Edward Newenham, 10 June 1786, DLC:GW). He had probably recently arrived from Ireland. Tharpe's name had been first mentioned to GW by Sir Edward Newenham of Ireland in 1785, at which time GW had not heard of his arrival in this country. Tharpe's work was satisfactory, and GW later hired him to do additional plaster work on the mansion and to repair the lathing (GW to Newenham, 25 Nov. 1785 and 10 June 1786, DLC:GW; see entry for 9 June 1786).
Thursday 20th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Wind fresh but not hard at No. Et. all day and very cloudy, sometimes dropping Rain.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run and ferry Plantations and to the fishery at the latter.
Finished Sowing 50 Rows of Barley in drills, at Dogue run, which took 35 quarts of Seed. The ground for this grain was twice plowed into 5 furrow ridges (or twice listed as it is called)--then rolled with the spiked roller--after which it was harrowed, then sowed with the Barrel plow, & the grain harrowed in with the small harrow at the tale of it. Next adjoining to the Barley I left 40 rows for the common country Pea and then began to plow 10 Rows for Potatoes wch. I directed to be managed in the same manner, previous to setting, with those for the Barley with the addition of a furrow after harrowing, to plant the Potatoes which are to be covered with the plow. These Potatoes are to be planted
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without dung because it could not be got out in time, the Oxen being employed with the Roller.
The Shad began to Run to day, having caught 100, 200 & 300 at a drought.
My Jack covered a she Mule to day--after which two Mares.
My Boat which went up the day before yesterday, returned this evening only--being detained by the north East wind.
Mr. Battaile Muse came here before dinner on business respecting the Collection of my rents and with his accts. wch. were just looked at, but not settled.
My People from the Ferry began to work in the New ground in front of the House to day.
Sowed a Bushel of Orchard Grass seed (given to me by Wm. Fitzhugh Esqr. of Chatham) in my last years Turnip patch at the home house. The qty. of ground might be about [ ] of an acre. The grd. in which these Seeds were sown had been twice plowed--chopped over & the clods broken with Hoes and twice harrowed afterwards: the Seeds were scratched in with a light Bush.
MY RENTS: see entry for 4 Sept. 1784, n.1.
Friday 21st. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Drizzling till about 6 Oclock when it began a constant slow & moderate Rain with the Wind from No. Et. all day.
About Noon, one James Bloxham, an English Farmer from Gloucestershire arrived here with letters of recommendation from Colo. Fairfax (& others to him) consequent of my request to him to enquire after such a person.
Brought from England on the recommendation of Fairfax, James Bloxham signed an agreement with GW to serve as "Farmer and Manager" at 50 guineas a year, with house, provisions, and an extra 10 guineas to bring his family from England. Neither party to the agreement seemed entirely satisfied at first. GW wrote Arthur Young that Bloxham seemed to be a plain and honest farmer, but that his ability to manage a large farm was questionable. Bloxham wrote home that the plows were shocking, the farm hands disagreeable, and "it is impossible for any man to Do Bisness in any form" (Bloxham to William Peacey, 23 July 1786, ABBOTT, 188--89).
Saturday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night.
In the Night there fell a great deal of rain, with some thunder & lightning which put a stop to plowing and indeed most other workings of the Earth.
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Morning Mizzling till about Noon, when it broke away without much wind which still hung to the Eastward. It was also tolerably warm and pleast.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run and Ferry. At the first fixed my Barrels for Planting Corn and Pease--but the ground was too wet to use them. The heavy Rain last night had washed all the Albany Pease which had been sowed in broad cast out of the ground. Those which had been sowed a day or two before in Drills were coming up as the Oats & Barley also were.
At the Ferry Plantation the Siberian Wheat was here & there coming up.
At the Neck Plantation finished before the Rain sowing all my Barley [ ] Rows with [ ] quarts. Also finished Sowing the Burnet & Saintfoin [ ] Rows of the former and [ ] of the latter part of which were short and having some of these Seeds and those of the rib grass left I sowed 8 of the Intervals of these with it in broad Cast--11 ditto of the Saintfoin and 3 ditto of the Burnet in the same manner. Very little fish caught to day or yesterday.
Colo. Fitzhugh and his Son Willm. came here in the Afternoon.
Sunday 23d. Set off after breakfast, on a journey to Richmond--to acknowledge in the General Court some Deeds for Land sold by me as Attorney for Colo. George Mercer which, it seems, could not be executed without. Dined at Dumfries and lodged at Stafford Court House.
Very cloudy all day with but little wind and that from the Eastward.
Monday 24th. A good deal of rain having fallen in the Night, and it continuing to do so till after 6 oclk. I was detained till near seven--when I set out, dined at my mothers in Fredericksburgh & proceeded afterwards to, and lodged at General Spotswoods.
Until Noon the day was Missling, & sometime Raining which it also did in the night--but being warm, vegitation was much promoted--Wind Easterly.
Conversing with Generl. Spotswood on the growth, and preservation of the Pumpion, he informed me that a person in his Neighbourhood who had raised of them many years has preserved them by splitting them in two--taking out the inside and then turning the rind part up (placed on rails or poles) for two or 3 days to dry--after wch. they were packed in straw--a layer of one,
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and a layer of the [other] alternately--by which means they keep well through the Winter.
PUMPION: Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin, a field crop which GW used as winter feed for cattle, planted either between rows of corn or along with root crops.
Tuesday 25th. Set out from General Spotswoods about Sun Rising and breakfasted at the Bowling green.
Where, meeting with Mr. Holmes (a neat, and supposed to be a good farmer) I was informed by him that from experience he had found that the best method of raising clover (in this Country) was to sow it on Wheat in Jany. when the ground was lightly covered with snow having never failed by this practice--whereas fall sowing is often injured by wet, and frost and Spring sowing by drought.
Dined at Rawlins and lodged at Hanover Court House.
The forepart of the day was clear and warm, but the latter part was showery and cooler--Wind westerly but not much of it.
In 1774 John Hoomes, a descendant of one of the first families to settle in Caroline County, received a license to operate an ordinary "in his new buildings at Bowling Green" (CAMPBELL [1], 13, 219, 413). One year after this visit by GW, Hoomes entertained Samuel Vaughan, an English agriculturist and a friend of GW's, who noted that "Mr. Homes who furnished the Stages owns the Bowling green. His farm is in small enclosures well fenced a ditch & rows of handsome red ceder in the fence, kept neat & in prime order. The best cultivated of any on the road" (VAUGHAN, 43).
RAWLINS: probably the tavern GW had earlier referred to as "Clarkes" (see entry for 4 May 1785). Rawlins may have been the tavern keeper in 1786. In 1781 a French officer referred to the "very fine and large inn" located at Hanover Court House (RICE, 2:101).
Wednesday 26th. Left Hanover Court Ho[use] about Sun rise; breakfasted at Norvals tavern and reached Richmond about Noon. Put up at Formicalo's Tavern, where by invitation, I dined with the Judges of the General Court.
Morning cloudy & not much wind, but between 8 and 10 Oclk. it came out fresh from the No. Wt.; and died away again about Noon.
Meeting with Mr. Thos. Newton of Norfolk, he informed me that Mr. Neil Jameeson late of that place, now a merchant in New York, was Executor of Jno. Shaw (also of Norfolk) who was possessed of the Books of Messrs. Balfour & Barraud & to whom he advised me to apply, thinking it probable that I might obtain, a
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list of the Ballances due to that House and thereby recover what was due to me therefrom.
NORVALS: probably the ordinary in Hanover County situated on the stage road about 12 miles north of Richmond. In 1787 Samuel Vaughan referred to this ordinary as "Nevils" (VAUGHAN, 44).
Serafino Formicola (Formiculo, Formicalo, Formicula), reputedly a "Neapolitan who came to Virginia with Lord Dunmore, as the latter's maitre d'hotel," moved his tavern business from Williamsburg to Richmond in 1780, where the next year he "opened TAVERN" on the southeast corner of Main and Fifteenth streets, and where, during assembly days, "Generals, Colonels, Captains, Senators, Assembly-men, Judges, Doctors, Clerks, and crowds of Gentlemen, of every weight and calibre and every hue of dress, sat all together about the fire, drinking, smoking, singing, and talking" (CHASTELLUX, 2:428; Va. Gaz., D&N, 24 Feb. 1781; HEADS OF FAMILIES, Va., 118; SCHOEPF, 2:64). Later in the decade Formicola moved to the Eagle Tavern at Main and Twelfth streets (DUMBAULD, 46).
Thomas Newton, Jr., a merchant, dealt with GW's flour and acted as GW's agent in Norfolk. This meeting was probably prearranged (see GW to Thomas Newton, Jr., 3 Sept. 1785, GW to Neil Jamieson, 20 May 1786, DLC:GW). Neil Jamieson, earlier one of the leading merchants in Norfolk, fled Virginia during the Revolution (SOLTOW, 89--94). In 1793 GW recorded what was due him from Balfour & Barraud as £1,768 17s. (LEDGER c, 3). Before the Revolution, GW had sold flour to James Balfour (d. 1775) and Daniel Barraud, merchants of Norfolk ( Va. Gaz., P, 14 April, 14 July, 25 Aug. 1775; and see 4 Jan. 1775).
Thursday 27th. Acknowledged in the General Court a Deed to James Mercer Esqr. for the Lotts he and I bought at the Sale of his deceased Brother Colo. George Mercer and received a reconveyance from him of my part thereof.
Road with the Lieutt. Govr. Randolph, the Attorney General, and Mr. George Webb, to view the cut which had commenced between Westham and Richmond for the improvement of the Navigation of James river. Going late, and returning to dinner left but little time to view the work, or to form a judgment of the plan of it.
Dined, and spent the evening at the attorneys. Lodged again at Formicalos.
As president of the Council of State (1783--88), Beverley Randolph (1734--1797), of Cumberland County, acted as lieutenant governor in the absence or indisposition of the governor. His cousin Edmund Randolph was attorney general of the state 1776--86. George Webb (b. 1729), who lived in the Bassett-Dandridge-Custis neighborhood in New Kent County, served as treasurer of Virginia during the Revolution and was appointed to the Virginia Council of State in 1780 (MCILWAINE, 2:123; Va. Mag., 25:100).
In Aug. 1785 the James River Company was formed to open navigation of
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that river above the falls at Richmond, for which several canals were cut (HENING 11:450--62).
Friday 28th. Left Richmond about 6 Oclock--breakfasted at Norvals--Dined at Rawlins and lodged at the Bowling.
This Morning, as yesterday, was perfectly clear, warm and pleasant. Yesterday however, was calm. To day the Wind blew fresh from the So. West & in the afternoon became cloudy with great appearances of Rain a few drops of which fell, but in the evening it cleared and turned cooler.
Saturday 29th. Set out from the Bowling green a little after Sun-rising--breakfasted at General Spotswoods--Dined at my Sister Lewis's in Fredericksburgh and spent the evening at Mr. Fitzhughs of Chatham.
One of my Chariot Horses having got lame going to Richmond, but forced back to Genl. Spotswoods (not however without much difficulty) was left there with a Servant who was ordered to proceed with him or a horse which Genl. Spotswood would lend in two days.
Wind being fresh at No. West it was clear and cool to day.
Sunday 30th. Set off about Sun rising from Mr. Fitzhughs--breakfasted at Dumfries and reached home to a late Dinner.
Where I found 3 of Mr. Rawlins Men; two of whom (one a Mr. Tharpe, director of the work) had been since Sunday last; & had employed many hands in preparing Mortar & other materials for them. That the Fishing (especially at the home house wch. had been discontinued on acct. of the failure of the Sein) had not been successful--That Colo. Gilpins Scow had been sent up on Monday last--That the Rains had retarded the plows a good deal and had prevented Sowing Pease--or planting Corn. That the Irish Potatoes had been planted on Tuesday last at Dogue Run, though the ground was wet, to prevent the rot destroying them all; the wetness of the ground prevented the use of the roller in this operation, but the want of it was supplied by Hoes, to break the clods--That the Timothy Seed intended for the Oat ground at Dogue run had been sowed on it (and for want of the roller had been scratched in with a Bush, which was wrong, as the Oats were thereby torn & injured)--That the Neck people had, on Wednesday last, finished drilling the Barley at that place in 66 rows--every other of which had a sprinkling of Dung in the middle furrow--That my drilled Wheat from the Cape had been
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propped to prevent its lodging--That the common Chesnut (which it is apprehended are spoiled) was planted below the hops on thursday last--That the Irish Potatoes had been planted at the River plantation on thursday last in ten rows--each alternate one being dunged as those at Muddy hole were--That the ground which had been prepared for Flax was sown therewith on Friday last and harrowed in--then with clover seed and the whole rolled--That 14 rows of the live & Water Oak Acorns had been planted on the same day in my botanical garden but it was not expected that any, or very few would come up--That every other row of Corn in the cut intended for experiments at Muddy hole was planted by the Drill plow with the early Corn from New York and that all the Peas (consisting of two kinds) had been planted at the same place and in the same cut--That When the worked ground was too wet to stir, or touch the plows were employed in listing for Corn and lastly that the Mercury during my absence had stood thus--viz.
BELOW THE HOPS: Humulus lupulus, common or European hop used in brewing. GW had a plot set aside for these plants which in his entries for 13 and 18 April 1785 he calls a "hop enclosure." Among his miscellaneous agricultural papers is a page of notes on the cultivation of hops which he had extracted from a printed source (DLC:GW).
Monday first. Rid to the Fishing landing and to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole; perceived the Siberian Wheat at the two first had come up thinly which I attributed partly to bad seed and partly to too thin sowing as the Oats and Barley at all three were also too thin and where the ground had been wet, and hard baked none appeared.
Set them to drilling the common Corn at Muddy hole and to sowing Clover Seed in the Neck on the Oats--the ground for
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which, was in bad order; being so hard baked that the roller could make no impression on it. This business has been unseasonably delayed--partly from the late arrival of the Seed from Phila. & partly from neglect & unfavourable weather after it did arrive.
But indifferent luck in fishing to day.
Planted or rather transplanted from the Box sent me by Colo. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina 6 of the Sweet scented, or aromatic shrub in my Shrubberies, on each side the Serpentine walks on this (or East) side of the Garden gate. The rest of these shrubs I suffered to remain in the Box as they were beginning to shoot forth buds & it might be too late to remove them. Wind at No. West.
SWEET SCENTED . . . SHRUB: Calycanthus floridus, Carolina allspice.
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Wind Easterly, but not very fresh clear and plesant. Rid by Muddy hole plantation into the Neck. At the first finished drilling the common corn, and ordered the plow to be sent to Dogue run. At the latter I began to drill the common corn--in the furthermost cut--next the river, opposite to Mr. Digges's & continued the sowing of clover there. Could perceive no vegetation in the Burnet Saint foin, or other grass which had been sown at this place.
Planted Pumpions at Morris's near the old Houses in which Mrs. Wade lived; in a light sandy soil, 10 feet a part.
Began to harrow the ground at Morris's, that is Dogue run plantation in which the bad clover seed was sown last fall in order to sprinkle Timothy Seed on it.
Planted 140 Seed sent me by Colo. Wm. Washington and said by him to be the Seed of the large Magnolio or Laurel of Carolina in boxes No. 4, 5 & 6 near the green house.
Also 21 of the Illinois Nuts; compleating at the No. end, the piece of a row in my Botanical Garden in which on the [20th] of [March] I put Gloucester hiccory Nuts.
Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 62 at Night.
Calm and clear in the Morning. About Noon the wind sprung up from the Southward and towds. Night veered round to the Eastwd. and turned cool. Mid day warm.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry plantations--also to the fishing landing.
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At the 1st. hoed up the sunken & cold places in which Barley had been sowed and was rotten in order to resow them.
At the next I had the ground which was harrowed yesterday & cross harrowing to day sowed with Seeds from my Hay loft--which I directed to be again harrowed to cover the seed and more effectually loosen the Earth. Also began to drill Peas at this--the large sort, next the Barley.
Caught a good many Fish yesterday--but not many to day.
Planted two rows of the everlasting Peas in my botanical Garden; in the Section which contained the guinea grass that would not stand the Winter.
Also 2 rows of the Acorn of the live & water Oak in the same garden--adjoining the row which has the hiccory & Illinois Nuts.
And in box No. 9 in the Garden by the green House was put a pistatia Nut given to me by Colo. Mead.
Perceived the Seeds of the Honey locust to be coming up, irregularly--whether owing to their being shallowest planted--hardness of the ground--or not I cannot say.
Also observed the clover & orchard grass seed which had been sown under the Pines in the pine grove for an experiment, was coming up pretty thick.
ILLINOIS NUTS: Carya illinoensis, pecan. GW also called them Mississippi nuts. They are Illinois nuts in Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia.
COLO. MEAD: probably Richard Kidder Meade (1746--1805), originally of Nansemond County, who served as an aide to GW in the Revolution and later settled in Frederick County. PISTATIA NUT: Pistacia vera, pistachio.
Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 63 at Night.
Clear and pleasant, with but little wind, and that Easterly. Towards evening it began to lower a little and at Night a circle appeared round the Moon.
Doctr. Craik came here in the forenoon, & crossed the river after Dinner on his return home, at wch. time I set out for Abingdon in Order (to morrow) to Survey my 4 Miles run Tract; on which I had cause to apprehend trespasses had been committed.
Sent Majr. Washington to Town on Business where he and Mr. Lund Washington engaged to Mr. Watson 100 Barrls. of my Flour to be delivered next week at 32/9 pr. Barrl.
Not many fish caught to day at the Ferry.
Made good the missing Barley at Muddy hole.
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 63 at Night.
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A survey made by Washington in 1799 of his land on Four Mile Run. From George Washington Atlas, Washington, D.C., 1932. (Rare Book Department, University of Virginia Library)
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The Morning mild and agreeable, as indeed it was through the day till towards evining, when it began to lower pretty much: a large & distinct circle round the Sun before noon & lasted a gd. while.
Set out early from Abingdon, and beginning at the upper corner of my Land (in 4 Miles run) a little below an old Mill; I ran the Tract agreeably to the courses & distances of a Plat made thereof by John Hough, in the year 1766 (Novr.) in presence of Colo. Carlyle & Mr. James Mercer. Not havg. Hough's field Notes, & no Corner trees being noted in His Plat, I did not attempt to look for lines; but allowing one degree for the variation of Compass since the Survey, above mentioned, was made, I run the courses and distances only; & was unable for want of time, to do more than run the lines that brot. me to the run again; the Meanders of wch. must be run at some other time in order to ascertain with precision the quantity of Land which is contained. Upon the whole I found this tract fully equal to my expectations. The whole of it is well wooded--some part is pretty well timbered; and generally speaking, it is level. About the main road, on the South side of the tract, trespasses (on the wood) had been made, but in a less degree than I expected to find and as I run the lines, as set down by Hough, with the variation; I run into the field lately Colo. Carlyle's (now Whitings) so far as to cut off 12 or 15 acres of his inclosure; & made the plat close very well to the run.
Returned at Night to Abingdon being attended in the labours of the day, by Doctr. Stuart.
For background on this land, see entries for 27 Jan. 1775 and 21 and 22 April 1785.
Hough had surveyed the two tracts of land for James Mercer. There were several John Houghs of Loudoun County, and this seems to have been the John Hough who died in 1797. He was probably the one who lived on the Vestal's Gap Road and in 1772 was appointed a trustee for keeping the main roads to Vestal's and Williams' gaps in repair (HARRISON [1], 562, 576). The surveyor and one of the original trustees for the town of Leesburg was John Hough, probably the same man (HENING, 7:235; STEADMAN). He was also a collector of quitrents for the Northern Neck proprietary from 1764 through most of the Revolution (DLC: Toner Collection).
PRESENCE OF COLO. CARLYLE & MR. JAMES MERCER: That is, they were present during the 1766 survey. Col. John Carlyle owned adjoining land. His "field" was inherited by his grandson, Carlyle Fairfax Whiting (1778--1831), in 1784 (STETSON [1], 55; WMQ, 18 [1910], 286).
Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng.--58 at Noon and 56 at Night.
A fresh wind all Night at No. East. Morning and forenoon
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very cloudy, with a mizzling rain, but not enough to wet the ground--wind from the same qtr. or a little more Northerly, continuing all day, which made it cool and disagreeable.
After an early breakfast I set out on my return home, & taking Muddy hole in my way, returned about 10 Oclock.
Found that all the large (Indian) Peas I had, had been sown with the drill plow yesterday, at Dogue run whh. only compleated 8 rows--after which, they proceeded to sow the small black eyed pea & finished with them.
That the drill plow in the Neck had finished planting the common Corn in the Cut in which it had first begun and was proceeding in the one adjoining and that the Muddy hole people had just begun to Hoe the New ground (for Corn) in front of the Home House.
That the ferry Plantation had begun to Plant Corn--in the common mode, for want of the drill plow, which was otherwise engaged.
And that an indifferent hd. had been made of Catching Fish since Wednesday last.
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 56 in the morng.--67 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Clear with the wind fresh, but not cold, from the No. West all day. Towards night it died away, & inclined to the Southward more. Mr. Porter, Mr. Murray, (Young) Mr. Bowen, and a Captain Aitkins came (by invitation) to dine with us today, and returnd to Alexandria in the Evening. Just as we were about to set down to Dinner Doctr. Craik, his Wife, Son William, and daughters (Miss Craik & Miss Nancy) came in--Dined and stayed all Night.
John Murray and Obadiah Bowen (1763--1793), eldest son of Jabez Bowen of Providence, R.I., were partners in the mercantile house of Murray, Bowen & Munford (Montfort) of Alexandria. John Munford, the third partner, was from New York City, where the firm also had a store (WARREN-ADAMS LETTERS, 2:329--30; Alexandria City Hustings Court Deeds, Book B, 366--70, Vi Microfilm).
Joseph Atkins (died c. 1787), a sea captain, was a friend and business associate of Thomas Porter. His ship Hope had arrived in Alexandria in early April from North Carolina and sailed for Dieppe with a load of tobacco in mid-May (JEFFERSON [1], 10:181; Va. Journal, 6 April and 25 May 1786).
Monday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 65 at Night.
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Clear, calm, & warm.
Rid to Muddy hole & Dogue run. Began at the first to cross the lists in order to Plant Corn. The early Corn, & Indian Pease at this place were coming up.
Sent a Carpenter to put a new Axle & do some other repairs to the Barrel plow at Dogue run.
Sowed 3 rows of the Borden grass Seeds in the inclosure behind the Stables, adjoining to, and just below the Cape Wheat, & next the fence. Next to these was near a row of Yellow clover. The first was given to me by Colo. Fitzhugh of Maryland & the other by Colo. Chas. Carter of Ludlow. These rows were two feet apart, and the Seeds sown very thin in the rows, that the more Seeds might be saved from them for the next seasn.
On Saturday last the dead Cedars in my shrubberies were replaced by live ones just taken up.
Doctr. Craik, Wife & family went away after breakfast.
In the Evening a Captn. Whaley from Yohiogany came in on some business respecting the Affairs of the deceased Val. Crawford and Hugh Stephenson; to whom I gave, under cover to Thos. Smith Esqr. (my Lawyer in that Country) a Bill of Sale and the letter wch. inclosed it which the said Vale. Crawford had sent me, in the Mo[nth] of May 1774 as Security for what he owed me, and to indemnify me for my engagements in his behalf--to see if they were valid, & would cover the debt he owed me, as they never had been recorded. I also gave him the Statement of my Acct. with Colo. John, and the deceased Hugh Stephenson, which, in behalf of the latter, he promised to pay, and to obtain the other moiety from the first. He also promised to send in my Negros which had been hired to Gilbert Simpson or bring them in himself. In consequence of this assurance I gave him an order on Majr. Freeman to deliver them.
Valentine Crawford had sent GW a letter dated 6 May 1774 enclosing the bill of sale of his land as security for a £100 debt he owed GW (DLC:GW). Benjamin Whaley, of Fayette County, Pa., delivered this document to Thomas Smith who was to ascertain its validity (GW to Thomas Smith, 8 May 1786, NhD). GW also gave Whaley a statement of his account with John and Hugh Stephenson which indicated that the two brothers owed GW £70 10s. Virginia currency (GW to Thomas Smith, 23 Sept. 1789, DLC: GW).
Thomas Freeman, GW's western agent, had been requested 16 Oct. 1785 to hire "a careful person" to bring the slaves at Washington's Bottom to Mount Vernon, "if the measure can be reconciled to them" (DLC:GW). Of the nine Negroes now there, three apparently were young children, and two, Simon and Nancy, had been among the four slaves sent by GW in
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1773 to help start Simpson's plantation (LEDGER B, 87). Despite an absence of nearly 13 years, these last two slaves had some reasons to return to Mount Vernon. "Simon's countrymen, and Nancy's relations," GW had explained to Freeman, "are all here, and would be glad to see them. I would make a Carpenter of Simon, to work with his shipmate Jambo" (16 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW). Nevertheless, none of the slaves, according to Freeman, could be persuaded to go to Mount Vernon "from any Argument I could use" (Freeman to GW, 18 Dec. 1786, DLC:GW). All were sold to various purchasers 5 Oct. 1786, Simon bringing £100 and Nancy together with a young child bringing £80 15s. Total receipts amounted to £418 15s. (DLC:GW).
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.--66 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Clear & warm, with but little Wind and that did not spring up till about 11 Oclock--first from the No. Et.--shifting afterwards to So. Et.
Rid to all my Plantations between Breakfast and dinner.
Found the Flax in the Neck had come up, and full thick; and that the grass Seeds (rather Millet) obtnd. from Colo. Cary had come up; but none of the Saintfoin Burnet, or rib grass appeared to be springing. Finished planting, with the Barrel plow, the early Corn in the furthest cut in the field for experiments, in the Neck and not having enough to compleat another cut in the same field I ordered all the remaining part of it to be drilled with common corn. Accordingly, about Noon, the intermediate rows in the Middle cut which had been left for the early Corn were begun to be planted with the other. At this plantation also the People had begun to break up the Intervals, in the most grassy places between the listed ground--but I set a plough to crossing in order to plant Corn in the common way in the field intended for this purpose.
At Dogue run, the hands there were also hoeing up the intervals between the Corn rows.
The ground, by the heavy rains which fell about 14 days ago, dry weather, and baking Winds since, had got immensely hard; so as that Seeds which were not already up, could not force through it; and those which had come up previously could not grow.
Captn. Whaley went away before breakfast.
Mr. George Digges, and Miss Digges, came to dinner & returned in the Evening--at which time my Brother John came in from Berkeley.
Panicum miliaceum, millet.
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Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon--and [ ] at Night.
But little wind in the Morning--a red Sky at the sunrising and some clouds and appearances of rain, which soon dispersed.
My Brother and Mr. George Washington went up to Town after Breakfast and did not return till the Evening.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, and Ferry--also to the fishing landing. At the first I found the early Corn had come up very well, except where the ground was hard, and baked; but that the birds were pulling it up fast. The Peas were also coming up, but not so regular as the Corn and of the Siberian Wheat, Barley & Oats which had come up some were cut off by a bug, & the rest looked indifferently; and in many places very thin; the Barley, which looked strong & of a good colour at first, had got to be yellow, and the ends of the blades in a manner dead. No appearance yet of the Potatoes & Carrots coming up.
Ordered Morris (at Dogue run) to discontinue his 5 furrow lists, and go on with three, as I might (the Season advancing fast) get my Corn in the ground before it was too late.
The Fish appeared to be quite done running--but I ordered my People to continue at the landing trying a haul on every tide untill Saturday and between while's to attempt clearing a landing for sein hauling above the Ferry landing where the Channel approaches nearer the shore and it is thought good for Shad.
Began to plant Corn in the Common way at Muddy hole.
Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 55 in the morning--58 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Morning cloudy, with great appearances of rain. About 11 Oclk. it began to rain; which fell moderately for about ten minutes & ceased but continued cloudy the remainder of the day--Wind at So. East but not very fresh.
My Brother set off on his return home after breakfast, passing through Maryland.
Mrs. Washington and Fanny Washington went up to Abingdon & returned in the Evening.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry between Breakfast & dinner and crossed to that in the Neck after dinner. The ground, particularly where they were drilling Corn at the last and indeed at Dogue run, wch. was stiff, & had been plowed when it was too wet was astonish[ing]ly hard & lumpy; and in which it is much to be feared the Corn will never rise.
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Friday 12th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Cloudy in the Morning--about Noon the Sun shone but was soon obscured again & it remained cloudy all the latter part of the day--rain exceedingly wanting.
At home all day.
Finished about Noon planting with the Barrel Plow the middle cut in my field of experiments at the River Plantation.
Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Lowering all the forepart of the day with drops of rain (but no more) now and then. Evening clear--Wind variable, but mostly at So. Et.
I rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry plantations; and to the fishery at the latter.
Ordered my People to quit hauling, and bring home my Seins.
Finished (yesterday evening) planting Corn with the barrel plow, in the Cut intended for experiments at Dogue run.
Also finished planting Corn in the Middle cut (this day abt. 3 Oclock) at Muddy hole, in the common way--putting a little dung in each hole, in the poor parts of the ground.
The Cotton Seeds, Pumpion Seeds, & Timothy Seeds (which were sowed on the Oats) at Dogue run, were coming up.
THE COTTON SEEDS: Gossypium. Cotton was never a part of GW's farming plan. He raised a little on the York River plantation and bought some, apparently for the use of his family, not his slaves. From Philadelphia, GW sent a few Nankeen or Nanking cotton seeds to manager William Pearce 16--17 Mar. 1794. "Let them be planted the first day of May in light and rich ground, well prepared. Put four seeds in a hill" (NBLiHi). These seeds were a gift from John Jay. In thanking Jay 5 Mar. 1794, GW said he feared that Mount Vernon was too high and cold for successful cultivation, as shown by his experience of the effects of frosts on common cotton. He thought the lower parts of Virginia might provide a milder climate and more sandy soil, and said he would send some of the seeds to an acquaintance there (sold by Sotheby, London, 11--12 June 1973. Item 604).
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Clear all day, with very little Wind and that from So. West.
G. A. Washington and his Wife, and Mr. Shaw went to Pohick Church--dined at Mr. L. Washingtons and returned in the Evening. Colo. Gilpin, The Revd. Mr. McQuir; Mr. Hunter, & Mr. Sanderson came here to dinner and returned afterwards.
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Began yesterday afternoon to pen my sheep, & Milch Cattle at the Ho[me] House, in the hurdles which had been made for the former.
THE REVD. MR. MCQUIR: William McWhir (1759--1851) was a Presbyterian clergyman, born in Ireland, who came to Alexandria about 1784. He was in charge of the Alexandria academy where GW's two nephews George Steptoe and Lawrence Augustine Washington were enrolled.
Monday 15th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Clear morning with but little Wind. About 10 Oclock clouds arose to the westward, and at 11 it began to thunder; About 12, a small, & very light sprinkling of rain fell, after which it cleared, but about 4 Oclock in the afternoon another cloud arose from whence we had a slow & moderate rain for about 3 quarters of an hour which softened the top of the ground (before much baked) and must be of great service to vegetation. Wind what there was of it came from the So. West.
I rid to the Plantations in the Neck and to Muddy hole. At the latter perceived the Irish Potatoes to be coming up. At the former the Plows having overtaken the dung Carts (which were carrying out dung to spread in the Corn rows) I set them to plowing and planting the Peas--ordering the alternate Pea rows to be planted at the same distance (viz. 18 Inches) a part, as the Corn is--intending the intermediate ones to be drilled, that is, planted at 6 Inches a part to see which Mode will be most productive.
A [ ] with whom an agreement was made to bring a load of good & clean Shells having brought very bad and dirty ones they were refused.
Majr. G. Washington went up to Alexandria on business. Doctr. Craik returned with him (by desire) in the afternoon to visit Mrs. Washington, who had been troubled for several days with a pain in her Shoulder.
Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 64 at Night. Morning lowering. About 10 Oclock it thickened and thundered and before eleven began to rain & continued showery till near two Oclock after wch. it ceased but towards [evening] it thickned & began to rain again--Wind for the most part Easterly but not strong. The rain of yesterday & what fell today appear to have wet the ground sufficiently.
Doctr. Craik went away immediately after breakfast. I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole and Dogue run. Perceived the
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Pease at the former had come up very indifferently and looked badly which some of my Negroes ascribed to their being planted too early whilst the earth was too cold for this crop.
The Peas which were planted somewhat later at Morris's (Dogue run) were also coming up, as his Corn was, and much pulled up by the Birds. The Timothy Seed sowed (on the clover field wch. had failed from the badness of the seed and which after harrowing had been laid down in it) at Dogue run, appeared to be coming up thick.
Began to plant Corn at this Plantation yesterday in the common method.
When I returned home I fd. Moses Ball, his Son John Ball, & Wm. Carlin here--the first having his effects under execution wanted to borrow money to redeem them. Lent him ten pounds for this purpose.
In the Afternoon a John Halley (of Maryland) applied to rent a fishing shore of me at Sheridins point. Requested him to make his proposals in writing and I would consider of them and as he was the first who had applied wd. give him the preference upon equal ground.
Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Morning calm, warm and pleasant. Between 10 and 12 Clouds arose, and showers fell around us, but none here. Between one 2 Oclock the Wind came out hard at No. West and turned cold--after which it moderated, and shifted to the Eastward; but still continued cold.
At home all day; writing the best part of it.
Began where Oats had been sowed in the Neck, and the grd. had got hard bound, and the clover seed unable to penetrate the earth and to vegitate to harrow and roll it, to see if the Clover & Oats both, would not be benefitted thereby.
Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind at So. West with Showery Clouds around us all day; about 7 Oclock it began to rain, and continued to do so powerfully, for 20 or 30 Minits when it cleared again.
Rid to all the Plantations between breakfast & dinner. At the Ferry I found my people had finished planting corn in the common way yesterday & were preparing the small piece near the Fish House to plant with the drill (or Barrel); in which they were
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also beginning to plant Irish Potatoes. This piece contains a few rod over two Acres. At Dogue run, finding they would be late planting & replanting Corn (for that which was first planted with the drill plow had either come up very badly, or had been destroyed by Birds) I directed, after the Cut (round Barrys houses) in which they were planting, was finished, to run a single furrow in the remainder of the other each way, and to plant it in that manner, hoeing the ground well where the Corn was dropped. Perceived the Irish Potatoes to be coming up at this Plantation. At Muddy hole they finished planting corn about 10 Oclock. At this place I tried a 3 hoed harrow which I had just made, with a single horse. Upon the whole it answered very well. The draft seemed rather hard for one horse but the late rains had made the ground heavier than usual. Ordered my Overseer at this place to take into the Barn & thresh out, the only stack of Wheat remaining at the Plantation and to carry the grain to the Mill. In the Neck every other Pea Row had been planted with the barrel, dropping the Peas at 18 Inches a part in the rows; and five othr. rows (intermediate) on the South, were planted at 6 Inches asunder in the Rows but finding this would take more Seed than I cd. Spare I discontinued sowing more in this manner and return to the 18 Inch distance agn.
A Mr. Thos. Moody came here in the afternoon and paid me some money in discharge of his fathers Bond to Colo. Thos. Colvils Estate to which I am an Exr.
John Knowles came here to work at £5 pr. month and a pint of Rum pr. day.
Thomas Moody was making a payment for a parcel of land bought in 1768 by his father, Benjamin Moody, from the estate of Thomas Colvill. The elder Moody, who protested the executor's survey, had never made payment and thus never received a title. In 1779 Moody sold the land and went to court to force a settlement in the current inflated currency and to gain his title. Under an agreement finally reached in Nov. 1781, the payment today was the first of five payments to be made over the next three years (Washington's reply to bill of complaint executed against him by Benjamin Moody, 22 Aug. 1780, NjMoNP; LEDGER B, 135).
Friday 19th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind at No. West in the Morning and indeed through the day--the forepart of which was cool--the Middle and latter part moderate--the whole pleasant.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run, & Neck Plantations; the harrow plow was stopped at the first, by the Rain which fell yesterday
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and which had made the grd. too wet, & too heavy to use it in. At the latter, they would have finished drilling the Corn, and planting the Potatoes (the doing of which begun yesterday) but for the Rain which had fallen in the afternoon. It was done however early this morning; and the other spot, in which the Siberian Wht. had been Sowed, was set out; to get it in order for corn. To Dogue run I sent the remains of the Barley about half a peck to be pricked in where missing in the rows (beginning next the wheat) at the distance of eight Inches.
Mr. Porter & Doctr. Craik Junr. came down the River in a Ship bd. to France. Landed & dined here & returned to Alexandria in the afternoon.
Thomas Porter and Dr. James Craik, Jr., came to Mount Vernon aboard Joseph Atkins's ship Hope (see 7 May 1786).
Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 59 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at South West. About 8 oclock it began to thicken to the westward which increased with distant thunder. By ten o clock it was quite overcast and began to rain moderately & continued to do so without wind for more than two hours when it ceased & the Sun came out but was more [or] less cloudy all the Afternoon, and cool, the wind having shifted to the South East and got fresher.
Rid to Muddy hole and the Neck. The ground at the first having got drier, the harrow plow was again set to work in the drilled ground. Finished planting (yesterday evening) corn in the Neck with the Barrel plow and set about sowing pease there again.
Finished planting with corn the cut at Dogue Run, which includes the Houses that were Barrys and began in that nearest the Overseers House.
Having received from Holt of Williamsburg through the hands of Mr. Dandridge, about 6 gills of the Eastern shore Peas (or as he calls them beans) so celebrated for fertilizing Land I began, & before the rain fell, planted 3 Rows in the inclosure below the Stables adjoining the row of yellow clover, & in a line with the Cape Wheat, being a continuation of those rows (2 feet apart). The Seeds were placed a foot asunder in the rows.
William Holt (d. 1791), an influential citizen of Williamsburg, was a Presbyterian who joined with Rev. John J. Smith of Long Island, N.Y., in establishing a settlement in New Kent County, Va., where they had a forge and mills. GW had several business transactions with Holt at this time.
EASTERN SHORE PEAS: Later in his diaries, and in his correspondence, GW will call this crop the wild bean or the Maggity Bay pea. It was widely
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called the Magothy Bay or Eastern Shore bean, and farmers had high hopes for it as a fallow crop for soil replenishment. GW paid a large price for a small quantity of seed, had little luck with it, and later reported that it was simply a variety of Cassia chamaecrista, the partridge pea which grew wild on his Mount Vernon farms. Its fame persisted, however; calling it the Magadaba bean, the Farmers' Register, 1 (1833--34), 285, described it as an annual with black pods, very durable in hot weather.
Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.--70 at Noon and 66 at Night.
A good deal, and heavy rain fell in the Night; with thunder & lightning; day warm, with sun shine & clouds alternately. Calm in the forenoon, & wind at East in the afternoon with thunder and great appearances of rain a little only of which fell.
Monday 22d. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind Easterly, and very cloudy, with drops of Rain now and then.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run & Ferry Plantations--replanting Corn at the first. Begun to day, & not on Saturday as I have noted, to plant Corn in the cut next the Overseers house at Dogue run--where by a mistake of the Overseer, they had begun, and had planted Barley in the rows of Siberian Wheat and had done [ ] of them before I got there. Stopped and set them to replanting the missing parts of the Barley rows. Finished drilling the Corn at the Ferry Plantation.
Planted 10 more rows of the Eastern shore Peas, along side of those which were put in on Saturday last and all that section with them in my Botanical garden which had the Guinea grass last year--except the 2 Rows which had been before planted on the 3d. Instt. with everlasting Peas.
Seperated my rams from the Ewes at the home house and ordered the same to be done at the Plantations.
Began to take up the pavement of the Piaza.
Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.--60 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Misting in the Morning and very cloudy & cold all day with the Wind at No. Et.
Rid to Muddy hole and Neck Plantations. Ordered the grd. allotted for Cabbages, to be prepared at both places; and plants to be taken from my garden to set it with. This preparation consisted of another listing (or plowing with three furrows) of the
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ground which had been before listed; leaving an intermediate row at each place for Turnips, to try which would yield most, & be most profitable--replanting the common Corn which had been drilled at Muddy hole. Finished planting Peas with the Barrel in the Neck on Saturday last and listing the Corn ground at the same place this day for planting in the common way.
Began yesterday, with the Ferry people, to list the New ground in front of the House for Corn--with Hoes.
And this day began to lay the Flags in my Piaza--Cornelius and Tom Davis assisting.
ALLOTTED FOR CABBAGES: Brassica capitata, cabbage, grown as a soil conditioner and livestock feed. GW called one variety "Drumhead & Cattle Cabbage" when writing to Anthony Whitting, 25 Nov. 1792 (DLC:GW). George Lee wrote GW, "I have sent you a small quantity of the great longsided scots cabbage seed" (28 April 1787, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 24. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.--56 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Still drizling and cloudy, all day, with the Wind at No. East.
At home all day. About 11 Oclock Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Lund Washington came in, dined, & returned afterwards and in the afternoon Colo. Robt. Stith arrived (from Alexandria) and stayed all night.
Planted yesterday evening at Muddy hole about 1300 Cabbage plants and this morning finished the ground allotted for them at that place--to do which, took in all, abt. [ ] Plants.
Also planted this day, in the Neck, two compleat rows of the Cabbages and the other two rows from the river fence up to the bushy pond by the other fence running Westerly and sent plants over this evening to compleat them in the Morning.
Col. Robert Stith, of Chotank, was the son of Buckner Stith (1722--1791), of Brunswick County, and thus a nephew of Buckner's brother John of Chotank, whom GW had visited on 3 Sept. 1768. He married Mary Townsend Washington, daughter of GW's cousin and boyhood companion Lawrence Washington of Chotank.
Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Drizling in the Morning, after which, about 9 Oclock, it began to rain, and continued to do so, moderately all day. At Night, and in the Night, it rained a good deal--Wind at No. Et.
At home all day. Colo. Stith set off after breakfast, but turned back when it began to rain, and stayed all day & Night.
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Finished planting Cabbages in the Neck; and transplanted Carrots from my garden, to two of the Rows at Muddy hole, which had been sowed, or rather planted, with seed which was either put in too deep, or never vegitated. One of these rows had dung in the furrow, and the other not.
Put a Coller on a large Bull in order to break him to the draft. At first he was sulky & restive but came to by degrees.
Friday 26th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Raining with little or no intermission through the day--a great deal having also fallen in the Night--Wind still at No. East.
Sent 50 Barrels of Superfine flour by the sloop Tryal Peter Kirwin to Thos. Newton junr. Esqr. to be disposed of on my Acct.
Half of this flour was shipped uninspected because Capt. Peter Kerwin, "calling unexpectedly, and being in a hurry, would not allow time to get the Inspectors from Alexandria" (GW to Thomas Newton, Jr., 26 May 1786, DLC:GW).
Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morng.--66 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Wind Easterly all day--raining in the morning, clear about Noon with Clouds, mists, and Sunshine afterwards, alternately.
Rid about 11 Oclock to visit the Plantations at Muddy hole and Dogue run. At the latter & in the Neck, the rain which had fallen in such quantities since Wednesday last had stopped their planting of Corn and left a little ground at each of those places unfinished.
Colo. Stith crossed the river after dinner on his return home.
Finished laying 28 courses of the pavement in the Piaza--Weather very unfavourable for it.
Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 68 at Night.
The forenoon very rainy with high Wind from the No. Et. About Noon it ceased raining. The Wind moderated and veered round to the Southward and then died away.
The continual, and excessive rains, has so surcharged the Earth with Water, that abt. 40 feet of my sunk wall, near the Ice house fell down and the greater part of my cape Wheat lodged.
Monday 29th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morng.--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Thunder, Lightning, and a good deal of rain last Night with
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Portrait of Tobias Lear, attributed to one of the Sharples family. (Anonymous donor)
mists & rain till nine Oclk. this Morning and Wind fresh from the Eastward most part of the day.
About 9 Oclock, Mr. Tobias Lear, who had been previously engaged on a salary of 200 dollars, to live with me as a private Secretary & precepter for Washington Custis a year came here from New Hampshire, at which place his friends reside.
Rid to the Plantations at Dogue Run & Muddy hole passing by the New ground where my ferry and Muddy [hole] people were Hoeing for Corn.
Found my Mill race broke in 3 or 4 places and nearly half my Tumbling dams at the head of it, carried away by the fresh, occasioned by the immoderate rains, which had fallen and my Corn field both here & at Muddy hole in all the low places, and in the furrows covered with water. At both they were plowing, at the first to plant corn, and at the latter breaking up, but the water in many places followed the plows & it is to be feared that more hurt than good would result from the measure but the backwardness of Corn planting in one instance and rapid growth of grass in both Scarcely left a choice.
On my Return found Colo. Mead here.
Found, when I was at Dogue Run that Richard Burnet and wife had been living in the House formerly Barrys, since Wednesdy. last.
Agreed this day with James Bloxham, who arrived here the [21st] of April from England, to live with and superintend my farming business upon the terms mentioned in a specific agreement in writing.
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Benjamin Lincoln recommended Tobias Lear (1762--1816), a Harvard graduate from New Hampshire, to GW for the position of secretary and tutor, describing him as having the "character of a Gentleman & a schoolar" (Lincoln to GW, 4 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW). Lear asked for $200 a year and GW agreed to it in April (GW to Lincoln, 10 April 1786, MH; Lear to GW, 7 May 1786, DLC:GW). What started as only a one-year appointment developed into a close association and an enduring friendship.
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind tho' not much of it, was still at East. Morning Misty and threatning till dinner time after which it cleared.
Accompanied by Colo. Mead, I rid to muddy hole and Neck Plantations to shew him my experiments in the drill husbandry--with which he seemed to be pleased.
G. A. Washington went up to Alexandria on my business g: did not return till the Evening.
Wednesday 31st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon--and 69 at Night.
Wind still at No. East, and the day heavy & lowering, without rain.
Colo. Mead left this after a very early Breakfast.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole & Dogue run, by the New ground; and also went to the Mill.
At both places the Plows were at Work in ground much too wet. At the first, that is Muddy hole, they were breaking up ground, and at the other (Dogue Run) they were crossing for the purpose of planting Corn, which would be all in to day and in miserable order, as the ground was little other than Mortar, & hills obliged to be raised to keep the grain out of the Water.
My Mill People, and Cowper, were employed in Repairing the breaches made by the Rain and in preventing the Water of Piney Run going up the Race in to Dogue Run, at the Tumbling dam as it has done since the mishap to the latter.
Thursday 1st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Misting in the Morning and at Intervals all day with the wind at No. Et. and at times fresh.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck; at the
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latter the People were setting Corn in the field of experiments, furthest cut. The Peas at this place have come up very indifferently, and looked badly. The Barley also did not assume the best appearance but the Oats looked well. Breaking up at both these places altho' the grd. was vastly too wet for it.
Removed my Cow pen & Sheep fold at home.
Doctr. Craik was sent for to a Negro man named Adam in the Neck & to a Negro woman Amy at Muddy hole. After visiting these People & dining here he returned home.
Mr. Shaw was sent to Alexandria on my business to day and returned in the Night.
Friday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night and this Morning with the wind at No. Et. Afterwards it continued Misting and the Sun to shine, alternately through the day.
More clouds and wet weather, and less Sunshine never happened, it is thought in the same time, in this Country before. Waters run from the Hills, and stand in hollows, as in the depth of Winter; & except where there is a great mixture of Sand the ground when plowed, is little other than Mortar. Yet, such is the progress of the grass, that plowing must go forward, or the Corn get smothered and lost by means of it.
Cut the young grass in the levelled part of the Lawn, before the west front of the House, with intention to Roll it, but the ground was too wet and soft to do it.
In the afternoon a Captn. Aitkinson of the Caesar, & another Gentleman came on Shore and drank Tea. The first was furnished with a horse to go to his employer Mr. Sanderson at Alexandria. The other Gentleman returned to the Ship.
Sent to Doctr. Craik informing him how Adam in the Neck did & receiving fresh directions & Medicines for him--soon after which an acct. came of his death.
Capt. J. Atkinson's brig Cesar, arriving from Whitehaven, Eng., brought a letter to GW from John Rumney (16 April 1786, DLC:GW) regarding the piazza flagstones he had received in the spring (see entry for 18 April 1786). The brig must have remained at Mount Vernon wharf for several days, for its arrival at Alexandria was not announced until the 15 June edition of the Va. Journal.
Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 71 at Night.
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Morning very heavy, sometimes misting, and then raining till 9 oclock--lowering afterwards till the afternoon, when it became calm & clear with a good horizon at the Suns setting. The wind was at No. Et. all the fore part of the day, & pretty fresh.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At the first and last they were plowing, but the grd. was very heavy--at the other it was too wet to plow at all.
The Corn at all these places I found very much pulled up and destroyed by the Birds. The Rains had so softened the ground that to do this was very easy for them.
Of the Siberian Wheat scarce any (of the little that came up) remains in the ground and the appearance of the Barley is very indifferent--not being either of a good colour or vigorous growth; whether owing to the quantity of rain or other Causes I do not undertake to decide. It did not, in the first instance, come up well--the drouth at first hurt it and the water, in many places covered it afterwards; this also happened to the Pease which cut but a poor figure. The Potatoes in low places either never came up, or is destroyed. The Cabbage plants in general stand well, tho' in some low places these also are covered with water, and appear to be dead. The Oats seem to be in a more thriving way than any other species of the Crops and where they came up well at first have a promising look.
Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning 72 at Noon and 75 at Night.
An exceeding heavy fog in the Morning, and quite calm all day and clear.
Received from on board the Brig Ann, from Ireland, two Servant Men for whom I had agreed yesterday--viz.--Thomas Ryan a Shoemaker, and Caven Bowe a Tayler redemptioners for 3 years Service by Indenture if they could not pay, each, the Sum of £12 Sterg. which sums I agreed to pay.
Geo. A. Washington set off early this morning for Fredericksburgh. His wife & Washington Custis went to Church at Alexandria intending from thence to Abingdon. Mr. Shaw also went to Alexandria & returned in the Night.
On 8 June, William Deakins, Jr. (1742--1798), a Georgetown merchant, announced the arrival at Georgetown of "the brig Anne, Capt. Tolson, with one hundred and fifty very healthy indented servants; among them are several valuable tradesmen--Their indentures will be disposed of on reasonable terms for cash or tobacco" (COL. FRANCIS DEAKINS, 129--30; Va. Journal, 8 June 1786).
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Monday 5th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Morning, and generally thro' the day, clear, and very pleasant, but warm. Very little Wind, and that Southerly.
Before breakfast, Mrs. Jenifer the widow of Doctr. Jenifer came, & returned in the afternoon. Soon after breakfast Messrs. Sanderson, Wilson, Murray & McPherson came in; all of whom, except the latter, went away before dinner. Mr. Sanderson dined & crossed the river afterwards on his way to embark at Leonard town, Saint Marys, for England.
LEONARD TOWN: Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Md., about 45 miles south-southwest of Washington.
Tuesday 6. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Thick Morning, and more or less cloudy all day, but no rain--but little Wind--that which was came from the No. Et.--rather more Easterly.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Neck. At the first & last the people were setting and planting of Corn. The ferry people finished listing with the hoes their part of the New ground in front of the House on Saturday last and the hands belonging to Muddy hole will do the same to day.
Sheared my Sheep in the Neck this day and rid through the Wheat and rye at that Plantation. Found the first to stand generally sufficiently thick on the ground but the heads appeared very short. They were full in blossum. The lower blades almost generally had turned quite red, and were dead but I did not perceive any signs of rust on them, or that the head, or Straw was injur'd thereby. The Rye was much better than I ever expected it would be. Except being rather too thin (especially in places, tho' much thicker than I had any idea it ever would be) it might, upon the whole, be called a good field.
The ground at all the Plantations plowed very heavily and wet.
Began to cut the clover at the Home House (sowed Aprl. was [a] year) which lay in the upper part of the field & unmixed with Orchard grass.
Had the ground which had been lately listed at Dogue Run for Cabbages chopped fine with the Hoes and intended to put the plants in the ground this evening but it was so late before the Overseer sent to my Gardener for them that there was only time left to draw and carry them to the Plantation this evening.
Mr. Shaw (with my newly purchased Shoemaker to provide
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Frontispiece of Museum Rusticum depicts various aspects of agriculture, including sheep shearing. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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himself with Tools) went up to Town on my business & returned in the Afternoon.
Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Morning a little cloudy--in the afternoon light showers around us, with thunder and lightning at a distance--light breezes from the Southward.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations and through the Wheat and Rye at the first--neither of which answered my expectations. The first, besides having a small head generally, was mixed exceedingly with cheat and the latter was much broken down with the winds and rain which had happened and abounded in white heads deficient of grain--occasioned I presume by the heavy rains which happened while the ear was in bloom. The Wheat, it is to be hoped, will escape this disaster as there has been little or no wind or rain since it began to bloom which is now pretty well over.
The people at the Plantations above mentioned, were all replanting & setting Corn according to circumstances, in their drilled ground. At Muddy hole, setting took place altogether and here also they began to replant Peas, but had not enough of the large kind to make good the deficiency--but plenty of the small, black eyed Peas.
Sheared the few sheep I had at the Ferry to day.
Fanny Washington and the two Children, Nelly, & Geo. Washington, together with Miss Nancy Craik came home yesterday whilst we were at dinner.
Ann (Nancy) Craik, daughter of Dr. James Craik, later married Richard Harrison.
Thursday 8th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 73 at Night.
Clear in the forenoon and calm. About One o'clock a cloud arose in the No. West quarter wch. spread extensively; and before 3 began to Rain fast and continued to do so near half an hour. During this flurry the Wind blew fresh from the Westward, but after the rain ceased it came back to the Southwest and continued moderate till sometime in the Night when it got to the No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh.
Rid to the Plantations at Dogue Run and Muddy hole and to the tumbling dam of Dogue Run, where I had begun with two
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hands from each Quarter, and two Carpenters, to repair the breaches which had been made by the late rains. After having got the Water stopped, in order to lay the Wooden frame, the run swelled so much (occasioned by the rain which fell this afternoon) as to carry away the greatest part of the earth and rendered the labour of the day of little effect.
Still setting, & replanting corn at Dogue run and Muddy hole in the Drilled fields--the last of which with replanting pease in the same would be compleated this day.
Rid through my rye at Muddy hole which would have been fully equal to what might have been expected from the grd. had it not been for the rains which had broken down & tangled the straw and occasioned a number of white, & unfilled heads.
The Eastern shore Peas (according to the information of my Overseer in the Neck) were sowed yesterday (by the barrel plow) in the ground which had been put in rib wort (that never came up). There were 10 Rows of the Peas and a little being left I ordered him to dibble in what remained in additional rows.
Cut all the Clover at the Ho[me] House to day, & the small spots of grass round the Sweet brier Circles; also some under the Trees at the No. end of the House by the Smiths shop to day and put the clover in wind Rows except the part last cut.
Mr. Wallace came here to dinner & stayed all night.
Friday 9th. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Morning clear and pleast. with the Wind at No. West but not fresh, nor had it changed the air cooler.
Mr. Wallace went away after breakfast and I rid to Muddy hole & river Plantations. The heaviness of the Plowing, and wetness of the land had encreased by the late Rains. Nothing indeed but the backwardness of the season and rapid growth of the grass Weeds could justify working ground in the condition the plowed land is.
Passed through the Wheat at Muddy hole this day--found it, upon the whole as good as was to be expected from the impoverished state of the land--Though there is a good deal of cheat in the freshest part of the ground and the spick, (blasted grains) more or less in all. Finished replanting the corn & Peas in the drilled ground at Muddy hole this Morning about nine oclock, and not yesterday as was expected & began to replant Corn in the Cut adjoining.
The drilled corn in the Neck had also been gone over, and the
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people were replanting in the other field tho' by much too wet for such business.
Agreed this day with Mr. Tharpe to do my Plaistering in any of the Rooms in, or abt. the house & to repair the lathing at 7d. pr. Square yard.
Got all the clover hay into small cocks this afternoon.
Mr. Shaw went up to Town today on my business & returned in the Evening.
Saturday 10th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--72 at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A heavy lowering Morning with the wind at East. At times the Sun appeared for a few momts. but generally the clouds were heavy with distant thunder in the So. Wt. quarter in the Afternoon tho' no rain fell here.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, and Ferry. Took the Mill in the way. Finished replanting Corn this morning at the Ferry wholly and yesterday at Dogue run in the ground which was drilled. Began to hoe Corn at the Ferry (on the hill) which is the first plantation in order for it and here it ought to have followed the plows; the work of which is backward on acct. of their having been stopped.
Turned the Cocks of clover hay to day and put all the rest of the grass except that which was cut this afternoon late into Cocks.
Major Washington returned in the afternoon from Fredericksburgh.
In my ride to day I visited the Labourers at the Tumbling dam. Find it will employ them the greatest part of next week. Wed with the hoes, the Millet, or Corn grass in the Neck to day.
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 75 at Night.
A heavy fog in the morning, and cloudy most part of the day with great appearances of rain but none fell. Wind at East in the Morning tho not much of it fresh afterwards from the So. West till 6 oclock when it came out at No. Wt.
Sometime after Candles were lighted Colo. Senf came in.
During the Revolution, John (Jean) Christian Senf, a native of Sweden, served as an engineer for South Carolina and Virginia. In describing him to Jefferson, Gen. Horatio Gates called Senf "the best Draughtsman I know, and an Excellent Engineer" (Gates to Jefferson, 24 Sept. 1780, JEFFERSON [1], 3:662). After the war Senf returned to Europe but came back to America in 1785. It was during this year that legislation was passed in South Carolina authorizing construction of the Santee canal to connect
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the Santee and Cooper rivers. Senf became the chief engineer for that project. In 1789 Senf discussed with GW the possibility of conducting a survey of inland navigation from New York to East Florida (GW to Senf, 12 Oct. 1789, DLC:GW).
Monday 12th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Morning early was calm, but about 7 Oclock the Wind sprung up at No. West and blew pretty fresh till late in the Afternoon when it became calm.
I rid to the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations, and to the People who were working at the Tumbling-Dam.
Finished replanting Corn at Muddy hole on Saturday last & began late in the Afternoon of that day to hoe the drilled Corn at that place. Also finished breaking up the cut of drilled Corn nearest the Barn, which compleated the last breaking up of the whole corn ground at that Plantation.
Began to cut the Meadow near the wood, at Dogue run about 10 Oclock to day and got all the clover & other Hay into large Cocks this afternoon.
Tuesday 13th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning 75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Rid to the River, Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations. At the first found the plows in the Eastermost cut of drilled Corn; where they had begun yesterday morning and were going over it the 2d. time. The hoes, which had got into it yesterday about 2 Oclock (after having finished replanting Corn) were following in the same cut. The plows would get through it about Noon, and the hoes nearly, if not quite, by night.
Found the Flax just beginning to blossum at this place where it was rankest.
At Muddy hole the plows had, this morning, finished breaking up and were beginning to cross plow in the cut next the drilled Corn.
At Dogue run the people would but just finish replanting corn by Night and would begin to weed with the hoes the drill Corn on the East side of the field where the Potatoes were planted.
Finished cutting the Meadow (into which 5 mowers went yesterday) 3 or 4 Oclock.
Stopped the water of Dogue run at the Tumbling dam to day and turned it into the race.
On my return home found Judge Harrison of Maryland and Mr. Rawlins both here--the last of whom went away after dinner.
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Detail of John Trumbull's "Capture of the Hessians at Trenton" depicts GW's aides-de-camp Robert Hanson Harrison (in foreground) and Tench Tilghman. (Yale University Art Gallery)
Wednesday 14th. Mercury at 68 in Morning--74 at Noon and 76 at Night.
After an early breakfast Judge Harisson left this for his own house and in Company with Colo. Senf, I sent out for our Works at the great falls; where we arrived about 11 Oclock and after viewing them set out on our return and reached Colo. Gilpins where we lodged.
Mr. Rumsey was not there (at the Falls) having gone that Morning to Seneca but Mr. Stuart the assistant was present.
This day was clear and warm with but little wind from the Southward.
Thursday 15th. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Clear with little wind and very warm.
Took Alexandria--My Mill dam Meadow at Dogue run and
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the Plantation there--as also the Ferry Plantation in my way home.
Found the tumbling dam all but new laying the sheeting, and filling below it, compleated. Directed all the Breaches in the race & the leak at Piney branch dam, to be thoroughly repaired before the hands should quit.
Found the Hay which had been cut in the upper Meadow nearly cured and 4 Mowers in the meadow next the Overseers House.
About 7 Oclock in the afternoon, Doctr. La Moyeur came in with a Servant, Chaise, & 3 Horses.
Friday 16th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear with little wind in the Morning. About 10 or 11 oclock a breeze sprung up from the Eastward but died soon afterwards--rising again in the afternoon at So. West.
Finished my Mill race and Dam this Afternoon.
Began about 10 Oclock to put up the Book press in my study.
Saturday 17th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--85 at Noon and 83 at Night.
Calm and very warm all day with but little wind and that Southerly--at times it was a little cloudy and at night there were thunder & lightning but no rain.
Rid to all the Plantations to day. In the Neck the Hoes and Plows were in the last (Westermost) cut. The first got to work in it about noon yesterday and the latter about 3 or 4 oclock in the Afternoon; both having passed through the middle cut, compleating as they went. The three hoed harrow was about got through the Eastermost cut (alternate rows) by Noon. The Oats were beginning to shoot forth the heads. At Muddy hole Plantation, the Hoes having overtaken the Plows that were crossing went to weeding the drilled Peas and I directed them to replant both Potatoes and Cabbages where missing in the same field. At Dogue run the Hoes appeared to have made little progress in weeding the drilled field--first because it was tedious among the Cabbages, Potatoes & Pease but principally because the ground had got so rough & matted with grass as to require much labour. At the Ferry, the Hoes had weeded the Corn in the cut on the Hill and about 10 O clock had begun in the flat below next the meadow fence & adjoining the drilled Corn. Examined the Wheat again to day, & concluded that at least half of it is destroyed.
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Doctr. La Moyeur & Majr. Washington went up to Alexandria to day--The latter on my business. They dined there & returned in the evening. Just as we had dined, Captn. Smith of Mr. Ridouts Brig, Mr. Wallace a passenger in it for Bordeaux, and Doctr. Mortimer (going as far as Norfolk in her) came in and had dinner set for them.
Mr. Hough, Butcher in Alexandria, came here this afternoon, & purchased from me three fatted Beeves (2 in the Neck, & 1 at Dogue run) for which he is to pay next week £42--also the picking of 12 Weathers from my flock at 34/[ ]. pr. head. If upon consulting my Farmer & they could be spared, he was to have 20.
Sometime in late June the brig Fanny under Capt. W. B. Smith left Alexandria en route eventually for Bordeaux ( Va. Journal, 22 June 1786). Thomas Ridout (1754--1829), born in Dorsetshire, Eng., and a resident of Annapolis before the Revolution, was a commission merchant in Bordeaux at this time. GW had business dealings with Ridout in the 1780s until the latter, burdened with debts, left France for the American West (RIDOUT, 215--35; GW to Ridout, 20 May 1786, Ridout to GW, 10 Sept. 1786, DLC:GW).
Dr. Charles Mortimer, Jr., was probably going to Norfolk to set up practice (BLANTON, 56, 346). MR. HOUGH: Lawrence Hooff, cartwright and butcher (Fairfax County Deeds, Book M-1, 70--74, Vi Microfilm).
Sunday 18th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Calm, clear, and very warm in the forepart of the day; abt. 2 Oclock a cloud arose to the Westward; and a pretty heavy shower of rain fell with some thunder & lightning; after which it cleared; hut another shower came on about sun down tho' it was very moderate & of short continuance.
Monday 19th. Mercury at 73 in the Morning. 79 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Morning cloudy, but clear afterwards, with the wind at So. West.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, and Ferry Plantations; and to the Meadows (where people were at Work) at the two latter.
Finding my Corn was in danger of being lost by Grass & weeds, I stopped Brickmaking, and sent Gunner, Boatswain, Anthony, and Myrtilla to assist at Dogue run in weeding it.
The grass at the Ferry being forwarder, and better than that at Dogue Run, where the Scythmen began last to cut, I removed them (tho' the grass was not half down) to the former place. 4 Cutters at work.
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Mr. Herbert & wife--Mr. Throcmorton & his Wife--Miss Hannah, & Miss Kitty Washington, & Mr. Willm. Craik came here to dinner & all stayed the Evening except Mr. Herbert who returned to Alexandria.
A Monsr. Andri Michaux--a Botanest sent by the Court of France to America (after having been only 6 Weeks returned from India) came in a little before dinner with letters of Introduction & recommendation from the Duke de Lauzen, & Marqs. de la Fayette to me. He dined and returned afterwards to Alexandria on his way to New York, from whence he had come; and where he was about to establish a Botanical garden.
Albion Throckmorton (died c.1795), of Frederick County, son of John Throckmorton (1731--c.1795), of Gloucester County, married Warner Washington's oldest daughter, Mildred Washington (c.1766--1804), in Dec. 1785, apparently against the wishes of her family (WAYLAND [1], 177; GW to George William Fairfax, 10 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW; STANARD [2], 50--52). throckmorton served as cornet in the 1st Continental Dragoons during the Revolution. Hannah and Catharine Washington, usually called Katy or Kitty, were Mrs. Throckmorton's sisters.
André Michaux (1746--1802) was a French botanist whose work in America would later produce Flora Boreali-Americana (1803). He sent a note to GW the day after his visit, enclosing some seeds and promising to send live plants. In 1793 GW subscribed a small sum to assist the American Philosophical Society in financing an expedition Michaux planned to make to the Pacific. Thomas Jefferson collected the money on behalf of the society and wrote an elaborate set of instructions to guide Michaux in his research, just as he would do for Meriwether Lewis ten years later. While the objectives of the expedition were ostensibly scientific, Michaux was in reality acting as the agent of the French minister Edmond Genet in a scheme to mount an assault on Spanish possessions beyond the Mississippi. After Genet's recall Michaux's expedition was terminated by Genet's successor in Mar. 1794.
Tuesday 20th. Mercury at 71 in the morning--77 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Morning clear and pleasant with but little wind. In the afternoon the Wind blew from the Eastward, & a cloud arising in the contrary direction it began about 9 Oclock to rain very powerfully and continued to do so, more or less through the Night.
Mr. Craik went away before Breakfast, and the rest of the Company about 11 Oclock, at which time I rid to the Plantations at Dogue Run & ferry and to the Meadows where People were cutting & making Hay. Stopped the cutters at the ferry, and set them to making hay; having too much grass down & exposed for the numbers employed in this business to execute in time without.
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Title page of Washington's copy of Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria on my business and return in the afternoon.
Wednesday 21st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night.Wind At No. Et. and raining more or less till near Noon, after wch. it continued cloudy till sun down with the wind in the same quarter.
A stop put to out doors work till near noon.
About sun down Mr. Fendall came here.
Thursday 22d. Mercury at 63 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Calm, clear, cool and pleasant all day.
Mr. Fendall went away after Breakfast.
I rid to all the Plantations, and to the Hay makers at the Ferry.
The Plows finished the drilled Corn in the Neck on Monday afternoon and the hoes got over it on Tuesday Morning, and both went into the cut of common Corn by the Barn.
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Friday 23d. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Very little wind all day, but clear & pleasant notwithstanding.
Finished Hoeing the drilled corn at Dogue run about 9 oclock this forenoon and began to weed the Corn in the dunged ground at that place wch. had got very foul.
Doctr. La Moyieur came here this afternoon.
Saturday 24th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear in the forenoon with but little wind. In the afternoon clouds arose and a smart shower of rain fell.
Rid to all the Plantations and to the Hay Makers at the Ferry. In the Neck, both Plows & Hoes would have finished the cut of Corn by the Barn had not the Rain prevented. The Ferry hands would also have finished the cut of common corn on the Flat but for the same cause.
Major Washington & his wife went up to Alexandria and were detained there all Night by the rain and appearances of the Clouds afterwards.
Sunday 25th. Mercury at 75 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear all day with little or no Wind and very warm.
Majr. Washington and fanny came home before Breakfast.
Munday 26th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 78 at Night.
The forenoon was clear and calm--as was the Afternoon except a cloud which rose to the westward and produced rain and a very high wind in the Night.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry Plantations. Found the Muddy hole people in the Eastermost cut of Corn having finished (with the hoes) the Middle cut on Saturday. The Plows however were yet in the Middle cut. At Dogue Run the Plows had finished breaking up, and had begun crossing the cut in which Barrys houses stand--into which they went about dinner time on Saturday. About 11 Oclock to day the hoes finished weeding the Cowpened ground, and had got into the Swamp corn which was more weedy than the rest. At the Ferry, the plows finished about 9 Oclock the drilled corn by the Fish house and went into the other drilled corn by the Meadow. About the same time the hoes having finished weeding the Corn in the flat,
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planted in the common way, had begun to weed the drilled corn by the Fish house and to replant the Irish Potatoes therein.
Finished cutting the meadow at the Ferry this afternoon.
Tuesday 27th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Lowering (rather cloudy) in the morning, with the wind brisk, but not cold from the No. West. Afternoon clear & pleasant.
Rid to all my Plantations. Found the Plows & Hoes in the Neck had gone over the cut by the Barn. The first finished it yesterday about breakfast, & the other about dinner time and were in the Cut adjoining. Finding the Hoe Harrow did not do good work in the drilled Corn, I ordered it to desist and the Bar share plow to be used, till the common Corn was all crossed; after which to use it, when the ground was worked the other way. Cut down the clover at Muddy hole this forenoon (whilst it was moist from the Rain of last night) and put it into Wind rows--3 swaiths in a Row. The Dogue run hands had not got over the Corn in the Swamps. At the Ferry the People had just finished weeding the drilled Corn by the Fish House, & replanting the Patatoes therein; not having quite enough of the latter to replant the whole--the deficiency was supplied with Corn. Making the hay that was cut yesterday at the Ferry, with the small gang.
Doctr. Craik dined here, and returned home afterwards.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexa. on my business and returned late in the evening.
Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear & pleasant all day. In the forenoon the Wind was at N. Wt.--in the afternoon it was at So. West.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole Dogue Run and the Ferry and to the Hay fields. At the first I sowed turnips in Drills in the ground which had been sowed with Oats that never came up (by the Negro Quarters). There were 7 rows, running from 180 to 200 Steps of these (averaging 190 yards) wch. were sowed with about a gill or little more seed. The first row, Southerly, was harrowed with the little harrow at the tail of the barrel; but gathering earth and burying the Seed too deep, I took out every other tooth and with it in this order harrowed the next row. This also appeared to cover too deep. I therefore took the harrow off altogether & tied brush in its place which did much better. The
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Seed used here was of the first recd. from Mr. Chichester and was of the last year. The hands at Dogue run having just weeded their Swamp Corn as I got there, about Noon, I directed, finding there was no prospect of getting over the Corn there with hoes before harvest that the whole shd. be immediately succoured and then between this and Sunday the forwardest which was also the most weedy should be gone over with the Hoes.
The Mowers after cutting down the Clover yesterday (wch. was done by noon) went into the Meadow at Morris's wch. had been left, & were cutting there to day. The grass at the Ferry was all got into cocks this afternoon.
Doctr. Le Moyuer came in before Dinner.
Mr. Shaw went out after breakfast to day, to see if he could engage any Mowers for me. He returned in the afternoon, having partly engaged 2 or 3.
Thursday 29th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Cool & pleasant--the Wind being at No. West & Westerly all day.
At home all day. In the evening Major Gibbs came in.
Planted in one Row, between the Cherokee Plumb, & the honey locust, back of the No. Garden adjoining the green House (where the Spanish chesnuts had been placed and were rotten) 25 of the Paliurus, very good to make hedges and inclosures for fields. Also in the section betwn. the work House & Salt house adjoining the Pride of China Plants, & between the rows in which the Carolina Laurel seeds had been sowed, 46 of the Pistatia nut in 3 rows and in the places where the Hemlock pine had been planted and were dead, Et. & W. of the Garden gates, the Seeds of the Pyramidical Cyprus 75 in number--all of which with others were presented to me by Mr. Michaux Botanist to his most Christn. Majesty.
Mr. Shaw went out again to day to procure if to be had scythemen for Corn 8: grass--of which he engaged two for the latter to be at Work at Dogue run to morrow and 4 of the latter to be at this place on Monday.
Caleb Gibbs (c. 1748--1818) was born in Newport, R.I., but lived much of his life in Massachusetts. During the Revolution he was adjutant in the 21st and 14th regiments of the Continental infantry before GW appointed him captain in command of the commander in chief's guard on 12 Mar. 1776. In July 1778 Gibbs was promoted to major. He continued to command the guard until Jan. 1783, and resigned his commission in June 1784.
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Plants not previously named are Paliurus spina-christi, Jerusalem thorn, and Cupressus sempervirens, a pyramidical form of the cypress often planted as an ornamental. CHRISTN. MAJESTY: Louis XVI (1754--1793) ruled France from 1774--92.
Friday 30th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day the wind being at No. West and west all day, though not fresh.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, & Ferry; & to the Hay makers at the second. At Dogue, found the Corn had all been succoured, and the hoes had got into the fresh & weedy ground along the wood side--about 3 oclock yesterday. The Meadow near the Overseers House, at this place would all be cut down about dinner time--The two white men, viz., Tayler & Hill, engaged by Mr. Shaw yesterday, having got to work there this Morning. The Plows at the ferry finished the drill Corn yesterday about 2 O clock and the hoes got over it about breakfast. Began to cut my Rye at the Ferry about 12 Oclock to day--employed three Negro Cradlers--viz.--Caesar, Sambo & Boatswain--the greater part of which appeared to me to be blighted and the rest very ripe, & much beat down. Both Rye & Wheat at this place had the appearance of greater ripeness than at any other and might have been safely cut Six or eight days ago if I could have left my corn to do it.
Mr. Bushrod Washington came in whilst we were at Dinner.
CORN HAD ALL BEEN SUCCOURED: That is, the suckers, or sprouts springing up from the roots at the ground line, had been pulled off.
Repository Symbols
and Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
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from Ireland. Philadelphia: Hibernian Society, 1892.
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New York: Frederick H. Hitchcock, Grafton Press, 1927.
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October 24, 1776." Maryland Historical Magazine, 10 (1915), 301--21; 11 (1916), 50--66, 157--75, 237--60, 204--21; 12 (1917), 10--12, 142--63, 261--75, 324--47.
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Genealogical Publishing Co., 1965.
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Columbia Historical Society of Washington, D.C., 51--52 (1951--52), 1--18.
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Miss.: E. W. Stephens Publishing Co., 1906.
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Time. Kingwood, W.Va.: Preston Publishing Co., 1884.
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with an Historical Essay. 2 vols. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1864.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; identification notes for those which previously appeared in the first three volumes may be located by consulting the indexes for those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
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sends fruit trees and seeds to GW, 89, 160, 161; goes to Alexandria, 122, 212, 298, 310; attends John Alton, 182, 183, 184, 185, 187, 188, 190, 212; his son's education paid for by GW, 188; acts as agent for GW in Md., 192; attends Mount Vernon slaves, 234, 339; boards GW's nephews, 241; sells subscriptions to William Gordon's book, 275--76; attends Martha Washington, 330
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80, 81, 86, 87, 88, 91--92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102--3, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, 118--19, 125, 129, 138, 144, 145, 151--53, 164, 184, 186, 190, 193, 199, 202, 203, 214, 215, 218, 220, 221, 232, 233, 234, 267, 268--69, 272, 273--74, 283, 290, 293, 294, 299, 300, 302, 303, 304, 306, 321, 326; walks, 101, 103; mill, 102, 215, 261--62, 263, 337, 338, 344--45, 346--48; fisheries, 114, 301, 303, 304, 305, 308, 312, 313, 315, 319, 321, 322, 325, 328, 329, 331; mansion, 114--15, 190, 192, 200, 202, 214, 247, 264, 291--92, 298, 313--14, 319, 334, 335, 336, 345; hedging and fencing, 129, 138, 298, 314; walls, 164, 307, 308, 336; list of livestock, 223--24, 226, 228--31, 232--33, 23740; list of slaves, 277--83
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354, 355; fox hunting, 243, 247--48, 254
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The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume V
July 1786--December 1789
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
Philander D. Chase, and Christine Hughes
George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR
Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR
DONALD JACKSON, AND DOROTHY TWOHIG
EDITORS
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington,
sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
and the University of Virginia
with the support of
the National Endowment for the Humanities
and
the National Historical Publications and Records
Commission.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1979 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
First published 1979
Frontispiece: "The Constitutional Convention of 1787" by Thomas Rossiter.
(Independence National Historical Park Collection)
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data (Revised)
Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
The diaries of George Washington.
Includes bibliographies and indexes.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
2. Presidents--United States--Biography. I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title.
E312.8 1976 973.4'1'0924 [B] 75-41365
ISBN 0-8139-0801-9 (v. 5)
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
Contents
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Acknowledgments
The editors wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge several new obligations incurred since the publication of Volume I of The Diaries of George Washington. The editors wish to acknowledge in particular the contribution of Jessie Shelar, research assistant on The Papers of George Washington, whose services have been of inestimable value in the preparation of these volumes. In addition they are indebted to Jeffrey D. Delahorne and Joanne Schehl, members of the staff of The Papers of George Washington, who have performed with distinction countless tasks relating to the preparation of the manuscript for publication, and to John C. Van Home of The Papers of Benjamin Latrobe, who, while a graduate student at the University of Virginia, was of great assistance to the editors in the annotation of the 1769 diary.
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Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the dash has been changed to a period and following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are clearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in the manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been lowered, and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
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Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a square bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, although the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; those which have been identified in the first four volumes may be located by consulting the indexes of those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume V
July 1786--December 1789
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Saturday 1st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Calm all day--cool & pleasant in the Morning--but warm afterwards.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations. Finished (about Noon) crossing the cut in which Barrys Houses stand & went to crossing in the one adjoining next the woods. The hoes by this Evening will have got over all the forward Corn. At Muddy hole the Corn was got over with the Hoes this afternoon, but the Plows were not able to accomplish it. Compleated Hoeing Corn in the Neck this afternoon and also plowing it the second time.
Preparing to begin my harvest generally, on Monday, & made the arrangemts. accordingly.
Planted 4 of the Ramnus Tree (an ever green) one on each side of the Garden gates--a peg with 2 Notches drove down by them (Pegs No. 1 being by the Pyramidical Cyprues). Also planted 24 of the Philirea latitolio (an ever green shrub) in the shrubberies by Pegs No. 3 and 48 of the Cytise--a Tree produced in a cold climate of quick growth by pegs No. 4. All these plants were given to me by Mr. Michaux.
Walking into my Orchard grass this evening, I found the seed very ripe, and shedding at a small touch, tho' the stalk and under part appeared quite green (head brown). Immediately set to cutting the heads with reap hooks, with such hands as I could pick up, lest by delaying it till Monday the greater part might be lost.
Doctr. La Moyeur who went from this on Wednesday last to Alexandria returnd this afternoon and Major Gibbes went away after breakfast.
His rhamnus tree is Rhamnus alaternus, an evergreen buckthorn. PHILIREA LATITOLIO: Phillyrea latifolia, a small shrub native to southern Europe and Asia Minor. CYTISE: Cytisus anagroides, golden chain or bean tree.
Sunday 2d. Mercury at 68 in the Morning 78 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Clear with but little [wind], and that at South; very warm.
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About Noon I set out for the intended meeting (to be held to morrow) at the Seneca falls. Dined at Colo. Gilpins, where meeting with Colo. Fitzgerald we proceeded all three of us to Mr. Bryan Fairfax's, and lodged.
Monday 3d. After a very early breakfast (about Sun rise) we left Mr. Fairfax's, and arriving at the head of the Seneca falls (where a vessel was to have met us) was detained till near ten o'clock before one arrived to put us over to our place of rendezvous at Mr. Goldsboroughs. Met Governor Johnson here; Govr. Lee was prevented by the situation of Mrs. Lee, from attending. A Colo. Francis Deakins, appointed on the part of Maryland, to lay out the road which was to be opened between the Eastern & western waters at the expence of that state & Virginia, also attended, and made a verbal report of his, & Colo. Nevilles surveys to effect this purpose; the result of which was, that they had agreed that the best rout for the said road was from the Mouth of Savage river, through the glades to cheat river, a little below the Dunker bottom; and from thence to the Monongahela (as they conceived the Navigation of Cheat river thro the laurel hill very difficult) below the Tygers valley; distance about 50 Miles. He was of opinion that besides the difficulties in the No. branch between the Mouths of savage & stony rivers that little or nothing would be short[e]ned in the road from the bearing, or trending off, of the North branch between these two places. To these matters however he did not speak with precision, or certainty, as his assistant who had his field notes & Surveys, had not returned.
A heavy shower of rain, a good deal of wind, and much thunder and lightning just abt., and after dark. A house, to appearance about 3 miles off, was consumed by fire, occasioned as was supposed by lightning; but whether it was a dwelling house or Barn we did not hear--nor could we discover to whom it belonged.
The day was very warm, and with out wind, till the gust arose.
OUR PLACE OF RENDEZVOUS: On the following day James Rumsey paid Monica Goldsborough "nine Shillings Virginia currency in full for nine breakfasts and dinners for both at the meeting of the President & directors" of the Potomac Company ( American Clipper, 2 [Dec. 1935], 191).
Francis Deakins (1739--1804), Montgomery County, Md., surveyor and land speculator, was the eldest son of William Deakins, Sr., and Tabitha Marbury Hoye Deakins of Prince George's County. He had served for several years in the Maryland state militia during the Revolution, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Tuesday 4th. The Directors determined to prosecute their first plan for opening the Navigation of the River in the bed of it, &
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as streight as it was practicable, and ordered the Manager to proceed accordingly; & to remove the hands from the works at the great falls to the Seneca & other parts of the river--as it was their wish, having but S years from the commencemt. of the Act to perfect the Navigation above the falls. Mr. Rumsey having signified his disinclination to serve the Company any longer for the pay and emoluments which had been allowed him, and the Directors not inclining to encrease them, they parted and Mr. Stuart (the first assistant) was appointed in his place. Mr. Smith the other assistant had his wages raised to £200 Maryld. Curry. pr. Ann.
These matters being settled, Govr. Johnson returned home. Colo. Fitzgerald proceeded on to Berkeley & Frederick, and Colo. Gilpin and myself resolved to send our horses to the Great falls and go by water to that place ourselves; and were happy to find that the passage on the Virginia side of all the Islands, was vastly the best; and might be made easy and good at little expence--There being in short only 3 places where there was any difficulty, & these not great. Shallow water in a low state of the river, is all that is to be feared.
After dining with Mr. Rumsey at the Great falls Colo. Gilpin and myself set out in order to reach our respective homes, but a gust of wind & rain, with much lightning, compelled me to take shelter, about dark at his house, where I was detained all night.
This day was also exceedingly warm, there being but little wind.
OPENING: In MS this reads "openting."
Mr. Smith is James Smith ( Va. Journal, 4 Dec. 1788).
Wednesday 5th. I set out about sun rising, & taking my harvest fields at Muddy hole & the ferry in my way, got home to breakfast.
Found that my harvest had commenced as I directed, at Muddy hole & in the Neck on Monday last--with 6 Cradlers at the first--to wit, Isaac, Cowper Tom, Ben overseer Will, Adam, & Dogue run Jack who tho' newly entered, made a very good hand; and gave hopes of being an excellent Cradler. That Joe (Postilian) had taken the place of Sambo at the Ferry since Monday last, & the harvest there proceeded under the cutting of Caesar, Boatswain, & him. That in the Neck 6 cradles were constantly employed, & sometimes 7--viz. James, (who having cut himself in the meadow could not work constantly) --Davy, Overseer who having other matters to attend to, could not stick to it; Sambo, Essex, George (black smith) Will, Ned; and Tom Davis who had never cut before, and made rather an awkward hand of it. Tom Nokes was also there, but he cut only now & then, at other times shocking,
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repairing rakes &ca. That the gangs at Dogue Run & Muddy hole were united, & were assisted by Anthony, Myrtilla & Dolshy from the home house--That besides Tom Davis Ben from the Mill had gone into the Neck and that Sall brass (when not washing) & Majr. Washingtons Tom were assisting the ferry people--That Cowpers Jack & Da[v]y with some small boys & girls (wch. had never been taken out before) were assisting the Farmer in making Hay after two white men who had been hired to cut grass. And found that the State of the Mercury in the thermometer had, during my absence, been as follow--viz.
This day (Wednesday) clouded about Noon and before dinner began to rain, tho not much & rained again at, and in the Night but not a great deal.
The slaves named here can all be found in the entry for 18 Feb. 1786 of the Diaries. They were often shifted temporarily from one farm to another for special tasks. THE FARMER: James Bloxham.
Thursday 6th. Mercury at 71 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 76 at N.
Morning hazy, with thunder & rain in the afternoon.
Rid to Muddy hole and into the Neck; found that the Rye at the first had been cut down yesterday and that the wheat was entered upon and that the grain being wet this Morning, it could not either be shocked, or bound. The rakers were therefore employed in succouring the drilled Corn at Muddy hole. The Rye at the Ferry was also cut down yesterday about dinner time. The plows at this place 3 in number having finished crossing the Corn on the hill had begun to cross that cut below, adjoining the drilled Corn. In the Neck, after the Plows had finished crossing the river cut, in the great field, 6 plows went into the drilled Corn (on Tuesday) and were running a single furrow on each side of it, the Peas, Potatoes, & Cabbage by way of giving them a hill.
Friday 7th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Clear in the forenoon but very sultry, with wind, thunder, lightning & rain in the afternoon. Rid to all the Plantations; The
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Plows at Muddy hole (where 3 were at work) had finished the East cut of Corn, and had begun to plow that cut by the bars, adjoining the drilled Corn the 3d. time. Those at Morris's, four in number, had got about half over the Eastermost cut, next the overseers House and the Farmer was stacking the grass which had been in cocks some time in the meadow adjoining it.
Brought in the remainder of the clover Hay, & seed at Muddy [hole] to the stack at the barn there.
Washington Custis being sick I sent for Doctr. Craik to visit him, and a sick child in the Neck. He arrived before dinner, & after going into the Neck & returning, stayed all night.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria to day on my business in the waggon also to bring sundries down.
Saturday 8th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Clear & warm, with very little Wind till about 2 oclock, when a black & extensive cloud arose to the westward out of which much wind issued with considerable thunder & lightning and a smart shower of Rain.
Rid to the Ferry, Muddy hole & Neck Plantations. Finished cutting the Rye about noon at the latter, and set into the wheat adjoining, immediately after. Should have finished cutting & securing in shocks the wheat at Muddy hole this afternoon had it not been for the interruption given by the rain.
The Rye at all the Plantations had been much beat down & tangled previous to the cutting any of it, and much loss will be sustained from this cause in addition to the defection in the head; but neither this grain nor the wheat have been so much layed by the late winds & rains, as might have been expected. Of the latter indeed, tho much was threatned, not a great deal fell.
Sunday 9th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning 79 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Clear, calm & warm all day. Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, and Betcy & Patcy Custis came here to breakfast and Doctr. Craik to dinner--the last of whom went away in the evening.
Monday 10th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Very warm all day, and calm till the evening, when a breeze from the Southward sprung up. More appearances of rain in the morning than the evening, but none fell.
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Rid to the Neck, Muddy hole & Dogue Plantations. Began harvest at the latter this morning with the people belonging to the place; the Muddy hole hands finished theres by breakfast, after wch. (about half after eleven) the two gangs united again. In the Neck the Plows on Saturday finished running the furrows on each side the drilled Corn, by way of hilling it; and to day began to break, or plow the intermediate spaces.
John Knowles, who was absent all last week came here to work again this Morning in good Season.
Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart & the two girls Betcy & Patcy Custis returned after breakfast.
John Knowles came to work for GW as a common laborer in May 1786 for £5 a month and a daily pint of rum (see entry for 18 May 1786). In 1789 GW contracted with him for one year to be a bricklayer and his wife, Rachael, to be a household servant. In return they were to receive £30, a house, and a garden spot (articles of agreement between Knowles and GW, 7 July 1789, DLC:GW).
Tuesday 11th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning--83 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Clear, with the wind at So. Wt. and pretty fresh.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations and to the Mill. At the first, the Plows had just finished plowing the drilled Corn & Potatoes by the Fish House--at the second got into stacks all the wheat in the Meadow by the Overseers House.
Finished cutting the remainder of the wheat in the great Field in the Neck on the Creek.
Doctr. Craik came here to breakfast and returned after it to Alexandria.
Wednesday 12th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind pretty fresh from the So. West all day. About Noon a cloud arose in the west, from whence proceeded a shower of rain and severe lightning and loud thunder.
Visited all my Plantations and the Mill to day. Finished the wheat harvest at the Ferry about Noon. Gave the People employed in it the remainder of the day for them selves, but ordered Boatswain & Joe (cradlers) and the hands from the home House to go into the Neck tomorrow and the other Cradler (Caesar) with or 3 rakers to go to Dogue run (being most convenient) having before ordered Isaac, & Cooper Tom (cradlers) --the house people and 3 rakers from Muddy hole gang, to go into the Neck tomorrow
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morning, supposing the People belonging to the Plantation, with the aid above mentioned, would be able to compleat the Harvest at Dogue run in the course of tomorrow.
On my return home found Mr. Man Page of Mansfield Mr. Frans. Corbin, and Doctr. Stuart here. And after Dinner Mr. Lawe. Washington & his son Lawe, came in. Doctr. Stuart returned in the evening.
Perceived as I rode thro my drilled corn at Muddy hole to day, that the alternate rows of early corn was Tassling and shooting.
MAN PAGE: Mann Page, Jr. (c. 1749--1803), of Mannsfield, near Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County, was the eldest son of Mann Page (c.1718--1781), of Rosewell, Gloucester County, and his second wife, Anne Corbin Tayloe, the daughter of John Tayloe (1687--1747) and Elizabeth Gwyn (Gwynn, Gwynne) Lyde Tayloe of Mount Airy, Richmond County (PAGE, 61, 63; MEADE [1], 2:181). Mann Page, Jr., was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1775, the Continental Congress in 1777, and a lieutenant colonel with the Spotsylvania militia during the Revolution (CROZIER [2], 35, 523). In 1776 he married his cousin Mary Tayloe (b. 1759), daughter of John Tayloe II (1721--1779) and Rebecca Plater Tayloe of Mount Airy (PAGE, 73).
Francis Corbin (1759--1821), of Middlesex and Caroline counties, was a cousin of Mann Page, Jr., and a son of Richard and Elizabeth Tayloe Corbin of Laneville, King and Queen County. He went to England in 1773 where he attended the Canterbury School and Cambridge University, and entered the Inner Temple in Jan. 1777. At the close of the Revolution, he returned to Virginia. He represented Middlesex County in the House of Delegates from 1784 to 1794. A staunch supporter of the Constitution, Corbin was an influential member of the Virginia Ratifying Convention of 1788 ( Va. Mag., 29 [1921], 522, 30 [1922], 315--16; NEILL, 137n).
Thursday 13th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Cloudy all day, with the Wind pretty fresh from the Eastward.
Finished the wheat harvest at Dogue run about Sundown.
Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.
In the Night there fell rain.
Friday 14th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Cloudy more or less all day, with the wind pretty fresh from the So. West.
After Breakfast I rid to all my Plantations. Found the Plows in the Neck after compleatly, that is, after having broke the ground between the furrows that had been run on each side the Corn for the purpose of hilling it, had got into the Middle cut to do the like there, in the Drilled corn. Perceived the Irish Potatoes were
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coming into blossom at this place and that after the rain on Wednesday, whilst the wheat was too wet to bind, the harvest People had pulled a little of the flax at this place also. The Plows at Dogue run finished plowing the Cut they were in next the overseers House, & had begun to plow the drilled corn, on the East side of the field; leaving every other row untouched & turning the mould from the corn in these rows; by wch. the middle between the rows where the cabbages, Potatoes, Peas &ca. grow would be ridged--intending these ridges to be reduced at the last Plowing, & the rows of corn to form them. At the same place the hands had begun to hoe corn in the cut including Barrys houses, beginning next Wades old dwelling. Some of the People belonging to this plantation had come to Muddy hole for Rye, which they were threshing there for their horses. Muddy hole [people] were hoeing a small corner of Corn which was not finished before Harvest. At the ferry the Plows finished about two oclock crossing the cut on the flat, and would begin to plow the drilled wht. by the Mea[do]w. The rest of the People were preparing a yard to tread out wheat.
After breakfast Mr. Page & Mr. Corbin, accompanied by Majr. Washington, went up to Abingdon (taking Alexandria in their way) and before breakfast Mr. Lawe. Washington & his son went up by water to the latter place--they all returned again in the Evening, when a Mr. Hatfield of England came in.
MR. HATFIELD OF ENGLAND: probably either Joseph Hadfield, merchant of Manchester, Eng., who had visited Mount Vernon in 1785, or one of the other partners in the family firm. By 1788 Joseph Hadfield was established temporarily in Baltimore. He was a partner in the "house of John Hadfield Thomas Hadfield and Joseph Hadfield" (Fairfax County Deeds, Book R, 239, Vi Microfilm).
Saturday 15th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning--85 at Noon and 83 at Night.
Clear, calm, and very warm all day.
After breakfast the Company all going away, I rid to all the Plantations except that at the Ferry. Compleated my wheat harvest in the Neck about Noon--which made a finish of the whole; after wch. I directed my people, engaged therein, to pull flax till dinner, & take the remainder of the day to themselves. Much Wheat has been left in all the fields this year occasioned 1st. by the frequent rains and winds which preceeded, and happened during harvest (which had laid down and tangled it in some degree) -- 2d. by beginning my harvest too late and 3d. by the manner of cutting and gathering it into shocks. It is unlucky, that from
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several causes, I was prevented trying by experiment, this year, how early wheat or Rye might be cut without injury to the grain; but satisfied I am that, this may be done with safety as soon as it is out of its milky state--at any rate, that the loss by shrinkage in the beginning of a harvest from this cause, is not equal to the loss by shattering at the latter end of it or to the hazard of its being entangled, or laid down by winds and rain, which every year is the case in a greater, or lesser degree when harvest is long, & the grain ripe. For these reasons the following method may, I think, be attempted with success in future; and it will be found that many advantages will flow from it.
1st. To make every Plantation, or farm, take care of its own grain witht. uniting their hands.
2d. To encrease the number of cradlers at each; to such a number only, as will give two rakers to each, and leave a sufficiency besides to gather, and put the wheat into shocks and, generally speaking, with Negro labourers, the following distribution may be found to come as near the mark in wheat made in corn ground, as any--viz.--for every two Cradlers to allow 4 rakers, 1 Shocker, and two carriers--for the last of which boys and girls are competent.
3d. To give the Cradlers a start of two days of the rakers & shockers; letting them begin to cut as soon as the milk leaves the grain, and before it becomes hard & flinty--leaving the grain this time in the swarth, for the straw to cure, before it is raked, bound & put into shocks.
4th. To order, & see that the Cradlers cut slow, & lay their vain regular & well; after it is cut low & clean; which will be found more advantages than to hurry over the gr[oun]d in order to put an end to harvest, as is usual. By beginning early time will be allowed for these, especially as wheat cut in this state yields much easier, and pleasanter to the stroke, & can be laid much better than when the straw gets dry & harsh.
5th. By giving this start to the cradlers, the straw (as hath been observed before) will be sufficiently cured to bind and shock and it must be seen that the Rakers also do their work clean and well, which is more likely to be the case without particular attention, than when one half their time they are scampering after the cutters to keep up; and the other half are standing whilst the cradlers are whetting their Scythes, drinking, or talking.
6th. Each raker must take a swarth & not two go in one that the authors of bad work may be more easily detected. By this
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mode of proceeding the raking & binding will be done with more ease, regularity and dispatch, because it becomes a sober settled work--there being no pretext for hurrying at one time, and standing at another--but
7th. By this means, I am persuaded that the number of takers which usually follow cradlers, would, by the middle of harvest, or by the time the grain is in condition to shock as it comes from the Cradle be fully up with them and then might go on together if it should be conceived best.
Admitting that the grain can be cut with safety as soon as it comes out of the Milky state, the advantages here described, added to the superior quality of the straw for fodder, and indeed for every other purpose, greatly over ballances any inconveniencies which may result from the practice, & which must lay chiefly, if not wholly, in these: 1st. The hazard of a heavy beating rain, which may settle the swarth among the stubble so as to make it bad to rake, & difficult perhaps to get up clean and 2d. lighter rains and Dews which may interrupt the binding, the straw not drying so soon in swarth as it does standing--nor can it be meddled with so early in the morning generally--But as neither rain nor dews will hurt the grain (on the contrary, will make it thresh easier, and do very little injury to the straw) and as there is allways work enough on the Plantations to employ the hands in (such as succouring & hoeing of Corn, pulling flax, weeding of vines, Pease, &ca. &ca.) supposing the interruptions above mentioned to happen no labour need be lost because as each harvest will be managed by the hands belonging to the farm or Plantation they can without inconvenience (having their tools always at hand) shift from one kind of work to another without preparation or fitting themselves for it.
Sunday 16th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 84 at Night.
Very little wind at any time in the day but very hot.
Doctr. Craik came here in the forenoon--dined, and returned afterwards.
Monday 17th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--85 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Exceedingly warm all day with but little wind. Afternoon a cloud arose out of which we had only a sprinkling of Rain--the body of the cloud passing above, i.e. to the Northward of this place.
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Rid to the Plantations in the Neck--Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry. At the first began to cut the ripest of the Oats, but thinking them in general too green quitted after breakfast and set all hands to pulling flax the doing of which was compleated about Sun down. At Muddy hole the People were employed in clearing a yard to tread wheat in, and in getting in wheat & Rye. Of the latter 6 Shocks (got in by the Dogue run hands) yielded 11½ bushels of clean Rye and 4 other Shocks brought in by the hands of the Plantation & threshed by them 5 Bl. of clean rye was produced. Dogue run people cut their Oats in the upper meadow and the Ferry were employed as yesterday about their Wheat.
Tuesday 18th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning--87 at Noon and 84 at Night.
A heavy forenoon with much appearances of rain but none fell--very hot afterwards when the sun at intervals came out--a breeze from the So. West all day.
Rid to all the Plantations, except that at the Ferry. Began to cut the Meadow at the Neck plantation to day and to clean & prepare the yard for treading wheat there. Finished hilling with the Plows, all the Corn at Muddy hole which was planted in the usual way & ordered the plows to turn the ground in the drilled corn, designed for Turnips, & to plow it deep & well. Dogue run people (in part) cleaning & preparing their wheat yard and getting the Oats to it. Finished a Hay rick at the House which contained all the Hay that was made at the upper Meadow at Dogue run and all that came off the Ferry Meadow.
Wednesday 19th. Mercury at 82 in the morning--89 at Noon and 81 at Night.
Clear until about 2 Oclock when a cloud arose to the Westward out of which proceeded a powerful rain.
Rid to all the Plantations to day. At that in the Neck, the Scythemen having cut (yesterday) the upper part of the Meadow, & to the cross fence; returned to the Oat field to day at the old orchard point, which they cut down; but did not shock, the straw being too green for it. At the same place, the Plows finished the middle cut of the drilled corn, & plowed, in the same cut, the intervals between the corn rows which were designed for Turnips. The Plows at Muddy hole began yesterday afternoon to give the middle cut (next to, & adjoining, the drilled corn) another plowing from the road to the woods back. 4 other shocks of rye at this place from another part of the field, yielded about the same quantity
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of clean grain that the first did--viz.--five bushels; from which, their being 177 shocks in the field, it may be computed that not more than 220 or 225 will be obtained.
On my return home I found Mr. Calvert of Maryland and his son, Colo. Bland, Mr. Geo. Digges, Mr. Foster & Lund Washington here--all of whom dined. The 3 first stayed the evening the other three returned.
MR. CALVERT OF MARYLAND AND HIS SON: The son accompanying Benedict Calvert to Mount Vernon is probably one of his two eldest boys, Edward Henry Calvert (1766--1846) or George Calvert (1768--1838).
Theodorick Bland (1742--1790), of Prince George County, was the son of Theodorick and Frances Boiling Bland of Cawsons on the Appomattox River. After receiving a M.D. degree at the University of Edinburgh in 1763, Bland returned to Virginia to practice medicine. He served as a colonel in the Continental Army 1776--79, and as a delegate to the Continental Congress 1780--83. In 1786 he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates where he served until 1788.
Ralph Foster (Forster) was George Digges's brother-in-law. His wife, Theresa (Tracy) Digges Foster (Forster), had died in Oct. 1784 ( Va. Journal, 14 Oct. 1784).
Thursday 20th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Very warm all day--about 4 Oclock a Cloud arose out of which proceeded a shower of rain--after which it cleared, but towards sun down it overcast, and rained moderately for several hours.
Before the rain the Flax in the Neck was thrown into shocks as was part of the oats. Another part was set on end (as much as could be of it) and the third part was caught on the ground in the sheaf by the rain.
Finished cutting the Meadow in the Neck this afternoon; & had begun to plow the ground designed for Turnips there, but the Rain put a stop to it. The plows then went into the Corn adjoining thereto in the cut next the Barn.
Mr. Calvert & Son was prevented recrossing the river this afternoon by the rain.
Friday 21st. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--80 at Noon--and 80 at Night.
A little cloudy in the Morning but clear afterwards and not so warm as it had been.
Mr. Calvert & Son went away very early in the Morning. After breakfast Colo. Bland and my self road to my Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck. At the first found the grd. was too
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wet for Plowing and that 4 other shocks of rye from another part of the field had been threshed, which yielded rather better than 7½ bushels of clean grain. At the other I examined the shocks of Flax wch. seemed to be tolerably dry, & in good order--but I directed the Overseer to keep an attentive watch upon them, and the Oats; & open & dry them if they appeared to need it; and to get both as soon as he could to the Barn.
Having finished cutting the meadows in the Neck, the farmer & two or three hands remained there to make the Hay, whilst Six cutters came over & cut down the orchard grass at the House which had been stripped of the head (for the seed) on or about the first instant. It may be remarked of this grass, and it adds to the value of it, that it does not turn brown at the bottom, after it heads, nor does the stubble appear dry when it is cut, as that of Timothy. Consequently the aftermath is more valuable, and the Second growth quicker. Whether this effect is natural to the grass, or has been produced by having had the seed taken from it, is not altogether certain, but the first is much more probable; because Timothy would, before it should have approached the same state of maturity, have been quite brown & rusty at bottom, which was not the case with the Orchd. Grass when the seed was taken from it, nor at any time since and is an evidence that it will wait longer after it is fit for the Scythe than timothy without injury. It also appeared by some that had been mixed with, and grown near to the clover wch. was cut about the 7th. or 8th. of June that it vegetates much quicker after cutting, that [than] Timothy does.
Saturday 22d. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear all day with the Wind at South, but not very fresh.
An Overseer of mine (at the ferry) informed me that the chintz bug was discovered in his Corn and that he apprehended if the weather should turn dry, they would encrease, and destroy it. He also informed me that the fly was discovered about the shocks of wheat in his field.
At home all day with Colo. Bland.
OVERSEER OF MINE: Hezekiah Fairfax.
CHINTZ BUG: GW had discovered the chinch bug in his corn the previous year (see 15 Aug. 1785). The Hessian fly ( Phytophaga destructor), the larvae of which sucked the juices from green wheat and ate the leaves, was a more serious problem. This fly, which first appeared on Long Island, was called the Hessian fly in the mistaken belief that Hessian soldiers had brought it to this continent. In some areas, wheat had been abandoned
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altogether (PARKINSON, 2:360--61). "What an error it is," GW wrote to Samuel Powel, 15 Dec. 1789, "and how much to be regretted; that the Farmers do not confine themselves to the Yellow-bearded Wheat, if, from experience, it is found capable of resisting the ravages of this, otherwise, all conquering foe" (ViMtV). The pest did not spread inland as rapidly as was feared. It did not reach Albemarle County, Va., until 1798.
Sunday 23d. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear & pleasant till about 4 Oclock, when the wind whh. had been pretty fresh from the So. West died away and it turned warm.
Mr. Powell, Mr. Porter, and Miss Ramsay & Miss Craik came here to breakfast (from Alexa.) and returned again after Dinner.
Mr. Powell is probably William H. Powell (d. 1802), eldest son of GW's old friend Col. Leven Powell of Loudoun County. Young Powell studied law with Charles Simms of Alexandria and in April 1786 had just opened a general merchandise store, William H. Powell & Co., on Fairfax Street. Powell moved back to a farm in Loudoun County a few years later and drowned in 1802 while crossing the Shenandoah River (POWELL [2], 7; BROCKETT, 107; Va. Journal, 20 April 1786).
Miss Ramsay is probably Sarah (Sally) Ramsay, daughter of William Ramsay. She and Thomas Porter were married in 1788.
Monday 24th. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Wind at No. West, and day very pleasant.
After breakfast I accompanied Colo. Bland to Mr. Lund Washington's where he entered the stage on his return home. Rid from hence to the Plantations at Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first I found that the plows had finished the alternate rows of drilled corn on Saturday afternoon, & were then plowing the intermediate ones, which had been passed over. Examined the low, & sickly looking corn in several parts of this field, and discovered more or less of the Chinch bug on every stalk between the lower blades & it. It is highly probable that the unpromising appearance of most of my Corn, & which I had been puzled to acct. for and ascribing it to other causes may have proceeded from this, and that the calamity, especially, if a drought should follow, will be distressing to a great degree. The Hoes at this plantation will to morrow have finished the cut they had begun on the west side the field, & would go into the one adjoining. Muddy hole People were engaged in getting their wheat into stacks at the barn & threshing out what rye they had put into the Barn which amounted to 12 shocks, & yielded 18 Bush. of clean grain.
On my return home, found colo. Humphreys here and soon
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David Humphreys, by Gilbert Stuart. (Yale University Art Gallery, gift of the widow of General Humphreys in 1830)
after a Captn. Cannon came in with a letter from Colo. Marshall, from Kentucke.
David Humphreys (1752--1818), the youngest son of Rev. Daniel and Sarah Riggs Bowers Humphreys of Connecticut, was a graduate of Yale and a poet. He distinguished himself during the Revolution by his rapid promotions and his appointment as aide-de-camp to GW. A lifelong friendship developed between Humphreys and GW, and Humphreys often visited Mount Vernon. He went abroad in 1784 to negotiate commercial treaties and returned in the spring of 1786 to Connecticut where in September he was elected to the assembly (Humphreys to GW, 24 Sept. 1786, DLC:GW). At this time he was at Mount Vernon attempting to gather information for a proposed biography of GW. He was at Mount Vernon in the winter of 1787--88, served as one of GW's secretaries 1789--90, and in 1790 again went abroad on a series of diplomatic missions.
The letter John Cannon delivered to GW was from Thomas Marshall, formerly of Fauquier County, Va., and now residing in Fayette County, Ky. GW had commissioned Marshall to procure for him the seeds of trees requested by Lafayette for use at Versailles (Marshall to GW, 19 May 1786, and GW to Lafayette, 25 July 1785, DLC:GW).
Tuesday 25th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day Wind being Northerly & Easterly.
After breakfast I rid round all my Plantations. Found my corn in the Neck as much infested by the Chinch bug as I had perceived
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that to be at Dogue run yesterday. The rows of Corn wch. were intermixed with Irish Potatoes, along the fence wch. divides the wheat field (or stubble) from it were perceived to be much better, & more uniform than any other part of the field, but whether it has been occasioned by dunging, or otherwise, I could get no distinct acct. Some of the Negros ascribed it to this cause & it is more probable than that the Potatoes should have been the cause of it. Sowed about five acres of Turnips in br[oa]d cast, in the Neck in that grd. which originally was prepared for the Saintfoin & other Seeds. These seeds were sowed after a plowing which the ground had just received, and were harrowed in with a heavy harrow which raked the grass very much into heaps (the ground tho' frequently plowed before, having got very grassy). Two hands at this place began yesterday to cut the drilled Oats, which they would about accomplish to morrow. This Oats (24 rows) I ordered to be secured & threshed by itself. 5 plows only were at work here the Waggon & two Ox Carts being employed in getting in the grain. All hands except those at plow were engaged in this business, in stacking the wheat, and threshing of Rye. At Muddy hole, except the three people at the Plows, and those employed in drawing in & stacking the Wheat at the Barn, all hands had begun to weed the drilled corn and the Plants between the rows. The Oats at this place had been cut two or 3 days, & the Wheat would be all drawn in & stacked to day. The Dogue run people did not finish the cut they were in yesterday till noon this day when they entered the one adjoining. The Ferry People wd. nearly get the wheat at that Plantation into Stack to day.
Doctr. Craik was sent for to visit Carpenter James & Cowper Jack. He also prescribed for a Child Nat, over the Creek who was brought here.
Wednesday 26th. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--at Noon 80 and 80 at Night. Calm, Clear & pleasant all day.
Mr. Herbert, Colo. Ramsay, Colo. Allison and Mr. Hunter dined here and returned in the afternoon.
One Edwd. Moystan who formerly lived with Mr. Robt. Morris as a Steward, & now keeps the City Tavern in Philadelphia came here to consult me on the Propriety of his taking the Coffee Ho[use] in Alexandria, i.e., on the prospect of its answering his purposes for keeping Tavern.
Having fixed a roller to the tale of my drill plow, and a bush harrow between it & the barrel, I sent it by G. A. Washington to Muddy hole and had the intervals betwn. the corn which had
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been left for the purpose sowed with Turnips in drills and with which it was done very well.
The coffeehouse in Alexandria apparently did not answer Moyston's purposes, for he was still in Philadelphia in April 1787 when he wrote GW to urge that he and his acquaintances stay in his City Tavern in Philadelphia while attending the Constitutional Convention (Edward Moyston to GW, 4 April 1787, DLC:GW). Moyston had become the proprietor of the City Tavern in Philadelphia on Second Street above Walnut in 1779 ( Pa. Mag., 46 [1922], 75, n.162). The Alexandria Inn and Coffeehouse, which had been managed by Henry Lyles until his death in April 1786, was being advertised for rent in the summer of 1786 ( Va. Journal, 27 July 1786).
Thursday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the morning--84 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear in the forenoon and pretty warm--Cloudy afterwards with great appearances of a settled rain little of which fell. What did was chiefly light and more a mist making little impression in the Earth.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry Plantations, and to the Mill. Found the Wheat all got in and stacked at the first and last mentioned places and that the Plows had finished plowing the drilled corn on thursday evening last and were plowing the Cut on the Hill. The rest of the hands at this place, & cart were employed in getting in Rye. The drilled Oats between the corn at Muddy hole, being threshed & cleaned measured 18 bushls.
In the evening Mr. Thos. Fairfax (son of Bryan Fairfax Esqr. now Parson) came in and stayed all Night.
Thomas Fairfax (1762--1846), the eldest son of Bryan and Elizabeth Cary Fairfax, had returned recently from England where he had visited his uncle and aunt George William and Sarah Cary Fairfax at Bath. Bryan Fairfax was ordained a deacon in 1786 (KILMER, 39, 43).
Friday 28th. Mercury at 75 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Day very lowering & some times light Rains or Mists, but not to wet the ground. Wind at No. Et.
Mr. Fairfax went away after breakfast.
At home all day.
Saturday 29th. Mercury at 68 in the morning--74 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Wind Northwardly and pleasant--The Morning cloudy, but clear about Noon, and a little warm. Accompanied by Colo. Humphrys I rid to Muddy hole & Neck Plantations. The Drilled oats at the latter, between the Corn, being threshed out & cleaned,
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measured 54 B.--There being 24 Rows of these, each (allowing for the divisions between the Cuts and the bouting rows at the ends) about 1075 yards long amounts to 25,800 yards running measure--or 160 yds. sqr. which is better than 5¼ acres. The quantity to the Acre therefore, cannot exceed 10 Bushels, which is less, it is presumed, than the same kind of Land would have produced in broadcast. It is to be remarked however that the abundant wet which had fallen from the middle of May, or thereabouts, till Harvest had in most of the low places destroyed the grain either wholly, or in part--by which the quantity growing was reduced but this would also have happened in any square piece of ground as there is scarce any that is not subject to the same accident.
Sunday 30th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Morning a little cloudy, the day upon the whole cool & pleasant with the wind at East.
Monday 31st. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Morning lowering, with small sprinklings of rain, but too light to wet any thing. About one Oclock it cleared--Wind pretty fresh from the No. East & clear afterwards.
Mr. Willm. Craik who came here to dinner, afterwards went away for Alexandria on his journey to Hampshire [County].
Accompanied by Colo. Humphreys, rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run. At the first, the plowing of the cut upon the hill was finished and the plows in the drilled corn by the fish house. The Hoes were at work in the other drilled corn. At Dogue run the Hoes had just finished the Cut they had been in; and the Plows the drilled corn; into which the Hoes had entered on the East side next the Swamp. The Plows would now cease till the Horses could be a little refreshed & get out wheat for sowing.
Tuesday 1st. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Morning heavy & sometimes mizzling but clear afterwards, till Night when the clouds assembled and rained the whole Night, sometimes very fast--Wind at East.
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Two of Samuel Washington's children, possibly Harriot and her brother, Lawrence Augustine. (Dumbarton House)
Mrs. Fendall, Harriot Washington, and Lucy Lee (a child)--Colo. Fitzgerald, Colo. Simms, Captn. Conway, Messrs. Saml. and Thos. Hanson g: Mr. Charles Lee came here to dinner --all of whom, except the 3 first named, went away after it.
Harriot Washington (1776--1822), the daughter of Samuel and Anne Steptoe Washington, was GW's niece.
Lucy Grymes Lee (1786--1860) was an infant, the third child of Henry and Matilda Lee. When Henry Lee went to New York as a delegate to the Continental Congress and took his wife and two older children north with him, it was thought best, because of Mrs. Lee's poor health, to leave the baby in Alexandria in the care of her grandmother, Elizabeth Steptoe Lee Fendall.
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at N.
Much rain had fallen in the Night. The day was variable, but generally cloudy with fine rain about 10 or 11 Oclock which lasted more than an hour--after which the Sun came out but for a short duration.
Rid to Muddy hole, but proceeded no further as, at the time I was there the appearances of a wet day were greatest.
Thursday 3d. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 76 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell last Night. The day for the most part
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was cloudy and Warm, altho' the wind blew pretty fresh from the East. In the afternoon there was again the appearance of much rain but none fell here.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At the first fd. the drilled corn had been wed with the Hoes and the People were cleansing the Meadow ditches & that the Plows had done with the Corn till seeding with wheat. I set them to plowing that part of the New Ground which had been gone over with the Colter plow with a view of sowing Turnips therein.
Turned the two old draft Oxen at Home house, one of the old cows from ditto, and [ ] steers & cows from Dogue run into the Meadows at that place. At the same time put my Rams into the same place & 25 ewe Lambs on the Clover at Muddy hole where I ordered the work horses to be put.
My Overseer returned from a Mr. Reynolds in Calvert Cty. Maryland with 1 Ram & 15 ewe Lambs of the English breed of sheep wch. I ordered to be turned into the same place.
In the Evening Richd. Sprig Esqr. of Annapolis & another Mr. Sprig came in and stayed all night.
MY OVERSEER: John Fairfax.
During GW's long absence from his farm during the war, his flock of sheep was greatly diminished. In May 1786 GW wrote William Fitzhugh, Jr., to say that if any of his neighbors raised lambs for sale he would "gladly buy one or two hundred Ewe lambs, and allow a good price for them" (15 May 1786, MdBJ). Such a large number of ewe lambs proved not to be available, but Fitzhugh's fellow Calvert County, Md., resident, Edward Reynolds, said he could spare 15 or 20 ewes at $2.00 each. GW agreed to buy these (Fitzhugh to GW, 26 May 1786, and GW to Fitzhugh, 5 June 1786, DLC:GW).
Friday 4th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 74 at Night.
The appearances of rain yesterday afternoon fell very heavily about Ravensworth and that part of the County occasioning greater freshes in Accatinck, Pohick & Hunting C[ree]k than had been known for many years & it is thought a good deal of damage to the Crops of Corn & other grain on the grd.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole and Dogue run and dined afterwards at Mr. Lund Washingtons with Mrs. Washington Colo. Humphreys & Mrs. Fendal, and Major Washington (who had first been to Alexa. on business) and his wife. Some showers this Aftern.
At the Neck plantation the Plows had, on Monday last finished plowing the drilled corn East cut and would this day have compleated all the other corn except the cut on the River in wch. wheat will be first sowed.
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George Washington, John Fitzgerald, and George Gilpin, as officers of the Potomac Company, approved this receipted bill for supplies at the 5 August 1786 meeting. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Saturday 5th. Mercury at 71 in the Morning--at Noon 79 and 79 at Night.
Clear and very warm all day. Went to Alexandria to a meeting of the Directors of the Potomac Compa. in order to prepare the Accts., and a Report for the Genl. Meeting of the Co. on Monday next. Neither of the Maryland Gentn. attended. Dined at Wises Tavn.
Finished weeding the drilled Corn at Muddy hole this day.
MARYLAND GENTN: Thomas Johnson, Jr., and Thomas Sire Lee, the two Maryland directors of the Potomac Company.
John Wise's tavern on Royal Street in Alexandria was used frequently by groups as a meeting place. GW attended a number of annual general meetings of the Potomac Company here.
Sunday 6th. Mercury at 75 in the Morng.--84 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Clear and tolerably pleasant.
At home all day without company.
Monday 7th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 77 at Night.
Went to Alexandria to the Genl. Meeting of the Potomack Co. Colo. Humphreys accompanied me. A sufficient number of shares being present to constitute the Meeting the Accts. of the Directors were exhibited and a Genl. report made but for want of the Secretarys Books which were locked up, and he absent the Orders and other proceedings referred to in that report could not be exhibited.
SECRETARYS BOOKS: The secretary was John Potts, Jr.
Tuesday 8th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Wind Southerly and day warm, especially the forepart of it. In the Evening there were appearances of a settled rain, enough of which fell to make the eves of the House run but it was of short continuance.
Rid by Muddy hole Plantation to my meadow in the Mill swamp; and leveled from the old dam, just below Wades Houses, to the head of the Old race by the stooping red oak; stepping 27½ yds. or as near as I could judge 5 Rods between each stake, which are drove in as follows. 1 at the Water edge where I begun, and levl. with the Surface thereof; two in the old race (appearances of which still remain) and a fourth by a parcel of small
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Persimon bushes after having just passed the Bars leading into the Meadows. The others at the distance above mentioned from each other to the stooping red oak.
By this it appears that the ground from the level of the Water at the old dam by Wades Houses to the race by the Stooping red oak, is higher by two feet (wanting half an Inch) than the bottom of the race in its present filled up state, is, and that the ditch, or old race must be considerably sunk--the old dam considerably raised, and strengthned in order to throw the water into the New ditch--or a dam made higher up the run so as to gain a greater fall which of the three, may be most eligable as it will, without any great additional expence drain a good deal more of the Swamp. But if it should be thought more eligable--deepning the race and raising the dam will carry of the water from the Meadow below but then it may Drown the land above.
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William Fitzhugh of Chatham, in a painting attributed to Cephas Thompson. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
At Muddy hole the hands finished hoeing the drilled Corn, on Saturday last and on Monday & this day were employed in getting out Wheat.
In the evening Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham and Mr. Robt. Randolph came here from Ravensworth.
William Fitzhugh (1741--1809), of Chatham, owned Ravensworth in Fairfax County. He was married to Robert Randolph's sister Anne. Robert Randolph (1760--1825), of Fauquier County, was a son of Peter and Mary Boiling Randolph of Chatsworth, Henrico County. During the Revolution Robert served as a lieutenant in the 3d Continental Dragoons and was wounded and taken prisoner at Tappan, N.Y., in Sept. 1778 (WMQ, 1St ser., 7 [1898--99], 124; HEITMAN [2], 458).
Wednesday 9th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Wind Southerly--Morning a little lowering but clear afterwards till about 3 oclock when a cloud in the So. West produced a pretty heavy shower of rain attended with a good deal of wind in a short space. In the Night it again rained.
Began to sow Wheat at the Ferry and in the Neck yesterday--at the first in the cut on the flat adjoining the drilled Corn and at the other in the cut on the river.
Finished cleaning two stacks of wheat which had been tread out at Muddy hole. Each measured 24 bushels of light wheat weighing only [ lbs. pr. Bushel.
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Thursday 10th. Mercury at 73 in the Morng.--74 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. with mists and very light showers till towards noon when the Sun came out. Warm till towards the afternoon when it grew cooler & pleasanter.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, and ferry Plantations--at the first of which Wheat Seeding will commence tomorrow. At the second things are not in order for it & at the third the sowing has been stopped by the heavy rain which fell yesterday.
Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Randolph went away after Breakfast.
Friday 11th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Clear & pleasant with the wind at So. West.
Rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations. At the first, Sowing wheat begun this Morning. At the latter I agreed with one James Lawson who was to provide another hand to ditch for me in my mill swamp upon the following terms--viz.--to allow them every day they work--each 1 lb. of salt or 1½ of fresh meat pr. day--1¼ lb. of brown bread, I pint of spirits and a bottle of Milk--the bread to be baked at the House, & their Meat to be Cooked by Morris's wife--and to allow them 16 d. pr. rod for ditches of 4 feet wide at top, 1 foot wide at bottom, and 2 feet deep; with 12 or 15 Inches footing and 2/. for ditches of 6 feet wide at top, 2 feet at bottom, and two ft. deep with equal footing.
On my return home found Mr. John Barnes and Doctr. Craik here--the last of whom returned to Alexandria. The other stayed all night.
GW and James Lawson of Fairfax County signed an agreement on 14 Aug. in which GW hired the latter on a temporary basis as a ditcher. In November Lawson agreed to a year's service at a salary of £31 10s. Virginia currency. Patrick Sheriden was probably the hand Lawson provided, as GW also engaged him in November, at eight dollars per month (agreements with Lawson, 14 Aug. and 18 Nov. 1786, DLC:GW). GW discharged Sheriden in Dec. 1786, and Lawson left Mount Vernon because of ill health in Sept. 1787 prior to the termination of his contract (see entry for 18 Dec. 1786; GW to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 3 Aug. 1788, DLC:GW).
Saturday 12th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Warm, with a tolerably bri[s]k Southerly wind all day.
Mr. Barnes went away before Breakfast.
After which I rid to my Meadow in order to mark out a middle ditch, and to try how much the water within the Meadow is above
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the water in the run below where the two courses of it unite, below the old Mill Seat, and which is found to be nearly 3 feet; estimating between the Surfaces of the two. It also appears that the Meadow, just by where a breach is made in the dam, is as low as any part in it reckoning from the Surface of the water (from the bottom of the bed of the run would undou[b]tedly be deeper) and that from this place to the Surface of the run at a turn of it by a spreading spanish bush the rise is about 14 Inches.
Thomas McCarty left this yesterday--it being found that he was unfit for a Household Steward.
Richard Burnet took his place on the wages of Thirty pounds pr. ann.
Richard Burnet, whose tenure at Mount Vernon began in 1783, was a "House keeper," or steward. He lived in Benjamin Dulany's family before coming into GW's employ (Lund Washington to GW, 12 Mar. 1783, ViMtV). Lund described him as "clever in his Way, he is a very good Natured Peacable inoffensive well behaved man, and so far as we have been able to judge, will answer the purpose for which he was got, he certainly is a good cook, he appears to be careful active & Industrious, with respect to preservg., Pickling &c.--he is at no loss, but does these things very Ready & Well" (Lund Washington to GW, 1 Oct. 1783, ViMtV). He seems to have left Mount Vernon briefly early in 1786 and returned in May (see entry for 29 May 1786). He is probably the same man who worked as buffer or house steward at Mount Vernon from 1786 until 1789 under the name of Richard Burnet Walker (LEDGER B, 234). Walker may have been married to John Alton's daughter Ann.
Sunday 13th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Day lowering with the wind at East--now and then a little sprinkle of rain but not enough to wet the roots of any thing.
Mr. Shaw quitted this family to day.
Colo. Humphreys, Geo. Washington & wife went to Church at Alexandria to day & dined with Mr. Fendall. The first remained there all Night.
William Shaw resigned to go to the West Indies (see entries for 2 July 1785 and 25 Aug. 1786).
Monday 14th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.--73 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Day dear, and the wind fresh from the No. West, from Morn till eve.
Went by way of Muddy hole & Dogue run plantations to the Meadow, in my Mill Swamp, to set the Ditche[r]s to work, only one of whom appeared. About Noon he began on the side ditch,
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East of the meadow. After doing this, and levelling part of the ground (with a Rafter level) along which the Ditch was to be cut I intended to have run a course or two of Fencing at Muddy hole but Meeting with Genl. Duplessis in the road who intended to Mt. Vernon but had lost his way I returned home with him where Colo. Humphreys had just arrived before us.
Thomas Antoine Mauduit du Plessis (1753--1791), born in Hennebont, France, came to America in 1777 and served in the Continental Army before France officially joined the war, distinguishing himself at Brandywine, Germantown, Red Bank, and Monmouth. In 1780 he became senior adjutant of the artillery park with Rochambeau's army. Mauduit returned to France after the war, but remained only temporarily. Writing to GW from New York on 20 July 1786, he reported that he had bought a large tract of land in Georgia and was looking forward to becoming an American citizen (DLC:GW). On 15 Aug. 1786, the day after Mauduit arrived at Mount Vernon, GW wrote to Theodorick Bland: "Nothing but cultivation is wanting. Our lot has certainly destined a good country for our inheritance. We begin already to attract the notice of foreigners of distinction. A French general officer whose name is Du Plessis is now at Mount Vernon on his way to Georgia, with a design to settle there as a farmer" (DLC:GW). In 1787, however, Mauduit returned to French service and was sent to Santo Domingo to command a regiment at Port-au-Prince, where he was killed in 1791 during the insurrection on the island.
Tuesday 15th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Cool, & for the most part of the day lowering, with but little wind.
At home all day. Doctr. Stuart & Mr. Keith, deputed by the Potomack Co. to present its thanks to the President & directors thereof came for that purpose, dined here & returned in the Afternoon.
James Keith (1734--1824), the son of Rev. James and Mary Isham Randolph Keith, was a Hampshire County burgess 1761--62 and later served as clerk of Frederick County, Va., 1762--1824. After the Revolution Keith moved to Alexandria where he practiced law. In 1784 he served as mayor of the city.
Wednesday 16th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Cloudy and lowering for the greater part of the day and in the night a good deal of rain fell--wind at So. West.
Colonels Fitzgerald and Lyles Mr. Brailsford (an English Gentleman) and Mr. Perrin came here to dinner & returned afterwards. In the afternoon a Major Freeman who looks after my concerns west of the Alligany Mountains came in and stayed all night.
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Thursday 17th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Drizling morning with the Wind at So. West--Cloudy and misting at times all day.
About breakfast time my Baggage which had been left at Gilbert Simpsons arrived here.
Settled Accts. with Major Freeman and engaged him to continue his agency till he should remove from his present residency to Kentucke & then to put all my Bonds into the hands of Lawyer Smith to bring suits on.
At home all day--understood that the River cut in the Neck had been sowed with Wht.
Friday 18th. Mercury at 70 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Misty morning, with light showers of rain through the day--wind at No. East.
Rid to the plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole, and to the Mill--The hands at each place working on the Public roads. At Dogue Run the Plows & Hoes began to put in wheat on Wednesday last.
The ditcher at the Meadow wd. by noon have compleated about 6 rod of the 6 feet ditch which would be about 1 rod and half pr. day.
A Mr. Jno. Dance, recommended by Genl. Mifflin, & Willing Morris & Swanwick came here to offer his services to me as a Manager but not wanting such a person he returned after Dinner.
WORKING ON THE PUBLIC ROADS: The public roads in Virginia were maintained by a system which had originated in England in the sixteenth century, and had changed little for over 200 years. Basically, the plan required that all tithables (males 16 years of age or over) were to be required to work on the public roads for a certain number of days each year, or to provide someone to work in their place. In Virginia the system was first administered at the parish level as it was in England, but soon came under the jurisdiction of the county courts. The greater use of roads into the back country after the Revolution had increased the difficulty of keeping up the roads, and in 1785 the Virginia legislature had passed new legislation designed to help solve the problems of the bad road conditions (see HENING, 12:75--80, 174--80).
JNO. DANCE: possibly the John Dance listed in the Pennsylvania census of 1800 from Bucks County. Thomas Mifflin was at this time speaker of the Pennsylvania legislature and Thomas Willing was president of the Bank of North America. Willing and Robert Morris, mercantile partners since 1757, added John Swanwick (1740--1798), of Philadelphia, to their firm in 1783. Swanwick had been a clerk in that countinghouse and a cashier in the office of finance under Morris during the Revolution.
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Saturday 19th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind Easterly, misting, & lowering in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
General Duplessis left this by 5 Oclock in the Morning.
After breakfast I accompanied Colo. Humphreys by water to Alexandria and dined with him at Captn. Conways to whom he had been previously engaged. The Tools & Baggage of Mr. Rawlins's workmen were carried to Alexandria in my Boat to day.
Sunday 20th. Mercury at 69 to day, Morng.--at 74 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Very little Wind at any period of the day--lowering for the most part and in the Morning a little misty.
Monday 21st. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Clear and warm with but little [wind].
Rid to the Plantations at Dogue Run Muddy hole & Ferry. At the 2d. the Hoes & Plows had just finished putting in wheat in the middle cut, which took [ ] bushels to sow it; after which they were ordered to thin the drilled Turnips & to weed the Carrots.
Tuesday 22d. Mercury at 72 in the Morning--85 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Very warm with little or no wind & that Southerly.
In the evening clouds with appearances of much rain but not a great deal fell at any of my Plantations--more at Dogue run than elsewhere.
Finished sowing the middle cut in the large field in the Neck; to do which took [ ] bushls, of grain, as it did [ ] bushels to seed the river side cut.
Mrs. Jenifer came here to Dinner yesterday and Mr. Wm. Craik & his Sister (Miss Craik) came in the afternoon. Doctr. Craik came in before breakfast, after which he, his son & daughter went away.
Wednesday 23d. Mercury at 72 in the morning--86 at Noon and 84 at Night.
Quite calm and exceedingly Sultry. Very clear.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole, dogue run and Ferry--also to the Mill.
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Colo. Humphreys went away to day to take the stage at Alexandria for the No. Ward.
Mr. & Mrs. Fendall--Mr. Charles Lee Miss Flora & Miss Nancy Lee--Miss Countee & Hariot Washington came here to Dinner--all of whom went away after it, except the 4 last named.
Having wed the Carrots & thinned the Turnips at Muddy hole I directed the People to sow some wheat in the cut adjoining the middle one which had been put into brine.
MISS COUNTEE: probably a member of the Contee family in Prince George's or Charles County, Md.
Thursday 24th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh from the Northward all day with appearances of rain in the forenoon. In the afternoon there were slight showers, but scarcely more than would make the eves of the House run.
Mr. Shaw came down before dinner and stayed all night.
At home all day myself.
Friday 25th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Lowering all day with slight showers about 1 Oclock; with distant thunder in the evening there were still greater appearances of a settled rain.
Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria after breakfast in order to proceed to the Northward to embark at Philadelphia for the West Inds.
I rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations. At the first I marked out lines for a new partition of my fields and directed the best plowman at it to break up about 10 Acres of Pasture land which had produced Wheat the year of 1785, to try how it would yield (upon a single plowing) wheat next, sowed this fall.
At Dogue run Meadow (Mill Swamp) I marked the middle ditch for the hired men to work on, while the season was proper.
Mr. Rawlins from Baltim[or]e and Mr. Tharpe came here before dinner to measure the Work which had been done for me to receive payment.
Saturday 26th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--77 at Noon And 73 at Night.
A great deal of rain, in many hard showers fell in the course of last night. Morning cloudy, but clear after wards and warm.
Rid to the Neck, Muddy hole, and Ferry plantations. At the two
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first (as also at Dogue run Plantation) the Plows & Hoes were stopped by the earth being surcharged with water. At the ferry, the cut of Corn on the Hill having discharged the water more freely the People were putting in wheat there.
On my return home found Mr. Geo. Fitzhugh (son of Colo. Wm. Fitzhugh of Maryland) here. They dined, and returned to Alexandria afterwards as did the Miss Lees & Miss Countee this Morng.
George Lee Mason Fitzhugh (1748--1836) was the son of Col. William Fitzhugh of Maryland by his first wife, Martha Lee Turberville Fitzhugh.
Sunday 27. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 69 at Night.
Weather clear and very pleasant the wind being pretty fresh from the No. West point.
At home all day alone.
Monday 28th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
The forenoon clear, but lowering afterwards, with a slight sprinkling of rain about dusk. Wind at No. Et. all day.
Just after we had breakfasted, & my horse was at the door for me to ride, Colonel and Mrs. Rogers came in. When they sat down to breakfast which was prepared for them, I commenced my ride for
Lt. Col. Nicholas Rogers of Baltimore, by John W. Jarvis. (Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore)
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Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry Plantations also to my meadow on Dogue run and the Mill.
At Muddy hole and the ferry a plow at each begun this day to break ground, for the purpose of Sowing Wheat, or rye, or both as shall be thought best.
The Ditchers (for one was added to James Lawson to day) began the middle ditch in the meadow at the Mill this morning.
And my Carpenters began to take up the forebay at my Mill this Morning also.
Began to level the unfinished part of the lawn in front of my House.
Nicholas Rogers (1753--1822), the son of Nicholas Rogers III, was a prominent Baltimore merchant. After graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1774, Nicholas traveled in Europe until the Revolution began, at which time he volunteered as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Tronson du Coudray and Baron de Kalb, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1780 he returned to Baltimore where he managed his estate, Druid Hill, and was active in politics. Three years later he married his cousin Eleanor Buchanan (1757--1812), the daughter of Lloyd Buchanan who died in 1761 ( Md. Hist. Mag., 44 [1949], 192--95).
Tuesday 29th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Lowering Morning with drops of Rain. Clear afterwards till the afternoon, when a cloud arose in the No. West quarter and extending very wide emitted after dark a great deal of rain with much thunder and lightning--Wind very brisk from the So. West all day. In the evening it shifted more to the westward.
Plowed up the Cowpens on the left of the road in order to sow Turneps but was prevented by the rain--spreading stable dung on the poorest parts of my clover at home.
Thatching the Haystacks at the same place.
Taken with an Ague about 7 Oclock this Morning which being succeeded by a smart fever confined me to the House till evening. Had a slight fit of both on Sunday last but was not confined by them.
Colonel and Mrs. Rogers left this about 10 Oclock for George Town, on their way to Baltimore.
Lund Washington called in to inform me that Mr. William Triplet would be here to morrow to converse with me on the subject of renting Mrs. Frenchs Lands in this Neck now in the occupation of one Robinson.
RENTING MRS. FRENCHS LANDS: Rather than taking a lump sum for relinquishing her life interest in the land, Penelope Manley French insisted that GW
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pay her an annual rental for the use of the land during her lifetime (see entries for 9, 16 Sept. and 16 Oct. 1786). ONE ROBINSON: John Robertson was the tenant on Mrs. French's land. William Triplett, a relative of Mrs. French's by marriage, was acting for her in her negotiations with GW.
Wednesday 30th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 62 at Night.
More rain fell last Night and this forenoon--Wind at East.
Prevented riding in the Morning by the weather. About Noon Mr. Willm. Triplet & Mr. L. Washington came in and after a great deal of conversation respecting the Renting of Mrs. French's Land, and the purchase of Manley's it ended in postponement till Friday for further consideration.
Thursday 31st. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 62 at Night.
More rain last Night & this forenoon--with heavy weather all day. Wind Easterly.
Siezed with an ague before Six Oclock this morning after having laboured under a fever all night.
Sent for Doctr. Craik who arrived just as we were setting down to dinner; who, when he thought my fever sufficiently abated, gave me a cathartick and directed the Bark to be applied in the Morning.
BARK: Quinine derived from the bark of various species of the cinchona tree was ground into a powder and taken to reduce fevers.
Friday 1st. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 65 at Night.
A heavy dull Morning, with little wind--close and warm all day--at least till abt. 2 oclock when the wind sprung up from the Eastward.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. About 10 oclock I set out for Mr. Triplets--called upon Lund Washington. Mrs. French required more time for consideration before she could determine to give a lease for her life--but he agreed to sell me Manleys Land on the following terms--viz.--
I to pay Three pounds pr. Acre, and to pass my bond therefor, payable on demand with an interest of 5 pr. Ct. pr. Ann. till discharged--The money not to be called for Only as the Children
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come of age, or may require it--When the interest becomes due my Bond to be given for the same in order that the sum may be accumulating for their benefit instead of paying the cash.
In returning home I passed by my Meadow at the Mill--Dogue run & Muddy hole plantations. Found that the rains had been so constant & heavy that an entire stop had put to the sowing of Wheat among the Corn and to my ditching in the middle of the meadow at the mill but that the grds. which I had ordered to be broke up at the Ferry and Muddy hole and in the Neck was advancing very well.
Took 8 dozes of the red bark to day.
Saturday 2d. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Foggy morning, but clear & warm afterwards with the wind at So. West.
Kept close to the House to day, being my fit day in course least any exposure might bring it on. Happily missed it.
Sowed Turnep Seed on the Cowpen ground which had been just plowed--harrowed them in, at the home house adjoining the clover.
Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon & stayed all Night.
MY FIT DAY IN COURSE: That is, it was the day the intermittent ague which had struck him at two-day intervals was again due.
Sunday 3d. Mercury at 70 in the morning--82 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Very thick fog in the Morning but clear afterwards and warm with the wind at South.
Majr. Washington & Mr. Lear went to Pohick church, dined at Colo. McCartys and returned afterwards.
I rid by the Ferry to the Mill and back by way of exercise.
Doctr. Craik returned after he had breakfasted to Alexandria.
Monday 4th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 82 at Night.
Clear and very warm with scarcely a breath of wind all day that from the Southward.
Majr. Washington went up to Alexandria on my business & did not return till Night.
I rid to Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations and to the Mill and meadow. At Muddy hole the overseer began this morning to
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sow wheat again among Corn, but the ground was full wet and heavy for it. At Dogue run the People were repairing my outer Fences.
Too much wet in the meadow to work on the middle ditch. The ditchers proposed doing it to morrow if the waters contind. to subside.
Tuesday 5th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--86 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Very warm, with but little wind and that Southerly.
Rid to the Neck and muddy hole Plantations. At the first though unnoticed at the time the cut adjoining the drilled corn had been sowed with Wheat ever since Tuesday last and this day (having taken the seed from it 14½ Bushls.) the Flax was spread but not well the weeds not being sufficiently Cut & taken off to let it lye well on the Earth. At Muddy hole finished all the wheat Sowing in Corn ground I intended--viz. 19 Bushels in the cut adjoining the drilled Corn, & 14 in the other East of it--the remainder of this latter cut being designed for Rye. Mr. Wm. Peake dined here.
William Peake (died c. 1794), a son of GW's former neighbor, Humphrey Peake, probably lived on his father's old farm. GW bought wheat from him on at least one occasion (LEDGER B, 228).
Wednesday 6th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Variable day--wind, what there was of it, Southerly in the forenoon & warm, tho' cloudy--No. Westerly afterwards and cool, with sprinkling of Rain & great appearances of more but none fell.
Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole--also to the Mill & the meadow where the Ditchers were at work. At the two first, the People were Sowing Wheat again in Corn ground. At Dogue run two acres of turf had been plowed up agreeably to my farmers orders to Sow Wheat on. This was done yesterday & the day before. The Lands--plowed in the same way tho' not so well turfed, some of it being Wheat Stubble of the last year and the remainder in Wheat the year before--I directed to be immediately Sowed; The latter with Wheat, and the former with Rye and thereafter the plowing of every day to [be] Sowed & harrowed in before Night, that no rain might intervene between the plowing & Sowing. Timothy Seeds were ordered to be sowed therewith, & after the grain was harrowed in to be brushed in with
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a bush harrow. These directions applied to the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Neck the first & last having rye to sow & the other both Wheat & Rye. Note--The Rye at the Ferry to be sowed in this way, is on Wht. land of the last year and not on Stubble of the last year as mentioned above.
Mr. Rozer--a Mr. Hall & a Mr. Matthews from the Eastern Shore dined here and returned in the afternoon--after which Mr. & Mrs. Fendall came in on their [way to] Esquire Lee's of Maryland (who is very ill) & stayed all night.
Mr. Rozer is probably either Henry Rozer (Rozier, born c.1725) of Notley Hall, Prince George's County, Md., or one of his sons.
ESQUIRE LEE's: Richard Lee (c. 1707--1787) of Blenheim in Charles County, Md., was usually known as Squire Lee. He was the son of Philip Lee, a member of the influential Virginia family, who had gone to Maryland to live about 1700. Richard Lee had been president of the Maryland council and naval officer for one of the Potomac districts of Maryland for many years before the Revolution. However, his Loyalist sympathies had led to his retirement from public life. Philip Richard Fendall's first wife, Sarah Lettice Lee Fendall, was Richard Lee's daughter, and Fendall himself was probably a nephew. Although Richard Lee's tombstone incorrectly gives his death as 1789, he died on 26 Jan. 1787 after "a series of complicated illness" ( Md. Gaz., 15 Feb. 1787). Squire Richard Lee of Blenheim is frequently confused with his cousin, Squire Richard Lee (1726--1795) of Lee Hall, who was naval officer for the South Potomac District of Virginia.
Thursday 7th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 67 at Night.
Cool morning with the wind pretty fresh from the westward in the Morning and from the Eastward in the Evening.
Mr. & Mrs. Fendall crossed the [river] early.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole Dogue run and Ferry. At the first Wheat had, this day, been sowed up to the Land in whch. the Plow was at work & harrowed in. The part next the hedge row (being the first plowed) had receivd a heavy rain since it was plowed which occasioned it not to harrow well but as the greater part of it was a slipe of Cowpens it is more than probable, nevertheless, that the best Wheat will grow there. The People making a fence round that field.
At Dogue run the hands had been employed in putting in abt. 1½ bushls. of the Cape Wheat raised below my Stables. This was put into a well cowpened piece of ground (now in Corn) adjoining the meadow--the grass & weeds of which I had cut up & carried off the ground before the Seed was sowed.
Getting out Rye at the Ferry to sow the Newly broken up grd.
Began to Paper the yellow room this day--Majr. Washington &
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Thos. Green the undertakers--by the directions I received with the Paper from England.
A SLIPE OF COWPENS: Slipe, a term used frequently by GW, simply denotes an area or a quantity. One method of fertilizing was to pen cattle in a field, moving the pens systematically and periodically. A note in Jefferson's farm book indicates the number of cattle which, when "folded," would satisfactorily fertilize a given area of crop land (BETTS [1], 82).
Friday 8th. Mercury at 60 in the morning--69 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Wind Easterly all day and cool, with a rawness in the Air.
Rid into the Neck, and called at Muddy hole. Found at the former that the last years cut of Wheat surrounding the Meadow would be nearly broke up for Rye by the evening and that that part of it South of the meadow adjoining the gate had been sowed with 2½ bushels of Rye which was nearly harrowed in and that the rest of the hands were employed in hoeing the drilled Turneps & in weeding & hilling the Cabbages between the Corn rows.
Saturday 9th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 68 at N.
A brisk North Easterly wind all day, with great appearances of rain but none fell.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, and Ferry; & went also to the Mill. At the latter, rye & grass Seed (Timothy) would be sowed on all the Land that is plowed. Sowing Rye on the plowed wheat stubble in the same manner at Muddy hole.
The ground at the Ferry being stiff, breaking up in pretty large & heavy clods, and the Seed harrowed in with my lightest harrow, was not well covered & left the ground very rough & lumpy with hollows between the furrows that would prevent the grain from being well covered and the Timothy seed still worse.
On my return home from riding, found Mr. William Triplett here, who delivered me the Papers respecting Manleys Land for which I had agreed with him and who informed me that Mrs. French had consented to rent me her Dower Land & Slaves in this Neck during her life, and to assign Robinsons Lease to me on the same terms Robinson holds--viz.--£136 pr. Ann. to be paid to her clear of all expences. I am not to move the Negroes out of the County and a clause is to be inserted in the lease that in case of my death and they should by my successor be maltreated in any respect that a forfeiture of the lease shall be incurred.
About 5 Oclock the Widow Randolph of Wilton, with her 3
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Sons & a daughter, a Miss Harrison (daughter to Colo. Charles Harrison) and Captn. Singleton came in and about an hour afterwards Mr. Fendall & Mrs. Fendall arrived.
PAPERS RESPECTING MANLEYS LAND: William Triplett was possibly a half-brother of Harrison Manley and was one of the executors of Manley's estate. The deed for the 142-acre tract of land was signed 22 Sept. 1786 (deed of Manley's executors to GW, Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 295--97, Vi Microfilm).
WIDOW RANDOLPH: Anne Harrison Randolph had by her husband, William Randolph, five sons, one of whom died young, and three daughters. Her brother, Charles Harrison (c.1744--1794), colonel of the 1st Continental Artillery 1777--83, married Mary Claiborne Herbert and by her had six children, three of whom were daughters. Anthony Singleton (d. 1795) served as a captain in the 1st Continental Artillery and about 1788 married Lucy Harrison Randolph, widow of Peyton Randolph of Wilton and niece of Charles Harrison.
Sunday 10th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 63 at Night.
Wind variable--sometimes at No. West & then at East--weather lowering all day and at times especially after noon dripping.
Mr. & Mrs. Fendall went away after breakfast & Colo. Gilpin came in dined & returned in the afternoon.
Monday 11th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Rain fell in the Night. Morning drizzling with the Wind at North tho' little of it.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry Plantations, and to my Ditchers at the Meadow. At the last mentioned Plantation my people would have about finished this afternoon sowing the cut of Corn on the Hill with Wheat.
Colo. Simms came here and dined on his way to Port Tobacco Court, & crossed the River afterwards.
Tuesday 12th. Mercury at 61 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the course of the Night and early this Morning. About 8 Oclock the clouds began to dispel and the Wind blowing fresh from the No. Wt. the weather cleared, the Sun came out and the day was pleasant & drying and towards evening cool.
Mrs. Randolph, Miss Harrison, Mrs. G. Washington, Captn.
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Singleton, & Mr. Lear went to Alexandria after breakfast & returned before dinner.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck. Began at the former to gather the tops & blades of the early corn in drills.
Wednesday 13th. Mercury at 53 in the morning--64 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Wind at No. West, raw and cold all day, but especially in the morning.
Mrs. Randolph & her Children, Miss Harrison & Captn. Singleton left this after breakfast.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole also to the Mill.
At the first, the people having finished sowing the cut on the hill with Wheat, were chopping this grain in in the drilled corn by the fish house among the Potatoes, which they did by shifting the tops of the vines from side to side as they hoed. At the other, or second place, the hands continued hoeing & plowing in Wheat in the Corn ground, tho' it was wet & heavy. At the last Will (plowman) finished in the afternoon the 10 Acre piece of Wheat he began the 28th. Ulto. by which it appears he was 15 days accomplishing it; and had not plowed quite ¾ of an Acre a day altho' the ground, except in one or two small spots which had been made wet & heavy by the Rains, was in as good order for plowing as were to be wished--better & much easier than if the weather had proved dry & the ground consequently hard.
My Corn being out, or nearly so, I was obliged to have midlings & ship stuff mixed for bread for my white Servants and the latter & rye for my Negroes till the New Corn is ripe enough to pull.
Thursday 14th. Mercury at 49 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh again today and cool.
At home all day repeating dozes of Bark of which I took 4 with an interval of 2 hours between. After dinner Messrs. Thos. and Elliot Lee came in, as did Doctr. Craik by desire, on a visit to Betty--who had been struck with the palsey. The whole stayed all Night.
Finished sowing Wheat and Timothy seed on the 10 acre piece of wheat at Muddy hole this day.
And also finished that cut with rye adjoining the Meadow in the Neck it taking including the 2 ½ Bushels sowed in the piece
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between the gate and the meadow [ ] Bushels. On the small piece (sowed with 2½ Bushels) by mistake a bushel of Timothy seed nearly if [not] quite clean was sowed which was at least 6 times as much as ought to have been sown.
MESSRS. THOS. AND ELLIOT LEE: probably Thomas Ludwell Lee (d. 1807) and William Aylett Lee, sons of Thomas Ludwell Lee (1730--1778). BETTY: There were three slaves named Betty at this time. This is probably the dower slave, a seamstress, who worked at the Home House plantation.
Friday 15th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Clear, calm, and very pleasant.
After breakfast the two Mr. Lees and Doctr. Craik went away. I rid to Muddy hole & Neck Plantations. Treading out Wheat & rye at both retarded fodder getting at the first, & wheat Sowing at the other.
Sent my Boat to Alexandria for Molasses & Coffee which had been sent to me from Surinam by a Mr. Branden of that place.
SENT MY BOAT TO ALEXANDRIA: GW wished to breed Royal Gift, the jackass he had received from Spain in late 1785. Hearing that South America was noted for its jennies, GW, through William Lyles & Co. of Alexandria, got in touch with Samuel Branden, a merchant in Surinam (Netherlands Guiana), and asked him to purchase for him "one of the largest & best she asses that can be obtained in your country fit to breed from." Unsure how much such an animal would cost, GW had 25 barrels of superfine flour placed on board one of Lyles's ships bound for Surinam. If Branden could not procure an ass for him, GW asked that he send instead two hogsheads of molasses and some coffee. Branden sent GW an ass, and molasses and coffee as well, in exchange for the flour (GW to Branden, 10 Feb., 20 Nov. 1786, DLC: GW).
Saturday 16th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--69 at Noon And 66 at Night.
Morning a little lowering, but clear & pleasant afterwards, with but little wind.
Rid to Mr. Willm. Tripletts in expectation of meeting Mrs. French, in order to get the lease from her & Deed from Mr. Triplett executed but his indisposition & confinement in bed prevented the latter and the nonattendance of Mrs. French & a misunderstanding with respect to the rent, she conceiving it was to be £150 pr. Ann. & I £136 only, put an end to the negotiation of the former.
I visited my Mill, Ditchers and the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At the last, the fodder (top & blade)
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of the drilled corn was gathered & the Sowing of the Rye kept up with the plow. At the first the same was done with the rye in the newly plowed field and the people had begun (on thursday) to sow Wht. in the drilled Corn by the meadow.
On my return home found the Attorney General (Randolph) his Lady & two Children; and Mr. Charles Lee here. The last returned to Alexandria after Dinner under promise to come down to dinner to morrow, and that he would ask Mr. Herbert Colo. Fitzgerald & others to dine here also.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Edmund Randolph married Elizabeth Nicholas in 1776 and their two children mentioned here were Peyton Randolph (1781--1828) and Susan Randolph (b. 1782). The Randolphs' third-child, John Jennings Randolph (b. 1785), died in the summer of 1786. Shortly after his son's death, Randolph took his family from Richmond to Annapolis where he headed the Virginia delegation to the convention meeting to establish a uniform system of commercial regulations. Randolph's purpose in stopping at Mount Vernon on his return to Richmond after the close of the conference was no doubt in part to give GW an accounting of the proceedings in Annapolis.
Sunday 17th. Mercury at 59 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 65 at Night.
Wind fresh at East all day & very lowering. About 5 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so incessantly the whole Night.
Colo. Fitzgerald Mr. Herbert, Colo. Simm & Mr. Chs. Lee, & a Mr. Snow (living with Mr. Porter) came down to dinner and were detained by the rain all night.
Gideon Snow entered the employ of the Alexandria firm of Porter & Ingraham in 1786. According to some accounts, he had been Eleanor Parke and George Washington Parke Custis's first tutor (CUSTIS, 39).
Monday 18th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 71 at Night.
Morning very rainy till about 9 Oclock altho the wind had got to No. Wt.
Mr. Randolph, Lady & family and all the Gentlemen from Alexandria left this as soon as the weather cleared--the first on his return to Richmond.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, & Ferry. Plows, & sowing Wheat and other grain, stopped at all the places.
In the Neck one of the Womn. & 2 girls began to gather Pease on Friday last. Nearly half on the vines appearing to be ripe.
Getting in the Fodder or rather spreading it at Muddy hole being wet that it might dry.
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Tuesday 19th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind at No. West, clear and pleasant.
Rid to Muddy hole and into the Neck--No plowing in corn ground but renewed it at Muddy hole & in the Neck for Rye in the wheat stubble. Began to get fodder in the Neck and at Morris' from the drilled Corn.
Wednesday 20th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Clear warm & pleasant all day--Wind Southerly.
Rid to the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Dogue run. At the first the People had begun yesterday, & were at it to day, sowing wheat in the drilled Corn by the meadow--The ground especially in places too wet--At the next cutting down tops & securing the first cut fodder. At the latter all except 3 plows which were breaking up more of the lay land were getting fodder--it being too wet to sow wheat in corn ground.
My Farmer sowed this day the lay land which had been broken up at this place by his own directions--part of which at the east end adjoining the Corn had been plowed [ ] days. The other part at the West end also adjoining the Corn had been plowed [ ] days. The first cont[ai]ns about [ ] acres; the 2d. about [ ]. This wheat was put in in the following manner--viz.--sowed on the first plowing, which tho' the ground was well enough broke the sod was not properly turned. In the roughest & heaviest part the Seedsman was followed by a heavy harrow the same way as the ground was plowed in the lighter part by two light harrows, side by side (fastened together) and the whole cross harrowed with the light double harrow to smooth & fill the hollows. Alongside this, I set two plows as above to break up about [ ] acres more of the lay and directed it to be sowed as fast as the Lands were finished, & to receive the same harrowings to try (the Land being nearly of the same quality) wch. method will succeed best.
MY FARMER: James Bloxham.
Thursday 21st. Mercury at 65 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
But little wind, and Southerly, clear & warm.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, Dogue run, and Ferry--also to the ditchers.
At the first, the flax which was put out to Dew rot was turned
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yesterday and the Fodder which the people begun to get yesterday was discontinued to day in order to get out Oats. At the second finished sowing Rye on the Wheat Stubble--put in 15 Bushels on abt. 13 Acres--securing the Fodder which had been cut & pulled at this place--at the 3d. gathering Fodder & plowing the lay land and at the last threshing out Rye & putting in rye in the lay land.
Friday 22d. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Calm & very warm in the forenoon with appearances of Rain in the afternoon a little of which only fell.
Went to Mr. Tripletts in my way to Alexandria, and got his conveyance before Evidences of Manleys land--after which in the same manner in Town, obtained the signatures to the Deed of Mr. & Mrs. Sanford who were necessarily made parties thereto. Did business with Colo. Simm & others and returned home in the evening.
Edward Sanford, an Alexandria silversmith, was married to Harrison Manley's widow, Margaret. GW acquired from the Sanfords, for £426 Virginia currency, approximately 142 acres of land, part of the old Spencer-Washington patent (Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 295--97, Vi Microfilm).
Saturday 23d. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night.
A very heavy fog in the Morning, which was dispersed by a Northerly wind which cooled the air a good deal.
Rid to all the Plantations between breakfast and Dinnr. getting fodder at all, & securing it, excepting the Ferry where the People had just finished sowing the drilled Corn by the Meadow which compleated all the Corn ground and all the wheat sowing at this place. Interrupted at the River Plantation in getting Fodder in order to clean Rye & Oats for the House.
In the Afternoon Mr. Josh. Jones, Mr. Tucker & Lady, Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, Betcy & Patcy Custis came in and stayed all Night. My Nephews George & Lawrence (whom I had sent Horses for) came down before dinner.
Finished sowing wheat upon the Lay land at Dogue run in the manner proposed. On this [ ] Bushels was sowed. On that part of the other which had been first plowed [ ] Bushels was sowed and on the west side [ ] Bushels.
Joseph Jones (1727--1805), of King George County, Va., the son of James and Hester Jones, had a long, exemplary career in public service. He was a delegate to the House of Burgesses from King George County before the
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Revolution, a member of the Continental Congress 1778--79 and 1780--83, and a judge of the general court 1778--79 and 1789--1805.
St. George Tucker (1752--1827), son of Henry and Anne Butterfield Tucker, left his native Bermuda in 1771 for Virginia where he had a long and distinguished legal career. Tucker and his first wife, Frances Bland Randolph Tucker (1752--1788), daughter of Theodorick and Frances Boiling Bland and widow of John Randolph of Matoax, Chesterfield County, traveled to Annapolis in Sept. 1786 where Tucker attended the meeting on commerce.
Sunday 24th. Mercury at 55 in the Morning--59 at Noon and 57 at Night.
Wind at No. West & weather clear & cool--Lund & Lawe. Washn. dined here.
The Company mentioned above remained here all day & Night. In the afternoon Colo. Bassett, & his Son Burwell arrived--with servants and horses.
Monday 25th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Morning and day through was very pleasant, turning warm--the wind getting to the Southward.
Sent Mr. Tucker & his Lady to Colchester. Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart & family together with Nelly Custis went up to Abingdon. In the afternoon the Revd. Mr. Bryn. Fairfax came in and stayed all Night.
Began to day with my Waggon Horses at their leizure moments, to plow alternate Lands, at Dogue run, in the Lay Land adjoining the Wheat sowed in it to try the difference in Barley (if to be had) or Oats next spring between fall & spring plowing.
Tuesday 26th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Day clear & very pleasant, with the wind at South; towards evening however it began to lower.
Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington dined here & returned in the afternoon.
At home all this day as I was yesterday. Mr. Bryan Fairfax went away after breakfast.
Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night.
Clear, calm, and warm all day.
Colo. Bassett his Son & George Washington took a ride to Alexandria. I rid into the Neck, by Muddy hole, to measure a piece of ground intended for Corn another year & to new model my fields.
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Took up the flax that had been spread to rot at the latter place. Engaged at every plantation in gathering fodder. No plow going but at the ferry for Rye.
Put my Rams to the Ewes this day.
Thursday 28th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 79 at Night.
Calm, clear and warm; all day. Accompanied by Colo. Bassett, I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run and Ferry. Employed in getting & securing Fodder at all of them.
Only one Ditcher at work in my Mill swamp--the other left it (at least discontinued work) on Tuesday last.
Friday 29th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 80 at Night.
Clear calm, and warm from Morn to evening.
Colo. Bassett and Mrs. Washington made a mornings visit at Mr. Lund Washington's.
I rid by Muddy hole Plantation into the Neck. Employed at both in gathering & securing Fodder.
The Flax which I thought had been taken up on Wednesday last was still on the ground. Directed it to be critically examined and taken up this afternoon if it should be found sufficiently rotted.
The Alexandria Academy, built in 1786. From a drawing in Mary G. Powell's History of Old Alexandria, Richmond, 1928. (Alexandria Library)
Page from the minute book of the Alexandria Academy for 14 April 1786, recording Washington's appointment as one of the original trustees. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M., Alexandria, Va.)
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After dinner Majr. Washington and his wife set off for Fredericksburgh--intending as far as Belmont on Occoquan this afternoon.
Saturday 30th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 75 at Night. Calm, clear and pleasant all the forenoon. In the afternoon a light breeze from the Eastward.
Rid to the Mill, Meadow, and Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Gathering and securing fodder at all of them. At the last the whole would be gathered, but not secured this evening.
Mr. Burwell Bassett Junr. left this after Breakfast.
Mr. McQuir came here to Dinner & to invite me to the Accadamical commencement in Alexandria on Thursday next.
ACCADAMICAL COMMENCEMENT: "On Friday the 6th instant was held in the Alexandria Academy, an Examination of the Classical School, under the Care of the Rev. William M'Whir" ( Va. Journal, 19 Oct. 1786).
[Sunday 1st.] Mercury at 68 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 76 at Night.
The day clear and warm. Took an early Dinner and set out for Abingdon on my way to the Great Falls to meet the Directors of the Potomack Co.
Left Doctr. Craik at Mt. Vernon who came in a few minutes before I set off.
Monday 2d. Mercury at 67 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 75 at Night.
Morning lowering but clear warm, & pleasant afterwds.
Set out before Six Oclock, & arrived at the Great Falls abt. half after nine. Found Colo. Gilpin there & soon after Govrs. Johnson & Lee, and Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts arrived when the board proceeded to enquire in to the charges exhibited by Mr. James Rumsey the late against Mr. Richardson Stuart the present Manager of the Companys business. The examination of the Witnesses employed the board until dark when the members dispersed for Lodgings. I went to Mr. Fairfax's.
Tuesday 3d. Mercury at 67 in the Morng.--79 at Noon--74 at Night.
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Morning somewhat lowerg. with thunder lightning and rain in the evening.
Returned to the Falls by appointment at 7 Oclock to Breakfast: we proceeded immediately afterwards to a consideration of the evidence, and to decide upon each article of charge: a record of which was made & upon the whole appeared (the charges) malignant, envious, & trifling. After this the board settled many accts. and adjourned till 8 oclock next Morning.
Wednesday 4th. Mercury at 68 in the morning--78 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Morning clear, and it continued so till near 3 Oclock when it began to rain and continued with little or no intermission untill past 6 Oclock.
The Board having agreed to a Petition to be offered to the assemblies of Virga. and Maryland for prolonging the time allowed by Law for improving the Navigation of the river above the Great Falls--Directed the Manager respecting the Winter Work for the hands and having settled and regulated every other matter which came before them broke up about three oclock--when in company with Colos. Fitzgerald & Gilpin, & Mr. Potts I set off home. With much difficulty on acct. of the rising of the Water by the rain of last Night we crossed Difficult run and through a constant rain till I had reached Cameron. I got home a little before 8 oclock where I found my Brother Jno. Auge. Washington.
A PETITION . . . TO THE ASSEMBLIES: Frequent rains and high water in the summer and fall of 1785 and the summer of 1786 had prevented much work from being done on the bed of the Potomac River. The Potomac Company petition, signed by GW, requested an extension of the three years originally allowed until Nov. 1790 or "such other time as your Honors shall deem reasonable for making and improving the Navigation between Great Falls and Fort Cumberland." Both the Maryland and Virginia legislatures promptly complied with the request (BACON-POSTER, 78--79, 80).
Thursday 5th. Mercury at 70 in the Morng.--72 at Noon and 68 at Night.
A good deal of Rain fell in the Night; & a great deal in the course of this day (with the Wind from the So. East & sometimes very high) which occasioned very high tides, and high freshes. At home all day.
Friday 6th. Mercury at 62 in the morning--60 at Noon and 57 at Night.
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Morning clear, except scattering clouds--Winds high from the westward.
In the afternoon (having first dined) rid with my Brother to Mr. Lund Washington's and returned. Found the waters had been exceeding high.
Saturday 7th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning--58 at Night [Noon] and 56 at Night.
Morning clear and tolerably pleasant--wind still westerly and pretty fresh--No frost though one was expected from appearances.
Immediately after breakfast my Brother left this, when I rid to all my Plantations. Found my People securing fodder in the Neck, Dogue run and Ferry--at the last of which the drilled corn by the meadow was untouched. At Muddy hole the fodder had all been secured on Monday last and some of the Wild Pea vine (such as came from the Eastn. shore) had been pulled. The hands on Tuesday went to assist the Dogue run people to get in their fodder--a suspension of all wch. business was had on Wednesday afternoon & all day thursday. In the Neck, the first gathering of 6 rows of drilled pease measured 4¾ bushels and the first gathering of the next 6 rows planted in rows also, but 18 Inches a part in the rows yielded 6½ bushels.
Sunday 8th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--60 at Night [Noon] and 57 at Night. A brisk southerly wind all day & pleasant.
Mr. Rumney, Mr. Powell, and a Mr. Patterson an English Gentn. dined here & returned in the afternoon.
Monday 9th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Clear warm & pleasant, with but little wind.
Rid to all the Plantations & to the Ditchers in my Mill swamp. Finished securing Fodder at the River Quarter & would nearly do so at Dogue run--at the Ferry, gathering the Fodder of the Drilled Corn by the Meadow--Pulling pease in the Neck with the small hands. Allowed all my People to go to the races in Alexandria on one of three days as best comported with their respective businesses--leaving careful persons on the Plantations.
Tuesday 10th. Mercury at 59 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night.
In company with Major Washington (who with his wife returned yesterday evening from Fredericksburgh) and Mr. Lear
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went up to Alexandria to see the Jockey club purse run for (which was won by Mr. Snickers). Dined by invitation with the Members of it and returned home in the evening.
William Snickers (b. 1759), son of Edward and Elizabeth Taliaferro Snickers of Frederick County, won 100 guineas at the Alexandria Jockey Club Purse with his horse Paul Jones. In 1793 Snickers married Frances Washington (b. 1775), daughter of Warner Washington, Jr. (1751--1829) and Mary Whiting Washington (MCILHANY, 107, 111; Va. Journal, 12 Oct. 1786).
Wednesday 11th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 73 at Night.
This day as yesterday, was clear, calm, and warm.
Majr. Washington, his wife, and Nelly & Washington Custis went up to the race at Alexa. All but the Major returned to Dinner with Betcy & Patcy Custis along with them.
I rid to all the Plantations, found most of my People had gone to the races. Those remaining in the Neck were cleaning rye which had been tread out the day before & preparing to continue their wheat sowing tomorrow.
Thursday 12th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Clear, calm, and warm all day, or rather till noon when a breeze from the Southward came up.
Rid to all the Plantations. Began in the Neck to sow wheat in the middle cut of drilled Corn. Ferry people all gone to the race and those at home at Dogue run all idle--Overseer being gone to the Race.
In the afternoon Doctr. Stuart and his wife Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Mr. Presley Thornton Mr. Townshend Dade, and Mr. Stith came here, and stayed all Night.
Presley Thornton (1760--1807), of Northumberland County, was the son of Presley Thornton (1721--1769) and Charlotte Belson Thornton. The younger Thornton left with his mother for England in the early 1770s and served with the British army on the Continent during the Revolution. Thornton returned to Virginia immediately after the war and restored his citizenship by taking the required oaths of allegiance. In 1799 he served as a captain in the 8th United States Infantry and an aide to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. About 1800 Thornton sold his Northumberland estate and moved to Genesee, N.Y., where he died (GW to James McHenry, 4 Feb. 1799, and GW to Thornton, 12 Aug. 1799, DLC:GW; WMQ, 1st ser., 5 [1896--97], 198--99).
Townshend Dade who appears on this day may be David Stuart's brother-in-law Townshend Dade (b. 1743). He had been married to Stuart's sister Jane Stuart (1751--1774).
Mr. Stith was possibly John Stith (1755--1808), son of Buckner Stith (1722--
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1791) and brother of CoL Robert Stith of Chotank. John Stith married Ann (Nancy) Washington, daughter of Lawrence Washington (b. 1728) of Chotank and Elizabeth Dade Washington. Stith served as a captain with several different Virginia regiments during the Revolution.
Friday 13th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Clear Calm, and very warm all day. At Night it began to Thunder & lighten--accompanied in the course of it with frequent & hard Showers.
All the company except Mrs. Stuart went away directly after breakfast. She with Betcy & Patcy Custis did not leave this till after dinner.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations and to the Mill and Ditchers. Finished securing the Fodder at the Ferry. Tread out a stack of Wheat at Dogue run in order to renew my sowing of this grain at that place. Tried here and in the Neck to plow before sowing, then sow and harrow in, but it would not answer in the Corn ground. The grass occasioned the Earth to be drawn in heaps. Began to pull the early Corn at Muddy hole.
Saturday 14th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Morning cloudy but clear afterwards with the Wind at So. West & warm.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, found the rain of last Night had wet the Corn ground so much that there was no plowing in Wheat. Ordered them to shift to the Wheat Stubble (where they had formerly been) and Plow for Rye. Finding at the same place that part of the first sowed rye had either not come up, or had been destroyed by some insect, I directed that part of the first cut--North of the Meadow, to be sowed over again; and to be harrowed in by the double harrow--if sufficient to cover the grain. At Muddy hole gathering the early Corn & husking it. At Dogue run Sowing Wheat--the ground, in places rather too wet. At the Ferry just finished plowing, sowing & harrowing the ground allotted for Rye at the Ferry and securing the fodder. Directed, as the fly appeared to be getting into the Wheat more or less at all the Plantations, that that at the Ferry should be immediately tread out & sent to the Mill.
Sunday 15th. Mercury 65 at Morn--76 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clear, warm, & pleasant all day.
Accompanied by Majr. Washington his wife Mr. Lear & the two
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Childn. Nelly & Washington Custis went to Pohick Church & returned to Dinner. Fell in with on the Road, Colo. Jno. Mercer, his Lady & child coming here and their nurse.
Col. John Francis and Sophia Sprigg Mercer of Maryland had a son, Richard, born 19 Nov. 1785. He died before reaching maturity (GARNETT [2], 52--53).
Monday 16th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night.
A Watery Sun in the morning and Clouds in the afternoon but no rain fell till towards day in the Night.
Colo. Mercer &ca. crossed the River after breakfast on their way to Annapolis.
Majr. Washington & myself went up to Alexandria, & dined at Lomax's. Got the Deed from Manley's Exrs. acknowledged to me in open Court & for the 2d. time agreed with Mr. Wm. Triplett for the use of Mrs. French's Plantation for wch. during Robinsons term and Interest in it, I am, for the Land & Negroes, to pay £136 & 150£ afterwards during her life.
Returned home in the Evening.
For further information on the complicated French-Dulany land transactions, see GW to David Stuart, 12 Dec. 1790, PHi: Dreer Collection; GW to William Triplett, 25 Sept. 1786, DLC:GW; Fairfax County Deeds, Book P-1, 311--16, 318--20, and Book Q-1, 392--96, Vi Microfilm).
Tuesday 17th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 59 at Night.
Wind Southerly and raining till about 9 Oclock when it chopped round to the No. Wt.--blew hard & cleared.
At home all day. Began to set a brick kiln.
Wednesday 18th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Clear and cool, wind pretty fresh from the No. West.
Rid by Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations to Mr. Tripletts. 3 plows and most of the hands from the first had gone to the latter to assist in sowing Wheat in Corn ground.
Having met Mrs. French at Mr. Tripletts, I concluded the bargain with her for her Plantation & Negroes in my Neck and had a Lease executed for the same and sent word to a Mr. Robertson the present tenant to come to me to see if I cd. not engage him to quit it, and coming accordingly some propositions were made to him of which he was to consider till saturday night or Monday Morning & then give an answer.
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Monsr. Ouster, French Consul at Williamsburgh & Mr. Lacaze two French Gentlemen dined here & returned to Alexa. in the evening.
Martin Oster, who came to Philadelphia from France in 1778 as an officer in the French consular service, held the post of vice-consul of Philadelphia 1781--83 and of Norfolk and Williamsburg from 1783 until his recall in 1792. He was traveling to several port cities at the time of this visit to Mount Vernon (NASATIR AND MONELL, 196, 566--67). Mr. Lacaze was a French merchant active in the Franco-American trade during the 1780s.
[Thursday] 19th. October 1786. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 52 at Night.
A large white frost this Morning--the air cool, but calm & pleasant afterwards.
Rid to my Plantations in the Neck and at Muddy hole & from thence to Colo. McCartys to Dinner where I met Mrs. Washington & Fanny Washington.
On our return home found Mr. John Dawson and Mr. Theodk. Lee here.
In the Neck my People were sowing Wheat; but the ground was much too wet for it--but it was either to be put in in this condition or put off altogether. The former I chose. The resowing of Rye (directed on Saturday last) had been suspended, & was now put off altogether to see whether the part which appeared so thin would come to any thing--Sowing Rye on the New plowed Wheat stubble and had it harrowed and cross harrowed which put the ground in much finer order than the single harrowing had done the first. This Rye had both the harrowing after it was sowed as the lay land at Dogue run was managed. At Muddy hole the Overseer & two or three of the weak hands (the rest being at Dogue run) were gathering the Wild (or Magity bay) Pea a tedious operatn.
John Dawson (1762--1814), of Spotsylvania County, was the son of Rev. Musgrave and Mary Waugh Dawson. He represented Spotsylvania County in the House of Delegates 1786--89, was a member of the Continental Congress in 1788 and 1789, and served in the United States Congress from 1797 to 1814.
Theodorick Lee (1766--1849) was the fourth son of Henry Lee of Leesylvania, and younger brother of Light Horse Harry Lee and Charles Lee.
Friday 20th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Calm clear & pleasant in the Morning--lowering afterwards with the Wind Southe[r]ly.
Rid (after Mr. Dawson & Mr. Lee went away) first to the Ferry
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plantation, and thence to Dogue run through the Plantation lately rented of Mrs. French which I find less injured by Gullies than I expected.
At the Ferry the people were getting out the wheat and at Dogue run upon the point of finishing sowing the last cut of common corn (about the Houses)--after which I directed them to sow part of the drilled Corn.
In the afternoon Geo. Dunnington, a Tenant of mine in Charles County, Maryland, came in to give an acct. of the situation of the place on which he lives and of the attempts to take part of the Land away by one Strumat.
It ought to have been mentioned on Thursday that the early Corn drilled, in alternate rows, at Muddy hole had been measured; that of it there was only 19 Barrls. of sound corn--3 Barrls. of faulty Corn (fit only for Hogs) and 2 Barrls. of the Common Corn which had got intermixed--In all from these Alternate rows, 24 Barrls. Much rotten & bad corn was found in this early kind & proves as well from the experiment of this year as the last, that it does not do in this climate or soil.
George Dunnington lived on the land in Maryland which GW had obtained from Daniel Jenifer Adams (see 22 Jan. 1775 and 12 Sept. 1785). In 1790 Dunnington was the head of a household of 10 whites and 15 slaves in Charles County (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 49). ONE STRUMAT: Capt. John Stromatt in 1790 was the head of a household of 8 whites and 8 slaves in Charles County (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 54).
Saturday 21st. Mercury at 50 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. all day with various appearances--sometimes threatning Rain--at other times promising to be fair.
Colo. Richard Henry Lee with his daughter Nancy, who came here yesterday to dinner, going away after breakfast, I rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations. At the first the People had finished sowing Wheat about Noon yesterday; to day were picking up the fallen Corn and gathering the residue of the Pease. The Plows were preparing the Wheat Stubble for rye, & sowing it. At Dogue run the Plows had got into the drilled Corn, the stalk of which were cut down & entirely taken of the ground. The ground with this plowing seemed to be in perfect tilth, & in good order. I was about to harrow it after sowing & plowing, but my Farmer advised the contrary & I desisted.
NANCY: Anne Lee (1770--1804) was the eldest daughter of Richard Henry Lee and his second wife, Anne Gaskins Pinckard Lee.
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Anne (Nancy) Lee, daughter of Richard Henry Lee. (The Society of the Lees of Virginia)
Sunday 22d. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--59 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Clear and pleasant with but little wind.
The Honble. Wm. Drayton and Mr. Walter Izard came here to dinner and stayed all Night. Mr. Rumney, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Wilson & Mr. Porter also came here to dinner all of whom except the first went away after it.
William Drayton (1732--1790), of Charleston, S.C., was the son of Thomas Drayton, prominent in political circles in that colony. Before the Revolution Drayton practiced law in South Carolina and was chief justice of East Florida. He spent part of the war in England. After his return to South Carolina in 1780, Drayton served as judge of the admiralty court, associate justice of the state supreme court, and in 1789 became the first judge of the United States court for the district of South Carolina.
Drayton began corresponding with GW on 23 Nov. 1785 when he informed GW that the South Carolina Society for Promoting and Improving Agriculture and Other Rural Concerns had elected him its first honorary member (DLC:GW). At the time of this visit to Mount Vernon, Drayton and Izard were en route to South Carolina from New York.
Walter Izard (c.1750--1788) was a son of Ralph Izard (1717--1761), of Berkeley County, S.C., and cousin of Ralph Izard (1742--1804), the revolutionary diplomat. During the Revolution Walter Izard served as a volunteer in the Continental Army. In 1779 he married Mary Fenwick, the second daughter of Edward Fenwick.
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James Monroe, painted c.1786 by an unknown artist. (Virginia State Library)
James Madison, a pastel by James Sharples. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
Monday 23d. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Calm clear and pleasant all day.
Mr. Rumney went away directly after breakfast and Mrs. Washington with Nelly and Washington Custis for Abingdon about the same time.
I remained at home all day. In the evening Colo. Monroe, his Lady and Mr. Maddison came in.
James Monroe (1758--1831) had served as a delegate from Virginia to the Continental Congress since 1783 but had recently resigned because no delegate was eligible to serve more than three out of six years. Writing from New York on 7 Oct. 1786, Monroe had suggested to James Madison, who was in Philadelphia on personal business after attending the convention in Annapolis, that they travel to Virginia together and stop over at Mount Vernon to visit GW (MADISON, 9:121--22, 143). Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe (d. 1830), were on their way to Fredericksburg, Va., where they intended to reside in a house belonging to Monroe's uncle, Joseph Jones. Madison was going to Richmond for the fall session of the General Assembly.
Tuesday 24th. Mercury at 53 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Clear, calm, and extremely pleasant all day.
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Mr. Drayton and Mr. Izard set out after breakfast on their rout to South Carolina.
I remained at home all day, being prevented from going up to Abingdon to Meet Mrs. Washington according to promise by the above company.
Entered into articles of agreement and bonds for the performance of the Covenants with John Robertson for the Plantation I lately leased of Mrs. French, and on which he lives.
Sent up to Abingdon for a young Bull of extraordinary make for which I had exchangd and given a young heifer of the same age.
John Robertson agreed to give up the use of the land and slaves on or before 1 Jan. 1787, and in the meantime GW could "employ the labourers on the said Plantation in such works as may have a tendency to prepare for his crops & Inclosures designed for the next year, when they are not necessarily engaged in finishing the present crop, and taking care of the stock and other Interests" of Robertson. Robertson could have use of a tenant house, now occupied by Peter Pool, rent free for 1787, and for an additional year for payment of rent. GW was to pay Robertson for the wheat actually sown this year and Robertson would in turn pay Pool for the wheat planted on the tenement Pool relinquished to Robertson (agreement between GW and Robertson, 24 Oct. 1786, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 25th. Mercury at 53 in the Morng.--67 at Noon and 66 at Night.
An exceedingly heavy fog till 10 Oclock--after which it became clear warm & pleasant.
Mr. Maddison and Colo. Monroe & his Lady set out after breakfast for Fredericksburgh.
I called at the Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole plantations on my way to Mr. Fendalls where I met Mrs. Washington, dined, & returned home in the evening bringing Betcy & Patcy Custis with the other two home with us. Found all the Wheat at the Ferry tred out but not quite cleaned or carried to the Mill. At Muddy hole the 4 rows of Irish Potatoes had been dugged. Out of one which appeared to be best set (though they were all much missing) 2¼ bushels were obtained and from the other 3 rows 4½ Bushels were gathered--In all 6¾ Bushels. This at best is a poor encrease--but would have been very bad if the rows had been nearly compleated but this they were not--the flat places having none on them.
Thursday 26th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Calm, clear, and very pleasant day throughout.
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Immediately after breakfast I rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations. At the first finished sowing and plowing in all the Rye, but had not compleated the harrowing & Hoeing of it. This comprehended the 3d. cut of Wheat and the furthest cut of drilled corn except 52 rows which were left for Oats in the Spring & this sowing having advanced 18 rows into the Corn which had Peas between I directed the same number of Pea rows in the middle cut to be sowed with Wheat to bring them even. This would be set about tomorrow. Ordered three plows from this place to Dogue run to assist in putting in the Wheat & rye there wch. was more backward than at any other place in sowing. At Muddy hole the people had recommenced sowing rye in the Corn ground which had been left for this purpose. The Pease of the 6 rows in the Neck which had been drilled or sowed thick, yielded 15 bushels after they were cleaned (besides the green ones) and the next 6 rows of the same kind, dropped 18 inches in the row, measured (besides the green ones) 16 Bushels. The whole field therefore (if Pease had been planted between all the Corn rows) would have yielded at this rate, 410 bushels there being 159 of them and it is to be observed that many of the rows if not all of them were greatly missing occasioned by too early planting and the frequent rains which drowned them in all low and cold places. Ordered a piece of ground to be prepared in the Neck on which to transplant Turneps for the purpose of saving seed.
Colo. and Mrs. McCarty & Colo. Ball and his Lady came here to dinner & returned afterwards and abt. Sun down Mr. Mayo & his wife & Miss D'Hart in a Post Chaise & 4 came in.
John Mayo (1760--1818), the son of John and Mary Tabb Mayo of Richmond, represented Henrico County in the House of Delegates in 1785--86, 1793, and 1796. Mayo married Abigail De Hart (1761--1843), the daughter of John De Hart (1728--1795) and Sarah Dagworthy De Hart of Elizabethtown, N.J. (MAYO, xiii, 143--44). Before her marriage to John Mayo, Abigail De Hart had made one or more shadow silhouettes of GW (GW to William Gordon, 8 Mar. 1785, DLC:GW; EISEN, 2:590). MISS D'HART: probably a sister of Abigail's.
Friday 27th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Cloudy in the Morning, with the wind very fresh at N. W. About 10 oclock it cleared but continued to blow fresh, and grew colder.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole and examined the Land I lately bought from the Exr. of
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Manley more attentively. Find some of it in very good condition and other parts much gullied and worn and that there is more & better meadow ground on it than I expected.
Saturday 28th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day with but little wind and that from So. West.
Mr. Mayo, his wife and Miss D'Hart went away after breakfast.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, and Dogue Run. At the first compleated sowing Wheat yesterday and finished covering Rye with the Hoes & Harrows the same day--Gathering for plantation use some of the drilled Corn at Muddy hole g: plowed a poor ½ acre to Cowpen on--Taking up the Irish Potatoes at Dogue run out of the way of the Wheat sowing.
Found Mrs. Stuart and her two youngest children here on my return home.
Mrs. Stuart's two youngest children were Ann Calvert (Nancy) Stuart (b. 1784) and Sarah (Sally) Stuart (born c.1786).
Sunday 29th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Lowering at times through the day--very little wind and that South--very smoaky all day.
Gov. William Smallwood of Maryland, by Charles Willson Peale, 1823. (State House, Annapolis, Maryland Commission on Artistic Property)
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About noon Mrs. Stuart and one of her youngest Children left this for Mr. Lund Washingtons. At the same time I crossed the river with intention to view & Survey my land in Charles County Maryland. Went to and lodged at Govr. Smallwoods about 14 Miles from the Ferry.
William Smallwood (1732--1792) came from a distinguished Charles County, Md., family. In 1761 he represented Charles County in the Maryland legislature, joined the Maryland nonimportation association in 1769, and became a delegate to the Maryland Convention of 1775. During the Revolution he attained the rank of major general. He was elected to Congress in 1785 but before assuming office was chosen to succeed William Paca as governor of Maryland. After serving three one-year terms, Smallwood retired in 1788 to his home in southern Maryland.
Monday 30th. Mercury at 49 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Raining all the forenoon with the Wind at No. Et.--Misting & very cloudy all the latter part of the day altho the Wind had shifted to the No. Wt.
About One Oclock accompanied by the Governor, I set out to take a view of my land which lay 12 Miles from his House--after doing which and finding it rather better than I expected we returned to the Governrs. having from the badness of the Weather wetness of the ground given over the idea of Surveying.
This land lyes full level enough. The cleared part has been lively & good but much abused and a good deal worked. The wood part, of wch. there is a good deal, is tolerably full of rail timber and Wood (chiefly spanish Oak & black Jack) but the soil is thin and of a mean quality tho very capable of improvement from the Nature of it & levelness. Govr. Smallwood thinks the whole is worth and would sell for 35 or 40. Shillings Maryland Curry. pr. Acre and seems to have an inclination to buy it himself and that his Manager (one Franklin) is that way inclined also. Being informed by my Tenant (on this Land) George Dunnington of a vacancy containg. 20 or 30 acres within, or adjoining to my lines the Governor promised to obtain a warrant for it on my behalf and a Mr. Stromat who had obtained Warrants for sevel. vacancies one of which being within my Tract sent me word by the above Geo. Dunnington that I might have the latter (more than 100 acres) upon condition of my paying a proportionate part of the expence he had been at to obtain them, which I consented to do & sent him word so by Dunnington.
AN INCLINATION TO BUY IT: GW wrote Smallwood on 6 Oct. 1787: "When I had the pleasure of being at your house last fall, you gave me reason to believe
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that you would become the purchaser of my land adjoining yours, in Charles County--And if I recollect rightly, was to have written to me on that subject from Annapolis" (NjP). GW expressed his continued interest in selling the land to Smallwood, but apparently nothing ever came of it, for GW still owned the land when he died. A VACANCY: There were several strips of unclaimed, or waste, land bordering on, or intruding into, GW's land. Both GW and John Stromatt, whose land marched with GW's, obtained a warrant to survey the land for their own use. For the ensuing dispute and final settlement, see GW to William Craik, 19 and 27 Mar. 1789 and 8 Feb. 1790, DLC:GW. ONE FRANKLIN: George Augustine Washington mentions an F. P. Franklin as "Govr. Smallwoods agent" in 1788 (LEDGER B, 270). He may have meant Francis B. Franklin who lived in the area in 1790 and owned 29 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 49).
Tuesday 31st. Mercury at 41 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Wind pretty fresh at No. West in the Morning but cloudy which it continued to be through the day with Mists in the afternoon and rain at Night, the wind getting round to No. Et.
After breakfast I left Govr. Smallwoods & got home to dinner. Attempted to cross at the Widow Chapmans in order to pay Colo. Mason a visit but could not get over.
Constantia Pearson Chapman (c.1714--c.1791) was the daughter of Capt. Simon Pearson (d. c.1733) of Stafford County, Va., and the widow of Nathaniel Chapman of Charles County, Md.
Wednesday 1st. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 41 at Night.
Cloudy all the forenoon, with a light sprinkle of rain--Wind at No. West, & afternoon clear.
Rid to all the Plantations, & to the Ditchers. Found, in the Neck that the People had begun to take up the Irish Potatoes, and during the rain had been cleaning rye & thrashing out the Pease and yesterday, & part of this day, were setting out (the summer) Turnips for Seed--at Muddy hole Sowing rye and at Dogue run that 3 pecks of the black spelt had been sowed yesterday in the drilled Corn next the Swamp, where the turnips and cabbages had been planted at the North end. On Saturday last one plow had begun a winter fallow for Oats; adjoining the rye at the Ferry; & the other people were clearing the Bryers & Shrubs out of the way of it. The Ditchers had nearly compleated the middle ditch on
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Saturday, but the rain on Monday obliged them to shift to the upper ditch.
On my return found Mrs. Stuart.
Thursday 2d. Mercury at 35 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 47 at Night.
A very large white frost--the ground froze and Ice. Morning calm, wind afterwards variable and evening cool.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. From the latter the Potatoes and Pease were brought home; of the former there were [ ] Bushels; and of the latter [ ] Bushels [ ] whereof were of the large kind (had from the Revd. Mr. Stuart). The Potatoes at Dogue run, from the rows planted in the drilled corn, measured 38½ Bushels. At this place the Plows were at work for Rye crossing the Corn rows; on which plowing I mean to sow the grain and then harrow & cross harrow the ground as had been done before with both Wheat & rye. At the ferry getting out Rye. Directed one or two plows more to assist in breaking up the ground at this place if the plowers could do it well. Left this to the Overseer to determine.
Levelled round to the Road at a Stake by the bridge near Manleys, & begun to do the same on the other side of Muddy hole swamp from the plank bridge.
Mr. Lund Washington and his wife dined here and returned in the evening.
Friday 3d. Mercury at 49 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Cloudy with small showers at intervals, till after noon, when the weather cleared & became warm and pleasant. Wind Southerly all day.
At home writing Letters.
Saturday 4th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night.
Morning mild, clear, and pleasant with the wind Southerly in the afternoon.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, finished gathering and Measuring the Irish Potatoes, wch. turned out as follow--viz.--In the Cut next the Barn 100 Bushels--There being 10 rows, every alternate one had a sprinkling of dung; 4 of which produced 52 bushels--the other being of another kind of potato, produced not more than 1 Bushel, the 5 undunged rows yielded 48 Bushels.
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The Middle cut turned out 50 Bushels & the Easternmost cut 25 Bushels only. As the number & length of the Rows were the same in these as the first the differe. in the quantity is to be ascribed to the difference of Land and to that part of the first cut in wch. the Potatoes grew having been dunged formerly over and above the sprinkling it got at Seed time. It is to be noted however that the last mentioned cuts were more missing than the first; and the whole more or less so. At Muddy hole compleated sowing the rye and at Dogue run only began this day to sow--the ground being too wet before. At the Ferry 2 plows employed in fallowing.
On my return home found Colo. Pinkney his Lady & 4 Childn., Mrs. Middleton her Child nurse &ca. here--also Mr. Robt. and Mr. Lawe. Washington and Mr. Thompson. The 3 last went away after dinner--the others stayed all Night.
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (1746--1825), the son of Charles and Elizabeth Lucas Pinckney of South Carolina, had a distinguished career in the public service of his state and country as a soldier, statesman, and diplomat. Pinckney's first wife, Sarah Middleton Pinckney, was the daughter of Henry Middleton (1717--1784). Sarah died in 1784, and on 23 June 1786 Pinckney married Mary Stead, the daughter of Benjamin Stead. The children GW mentioned here were Pinckney's by his first wife. Mrs. Middleton probably referred to Mary Izard Middleton, the daughter of Walter Izard of Cedar Grove, S.C., and the wife of Arthur Middleton (1742--1787), who was the brother of Sarah Pinckney. At this time Pinckney and his entourage were returning from a trip north.
Sunday 5th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night.
The forenoon variable--sometimes threatning and then promising--but clear, fine and agreeable in the afternoon. Wind southerly all day.
Colo. Pickney &ca. set out after breakfast.
At home all day writing.
Monday 6th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 57 at Night.
But very little wind and that southerly. Clear & remarkably pleasant all day.
After breakfast Mrs. Stuart & all her Children except Washington Custis went away.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole--Making a farm pen at the latter.
On my return home found Colo. Lewis Morris and his Brother Major Jacob Morris here, who dined and returned to Alexandria
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afterwards where Mrs. Lewis Morris & her Mother Mrs. Elliot were on their way to Charleston.
Lewis and Jacob Morris (1755--1844) were sons of Lewis Morris (1726--1798) and Mary Walton Morris of Morrisania, Westchester County, N.Y., and nephews of Gouverneur Morris. Both brothers served during the Revolution in the New York militia before becoming aides-de-camp. Jacob was aide to Charles Lee 1776--78 and Nathanael Greene 1781--82, and Lewis was aide to John Sullivan 1776--79 and to Greene from 1779 to the end of the war. In 1783 Lewis married Ann Elliott, the daughter of William and Sabina Elliott (d. 1793) of Accabee on the Ashley River near Charleston, S.C.
Tuesday 7th. Mercury at 53 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 59 at Night.
Clear mild & very pleast. all day--Calm in the forenoon & a light Southerly breeze after Noon.
Rid to all the Plantations to day. In the Neck the people had just finished gathering and measuring the Pease which in all amounted to only 80 Bushels. They were, in places, very much missing to which this short quantity is principally to be ascribed. Some had not ripened and were destroyed by the frost & left on the Vines. Ordered the three plows belonging to Muddy hole to go to Dogue run to assist in getting in the rye while the weather continued good.
My old Farmer thinking the Nights had got too long tho' the weather as yet has been mild to keep the Cattle in open pens on the naked ground, I ordered the whole not to be penned till proper shelters were made for them.
Wednesday 8th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Very mild, with but little Wd. and that Southerly--Lowering more or less all day with great appearances now & then of rain but none fell. In the evening the clouds dispelled.
Rid to the Ferry & Dogue run Plantations. At the first, the wheat & rye having been all Tread & threshed out, there was in the whole of the former [ ] Bushels; and of the latter [ ] Bushels. The people were employed in digging the Irish Potatoes near the Fish House. At the latter 9 plows & 2 harrows employed in getting in rye--the rest of the People getting off the Corn Stalks of the only unsowed Corn ground at this Plantation.
The Farmer having carrd. the level & staked it for conducting the Water on the South side of Muddy hole swamp below the fork by Manleys old House and Cornelius McDermot Roe having done the same on the No. Side from the plank bridge on Muddy
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hole (where the farmer also began) I tried with a water level across in several places within Manleys field and found that the farmer was higher on his side than the other by between 13 and 16 Inches. But this will make no essential difference in a ditch for the water 18 Inches deep.
Thursday 9th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Morning heavy, about Noon it began to rain, & continued to do so all the Afternoon moderately.
Rid to the River, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations. At the first the People were employed in removing the Potatoes from thence to the Mansion House--at the 2d. in gathering Corn except the 3 plow people who were at Work at Morris's--at the 3d. they were employed as yesterday.
Friday 10th. Mercury at 53 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning a little lowering--more favourable at Noon but raining afterwards. But little wind in the forepart of the day and that Southerly. Towards evening it got to the Eastward and in the Night Westerly & cleared.
With Mrs. Washington and all the family, I went to Alexanda. and dined with Doctr. Craik. Returned in the Evening.
DINED WITH DOCTR. CRAIK: James Craik seems to have moved with his family from Maryland to Alexandria, probably during the summer or early fall of 1786.
Saturday 11th. Mercury at 41 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Morning clear and cool, with the wind pretty fresh from the No. Wt. By noon it became calm & very pleasant.
Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue run & Muddy hole plantations. At the first named Plantation finished plowing for Rye in the Morning, but there remained of it 8 or 10 acres to sow & harrow in. By Night the ground from which the Corn & Stalks had been taken off would be plowed (4 or 5 acres of it) for to lay down in Spelts provided for me by Colo. Deakins.
Having received a letter from Baltimore, announcing the arrival of three Asses (a male and two females) from the Marquis de la Fayette for me together with some Pheasants and Patridges from France, I sent my Overseer Jno. Fairfax and a servant to bring the former.
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Received from the Ferry Plantation 48½ bushels of a fine red (Irish) potato, which were planted in the rows of drill corn by the fish house. This with [ ] bushels of the white kind, which were planted in the missing places--of which after all replanting, there were many--is what came of that piece of drilled ground.
The common Corn in the alternate rows of Drilled, at Muddy hole, turned out 28 Barrels wch. is 7 Barrels more than the other rows did of the early Corn. In the Neck the disproportion between these is much greater.
Sunday 12th. Mercury at 41 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Morning clear, wind fresh from the Southward--lowering after wards till Noon when it began to rain & continued to do so moderately all the afternoon.
Monday 13th. Mercury at 39 in the morning--47 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Morning clear and cool, the Wind being fresh at No. West. Towards the afternoon the wind veered round (backed) to the Southward and in the evening lulled.
Rid to all the Plantations--getting up Hogs for feeding at all. Finished sowing and harrowing in Rye at Dogue run & began to gather Corn in the Neck and at the Ferry for lofting.
Agreed to let the Widow Alton have the House used for a School by my Mill if the School should be discontinued and
Told James Bloxham, my Farmer, who was about to write to England for his Wife & family, and who proposed the measure that he might write to one Caleb Hall a Neighbour of his in Gloucestershire (who had expressed a desire to come to this Country, and who he said was a compleat Wheel Wright, Waggon builder, and Plow & Hurdle maker) that I wd. give him 25 Guineas a year for his Services (if he paid his own passage to this Country) the first year, and if I found he answered my purposes, & we liked each other, that I might give him 30 guineas the next yr. and held out encouragemt. if he chose to work for himself, that I would provide him with some place to live at--Whilst with me that he should be found in Provisions, Washing & lodging.
WIDOW ALTON: Mrs. Elizabeth Alton was the widow of GW's old servant John Alton, who had died the previous year (see entry for 4 Dec. 1785).
James Bloxham noted, in a letter of 12 Nov. 1786 to his former employer William Peacey, that he had sent for his wife and two daughters to join him at Mount Vernon, while his two sons were to remain in England to obtain an
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education. Bloxham's former neighbor, Caleb Hall, eventually decided against emigrating (Peacey to GW, 2 Feb. 1787, DLC:GW; GW to Peacey, 16 Nov. 1786, PHi, and 7 Jan. 1788, ViMtV).
Tuesday 14th. Mercury at 41 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Lowering in the Morning with appearances of rain. About Noon the Clouds broke; and the afternoon became clear mild & exceedingly pleasant.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, & Ferry Plantations. At the latter compleated all my fall Sowing of winter grain, by putting into the Corn ground wch. had been prepared for the purpose, 6½ bushels of the Common Spelts. This ground after the Corn, & stalks were taken off, was plowed--the grain then Sowed, & harrowed & cross harrowed. The Soil is strong, but being very grassy, the Spelts with all this working were not put in very well--some places not being broke, & by means of the grass choaking the harrow, drawn, it is to be feared, in heaps--abt. 5 Acres of it.
Beat about one Bushel of the Wild Crab into pummice, and sowed it in the hop Inclosure--lower end, in 19 rows, one foot apart.
Wednesday 15th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 54 at Night.
Wind Southerly but not very fresh in the forepart of the day. About Noon it came out very powerfully at No. West and towds. Night turned cold.
Rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations. The hands at these places & the ferry at work on the public Roads.
Attempted to level to day, but the wind was too high to admit it.
Thursday 16. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 47 at Night.
Morning windy clear, and cold; before Noon it moderated and became mild & pleasant and before Night it got to the Southwd. and lowered a little.
Mr. & Mrs. Fendall came from Maryland here to Breakfast--as did Mr. Willm. Craik--after which they all went away.
Rid into the Neck, and to Muddy hole plantations. At the first having measured the remainder of the Middle cut of drilled Corn it was found to turn out 85 Barls.--the further, or Eastermost cut of drilled Corn in the same field turned out miserably bad--there
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being only 6 barrl. of the early Corn & 18 of the other or common corn. Here the difference against the early or Eastern is found greater than at Muddy hole and decidely in both in favor of the common Corn of the Country.
On my return home, found Mons. Campoint sent by the Marqs. de la Fayette with the Jack and two She Asses which he had procured for me in the Island of Malta and which had arrived at Baltimore with the Chinese Pheasants &ca. had with my Overseer &ca. got there before me. These Asses are in good order and appear to be very fine. The Jack is two years old and the She Asses one three & the other two. The Pheasants and Patridges will come round by Water.
ON MY RETURN HOME: During his visit to Mount Vernon in 1784, Lafayette had apparently offered to obtain breeding stock from Malta. Because GW was unsure that his Spanish jacks were coming, he asked Lafayette to obtain "a male & female, or one of former & two of the latter" from the governor of Malta or some other person (GW to Lafayette, 15 Feb., 1 Sept. 1785, DLG:GW). When they arrived, accompanied by caretaker Jacques Campion, GW was delighted. He wrote to Lafayette on 19 Nov. 1786: "On thursday last I received in very good order . . . the most valuable things you could have sent me" (DLC:GW). He named the jack Knight of Malta. GW expected to pay for the animals, but Lafayette clearly intended them as a gift (GW to Lafayette, 25 Mar., 15 Aug. 1787, DLC:GW).
Friday 17th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Cloudy with drops of rain now and then in the forenoon--more promising afterwards with the wind fresh from the Southward all day.
At home writing all day. Finished the ditch along the side of my Mill Meadow intended to conduct the water in common heights of the run.
Saturday 18th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning--43 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Wind Easterly all day and very cloudy and like for snow--sometimes drops of it for the first this year.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations--gathering & husking Corn at all. Also rid to the Ditche[r]s who had begun to scour a ditch in the Mill Meadow. One of them, James Lawson went up to Town to day. Yesterday they entered upon standing wages.
Monsr. Campion accompanied by Mr. Lear went to Alexandria & returned in the Evening.
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Sunday 19th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Ground lightly covered with Snow this Morning. Continued cloudy all day and Snowing a little, at times, but the ground was never more than an inch thick. At home all day.
Monday 20th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 34 at Night.
A thick fog & Mist all day with little or no wind. After dark the Clouds dispelled and Stars appeared.
At home all day.
Tuesday 21st. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--40 at Night [Noon] and 38 at Night.
Flying clouds with the Wind pretty fresh from the No. Wt. in the Morning and cold. Pleasanter afterwards and clear Wind moderating about Noon and by night was calm.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantn.--gathering and husking Corn at all of them.
Sent George Washington to Town on business.
Colo. Darke dined here.
William Darke (1736--1801), of Berkeley County, during the Revolution attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the 4th Virginia Regiment, and in the early 1790s he was made a brigadier general as a reward for his frontier service under Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair. Often during the 1790s Darke represented Berkeley County in the General Assembly.
Wednesday 22. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Two inches or more snow fell in the Night--more [or] less fell all day--but little Wind and that Southerly.
At home all day.
Thursday 23d. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Very cold in the forenoon and not very agreeable at any time of the day--Wind at No. West.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole & Dogue run. At the first raking up dung--at the other gathering and husking of Corn.
Set James Lawson and his comrade, Patrick Sheriden, to running a level ditch 2 feet wide at top, 1 at Bottom, and a spit deep, from the bridge over Muddy hole by the corner of the fence till it should come to the road by the other bridge and branch.
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On my return home found Colo. (or Judge) Harrison of Maryland here as also Mr. William Craik.
SPIT: the depth of the blade of a spade.
Friday 24th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Very clear, and pretty cold in the Morning Wind being at No. West but not hard. About Noon it moderated, and at Night was calm.
After breakfast Judge Harrison and Mr. Craik returned to Maryland. I rid to the Ditchers and thence to the Ferry Plantation --Grubbing at the latter and getting up wild hogs.
Major Washington went into the Neck, and to Muddy hole. At the first he measured 86½ Barrels of Corn--gathered from the drilled cut of Corn nearest the Barn and at Muddy hole he Measured 67 Barrls. which was gathered out of the Middle Cut besides 14 Barls. of Short Corn givn. Hogs.
Saturday 25th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Mild and but little wind, which was Southerly--lowering all day. In the Night the Wind came out from the No. Wt. and it froze hard.
Rid to Alexandria to place the Papers respecting the Administration of Colo. Thos. Colvills Estate in the hands of Mr. Keith to adjust & settle them & to do some other Business.
Bought the time of a Dutch family consisting of a Man by profession a Ditcher, Mower, &ca., a Woman his wife a Spinner, washer, Milker and their child--names.
Dined at Colo. Hooes and returned home in the evening.
GW had secured the services of the Overdoncks, a German family--probably redemptioners--through the agency of Philip Marsteller, an Alexandria merchant. Today GW sent a barge to Alexandria to transport them to Mount Vernon and requested Marsteller "to impress upon them in strong terms the propriety of diligent attention to their duty" (GW to Marsteller, 27 Nov. 1786, and Marsteller to GW, 27 Nov. 1786, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 245).
Sunday 26th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--43 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind at No. West in the fore noon, but not hard;
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about Noon it died away, and in the evening was quite calm. Ground pretty hard frozen in the Morning.
The following Gentlemen dined here.
Colonels Hooe & Henley--Dr. Craik, Mr. Porter, Mr. Swift, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jenkes, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Lowry, Mr. Abenethy, Mr. [ ] Mr. Peran, Captns. Sullivan and [ ] Lund Washington all of whom went away in the Evening.
Mr. Jackson may be John Jackson who was licensed as a merchant to retail goods in Fairfax County in 1787 (SPROUSE [2], 2:7). mr. Jenkes: either John, Joseph, or Crawford Jenckes, partners in the firm of Jenckes, Winsor & Co. In 1787 their store was located at the foot of King Street in Alexandria ( Va. Journal, 19 April 1787; Alexandria City Hustings Courts, Book D, 227--43, Vi Microfilm).
Mr. Thompson is probably Jonah Thompson, an Alexandria merchant. In 1784 he had a store on Fairfax Street, where he sold imported goods ( Va. Journal, 11 Nov. 1784; MOORS [1], 74).
James Abernathy, a close friend of Thomas Porter, was probably a young merchant in Alexandria (SPROUSE [2], 2:16; Porter to Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 11 July 1787, MHi: Benjamin Lincoln Papers).
Capt. Giles Sullivan of the ship Union had brought with him from ireland a letter and gift for GW from Richard Harrison, of the Alexandria firm of Hooe & Harrison (Harrison to GW, 10 July 1786, DLC:GW).
Monday 27th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Wind Southerly, and moderately all day. Sometimes there were great appearances of rain at other times it looked promising. Evening clear but a circle and bur both rd. the Moon.
Rev. Jedediah Morse, by Samuel F. B. Morse. (Yale University Art Gallery, bequest of Josephine K. Colgate)
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Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations--also to the Mill and to the Ditchers--about the Corn at all the places--Measd. 68 Barls. at Dogue run.
The Revd. Mr. Keith, and the Revd. Mr. Morse dined here returned to Alexandria in the Evening.
Received my Chinese Pheasents &ca. from Baltimore by the Packet--viz.--
of the Gold Pheast.
of the Silver Pheat.
of the French Pheat.
and one French Patridge. The other French Patridge died in coming round from Baltimore.
The German Man, his wife and Child came home last Night by water from Alexanda.
Jedidiah Morse (1761--1826) was born in Woodstock, Conn., the son of Jedidiah and Sarah Child Morse. While studying theology at Yale in the early 1780s, Morse expanded an early interest in geography and in 1784 published the first school textbook on the subject, Geography Made Easy, a forerunner of his more ambitious later works. The day after his ordination in the Congregational Church on 9 Nov. 1786, Morse left his position as tutor at Yale and at this time was on his way to become pastor of a church in Midway, Ga. Morse and a fellow classmate, Abiel Holmes, exchanged posts temporarily so that Holmes could visit New England and Morse could learn more about the geography of the South. By Aug. 1787 Morse had returned to Yale to embark on a career in the ministry (MORSE [1], 26--28).
MY CHINESE PHEASENTS: The birds, from the royal aviary of France, were a gift from Lafayette. Charles Willson Peale wrote from Philadelphia that if any of the birds should die he would like to obtain the bodies for display. GW replied on 9 Jan. 1787: "I cannot say that I shall be happy to have it in my power to comply with your request by sending you the bodies of my Pheasants; but I am afraid it will not be long before they will compose a part of your Museum" (sold by American Art Association, 17 Mar. 1931, Item 260). In February GW sent Peale the body of a golden pheasant packed in wool, and said he would like to free the others but feared they would be taken by hawks. In acknowledging receipt of the Chinese pheasant on 27 Feb. 1787, Peale admitted that until receiving the specimen he thought the birds he had seen in Chinese paintings were only "works of fancy" (DLC:GW).
Tuesday 28th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--29 at Noon and 27 at N.
Wind fresh all day from the No. West, and North, with clouds and appearances of Snow. Towards evening it cleared, and was very cold all day.
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A Hound bitch which like most of my other hounds appearing to be going Mad and had been shut up getting out, my Servant Will in attempting to get her in again was snapped at by her at the arm. The Teeth penetrated through his Coat and Shirt and contused the Flesh but he says did not penetrate the skin nor draw any blood. This happened on Monday forenoon. The part affected appeared to swell a little to day.
Rid to the Plantations at Dogue run, Muddy hole, and in the Neck. Set my Dutchman to ditching within the fence at the Ferry where the water level of the branch was traced out.
Wednesday 29th. Mercury at 17 in the Morning--23 at Noon and 22 at Night.
Wind Northerly and rather fresh in the forenoon and about So. Et. afterwards--very raw and cold all day with appears. of Snow. Towards Night a mixture of it and hail fell but not enough to cover the ground.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole and to the Ditchers.
At the first G. Washington measured 72 Barrls. of Corn from the cut on the flat (exclusive of the drilled corn) which with 9 used for the Hogs and 6 for the Negroes makes 87 out of that Cut.
At the same time John Fairfax my Overseer 76 Barrls. in the Neck from the Cut next the Barn.
Gathering, husking, and securing Corn at all the Plantations.
Mr. Campion (who brought the Asses and Pheasants here from the Marqs. de la fayette) for Alexa. to proceed in the Stage for Baltimore. Gave him 30 Louis dores for his trouble.
LOUIS DORES: A louis d'or was a French gold coin first struck in 1640 and issued until the French Revolution. In 1717 its legal value in England was fixed at 17s. In his ledger, GW entered the amount given Campion as "30 Guineas & 28s.," or "£42" (LEDGER B, 238).
Thursday 30th. Mercury at 26 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning cloudy but Mild--Wind westerly all day. About 9 or 10 Oclock the clouds dispersed and the day turned out very fine and pleasant. Thawing considerably--the frost having stopped the Plow at the Ferry Plantation.
Surveying my New purchases of Manley's and French Land, in order to lay the whole of into proper inclosures.
Geo. Washington went up to Abingdon in my Chariot to bring his wife and Nelly Custis home who went thither on Monday last.
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Jno. Fairfax measured 42 Barrls. of corn at Muddy hole gathered out of the Eastermost (& furthest) cut in the field.
Mr. Lear left this for the Western Parts of Pensylva. in the Neighbourhood of Pittsburgh on my business.
Tobias Lear's journey to Pennsylvania was precipitated by news from GW's Pennsylvania lawyer, Thomas Smith, that GW had won his suit of ejectment in the Pennsylvania court against the settlers trespassing on the Millers Run tract in Washington County (see entries for 14, 20, and 22 Sept. 1784). Smith urged GW to appoint an agent in the area to take possession of the lands as soon as the settlers left (Smith to GW, 7 Nov. 1786, DLC:GW). Lear's primary objective on the trip was undoubtedly to persuade Presley Neville, John Cannon, or George McCarmick to act as an agent. GW also needed local information as to the highest prices he could expect to get for these lands and the smaller Washington's Bottom tract in Fayette County. GW gave Lear additional commissions: at Bath he was to inquire into the condition of a small tract of land owned by GW in the area; at Col. John Stephenson's on the road from Fort Cumberland to Pittsburgh, he was to try to collect money owed GW; at Pittsburgh he was to request Gen. Richard Butler's help in acquiring an Indian vocabulary requested by Catherine the Great; he was to ascertain the condition of GW's small tenement on Braddock's Road; and at Winchester he was to attempt to collect money owed GW by the estate of Maj. Gen. Charles Lee (instructions for Lear, 30 Nov. 1786, CSmH). Lear carried with him letters, dated 27 Nov., from GW to Neville, Butler, and McCarmick; to Thomas Freeman, Cannon, and Stephenson dated 28 Nov.; and a blank power of attorney to be given to the person who accepted the job of agent for the Millers Run land (DLC:GW).
Friday 1st. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Southerly and pretty fresh--clear and pleasant all day.
Employed as yesterday, running round the Lands of Manley and French.
Geo. Washington and his wife returned home in the Evening.
Received 50 Bushels of Buck Wheat from Colo. Leven Powell of Loudoun.
Leven (Levin) Powell (1737--1810), a Loudoun County merchant, was a major in the Virginia militia 1775--76 and a lieutenant colonel of the 16th Regiment of the Continental line 1777--78. Powell served as a Virginia delegate in the late 1780s and early 1790s as well as a United States congressman 1799--1801. For a discussion of GW's experiments with buckwheat, see the entry for 2 Aug. 1762.
Saturday 2d. Mercury at 35 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 45 at Night.
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Wind at No. West very early in the Morning--after which it turned calm and then came out pretty brisk from Southward.
Finished running round the Fields of Manleys and French's and rid afterwards to Dogue run and Muddy hole plantations.
Measured at the latter 19 Barrls. of long Corn & 6 of Short which with the 42 Measured there on Thursday last makes 67 out of that cut and 201 Barrls. in all made at the Plantation this year.
Sunday 3d. Mercury at 38 in the morning--46 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Clear and very pleasant in the Morning with a light air from the Westward. Continued fine till towds. evening when the Sky looked gloomy in the horizon of the Suns setting and a great circle appeared round the Moon at Night.
At home all day alone.
Monday 4th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Began to Snow an hour or two before day, and continued steadily at it quite through it--by Night it was about 6 Inches deep--the Wind at No. East.
No stirring out to day. Doctr. Craik who had been sent for to a laying in Woman at the river Plantation came here after dark and stayed all Night.
Tuesday 5th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 31 at Night.
Morning clear and cold. Wind (which had blown all Night) continued hard at No. West till near Sun down when it lulled, but rose again after dark.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. I remained at home all day writing.
Wednesday 6th. Mercury at 16 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 31 at Night.
Morning calm and foggy--Wind Southerly afterwards, and towards evening rather brisk. River froze quite across in the Morning, but broke before Noon by the Wind; and by Night the Ice remained on the flats only.
Writing in the forenoon prevented my riding out to day also.
Major Washington measured 41½ barrls. of Corn at Dogue run to day.
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Thursday 7th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Wind Southerly all day and Weather lowering. In the afternoon it began to rain slowly, & continued to do so I believe through the Night.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations--also to the Mill, & to the Ditchers--Grubbing at the first place and beating out & cleaning, for house use, Corn at the latter. Gathering in, and husking this at Dogue run.
The Wheat made, and disposition of it at the Ferry is as follow
Acct. of Rye made at the same place and disposition of it.
At Muddy hole 2 Stacks of Rye of equal size with three remaining have been got out, and disposed of as follows
Friday 8th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Wind Southerly all day & with the rain that fell last Night, and at intervals to day occasioned much Water in and on the Earth. Towds. Night a mixture of snow and fine hail began (from the No. West) & continued through the night.
Rid to where the Ditchers were at work and to the Ferry Plantation.
Saturday 9th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--26 at Noon and 26 at Night.
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A sharp hail, and hard wind all day from the No. West--very cold & disagreeable.
Received the Accts. of Wheat sown at Dogue run--159 Bushels.
Sunday 10th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--31 at Noon and 24 at Night.
Wind fresh all day from the No. Wt. & Cold. The clouds dispersed in the Night--Morning & day clear excepting a few flying Clouds and freezing hard.
Monday 11th. Mercury at 14 in the Morning--26 at Noon and 24 at Night.
Wind at No. West all day and Cold--very little, or no thawing though clear. The River was entirely closed this Morning and the Ice so hard as not to be opened or broke by the Wind or tide.
At home all day.
My Ditchers not being able to level & thereby to carry on the Ditch they were about I shifted them to the Wood on the hither side Muddy hole branch wch. had been levelled by my Farmer.
In the Afternoon a Mr. Anstey (Commissioner from England for ascertaining the claims of the refugees) with a Mr. Woodorf (supposed to be his Secretary) came in and stayed all Night.
John Anstey (d. 1819), the son of Christopher Anstey (1724--1805) and Ann Calvert Anstey of Bath, Eng., was a barrister of Lincoln's Inn and a commissioner for auditing public accounts, as well as a poet who used the pseudonym John Surrebutter. In 1785 Anstey was made a member of the Commission for Enquiring into the Losses, Services, and Claims of the American Loyalists. After stopping at Mount Vernon, Anstey left for Charleston, eventually touring much of America before returning to England in Sept. 1788 to render a final report on the Loyalists' claims (George William Fairfax to GW, 25 Jan. 1786, and GW to Edmund Randolph, 12 Dec. 1786, DLC:GW).
Tuesday 12th. Mercury at 13 in the Morning--28 at Noon and 26 at Night.
Wind Southerly, but cold not withstanding with great appearances every now and then through the day of Snow. At other times the Sun seemed to prevail.
Mr. Anstey & his companion going away about 11 Oclock I rid to the Ditchers and to Dogue run Plantation, also to Muddy hole--little doing at either.
Geo. Washington went to the Ferry Plantation & Measured the corn which was drilled. In the small piece by the fish house, containing rather under 2 acres, the yield was 9 Barrls. 1 bushl. & an half and in the other piece adjoining the Meadow containing 16¼ acres the yield was 29 Barrls. It is to be observed of both; that they
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were late planted, which was apparently of considerable disadvantage to them and of the latter, that it was of the Eastern rare ripe Corn which had yielded so unproductively both at Muddy hole & in the Neck.
RARE RIPE CORN: any early ripening variety. GW sent a shipment of rare-ripe seed corn to William Pearce 27 July 1794, saying, "it will be fine for the wet grounds which cannot be planted early, next Spring" (DLC:GW).
Wednesday 13th. Mercury at 27 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 35 at Night.
Wind Southerly--air temperate but heavily charged with Snow or rain all the forenoon. In the afternoon it began to rain and continued to do so pretty steadily through the greater part of the Night. It cleared however before day.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations and to the Ditchers. At the first the People had begun to gather Corn in the cut on the Hill. At Dogue run the hands were also employed in gathering & husking of Corn. At Muddy hole a yard was clearing out to tread Rye.
Thursday 14th. Mercury at 37 in the Morning--59 at Noon and 49 at Night.
Clear, calm, warm, and exceedingly pleasant over head--but wet under foot occasioned by the Thaw. Towards night the river began to open by the breaking of the Ice.
Rid to the Neck, and all the other Plantations; and to the Ditchers. At Muddy hole the hands were employed in threshing Wheat--at all the others gathering Corn as usual.
Doctr. La Moyeur came in just as we were going to dinner.
Friday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Morning a little Rainy, it having begun to fall (though not fast or much) sometime in the Night. Before Noon it ceased Ruing. and the evening became clear with the Wind (tho' not fresh) at North West.
Mr. Bushrod Washington, his Wife and Miss Polly Blackburne came here whilst we were at Dinner.
The River in the Ferry way became entirely free from Ice this Morning, and my Boat & hands which had been froze up on the Maryland side since Saturday last returned.
At home all day.
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Saturday 16th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning--47 at Noon and 41 at Night.
Last Nights frost pretty hard. Day clear, calm, and pleasant for the Season--thawing after the Sun got up a little.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, dogue run and Muddy hole--Gathering and husking corn at the two first--Treading out a Stack of Rye at the latter.
Received the following acct. of the Corn measured in the Neck by Jno. Fairfax, to day--viz. 42 Barrels from the riverside cut which makes the whole crop stand thus at that Plantation
The Oats made at, and recd. from that Plantation this year are
The Wheat sowed here this year, is--
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Sunday 17th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Perfectly calm all day--lowering with great appearances of Snow or rain till the afternoon when the clouds broke and the Sun set Clear.
In the afternoon a Mr. Brown Son of Mr. Jno. Brown of Providence came in and stayed all Night.
John Brown (1736--1803), of Providence, R.I., the son of James and Hope Power Brown, was one of Rhode Island's leading merchants. The voyage of John Brown's ship the General Washington in 1787 marked the beginning of the Rhode Island trade with the East Indies and China. James Brown (1761--1834) was John and Sarah Brown's eldest son, and the only one to survive to manhood. This younger Brown attended Rhode Island College, now Brown University, but graduated in 1780 from Harvard.
Monday 18th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Clear, warm, and perfectly calm & pleasant all day.
George Washington went up to town on my business.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry--Dogue run and Muddy hole--Gathering & husking Corn at the two first & cleaning Rye at the latter.
Rid also to the place where James Lawson ought to have been at Work, but he was not there. Patrick Sheriden his companion, was discharged on friday evening last.
Doctr. Craik who had visited Negroe Ben in the Neck came here last Night.
Ben, a dower slave and laborer at River Farm, was about 57 years old.
Tuesday 19th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Quite calm all day, with slow rain, which contributed much to the dissolution of the Snow.
At home all day.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
Killed 41 Hogs from the different Plantations--weights as follow
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Wednesday 20th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 36 at Night.
A little Snow fell in the night scarcely half an inch thick. Weather cleared in the Night. Day fair, and tolerably [warm] for the Season tho' the wind was pretty fresh from the No. West.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and Wife & Miss Blackburn went up to Alexandria after breakfast as did Doctr. La Moyeur. George Washington went up there also on my business; after having measured the remaindr. of the Corn at the Ferry plantation on the Hill, which with 6 Barrels brought home, and four given to the Hogs
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run & Muddy hole. James Lawson the Ditcher not at Work to day nor has he been seen since Sunday.
Killed the following Hogs to day
Thursday 21st. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 45 at Night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant. Afternoon it lowered--but seemed to clear up again towards night.
Mr. Brown went away after Breakfast.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Just finished securing the Corn at the Ferry which was measured yesterday--still gathering this at Dogue run and threshing at Muddy hole.
James Lawson (the Ditcher) returned to his work to day.
Bushrod Washington and his Wife returned from Alexandria to day--got in before dinner. Mr. Potts came soon after dinner and Mr. Richardson Stuart at Night.
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A plate from La Nouvelle Maison Rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Friday 22d. Mercury 34 at Morning--49 at Night [Noon] and 46 at Night.
Morning Cloudy, but clear calm & pleasant afterwards--ground hard froze in the morning but thawed afterwards where there was no Snow.
Rid to the Neck, Muddy hole, Dogue run & Ferry Plantations--getting Wheat into the Barn at the first--threshing it at the 2d. about finishing gathering Corn at the 3d. and cutting down Corn stalks for the Farm pen at the last.
Doctr. Craik for whom I had sent to visit the sick people in the Neck came across from there after Sun down.
Doctr. La Moyeur came in about the sametime from Alexandria.
My Farmer brought home for the purpose of Stall feeding 3 Steers from Dogue run--Viz. the two old draught Steers wch. went from the House, & one that was on the Wheat field at Dogue run all last Winter & Spring--the latter to be slaughtered tomorrow.
Doctr. Craik who visited my Sick people in the Neck came here to night as did Doctr. La Moyeur.
Saturday 23d. Mercury at 49 in the Morning--39 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Morning very cloudy--about 8 Oclock began to rain and continued to do so, more or less, through the day--in the forepart of which it was Southerly. Afterwards it got to the Northward blew hard & turned very cold by night when there fell a mixture of snow and rain, and was exceedingly disagr[eeable].
Doctr. Craik went away after breakfast--Mr. Bushrod Washington & his wife were prevented doing it by the Weather.
I remained at home all day. Finished gathering & husking of Corn at Dogue run, yesterday; but the weather to day prevented the measuring & lofting it.
Ordered the Overseer at the Ferry and my Negroe Overseers, to kill of the Hogs up fatting, each as follow.
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Sunday 24th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 26 at Night. Wind very high from the No. West all day, & cold--also clear. Ground which was uncovered in places yesterday was slightly covered this Morning (not an Inch deep) and no thawing except on the Sun sides of Houses out of the Wind.
At home all day.
B. Washington & his wife left this.
Monday 25th. Mercury at 26 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Clear and pleasant with the Wind at South. River froze across in the Morning but open afterwards.
At home all day.
Miss Allan--Betcy, Patcy and Nelly Custis came here to dinner.
Tuesday 26th. Mercury at 29 in the Morning 48 at Noon and 36 at Night.
The Wind shifting last Night to the No. West, it grew colder but this day was pleasant notwithstanding and clear.
Doctr. La Moyeur went to Alexandria to day and Colo. Lee (late of Congress) came here to Dinner as did Mr. Lund Washington.
Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Quite calm and pleasant, with little or no wind, and that from the Southward--clear.
After Breakfast Colo. Lee set out for Richmond.
Mr. Lear returned from his journey into the Western Country about 4 Oclock to day having been absent 28 days.
Miss Allan returned to Abingdon to day and Doctr. La Moyeur came back from Alexandria.
At home all day.
Thursday 28th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Calm, clear, warm, and very pleasant all day; towards evening it began to lower a little in the So. Western horizon--A very white frost in the Morning.
At home all day.
Friday 29th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 51 at Night.
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Clear, calm, warm, and exceeding pleasant all day.
The hollidays being over, and the People all at work, I rid to the Ferry--Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations--also to the Ditchers (who were at Work). At the first Plantation cutting stalks and getting farm pen in order--at the next (Dogue run) measured the remainder of the Corn.
My whole Crop of Corn will stand
Mrs. Peake and Miss Eaglin dined here to day and returned afterwards.
Saturday 30th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 30 at Night.
An exceeding heavy close fog all day without Wind.
Staked out the fields at the Ferry Plantation to day, according to the late modification of them. Visited the Ditchers and rid to Dogue run where the People had just finished securing the corn measured yesterday and were going to grub a piece of ground for the Muddy hole plows to work on East of the Branch in Field No. 1. The Muddy hole hds. began to succour, or take the sprouts from the stumps in the New ground to prepare it for Hoeing for corn.
Killed the following Hogs
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Besides the above, there are 4 Hogs yet at the ferry Plantn. to Kill--from which the overseer [will receive] the Balle. due to him.
The Snow was mostly gone especially off Grass land. Wheat Fields still were partly covered.
Sunday 31st. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 55 at Night.
Clear and remarkably pleasant--Wind Southerly all day but not fresh.
At home all day.
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[Monday 1st.] Mercury at 55 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 58 at Night.
But little wind and that southerly--very warm. Morning foggey--flying vapour rather than a standing fog.
Went to the Plantation of Jno. Robinson to have his Stock of Horses & Cattle appraised to me. Colo. McCarty on my part and Mr. Lund Washington on his valued them--as follow
Cattle
For the payment of the Sum on the other side viz. £87 I passed my Certificate payable to Mrs. French.
Besides the above 20 bushls. of Wheat sowed on the Plantation, and putting it in, was valued by the aforementioned Gentlemen at 7/6 pr. Bushel; for [ ] Bushels I am to pay Thos. Pool.
It being wet where James Lawson was ditching, I ordered him to quit & go to that part where he had left off the [ ] of Decr. last & to continue that ditch up to the road by the bridge.
Began to Plow in Field No. 1 at Dogue run to day 4 plows for Barley &ca. & to prepare the fencing for field No. 4. at the same place.
Also begun with the Muddy hole people to Hoe the ground on the right of the road (going out) at the Home House for Corn.
Colo. McCarty and Mr. Lund Washington came home with me to dinner. Found the wife of the latter & Colo. White and a Mr. West the two last of whom stayed all Night. The rest went away in the evening.
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JNO. ROBINSON: John Robertson. HORSES & CATTLE APPRAISED TO ME: GW's agreement with Robertson on 24 Oct. 1786 had specified that GW would buy Robertson's horses and cattle at an appraised price and pay the sum to Mrs. French. Robertson in turn would be exonerated from part of the rent owed to her (DLC:GW). THOS. POOL: GW may mean Peter Pool, who had relinquished his tenant house to Robertson (see entry for 24 Oct. 1786). Both Thomas and Peter Pool appear in the 1785 Virginia tax census in the same Fairfax County tax list (HEADs OF FAMILIES, VA., 85). GW's opinion of the Pool family, which in 1794 was living on land near his mill, was that "a more worthless set are no where to be found" (GW to William Pearce, 14 Dec. 1794, DLC:GW).
Anthony Walton White (1750--1803), of New Jersey, often called Walton White, was the son of Anthony and Elizabeth Morris White, daughter of Gov. Lewis Morris of New Jersey. White was privately educated and before the Revolution assisted his father in the management of the family's considerable estates. During the Revolution he served as a lieutenant colonel and colonel in various New Jersey regiments. From 1788 to 1793 White resided in New York and attempted to recoup his finances, depleted by wartime expenditures and unsuccessful business ventures, through applications for a government post (White to GW, 1 May and 22 Sept. 1789, DLC:GW). In 1793 he returned to New Jersey.
Tuesday 2d. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 59 at Night.
A Moist, vapoury morning but clear till afternoon when it lowered & looked much like rain. The ground quite uncovered and the frost entirely out of it.
Colo. Walton White and Mr. West went away before breakfast. I rid to the Ferry--Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations. Set the Muddy hole Ploughs 3 to work, to prepare a small piece of ground East of the Branch in field No. 1 for Barley & grass Seeds.
Wednesday 3d. Mercury at 53 in the Morning--61 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Moist, warm, and giving all day; with little or no wind. At times it dripped a little of rain and at other times was foggy.
Rid to Alexandria to a meeting of the board of Directors of the Potomack Co. Did the business which occasioned the Meeting. Dined at Lomax's & returned home in the evening.
Dug the 10 Rows of Carrots wch. I had sowed between the Rows of drilled Corn at Muddy hole Plantation which turned out as follow--viz.--the first and most Northerly row yielded 3 Bushls. and the next to this 2½ Bushels--the other 8 were measured together and amounted to 14 Bushels--The tops ends and fibres being first taken from the whole. It is to be noted, that these Carrots came up exceedingly thin, whether owing to the Seeds being burried too
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deep, or to any other cause is not certain--They were even much thinner than the Potatoes in the same field--That the two rows first named were transplanted, the tip ends of the Roots being first taken off; which, or some thing else occasioned them to fork, & branch improperly--that the first of these rows i.e. the one which produced 3 bushels had no sprinkling of dung at the time of Planting--the second (yielding 21½ bushels) had and so alternately though the whole ten rows. The 8 rows not transplanted produced very fair Carrots the medium size of which might be [ ] inches in length and [ ] in circumference about midway the length of them. The greater part of these Carrots too grew in more indifferent land apparently than the Potatoes did tho part of the latter being low was drowned. Notwithstanding this I think there were more plants upon the whole of Potatoes than Carrots in the rows. Hence it appears that in the same kind of Land the latter yields more bushels to the acre than the former--for of Potatoes, 4 rows nearly of the same length as those with Carrots, produced only 6¾ Bush. and the best set one of the 4, two and a ¼ Bushels. The average of which is not quite a bushel and three pecks Whereas the average of the 10 rows of Carrots is nearly 2 Bushels--which of these is most valuable by the Bushel--in feeding or for any farm uses must be determined by experience or the accounts of others. One great advantage seems to attend Carrots and that is that they may remain without any detriment in the ground till this time for those now spoken off appear to have received no damage during the last severe frost. How much longer they woud. have remained unhurt in the ground I can not say.
Thursday 4th. Mercury at 57 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 64 at Night.
Exceedingly pleasant all day, being clear, calm and warm. Ground much dried. About dusk the wind sprung up from the South west and blew very fresh till near day.
Rid to the Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations and to the Ditchers--also to Frenchs. At the last 3 Men had begun to get rails--at the Ferry the People were grubbing and cleaning up the Swamp below the Meadow and at Dogue run I set them to filling up gullies where the Plows were at work.
Friday 5th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--51 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Day clear. In the Morning it was calm but by 8 oclock the wind Sprung up at No. Wt. & encreased till it came to blow hard & continued
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to do so till Night and some time within it. It grew colder but was not disagreeably cold.
A Mr. Smith--Boat builder came here to build me a fishing Boat for which I am to allow him 8/. a foot and a pint of rum pr. day.
Rid to the Plantations, all. In the Neck began with 8 plows to plow the cut which had been in drilled Corn next the Barn--crossing the old farrows at this plowing.
MR. SMITH: On 17 Mar. GW settled his account with Simon Smith "for buildg. & repai[rin]g boats" (LEDGER B, 242).
Saturday 6th. Mercury at 35 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 45 at Night.
The wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward--weather tolerably clear & pleasant--ground not froze.
Brought [ ] Bullocks from the Mill Meadow to Stall feed.
At home all day.
Mrs. Stuart, Miss Allan, and the two youngest Children of the former came here just before dinner.
The Muddy hole Plows finished plowing the ground they were in at Dogue run and began to plow No. 2 at home.
Purchased, and had brought home from Alexandria 10 Bushels of red Clover Seed--a bushel of which was weighed 68½ lbs.
Sunday 7th. Mercury 32 at Morn 46 at Noon and 43 at Night. Wind Southerly and pretty brisk all day--clear and warm.
At home.
Monday 8th. Mercury at 45 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Heavy & lowering all day & sometimes sprinkling. Abt. 4 Oclock it set in to a fine & constant rain which continued through the Night. But little Wind all day & tht. southerly till the evening whn. it got to the No. Et.
Rid to all the Plantations. Finished cleaning and grubbing the New Meadow at the Ferry. Old Will & the Women at Fren[ch's] were grubbing and clearing away for the Plows in the field (No. 1) on the Road. At Dogue run they were plowing & filling gullies--In the Neck clearing the ground from Corn Stalks before the Plows and the Muddy hole people employed as usual in the New ground front of the home house.
OLD WILL: Will was one of the 24 slaves belonging to Mrs. French who were leased to GW along with the land (deed of Penelope French to GW, Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 392--96, Vi Microfilm).
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Tuesday 9th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--39 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Wet Morning with the Wind tho' light at No. Et. Cloudy and Mizzling all day.
Two Millwrights who came to my Mill yesterday began to work to day on a new Cog wheel to the grist Mill.
Kept within doors by the badness of the weather.
Took an acct. of my grass seeds on hand--which are as follows
NB--The above Clover Seed at 10 lbs. to the Acre will sow 98½ acr.--at 12 lbs., 82 acres--at 14 lb. 70 lbs.--& at 16 lbs. the largest quantity bestowed on an acre. 61½ acres.
The Orchard grass at a bus. to the acre will sow 20 acres.
The Timothy Seed at a quart to the Acre will sow 528 acres at 3 pints 352 acres and at 2 Quarts to the Acre, 264 acres.
At home all day.
TWO MILLWRIGHTS: Some time in late March or early April of this year these two artisans were paid a total of £12 12s. by GW "for repairs done my mill" (LEDGER B, 245).
New River grass is probably not a variety; GW often used localities as a means of designating plants for which he had no other name. The New River joins the Gauley to form the Kanawha, an affluent of the Ohio, and GW may have collected the grass seed on his western trip of 1784. In the entry for 14 May 1788 he says it appears to be a "course kind of grass."
Wedneday 10th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 37 at Night.
Raining in the Morning, and lowering, & sometimes mizzling the rest of the day with the wind at No. Et.
Mrs. Stuart & her Children and Miss Allan went away after breakfast.
Just before Dinner Mr. Brindley Manager of the Susquehanna Works & his Son in law came on their way to South Carolina.
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Washington's "beloved Brother," John Augustine Washington. (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M., Alexandria, Va.)
About the sametime I recd. by express the acct. of the sudden death (by a fit of the Gout in the head) of my beloved Brother Colo. Jno. Auge. Washington.
At home all day.
Thursday 11th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Cloudy all day with the Wind at No. East. The greatest part of the day it was spitting Snow, but so thin and lighty, as never to whiten the ground.
Sent Mr. Lear to Alexandria to receive money and do other business for me.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's and Dogue run and to the Ditchers. At the first the labourers had begun to grub & clean up the 19 acre field on the hill part of No. 1.
Friday 12th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning--27 at Noon and 22 at Night.
Wind at No. Wt. with flying clouds and very cold.
At home all day, writing letters, & doing other matters previous to Majr. Geo. Washingtons setting of for New Kent for which place he set out after dinner, in order to receive & bring up some Negroes which his Wife's Father Colo. Bassett had given him.
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A notation in the Mount Vernon store book for this date says that the white workers are to have a bottle of rum per day "on acct. of the Cyder's being out" (ViMtV).
Saturday 13th. Mercury at 17 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind at No. West in the Morning but at South East in the Evening--forenoon clear, but lowering afterwards but not very much--rather raw and cold.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, and Dogue Run & Muddy hole Plantations; also to the Mill & the Ditchers--Nothing remarkable at any of them.
About 8 Oclock in the evening Doctr. Stuart on his return from the General Assembly at Richmond & Mr. Anstey came in.
Sunday 14th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--51 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Day clear and pleasant the Wind being Southerly.
Doctr. Stuart stayed and dined as did Mr. Anstey after which both went away--the 1st. to his own home and the other to Alexandria.
At home all day.
Monday 15th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Rain last Night with the wind fresh from the So. Wt. which continued so through the day. Very lowering all day & now and then a sprinkling with rain but not enough to drive people from work. The Sun set clear and the Western horison indicated fair weather.
Rid to all the Plantations & to the Ditchers. In the Neck set the best plowman (Nat) to marking field No. 3 into 5 feet rows for Corn, Potatoes, Pease &ca. and finding the plowing in No. 2 wet & heavy I directed the plows to list after Nat every alternate row as soon as he had got sufficiently ahead and in the meantime while No. 2 (which was in Corn last year) remained so wet to endeavour to plow the New field about to be taken in for Corn next year. Plowing and other work going on as usual at the other places. Began to Maul Rails for French's & to fit up two plows for plowing there.
James Lawson just finished the Ditch through the Woods from the Road to the fence where the Dutchman began & began below Manleys Ho[use] opposite to work up till he meets the Dutchman.
Ascertained how many of the following Sorts of Seeds there are
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in a lb. Troy--The weight of a bushel of each & how much an acre will take of each sort to sow it.
See table on next page.
Tuesday 16th. Mercury at 35 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 52 at Night.
The forenoon a little lowering, but the afternoon clear and remarkably pleasant--little or no Wind all day.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run and Muddy hole--also to the Ditchers. The same kind of work going on as usual at all of them.
On my return home found Mr. Porter and Mr. Ingraham here, who dined and stayed all night.
Nathaniel Ingraham was a business partner of Thomas Porter of Alexandria.
Wednesday 17th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Clear, with the Wind very brisk all day from the So. West--moderate but not very warm.
At home all day. Just as we had dined Messrs. Richd. & Theodk. Lee came in, and after Sundown Colo. Carrington from Congress, and Major Swan from Boston arrived, all of whom stayed the Night.
Maj. James Swan (1754--1830), who was twice wounded at Bunker Hill, subsequently held several civil offices in Massachusetts during the Revolution. In 1785, at the request of Henry Knox, GW wrote Swan letters of introduction for a trip by Swan to France where he developed a career in commerce and international finance (GW to Knox, 28 Feb. 1785, MHi: Knox Papers; PRICE [2], 2:834--37).
Thursday 18th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 47 at Night.
The Morning was exceedingly pleasant & perfectly calm. The Wind afterwards rose in the So. Wt. quarter & shifted to the westward. The ground was froze this Morning tho' not very deep.
All the Gentlemen (messrs. Porter & Ingraham who had stayed two Nights with the others) went away after Breakfast.
I rid to all the Plantations. The plows began on Tuesday to break up the New field for Corn in the Neck on Tuesday last. Worked there yesterday and would do so to day also; after which, as the ground they had left, appeared to be a good deal dried by yesterdays Wind I directed them to return to it to morrow, Finished except two lands which were left untouched, plowing the
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Lay land at Dogue run, and began to list the field (alternate rows) intended for Corn at that place and began plowing with 2 plows at French's for Oats & Barley. Set another (makg. 3 plows) to work at the Ferry Plantation to day. The Muddy hole people went from the New ground in front of the Ho[me] Ho[use] to the Plantation to work, to grub & clear the stumps & bushes before the Plows at that place.
Friday 19th. Mercury at 27 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 27 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, with appearances of a change of Weather. About Noon it was calm, clear, and very pleast, but towards sundown the wind Sprung up again at No. Et.--the clouds gathered fast, and indicated rain speedily.
Went to French's and marked of the fields (as they are to be divided in future) by stakes.
Saturday 20th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning 45 at Noon and 43 at Night.
About 8 Oclock in the evening of yesterday it began a slow, & very moderate rain which continued it is supposed through the Night. In the morning it was very heavy with great appearances of a repetition of rain but none fell. Towards noon the Sun shone & the afternoon was clear & very pleasant. Wind at So. Et. all day but not much of it.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, & Muddy hole plantations--as also to the Ditchers and to the Mill. Employed as yesterday at all of them.
Mr. Lund Washington dined here.
Sunday 21st. Mercury at 37 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 42 at Night.
A very heavy thick fog till 10 Oclock--Cloudy & lowering Most part of the day afterwds. though the sun made feeble efforts to shine. Evening clr.--but little wind and that at No. Et.
Major Swan (of Boston) & Mr. Hunter of Alexandria came here to dinner & stayed all nig[ht].
Monday 22d. Mercury at 37 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Wind still at No. Et. Morning very heavy, which, about 10 Oclock turned to a thick mist and in the Afternoon to rain.
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Major Swan & Mr. Hunter set off for Fredericksburgh before Breakfast.
At home all day.
Tuesday 23d. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Heavy & thick--always misting & sometimes raining. A good deal of the latter fell in the night. Wind--tho' not much of it at No. Et.
At home alone all day.
Wednesday 24th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Raining more or less all day. In the Morning there were some appearances of the weather clearing, but it soon thickened and set in to raining, slowly till towards sundown, when the clouds again broke to the Westward. In the Night the wind blew fresh from the So. West & Continued to come from that quarter all day but very moderately.
At home all day.
Thursday 25th. Mercury at 35 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 39 at Night.
Lowering morning, with some appearances of the weathers breaking in the forenoon but it soon thickened again and before 3 began a fine snow which soon turned to rain which it continued to do thru the whole, or greater part of the Night. Wind at So. West.
Rid to the Ditchers & Mill and to the Ferry, French's Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations. At work as usual at the Ferry and Frenchs--at Dogue run repairing & altering the Meadow fence & filling up gullies before the Plows. The Muddy hole Hoe People had returned to the New ground in front of the house and were breaking it up as heretofore. They came to this work on Monday Morning.
On my return home found Mr. Madison here and after Dinner Mr. Griffith came in both of Whom stayed all night.
Friday 26th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night.
In the Morning early it rained--about 9 Oclock the weather seemed disposed to break but sooned thickened again and rained more or less from abt. Noon till Night when the weather again
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seemed inclined to clear. Wind tho' not much of it, was at So. Wt. in the Morning & more Westerly in the afternoon.
Mr. Madison & Mr. Griffith going away after breakfast (the former to attend Congress) I rid as yesterday to all the Plan[tation]s.
The Ditchers abt. Noon this day finished the level ditch as far as was intended on both sides the Swamp at French's Plantation and then began to dig a 4 feet ditch at top, & a foot (intending it for a dble. ditch) deep, on the dividing line between this & the Ferry Plantation immediately after.
Saturday 27th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 36 at Night.
A good deal of Rain falling in the Night, the ground was very wet; after 9 oclock it became clear with little or no Wind till towards Sundown, when it came out pretty brisk from the No. West.
Rid to all the Plantations and to the Ditchers whom I found had made a mistake and instead of working on the line dividing the Plantations were on one which divides the fields 2 & 3. Shifted them to the right place about 1 Oclock.
Sunday 28th. Mercury at 26 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Wind Westerly all day, and not much unlike Snow--Grd. froze in the Morning.
Colo. Henry Lee, his Lady, Miss Lee and Mr. Fendall came here to dinner--the last of whom went away afterwards (crossing the river for Maryland).
Miss Lee is undoubtedly Mrs. Matilda Lee's sister Flora Lee.
Monday 29th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind cold & raw from the So. West. About Sun rise it began to snow & continued to do so for 3 or 4 hours when it turned to rain, and rained thro' the day. The Wind was Southerly but raw & cold; ground hard frozen.
Rid in the Morning before breakfast to Muddy hole Plantation in order to set the Ditcher (Danl. Overdonck) to work, but the ground was so hard froze & the weather setting in so stormy he could not proceed and returned.
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Tuesday 30th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Foggy and warm with very little or no Wind the greater part of the day. In the evening it became clear.
Rid to the Ferry, & French's Plantation, and intended to have gone further but getting wet in passing a Mirey place at French's I returned home to get on dry cloaths.
Sent Danl. Overdonck to Muddy hole again who with a fellow Charles belonging to the place began a ditch 3 feet wide at top, one at bottom, and [ ] Inches deep.
Set the Plows to work again at French's where the women & boys had begun to fence.
Wednesday 31st. Mercury at 32 in the Morng.--48 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Wind at No. West and pretty fresh early in the Morning, but decreased as the Sun rose and became quite calm & a little lowering towards Night.
Accompanied by Colo. Lee I rode to the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations and also to my Mill & the Ditches. At Dogue run the Women were altering the Meadow fences and at Muddy hole finding the Ditch too small I ordered it to be made 4 feet wide. Being in a Sandy soil the ditching here was perfectly dry, but where James Lawson & Boston were ditching at French's in Clayey ground it was very wet and disagreeable.
Mr. Fendall returned from Maryld. to dinner.
[Thursday 1st.] Mercury at 32 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Wind (tho' not much of it) variable and weather lowering but with changeable appearances.
Mr. Fendall, Colo. Lee & his Lady, & Miss Lee went away after breakfast.
I rid to the Ferry & French's Plantations. At the first the women were cleaning up field No. 1 below the Hill.
Friday 2d. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Very cloudy most part or all the day. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and So. Wt. afterwards and cold and raw.
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Majr. G. Washington & Mr. Jno. Dandridge came here to dinner yesterday. Rid to all the Plantations to day and to the Ditchers. At the River Plantn. began to sow 3 pints of Timothy seed (mixed in a bushel of Ashes) to the Acre on Tuesday last, on the Snow--but it melted so fast that not more than 2 Acres were sown before the ground getting uncovered put a stop to the Sowing. Began at the same place to plow the Homestead for Barley or Oats, or both, as Seeds could be obtained. A horse failing at French's yesterday one of the plows was stopped about 12 Oclock.
Yesterday Morning the Dogue run (Men 3 of them) began to get rails to fence in the Largest piece of Tobo. ground at Frenches for Corn.
The Mill wrights finished the repairs at my Mill last Night.
John Dandridge (d. 1799) was the son of Martha Washington's brother Bartholomew Dandridge by his second wife, Mary Burbidge Dandridge. Young Dandridge lived in New Kent County where he practiced law.
Saturday 3d. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
About 8 Oclock in the evening of yesterday it began to Snow & continued to do so moderately thro the Night & till about 10 Oclock this day when after getting to be about 6 Inches deep it cleared. Wind, what little there was of it being Southerly the whole time.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's Dogue run and Muddy hole; also to the Mill and to the Ditchers.
Sunday 4th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 34 at Night.
In the Night; or early this Morning, the Wind shifted to the No. West blew very hard and turned cold.
At home all day. About two Oclock Doctr. Stuart came in.
Monday 5th. Mercury at 18 in the morning--30 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Ground very hard froze. Wind at So. Et.; raw & cold with great appearances of a change in the weather.
After breakfast Doctr. La Moyeur went up to Alexandria and Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Jno. Dandridge to Abingdon.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the Ferry the Overseer had begun to sow Timothy seed mixed with Sand in the Rye field on the Snow--but the Sand being too wet & clammy to do it regular I ordered him to desist
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till the Sand could be dried. Three gallons of Timothy Seed mixed with ashes was Sown on Rye in the Neck on Saturday--adjoining what was sown there on the last Snow. Heaping the dung in the Farm pens at Muddy hole.
THE OVERSEER: Hezekiah Fairfax.
Tuesday 6th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Last evening & Night being Soft no frost to day--little or no Wind. Clear and exceedingly pleasant. Snow tho' there was a good deal in the Morning had quite disappeared by Night.
Mr. Willm. Craik who came here to dinner yesterday went away after breakfast. I rid to all the Plantations and to Simpsons with my Nephew G. A. Washington to advise him (as he was going to settle a plantation there) abt. his fencing. Sowed [ ] gallons of Timothy Seed mixed in ashes on the Rye in the Neck. Began to put up a New fence through the wood at the Ferry plantation to day--The Dogue run people putting up the rails that wet mauled by them a round frenchs Tobacco grd.--French's People also fencing and getting New rails.
About Sun down Messrs. Bushrod & Corbin Washington came in on their return from Berkeley County.
SIMPSONS: a plantation in Clifton's Neck and part of GW's 1760 purchase from William Clifton. The land had originally been leased by Clifton to Gilbert Simpson, and after Simpson's death in 1773 the lease was inherited by his son Gilbert Simpson, Jr. In Nov. 1786 Simpson agreed to sell his lease to GW (agreement between Gilbert Simpson, Jr., and GW, 21 Nov. 1786, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 32 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night. About Sun rise it began to Snow and continued to do so, more or less all day.
Continued at home.
Thursday 8th. Mercury at 27 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind which had been at No. Et. all day yesterday still continued there. In the Night and early this Morning it Rained after which it hailed and then Snowed.
At home all day.
Friday 9th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 38 at Night.
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Clear, with the wind at No. Wt.; but neither hard, nor cold.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his Brother Corbin went away after breakfast and Geo. Washington went up to Alexandria. Doctr. La Moyeur left this but meeting with some accident to his Chaise returned again.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, & Muddy hole and to the Mill & Ditchers. At the first the people were cutting down Corn stalks--at the latter heaping the dung of the Farm yards and at the other two fencing.
In the evening Doctr. Craik returned with Majr. Washington.
Saturday 10th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Clear but raw and cold the Wind being pretty fresh all day from the So. Et. In the Night it blew very hard.
After breakfast Doctr. La Moyeur again set out & soon after Docter Craik went away.
I went into the Neck to run the outer lines of my land there bounded by Mr. Mason and Mr. Alexander and to ascertain lines for the fences of the Plantation let Major Geo. Washington.
Meeting with Mr. Edwd. Williams I bought his lease for 20 pds. and some other priviledges wch. I agreed to allow him.
BOUNDED BY MR. MASON: This land, consisting of four tracts totaling 676 acres, had formerly been owned by Col. George Mason. He had transferred it to his son Thomson Mason by deeds of 1781 and 1786 (Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 249--54). The younger Mason began building his home, Hollin Hall, on the property at about this time, and he and his wife, Sarah McCarty Chichester Mason, and their children moved into the new house in Dec. 1788 (COPELAND, 237--38).
PLANTATION LET MAJOR GEO. WASHINGTON: Although George Augustine Washington and his wife, Fanny, had made their home at Mount Vernon since their marriage, in a statement to George on 25 Oct. 1786 GW wrote that "to make that situation more stable and pleasing . . . it is my present intention to give you, at my death, my landed property in the neck; containing by estimation, between two and three thousand acres . . . And under this expectation and prospect, that you may, moreover, when it prefectly suits your inclination and convenience, be preparing for, and building thereon by degrees." GW stressed that he did not intend this as a hint for the young couple to prepare another home. "To point you to a settlement which you might make at leizure, and with convenience, was all I had in view. More than once I have informed you that in proportion as age and its concomitants encrease upon me, I shall stand in need of some person in whose industry and integrity I can confide, for assistance." GW added that "no other married couple could give, or probably would receive the same satisfaction by living in it [the Mount Vernon family] that you do" and that with George's help he would be able "to manage my concerns without having recourse to a Steward,
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which comports neither with my interest nor inclination to employ" (GW to George Augustine Washington, 25 Oct. 1786, WRITINGS, 29:28--31). Young Washington stayed on as manager at Mount Vernon until his death in 1793. It was he who managed the estate during GW's absence at the Constitutional Convention and during the early years of the presidency.
Edward Williams had a lease on some of William Clifton's land in the neck when GW purchased it in 1760 (see entry for 5 Dec. 1772). In 1782 Williams had 12 whites and no slaves in his household, and in 1785 he still had 10 whites (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 17, 86). In 1786 one Edward Williams was exempted by the Fairfax County court from paying any further taxes (SPROUSE [2], 2:15).
Sunday 11th. Mercury at 31 in the Morng.--33 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Began to rain at or before day and kept very steadily at it--sometimes hard, till abt. 2 Oclock when the Sun came out for a short duration--little or no Wind & that Southerly.
Monday 12th. Mercury at 86 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
The Sun rose clear, and the Morning was tolerably free from clouds but it soon over cast, and all the latter part of the day had great appearances of Snow or rain.
Rid to the Plantations at The Ferry, French's, Dogue run and Muddy hole--Plowing at the Ferry in the New Meadw. and at French's in field No. [ ] intended for Turnips Potatoes &ca. Field No. 5 in which they had been plowing for Oats & Barley being too wet. Three Plows from Muddy hole went to work at this place about Noon. Neither the Dogue run, nor Neck Plows were at Work to day.
Mr. Lear went to an Assembly at Alexandria to be held this evening and Mr. John Dandridge came from Abingdon here to Dinner.
Tuesday 13th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Moderate and pleasant with Sun and Clouds alternately--Wind Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations. Plows at Work--those of Muddy hole at work at Frenchs.
Ferry people came to work in the New ground front of the Mansion house on Friday the 9th.
Wednesday 14th. Mercury at 36 in the Morng.--36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
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Thick and heavy clouds in the Morning and wind at No. Et. About 8 Oclock A. M. it began to rain and kept steadily at it all day--at times raining very fast.
Rid immediately, after breakfast to French's Plantation to see a sick man and intended to have gone to others but was driven back by the rain.
Thursday 15th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Clear, wind at So. Wt. in the Morning which blew fresh by Noon--after which it came out at No. Wt. blew hard and turned cold.
Rid to the Plantations at The Ferry, French's Dogue run and Muddy hole--also to the Mill and ditchers--Plowing at all except Muddy hole--the plows of that being at Fr[enc]hs--where No. 5 being too wet they were plowing in No. 2--at the other two places, plowing the ground intended for Meadow.
Friday 16th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning 52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Very clear and pleasant in the Morning with little or no Wind. About 9 Oclock it Sprung up at No. Wt. and seemed inclined to blow hard--but before Noon it died away and came out afterwards at So. Wt.
Mr. Dandridge went away after an early breakfast and G. A. Washington set out for Berkley.
I rid to all the Plantations. Plowing at all except at Muddy hole the plows of wch. at Frenchs--In the Neck the men employed in getting Posts for railing. The Plows at that place had just got into the Orchard--the Women heaping dung.
Bath (a Negro Man from the Neck) joined the Dutch man Danl. Overdonck in ditching, yesterday.
Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington dined here to day.
Saturday 17th. Mercury at 32 in the Morng.--48 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Wind Southerly and warm all day. Towards night it lowered.
Went into the Neck to Mark some lines for fences. Finished this Evening plowing the orchard for Barley.
Received, before I had done a message acquainting me that Colo. Wadsworth and a Mr. Chaloner were here which brought me home.
Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743--1804), Of Hartford, Conn., was an active advocate of independence and for several years served as commissary general for
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Jeremiah Wadsworth. (New-York Historical Society)
the Continental Army. Of his service GW wrote: "I only wish his successor may feed the Army as well as he has done" (GW to Samuel Huntington, 24 Nov. 1779, DLC:GW). After the war Wadsworth became an active member of the Cincinnati. Now a member of the Continental Congress while also engaging in various business enterprises, he was visiting Mount Vernon to discuss his hopes for a new and stronger national government (PLATT, 199).
Mr. Chaloner was John Chaloner, formerly an assistant commissary of purchases during the Revolution, and now a partner in the Philadelphia firm of Chaloner and White. Chaloner had been the Philadelphia agent for John Barker Church and his wartime partner Jeremiah Wadsworth, and he was at this time engaged in settling the tangled business affairs of their now defunct company (HAMILTON [2], 3: 12, 432, n.1, 634, n.4).
Sunday 18th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Clear, Warm, and very pleasant all day, with very little wind. Towards dusk it began to lower again.
After dinner Colo. Wadsworth & Mr. Chaloner returned to Alexandria.
Monday 19th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 56 at N.
A very thick fog till nine or 10 Oclock when it dispelled, became clear & exceedingly pleasant.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck heaping dung with the
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Women ar[oun]d the Barn. Began after the Fog dispelled to plow for Oats in the Easternmost cut of drilled Corn (Timber landing field) intending to sow and harrow close at the heels of the Ploughs. At the other Plantations (Muddy hole plows at Frenchs) Plowing as before. The Muddy hole People finished hoeing thr. side of the New ground in front of the house.
Tuesday 20th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--35 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind in the Night sprung up at No. West and blew very hard all day and till within Night. Ground froze this Morn.
Went with Mrs. Washington to Mr. Fendalls to make a visit to Colo. and Mrs. Lee. Dined and returned home in the Evening. Found Doctr. Craik here.
Wednesday 21st. Mercury at 24 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Morning clear, but cold; ground hard froze--wind fresh all day from West.
Doctr. Craik went away before breakfast--after wch. I rode to Muddy hole and Neck Plantations. Began to Sow Oats at the latter in the ground which the Plows went into on Monday abt. Noon, & finished yesterdy. about dinner time. They were not more than half (at the East end) harrowed; in the way the plow went yesterday and this forenoon it was too hard to do it. Ordered it to be done this afternoon tho' the ground has not thawed much. Part of the ground about the place where the water had been drained from broke up in large flakes--whether because wet, or because the frost was in it when plowed yesterday I know not, but does not appear as if it would be made fine by harrowing & cross harrowing. The ground adjoining this (intended for Barley) which they were plowing to day, broke up in large flakes owing to the frost not being sufficiently out of it. Quaere will these large lumps or flakes crumble & fall to pieces by the sun & Rain when the frost is out?
Thursday 22d. Mercury at 30 in the morng.--55 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Day pleasant, with the Wind at South till the evening when it began to lower. The Wind had shifted to the No. Et. & the Moon & Stars looked dim.
Rid to Muddy hole Dogue run & Frenchs Plantation.
At the first about a fence on the New ditch which was begun
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yesterday. At the second, the Plows having done all they could in the newly inclosed Meadows for the Washes & wet places went over into the Mill Meadow & had begun to plow the Island where the hay stacks are (containing by stepping abt. 4 ¼ acres) which would be done today when they wd. get into the piece above East side the Mill race which was in Wheat last year and which by stepping contains about 5 ¾ acres. At the last, i.e. Frenchs Plantation the plows having finished plowing the Cut along the Road were beginning to plow the Corn ground next adjoining between that & Manleys old Houses but finding it too Wet to sow immediately with Oats and that by lying (as one plowing only was intended) it might get hard again before it was dry enough to sow I directed the Plows to continue there no longer than this day and to morrow to go into No. 1 and plow that part of it which was intended for Barley and which would receive before it was seeded two plowings. Staked off a ditch along the ferry road.
On my return home found Mr. Bryan Fairfax, his wife & daughter here.
Bryan Fairfax and his first wife, Elizabeth Cary Fairfax (1738--1788), had two daughters, the younger of whom, Elizabeth, appears here with her parents (KILMER, 39--42, 90--100).
Friday 23d. Mercury at 27 in the Morning--33 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind which shifted last Night to No. Et. brought Snow which by day break was abt. 2 Inches deep. It continued Snowing with the wind in the same quarter till 12 Oclock this day when the Sun appeared, tho it did not perfectly dear.
At home all day. In the Evening Mr. Griffith came in and stayed all night.
Saturday 24th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Cloudy, heavy morning--wind Southerly tho not fresh--Red horison at the Suns rising & lowering all day.
After breakfast Mr. Fairfax, his wife & daughter and Mr. Griffith went away.
I rode to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, Muddy hole. Plowing at Frenchs and Dogue run. Finished the Ditch at Muddy hole which divides fields No. 2 & 3. Would this afternoon finish plowing the other piece about 5 ¾ acres of Wheat Stubble on the East of the Mill race for Barley. This would have been done yesterday but there was no plowing any where.
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Looked at the Dogue run Wheat. That which was sowed on lay land seemed to be well set in the ground--the Roots but little turned out with the frost. The early sown wheat in the Corn ground also looked tolerably well; but in places the roots were turned out of the ground, and in spots was injured by Water lying, or remaining on them too long. The latter sown Wheat cut but a very indifferent appearance--little being to be seen & that which was, seemed (the Root) to be entirely thrown out, except on the highest parts of the ridges. What alterations, or whether any for the better will take place must be determined here-after.
Rev. David Griffith was going to Nomini Hall with a letter of introduction from GW to Robert Carter (24 Feb. 1787, PHi: Dreer Collection).
Sunday 25th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Dull heavy morning, with the Wind what little there is of it at No. Et. The Moon last Night had a dim circle round it--also a bur and the Stars when they did appear were dim also. About Noon it became quite calm--this afternoon was clear & exceedingly pleasant.
Monday 26th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Red Sky at Sunrising--Wind Southerly in the fore Noon and at East in the afternoon. Morning heavy and damp with great appearances of rain. About Noon the clouds broke and the Sun appeared after which it clouded and looked very much like rain.
Rid to all the Plantations--to the Mill, and to the Ditchers. In the Neck, the ground which had been sowed the 21st. instr. with Oats, and which (though I sent 15 bushels of seed for it) was sown with 12 (on about 8 acres) was this day cross harrowed with the light harrows--the part I mean which was not cross harrowed on Thursday last and sowed with quarts of Timothy seed previous to the last harrowing. Finished at the same place plowing in the Middle cut adjoining the Wheat, and went about 11 Oclock into field No. 9 to breaking up--The other People grubbing, cutting, & filling up Gullies in the same field. At Muddy (except the Plows, which were at French's) the People were making the New fence. At Dogue run the Plows began to Plow in the No. end of the field west of the Mill race for Oats--all the other hands filling gullies before them the 2 Men who were Mauling. At Frenchs the Plows &ca. were employed as on Saturday. At the Ferry Caesar was beginning to lay out the list for Corn. The other two were plowing in
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the ground intended for the New Meadow. The Women were fencing.
Began to Ditch along the Ferry road from where the New fence East of the Plantation comes to it towards the Mill--The Dutchman, Charles Bath & Cupid employed abt. it.
G. A. Washington returned this Evening from Berkeley.
Tuesday 27th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning early, cloudy, with the Wind Southerly. Before Noon it became clear--warm, and very pleasant, after which the wind came out at No. Wt. blew pretty fresh turned cloudy, & grew colder, but not disagreeably so, or likely to freeze.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenches, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Set the Plows at the first to crossing the Winter fallow, in order to sow Oats. The Plows and hands at the other Plantations, all working as yesterday.
Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning clear--ground not froze--Wind westerly, but not very fresh. Afterwards it shifted more to the No. West and blew hard but did not freeze.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck began to cross the Plowing in the homestead (orchard inclosure) in order to sow Oats; but the grd. in places having been tolerably well turfed, and stiff and not having had time since the plowing thereof for the grass to rot the last furrows were only cut in two, and remained exceedingly rough. Finding this would not answer I ordered the Plows to discontinue crossing and a heavy harrow to go over the ground the way the Ploughs run last to see if that, and harrowing after the Seed was sown, & cross harrowing, would be sufficient for the Oats. Began to cross the So. Et. quarter of the plowing at the ferry, to prepare it for Oats; intending to Sow the No. Et. quarter without crossing. At French's finished plowing all the ground between the Wheat and the Creek about 10 Oclock; and got into that pt. which was in Wheat last year immediately afterwards. At the Ferry spread some dung which had been carted out on the plowed ground which would be with in the New Meadow No. Wt. Corner of it.
On my return home, found young Doctr. Craik and his two Sisters Mariamne and Nancy here. The first returned after dinner--the girls remained.
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Thursday First. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Morning very pleasant with little or no wind--but it soon Sprung up at No. West and blew fresh and though it grew cooler was not cold.
Rid to all the Plantations. The operation of harrowing which was begun yesterday in the Neck was going on; but as it did not appear to me that it would prepare the ground sufficiently for Oats I desired my farmer to go over and give me his Sentiments thereon. Had the Posts, which were morticed at this place counted--of which there were 184 of the long kind, & 116 of the Short. The New fence at Muddy hole being at a st[an]d for want of rails--the old fence round field No. 2 was righted up to keep creatures out of it and the Women went to Threshing rye in the Barn. Began to Sow Oats at Dogue run where the plows had been preparing the ground. The parts that were wet & heavy I ordered to be harrowed before sowing, & to receive the same workings after it, as the other part should. Began to Sow Oats at the Ferry on that part of the field which had been cross plowed. Harrowed after sowing.
Began to spread Ashes on the poorest part of the Lawn, in front of the House. The first levelled, and sown part of it, was the part on which it was laid.
Ordered Robin from Dogue run & Paschal from French's to join James Lawson in the work of Ditching to morrow.
Observed the difference between plowing with a broad furrow and narrow ones and the propriety of a narrow one where one only is to be given, as now in the case of Oats. My Farmer in field No. 1, at Frenchs East side of it began with the Narrow furrow and the ground seen as fitting again for the Oats as that which had been before plowed with a broad furrow. Where the Land is to be a second and a third time plowed broad furrows answer better because it rids over more gr[oun]d.
PASCHAL: one of the slaves leased from Mrs. French.
[Friday] 2d. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning very clear and pleasant--ground a little frozen. About 8 Oclock the wind sprung up at No. Wt. & blew rather cool. Before Noon it died away and became warm and pleast.--after which
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it began to lower and towards Night looked very hazy & portentious of a change.
Rid into the Neck with my Compass to ascertain if practicable the outer boundary of My land (had of Clifton). Could not do it effectually but was inclined to think that the place fixed on below Simpsons house was nearly right and I run a straight line accordingly; and fixed Stakes for my fencing thereon as also between Colo. Mason & myself--leaving 20 odd feet for a road.
Began to sow Oats in the Neck to day of the kind had from Mr. Young as the first sowed there also was.
Ordered yesterday; every thing to be turned of the Wheat at all the Plantations--Those in the Neck to be put upon the Rye and those at Dogue run to be turned into the great Meadow.
Ms reads "Saturday." MR. YOUNG: may be either Notley Young (c.1736--1802), of Prince George's County, Md., one of the original proprietors of the Federal City, or the Mr. Young who rented Traveller's Rest in King George County from Col. Burgess Ball. William Deakins, Jr., of Georgetown in Jan. 1787 had contracted for 100 bushels of seed oats for GW from Notley Young, and, at about the same time, Alexander Spotswood had purchased for GW 150 bushels of oats from Mr. Young at Traveller's Rest (Deakins to GW, 31 Jan. 1787 and Spotswood to GW, 13 Jan. 1787, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 242).
Saturday 3d. Mercury at 31 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Very rainy Morning and till towards Noon--when it ceased, but no sun appeared all day. Wind, tho' very little of it, was at No. Et.
The Revd. Mr. Weems, and yg. Doctr. Craik who came here yesterday in the afternoon left this about Noon for Port Tobo.
Doctr. Stuart came here in the evening.
Mason Locke Weems (1759--1825), born in Anne Arundel County, Md., spent part of his youth in England, where in 1784 he was ordained a priest of the Anglican church, returning to Maryland to be rector (1784--89) of All Hallows Parish at South River in Anne Arundel County. Writing to GW in 1792 Weems recalled he had been "introduced to your Excellency by Doctor [James] Craik [Jr.] . . . some Years ago at M. Vernon" (6 July 1792, PHi: Gratz Collection). In 1785 Weems married Frances Ewell (1775--1843), a cousin of Dr. Craik and daughter of Col. Jesse Ewell of Bel Air, Prince William County, where the Weemses later made their home. Weems supported his wife and their ten children by traveling the east coast promoting and selling popular books, preaching in various sanctuaries (including Pohick Church), and writing moral essays and biographies of American heroes, including one of the earliest biographies of GW, which was published in 1800 (HAYDEN, 339; see WEEMS).
Sunday 4th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 42 at Night.
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In the Morning early it was pleasand with the Wind at So. Afterwards it shifted to the No. Wt. and became variable with appearances all the evening of Snow or rain.
Mr. William Fitzhugh (Son to the Colo.) came here before dinner.
Monday 5th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. West, but neither fresh nor cold. Cloudy all day with appears, of rain or Snow.
Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Fitzhugh went away after breakfast.
I rid to the Ferry, French's Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations. Began at French's to Sow Oats, & to harrow them in and at Dogue run to Cut & Maul rails with the two Jacks for the string of fencing through the Woods to inclose the Meadows.
The Rain which fell on friday Night and the forenoon of Saturday was more considerable than I had conceived by the wetness of the ground and other appearances.
The Ferry plows had desisted from putting in Oats but I ordered them to go at it this afternoon again.
James Lawson with his Party consisting of Boatswain Paschal & Robin just began on friday evening to ditch f[ro]m the Plank bridge towards the other Party but the Rain on Saturday prevented a full commencement of the work till this Morning--when in the two Parties 8 Ditchers were at work.
Whilst we were at dinnr. a Mr. Custis of the Eastern shr. came in--dined and stayed all Night.
MR. CUSTIS: Although Martha Washington had married a Custis before marrying GW, this "Mr. Custis of the Eastern sh[o]r[e]," where that family proliferated, may have come not on family business but to sell GW oats. Later this week GW paid for 125 bushels of oats bought "of an E[aster]n Shore man" (LEDGER B, 242).
Tuesday 6th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 48 at Night. Wind at No. West tho' not very fresh but raw and Cold; the Sun seldom appearing.
Rid to all the Plantations; No appearance of the first sowed Oats coming up in the Neck--Women, there, putting up a fence by Williams's house--at all the other places working as yesterday.
On my return home found Colo. Ball here and soon after dinner Mr. G. W. Lewis Son to Mr. Fielding Lewis of Frederick came in.
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G. W. LEWIS; George Warner Lewis, third child of Fielding Lewis, Jr., and Ann Alexander Lewis who were living in Frederick County (now in Clarke County) at this time.
Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 54 at Night.
Cloudy with the wind brisk at So. Et. in the Morning, and varying more westerly afterwards and blowing fresh all day--Clear after 8 Oclock.
Mr. G. W. Lewis went away after breakfast. Colo. Ball rid with me to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, & Muddy hole--Sowing Oats at the 3 first as also grass seeds--At the Ferry & Dogue Run of no other kind than Timothy, 3 pints, mixed with a bushel of Sand to the acre--at the other (French's) sowing Clover Orchd. Grass and Timothy mixed in the following proportions, 5 pints of Clover, one Gallon Orchd. grass, and 1 quart of Timothy Seeds Which is the allowance for an acre. More would be given of the Orchd. Grass but I had it not to afford. Plowed the last yrs. Wheat Stubble in field No. 1 and began abt. breakfast time to Plow the Corn in the back part of the field--West of the Wheat which was sown by Robinson. Began to thresh the Clover seed at Muddy hole yesterday--very tedious.
Thursday 8th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Grey Morning with some appearances of falling Weather--the wind however at No. West; about 9 Oclock it shifted to the No. East and blew raw and cold; before Noon it died away, and was very pleasant but towards evening it sprung up again at No. Et. and looked threatning again.
Colo. Ball went away immediately after breakfast.
I rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, removed from the Homestead, or orchard Inclosure where Oats were sowing, to the Middle cut of drilled Corn (plowed for that purpose) and began to sow Poland Oats with Orchard, & Timothy grass Seeds--a gallon of the first, and a quart of the latter to the Acre. Finished sowing the Corn grd. at frenchs below the Tobo. grd. in which the house stands; both with Oats and grass Seeds. Of the first it took 20 bushels of the sort had from Mr. Young--of the latter abt. [ ] lbs. of Clover [ ] gallons of Orchd. grass, and [ ] quarts of Timothy Seed.
No appearance of the 1st. sowed Oats in the Neck coming up.
Finished the Ditch along the Ferry road, East of Muddy hole
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branch and began on the west side--Danl. Overdonck and the 3 with him at the Plank bridge and James Lawson with his 3 at the Forks of the Road--each party working towards each other. This was begun late in the afternoon of yesterday.
My Corn house, with Robinsons Corn in it at French's was burned down in the Night, either by carelessness or design. The latter seems most likely, but whom to suspect was not known.
POLAND OATS: producing on dry, warm lands a very large and plump grain (YOUNG, 79).
Friday 9th. Mercury at 36 in the Morng.--44 at Noon and 42 at Night.
A good deal of Rain fell last Night--wind at South all day. Abt. 9 Oclock it ceased raining; and about Noon the Sun came out, and it was very pleasant; but it clouded and lowered much after. wards.
At home all day.
Saturday 10th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 59 at Night.
A clear and pleasant Morning with the Wind at So. after wch. it shifted to the No. Wt. and blew fresh but not cold. Towards evening it became calm and exceeding pleasant. A violent [wind] in the Night with storms of rain.
Rid to all the Plantations. Found that much rain had fallen and that the sowing of Oats was stopped at every place on acct. of the wetness of the ground--but that the Plows at Dogue run were at work in that intended for them. In the Neck they were breaking up No. 9 for Corn--at the Ferry they were listing the Stoney field part of No. 1 for Do. and at Frenchs were breaking up No. 2 for Turnips, Pease &ca. At Muddy hole the Overseer and Women were threshing & getting out the clover Seed.
No appearances of the first Sowed Oats in the Neck coming up.
Sunday 11th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Calm, clear and remarkably pleasant all day till about Sun down when the wd. sprung up fresh from the So. Et. and the Sky became Muddy.
Doctr. Craik came here to dinner to day. Mrs. Jenifer came here to dinner yesterday.
Mrs. Jenifer is probably Sarah Craik Jenifer, Dr. Craik's daughter.
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Monday 12th. Mercury at 36 in the Morng.--60 at Noon and 58 at N.
Morning a little Cloudy with the wind at South--much the same all day. Towds. Night the wind freshened and in the Night blew a storm.
Rid to all the Plantations--Plowing, and Sowing Oats and grass Seeds at all except at Muddy hole--threshing clover Seed there.
No appearance of the first Sowed Oats rising yet.
Majr. Washington went up to town on my business.
Tuesday 13th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--68 at Noon and 64 at Night.
The Southerly Storm of last Night was very violent--blowing down some of my fencing and the tops of my Hay & wheat Stacks. Much rain also fell by which the ground was made very wet and the Runs filled with water. Till about 8 Oclock this morning it continued to rain fast after which it cleared with a fresh Southerly Wind which continued till afternoon when it shifted to the No. West and blew hard.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Dogue run Plantations. No sowing at any--Plows picking the driest spots to plow in. At the Ferry they were listing for Corn in Stoney field & at Frenchs breaking up field No. 2.
Wednesday 14th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 58 at Night.
Remarkably fine and pleasant all day with little or no wind.
Rid to all the Plantations--began to sow Oats as usual. The first sowed ones in the Neck were beginning to come up. At that place Nat finished on Monday last laying off field No. 3 for Corn. At Dogue run finished filling gullies & grubbing before the Plows in the long field West of the Mill race.
Thursday 15th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Clear and pleasant with [wind] at South. Towards sundown the horison looked a little thick in the West.
Went out with my Compass in order to Mark the ground at Muddy hole intended for experiments, into half Acre lotts, and two other places adjoining all on field No. 2--into 10 Acre lotts--Also to mark the lines which divide field No. 1 from No. 2 & 3 and the fields 6 & 7 at Dogue run.
Plowing and Sowing as usual. In the Neck the Middle cut in
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field No. 2 wd. be finished sowing this evening with 24 bushels of the Poland Oats; and 12 quarts of Timothy Seed--qty. about 17 Acres.
The Ditchers finished the ditch along the Ferry road this afternoon.
Friday 16th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Clear, warm, and very pleasant all day with but little Wind and that Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations, to the Mill and to the Ditchers. The last began to ditch on both sides the New Meadow at the ferry--Plowing and sowing as usual at all the other places.
Mrs. Jenifer and the two Miss Craiks went away yesterday and Mr. Porter who came here last Night left it before breakfast this Morning.
Mr. Griffith came in the evening and stayed all Night.
Saturday 17th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Morning tolerably clear but lowering all day afterwards and sometimes misting with the wind at No. Et.
Mr. Griffith went away after breakfast.
I rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's, and Ferry Plantations. At French's the Plows began yesterday after noon to plow in that cut of field No. 5 by Manleys houses. At the Ferry, in ground which had been sown with Oats on Wednesday last, I measured, by stepping, on the line formerly dividing this plantation from French's two Ac[re]s on the most Southerly of wch. I had sowed two bushels, and on the next, one bushel of Oats, in addition to what was in the ground before; and wch. was, as near as could be estimated, two bushels to ea. acre. These two, with the grd. on each side, were as nearly of an equallity as possibly could be in every respect; and perfectly level. It was done as an experiment to try what quantity of Seed was best for an Acre. The one and two bushels added, would give 3 on one Acre and 4 on the other. On the right & left of these the grd. would have only two Bushls. thereabouts to the acre. These two acres on acct. of harrowing in the additional Oats will have had one harrowing more than the other. In all other respects the management, as well as the soil, was precisely the same and will be a fair trial. The same experiment was this day made also in the Neck, in field No. 2; which had been sown & harrowed on thursday last, with abt. a bushel and
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half of Oats to the acre--the addition making 3 ½ and 2 ½ to the Acre. This ground likewise lyes perfectly level, and as near as possible of a quality. The acre which has 3 ½ bushls. is the most westerly of the two. These will also have had by means of the additional quantity of Seed, an additional harrowing. These two acres as well as those at the ferry are marked of by stakes--in order that they may be Cut and threshed separately at harvest.
Sunday 18th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 63 at Night.
A thick fog in the early part of the Morning and lowering till towards Noon--Clear afterwards till evening when the Sun set in a bank--Wind at So. Et. till Night when it appeared to be at So. West. The day was warm & pleasant. Wind fresh in the Night.
A Mr. Black from New York, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Porter, Mr. Monshur, Mr. Murray, & Mr. Clanagan of Alexandria dined here & returned in the Evening.
MR. BLACK: may be John Blagge, who sailed as a supercargo between New York and Alexandria. MR. CLANAGAN: probably John McClanaghan (McClenahan), who settled as a merchant in Alexandria and later married Ann (Nancy) McCarty, youngest daughter of Col. Daniel McCarty of Mount Air (O'BRIEN, 121, Fairfax County Deeds, Q-1, 226, Vi Microfilm).
Monday 19th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 63 at Night.
Morning lowering, and the Wind fresh from South. The same kind of Weather through the day, with drops of rain now and then.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations; and to the Ditchers. Plowing and Sowing Oats as usual at the 3 first and at all of them the first sowed Oats were coming up. The ground is in gd. order for plowing, but in some places where it had been plowed for some time it had become rather too closely settled by the rains wch. had fallen since, for the harrow to do as good work as were to be wished.
The early Wheat is beginning to spring fast, and looks as well as can be expected from the ground. The lay land Wheat, both at Dogue run & Muddy hole, looks promising, and stands sufficiently thick on the ground. The latter sowed Wheat at Dogue run begins to show something better; but is thin, and very backward, as the Rye at this place also is.
Set the Ditchers this Morning to continue the Ditch wch. runs
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through the New Meadow at the Ferry into Muddy hole branch and to cleanse the old ditch in the said New Meadow.
Tuesday 20th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 56 at Night.
A Very thick fog all the Morning--lowering afterwds, with but little Wind. A little rain last N.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run. Had the hands from the latter and Muddy hole brot. to Frenchs to put up the fence along the Road, that that by Grays house might be removed out of the way of the plows.
Mr. Martin Cockburn, for the purpose of taking the list of taxable property; and Mr. Potts & Mr. Roger West for the purpose of taking the privy examination of Fanny Washington came here--dined and returned in the afternoon.
Roger West (C. 1755--1801) was the only son of Col. John West of West Grove. He was a justice of the peace for Fairfax County c. 1787--99, and represented Fairfax County in the House of Delegates from 1788 to 1789, 1791--92, and 1797--99.
PRIVY EXAMINATION: When real property in which a married woman had a right was to be sold, a privy (i.e., private) examination of the woman, made by at least two justices of the peace, was provided for by law in order to determine whether or not her agreement to the sale was by her own free will. This examination, made by John Potts, Jr., and Roger West of the Fairfax County court, may relate to a piece of land sold by Fanny and her husband George Augustine Washington, the sale of which was entered into the Spotsylvania County court on 3 April 1787 (CROZIER [2], 405).
Wednesday 21st. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 60 at Night.
Heavy, lowering Morning; with but little wind from the So. Et. Calm all day with Clouds and Sun shine alternately through the whole of it. When the Sun was out, it was very warm--Vegetation advancing very quick. The grass had come on surprisingly & the blossoms of the early fruits were putting forth as were the leaves of the early trees, and the buds of all.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck the Oats in the Homestead or Orchard Inclosure would be all in by noon except just the Orchard part of it--that is the part on which the Trees grow. And the Plows finished breaking field No. 9 except the small Neck next the wood which they entered upon about breakfast time. At Dogue run the plows by dinner time would have finished breaking up the field West of the Mill race except two or 3 wet spots, wch., together would not amount to an Acre. At Frenchs the
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field No. 1 would be finished this Evening, except abt. 5 Acres designed for Barley which had been plowed and a small slipe adjoining the Wheat, which by mistake the plowing was omitted. This, the Barley ground, and the ground in Wheat, may together, make about 15 acres, wch. will leave about 40 Acres that are sowed in Oats.
The Oats every where, according to the time they were sowed are coming up very well and to appearance sufficiently thick.
In the field No. 1, at Frenchs, which according to the above estimation contains 40 acrs. in Oats 87 Bushels of them were sowed therein, and the following grass--mixed together--viz. 26 gallons and i Quart of Red Clover Seed (of that had from Alexandria) 42 gallns. of Orchard grass seeds, and 9 ½ gallons of Timothy Seed.
Directed the Toll (1/8th.) to be taken from 10 Bushels of Corn and the residue to be ground at my Mill and the quantity of Meal it yielded to be reported to me-wch, is as follow--viz.--
So that there will be more meal when bolted in Measure than there is of the Corn before the Toll is taken from it. [ ] And [ ]
It appeared by another trial that a peck of unbolted Meal midlingly heaped will yield more than a peck of Meal when bolted or sifted.
Thursday 22d. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 44 at N.
Clear all day, with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. Towards Night and in the Night, it encreased; and grew colder.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, & Dogue run. Began to sow Oats in Field No. 5 at Frenchs--in the West cut East side thereof with the Oats from George Town (the common kind). At Dogue run the Plows would finish breaking up field No. 1 as follow--the land next the lay wht. quite across the field from the Meadow fence to the Swamp being untouched either in the fall or Winter and which was now coming up very thick with the White clover principally was turned for the first time. The land next to this was untouched having been flush plowed in the fall. The 3d. land was in grass the same as the first and plowed in like manner. The 4th land had been plowed in the fall in half furrows, by my farmers directions--that is, a furrow was turned upon an
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equal breadth of unbroke ground quite through the land and was then, that is the unbroke part, split and turned with the plow.
My ditchers having cleansed the ditch in the Middle of the New Meadow returned to the side ditches again.
WHITE CLOVER: Trifolium repens, white clover or sometimes white Dutch clover.
Friday 23d. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--46 at Noon And 38 at N.
The Wind shifted from the Southward to the No. West in the Night and blew violently hard, which it continued to do all day turning cold & very disagreeable.
Rid to all the Plantations. Finished about 9 Oclock breaking up all the ground in field No. 9 in the Neck.
The Muddy hole force all at French's putting up the fence along the road as all the Dogue run hands were except the plowers --One of which was cross plowing a piece of ground (abt. an acre) in the Meadow, to receive 3 bushels of Oats sent me by Genl. Spotswood. Two were breaking up as much of the ground between the two Meadows (which they had been obliged to leave on acct. of the wet) as they now could do for water and the 4th was harrowing in Oats. At Frenchs the wind had blown down the fence between Fields No. 1 & 4. From this place Gray moved this day. At the Ferry all the Oats would be Sowed this day in field No. 2 the quantity 55 ½ Bushels Whereof 45 ½ bush. were of the Poland sort & 10 bushls. of those from Mr. Young's. The cross harrowing of these could not be given to day, as the wind blew too hard to sow the grass Seeds, which preceeded the 2d. harrowing.
Saturday 24th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Wind still violent at No. Wt.--ground frozen and so dried & baked with the Wind as not to be in condition for plowing or harrowing in the Morning. Ice almost through the day which was very cold for the season and exceedingly disagreeable.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, and Dogue run Plantations--The Plows at the first listg. of Field No. 3 below the hill. Attempted with the harrow to level and smooth the grd. intended for a New Meadow at this place--righted all the Fencing at Frenchs which had been blown down with the Wind--compleated the New Fence on the ditch by the road up to the plank bridge and as the ground could not be harrowed there, nor the unbroke ground plowed, the plows went to crossing that which had been plowed some time ago
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Two types of Virginia fences, drawn by Samuel Vaughan in his 1787 journal. (Collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan)
in the east cut of the same field No. 5 West part. The Harrow being also stopped at Dogue run all the plows united and finished breaking up the grd. between the two Meadws. adjoining the Overseers Ho[use] except the lowest part thereof where the water drains.
A Captn. Rice came here in the evening with Mr. Lear who went up to Alexandria to day.
Captain Rice of the brig Polly, recently arrived in Alexandria from the West Indies, was preparing to sail for New England ports ( Va. Journal, 8 Mar. 1787).
Sunday 25th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 49 at Night.
Very severe frost last Night--More Ice than yesterday morning--Wind still at No. West but not so fresh as yesterday and weather clear.
Mr. Snow from Alexandria came down and dined and returned in the Afternoon with Captn. Rice--immediately after which a Mr. Martin--an English Gentleman came in and a few minutes afterwards Mr. Arthur Lee, both of whom stayed all Night.
Arthur Lee had been appointed to the Board of Treasury in 1785; he served until the new government went into effect.
Monday 26th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--58 at Noon And 54 at Night.
Morning clear and pleasant Wind Southerly but not much of it.
At home all day. The English Gentleman went away after breakfast and Mr. Lee after
Colo. Gilpin--Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart and Betcy & Patcy Custis came here to Dinner. The first went away after it.
Finished sowing Oats in the Neck on Saturday last, in the Homestead, or Orchard Inclosure; Which took 57 bushels; Whereof 15
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bushels of the first sown were of those from Mr. Young, the others from the Eastern shore which had been culled from the wild garlick. Had the harrows brot. from hence. The light double ones were carried to French's and the heavy one to Dogue run. Plowed the last years Turnip patch up at this place for Barley (about 5 Acres) on Saturday last and began to lay off field No. 9 for Corn.
At Dogue run about an acre was sown in my Meadow--part of which had been cowpened and part had had dung carried on it, with 3 Bushels of Oats sent me by General Spotswood and after harrowing these in, with abt. half a bushel of New River grass seeds. The ground in which these Oats were sown, had been plowed, cross-plowed, & twice harrowed before Sowing, and twice harrowed afterwards; once for the Oats, & once for the Seed. Removed the Ditchers into field No. 5 at French's to ditch for a fence. The Plows at this place were also removed into the West cut in the same field from whence they were taken when the ground was frozen but finding after trying some time that the ground had got very hard by the late drying & baking winds I shifted them back & continued cross plowing.
Tuesday 27th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 49 at Night.
Very smoky, and lowering all day with but little wind & that from the Southward.
Rid to the Ferry, French's Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the first began yesterday, & would finish to day, harrowing Timothy Seed on the Rye which had been omitted in the Fall; and on the Snow during winter. Ordered a part of it to be cross harrowed in order to raise more loose earth for the covering of it. Began at this place also to Harrow & others ways to prepare the New Meadow for the Sowing of Oats & grass Seeds in it. Sowing Oats and fencing at French's and threshing Clover Seed at Muddy hole.
Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart and the two girls went home after dinner.
Had a descriptive list taken of all my Horses and Cattle in the Neck today.
Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 54 at Night.
A heavy fog in the Morning--a pretty brisk shower of Rain for about an hour at Noon and clear warm and pleasant Afternoon.
Rid into the Neck and was [prevented] from going to the other
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places by the Rain. The cold winds and frost last Week had turned the Oats yellow and in some places had bitten the blades. Rid over my Wheat at this place and found it more indifferent than I expected--indeed scarce any on the ground, especially in the cut on the River; and the whole so weedy that I do not expect it will be worth reaping. Examined the clover also on this place, in field No. [ ] and found this likewise very thin and indifferent, except at the point where it had been sown with flax. Whether the goodness of this was owing to the ground being stronger--better prepared--or by being sown with the flax--I know not; but the difference was very apparent. The clover was also much better where the Mud had been spread last Spring, than it was any where else except at the point; & the white Clover was coming up very thick on it. In the other parts of the field the Clover was not only very thin but looked weak and sickly. Began to set the posts and rails for a ditch fence on the line between Mr. Mason & myself in the Neck and began to list, or rather to renew the listing, in field No. 3 at this place.
Thursday 29th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--56 at Noon And 50 at Night.
Raining before day with the Wind fresh and cold from the No. West. About 8 Oclock it began to Snow, and continued to do so by intervals till 11 or 12 but not enough at any time to cover the ground. The afternn. was clear and tolerably pleasant the wind what remained of it having shifted round to the So. West.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first, finding the harrow to make tolerable good Work in the New Meadow I directed it to continue on, till the ground, with the assistance of the hoes in the places which had been unbroke, were the wettest & most grassy--should be properly prepared for sowing the Oats, and grass seeds. The Ditchers would have finished the side ditches to this Meadow to day and were ordered to open a ditch between the fields No. 2 & 3 at Frenchs. The rain having put the ground about Manleys old House in better order for plowing the Plows, after the rain Let up proceeded to finish this part of field No. 5. At Dogue run the Sowing of Oats &ca. going on as usual--At Muddy hole the clover seed was all threshed out, but not cleaned. Ordered 50 bushels of dung to be carried upon the half acre squares of No. 2 & 4 (counting from the ditch fence) and on that part adjoining the Wheat, in order to sow Oats thereon.
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Friday 30th. Mercury at 39 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 44 at Night.
A Frost this Morning, notwithstanding the Wind appeared to have been Southwardly all Night. Abt. 8 oclock, or Sooner the wd. shifted to No. Wt.--blew fresh--turned cold & spit Snow. Towards the afternoon it veered round more to the Southward again, but continued cool.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's, and the Ferry. The dung ordered to be spread yesterday at the first having been laid on, the cross plowing of the ground was set about. The Square No. 2, the South half of it, was very Sandy, and did not require a 2d. plowing, but that all might have equal culture, this and the other half, as well as the square No. 4, was plowed; this last was much stiffer soil than No. 2 and the North end a good deal stiffer than the South half of it--Cutting down Corn Stalks at Dogue run with the Women. Finished about Noon, Plowing that part of field No. 5 at Frenches round Manleys old houses, & went to cross plowing again in the other part of the same field from whence they had shifted--Preparing the New Meadow with the Hoes & Harrows at the Ferry.
Mrs. Lund Washington & Captn. Walter Brooke dined here.
Saturday 31st. Mercury at 34 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 54 at N.
The ground was frozen this Morning. The Wind however had got Southerly and the day except flying clouds was for the most part clear. The evening was warm and pleasant.
Rid to all the plantations. In the Neck 105 Pannels of Post and rail fencing which was begun there on Wednesday was compleated--Plows listing & women threshing. At Muddy hole, the Clover seed being cleaned, measured 3 bushls. and 3 quarts--Sowed the Squares No. 2 & 4 at this place with Oats in the following manner--viz.--the East half of No. 2 with half a Bushel of Oats from George Town and the west half with a Bushel of the Poland Oats--The east half of No. 4 with half bushel of the Poland Oats and the West half with a bushel of the George Town Oats. The objects, and design of this experiment, was to ascertn. 3 things--1st. which of these two kinds of Oats were best the George Town (which was a good kind of the common Oat) --2d. Whether 2 or 4 bushels to the Acre was best and 3d. the difference between ground dunged at the rate of 5 load, or 200 bushels to the Acre and ground undunged. It is to be observed however that though these two squares appears to be of equal quality, or rather strength
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yet the So. half of each, which had no dung was the lightest and much the greater mixture of Sand in them. Brought another of the Muddy hole plows home from French's, & set it to laying off the 20 acre cut designed (if Carrot Seed can be obtained) for Carrots, Potatoes, Peas, & Turnips between the Corn which will be drilled in Rows 10 feet a part. Women Threshing wheat at this place. Employed at Dogue run as yesterday. At Frenchs harrowing in the Oats about Manleys old houses--as also cross plowing the square next the Road in the other cut and about 2 Oclock began to cross plow about half of the other part next the water ditch, east end of it adjoining the Cabins. At the Ferry the west side of the New Meadow--above the Water ditch was compleated and Sowed both with Oats & Timothy Seed. The ground appeared to be in very good order by the frequent harrowings it had received.
Sunday. first. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Wind at No. West in the Morning and Southerly afterwards but not very fresh at any time of the day--Weather clear.
At home all day.
Mr. Hunter, Mr. Rumney, Mr. Porter, Doctr. Craik and a Captain Nixon dined here--all of whom except Mr. Hunter went away after it. In the evening, one Young who lives on Colo. Balls place, a Farmer, came here to see, he says, my drill plow & stayed all Night.
CAPTAIN NIXON: On 8 Mar. 1787 John Rumney's Alexandria firm advertised: "Just arrived, The ship Friendship, Capt. Wilson Nixon, from Whitehaven, with an assortment of European goods" ( Va. Journal). ONE YOUNG: possibly the Mr. Young living at Traveller's Rest in King George County. See entry for 2 Mar. 1787.
Monday 2d. Mercury at 37 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 47 at Night.
Morning Mild, calm, & smoaky till abt. 8 oclock when the wind came out at No. Wt. and blew fresh all day. Weather clear.
Mr. Hunter and Young went away before breakfast and after it I rid to Muddy-hole Dogue run--Frenchs and the Ferry Plantations. At the first began to sow Clover seed at the rate of 6 pints to the acre on the lay Wheat & Timothy; but the wind was so high that the Seed could only be sown at times when it lulled.
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This Seed was harrowed in, & where the ground was hard which was pretty generally the case, the harrow run two or 3 times in the same place; this tore out of the ground some of the Wheat & Timothy; but not in the proportion it was supposed the rest would be benifitted by the Working. Ordered a pretty heavy roller to follow the harrow to Morrow, & to keep close to it afterwards in order to press the loose earth round the roots of the Wheat, and more effectually to cover the clover seed. The work at Dogue run--Frenchs & Ferry going on as on Saturday. Ordered 2 Carts in the Neck to carry dung on the last years Turnps. and to be immediately spread that it might receive 2d. plowing for Barley.
Tuesday. 3d. Mercury at 38 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Ground froze, and Ice half an Inch thick with a small, white frost. Morning tho' cool, pleasant, being calm and clear.
Scarcely a Morning since the high wind the 23d. of March that has not produced frost in a greater or less degree.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck finished listing field No. 3. Ordered the Plows to do the same in field No. 9 with 3 furrows only the others having 5 furrows. Sowing Clover & harrowing and rolling it on the lay wheat at Muddy hole. Finished Sowing the long field, West of the Mill race, at Dogue run with Oats and Timothy Seed; of the first it took [ ] bushels and of the latter [ ] quarts. The quantity of ground may be about 75 Acres. At French's began to Sow Barley.
Began to Fish to day.
Brought the Ditchers to the home house to finish the New road and to compleat the sunk fence in front of the Lawn. Ordered Cupid from the Ferry to return home.
Wednesday. 4th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind Southerly, and weather clear, & very warm all day and appearances of dry weather.
Rid to the Fishing Landing and to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Finished harrowing in all the Oats that were sown in field No. 5 at Frenchs. To sow this field it took 117½ Bushels. The quantity of Land sowed with them is about 40 Acres. The Plows after having cross plowed the grd. for Barley in this field went to breaking up No. 2. but I ordered the 3 belonging to Dogue run to return home at Night
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and leave the two belonging to the Plantation to continue this work. At Dogue run, The upper piece which was in Wheat, in the Meadow, East of the race, was sowed with Oats from Mattawoman, [ ] bushls, and Timothy [ ] Quarts. Finished sowing, harrowing, and Rolling the Clover which had been sown on the lay wheat at Muddy hole--to do which it took 60 pints of Seed--the ground ten acres.
Thursday. 5th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 76 at Night.
Wind Southerly in the Morning, variable afterwards, often times at No. Wt. and pretty fresh but clear and very warm all day--very smoaky and hazy with the Sun red and other indications of a drought.
Rid to the Fishing landing, and to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the first, sowing Oats and grass Seeds on the No. Et. Corner of the New Meadow. At Frenchs finished covering the Barley which was sown on ten acres in field No. 5--quantity 19 Bushels. This ground had been twice plowed and 4 times harrowed after the Barley was sown--as thus--first half the quantity of Seed sown and harrowed--then the other half sown and harrowed; both as the Plows run and then twice cross harrowed. N.B. the half sowings was to cause the ground to be more regularly sown. At Dogue run the Harrows began to Cover Oats in field No. 1 next the road & the Branch by Manleys; and the 3 plows were listing in Field No. 4. At Muddy hole began to Sow, harrow, & roll the Clover & orchard grass Seeds on the Rye by the Barn which I directed to be sown in the following proportion to the Acre--viz.--a gallon of orchard grass Seeds and Six pints of Clover Seed. N.B. all the Clover Seed Sown at this place was raised on it.
In the afternoon a Mr. Beall of Williamsburgh came in & stayed all Night.
Samuel Beall, of Williamsburg, was a merchant in the West Indies trade (KIDD, 58; MASON [1], 399, 462, 470).
Friday 6th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 45 at Night.
In the Night it turned cool and continued so all day with the Wind at No. East and appearances of rain in the forenn. but much less afterwards.
Mr. Beall went away after breakfast.
Rid to all the Plantations and to the Fishing landing at the
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Ferry. Listing, and laying off Corn at Muddy hole, the latter in the South part of field No. 2--the other every eighth row in the No. part for Carrotts. The grd. in field No. 1 at Dogue run preparing for, and sowing with Oats, works very fine and well with the Harrows. Rolling the Barley at Frenchs and Sowing Flax Seed and Clover in the grd. about the huts at that place, on the Et. side the partition fence between the two Plantations. Rolling the ground in the New meadw. at the Ferry, which had been sown with Oats & Timothy and preparing the wettest part of the rest.
Finished Sowing the Flax seed and Clover in the ground mentioned above, this afternoon. Of the first it took 9 bushls. and of the latter 44 Quarts. This Ground has been plowed, & cross plowed, and well harrowed; 3 or 4 times, as occasion required; and will be rolled to morrow--after the roller has passed over the Barley. The qty. abt. 6½ acres.
Sent the other Plow belonging to Muddy hole, home this evening, from French's.
Saturday 7th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 52 at Night.
Wind Easterly in the Morning & cool; but shifting afterwards more Southerly and dying away till the evening it grew warmer. The appearances of rain vanished.
Rid to the Fishing landing and the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At French's the rolling of the Barley, and the Flax seed & Oats would be compleated by Night and the grd. round the Barn which had been originally intended for Barley was sown upon the first plowing with Oats and grass seeds as the other parts of the field had been. The qty. of grd. being about 5 acres recd. 9 bushls. of Oats and [ ] gallns. of Orchard grass Seed, [ ] pints of red clover, and [ ] pints of Timothy. At Muddy hole plowed the 1st. & 3d. square for Barley; as I had done the 2d. & 4th. before for Oats. These two Squares were, that is the North half of them, manured each with 50 bushels of dung, precisely as those for Oats had been.
In my Botanical garden in the Section immediately adjoining to, & west of the Salt House I sowed first 3 rows of the Kentucke clover 15 inches a part and next to these 9 rows of the guinea grass in rows the same distance apart.
Colo. Henry Lee, and his Brother Mr. Richd. Lee came here to dinner and proceeded to Alexandria afterwards.
Sent up to day for my Nephews George & Lawe. Washington who came down whilst we were at Dinner.
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Sunday 8th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night.
Wind Southerly, and Morning a little lowering--About 11 Ock. it began to rain moderately, and continued to do so 15 or 20 Minutes when it ceased and cleared. About Sun down a slight cloud arose in the So. Wt. quarter from whence proceeded a pretty heavy shower for a few minutes which seemed to discharge a good deal of rain for the time.
Mrs. Stuart and her daughters Betcy & Patcy Custis came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
At home all day.
Monday 9th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Clear all day with the Wind variable from So. Wt. to No. Wt. and very high.
Mrs. Stuart went away after breakfast leaving Betcy and Patcy Custis.
At home all day.
Tuesday 10th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night.
Clear, calm, and warm all day. The appearances of fruit is very great from the innumerable blossoms with which every Tree is loaded.
Rid to all the Plantations, spreading as much dung as I could spare, & find time to carry out on the poorest part of the last years Turnip field in the Neck, I ordered it to be cross plowed for sowing Barley and Clover. The first sowed Oats at this place do not look well the blade appearing yellow and singed at the ends by the frost nor have they made much progress in their growth. At Muddy hole, Sowed the 1st. and 3d. half Acre squares (plowed friday last) with three kinds of Barley, in the following manner, viz.--Each being divided from No. to South in three exactly equal parts by which each part was half dunged as mentioned on friday--the Eastermost 1/3 of each was sowed with 8 qts. of the Barley had from Phila. (originally from Rhode Island) and which my Farmer thought very good. The middle third of each was sowed with the same quantity of the naked Barley--had from Colo. Henry Lee and the Westermost 1/3 with a Barley 8 Quarts also, sent me by Genl. Spotswood under the denomination of Bear and which in appearance was very much like the Rhode Island, or Philadelphia Barley just mentioned. This ground had been twice
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Plowed, and after the Seed had been sowed was harrowed & Cross harrowed. At Dogue run chopped, and made fine a piece of grd. in the meadow wch. had been plowed, in order to sow in drills the New River grass Seed. At French's finished Sowing the last Oats--viz. a slipe between the Wheat and road--with 2 Bushels together with grass Seeds in the mixture & proportion given to the other ground and began to Sow the same on the Wheat and to harrow it in.
Mrs. Fanny Washington was delivered of a boy this Morning.
Examined the Seed Potatoes which I had buried for preservation in my Garden--and found them all rotten. The Wet had got to them--whether from the nature of the Soil or improper mode of covering them (though the ground was ridged over them) I know not--but the mode does not appear to be efficacious.
Recd. from Mr. Jno. Lawson, Negro Neptune, on trial as a Brick layer.
Miss Sally Ramsay came down this evening with Mr. Lear, who went up to Alexandria on my business.
BEAR [BARLEY]: a kind of common barley, Hordeum vulgare, called "bere or big barley." After Spotswood had promised the seed, GW asked him 23 Jan. 1787 whether it was a spring or winter barley and at what time it should be sown (DLC:GW). DELIVERED OF A BOY: Fanny Washington's first child, George Fayette Washington, lived only two weeks (see entry for 25 April 1787). John Lawson (1754--1823), of Dumfries, had agreed to sell his newly acquired slave, Neptune, to GW. Upon the slave's arrival at Mount Vernon, GW wrote Lawson that Neptune, "although he does not profess to be a workman, yet as he has some little knowledge of Bricklaying, seems willing to learn, and is with a man who understands the business, I will keep him." Unfortunately, however, GW learned also that Neptune was unhappy at being sold so far from his wife. GW informed Lawson that he was "unwilling to hurt the feelings of anyone. I shall therefore if agreeable to you keep him a while to see if I can reconcile him to the separation (seeing her now and then) in which case I will purchase him, if not I will send him back." A short time later Neptune ran away and returned to Lawson's plantation. Lawson offered to hire him to GW by the month, an offer Neptune himself agreed to (Lawson to GW, 17 Mar., 2, 18, and 25 April 1787, and GW to Lawson, 10 April 1787, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 11th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night.
Calm, clear, and Warm all day--Wind, what little there was of it, Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, cross plowing, as directed, for Barley. At Muddy hole finished harrowing in grass Seeds on the Rye by the Barn--viz.--a bushel of clean red clover
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Seed, and 13 gallons of Orchard grass seed--qty. of Land abt. 13 acres. The Barley was sowed as directed; harrowed in, and compleated as mentioned yesterday. Ordered the 6th. half acre to be deep plowed for to receive the Jerusalem Artichoke plants. At Dogue run, began to Sow in drills, in the Meadow, by the Gate (the rows 18 Inches asunder) the new River grass, had from Colo. Chs. Carter, at least what remained of it. The Women at this place were hoeing the wet part of the grd. between the meadows which the plows could not touch. Ordered them as soon as this was done, to go to the Ferry, and Assist in getting the grd. in the New Meadow in order for Oats and Timothy. At Frenchs the Farmer was sowing grass Seeds on the Wheat & was harrowing & rolling it in. The qu[anti]ty to the acre the same as had been given to the Oat Land in the same field. The double harrows do this work better than the heavier single harrow by raising more mould wch. the roller presses down again benifitting both the grain wch. is growing and the Seed wch. is Sown.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE: Helianthus tuberosus, a potatolike tuber in the sunflower family. Roots for this first planting came from Benjamin Grymes, of Chotank, who sent him five bushels. GW thought this would be sufficient to plant one acre as an experiment. Thomas Jefferson told Tristram Dalton, 2 May 1817 (DLC: Jefferson Papers), that he found this crop better as a winter feed for cattle than carrots or potatoes, maintaining that it far exceeded the potato in output, and could remain in the ground throughout the winter without injury.
Thursday 12th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at N.
Clear and Warm, wind fresh all day from the Southward. The Sun set in a bank.
Rid to all the Plantatns. The Women from Dogue run had joined those at the Ferry and were working in the New Meadow--preparing it for Oats and Timothy. At French's, the Roller w[oul]d about got over the Wheat which had been sown with grass Seeds and harrowed. At Dogue run I set my Farmer to sowing grass Seeds--Viz. Orchard red Clover, and Timothy; in the proportion the grd. adjoining (in Oats) received--viz.--4 quarts of the first--3 of the 2d. and one of the latter on the lay Wheat. The ground in places being hard, I directed the harrow to go twice over it--the last, crossing the first. Finished yesterday, sowing in drills, the ground allotted, with the New river grass seeds. At Muddy hole directed the 6th. Square which was deep plowed yesterday, to be harrowed and cross harrowed, and then, with the
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Plow to be laid off into 4 feet Squares or chequers to receive the Jerusalem Artichoke. In the Neck, finished cross plowing the ground for Barley about Sundown yesterday.
Cut my Ram lambs at the several Quarters to day & at the home house.
Friday 13th. Mercury at 62 in the Morng.--74 at Noon and 74 at N.
A Fresh Southerly wind all day with some appearances of rain. Warm.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's and the Ferry--and to the Fishing Landing. At Muddy hole the artichokes were planted as directed yesterday but upon recollection the method does not seem to be proper, because the cross in which they were planted (being the bottom of the furrows) must be unbroke earth and the bed not so compendious and light as it might have been in a hill. In each of these checks or crosses, one Root, when it was large and looked well was put and two where they were small. None was cut, but this it seems might have been done, as with Potatoes--leaving an eye to each cutting. About 1½ bushels planted the Square, or half acre. Near half a bushel was left for replanting. At Dogue run, finished Sowing the Winter fallow by the Ferry road with Pold. Oats and grass Seeds. Of the first it took [ ] bushls. and of the latter [ ] gallons of Orchard grass, [ ] pints of Clover, and [ ] quarts of Timothy. From here the harrows went into the Meadow by the house began to cover Oats in the fork thereof wch. were sowed on the plowing the ground had received about the [ ] of [ ]. The ground in No. 1, by the road, by the harrowing in the Oats with the heavy harrow once; & sometimes where it was hard or grassy, twice, and the crossing, to put in the grass Seeds was got light, smooth, & in very good order. The Barley at this place was begun to be sowed on a second plowing of the ground by the Bars near the house in the Meadow this afternoon and the lay Wheat which had been harrowed, and cross harrowed got rolled this evening. Making the trunnel fence at French's in the line that divides this Plantation from the Ferry. The Barley here was perceived to be coming up thick and well. At the ferry, breaking, and rending as fine as the case would admit, the ground in the New Meadow--Sowed 7½ bushls. of Barley in the Turnip ground wch. had been plowed & cross plowed and harrowed it in with the dble. harrow.
Mr. Benja. Grymes (of the Eagles Nest) came here this Evening and Stayed all Night.
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TRUNNEL: treenail. The parts of the fence were fastened together with treenails, small wooden pegs. Benjamin Fitzhugh Grymes (died c. 1803), son of Benjamin Grymes of Smithfield and Elizabeth Fitzhugh Grymes of Eagle's Nest, in the Chotank area of King George County, had served as a lieutenant and later captain in the Revolution.
Saturday 14th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 68 at Night.
Cloudy in the Morning with a few drops of rain, but the Wind getting to No. Wt. it soon cleared, and blew pretty fresh all day. Towds. Night it grew cool.
Mr. Grymes went up to Alexandria after breakfast, returned to dinner, and crossed the river afterwards.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck Sowed on the Barley which was put in yesterday a bushel (lacking a quart) of the Clover seed which was saved at Muddy hole--harrowed and rolled it in. Began yesterday afternoon to make or rectify the fence around field No. 3. Directed the Plows which were laying off in field No. 9, to lay off what is east of the branch which runs through the field, 4 feet each way; that it may be planted with a single stalk of Corn in a hill. Rid over the rye at this place, and was surprised to see how much it had amended; the two Eastermost cuts (except in a few places which appeared to have been injured by the wet) looked very Promising, and nearly thick enough, and the Westermost cut in wch. hardly any was to be perceived all winter, and till very lately, discovered a good deal.
At Muddy hole laying off, & listing for Corn.
At Dogue run, besides sowing Oats as mentioned yesterday, and grass Seeds in the same proportion as in field No. 1, the Island (abt. 4 Acres) in the Mill meadow was cross plowing, and sowing with Barley. Rid over the rye at this place, which was exceedingly bad; in great part of the field not any; whe[ther] this was altogether owing to late sowing, or to that and harrowing the grd. too level when sowed, is questionable. The forward Wheat at this place where the ground is tolerably good, looks well; and the latter wheat seems to be coming on beyond expectation. The Cape Wheat is forwarder than the common wheat and has a broader blade. The spelts, black and common, look very indifferent[l]y.
At French's the Flax was coming up--Work here going on as yesterday.
At the Ferry the same.
THE SPELTS: Triticum spelta, a species of grain similar to wheat.
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Sunday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Clear, with the Wind fresh and Cool from the No. West all day.
Monday 16th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Morning Cold with the wind (tho not fresh) still at No. Wt. calm afterwards--frost.
Went up to Alexandria to the Election of Delegates to represent the County in General Assembly--when Colo. Mason and Doctr. Stuart were chosen.
Returned in the Evening, accompanied by Colo. Mason--his two Sons William and George--& his Son in Law Colo. Cooke.
Ordered my Overseers in the Neck, and at Muddy hole, to begin (with the drill plows) to plant Corn.
COLO. COOKE: John Travers Gook (Cooke). George Mason's son William Mason (1757--1818) had served as a captain in the militia during the Revolution. He lived at Mattawoman in Charles County, Md., part of a large estate which he inherited from his maternal grandmother, Sarah Edgar Eilbeck.
Tuesday 17th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Calm and very smoaky, but not warm. Towards night it seemed to lower and put on appearances of rain but cleared after dark again.
Colo. Mason and his Sons, & Colo. Cook, going away about 11 Oclock I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole--Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry. At the first they had begun to harrow the List and plant Corn with the drill plow--but the land having been thrown into a 3 furrow list and from being hard and dry not well broke, I ordered both to desist and to make the 3 furrows 5 that the ground might be better prepared.
At Dogue run the Island in the Mill Meadow had been sown with Barley and grass (Timothy only) and each harrowed in after the ground had been cross plowed. From hence the Plows went in to the other Meadow to cross plow the ground on the West side of it for Barley--beginning next the piece which had been sowed with the 3 bushels of Oats from Generl. Spotswoods. The ground in the fork, within this Meadow between the Meadow and Swamp was sown both with Oats & the mixture of Clover Orchd. grass & Timothy seed as usual & the harrowing of them in (on the first
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plowing) compleated. To do this it required [ ] bushels of Oats & grass seeds in proportion. From hence they went to the plowed ground between the upper and lower part of this Meadow.
At Frenchs; Fencing as usual.
At the Ferry; they were so near finishing chopping over, and compleating the ground in the New Meadow for Oats and Timothy, that I ordered the Dogue-run hands home. This tedeous job would be about compleated to morrow; though the ground would not be in such good order as were to be wished, as it was next to impossible to get the grassy clods wch. were hoed up, in the lowest part of it perfectly reduced. However, by the assistance of the harrows and roller, it will be laid tolerably smooth and fine; and dry.
Wednesday 18th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind at So. West in the forenoon and at No. Et. afterwards--Cloudy all the forenoon with slow rain; but not much more of it than would lay the dust. About 2 Oclock the Sun came out after which it clouded agn.
Mr. Jonathan Williams of Nantz--Nephew of Doctr. Franklins came here yesterday, dined, and returned to Alexandria in order to proceed on in the Stage for Richmond.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck; they finished fencing of field No. 3. and began to plant Corn with the drill plow on Monday afternoon in it, preceeded by two harrows a heavier and a lighter which were directed to go as often on the list as would make the ground fine. Ordered to day, a hand to follow the drill to cover any Corn that the small harrow at the tale of it should miss doing. These workings would put the Corn in very effectually and well.
At Muddy hole began to sow Carrot Seeds betwn. the rows intended for Corn. Rubbed the Seeds, so as to separate them well; then mixed a pint (thus prepared) in half a bushel of dry sand incorporating them well and sprinkling it along the list which was previously harrowed once, twice, or more, to render it sufficiently fine--lastly followed a light bush to cover the Seed. This method if it answers is expeditious but the plants if too thick will be to be thinned either by the hoe or with the hand. Ordered two plows from French's after they were done with the Barley at Dogue run to come to this place to assist in preparing the ground &ca.
At Dogue run; Sowing Barley, Oats, and grass Seeds in the
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home meadow as yesterday. Women putting up the New fence but ordered them to chop in Oats in the low parts wch. had been hoed, and where the Plows & harrows could not make good work.
At Frenchs; about the Fencing--The Barley and Flax at this place were up thick and well.
At the Ferry; finished all the work of the New Meadow--both the Oats and grass being Sowed--harrowed and rolled in.
In the Afternoon, Mr. Wil. Craik and his Sisters Jenifer & Nancy came in and stayed all Night.
Adjoining the rows of Guinea grass in my botanical gardn. (sowed the 7th. instt.) I sowed 12 rows more. Next to these, and compleating the Section are 19 rows of the Birding grass sent me by Mr. Sprigg of Annapolis.
Jonathan Williams (1750--1815), grandson of Benjamin Franklin's sister Anne, served in the Revolution as an American commercial agent in Nantes, France. In 1785 he returned to America and became a merchant in Philadelphia. Because of his interest and expertise in theoretical engineering he was appointed (1801) by Thomas Jefferson the first superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Thursday 19th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night.
The Wind shifting to No. Wt. in the Night it blew fresh and cold. This morning there was a small white frost and a black one wch. was so severe as to stop brick laying till the sun had removed the effect of it. The leaves of the clover in the lawn were quite stiff & there was Ice full half an inch thick. Before noon the Wind got to the Southward but blew moderately. The air nevertheless continued cool.
Mr. Craik and his Sisters went away after breakfast.
I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry and to the fishing landing.
At Muddy hole, finished sowing Carrot seed in drills--viz.--Every eighth row of exactly 20 acres of Corn; drilled in rows 5 feet a part. These were sowed in the manner, and in grd. prepared as mentioned yesterday, in two equal parts; The Northernmost of which was sowed with the large orange Garrot Seed (sent to me unaccompanied by a letter, or intimation from whom it came). The other half was sown with Garrot seed saved in my garden, and to be relied on. Of the first it took a quart, and about a gill to sow the Northern 10 Acres; of the latter it is presumed the same quantity sufficed--No. acct. of the qty. rendered. The 8th. square, or half acre which had been plowed the 11th. inst. for the Sweet
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Potatoes, was, the West half of it, hilled this day (by order yesterday) to plant, whilst the other half was to have been planted in drills 4 feet a part between the rows; and 8 inches between the cuttings or sets in the rows to try the difference; but the frost last night induced me to postpone this planting. Two plows, according to order, came to work here to day. Recommenced planting of Corn with the drill plow at this place, this afternoon. The harrow was ordered to preceed it once, or as many times as the ground, from the clodiness, or grasiness of it, should appear to need it, to prepare the ground for the drill.
At Dogue run, putting in Barley, Oats, and grass Seeds as yesterday. The Women were hoeing the low part between the two meadows--that is breaking the clods and pulverising the ground to fit it for the Seed. Sowed the remainder of the New river grass seeds in broad cast (yesterday just before the rain fell) adjoining that wch. had been sowed in drills the a 11th. inst. at this place.
At Frenchs, fencing on the ditch between fields No. 2 & 3, with trunnels.
At the Ferry, the plows had just finished listing the So. cut of field No. 1 below the hill and the Women were employed in making the trunnel fence on the ditch along the road.
A good many Herrings were caught last Night and this afternoon, at my fishery--but few this forenoon.
The field crop not previously annotated is Ipomea batatas, sweet potato.
Friday 20th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night.
Morning cold, with the Wind at No. West at which point it continued most part, if not all of the day. The fruit much injured with yesterdays frost--as it is to be feared that the grain, by this and the drought, also is--the Wheat appearing to turn yellow and the Oats in Week land to be dying; and neither, any more than the grass to grow.
Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck, the grd. being rather hard, and in places rough--two harrows could not prepare it sufficiently to keep the drill plow constantly at work. I therefore ordered the plowman who attended it to make good the work of covering the corn, which the little harrow at the tail of it might leave unfinished and this he is well able to do, because where the ground is difficult to prepare he can outgo the harrows, and here it is assistance is wanting. When the ground is light and the harrows prepare it sufficiently there is no
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Dr. Arthur Lee of Virginia, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
occasion of the hoe to follow. This supercedes the necessity of the special hand ordered for this Service on Wednesday last. Where the grd. is naturally light, or well pulverized the drill plow plants with great dispatch regularity and to good effect. Where it is rough and hard manual labour as in the common mode must be applied. Muddy hole-Cross plowed deep the east half of the 10th. half acre, or Square, for the purpose of sowing Carrots in Broadcast. Before plowing the Northern half of this piece was manured with 25 bushels of Dung and after plowing, it was harrowed, to be ready for sowing in the Morning. Finished laying off Corn ground at this place about breakfast time.
At Dogue run, Finished Sowing Oats, wch. compleated my seeding of this grain (except a little at the Mansion house with which to sow grass Seeds). The whole quantity of Oats Sowed at this Plantation amounts to 215 bushls. Whereof 59 were Poland, in field No. l; the rest were, 50 from York River, 52 from Mattawoming, 29 from Mr. Young's, 13½ from George Town, and 12 from the Eastern Shore. The quantity of Barley sowed here amounted to 22 Bushels. With the Oats and Barley which were sown in field No. 1, and the inclosure of the Meadow near the Overseers house, was sown 4 bushls. and a galln. of red clover Seed--5½ bushls. of Orchard grass Seeds and 1 bushl. and 3 Gal. of Timothy seed. The other Oats in the Mill Meadow, & long field
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adjoining, had only Timothy seed mixed--of which there was sown in them 3 bushels & 6 gallns.
At French's and the Ferry the People were putting up fences.
On my return home I found Mr. Arthur Lee, the Revd. Mr. West, Mr. McQuir, Mr. Porter and Mr. Triplet here--All of whom went away after dinner except Mr. Lee and Mr. Porter.
Rev. William West (c.1739--1791), originally of Fairfax County, was ordained an Anglican minister in 1761 in England. Upon his return to America he obtained a position in Maryland, for which GW recommended him as being "of a good Family," and "a neighbour of mine . . . one of those few of whom every body speaks well" (GW to Gov. Horatio Sharpe, 26 Mar. 1762, CSmH). In 1779 West became rector of St. Paul's Parish, Baltimore, and in 1790 he was chosen president of the convention of Maryland Episcopalian clergy (RIGHTMYER, 144, 218). West may have visited Mount Vernon in his capacity as the executor of the estate of his deceased brother Capt. John West, Jr., who had been a coexecutor with GW of the Colvill estate (see entry for 26 Feb. 1767; GW to John Rumney, 24 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW).
Saturday 21st. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind at No. Wt. all day, and at times fresh & cool. Towards Sundown the Wind increased, seemed to be getting to the Eastward--with appearances of Rain.
Mr. Porter going away before breakfast and Mr. Lee directly after it, I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry--and to the fishing landing.
At Muddy hole, in the ground which was cross plowed, & harrowed yesterday, (which did not make it very fine) I sowed 2½ pints of Carrot seeds; which weighed 1 lb. lacking an ounce, and which is at the rate of 4 lbs. to the acre, the qty. directed in Youngs Annals of Agriculture. Harrowed them in with a light bush. Half the Seed was mixed in half a bushel of Sand and sown and then the other half in the like quantity, and sown over it a second time, to spread them more regularly. These Seeds were a mixture of the large Orange, and others, & from my garden. The goodness uncertn.
At Dogue run directed a small spot of low ground, in the swamp, between the two Meadows, to be hoed up, and made fine on which to sow part of the Birding grass which was sent to me by Mr. Sprig; and which he wrote me delighted in low, moist land. Three plows were listing and a heavy harrow running after them, to see if the ground could, without a second plowing, be sufficiently pulverized to plant Corn in with the drill plow.
At Frenchs, and the Ferry, fencing as yesterday.
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No great hand made of fishing--few were caught in the forenoon of this day & only about 30,000 last Night.
Sunday 22d. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night.
Clear and cold, with the wind hard all day at No. Wt.--Ice of considerable thickness in the Morning.
Doctr. Craik returned here this forenoon from Maryland--Dined and proceeded afterwards to Alexandria.
At home all day.
Monday 23d. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] At Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind at No. Wt. all day, but not so cold as yesterday. Clear with every appearance of a continued drought, the atmosphere being very thick (smoaky) with a red looking Sun.
Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck began with James Lawson, Danl. Overdonck, Boatswain, Charles, Bath, Robin and Pascal to dig a ditch to the Post & rail fence erected on the line between Colo. Mason and me. The ditch to be 5 feet at top, 18 Inches at bottom, and two feet deep and to be faced with sod. Lawson, Boatswain, Robin & Paskall beginning at the So. and Danl., Charles, and Bath at the No. end--working towards each other. Drilling Corn going on but slow, because the harrows cannot prepare the ground fast enough for the Drill. Davy, and Ned, Ben, Essex & Robin; and two Women, began to put up the Posts and rails through the woods. Barley coming up at this place. Oats look very thin, and indifferently here, especially in some parts of the Orchard Inclosure. Cutting down Corn Stalks in field No. 2.
At Muddy hole. Planting Corn with the drill plow after the harrow--3 plows listing the intermediate rows, between the Corn. Overseer and Women cutting down Corn Stalks--Carting out dung on field No. 1.
At Morris's (that is Dogue run)--One plow is laying off--2 are listing and one Team harrowing, to prepare the lists for Corn. Sowed abt. a Quart of Birding grass (sent me by Mr. Sprigg) partly on the ground prepared on Saturday and partly on a little Spot near the Spring (which had been sown with Barley). The first was sown with Oats. Overseer & Womn. making up fences round the Mill Meadow.
At French's raising a trunnel fence on the ditch between fields No. 2 & 3 and a harrow employed in crossing the ground which
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was first plowed in the first. The Barley at this place is come up well, & looks well and the Oats tolerable, considering the dryness of the ground. The Flax also is up thick, and looks well.
At the Ferry 3 plows Are listing the other hands cutting down Corn Stalks.
But poor success in fishing to day.
Sowed in drills in the Inclosure behind the Stables (called the Vineyard) on the West side of it the Seeds of the honey locust. Part of these were sown on Saturday and part to day--part remains yet to be sown. The rows were about 15 Inches a part and the Seeds an inch or two a sunder in them.
Tuesday 24th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night.
Calm, clear, and very warm.
Rid to the Fishing landing and to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations.
Caught many fish at the first this evening.
At the Ferry, clearing the Wheat field of the Corn Stalks and listing as yesterday with g plows.
At French's still about the same fence & harrowing as yesterday.
At Dogue run, laying the worm of the New fence through the Woods. Sowed the remains of my Carrot Seed, between the rows intended for Corn, first ploughing the list a second time (as the first) and then harrowing it 4 times with the heavy harrow, after wch. the Seed (mixed in sand) was sown. The first row (west side next the huts) with a little Seed from Miss Balendine. The next (Carrot) rows, all to 50 yds. from the So. end, at which a stake is driven are of the early Car[ro]t and the others 6 in number besides the part are the large red Carrot. Directed a bush to be passed over the Seeds thus Sown. Of the last kind there was near a Quart Sown.
At Muddy hole, preparing for, & planting Corn with the drill, as yesterday--also cutting down Corn Stalks & Cartg. out Dung.
Majr. G. Washington's Child which had been sick since Sunday, & appearing to be very ill occasioned the sending for the Revd. Mr. Massey to Christen it who arriving about 5 Oclk. performed the Ceremony and stayed the evening.
Wednesday 25th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Morning lowering with the Wind--at times great appearances
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or rain, at other times the clouds looked thin and the Sun shone--but about half after five it began to rain, and continued to do so pretty fast and steadily for about half an hour preceeded by thunder & lightning which continued through the Rain frequent & sharp.
The Majors child dying betwn. 7 & 8 Oclock A.M. Mr. Massey stayed to bury it. About 10 Oclock Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart arrived & as were setting down to dinner Doctr. Craik came in from Maryland--all of whom went away after it.
A good many fish caught before the rain.
Thursday 26th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at N.
Cloudy and soft all day with appearances of more rain.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck the People were putting up the fence between fields No. 4 and No. 9--the last of which would be listed by Night when two plows would go to Crossing the list of No. 9 and the rest to preparing No. 3 for Corn by relisting the grd. that had got hard by laying. The harrows and drill plow working as usual. The Overseer & other Men putting up the Posts & rails through the Woods. The ditchers did about 2 rods each of the five foot ditch they began on Monday & sodded it.
At Muddy hole, the Corn Stalks would be cut down and piled this evening & the people would next be employed about the New ground in front of the Mansion house--In hoeing up the old list of last year wch. never was planted. The plows at work as usual.
At Dogue-run, the last sowed Barley, and the Clover wch. was first sown, were coming. The New river grass which was sown broad with Oats and that wch. was sown in drills was also coming up. Began here with 3 pair of dble. harrows and one single one to harrow Clover, orchard grass, & Timothy as a Mixture, & that part of the Wheat & rye which falls within field No. 1. The Women were raising & securing the fence about the Meadow near the Overseers House.
At French's Two plows were, as before, at Work at Muddy hole; & a harrow at Dogue Run. The Overseer, Women and boys grubbing & cleaning the sides of the Meadow by Manley's house.
At the Ferry, the 3 plows were listing, and the Women & other hands after having picked up & piled the Corn Stalks came to their side (South) of the New ground in front of the Mansion house.
Receiving an Express between 4 & 5 O'clock this afternoon informing me of the extreme illness of my Mother and Sister Lewis,
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I resolved to set out for Fredericksburgh by daylight in the Morning and spent the evening in writing some letters on business respecting the Meeting of the Cincinnati, to the Secretary General of the Society, Genl. Knox.
A Captn. McCannon came here this evening and got 40 Diplomas signed for the Delaware line.
FRENCH'S: The farm GW refers to as French's contained not only the land acquired from Mrs. French and the Dulanys but the smaller Manley tract which divided the two sections of the French land. The overseer of French's plantation was Will, one of the slaves GW had leased from Mrs. French (see entry for 8 Jan. 1787).
Mrs. Mary Washington had a cancer of the breast, but, despite her weakness and bad health, she lived until 25 Aug. 1789. CAPTN. MCCANNON: Capt. William McCammon served as a second lieutenant in the Flying Camp during the latter part of 1776.
Friday 27th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Northerly, cool, and pleasant all day.
About sun rise I commenced my Journey as intended. Bated at Dumfries, and reached Fredericksburgh before two Oclock and found both my Mother & Sister better than I expected--the latter out of danger as is supposed, but the extreme low State in wch. the former was left little hope of her recovery as she was exceedingly reduced and much debilitated by age and the disorder. Dined and lodged at my Sisters.
Saturday 28th. Dined at Mrs. Lewis's and Drank Tea at Judge Mercers; Genl. Weedon, Colo. Chs. Carter, Judge Mercer, and Mr. Jno. Lewis and his wife dined with me at my Sisters.
Of John Lewis's five wives, this wife is probably his third, Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Gabriel Jones of the Shenandoah Valley.
Sunday 29th. Dined at Colo. Charles Carters and drank Tea at Mr. John Lewis's.
Monday 30th. Set out about Sun rise on my return home. Halted at Dumfries, for about an hour where I breakfasted. Reached home about 6 Oclock in a sml. shower, which did not continue (and that not hard) for more than 15 Minutes.
On my return, recd. the following report of the Weather and business of the plantations--viz.--
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27th. In the morning the Wind was at No. Wt.--at Noon So. W. and at Night calm.
Many Fish caught to day--no demand for them.
At the Ferry, the plows were listing, and the People grubbing in the New ground. Drill plow sent for to begin Corn planting, preceeded by the harrow.
At French's, the People were grubbing and cleaning along the sides of the Meadow--two plows at Muddy hole and a harrow at Dogue run.
At Dogue run, The Women were hoeing the enclosed Tobacco ground for Corn--1 Plow listing, and 4 harrows putting in grass Seeds at the rate of [ ] gallns. of Orchard Grass, [ ] quarts of red Clover, and [ ] qts. of Timothy to the Acre on the Wheat and rye in field No. 1.
At Muddy hole, Planted half an acre of the Sweet Potatoes one half of which (containing 1240 hills) were in Hills, the other half was in rows 4 feet apart--The cuttings about 6 inches apart in the Rows; which were marked by the Plow. To plant the hills (with 2 or 3 cuttings in each) it took 1½ Bushl.; a bushl. of wch. was had from Marshalls Neg[roe]s, and the remaining half bushl. was of those brot. from York River. Those in drills (14 in number) took a bushel and a peck--the Bushel had from Marshalls People and the Peck fm. my old Negro fellow Jupiter.
Finished planting the Seed of the honey locust, began on the [ ] instt.
Breaking the remainder of the Turnip patch at the home house for Oats and grass Seeds.
28th. Wind at So. W. in the forenoon--So, afterwards till it grew calm.
Much fish caught and no demand for them; Salting them up.
At the Ferry commenced Corn planting with the drill plow; first running the harrow on the list, to smooth & pulverise the ground, 3, 4, and sometimes oftener, before the drill and this not enabling the small harrow at the end, to cover well, on acct. of the grassiness of the grd. particularly wire grass. A hand followed with a hoe to make the work good.
At French's the hands employed as yesterday.
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At Dogue Run, nearly so, except that a plow was re-listing for Parsnips which were intended to commence where the Carrots ended, and to occupy every 8th. Row in like manner as they did. Finished sowing Grass Seeds on the wheat and rye in field No. 1--quantity of which amounted to 32 gallons of Orchard grass; 12 gallons of red clover and [ ] gallons of Timothy Seed. This ground was harrowed and cross harrowed and the roller was following them. The grd. where the rye was and which had been harrowed in the fall was very hard, run together, and much baked.
At Muddy hole, finished planting Corn with the drill about 1 Oclock, and sent it to Dogue run. All the plows now, 6 in number went to compleating the intermediate lists. Hands at the New grd. in front of the H[ome] House.
In the Neck, 3 plows listing in Field No. 3--two harrows following them--and the drill plow following the Harrows. In field No. 9 two Plows were crossing to prepare for Plantg. Corn. Women staking and ridering fence of the said field.
PARSNIPS: Pastinaca sativa, attempted here as a field crop to produce livestock feed. In June, when GW was in Philadelphia to participate in the Constitutional Convention, he wrote manager George Augustine Washington that he was sorry to learn the parsnips and carrots were doing poorly (10 June 1787, DLC:GW). There are additional references to the parsnip in farm records of 1798.
29th. Wind at So.--& warm all day.
30th. A brisk Southerly Wind all day, with appearances of rain; some of which, abt. 6 oclock, fell for abt. 15 Minutes.
But few fish caught to day.
At the Ferry drilling Corn as on Saturday but run the harrow oftener--6 times at least, before the drill which made it do better work. One plow listing--the hands in the New grd.
At Frenchs, employed as on Saturday.
At Dogue run, The Harrows having finished puttg. in grass Seeds, the one from French's returned home, and those belonging to the place went to preparing by listing Corn grd. whilst the drill plow preceeded by the harrow began to plant. Women hoeing New ground. Roller going.
At Muddy hole, the Plows were breaking up the Corn field, and the other hands listing the New grd. at the home house.
At the River Plantation began to Plant Corn in field No. 9.
Hoeing up the old road through the Turnip fld. at home, and otherwise preparing the grd. for the intended seed by crossing plowing it.
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Tuesday--May first. Mercury at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Southerly with appearances in the forenoon of rain but the Wind shifting to the No. Wt. it cleared.
Notwithstanding my fatiegue I rid to all the Plantations to day. The Ditchers in the Neck had compleated about 500 yards of the 5 feet ditch--or in other words about 2 rods each pr. day.
The Drill plow would about finish the 2d. cut of No. 3 by Noon. The Barley by the Barn is either not all come up, or was irregularly sown. The clover among it is up in places thick. The first planted Corn is coming up & destroyed by the Birds as fast as it appears. Harrowing in Timothy Seed on the middle cut of Rye. This must have been much too long delayed as the Rye was almost on the point of putting forth its ear--but being thin did not appear to be much, if any injured by the harrowing and trampling.
At Muddy hole, the Plows and hands employed as yesterday. No appearance of the first planted Corn at this place coming up.
At Dogue run Parsnips all but the two last rows of them, west of the road leading from the gate to the Houses were sown in the same manner, and with the same preparation of the grd. as the Carrots had been. In other respects all things were going on as yesterday.
At French's--the same as yesterday; except that a harrow was crossing the plowing in No. 2.
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Cooler than yesterday, and clear Wind being at No. West.
Rid to the Fishing landing where few fish were caught and to the Ferry, French's & Dogue run Plantations--also to the Carpenters.
At the Ferry, the Work going on as yesterday except that the drill plow having finished the No. end (beyond a sml. branch) was stopped till the harrow could make head before it. In the meanwhile the Plow man went to crossing in the other part of the field which was intended for Corn in the common way, 5 feet, a Plow was listing in Stony field part of No. 1--Women &ca. working in the New grd.
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At French's, the same work going on as yesterday.
At Dogue run the same. The drill plow about Noon had got on the East side of the road leading up to the Houses.
The Oats every where in strong and moist land seem to thrive; but appear at a std. elsewhere. The Barley at French's look well. And the Cape wheat at Dogue run is forwarder than the common Wheat; but not more branched--perhaps less so, and of a paler green. It was, as has been observed before, more eaten by the Sheep and other Stock that had been fed upon the field than any of the other--whether owing to any peculiar taste or to its being generally forwarder cannot be determined with precision.
A Mr. Wilson of Elizabh. Town, in the State of New Jersey called here to know on wht. terms I would dispose of my tract of Land in Fayette & Washington Counties. These I gave him agreeably to what I had mentioned in my letter to Colo. Jno. Cannon.
At Fredericksburgh, I was informed by Mr. Chs. Yates, a Gentleman on whose veracity entire confidence may be placed, that he has tried the experiment of raising Irish Potatoes by laying them on unbroken, hard, or grassy ground & covering them with straw and found them to succeed admirably. The following he gave as an instance--viz.--an irregular piece of ground 28 of his Steps one way which he computed might be abt. 23 yards--18 wide at one end, and 8 or 10 at the other, reduced in the same proportion will not exceed 255 sqr. yards. These he says produced 36 bushls. of fine large well tasted Potatoes, and 12 bushl. of Seed Potatoes. In this proportion an Acre would yield 900 Bushels but as Mr. Yates said that he computed at the time upon 700 bushls. it is probable there may be some mistake as to measurement of the ground or Roots. The way he managed was this--In April he laid the Seed Potatoes (after cutting them in the usual manner) on the ground (no matter what sort of land he thinks) in rows 2 feet a sunder, and the cuttings 8 or 9 inches apart in the rows. The whole of this Space was then covered 6 inches thick with straw. When the potato vines had risen 6 Inches through this bed of straw another layer of equal thickness--that is 6 inches--was spread between the rows and close up to the Stems--after which nothing more was done with them. The Land on which these Potatoes grew was perfectly cleansed of weeds &ca. when the Potatoes and Straw were taken of and ameliorated.
Mr. Yates also mentioned another matter worthy of attention, respecting Potatoes; which was discovered accidentally--viz.--that some in a Corn field which had remained over (being left when the rest were dug, or unattended to) being covered with Corn
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stalks in the usual manner when they are cut down and thrown into heaps grew (the tops) through the stalks and yielded abundantly of very fine Potatoes. Query whether this covering, laid on thicker will not do instead of Straw.
It seems to be agreed by the farmers about Fredericksburgh that 6 bushels of Clover in the pug, or chaff is equal to 16 lbs. of clean Seed and that either is sufficient for an Acre. Colo. Carter sows 2 Bushels of Orchard grass (when alone) to an Acre and One peck when unmixed with other Seed, of Timothy. When clover and Orchard grass are sown together he gives 10 lb. of the first and a bushel of the latter.
Sowed the Turnip patch, and last years Cowpens in front of the Mansion house with Oats 11 bushels--Orchard Grass 3 Bushels, and Clover 1 Bushel. The qty. of ground my Farmer thinks is near 4 Acres but I believe this is large guessing. Perhaps there may be about [ ].
MY TRACT OF LAND IN FAYETTE & WASHINGTON COUNTIES: GW advertised for sale his two tracts of land in Pennsylvania: a 2,800-acre tract in Washington County and a 1,650-acre tract, originally in Washington County and subsequently in Fayette County when that county was formed in 1784 (advertisement for sale of lands, 22 Sept. 1786, DLC:GW). In this postrevolutionary period a number of the new settlers in southwestern Pennsylvania were from New Jersey (George McCarmick to GW, 31 Oct. 1786, and Israel Shreve to GW, 7 April 1787, DLC:GW). Col. John Cannon was GW's agent in that area (GW to Cannon, 13 April 1787, DLC:GW; and see entry for 18 Sept. 1784, n.3). Charles Yates (1728--1809), the son of Rev. Francis Yates of Whitehaven, Eng., emigrated to Virginia in 1752 and settled in Fredericksburg, where he became a prosperous merchant ( Va. Mag., 7 [1899--1900], 91--92). He probably had a plantation in Spotsylvania County, for in 1783 he owned 37 slaves there, and he was interested in agricultural experimentation (GW to Charles Carter, 10 Jan. 1787, DLC:GW; Va. Mag., 4 [1896--97], 297).
Thursday 3d. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear all day, wind at No. Wt. and cold all the forenoon--but little wind and that Southerly afterwards.
Rid to the Fishing landing--and thence to the Ferry, French's Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations with my Nephew G. W. to explain to him the Nature, and the ordr. of the business at each as I would have it carried on during my absence at the Convention in Philadelphia.
At the Ferry the same work going on as yesterday.
Likewise at French the same.
The Same also at Dogue Run.
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And at Muddy hole nothing differing from yesterday. At the latter the Corn ground will go near to be. broke up this day.
Friday 4th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Morning clear and cool, tho the Wind was Southerly; and in the afternoon fresh with appearances of rain.
Rid into the Neck to explain to G.W. the business to be done there, and mode of conducting it.
At this place the Post and rail fence around field No. 9 would be closed, and entirely compleated (except the ditch) by Noon. Harrowing, drilling, and listing in field No. 3 going on as usual. The first planted Corn in this field appears to have been much destroyed by the birds and the first planting of all not to have come up. Finished planting in field No. 9, the So. Wt. cut and began the middle cut with the Corn from Nomeny.
At Muddy hole finished breaking up the Corn ground, ordered the two plows from French's home; and the plows of the Plantation to cross plow the 9th. square allotted for experiments (to be previously dunged as the others had been) in order to receive the bunch homeny bean, the common homeny bean, and the common black eyed Pease.
At Dogue run, the Harrow, drill, and other plows were working as yesterday. Finished Hooing the Tobacco grd. which had been inclosed by French's for Corn. And sowed 9 gallons of Clover Seed on the Barley in the Island in the Great Meadow and ordered it to be rolled in.
At French's the Harrow at work as usual--the two Plows from Muddy hole would return home to their work after dinner And the Rest of the People were grubbing along the sides of the Meadow, and preparing them for grass.
A Person calling himself Hugh Patton dined here & returned to Alexandria afterwards.
HOMENY BEAN: Phaseolus vulgaris, kidney bean or common garden pole bean. The bush or "bunch" variety is P. vulgaris humilis. "The Hominy-Bean is a sort of kidney-bean, and very productive" (PARKINSON, 2:341). GW raised both red and white varieties in the climbing and bush forms. Later he tried the lima bean, P. limensis, sending a packet to William Pearce 27 April 1794, with instructions that they were to be planted the first of May (NBLiHi). He also tried Vicia faba, broad or Windsor bean, which both he and Jefferson called the horse bean. Jefferson wrote John Taylor, 29 Dec. 1794, "The President has tried it without success" (BETTS [2], 221). It failed for Jefferson, too, perhaps because it was not suited to the hot Virginia summers.
A Hugh Patton (d. 1790) was a merchant in Richmond after the Revolution ( Va. Mag., 13 [1905--6], 427).
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Saturday 5th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
A few drops of rain fell in the Night--the Morning cloudy and the Wind brisk from the Southward. A good shower abt. 10.
Rid to the Fishing landing, Ferry, French's and D. run Plantations.
At the first Plantation One Plow was listing in the Stoney field, another crossing in the flat, and the harrow preparing for the drill plow. The Women preparing, & hoeing the New grd. in front of the House;
At Frenchs two Plows were set to plowing alongside the Meadow, where the roots and Grubs had been taken out in order to prepare it for grass seeds but making bad work my farmer thought the grd. cd. not be made fit to receive them this Spring. One harrow was harrowing as usual And the rest of the People grubbing. The clover seemed to be coming up pretty thick in places among the flax. The flax & Barley seemed to grow pretty well.
At Dogue-run, one Plow was crossing in the last years Tobo. grd. for Corn. In the laps of the fence Inclosg. it 139 pumpkin hills were Planted. Drilling corn, & listing going on as usual there.
At Muddy hole, the Plows began to break up the ground which was in drill Corn last year for Turnips, Pease, Potatoes &ca. Finished Plantg. their parts of the New ground in front of the home house with Corn--in every other 4th. row of which and 10th. hill two Pumpkin seeds were planted through the whole ground.
Ordered this to be done on the other side by the Ferry People.
Mr. Bull--A Delegate in Congress from South Carolina on his return to that came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
John Bull (c. 1740--1802) was returning home, his third (and last) one-year term having expired on 21 Feb. 1787 (SALLEY [1], 34--35; JCC, 30:410).
Sunday 6th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Wind Southerly, lowering at times till about 12 Oclock when it began to rain and continued to do so slowly for an hour but not so as wet more than a thin Surface of the Earth.
Colo. Fitzgerald, Doctr. Stuart and Doctr. Craik came here to dinner and returned afterwards.
Monday 7th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morng.--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. Wt. all day but not cold.
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At home preparing for my journey to Philadelphia.
In the Afternoon Cols. Simms and Darke came in, the first expecting to meet the Governr. here, the other on business of the Potomack Compy. Both returned in the Evening.
THE GOVERNR.: Edmund Randolph had been elected governor of Virginia in Nov. 1786.
Tuesday. 8th. Mercury at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night.
The Weather being squally with Showers I defer'd setting off till the Morning. Mr. Chas. Lee came in to dinner but left it afterwards.
Following his entry for 8 May 1787 GW set off for Philadelphia to attend the Constitutional Convention scheduled to convene on 14 May. He soon realized, however, that his current Mount Vernon diary (which he had numbered volume eight [Regents' No. 33]) had, he wrote George Augustine Washington, "by mistake" been "left behind" (27 May 1787, CSmH). Before arriving in Philadelphia GW bought another blank leaf booklet, probably in Baltimore, and began another journal (Regents' No. 34) with an initial entry for Friday, 11 May 1787, the day he left Baltimore on his journey to Philadelphia. The first part of this Philadelphia journal covers the period of the Constitutional Convention and ends with GW's return to Mount Vernon on 22 Sept. He apparently intended at first to transfer his Philadelphia journal entries into the diary he had left at Mount Vernon but decided instead to make the 23 Sept. entry in his Philadelphia volume, and he continued to make his Mount Vernon entries in the Philadelphia volume until the last blank page was filled with his entry of 15 Nov. At this point GW returned to volume eight of his Mount Vernon diary (Regents' No. 33) where, following his entry for 8 May, he proceeded to copy (and expand) all of his entries from his Philadelphia journal through 22 Sept., the date he had returned to Mount Vernon. GW turned next to abstracting the farm reports that George Augustine Washington had sent to him during his absence in Philadelphia but quickly realized that such elaborate recopying of other records would be a waste of time and effort, as he explains in the diary. He then went on to transfer into volume eight of the Mount Vernon diaries the remainder of his daily entries from his Philadelphia journal (i.e., his Mount Vernon entries beginning with his entry of 23 Sept.). When this volume was full he was only through27 Oct. 1787. He then began a new volume (nine [Regents' No. 35]), completing his transfer into that volume seriatim through the last entry in his Philadelphia journal, that of 15 Nov. 1787.
Now well into his ninth volume of postwar Mount Vernon diaries, GW resumed making his original entries with that for 16 Nov. 1787, in which he noted: "remained within doors all day." It may have been on this rainy day that he did his copying from his Philadelphia journal into the eighth and ninth volumes of his Mount Vernon diaries. This date seems particularly likely because when he copied his entry of 15 Nov. from the Philadelphia journal he added the information that Mr. O'Kelly and George Steptoe Washington had appeared at Mount Vernon on the fifteenth. The remainder of
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his 1787 diary appears in the ninth manuscript volume of the postwar Mount Vernon diaries. It should be noted here that when GW copied in his daily entries from his Philadelphia journal to volumes eight and nine of his Mount Vernon diaries he added temperature readings taken each day at Mount Vernon, presumably from his nephew's farm reports. After the Philadelphia volume was copied, it was probably stored away and seldom referred to, for it is in much better condition than the regular Mount Vernon diaries to which GW often turned to check previous weather and crop entries.
GW's second and more complete (revised) version of his entries from 9 May through 15 Nov. (found in Regents' Nos. 33 and 35) is used as the text in this edition of the diaries. Although the information contained in the two versions does not differ greatly, there is considerable variation in length, wording, and tone. The original version of the entries from 9 May through 15 Nov. (Regents' No. 34) is therefore printed in reduced type in this volume immediately following the diaries for 1787.
A concise acct. of my Journey to Philadelphia, and the manner of spending my time there, and places where, will now follow--after whih. I shall return to the detail of Plantation occurrances as they respect my Crops & intended experiments agreeably to the reports which have been made to me by my Nephew Geo: Auge. Washington in my absence.
Wednesday 9th. Crossed from Mt. Vernon to Mr. Digges a little after Sun rise & pursuing the rout by the way of Baltimore--dined at Mr. Richd. Hendersons in Bladensbg. and lodged at Muir. Snowdens where feeling very severely a violent hd. ach & sick stomach I went to bed early.
Thomas Snowden (1751--1803) lived at Montpelier about 20 miles south of Baltimore in Prince George's County (BOWIE, 439; W.P.A. [2], 310; and see RICE, 2: pl. 127).
Thursday 10th. Very great appearances of rain in the morning, & a little falling, induced me, tho' well recovered, to wait till abt. 8 Oclock before I set off. At one Oclock I arrived at Baltimore. Dined at the Fountain, & Supped & lodged at Doctr. McHenrys. Slow rain in the Evening.
The Fountain Inn, which GW had visited several times before, was now in its new location on Light Lane ( Md. Journal, 3 Dec. 1782). The inn was probably copied after the old George Inn at Southwark, Eng., with balconies surrounding an open courtyard, and was considered one of the outstanding public houses in the United States. Daniel Grant, the builder and first proprietor, advertised the business for sale in 1795, and the description in the advertisement reveals something of the size and appearance of the house. "The House is 100 feet front, and 44 deep, and laid out in the following manner, viz. Excellent Cellars, floored and properly divided, under the whole House, six Parlours, or Rooms of different sizes, for company to meet in.
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James McHenry, attributed to James Sharples. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
Twenty-four Bed-Rooms, eight Garrets for servants, three kitchens with Garrets over them, a Laundry, Spring-House, and Larder, Ice-House, and Barber's Shop, four Brick Stables containing 84 Stalls. . . . The principal part of the inside work of the House, is finished with Mahogany" (ANDREWS, 17, 44, 62--63, 67).
James McHenry (1753--1816) immigrated in 1771 from Ireland to Philadelphia, where he studied medicine with Benjamin Rush. During the Revolutionary War he was an aide to GW and later to Lafayette. After the war he settled in Baltimore and served several years as a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress, and was chosen one of the five Maryland delegates to the Constitutional Convention. McHenry had a town house at the corner of Baltimore and Fremont streets and a country estate, Fayetteville, near the city.
Friday 11th. Set off before breakfast. Rid 12 miles to Skirretts for it. Baited there and proceeded without halting (weather threatning) to the Ferry at Havre de gras where I dined but could not cross the wind being turbulent & squally. Lodged here.
SKIRRETTS: Skerrett's tavern, at the head of the Bird River in Baltimore County, went through many changes of owners and names. It was probably the "Cheyns's" tavern GW recorded having breakfast at on 7 May 1775.
Saturday. 12th. With difficulty (on acct. of the Wind) crossed the Susquehanna. Breakfasted at the Ferry house, on the East side --Dined at the head of Elk (Hollingsworths Tavern) and lodged
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at Wilmingtons at O'Flins. At the head of Elk I was overtaken by Mr. Francis Corbin who took a seat in my Carriage.
Hollingsworth's tavern, at Head of Elk on Elk Creek, Cecil County, Md., is shown in COLLES, 172.
O'FLINS: Patrick O'Flynn (1748--1818), an immigrant from Ireland, was a Delaware militia captain in the Revolution. He settled in Wilmington, where he opened a tavern, Sign of the Ship. Located on Third and Market streets, it was a popular tavern for ceremonial dinners, including occasional meetings of the Delaware Society of the Cincinnati (O'BRIEN, 48--51).
Francis Corbin was apparently on a trip to Philadelphia. When, in late June, a vacancy occurred in the Virginia delegation, Corbin, who was a member of the Virginia legislature and already in Philadelphia, was recommended to fill that vacancy. No appointment, however, was made (George Mason to Beverley Randolph, 30 June 1787, MASON [2], 3:918).
Sunday. 13th. About 8 Oclock Mr. Corbin and myself set out, and dined at Chester (Mrs. Withy's) where I was met by the Genls. Mifflin (now Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly) Knox and Varnum--The Colonels Humphreys and Minges and Majors Jackson and Nicholas--With whom I proceeded to Philada. At Grays Ferry the City light horse commanded by Colo. Miles met me, and escorted me in by the Artillery Officers who stood arranged & saluted me as I passed. Alighted through a crowd at Mrs. Houses--but being again warmly and kindly pressed by Mr. & Mrs. Rob. Morris to lodge with them I did so and had my baggage removed thither.
Waited on the President, Doctr. Franklin as soon as I got to Town. On my arrival, the Bells were chimed.
The inn of Mary Withy (Withey), located on the northeast corner of Market and Fifth streets in Chester, was well known for the quality of its food (CHASTELLUX, 1:315).
Thomas Mifflin (1744--1800), who began service in the Revolution as GW's first aide-de-camp and later resigned as quartermaster general under a cloud, was now a Pennsylvania delegate to the convention. From 1790 to 1799 he was governor of Pennsylvania.
James Mitchell Varnum (1748--1789), of Rhode Island, served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army and was with GW at Valley Forge. After the Revolution he became a founder of the Society of the Cincinnati, now holding a general meeting in Philadelphia, and was, in 1787, a member of the Continental Congress for Rhode Island.
MINGES: Col. Francis Mentges (d. 1805), born in France, was a dancing teacher in Philadelphia before the Revolution. He joined the Pennsylvania line in 1776 and was with GW at Valley Forge. In 1781, following the victory at Yorktown, he supervised military hospital services in Virginia and resigned from the army in 1783. He was an active member of the Cincinnati and at this time was inspector general of the Pennsylvania militia ( Pa. Mag., 45 [1921], 385).
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Maj. William Jackson (1759--1828), born in England and raised in South Carolina, served in the Revolution in the southern theater. After returning from a mission to Europe in 1781 he was appointed assistant secretary at war and subsequently settled in Philadelphia, where he studied law and became an active member of the Society of the Cincinnati ( Pa. Mag., 2 [1878], 353--69). NICHOLAS: Maj. Francis Nichols (d. 1812), Of Pottsgrove, Pa., participated in the seige of Quebec (1775) and retired from the Continental Army as a major in the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment. He was later appointed United States marshal for the eastern district of Pennsylvania ( Pa. Mag., 20 [1896], 504; Nichols to GW, 21 Aug. 1789, DLC:GW).
GRAYS FERRY: The Lower Ferry over the Schuylkill took its name from George Gray, who ran it in the 1740s. A floating bridge, built at the Middle Ferry by the British during their occupation of Philadelphia (1777--78) was, upon their evacuation in 1778, moved by the Americans downstream to Gray's ferry, where it remained until swept away by a flood in 1789. The bridge was crossed by GW in his march to Yorktown in 1781 and in his trip to be sworn in as president of the United States in April 1789 (SCHARF [1], 1:454, 3:2141, 2143; SNYDER, 152).
Col. Samuel Miles (1739--1805), of Montgomery County, Pa., who had served in the Braddock expedition, was commissioned colonel of the state's rifle regiment in 1776 and later served as auditor, quartermaster, and brigadier general of state forces. In 1790 he was elected mayor of Philadelphia. From 1786 to 1788 he was captain of the First City Troop of Light Horse, founded in 1774 as a gentlemen's arm of the local militia which participated in public ceremonies ( Pa. Mag., 46 [1922], 72--73).
Mrs. Mary House's boardinghouse, on the southwest corner of Fifth and Market streets, was just a few doors down Market Street from the Morris house. Within the week George Read, a delegate from Delaware, found that "Mrs. House's, where I am, is very crowded" (FARRAND, 3:25). Benjamin Franklin was at this time president of the Supreme Council of Pennsylvania. BELLS WERE CHIMED: The Pennsylvania Packet, 14 May 1787, reported the next day that "His Excellency General Washington, a member of the grand convention, arrived here. He was met at some distance and escorted into the city by the troop of horse, and saluted at his entrance by the artillery. The joy of the people on the coming of this great and good man was shewn by their acclamations and the ringing of bells."
Monday 14th. This being the day appointed for the Convention to meet, such Members as were in town assembled at the State Ho[use]; but only two States being represented--viz.--Virginia & Pensylvania--agreed to attend at the same place at 11 'Oclock to morrow.
Dined in a family way at Mr. Morris's.
Tuesday 15th. Repaired, at the hour appointed to the State Ho[use], but no more States being represented than were yesterday (tho' several more members had come in) we agreed to meet again to morrow. Govr. Randolph from Virginia came in to day.
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A view of the State House, Philadelphia, from the Columbian Magazine, June 1787. (New-York Historical Society)
Dined with the Members, to the Genl. Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati.
Edmund Randolph, in his capacity as governor of Virginia, was the head of the Virginia delegation. Randolph was active in the convention but disapproved of some of the provisions of the Constitution and refused to sign it. Later, however, he supported its ratification by the state of Virginia, CINCINNATI: GW was dining with about 20 delegates of various state societies of the Cincinnati, in Philadelphia for the second general meeting of the society. The general meeting reelected GW president.
Wednesday 16th. No more than two States being yet represented, agreed till a quoram of them should be formed to alter the hour of Meeting at the State house to One oclock.
Dined at the President Doctr. Franklins and drank Tea, and spent the evening at Mr. Jno. Penns.
Benjamin Franklin later commented on this dinner: "We have here at present what the French call une assemblée des notables a convention composed of some of the principal people from the several States of our confederation. They did me the honor of dining with me last Wednesday" (Franklin to Thomas Jordan, 18 May 1787. FARRAND. 3:21). Franklin's dining room seated
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24 comfortably, which was about the number of delegates in the city by this date.
John Penn (1729--1795) of Lansdowne, a grandson of William Penn, was the last proprietary lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. After 1776 he lived in political retirement, dividing his time between his country estate, Lansdowne, and his town house in Philadelphia.
Thursday 17th. Mr. Rutledge from Charleston and Mr. Chs. Pinkney from Congress having arrived gave a representation to So: Carolina and Colo. Mason getting in this Evening placed all the Delegates from Virginia on the floor of Convention.
Dined at Mr. Powells and drk. Tea there.
John Rutledge, who had been a war governor of South Carolina, was later appointed a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Charles Pinckney (1757--1824), cousin of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, was a member of Congress from South Carolina from 1784 until Feb. 1787 and a prime mover for the Constitutional Convention, where he played an active role. Four times elected governor of South Carolina, he subsequently left the Federalists to become a leader of the Republicans in South Carolina.
The Virginia General Assembly, through a joint ballot of both houses, elected a seven-man delegation (any three providing a minimum for a quorum), which could cast Virginia's vote in the convention by a majority vote within the delegation. The returns show GW first, followed by Patrick Henry, Edmund Randolph, John Blair, James Madison, George Mason, and George Wythe (FARRAND, 3:561). Of the seven originally chosen, GW vacillated for months before accepting (see FREEMAN, 6:75--84). Only Patrick Henry declined outright. To Henry's place Governor Randolph appointed Thomas Nelson, who declined. Randolph then turned to Richard Henry Lee. Lee declined, on account of poor health. Finally on 2 May Randolph appointed Dr. James McClurg (1746--1823), a member of the Virginia Council of State, who was at that time in Philadelphia (FARRAND, 3:21, 558, 561). Hence, GW's notation on 16 May in his Philadelphia journal that "Doctr. McClerg of Virginia came in" probably records McClurg's first day of attendance at the convention.
COLO. MASON: Three days after his arrival, George Mason wrote to his son, George Mason, Jr.: "the Virg[ini]a Deputies (who are all here) meet and confer together two or three Hours, every Day; in order to form a proper Correspondence of Sentiments" (MASON [2], 3:880).
Samuel Powel's house was on the west side of Third Street between Spruce and Walnut streets (GW ATLAS, pl. 44; BAKER [2], 75n).
Friday 18th. The representation from New York appeared on the floor to day.
Dined at Greys ferry, and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's--after which accompanied Mrs. [Morris] and some other Ladies to hear a Mrs. O'Connell read (a charity affair). The lady being reduced in circumstances had had recourse to this expedient to obtain a little money. Her performe. was tolerable--at the College-Hall.
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GREYS FERRY: The recently opened public gardens on the west bank of the Schuylkill at Gray's ferry were an innovation in public amusement gardens for Philadelphia. Patterned after the public gardens of London, the Gray's ferry gardens placed artificial grottoes and waterfalls among beds of flowers and exotic plants, set in several acres of the natural landscape along the Schuylkill River. Here concerts, illuminations, and fireworks were presented, especially on holidays. Refreshments and meals were served at the ferry inn, incorporated into the gardens (SCHARF [1], 2:942--44).
MRS. O'CONNELL: On this day the Pennsylvania Packet reported: "THE Lecture which was to have been read by a LADY in the University,last evening was postponed until tonight, at the particular desire of several ladies and gentlemen of distinction. The Lecture to be read THIS EVENING is a continuance of the Dissertation on Eloquence, which commenced in the first course."
Saturday 19th. No more States represented.
Dined at Mr. Ingersolls. Spent the evening at my lodgings--& retird. to my room soon.
Jared Ingersoll (1749--1822), originally of Connecticut, became a prominent attorney in Philadelphia. In 1785 his residence was near the northeast corner of Fourth and Market streets, but by 1791, when in his first term as attorney general of Pennsylvania, he had moved to a house on Chestnut Street across from the Pennsylvania State House. An early advocate of a revision of the Articles of Confederation, he became a Pennsylvania delegate to the convention (GW ATLAS, pl. 44; JACKSON [3], 110).
Sunday 20th. Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Morris and other Company at their farm (called the Hills). Returned in the afternoon & drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
THE HILLS: While visiting Philadelphia in July 1787 Manasseh Cutler recorded how he rode "out of the city on the western side . . . in view of the Schuylkill, and up the river several miles, and took a view of a number of Country seats, one belonging to Mr. Robert Morris. . . . His country seat . . . is not yet completed but it will be superb. It is planned on a large scale, the gardens and walks are extensive and the villa situated on an eminence has a commanding prospect down the Schuylkill to the Delaware" ( Pa. Mag., 12 [1888], 105; and see SNYDER, 140, 188).
Monday 21st. Delaware State was represented.
Dined, and drank Tea at Mr. Binghams in great Splender.
MR. BINGHAMS: William Bingham (1752--1804), scion of an old Pennsylvania family, was horn in Philadelphia, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (1768), and was a British consul in Martinique before the Revolution and an American commercial agent in the West Indies during the Revolution. In 1780 he returned to Philadelphia with a large fortune and married Anne Willing (1764--1801), a daughter of Thomas Willing and renowned as a great beauty and a brilliant hostess. After spending several years in Europe
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the Willings returned to Philadelphia to build an elaborate town house on the west side of Third Street above Spruce Street, where they entertained extensively during the 1790s.
Tuesday 22d. The Representation from No. Carolina was compleated which made a representation for five States.
Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Wednesday 23d. No more States being represented I rid to Genl. Mifflins to breakfast--after which in Company with him Mr. Madison, Mr. Rutledge and others I crossed the Schuylkill above the Falls. Visited Mr. Peters--Mr. Penns Seat, and Mr. Wm. Hamiltons.
Dined at Mr. Chews--with the Wedding guests (Colo. Howard of Baltimore having married his daughter Peggy). Drank Tea there in a very large Circle of Ladies.
Mifflin's country seat, overlooking the falls of the Schuylkill, was one of his three homes; the other two were a farm in Berks County and a town house in Philadelphia (ROSSMAN, 174; and see SNYDER, 157, 193).
Richard Peters (1744--1828), secretary of the Board of War (1776--81), was later appointed by GW a judge of the United States District Court for Pennsylvania. His country seat, Belmont, where he carried out large-scale agricultural experimentation, was on the west side of the Schuylkill below the falls (BAKER [2], 76n). MR. PENNS SEAT: Lansdowne, an Italianate house built c. 1773 by lieutenant governor John Penn. Located on the west side of the Schuylkill about halfway between the falls and the Middle Ferry, Lansdowne was later incorporated into Fairmount Park (see SNYDER, 169, 173).
William Hamilton (1745--1813), a wealthy Philadelphia patron of the arts, was particularly devoted to landscape gardening. Hamilton employed trained gardeners and was responsible for the introduction of many new plants. When Meriwether Lewis sent plant specimens back from the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804--6), some were forwarded to Hamilton by Thomas Jefferson for experimentation. In Mar. 1792 Hamilton shipped a small collection of plants and cuttings to Mount Vernon, including several species which GW had not planted before. Today GW is visiting Hamilton at Bush Hill, located just north of the city. He had inherited the property from his uncle James Hamilton upon the latter's death in 1783 (see SNYDER, 156, 159).
Benjamin Chew's daughter Margaret (Peggy) Chew (1760--1824) married John Eager Howard (1752--1827) on 18 May 1787. Howard had served as an officer of Maryland troops under Nathanael Greene during most of the Revolution, participating in the Jersey campaigns with GW before being reassigned to the southern theater, where he distinguished himself. In 1788 Howard was elected governor of Maryland. This party was probably at the town house of Benjamin Chew, on Third Street between Walnut and Spruce streets. The house, built in the 1770s for William Byrd III of Westover, was later bought by Benjamin Chew, who was proscribed as a Tory during the Revolution. During the winter of 1781--82, GW made the Chew town house his headquarters (see EBERLEIN, 103--27; VIRKUS, 5:730).
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Bush Hill, one of the estates of William Hamilton, on the Schuylkill River. From New-York Magazine, February 1793. (New-York Historical Society)
A view by William Strickland of the falls of the Schuylkill River from the portico of Thomas Mifflin's house. (New-York Historical Society)
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Thursday 24th. No more States represented.
Dined and drank Tea at Mr. John Ross's.
One of my Postilion boys (Paris) being sick, requested Doctr. Jones to attend him.
Dr. John Jones (1729--1791), who had studied medicine in Europe, helped organize the medical department of the Continental Army, published several important medical papers, and was an organizer and first vice-president of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Friday 25th. Another Delegate coming in from the State of New Jersey gave it a representation and encreased the number to Seven which forming a quoram of the 13 the Members present resolved to organize the body; when, by a unanimous vote I was called up to the Chair as President of the body. Majr. William Jackson was appointed Secretary and a Comee. was chosen consisting of 3 Members to prepare rules & regulations for conducting the business and after [ap]pointing door keepers the Convention adjourned till Monday, to give time to the Comee. to report the matters referred to them.
Returned many visits to day. Dined at Mr. Thos. Willings and sp[en]t the evening at my lodgings.
A unanimous vote for GW as president had been generally expected by the delegates. Benjamin Franklin, the only other possible candidate for the honor, had planned to nominate GW, but he was unwell and Robert Morris made the nomination, seconded by John Rutledge. James Madison's notes described the scene: "General [Washington] was accordingly unanimously elected by ballot, and conducted to the chair by Mr. R. Morris and Mr. Rutlidge; from which in a very emphatic manner he thanked the Convention for the honor they had conferred on him, reminded them of the novelty of the scene of business in which he was to act, lamented his want of [better qualifications], and claimed the indulgence of the House towards the involuntary errors which his inexperience might occasion" (FARRAND, 1:3--4).
William Jackson, who later served as one of GW's secretaries, was not the only candidate for secretary of the convention. John Beckley, clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates, accompanied Governor Randolph to Philadelphia "in expectation of being appointed clerk" of the convention (James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 27 July 1787, JEFFERSON [1], 11:631). William Temple Franklin, secretary to his grandfather Benjamin Franklin when he was in Paris, was nominated by the Pennsylvania delegation, but Jackson, who actively solicited GW and other delegates for support, was elected (FARRAND, 1:4, 3:18). In Nov. 1795 GW attended Jackson's wedding to Eliza Willing, daughter of Thomas Willing, GW's dinner host today ( Pa. Mag., 2 [1878], 366, 21 [1897], 27).
Thomas Willing's three-story town house was on Third Street just below Walnut Street.
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Saturday 26th. Returned all my visits this forenoon. Dined with a club at the City Tavern and spent the evening at my quarters writing letters.
MY VISITS: In 1780 Chastellux remarked that following breakfast, "we went to visit the ladies, according to the Philadelphia custom, where the morning is the most proper hour for paying calls" (CHASTELLUX, 1:135).
For the City Tavern, see entries for 4 Sept. 1774, 12 May 1775, and 26 July 1786.
Sunday 27th. Went to the Romish Church--to high Mass. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at my lodgings.
ROMISH CHURCH: Of the two Roman Catholic chapels in Philadelphia at this time GW probably attended the larger, St. Mary's, on Fourth below Spruce Street. The chapel had been extensively renovated in 1782 (SCHARF [1], 2:1372).
Monday 28th. Met in Convention at 10 Oclock. Two States more--viz.--Massachusetts, and Connecticut were on the floor to day.
Established Rules--agreeably to the plan brot. in by the Comee. for the governmt. of the Convention & adjourned. No com[municatio]ns without doors.
Dined at home, and drank Tea, in a large circle at Mr. Francis's.
NO COM[MUNICATIO]NS WITHOUT DOORS: GW is referring to the secrecy rule which was proposed in the convention on this day. It was referred to the rules committee and adopted on the following day (FARRAND, 1:13, 15).
Tench Francis, Jr. (1730--1800), was the son of Tench Francis (d. 1758) and an uncle of Tench Tilghman, one of GW's aides during the Revolution. In 1787 he lived on Chestnut Street between Third and Fourth streets. He later became first cashier of the Bank of North America ( Pa. Mag., 11 [1887], 299, n.2, 49 [1925], 82).
Tuesday 29th. Attended Convention and dined at home--after wch. accompanied Mrs. Morris to the benifit Concert of a Mr. Juhan.
BENIFIT CONCERT: Members of the local music community, made up of native Americans and post-Revolution musical migrants from England and the Continent, sometimes participated in benefit concerts in which the musician who benefited took the financial risks and received all the profits (SONNECK, 123). Today's concert, which featured pieces by the contemporary European composers Haydn, Sarti, and Martini (Schwartzendorf), also included "A New Overture" by Alexander Reinagle, the local musical impresario, a flute concerto by the local composer and organist William Brown, a "Concerto Violoncello" by Henry (Henri) Capron, whom GW later hired as a music
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teacher for Nelly Custis, and several pieces for violin and piano by "Mr. Juhan" ( Pa. Packet, 29 May 1787; PHi: GW Household Accounts, 1793--97; see entry for 28 May 1795; and see covey, 517).
In the spring of 1783 James Juhan (Joan, Juan), who advertised himself as a teacher of harpsichord, violin, flute, "Tenor Fiddle," violincello, and guitar, and also as a maker of harpsichords and "the great North American fortepianos," arrived in Philadelphia, and on 6 Aug. presented "a grand Concert of MUSIC, Vocal and Instrumental" ( Pa. Gaz., 25 June, 6 Aug. 1783; SONNECK, 123--24, 265). He may have been related to Alexander Juhan, Jr., who advertised himself as " ;Master of Music, lately arrived in this city," who offered to teach "the Harpsichord and Violin" as well as singing, and who cosponsored a series of subscription concerts in 1786--87 in Philadelphia ( Pa. Packet, 23 Dec. 1783; SONNECK, 80).
Wednesday 30th. Attended Convention.
Dined with Mr. Vaughan. Drank Tea, and spent the evening at a Wednesday evenings party at Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence's.
Mr. Vaughan is probably Samuel Vaughan rather than one of his sons. The elder Vaughan was in Philadelphia until about Dec. 1787 when he sailed to visit his holdings in Jamaica. He returned to Philadelphia by 1789 but left again in 1790 to take up permanent residence in England (STETSON [3], 472--74).
John Lawrence (1724--1799), who in the colonial period had been a mayor of Philadelphia and a judge of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, was proscribed a Tory during the Revolution. Mrs. Lawrence was Elizabeth Francis Lawrence (1733--1800), a sister of Tench Francis, Jr., whom GW visited twice this week, and an aunt of GW's wartime aide Lt. CoL Tench Tilghman. In 1790 Lawrence lived on Chestnut Street below Sixth Street ( Pa. Mag., 24 [1899], 403; HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 225).
[Thursday 31st.] The State of Georgia came on the Floor of the Convention to day which made a representation of ten States.
Dined at Mr. Francis's and drank Tea with Mrs. Meredith.
THE STATE OF GEORGIA: In his Philadelphia diary GW specified William Houstoun (1757--1812), who was an active convention participant, and William Pierce (d. 1789), who participated little hut left some notes of the convention, including character sketches of delegates (FARRAND, 1:xxi, 3:87--97).
MRS. MEREDITH: Margaret Cadwalader, daughter of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader (d. 1799) and a sister of Lambert and John Cadwalader, both of whom served under GW. She married Samuel Meredith (1741--1817) in 1772.
Friday 1st. June. Attending in Convention and nothing being suffered to transpire no minutes of the proceedings has been, or will be inserted in this diary.
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Dined with Mr. John Penn, and spent the evening at a superb entertainment at Bush-hill given by Mr. Hamilton--at which were more than an hundred guests.
Saturday 2d. Majr. Jenifer coming in with sufficient powers for the purpose, gave a representation to Maryland; which brought all the States in Union into Convention except Rhode Island which had refused to send delegates thereto.
Dined at the City Tavern with the Club & spent the evening at my own quarters.
Although the state of Maryland appointed five delegates to the Constitutional Convention, their official instructions provided that the presence of a single delegate was enough to fully represent the state. James McHenry, the first of the five Maryland delegates to join the convention (28 May), was still the only Maryland delegate present when he was forced to leave on i June because of illness in his family. Hence the arrival on 2 June of Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, the second Maryland delegate to join the convention, again allowed the state to be fully represented (FARRAND, 1:xxi, 3:586).
Sunday. 3d. Dined at Mr. Clymers and drank Tea there also.
George Clymer (1739--1813) was a Philadelphia merchant and financier and an early advocate of independence. As a member of the Continental Congress (1776--78, 1780--83) he was active on committees dealing with finance, prisoners of war, Indian relations, commissary reform, and penal law revision. Clymer was a Pennsylvania delegate to the Federal Convention and a representative in the First Congress. In 1785 he resided on Fourth Street between Walnut and Spruce streets ( Pa. Mag., 11 [1887], 300n).
Monday 4th. Attended Convention. Representation as on Saturday.
Reviewed (at the importunity of Genl. Mifflin and the officers) the Light Infantry--Cavalry--and part of the Artillery, of the City.
Dined with Genl. Mifflin & drk. Tea with Miss Cadwallader.
MISS CADWALLADER: probably either Rebecca Cadwalader (1746--1821) or Elizabeth Cadwalader (1760--1799), daughters of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader of Philadelphia. Rebecca, who some time after 1791 became the second wife of Philemon Dickinson, and Elizabeth, who never married, were probably the "Misses" Cadwalader listed in 1790 as "Spinsters" living next door to Philemon Dickinson on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia (HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 225).
Tuesday 5th. Dined at Mr. Morris's with a large Company, Spent the Evening there. Attended in Convention the usual hours.
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Robert Morris's house in Philadelphia. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wednesday 6th. In Convention as usual. Dined at the Presidents (Doctr. Franklins) & drank Tea there--after which returnd. to my lodgings and wrote letters for France.
Thursday 7th. Attended Convention as usual. Dined with a Club of Convention Members at the Indian Queen. Drank Tea & spent the evening at my lodgings.
The Indian Queen, on Fourth Street between Market and Chestnut streets, was the lodging house for a number of delegates to the convention. It was described by a visitor that summer as being "kept in an elegant style" ( Pa. Mag., 12 [1888], 103).
Friday 8th. Attended the Convention. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at my lodggs.
Saturday 9th. At Convention. Dined with the Club at the City Tavern. Drank Tea, & set till 10 oclock at Mr. Powells.
Sunday 10th. Breakfasted by agreement at Mr. Powell's, and in Company with him rid to see the Botanical garden of Mr. Bartram; which, tho' Stored with many curious plts. Shrubs & trees,
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many of which are exotics was not laid off with much taste, nor was it large.
From hence we rid to the Farm of one Jones, to see the effect of the plaister of Paris which appeared obviously great--First, on a piece of Wheat stubble, the ground bearing which, he says, had never recd. any manure; and that the Wheat from whence it was taken was so indifferent as to be scarcely worth cutting--The white clover on this grd. (without any seed being sown & the plaister spread without breaking up the soil) was full high enough to mow, and stood very thick. The line between this and the herbage around it, was most obviously drawn, for there nothing but the naked stubble, some weeds & thin grass appeared with little or no white clover. The same difference was equally obvious on a piece of mowing grd. not far distant from it for where the Plaister had been spread the White and red clover was luxuriant and but little of either beyond it and these thin. The Soil of these appeared loamy--slightly mixed with Ising-glass and originally had been good; but according to Jones's account was much exhausted. He informed us of the salutary effect of this plaister on a piece of heavy stiff meadow (not liable however to be wet) where it transcended either of the two pieces just mentioned in the improvement.
This manure he put on the 29th. of October in a wet or moist spot, and whilst the Moon was in its increase, which Jones says he was directed to attend to (but this must be whimsical) and at
William Bartram, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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Title page of William Bartram's Travels, from Washington's library. (Boston Athenaeum)
the rate of about 5 bushls. to the Acre. When it is laid on grass land or Meadow he advises harrowing, previously, to the laying it thereon in order to raise the mould for incorporation.
From hence we visited Mr. Powells own farm after which I went (by appointment) to the Hills & dined with Mr. & Mrs. Morris. Returned to the City abt. dark.
William Bartram (1739--1823) operated a botanical garden with his brother John, Jr. (1743--1812), on the west bank of the Schuylkill three miles from Philadelphia. The establishment was still called John Bartram & Sons although it had passed into the hands of the sons upon the death of its founder, John Bartram (1699--1777). William's reputation as a traveler-naturalist was enhanced by the publication in 1791 of his Travels through North and South Carolina. GW was a subscriber to the book but declined a request that it be dedicated to him. On 2 Oct. 1789 GW sent word to Clement Biddle, his agent in Philadelphia, that he wanted the Bartrams' list of plants plus a note about the care of each kind (PHi: Washington-Biddle correspondence). In Mar. 1792 he obtained plants of 106 varieties, the surviving list bearing the heading "Catalogue of Trees, Shrubs & Plants, of Jno. Bartram" (DLC:GW). These plants were sent to George Augustine Washington,
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GW's manager at Mount Vernon, and a second shipment was sent down in November to replace the plants that had not flourished. While it is assumed that GW purchased the plants, it is quite possible that they were a gift from Bartram. MR. POWELLS OWN FARM: Samuel Powel owned land across the Schuylkill River southwest of Philadelphia.
Monday 11th. Attended in Convention. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening in my own room.
Tuesday 12th. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's. Went afterwards to a concert at the City Tavern.
This benefit concert, with tickets at 7s. 6d., was for Alexander Reinagle (1756--1809), born into a musical family of Austrian descent who lived in England. He was accomplished both as a composer and a performer on several instruments. In 1786 he immigrated to America and soon became Philadelphia's leading musical impresario. This concert, scheduled to begin at "exactly" 7:45 P.M., opened with an overture by Bach, and included compositions by the then current European composers Sarti, André, Fiorillo, and Piccini as well as pieces by the local musicians Henry Capron and William Brown. The concert concluded with two works by Reinagle, a piano sonata and "a new Overture" ( Pa. Packet, 12 June 1787; SONNECK, 80, 131--32).
Wednesday 13th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Clymers & drank Tea there. Spent the evening at Mr. Binghams.
Thursday 14th. Dined at Major Moores (after being in Convention) and spent the evening at my own lodgings.
Although there were several Major Moores in Philadelphia at this time, GW is probably visiting Maj. Thomas Lloyd Moore (d. 1819), on Pine Street between Second and Third streets. At the end of the Revolutionary War, GW referred to Moore as among "the best Officers who were in the Army" (GW to Thomas Mifflin, 21 Dec. 1783, DNA: PCC, Item 152).
Friday 15th. In Convention as usual. Dined at Mr. Powells & drank Tea there.
Saturday 16th. In Convention. Dined with the Club at the City Tavern and drank Tea at Doctr. Shippins with Mrs. Livingstons party.
Anne Hume Shippen (1761--1841) was the daughter of Dr. William Shippen (1736--1808). She married (1781) Henry Beekman Livingston, son of Judge Robert R. Livingston (1718--1775), but at this time the Livingstons were separated.
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Sunday. 17th. Went to Church. Heard Bishop White preach, and see him ordain two Gentlemen Deacons--after wch. rid 8 Miles into the Country and dined with Mr. Jno. Ross in Chester County. Returned in the Afternoon.
William White (1748--1836), a native of Philadelphia, was the assistant minister and then, during the Revolution, the successor to Jacob Duché as minister for Christ and St. Peter's Anglican churches in Philadelphia. White had recently returned from England, where earlier this year he had been consecrated an Anglican bishop, thus becoming empowered to consecrate deacons for the newly formed Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, which he was instrumental in organizing following the Revolution. White's sister Mary was the wife of GW's Philadelphia host Robert Morris.
DEACONS: One of the deacons was apparently a son of Dr. Gerardus Clarkson ( Pa. Mag., 12 [1888], 105).
John Ross's farm, Grange Farm, or The Grange, was located on the old Haverford Road near Frankford in Chester County. He bought the property, formerly called Clifton Hall, from his father-in-law, Capt. Charles Cruikshank, in 1783 and renamed it in honor of Lafayette's home in France ( Pa. Mag., 23 [1899], 77--85).
Monday 18th. Attended the Convention. Dined at the Quarterly meeting of the Sons of St. Patrick--held at the City Tavn. Drank Tea at Doctr. Shippins with Mrs. Livingston.
SONS OF ST. PATRICK: Founded in 1771 in Philadelphia by Irish-American merchants and their friends, the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick strongly supported the American Revolution and several of its dinners were attended by GW, who was "adopted" by the society (DOUGHERTY, 1--21).
Tuesday 19th. Dined (after leaving Convention) in a family way at Mr. Morris's and spent the Evening there in a very large Company.
Wednesday. 20th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Meridiths & drank Tea there.
MR. MERIDITHS: Samuel Meredith (1741--1817) had been a brigadier general under GW during the New Jersey campaigns (1777--78) and was now a Pennsylvania delegate to Congress. In 1789 GW appointed him first treasurer of the United States. His home was on Front Street between Arch and Race streets.
Thursday 21st. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Pragers, and spent the evening in my Chamber.
Mr. Prager is probably Mark Prager, Sr., a member of the Jewish mercantile family that came to Philadelphia shortly after the Revolution. The firm, at
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first called Pragers, Liebaert & Co., was some time before 1791 changed to Pragers & Co. GW had written William Fitzhugh on 23 July 1784 introducing Mr. Prager, who had been strongly recommended to him as "a Gentleman who is very extensively engaged in Trade, & a partner in several very capital Houses in Europe. He is taking a review of the State of our Trade & Ports, & probably, if he finds them answerable to his wishes, will fix a House in this State" (DLC:GW). Prager evidently found Philadelphia more to his liking.
Friday 22d. Dined at Mr. Morris's & drank Tea with Mr. Frans. Hopkinson.
Francis Hopkinson, lawyer, musician, composer, and poet, and, as a delegate from New Jersey, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was at this time a judge in the admiralty court of Pennsylvania. During the Revolution he wrote and published a series of satiric essays and pamphlets supporting the American cause, and in 1787--88 wrote essays supporting the proposed new Constitution. In this year Hopkinson published a collection of his compositions, Seven Songs, which he dedicated to GW. GW was pleased, but took exception to the dedication, pleading that although he would "defend your performance, if necessary, to the last effort of my musical Abilities . . . what, alass! can I do to support it? I can neither sing one of the songs, nor raise a single note on any instrument to convince the unbelieving" (GW to Hopkinson, 5 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW).
Saturday 23d. In Convention. Dined at Doctr. Ruston's & drank Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Dr. Thomas Ruston, a native of Chester County, Pa., attended the College of New Jersey and received a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1765. He practiced in England until after the Revolution. In 1785 Ruston returned to Philadelphia where he became an associate of Robert Morris in land speculations. He was jailed for debt in 1796 (RUSH, 1:92, n.1). Ruston had been introduced to GW by George William and Sally Fairfax in a letter of 2 July 1785 as "not only a good American by birth, but also in sentiments" (DLC:GW). Ruston had a town house built for him on Chestnut Street. In the 1790 census he appears on West Market Street between Eighth and Ninth streets ( Pa. Mag., 8 [1884], 111; HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 226; JACKSON [3], 232).
Sunday 24th. Dined at Mr. Morris's & spent the evening at Mr. Meridiths--at Tea.
Monday 25th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's--drank Tea there--& spent the evening in my chamber.
Tuesday 26th. Attended Convention. Partook of a family dinner with Govr. Randolph and made one of a party to drink Tea at Grays ferry.
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Edmund Randolph first boarded at Mrs. House's, where George Read had been obliged to give up a larger room "for Governor Randolph, it being then expected he would have brought his lady with him, which he did not, but she is expected to follow some time hence" (Read to John Dickinson, 21 May 1787, FARRAND, 3:25). A week later Randolph "engaged a couple of rooms in a House at a small distance" from Mrs. House's. "As Mr. Randolph expects his lady his situation is too Confined in this House. He is to dine at our Table" (Read to Dickinson, 25 May 2787, FARRAND, 4:61). A week later Randolph wrote his cousin Lt. Gov. Beverley Randolph: "the prospect of a very long sojournment here has determined me to bring up my family" (FARRAND, 3:36).
Wednesday 27th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea there also and spent the evening in my chamber.
Thursday 28th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's in a large Company--(the news of his Bills being protested, arriving last night a little malapropos). Drank Tea there, & spent the evening in my chamber.
Over a month earlier, Robert Morris's "£50,00 sterling of . . . bills of exchange" had been protested in London. The protest interrupted the financier's purchase of American tobacco and threatened to disrupt the American tobacco trade with France, for which Morris had an exclusive contract with the French Farmers General (James Maury to Thomas Jefferson, and William Short to Jefferson, 21 May 1787, JEFFERSON [1], 11:370--71, 373).
Friday 29th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris and spent the evening there.
Saturday 30th. Attended Convention. Dined with a Club at Springsbury--consisting of several associated families of the City--the Gentlemen of which meet every Saturday accompanied by the females of the families every other Saturday. This was the ladies day.
In his original Philadelphia journal GW refers to the club at Springettsbury as the Cold Spring Club. SPRINGSBURY: One of the original manors set aside by William Penn for his family was named Springettsbury, taking its name from the family name of Penn's first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett. Much of the original manor, encompassing thousands of acres just north of the original city, was gradually sold off, but a portion retaining the manor name was kept in the family and developed in the mid-eighteenth century by William Penn's son Thomas Penn (1702--1775). The manor house, within an easy walk from Bush Hill, was the temporary country home of Robert Morris in 1779 and 1780. In the 1780s its overgrown gardens, random springs, and abandoned buildings offered a gothic setting for pastoral outings (see SNYDER, 200; BAKER [2], 81n).
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July. 1st. Dined and spent the evening at home.
Monday. 2d. Attended Convention. Dined with some of the Members of Convention at the Indian Queen. Drank Tea at Mr. Binghams, and walked afterwards in the state house yard.
Set this Morning for Mr. Pine who wanted to correct his portrt. of me.
For Robert Edge Pine's visit to Mount Vernon to paint this portrait, see entry for 28 April 1785.
Tuesday. 3d. Sat before the meeting of the Convention for Mr. Peale who wanted my picture to make a print or Metzotinto by.
Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Powells--after which, in Company with him, I attended the Agricultural Society at Carpenters Hall.
Charles Willson Peale, now living in Philadelphia, wrote GW of the "great desire I have to make a good mezzotinto print" of him assuring GW he would "make the business as convenient to you as possible . . . by bringing my
Peale's mezzotint of Washington hung at Mount Vernon. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Pallette and Pensils to Mr. Morris's that you might sett at your leisure" (29 May 1787, May--June, 1787, PPAmP: Charles Willson Peale Papers; see also SELLERS, 1:257--58; EISEN, 2:378).
On this day a local diarist recorded: "Before breakfast went with my daughter Hannah to the meadow. . . . On returning we met his Excellency General Washington taking a ride on horseback, only his coachman Giles with him" (HILTZHEIMER, 128).
The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, founded in Feb. 1785 to promote agriculture in the United States, consisted of active (resident) members living in or near Philadelphia and honorary (later corresponding) members. GW became one of the latter in 1785. Samuel Powel was president from 1785 to 1794. The regular monthly meetings, drawing between 10 and 20 members, were held in Carpenters' Hall, on Chestnut Street near Third Street. Built in 1770 by the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia, the hall had been the meeting place of the First Continental Congress (1774), to which GW had been a delegate (see GAMBRILL, 410--39).
Wednesday 4th. Visited Doctr. Shovats Anatomical figures and (the Convention having adjourned for the purpose) went to hear an Oration on the anniversary of independence delivered by a Mr. Mitchell, a student of Law--After which I dined with the State Society of the Cincinnati at Epplees Tavern and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
DOCTR. SHOVATS ANATOMICAL FIGURES: The surgeon and anatomist Abraham Chovet (1704--1790) was born in England, studied in France, practiced in England and the West Indies, and in 1774 opened his "Anatomical Museum" of wax human figures on Vidal's Alley off Second Street in Philadelphia. Chastellux, impressed with Chovet's work, was even more impressed with Chovet: "a real eccentric: his chief characteristic is contrary-mindedness; when the English were at Philadelphia he was a Whig, and since they left he has become a Tory" (CHASTELLUX, 1:146, 311). Chovet remained in Philadelphia, where he practiced medicine, taught anatomy, and helped found the College of Physicians (1787).
CINCINNATI: "Gen. Washington presents his Complts. to The honle. The Vice Presidt. of the Pensa. State Society of Cincinnati and will do himself the honor of dining with the society on the 4th of July agreeable to Invitation" (GW to Thomas McKean, 29 June [1787], PHi: McKean Papers). EPPLEES TAVERN: Henry Epple (d. 1809) kept The Sign of the Rainbow, a popular tavern on the north side of Sassafras (Race) Street, above Third. Epple, who ran the tavern until 1794, had served as an officer in the army during the Revolution.
Thursday 5th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea there. Spent the evening also.
Friday 6th. Sat for Mr. Peale in the Morning. Attended Convention. Dined at the City Tavern with some members of Convention and spent the evening at my lodgings.
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Saturday 7th. Attended Convention. Dined with the Club at Springsbury and drank Tea at Mr. Meridiths.
Sunday 8th. About 12 Oclock rid to Doctr. Logans near German town where I dined. Returned in the evening and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Dr. George Logan (1753--1821), a strict Quaker and an active pacifist, took his medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1779 and returned to Pennsylvania to settle at his family home, Stenton, near Germantown, Pa., where he pursued experimental agriculture, and where GW is visiting this day.
Monday 9th. Sat in the Morning for Mr. Peale. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's & accompanied Mrs. Morris to Doctr. Redmans 3 Miles in the Country where we drank Tea and returned.
On 8 July Charles Willson Peale wrote GW: "the Drapery and background of your Portrait is painted and if it is convenient to your Excellency to favor me with a sitting tomorrow morning, I will have my pallit sett with fresh ground Colours" (PPAmP: Charles Willson Peale Papers).
Although there were several Dr. Redmans in Philadelphia at this time GW is probably visiting Dr. John Redman (1722--1808), who was trained in Edinburgh and Leyden and practiced in Paris and London before returning home to Philadelphia. Here he specialized in obstetrics and trained many local physicians, including George Logan and Benjamin Rush. From 1786 to 1804 Redman served as first president of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Tuesday. 10th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea at Mr. Binghams & went to the Play.
The play was performed at the Southwark Theater, located just south of the city boundary. Because of a state law (1779) prohibiting theatrical performances, the building was called an opera house by the American Company, which played there from 25 June to 4 Aug. To skirt this same law the plays presented were billed under false titles that could still be recognizable by the theater-going public. Hence, in this evening's "concert" James Townley's High Life below the Stairs was billed as an "entertainment" called "the Servants Hall in an Uproar," while the farce Love in a Camp, or Patrick in Prussia was advertised as a "Comic Opera" (SCHARF [1], 2:965--67; SEILHAMER, 2:217--21).
Wednesday 11th. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and spent the evening there.
Thursday 12th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's & drank Tea with Mrs. Livingston.
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Friday 13th. In Convention. Dined, drank Tea, & Spent the Evening at Mr. Morris's.
Saturday. 14th. In Convention. Dined at Springsbury with the Club and went to the play in the Afternoon.
The play was Shakespeare's The Tempest, adapted by John Dryden (SEILHAMER, 2:219).
Sunday 15th. Dined at Mr. Morris's & remaind, at home all day.
Monday 16th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea with Mrs. Powell.
Tuesday 17th. In Convention. Dined at Mrs. Houses, and made an excursion with a party for Tea to Grays Ferry.
On this day Jacob Hiltzheimer went "in the afternoon . . . to Mr. Gray's ferry, where we saw the great improvements made in the garden, summer houses, and walks in the woods. General Washington and a number of other gentlemen of the present Convention came down to spend the afternoon" (HILTZHEIMER, 128).
Wednesday 18th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Milligans and drank Tea at Mr. Meridiths.
In 1790 James Milligan (d. 1818) lived on south Second Street (HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 237). As auditor and then as comptroller general of the treasury under the Articles of Confederation he had audited many of GW's Revolutionary accounts.
Thursday 19th. Dined (after coming out of Convention) at Mr. John Penn the youngers. Drank Tea & spent the evening at my lodgings.
John Penn (1760--1834), son of Thomas Penn, grandson of William Penn, and a first cousin of John Penn of Lansdowne, returned from England to Philadelphia in 1784 and built a home, The Solitude, on the west bank of the Schuylkill, later incorporated into Fairmount Park. Penn probably also had a house in town. He returned to England in 1788, where he promoted philanthropic causes, including the Outinian Society to promote matrimony, although Penn himself died a bachelor (see SNYDER, 131--32).
Friday 20th. In Convention. Dined at home and drank Tea at Mr. Clymers.
Saturday 21st. In Convention. Dined at Springsbury with the Club of Gentn. & Ladies. Went to the Play afterwards.
The play was the tragedy Edward and Eleanora, by the Scots poet James Thomson (SEILHAMER, 2:221).
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Sunday 22d. Left Town by 5 oclock A.M. Breakfasted at Genl. Mifflins. Rode up with him & others to the Spring Mills and returned to Genl. Mifflins by Dinner after which proceeded to the City.
SPRING MILLS: Spring Mill was an old grist mill on the east side of the Schuylkill River, about two miles below Conshohocken in Montgomery County, Pa. It was powered by the combined waters from several springs in a small area. The diary of Peter Legaux, a French immigrant who lived near Spring Mill, has the following entry for this date: "This day Gen. Washington, Gen. Mifflin and four others of the Convention did us the honor of paying us a visit in order to see our vineyard and bee houses. In this they found great delight, asked a number of questions, and testified their highest approbation with my manner of managing bees" (BAKER [2], 84n).
Monday 23d. In Convention as usual. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Lansdown (the Seat of Mr. Penn).
Lansdowne, home of former governor John Penn on the Schuylkill River. From W. Birch's Country Seats of the United States, Springfield, Pa., 1808. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
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On this day GW wrote Elizabeth Powel that he would "do himself the honor of calling upon her at, or before 5. oclock (in his Carriage) in hopes [of] the pleasure of conducting her to Lansdown this Evening" (ViMtV).
Tuesday 24th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea, by appointment & partr. Invitation at Doctr. Rush's.
Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745--1813), republican and reformer, and an earnest supporter of the American cause, developed the practice and teaching of medicine in Philadelphia, where he was a center of medical controversy. He campaigned for the ratification of the Federal Constitution and in the early years of the new nation worked for reforms in the fields of prisons, insane asylums, poverty, education, and public medical care and campaigned for the abolition of slavery.
Wednesday 25th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's, drank Tea, & spent the evening there.
Thursday 26th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's, drank Tea there, and stayed within all the Afternoon.
Friday 27th. In Convention, which adjourned this day, to meet again on Monday the 6th. of August that a Comee. which had been appointed (consisting of 5 Members) might have time to arrange, and draw into method & form the several matters which had been agreed to by the Convention as a Constitution for the United States.
Dined at Mr. Morris's, and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Here GW was relying too much upon his memory, for his Philadelphia diary (see entry for 8 May 1787) had no notation of the date of adjournment, which was actually 26 July (FARRAND, 2:118, 128).
Saturday 28th. Dined with the Club at Springsbury. Drank Tea there and spent the Evening at my lodgings.
Sunday 29th. Dined and spent the whole day at Mr. Morris's principally in writing letters.
Monday. 30th. In company with Mr. Govr. Morris, and in his Phaeton with my horses; went up to one Jane Moores in the vicinity of Valley-forge to get Trout.
Before setting off on this fishing expedition GW, in a note to Mrs. Elizabeth Powel dated "Monday Morning," wrote: "Genl. Washington presents his respectful compliments to Mrs. Powell, and would, with great pleasure, have made one of a party for the School for Scandal this evening; had not everything
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been arranged, & Mr. Govr. Morris and himself on the point of stepping into the Carriage for a fishing expedition at Jenny Moores; at Which place Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Morris are to be tomorrow, to partake of the successes, of Mr. Govr. Morris & himself this day. The Genl. can but regret that matters have turned out so unluckily, after waiting so long to receive a lesson in the School for Scandal" ([30 July 1787], ViMtV). Mrs. Jane Moore's Montgomery County farm bordered on Trout Creek and was within the old Valley Forge encampment (FREEMAN, 6:102).
Tuesday 31st. Whilst Mr. Morris was fishing I rid over the old Cantonment of the American [army] of the Winter 1777, & 8. Visited all the Works, wch. were in Ruins; and the Incampments in woods where the ground had not been cultivated.
On my return back to Mrs. Moores, observing some Farmers at Work, and entering into Conversation with them, I received the following information with respect to the mode of cultivating Buck Wheat, and the application of the grain. Viz.--The usual time of sowing, is from the 10th. to the 20th. of July--on two plowings and as many harrowings at least--The grain to be harrowed in. That it is considered as an uncertain Crop being subject to injury by a hot sun whilst it is in blossom and quickly destroyed by frost, in Autumn--and that 25 bushls. is estimated as an average Crop to the Acre. That it is considered as an excellent food for horses, to puff and give them their first fat--Milch cattle, Sheep, and Hogs and also for fatting Beeves. To do which, 2 quarts of Buck Wheat Meal, & half a peck of Irish Potatoes at the commencemt. (to be reduced as the appetite of the beasts decrease or in other words as they encrease in flesh) mixed and givn. 3 times a day is fully competent. That Buck wheat meal made into a wash is most excellent to lay on fat upon hogs but it must be hardened by feeding them sometime afterwards with Corn. And that this meal & Potatoes mixed is very good for Colts that are weaning. About 3 pecks of Seed is the usuall allowance for an Acre.
On my return to Mrs. Moores I found Mr. Robt. Morris & his lady there.
Wednesday 1st. About 11 oclock, after it had ceased raining, we all set out for the City and dined at Mr. Morris's.
Thursday 2d. Dined, Drank Tea, & Spent the Evening at Mr. Morris's.
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Friday 3d. In company with Mr. Robt. Morris and his Lady and Mr. Gouvr. Morris I went up to Trenton on another Fishing party. Lodged at Colo. Sam Ogdens at the Trenton Works. In the Evening fished, not very successfully.
Samuel Ogden (1746--1810), an iron founder who had supplied iron products to GW's army during the Revolution, had also served as a colonel in the New Jersey militia. In 1775 he married Euphemia Morris, a younger sister of Gouverneur Morris (MINTZ, 39, 47, 70; SWIGGETT, 15, 48).
Saturday 4th. In the morning, and between breakfast & dinner, fished again with more success (for perch) than yesterday.
Dined at Genl. Dickenson's on the East side of the River a little above Trenton & returned in the evening to Colo. Ogden's.
Philemon Dickinson (1739--1809), a brother of John Dickinson, was a brigadier general and major general in the New Jersey militia and participated in the 1777 New Jersey campaign. In that year John Adams "walked . . . [from Trenton] to General Dickinsons House," which he found to be "a Scaene of Desolation" from the war (ADAMS [1], 2:264). In 1784 Jacob Hiltzheimer found Dickinson "busy looking after the stone house he is having built at the end of his wooden building, about a mile out of Trenton" (HILTZHEIMER, 65). Dickinson was John Cadwalader's second in a duel (4 July 1778) with Thomas Conway over the latter's criticism of GW's abilities as a general.
Sunday 5th. Dined at Colo. Ogdens, early; after which in the company with which I came, I returned to Philadelphia at which we arrived abt. 9 Oclk.
Monday 6th. Met, according to adjournment in Convention, & received the rept. of the Committee. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Meridiths.
Tuesday 7th. In convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and spent the evening there also.
Wednesday 8th. In Convention. Dined at the City Tavern and remained there till near ten oclock.
Thursday 9th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Swanwicks and spent the Afternn. in my own room--reading letters and accts. from home.
John Swanwick, who became a partner of Thomas Willing and Robert Morris in 1783, later served in the United States House of Representatives (1795--98).
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Friday 10th. Dined (after coming out of Convention) at Mr. Binghams and drank Tea there. Spent the evening at my lodgings.
Saturday 11th. In Convention. Dined at the Club at Springsbury and after Ten returnd. home.
Sunday 12th. Dined at Bush hill with Mr. William Hamilton. Spent the evening at home writing letters.
Monday 13th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's, and drank Tea with Mrs. Bache, at the Presidents.
Sarah Franklin Bache (1744--1808), daughter of Benjamin Franklin and wife of Richard Bache (1737--1811), served as her father's hostess after his return from France to America in 1785.
Tuesday 14th. In Convention. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at home.
Wednesday 15th. The same--as yesterday.
Thursday 16th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Pollocks & spent the evening in my chamber.
In 1790 Oliver Pollock lived on Chestnut Street below Sixth Street (HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 225).
Friday 17th. In Convention. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Saturday 18th. In Convention. Dined at Chief Justice McKeans. Spent the afternoon & evening at my lodgings.
Thomas McKean (1734--1817) began his law career in Delaware and in 1777 became chief justice of Pennsylvania, serving until 1799 when he was elected governor of Pennsylvania. In 1790 he lived on the east side of Third Street (HEADS OF FAMILIES, PA., 238).
Sunday 19th. In company with Mr. Powell rode up to the white Marsh. Traversed my old Incampment, and contemplated on the dangers which threatned the American Army at that place. Dined at German town. Visited Mr. Blair McClenegan. Drank Tea at Mr. Peters's and returned to Philadelphia in the evening.
WHITE MARSH: about 12 miles north and west of Philadelphia, the last camp of GW's army (Nov.--Dec. 1777) before he moved his men to Valley Forge for the winter. See FREEMAN, 5: chap. 21. GERMAN TOWN: the scene of a confused
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battle between the Continental Army and the British (3--4 Oct. 1777) a few miles north of Philadelphia on the east side of the Schuylkill River. Blair McClenachan, a Philadelphia merchant, had bought Cliveden, the Chew country home in Germantown, from Benjamin Chew in 1779, which is probably where GW is visiting this day. In the American attack on Germantown this house, stubbornly held by British troops, was the center of intense fighting and cannonading by GW's troops.
Monday 20th. In Convention. Dined, drank Tea and spent the evening at Mr. Morris['s].
Tuesday 21st. Did the like this day also.
"We have lately made a rule to meet at ten and sit 'til four, which is punctually complied with" (David Brearley to William Paterson, 21 Aug. 1787, FARRAND, 3:73).
Wednesday 22d. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's farm at the Hills. Visited at Mr. Powells in the Afternoon.
Thursday 23d. In Convention. Dined, drank Tea & spent the evening at Mr. Morris's.
Friday 24th. Did the same this day.
Saturday 25th. In Convention. Dined with the Club at Springsbury & spent the afternoon at my lodgings.
Sunday 26th. Rode into the Country for exercise 8 or 10 miles. Dined at the Hills and spent the evening in my chamber writing letters.
Monday 27th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Tuesday 28th. In Convention. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at Mr. Morris's.
Wednesday 29th. Did the same as yesterday.
Thursday 30th. Again the same.
Friday 31st. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's and with a Party went to Lansdale & drank Tea with Mr. & Mrs. Penn.
LANSDALE: Lansdowne. John Penn's wife, Ann Allen Penn, was the daughter of William Allen, the former chief justice of Pennsylvania.
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Saturday 1st. Dined at Mr. Morris after coming out of Convention and drank Tea there.
Sunday 2d. Rode to Mr. Bartrams and other places in the Country, dined & drank Tea at Grays ferry and returned to the City in the evening.
Monday 3d. In Convention. Visited a Machine at Doctr. Franklins (called a mangle) for pressing, in place of Ironing, clothes from the wash. Which Machine from the facility with which it dispatches business is well calculated for Table cloths & such Articles as have not pleats & irregular foldings and would be very useful in all large families. Dined, drank Tea, & spent the evening at Mr. Morris's.
Tuesday. 4th. In Convention. Dined &ca. at Mr. Morris's.
Wednesday 5th. In Convention. Dined at Mrs. Houses & drank Tea at Mr. Binghams.
Benjamin Franklin from Charles Willson Peale's mezzotint, executed in 1787 and hung at Mount Vernon during Washington's lifetime. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Thursday 6th. In Convention. Dined at Doctr. Hutchinson's and spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Morris's.
Dr. James Hutchinson (1752--1793) lived on south Second Street between Walnut and Spruce streets ( Pa. Mag., 11 [ 1887 ], 307). He was surgeon general of Pennsylvania (1778--84), taught at the University of Pennsylvania, and died while fighting the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
Friday 7th. In Convention. Dined and spent the afternoon at home (except when riding a few Miles).
Saturday 8th. In Convention. Dined at Springsbury with the Club and spent the evening at my lodgings.
Sunday 9th. Dined at Mr. Morris's after making a visit to Mr. Gardoqui who as he says came from New York on a visit to me.
Today GW wrote George Augustine Washington that he thought the convention would adjourn within a week. "God grant I may not be disappointed in this expectation, as I am quite homesick" (John Rylands Library, Manchester, Eng.).
On 19 May 1787 Diego de Gardoqui (1735--1798), Spanish representative in the United States, wrote GW from New York requesting "the honor of a personal acquaintance with your Excellency" (DLC:GW). GW replied on 31 May: "I look with much pleasure to the moment which promises me the honor of a personal acquaintance with your Excellency" (DLC:GW). Gardoqui was in the third year of frustrating negotiations regarding American rights to navigate the lower Mississippi River, which then ran through Spanish territory. GW's cryptic entry here may reflect his concern at being dragged into the emotional and nationally divisive debate of "the Spanish negociation," lately described as being "in a very ticklish situation" (James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 April 1787, MADISON, 9:400; see also GW to Gardoqui, 28 Nov. 1787, DLC:GW).
Monday. 10th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris's & drank Tea there.
Tuesday 11th. In Convention. Dined at home in a large Company with Mr. Gardoqui. Drank Tea and spent the evening there.
Wednesday 12th. In Convention. Dined at the Presidents and drank Tea at Mr. Pines.
Thursday 13th. Attended Convention. Dined at the Vice Presidents Chas. Biddles. Drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
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Charles Biddle (c.1745--1821) was the son of William Biddle, a native of New Jersey, and Mary Scull Biddle of Pennsylvania. When Biddle was chosen vice-president of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania in 1785 he was living on Front Street. He later moved to a house on Chestnut Street below Fifth Street.
Friday 14th. Attended Convention. Dined at the City Tavern, at an entertainmt. given on my acct. by the City light Horse. Spent the evening at Mr. Meridiths.
Saturday 15th. Concluded the business of Convention, all to signing the proceedings; to effect which the House sat till 6 Oclock; and adjourned till Monday that the Constitution which it was proposed to offer to the People might be engrossed and a number of printed copies struck off. Dined at Mr. Morris's & spent the evening there.
Mr. Gardoqui set off for his return to New York this forenoon.
Sunday 16th. Wrote many letters in the forenoon. Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Morris at the Hills & returned to town in the Eveng.
Monday 17th. Met in Convention when the Constitution received the Unanimous assent of 11 States and Colo. Hamilton's from New York (the only delegate from thence in Convention) and was subscribed to by every Member present except Govr. Randolph and Colo. Mason from Virginia & Mr. Gerry from Massachusetts. The business being thus closed, the Members adjourned to the City Tavern, dined together and took a cordial leave of each other--after which I returned to my lodgings--did some business with, and received the papers from the secretary of the Convention, and retired to meditate on the momentous wk. which had been executed, after not less than five, for a large part of the time Six, and sometimes 7 hours sitting every day, sundays the ten days adjournment to give a Comee. opportunity & time to arrange the business for more than four Months.
Elbridge Gerry (1744--1814), one of the most active delegates in the convention and a frequent advocate of compromise, listed a series of objections to his signing the completed document (see FARRAND, 2:632--33, 635--36, 646-- 47, 649). Other delegates besides the three mentioned by GW opposed the Constitution, but they had already left the convention.
THE PAPERS: "Major Jackson, after burning all the loose scraps of paper which belong to the Convention, will this evening wait upon the General with the Journals and other papers which their vote directs to be delivered to His Excellency" (William Jackson to GW, 17 Sept. 1787, DLC:GW).
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Tuesday 18th. Finished what private business I had to do in the City this forenoon. Took my leave of those families in wch. I had been most intimate. Dined early at Mr. Morris's with whom & Mr. Gouvr. Morris I parted at Grays ferry and reached Chester in Company with Mr. Blair who I invited to a seat in my Carriage 'till we should reach Mount Vernon.
Wednesday 19th. Prevented by rain (much of which fell in the Night) from setting off till about 8 Oclock, when it ceased, & promising to be fair we departed. Baited at Wilmington--dined at Christiana and lodged at the head of Elk--at the bridge near to which my horses (two of them) and Carriage had a very narrow escape. For the rain which had fallen the preceeding evening having swelled the Water considerably there was no fording it safely. I was reduced to the necessity therefore of remaining on the other side or of attempting to cross on an old, rotten & long disused bridge. Being anxious to get on I preferred the latter and in the attempt one of my horses fell 15 feet at least the other very near following which (had it happened) would have taken the Carriage with baggage along with him and destroyed the whole effectually. However, by prompt assistance of some people at a Mill just by and great exertion, the first horse was disengaged from his harness, the 2d. prevented from going quite through and drawn off and the Carriage rescued from hurt.
Thursday. 20th. Sett off after an early breakfast. Crossed the Susquehanna and dined in Havre de gras at the House of one Rogers and lodged at Skirretts Tavern 12 Miles short of Baltimore.
HOUSE OF ONE ROGERS: John Rodgers's ferry house was at this time on the east bank of the Susquehanna River at Perryville. GW must have dined at a house Rodgers still owned on the west bank. He at one time owned a house on what is now W. Washington Street and an estate, Sion Hill, near the river, two and one half miles off the main highway (W.P.A. [2], 323).
Friday 21st. Breakfasted in Baltimore--dined at the Widow Balls (formerly Spurriers) and lodged at Major Snowdens who was not at home.
SPURRIES: site of the town of Waterloo in Howard County, Md., twice chosen during the Revolution as an encampment for Rochambeau's army (RICE, 1:160, 2: pl. 128).
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Saturday 22d. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh and passing through George Town dined in Alexandria and reached home (with Mr. Blair) about Sunset after an absence of four Months and 14 days.
The following
Is a diary of the Weather, occurrances on, and management of, my farms; together with the progress of the Crops thereon, during my absence; as taken & reported to me by my Nepw. G. A. Washington.
M. N. Night
Wednesday 9th. May. Thermometer--50--65--58. Morning Cloudy--afternoon from 2 to 4 Showery.
Began to plant Corn in the commn. way at the Ferry on Monday last. Nearly finished it to day. The drill corn nearly finished planting at this place. A few fish heads, guts &ca. ordered to be put into some of the Corn hills, to try the effect of them as a manure. Two plows preparing for the planting of Potatoes Pease &ca. at Frenchs.
At Frenchs the people were still in the swamp at work and two ploughs breaking up, and the harrow preparing ground designed for Turnips &ca.
At Dogue run. Finished planting the Corn in the small field by Frenchs & began to plant Pumpkins in the angles of the fence around the drilled Corn--4 plows preparing for Parsnips--1 sent to the Shop.
NOTE. After entering upon the above, it was found that too much time for my convenience, would be required either to insert the report as it had been made, or to make a proper digest of it; and therefore both are declined. The reports must accompany this volume and be refered to as part thereof, for the purpose of information as above whilst I continue my own diary from the day on which I returned home.
[September 1787]
Sunday. 23d. Thermometer at 60 in the morning--70 at Noon and 7 at N. Foggy Morning--calm & clear afterwards.
Mr. Blair remained. Colonels Fitzgerald, Simms, Ramsay &
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Lyles; Mr. Hunter, Mr. Murray & Mr. Taylor and Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, and the girls came to dinner: All, except Mr. Blair, Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart went away afterwards.
Monday. 24th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night.
Wind Westerly with some Clouds. After breakfast I rid to the Plantatns. at the Ferry--Frenchs--Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first, the hands were getting out Wheat & Rye; and the Plows were putting in Wheat in field No. 6.
At the next, 4 plows were putting in Rye in No. 6 and the rest of the hds. grubbing in the New Meadow.
At Dogue run the plows were covering Wheat in No. 6 and the other hands employed chiefly in grubbing the Swamp between the upper Meadows.
At Muddy hole the Plows were (3 of them) following for Wheat in No. 4--the other people gathering fodder.
In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart & the Girls returned to Abingdon.
Tuesday 25th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 64 at Night. Calm in the Morning--cloudy afterwards--wind, what there was of it--So. Wt.
Mr. Blair left this before Sun rise in my carriage which carried him to the junction of the Roads at Boggess' where he met the Stage.
After breakfast I rode into the Neck--hands chiefly employed in getting fodder.
Robert Boggess's house was on the Cameron--Colchester stage road, at the intersection of the road from Gum Springs.
Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night. Foggy morning--calm, & clear for the most part of the day.
Rid to all the Plantations--the hands at each employed nearly as they were yesterday.
Thursday 27th. Thermometer at 68 in the morning--76 at Noon and 74 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning--clear afterwards--wind at South all day.
Visited all the Plantations--same employment at each as yesterday.
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Friday 28th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 65 at Night. Clear all day with variable winds.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole--engaged in the same work at each.
Mrs. Jenifer came here to dinner.
Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Clear all day, with the Wind at No. Wt.
Rid into the Neck and set Six plows to breaking up the Orchard Inclosure (wch. was an Oat Stubble) for Wheat & grass Seeds, &ca.
After Breakfast Mr. Corbin Washington and his wife, and Miss Fanny Ballendine (who came here on Thursday afternoon) returned and after dinner Majr. G. A. Washington left this for Fredericksbg.
Sunday 30th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 62 at Night. Clear all day with the wind at No. Wt. in the morning & Southerly afterwards.
October 1st. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 62 at Night--Cloudy in the Morning but clear afterwds. with variable winds.
Mrs. Fanny Washington, and the Children, and Mrs. Jenifer went up to Abingdon.
Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Willm. Craik dined here. The latter stayed all Night.
Rid to all the Plantations. Work at each as usual except that the Plows at Dogue run were putting in rye in field No. 6. North part of it.
Daniel Overdonck & 5 Negro Ditche[r]s went to work at Muddy hole to ditch between fields--3 & 4.
Mr. Craik went away very early this morning.
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 67 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning & clear afterwards--Wind No. Et. in the forenoon & Southerly afterwards.
Rid to all the Plantations. Sent 2 plows from Frenchs to Muddy hole--The other two preparing a piece of ground which had been twice plowed before on the side of the Meadow for Rye & grass
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Seeds--on which 1½ B. of Rye was sown and therewith on the No. part of the grd. 1½ Bushls. of Sainfoin & 6 lbs. of Trafoil adjoining the Road. The lower part of the grd. had 2 quarts of Timothy Seed sown with the Rye.
Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning 7 at Noon & 67 at Night. Foggy Morning but clear afterwards. Westerly Wind in the forenoon & No. Wt. afterwards.
Went up with Mrs. Washington to Abingdon. Dined at Mr. Herberts in Alexandria on our way.
MRS. WASHINGTON TO ABINGDON: appears in the manuscript as "Mrs. Abingdon to Washington."
Thursday. 4th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning 60 at Noon and 60 at. Night. Clear all day, Wind Northerly in the forenoon & Southerly afterwards.
Dined at Abingdon and came home in the afternoon. Brot. Fanny Washington with us.
Found two more plows from Frenchs at work at Muddy hole.
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 67 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at South.
Rid to all the Plantations. Having finished sowing Rye at Dogue run, 22½ Bushels, sent one of the Plows to Muddy hole. The rest of the horses, & hands, were employed in treading out wheat--the Fodder there being also secured.
Finding it in vain to attempt following the whole of No. 4 for Wheat, I quitted breaking up any more till the whole should be crossed, and accordingly set all the plows to the latter work.
In the Afternoon Mr. Alexr. Donald came in.
On 12 Nov. 1787 Alexander Donald wrote to Thomas Jefferson of this visit: "I staid two days with General Washington at Mount Vernon about Six weeks ago. He is in perfect good health, and looks almost as well as he did Twenty years ago. I never saw him so keen for any thing in my life, as he is for the adoption of the new Form of Government. As the eyes of all America are turned towards this truly Great and Good Man, for the First President, I took the liberty of sounding him upon it. He appears to be greatly against going into Publick Life again, Pleads in Excuse for himself, His Love of Retirement, and his advanced Age, but Notwithstanding of these, I am fully of opinion he may be induced to appear once more on the Publick Stage of Life. I form my opinion from what passed between us in a very long and serious conversation as well as from what I could gather from Mrs. Washington on the same subject" (JEFFERSON [ 1 ], 12:345--48).
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Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--72 at Noon & 70 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at South.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole.
At the first, having got out all the Wheat & Rye, the fodder next claimed attention and was accordingly set about.
Colo. McCarty & his wife; Mrs. Craik and her daughters Mrs. Jenifer & Mariamne; and Mrs. Ann Jenifer came here to dinner & returned afterwards. Towards evening Mr. & Mrs. Powell of Philadelphia came in.
MRS. CRAIK: In the original Philadelphia journal GW had written "Mrs. Craik & Sally & two Mrs. Jenifers came." Sally was, of course, Mrs. Sarah Craik Jenifer. He made the correction when copying the entry into the final version.
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 63 at Night. Clear in the forenoon & cloudy afterwards with variable Winds.
After breakfast Mr. Donald went away and whilst we were at dinnr. Mr. Bushrod Washington & his wife came in.
Monday. 8th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--56 at Noon & 56 at Night. Cloudy all day with the Wind at No. Et. & Et.
Julia Ann (Nancy) Blackburn Washington, wife of Washington's nephew Bushrod. (The Supreme Court of the United States)
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Rid with Mr. Powell to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run Frenchs & the Ferry.
Work going as usual.
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--59 at Noon & 57 at Night. Clouds, Mists & Sunshine alternately. Wind at So. Et. & So.
Rid with Mr. & Mrs. Powell to view the Ruins of Belvoir.
Called on my return at Frenchs where I had begun with grass Scythes (a cradle having been found not to answr.) to cut the Pease which had been sown broadcast. The first sowing of these appeared pretty ripe, & the vines pretty full. The others were quite green. Whether this is owing to their being too late sown--or to the drought which kept them back I am unable to determine--to the latter however it is ascribed. In cutting these vines, the Pods of many of them were left without means of getting them up without picking them by hand. Hence it is evident that the Surface of the grd. after the Pease are sown ought by rolling and otherwise to be laid quite smooth that it might be raked easily and effectually. Without this many of them will always be lost--left at least on the ground where they would be excellent for falling weathers which would undoubtedly glean them compleatly--but [in] this case there should be nothing in the same enclosure that they can injure or destroy. Raked the Pease into small heaps.
Finished ditching up to the lane by the Overseers house.
Doctr. Griffith came in and stayed all Night.
Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--63 at Noon & 60 at Night. Clear with variable Winds.
Mr. & Mrs. Powell, Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife, and Mr. Griffith going away after an early breakfast I rid to all the Plantations and found the same work at ea. going forward.
Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 54 in the morning--64 at Noon and 62 at Night. Foggy Morning & clear afterwards--wd. at N. Wt. & Wt. all day.
Rid to all the Plantations. Began to sow Wheat and Sainfoin in the orchard in the Neck--the ground being first plowed--then crossed--on which the Wheat was sown and harrowed in with a heavy harrow the way it was last plowed--then followed the Sainfoin and harrowed in the same way, with the same harrow--so that, on the whole the Oat Stubble had two plowings and two harrowings.
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Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
Finding the Pease at Muddy hole riper than the latter sowed ones at Frhs. I ordered the Scythes there to morrow leaving the greenest for the last to see if they would fill & ripen more.
In the evening Genl. Pinkney and his Lady came in on their return to South Carolina from the Federal Convention.
Friday 12th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Weather clear and Winds variable--viz. N.E.: N.W. & S.W.
Genl. Pinkney and Lady going away after breakfast I rid to Muddy hole Dogue Run & Frenchs.
At the first finding great waste in Cutting the Pease (owing as has been observed to the cloddy & uneven surface of the grd.) I attempted to pull them by hand but found it so tedious as to oblige me to return to the Scythes notwithstanding the loss.
Sent the Plows belonging to Frenchs and Dogue run to their respective plantations.
Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 56 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning and clear afterwds. with the Wind at No. Wt.
Rid to Dogue run, French's & the ferry Plantns.
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At the two first took an Acct. of the Horses Cattle and Sheep wch. are as follow--viz.--
At French's Horses.
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At French's sowed a narrow slipe of the grd. off which Pease had been taken next the Meadow Ditch with Wheat. The Wheat was sown on the ground without breaking and plowed in which it did in a very mellow & pulverized state, although the grd. in common never was drier or harder to work. In short, had the grd. been often plowed it could not have been in a better state of culture than it appeared (as did the whole field) to be in--which evinces, if Pease is not an exhauster, that land cannot be better prepared for an Autumnal sowing than by raising a crop of them previous thereto.
Finished cutting, and putting into small heaps the Pease at Muddy hole.
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 56 at Night--weather clear--Wind at No. W. in the Morning, & So. Wt. in the afternoon; A severe frost this Morning, which killed Pease Buckwheat, Pumpkins, potato Vines &ca. turning them quite bla[ck].
Monday. 15th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning 56 at Noon and 52 at Night. Clear all day--Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning and at No. Wt. afterwards.
Ordered the Buckwheat to be immediately cut--beginning with that at Dogue run (abt. 12 Acres) which was accordingly done this forenoon (when the frost was likewise severe) before the moisture was off the Straw. Put the Buck Wheat, as cut (with scythe and cradle) into small heaps to dry. Note--Whether this grain has std. out too long, or not I am not sufficiently acquainted with the nature of it to decide. There appeared to be as much shattered on the grd. as fully to sow it again, & at the same time there was at least as much Green Seed as had shed & many Blossums also on the Straw.
Rid to Muddy hole and into the Neck. Took an Acct. of the Horses Cattle and sheep at each as follow.
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In the Neck.
Horses.
Finished Sowing the Orchard in the Neck with Wheat & Sainfoin seed. Of the first it took [ ] bushels and of the latter [ ]
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bushels. Note--This grd. has been plowed & cross plowed--then Wheat sown & harrowed in--with the heavy harrow--Next sown with Sainfoin and harrowed in like manner (both the way the ground was plowed last) --after which 50 lbs. of Trefoil was sown over the whole and harrowed with the double harrows cross the former.
Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning 50 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at No. Wt. & fresh.
Rid to the Ferry, French's Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the former took an Acct. of the Horses--Cattle & Sheep as follow.
Horses.
Note--The Acct. of the Horses being mis-laid, cannot be entered here; but will come in when a fresh one can be taken--see Decr. 15th. 1787.
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Besides the above.
At Muddy hole put the Buck Wht. which was this day cut into very small heaps and dug the Country Potatoes which measured as follow from the half Acre of experimental ground (the half of which had received dung--viz. 50 Bushels) --viz.--The No. Wt. quarter of the Piece, which had been dunged, and was in hills, yielded 4 bushels of eatable, and 3½ which were fit only for seed. The So. Wt. quarter also in hills but not dunged yielded 2½ Eatable & 3½ Seed. The No. Et. quarter which had been dunged & was in 4 feet drills produced 2½ eatable and 2 of Seed and the So. Et. Quarter 2½ eatable and 2 of Seed. In the whole 11½ of eatable and 11 of Seed. The Potatoes in the dunged part of the ground were much the largest and yielded
Note.
Upon remeasurg. of these after they came to the Mansion House they turned out (heaped measure) only 7½ Bushls. of eatable and 10½ of Seed.
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Whether this was occasioned by the difference of measure or theft of the Carter is not certain.
At Dogue run Treading out And at French's plowing and filling up Gullies in the New Meadow.
At the Ferry pulling Pease.
Wednesday 17. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at No. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations except the Ferry.
In the Neck cut the Buck Wheat. a good deal of which shattered but perhaps (it is a grain I am not accustomed to) not more than common & therefore I cannot undertake to decide whether it stood too long or not. Finished getting in the fodder at this place (which concluded this business at all the places--Sowed as yesterday and to day (Wind preventing it sooner) 50 lbs. of Trefoil on the Wheat and Sainfoin in the Orchard in the Neck and began to sow at the No. Wt. Corner of this enclosure under furrow the Winter Vetches crossing by so doing the first plowing after which a light harrow followed to level the ground.
The Pease in broad cast at French's were much injured by the frost. It was unfortunate that they had not been cut a day or two sooner.
Note.
The ground in which Pease and Buck Wheat are sown ought always to be rolled when it is expected the Crops are to be cut. Without this they can never be got off dean. The Pease however that are left would be fine for Sheep and in that case the waste is of no great signification but in this case there must be nothing else in the inclosure that they can injure.
WINTER VETCHES: Vicia villosa, hairy or winter vetch. The spring or common vetch, also called tare, is V. sativa.
Thursday 18th. Thermometer 38 in the morning--52 at Noon and 48 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at No. West.
Rid into the Neck, to Muddy hole & Frenchs Plantations.
At the first doubled the small heaps of Buck Wheat in the Morning whilst the dew was on. Finished plowing Sowing & harrowing in 6 Bushels of red clover Seed between the branch which runs from the gate to the Spring and the road which leads from the gate also the Quarters and thence into the Creek field.
At Muddy hole finished late in the afternoon the ditch round the Barn and Dug the Irish Potatoes in the half acre of experimental
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ground (adjoining the 1½ acre of Sweet or Country Potatoes) which being of the red and white in alternate rows through the piece yielded as follow
All the hands from the House, except the Carpenters, that were employed in the Neck yesterday went to French's to day to assist in securing as many of the Pease there as they could--great loss by the frost--The ripe pease opening and sheddg. and the green ones with the vines on which they grew had turned quite black loking like a thing parboiled. Carried the Pease and the Vines which appeared to be cured into one end of the Tobo. House in field No. 1.
In the Evening Mr. Houston and lady & Miss Maria Livingston her Sister came in and stayed all Night.
MR. HOUSTON: probably William Houstoun of Georgia. Houstoun, the son of Sir Patrick Houstoun, Bart., and Lady Priscilla Dunbar Houstoun, went to England to study law at the Inner Temple during the Revolution, returning to America in time to obtain a commission and serve briefly in the army. He served in the Continental Congress from 1784 to 1787 and in 1785 was one of the commissioners to settle the boundary line between Georgia and South Carolina. Houstoun was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention; although he took an active part in the convention, urgent personal business called him away before the signing of the Constitution. Houstoun's "Lady" was his future wife Mary Bayard (c. 1766--1808), daughter of Nicholas Bayard and Catherine Van Brugh Livingston Bayard of New York. They were to marry the following year. Maria Livingston, her traveling companion, was probably one of her numerous Livingston cousins.
Friday 19th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night. In the Morning the weather was hazy--at Noon Cloudy and in the evening raining.
Mr. Houston going away abt. 10 Oclock I rid to French's the Ferry Dogue run & Muddy hole.
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At the Ferry the hands were making a farm pen.
At French's about the Pease as yesterday. The Vines of some of them appeared to me to be not sufficiently cured.
At Dogue run getting out Wheat and removing brush from the Swamp to the gullies.
At Muddy hole began to ditch between fields No. 1. 2. 3. & 4 and to sow Wheat with a Barrel 6 feet long--perforated with holes strapped round with leather bands in order with intention to drop the wheat in clumps 6 Inches square but the leather not binding equally alike in all parts it discharged Seeds from the Sides and sowed it broad.
On my return home I found a Mr. Dunlap (a West Indian) Mr. Cary Mr. Donaldson, and Mr. Porter here who returned to Alexa. after dinner.
Joseph Gary (Carey) was a partner of Thomas and John Williams in the Alexandria firm of Williams, Cary & Williams ( Va. Journal, 20 Mar. and 15 Nov. 1787; SPROUSE [2], 2:19).
Robert Donaldson, an Alexandria merchant, in 1785 was selling imported goods from the West Indies ( Va. Journal, 30 June 1785). In the 1790s he was a partner in the firm of Hartshorne & Donaldson.
Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--48 at Noon & 46 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with a continued rain since it began yesterday afternoon.
No out doors work done this day.
Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind at No. Et. till the afternoon then No.--Cloudy all day with some rain--at home alone.
Monday 22d. Thermometer 46 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night. Clear and exceedingly pleasant all day--with the Wind Northerly in the Morning and Southerly in the evening.
Went up to a meeting of the Potk. Company at George Town. Called at Muddy hole Plantation in my way. Did the business which called the Corny. together. Dined at Shuters Tavern, and returned as far as Abingdon at Night.
Whilst at Muddy hole, finding that the Barrel continued to scatter the Wheat, and not having time to try new expedients to alter it; the Season for sowing this grain being far advanced; I directed that it should proceed as it was.
Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 58 at Night--Weather calm & clear.
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After a very early break fast at Abigdon I arrived at Muddy hole Plantation by 8 oclock and took the Bands off the Barrel that the grain might drop without interruption from the holes therein.
Went round by Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry Plantation.
At the first getting out Wheat.
At the 2d. (Frenchs) securing Pease and
At the Ferry Treading out Oats.
Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 61 at Night. Morning Foggy but clear afterwards with the Wind at So. Wt. & South.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck found that the Sowing of the orchard Inclosure with Wheat had been compleated on Monday last and that such parts thereof as have not been already enumerated, had been sown with Wheat alone. The Orchard part had received the workings already mentioned as also the part which was sown with the winter Vetches. The Part which had been sown with Wheat & clover, as already mentioned had been plowed & cross plowed--the Wheat then harrowed in, after which the clover seed was Sown over which a bush passed to scratch in the Seed and level the grd. That part which had Wheat alone had also been plowed--crossed plowed--& the Wheat harrowed in.
Ordered the Buck Wheat at every place to be got in and threshed out. yield--exclusive of abt. ¼ at the So. Wt. Corner of the Sqr., which had perished by, it is apprehended the lowness of the situation, as follow 3¾ bushls. & ½ a peck whereof 2¼ grew on the dunged part of the half acre.
At Frenchs, the Pease would be all got in this Night (but with great loss)--and
at the Ferry the people were cleaning Oats which were tread out yesterday.
Mr. Richard Lee & his Sister came here in the evening.
These visitors were probably Richard Bland Lee and his eldest sister Mary Lee, children of Henry Lee of Leesylvania, who died earlier this year. Mary later (c. 1792) became the third wife of Philip Richard Fendall of Alexandria (LEE [5], 296--98).
Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 66 at Night. Clear all day, with the Wind at So. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, began with 4 plows to flush plow field No. 6 (in 6 feet Ridges) for Indian Corn & Potatoes next yr. and began also to draw the Buck Wh. together, and to get up the Hogs at this place for killing.
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At Muddy hole began also to get in, and thresh out the Buck Wheat. An half acre of the experimental grd. at this place which had been divided into 3 equal parts and planted with the Bunch homeny Beans--Of the commn. homony bean and with the small round Pease yielded as follow--viz.--of the first which had been gathered before I came home 3 pecks--of the 2d. (just now gathered) 1 peck only and of the other viz. Pease the 2d. & last gathering of which has been just made--3 pecks. Note each of these Thirds contained the 6th. of an acre. Of the experimental half acres there are 3 yet to obtain the crops from--viz.--Jerusalem Artichokes (of which, out of 1442 hills 417 are missing)--Carrots and Turnips. In the half acre of Irish Potatoes there were 27 Rows 4 feet a part & 60 in length. These were also missing in places, and more in the undunged than dunged part. Had the Rows been nearer, the Crop would have been greater. Ordered the Irish Potatoes at this place wch. had been planted under Straw &ca. for experiments to be taken up.
Yield as follow.
At Dogue Run the hands were getting in & threshing out Buck Wheat.
At Frenchs--The Hoe people and Cart were filling up gullies and two plows were at work.
At the Ferry two plows began to break up part of No. 2 for Indian Corn & Potatoes. The rest of the Negroes were measuring and carrying off Oats--Stacking blades and otherwise securing the fodder.
At the Mansion House setting Turnips raised from the Seed sent me by Mr. Young to propagate Seed from.
On my return home found Mrs. Stuart and her two youngest daughters here--and Mr. & Miss Lee whom I had left.
MR. YOUNG: GW had included turnip seeds in the list of items requested on 6 Aug. 1786 of Arthur Young, the English agriculturist (PPRF).
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Friday. 26th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 67 at Night. Clear all day & wind pretty fresh from the So. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations after Mr. & Miss Lee went away.
In the Neck, the Buck Wheat was all drawn to a yard in the field for the purpose of threshing and it was accordingly done and removed to the Barn but not measured. 6 plows at Wk. there to day.
At Muddy hole finished Sowing with the Barrel, the ground on the left of the road leading from the gate on the Ferry road, to the Barn with 18½ Bushls. of Wheat--and thinking this quantity inadequate I had more holes perferated in the Barrl. to sow the other part on the right of the above road. Got all the Pease into the Barn yard which had been cut down with the Scythes--also the remains of the Buck Wheat.
At Dogue run gathered in to the Farm yard & began to thresh and clean it.
At Frenchs filling gullies & Plowing (2 plows) part of field No. 2 which had been left unbroke in the Spring & Summer.
At the Ferry treading out Oats began with 2 plows to break up the lay part of field No. 2.
Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning 67 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Morning was calm and mild but the Wind blew fresh afterwards from the Westward.
Went to the Woods back of Muddy hole with the hounds. Unkennelled 2 foxes and dragged others but caught none--the dogs running wildly and being under no command.
Passed through Muddy hole Plantation & returned home by way of Dogue run, French's and the Ferry.
At the first, Sowed in 6 Oblong Squares at the West end of field No 4 (on the Wheat just sown) abt. an acre in each, the following grass Seeds. viz.--on the most Westerly square (being a breadth across the field) and divided, as all the others are, by a partition furrow 8 lbs. of rib grass--Next to this 20 lbs. of red clover--in the 3d. 2 Bushls. of Orchard grass--In the 4th. 20 lbs. of Hopclover--In the 5th. four Bushls. of Ray grass and in the 6th. 2 bushls. of Sainfoin. After sowing these Seeds the ground was first rolled and then harrowed with a bush. The square containing Sainfoin had the Seed first harrowed in with the Wheat over and above what is mentioned to have been done with respect to the others.
At Dogue run finished threshing cleaning and measuring the Buck Wht, wch. amounted to 121 Bushls. from about 12 Acres.
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At Frenchs cleared up the shattered Pease and threshed those wch. had been picked off the grd. wch. together amounted to 9 Bushls.
At the Ferry set 3 plows to work. Put the girl Eby to one of them.
The tryal that was made in the Neck of differt. qties. of Oats to the acre turned out as follow.
The above 3 acres were adjoining each other and as nearly alike as possible in quality of Soil, levelness and other circumstances. The grd. was prepared in all respects alike and sowed at the same time.
EBY: GW calls her Edy in the 18 Feb. 1786 entry of the Diaries and in his 1799 list of slaves. She was about 14 years old at this time (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP:Armstrong Collection, photostat).
Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 54 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning and No. Et. in the Evening.
Went to Pohick Church--Mr. Lear & Washington Custis in the carriage with me.
Mr. Willm. Stuart came from Church with me & Mr. Geo. Mason Junr. came in soon after.
Monday 29th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 46 at Night. Raining slowly at day breaking--how much earlier it began is not known; continued to do so, mixed with flakes of Snow till one oclock, when it cleared away pleasantly; but little wind all day, & that at East.
Spread, whilst it was raining, 2 Bushels of the Plaster of Paris had from Philadelphia on the So. half of the lawn beyond the break or small fall therein--quantity about half an acre.
After dinner Mr. George Mason went away.
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 46 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning with the Wind at So. Wt. About 8 oclock it began a slow & misling rain which encreased till it came on to rain fast which it continued to do until 11 Oclock when it ceased. A variable afternoon, but upon the whole pleasant.
Rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run, in the Morning but being
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driven in by the Rain I rode after it ceased to the Ferry & French's.
At Muddy hole cleaning up the Buck Wheat--57 bushls. of it only from 18 acres of ground.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at Work--the other hands agrubbg.
At French's 2 plows were at Work and the other hands weeding 2 yards for treading out grain.
At the Ferry the 3 plows were at work and the other people grubbing.
Wednesday 31st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 41 at Night. Clear pleasant and warm in the forenoon. Towards Noon it grew cold the Wind being hard at No. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck 6 plows were at Work and two more just added--one of which broke immediately. The other hands were digging Potatoes in the further cut opposite to Mr. Digges in No. 3.
At Muddy hole, finished sowing Wheat on the right of the road leading from the gate on the Ferry road to the Barn--in which 12½ bushls. of Seed was deposited and put in as that on the other side was. The hands getting the Remainder of the frost bitten Pease; and taking up those Turnips in the experimental grd. (which, not havg. the tops taken of being intended for seed) the yield could not be ascertained.
At Dogue run--The plows and People were employed as yesterday.
The Ditchers went to Frenchs this Morning.
Mrs. Stuart and her two youngest Children and Mr. William Stuart went from this Yesterday morning.
Thursday 1st. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 42 at Night. A frost this morning which crusted the grd. and formed Ice. Early it was calm & not unpleasant but the Wind blew fresh from the No. Wt. & grew cold afterwards.
Rid by the way of Muddy hole where the people were taking up Turnips to transplant for Seed to Alexandria to attend a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company. Also the exhibition of the Boys of the Academy in this place. Dined at Leighs Tavern lodged at Colo. Fitzgeralds after returning abt. 11 Oclock at Night from the performance which was well executed.
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THE EXHIBITION OF THE BOYS: part of "the public Examinations of the several Schools in the Alexandria Academy, antecedent to the autumnal Vacation. . . . In the Evening the Pupils of the Rev. Mr. M'Whir delivered public Orations before a large and respectable Audience, among whom were present General Washington, and the greater Part of the Principal Inhabitants, Ladies and Gentlemen, of the Town and the Neighbourhood: After which Prizes were distributed" ( Va. Journal, 8 Nov. 1787). George Steptoe Washington, GW's nephew, won a prize in Latin and ancient geography. LEIGHS TAVERN: George H. Leigh operated the Bunch of Grapes Tavern on the corner of Fairfax and Cameron streets.
Friday 2d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Last Night being very cold the grd. this morning was hard frozen. The Weather however through the day was very pleasant.
After breakfast I returned home by way of Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry.
At the first 3 plows were breaking up the remains of field No. 4. The other hands were taking up the Jerusalem Artichoke from the half Acre of experimental ground adjoining the half Acre in which the Irish Potatoes grew. Yield 58½ bushls. The quantity in the dunged, and undunged part was equal but the roots of the 1st. were largest.
At Dogue run all hands were engaged in treading out Wheat.
At Frenchs except the two Plows which were at work, they were employed in digging Irish Potatoes.
At the Ferry in treading out Oats.
Saturday 3rd. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 47 at Night. Clear weather & very pleasant with but little wind.
Rid to all the Plantations. Digging Potatoes at the River, Muddy hole, and Frenchs--at all of which the Plows were also at work. Treading Wheat at D. Run & Oats at the Ferry.
Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Clear & pleasant with but little Wind.
After the Candles were lighted Mr. & Mrs. Powell came in.
Monday 5th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night. But little Wind, clear & pleasant all day.
Mr. & Mrs. Powell remaining here I continued at home all day.
Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 56 at Night. Little or no Wind. Clear and pleasant all day.
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Mr. & Mrs. Powell crossing the river to Mr. Digges a little after Sunrise I accompanied them that far & having my horse carried into the Neck I rid round that and all the other plantations.
From the cut of drilled Corn in the Neck (in wch. the Tobo. house stands) came 45 bushls. of Irish Potatoes from every 3d. interval between the Corn Rows. From the So. Cut on the river came 38 Bushels from the 4 rows and from the Farm yard cut 4th. rows came 98 Bushels in all 181 whereof 21 only were red. Eight Plows were at work here.
At Muddy hole 2 plows were at Work. The driver of the 3d. was after Hogs. The rest of the hands getting Potatoes from a 10 acre cut of Corn, adjoining the experimental ground from whence (every 4th. row) came 25 bushls. of white & 22¾ of red--alternate rows of each sort--In all 47¾.
At Dogue run all hands were engaged in cleaning wheat, stacking the Straw &ca.
At Frenchs two plows were at Work--all the other hands diggg. Potatoes.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. The other hands were gettg. Corn from the New ground in front of the Mansn. House.
In his original Philadelphia journal GW included the notation that "Mr. Rid[ou]t dind & returned."
Wednesday 7th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 60 at Night. A Very thick fog in the morning, & but little wind all day--the fog continuing till near 12 oclock.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry.
At Muddy hole 2 plows only at work--the other hands getting Corn in the New ground in front of the Mansion house.
At Morris 4 plows were at Work. All the other hands were digging Potatoes on the right of the road leading from the gate to the Houses. Entered upon this business this morning.
At Frenchs 2 plows were at work. The rest of the hands were digging Potatoes which they finished--quantity 84½ Bushls. from 46 rows 170 yds. long each.
At the Ferry the same work as yesterday.
Majr. Geo. Auge. Washington, and his wife returned this evening from Berkley.
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 54 at Night. Wind Southerly and morning soft. Between 9 and
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10 oclock it began to rain moderately & continued to do so (very slowly) for about two hrs. and warm and damp afterwards.
Went up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Compy. Dined at Mr. Leighs Tavern and retd. in the afternoon.
The Ferry part of the New grd. Corn in front of the Mansion house being gathered and measured turned out as follow.
Of that wch. was sound 24
Rotten 4½ 28½
Stopped the Plows at Muddy hole to assist in digging the Potatoes there.
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 59 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. Weather mild & clear.
Went this day to the back line of my land in order to run a strait line 30 feet within the marked trees for a ditch leaving that space without for a road. Was not able to compleat it.
Passed by the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run in going and Muddy hole in returning.
At the 3 first the plows as usual were at work. At the latter the drivers were assisting with the Potatoes.
At the Ferry the hands were husking & securing the Corn they had gathered.
At Frenchs they were grubbing and stopping gullies before the Plows.
At Dogue run they were digging Potatoes.
At Muddy hole doing the same.
Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 52 at Night. The morning was mild & pleasant with the Wind at South. About 5 oclock it thundered & began to rain which it continued to do more or less till 10 oclock at Night.
Went again on the business I quitted yesterday without finishing it.
Passed by the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run, and returned by Muddy hole.
At the Ferry the Plows were at work as usual and the other hands were digging Potatoes.
At Frenchs they were employed as yesterday but were ordered to remove the trash out of the wet part of the Meadow (that had been grubbed) before it got wet.
At Dogue run only 2 plows were at work--the other hands digging Potatoes.
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At Muddy hole all were digging Potatoes.
On my return home found the Widow Graham and her daughter here who stayed all Night.
The widow Graham was probably Mrs. Elizabeth (Cocke) Graham, whose husband John Graham of Graham Park near Dumfries died in 1787. They had two daughters: Margaret Graham, who married Dr. Richard Gustavus Brown in 1769, and Jean Graham (b. 1768).
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night. Morning clear & pleasant with the Wind westerly but not hard nor cold.
After breakfast Mrs. Graham & her daughter went away and to dinner came my Nephew Geo. Steptoe Washington and young Mr. McCrae. In the Evening Colo. Richd. Henry Lee came in.
MCCRAE: probably John McCrea (McCrae), a son of Robert McCrea of Alexandria and a schoolmate of George Steptoe Washington ( Va. Journal, 8 Nov. 1787).
Monday 12th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning--52 at Noon And 52 at Night. Wind Southerly, weather mild but lowering all day. Towards noon, and from thence till 4 oclock it had much the appearance of Snow after wch. the clouds thinned and the prospect of fair weather brightned.
Colo. Lee went away about 11 Oclock and the young men after dinner. I did not ride as usual.
Finished digging the Irish Potatoes at Dogue run in the cut they began on thursday last--quantity from every 4th. interval between the Corn rows 120 bushl--63 of wch. were red. Red & white were in the rows alternately.
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 69 at Night. Very mild & soft morning with the wind Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations. At the River Quarter 8 Plows were at work. The rest of the people were gathering Beans, and threshing out Pease.
At Muddy hole all hands digging Potatoes. Sent the small gang from the House there to assist, and ordered the Ferry People except the Ferry men & those drawing the Plows to go there tomorrow for the same purpe.
At Dogue Run, 4 plows were at Work. The other hands aided by the People from Frenchs were digging Potatoes on the left of the road leading from the gate to the Houses.
At Frenchs two plows were at Work.
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At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. The other hands having finished digging the Potatoes; qty. 41 Bushls. whereof 6½ were red and 34½ white were picking the remainder of the frost bitten pease.
Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 67 at Night. Clear and very mild in the morning. Cloudy afterwards with slight sprinklings of Rain. Wind at So. West.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. All the other hands except the Ferry men had gone to Muddy hole.
At French's they had got done abt. 2/3 of the Stack of Barley and were treading of it. Finding the weather unsettled ordered that which was tread out and the other part in the Stack to be well covered. The Plow horses being employed in treading the Plows were stopped this day.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at work--the other hands about the Potatoes.
At Muddy hole all hands, except the 3 plow people (who were plowing) together with the House people & those from the Ferry were digging Potatoes in No. 1 by the quarter, having yesterday afternoon finished the Corn grd.--The quantity of wch. exclusive of those wch. grew on the 10 Acre cut amounted to 54½ bushels of red and 59½ of white and added thereto makes 84½ of White and 77¼ of red--in the whole 161¾ Bushels from every 4th. interval between the Corn Rows.
Recd. this evening, the last of the Potatoes from the Neck; amounting in the whole, to 181 Bushels; whereof 42 grew in the Easternmost cut of Corn in field No. 3--every 3d. row betwn. the Corn--39 in the Southernmost cut on the river every 4th. row and the remainder (100 Bushls.) in the Farm yard cut. From the whole of this there came only 21 bushls. of red from seed which had got intermixed (it is presumed at planting) with the White. From this place also came 56½ Bushls. of spring Barley which grew near the Barn in front of the Overseers House in grd. which had been in Turnips last year and might be about 4 acres. 31 Bushels of sound and good Pease were also brought home from thence; and 7½ more of those which had been bit by the frost in a great degree too some of them. These Pease came from the Field No. 3 between the 3d. Corn row in the first mentioned cut & the 4th. of the other two cuts--in like manner the Potatoes--the whole field containing 130 acres.
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Thursday 15th. Thermometer at 63 in the morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Morning mild and very heavy--the Wind having blown very fresh from the So. West all night. About 10 oclk. (after some previous sprinklings) it began a constant rain which continued till near three oclock without intermission, and at times very powerfully. After this till Night it ceased, but recommenced sometime after dark and continued it is supposed thro' the Night.
Went to Alexandria to an Election of a Senator, for the district of Fairfax & Prince William. Was accompanied by Mr. William Stuart who with Mrs. Stuart & his Sister came here last evening. Gave my suffrage for Mr. Thos. West who with a Mr. Pope from the other County were Candidates and returned home to dinner through the midst of the rain from an apprehension that the weather was not likely to abate in the evening.
The last of the Potatoes were brought from the left hand cut at Dogue run making therefore 113½ Bushels whereof 57¾ were red and 56½ were white. These added to those on the other side of the road, make 120¾ of red, and 113½ of White; In all 234¼ Bushls. from the 4th. Intervals of the Corn rows. The No. of Acres in Corn may be abt. 57.
In the Evening Mr. Kelly the Dancing Master and my Nepw. G. Steptoe Washington came in.
Thomas West, eldest son of John West, Jr., and Catharine Colvill West, served in one session (1784--85) of the House of Delegates for Fairfax County. In the polling for this Virginia Senate seat West lost to John Pope, of Prince William County, who remained in the Senate until 1791, after which he served several terms in the House of Delegates for Prince William County (see SWEM and WILLIAMS). MR. KELLY: John B. O'Kelly of Alexandria (O'BRIEN, 52).
Friday 16th. Thermometer at 57 in the morning--56 at Noon and 57 at Night. A continued rain all day--some times powerful, by which the grd. was made very wet. Wind in the forenoon Southerly--afternn. Easterly--and towards Night at No. West but not hard at any period of it.
Remained within doors all day.
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 44 in the morning--56 at Noon And 55 at Night. A very clear and pleasant Morning. Day fine, Wind tho' not much of it at No. West.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the first ground being too wet to Plow I sent them to Frenchs which was something drier being lay land.
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At the other, cleaning the Barley, aided by some of the Dogue run people--but was not able to finish it.
At Dogue run four plows were at work. The other hands were filling gullies before the Plows.
At Muddy hole 3 plows were at Work. The other people & the small gang from the House were digging Potatoes tho' it was bad doing it on acct. of the wetness of the earth.
Mrs., Miss Stuart and the Miss[es] Custis together with Harriot W. went up to Abingdon, & Mr. Kelly & Geo. Steptoe Washington to Alexandria, after breakfast.
The dancing class was over on this day and GW paid O'Kelly for "one quarter's instruction" of Lawrence and George Steptoe Washington (LEDGER B, 256). The class, organized in August, also included their younger sister, Harriot Washington (1776--1822), and Eleanor Parke Custis (LEDGER B, 248).
Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 41 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 51 at Night. Weather clear and pleasant. The Wind in the morning was at No. Et.--at Noon East and at Night Southerly.
Geo. Auge. Washington and his wife went up to Abingdon. To Dinner came Mr. Potts his wife and Brother and Mr. Wilson from Alexandria and soon after them Colo. Humphreys. The first company went away after dinner and in the evening Mr. Corbin Washington came in.
John Potts, Jr., was married in June 1786 to Eliza Ramsay ( Va. Journal, 29 June 1786). She was the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Ramsay of Alexandria, the widow of Patrick Ramsay, a Scottish merchant, formerly of Blandford, Prince George County, Va.
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--53 at Noon and 51 at Night. Morning clear and calm, with a red sky in the Eastern horizon and some fog on the River.
Rid before breakfast to the Plantations at Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole. Had the Barley at the former fanned, cleaned and Measured--quantity 126½ bushls. from about 9 acres of ground.
At Dogue run, laid down the Barley to tread out.
At Muddy hole digging Potatoes. The hands from the Ferry, and sml. gang from the Mansn. house assisting. The Ploughs would abt. finish breaking up field No. 4 this evening. Mr. Robt. Morris, Mr. Gour. Morris & Doctr. Ruston came in before Dinner.
On 13 Nov. Samuel Powel wrote GW from Philadelphia to thank the Washingtons for their hospitality, adding: "Messrs. Robert & Gouverneur Morris left this City Yesterday & will probably be with you before the Arrival of this Letter. They will be able to give you a full and ample Detail of all
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Matters relative to our grand Question, I mean the Acceptation of the federal Constitution" (DLC:GW). The Morrises were in Virginia for several months "to straighten out difficulties connected with Robert's contract for a monopoly on the sale of American tobacco to the French Farmers General" (MINTZ, 205).
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 55 at Night. Morning pleasant, very lowering afterwards. Wind at So. Et., and moderate in the forenoon--but fresh afterwards--veering more Easterly.
Colo. Lyles, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Rumney, Mr. Lowry, Mr. Abernathy, Mr. Monshure, Mr. Nelson, and Doctr. Craik came to Dinner and returned in the evening. Mr. Corbin Washington went away after breakfast.
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning--51 at Noon And 46 at Night. A great deal of rain fell in the Night. Cloudy morning but clear afterwards. Wind at No. West all day but neither very hard, nor cold.
Messrs. Morris's, & Doctr. Ruston went away after Breakfast. With the first two I rid a few miles and then visited my plantations at Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole on my return.
At the first, the Ferry Plows were aiding those of the Plantatn., their own grd. being too wet and the other hands were assisting the Muddy hole people in digging Potatoes. The rest of French's hands were filling up gullies before the Plows.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at work. The other hands were fillg. up gullies.
At Muddy hole the Plows (three) only finished breaking up No. 4 last night, instead of doing it the eveng, before, as I expected. And began this morning to plow No. 3. The other hands with those from the Ferry were about the Potatoes.
In the Neck, finished breaking up field No. 4.
Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--51 at Noon And 45 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind fresh all day at No. West. About Noon it was clear. Lowered again in the Afternoon.
Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole.
At the first, began to Plow (next the Mouth of Carneys gut) field No. 9 as the first preparation for a wheaten Crop, next fall--to receive in the Mean while Buck Wheat, & some other fallow Crops. 6 plows only at work.
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At the Plantation at Muddy hole 2 plows only were at work in No. 3. The third had come down to the House to be repaired; all the other hands, together with those from the Ferry, were digging Potatoes. Examined the squares which I had sowed at this place with grass seeds; and found that the red clover, hop clover, Ray grass, and orchard grass were all up very thick. None of the rib grass could I perceive up and very little if any of the Sainfoin.
The Winter Vetches, red clov. and trafoil which had been sowed in the Neck were also up the two last very thick & well; but I could perceive none of the Burnet, and very little of the Sainfoin above ground.
Friday 23d. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind at No. Wt., but neither cold nor very fresh. Cloudy in the forenoon but clear afterwards.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and Muddy hole.
At the first the plows belonging to the Plantation were at work at frenchs. The other hands were getting Corn in the flat below the hill in No. 1.
At Frenchs, the Plows were stopped, in order that the Horses might tred out Oats: all hands employed in this business.
At Dogue run, finished cleaning the Oats raised from the Seed sent me by Genl. Spotswood, from an Acre of grd.; 41½ Bushels. The remainder of the Barley, 6¾ bushls. was brot. from this place, which made the whole raised at it 74¼ bushls.--total at all the places 257¼ bushls. 3¼ bushls. of the black Spelt was brot. home from this place also. 4 Plows were at Work. The other hands (after cleang. Oats) were spreadg. Buck Wheat straw and threshing the common Spelts.
At Muddy hole, 3 plows were at work; the other hands, belonging to the Plantation, were digging Potatoes, which they finished doing about Noon. These have not been measured, but spread in the Barn that they might get dry and be sorted. Note--The digging of Potatoes has been too long postponed this fall. The proper season to do this work in is, as soon as the top dies & before it becomes so dry as to fall. At so late a Season the earth is wet, clings to the Potatoes; makes them very dirty, & difficult to dry; from whence many are spoiled without much troubles & attention. Note also. It is too late, where there are not Barns, on the floors of which grain can be threshed dry, & with safety, to have Wheat, Oats, or other Crops of this kind remaining in the Straw. Dirt yards, on which they are tred, get damp; & much grain is buried in the earth; to keep them from freezing is not only troublesome,
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but difficult; and the freqt. rains which fall at this Season, are not sufficiently counteracted by the Sun to prepare them for use before they are endangered by a repetition of more.
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 48 in the morning--48 at Noon And 45 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day with heavy clouds, & great appearances of rain till the evening, when the Clds. broke and the prospect brightned a little.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantns.--also to the Carpenters in the Woods.
At the Ferry, the Plows were as yesterday at work at Frenchs. The other hands were husking & lofting of Corn and gathering Beans.
At Frenchs all hands and Horses were treading out Oats.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at Work. The rest of the People were threshing & cleaning the common Spelts--qty. 35½ Bushls. which were left there for the use of the Plantation Horses.
At Muddy hole 3 plows were at Work. The other hands were gathering & husking of Corn, & sorting the Irish Potatoes.
Mrs. Lee (wife of Colo. Henry Lee) came here to dinner and in the afternoon he & Judge Harrison of Maryland arrived.
Mr. Lear went up to Alexa. today on my business.
Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 45 at Night. Clear & pleasant all day--Notwithstanding the Wind (though not brisk) continued at No. East.
Colo. Simms, Mr. Porter, and young Mr. Bowen came here to dinner, and returned afterwards.
Monday 26th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--49 at Noon And 47 at Night. Wind at No. Et. and great appearances of rain all day. About Noon it began to Mizzle after which the clds. broke & the weather looked less threatning.
Colo. Lee & his Lady, & Colo. Harrison going away after breakfast I rid to French's, Dogue run, and Muddy hole.
At the first, 2 plows were at work; the other hands were cleaning Oats.
At Dogue run, all hands were engaged in getting out Oats, for which purpose the Plows were stopped.
At Muddy hole, 3 plows were at work; the other hands were gathering Corn;
Three plows were at Work at the Ferry. Mrs. Jenifer came here.
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Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 47 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day and weather very heavy and threatning.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs and Ferry. At the first gathering, and measuring Corn. The whole produce of field No. 3 amounted to no more than [ ] Barrls. 6 plows were at work.
At Muddy hole, 3 plows were at work--the other hands gathering Corn & husking it.
At Dogue run, 4 plows were at Work. The other hands were cleaning the Oats which had been tread out yesterday.
At French's 2 plows were at Work. All the other hands were cleaning Oats.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. All the rest of the hands were gathering & husking Corn.
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 47 at Night. Wind variable, sometimes East, and sometimes West of North. Began to drop rain by or before Sun rise. About 10 Oclock it encreased so as to rain pretty fast; which it continued to do, more or less till abt. 4 oclock when it cleared & the Sun.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole.
The Plows were at Work at all of them till abt. 10 Oclock when they were stopped by rain--as all other outdoors work was.
Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 49 at Night. Clear and calm in the fore part of the day, & in the afternoon. Cloudy from 12 Oclock till 3, with appearances of Snow & wind at No. West.
In Company with Colo. Humphreys Majr. Washington & Mr. Lear went a hunting, found a fox about 11 Oclock near the Pincushion. Run him hard for near 3 quarters of an hour & then lost him.
Mr. Lund Washington who joined us, came & dined with us and returned afterwards.
Passed through Muddy hole Plantation. 3 plows were at Work, the other hands were gathering & husking Corn.
Friday 30th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 39 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning but clear afterwards. Early in the Morning the Wind was about So. West after which it
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got to No. Wt. but neither blew hard nor cold. In the evening it was calm & quite clear.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first three plows were at work in field No. 3, Number a being two wet to plow. The rest of the hands were gathering and husking Corn.
At French's 2 plows were at Work. The other hands were filling gullies before the Plows. The last load of Oats from the stack which had been tread were brot. to the Mansion house from this place--qty. 287½ bushls. from this Stack.
At Dogue run, 4 plows were at Work. The other hands were making drains to let of the water (wch. was ponding in wet weather) from fields No. 4 & 6, now in grain. Brot. the last of the Oats from this place which grew in the ground (abt. 25 acs.) that was winter fallowed in No. 1, adjoining the Ferry road. Qty. 139½ Bushls. All these (last mentioned) Oats, were deposited in the Seed loft, over the Green Ho.
At Muddy hole 3 plows were at work. The other hands were gathering and husking corn.
Mrs. Jenifer went away about Noon.
Saturday first. Mercury at 46 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 57 at Night. Calm and remarkably clear and pleasant all day. A large white frost in the Morning & grd. froze.
Went with Colo. Humphreys, Majr. W. & Mr. Lear a fox hunting. Found a fox abt. 9 Oclock & run him hard till near 10 and lost him.
Passed through Muddy hole Plantation, & returned through those of Dogue run, Frenchs, & the Ferry, after the Hunt.
At the first 3 plows were at Work. The other hands were gathering & husking Corn.
At Dogue run, all hands (Plows being stopped) were treading out Oats.
At Frenchs--the same.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at Wk. in No. 3. The other hands were gathering & measuring Corn.
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--60 at Noon and [ ] at Night. Clear, mild & pleasant in the Morning with but little Wind and that Southerly. About 11 Oclock it shifted to No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh but not cold.
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At home all day. Mr. G. W. Lewis and Geo. Steptoe Washington who with Mr. Wm. Booth came here yesterday to dinner returned this afternoon to their respective homes.
MR. WM. BOOTH: probably William Aylett Booth, son of Col. William Booth of Westmoreland and Frederick counties. GW was one of the trustees appointed to dock the entail of some of Colonel Booth's land for the benefit of William Aylett Booth (William Aylett Booth to GW, 16 April 1787, DLC:GW; HENING, 8:640).
Monday 3d. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Very little wind. Mild & pleasant all day. In the first of the Morning, what wind there was came from the No. Et. Afterwards it was Southerly.
Mr. Booth going away after Breakfast I rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck 6 Plows were at Work. All the other hands were gathering & husking of Corn.
At Muddy hole 3 plows were at Work--the other hands gathering & husking of Corn.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at work. The rest of the force were cleaning the Oats which were tread out on Saturday last.
At Frenchs all hands were treading the remainder of the Stack of Oats which was began on Saturday.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at work in field No. 2. The other hands were gathering & husking Corn.
On my return home found a Mr. Jones of No. Carolina, and Doctr. Craik here. The former stayed all Night. The latter returned to Alexandria.
Tuesday 4th. Thermometer at 47 in the Morning--47 at Noon And 46 at Night. Wind Southerly all day--varying sometimes to the East, & then to the [ ]. Morning very heavy with slight rain. Clear afterwards & very pleasant.
After Mr. Jones went away I rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first 3 plows at Work in field No. 2. The other hands finished measurg. the Corn qty. as follow--24½ frm. New grd. 7 frm. drilled do. 17 frm. Stony hill & 20 fm. flat--In all 68½ sound besides 3 picked (up in) difft. fields--& soft Corn 22 Bar[rls.]
At Frenchs two plows began to work abt. 11 Oclock. The other hands were cleaning Oats.
At Dogue run 4 plows were at Work. The other hands were gathering & husking of Corn.
At Muddy hole 3 plows were at Work. The other hands had just
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finished husking & measuring Corn--qty. 30 Barrls. sound & 11 Hog Corn--7 rotten of wch. 9 Barrls. of the first & 1 of the other grew on the first 10 ac[res] next the experimental Squares. A large proportion of the Corn at all my Plantations is soft & rotten this year.
Turned every species of Stock of my Clover at Muddy hole and the five acre lott in the Neck.
Took up some Turnips for Table use to day at Muddy hole.
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 47 in the Morning--47 at Noon and 46 at Night. The Wind getting to No. Wt. in the Night blew hard but lulled in the Morning, & by Nine Oclock, grew calm and very cloudy. About noon it dropped rain and had appearances of a wet afternoon tho' it turned out otherwise--a bright horizon about Sundown.
Went out, in Company with Colo. Humphreys, with the hounds after we had breakfasted. Took the drag of a Fox on the side of Hunting Creek near the Cedar gut. Carried it through Muddy hole Plantation into the Woods back of it and lost it near the Main road.
After which I went to Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry Plantations.
At the first (Muddy hole) 2 plows only were at Work; the third being at the Shop. The other hands after securing their Corn in the Barn began to dig the Carrots in the (quarter of an Acre of the) experimental ground.
At Dogue run, the Corn in the East cut of field No. 4 measured 27 barrls. and that which grew in the Small field by Frenchs measured 15 barrls. of sound Corn. The Plows were stopped, and all hands were employed in treading out the only remaining Stack of Oats. The last Stack turned out 129 bushls.; 37½ of wch. came to the Mansn. Ho. & 91½ remd. for the Plantn.
At French's 2 plows were at work, the other hands were employed in cleaning Oats.
At the Ferry, three plows were at Work. The other hands were cleaning the railings of Wheat & threshing out Pease.
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 40 in the morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Cloudy & raw in the morning, wind being at No. Et. Abt. Noon it veered to the East, and then to the So. Et. Many changes in the appearance of the Weather, it sometimes threatning immediate Snow or rain, and then promised to be fair. Once or twice a few flakes of Snow fell.
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Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, finished husking and measuring the Corn in the South part of field No. 9--quantity [ ] Barls. including what had been given to the Hogs. Plows were stopped in order to tread a stack of Oats whch. grew in the No. Et. part of field No. 2--The hands engaged in this work and housing the Corn.
At Muddy hole finished digging the carrots which grew on the half of the half-acre of experimental grd. (the other half thereof, had been sowed with Turnips, and taken up by mistake without Measuring, or weighing). That part of the grd. which had received the usual quantity of 50 bushls. of dung (to the half acre) produced 12 Bushls. of Carrots; and the other part of the ground which had not been dunged yielded 12 Bushels. In the size of the Carrots there was but little difference. In both they were short, and mostly forked; many of them however were thick. Three plows were at Work. In one I put the mule which worked very well. The horse mule is intended also for this Plantation.
At Dogue run 5 plows were at work. Moll, with the old dray Mare, & another Mare bot. for me by Mr. Muse ware set to this business. The other hands were cleaning Oats & threshing Pease.
At Frenchs two Plows were at Work--the other hands cleaning Oats.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at work in field No. 2. The other hands after finishing cleaning the tailings, Pease, & Beans were employed in getting the Cedar Berries. The quantity of Sound Pease only amounted to 3½ Bushls. and the Beans to 1¼ Bushls. 54 Pumpkins were sent from this place to the Mansion Ho. for the Cows.
Taking up Turnips, at Dogue by the small gang from the Mann. House. Three men from Do. cutting broom straw for litter.
Friday 7th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Raining good part of the Night moderately. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning; and continued so pretty fresh through the day and cool. For the most part cloudy.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck 5 plows only were at work--not more through the week. Finished cleaning and measurg. the Stack of Oats wch. was tread out yesterday from the Eastermost cut of field No. 2 quantity 109 bushls. from about 8 acres of grd. After this all hands were employed (except those with the five plows) in gathering Corn.
At Muddy hole two plows only were at work--the 3d. at the Smiths shop. Measured the ¼ of an Acre of Carrots which were
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taken from the experimental ground--quantity 24 Bushls. half of wch. was from the undunged part, and of equal quality with those which grew on the dunged part (as noticed yesterday). Dug those which grew on the first 10 acres of Corn, adjoining to the experimental grd. (in every 4th. Corn Row). These were of the Orange sort, and very large, but a good deal missing--quantity 22 bushels. The 4th. rows which had been in Irish Potatoes & had yielded 47¾ bushls, as appears by the entry on the 6th. of last Month which makes the difference of 25¾ bushls. in favor of the Potatoes wch. were much less miss[in]g.
At Dogue run, 4 plows only were at work; the other hands, after cleaning the Oats & putting them away, quantity 96 bushls.; threshed, cleaned and sent to the Mansn. house the Pease--viz.--14½ bushls. of sound & 6 ditto of frost bitten ones.
At Frenchs, 2 plows were at Work. The other hands cleaning of Oats.
At the Ferry, 3 plows at work. Other hands preparing and littering the Farm pen and doing other Jobs.
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 42 at Night. Clear Morning and a large white frost. The forenoon was calm but in the afternoon the wind coming briskly from the Southward it clouded & felt raw.
Went a hunting after breakfast; about Noon found a fox between Muddy hole & Pincushion, which the Dogs run for some time in woods thro which there was no following them so whether they caught, or lost it is uncertain.
I returned home by way of Dogue run & Frenchs.
At Dogue run 5 plows were at Work. 3 Men were felling timber for rails to inclose field No. 7. The rest of the hands were getting in and husking Corn.
At French's 2 plows were at Work. The other hands, after cleaning & sending to the Mansion House the remainder of the Oats which had been tread out from the 2d. Stack (quantity 287¾ bushels and which made the whole yield of field No. 5 wch. had been in Oats, amount to 33 Acres 575¼ bushels or 17½ bushls. to the Acre) were employed in preparing and covering the yard at the Tobacco house in order to tread out the Wheat & Oats there.
At Muddy hole the remainder of the Carrots in the other 10 Acres (sowed with Seed from the Mansion House) were dug & measured--yield 6 bushels only. These were very much missing, and of an inferior quality, to the orange--Much so in point of size.
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--38 at Noon And 36 at Night. The Wind having shifted to the No. Wt. in the
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Night it cleared and grew cold. In the Morning the ground was hard froze & the Weather very clear as it continued to be all day--the wind tho' not hard remaining at No. Wt.
Colos. Fitzgerald & Gilpin, Captn. Conway & Mr. Herbert, Mr. Hartshorne & Doctr. Craik Junr. came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 34 at Night. Morning & day clear. Wind varying from West to No. Wt. and very cold all day. Ground hard froze--plows stopped till it softened--Ice ¾ of an Inch thick in places.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, gathering and husking Corn with all the hands till the plows could work.
At Muddy hole began to put up the Fence between fields No. 3 & 4.
At Dogue run gathering and husking Corn--5 plows at Work.
At Frenchs all hands treading Wheat--plows stopped for this purpose.
At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. The other hands were getting up taking an Acct. of the Stock & Tools previous to Hezekh. Fairfaxs leaving the place--afterwards grubbing in the slash between this Plantan. & Frenchs.
This day agreed to give the two Brothers of Cornelius McDermot Roe 20 guineas as Ditchers or labourers till the 1st. of Novr. next the Younger of the two to Work at Brick laying when Cornelius is so employed.
Cornelius McDermott Roe's two brothers were Edward and Timothy (LEDGER B, 236; O'BRIEN, 186--87).
Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--37 at Noon And 35 at Night. Wind at West varying some times to the No. ward & sometimes to the Southward. Cold & raw with appearances of Snow towards evening.
Rid to Muddy hole, D. Run Frenchs and the Ferry Plantns.
Too hard frozen the ground to Plow any where.
At Muddy hole Fencing.
At Dogue run cutting Rail stuff with the Men--women husking Corn.
At Frenchs Treading out the remainder of the Wheat.
At the Ferry--grubbing in the slash as mentioned yesterday.
In the Evening Mrs. Bushrod Washington (brought by my Chariot from Colchester) and Mr. Fendal, came here.
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--32 at Noon And 30 at Night. Clear and cold but not unpleasant. Wind
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at No. Wt. all day. Grd. very hard froze. Creeks covered with Ice.
No plowing any where to day.
Mr. Fendall going away after breakfast Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Bushrod Washington, Colo. Humphreys & myself dined at Mr. Lund Washingtons.
I rid by the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations as I went.
At the Ferry, grubbing in the swamp as yesterday.
At French's cleaning up the Wheat that had been tread out.
At Dogue run, after finishing husking Corn, the Women were employed in cleaning up the swamp in the Meadow above the Houses.
The last Potatoes having been brought home from Muddy hole, from the grd. by the Quarters, the qty. in that piece amounted to 275¾ Bls. and makes the whole from that Plantation 468 Bushls. From all the Plantations 997¾ Bushls. whereof 409 Bushels of large white 153½ bushls. of large red--246 bushls. of Small White and 60 bushls. of small red were put into the Cellars. The deficiency have been made use of and got injured and were given to the Cows.
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--35 at Noon And 30 at Night.
Clouds & Sunshine alternately, sometimes great appearances of Snow. Wind West--varying Sometimes to the No. & sometimes to the So. of it.
Rid to all the Plantations except the Neck.
Ground too hard froze to plow at any of them.
At the Ferry, all hands grubbing the Swamp except 1 man getting stakes for fence.
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At Frenchs--all hands cleaning Wheat. Cornelius & his two brothers began to deepen the parting ditch betwn. this Plantation & the ferry.
At Dogue Run--the women were digging Carrots--grd. very improper for it, being hard froze, & wheat hurt by it. Men cutting rail timber except those who were at the Mansn. House abt. the Hogs.
At Muddy hole, the Men being employed at the Mansn. house abt. the Hogs the women were cutting Corn stalks.
Friday 14th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--41 at Noon and 38 at Night. Clear and Cold all day the Wind continuing steadily at No. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations. The grd. continuing hard frozen all day an entire stop was put to plowing.
At the River Plantation, all hands were employed in gathering, husking and housing Corn.
At Muddy hole, the people were employed in putting up fencing.
At Dogue run the Men were cutting & Mauling rails--the Women grubbing in field No. 5. Ordered them to Frenchs tomorrow to clean out the meadow, before the wetness of it shall put a stop to it.
The Carrots brot. from thence measured [ ] Bushels--one row remains undug.
At Frenchs, finished cleaning the Wheat and sent it to the Mill qty. 47½ Bushls. besides tailings which were brot. to the Mansn. House [ ] bushels.
At the Ferry, all the Women were grubbing.
In the evening Messrs. Rumney Monshur & Porter came down.
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--42 at Noon And 39 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, and abt. Noon pretty fresh. Ground hard froze all day.
No plowing.
A little after Sun rise, in company with the Gentlemen who
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came yesterday--Colo. Humphreys, Majr. Washington & Mr. Lear, went a hunting; but did not get a fox on foot nor is it certain we ever touched on the trail of one. The Gentlemn. and Lund Washington (who joined us) came home to dinner, & returned home afterwards.
The Acct. of the horses at the Ferry Plantation, which had been mislayed (after taking it the 16th. of Octr.) is as on the other side.
Horses
Working Mares
Unbroken Horses and Mares
Sunday 16th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 37 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the morning--then calm--then So. Et. Cloudy all day with great appearances of Snow.
Monday 17th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 38 at Night. But little wind all day, & that at No. Et. Weather much more moderate than it has been. In the morng. and alternately through the day, great appearances of Snow. At times a little fell, but not enough to whiten the ground. In the afternoon the Sun appeared.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, & Muddy hole Plantations.
No Plowing any where. A hand from each Plantation sent to the
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Mansn. Ho. to cut wood for Christmas--the Carts from the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run accompanying them in order to draw it in, & to carry out dung.
At the Ferry the Women were grubbing the Slash.
At Frenchs they were getting out Oats.
At Dogue Run, except the Men who were at home, getting Rail timber, the rest were at Frenchs cleaning the Meadow as they had been on Saturday agreeably to the order given on Friday.
At Muddy hole the Women were fencing between fields No. 5 & 6.
On Saturday last brot. home the 2 Maltese Jennys, and 2 Mules one from the bla. dray Mare at D. run--the other from a Grey Mare at the Ferry--Also the 2 Stallion Colts from the Neck--to Winter. The Bullocks which had been in the Mill Meadow and intended for Stall feeding--6 in number--were brot. home to their racks this day also.
Tuesday 18th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--42 at Noon And 38 at Night. Wind Northerly and variable.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Muddy hole.
At the first grubbing the Swamp or slash.
At French's, Treading out Oats.
The hands from Dogue run cleaning up the Meadow at this place as yesterday.
At Muddy hole fencing. Finished gathering, husking and Housing the Corn at the River plantation--qty. as follow.
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Wednesday 19th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--44 at Noon And 40 at Night. Wind variable from No. Et. to So. East. Snowing by spirts & sometimes fast (but never so as to whiten the ground) from Sun rise till 11 Oclock.
Rid to all the Plantations. At the Neck--Men getting Posts for Fencing, & some, with the Women, covering & getting Farm pen in order. Brought the (Waggon here to assist in getting in wood).
At Muddy hole--The people were fencing.
At Dogue run, except those who were mauling & cuttg. Rails they were cleaning the Meadow at Frenchs as yesterday.
At Frenchs, on acct. of the weather, no Oats were tread out to day but those which had been tread out were cleaning up.
At the Ferry cleaning up the Swamp which had been grubbed.
Thursday 20th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--43 at Noon and 36 at Night. Perfectly clear all day. Morning calm. Wind fresh & cold from the No. Wt. afterwards till towards sundown when it became calm & pleasant.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first the People having cleaned up the slash or swamp they were directed to level the ditch in No. 2 (which formerly divided this Plantation from French's) and to grub on the sides of it. Ordered 4 of the fatting hogs from hence to the Mansn. Ho. to be slaughtered--1 Sow which appeared to be with pig to be turned out for a breeder & 3 to be left for the Farmer.
At French's all the hands that were at home were employed in Treading out Oats. At this place also--in the Meadow the D. Run people were at work and would finish the Meadow--that is taking out the Trees which had fallen and other trash.
At Muddy hole--Fencing as yesterday--the partition between fields No. 4 & 5 would be compleated to day. That between fields 3 & 4 was so yesterday.
Ordered the remainder of the Hogs, except 3 for Overseer to be brot. to the Mansion Ho. this evening to be slaughtered.
The Ditchers went to cut & ditch between fields No. 1 & 4 to day at Frenchs but having a fence which was on the line to remove, previous thereto they would scarcely enter thereon to day.
Friday 21st. Thermometer at 33 in the Morning--38 at Noon And 35 at Night. Morning clear and tolerably pleasant. Wind Westerly, but getting to No. Wt. it blew fresh & turned cold but continued clear & not unpleast.
The frost since it set in being a continued one, has stopped all plowing. The ground quite dry and roads dusty.
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Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run French's & the Ferry Plantatns.
At Muddy hole began to fence between No. 1 & 2. Brought two Sorrel Colts from thence rising two. Magnolio's.
At Dogue run the people having finished the Meadow at Frenchs yesterday were (the Women, the Men getting rails) employed in cleaning their own Meadow. Counted all the Stock at this place and brot. to the Mansn. House to be wintered 8 Mares with fold--2 Sorrl. Colts rising two--a young bay mare rising three--a young bay horse for Washington Custis and the Chariot horse Partner.
At French's all the hands that were at home, were cleaning Oats and that this business might be dispatched I sent 4 hands from the Ferry to work a 2d. Fan.
At the Ferry the women were levelling the Ditch in No. 2 ordered to be done yesterday.
Killed the following Hogs to day.
Overseer Da[v]y retained 3 of his Hogs agreeably to order, as did the Farmer at the Ferry. The first weighed 311 lbs.: of the weight of the latter--if killed, no acct. has yet been rendered. The 2 reserved by him when the first hogs came from the Ferry weighed 243 lbs.
The General Acct. stands thus.
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Saturday 22d. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--27 at Noon And 26 at Night. Wind at No. Et. & the weather varient till abt. Noon when it turned very cold & cloudy. Towards Night it began to Snow & continued to do so whilst I sat up but in the Night it turned to rain. The Snow was not more than 2 Inches deep and is the first time the ground has been whitened with it this Fall or Winter.
After our usual breakfasting, Colo. Humphreys, Majr. Washington & myself with Mr. Lear went out with the hounds. Dragged up the Creek to the Gum Spring and then the Woods between Muddy hole, Dogue run & Colo. Masons Quarters, without touching on the trail of a fox.
I visited the Plantations (in going out & coming home) except the Neck.
At Muddy hole the people were Making the fence they were upon yesterday.
At Dogue run cleaning the swamp as yesterday.
At French's cleaning Oats &
At the Ferry grubbing a small part of the Swamp that runs into Frenchs Plantation.
In the Afternoon Mrs. Stuart and her 4 Children and Mr. George Calvert came here.
Sunday 23d. Thermometer at 33 in the Morning--36 at Noon And 34 at Night. Mizling at times and Cloudy all day. Wind at No. Wt. but not very cold.
At home all day.
Monday 24th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--38 at Noon And 36 at Night. Wind at No. West all day--the fore part of which was clear, the latter part cloudy--moderate.
Rid to all the Plantations.
At the River Plantation, the Men were preparing Posts & Rails--the Women cleaning out the Stables & heaping dung about the Barn.
At Muddy hole the Men were getting trunnels for fencing and the Women were threshing Pease.
At Dogue run the Men were making Pens &ca. for feeding the outlying horses. The Women were cleaning up the swamp they have lately been at work in.
At Frenchs the Men were cutting & carting Wood--the Women cleaning & securing Oats.
At the Ferry--the Men were cutting wood & getting stakes for
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fencing. The Women, except the four which were at work at Frenchs were grubbing in the Swamp as before.
Mr. Snow came here.
Tuesday the 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--46 at Noon And 42 at Night. Wind at No. West but not much of it.
Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--43 at Noon And 40 at Night. Morning calm, & pleasant for the Season, about Noon the Wind rose at No. West but it did not grow cold.
Mr. Snow returned to Alexandria. Colo. Humphreys, the Gentlemen of the Family & myself went out with the hounds but found nothing tho much ground was gone over. G. & L. W. came.
G. & L. W.: George Steptoe Washington and Lawrence Augustine Washington.
Thursday 27th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--44 at Noon And 40 at Night. Calm and very mild, with but little wind & that at South.
Mr. Lund Washington & his wife and Miss Nancy Stuart came here to Dinner. The latter remained.
Friday 28th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Cloudy during the fore part of last with appearances of Snow or Rain but the Wind springing up fresh at No. Wt. it cleared. Very pleasant all day--morning calm & not hard. Abt. Noon the wind rose at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold. In the afternoon it got to the Southward.
Mr. Willm. Craik & his two Sisters, & Mr. Kelly the dancing Master came down to dinner and stayed all Night.
Went out with the hounds to day. Took the drag of a fox with in my Muddy hole Inclosures, and found him in Stiths field (lately Herberts). Run him hard about half an hour--came to a cold drag & then lost him.
Mr. Willm. Craik and his Sisters Mariamne & Nancy and Mr. OKelly the Dancing Master came to Dinner and stayed all Night.
STITHS FIELD (LATELY HERBERTS): Buckner Stith (d. 1800), son of Capt. Buckner Stith of Brunswick County and his wife, Ann Walker Stith, had earlier in the year purchased from William Herbert two adjoining tracts of land containing a total of 301½ acres on Little Hunting Creek. The land adjoined that of Thomson Mason on the road from Gum Springs to Cameron Run (deeds of Stith to Herbert, Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 492--95, 497--500, Vi Microfilm; SPROUSE [2], 2:32).
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Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 48 at Night. Remarkably fine, clear & moderate. Very little Wind & that Southerly.
Rid (the hollidays being ended) to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run, and Muddy hole.
At the Ferry the Men were getting Stakes for fencing, and the Women levelling the ditch in field No. 2.
At Frenchs all hands were cleaning Oats.
At Dogue run 5 Men were cutting & mauling rails & the rest cleaning up the swamp between the Meadows.
At Muddy hole--the People were about fencing except 1 Man getting stakes for Do. & 3 after Noon plowing.
Doctr. Craik and Mr. Roger West came to Dinner; and in the evening, with Mr. Win. Craik & the two girls, returned; but the Postillion boy, Paris, getting his Jawbone broken by the kick of a horse; the Doctr. was pursued & brought back after he had got as far as Dorrels hill.
DORRELS HILL: Darrell's Hill, a mile south of Alexandria, was formerly the home of Sampson Darrell.
Sunday 30th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--35 at Noon And 32 at Night. Wind at So. Et. and Snowing fast all or the greater part of the day--but being wet it did not accumulate fast.
Doctr. Craik and Mr. OKelly went away after breakfast and abt. 11 Oclock Mr. Paradise & his Lady lately from England but now of Williamsburgh came in on a visit.
The Englishman John Paradise (1743--1795), who was pro-American during the Revolution, married Lucy Ludwell (1751--1814), daughter of Philip Ludwell (1716--1767), of London, Eng., and of Green Spring, James City County, Va. The Paradises arrived in Virginia from England in Sept. 1787, and after a stay at Green Spring were visiting friends and family, including many of the Lees, to whom Mrs. Paradise was related by marriage (see SHEPPERSON).
Monday 31st. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--34 at Noon And 30 at Night. Clear and not unpleasant--being but little Wind from the No. West.
Mrs. Stuart and Miss Nancy Stuart went to Mr. Lurid Washingtons.
I remained at home all day. Mr. Chs. Lee came here to dinner and stayed all night.
The following diary is GW's Philadelphia journal (Regents' No. 34), a rough diary (from 11 May through 15 Nov. 1787) from which GW
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drew information for his more complete diary entries for those dates which appear earlier in this volume (see entry for 8 May 1787).
Friday 11th. Set out before breakfast and rid 12 Miles to Skirrets Tavern, where we baited, and proceeded to the Ferry at Havre de grass to dinner. The wind being high, & the weather Squally I did not cross the fiver--frequent Showers thro' the day with Mists and sun shine alternately.
Saturday 12th. Crossed the river early in the morning and breakfasted at the ferry house on the east side. Dined at the head of Elk and lodged at Wilmington. At the head of Elk Mr. Corbin joined me, and took a seat in my carriage to Wilmington.
Sunday 13th. About Nine o'clock Mr. Corbin and I set out, and dined at Chester, where I was met by Genls. Mifflin, Knox & Varnum--Colonls. Humphreys and Minges and Majors Jackson and Nicholas. After dinner we proceeded for the City. At the Ferry (Grays) I was met by the Troop of City light horse by whom (and a large concourse, I was escorted to Mrs. Houses--after passing the Artillery officers (who saluted) at the entrance of the City. On my arrival a peal was rung and Mr. Robt. Morris & his Lady again pressing me to lodge with them I had my baggage moved and took up my Quarters at their House--after paying my respects to the President of the State Doctr. Franklin.
Monday 14th. This being the day appointed for the meeting of the Convention such members of it as were in town assembled at the State House where it was found that two States only were represented--viz. Virginia and Pensylvania. Agreed to meet again tomorrow at 11 Oclock. Dined (in a family way) at Mr. Morris's & dr[an]k Tea there.
Tuesday--15th. Repaired to the State Ho. at the hour appointed. No more States represented, tho' there were members (but not sufficient to form a quoram) from two or three others--viz. No. Carolina, & Delaware as also Jersey. Govr. Randolph of Virginia came in to day. Dined with the Society of the Cincinnati.
Wednesday 16th. Only two States represented. Agreed to meet at one oclock. Doctr. McClerg of Virginia came in. Dined at Doctr. Franklins. Drank Tea & spent the Evening with Mr. Jno. Penn.
Thursday. 17th. Mr. Pinkney of So. Carolina coming in from New York and Mr. Rutledge being here before formed a representation from that State. Colo. Mason getting in this Evening from Virginia compleated the whole number of this State in the delegation.
Dined at Mr. Powells and drank Tea there.
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Friday 18th. The State of New York was represented. Dined at a club at Greys ferry over the Schuylkill & drank Tea at Mr. Morris's--after wch. went with Mrs. Morris & some other Ladies to here a lady read at the College Hall.
Saturday. 19th. No more States represented. Agreed to meet at one Oclock on Monday. Dined at Mr. Ingersolls and spent the evening at home--going to bed soon.
Sunday 20th. Went into the Country with Mr. & Mrs. Morris and dined at their place at the Hill. Returned in the afternoon and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Monday 21 Delaware State was represented. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Binghams--great splender shewn.
Tuesday. 22d. North Carolina represented. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Wednesday 23d. No more States represented. Rid to Genl. Mifflins to breakfast--after wch. in Company with him Mr. Madison, Mr. Rutlidge & others, crossed the Schuylkill above the Falls. Called at Mr. Peters's Mr. Penns and Mr. Hamiltons and repaired at the hour of one to the State House. Dined at Mr. Chews with the wedding guests & drank Tea there in a large Circle of Ladies.
Thursday 24th. No more States represented. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Ross's. One of my Postilion boys (Paris) being ill sent for Doctr. Jones to him.
Friday 25th. Another delegate coming in from the State of New Jersey made a quoram; and Seven States being now represented, the body was Organized and I was called to the Chair by a unanim. vote. Major Jackson was appointed Secretary--and a Com[mitt]ee consisting of Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Chs. Pinkney chosen to prepare rules & regulations by which the Convention was to be governed. To give time for this it adjourned till Monday 10 Oclock. Returned many visits in the forenoon and dined at Mr. Thos. Willings. Spent the Evening at my quarters.
Saturday 26. Returned all my visits this forenoon (where I cd. get an Acct. of the Lodggs. of those to whom I was indebted for them). Dined at a club at the City Tavern and spent the Evening at my Quarters writing lett[ers].
Sunday 27th. Went to the Romish Church, to high Mass. Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at my lodgings.
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Monday 28th. Met in Convention at 10 Oclock. Two States more--viz., Massachusetts and Connecticut being represented, made nine on the floor. Proceeded to the establishment of rules for the government of the Convention and adjourned about 2 Oclock.
Dined at home and drank Tea in a large Circle at Mr. Francis's.
Tuesday 29th. Dined at home and went to Mr. Juhans benefit Concert at the City Tavern. The same Number of States met in Convention as yesterday.
Wednesday 30th. Convention as yesterday.
Dined with Mr. Vaughan. Drank Tea and spent the Evening at Mr. & Mrs. Lawrences.
Thursday. 31st. Convention representation encreased by the coming in of the State of Georgia occasioned by the arrival of Majr. Pierce & Mr. Houste[n].
Dined at Mr. Francis's and drank Tea with Mrs. Meridith.
Friday June 1st. Convention as yesterday. Dined with Mr. John Penn and Spent the evening at Bush-hill at a very elegant entertainment given to a numerous company by Mr. Hamilton the owner of it.
Saturday. 2d. Majr. Jenifer coming in with powers from the State of Maryland authorizing one member to represent it, added another State (now eleven) to the Convention.
Dined at Club, at the City Tavern, and Spent the evening at my q[uarte]rs.
Sunday--3d. Dined at Mr. Clymers and drank Tea there.
Monday--4th. Convention as on Saturday. Dined with Genl. Mifflin. Reviewed the light Infantry--Cavalry--and part of the Artillery of the City and dined. Drank Tea with Miss Cadwalader.
Tuesday. 5th. Dined at Mr. Morris's with a large Company and spent the evening there.
Wednesday 6th. Dined at the Presidents with a large Company & drank Tea there after wch. came home & wrote Letters for France.
Thursday--7th. Dined at a Club at the Indian Queen. Drank Tea & spent the evening at home.
Friday--8th. Dined--drank Tea and spent the Evening at home.
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Saturday 9th. Dined at the Club at the City Tavern. Drank Tea and sat till 10 oclock at Mr. Powells.
Sunday 10th. Breakfasted by agreemt, at Mr. Powells; and in company with him, rode to see the Botanical Garden of Mr. Bartram--which though stored with many curious Trees, Shrups, & flowers was neither large nor laid off in much taste.
From hence we rode to the Farm of one Jones to see the effect of the Plaister of Paris. This appeared obvious--first on a piece of Wh. stubble, which he says has never recd. any Manure, and the Wheat so indifferent as to be scarcely worth cutting; The White clover on this (without any Seed be putting in the grd., & the Plaister laid on the Stubble without breaking) was full high to Mow and very thick. The line was fairly, & most obviously drawn between the grass where the powder was spread and that where it ended, for in the latter the grass was not only thin, and very indifferent, but scarcly any of the White clover. The same difference was equally apparent on a piece of mowing ground. The grass there, principally White clover, with a mixture of Red far overstepped, and was much thicker than that which surrounded it. The Soil of these pieces appeared to be a loam--very slightly mixed with Isenglass originally good, but according to Mr. Jones's acct. a good deal exhausted. He informed us of the effect of the Plaister on a piece of heavy, stiff meadow (not subject however to be wet) and that it was still more obvious here.
This manure according to his acct. was laid on the 29th. of October in damp or wet weather, & at the rate of about 5 bu. to the Acre--Moon in the Increase (2d. quarter) wch. he says (though there certainly can be nothing in it) the farmers tell him ought to be attended to. When it is laid on grass land, or Meadow, the ground ought first to be well furrowed, so as to raise the mould.
From hence visited Mr. Powells farm, after which I went to Mr. Morri[s's] country seat to dinner by appointment and returned to the City about dusk.
Monday. lath. Dined--Drank Tea and spent the Evening (in my own room) at Mr. Morris['s.]
Tuesday 12th. Dined at Mr. Morris's & drank Tea there. Went afterwards to the Concert at the City Tavern.
Wednesday 13. Dined at Mr. Clymers & drank Tea there. Spent the evening at Mr. Bing[h]ams.
Thursday--14th. Dined at Majr. Moores and spent the evening at my own lodgings.
Friday--15th. Dined at Mr. Powells & drank Tea there.
Saturday--16th. Dined at the Club at the City Tavern and spt. the evening at my own lodgings.
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Sunday 17th. Went to Church. Heard Bishop White Preach & see him Ordain two Gentlemen into the Order of Deacons.
After which rid 8 Miles into the Country dined with Mr. Jno. Ross and returned to Town agn. about dusk.
Monday--18th. Dined at the Quarterly meeting of the Sons of St. Patrick at the City Tavern and drank Tea at Doctr. Shippens with the party of Mrs. Livingston.
Tuesday. 19th. Dined in a family way at Mr. Morris's and spent the evening there in a large party.
Wednesday--20th. Dined at Mr. Meridiths and drank Tea there.
Thursday 21st. Dined at Mr. Pragers and spent the evening in my own room.
Friday--22d. Dined in a family way at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Francis Hopkinsons.
Saturday 23d. Dined at Doctr. Rustons and drank Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Sunday--24th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and spent the Evening at Mr. Meridiths in drinking Tea only.
Monday. 25th. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea there and spent the Evening in my own Room.
Tuesday--26th. Took a family dinner with Govt. Randolph and made one of a party to drink Tea at Grays ferry.
Wednesday. 27th. Dined at Mr. Morris's drk. Tea there, & spent the Evening in my own room.
Thursday--28th. Dined at Mr. Morris's in a large Compy. Drank Tea there & spent the Evening in my own room.
29th. Friday. Dined at Mr. Morris's and spent the Evening at home.
Saturday 30th. Dined at a Club of Genn. & Ladies at the Cool Spring--Springsbury and spt. the Evening at home.
Sunday 1st. Dined and spent the Evening at home.
Monday. 2d. Dined with some of the Members of Convention at the Indian Queen. Drank Tea at Mr. Binghams & walked afterwards in the State Ho. yard. Sat for Mr. Pine.
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Tuesday [3d]. Sat for Mr. Peal This Morn. Dined at Mr. Morris. Drank Tea at Mr. Powells and went with him to the Agricultural Society at Carpenters hall.
Wednesday 4th. Visited Dr. Chuvats Anatomy. Heard at the Calvanist church, an Oration on the Anniversary of Independence. Dined afterwards with this State Society of Cincinnati and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Thursday 5th. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea and spent the Evening there.
Friday--6th. Sat for Mr. Peale to draw my Picture in the Morning. Dined at the City Tavern with some gentn. of the Convention and spent the evening at home.
Saturday 7th. Dined at the Cold Spring, with the Club. Returned in the evening, and drank Tea at Mr. Meridiths.
Sunday--8th. About 12 Oclock rode to Doctr. Logans near Germn. Town where I dined. Returned in the Evening and dk. Tea at Mr. Morris's.
Monday--9th. Sat in the Morning for Mr. Peale. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drk. Tea at Dr. Redmans.
Tuesday 10th. Dined at Mr. Morris's--Drank Tea at Mr. Binghams and went to the Play.
Wednesday 11th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and spent the evening at home.
Thursday 12th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and Drank Tea with Mrs. Livingston.
Friday 13th. Dined at Mr. Morris's, Drank Tea, there, & spent the Evening.
Saturday 14th. Dined at the Cold Spring Club and went to the Play in the Afternoon.
Sunday--15th. Dined at Mr. Morris's & Remained there all the afternoon.
Monday 16th. Dined at Mr. Morris's, & drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Tuesday--17th. Dined at Mrs. Houses, & made an excursion with a party to Grays Ferry to Tea.
Wednesday 18th. Dined at Mr. Milligan's and drank Tea at Mrs. Meridiths.
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Thursday. 19th. Dined at Mr. John Penns (the Younger) drank Tea, and spent the evening at home.
Friday--20th. Dined at home, and drank Tea at Mr. Clymers.
Saturday 21st. Dined at the Cold Spring Club, and went to the Play in the afternoon.
Sunday 22d. Left town by 5 Oclock, breakfasted at General Mifflins--rode up to the Spring Mills and returnd. to Genl. Mifflins to Dinner, after which came to the City.
Monday 23d. Dined at Mr. Morris's, and drank Tea at Lansdown--the Country Seat of Mr. Jno. Penn. Returned in the evening.
Tuesday--24th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Doctr. Rush's.
Wednesday--25th. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea & spent the evening at home.
Thursday. 26th. Dined at Mr. Morris's. Drank Tea there & stayed within all the afternoon.
Friday--27th. Dined at Mr. Morris's & drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Saturday--28th. Dined at the Cold Spring Club and after drink Tea there--returned to Mr. Morris's & spent the eveng. there.
Sunday 29th. Dined and spent the whole day at Mr. Morris's.
Monday 30th. In company with Mr. Governr. Morris went into the Neighbourhood of the Valley Forge to a Widow Moores a fishing at whose house we lodged.
Tuesday--3lst. Before breakfast I rid to the Valley forge and over the whole Cantonment & works of the American Army in the Winter of 1777--8 and on my return to the Widow Moores found Mr. & Mrs. Rob: Morris. Spent the day there fishing &ca. & lodged at the same place.
Wednesday Augt. 1st. Returned abt. 11 Oclock with the above Company to Philadelphia.
In this Town I understood--that the usual time of Sowing Buck Wheat was from the 10th. to the 20th. of July--that the grd. ought to be Twice plowed and at least as often harrowed & the grain harrowd. in--That it is
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considered as an uncertain Crop--liable to injury (whilst in the blossom) by a hot Sun--and very apt to in[ju]ry by frost in Autumn--That it is excellent food for Horses (to puff them up) Milch Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, also for fattin[g] beeves; and to feed Colts when they are weaned.
That 2 quarts of Buck Wheat meal, & ½ a peck of Potatoes (at first, the quantity to be reduced as the fatting creature falls off in stomach, or in other words encreases in fat) given 3 times a day is fully sufficient. That the Buck Wheat ground into Meal & given in wash--is most excellent to lay on fat for Hogs (to be hardened with Corn) & that this meal and Potatoes (given raw, but washed, and cut small, is excellent for the weaning of Colts. And that the quantity to the acre is (on an average) 25, Bush. About 3 pecks of Seed is sufft. for an Acre of ground.
Thursday 2d. Dined at Mr. Morris's--drank Tea--and spent the evening there.
Friday--3d. Went up to Trenton on a Fishing party with Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Morris, & Mr. Govr. Morris. Dined and lodged at Colo. Saml. Ogdens. In the evening fished.
Saturday--4th. In the Morning, and betwn. breakfast and dinner fished. Dined at General Dickensons, and returned in the evening to Colo. Ogdens.
Sunday--5th. Dined at Colo. Ogdens and about 4 oclock set out for Philadelpa. Halted an hour at Bristol and reached the City before 9 Oclock.
Monday--6th. Again met in Convention agreeably to adjournmt. & recd. the report of the Com[mitt]ee. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Meridiths.
Tuesday--7th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea no where. Spent the evening at home.
Wednesday 8th. Dined at the City Tavern and remained there till near 10 Oclock.
Thursday 9th. Dined at Mr. Swanwicks and spent the evening in my own room--reading letters & accts. from home.
Friday--10th. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Binghams. Spent the evening at home.
Saturday 11th. Dined at the Cold Spring Club and after Tea returned & spent the evening at home.
Sunday 12th. Dined at Bush-hill with Mr. William Hamilton. Spent the evening at home--writg.
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Monday. 13th. Dined at home and drank Tea with Mrs. Bache at the Presidents.
Tuesday 14th. Dined & drank Tea at home.
Wednesday 15th. Did the same.
Thursday 16th. Dined at Mr. Pollocks & spent the evening in my own room.
Friday--17th. Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Saturday 18th. Dined at Chief Justice McKeans & spent the evening at home.
Sunday 19. In company with Mr. Powell rode up to the White Marsh. Dined at German Town--drank Tea at Mr. Peters's & returned home in the eveng.
Monday 20th. Dined and drank Tea at home.
Tuesday 21st. Did the same.
Wednesday 22d. Dined at the Hills--Mr. Morris's and visited at Mr. Powells in the Evening.
Thursday 23d. Dined at home and drank Tea there.
Friday 24th. Dined at home.
Saturday 25th. Dined at the Club and spent the evening at home.
Sunday 26. Rode into the Country 8 or 10 Miles. Dined with Mr. Morris at the Hills & spent the Evening writing letters.
Monday 27th. Dined at Mr. Morris's and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Tuesday--28th. Dined at home and drank Tea there.
Wednesday 29th. Did the same.
Thursday 30th. Did the same.
Friday--31st. Dined at home and in Company with others went into the Country and drank Tea with Mr. Penn.
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Saturday. Sept. 1st. Dined at home and drank Tea there.
Sunday--2d. Rode to Mr. Bartrams & other places in the Country and dined & drank Tea at Mr. Grays.
Monday 3d. Dined and drank Tea at home.
Tuesday 4th. Dined and did the same after visiting a machine at Doctr. Franklins for smoothing Clothes, instead of Ironing of them after washing which appears to answer exceeding well for every species of them that has not pl[e]ates & folds.
Wednesday 5th. Dined at Mrs. Houses, and drank Tea at Mr. Binghams.
Thursday 6th. Dined at Doctr. Hutchinsons and spent the afternoon & evening at home.
Friday--7th. Dined and spent the afternn. at home (except whilst riding a few miles).
Saturday. 8th. Dined at the cold spring dub and spent the afternoon at home.
Sunday--9th. Dined at home after paying a visit to Mr. Gardoqui (Minister from Spain) who had come from New York on a visit to me.
Monday 10th. Dined at home and drank Tea there.
Tuesday 11th. Dined at home in a large Company & drank Tea & spent the evening there.
Wednesday 12th. Dined at the presidents & drank Tea at Mr. Pines.
Thursday. 13th. Dined at the Vice Presidents Chs. Biddles, & drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
Friday 14th. Dined at the City Tavern at an entertainment given on my Acct. by the City Troop of light horse. Spend the Evening at Mr. Meridithes.
Saturday 15. Finished the business of the Convention all to signing the proceedings to do which the House set till 6 Oclock. Spent the evening at my lodgings.
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Sunday 16th. Wrote many letters in the forenoon. Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Morris at the Hills & returned to Town in the Evening.
Monday 17th. Met in Convention & Signed the proceedings--all except Govr. Randolph, Colo. Mason & Mr. Gerry. Dined all together at the City Tavern & returned to my lodgings.
Tuesday. 18th. Finished what private business I had to do this forenoon. Dined abt. 1 Oclock at Mr. Morris's and set off afterwards--in Company with Mr. Blair, who took a Seat in my Chariot with me--on my return home. Reached Chester, where we lodged.
Wednesday 19th. Prevented by Rain much of wch. fell in the Night f[ro]m setting off early. Baited at Wilmington--dined at Christiana bridge and lodged at the head of Elk--at the bridge near whch. I narrowly escaped an ugly accidt. to my Chariot & horses. One fell through & another with the Chariot was on the point of following but by exertions was saved.
Thursday 20th. Sett off after an early breakfast. Crossed the Susquehannah & dined in Havre de grass at the Ho. of Colo. Rogers & lodged at Skirretts Tavern.
Friday 21st. Breakfasted in Baltime.--dined at the Widow Balls formerly Spurriers and lodged at Majr. Snowdens.
Saturday 22d. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh--passed thro George Town--dined at Alexandria and reached home by Sun set after being absent 4 Months & 14 days.
Sunday--23d. Mr. Blair remained here Cols. Fitzgerald, Simms, Ramsay & Lyles, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Murray Mr. Taylor Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart & the Girls dined here, all of whom except Mr. Blair Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart, went away afterwards.
Monday 24th. After breakfast I rid to the Plantn. at the Ferry--Frenchs Dogue run, & Muddy hole. At the first the hands were getting out wheat & rye, and the plows putting in wheat in No. 6. At the next the Plows 4 were putting in Rye in No. [ ] and the other hands grubbing in the New Meadow. At Dogue run the Plows were covering wheat in No. [ ] and the other hands employed chiefly in grubbing the Swamp between the Meadows. At Muddy hole the plows were fallowing in No. [ ] for wheat--the rest gathering fodder.
In the afternoon Doctr. Mrs. Stuart & the girls returned to Abingdon.
Tuesday 25th. Mr. Blair set out before Sun rise, in my Chariot, to meet the stage at Boggess's.
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After breakfast I rid into the neck--hands chiefly employed in getting fodder.
Wednesday 26th. Rid to all the Plantations where the hands were generally employed as yesterday & gettg. Fodder.
Thursday 27th. Did the same & the same work was going on.
In the evening Mr. Corbin Washington, his wife and Miss Fanny Ballendine came in.
Friday 28th. Rid to the Plantns. at the Ferry--French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole--work as usual.
Mrs. Jenifer came here to dinner.
Saturday 29th. Rid into the Neck and set 6 plows to breaking up the orchard Inclosure for Wheat and grass Seeds.
After breakfast Corbin Washington, his wife and Miss Ballendine left this & in the afternoon Majr. G. A. W. set off for Fredericksburgh.
Sunday 30th. Mrs. Fanny Washington, Mrs. Jenifer, and Nelly Custis & Hariot Washington went up to Abingdon.
Colo. Gilpin & Mr. Wm. Craik came to dinner. The latter stayed all Night.
Oct.--Monday--1st. Rid to all the Plantations--work as usual--except that the Plows at Dogue run were putting in Rye in the same field No. [ ]. Mr. Craik went away Ditchers went to Muddy hole--&
Tuesday. 2d. Rid to all the Plantations. Sent a Plows from Frenchs to Muddy hole--the other 2 preparg. ground within the Meadow for Rye & grass Seeds--on which 1½ bushels of Rye was sown and therewith 1½ bushls. of sainfoin and 6 lbs. of Trefoil on the part next the road, & on the lower part adjoining the branch 2 quarts of Timothy Seed.
Wednesday 3d. Went up with Mrs. Washington to Abingdon. Dined at Mr. Herberts in Alexa. on our way up.
Thursday 4th. Dined at Abingdon and came home afterwards. Brot. Fanny Washington with us.
Found 2 more plows from Frenchs at Muddy hole.
Friday 5th. Rid to all the Plantns. Havg. finished sowing rye 22½ Bls. at Dogue run, sent one plow to Muddy hole. The rest of the horses & hands
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were employed in treading out Wheat--the Fodder being also secured. W[en]t to cross[in]g at M. H. being late finishg. ditch to ferry road.
In the Afternoon Mr. Alexr. Donald came in.
Saturday. 6th. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first having got out all the Wheat and Rye the Fodder next employed the hands. Colo. McC. & Wife & Mrs. Craik & Sally & two Mrs. Jenifers came here & retd.
In the Afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Powell of Phila. came in.
Sunday. 7th. After Breakfast Mr. Donald went away and to dinner Mr. Bushrod Washington and his wife came.
Monday--8th. Rid with Mr. Powell to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry. Work as usual.
Tuesday 9th. Rid with him and Mrs. Powell to see the Ruins of Belvoir. Called at Frenchs as we returned where I had begun with grass Scythes (a Cradle having been found not to answer) to cut the Pease wch. had been sown in broadcast--part being ripe and many green--owing either to their being too late sown or kept back by the drought wch. had been so severe. In cutting these Pease the Pods [or] heads of many were left without means of getting them up without picking them up by hand. Hence, the grd. shd. always be rolled to give it a smooth Surface that the rakes may gather better. Note this loss would not be very material if there had been no other crops in the same field to prevent the turng. in of Sheep. Doctr. Griffth came. Raked the Pease into small Cocks. Finishd. ditch to lane.
Wednesday 10th. Mr. & Mrs. Powell & Mr. B. W. & wife went away after an early breakfast; I rid to all the Plantations after Doctr. Griffith who came here last Night went away. Same kind of Work going on.
Thursday--11th. Rid to all Plantations. Began to sow Wheat and Sainfoin in the Orchard in the Neck. Finding the Pease at Muddy hole riper than those remaining to be cut at Frenchs ordered the Scythsmn. to go there tomorrow and leave the greener ones to the last.
In the Evening Genl. Pinkney & his Lady came in.
Friday. 12th. Genl. Pickney going away after breakfast I rid to Muddy hole Dogue run & Frenchs--also to the Ferry.
Attempted (to avoid the loss by cutting) to pull up the Pease by the roots but found it too tedious & returned to the Scythes again. Sent Dogue run & Frenchs Plows home.
Saturday 13th. Rid to Morris, Frenchs & the Ferry. At the two first took an Acct. of the horses Cattle & Sheep. Finished cutting & putting into sml.
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Cocks the Pease at Muddy hole. Sowd. W[heat] on P[ease] w[ithou]t plowg.--but plowed them in--abt. [ ].
Sunday 14th. At home all day. Wind having got to the No. Wt. abt. Noon Yesterday it turned very cold and this Morning the frost was so severe as to bite the Buck Wheat, Pease, potato Vines Pompions &ca. & turn them quite black.
Monday-- 15th. Ordered the Buck Wheat to be immediately cut--beginning with that at Dogue run abt. 15 Acres--which was fin[ishe]d this Morning (the frost being likewise severe) before the Moisture was off the Straw. Had it this also put into small Cocks to dry. Apprehend the Cutting of this grain has been delayed too in expectation of more of its ripening; a good deal of the Seed shed.
Rid to Muddy hole and into the Neck. Took an Acct. of the Stock at both places. Finished Sowing the Orchard with Wheat & Sainfoin--of the first [ ] bushls. and of the latter [ ] bushls. Note this grd. has been plowed & cross plowed--then Wheat sown & harrowed with the heavy harrow--then sowed with Sainfoin & harrowed in like manner--both the way it was last plowed. Ordered 50 lbs. of Trafoil to be sown over the Whole & harrowed with the dble. harrows cross the formr.
Tuesday--16th. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue, & Muddy hole Planns. At the former took an account of the Stock. At the latter cut & put the buck Wheat into small shocks & dug the Country Potatoes--waste as at Morris's. At Dogue run treading out Wheat and at Frenchs Plowing & filling gullies in the New Meadow. At the Ferry pulling Pease.
Wednesday 17th. Rid to all the Plantations except the Ferry. Cut the Buck Wheat in the Neck. A good deal of it shattered but whether it ought to have been cut sooner I cannot (for want of more knowledge of it) determe. Finished getting in the Fodder in the Neck the last at all the Places. Sowed yesterday & today (wind preventing it sooner) the trefoil 50 lbs. on the Wheat & Sainfoin in the Orch[ard] in the Neck and began to sow under furrow the Winter Vetches at the No. end of the same inclosure crossing therewith the first plowing and intending to run the light dble. harrows over the grd. after Sowing.
The Pease in broadcast at French's were much injured by the frost. It was unfortunate that they had not been cut a day or two sooner. Note the ground in which Pease & Buck Wheat are sowed ought always to be rolled if it is expected the Crop is to be taken off clean. The Pease however that are left would be fine for Sheep--especially fatting wethers. The Sweet Potatoes made at Muddy hole from the half Acre of experimental ground are as follow--viz.--the No. Wt. quarter wch. was in hills, & dunged as formerly mentioned, produced 4 bushels eatable, & 3½ fit only for Seed; the So. Wt. qr. also in Hills but not dunged, produced 2½ eatable & 3½ for seed --The No. Et. qr. in 4 foot rows and dunged, produced 2½ bushls. eatable,
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and 2 Seed--and the So. Et. qr. 2½ eatable & 2 Seed--In all 11½ of bush<ls.> eatable and 11 bushls. of seed. The Potatoes in the dunged part of the ground were much the largest and turned out from
Upon remeasuring of the foregoing Potatoes. after they came home they turned out (heaped measure) only 71½ Bushls. eatg. Potatoes & 10½ of Seed --short in
Whether this was occasioned by the diffe. of measure or Stolen by the driver of the Cart remains to be discovered.
Thursday 18th. Rid into the Neck, to Muddy hole, and French's. At the first dbled. the small heaps of buck Wheat in the Morning whilst the dew was on. Finished sowing & plowing the 6 Bls. of Winter vetches and harrowing in half a bushel of red clover seed between the branch by the Orchard, and the Road leading to and from the Negro quarters.
At Muddy hole finished late in the Afternoon the ditch round the Barn and dug the Irish Potatoes in the experimental ground (adjoining the ½ Acre of Sweet Pot[atoe]s) which being half of the red and half of the white in alternate rows through the pie[ce] (half acre) turned out as follow--
In the afternoon of yesterday the hands from the Ho., except the Carpenters, went after they returned from the Neck, to French's; to get up, and secure as much of the Pease there as they could & with the hands belonging to the Plantation were employed in the same manner today--great loss by the frost--the ripe pease opening and shedding and the green ones--together with the vines turned quite black and as if parboild. Carried the Pease and Vines which appeared to be cured, into one end of the Tobo. House in field No. [ ].
In the evening Mr. Houston & Lady, and Miss Maria Livingston her Sister, came in and stayed all Night.
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Friday. 19th. Mr. Houston &ca. going away about 10 Oclock I rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first the People were making a farm Pen--at the next getting in Pease as yesterday--some of which (Vines) appeared to me to be not sufficiently cured.
At Dogue run, getting out Wheat & removing brush frm. the Swamp to gullies.
At Muddy hole began this morning to ditch between the fields No. 1, 2, 3, & 4. and to sow Wheat with a Barrel 6 feet long perforated with holes strapped Round with leather bands in order to drop the Wheat in sqrs. of 6 Inches--but the leather not being equally stretched and binding in all parts equally, and the sides opening a little--it discharged Seeds from the Sides as well as from the holes wch. in some measure defeated my intention.
On my return home found Mr. Dunlap (a West Indian) Mr. Cary, Mr. Donaldson, and Mr. Porter here who went away after dinner.
In the afternoon it began to rain slow & moderately with the wind (tho' not much of it) from the No. Et.
Saturday 20th. The rain which began in the afternoon of yesterday, continued fm. appearances in the same slow manner through the Night and until the night of this day in which it rained much faster--Wind continuing at No. Et. all the while.
No out doors work done this day on acct. of the Rain.
Sunday. 21st. Cloudy all day, but little or no rain. At home alone.
Monday. 22d. Went up to a meeting of the Potomack Company at George Town. Called at Muddy hole Plantation to see how a barrel, which I had designed to drop 5 or 6 grains of Wheat in clusters at 6 Inches equidistant from each other performed. Found instead of doing this that it scattered the grains and having no time to alter, I directed it to proceed in that manner till I returned.
After finishing the business I got back to Abingdon.
Tuesday--23d. Left this place before Sunrise. Coming to Muddy hole by 8 oclock and finding the alterations which were intended to be made in the barrel were not easy to be effected without some materials of which I was not possessed and the season not admitting of delay I took the bands from the barrel in order that it might sow more regular & thicker in broadcast.
Went round by Dogue run, French's, & the Ferry Plantations; At the first getting out Wheat--at the second securing Pease & at the last Treading out oats.
Wednesday 24th. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, found that the Sowing of the Orchard Inclose. had been compleated on Monday last--That what may properly be called the Orchard part of it had been sown with Wheat--Sainfoin--and Trafoil as has been mentioned--That the slipe between the Water course from the Road to the Spring & the Road to and from
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the Quarters had been sown with Wheat & red Clover as has been noted--That the No. Wt. part of the Inclosure had been sown (to a stake) with the Winter vetch alone and all the other part with Wheat alone. The Orchd. Part had been plowed & cross plowed--Then the Wht. harrowed in--next the Sainfoin harrowed in; both the same way the ground had been last plowed--and lastly, after the Trafoil was sown--the whole cross harrowed with a light harrow. The part that had the clover sown, was plowed & cross plowed as above, the Wheat then harrowed in & cross harrowed to bury the clover Seed. The ground in wch. Vetches were sown was cross plowed, which plowing, put them in--after which, it was harrowed to Smooth it. The remainder of the Inclosure which only had Wheat, was plowed--cross plowed and the Wheat harrowed in. Ordered the Buck Wheat at every place to be got in, and threshed out, as soon as possible.
Had that in the half Acre of experimental ground at Muddy hole, cut. About ¼ at the So. Wt. corner was entirely missing (occasioned, I believe, by the low situation of the ground)
At Frenchs they would about get in all the Pease (tho' with great loss) tonight and at the ferry the people were cleaning the Oats which had been tread out yesterday. Mr. R. Lee & Sistr. came here in the evening yesterday.
Thursday 25th. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck Began with 4 plows to break up flush field No. 4 (in 6 feet ridges) for Indn. Corn & Potatoes next yr. and began also to get to a yard wed for the purpose the Buck Wheat--also to get up the Hogs for Porke.
At Muddy hole began also to get in, and thresh out the Buck Wheat. That which grew on the experimental half acre yielded only 3¾ Bushls. & ½ a peck--Whereof 2¼ Bushl. grew on the dunged part the residue on the undunged part whereof one half (that is a quarter of the whole) was missing. The half acre of experimental grd. at this place which had been divided into 3 equal divisions yielded as follow--of the bunch homony beans (gathered before I came home) 3 pecks--of the Common homony bean, just gathered only 1 peck--and of the small round bla. eyed pease (the 2d. gathering of which lately accomplished) 3 pecks. Each of these 3ds. contained the 6th. of an Acre. Note, of the experimental ½ acres, there remains to be got--Jerusalem Artichokes (of which 417 hills out of 1442 are missing)--Carrots, & Turnips--the last of which are much missing & very thin. In the half Acre of Irish Potatoes there were 27 Rows 4 feet apart & 60 yards long. These were also missing in places & more in the undunged, than dunged part.
Ordered the Irish Potatoes at this place, wch. had been planted under Straw & Corn Stalks, to be taken up. The first were in two spots the largest (intended to be 20 yards square) wch. had been laid on green sward. The smallest, 14 by 4 yards, had been laid on a poor washed yellow day. The other (under the Corn Stalks) had been laid on green sward 20 by 8 yards.
At Dogue run the hands were getting in, & threshing out Buck Wheat.
At Frenchs the Hoe people & Cart were filling up Gullies whilst two Plows were at Work.
At the Ferry, two plows began to break up No. 2 for Barley & Oats. The
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rest of the Negroes were measuring & carrying off Oats--Stacking blades & otherwise securing the fodder.
At home house Setting Turnips (raised from the seed sent by Mr. Young) to propogate Seed.
On my return home fd. Mrs. Stuart & her two youngest Children here and Mr. & Miss Lee whom I had left.
Friday--26th. Clear, Wind pretty fresh from the Southward.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck finished gathering to a yard in the field all the Buck Wheat which was threshed & cleaned & got to the Barn but not measured--6 Plows at work there to day.
At Muddy hole finished sowing (with the Barrel) the grd. on the left of the road going from the ferry road up to the Barn with 18½ Bushl. of Wht. and thinking this quantity inadequate ordered the Barrel home to be perforated with more holes. Got all the Beans into the Barn yard at this place which were cut down with Scythes--also the remains of the Buck Wheat.
At Dogue Run gathered all the Buck Wheat to the Wheat yard & began to thresh & clean it.
At French's, filling gullies, & plowing (2 plows) part of field No. 2 left unharrowed in the Spring.
At the Ferry treading out Oats. Began with two ploughs to break up field No. 2, the lay part of it.
Saturday 27th. Went to the Woods back of Muddy hole with the hounds. Unkennelled two foxes & dragged others but caught none. The dogs run wildly & (were) under no command.
Passed through Muddy hole Plantation and ordered grass Seeds to be sown in the following places, manner, & quantities--viz.--taking a breadth from field No. 4 across to No. 3 of eql. width with the farm yd. & containing abt. 5 acres, I had it divided into 5 oblong squares (seperated by a parting furrow) --In the westermost of which was sown 8 lbs. of rib-grass--in the next 20 lbs. of red clover--in the 3d. 2 Bushels of Orchard grass--in the 4th. 20 lbs. of Hop clover--In the 5th. 4 bushels of Ray grass and in the 6th. 2 bushels of Sainfoin. After sowing these seeds the ground was first rolled & then harrowed with a bush. The sqr. containing Sainfoin had the Seed harrowed in at the same time the Wheat was over and above the bush harrowing & rolling that the others received.
Took up the Potatoes that had been planted under straw for experiments; as mentioned on thursday. Yield as follow.
Returned by way of D. Run, French's & Ferry. At the first finished threshing cleaning & measuring the buck Wheat & had it brot. to the Mansion house--qty. 121 bushls, from abt. 12 Acres.
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At frenchs cleaned up the shattered Pease & threshed those that had been picked of the grd. qty. 9 bushls. & 1 peck.
At the Ferry set 3 plows to work. Put the girl Eby to learning.
The Trial that was made in the Neck of different qties. of Seed Oats to the Acre turned out as follow--
The above 3 Acres were adjoining and as nearly alike as possible in quality of Soil & Situation. They were all sown [the same] day & managed in all respects alike--the grd. on wch. they grew being quite level.
Sunday--28th. Went to Pohick Church--Mr. Lear & Washington Custis in the Church with me. Mr. Willm. Stuart came home with me and George Mason came in sooner after. Both stayed all Night.
Monday 29th. Raining slowly at day break, how long before I know not. Continued to do so (mixed with flakes of Snow) till One Oclock, when it cleared away pleasantly. But little Wind all day; that at East.
Spread 2 bushels of the Plaster of Paris (whilst the Snow and rain was falling) on the So. half of the lawn, beyond the break or small fall therein, qty. about half an acre.
After dinner Mr. Geo: Mason went away.
Tuesday. 30th. Cloudy in the morning with the Wind fresh from the So. Abt. 8 Oclock it began a slow and misling rain which encreased till it came on to rain fast till ab. 11 Oclock when it ceased.
The afternoon a little variable but upon the whole pleasant.
Rid to Muddy hole and Dogue Run. In the Morning driven in by the Rain and after it ceased rode to The Ferry and Frenchs's--Cleaning up the Buck Wheat at the first place--only 57 Bls. of it from 18 Acres of grd. At the 2d. (D[ogue] R[un]) 4 plows were at work, & the other people grubbing & filling gullies before them.
At The Ferry the 3 plows were at work, & the other people grubbing.
At Frenchs 2 plows were at work and the other hands weeding 2 yards for treadg. out grain.
Wednesday. 31st. Clear pleasand & warm in the forenoon. Towards Noon it grew cold. Wind hard at No. West.
Rid to all the Plantns. In the Neck 6 plows were at work & 2 more were put at it this morning one of wch. broke immediately. The other hands were getting Irish Potatoes in the further cut (Tob. Ho.) in Timber landg. f[iel]d.
At Muddy hole--finished Sowing Wheat 12½ bushls. in the cut right of the road leading to the Barn with the Barrel--the other hands getting the remainder of the frost-bitten Pease and taking up those turnips in the experimental
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grd. (which not having the tops taken of, as they were for seed, the yield cannot be ascertained).
At Dogue run the Plows and People were employed as yesterday.
At French's the same Ditchers went to this pl[ac]e this Morng.
Thursday 1st. A frost this Morning which crusted the ground and formed Ice. The Morning early was calm and not unpleasant but the Wind blew fresh and cold afterwards at No. Wt.
Rid, by the way of Muddy hole (where the People were taking up Turnips to transplant for seed) to Alexandria to attend a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company and the Exhibition of the Boys at the Alexa. Acadamy. Dind. at Leighs Tavern and Lodged at Colo. Fitzgeralds after returning abt. 11 at Night from the performance which was very well executed.
Friday 2d. The past Night being very cold, the ground this Morng. was hard froze. The weather however through the day was mild and pleasant.
After breakfast I returnd. home by way of Muddy hole Dogue run Frenchs & the Ferry.
At the first--three plows were breaking up in field No. 4. The other hands were taking up the Jerusalem Artichokes--qty. 58½ bushls.--in dunged undunged eql.--the 1st. largest.
At Dogue run all hds. were engaged in treading out Wheat.
At Frenchs except the two plows wch. were at work, they were employed in digging Irish Potatoes and at the Ferry in treading out Oats.
Saturday 3d. Day clear and very pleast. with but little Wind.
Rid to all the Plantations. Digging Potatoes at the River--Muddy hole, and Frenchs Plantations--at wch. the Plows were also at work--Treading Wheat at Morris and Oats at the Ferry.
Sunday [4th.] Clear and pleasant with but little wind. After candles were lighted Mr. and Mrs. Powell came in.
Monday--5th. Clear and pleasant with very little wind at any time of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Powell remaining here I continued at home all day.
Tuesday--6th. Clear and pleasant all day with but little Wind.
Mr. & Mrs. Powell crossed the river a little after Sun rise to Mr. Digges in order to pursue their journey to Philadelphia. I accompanied them over, and havg. my horse carried into the Neck, I rid round that and all the other Plantations in my way home.
From the cut of drilled Corn in the Neck next Mr. Digges's, there came from every 3d. row 45 Bls. of Irish Potatoes. In the next on the river shore
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38 Bls. from every 4th. and in the 3d. by the gate & farm pens 77 [(] 7 of wch. red [)] bush.--from every 4 Row--in all 154. 8 Plows at work here.
At Muddy hole, 2 plows breaking up--the driver of the 3d. Will after outlying Hogs--People gathering Potatoes from the 10 acre Stakes 25 bushls. of White and 223 of Red came from the grd.--In all 47¾. These grew in every fourth interval between the Corn. Had ev[er]y inter[va]l been plantd. the qty. pro[bably] wd. have b[een] 190.
At Dogue run, all hands were engaged in cleaning wheat, stacking the straw &ca.
At Frenchs, 2 plows w[er]e at work and all the other hands were digging Potas.
At The Ferry 3 plows were at work--the rest of the hands getting Corn from the New grd. in Front of the House. Mr. Rid[ou]t dind & returned.
Wednesday 7th. Very little Wind all day--a very thick fog which contd. till near 12 oclock.
Rid to Muddy hole D[ogue] R[un] Frenchs and the Ferry--at the first 2 plows only at work--the other hands getting Corn in the N. Grd.
At Morris's 4 plows at Wk. all the other hds. digg[in]g Potatoes right of the Road--began to day.
At Frenchs 2 plows at Wk. rest of the People digging Potatoes--finished--the whole qty. 84½ B. from 46 rows 170 yds. long each.
At the Ferry--the same work as yesterday.
Majr. G. W--n & wife retd. this evening.
Thursday--8th. Wind Southerly and Morning soft. Between 9 and no Oclock it began to rain moderately & contd. to do so (very slowly) for about two hours--continuing warm and damp afterwards.
Went up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. Dined at Mr. Leighs Tavern and returned in the aftern.
The Ferry part of the New grd. Corn (in front of the Mansn. House) being all gathered & measured, was found to yield
3 Barls. had been given to the Hogs at this place from the other fields. Stopped the Plows at Muddy hole to assist in digging the Potatoes there.
Friday. 9th. Wind at So. West and weather clear and mild.
Went this day to the back line of my Tract in order to run a strait course between Colo. Mason & my self 30 feet within my bounds in order to digg a ditch, and make a road without it. Was not able to compleat it. Went by the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue Run Plantations and returned home by Muddy hole.
At the 3 first the Plows as usual were at Work. At the latter the drivers were aiding with the Potatoes.
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At the Ferry the hands were securing the Corn they had gathered.
At Frenchs they were grubbing, & stopping gullies before the Plows.
At Dogue run they were digging Potatoes.
At Muddy hole the same.
Saturday--10th. Morning Mild & pleasant with the Wind at So. Abt. 5 ock. it thundered began to rain & contd. to do so more or less till 10 oclk. at night.
Went again on the business I was upon yesterday, but could not finish it.
Passed by the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations, and returned home by Muddy hole.
At the first, the Plows were at work as usual, and the other hands were digging Potatoes.
At French's they were employed as yesterday but were ordered to remove the trash out of the wet part of the Meadow (that had been grubbed) before it got wet.
At Dogue run only 2 plows were at work--the other hands digging Potatoes.
At Muddy hole all were digging Potatoes.
On my return home found the Widow Graham & her daughter here who stayed all Night.
Sunday. 11th. Morning, clear and pleast. with the Wind Westerly but not fresh nor cold.
After Breakfast Mrs. Graham & daughter went away. To dinner Geo. Steptoe Washington and a Son of Mr. McCrae's came and in the evening Colo. R. Hy. Lee.
Monday. 12th. Wind Southerly--Weather mild but lowering all day. Towards Noon & from thence till 4 Oclock it looked much like Snow--after which the Clouds thinned and it seemed inclind. to be fair.
Colo. Lee went away after breakfast & the 2 young men after dinner.
I did not ride as usual to day.
Finished digging the Irish Potatoes at Dogue run in the cut of Corn which is on the right hand of the road which leads from the Gate to the Houses--quantity 120 bushls, whereof 63 were red--the number and length of these Rows & the white being equal.
Tuesday 13th. Very mild & soft morning--wind at South.
Rid to all the Plantns. At the Neck 8 plows were at work the rest of the People gathering beans & threshing out Pease.
At Muddy hole all hands digging Potatoes. Sent the small gang from the Mansion House there; and ordered the Ferry People to assist them to morrow.
At Morris's, 4 plows at wk.; the other hands (aided by the People from Frenchs) were digg[in]g Potatoes on the left of the Road leading from the gate to the Houses.
At Frenchs--two Plows at Work.
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At the Ferry 3 plows were at Work. The other hands had finished digging the Potatoes and were getting the remainder of the Frost bitten Pease that they might go to Muddy hole in the Morning.
Wednesday. 14th. Clear and very mild morning--Clouds afterwards and a sml. Sprinkle--Wind abt. So. W.
Rid to the Ferry, French's D. Run & Muddy hole.
At the first 3 plows at work, all the other hands execpt the Ferry men, were sent to Muddy hole.
At Frenchs treading out Barley--Plows stopped for this purpose.
At D. Run 4 plows at Wk. The other hands digging Potatoes.
At Muddy hole all hands digging Potatoes--the Small gang from the H[ous]e and the Ferry People assisting. The quantity of Potatoes taken from the remg. part of the Corn ground at this place amounted to 54½ Bls. of red, and 59¼ white--which added to those that came off the 10 acres in the same corn field make 84½ Whe. & 77 ¼ red--In all 161½ Bushels from the Corn ground--every 4th. row.
Received 14¾ bushls. of Irish Potatoes from the Neck to day--wch. added to those that were brot. over on Saturday make 21¼ bushls. of red and 160 bushls. of white--In all 181¼ Bushels. Recd. from the same place 56½ Bushls. of Barley which grew on about 5 Acres near the Barn wch. had been in Turnips last year--also 31 Bushls. of Pease sound and good; and 7½ of Ditto which had been bit with the frost in different degrees--some very bad.
Thursday 15th. Morning mild and very heavy with the wind fresh from So. Wt. Which produced sprinkling rain till abt. 10 Oclock and constant rain afterwards till about 2 Oclock when it moderated, but continued very cloudy with slight drippings all the afternoon.
Went to Alexandria to an election of Senator for this district--Mr. Thos. West of Fairfax & Mr. Pope of Prince William being the Candidates. I gave my vote for the first & immediately as the weather promised to be getting worse.
The last of the Potatoes from Dogue run came home to day; viz. 113½ Bushels, where(of) 57¾ were red, and 56½ White. (Th)ese came out of the cut on (the) left of the road leading from (the) gate to the houses and with (th)ose of the other cut, make (12)0¾ of red and 113½ of white--In all 234¼ Bushels from every 4 row between the Corn rows.
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[Tuesday 1st.] Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 27 at Night. Clear and moderate in the forenoon there being but little Wind and that Southerly. Towards night it clouded--after which the wind getting to No. Wt. it cleared and turned cold.
Mr. Lee returned to Alexandria after breakfast--as Mrs. Stuart did from Mr. Lund Washington's.
I remained at home this day also.
Wednesday 2d. Thermometer at 21 in the morning--30 at Noon and 25 at Night. Clear Morning but variable afterwards--not much wind, but that Southerly & cold--at least raw.
Colo. Humphreys & Myself accompanied Mr. Paradise and his lady to Alexandria. Dined with Mr. Charles Lee and returned in the Evening--leavg. Mr. & Mrs. Paradise there.
On the ride home GW contracted "a very severe cold" and for the next week or more was plagued almost continually by a bad cough and "slow fevers" (GW to John Fitzgerald, 9 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW).
Thursday 3d. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--30 at Noon And 26 at Night. Clear all day and Cool. Wind for the most part at So. Et.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole.
At the first the Women were taking up and thinning the Trees in the swamp which they had before grubbed. The Men were getting stakes & trunnels for fencing & making racks to feed the Creatures in. Began yesterday & would about finish today sowing the New Meadow at this (which was too thin of timothy) with a quart of timothy Seed to the Acre.
At Frenchs they were putting up Racks to feed the Cattle in. One man was getting stakes for fencing.
At Dogue run--The Women began to hoe the Swamp they had
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grubbed in order to prepare it for Sowing in the Spring with grain and grass Seeds. The Men were cutting the Tops of the Trees which had been fallen for rails into Coal Wood.
At Muddy hole, the Women after having threshed out the Pease, went about the fencing--two Men getting Stakes &ca. for it. All the Pease from the broadcast sowing at this place, amounted to no more than (7 bushels of good) & 5 pecks of defective ones which was far short of expectation bad as the year proved.
Friday 4th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--30 at Noon And 25 at Night. The morning was neither cold nor unpromising but the Wind coming out from the No. Wt. about 10 Oclock it blew fresh & keen.
Rid to all the Plantans. In the Neck the Men were getting Posts & rails for fencing; & the Women were threshing Oats.
At Muddy hole, the Men were getting rails and the women makg. fences.
At Dogue run, the Men were cutting Goal wood and the Women Hoeing Swamp as yesterday.
At Frenchs the Men were cuttg. & mauling fence Stakes and the women levelling old ditches and grubbing. From this Plantation 120 Bushls. of clean Oats had been sent to Muddy hole, 108 brot. to the Mansn. House and 100 left for the Plow horses on the Plantation. These with some which had been carried to Muddy hole in the straw, and what the Plow horses have all the Fall & Winter been fed on, constitute the amount of what grew in field No. 1 whereof 15 acres were in Wheat leaving abt. 40 in Oats.
At the Ferry--the Men were getting Stakes, making Racks &ca. & the Women thinning trees in the Swamp.
Doctr. Craik dined here & returned afterwards to Alexandria.
A Vessel with 130 Barls. of Corn, sent by Colo. Mercer arrived here but from mismanagement of the Overseer on board no notice thereof was given till Sundown. Consequently no endeavor used to land it tho' the Weather indicated a severe frost.
"The almost total loss" of GW's 1787 corn crop "by the drought" obliged him "to purchase upwards of eight hundred Barrels of Corn" for use at Mount Vernon until the next harvest (GW to Charles Lee, 4 April 1788, DLG:GW). John Francis Mercer's 130 barrels cost GW £102 18s. 4d., a sum which was credited against a large debt owed GW by the estate of Mercer's father, John Mercer of Marlborough (LEDGER B, 221; GW to John F. Mercer, 11 Jan. 1788, DLG:GW).
Saturday 5th. Thermometer at 17 in the Morning--21 at Noon And 19 at Night. Day clear, wind (though not hard) at No. Wt.
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and very cold. The river a good deal covered with Ice wch. prevented any attempts to land Corn till after Noon when 16 Barls. only were got on Shore & deposited in the Corn loft.
Majr. G. Washington & his Wife set off abt. 11 Oclock for Eltham--to take the Marriage of Mr. Burwell Bassett with Miss McCarty of Pope's Creek in their way down but their horses (being unused to a Phaeton &) running restive they were obliged to return after having proceeded abt. 5 Miles on their journey.
I remained at home all day. About Eight oclock in the evening we were alarmed, and the house a good deal endangered, by the soot of one of the Chimneys taking fire & burning furiously, discharging great flakes of fire on the roof--but happily, by having aid at hand and proper exertion no damage ensued.
Burwell Bassett, Jr., of Eltham married Elizabeth McCarty, daughter of Daniel McCarty (d. 1795) of Popes Creek, in Westmoreland County, on 10 Jan. 1788 (WMQ, 1st ser., 15 [1906--7], 187).
Sunday 6th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning--21 at Noon And 19 at Night. Notwithstanding the Wind blew fresh all night, the River was quite closed this Morning and the Ice on the flats hard, and sufficiently thick to bear a Man.
The Major & his wife, recommenced their journey to day, aided by a pair of my horses to take them over the worst of the roads.
George Augustine Washington was to return to Mount Vernon from this trip some time in February, but Fanny, who was now about six months pregnant, planned to remain at Eltham until she had her child. "Her ill luck with her first child," Martha Washington wrote Elizabeth Willing Powel 18 Jan. 1788, "is the only reason of her wishing to change the place of her laying inn this time, If her child lives, it will be sometime in may before she can come up, and the distance is two farr for me to goe down to see her." Fanny was, Mrs. Washington confessed, "as a child to me, and I am very lone some when she is absent" (ViMtV). For Fanny's first child, see entries for 10 and 25 April 1787.
Monday 7th. Thermometer at 17 in the Morning--24 at Noon and 22 at Night. But little Wind all day--weather much moderated; but variable with respect to Sunshine & clouds--the appearances of Snow, at times being great. What wind there was, came from the So. Wt. but no thawing.
Visited the Plantations at Dogue run & French's. At the first the Women (though the grd. was too hard frozen to Hoe) were grubbing & otherwise preparing the Swamp for Meadow. The Men were cutting as usual.
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At Frenchs (except Abram who was cutting stakes) the rest were threshing out Pease.
Set the Women belonging to the Ferry, and to Muddy hole, to grubbing the woods in front of the House, adjoining the last years Corn.
Began to day to fill my Ice house, and for expediting the business, brought 3 Carts from the Plantations & some hands.
The ground being too hard to Ditch, the Dutchman came home & broke flax and the Negro men were employed in cutting rail stuff and Brick Wood.
THE DUTCHMAN: Daniel Overdonck.
Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind at East in the Night, and this fore noon--afterwards at West. About 2 Inches of Snow fell in the Night. About day break it turned to hail, and then to rain, which continued till after 12 oclock when the Sun came out.
I remained at home all day. My Carriage brot. Betsy & Patsy Custis down--their mother having gone to Maryland occasioned by the death of her father--the Honble. Benedict Calvert Esqr.
Benedict Calvert died at his Prince George's County home, Mount Airy, on 9 Jan. 1788 (NICKLIN [2], 314; BOWIE, 101).
Wednesday 9th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--34 at Noon And 32 at Night. Clear and cold, frost hard again, the wind having got to No. West.
Colo. Carrington came here to Dinner. I continued at home all day.
Yesterday & this day, employed as Monday in collecting for, and ramming Ice, in my Ice house.
Thursday 10th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 32 at Night. Clear and tolerably pleasant--the Wind being at So. Wt. all day.
Colo. Carrington left this after breakfast (on my horses) for Colchester; to meet the Stage.
Giles, who with a pair of my horses assisted G. A. Washington on his journey, returned about Noon.
Getting Ice as yesterday, House not yet half full.
The slave Giles served GW as a driver and stabler for more than 20 years (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
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Friday 11th. Thermometer at 16 in the Morning--20 at Noon and 19 at Night. The Wind having shifted in the night to the No. West and blowing pretty fresh it turned very cold but continued clear all day.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
The hands at Muddy hole, except 2 men who were cutting & mauling rails were grubbing at the Mansion house & some about the Ice.
The hands at Dogue run were grubbing (that is the women) in the Mill swamp and had been so since Tuesday--Men cutting Wood & Mauling rails.
At French's the Women that were well (except one at the Ice house) were <thres>hing pease--one man cutting and mauling stakes for fences.
At the Ferry the Women were grubbing at the Mansion Ho. The Men getting Stakes &ca.
Collecting, filling & pounding Ice for the Ice house as had been the employment of the Week.
Saturday 12th. Thermometer at 19 in the morning--24 at Noon and 24 at Night. Wind at So. Et. and weather variable. About Noon, & before, there were great appearances of Snow--some falling. Afterwards it brightned and the afternoon became clear, mild & pleasant.
Upon which, Colo. Humphreys & myself set off for the meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Co., to be held at the Falls of Shanandoah--but meeting a letter from Colo. Fitzgerald enclosing one from Governer Johnson requesting that the meeting might be postponed till Tuesday we turned back & I returned home by the way of Dogue run.
Getting Ice as usual, which makes the 6th. day (except some interruption from the Weather on Tuesday) that as many people & Carts have been engaged in this work as could be advantageously employed altho' Six feet of Space was yet left.
The purpose of this meeting was to inspect the progress made in clearing the upper fills of the Potomac. GW expected to be gone from home for ten or more days of "cold houses and Bad Beds" (GW to John Fitzgerald, 9 Jan. 1788, GW to Lafayette, 10 Jan. 1788, and GW to John Francis Mercer, 11 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW).
Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--28 at Noon and 24 at Night. Weather more temperate with respect to cold but
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about 11 oclock it began to Snow and continued to do so more or less till 9 Oclock at Night adding about 2 or 3 Inches to what had fallen before. Wind was at So. East all day but at Night shifted to No. Wt.
The Weather prevented my settg. out for the meeting at Shanandoah.
Colo. Hooe, a Mr. Wickoff and a Captn. Thomas came here to dinner and returned in the evening.
MR. WICKOFF: Isaac Wikoff (d. 1814) or Peter Wikoff, both merchants of Philadelphia (RUSH, 2:676, n.10; PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 8:274--75, 3d ser., 10:66465, 14:166, 171, 298).
Monday 14th. Thermometer at 10 in the Morning--20 at Noon, and 16 at Night. Wind, though not hard, continued at No. Wt. all day & was exceedingly keen.
The cold--apprehension of the Horses bailing with the Snow that had fallen--and insufficiency of time to reach the place of meeting agreeably to appointment induced me to relinquish the journey altogether.
I remained at home all day--employed as last week getting & pounding Ice for the Ice house.
Tuesday 15th. Mercury in the ball this Morning the cold being very intense--25 at Noon And 24 at Night. Wind in the early part of the morning was at East, and afterwards at So. Et. which occasioned a considerable abatement of the cold, but very little thaw.
Rid to the Plantations at Dogue run, French's, & the Ferry. At the first, the Men were cutting and mauling of rails; & the women grubbing in the Mill swamp.
At Frenchs, the Women were still threshing Pease, and two Mel cutting trunnels for Fences.
At the Ferry, the Men were gettg. stakes & trunnels; and the Women grubbing at the Mansn. House.
As were also the People belonging to Muddy hole.
Employed at the Mansion House as yesterday in getting Ice into the Ice [House] but did not compleat it, it wanting near three feet to fill it.
Wednesday 16th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 36 at Night. Wind at So. Et. & pretty fresh all day with constant rain--notwithstanding which little or no impression was
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made on the frozen ground by either for it still continued hard. Snow in the open grd. almost entirely carrd. away.
Thursday 17th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--39 at Noon And 38 at Night. The Wind shifting in the night to the No. Wt. blew fresh, and froze hard. Towards Noon it moderated, and the afternn. became very pleasant & thawing.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck the [men] were getting Posts and Rails for Fencing. Women, in part were cleaning Oats and in part cutting down Corn Stalks in No. 9.
At Muddy hole 2 Men were getting Rails--one Carting of them and the Women that were well, were grubbing at the Mansn. House.
At Dogue run, the Men were getting Rails, and the Women, as the Mill swamp had a good deal of Water in it, with the Overseer came to the home house to grub.
At French's except two Men who were getting stakes and trunnels for Fencing the rest were cleaning the Pease which had been threshed.
At the Ferry, the women were at the New ground at home--the Men getting stakes &ca. for Fencing.
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--35 at Noon And 35 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at East, afterwards Southerly, clear, moderate & thawing but not more than an Inch in the ground.
Rid to the Mill, French's & Ferry Plantation.
Work at all the places as yesterday.
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 34 at Night. Raining at times, & mizling all day, with the Wind at So. Et.
I remained at home all day. From Muddy hole there was brought 21 Bushls. of Pease whereof 9 only were sound & good. The others were hurt by the frost & rotten.
A Mr. Copley (a considerable Manufacturer of Cloth) from Leeds in Yorkshire came here in the evening introduced by letter from Doctr. McHenry of Baltimore.
Burrow Copley of Hunslet Parish, borough of Leeds, Eng., was among the first cloth makers in the Leeds area to use water-powered machinery to card and slub wool (CRUMP, 32:11--12).
Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 36 at Night. A thick vapour or fog in the Morning early but
Primitive painting of Mount Vernon (1797) showing fencing in the Mansion House Plantation. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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the wind coming out, a little after Sun rise very fresh from the No. Wt. it soon dispelled & the day became clear.
Mr. Ingraham, and Mr. Porter came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria in the evening.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his wife came here in the afternoon.
Monday 21st. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--38 at Noon And 36 at Night. In the Morning the wind was at No. West. Afterwards it shifted to the So. Ward & became calm & lowered a little in the evening.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations.
The Women of the first were at wk. in the new grd. The Men were set to getting Rails.
At Frenchs--two Men were cutting Trunnels for Fences and the Women were carrying Rails from the Swamp side to the division fence between the two Plantations.
At Dogue run, The Men were cutting & Mauling of Rails--the Women at the New ground at the home House.
At Muddy hole 2 Men were cuttg. & mauling--1 Carting and the Women at the New ground.
From the Neck eight Women were also at this place grubbing.
Tuesday 22d. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 32 at Night. But little wind all day--& that Easterly & Southerly: towards Noon it clouded & about 3 Oclock began to Snow but not more than would barely cover the earth.
The Ice on the river began to break this morning and move with the tide, for the first time since the river closed.
Visited the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, & Dogue run.
At the former the Men were getting Posts & rails--some of the women cutting down Corn Stalks & gathering them into heaps--8 others of them at the Mansn. House.
At Dogue run the hands were all of them were employed as yesterday.
So likewise were those of Muddy hole.
On my return home found Mrs. & Miss Stuart, and Mr. Lund Washington here. And just after we had dined Doctr. Ruston came in--all of whom except Mr. L. Washington stayed all Night.
Wednesday 23d. Thermometer at 30 in the morning--42 at Noon And 36 at Night. Early in the Morning the wind was at So.
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Wt. tho there was but little of it. Soon after it inclined to the West, & No. West and grew colder and towards Night it got more round to the Northward & Eastwd.
Doctr. Ruston going away about 10 Oclock I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run.
At all of them, as also at Muddy hole and in the Neck, the hands were employed as usual, except at French's where the People were carrying Rails improperly.
From this place 13½ Bushels of Pease were brought which with those brought from thence in the fall were all, except the frost bitten ones that were raised at this place in broadcast.
Those which suffered by frost were considerable, and as has been observed formerly great waste was experienced in gathering them from the uneveness of the ground.
Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 23 in the Morning--23 at Noon and 22 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day with threatning appearances of Snow all the forenoon. About 12 Oclock it sett in to do [so] and continued without intermission till some time in the Night when the Wind shifting to the No. West and blowing violently it ceased but the Snow drifted much.
Mrs. & Miss Stuart, and Betcy & Patcy Custis went away after breakfast.
I continued at home all day.
Ten-year-old Patsy was "a little unwell" during her stay at Mount Vernon, but apparently improved (GW to David Stuart, 18 Jan. 1788, ViU).
Friday 25th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning--24 at Noon and 23 at Night. The Wind high, & disagreeably cold all day from the No. West--tho' by the Thermometer was not so high as it has been some other days. The Snow drifted a good deal. River closed again.
At home all day.
Saturday 26th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--26 at Noon And 26 at Night. But little Wind--morning cloudy with appearances of Snow but about Noon it cleared. The wind got to the Southward and grew pleasant.
Rid to the Ferry & French's. The hands at the first employed as before.
At French's part of them were in the New ground at the Mansion House where they began to Work on Thursday and the others were repairg. fences wch. had been blown down.
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Sunday 27th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Morning cold, but pleasant afterwards wind tho' not fresh being at So. Wt. Thawed a little.
At home all day.
Monday 28th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 38 at Night. Wind Southerly, but not fresh. Fore part of the day clear & pleasant--latter part mild & lowering.
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--47 at Noon and 47 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. and moderate all day. A good deal of rain fell in the course of the Night which with the dissolution of the Snow, occasioned much water in the Brooks and places from whence [ it ] had no discharge. The Thaw also to day was great<er than it has been since the 10th.> of Decr. and yet the top of the ground only was softened not more than an Inch deep.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations. Found Colo. Gilpin on my ret[urn]
Employed as usual at each. 3 Men began to cut rail timber yesterday afternoon at Dogue run for the fence which is to divide fields No. 2 & 3.
Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night. The wind having got to No. Wt. in the Night it froze hard again. It continued at this point all day and was very raw and cold, with great appearances often of Snow till towards evening when it became clear.
Rid into the Neck--To Majr. Washingtons Plantation--to Muddy hole and the Carpenters. The fence between the Majr. and me was nearly compleated to the River above the Fish House at Johnsons.
Hands at all the places at Wk. as usual.
Thursday 31st. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 30 at Night. Morning clear and calm. What little air stirred was from the Southward--at which point it continued all day but freshened & was cool with but little thawing.
Visited the Plantation at Dogue run. Men there cutting and Mauling as usual. The Women were putting up cross Fences in the Meadow by the Overseers House.
Hands at all the other places employed as Usual.
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Friday 1st. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 38 at Night. Morning clear & pleasant with the Wind (but not much of it) Southerly, at wch. point it continued all day, & grew Milder. The top of the ground for about an Inch thawed--but not deeper.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry.
Work at all as usual. The Women belonging to Dogue run having returned to the New ground at the Mansion house.
Employed the five Negro Ditche[r]s who had been cutting wood for burning Bricks in getting the same out of the Swamp where it grew.
Saturday 2d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 42 at Night. Wind Southerly, & day moderate.
Visited my Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations.
At all, the same work as usual, except that the Dogue run Women were employed in pulling up a cross fence in the Meadow by the Overseers house--being the 2d. cross fence in this Meadw.
Arthur Young's plan, used by Washington for his new barn, appeared in Annals of Agriculture, 1791. (University of Virginia Library)
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Set the home house gang to cording the Wood which had been cut for Bricks.
Began with a pair of Sawyers, this day, to cut the flooring planks for a Barn, proposed to be built between the Ferry & French's Plantations of 2 Inch Oak.
Doctr. Craik came down to visit Mathew Baldridge but returned before dinner.
My Nephew Geo. Steptoe Washington came here this Evening to proceed to Lancaster to visit his Brother Ferdinando Washington who lay dangerously ill of a Consumption.
The barn was to be a two-story brick structure built according to a plan obtained from Arthur Young the previous year, but with some changes by GW to adapt it to his particular needs. Jacques (Jean) Pierre Brissot de Warville, a French visitor who saw GW's new barn in an advanced stage of construction later this year, described it as "a huge one... about one hundred feet long and of an even greater width, which was to store all his grain, potatoes, turnips, etc. [from Ferry and French's plantations]. Around it he had also built stables for all his cattle, horses, and donkeys [on those two plantations].... The barn is so well planned that a man can fill the racks with hay or potatoes easily and without any danger." Because most of the building materials came from Mount Vernon, the cost of the whole undertaking, GW told Brissot, "amounted to no more than £300." The barn and barnyard, Brissot noted, "were innovations in Virginia, where they have no barns and do not store fodder for cattle" (BRISSOT, 343; SCHOEPF, 2:48). GW wrote Young 4 Dec. 1788 that he believed his barn to be "the largest and most convenient one in this Country" (DLC:GW).
Sunday 3d. Thermometer at 42 in the morning--46 at Noon and 45 at Night. Mild, Wind tho' not much of it Southerly & thawing. Towards evening it lowered and at Night began to rain.
Colo. Fitzgerald, Messrs. Porter, Ingraham, Murray & Bowen, Doctr. Stuart & Craik Junr. and a Mr. O'Conner came to Dinnr. & returned except Doctr. Stuart.
John O'Connor, who styled himself "a barrister at law of the kingdom of Ireland," arrived in America in 1787 and was now traveling through Virginia, peddling subscriptions for a proposed multivolume geographical and topographical history of the Americas, "Collected and compiled" by himself ( Md. Gaz., 6 Dec. 1787). That work, he told subscribers in Alexandria, was now "nearly finished, and... the first volume was absolutely in Press at Philadelphia." However, one subscriber who had occasion to visit Philadelphia in April inquired at the printing office about the progress of O'Connor's history and was greatly surprised to learn that the printers had not "received one shilling" from the author, nor had they "ever seen the manuscript" ( Md. Journal, 22 April 1788). Although O'Connor continued for the next year and a half to assure everyone of his determination to publish his work as advertised, it never appeared ( Md. Journal, 13 May 1788; O'Connor to GW,
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5 Oct. 1789, DNA: PCC, Item 78; O'BRIEN, 44--45). GW did not subscribe to O'Connor's history.
Monday 4. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--42 at Noon And 38 at Night. Clear with the Wind at South in the Morning--West afterwards, & violent. The Ice very much broken by it.
Visited the Plantation at Dogue run. Women still about the cross fence.
Attempted to plow, but found it impracticable the ground not being thawed more than two or 3 Inches.
All other work as usual. Doctr. Stuart went away after Dinner.
Tuesday 5th. Mercury in the Ball of the Thermometer in the Morning, from whence it never rose the whole day, being intensely cold. In the preceeding Night the wind having got to No. Wt. blew at times, exceeding hard. It continued to blow hard all day, and was very piercing from Morng. to evening.
The River, which had opened very much yesterday and promised a free Navigation was entirely closed again to day, in all the malignancy of the frost.
I remained within all day. Mr. Lear went up to Mr. Porters Wedding--in Alexandria.
At Alexandria on this date, according to reports heard by the British traveler John Enys when he reached the town a few days later, "farenhights Thermomether was so low as ten Degrees, others say so low as seven or Eight within doors." When Enys visited Mount Vernon on 13 Feb., David Humphreys told him that the mercury in GW's Fahrenheit thermometer "which is... placed in an exposed Situation was in the Ball for some hours" on 5 Feb. (ENYS, 349, n.21).
"The Navigation of this river," GW today wrote Henry Knox, "has been stopped for near five weeks. At this moment we are locked fast by Ice, and the air of this day is amongst the keenest I ever recollect to have felt" (MHi).
Thomas Porter married Sarah (Sally) Ramsay, daughter of William and Ann McCarty Ramsay of Alexandria.
Wednesday 6th. Mercury in the Ball all day and the weather exceeding cold but not so piercing as yesterday. In the Morning the Wind was at East. Afterwards it was abt. So. Wt.
Rid out, but finding the cold disagreeable, I returned. Hands of all the places (except the Men) working in the New ground at the Mann. House.
Thursday 7th. Mercury in the Ball in the Morning. By noon it rose to 24 and by Night was at 26. The Wind tho' not much of it, was at So. Wt. all day. The appearance of the Weather varient--
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sometimes threatning Snow--at other times promising to be fair.
At home all day. Mr. Lear returned about 2 oclock from Alexa.
Friday 8th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--29 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind tho not much of it, was at No. Et. in the Morning, and continued there all day with fine snow & sometimes Mists.
Visited the Plantations at Frenchs and the Ferry; at Work at both as usual.
The Neck & Muddy hole people, with the Women belonging to the above two, were at Work in the New Grd. in front of the House.
The Dogue run [people] were not there but at work in the Great Meadow at the Mill. Sowed yesterday and to day, on the fallowed Wheat at the Ferry (about 25 Acres) at the rate of a quart of clean Timothy Seed & 5 lbs. of red Clover Seed to the Acre on the Snow wch. was about 2 or 3 Inches deep & very level.
Saturday 9th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--39 at Noon And 38 at Night. Clear Wind at No. Wt. all day but neither fresh nor cold. Thawing.
Visited all the Plantations except the Neck.
At All, working as usual--that is the Men getting Materials for fencing and the Women, except those of Dogue run, grubbing at the Mansion house. The Dogue run Women grubbing in the G. Meadow.
Sunday 10th. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--42 at Noon And 40 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day--moderate and pleasant. The Snow in the open ground had almost disappeared.
At home all day. Majr. G. A. Washington returned from New Kent about 1 oclock and just before Dinner Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, Miss Stuart & Betcy & Patcy Custis came in.
Monday 11th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--50 at Noon And 48 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. & fresh till toward Sun down when it veered more to West & then got to No. Wt. in the Night, but not very hard. Snow quite gone.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole & Dogue-run.
The Women from every place were in the New Ground at home. Those at Dogue run were in the G. Meadow at home but there was too much Water to Work to advantage.
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Tuesday 12th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 53 at Night. Clear, pleasant & thawing. Wind at So. Wt. & pretty fresh; Ice breakg. for the 3d. time.
Doctr. Stuart (alone) returned to Abingdon after Breakfast.
I visited the Plantations of Muddy hole, French's & the Ferry.
The People at all of them, and in the Neck at the usual work. The Women from Dogue run had, on account of the wetness of the Swamp come to the New ground at the Mansn. House It appearing that the ground would be sufficiently thawed I ordered the whole of them to take their Tools home & try to put up their Fences, and do other work at their respective Plantations.
Ordered the Plows also to be tryed tomorrow.
Wednesday 13th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night. Clear and pleasant with the Wind at So. Wt. all day.
The Marqs. de Chappedelaine (introduced by letters from Genl. Knox, Mr. Bingham &ca.) Captn. Enys (a British Officer) Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Nelson & Mr. Ingraham came here to Dinner--all of whom returned after it except the last.
I remained at home all day. The Plows at Muddy hole were usefully employed.
At Dogue run it seems the grds. were in bad order.
At the Ferry & Frenchs they cd. not work for the Frost and In the Neck they were not set to work till late.
Silhouette of Lt. John Enys. (Owned by present members of the Enys family; photograph courtesy of Adirondack Museum)
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This party of visitors intended to come to Mount Vernon on & 11 Feb. to congratulate GW on the occasion of his fifty-sixth birthday, but bad weather that morning and an Alexandria town election the next day forced postponement of their visit to this day (ENYS, 244--45).
The marquis de Chappedelaine, "a Captain in the first Regt of french Dragoons" who was touring the United States, had previously visited New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore (ENYS, 238--40). "The Marquis....," wrote Henry Knox in his letter of introduction to GW, "thinks that he should have come to America to little purpose were he to depart without having seen your Excellency" (Knox to GW, 2 Nov. 1787, DLC:GW). Although Chappedelaine may not have actually been a marquis, he was apparently a member of the noble Breton family of Chappedelaine, for in late 1790 or early 1791 he and several Breton nobles fleeing from the French Revolution landed on the island of Sapelo off the coast of Georgia, where they established an émigré colony for a time (ENYS, 341--42, n.81; Chappedelaine to GW, 9 Jan. 1791, DLC:GW; LOVELL, 97). Chappedelaine may have been Jean René Chappedelaine (b. 1766), an officer in the Regiment de Barrois, who was said to have emigrated in 1792, or Jean Baptiste Marc de Chappedelaine, comte de Boslan (1741--1819), an officer in the Regiment de Soubise, who was said to have emigrated in 1791. Both men later returned to France (DICT. BIOG. FRANÇAISE, 8:434).
John Enys (1757--1818) was commissioned an officer in the 29th Regiment of Foot in 1775 and served with that unit on garrison duty in Canada 1776--82 and 1784--87. Before returning to England, he made a tour of scenic and historical places in the United States, passing through Albany, N.Y., New York City, Princeton, N.J., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria on his way to Norfolk where he took a ship for home. Letters of introduction to John Fitzgerald and William Hunter, Jr., enabled Enys to include Mount Vernon in his itinerary. "We had no sooner alighted," Enys wrote of his visit, "than the Immortal General came to receive us at the door and conducted us into his Parlour." After some conversation about the new federal Constitution and a tour of the grounds, dinner was served. "It was a very good one," Enys reported, "but the part of the entertainment I liked best was the affable easy manners of the whole family.... The Ladies left the room soon after Dinner but the Gentlemen continued for some time longer. There were no public toasts of any kind given, the General himself introducing a round of Ladies as soon as the Cloath was removed, by saying he had always a very great esteem for the Ladies, and therefore drank them in preference to any thing else." The visitors did not leave until "it was near dark" (ENYS, xviii--xxxv, 244--52).
Thursday 14th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--54 at Noon And 50 at Night. The wind was at No. West all day & about Noon blew hard, but moderated towards evening--not very cold. Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck 7 Plows were at Work in the field by the Barn--frost some interruption to the Plows. The Women grubbing along the Branch below the Spring. Men at work as usual.
At Muddy hole 3 plows going on very well. Women grubbing before them.
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At Dogue run 4 plows were at work in field No. 3, but it was so wet that I ordered them to Muddy hole after they had fed the Horses. Women in N[ew] Gr[oun]d Ho[me] H[ouse].
At neither French's nor the Ferry could the Plows Work. The Women at each were levelling the old ditches.
Began yesterday to Ditch again at French's and with Cornelius & his two Brothers to dig the foundation for the Barn between the Ferry & French's Plantations.
On my return from riding, I found the Marqs. de Chappedelaine and Doctor Lee here--both of whom stayed all Night.
Friday 15. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind at No. Et. all day during which it snowed twice fast but not enough fell to cover the ground. At Night it began to rain, and continued to do so quite through it.
Let out a Fox (which had been taken alive some days ago) and after chasing it an hour lost it.
The Marquis de Chappedelaine & Mr. Ingraham returned to Alexandria after Dinner.
Saturday 16th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 34 at Night. The Wind remained at No. Et. till near night when it came out fresh from No. Wt. and cleared till when it rained and sleeted so as to surcharge the Trees and every thing else with Ice.
At home all day.
Sunday 17th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 30 at Night. Early in the Morning the Wind was at So. Wt. but it soon shifted to No. Et. and overcast. About Noon it began to Snow & continued to do so till Sun down when it ceased soon after wch. the Wind got to No. Wt. blew fresh and grew cold. The Snow was about two Inches deep.
At home all day with the Family. Mrs. Stuart, Miss Stuart & Betcy and Patcy Custis going away after breakfast.
Monday 18th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning--32 at Noon, & 29 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at No. Wt. but towards evening shifted to the So. Wt. keeping clear; Navigation again stopped.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole and Frenchs.
The Ploughs were stopped every where.
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The Women of Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry were all at Work in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Muddy hole they were spreading dung.
George Steptoe Washington who went down to see his Brother Ferdinand who died before he got to Lancaster returned about 12 oclock. And Mr. Harry Peake dined here.
Finished landing the last of the Corn sent here by Colo. Jno. Fras. Mercer.
Henry Peake (b. 1762) was a son of Humphrey and Mary Stonestreet Peake (MCDONALD, 449).
Tuesday 19th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--40 at Noon And 38 at Night. Morning clear with the wind, tho' not much of it at West & Cool tho' it thawed a good deal in the middle of the day.
Visited the Plantations in the Neck and at Muddy hole. At the first the Men were getting & preparing for fencing. The Women, some were grubbing and others throwing down old fences in order to erect them a New.
At Muddy hole, The Women had just finished spreading clung on part of No. 1.
At the other places the Men were cutting & mauling and the Women grubbing at the Mansion House.
Wednesday 20th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 38 at Night. The Wind was at No. Wt. and the frost severe. River close this Morning but opened with the tide & by the wind.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck and at Muddy hole.
In the Neck the Women were putting up (as far as rails were in place) the fence between fields No. 7 & 8.
At Muddy hole they were sprouting the stumps & taking up grubs in the Winter fallow of No. 4.
The People at the other places and at the Mansion house were working as usual.
SPROUTING: removing sprouts from.
Thursday 21st. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. with Clouds and appearances of Snow.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run Frenchs and Ferry.
At the first working as yesterday.
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At Dogue run the same; except that the cutters and maulers had shifted to the East Side of the Plantation in order to get rails to repair the meadow fence.
Friday 22d. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--28 at Noon and 26 at Night. Wind at No. Et. and North; and fresh & cold. About 10 Oclock last Night it began to Snow & continued to do so all Night and till afternoon this day--but as it drifted much the depth cd. not be ascertained.
Colo. Wm. Heth, who came here to dinner yesterday was sent by me to Alexandria to pursue his journey to New York in the Stage.
I remained at home all day.
William Heth (1750--1807), a wealthy Henrico County landowner and distinguished veteran of the Continental line, was going to New York as commissioner for the state of Virginia to settle with Congress the state's accounts "for the expences incurred in the acquisition and Defence of the Western Territory"--the lands north of the Ohio that Virginia had ceded to the Confederation in 1781 (VA. COUNCIL JLS., 3:514; 4:209, 226, 244). After spending the night of 20 Feb. with George Mason, Heth had set out for Mount Vernon after breakfast on 21 Feb. "I was fortunate enough," he recorded in his diary, "to find the General without any other company than Colo. Humphreys who has been here some months. Dined & spent an agreeable day--find that the General is very anxious to see the proposed federal constitution adopted by all the States. He recd. letters this evening from Boston & New York informing him that the Convention of Massachusetts then sitting would unquestionably accept of it" (DLC). Definite word of Massachusetts's ratification arrived on the evening of 22 Feb. (George Augustine Washington to Frances Bassett Washington, 22 Feb. 1788, ViMtV; Heth's obituary is in Va. Gaz. [Richmond], 1 April 1807; see also LEE [7], 275--76).
The northern stage at this time left Alexandria from George H. Leigh's Bunch of Grapes Tavern on the corner of Fairfax and Cameron streets ( Va. Journal, 11 Oct. 1787).
The accumulation of snow on this day, according to George Augustine Washington, amounted to "5 or 6 Inches" (George Augustine Washington to Frances Bassett Washington, 22 Feb. 1788, ViMtV).
Saturday 23d. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 35 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. Fresh & cold all day but clear.
I remained at home all day.
Sunday 24. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind still at No. W. where it continued all day but went down with the Sun.
In the Evening the Revd. Mr. Fairfax came in.
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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 Women from Dogue run, Frenchs & Ferry were at work in the New grd. at the Mansn. house.
Tuesday 26. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--46 at Noon And 42 at Night. Clear Morning & calm, but the Wd. soon rose & blew fresh from the No. Wt. till evening when it ceased. It thawed pretty considerably to day but not sufft. to admit the Plows.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's & the Ferry Plantations.
At all, the People belonging to them were at work.
Set in the Inclosure below the Garden, Seven bushels of Carrots to raise Seed from--6 of which, on the upper side, were of the Lemon kind. The other Bushel were of the Orange sort; and are between the 2d. & 3d. Stakes, reckoning from the upper one.
Wednesday 27th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 28 at Night. The wind came hard from the No. Wt. about day break and blew violently all day. The ground was hard frozen and the day very cold--but little thawing.
Rid to all the Plantations. No plowing at any. Grubbg. at most.
Thursday 28th. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 32 at Night. Clear and very cold. The River frozen to the Channel. Wind at No. Wt. all day.
Mr. Porter & his wife, and Mr. Ingraham and a Mr. Koch a dutch Gentleman came here to dinner. The two first stayed all night. The latter returned to Alexandria.
I remained at home all day.
Nathaniel Ingraham, who was to sail to Amsterdam within a few weeks, agreed to try to procure a Dutch gardener for GW. He returned by way of Philadelphia in late November but apparently brought no gardener (GW to Ingraham, 22 Mar. 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Clement Biddle, 27 Nov. 1788, PHi: Washington-Biddle Correspondence; Pa. Packet, 11 Oct. and 13 Nov. 1788; see also entry for 15 Nov. 1788).
Friday 29th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 36 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. but moderate and towards night not unpleast.
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Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run & Muddy hole.
Cutting down Corn stalks at the first, grubbing at the other, and fencing at the two latter.
Saturday the first. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning--24 at Noon and 24 at Night. The Wind, which had considerably encreased in the Night, blew cold from the No. Wt. and clouded up. About 11 Oclk. it began to Snow, and continued to do so fast till about 2 Oclock covering the grd. about an Inch & half when it ceased and the Sun came out.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, D. Run and Frenchs.
Fencing at the first, cutting corn stalks at the 2d., & grubbg. at the other.
Having sent my Waiter Will to Alexandria to the Post Office he fell at Mr. Porters door and broke the Pan of his other Knee & was not able to return.
The Letters were sent down by Mr. Ingraham by his assistant.
For William Lee's first knee injury, see entry for 22 April 1785.
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 18 in the Morning--28 at Noon And 28 at Night. Wind high from the No. Wt. and cold all day. Weather clear.
At home all day.
Monday 3d. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--32 at Noon And 32 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. (but not hard) till evening when it veered round to the Eastward with encreasing & thickning clouds.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry--The weather being too hard to grub.
At Muddy hole and Dogue run, the Women were fencing.
At Frenchs they were carrying trash to, & filling up Gullies and
At the Ferry they were cutting down & picking up Corn Stalks.
Tuesday 4th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--32 at Noon And 32 at Night. About 9 Oclock last Night it began to Snow and continued to do so through the Night and till 8 oclock this morning by which time it appears to have been at least 6 Inches deep on
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a level. In the early part of the Morning the Wind was at No.: after which getting to the No. West it cleared and was cold.
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 38 at Night. Clear and the wind fresh all day from the Wt. But little thaw.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, & French's.
At the two first the women were fencing--at the latter removing rails for the same purpose.
The Ferry Women were at work in the New grd. at the Mann. House.
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--43 at Noon and 38 at Night. Early in the Morning the Wind made some feeble efforts to blow from the So. Wt. but shifting to No. Wt. Before 8 Oclock it was fresh, but not very cold, all day.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck Muddy hole, Dogue run and Frenchs.
At the first some of the Women were grubbing, & some fencing--the Men getting rails.
At Muddy hole the Women were grubbing, as they also were at French's.
At Dogue run they were making fences.
Men at all the places getting Rails &ca.
On my return home found Doctr. Stuart & Mr. Jno. Calvert here.
Colo. Humphreys & Majr. G. Washington went up to Alexandria, and returned in the evening.
John Calvert was a younger brother of Dr. Stuart's wife, Eleanor (BOWIE, 102--3).
Friday 7th. Thermometer at 36 in the morning--44 at Noon and 43 at Night. Clear morning with the breeze from the So. West. which soon shifted to No. Wt. and blew fresh & cold all day--but little thawing & that at top only.
Doctr. Stuart and Mr, Calvert going away after breakfast I rid to the Plantations at Muddy Hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
Work going on at each as pr. the Weekly report.
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--42 at Noon And 36 at Night. Morning pleasant, with the Wind at So. Wt, &
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appearances of mildness but shifting. Before 8 Oclock it blew fresh clouded & turned cold, and remained so all day.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck at Muddy hole and Dogue run.
Work at each pr. Report Book. Majr. G. A. Washington set of this afternoon for Colo. Bassetts--where his wife was.
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind disagreeably cold from the No. Wt. the greatest part of the day. Towards evening it seemed to moderate & grow milder.
Mr. Wm. Hunter, a Mr. Phillis and a Captn. Parnel came here to dinner. The two latter went away after it.
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And 46 at Night. Morning calm and pleasant, but the Wind rising at No. Wt. & blowing hard it became disagreeable.
Mr. Hunter went away after breakfast.
I rid to all the Plantations. Began the Meadow fence in the Neck with some of the Women, while others were grubbing.
At Muddy hole finished grubbing in field No. 4.
At Dogue run grubbing below the Meadow by the Quarters.
At Frenchs grubbing along the swamp sides and
At the Ferry filling gullies with trash.
Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--52 at Noon And 52 at Night. The Wind still at No. Wt. & fresh and Cold in the forenoon. In the afternoon it lulled & was more moderate.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
At the first Began to plow--Women making fence on ditch round the Barn, and in lane. The frost below the surface (2 or 3 Inches) stopped in places the plow but I ordered them to proceed.
Directed the Plows at Dogue run to begin to morrow.
At Frenchs two plows were at work and the Women began to fence between fields No. 1 & 4.
At the Ferry I directed the Plows to work to morrow. Women still filling gullies and the Men preparing to fence on the long ditch.
Mr. Lund Washington and his wife dined here.
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 55 at Night. The morning calm & very pleasant which continued through the day.
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Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
At the River Plantation, the Plows were unable to work on acct. of the frost. The Women were fencing between fields No. & 2 except those who were grubbing; having finished the fence by the Meadow.
At Muddy hole the Plows were going on very well and the other People were repairing the outer fence (along the Ferry road) of field No. 4.
At Dogue run 5 plows began to Work in field No. 3 and in the part intended for Barley. The ground in pretty good order. Women grubbing by the Quarters.
At Frenchs Plowing & Fencing going on as yesterday.
At the Ferry, the Plows began to Work in field No. 3. The other people were employed in fencing. The grd. at this place was not in good order on acct. of the frost for Plowing.
Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Very pleasant, warm, & growing--the Wind tho not very fresh, at South.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
Work as usual at all (except at Dogue run, where the Women havg. finished grubbing by the Quarters were employed in grubbing a piece of fencing Round field No. 7).
Began this day to Sow the imported Beans and Pease at Frenchs which when finished the place kinds & manner of putting it will be noticed.
Transplanted the last of my Carrots for Seed to day.
Friday 14th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--60 at Noon And 60 at Night. The Wind pretty fresh from the Southward and weather exceedingly hazy with heavy clouds but no rain.
Went with Mrs. Washington to Alexandria. Visited Captn. Conway Doctr. Craik, Colo. Saml. Hanson, Mr. Murray, & Mr. Porter with the last of whom we dined. Returned in the Eve.
Samuel Hanson of Samuel had served as a lieutenant colonel of the Charles County, Md., militia during the Revolution (SCHARF [4], 2:194). He was at this time boarding GW's two nephews, George Steptoe and Lawrence Augustine Washington, while they attended the Alexandria Academy (LEDGER B, 151; GW to George Steptoe Washington, 23 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--58 at Noon And 56 at Night. The Wind, tho' there was but little of it, was at No. Wt. Mild and warm.
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Visited all the Plantations. At all of them, the full compliment of Plows were at work and going on very well.
In the Neck, the Women were spreading Dung on the ground intended for Oats and Barley--being the West part of No. 2. At this place <also> I causd to be sown a bed of Reynold's Turnip rooted Cabbages for the purpose of raising plants to put in my Corn Rows.
At Muddy hole the Plows finished breaking up the remains of Fd. No. 3 yesterday afternoon and finding that part of No. 4 intended for Oats too wet to cross they went into field No. 1 to plow for Barley this Morning. The Women fencing r[oa]d the same.
At Dogue run, The Women began to Hooe the ground they had grubbed at the lower end of the Meadow; gave Scotts Cabbage Seed to be sown at this Place on Monday on a bed to be barned [burned].
At French's the Women were Fencing. The Farmer finished yesterday sowing the Pease and Beans on the No. side of the Middle Meadow in the following Manner--viz.--in the upper land, adjoining the fence, the Pease (1 bushel) were sown. The Next land to this a bushel of Berkshire Beans from Mr. Peacy was sown. In the 3d. 4th. 5th. & half the sixth lands the Beans from Mr. Young 3¼ (said by my farmer to be the same of the last) were sown and in the other half of the 6th. land and the 7th. were a bushel of the Gloucester Beans from Mr. Peacy.
At the Ferry the Women were still about the fence of field No. 6.
TURNIP ROOTED CABBAGES: Brassica napobrassica, rutabaga. The first leaves resemble cabbage leaves.
William Peacey (d. 1815), a noted gentleman farmer of Northleach, Gloucestershire, Eng., employed GW's farmer, James Bloxham, for 15 years before Bloxham came to America (George W. Fairfax to GW, 23 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW). Several casks of seeds of various kinds had arrived from Peacey during the previous year aboard the same ship that brought Bloxham's wife and children to join him. GW paid Peacey £10 1s. 1d. for the seeds and was generally pleased with their condition even though some had been damaged from being stored in the hold of the ship (GW to Peacey, 16 Nov. 1786, PHi, and 7 Jan. 1788, ViMtV; GW to Wakelin Welch & Son, [8 Jan. 1788], DLC:GW; see also ABBOTT, 180--81).
Sunday 16th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 50 at Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. & rather cooler than it was yesterday. Afterwards it freshned and blew pretty strong all day.
Monday 17th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Clear all day and pleasant. Wind a
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little variable--in the Morning Easterly--in the evening Southerly.
Went up (accompanied by Colo. Humphreys) to the Election of Delegates to the Convention of this State (for the purpose of considering the New form of Governmt. which has been recommended to the United States); When Doctr. Stuart and Colo. Simms were chosen without opposition. Dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds, and returned in the Evening.
The Virginia Ratifying Convention was to meet in Richmond on 2 June. Election of delegates took place in each county on its appointed court day in March. "Our elections," GW wrote John Jay 3 Mar. 1788, "form an interesting epocha in our Annals. After the choice is made, the probable decision on the proposed Constitution (from the characters of memebers) can with more ease be conjectured; for myself I have never entertained much doubt of its adoption" (DLG:GW). The results, which were not fully known for several weeks, indicated a thin margin in favor of the friends of the Constitution (FREEMAN, 6:133--34). Both Dr. David Stuart and Charles Simms supported the new form of government ( Md. Journal, 28 Mar. 1788).
Tuesday 18th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind at East & So. Et. Cloudy all day with small sprinkles in the forenoon. Towards Night it became stormy, the Wind blowing very fresh from the So. Et. and raining hard which it continued to do most part of the Night.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, found that the Plows had finished breaking up the Barn Inclosure last Night and all, except one (which went to laying of fd. No. 6 for planting Corn &ca.) were plowing for Oats in the No. Wt. corner of No. 2. The Women were clearing the hedge Row in the same field & preparing for fencing. The Men were fixing posts & Rails for fencing No. 6 &ca. and making the lane betwn. them and fields No. 1 & 2.
The Ditchers--to wit--Dl. Overdonck, Boatswain, Robin, Charles & Bath began yesterday to ditch for same.
At Muddy hole, finding the ground (intended for Oats in No. 4) had got tolerably dry the plows were shifted from No. I thither yesterday after breakfast and this day the grd. wch. they had plowed in No. 1 by the quarters was sowed with Barley & harrowed in. The Women were partly fencing, & partly picking up Corn Stalks. Harrowed with Oxen which made an awkwd. hand.
At Dogue Run--The Plows finished yesterday afternoon the ground intended for Barley in field No. 3 & began to plow that part of the same field wch. was designed for Oats. The women were partly hoeing (as on Saturday) & partly grubbing before the Plows. The Cabbage Seed was sown at this place on Monday.
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At Frenchs, the Plows (now three) having finished breaking the ground in the lower meadow had gone this Morning to breaking up in No. 3 but were ordered to plow to morrow the So. part of No. 2 for Oats. The Women were fencing on the dividing line.
Yesterday 6 bushels of English Oats (sent me by Mr. Young) was sowed on abt. 2 Acres of grd. on the No. side of the Middle meadow--the ground once plowed, and the Seed harrowed--in good tilth.
At the Ferry, the Ploughs went yesterday to plough (cross) the grd. in No. 6 wch. was intended for Oats and it worked well, except being rather too wet. The Women were fencing.
At the Mansion house, began the circular Post & rail fencing in front of the lawn yesterday Morning.
Mr. Madison on his way from New York to Orange came in before dinner and stayed all Night.
The slave ditchers working with Daniel Overdonck were from different plantations: Boatswain from Home House, Robin from Dogue Run or River plantation, Charles from Muddy Hole, and Bath from River plantation (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
James Madison, Jr., who had been fulfilling his duties as a congressman in New York since the end of the Constitutional Convention, was going home to be present on 24 Mar. when Orange County was to elect its two delegates to the state ratifying convention. Madison was chosen as one of Orange's delegates and subsequently was one of the leaders in the fight for the Constitution in the convention (MADISON, 10:542, n.4).
Wednesday 19th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night. Wind fresh from the So. Wt. Towards evening it veered more to the Westward and in the Night got to No. Wt. The whole day the air (considering the Wind) was rather cool.
Remained at home all day.
Thursday 20th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night. The Wind came from the No. Wt. and blew pretty fresh and cool all day with clouds; & once (about 8 Oclk.) with threatning appearances of Snow.
Mr. Madison (in my Carriage) went after breakfast to Colchester to <fall> in with <the Stage>.
I visited all the Plantations. In the Neck began yesterday to Sow Oats--the other work going on as usual.
At Muddy hole the Rain that fell on Tuesday Night made the grd. intended for Oats too wet to plow. They therefore returned to that wch. was designed for Barley in No. 1 & plowed there. The
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Women having finished fencing were grubbing in the sunken part of No. 3.
At Dogue run the Plows five were plowing for Oats & the Women hoeing.
At Frenchs the Plows were at work in No. 2 for Oats & the Women fencing. 1¾ Bushls. of Summer Wht. (sent by Mr. Young) was sowed at this place yesterday below the Beans and Pease in the Middle Meadow. At the same time better than half a Bushel of orchard grass-seeds & 18 lbs. of Clover were Sown in the same Meadow on the English Oats by the old bridge and the ground cross harrowed. The Wheat was harrowed in.
At the Ferry the Plows were crossing in No. 6 for Oats. The other hands were fencing.
Friday 21st. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning--50 at Noon And 50 at Night. Clear Morning and Mild, but a hard crust on the Surface by the frost. Clear all day.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, Oat sowing, and other Work going on as usual.
At Muddy hole, continued sowing and harrowing in Barley, after the ground got thawed & a little dried at Top.
At Dogue run, working as yesterday.
At French's the same and the ground which had been sowed with English Oats and Grass-seeds was rolled.
At The Ferry, the work was the same as yesterday.
On my return home, found a Mr. Rogers of New York here who dined and proceeded to Alexandria afterwds.
John Rodgers (1727--1811), a renowned Presbyterian clergyman, served the Presbyterians of New York City as pastor from 1765 to 1810, except during the Revolution when he chose to live outside the British-occupied city. Although he attended no college or university, the University of Edinburgh conferred the degree of doctor of divinity on him in a 768 at the instigation of the evangelist George Whitefield, who greatly influenced Rodgers's life from an early age. Rodgers was also for many years a trustee of the College of New Jersey and during the spring of this year served as a member of the committee that revised the standards of the Presbyterian Church in America. At the end of the War of Independence, he had written GW proposing that each discharged Continental soldier be given a copy of an American translation of the Bible, a scheme that GW warmly approved in general terms, but politely forestalled on the practical grounds that nearly two-thirds of the army had gone home by the time Rodgers's letter arrived (Rodgers to GW, 30 May 1783, and GW to Rodgers, 11 June 1783, DLC:GW).
Saturday 22d. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 46 at Night. Southerly Wind all day, clear & pleasant.
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Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck sowing Oats & Grass Seeds--viz. 5 pints of red clover, & 2 pints of timothy to the acre--which being cross plowed in was afterwards rolled.
At Muddy hole Sowed the same quantity of red Clover & timothy to the acre as above, on the Barley wch. had been sown & some of it having been in the ground 2 or 3 days and a rain fallen thereon I did not incline to disturb the grain with an Iron lined [tined] harrow, and therefore rubbed a bush harrow over it to smooth the surface, and to bury the grass seed.
At Muddy [Dogue] Run, began to Sow Oats this morning all of which was harrowed in & cross harrowed.
At Frenchs, & The Ferry the Work was the same as yesterday and the hands of the former compleated the fencing of field No. 3 except the part wch. divides it from the Middle Meadow.
On my return home, found Colo. Jno. Mercer here, who remained all Night.
Sunday 23d. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--46 at Noon And 46 at Night. Clear Morning, & a fresh Wind from the So. Et. About Nine O'clock a very black cloud arose in the So. Wt.: and about 10 it began to rain, which it continued to do moderately till past Noon when it ceased but continued cloudy. The Wind shifting to So. Wt. & then West and turning Cooler.
To dinner came Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart & Miss Stuart and the 4 children and after it Colo. Mercer went away.
Monday 24th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear day, with the wind very hard (and turning cold) from the No. Wt. The ground a little crusted this Morning with the frost.
Mr. Jno. Dawson came here a little before dinner, & proceeded after it to Alexandria.
Tuesday 25th. Thermometer at 36 in the morng.--46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning clear, ground hard frozen, Wind from So. Wt. in the Morning early. Afterwards it veered to West, blew fresh & cold. In the evening it got to So. Wt. again and became moderate.
Visited all the Plantations. The ground at all was too hard frozen and when thawed too wet to sow and harrow till afternoon.
Mr. Benja. Dulany came here dined and returned afterwards.
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Benjamin Tasker Dulany today brought £120 annual rent that he owed GW for 376 acres of land on Hunting Creek (LEDGER B, 132; see entry for 3 Feb. 1785).
Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning clear, & Wind at So. Wt. but afterwards it shifted to No. W. and blew very hard--turng. cold.
Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.
I visited all the Plantations. Sowing, harrowing, & rolling retarded at each on Acct. of the frost in the Morning, & stickiness of the earth afterwards, till towards Noon.
Finished sowing so much of the West cut of No. 2 in the Neck as recd. the Oats raised from the Seed of Genl. Spotswood; and Clover & timothy thereon; & harrowed & cross harrowed them in, but could not roll them on acct. of the damps on the Surface. Began to Sow Oats in the Eastermost cut of this field which was finished plowing this Morning and to plow in the middle cut for Barley.
At Muddy hole, finished Sowing & harrowing in Barley up to the road in No. 1, from the quarters and by mistake the plows went to work in the Same field on the lower side of the Quarter--but were ordered to go to field No. 4 to morrow & cross plow for Oats.
Sowing Oats, and other work doing as yesterday at D. Run.
At French's the Plows at wk. as yesterday and the Women filling gullies in the lower Meadow.
At the Ferry the Plows having yesterday finished cross plowing for Oats began this day to Sow. The Women cleaning the swamp in No. 2 & thinning the Trees there.
Thursday 27th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--47 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. but not hard. Ground frozen hard. Towards Noon it became calm and in the evening a breeze from the Southward.
Went to Alexandria (consequent of a Summons, to give evide. in a Suit betwn. the Admrs. of Mr. Custis and Mr. Robt. Alexander) dined at Colo. Hooes & returned in the evening. Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Stuart, & Colo. Humphreys also dind. at Colo. Hooes.
Passed thro' Muddy hole Plantation where grass-seeds were harrowing in on the Barley, & the ground cross harrowing.
The Plows had begun this Morning to cross for Oats as ordered Yesterday. The Women of this place, except those who were engaged with the Plows & Harrows came yesterday to, and were
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engaged to day in, the Ground in front of the Mansion House--preparing it for Corn.
Dr. David Stuart had succeeded Bartholomew Dandridge as administrator of John Parke Custis's estate after Dandridge's death in the spring of 1785. The suit between the estate and Robert Alexander concerned the Abingdon property which Custis had bought from Alexander in 1778 at a price that GW considered embarrassingly exorbitant (see entry for 12 Mar. 1785). In dispute now was the mode of payment: whether or not the price and the compound interest on it could be paid before the end of the 24 years given for payment, thereby saving the estate a great amount of interest, and whether or not the payment had to be made in specie or could be rendered in any currency, including inflated Revolutionary money. The documents passed between Custis and Alexander were vague or contradictory on these points, and apparently no reliable witnesses to the transaction could be found. It was, as GW exclaimed, "a very strange Affair" (GW to Stuart, 21 Sept. 1789 and 23 Mar. 1790, Stuart to GW, 2 April 1790, DLC:GW; GW to Stuart, 11 April 1790, ViMtV). GW, who had washed his hands of John Parke Custis's business matters many years earlier, was involved in the suit only as acting guardian of George Washington Parke Custis, principal heir to the estate. The suit was later settled out of court with Alexander agreeing to take the property back in return for a fair rent paid for the period during which Custis and his administrators had held it (HENING 13:99--100; STETSON [1], 25--31).
Friday 28th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--51 at Noon And 50 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and in the evening very high--day clear.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, Plowing, Sowing (Oats & Grass seeds) fencing & picking up Corn Stalks. Conceiving that putting in Grass Seeds before harrowing across with the dble. harrows, buried them too deep, I ordered the Grain should be first harrowed in & cross harrowed and then the Seeds sown & run over with a bush harrow & afterwards rolled.
At Muddy hole did the same where the efficacy of the measure & consequence of harrowing in with an Iron tined harrow the Grass seeds may be seen--the So. E. Comer of the ground as far & rather beyond the old farm pen being put in, in this manner. As was those in the Neck in which Spotswoods Oats were sown on the No. side of the West cut.
At Dogue run, the Plows, yesterday finished plowing for Oats and went to breaking up the ground between fields No. 5 & 6.
The Women having also hoed up the ground below the Meadow, were employed in doing the like in a slash in field No. 5. Sowing & harrowing Oats as usual.
At French's began yesterday to harrow & Sow Oats--the other hands filling gullies in the lower meadow.
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At the Ferry, Sowing & harrowing in Oats. The plows went on thursday to finish breaking up field No. 2 for Corn & were employed there to day--and the women were hoeing the slash in the same field.
Mr. & Mrs. L. Washington dined here, & returned afterwards.
Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morning--47 at Noon And 46 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. Wt. & cool. Clear afterwds. with the wind in the same place and rather more pleasant.
Visited all the Plantatns. In the Neck the Plows (this morning) finished plowing the West cut of No. 2 for Barley, & went into the Middle cut of the same field. Sowed the East cut of the same field with 46 Bushls. of Oats which were all harrowed & cross harrowed except the last sowed to do wch. there was not time--nor to sow the Whole with grass-seeds.
At Muddy hole, finished sowing & harrowing in with a bush, grass Seeds on the Barley that had been sowed at Muddy hole.
At all the other Plantations the Work was the same as yesterday.
A Mr. Cay, Undertaker of the Plaistering of the Capitol, came here (with a letter from the Govern.) to look at my New room. He dined & went away afterwards and in the evening Mr. Fendal came.
Joseph Kay (died c.1793) of Henrico County was responsible for the plastering at the new state capitol at Richmond (VSP, 5:248, 6:179--80). Gov. Edmund Randolph's letter has not been found.
Sunday 30th. Thermometer at 39 in the morning--51 at Noon and 50 at Night. Morning calm clear & pleasant as it continued to be all day, with smoke.
Colonels Hanson & Ramsay, Mr. Powel & Messrs. Jenks & Winsor dined here in addition to those who were here before & returned afterwards.
Mrs. Jenifer also dined here & returned after it.
Olney Winsor (Winzor) was a partner in Jenckes, Winsor & Co., of Alexandria (see entry for 26 Nov. 1786). In 1790 he was listed as a trustee of Alexandria (HENING, 13:175).
Monday 31st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--54 at Noon And 51 at Night. Clear with the Wind at South, but cloudy afterwards and towards Night slow rain.
Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart and the Girls, together with Nelly
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Custis set out for Abingdon. And a Son of Revd. Mr. Griffiths came here on business of his fathers & stayed to dinner.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, began to sow Barley in the So. Wt. part of the west cut of No. 2 but had not finished sowing grass-seeds in the East cut.
At Muddy hole, began to sow Barley & grass-seeds which had been sown in No. 1.
At Dogue run, finished Sowing & harrowing Oats in No. 3--qty. of Oats [ ] bushls. Began Saturday afternoon to plow for Engh. Barley in the Turnip ground at this place.
At French's, having finished plowing the ground (but not sowing it) intended for Oats, two plows Wh[i]le the other team was harrowing in the Oats went to breakg. the ground in the same field No. 2 for Barley. The Women, in part, were filling gullies in No. 3 and the other part, and the Cart, gettg. dung to the gullies which had been levelled in the lower meadow.
At the Ferry, harrowing in Oats with one harrow. The Plows would, this afternoon, abt. finish breaking field No. 2 for Corn. Women hoeing in the Swamp as before.
In my Botanical Garden--Next the necessary house, was sown 3 rows of Grass-seeds sent me from Kentucke by Colo. Marshall name unknown and the next 3 rows to these were sown with what this Gentleman calls wild rye but it more resembles Oats. All the other rows of this were of the painted lady Pease. Put in cuttings of the Weeping Willow, behind the Post & rail fence along the road leading to the Gate in the hollow at the distance of a foot from each other. This work was unavoidably delayed too late as the buds were not only much swelled but the leaves of most of them beginning to unfold.
Rev. David Griffith had at least two sons: David Griffith, Jr., and Richard Griffith (deed of Bryan Fairfax to David Griffith, Jr., 16 May 1793, Fairfax County Deeds, Book W-1, 355--57; SPROUSE [2], 2:84). The son who came to Mount Vernon today brought a letter from his father asking GW to pay his annual subscription for the minister's support which had been due since 1 Aug. 1787 (31 Mar. 1788, DLC:GW). The son, however, apparently left without any money (LEDGER B, 265).
Thomas Marshall in Oct. 1788 sent GW seeds and nuts of several plants native to the region around his Fayette County, Ky., home: "some of the different specias of wild rhye, a few of the Coffee [tree] nuts, Buckeye, the seeds of the Papaw-apple, a few acrons [acorns] of an excellent specias of the white oak," and "some of the natural grass seed of that country." The grass seed, Marshall wrote GW, "is of a very luxurious growth and as far as I have tried it appears to be excellent for hay, but as I have only cultivated a small spot, sow'd last fall in my garden, I can as yet judge of it with no great certainty: it does not require a wet soil, but the ground it is sow'd in
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ought to be rich & made fine. Feby. will be a good time, & sow it about as thick as Tob[acc]o seed" (27 Oct. 1787, DLC:GW).
PAINTED LADY PEASE: Lathyrus odoratus, sweet pea.
Tuesday 1st. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--65 at Noon And 64 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at South. Clear afterwards & very warm.
Went with Mrs. Washington and Colo. Humphreys to visit Mr. & Mrs. Rogr. West. Dined there & returned in the afternoon.
Previous to this I visited all my Plantations.
At the Ferry, the Plows began to work in field No. 3--the Harrow putting in Oats & grass Seeds and the women hoeing the swamp.
At Frenchs the Work was going on as yesterday. Grass Seeds at the rate of 3 pints of Timothy and 6 of red clover--sowing to the Acre.
At Dogue run, the Harrows, after crossing the Sown Oats, were layed aside, & 2 plows went to crossing the grd. destined for Barley. The Women were hoeing the Swamp in the Middle meadow by the Overseers house.
At Muddy hole, Plowing, sowing, Harrowing & rolling were going on. The women not engaged in these were at Work at the Mansn. Ho[use] New ground.
In the Neck, the ground intended for Barley in the West cut of No. 2 that was stiff, & did not work fine at first was cross plowed, & harrowed till it was brought into fine order. Finished harrowing in Oats & grass-seeds in the East cut of this field but not rolling some part of the roller havg. given way.
Made a draught with the Sein this evening at the Ferry Landing, and caught 15 Shad and a few hundreds of Herrings at one hawl.
Mariamne Craik, daughter of Dr. James Craik, Sr., had recently become Roger West's second wife (see entries for 28 Dec. 1787 and 21 July 1788). His first wife was Nancy Macrae West, daughter of Allan Macrae of Dumfries. The Wests lived near the mouth of Hunting Creek at the house they called West Grove, the same house that had belonged to Roger's father, Col. John West (see entry for 8 Jan. 1760).
Wednesday Second. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--56 at Noon And 54 at Night. In the forenoon the Wind was at No. Wt. and cold. In the Evening it was Southerly & warm.
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The ground had got dry, and somewhat (in places) baked. Moderate & warm rain wanting.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the two first, and last, the Work was going on precisely as yesterday.
At Dogue run, began to sow grass Seeds on the Oats, at the rate of 3 pints of Timothy & 6 pints of red clover to the acre.
Sowed in drills, in the Section of my Botanical garden between the Salt House & the other, and amg. the Pride of China Plants [ ] rows of the Grass-Seed sent me by Colo. Marshall of Kentucke, being the same with the 3 rows sowed in the West pt. of the other Section, on Monday last.
Transplanted from a box in the Garden, 13 plants of the horse chesnut into the shrubberies by the Garden Walls.
Thursday 3d. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--44 at Noon And 43 at Night. Heavy morning with the Wind at So. East--at which it continued all day--at sometimes fresher than others. Abt. 8 oclock it began a slow, light rain, which with mists continued till Night and moistened, tho' it did not wet the ground much.
Continued at home all day.
Friday 4th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--60 at Noon And 60 at Night. Calm, clear, and very pleasant all day.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, Plowing, sowing Barley & Grass Seeds, and other work as on Wednesday.
At Muddy hole, stopped the roller in order that two harrows might be covering Oats. At this place the first sown Barley was coming up & appeared to be thick.
At Dogue run the usual work was going on.
At the French's began to sow Barley in the No. part of No. 2. At this place perceived the English Oats, & the Pease were coming up the <1>st. tolerably thick.
At the Ferry, the harrow having finished (yesterday) covering the Oats & grass Seeds--all three of the Plows were breaking up in No. 3.
Caught 500 and odd Shad to day. In my Botanical Garden on thursday morning, before the rain, I sowed in the Section next the spinning house, one row of Rhubarb seed, sent me by Mr. Jay--the Seeds 3 Inches a part. These were placed along the Walk--parallel to the Ho.
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John Jay, by Joseph Wright. (New-York Historical Society)
RHUBARB: Rheum rhaponticum. John Jay wrote from New York 3 Feb. 1788 that he had obtained some rhubarb seed from an Englishman who vouched for its high quality, and he was sending "a little Parcel of it" to Mount Vernon so that GW might try it in the soil and climate of Virginia (DLC:GW).
Saturday 5th. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning--64 at Noon And 63 at Night. Clear and warm all day, but little wind and that at Easterly.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the same work as yesterday was going forward.
At Muddy hole the same also.
At Dogue run the same. The two plows at this place finished breaking up the turnip ground in No. 1 about dinner time yesterday & went afterwards to crossing in No. 2 for Barley.
At Frenchs the same work going forward and
At the Ferry also.
Sunday 6th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 60 at Night. What wind there was, was from the Southwd., but not much. Clear and very pleast.
Sent my two Jackasses to the Election at Marlborough in Maryld. that they might be seen.
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The Maryland General Assembly set 7 April as the day for electing all delegates to the state convention that was to meet in Annapolis two weeks later to consider ratification of the federal Constitution (STEINER, 30--31). Many planters, therefore, would be at the Prince George's County courthouse in Upper Marlboro on Monday to choose the county's four delegates. It would, GW knew, be a good opportunity to display his two jackasses, Royal Gift and Knight of Malta, whose stud services had been advertised in the Annapolis and Baltimore newspapers for the past few weeks ( Md. Gaz., 13 and 20 Mar. and 3 April 1788; Md. Journal, 11, 18, 21, and 25 Mar. 1788). The jackasses were taken to Upper Marlboro by Peter, a slave GW was hiring from David Stuart (Ledger B, 265; GW to Stuart, 12 Feb. 1787, PWacD: Sol Feinstone Coll., on deposit PPAmP, and Stuart to GW, 12. Feb. 1787, DLC: GW)
Monday 7th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--50 at Noon And 50 at Night.
The Wind was at So. Et. & East all day; abt. 7 Oclock it sprinkled rain and abt. 1 Oclock, began a slow & thin Rain, which continued with intervals the remainder of the day and in the Night a good deal fell.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the Posting, Railing & ditching was compleated this Morning up to the Gate; and the other part, to the Gut, set about. The Plows would, about Noon, finish breaking up the Middle cut of No. 2 and a particular part of wch. being very cloddy & stiff, I ordered it to be crossed and the whole of What was not already sown with Barley to be gone over once, or oftener with the harrows before it was sowed, that it might be the better prepared for the reception of this grain and Grass-Seeds. The Women would about have done picking up & heaping the Corn Stalks in No. 3 to day (having finished those in No. 7) and would repair the fence round No. 6 and Orchard Inclosure.
At Muddy hole, the Plows wd. finish to day, crossing the ground for Oats--and would go into No. 1 to break up the remainder of that allotted for Barley. Ordered the Women from the New Ground to Hoe along the fence where the ground had been grubbed in the Oat field for the better reception of this grain.
At Dogue-run, the Women wd. about compleat hoeing the Swamp in the middle Meadow. Removed the Plow that was laying off for Corn to assist in crossing for Barley in No. 2. Finished Sowing grass-seeds this morning & harrowing them in the Oats in the same field qty. 2 bushls. of Clover and 1 of Timothy.
At Frenchs, two plows and a harrow were putting in Barley & grass-seed as usual, and the women filling gullies in field No. 3.
At the Ferry 1 plow began to lay off Corn rows in No. 2 and one other being stopped on acct. of the failure of one of the plow
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beasts I sent a Mare from the Mn. Ho. (wch. had been brought from the Neck) there to assist. The Women were hoeing an old hedge row in No. 2.
In the Vineyard Inclosure below the Stables I sowed in a bed in the No. Et. Cornr. the Seed of the Runkel Recbar or Root of Scarcity and adjoining this in two other beds--ranging therewith--the Seeds of Sulla were sown; the Middle bed was the freshest Seeds. Next below these, in drills, is the Seeds sown which was sent by Mr. Peacy to my Farmer. Below these again will be Sown the Seeds of the Fancy grass, given to me by the Revd. Mr. Massey but night coming on prevented its being done this evening. In the lawn West of the House & West part of it, I sowed 3½ bushels of Blue grass Seeds from the fall therein to the walks. The No. half was mixed with 3 bushels of the Plaister of Paris & the South half with[ou]t having had Plaister spread thereon in the last Autumn on a slight snow.
ROOT OF SCARCITY: Beta vulgaris, mangel-wurzel. A large coarse beet grown chiefly as a food for cattle, this plant was attracting much attention among English agriculturalists at this time. The seeds that GW planted today were apparently ones that had arrived from Richard Peters of Philadelphia within the past few days, but GW may have also had seeds from some roots that a neighboring lady sent Mrs. Washington in the fall of 1785 (Peters to GW, 12 Mar. and 27 April 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Elizabeth French Dulany, c.23 Nov. 1785, MdHi, photostat). Later this month Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia sent GW a small quantity of mangel-wurzel seeds that he had recently received from England together with a pamphlet describing "the method of cultivating . . . & useful qualities of this extraordinary vegetable" (Rush to GW, 26 April 1788, DLC:GW; see entry for 29 Oct. 1788).
SULLA: Hedysarum coronarium, often called sulla clover. GW was given these seeds during the Constitutional Convention by the French essayist, Hector St. John de Crčvecoeur. "This plant . . .," GW later reported to Crévecoeur through James Madison, "came to nothing. . . . The seed vegitated partially, and not being able to find the name in any botanical list of plants in my possession or to ascertain the properties of it; and it appearing at the sametime not to be grateful for the first attentions which were bestowed on it, not much care was taken of it afterwards" (GW to Madison, 17 Nov. 1788, DLC:GW).
Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind Easterly all day. Besides the Rain which fell in the Night it was Showery all day. In the course therefore of the 24 hours much rain had fallen.
About 10 Oclock, in company with Colo. Humphreys, Mrs. Washington Harriott Washington and Washington Custis I set of for Abingdon--where we dined and stayed all Night.
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Wednesday 9th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning--64 at Noon And [ ] at Night. Clear and temperate with the Wind variable, but chiefly from the So. W.
Dined at Abingdon and returned home in the evening--all, except Harriot Washington.
Thursday 10th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Clear with the wind what little there was in the Morning at No. Et. In the afternoon at So. Wt., and much fresher & warmer.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the Plows having crossed the ground (which left it in as rough a state as before) that was intended for Flax, began this morning (Six of them) to list No. 6 for Corn. Previous to this the laying off furrow was deepned, and two thrown into it. Every other one of these was left for the vegitable tribe to fill hereafter. The Women were repairing the fencing from the lane to the Barn and the Harrows were putting in Barley & grass Seeds in the middle cut of field No. 2.
At Muddy hole, the Plows as was expected finished crossing for Oats in field No. 4 and went into No. 1 to plow for Barley. The Women having hoed up the ground along the fence in this field were spreading what dung remained in heaps on the South half of the half Acre sqrs. of experimental ground last yr. intended for Barley this.
At Dogue-run, Began, as soon as the grd. was in order after the rain, to harrow in Barley & grass seeds after the Plows--4 of wch. were at Wk. & 2 harrows; one of them (single) drawn by Oxen. The Women were prevented from finishing hoeing the Meadow on acct. of the Rain and went yesterday to putting up the Logs wch. were in place betwn. fields No. 2 & 3 and to day were pickg. up Corn Stalks in No. 4.
At Frenchs--The Plows and Harrows were putting in Barley and grass-Seeds. The Women having filled the gullies in fd. No. 3 were heaping dung for the Cart, & spreading it when carted in the places wch. had been filled up in the lower Meadow.
At the Ferry the Women were levelling the old ditch betwn. this Plantn. & French's having hoed up the hedge row in No. 2--One plow laying off for Corn and 2 breakg. up No. 3.
At the Mansn. House, sowed as was intended, in the Vineyard inclosure, below the Seed sent by Mr. Peacy, in drills, the Fancy grass and below the Fancy grass, what Burnett I had left in drills also. And adjoing, these below, were sowed, or rather planted, the
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everlasting (or Lady Pease) sent me by the Honble. James Mercer.
Friday 11th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night. Clear & very pleasant all day with but little wind, and that Northerly in the morning and Southerly afterwards till eveng. when it was fresh fm. So. Et.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, Fr[enc]hs and the Ferry plantations and to the Fishing landing.
At Muddy hole, finished sowing Oats qty. [ ] bushls. but would not more than get them harrowed in by Night & crossed. The Women were spreading dung as yesterday and the Plows at Work as yesterday, for Barley.
At D. Run, The Ploughs and harrows were employed in gettg. in Barley & grass-seeds in No. 2. The women at this place began to cross hoe the grd. they had broke up in the lower end of the Ho. Meadw. in order to prepare it for Flax and grass. Send a hand from this place to the fishing landing.
At French's the women were levelling the old ditch in No. 3 some of them, whilst others were employed in heaping dung. Plows and Harrows putting in Barley & grass Seeds.
At the Ferry, the Plows were at work as yesterday. The Women repairing fence around No. 7.
Caught a good many fish to day, both shads & herring.
Saturday 12th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--54 at Noon And 54 at Night. Wind at So. Et. in the Morning, and pretty fresh. Weather lowering. A red Sky in the East horizon at sun rising, & a bur round the Moon last Night. Before 8 Oclock it began to sprinkle a little, which it continued to do by intervals till about 10 oclk. when it set into a constant, but not a hard rain till past 12 & ceased. Afternoon clear.
Visited the Neck, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations; and was prevented going to the others by the Rain.
In the Neck, the Sowing, Seeding with grass, harrowing &ca. of 100 Bushels of Barley was compleated but the cross harrowing of the So. Et. part was not accomplished till after the Rain & being in part done (for dispatch) with the large or drag harrow it is not improbable but that the grass-seeds may be buried too deep. This Barley was sown on a single plowing, which was insufficient, but where the ground was stiff & clody I ordered it to be harrowed till it was tolerably well reduced before the Barley should be sown and being harrowed & cross harrowed afterwards upon the whole
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might be said to be in good order. The Post & Rail fence to the gut was compleated this afternoon. Women repairing fences, & ploughs listing for Corn.
At Muddy hole, recommenced Sowing of Barley in No. 1; North of the Quarter & following the Plows. The women returned to the New ground to Work.
At Dogue-run, Plowing for Sowing & harrowing in Barley and grass Seeds. Women cross Hoeing as yestery.
BUR: circle.
Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night. Very little wind and that Southerly. Clear and warm.
Went to Church at Alexandria accompanied by Colo. Humphreys Mr. Lear, & Washington Custis. Brought Hariot Washington home with us who had been left at Abingdon & came to Church with Mrs. Stuart.
Monday 14th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--64 at Noon And 60 at Night. Grey, or rather a heavy morning with a red Sun & the Wind tho' not much of it at So. Et. Bur round the Moon last Night--also a dim circle. About 10 Oclock there came on a heavy mist which soon end in a moderate rain for 2 hours or more when it ceased and towards evening became clear. Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run Frenchs and the Ferry--also the Fishing landing.
At Muddy hole, Plowing & harrowing in Barley in No. 1. Women making Hills in No. 3 for Sweet Potatoes.
At Dogue Run, cross plowing for and harrowing in Barley and grass Seeds. The Women were cross hoeing in the Meadow, but were sent with their hoes & Baskets to break the grass tussucks in the Barley ground in the low parts thereof, which neither the Plows nor harrows could accomplish and to pile the grass.
At Frenchs, Plowing for, & sowing, harrowing in Barley & grass Seeds--Women grubbing & filling gullies in No. 3.
At the Ferry, besides the Plow wch. was laying off in No. 3 for Corn, the other two came this afternoon to listing after it. The Women were repairing fences & heaping Dung.
Caught about 50,000 herrings at a draught this afternoon.
Put in slips of the Weeping Willow along the Walks to the gate--the leaves of these were more than an inch long.
The Reverd. Mr. Fairfax came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
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Tuesday 15th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--71 at noon and 64 at Night. Warm with the Wind Southerly. Clouds and Sun shine alternately thro' the day.
Rid to all the Plantations (Mr. Fairfax going away after breakfast).
At all of them, the same work was going on as yesterday.
At Dogue run, the Plows finished crossing for Barley in fd. No. 2 and two of them began to cross for flax in the same field, and a third to break up a piece of ground for Do. wch. is to be taken into the Meadow next the Overseers house.
In the Neck harrowing in Oats & grass-seeds--the Women beating Tussicks & carrying off grass from part of the Barley ground.
The remains of my everlasting Pease were put in the grd. in the Neck to day--in the Orchard Inclosure.
Buck Wheat in all the ground that produced a crop of it last year is coming up from the shattered seed and in places thick.
Wednesday 16. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear and pleasant all day. Very little wind, & that Northerly in the Morning. More of it, and that Southerly in the Afternn.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, D. Run, Frenchs & the Ferry--and the Fishing landing.
At Muddy hole the Plows would finish about 10 Oclock plowing for Barley in No. 1 and the grd. would receive the Barley--qty. 48 Bushels. In this grd. was also sown [ ] pints of Red Clover and [ ] pints of Timothy Seeds. The Women having finished hilling as much grd. as would do for the Sweet Potatoes, I ordered them to remove the Farm Pen, & to heap the dung.
At D. Run finished sowing Barley in No. 2 qty. 55 Bls. With the Barley was sown [ ] pints of red Clover and [ ] pints of Timothy Seeds. The Plows harrows, & Women employed as yesterday at this place.
At Frenchs, the same work as yesterday. Examined the ground at this place which had been sown with English seeds, and found matt[er]s to stand, as follow--viz.--The Oats had come up well, & were sufficiently thick. The Pease had been either sown too thin, or being damaged, had come up badly; not being sufficiently thick; the Berkshire Beans adjoining to them (from Mr. Peacy) were up, but too thin also. Next to these (said also to be) Berkshire Beans from Mr. Young none were up, and it is supposed never would come up. The Gloucester Beans below were up, but too thin. The Summer Wheat next to these again, were almost
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entirely missing--not more than a plant here and there to be seen. The american cabbage seed was up tolerably thick which had been sown in beds.
At the Ferry the Plows were listing and the Women heaping dung.
Thursday 17th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 58 at Night. But little wind in the Morning and that at So. Et. with clouds & a red sky at the Eastern horison. About 11 it began to Rain & continued to do so all the remaining part of the day, and very constantly with the wind fresher from the No. Et.
Visited all the Plantations & the Fishing Landing.
In the Neck, the Plows began yesterday morning to cross so much of the ground in the orchard Inclosure, as lay East of the New Post & Rail Fence for Oats; & part of them were sown & harrowed in before the Rain. Attempted with the harrow, to reduce the ground wch. had been crossed in the Barn inclosure for Flax, but finding it impracticable, I ordered the Hoes to follow the harrows, & beat the grassy clods to pieces in order to prepare it for Flax. Finished sowing Oats in field No. 2 qty. besides the 42 Bushls. from Spotswoods seed 77 Bushls. On this & the 100 Bushls. of Barley in the same field were sown [ ] pints or lbs. of Red clover Seed and [ ] pints or lbs. of Timothy Seed. Began to day to Roll the Barley, but was obliged to desist on Acct. of the Rain. Finished crossing abt. 11 Oclock, the grd. before mentioned East of the New fence & the Plows returned to listing again in No. 6.
At Muddy hole, the Plows began yesterday a little before dinnr. to Plow the 5 Acrs. of experimental grd. in No. 2 for Barley. Would have half finished it by the same time to day, but for the Rain. By mistake he was (that is the Overseer) crossing the sown Barley before the grass seeds were Sown. Would not be able to compleat this before the Rain. On this crossing he was sowing Seeds with intention to Bush harrow them in. All the grd. sown before the Rain will not now need this. Women removing Farm Pen & heaping clung in No. 3.
At Dogue run. The Plows finished breaking up the slipe, to be included within the Meadow, about breakfast time & had gone to crossing the Turnip grd. in No. 1 for Barley. Sowed, harrowed, & crossed with grass-Seeds as on Oats and Barley 3 Bushels of Flax Seed in the No. Et. Corner of No. 2 (at D. Run). Chopped about the Stumps in order to put the Seed in the better.
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At French's, the Plows finished about Noon breaking up No. 2 for Oats & Barley. Began to Roll the Oats in this field, which were three inches high among which Clover & Timothy had been just sown. This work was stopped by the Rain. The Women were filling gullies in No. 3.
At the Ferry, the Roller wch. was going over the Oats (also up 2 or 3 Inches) was stopped by the Rain. The Plows at this place was listing & the Women were filling gullies in No. 3.
Charles Hagan came to Brick making to day--set him to makg. a cover for the Bricks before he began to Mould. Gunner and Sam were sent to Work with him.
Charles Hagan signed a contract with GW on 5 Jan. 1788, agreeing to begin work at Mount Vernon "as early in the spring as the state of the ground will admit" (DLC:GW). His pay was set at a rate of £4 10s a month, allowing 26 working days or nights to the month. In addition, he was to be given provisions and a half a pint of rum a day. Hagan apparently was a diligent laborer, for between this date and 12 Nov. 1788, when he stopped working for GW, he accumulated a total of 7 months and 14 days in working time, earning £33 18s. (LEDGER B, 271).
The slaves Gunner and Sam were laborers on the Home House plantation (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night. A thick Fog & showers in the Morning. Cloudy all the day with a brisk wind from the Southward.
Rode to the Fishing landing--the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole--also to My Mill where the heavy rain of last Night had blown up my lower tumbling dam, or waste, and broke the race in other places which was the more unfortunate as all my People were busily employed in other Work.
The Ditchers, however, and two Carpenters, were sent to repair the damage.
At the Ferry, the abundance of rain which fell in the course of yesterday & last Night rendered plowing in the Corn grd. impracticable. The plows therefore were shifted to the hill in No. 7.
At Frenchs, from the same cause they were removed to No. 3, to break up for Corn--having finished plowing No. 2 (all but the So. Et. corner) & unable to cross in the lower meadow. Women filling gullies in No. 3 but ordered to grub & sprout the clover ground in the upper meadow at this place.
At D. Run the Plows were stopped entirely. The Women & plow people were beating the Clods & removing the grass from the Barley ground.
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At Muddy hole, the Women were heaping dung; and cross harrowing of Barley being stopped, the three plows were employed in the 5 Acres of experimental ground in No. 2, to break it up, & to prepare it for Barley &ca.
The Rain having washed up many of the Willow cuttings wch. had been set by the Post & Rail fence near the road I had them (late as it is in the Season) replaced tho' there is little hope of their living.
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and in the afternoon very high. After dark there were Showers of Rain with distant thunder.
Rode to all the Plantations--to the Mill, Brick yard, and fishing landing.
In the Neck the Plows were stopped yesterday. And to day the grd. being too wet to list, I ordered them into field No. 9 till the water had subsided. Harrows and Rollers unable to work. Women heaping dung, rotten straw, and other trash about the Barn and Farm yard.
At Muddy hole, the Plows about Noon finished plowing the 5 Acres of (exp[erimenta]l grd.) in No. 2 which was sown with 10 bushls, of Barley & harrowed in length ways. The first Acre (or 2 half Acre Squares) was also sown with 6 lbs. of White Clover (imported) but remained unharrowed (cross wise) till 4 bushels of Sainfoin wch. was in soak should be sown there on likewise. Women heaping dung, old Straw &ca. about the Barn.
At Morris's (Dogue run) the Plows this morning began to work in the grd. which had been hoed in the meadow (all others being too wet) to prepare it for Flax & Orchard grass. The women began to chop that which was plowed on the other side of the Meadow. Cabbage Seed at this place had come up tolerably well, and the plants stood tolerably thick.
At French's, finding the field No. 3 in which the plows were at work too wet--I ordered them into No. 5 to break it for B. Wheat as a fallow and Manure for Wheat. The Women having Sprouted, & cleaned the Clover in the upper meadow were again filling gullies in the field No. 3 & Meadow adjoining.
At the Ferry, the Plows were still on the Hill in No. 7--Corn grd. being too wet to list. The Women were filling gullies in No. 3. At this place, the effect of the fish manure wch. was put into the Corn hills in May last was visible with the Wheat, almost as far
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as the latter could be seen. The lower meadow appears very indifferent--scarce any grass but in the low & wet part of it, and no great appearance of Timothy there.
Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning 50 at Noon And 45 at Night. Wind hard & cold from the No. Wt. all day.
Mr. Herbert, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Fendall and Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner and returned afterwards. Mrs. Stuart and her three daughters came to Dinner and stayed all Night.
Monday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day--in the evening it lulled.
Went to Alexandria to the Election of a Senator for the district and delegates for the County in the General Assembly--when Mr. Pope was chosen for the first and Mr. Roger West, and Doctr. Stuart for the latter. Dined at Doctr. Crks. and came home in the evening. Fd. Mrs. Stuart & her two eldest daughters gone--and Mr. Tracy here.
In my way up, I passed thro' the Plantations of Muddy hole and Dogue run.
At Muddy hole, sowed the Sainfoin on the grd. allotted for it; which with the White Clover was harrowed in. This had been in soak (being very hard & dry) since friday morning. Also sowed, in the next two squares, or Acre, 8 lbs. of Trafoil--in the 3d. Acre or two squares 10 lbs. of Row grass--In the 4th. Acre or dble. Square Two bushels of Orchd. grass Seeds and in the last two Squares or Acre 16 lbs. of red Clover were sown. But the harrow was not able to cross the whole before night. Roller running over Barley 3 or 4 Inches high & 2 or 3 leaves on it. This being pressed down, and appearing to be bruised, I apprehended, notwithstanding it was done by my Farmers advice that it wd. be injured, and therefore had a place left unrolled in the Middle of the sqr. that was rolling to try the difference. One Plow went from here to French's this Morning and another about Noon after it laid off some grd. for Irish Potatoes &ca. The women were heaping dung abt. Barn & Farm yard.
At Dogue run, the plows having finished crossing the hoed grd. had returned to crossing the Turnip ground they had left on Acct. of the rain for English Barley. The first was sown with Flax Seed and the harrows covering of it but for want of a previous harrowing before sowing the Seed was put in very badly and in danger of being buried. Ordered 5 bushls, of Orchard grass to be sown on
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this grd.; to be crossed harrowed, and the work to be made good with the hoes afterwards as there were a good many Stumps in it. Women hoeing the ground opposite to this.
Thomas Tracy, who had previously served Arthur Middleton of South Carolina, was employed by David Stuart to teach the oldest two Custis girls, Elizabeth and Martha, "Music & other branches of Education," including arithmetic and penmanship (HOYT [1], 97--99).
Tuesday 22. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--55 at Noon And 55 at Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning & cold. About sun rise it began to rain and continued to do so with small intervals till about 2 Oclock When it ceased with appearances of clearing but towards sunset it began to rain again.
At home all day.
Wednesday 23d. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--55 at Noon And 55 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning which veered round to the Eastward and was at So. Et. in the Afternoon, & became warm.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the Plows on Monday were listing, but the Rain yesterday drove them into field No. 9 again, to day, except the one which was laying off Corn rows. The Harrow on Monday was employed in the ground intended for Flax, and the Hoes following of it, to prepare it for sowing. The Roller was engaged towds. the Afternoon, to Roll the Barley but was Stopped yesterday. The Women Monday and as much of yesterday as they could work out, were engaged in chopping after the harrow in the flax ground. To day they were chopping in the Flax which the Overseer was sowing. Grd. in tolerable good order--except having a good many grassy clods which were not quite broken with the Hoes. The last of the Oats were sown, harrowed & cross harrowed within what is now the Orchard Inclosure. This grd. was plowed before Christmas, lately cross plowed--the Seed Sown, harrowed in & cross harrowed.
At Muddy hole, the two plows that went to French's continue there. The Harrow (crosswise) all the Sqrs. of experimental grd. except that which recd. the Row-grass which was too wet to cross; and went to harrowing by the ground which had been laid off for Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes in No. 3. The Women planted about ½ a bushel of Sweet Potatoes in the same field (all the Seed I had in 500 hills) and went to work in the New ground in front of the Mans[io]n Ho[use]. The Overseer sowing grass-seeds on clover in fd. No. 1.
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At Dogue run the Orchard grass seeds were sown and harrowed in on the Flax as directed on Monday and afterwards chopped. The ground looks now to be in good order--5 bushels of Flax & 5 bushels of Orchard-grass were sown qty. of ground, by estimation abt. 3 Acres. The ground on the other side, except a small piece at the lower end, had also been chopped over but would require to be harrowed (when drier) before it is sown. The Plows having crossed this Morning, the Turnip grd. for Barley were laying off & listing in No. 5. The Women were removing the Meadw. fence so as to include the grounds wch. have been lately worked on the sides of it.
Sent the fatting Steers, and an old work oxen to No. 1, at D. Run, to Pasture.
At French's, the remains of the Barley, abt. 7 Bushels, making in all at this place--43 bush. was sown harrowed in, & was cross harrowing. 4 plows (two from Muddy hole) were breakg. up field No. 5 to sow with B. Wheat &ca. The Women were cuttg. the Sprouts, taking up grubs &ca. in this field.
At the Ferry, the Women were filling gullies in No. 3 and the plows breaking up No. 7.
At the fishing landing there was plenty of custom & no fish. Last week there was plenty of fish & no custom.
The Wild Oats, & other grass Seeds from Colo. Marshall in the Botanical garden was up, & coming up thick--as was the fancy grass in the Vineyard Inclosure.
WILD OATS: Avena fatua, wild oat, is today considered by farmers a common and undesirable weed.
Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--61 at Noon And 56 at Night. Wind at So. Et. all day, with appearances of Rain in the Afternoon but none fell.
Rid to all the plantations.
In the Neck, finished listing No. 6 for Corn. The ploughs again went into field No. 9 to break it up. Finished sowing flax--8 bushels on abt. 6 Acres by the Barn. After which the Women went to heaping dung at the farm pen & removing rails out of the Way.
At Muddy hole, finished sowing grass seeds on Barley in No. 1, but could not harrow it, as the grain was up. Rolling this till the Iron staple gave way. The Plows at Frenchs. Harrow preparing that part of field No. 3 for Buck Wheat wch. lies East of the branch. Women hoeing in the New ground at the Mansn. Ho.
At Dogue run, the Plows having overtaken the layer off (for
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Corn) in field No. 5; went to French's after dinner, 4 of them. The Women finished the lower part of the Meadow fence at this place. Perceived the Clover & timothy which had been sown amongst the Barley & Oats here to be coming up.
At French's, the Farmer finished Sowing Barley, Oats & grass Seeds in field No. 2, except the rough ground on the East side of it, and harrowed & cross harrowed them all in. The Women were taking up grubs, and cleaning No. 5 in which the Plows fm. Muddy hole & Dogue run, as well as those belonging to the Plantatin. were.
At the Ferry, the Plows were in No. 7 breaking up for Buck Wheat. The women were filling gullies--but ordered them to make fence around the Brick yard and to put up that betwn. No. 2 & 3.
Not many fish caught today. Two little Carts employed in carrying out the heads & guts of the Fish upon the Corn grd. at the Ferry.
Perceived at the Mansion Ho[use] that the Burnett which had been sown in the Vineyard inclosure was coming up thick and that the Fancy grass was also coming up--but could discover nothing of this kd. in the everlasting Pease or Seeds from Mr. Peacy. Here & there a seed of the Sulla was to be seen up, but none of the Scarcity plant--or nothing that I thought was it, was discoverable.
Friday 25th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 66 at Night. Early in the morning the Wind was at No. Et. and cloudy--it afterwards shifted to the So. Et. but there was very little of it all day--Cloudy & Sun shine alternately--warm & growing. In the afternoon Rain.
Rid to all the Plantations.
At the Ferry the same work was going forward as yesterday. But few fish caught this Morning.
Began yesterday to mould Bricks.
At Frenchs, the Plows this Morng. began to cross the grd. that had been broke up in the lower meadow. The drag harrow followed the Plows, and the Women (after they had spread the Dung there) followed the harrow, in order to knock the clods to pieces & remove the grass, to fit it for Oats--Clover, & orchard grass.
At Dogue run 1 Plow was laying off, & the Roller going over the oats; which were 3 or 4 Inches high. The Women were chopping, & preparing the lower end of the Meadow (West side) for Flax seed, & grass Seeds. The first sown Flax seed at this place was appearing above grd. as was the Clover & Timothy seeds.
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At Muddy hole, planted all the Jerusalem Artichokes, that were preserved (not more than 3 pecks in field No. 3 by the gate. By these Irish Potatoes (red kind) in 4 feet rows & 10 Inches apart in the rows were also planting; and adjoining to these again, began, on the ground that was harrowed yesterday, to sow Buck Wheat at the rate (if directions was attended to) of ½ a bushel to the Acre. The Potatoes were planted, or dropped in the Rows which had been laid off for them, & a furrow turned on them. The ground which had been sown with Barley & Row grass, and which on acct. of the Rain which fell before the latter could be covered & went unharrowed, was forced to be bushed in to day, the Barley being sprouted.
In the Neck, the Plows were breaking up No. 9 and the Women heaping dung at the Farm yard & removg. Rails.
A Mr. Rinaldo Johnston dined here yesterday & went away after it.
Rinaldo Johnson (c.1755--1811) of Aquasco, Prince George's County, Md., was a well-to-do planter who married George Mason's eldest daughter, Ann Eilbeck Mason, in 1789 (COPELAND, 241).
Saturday 26th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 54 at Night. Morning very heavy, with the Wind at No. Wt.--then No. Et. and East and afterwards So. Et. Clouds & heavy appearances of rain continued all day.
Rode to all the Plantations--the Fishing landing & brick Makers.
But few fish caught to day. At the Ferry, the Plows continued breaking up No. 7. The Women puttg. up fence between No. 2 & 3, & round the Brick yard.
At French's, the Plows (same as yesterday) were breaking up No. 3 for Corn, and this was full wet. The ground they crossed yesterday, & began to harrow, in order to prepare it for Oats and grass-seeds was in much worse condition by the Rain of yesterday than it was before the Plows crossed it. The Women were (as yesterday) endeavouring to cleanse it of the grass & rubbish.
At Dogue-run, the Plows were employed as yesterday and the Women, after chopping the ground for Flax in the Meadow were employed in taking up the Persimon grubs in No. 7.
At Muddy hole, the Plows were at Frenchs, as yesterday. The harrow was employed in putting in Buck Wheat in No. 3. So. of the road in the East cut; in which was sown 4 bushels--too much by one half. This was harrowed in one way, and part (South) but
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not the whole, crossed. Finished Planting the Irish Potatoes East part of the above cut 11¼ bushls.--covered as yesterday.
In the Neck, the same work, precisely, going on as yesterday.
Sunday 27th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 47 at Night. Much rain fell in the course of last Night. Very heavy all day with Mists at times. Wind at East and No. Et.
Monday 28th. Thermometer at 47 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 60 at Night. Rain again last Night. Morning very cloudy & dull. Wind at So. Et. where it continued till night and then changed to No. Et.--thundered, lightned, & rained a good deal. About 2 O'clock the Sun came out & the weather till towards Sun down looked as if it would be fair.
Visited all the Plantations--the fishing landing, Brick yard, and Mill. The continual rains had so absorbed the ground that scarcely any work could be done to advantage.
At the Ferry, I had assembled the Carts from French's, D. Run, & Muddy hole with which & the one belonging to the Plantn. the offal of the Fish were carried to field No. 7 where they were spread & plowed in (plows still being in that field). The Women were employed in gathering them into heaps at the landing & spreading them in the field--as also filling the gullies there.
At French's, the Plows (those from D. Run & M. Hole being still there) wd. by dinner have finished breaking up fd. No. 3 for Corn and were ordered to go next into the middle meadow adjoining to plow a piece of ground for flax. Nothing but necessity, arising from the lateness of the Season, can justify the plowing of land so wet as it now is.
At Do. Run, one plow (as usual) laying off--the Women taking up the grubs in No. 7--and the Men repairing the fencing of No. 1.
At Muddy hole, the Women were levelling the Hills which had been made for Sweet Potatoes (before the defection of the Seed was discovered) in order to sow when the grd. should be dry enough with Flax seed. Sowed the No. side of the little cut, by the gate with Buck Wheat, [ ] bushls, & harrowed & cross harrowed it in.
In the Neck, as at D. Run, the planting of Corn had been suspended on acct. of the rains, and extreme wetness of the Earth. The Plows (the work was bad) were still breaking up in No. 9 and the Women heaping dung. Began the brick work of the Dairy at this place to day. And ordered the holes for the Reception of
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Corn to be made to morrow, altho the Corn shd. not be planted that the work might be forwarded thereby.
Few fish were caught in the forenoon of this day.
Charles Hagan, the Brickmaker, not at Work to day.
No work could be done in the breach of the Mill race to day, on Acct. of the wetness of the Earth.
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--62 at Noon And 62 at Night. Raining a little in the Morning and very cloudy, without wind, which afterwards came out at No. Wt. tho' not fresh but which dispersed the clouds.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry, the Carts, as yesterday were taking out the heads, guts &ca.--the Plows in the same field plowing for Buck Wheat g: the Women filling up gullies therein.
At French's, the Plows finished the grd. intended for Flax; and went about an hour by sun to breaking up part of No. 5 for Buck Wheat. The women grubbing, & removing the impediments therein.
At D. Run, 1 Plow was laying off for Corn (the rest at Frenchs). The Women were making a fence around that part of No. 1 which lays East of the swamp intended for English Barley &ca.
At Muddy hole, 1 harrow preparing No. 1 for Buck Wheat--(the Plows 2 at Frhs.)--the Women hoeing in the New ground.
At the River Plantation, the Plows finished breaking up that part of No. 9 that lay on the division line, between it and No. 8. The Women havg. finished heaping the dung at the farm pen, began, in the afternoon to make holes in No. 6 for planting Corn.
No fish caught to day, of any Consequence.
Charles Hagan was at work in the Brick yard.
No Work on the Breach in the Mill race on acct. of the wetness of the earth.
The Ditche[r]s, after finishing the Ditch on the ferry road (about breakfast time) went to Work in a ditch dividing No. 1 from No. 6.
A Mr. Tayler dined here.
Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 62 at Night. Clear all day. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning and South in the evening--and though not warm, yet pleasant.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry the Plows still in No. 7. The Women, though the ground was extremely wet, had begun to make holes in No. 2 for
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planting Corn. Drawing, with the Plantation Carts, & Waggon, the Scantling from the landing to the New barn.
At Frenchs, the Ploughs at Work as yesterday, except two, in laying off for Corn in No. 2. The women were repairing fences around field No. 5.
At Dogue run, one plow laying off for Corn. The Overseer & Women makg. holes to plant it. Ordered all the Stock of every kind to be removed from the Mill Meadow this Afternoon.
At the River Plantation, the plows, after breaking up, & listing the farm Pen, in No. 6, went (except one) to plow that part of No. 9 which has been lately added, West of the Post & Rail fence; Nat was ordered to run 3 feet furrows in the Barn yard enclosure for the purpose of hilling more regularly for Pease, Beans &ca.--The Women & the rest of the people making Corn holes--ground being too wet to plant.
All the Flax which has hitherto been sown was up, and seemingly well.
Few or no fish caught to day, at the time I was at the landing.
Brick making going on. The Ditchers Carpenters &ca. went to work on the breach in the Mill race to day.
Majr. George Washington returned from below (Colo. Bassetts) to day.
Although most of the materials for the new barn were obtained at Mount Vernon, GW bought ready-cut lumber for the roofing from the Alexandria firm of Peterson & Taylor so that his carpenters would be available for haying rather than using their time cutting scantling and plank (BRISSOT, 343; GW to Peterson & Taylor, 5 and 7 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW; see entry for 28 May 1788). The 21,922 board feet of pine scantling being transported today consisted of sleepers, joists, plates, rafters, window beams, studs, and rails all cut to order (GW to Peterson & Taylor, 5 Jan. 1788, DLC:GW). GW wanted this scantling delivered no later than 1 Mar. so that the carpenters would have adequate time to frame it before they were sent to the fields, but ice in the Potomac prevented Peterson & Taylor from getting timber from the Eastern Shore in time to meet his deadline (Peterson & Taylor to GW, 13 Feb. 1788, DLC:GW). GW was further disappointed to discover that 21 pieces of the scantling that he had ordered were missing and that 15 pieces not ordered were included (GW to Peterson & Taylor, 10 May 1788, and Peterson & Taylor to GW, 2 June 1788, DLC:GW). The ship that brought GW this scantling from Peterson & Taylor also brought him 1,300 board feet of one-inch thick pine plank and 2,300 feet of one-and-a-quarter-inch pine plank from the firm. The balance of GW's order, 10,000 board feet of the one-inch plank, arrived in another ship on 5 June (Peterson & Taylor to GW, 18 April 1788, DLC:GW; see entry for 5 June 1788). In all GW paid Peterson & Taylor £108 5s. 9d. for lumber for his barn (LEDGER B, 266).
The slave Nat had been a laborer on River plantation apparently since 1762 (GW tithable lists 1762--73, DLC: Toner Collection; see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
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Thursday 1st. of May. Thermometer at 56 in the morning--76 at Noon And 76 at Night. Clear & warm, with the Wind Southerly.
Visited all the Plantations--the Fishing Landing, Brick yard & Mill.
At the Ferry, the Plows were removed from No. 7 to No. 2, & were plowing for Corn (laying off & listing). The Women were planting of it, but thinking the grd. too wet I made them desist, & return to making holes for this grain till it should get a little dryer.
At French's, two plows were laying off rows for Corn in No. 3. The rest seven in Number were breaking up No. 5 for Buck Wheat.
At Dogue run, one plow continued laying off, the Women having made holes for Corn as far as the ground was listed went to making pumkin hills in the Angles of the fence ard. field No. 5.
At Muddy hole, putting in Buck Wheat with one harrow. The Womn. were at Work in the New ground.
In the Neck, the work the same in all respects as yesterday.
Friday 2nd. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--80 at Noon And 70 at Night. Lowering Morning with a Shower but not heavy or much of it betwn. 3 & 4 Oclock.
Rid to all the Plantations except that in the Neck and finding the appearances of rain great--ordered the holes which had been made for Corn at the Ferry, Dogue run & the River Plantations to be immediately planted, & for this purpose, that the Muddy hole hands should assist at Dogue Run--and the hands at Frenchs to go to the Ferry. Accordingly
At Dogue run, the hands at work there would have planted all the holes by 12 Oclock. At Dogue run. The grd. in the Meadow West side of it was sown with flax seed 2 bushels and 6 qrts. of red Clover seed & 6 qrts. of Timothy seed. The Farmer also began to sow the Engh. Barley on that part of No. 1 at this place which lays East of the Swamp. The grd. in which the above flax was sown was previously harrowed, and twice harrowed afterwards--once for the grain, and again for the Seeds.
At the Ferry theres would be done about dinner time when others would be made & planted by the two gangs of hands above mentiond. The plows laying off and listing.
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At Frenchs, two plows listing as yesterday, and about Noon the others would have finished that part of No. 5 which lyes East of the which runs through the field & the two belonging to the Plantation and one from Muddy hole would begin to list in No. 3. Those belonging to Dogue run wd. return home.
At Muddy hole 1 harrow crossing the Buck Wheat which had been sown.
The Vessel from York River arrivd this day with Corn had from Doctr. Stuart from the Plantns. of the decd. Mr. Custis--290 Barls.
In the afternoon Mr. Fendal and Mr. Willm. Craik came and stayed all Night.
The vessel from York River belonged to Edward Pye Chamberlayne (1758--1806) of King William County. GW paid Chamberlayne's skipper Gibb Jackson £20 for bringing this load of corn and £20 for another shipment which arrived on 30 May (LEDGER B, 265, 269; Chamberlayne to George Augustine Washington, 22 April 1788, ICHi). In all GW obtained 600 barrels of corn from John Parke Custis's estate at a cost of £450, a sum that was more than covered by the £525 "Rent or Annuity" that he received from the estate this year (LEDGER B, 272).
Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. About 3 oclock there was a pretty smart shower of Rain.
Mr. Fendall and Mr. Craik went away directly after breakfast & I visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck, all hands except the Plowers & Carters were planting Corn--one plow laying off in the Barn Inclosure for Sundries--one harrow for Buck Wheat--3 plows listing for Car[ro]ts and Cabbages--2 Teams in the Waggon Carting rails to the fence betwn, fields No. 8 & 9.
At Muddy hole, two of the Plows still at Frenchs, harrow putting in (or crossing Buck Wheat). Women making Pumpkin hills in the borders of No. 3.
At Dogue run, one harrow was covering the Barley which was sown agreeable to the order of yesterday viz.--8 bushls, of that sent by Mr. Young--about a peck from Genl. Spotswood and about a pottle of the Naked Barley (Colo. Lees sort). The first was on the South Side adjoining the Road--the other two in the next land, North of it, the Naked Barley in the East part of it--up to two Stakes. On this Barley were sown 32 lbs. of Hop clover seed (from Engd.).
At Frenchs, Two plows were laying off & 2 listing--the Cart employed
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in getting up the Scantling &ca. to the Barn. Overseer Women & boys assisting in Planting Corn at the Ferry.
At the Ferry, the Plows were laying off & listing for Corn and the other hands planting of it.
Few or no fish being caught to day I ordered them to discontinue drawing the Sein after Monday unless they were more successful on that day.
NAKED BARLEY: a variety in which the grain is loose in the chaff. Henry Lee sent GW a few bushels of "Naked Italian Barley" in 1785 and described it as a short, stout plant with a drooping head which should be harvested by pulling rather than by cutting (16 April 1785, DLC:GW).
Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--72 at Noon And 70 at Night. A good deal of rain fell last night with thunder & lightning. Wind high all day from the So. West. Weather clear.
Monday 5th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--75 at Noon And 73 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning but at No. Wt. afterwards & fresh, but not cold. Flying clouds, but upon the whole clear.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck--except the plow that was laying off, the rest were cross plowing the rough parts of No. 9 for Buck Wheat 5 in number--2 teams in the Waggon, drawing Rails to inclose it. A harrow also preparing for Buck Wheat in this field.
At Muddy hole, 1 harrow preparing for & putting in Buck Wheat--Overseer planting of Pumpkin Seed and the rest of the hands (except the two plow people at Frenchs) working in the New ground.
At Dogue Run--The harrow finished crossing the Seeds that were sown in No. 1 on Saturday. 1 plow laying off in No. 5 for Corn and 3 listing after it. Finished planting Pumpkins around the above field in the laps of the fence &ca. and then went to making holes for Planting Corn.
At Frenchs--Two plows laying off, & two listing. The Overseer and the rest of the hands (except the Carter) planting Water Mellen Seeds. Cart drawing Logs & other trash from the Meadw. to the gullies in No. 5.
At the Ferry--The Plows were at Work as yesterday. The other hands were planting Corn.
No fish being caught to day I ordered the Hogsheads, and everything else to be secured, and the People to repair to their respective places, and businesses.
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WATER MELLEN SEEDS: Citrullus vulgaris, watermelon. The quantity being sown here indicates the use of the melon as a field crop. GW's instructions of Dec. 1799 for the operation of Union Farm specify that field no. 3 in the clover lot was to be planted to pumpkins, cymlings (summer squash), turnips, and melons, all apparently intended for livestock feed.
Fish sales brought GW £60 18s. 4d. in cash this spring. In addition, he delivered 68,000 herrings worth £17 to the firm of Peterson & Taylor in partial payment for their lumber (LEDGER B, 265, 266, 269).
Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--75 at Noon And 75 at Night. Weather clear and wind at So. Wt. all day. At home all day.
Wednesday 7th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 69 at Night. Clear and very pleasant all day. The Wind in the Morning was at No. Et. and in the afternoon at So. Et.
Visited all the Plantations--Mill, & Brick Yard.
In the Neck, five plows and 2 Harrows were preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat--one laying off as before, for Pease &ca. in the Barn Inclosure. Yesterday sowed 13 rows (betwn. the Corn in No. 6) with Carrots. These rows were first listed as for Corn (the middle furrow being deepned) then a light triangular harrow was run twice, & oftener where the ground was cloddy or rough, to level & make it fine. The Seed, (a pint being mixed in half a bushel of Ashes) was next sown, so thick as that one could be seen within an inch and half of another, and covered with a bush harrow. The rest of the People were planting Corn. Finished the brick work of the Dairy here yesterday.
At Muddy hole--One harrow preparing for, & putting in Buck Wheat. One Woman planting Mellons by the Overseers House. And the rest of the People at work in the New ground at the Mansion house--preparing for Corn.
At Dogue run. One harrow putting in the Indian Pease & Clover in that part of No. 1 East of the swamp, & adjoining the Barley. Of the Pease 4 bushels were sown, & the Farmer thinks two thin, especially the North part; for he thinks there are 5 Acres in pease. Of the clover 55 lbs. were sown. Four plows were listing for, and the other people planting of, Corn.
At Frenchs. Two ploughs were laying off, and three were listing. The Drag harrow, was harrowing the grd. in the lower Meadow to prepare it for Oats & grass Seeds. The other People were plantg. Corn.
At the Ferry, the plows were listing, & the other people planting of Corn.
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At the Mill, the hands had so nearly compleated the repairs of the race that I ordered the Carpenters to quit it, to Night, and the Mill people to finish it.
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--75 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear in the Morning, with the Wind at So. Wt. Cloudy afternoon and rain about 8 Oclock.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole--also the Brick yard and Mill race.
At the Ferry, the Ploughs wd. have finished to day--laying off and listing for Corn in field No. 2 and the People would about finish planting Corn, when they were ordered to join the hands at French[s] for that purpose. A plow & harrow would begin to prepare some of the intermediate rows for Carrots.
At Frenchs. The plows having finished laying off were (4 of them) listing. 2 harrows were attempting to prepare the ground in the lower Meadow for Oats and grass Seeds but from wetness, cloddiness, &ca. it was badly executed. Having on Acct. of the arrival of a Barrel of Barley frm. Minorca, I directed that part of the ground in the upper Meadow wch. had been sown in Summer Wheat & Beans (neither of which had come up) to be plowed up, to receive this grain.
At Dogue run. Only finished this Morning, to harrow for the last time, the grd. in No. 1 which had recd. the 4 bushels of Pease & 55 lbs. of clover Seed. Also finished Listg. No. 5 for Corn, & began with one plow and harrow to list, Sow, and harrow in Carrots, between the Corn Rows. After the Plows had left No. 5 they went, in the evening, to plow in the Middle Meadow which had been hoed. The other hands were planting Corn.
At Muddy hole, One harrow was preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat. All the other hands were at Work in the New grd. at Mansn. House.
Mr. & Mrs. Porter & Mr. Monshur came here to dinner & stayed all Night and in the evening Colo. Harry Lee & Doctr. Craik came in and did the same.
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--69 at Noon And 60 at Night. Much rain fell in the Night & this morning--cloudy most part of the day with a Shower in the afternoon. Wind variable from No. Et. to No. Wt.
I remained at home all day, Colo. Lee went away before breakfast & Doctr. Craik soon after it.
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To dinner Mrs. Craik and Mr. & Mrs. Roger West came, & after it, with Mr. & Mrs. Porter and Mr. Monshur returned to their respective home's.
Doctr. Craik, who had been to Portobacco, got back in the eveng.
Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night. Fresh, & cold No. easterly Wind in the Morning with thick Drizzling weather which continued through the day with Showers.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry all the corn, except a small piece at the No. Et. Corner of the field was planted on thursday and this the excessive rains and consequent wetness of the Earth rendered impracticable--after wch. all the ground which from the same causes could be hilled was planted with Pumpkins. The Rains prevented any preparation of the grd. at this place for Carrots. The plows therefore went (yesterday) to breaking ground in field No. 7 as the only spot they could do tolerably good work in. The Women I sent to day to the New grd. at the Mansn. Ho. to assist the Muddy hole People.
At French's, No plowing cd. be done, and but little of any thing else. About 10 Oclock I ordered 4 plows from this place to join those at the Ferry in No. 7. Some of the Women were making Pumpkin hills (tho' the grd. was too wet for it). On Thursday afternoon about half the ground in the lower Meadow at this place was sown with Oats, but there not being time to sow grass seeds thereon the wet has prevented it since and now there can be no cross harrowing as the grain will be up before Tuesday.
At Dogue run, the Plows were all stopped and all hands were making, or finishing the Pole fence round the Barley & Pease in Field No. 1.
At Muddy hole--No harrowing, all the People that were well were in the New grd. at the Mansn. House.
In the Neck. The Plows, tho' the ground was very wet, was crossing for Buck Wheat. The other hands after having made the fence betwn, fields 8 & 9 as rails were in place 6 or 7 to a pannel began to make Pompkin hills but the grd. being wet did not plant the Seed. No Buck Wheat sown here since Thursday on Account of the Wet.
Doctr. Craik went away after breakfast and Mr. Hartshorn came in before Dinner to get notices (to the Subscribers to the Potomack Co. that motions would be made for judgments upon their
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Arrearages at the next Genl. Court) signed. He returned after dinner.
The Potomac Company, according to the acts of incorporation passed by the Virginia and Maryland assemblies in 1784, was to recover unpaid subscriptions by selling the shares of delinquent subscribers at public auction after "giving at least one month's notice of the sale in the Virginia and Maryland Gazettes" (HENING, 11:514). However, that procedure proved inadequate for collecting the considerable balances owed the company, and in Dec. 1787 the assemblies of both states passed bills permitting a majority of the directors to recover sums from delinquent subscribers in the states' general courts after giving ten days' notice to those subscribers (HENING, 12:508--9). Unfortunately, the new procedure produced little immediate improvement in the company's troubled financial situation (BACON-FOSTER, 81--83).
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Wind Westerly, and No. Wt. and rather cool.
At home all day.
Counted the number of the following Articles which are contained in a pint--viz.--Of
Accordingly--a bushel of the above, allowing 5 to a hill, will plant the number of hills wch. follow. Viz.
Monday 12th. Thermometer at [ ] in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Wind variable, with clouds, and appearances of rain. In the Morning early it was at So. Wt.--then West--No. Wt. &ca.
Went, in Company with Colo. Humphreys to Mr. Rozers. Dined & returned in the Afternoon.
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Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day--in the forenoon fresh--in the Afternoon moderate, and towards night calm. Clouds the greater part of the day.
Visited all the Plantations and the Brick yard.
At the Ferry, 6 plows were at Work in No. 7. Viz--3 belonging to the Plantation--2 from Frenchs and 1 from Muddy hole. Two Men were Planting the remainder of the Corn ground; and the Women were in the New grd. at the Mansn. House.
At French's. The drag was harrowing the ground intended for flax with oxen. One Plow (from Muddy hole was replowing the ground which had received the Spring Wheat, and English Beans, that did not come up, in order to sow it with Barley from Minorca. The double harrow was putting in the remainder of the Oats in the lower meadow wch. could not (on acct. of the wet) be done on Saturday last. (The other hands were planting Corn)--[ ] bushls. Oats sown.
At Morris's--that is Dogue run--all hands were on the New grd. at the Mansn. House; Plow people as well as others. The English Barley sown at this place in fd. No. 1 was up, but rather thin. The naked barley was also up, & pretty thick--but of that sent me by Generl. Spotswood very little appeared. The Pease were Sprouting, & some coming up wch. were sown in this field, adjoining the Barley.
At Muddy hole--one harrow was preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat. The other hands were in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
In the Neck. Finished planting Pumpkins around the Corn fd. No. 6 and the Women began to hill in the Barn Inclosure for Pease. 5 plows turning into 3 feet ridges the ground (which had been laid of this distance) before them, to expedite the work. Two harrows preparing for, & putting in Buck Wheat. Waggon Carting rails for the fence between fields No. 8 and 9. The first planted Corn at this place was comeing up, but looked yellow. The first sowed Oats and Barley here, in No. 2, looks very well--appearing to be very little injured by the Wet--the first not at all.
Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 66 at Night. Little or no Wind with a hazy appearance in the Morning. Southerly Wind afterwards and great appearances of Rain.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry, the Plows of the Plantation were still in No. 7.
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Those of French's and Muddy hole returned to the former. The two Ferry men were planting Pumpkins after finishg. Plantg. Corn--the Cart drawing Rails to the fence between fields No. 3 & 4. The other hands were at the New grd. as yesterday.
At Frenchs. Four plows were listing--One harrow levelling the plowing intended for the Minorca Barley before sowing and harrowing it in afterwards--3½ Bushls. This appears to be a large rough grain--called by some of the People about me Bear and esteemed a Winter grain. My Farmer sowed red Clover & Orchard grass Seeds on the Oats in the lower Meadow at this place but these were not harrowed--intended to be rolled. Planting Corn here.
At Dogue run. Five plows began to break up field No. 7 for B. Wheat as a preparative for Wheat. The other hands were at the New ground. Only 5 rows had yet been sown at this place with Carrots & 2 and a piece had been planted with the [ ] Cabbage wch. appeared to be growing very well. The Self sown Buck Wheat here (wch. stands pretty thick on the grd.) is blossoming, tho' much of it is not more than 4 Inchs. high, and scarcely any more than 8 Inches. The New River grass (which appears to be a course kind of grass) is beginning to seed--as well that which was sown broad as that that is in drills.
At Muddy hole. One harrow preparing for & putting in Buck Wht. The others (such as are well) are at Work in the New grd. as yesterday. The B. Wheat at this place & in the Neck that was up looked red and sickly as tho' it had been hurt with frost.
In the Neck. Precisely the same work was going on to day as yesterday. In the ground which had been ridged here for Pease &ca. 5 Men (besides the Overseer, who only worked occasionally) 11 Women, and one boy made 72 rows of Hills, which rows would average about 300 hills each--in the whole betwn. 21 and 22 thousand hills in the day.
Thursday 15th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 58 at Night. Wind, tho' not much of it at So. Et. in the Morning with a sprinkling of Rain. In the Afternoon it veered to the East, and then to No. Et. No Sun all day--mists & sometimes fine rain.
Visited all the Plantations and the Brick yard--where a small kiln of Brk. were forming to Burn.
At the Ferry--the plows having finished breaking up No. 7 for Buck Wheat had returned to the Corn field No. 2 and were listing
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a few rows to Sow with Carrots, and plant with Cabbages between the Corn. The two ferry men were still planting Pumpkins. The Women were in the New grd. at the Mansn. House.
At Frenchs--The Plows were yet listing but would finish to day--After which, one would list betwn. the Corn rows for Carrots and Cabbages and the others would go into No. 5 to break the grd. up for Pease. The other hands were planting Corn. Cross harrowing the Barley that was sown yesterday, and putting the remainder of the grd. in Flax.
At Dogue run--Five Women were planting the remainder of the Corn grd. wch. on Acct. of the Wet had been left undone. 4 plows were breaking up No. 7. And one of the dble. Harrows was harrowing between the Corn rows, to prepare it the better for plowing. The other hands were in the New grd. at the Mansn. House.
At Muddy hole--One harrow was preparing for, and putting in B. Wheat. The other hands were at the N. Grd. At this place the Irish Potatoes & Jerusalem Artichokes were coming up--As was the Flax (which had been sown before the last rains tho' not noted at the time). One bushel.
In the Neck. Forty rows of the Hills in the Barn Inclosure (South side next the fence were planted with the bunch homony beans 5 in a hill. These 40 rows would make about 12,000 hills. Directed the Cabbage plants to be set out betwn. the Corn rows--in No. equal to those of the Carrots. Hilling--plowing--Harrowing for (with two Harrows) & putting in B. Wheat as usual.
At the Mansion House--in the Vineyard Inclosure, I planted 3 rows of the Seeds of the Scarcity root; the rows one yard a part, & the seeds 18 Inches asunder. In the first two rows, a single seed (being picked ones) only was planted; in the third row, two seeds (being more indifferent) were planted; next to these, below, the plants of this root in 11 Rows were transplanted, according to directions; and next to them, in an equal No. of rows that is 14 (the same distance a part) was sown the Red Hoorn Carrots--(had from Mr. Prager). Both these squares had Stable dung (from the long shed) at the rate of 11½ bushels to every square rod, or 16½ feet, put on them. The like will be clone on the same qty. of grd. adjoining for Irish Potatoes, that a comparative view may be taken of the yield & value of these vegitables. The hills for Corn in the New Grd. (the part cleared this year would be compleated to day. Hills begun in the old ground tomorrow and planting be begun thro the whole.
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Friday 16th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 67 at Night. A thick Mist, with the Wind, tho' very little of it, at No. East; where it continued till Noon when it shifted to So. Wt. Misting more or less all day--no Sunshine.
Visited the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations.
At the Ferry. The Plows were breaking up No. 3. Three women were planting Cabbages from Frenchs--finished 3 rows. Before I got there they had planted them at two feet asunder in the rows but I altered it to 3 feet. Sowed nine rows of Carrots here to day 4 pints of seed. The other Women were employed in the New ground at M. Ho.
At Frenchs. Sowing and harrowing in Flax Seed, south side of the Meadow adjoining the Corn fd. One team listing & harrowing for Carrots--3 Plows breaking up No. 5. The other people planting Corn. This was done up to a green Oak about the Middle of the field with the Corn from the Neck (Lees Corn). They then began on the East side of the field and planted with the sort brought from Mr. Custis's Estate on Pamunky. The Ditchers after breakfast to day began to Work on the line between No. 1 & 2.
At Dogue run--Finished Planting Corn--& Sowing Carrot Seed. Of the latter 15 rows were Sown which must have been greatly too thin. Planted 1½ rows of Cabbages which makes 4 in all planted at this place--No more plants large enough to transplant. About Noon 4 plows began to cross the unoccupied Corner of No. 6 in order to sow it with Oats.
At Muddy hole--One harrow preparing for & putting in Buck Wheat. The rest that were well--were planting Corn in the New ground.
A Mr. Van Praddle, and a Mr. Duplaine and Colo. Gilpin dined here & returned in the Afternoon.
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 77 at Night. Lowering morning with the Wind at So. Wt. Clear afterwards with the Wind at So. Et. till about 5 Oclk. when their fell a heavy Shower of rain.
Visited all the Plantations and the Brick yard.
At the Ferry--the Plows were at work as yesterday and the women in the New ground. As (besides the three whole rows of Cabbages which were planted yesterday) three rows were begun but not finished with the Cabbage plants taken from F[renc]hs--I directed these rows, & three others making 9 in all (equal to the Number in Carrots) to be planted from the Farmers beds--the Seed from which they came being sent by Mr. Peacy.
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Mary White Morris, wife of Robert Morris, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
At Frenchs--Five and half bushels of Flax Seed were sown on the grd. which had been prepared for it in the middle meadow (adjoining the Corn ground). And at the East end of it, to a stake, about half a bush. of a Seed sent to me by the Stage (but when or by whom, it having lain by for sometime is not recollected) was sown; mixed with red clover. This seed was either Orchard or Rye Grass from the appearance of it, but seemed rather large for the former. The other part of the Ground was sown with Clover & Timothy mixed. This ground by frequent harrowings appeared to be got in very good order. After these Seeds were harrowed in, the Harrow was ordered into No. 5 to prepare the grd. that had been plowed there, South side, for Buck Wheat. The ploughs were at Work as usual and the other hands were plantg. Corn. Sowed 3½ pints Carrt. seeds in 8 Rows.
At Dogue Run--Finished Plantg. Corn about 10 oclock, and not yesterday as was expected after which the hands that did it, went to chopping the hoed grd. in the middle meadw. The plows were crossing as yesterday and the other hands at the New grd. at the Mansn. House.
At Muddy hole--the Harrow preparing for and putting in Buck Wheat. The other hands planting Corn &ca. at the New ground.
In the Neck--Six plows and two Harrows were preparing for and putting in Buck Wheat--1 plow laying off for Pea hills--The rest of the hands making these. Yesterday, at this place, next the
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(40) rows of Bunch homony beans was planted one row of a small parcel of Pease brought by Majr. G. Washington from Mrs. Dangerfields as a valuable kind. Next to these were two rows more of a sort given to me by Hezekiah Fairfax, said also to be a fine kind and next to these two rows, the Planting of the large, white black eye Pease (early sort) commenced.
Mrs. Morris, Miss Morris and her two Sons (lately arrived from Europe) came here about 11 Oclk. and to Dinner came Mr. Hunter, a Mr. Braithwait, and Mr. McPherson who returned to Alexandria afterwards.
Robert Morris, who was still on business in Richmond (see entry for 19 Nov. 1787), had sent his servants and horses to Philadelphia a few weeks earlier to bring his wife, Mary White Morris, to Mount Vernon for a long-planned visit (Robert Morris to GW, 29 April 1788, DLC:GW). Miss Morris is probably the Morrises' older daughter, Esther (Hetty) Morris (1774--1816). who married James Markham Marshall (1764--1848) of Virginia in 1795, but could be their other daughter, Maria Morris (1779--1852), who married Henry Nixon of Philadelphia in 1802. The two sons, Robert Morris (b. 1769) and Thomas Morris (1771--1849), had been studying in Geneva, Switzerland, 1781--86, and at the University of Leipzig, Germany, 1786--88. Both later became lawyers (MORRIS [2], 1:277, n.18; BOOGHER, 28, n.2, 33, n.3, 37, n.1, 38, n.1; HART, 168--69).
Mr. McPherson is probably Daniel McPherson or Isaac McPherson, both merchants of Alexandria.
Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 68 in the morning--80 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear and calm in the forenoon. About two, clouds arose, and with thunder & lightning, produced frequent Showers of Rain in the afternoon.
At home all day.
About one 'Oclock, Colo. Andrew Lewis of Bottetourt came in--dined, & returned to Alexandria in the afternoon.
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 77 at Night. Very little Wind all day--what blew was from the So. Wt. Clear till towards evening when it clouded but did not rain here.
Rid to the Ferry & French's Plantations, & to the Brick yard.
At the Ferry--Two plows were at Work breaking up No. 3--The harrow was preparing No. 7 for the reception of Buck Wheat--Two ferry men were planting Cabbages (of Mr. Peacys kind, as already mentioned) and the other hands were at Wk. in the New-ground.
At Frenchs--Four Plows were breaking up No. 5. Two harrows crossing in do. for sowing Buck Wheat--one of them having got
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there, about Noon, from Muddy hole; where all the Buck Wheat intended for that place, was put in, and covered. The other hands were planting Corn.
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 67 in the morning--82 at Noon and 80 at Night. Wind at East in the Morning, and very heavy. Clear afterwards with the Wind at So. Wt.
Rid in Company with Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Washington, the two Mr. Morris's & Colo. Humphreys to my Mill, and returned home thro' Frenchs & the Ferry Plantations, &c by the Brick yard.
Began to Sow Buck Wheat today at the Ferry. Business in other respects at the above places going on as yesterday.
Finished planting Corn in the New ground at the Mansn. House on the No. side of the Road.
Doctr. Craik came here to Breakfast--proceeded on to Portobacco and returned in the afternoon. Mrs. Craik, Mrs. Porter, and Mr. Munsher came here to dinner & returned in the Afternoon.
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--78 at Noon And 70 at Night. Clouds with the Wind pretty fresh from So. W. in the Morning. Easterly afterwards with the Rain in the Afternoon.
Visited all the Plantations, and the Brick yard.
Invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Porter for dinner on Tuesday, 20 May 1788. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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In the Neck. The Plows & harrows were preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat & the other hands were planting the Early black eye pease.
At Muddy hole--all the hands except those with the Plows and harrows (at French's) were in the New ground at the Mansion house.
At Dogue run--The Plows having crossed the grd. in No. 6, had returned to No. 7. The harrow was putting in Oats & Barley in the former. The other hands, after transplanting a row & half of Carrots between the Corn rows in No. 5, returned to the New grd. at the Mansn. Ho.
At French's--Four plows were breaking up the West cut of No. 5 and two harrows were preparing for, & putting in Buck Wheat in the East cut. The other hands were planting Corn in No. 3.
At the Ferry. One harrow was preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat--two plows were planting Corn--beginning on the South side. The other hands (yesterday afternoon and this Morning) were transplanting Carrots. A quarter part of one row [ ] end, next the sown Carrots, had a little part of the Tap root taken of. The next ¼ to this, had the top Cut off. The other two quarters were planted as they were taken out of the Bed--after doing this they went to the New ground.
In my Botanical garden, I transplanted two roots of the Scarcity plant--but they were so dry & appeared to be so perished, as to leave little hope of their ever vegetating. Also (in the same place) from a Box which came by the Philadelphia Packet I set out a number of cuttings of what I took to be the Lombardy Poplar. These had been so long in moss as to have white sprouts issuing from many of the buds at least two or three Inches long.
The Philadelphia packet boat, the sloop Charming Polly captained by John Ellwood (Elwood), Jr., sailed regularly between Alexandria and Philadelphia carrying freight and passengers. GW used Ellwood's freight service for many years, and Ellwood often did GW the favor of dropping off his goods at the Mount Vernon dock, saving a trip into Alexandria. The Charming Polly apparently stopped at Mount Vernon today on her way upriver; she arrived at Alexandria the next day ( Pa. Packet, 13 Mar. and 30 May 1788; GW to Charles Petit, 2 Oct. 1787, and GW to Clement Biddle, 20 July 1788, DLC: GW).
LOMBARDY POPLAR: Populus nigra italica. Reportedly introduced by William Hamilton in 1784, it soon became a very common ornamental tree (HEDRICK, 146). GW may have planted some of these trees as early as 1765. An entry for 1 Jan. 1765 notes the purchase from Bryan Allison of eight poplar trees for more than £2 sterling (LEDGER A, 68). Since the native poplar was abundant, such a price could only have been paid for an exotic such as the Lombardy poplar. GW used Lombardy poplars first along his walks and
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later had them planted in hedges on various parts of his farms to act as "live fences" (GW to Anthony Whitting, 18 Nov. 1792, DLC:GW).
Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--66 at Noon And 62 at Night. A great deal of rain fell in the Course of last Night. Drizling all the Morning and cloudy the remainder of the day, with showers around us, but little rain fell here. Wind at No. West, & towards evening fresh & cool.
Mrs. Morris having (by the Stage of yesterday) received a request from Mr. Morris to proceed to richmond, set off for that place abt. 9 Oclock this Morning, with her two Sons & daughter. Colo. Humphreys & myself accompanied her to Colchester, & returned to dinner. Found Mr. Rozer here, & soon afterwards came in a Mr. Andrews from Peterburgh. The first went after dinner the Other stayed all night.
Began to lay the foundation of my Barn, for the Ferry and French's Plantations, of Brick.
Robert Morris, who found that he could not yet get away from his business in Richmond to return north, was anxious to be reunited with his family "after so (unexpectedly) long absence." He met them at Bowling Green in Caroline County on 25 May and accompanied them the rest of the way to Richmond (Morris to GW, 18 and 26 May 1788, DLC:GW).
Although GW built his new barn of brick, he did not do it on the recommendation of Arthur Young. "I have seen," Young wrote in 1791, "very expensive barns in Ireland, which the owners have boasted would confine a mouse;--so much the worse: there cannot be too much air all around: the sides, for this reason, should be neither of brick nor stone. . . . The best barns (for corn) are of boards; and the more air those boards admit, the better will the straw be for the cattle; and the brighter the sample of corn in a ticklish season" (ANNALS, 16: 150--51).
Friday 23d. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--65 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear, with but little wind in the Morning, from No. Wt. Cool.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, and Neck and the Brick yard.
At French's--Three Ploughs, & two harrows were at work--the first preparing for Pease--the latter for, and putting in Buck Wheat. The other hands planting Corn.
At the Ferry--One harrow preparing for & putting in Buck Wheat--two plows weeding Corn and the other hands at work in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Dogue Run, all hands (Plow People as well as others) were planting Corn in the New ground at the Home Ho.--the Plows being stopped by the Rain.
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At Muddy hole--except the Plow People, the others were planting Corn at the Mansn. House the doing of which was compleated this Afternoon and all hands went to Hoeing up the Balks between--beginning on the No. side, next the Road.
In the Neck--The Plows began to weed every other Corn Row--turning the furrow from the Corn. Two harrows were at Work, preparg. for, & putting in, Buck Wheat. The other hands were employed in planting the Black-eye Pease.
HOEING UP THE BALKS: using the hoe to smooth the unwanted ridges or balks produced during plowing.
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--77 at Noon And 76 at Night. Morning clear, with but little wind, & that at West. About One Oclock a cloud, with a pretty heavy shower of rain came up, & Wind at No. Wt. and cool.
Rid to all the Plantations. At the Ferry & Frenchs--same work as yesterday--finished. Planting Corn.
At Dogue run--Four plows began to Weed Corn, and at the same time to prepare the ground for Potatoes. The plowing, this first time--as is the case in the Neck, and at the Ferry, turned the Furrow from the Corn. The other hands were at the New grd.
Muddy hole people employed as yesterday.
In the Neck. One plow (in the Corn) was Stopped, and two single harrows put to work in its place to harrow the grd. which they had gone over, to render it more fit for the reception of Potatoes. The other hands were planting Pease which they would go near to finish to Night.
Mrs. Geo. Washington & Child and Doctr. Lyon came here before breakfast this Morning, from Maryland.
Anna Maria Washington (1788--1814), daughter of George Augustine and Frances Bassett Washington, was born 3 April, apparently at Eltham.
Dr. James Lyons of Studley, Hanover County, was a friend of the Dandridge and Bassett families. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1776 and subsequently studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Edinburgh, graduating from the latter university in 1785 (DANDRIDGE [2], 154; BLANTON, 75, 82, 87).
Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 71 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at West. Afterwards at So. Wt. with clouds.
Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, and her three oldest daughters and Miss Nancy Stuart came here to dinner and Stayed all Night. Mr. Waltr. Stone came to dinner and went away after it.
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Monday 26th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 71 at Night. Heavy showers of rain fell before day and lighter one's afterwards with the Wind at [ ].
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run.
At the Ferry--the ground being wet, the Women worked in the New ground at the Mansion House. Two plows weeding Corn, and preparing for the reception of Potatoes.
At Frenchs the Plows and Harrows were at Work as before. The other People were planting, and replanting Pumpkins. The Cart as it had been for many days was assisting the Ferry Cart in getting rails to enclose No. 3 at that Plantation.
At Dogue run--Began to Plant Potatoes on the West side of the Corn field. The Plows and harrows were preparing for it. Sowed with Oats the last of the ground between the Corn and Wheat in No. 6.
Added Thos. Davis, Reuben, and Billy to the Brick layers to day, by which means five were thus employed. The necessary attendance was given them.
Also set Gunner to making Bricks, along with Charles Hagan, with attendance also.
Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--69 at Noon And [ ] at Night. Clear day, with the Wind at North in the Morning, and very fresh from So. W. all the remaining part of the day.
Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck. Two harrows were preparing for, and putting in Buck Wheat. Seven plows and one harrow--Weeding Corn & preparing for the reception of Potats. between the Rows--the other hands replanting of Corn. Finished planting of Pease here yesterday--the last [ ] rows of which, No. side were of the small round Gentleman Pease. The others (except the 3 rows formerly noted--one of Fairfax's Sort, & two of Mrs. Dangerfields) were of the large and early blackeye. Planted pumpkins between the Pease & Corn.
At Muddy hole, The Plows and Harrow were as usual at Frenchs--all the other hands, with three Women from French's, were hoeing balks in the New ground. The Irish Potatoes at this place were all up, and few or none missing; but do not look very flourishing. The Artichokes (Jerusalem) on the contrary were very much missing.
At Dogue run--The Plows and Harrows were at Work in the Corn preparing for the reception of Potatoes; but the latter being
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employed yesterday to put in the Oats, the Women this forenoon were engaged in Hoeing up the Swamp in the Middle Meadow, till they (that is the harrows) could make way for them again.
At Frenchs--The Plows, Harrows and Cart, at work as on yesterday, the overseer, one woman and a boy were replanting Water Mellons &ca. Three women as before mentioned were in the N. Ground.
Set the Ditchers yesterday to levelling the dirt which remained by the sunk fence in front of the Mansion House.
Doctr. Stuart and family went away after breakfast.
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at North, but it soon shifted to So. Wt. and blew very fresh, with clouds, and sprinklings of Rain. In the afternoon it shifted to No. Wt.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations, and to the Brick yard.
At the Ferry--Finshed this Morning replanting of Corn and began on the South Side of the field to pit. Potatoes between the Corn Rows. The Plows and harrows were at the same work, and for the same purposes as yesterday--a light harrow drawn by the two mules from Muddy hole was set to work (in addition) to day, to harrow after the Plows for Potatoes.
At Frenchs--Finished Sowing the Buck Wheat but not harrowing it in. Nor will the ground (at least part of it) be well prepared having got too hard for the harrows to penetrate deep enough to stir up a sufficient depth of Earth. This circumstance & many others, which from time to time have occurred has convinced me that on putting in all Sprg. Crops (as the Season produces heavy & frequent rains, & the ground apt to bake) it would be best to plow harrow and sow in such squares as are proportioned to the size of the farms, & strength of the teams than to break the whole up first; unless repeated plowings is intended and can be given. The Plows finished breaking up the West pt. of field No. 5 at this place and were ordered into the Corn field to weed, and prepare that for Potatoes. Replanting Corn here (3 hands at the New grd.) and rolling the Oats & grass in the lower Meadow.
At Dogue run--The Plows and Harrows were (as yesterday) weeding Corn, & preparing for the Planting of Potatoes--The other hands planting them, and when the Plows were overtaken replanted Corn.
Began, yesterday, with the Carpenters and Cowpers to cut grass & make Hay and with Thomas Green & Mahony to frame the
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lower floor of the Barn which is about. This day, after manuring in the same proportion which had been done for the Plants of Scarcity and for Carrots--I planted, adjoining the latter, 14 rows (the same as had been done of the other two) of Irish Potatoes, red sort, and whole--3 feet a part, & the sets 9 Inches asunder. And below these again in rows 3 feet a part I sowed 5 of lucern.
Thomas Mahony, a house carpenter and joiner who had worked at Mount Vernon from 1 Aug. 1786 to 1 Aug. 1787, was again employed by GW on 15 April 1788 and continued to work for him until the spring of 1792. Mahony received £24 a year plus board and other amenities for his services (articles of agreement between GW and Mahony, 1 Aug. 1786, 15 April 1788, and 7 May 1789, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 236, 271, 331).
Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--56 at Noon And 66 at Night. Clear All day, and cool in the forenoon. Wind being fresh from the No. Wt.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck--All the Plows and Harrows were at Work in the Corn--Weeding the same and preparing the intervals between the Rows for the reception of Potatoes in drills. Began yesterday afternoon to plant the latter, having finished replanting Corn, and Pumpkins. Examined the Oats here, growing from Spotswood's Seed, which are very fine. The Wheat in No. 7 is thin, in places None, having been injured both by the Frosts of Winter and the rains of this Spring. The Barley is but indifferent being in places low, thin, and yellow at bottom.
At Muddy hole--Except the Plow people at French's--all hands were at Work in the New ground.
At Dogue run--The Plows and Harrows were weeding Corn and preparing for the reception of Potatoes. The other hands, when the plows were overtaken by the latter work, were replanting of Corn.
At French's--The Plows were weeding Corn. The Harrows after breakfast, began to cross the plowing for Pease, in order to prepare the grd. for the reception of them. The Roller had finished rolling the Oats in the lower Meadow and returned to the Carting of Rails at French's. The other hands were replanting of Corn.
At the Ferry. The Plows and a single harrow, drawn by the Mules were weeding Corn and preparing for Potatoes. The double harrows were putting in Buck Wheat wch. would be compleated tomorrow. The other hands were planting Potatoes.
In the Afternoon, a Mr. Walke and a Mr. Woodville came in and stayed all Night.
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Anthony Walke III of Fairfield, Princess Anne County, and John Woodville (1763--1834), of Spotsylvania County, were returning to their homes from Philadelphia where they had been recently ordained priests of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Walke was inducted 3 July 1788 as rector of Lynnhaven Parish, Princess Anne County, a position that he held until 1800 (KELLAM, 176--78). Woodville, who had come to Virginia from England during the previous year and had lived with a Spotsylvania County family as a tutor, was appointed head of the Fredericksburg Academy in 1791. He became rector of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, in 1792 and a year or two later moved to the rectorship of St. Mark's Parish, Culpeper County, where he remained until his death (SLAUGHTER [2], 59--61, 192--93).
Friday 30th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--66 at Noon and 64 at Night. Morng. clear, wind at So. Wt. all the forenoon & briskly from the So. Et. in the Afternoon with clouds and appearances of Rain. A good deal of which fell in the night.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry--French's & Dogue Run.
At the first, finished sowing Buck Wheat. In every other respect the work was the same as yesterday.
At French's--It was precisely the same as it was yesterday at this place. And the same likewise at Dogue run.
Began to cut such parts of the Clover in No. 1 at Frenchs, as Stood sufficiently thick, having cut the blew grass on the sides of the lower meadow at this place.
Having worked up the Bricks of the first Kiln--the Brick layers went to get & lay in a stock of Sand--but the second load of Corn from York River arriving the Boat would be occupied in landing of it to morrow.
Mr. Ludwell Lee & his Lady came here this afternoon and stayed the N.
Saturday 31st. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon And [ ] at Night. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. The Morning very cloudy with the Wind at So. Et. and towards 10 Oclock pretty smart Showers. The ground being wet, I transplanted the remains of my plants of the Scarcity Root (to make good the dificiency of the last transplanting) except some of the smallest of them which were intended not to be removed, but by remaining to prove the efficacy of both modes.
After an early dinner, in company with Colo. Humphreys, I set out for a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company to be held at the Falls of Shenandoah on Monday next. Reached Mr. Fairfax's about an hour by Sun, who with his lady were at Alexandria; but a cloud which threatend rain induced us notwithstanding to remain there all night.
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Sunday. June 1st. About Sun rise, we set out for the Great Falls, where having met Mr. Smith (the assistent Manager who resides at the works at the Seneca falls) we examined the Canal, banks and other operations at this place and were pleased to find them in such forwardness and so well executed. The upper part of the Canal, however, still requires to be widened--Stones &ca. removed out of it and the lower side banked. From hence we proceeded by a Small cut, & wall About a mile higher up the River to the Seneca falls, where much digging & blowing had been performed for the purpose of conducting the Navigation through one of the Swashes on the Virginia side and a good deal of Substantial Wall erected but the whole being in a rude & unfinished state no judgment could be formed of the time necessary to execute it; but Mr. Smith supposes 20 hands will be able to accomplish it this Summer as a like number wd. do that at the Great falls above the Lock Seats. At this place we breakfasted, and in Company with Mr. Smith continued our journey. Dined at Leesburgh & lodged at Mr. Jno. Houghs.
Monday 2d. About 5 Oclock, after an early breakfast, we set off, pilotted by Mr. Hough thro' by roads, over the short hills--by the House & Mill of one Belt for the Mo. of Shenandoah where we arrived partly by a good, & partly by a rugged road, at half after eight Oclock--distance about 12 Miles. Soon after came Govr. Johnson, and about 10 Oclock Govr. Lee & Colo. Gilpin arrived. We then, together, crossed the River, walked up to the head of the Canal on the Maryland side & viewed all the Works. Found that the Canal At the head was accomplished, & appeared to be well walled on both sides; and a tow path on the Maryland side for some distance below--but that much of the work remained yet to do How[eve]r the supposition is, that it may be so far compleated as to open the navigation in the course of the Summer for the passage of Boats tho much more labour will be necessary to perfect it. After dinner the board set--proceeded to the examination of Sundry accts. and other business which came before them; but that for which it principally met at this place--viz. --an investigation of complaints exhibited against Mr. Richardson Stuart, was postponed on acct. of his non-attendance occasioned as was said by a Law suit on the Genl. Court at Annapolis at which he was obliged to be prest. The board however conceiving that a
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Manager without an Assistant was suffict. to superintend the works and thinking Mr. Smith the most competent of the two, resolved to discontinue Mr. Stuart at the expiration of the year for which he was engaged--viz. --the 15th. of July and to vest the chief direction in him.
The four directors informed Richardson Stewart of their decision by a letter written this same day. "The present funds or prospects will not warrant our continuing two managers . . .," they explained. "It is with reluctance we found ourselves under the necessity to make an arrangement which at this point of time may possibly be thought by your enemies to be occasioned by the charges against you, but it has proceeded solely from our duty and inclination to promote the Company's interest without being influenced in any degree by facts alleged and not examined into. The preference given to Mr. Smith is on different principles and we expect cannot surprise you or hurt your feelings" (BACON-FOSTER, 82).
To James Smith the directors recommended that "the most vigorous efforts" be made to open the navigation at all three falls by summer and that, with that view in mind, the work force "be increased as the occasion may require and opportunity will serve" (BACON-FOSTER, 83).
Tuesday 3d. Having accomplished all the business that came before the board by 10 Oclock, the members seperated and I (Colo. Humphreys having returned the day before) went to my Brothers about eight miles off--dined there and continued on in the Afternoon to Colonel Warner Washington's where I spent the evening.
Wednesday 4th. About 7 Oclock I left this place, Fairfield, bated at a Small Tavern (Bacon fort) 15 miles distant--dined at the Tavern of one Lacey 14 Miles further and lodged at Newgate 16 Miles lower down.
Joseph Lacey apparently began renting and operating Charles West's tavern in Loudoun County some time before West's death in 1786 and subsequently purchased the place (HARRISON [1], 495--96).
Thursday 5th. After an early breakfast I continued my Journey by the upper and lower churches of this Parish & passing through my Plantations at Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry and the New Barn I reached home about Noon in about 28 Miles riding where I found Colo. Humphreys who had just got in before me from Abingdon.
The Weather and Thermometer by the Accounts rendered--stood as follow.
Saturday afternoon a heavy rain, mixed with hail and a violent wind (which blew down much of my fencing at French's).
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Sunday--Clear Morning and evening, cloudy mid-day. Wind No. in the Morning--No. W. at Noon & So. W. at Night.
Munday--Cloudy Morning, clear afterwards. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, & South afterwards.
Tuesday--Cloudy with the wind at So. Et.
Wednesday--Much rain fell last Night, and this day, till 12 or 1 Oclock; Cloudy afterwards, wind at No. Et. in the Morning--So. Et. afterwards.
Thursday--Cloudy or foggy morning clear afterwards with very little or no wind.
On Saturday, the Ditchers finished weeding the honey locusts in the vineyard. Planted in the No. Garden, between the Green house & quarter 10 grains of early Corn; given to me (from So. Carolina) by Genl. Spotswood. And finished replanting Corn at Dogue Run.
On Monday--Finished plantg. every other Corn Row with Potatoes at Dogue run & began the intermediate ones (next the Carrots. Planting Potatoes at the Ferry, after repairing the Fencing which had blown down at this place & French's. Listing & harrowing for Potatoes at all the Plantns. Finished cutting grass (that was fit for it) at French's about 12 Oclock to day--but the Rains had much injured the first hay. Sent Materials for the Dairy in the Neck to day--Churns &ca.
On Tuesday--Muddy hole People, as had been the case at the Ferry, Dogue run &ca., had cut Rye out of their Wheat & were hoeing baulks in the New grd. At the Ferry the potato planters having overtaken the Plows & Harrows, went to weeding Corn, with their hoes, as was the case at Frenchs--that is weeding Corn with Hoes. Made the Pole fence at D. Run round the English Barley in field No. 1. Chopped in (the potato Planters having overtaken the Hoes & harrows) Oats & Timothy seed in the ground that had been prepared in the Swamp, in the middle meadow at this place. At the River every other Row of Patoes had been planted, & up to the farm pen of the intermediate ones when the Plows being overtaken the Planters were employed in weeding Water Mellons & taking Wheat from the Rye.
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Seperated the Rams from the Ewes. Finished landing Corn from Chamberlains Vessel--viz. --425 at the Mill & 1004 at the Mansn. House.
On Wednesday--Transplanted part of a Row of Carrots to compleat an unfinished one at the ferry. Recd. 10,000 ft. of Inch pine plank from Messrs. Peterson & Tayler. Discharged Mr. Chamberlns. Vessel.
The upper church of Truro Parish was Payne's Church; the lower one was Pohick Church (see main entry for 9 Sept. 1768).
Friday 6th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--82 at Noon And 80 at Night. Clear, Calm and warm all day.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck the Plows & harrows were Weeding Corn, & preparing for the Reception of Potatoes between. The other hands were planting them till they overtook the harrows; then employed in taking Rye from Wheat. Shearing Sheep &ca.
At Muddy hole, except the Plow people, the other hands were engaged in the New ground at the Mansn. House, assisted by the Dogue-run hands.
At Dogue run--the Plows & harrows were weeding Corn, & preparing for the Reception of Potatoes. The other hds. were (as above) at the New grd. except 2 Shearing of Sheep.
At French's, the ground being too wet to plant & cover Potatoes I ordered the People (except those with the Plows & harrows) to weed Corn, & cut Rye from the Wheat. Harrowing in Pease in the West part of field No. 5. This was done after the ground had been plowed & twice harrowed--3 harrowings afterwards but notwithstanding the ground by the frequent and hard rains which had fallen af[ter] it was plowed, was settled & too closely bound together. The Hay at this place was opened, & stirred but had received great injury.
At the Ferry--The plows and harrows were weeding Corn, & preparing for Potatoes. The hoes, the grd. being too wet to plant them, were weeding Corn.
Saturday 7th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 82 at Night. Clear morning--but clouds arising about Noon, produced one or two showers (of no long continuance) about one Oclock, with thunder & lightning--but little Wind.
Visited the Ferry, & Frenchs Plantations. At the first, the Plows & harrows were at Work as usual and the other hands planting
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Potatoes, but as the ground was very heavy (especially in places) I directed them to desist and go to weeding Corn.
At Frenchs the People were planting Potatoes--but improperly on Account of the wetness of the ground. Plows in the Corn & one harrow following them--two harrowing in Pease.
Finished yesterday afternoon hoeing up the balks in the New part of the New grd. and went to replanting the Corn there, which would be compleated to day.
Ditchers after having made up the fence along the ferry road were about a similar one at Frenchs between fields No. 1 & 2.
Stirring, and endeavouring to secure what hay was down but it is scarcely worth the trouble, from the injury it has sustained.
Sunday 8th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 69 at Night. A very heavy Shower of rain for an hour fell after dark last night with continual lightning and loud thunder. Wind at No. Et. all day with very clouds but no rain.
Monday 9th. Thermometer at 62 in the morning--76 at Noon and 75 at Night. Thick foggy morning, with the Wind at So. Et. Clear towards noon with the Wind at So. Wt.
Captn. Barney, in the Miniature Ship Federalist--as a present from the Merchants of Baltimore to me arrived here to Breakfast with her and stayed all day & Night.
Remained at home all day.
The Federalist, a fifteen-foot-long boat rigged as a ship, was a showpiece designed to represent Baltimore's maritime trades and to symbolize the proposed federal union. "Highly ornamented" and mounted on a horse-drawn carriage frame, the little ship had been pulled through the main streets of Baltimore on 1 May as part of a great procession of merchants, artisans, and professionals celebrating Maryland's ratification of the new Constitution five days earlier. Miniature ships, named the Federalist or the Union, were features of many Federalist victory parades before and after Maryland's ratification. However, in Baltimore a group of Federalist merchants took the further step of launching their vessel after the celebration and dispatching it to Mount Vernon under the command of Joshua Barney (1759--1818), a naval hero of the Revolution and a staunch Federalist, for presentation to GW "as an Offering . . . expressive of their Veneration of his Services and Federalism" ( Md. Journal, 6 May 1788 and 3 June 1788; GW to William Smith et al., 8 June 1788, anonymous donor).
Tuesday 10th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning. 80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. A hard shower of Rain about 5 Oclock in the Afternoon which continued half an hour or more.
Between 9 and 10 Oclock set out for Fredericksburgh, accompanied
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by Mrs. Washington, on a visit to my Mother. Made a visit to Mr. & Mrs. Thompson in Colchester & reached Colo. Blackburns to dinner, where we lodged. He was from home. The next Morning, about Sun rise we continued our journey. Breakfasted at Stafford Court House and intended to have dined at Mr. Fitzhughs of Chatham but he & Lady being from home we proceeded to Fredericksburgh--alighted at my Mothers and sent the Carriage & horses to my Sister Lewis's--where we dined and lodged--As we also did the next day, the first in company with Mr. Fitzhugh, Colo. Carter & Colo. Willis and their Ladies, and Genl. Weeden. The day following (Friday) we dined in a large Company at Mansfield (Mr. Man Page's). On Saturday we visited Genl. Spotswoods dined there & returned in the Evening to My Sisters. On Sunday we went to Church. The Congregation being alarmed (without cause) and supposg. the Gallery at the No. End was about to fall, were thrown into the utmost confusion; and in the precipitate retreat to the doors many got hurt. Dined in a large Company at Colo. Willis's--Where, taking leave of my friends, we re-crossed the River, and Spent the Evening at Chatham. The next Morning before five Oclock we left it--travelled to Dumfries to breakfast--and reached home to a late dinner and found that Captn. Barney had left it about half an hour before for Alexandria to proceed in the Stage of Tomorrow for Baltimore.
Upon examination of the Accts. of the Work & Weather at home, during my absence, found them to be as follow.
Charles Carter of Ludlow, encumbered by heavy debts, had a few months earlier been obliged to sign over Ludlow farm and his other property in Stafford County to three trustees for public sale in order to satisfy his many anxious creditors ( Va. Herald, 27 Mar. 1788). He and his wife, Elizabeth Chiswell Carter (d. 1804), were probably now living in Fredericksburg, where the following year Mrs. Carter advertised that she would take in "a few young gentlemen" as boarders at the rate of £25 a year ( Va. Herald, 20 Aug. 1789; SHACKELFORD, 394, 402).
Lewis Willis (1734--1813), of Willis Hill near Fredericksburg, was the son of GW's aunt Mildred Washington (1696--c.1745) and her second husband, Col. Henry Willis (c.1691--1740). Lewis Willis served as a lieutenant colonel in the 10th Virginia Regiment during the War of Independence and was for many years a vestryman of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County. His first wife was Mary Champe of King George County, and after her death he married his present wife, Ann Carter Champe, widow of his brother-in-law John Champe, Jr. (d. 1775).
At St. George's Church, Mrs. Washington "perceived the Tomb of her Father the late John Dandridge Esqr. to be much out of sorts." GW subsequently wrote Charles Carter asking him "to have it done up again." GW bore the expense of the work, £1 10s. (28 June 1788, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 270).
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Wednesday 11th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and So. Wt. in the afternoon.
That the Plows from French's and Muddy hole--as also the hands of those places, had been at work in the Mansion House New ground since Sunday and the Plows (except one to throw a furrow to the Corn) from Dogue run had come there yesterday.
That at the Ferry, and Dogue run, (the ground being too wet to plant Potatoes) the Plows at both places on Monday, and at the first yesterday and to day, were plowing Corn & throwing a furrow on each side to the plants (whilst the Hoes were weeding the same)--also prepg. for Pots.
That in the Neck, the ground not being quite so wet, the hands continued planting Potatoes on Monday & yesterday--plowing & harrowing as usual for them.
That four Mowers went on Tuesday (yesterday) to cut the Clover in the Neck; Tom Davis one of them.
That Cornelius, his Brother, and the two boys, returned to bricklaying again yesterday.
And that the following Gentlemen dined here--to wit--Colo. Fitzgerald & Messrs. Digges & Carroll, and Doctr. Hall & Brother from Maryland; and Messrs. Rumney, Hodgsden, Munsher, Cary & Williams from Alexandria.
That the Muddy hole hands this day (Wednesday) had wed the Pumpkins & Sweet Potatoes.
The Dogue run hands weeding Corn with the Hoes after the furrows had been thrown to it.
At Frenchs, the hands were grubbing Bushes in the ground which was receiving Pease; & the farmer showing and covering them near Manleys Houses with two pair of Harrows.
At the Ferry, the Plows were throwing furrows to the Corn & preparing as usual for Potatoes between it. Hoes weeding the Corn.
Finished cutting the Clover in the Neck about 12 Oclock to day.
Among the several Dr. Halls living in Maryland at this time was the prominent Harford County physician and educator Dr. Jacob Hall (1747--1812), but the Dr. Hall who visited Mount Vernon on 11 June was probably Dr. Elisha Hall (1754--1814) of Fredericksburg. He had one or more brothers living in Maryland, and he treated GW's mother [or what was apparently breast cancer during her final days in the summer of 1789 (PLEASANTS, 217--26; JOHNSTON [6], 297--99, 381--82; BLANTON, 359--66).
William Hodgson (1765--1820) came to Alexandria from Whitehaven, Eng., about 1785 and established himself as a merchant, an occupation in which he engaged for many years.
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Thursday 12th. Thermometer 70 in the Morning. 78 at Noon. and 77 at Night. Wind at So. & So. W. A hard rain in the evening with some Hail.
At the Mansion Ho. New ground 6 Plows were at Work--viz.-- 4 from D. Run 1 from Frenchs, & 1 from M. Hole which would by Noon have finished breaking up the balks on the So. Side of the Road.
At Muddy hole, the hands belonging there, were hoeing up balks in the above New ground where the Plows could not conveniently run.
At the Ferry 3 plows were weeding Corn & preparing for Potatoes--the Hoes weeding Corn also.
At French's, the Hoes were weeding Corn--two Plows doing the same. and two harrows preparing for, and putting in Pease in Field No. 5 broadcast.
At D. Run, all hands were weeding Corn--1 plow throwing furrows to it.
Cutting Clover at French's.
Friday 13th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at No. Et. & rain till 8 Oclock moderately then hard till 4 Oclock.
Five plows, when the Weather would permit, were working in the Mansn. House New grd.--as were the hands from Muddy hole.
At the Ferry, the hands had been attempting to weed corn (wet as the grd. was).
At Frenchs weeding Water Mellens.
Saturday 14th. Thermometer 66 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind at No. E. and Showery all day.
Hoeing and plowing balks in the New grd. at Mansn. Ho. with the People from Muddy hole & 2 plows from the Ferry, 3 from Frenchs, and 1 from Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole threw a furrow to the Irish Potatoes (back of the one that first covered them).
At the River Plantation, all hands were planting Potatoes & weeding Corn. The Plows were throwing a furrow (on each side) to the Corn, covering Potatoes, &ca. The Pumpkins were also weeded and the Planting of Potatoes compleated at this place; qty. 269¾ Bushels. Plows prevented working here yesterday--but this day after putting in & compleating their work for the Potatoes plowed between the Pumpkins & then went into field No. 8 to
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prepare what remained of the unsowed part for Buck Wheat &ca.
At Dogue Run the hands were yesterday & to day weeding Corn--3 plows previously throwing a furrow on each side to it--little or no plowing here yesterday owing to the rain.
At French's weeding Pumpkins and setting Corn.
At the Ferry they were employed in doing the latter.
Finished cutting the Clover at French's.
Colo. Harrison and Mr. Corbn. Washington came here to Dinner, and stayed all Night.
Sunday 15th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--68 at Noon And 68 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning--then So. Et.
Colo. Harrison & Mr. C. Washington went away after Breakfast. Cap. Barney (who went to Alexa. on Wednesday last) returned here this Morning--dined at Mr. Lund Washington's with Colo. Humphreys--came back afterwards.
Monday 16th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning, 70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at So. Et. Morning & evening clear but cloudy between.
Finished plowing the New grd. at the Mansn. House about Noon to day. The ferry Plows went home--the others to Plowing at French's for Pease. The hands from Muddy hole were weeding the New ground Corn with their Hoes.
At the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and River Plantations the People were Weeding of Corn with Hoes. The Plows throwing furrows to it and at the River breaking up for B. Wheat.
Returned home this evening as has been mentioned already.
Tuesday 17th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and 77 at Night. Morning and evening clear, midday cloudy.
Visited all the Plantations except that in the Neck. Examined the grain at each, and find the fields as follow.
At Muddy hole, the Wheat in No. 2, as might be expected from the exhausted state of the Land, was generally thin, and in some places scarcely worth reaping. The Rye (in the same field) though indifferent in places is full as good as could reasonably be expected from the Land, except the defect in the head. The Wheat in No. 4, where the ground had any strength, exceeded (considering the late sowing of it) my expectations. Other parts was good for nothg. and upon the whole very indifferent. The Oats in this field may be deemed above mediocrity--being, (though not high or stout) very regular & even. The Wht. in No. 1 (self sown, being
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the shattered grains which were plowed in when the Buck Wheat was sown) was very thin in places and not sufficiently thick in any. The Barley in this field (except being very much mixed with Oats) may be deemed tolerable. That part of the grd. wch. had been sprinkled with dung bore the best grain and next to it, that which had been in Potatoes. The whole was too thin. The Clover, generally, which had been sown with this Barley looked full as well as could be expected.
At Dogue run, The Wheat & Rye in field No. 4 (except the defect in the head) may be considered as very good for Corn grd. Wheat. The fallowed Wheat in field No. 6 is very stout on the East side of the field but too thin even there. Another part of the field was, in a manner, Intirely lost by the Winters frosts, aided in the lowest places by the continual Rains which have fallen this Spring and Summer. Upon the whole, though it was (partly) put in late, and in bad order. It exhibits an evidence of its superiority over Corn ground. The Rye in the No. part of the field with the exception beforementioned may (tho thin in places) be deemed good. The Barley at this place, contrary to my expectations, is much inferior, except in spots, to that at Muddy hole; & will turn out very indifferently: whether from the nature of the Soil, which was not able to bear the wet so well, the Land being more worn, which I do not conceive to be the case, or to some other cause I am not able to decide. The Oats in the same field (No. 2) are tolerably good, rather preferable to those at Muddy hole. The Clover is fully equal to my expectations which was sown among them. The Flax at this place may be called very good--but the rankest & best of it was twisted and laid down by the repeated Rains, and Wind.
At French's, the Wheat, generally, is thin--Scarcely any good and much of it very indifferent. The Rye is partly good, and partly very indifferent. The Barley at this place is some good, and some very indifferent. It is, however, much better than that at Dogue run & perhaps upon the whole preferable to that at Muddy hole. The Oats here, with scarcely any exception, may be esteemed fine and the Clover which was sown among them, and the Barley very promising in general. The English Pease & Beans which had been sown here were entirely destroyed with weeds. The Minorca Barley (but this was late sown) appeared as if it would come to little--nor did the English Barley & other small parcels Which were sown at D. Run promise much. None of the Buck Wht. at this place looked well. The last sown was, almost entirely destroyed and in every, even the best parts of the field there were
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spots, and in some places large ones, where the B. Wht. after coming up, seemed to have been drowned, and drowning even where the Water did not lay & where the Soil was good.
At the Ferry, there was no good Wheat. That which was sown in the fallowed ground (late) was miserable--only parts of the grd. havg. any. The Corn ground Wheat was thin, except in the Hills which had been manured with fish guts &ca. and there it appeared, tho' rank, to be fired and entangled. The Rye (which was early sown, and looked remarkably well, & stood very thick in the fall) is exceedingly bad, being thin, week, & much broken down by the winds and rain. The Oats stand regular, & equal through the whole, and may be deemed middling.
Remarks--No rust appeared in any of the Wheat, though from the continual rains & cloudy weather it was much expected. This grain, however, and the Rye more so, is a good deal injured by the speck; that is, from the farina's being beat off before the grain was fully impregnated by which whole heads, parts of heads and grains here & there have not filled which must diminish the quantity considerably. Having suffered nothing to feed upon my grain this year, the Crop would have been much the better for it, but the frosts of Winter (when the Snows were blown off) destroying some parts of the fields entirely & thinning it in others and the constant rains since the middle of March drowning that which was in the low parts--though it brought forward others which otherwise would have come to nothing has rendered the prospect of a crop very indifferent. The grain which is not injured appears to be full, & seems as if it would be large--but it (the Wheat) is exceedingly intermixed with cheat and must be very much injured thereby.
Weeding Corn at all the Plantations with the Hoes, and throwing furrows to it with the Plows--also plowing the intervals between for Potatoes and at French's plowing & harrowing for Pease.
Wednesday 18th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--75 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear in the Morning; at Noon & Night Cloudy with rains about 10 Oclock for an hour. Wind at South.
Rid into the Neck and to all the Plantations.
Examined the grain in the Neck which appears as follow--viz.--The Wheat in field No. 7 which I expected would have been very fine scarcely merits the epithet--Middling the whole being too thin being injured by the frosts of Winter & the wet of this Spring. Of the red wheat which was sown in this field scarce any is to be seen and of the white (both imported from England) the ground
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was but thinly Covered. The Corn ground Wheat in No. 3 was too thin every where--in places scarcely any. In the Orchard the Wheat in places was good--in other places indifferent--upon the whole scarcely to be denominated middling. No rust appeared among it, but the speck was as much here as in other fields--but I think not quite so much cheat. The Rye at this place may, upon the whole, be deemed Middling though a good deal injured by the Speck. In some places it stands thick & well--in others thin and much fallen down. The Barley, generally, was but indifferent; some parts of the field being low, thin, & having scarcely any head. Other parts again (particularly on the So. & West sides of the field) were pretty good. The Oats, in the aggregate may be called good and those growing from General Spotswoods Seed are very fine. The Clover in both Barley & Oats (where the grd. is tolerable) is very good. The flax is also good, but the best of it is a good deal entangled by the Winds, and beat down with the Rain. Finished plowing the Corn here to day and all the plows went to cross plowing of field No. 8 for B. Wheat but were directed to plow the So. part of it for Pease to be sown in Broad cast. Set one plow with a single horse to plow between the Pease which were planted in hills and which were getting foul.
At Muddy hole the plows were throwing the So. part of field No. 3 into three feet Ridges--to be hilled for Pease. The Hoes were in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Dogue run, Two plows were plowing for Pease. The other 3 and the Hoes were weeding Corn.
At Frenchs, three plows and a Harrow were preparing for, and putting in Pease in Field No. 5. The other Plow was throwing a furrow to the Corn before the Hoes which were weeding it.
At the Ferry the Plows & Hoes both were in the Corn.
Thursday 19th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--73 at Noon And 70 at Night. Wind in the Morning and evening No. Et.--at Noon So. Raining in the Morning and evening with Showers between.
Rid to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the three first, Work the same as yesterday. At the last, I had a piece of ground, containing 500 hills four feet a part, spaded up the depth of the Spade--half a bushel of well rotted farm yard dung put upon each 4 feet Square, and chopped in; after which the above number of Hills were made, & planted with Tobacco
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Plants (of the common kind) given to me by Mr. Abednego Adams.
Began to cut grass in the large Meadow at the Mill to day.
Friday 20th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--72 at Noon And 62 at Night. Wind in the Morning & evening No. W. and at Noon So. Wt. Forenoon clear, Afternoon Cloudy with a heavy shower in the evening.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
At the first the Plows were in the ground intended for Pease, and the Hoes setting Corn in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At the other three the work the same as yesterday and before, except that about Noon, the Plows at Frenchs finished plowing for Pease and went into the Corn at that place.
In the Morning, while we were at Breakfast, Mr. Jno. Mason, Son to Colo. Mason came in to ask my commands for France. After breakfast he returned.
John Mason (1766--1849) had recently become a partner with the brothers James and Joseph Fenwick of Maryland in a trading company based in Bordeaux. He sailed for Bordeaux 22 June and returned two years later (COPELAND), 245--61).
Saturday 21st. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--72 at Noon And 71 at Night. Weather clear, Wind at No. Wt. in the forepart of the day & at North the latter part.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck, the Plows were employed in preparing for Pease, & the Harrows putting them--one plow weeding the Potatoes in hills--all the Hoes in the Corn.
At Muddy hole--both Plows & Hoes were weeding Irish Potatoes.
At Dogue run three plows and the Hoes were in the Corn.
At Frenchs--The Plows and Hoes were in the Corn as usual, and the Harrow finished covering the last Pease--quantity sown 33 bushels. The ground being a little cloddy, that wch. was sown next the slash (running thro the field) was rolled.
At the Ferry both Plows, Hoes & harrow were in the Corn.
Sunday 22d. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--78 at Noon And 76 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. Wt.
Mr. Fendall, and Mr. Willm. Craik came to dinner and went
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away afterwards--the latter to Alexandria and the former to Westmoreland.
Monday 23d. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--88 at Noon And 78 at Night. Clear forenoon and very warm, the Wind being Southerly; About 3 Oclk. a cloud arose to the Westward which about 4 Oclock produced much rain and wind and entangled the flax that was rank very much.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck, all the Hoes were weeding & setting Carrots where they were missing. Set two plows with single horses into the Corn with orders to throw the furrows towards the Corn--A small triangular harrow to level them and to tare the clods & grass asunder. One plow weeding the Pease in Hills and the others, & harrows preparing for, and putting in Pease broad-cast.
At Muddy hole, the Plows and Hoes finished, about 9 Oclock, weeding the Irish Potatoes. The first went to Frhs. and the others came to the New ground at the Mansn. Ho. & finished setting Corn--after which they came into the vineyard Inclosure to Weed Potatoes Carrots &ca. but the rain drove them in and the wetness of the ground prevented further working there.
At Dogue run, The Hoes, and the Plows were weeding Corn. The other 2 Plows being at Frenchs were ordered home this Evening.
At French's--the 3 plows from Muddy--the two from Dogue run & the three belonging to the place were plowing the Corn--one, following the rest--turning the Mould to the Plant. Stopped one of the Plows & set in lieu of it two harrows to preparing the Newly plowed ground for Potatoes. The Hoe people were pulling weeding from some foul pease about Manleys Houses.
At the Ferry--Both Hoes & Plows were weeding Corn and a harrow preparing the Intervals betwn. for Potatoes.
Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning--78 at Noon And 67 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and weather clear but about One Oclock a cloud came up and produced rain but neither hard or much of it--afterwhich it turned cool--the Wind being at N. W.
Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck--the ground being too wet to plow in the Corn ground, those & the harrow which were there, were obliged to quit and return to the Pease ground--the rest working as usual. About 10 Oclock the Hoe people finished weeding & transplanting Carrots,
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rots, and all (except Ben who was left to Sow Pease, as the ground could be prepared--Lydia for the purpose of Milking, & Will because he was unable to walk and all 3 to weed the Pease in hills) came to the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Muddy hole, the Hoes were in the New grd. and the Plows at French's.
At Dogue run all the Plows (the two being returned from Frenchs) were plowing the Corn and the Hoes weeding it.
At Frenchs the same work as yesterday--but a plow was ordered to open furrows for Potatoes & the People to go about Planting of them tomorrow.
At the Ferry--One Plow opening furrows for Potatoes--the others weeding Corn. The Hoe people planting Potatoes after an Interval, occasioned by the continual rains and very wet ground of 16 days.
Began, yesterday, to set another Brick Kiln.
Ben, who was about 59 years old, and Lydia, who was about 39, were both dower slaves (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).
Wednesday 25th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--62 at Noon And 60 at Night. Morning clear & cool with the wind fresh from No. Wt. at which point it continued all day.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Dogue run Plantations.
At the Ferry--The Plows, Hoes and harrows were preparing for, and putting in Irish Potatoes. Began, and finished cutting the Rye at this place not so much because it was ripe, as because it was of little worth, and because the grain would get nothing by remaining and the Straw would grow worse. To what cause, unless to its being Sown too early, or too thick, to ascribe the meanness of this Rye, I know not; in the Autumn it looked the most promising of any I had.
At French's--Began to Plant Potatoes. The Plows and harrows were preparing for it as yesterday.
At Dogue Run, The Plows and Hoes were in the Corn. Set two Harrows to preparing for the reception of Potatoes between the Carrots Cabbages &ca.
Set fire to another Brick kiln to day--qty. said to be 35,000.
Mrs. Stuart who went to Maryland on Sunday, returned this Morning accompanied by her brothr. George Calvert. Mr. Tracey came here this evening.
George Calvert (1768--1838) was apparently the second oldest of Benedict Calvert's surviving sons (BOWIE, 102--3).
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Thursday 26th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--68 at Noon And 68 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind Southerly.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run and Muddy hole Plantation.
At the Ferry--the Hoe People were (as yesterday) planting Potatoes. One harrow preparing for them--a Plow opening for, and covering of them and the other two Plows throwing a furrow to the Corn on each side one.
At French's, The Plows having got through the Corn ground about 10 'Oclock those belonging to Muddy hole returned home. The Work at this place being backward, I put the 6 hands which had been cradling, and all that could be spared from the Hay, to planting Potatoes and Weeding Corn--also to setting it in the Missing parts.
At Dogue run. The Hoes having finished weeding Corn, as was the case also with the Plows, the first were employed in planting Potatoes, two harrows preparing before them. Two plows (when one of them was not opening furrows for, & covering the Potatoes) were engaged in plowing between every other Corn-row (those first planted with Potatoes) and in the following manner--viz.-- to the Corn, on each side, three furrows were thrown, wch. brought the Plows as near to the Potatoes which grew between as could be done with propriety. This plowing was immediately followed by the light triangular harrow which went four times between the Corn--i.e. twice between it and the Potatoes--once as near the latter as the tines could run without injuring them & next, as near the Corn as it could go without breaking it down, or touching it. This operation drew loose earth to both kinds of plants. Pulverised the ground--levelled the furrows and gave the whole a very good & garden like appearance. At this place, for an experiment, I caused five of the short rows of Potatoes at the No. Wt. corner of the field to be harrowed. This was done by running one of the double harrows twice upon the Potatoes (which had been just plowed). The ground by this means was put in fine order but some of the Potatoes were drawn up by the Roots--many appeared to be loosened and covered with the dirt. Time must shew how far they have been destroyed, or injured by this operation. The rows, especially the fifth; seemed to be as well taken as those adjoining.
At Muddy hole--One plow (which came from Frenchs last Night was employed in checquering at the distance of 3 feet the three feet ridges which had been plowed for Pease and the others were to open these furrows, to see if the time & trouble of hilling
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could not be saved by it and the Pease equally well planted. The Hoes (as those also from the Neck) were in the New-ground, after they had wed the things in the Vineyard inclosure.
Friday 27th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 66 at Night. A brisk So. Wt. Wind all day. Morning tolerably clear but the Clouds soon began to gather, & by Noon it was very thick & now & then dropping rain but none fell though it continued very Cloudy.
Mr. Griffith, who came in yesterday afternoon, staying to dinner prevented my riding to day. Colo. Wren (Commr. for receiving the list of Taxable property) came in before dinner & went away with Mr. Griffith.
James Wren (c.1728--1815) of Long View, Fairfax County, was appointed tax commissioner in "Truro district" by the Fairfax County court 22 Jan. 1788 and took the oath of office 19 May 1788 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1783--88, 488, 505, Vi Microfilm). Born in King George County, he moved to Fairfax County by 1756. He was a vestryman of Fairfax Parish by 1766 and became a justice of the Fairfax County court in 1783 (STEADMAN [2], 471--78).
Saturday 28th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. and Morning very cloudy, but no rain had fallen in the Night; it afterwards cleared and became pleasant.
The Inhabitants of Alexandria having received the News of the ratification of the proposed Constitution by this State, and that of New Hampshire and having determined on public rejoicings, part of which to be in a dinner, to which this family was envited Colo. Humphreys my Nephew G. A. Washington & myself went up to it and returned in the afternoon.
On my way up I visited all my Plantations and
At the Ferry, found that the Planting of Potatoes had been compleated last night--quantity 128 bushls. That the Hoe people were gathering up, & shocking the Rye which had been cut down on Wednesday. And that three plows were throwing, as at Dogue run and in the Neck, 6 furrows to the Corn, 3 on each side; followed by the light harrow and one of the dble. harrows (drawn by the Mules) was going to work where the Potatoes had been Planted in the No. part of the field for the purpose of levelling the covering over them and tearing up the grass where the ground was harder.
At French's--Precisely the same work was going forward as on Thursday with some additional hands from the Meadows yesterday and to day.
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At Dogue-run--the Hoe people had finished planting (last evening) Irish Potatoes and were weeding, and thinning the Carrots in Rows between the Corn.--qty. of Potats. 124½ Bls.
At Muddy hole--the Plows were at Work for Pease and the Hoes were in the Mansion house New ground.
In the Neck--The Hoe People except two Men, two boys, and a Woman who were weeding Pease (in hills) were in the Mansion Ho. New ground. The Plows that were not in the Corn ground, and the Harrows, having just finished preparing for, and putting in Pease & Beans in broadcast had returned to, and were preparg. for Buck Wht. All the ground in field No. 8, South of the road leading to the Creek landing was Sown with Pease; to do which it took 21 bushels: Whereof 13¾ bushels were of the large redish crowder kind which was on the East part next to the gate--as far as a line of stakes--the remainder 7¼ bushls. in the West part, were of the common Sort of Pease. On the other, or No. side of the Road, & next the Creek, were 2¾ bushls. of homony beans sown in broadcast.
The New Hampshire Convention ratified the Constitution 21 June by a vote of 57 to 46, and Virginia's Convention did the same four days later with a vote of 89 to 79. As the ninth and tenth states to ratify, they made it legally possible to implement the new Constitution.
Alexandria received news of Virginia's ratification during the previous evening and of New Hampshire's action a short time later. "Foederal to a man," the Alexandrians promptly illuminated their town "in an elegant manner" and communicated "the agreeable intelligence . . . to . . . neighbours, up and down the river, by a well timed discharge of cannons." The dinner held this day was at John Wise's tavern. GW "was met some miles out of town by a party of Gentlemen on horseback, and escorted to the tavern, having been saluted on his way by the light infantry company in a respectful manner. His arrival was announced by a discharge of ten cannon," and after dinner ten toasts were drunk, each punctuated by a cannon shot (GW to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 28 June 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 June 1788, MH; Pa. Packet, 11 July 1788).
Sunday 29th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--68 at Noon And 68 at Night--Wind at No. Wt. with flying clouds & cool all day. Towards evening the appearances of rain encreased but none fell.
Monday 30th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--72 at Noon And 72 at Night. Morning clear & cool, the Wind being at No. W. but shifting afterwards to the So. Wt. it grew warm.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Dogue run Plantations; and to the Brick yard.
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At the Ferry--three plows & two harrows were at work as mentioned yesterday & the other people were gathering up & Shocking the Rye which had been cut down.
At French's. The Muddy hole plows came there about 8 Oclock; and the Hoe People from D. Run (except the two old women) about 11; in order that my Corn might be hoed and my Potatoes get Planted. And abt. 5 Oclock in the Afternoon 12 hands from the Neck were also added to them. The whole employed in Weeding & setting Corn, & planting Potatoes. Two harrows and one plow were preparing for, and covering the latter--While 4 plows threw a single furrow on each side of the Corn to facilitate the Hoe work.
At Dogue Run--the Hoes, until I ordered them to French's were weeding and thinning Carrots; but seeing no prospect of their accomplishing it today, and the work above mentioned being more essential the change of course was made. Three plows were Plowing Corn as usual. The little harrow following. Moll being Sick the 2d. harrow (newly-fitted up) was stopd.
At Muddy hole--the Plows having checquered the ground intended for Pease went, as before mentioned, to French's. The Hoe people having, abt. 5 Oclock, finished the Mansion House New ground, recd. the Pease sent me by Colo. Spaight & those brought from York river by my Nephew, and went to planting them in the following manner--viz.--the small white Peas picked from the others, which were red, and which hardly exceeded a pint were to be planted in the South Corner of the ground. Then leaving an interval of a Row, the Red Pease of do. were to be planted, & then after another interval of a Row, those from York River were to follow.
Moll, a laborer, may be the cook Molly, age 45, who was at Dogue Run in 1799 (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786; list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).
The peas from Richard Dobbs Spaight came to Mount Vernon "by way of Baltimore." GW sent his thanks to Spaight on 25 May, promising to "cultivate the Pease with care--this year in hills, to accumulate Seed--Next year in broadcast, for a crop" (Nc-Ar).
July first. Thermometer at 68 in the morning--74 at Night and 78 at Night. Wind at So. West in the forenoon but calm afterwards.
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Rid to the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first, the Plows and harrows were at work, as usual. The other people having gathered up, and put the Rye in shocks, went this morning to assist in Weeding Corn & Planting Potatoes at French's.
At French's. The hands which were there yesterday, with the addition of those from the Ferry, were employed in Weeding Corn & planting Potatoes. The first was accomplished with the Hoes about 4 Oclock. Eight Cradlers were employed here, who cut down the Rye in No. 6 by 10 Oclock--next the ripest of the Wheat on the Creek side and then went about the Rye by the road in the Meadow.
At Dogue-run, 4 plows and a harrow following, were in the Corn as usual, and
At Muddy hole--the Hoe people, (except three sick) were planting Pease. The Plows at French's as before.
Began to lay the frame for the lower floor of the New Barn--1st. the part for the threshing floor.
Miss Nancy Stuart came here this evening from Mr. L. Washingtons.
Wednesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A little rain fell in the Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. but calm afterwards.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations.
At the Ferry--The Plows were going as usual and the Assembled force, after the business was accomplished at French's, repaired hither and wed out the Carrots and Cabbages.
At Frenchs--the hands which had been brought from the several quarters, finished Planting the Potatoes 136 bushels, all of the red Sort and wed out the Carrots. The Plows also got over the Corn grd. and two from Muddy hole, and one belonging to the plantation with a small harrow began it again on the West side--the harrow to follow the Plows as at the other places.
At Dogue Run four Plows and a harrow were at work as usual and about 10 Oclock got over the first Planted potato Rows East of the Carrots and went back to plow the intermediate ones subsequently planted. Began with 8 Cradles to cut Rye here to day.
At Muddy hole. Finished planting the ground with Pease which had been prepared for them--which took all those sent me by Colonl. Spaight of No. Carolina--and abt. 3 pecks of those
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brought from York River. Intervals between them as has been mentioned.
Mr. Bushrod Washington, and Mr. Richd. Blackburn came here to dinner; & Mrs, Stuart &ca. went away.
Richard Scott Blackburn was Bushrod Washington's brother-in-law.
Thursday 3d. Thermometer at 68 in the morning--82 at Noon. And 72 at Night. Clear and quite calm in the morning. In the Afternoon the wind sprung up & blew tolerably fresh from the So. Et. About 4 Oclock a cloud arose to the Westward & approached in the Winds eye & began to rain very moderately, and continued to do so in the same manner for ¾of an hour, without Wind.
Rid to all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--two Cradlers began to cut Wheat in No. 1 on Stoney hill but it being rather green, in places, it was thought best to let it lay a day before binding. The People therefore went into and wed the Corn which was in the low part of the field--2 Plows and harrows at Work as usual there.
At French's--three plows, and two harrows were at Work--one of the double harrows going before the Plows (over the Newly planted Potatoes) and the small (triangular one following after them). Will (the Overseer) and 4 of his own Women--Delia being taken from Spinng.--Davy from the Mill and Sinah and Lilly from the House were employed in taking up the Wheat and Rye that was cut down on Tuesday last.
At Dogue Run. Two plows and a Harrow were at work in the Corn. All the other hands, with Mima from the House, were engaged in securing the Rye that was cut yesterday. The Dutchman & Simms were cutting the cape Wheat, and other Wheat in the little field by French's--Seven Cradlers were at work cutting Rye in field No. 6 by Colo. Masons--viz.--Isaac, Cooper Tom, Ben, Adam, Jack, Paschal & Abram--which they began pretty early this Morning after finishing that in fd. No. 4.
At Muddy hole--5 Cradlers--viz.--Mink Will, Cowper Jack, Tom Nokes Charles and Gabriel (newly put to it) were cutting Rye. All the other hands with Virgin from the House, were securing it.
In the Neck--Two plows and a harrow were yet preparing part of field No. 8 for Buck Wheat; that part of this field which had been sown with Pease had come up very well. Two plows and the little harrow were in the Corn field--And 1 plow was in the hilled
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Pease. The other two were stopped that the drivers might assist in the harvest field. Began with Seven Cradlers--viz.--James, Tom Davis, Boatswain, Sambo, Smith George, Essex & Ned to cut Rye. All the other hands were securing it after them.
The names of the slaves mentioned here illustrate GW's efforts to make full use of his labor force in the fields at harvest time. All four of the slaves at the mill--miller Ben and coopers Davy, Tom, and Jack--were sent to the fields as were the four Home House carpenters: Isaac, James, Sambo, and Tom Nokes. Other Home House slaves who were given harvest duties were the carter Simms, bricklayer Tom Davis, blacksmith George, laborer Boatswain, and four young girls: Sinah, age 16; her sister Mima, age 12: and Lilly and Virgin, both age 13. Adam and Jack were laborers normally assigned to Dogue Run; Mink Will, Charles, and Gabriel were Muddy Hole laborers; and Essex and Ned were River plantation laborers. Will, the overseer at French's plantation, was apparently one of the slaves rented from Penelope Manley French, as were Delia, Paschal, and Abram (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786; deed of Penelope Manley French to GW, 18 Oct. 1786, Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q-1, 392--96, Vi Microfilm).
Friday 4th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--74 at Noon--And 74 at Night. A very heavy Morning with the Wind at South where it continued all day with sparse dripping rain at Intervals till One or two Oclock when the clouds broke; but another arising at dusk it rained hard for about 20 Minutes.
Visited all the Plantations in the Morning, and all except that in the Neck in the afternoon.
At the Ferry--The same Plows as yesterday, were at Work. The other hands were following the Cradlers; binding & putting the Wheat in small shocks.
At French's--The Rye which had been cut down being too wet to bind--the People were Hoeing, till the Afternoon, Corn; Three plows and two harrows were at work as yesterday.
At Dogue Run--The same cause preventing the binding of Rye, the Hoe People went to thinning and weeding of Carrots. Two Plows and a harrow at Work. The Cradlers having cut down the Rye in field No. 6, went, after breakfast to cutting the ripest & thickest set Barley in No. 2--where they were ordered to remain till dinner time and then repair to Muddy hole and cut the forwardest of the Barley there till Night and then to proceed into the Neck to do the like at that place tomorrow.
At Muddy hole. Being interrupted by the dripping Rains, the binders fell a good way behind the cradlers, but when the State of the grain would permit they returnd to this Work. The Cradlers (4, Jack having cut himself) would nearly finish the Rye this Evening.
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In the Neck--The Cradlers continued to cut, but the grain being too damp to bind, the People for the greater part of the time were weeding the Pease in hills. Two Plows & a harrow were in the Corn--One in the hilled Pease--and two Plows & a harrow were preparing for & putting in Buck Wheat.
In the Afternoon, Mr. Madison and Doctr. Stuart, with a Son of Mr. Willm. Lee, arrived from Richmond.
James Madison was returning to New York from the Virginia Ratifying Convention in Richmond to resume his congressional duties. Bothered somewhat by ill health recently, he had been urged by GW in a letter dated 23 June 1788 "to take a little respite from business" and to tarry at Mount Vernon for that purpose. "Moderate exercise, and books occasionally, with the mind unbent, will be your best restoratives," GW advised (NjP).
William Ludwell Lee (1775--1803) was the only living son of William and Hannah Philippa Ludwell Lee.
Saturday 5th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning pure, and day clear till evening when there were great appearances of Rain but little or none fell here--The body of the cloud passing to the Southward of us.
Doctr. Stuart, after breakfast left this and Colo. Humphreys, who went with Mrs. Stuart to Abingdon on Wednesday returned home.
I remained at home all day with Mr. Madison.
Sunday 6th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--78 at Noon--And 79 at Night--heavy morning with Clouds all day--In the afternoon a slight Shower & about dusk a pretty heavy one for 15 or 20 Minutes.
Colo. Fitzgerald and Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner and after Dinner, Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Hartshorn on business of the Potomack Company called--all of whom went away in the Afternn.
Monday 7th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning--82 at Noon And 82 at Night. Morning clear with the wind pretty fresh from South, which continued all day. About Sundown a cloud from the Westward produced a hard rain for 12 or 15 minutes with strong wind. Some thunder and lightning.
After dinner--Mr. Madison, and the Son of Mr. Lee went (in my Carriage) to Alexandria in order to proceed on to New York in the Stage tomorrow.
I remained at home all day.
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Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 76 in the morning--82 at Noon and 82 at night. Morning clear with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southward which continued all day.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--Only one plow at Work (the driver of the other being sick). About Noon sent two more Cradlers to this place--one from Dogue run & the other from Muddy hole to assist in cutting down Wheat that the Oats here which were getting very ripe might be set about.
At French's--The grain that had been cut down, being too wet, from the Rain of yesterday evening, to gather up but that which was standing being drier, and to be bound with safety the Cradlers and their followers were set about the standing Wheat untill that which was down should dry. The ground being wet I stopped the Plows to assist with the grain. The Barley at this place was cut down yesterday.
At Dogue run--the same cause produced the same effect with respect to the management of the standing, & lying down grain; but three Cradlers only were at work here (the two belonging to French's having gone home, the Cradle of another being broke, and a fourth having been sent to the Ferry). As soon as the Rye, which was on the ground, was dry enough to take up & bind (which happened by 10 Oclock, it was set about; and the Cradlers went to cutting the remainder of the Barley. Stopped the two plows which were at Work here (the driver of the third being unable to follow it) on acct. of the wetness of the grd. and to assist in the harvest.
At Muddy hole. Till the cut grain was dry enough to take up, the force here was employed in cutting down & securing Wheat. About 10 Oclock the Cradlers as well as others--went to raking & binding Barley.
In the Neck--the Morning was spent in cutting down and securing Wheat--after which in taking up Rye & Barley. But my forward Oats (from Spotswoods seed) in field No. 2, being lodged, and in a ruinous way, I set the Cradlers into these about One 'clock to cut them down. Finished covering the last of the Buck Wheat here this Morning--Four Plows and a harrow at work here.
Wednesday 9th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind fresh from the Southward. Soon after day light it began to Rain, accompanied by thunder and the former Continued till about Seven Oclock. About Noon, clouds
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again arose and at intervals produced Rain thro the whole afternoon but not violent.
Visited all the Plantations. Harvest very much interrupted at them by the frequent Showers.
Stopped two Plows at French's, & sent the drivers of them into the harvest field at this place.
In this & the other fields much time is lost in shifting from one sort of work to another in order to get the grain down and secured.
A Captn. Gregory (a french Gentlemn. who served in the American Navy last War & now in the Service of Rob. Morris Esqr.) came here by Water from Dumfries. Dined, Supped and returned.
Stephen Gregory served as a lieutenant in the Continental navy and was now commanding merchant vessels for Robert Morris. He had come to Dumfries from Richmond on business and had brought with him a letter of introduction to GW from Morris (Morris to GW, 3 July 1788, DLC:GW; HOWARD, 100--102, 108, 209).
Thursday 10th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 76 at Night. Morning clear, with the Wind fresh from the So. Wt. In the Afternoon, about 4 O'clock a very heavy & severe rain fell for about ten or 15 minutes which set every thing on float.
Visited all the Plantations. The work at each very much impeded by the Rains--the Grain in places broken down by them, and the Wheat being very ripe, and the Oats getting so very fast, makes an unfavourable prospect in the Harvest fields.
Work as usual at all.
Friday 11th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--85 at Noon And 82 at Night. Clear Calm in the Morning, with the Wind at So. Wt. afterwards & clear all day.
Visited the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations and after going to the last returned back by the former on my way home.
The Wet occasioned by the Rain of yesterday afternoon, and the very heavy dew of this morning rendered it impracticable to do any thing to good effect with the grain and the Plowing being very heavy I directed the Plows to be stopped and the drivers to go to the harvest field.
At the Ferry--Finished cuttg, but not binding & shocking all the
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Oats and the Cradlers went into the best of the Wheat about One Oclock.
At French's--Having got up all the Wheat that was down, the Rakers went into the Barley that had been cut down since Monday and the Cradlers to cutting down the English Oats.
At Dogue Run--The Cradlers and Rakers (the Barley in the Morning not being fit to Rake up) went into the field No. 4 and by Dinner time would have cut all that part next the House down and got it secured. After which the workers would return to the Barley again.
At Muddy hole--The Cradlers & Rakers in the Morning were employed in the Wheat--after which all hands returned to getting up the Barley.
Began to set another Brick kiln to day.
Saturday 12th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning--86 at Noon And 85 at Night. Morning calm & clear--So. Westerly Wind thereafter.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the first--Four Cradlers were cutting Wheat in No. 6 and binding it--but after cutting that which stood tolerably well would go to French's.
At French's--all hands (Plow drivers included) were getting up the Barley.
At Dogue Run. The Cradlers about 10 Oclock would have finished cutting down the Barley & would go into the ripest Oats. All the other hands (except two at the Plows) were securing the Barley.
At Muddy hole. About Eleven Oclock, both Barley & Rye would be in Shock that had been cut down when the five Acres of Barley in the experimental ground would be next cut down.
To a late Breakfast Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Morris, their two Sons Daughter and Mr. Gouvr. Morris came.
Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morng.--84 at Noon and 79 at Night. Calm & clear in the Morning, but about two O'clock a cloud arose in the No. Wt. quarter which produced very heavy rain for 15 or 20 Minutes with violent wind, which laid down a great deal of my standing grain--grass--and flax; Blew down much of my fencing; the caps of all the shocks of grain and in many places (where they had been lately made) the Shocks themselves. About dark another gust came which discharged more
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rain but with less Wind than the former and both together made the ground exceedingly wet.
Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart and the three girls, and Mr. George Lee of Maryland came here to Breakfast and Mr. Lowry with a Mr. Tate and a Mr. Hamilton (the first from England and the other from the West Indies) and Mr. Williams came here to Dinner--after whh. all of them went away except Doctr. Stuart and family.
Monday 14th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning 79 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm Morning, with very little wind all day, & that variable.
Rid before Breakfast to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run and Muddy hole--at all they were putting up the Fences which were blown down yesterday--after which,
At the Ferry the hands went to cutting & securing Wheat (which, tho' standing, was very damp).
At Frenchs the hands were united with those from the Ferry in the above work. Plows were stopped on acct. of the heaviness of the ground.
At Dogue-run--after putting up the Fencing, the hands with the Cradlers (which had been cutting Oats till then) went into field No. 6 to cut the ripest and strongest Wheat. No plowing here to day.
At Muddy hole--after rectifying the Fencing all hands went to cutting and securing Wheat in field No. 2.
Tuesday 15th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Cloudy Morning with droppings of Rain but more clear afterwards with variable winds.
Early in the Morning Mrs. Stuart and family left this and about 11 Oclock Mrs. Washington & myself accompanied Mr. Mrs. Morris &ca. as far as Alexandria on their return to Philadelphia. We all dined (in a large Company) at Mr. Willm. Hunters; after which Mr. Morris & his family proceeded and Mrs. Washington, Colo. Humphreys & myself retd.
Wednesday 16th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night. The Morning was cloudy, a good deal of Rain having fallen about day break. Wind at East & varying between that and South. Cloudy all day.
Visited all the Plantations--Plows stopped at all by the wet, & heaviness of the ground except in the Neck. Harvest impeded by the former--but I directed the grain at all to be cut down (tho' it
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could not be bound up in the Morning) as it had got quite ripe and the Wheat in many places broke down.
Thursday 17th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning--83 at Noon And 83 at Night. Close morning with the Wind at South, but not much of it at any time of the day.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first, finished getting up & shocking all the Oats--after which the hands (except the Ferry men, and the drivers of a Plow & harrow which were in the Corn) went to French's.
At French's--The Cradlers having Cut all the grain at that place were gone (Six of them) to cutting Oats at Dogue run. The other people were re-shocking Wheat & binding and Shocking Oats. No plows at Work here to day.
At Dogue run--Four Cradlers, as usual, were cutting Wheat in field No. 6 and the hands of the place securing it after them. Six Cradlers from French's were cutting Oats in No. 2.
At Muddy hole--four Cradlers were cutting Wheat in field No. 4 having finished what was in No. 1 by breakfast this morning. Rakg. & binding at this place is up with the cutters.
Agreed with [ ] to sink a well at my Barn for the doing, and walling of which, wch. is to be 3 feet in the clear I am to give him 4/6 pr. foot; & and if any uncommon impediments should interpose (such as rocks, gravel that cannot well be penetrated, or quicksands that cannot be kept up) I am to make a further reasonable allowance. He is to do all the labouring and walling work, and is to obtain 6, or 5½ ft. water and when water is come to, and the Kirb [curb] about to be sunk he is to attend in Person to the execution.
In the Afternoon Mr. John Bassett--his wife, Miss Brown his Wife's sister and Patcy Dandridge came.
John Sullivan received £3 9d. on 1 Aug. for "diging & walling" the well at GW's new barn (LEDGER B, 270).
Elizabeth Carter Browne Bassett had two sisters: Judith Carter Browne (1773--1830), who later married GW's nephew Robert Lewis (1769--1829), and Mary Burnet Browne, who married Herbert Claiborne of King William County. PATCY DANDRIDGE: probably Martha Washington Dandridge, daughter of Mrs. Washington's brother Bartholomew Dandridge. She was a cousin of John Bassett (CARY [2], 36).
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--86 at Noon And 77 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind Southerly, and fresh all day. About 2 oclock a cloud from the Westwd. produced
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for 10 or 15 minutes a good deal of rain and wind from No. Wt. which cooled the Air very much.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--one plow and harrow were at work, and the other people in the Morning weeding Potatoes. Afterwards till the Rain, assisting at French's to bind & shock Oats. The whole then, went into their respective Corn fields.
At Frenchs--One plow and harrow were at Work. The other people with the assistance, and in the manner above were securing of Oats.
At Dogue run--The Cradlers would, about 11 Oclock, have finished cutting down the Wheat in fd. No. 6, & would proceed to cut down what was left standing in No. 4. The other Cradlers, by Night, would have finished cutting down the Oats, & were to unite. The hands of the Plantation were binding & shocking Wheat (a good way in the rear of the Cradlers) in No. 6. Except 2 plows at work.
At Muddy hole--all hands were in No. 4 Cutting & securing Wheat and had their work all up; that is, the binding & shocking even with the cutters.
In the Neck--It was the same and about the half of field No. 7 was secured. Five plows and a harrow was in the Corn field at work.
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at at 66 in the Morning--75 at Noon And 74 at Night. Clear and tolerably pleasant all day. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning but not much of it then, or at any other time of the day.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck--5 Plows and a Harrow were at Work in the Corn field. All the other hands were in the Wheat in No. 7.
At Muddy hole the two setts of Cradlers which had finished cutting down the grain last Night at Dogue run had come to this place and having finished Cutting the Wheat before breakfast were in the Oats which they would have cut down about or a little after dinner and wd. join the rakers in getting up the Wheat.
At Dogue run--All hands, except the Cradlers and two people at the Plow were getting up the Wht. that had been cut down. And after breakfast, Frenchs & the Ferry People came here to get up the Oats.
At French's--A Plow and Harrow were at Work--the other hands (as above) after getting their Oats in to Shock had gone to Dogue run.
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At the Ferry. The hands from this place had also gone to the same place. Two plows and a harrow were at Work here.
Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear and calm in the forepart of the day--some clouds and an Easterly wind afterwards.
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert, Mr. & Miss Muir, Doctr. Brown & his wife and Mrs. Conway came here to dinner and returned in the Afternoon.
Miss Muir was probably John Muir's only sister, Elizabeth (KING [4], 51).
Monday 21st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--74 at Noon And 70 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind at East in the Morning at which it continued varying Northerly all day.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--two Plows and a harrow were at Work in the Corn. The other hands were all at Dogue run in the Harvest field.
At French's--Three plows and a harrow were in the Corn. All the other people were at Dogue run.
At Dogue Run. Two plows and a harrow were in the Corn--the other hands, with those mentioned above from the Ferry & Frenchs, were all in the Harvest field. About Noon, all the Wheat was got into Shocks and by Night the Oats were also secured in like manner.
At Muddy hole--The Rakers were employed in getting up the Oats--all the Cradlers went into the Neck.
In the Neck--Five plows and a harrow were in the Corn--the 1st. of which would finish Plowing the alternate rows about 4 Oclock, and would next go into the Pumpkins. The Cradlers from Muddy hole would, about dinner time, finish cutting the Wheat in the Orchard Inclosure. The others wd. not be able to compleat the cuttg. of Field No. 7.
Two men, sent by [ ] began about 10 Oclock to sink a Well at my New Barn.
Mr. & Mrs. Porter and a Mr. Ingraham, and Young Doctr. Craik and his Sisters Mrs. West & Nancy Craik came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.
The two well diggers were apparently sent by John Sullivan.
This Mr. Ingraham may be Duncan Ingraham, Jr., of Philadelphia, who was in the Dutch trade. He was probably related to Thomas Porter's partner, Nathaniel Ingraham, who was on a voyage to Amsterdam at this time ( Pa. Packet, 7 Nov. 1788; Fairfax County Order Book for 1789--91, 144, Vi Microfilm; see also entry for 28 Feb. 1788).
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Tuesday 22d. Thermometer at 62 in the Morng.--76 at Noon, and 72 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at No. East--continued clear all day.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry. Two plows and a harrow were at work in the Corn grd. as were and had been the two Ferrymen. The other people were in the Harvest at Muddy hole.
At French's--Three plows and a Harrow were in the Corn--the rest of the hands were at Muddy hole.
At Dogue run--Two plows and a harrow were in the Corn field and the two old Women were weeding Pumpkins. The other people were at Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole--All hands were binding and securing Oats which was accomplished about dinner after which all hands (except the Women who had young Children) went into the Neck.
In the Neck--the Oats were cut down about Noon, & the last of the Wheat about five Oclock, when the Cradlers assisted in binding and securing the grain. One harrow in the Corn and the five Plows finished Weeding the Pumpkins after dinner.
Got Water which seemed to be good, and in tolerable plenty in about ten feet digging at my New Barn.
Mr. and Mrs. Fendall came here in the afternoon.
Wednesday 23d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at No. East Where it continued fresh all day with mists in the forenoon and a smart shower about 2'Oclock.
Visited all the Plantatns.
At the Ferry--Two plows and a harrow were at Work. The Plows began on the So. part of the field and were employed in throwing a furrow to both the Corn & Potatoes. The two ferry men were employed in weeding and hilling the former. The harrow in levelling the former plowings, and taring up the grass. The other hands were in the Neck closing the harvest at that place.
At French's--The Plows having got through the Corn, the two belonging to Muddy hole were sent home. The other was employed in throwing a furrow to the first Pla[n]ted Potatoes. The Harrow was engaged as usual. The other People were in the Neck, except a woman with a young Child who was weeding Pumpkins.
At Dogue run--Two plows and a Harrow were in the Corn. The two old Women, & two young ones with Children, were weeding Pumpkins. The rest were in the Neck.
At Muddy hole--The two women with young children, and the
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two Plow Women who had just returned from Frenchs were employed in Weeding Pumpkins. the other hands were in the Neck.
In the Neck--Five Plows and a harrow were in the Corn. The first, beginning on the West side, were going through every other row--throwing one furrow to both Corn and Potatoes &ca. The other hands were binding & shocking the last of the Wheat; which finishing about the hour of One, they, with those from the other plantations went, after the rain ceased to pulling flax.
The Men who were digging the well compleated their work this afternoon and returned to Alexandria--having, as they say, obtained 6½ feet of what appears to be good & constant water.
Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 74 at Night--A very high No. Et. Wind all Night, which, this morning, being accompanied with Rain, became a hurricane--driving the Miniature Ship Federalist from her Moorings, and sinking her--blowing down some trees in the groves & about the houses--loosning the roots, & forcing many others to yield and dismantling most, in a greater or lesser degree of their Bows, & doing other and great mischief to the grain, grass &ca. & not a little to my Mill race. In aword it was violent and severe--more so than has happened for many years. About Noon the Wind suddenly shifted from No. Et. to So. Wt. and blew the remaining part of the day as violently from that quarter. The tide about this time rose near or quite 4 feet higher than it was ever known to do driving Boats &ca. into fields were no tide had ever been heard of before--And must it is to be apprehended have clone infinite damage on their Wharves at Alexandria--Norfolk--Baltimore &ca.
At home all day.
The sudden shift in wind direction indicated the passing of the eye of the storm. GW's apprehension about the damage done elsewhere was well founded. This hurricane ravaged Bermuda on 19 July, and after sinking many vessels on the North Carolina coast, it struck Norfolk about 5:00 P.M. on 23 July. There, according to a newspaper account, the storm "continued for 9 hours--wind at start from NE--at 0030 [hours] it suddenly shifted to S and blew a perfect hurricane--tearing up large trees by the roots, removing houses, throwing down chimneys, fences, etc., and laying the greatest part of the corn level. . . . Only two ships in Hampton Roads survived the gale" ( Phila. Independent Gaz., 8 Aug. 1788, quoted in LUDLUM [2], 30--31). At Alexandria the storm was reported to have "brought in the highest tide that was ever known in this river, and the damage done to Tobacco, Sugar, Salt, &c. in the Warehouses in this town, is computed at five thousand pounds. Several inhabitants on the wharves were obliged to retire to their chambers, and some were taken out of their houses in boats. . . . The damage in the country to the wheat, growing tobacco, Indian-corn, &c. is beyond description; and many planters and farmers, who flattered themselves with much greater
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crops than have been known for many years past, had their hopes blasted by the violence of the storm" ( Md. Journal, 5 Aug. 1788). The center of the hurricane skirted Annapolis, causing little or no damage despite an unprecedented high tide ( Md. Gaz., 31 July 1788). However, at Baltimore this evening "The Wind . . . blew with unabated Fury, (accompanied with heavy Rain) for upwards of Twelve Hours, which occasioned a most dreadful Inundation of the Sea, that deluged all the Wharves, Stores, and low Grounds near the Bason and at Fell's Point, producing a Scene of Devastation and Horror not to be described. . . . Immense Quantities of Sugar, Rice, Salt, Dry Goods, and other valuable Merchandise, were entirely ruined" ( Md. Journal, 25 July 1788). North of Baltimore the storm apparently diminished rapidly, possibly exhausting itself in the Appalachian Mountains to the northwest (LUDLUM [2], 30--31).
Friday 25th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morng.--84 at Noon and 80 at Night. Fore part of the day clear--with a very warm sun--the remaining heavy and frequent showers--Wind at S.W.
Rid to all the Plantatns. Found the ground too wet either to plow among Corn, or set it up--It having been beat flat to the ground and a great deal of it broke short of.
At the Ferry--one cradler was cutting the thin wheat that remained. The other hands unable to do any thing in their Corn ground were sent to Frenchs.
At Frenchs--One Cradler was cutting the Oats which had been left. The other hands went abt. Wheat which was overflowed with the tide and then with the Ferry hands went to Dogue Run.
At Dogue-run all hands, with those of Muddy hole all day and The ferry & Frenchs part of the day were pulling flax except some of the men who were sent to repair the breaches in the Mill race.
At Muddy hole--the three plows were plowing in Buck Wheat those from Dogue run were ordered to join them tomorrow as they could not work in their own Corn ground.
In the Neck--all the River Fence being carried away, All hands (plow people as well as the rest) were collecting rails to repair it, to keep the Stock out of the fields of grain except One or two who were righting some Shocks of grain and Setting up Flax which had been pulled and blown all abt.
Saturday 26th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. More or less cloudy all day, with the Wind Southerly.
Remained at home.
Sunday 27. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 76 at Night--More or less cloudy with a heavy Shower of Rain about 3 oclock. Wind Southerly.
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Whilst we were at Dinner Judge Harrison of Maryland came in and stayed all Night.
Monday 28. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.--80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Morning very heavy with the Wind Southerly--About 7 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so for half an hour, fast; after which through the day there were light showers and close funky weather.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run & Muddy hole.
At the first--three plows were plowing in Buck Wheat--the other hands were repairing the fence which had been washed away by the tide.
At French's--all hands were at Dogue Run pulling flax. Ordered two of the Plows belonging to this place (the 3d. being disabled) to repair tomorrow the Ferry to plow in Buck Wheat.
At Dogue run--Four plows were at Work at Muddy hole and some hands on the Mill race. All the rest with those from Frenchs were pulling flax--the ground at every place being too wet to plow or Hoe in the Corn fields. The flax at this place as well as in the Neck, has been greatly injured by the continual rains which has beat a great deal of it to the ground which has rotted and by the immense growth of Weeds from which it was impracticable to separate it unless each plant, in a manner was individually pulled.
At Muddy hole--The three plows belonging to the Plantation and the four from Dogue run, were plowing in Buck Wheat. The other hds. were weeding a yard for the reception of grain and imprudently opening the shocks till they were ordered to do them up again.
The continual rains--the heat and closeness of the Weather conspiring was sprouting all the outside sheaves of the Shocks of every kind of grain that had been examined except Rye--and without the speedy interposition of dry weather--sun--and Wind must soon ruin it.
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning--81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Little or no wind--Morning though somewhat clear about sun rise soon became very thick foggy and heavy--after which the Wind came out--first at No. Wt. and then shifted to the No. Et. at which it continued.
Visited all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--Five plows were turning in Buck Wheat two of
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Francis Adrian Van der Kemp. (Unitarian Church of Barneveld, New York)
them from Frenchs. The other hands were weeding their. Wheat yard.
At French's--Except the two Plows which were at the Ferry, all were pulling flax at Dogue run.
At Dogue run--Four Plows were at work at Muddy hole. All the rest were pulling flax.
At Muddy hole--Seven plows were turning in Buck Wheat. The other People were weeding a yard for treading Wheat.
In the Neck--Eight Plows were turning in Buck Wheat. The rest of the hands, except some who were preparing the yard for the reception of grain and getting Corn Stalks to bottom the Stacks with Were weeding Pease.
Sowed Turnips yesterday in a square below the Stables--Norfolk Globe.
And began yesterday to cut Hay in the Neck. Finished this evening, except such parts of the Meadows as were under Water.
A Mr. Vender Kemp--a Dutch Gentn. who had suffered by the troubles in Holland and who was introduced to me by the Marquis de la Fayette came here to Dinner.
Francis Adrian Van der Kemp (1752--1829), Dutch soldier, scholar, and Mennonite minister, had been imprisoned in his homeland during a part of the previous year for revolutionary activities connected with the Patriot party, a group of Dutch liberals who wished to implement the republican ideals of the American Revolution in their country. Upon being freed in December, Van der Kemp found himself much reduced in fortune and faced with further political repression in the Netherlands. For some time he had thought of
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going to America to become a farmer, and in Mar. 1788 he sailed with his wife and children for New York. To ease his way Dutch friends obtained for him several letters of introduction to prominent Americans, including a letter from Lafayette to GW (6 Mar. 1788, PEL). Soon after his arrival in New York on 4 May, Van der Kemp dispatched the letters to their intended recipients (Van der Kemp to GW, 15 May 1788, DLC:GW). GW's reply of 28 May contained a cordial invitation to visit Mount Vernon when convenient, an invitation that Van der Kemp could not decline, having a great desire "to know that man, to whom america so much was indebted for her liberty" (Van der Kemp to GW, 16 July 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Van der Kemp, 28 May 1788, PHi: Autograph Letters of the Presidents).
Van der Kemp found Mount Vernon, as did many visitors, to be a place "where simplicity, order, unadorned grandeur, and dignity, had taken up their abode," although he detected in his host "somewhat of a repulsive coldness . . . under a courteous demeanour" (VAN DER KEMP, 115--16; JACKSON [2], 64--67, 142--43). Van der Kemp became an American citizen in 1789 and lived the remainder of his life in upstate New York farming and pursuing his scholarly interests.
Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.--78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A heavy morning with sprinklings of Rain; one of which, about 10 oclock, was a pretty heavy shower about Dogue run. Afternoon less cloudy with the wind brisk from the No. Et. & East. A red light (supposed to be the Aurora Borealis) in the North.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Muddy hole Plantations. At the Ferry--five Plows were at wk. The other hands were setting up Corn.
At Frenchs--Binding and shocking the Oats which were on the ground and the little Wheat in No. 2--The hands from D. Run assistg.
At Muddy hole. Seven plows were at Work; which where the Buck Wheat was Rank and stood thick on the ground turned it in very indifferently--nor no contrivance I could make seemed to have any good effect. The other hands after pulling the flax, weeded some of the foulest of the Pease in order to come into the New grd. Corn tomorrow.
The Man (Sullivan) who was to Wall up my Well, came to day to do it. Mr. Vender Kemp returned.
Thursday 31st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind still at No. Et. but not hard at any time of the day--tolerably dear.
Rid to all the Plantations.
At the Ferry--five Plows were at Work as yesterday. The other
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hands were hilling or hoeing Corn, though the ground was very heavy and wet.
At French's--The People with those from Dogue Run were pulling flax and cutting a few latter Oats.
At Muddy hole--Seven Plows (including those from D. Run) were at work. The other hands (except 5 in the Corn grd. at the Mansn. Ho. were employed in gettg. in & stacking Barley.
In the Neck--9 Plows were turning in B. Wheat. The other hands were weeding Pease, & getting in & stackg. Oats.
Mrs. Dulany & her daughter, and Doctr. Craik & Mr. B. Grymes dined here all of whom went away afterwards.
Elizabeth French Dulany and her husband, Benjamin Tasker Dulany, had six daughters and six sons. The daughters were Elizabeth French, Julia, Rebecca, Ann Bladen, Louisa, and Henrietta Maria Dulany.
1st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--75 at Noon--and 74 at Night--Not much wind, and that at So. Et.--Morng. clouded but tolerably clear afterwards.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run and Muddy hole.
At the Ferry--the same plows as yesterday were at work in the B. Wheat. The other hands, except the Carter, who was drawing rails to the Wheat yard, were Hoeing Corn.
At French's after getting up the Oats &ca. the People began to clean their Wheat yard.
At Dogue run--The same work was going forward together with the getting in Wheat from field No. 4. Four plows were at Muddy Ho.
At Muddy hole--The Cart, with proper assistance, was drawing in Wheat. The other hands were examining the Shocks of Oats &ca.
A Mr. Obannon--D. Surveyer in the Western Country--came here with some executed Land warrants--dined & proceeded on to Richmond afterwards.
John O'Bannon (d. 1813), a deputy surveyor of the Virginia Military Reserve lands northwest of the Ohio River, had surveyed for GW three tracts near present-day Cincinnati, Ohio, during the previous winter and spring. Totaling 3,051 acres, these tracts were surveyed on two military warrants purchased by GW: one for 3,000 acres issued to John Rootes for service in the
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French and Indian War and the other for 100 acres issued to Thomas Cope for service in the War of Independence. O'Bannon apparently deposited GW's warrants and surveys in the Virginia Land Office in Richmond, and on Dec. 1790 GW received a patent for the three tracts from the state. However, an act of Congress passed 10 Aug. 1790 stipulated that surveys for Virginia military lands northwest of the Ohio must be recorded with the secretary of state and federal patents issued (1 STAT. 182--84). This was not done for GW's three tracts during his lifetime, and although GW's heirs later attempted to make good his titles, they were unable to do so (Virginia Land Grants, Book 23, 420--23, and Virginia Surveys, Book 23, 846--48, Vi Microfilm; RANDALL, 303--18.
O'Bannon, a resident and militia officer of Fauquier County during the American Revolution, moved about 1784 to Kentucky, where he eventually became a prominent citizen of Woodford County (EVANS [2], 319--27). George Augustine Washington today paid O'Bannon £4 3s. for the surveys (LEDGER B, 270).
Saturday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 77 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind Southerly all day and tolerably clear.
Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry--Six plows were turning in B. Wheat--three of them from Frenchs. Tried the Patent Plow sent me by Major Snowden, whh. run easy and did good work. Gathered up the thin wheat wch. had been cut down some days ago.
At Frenchs--The hands were still preparing the Wheat yard, and the Cart drawing Rails to enclose it.
At Dogue run--five plows were at work at Muddy hole. The other hands and the Cart were getting in and stacking Wheat from field No. 4.
At Muddy hole--Eight plows were turning in B. Wheat. The other hands were getting in and stacking Wheat from field No. 2 and drying Barley shocks in the same field.
In the Neck--Eight Plows were turning in B. Wheat--One harrow preparing for Turnips between Corn Rows (left for the purpose, 13 in number, and which were sown with the Green Turps.) in No. 6. The rest of the hands, and two Carts, were getting in and stacking both wheat & Bar[le]y.
Mr. John Bassett & Wife and child, and Miss Brown, went away very early this Morning.
GW ordered the plow from Thomas Snowden 9 May 1787 when he stopped at Snowden's place in Maryland on his way to Philadelphia (GW to George Augustine Washington, 27 May 1787, CSmH). He was so pleased with this type of plow that he decided to employ it generally at Mount Vernon. On 3 Oct. 1788 he wrote Snowden requesting another plow exactly like the first one, as perfectly made as possible in both iron and wood, to serve as a model for others to be made in Mount Vernon's workshop. He also asked for
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"two dozen iron shears . . . of the proper sort and size to be manufactured with as little labour as may be into Ploughs" (DLC:GW).
The Bassett's first child, Virginia Bassett, was born 2 Sept. 1787.
Sunday 3d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng.--81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind South; and raining moderately from about five Oclock till nearly 7 when it ceased, and cleared--the Wd. remaining in the same place and continuing warm.
At home all day.
Monday 4th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Very little Wind and warm--towards the afternoon Sultry.
Went up to alexandria to a meeting of the Potomack Company; the business of which was finished about Sun down--but matters which came more properly before the Directors obliged me to stay in Town all Night.
Dined at Wise's and lodged at Colo. Fitzgeralds.
GW today delivered the annual report of the company's directors to the general members. "The unusual height of the Waters this Spring & Summer," he told them, "have greatly retarded our Operations on the River but should the Weather become more favorable we have reason to believe that a partial though not a perfect Navigation may be effected this fall & winter from Fort Cumberland to the Great Falls--at which place the Canal is nearly completed. Our principal force has been applied to the Shenandoah & Seneca Falls, which considering the number of hands & the unfavorable Season are in as great forwardness as we could expect" (BACON-FOSTER, 83--84).
Tuesday 5th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 79 at Night. Warm with but little wind.
The business before the Board of Directors detaining till near two Oclock (I dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds) and returned home in the Afternn.
Called by the Plantation at Muddy hole. Found the Cart and some hands getting in the grain to the Barn and yard and others chopping down weeds in the Corn at the Mansion house.
At Mount Vernon this evening GW found his nephew Lawrence Augustine Washington, who had run away from Samuel Hanson's home apparently with the aid of his brother George Steptoe Washington. Lawrence complained of ill treatment by Hanson and "offered to shew . . . some bruises he had received." GW severely reprimanded the boy for running away, threatened to punish him with his own hands, and sent him back to Hanson the next day after obtaining a promise "that there should be no cause of complaint against him for the future" (GW to Samuel Hanson of Samuel, 6 Aug. 1788, GW to George Steptoe Washington, 6 Aug. 1788, and Hanson to GW, 7 Aug. 1788, DLC:GW).
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Wednesday 6th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--76 at Noon--and 74 at Night. Very warm with the Wind Southerly & great appearances of Showers all the forenoon, but no rain fell here.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first--The Rows between the Corn, which had been planted with Cabbages and had perished, had been plowed and harrowed and were sowing with the Green (Norfolk) Turnip. One Plow was at Work before the Hoes in the Corn ground, & the other two, with the three belonging to Frenchs, had gone to that Place about 10 Oclock to plow in the Buck Wheat, weeds, &ca. in field No. 5 for Wheat--where 4 plows frm. Dogue run--& 3 from Muddy hole had gone for the same purpose yesterday. The Hoes except Cupid were hilling & Weeding Corn.
At Frenchs--all hands--with the Ferry Cart, & the Waggon from the mansn. Ho. were getting in the Wheat & Rye from field No. 6.
At Dogue Run, One plow was preparing the Intervals which was designed for Turnips between the Corn for sowing--Six hands were weeding & hilling Corn--and the others with the Cart were getting in and stacking the Wheat & Rye of No. 4.
At Muddy hole--Six hands were chopping down the Weeds in the Corn at M. Ho. The others were getting in and Stacking the Barley.
Cupid, a dower slave, was one of Ferry plantation's laborers (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).
Thursday 7th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 76 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. West and tolerably pleasant.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--Nine hands were weeding & hilling Corn, one plow going before them to throw a furrow on each side. The rest with the Waggon & two Carts were getting (Spotswood's) Oats--The Barley and wht. in the Orchard having been brot. in and stacked. Six plows were turning in Buck Wheat.
At all the other Plantations the Work was precisely the same as yesterday.
Friday 8th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning 69 at Noon and 70 at Night--Morning clear & rather cool--with appearances of dry weather--Wind North. About one Oclock however it overcast
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A pit for breeding mules, illustrated in Thomas Hale's Compleat Body of Husbandry, London, 1758. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
and betwn. 3 & 4 began a very slow rain wch. increased in the Night and a good deal fell.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, French's D. Run & Muddy Ho.
At French's--they would have finished, about two 'Oclock, getting in and stacking all the grain in No. 6; and would proceed to fencg. the yard, & securing the Inclosure--after which if there was time for it they would begin to get in and stack the Barley & Oats in No. 2. Plows in No. 5.
At the Ferry--One Plow, and the Hoe people were weeding and Hilling of Corn.
At Dogue Run--the Cart and necessary attendance for that, and Stacking, were employed about the Rye (Six besides the Overseer). The rest Seven, with two plows were in the Corn.
At Muddy hole. Having finished getting in, and stacking the Barley all hands about 1 Oclock came to the Corn grd. at the Mansn. Ho. but the Cart was ordered tomorrow to assist in getting in the Rye at D. Run.
Brought the Jenny with the Jack Colt from Muddy hole, and turned them, with the other Maltese Jenny--the two yearling Mule Colts and the 4 Sorrel Colts, into the Clover Paddock. The other Mares and Colts which were in No. 1 at Muddy hole were carried to No. 1 at Dogue Run for the benefit of the pasture.
Mr. Geo. Digges & a Dr. Kelty came to Dinr. & retd.
William Kilty (1757--1821) Of Prince George's County, Md., was born in London, attended school in France as a youth, and before the War of Independence moved with his parents to Annapolis, where he studied medicine under a local physician. He became a surgeon's mate in the Maryland Continental
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line in 1778 and two years later was promoted to surgeon. Captured at the Battle of Camden 16 Aug. 1780, he was later paroled and then returned to Annapolis, where he began studying law. He served as chief judge of the District of Columbia 1801--6 and as chancellor of the state of Maryland 1806--21 (KOOPMAN, 103--4).
Saturday 9th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Raining about day break--very heavy afterwards with the Wind at No. East till towards noon, when it cleared.
Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry. One Plow and the Hoes were in the Corn.
At French's--The Plows would have finished turning in the Buck Wheat g: Weeds in the East part of No. 5. The other hands were repairing the fences around fields 1 and 6.
At Dogue run--the rain which fell in the Night prevented the removal of grain till Noon, when the Cart &ca. continued getting in Rye. The other hands, were in the Corn as yesterday.
At Muddy hole all hands were threshing Rye.
In the Neck--The Carts were stopped by the wet. The Plows 8 of them were turning in B. Wht. and the other People were weeding Pease which were most abominably foul.
Mrs. Jenifer who came here yesterday to dinner returned home this afternoon.
Colo. Humphreys went to Abingdon and George Town.
Sunday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 67 at Night. The Wind was a little to the Eastward of No.--and as much to the Westward of it at Noon. The Morning lowered, but the weather brightned afterwards and looked more settled.
Monday 11th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning--76 at Noon and 66 at Night. Clear all day with the wind at North.
Visited all the Plantatns. At the Ferry--3 plows were at wk. in the Corn, and all the Hoes (except Cupid, who was stacking Barley at French's) were weeding and Hilling of Corn.
At French's--The Waggon and two Carts began to draw in Barley for Stacking--the hands engaged in loading, unloading, and Stacking it. 3 plows were at work in the Corn--turning two furrows to that, and to the Potatoes. Ordered the Flax that was set together (but not properly shocked) to be opened, thoroughly dried and put into a Stack.
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At Dogue run--five plows were at Work, throwing (as at Frenchs) two furrows to the Corn and two to the Potatoes. The other hands (except those about the Stock) were hilling Corn--which by this time was so grassy as in a manner to be lost, and the wk. not practicable to do, as it shd. be with either plows or Hoes. Overlooked the Stock at this place. Drew two Steers, & 3 old Cows out of the Cattle to be sent to a fresh Pasture at Frenchs for feeding. Withdrew the Lambs 49 in number from the other sheep for the purpose of weening them and placed them in the upper meadow. Also sorted the Sheep and set apart 3 old ewes and 25 old weathers for my own killing and for Market--The rest--viz. [ ] ewes and [ ] weathers for breeding & for Store sheep. Ordered the Horse Chevalier and a poor Mare to be turned into No. 1 to get fat for selling.
At Muddy hole. The hand were all at the Mn. Ho. Corn ground. Seperated 3 lambs & 5 Weathers from the rest of the Sheep, leaving [ ] yearling sheep for breeding. Drew a work Steer from the Cattle, to be sent to the feeding Pasture at Frenchs--also two young Mares to be broke in the Room of Jocky & Diamond (two old wk. Horses) which are to be sent to the Pasture at Frenchs to be fatted. Directed the Mare called Simpsons to the Ferry, to be broke in lieu of the bay Mare wch. came last year from the Neck and wch. is allotted for a breeder (not to work) --& a brown Mare to the Past[ur]e a[t] F[renc]hs.
In the Neck--Eight Plows were turning in Buck Wheat--one going over the Corn turning two furrows to it. The other hands, except those attending the Carts & stacking were brushing over the Pease which in a very rough and imperfect manner would be accomplished to day. Overlooked the Stock here, and seperated 13 (besides 2 Work Steers which will follow as soon as they can be spared) to go to the feeding Pasture at French's viz.--5 Steers & 9 cows. Seperated the Lambs 45 in number from the Ewes, & put them in Field No. 2. Drew 12 old weathers and 38 old ewes for killing and Marked and put them in Field No. 7. The residue--viz. 29 weathers & 79 ewes were turned in the Common Pasture. Ordered a Mare called Davy's and her Colt to Frenchs to recruit.
In the Evening Colo. Humphreys returned--accompanied by Mr. Geo. Calvert.
Tuesday 12th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind Northerly all day but not much of it.
The whole family, accompanied by Colo. Humphreys and Mr.
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Calvert crossed the River--dined with Mr. Geo. Digges--& returned in the Evening.
Wednesday 13th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind still Northerly and Morning clear. In the afternoon it shifted to the Southward and became warmer.
Visited the Ferry, French's, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first--Three Plows and all the hands were at Work in the Corn ground except Cupid--who was stacking at Frenchs. Examined the Stock at this place; and sent an old Steer and Cow to the fatting Pasture at Frenchs. Of the Sheep there was but one old weather which was brought to the Ho[use]; and there being but one of what might be called old ewes that was in danger of not standing the Winter, it was left to take its chance with the rest--wch. are as follow--
In all 60 Sheep. Cattle, besides the two which were sent to Frenchs are as follow
In all 57. The Horses were agreeable to the former acct. & reports--viz.--8 Workers--besides the one lately sent there from Muddy hole for that purpose & the two Mules--A bay Mare (young) with a small sorrel horse Colt.
At Frenchs--The Waggon and two Carts and all hands, except three people with the Plows, in the Corn field, were getting in and Stacking the Oats. Examined the stock here and put two old Cows, and five old weathers into the fatting field for killing or Market. Remainder of the Sheep were 32 Ewes and 16 Lambs. The horses were found agreeable to the list taken the first of Jany. 1787 and the reports since--as also the Cattle.
At Dogue Run--all the Ploughs and Hoes were in the Corn.
At Muddy hole--The Plows were crossing the Pease. All the
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other hands were chopping down Wds. in the Corn at the Mansn. House.
Thursday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind Southerly all day with appearances of rain after noon.
Went into the Neck, and to Muddy hole.
At the first--8 Plows were turning in Buck Wheat & one in the Corn. Two Carts and Ten hands were getting in and stacking Oats. All the rest were Weeding and hilling of Corn.
At Muddy hole--The three plows were employed as yesterday and all the other hands were threshing wheat for Seed.
Friday 15th. Thermometer at 67 in the morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind though very little of it, at East in the morning about Sun rise, with a small sprinkling of Rain; Abt. Noon a pretty serious shower fell with frequent sprinklings afterwards.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run.
At the first--the Plows and Hoes were employed as they were yesterday and the day before, that is the Plows were breaking up the grd. between the Corn and Potatoes--and the Hoes were weeding and drawing dirt to the latter--havg. hilld the Corn.
At Frenchs the wet morning prevented working among the grain. All hands therefore went to weeding a yard for the purpose of treading out the Barley & Oats in field No. 2.
At Dogue run the 5 plows would have finished throwing a furrow to the Corn & Potatoes by Noon and would begin on the West side of the field to plow up the balks between these two furrows. At Night the Hoes compleated the hilling of the Corn.
At Muddy hole--The Hoe people were all in the Corn at the Mansion House. The plows finished crossing the Pease, and breaking up the ground which had been in flax in No. 3.
Saturday 16th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning 69 at Noon And 67 at Night. Wind at East, & No. Et. all day--Showery in the Night & this morning but moderate & without wind--also towards Sundown.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the Ferry--the same work, precisely, was going on as yesterday.
At Frenchs--No Carting or Stacking of grain. 3 plows were in
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the Corn--the other hands weeding a yard to tread out the English Oats No. of the Branch.
At Dogue run--3 Plows were at work--one was stopped on acct. of sickness--and another to Harrow. The other hands were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes.
At Muddy hole All hands were threshing Wheat.
Sunday 17th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with clouds and appearances of Rain but none fell--except what fell in the Night.
Monday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wd. still at No. Et. and raining more or less, moderately, all day.
Remained at home.
Tuesday 19th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the forenoon with mists and light showers--In the afternn. it was at So. a little West and clear--though the Sun set in a bank.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run, and Muddy hole.
At the first--three plows were in the Corn and all the other hands were drawing dirt to the Potatoes.
At Frenchs--The Ploughs were stopped, till I set them to work abt. 11 Oclock. All hands till that time and the rest afterwards were hoeing the Corn.
At Dogue run, Four plows (one plowman being still sick) and all the rest of the hands, except one Woman sick, were among the Corn--The latter Weeding, and drawing dirt to the Potatoes. Ordered all except the Plow people & Carter, the latter with his Cart to Muddy hole, to go to Frenchs tomorrow to Hoe Corn.
At Muddy hole--three ploughs were crossing the East cut by the gate of Field No. 3 for Wheat. This ground did not work well. The Buck Wheat had not been buried long enough to have got sufficiently rotted; consequently the Ploughs choaked. The Waggon from the House, and the Cart were taking out dung to spread on the poor knowls in the field. Some hands were spreading it--and the others weeding, & drawing dirt to the Irish Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes adjoining.
Wednesday 20th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Clear and warm all day, with little or no Wind.
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Went up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined at Mr. Fendalls and returned in the evening.
Thursday 21st. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--79 at Noon and 79 at Night--Very little wind from the Southward--clear and warm all day.
Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry--began with 3 plows & a harrow, to sow and cover Wheat in field No. 7--The ploughs crossing the lately plowed in Buck Wheat and the harrow covering the grain at twice--that is--going as the plows do the first time--next, crossing it. Every other land was also sowed with Buck Wheat--for the experiment of its falling with the frost, and by laying on the Wht. during the winter keeping it warm and from being hove out of the grd. The Hoe people were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes.
At French's--The ploughs finished throwing on each side of the Corn a furrow--and begun on the West side of the field to break up the balks between. The other hands were employed--some in getting in and stacking the grain and the rest with those from Dogue-run and Muddy hole in hilling and weeding of Corn.
At Dogue run--three plows and a harrow were breaking up, and levelling the balks between the Corn & Potatoes. The Overseer and five hands were getting in & stacking the Rye that grew in field No. 4. The rest of the hands that were well--were at work at Frenchs.
At Muddy hole. Two plows & a harrow were putting in Wheat in the East cut of field No. 3. The Overseer & five hands were getting in and stacking the Wheat that grew (voluntarily) in No. 1. The rest of the hands--except Nancy, who was sick were at Work at French's.
In the Neck--Six plows were turning in B. Wheat. Two and a harrow were breaking up and levelling the balks between the Corn & Potatoes. Two Carts with the necessary attendance were getting in and stacking the Remainder of Spotswoods Oats, which would be finished this day (9 Stacks) and proceed to bringing in Wheat from No. 7. The rest of the hands (one pressing Cyder) were weeding Pease.
The slave Nancy, now about 17 years old, was the wife of Abram, one of the slaves that GW had hired from Penelope French. Her oldest child Oliver was born about 1788 (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).
Friday 22d. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning 82 at Noon and 80 at Night. Quite clear, calm and warm all day.
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Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, & Muddy hole plantations.
At the first, and two last the Work was precisely the same as yesterday.
At Frenchs--the getting in, stacking and securing the last of the grain would be compleated abt. Noon. About which time or a little after the Hoes would nearly have got over the Corn and would begin to weed & draw dirt to the Potatoes.
Mr. Richard B. Lee and his brother Theodk. Lee came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Saturday 23d. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--83 at Noon and 82 at Night. The Morning was very clear, calm, and Warm; but a pretty fresh Southwester blew afterwards and towards Evening the Weather looked hazy & lowering.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--Eight Plows and a harrow were at work in the Corn. The Waggon and two Carts were drawg. in Wheat from field No. 7 and the rest of the hands were about finishing weeding the Pease & pulling the large weeds from among the Pompions--after which would gather up the apples under the Trees.
At Muddy hole, the Plows and harrow were plowing for and putting in Wheat. The other hands were getting in & Stacking Oats and working at French's as yesterday.
At Dogue run--The Plows and harrow were in the Corn. The other hands were at Frenchs except such as were employed in getting in and stacking the Barley.
At Frenchs--The Plows as yesterday were breaking up the balks. All the rest were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes.
At the Ferry--The Plows and harrow were crossing for, & putting in Wheat. One land of which, designated by a stake drove into it, was trench plowed; or dble. plowed in the same furrow to break the ground 8 or 10 Inches deep to try the effect. This ought to have been done in the fall.
A Mr. George Thompson, from the Academy in Alexandria, with a letter to me from his father Doctr. Thompson respecting his Son in law Doctr. Spence; and Geo. Step. Washington came here to dinner & stayed all Night.
Dr. William Spence was the stepson of Dr. Thomas Thomson of Westmoreland County. As a boy Spence was sent to Great Britain for his education, which was culminated in 1780 by his taking a medical degree at Glasgow University. In Sept. 1781 he sailed for New York with a wife and child aboard the Buckskin Hero, but the vessel disappeared without a trace after having
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last been seen by another vessel two or three days' sail out of New York harbor. It was assumed that the Buckskin Hero had sunk with all aboard until a report in the spring of 1788 from a man claiming to be a former Algerian prisoner gave some hope that the vessel had been captured by Algerian pirates and the crew and passengers carried into slavery. That report prompted Dr. Thomson's letter, dated 12 Aug. 1788, to GW (DLC:GW). Although Thomson did not know GW personally, he was confident that GW would assist the family by asking French officials to make inquiries about the fate of Dr. and Mrs. Spence and their child. Strongly doubting the truth of the report, GW wrote for further information to Thomas Barclay of Philadelphia, who had been involved with American affairs in North Africa. Barclay confirmed GW's suspicions. The Buckskin Hero was not among the vessels captured by the Algerians, a fact that was further substantiated later by Thomas Jefferson through James Madison (GW to Thomson, 24 Aug. and 18 Sept. 1788, GW to Barclay, 31 Aug. and 18 Sept. 1788, DLC:GW; Madison to Jefferson, 8 Oct. 1788, Jefferson to Madison, 12 Jan. 1789, JEFFERSON [1], 14:3--4, 436--38).
George Thomson, a son of Dr. Thomson by his first wife, was apparently a schoolmate of George Steptoe Washington at the Alexandria Academy.
Sunday 24th. Thermometer at 75 in the morning--84 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning clear with but little Wind and that at No. Wt.--very warm.
Mr. & Mrs. Roger West & Miss Craik and Mr. Chas. Lee & his Sister and Miss Ballendine came here to dinner, all of whom stayed all night except Mr. & Mrs. West.
Monday 25th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning--84 at Noon and 84 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and clear.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and Muddy hole Plantations. At The Ferry--Three plows and the dble. Harrows were putting in Wheat and two Carts & the other hands getting in and stacking of Oats.
At French's--All hands, including those from D. Run & Muddy hole were weeding & earthing the Potatoes. 3 Plows were at work, but not able to keep before the Hoes.
At Dogue Run--Four Plows and a harrow were in the Corn. The Cart and some hands were getting in & Stacking Barley. The Rest were at Frenchs.
At Muddy hole. Two Plows and a harrow were preparing for and putting in Wheat--Six hands getting in Oats and stacking them and the rest were at Frenchs.
At the Mansion House, began with 8 Scythes to cut the Lawn on the West front of the House which they only accomplished by Night.
Mr. Lee & the young Ladies--and my Nephews, Geo. & Lawe. Washington returned to alexandria after Breakfast.
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Tuesday 26th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning--82 at Noon and 76 at Night. But little wind in the Morning & that at So. Wt. Afterwards--about Noon, a black cloud arose to the Northward which seemed highly charged with Wind or rain, a small part of the latter, only, came to our share.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck--8 Plows and a harrow were in the Corn and all the hands except those who were with the Carts & Waggon getting in Wheat and stacking of it were weeding & Earthing Potatoes which work they began yesterday.
At Muddy hole--the same work going on as yesterday.
At Dogue run--The Plows havg. finished the Balks in the Corn field went after Dinner yesterday to French's and were there to day, where the same hands from Muddy hole and this place were at Work.
At Frenchs, the same work with the addition of 4 Plows from D. Run were going on.
At the Ferry--The Oats were got in just before the Rain And the Wheat on Stoney hill was next set about. The Ploughs, harrows, and other hands were employed as usual.
At the Mansion House--the Lawn East of the House was nearly cut down to day.
Wednesday 27th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 80 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. West --but calm, and warm afterwards.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the first the same work precisely, as yesterday.
At Frenchs the same till the Plows finished breaking up the balks in the Corn--when trying, & finding the Buck Wheat which had been plowed in at this place not sufficiently rotted to cross they went to the Ferry to prepare for and put in Wheat at that Plantation.
At Dogue run--the same work going forward as yesterday.
And at Muddy hole the same. Mrs. Stuart, Miss Nancy Stuart, a Brother of the Doctors and their children came to Dinner, as did Commodore Brooke. In the evening Doctr. Stuart came.
The brother of David Stuart who came today was Richard Stuart (1770--1835) of King George County (see entry for 29 Aug. 1788).
Thursday 28th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning clear and calm.
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Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole--accompanied by Doctr. Stuart.
At the first--Ten plows and a Harrow were at Work--preparing for and putting in Wheat. The other hands with the Waggon and two Carts were getting in and stacking the grain from the fields.
At French's--The Plows having finished the Corn went as has been observed to the Ferry yesterday And the Hoes having wed the Potatoes & earthed them all went this morning to D. Run.
At Dogue-Run, The Hoes from French's & Muddy hole--Six from each--having joined those of the Place were at Work in weeding & earthing the Potatoes. The Plows were at the Ferry and a Cart and Six hands were getting in & Stacking the Oats.
At Muddy hole--Two Plows & a harrow were preparing for Wheat & the Cart & Six hands were getting in, and Stacking what was in the fields. The other hands were at Dogue run.
Friday 29th. Thermometer at 80 in the Morning--83 at Noon; and 81 at Night. Wind at So. W. clear & very warm.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--The Waggon & 1 Cart were getting in Wheat--the other was at Mill. The other hands except those at Plow and employed in getting in and Stacking the Wheat--were threshing out Oats, & pressing Cyder.
At Muddy hole--The Plows wch. had just finished preparing for, & putting in Wheat at the Ferry (with the Ferry Plows) set into work after dinner. All the other hands were employed as yesterday.
At Dogue run--The same hands were at the same work as yesterday.
At Frenchs--The Hoe & Plow people were, as before mentioned, at the other places.
At the Ferry--The Plows went after dinner to Muddy hole--the rest were employed in getting with the carts & Waggon the Grain.
Doctr. Stuart & his Brother Richard left this before Breakfast for their Fathers.
David and Richard Stuart's father, Rev. William Stuart (1723--1798), rector of St. Paul's Parish, King George County, lived at Cedar Grove in the Chotank area. The estate had been a wedding gilt to William and his wife, Sarah Foote Stuart, from her father. Richard Stuart later inherited Cedar Grove and lived there until his death (EUBANK, 17--18; ST. PAUL'S, xxii--xxiii, 134--36).
Saturday 30th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning 84 at Noon and 79 at Night. Calm, & clear till towards 3 Oclock when there was a pretty hasty shower for a few minutes.
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Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole--Dogue run--Frenchs and the Ferry.
The work at all, was precisely the same as yesterday.
Finished to day, getting in and stacking all the grain at the Ferry.
Cleaned up a stack of Oats wch. had been threshed out in the Neck which yielded 81 Bushls. The stack was small, but of the shortest Oats. The Wheat from the English seed was also threshed & cleaned--of the red there was but 3 pecks. Of the other (White or Harrison Wheat) 13¼--vast loss in both--the goodness of the sort, of both, much questioned.
The quantity of ground sowed at the Ferry in Wheat may be abt. 30 acres--on which [ ] Bushels was bestowed--viz. 18 bushls. from Muddy hole 18 bushls. from Captn. Speak and 3 bushls. of the White or Harrison Wheat from England. NB. This last was sown on the North part of the field next the Woods and Stoney field.
Francis Speake of Charles County, Md., was a privateer captain during the War of Independence and afterwards served as tobacco inspector at Chicamuxen warehouse for many years. GW had reprimanded Speake earlier this year for ferrying passengers across the Potomac River without authorization, thus depriving GW's public ferry of revenue it otherwise would have received. "I find the Ferry," GW declared, "inconvenient, and unprofitable enough without this, to wish the discontinuance of it" (GW to Speake, 30 Mar. 1788, DLC:GW).
Sunday 31st. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 72 at Night. A Little Rain, with some thunder & lightning fell in the Night. Morning & most part of the day cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell--the Wind at No. Et., & sometimes Easterly all day.
Mr. Murray and his wife, Colo. Fitzgerald; a Mr. Hancock and Son, the former a Merchant of London, a Mr. Aitkinson (all three introduced by Colo. Fitzgerald), and Captn. Gregory came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria afterwards. Mr. Tracy who came here last night remained.
Monday 1st. Septemr. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning cloudy with the wind still at No. East. Misting at intervals through the day--but no rain fell.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
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At the First--Weeding Turnips--The Plows at Muddy hole.
At Frenchs--all hands except the Plow People, were at Dogue run.
At Dogue run--the Same Work as on Saturday was going on. The Oats would be all in and Stacked to day And the Potatoes nearly wed out.
At Muddy hole--The Plows of the Ferry, French's, & Dogue run were at work, preparing for the Sowing of Wheat. Began about Noon to sow the red wheat raised from English seed, in drills. Of this there was 3 pecks, very indifferent; which occupied 3 lands, 6 feet & better broad, next the pease, South side the field. Next to these--in like manner, sowed the White, or Harrison Wheat [ ] bushels up to the next Stake (the first stake being drove between the red & this). Finding that the barrel disposed of too much seed--after 7 rows were sowed with the Harrison wheat I altered it--wch. alteration continued to the end of the drills thinner.
Doctr. Stuart returned here last Night from his Fathers and Mr. Tracy who came here on Saturday went away this Morning.
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. W. fresh--clear--and cool.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole--Dogue run--Frenchs and the Ferry.
At the first--the Plows would, about 12 Oclock, have crossed the Buck Wheat & would then go into the Pease. The Barrel Plow was sowing Wheat & 2 Harrows covering after it--going twice (once each) in the same row the same way. The other work the same as yesterday.
At Dogue Run--The Plows were at Muddy hole. The Potatoes wd. be wed out by Noon--and the hands from French's and Muddy hole wd. return home.
At French's--The Plows were at Muddy hole and the other People at Morris's.
At the Ferry. The Plows were at Muddy hole--the other hands preparing ground to re-sow Turnips between Corn Rows--where the first sowing were chiefly cut off by the fly.
Captn. Gregory dined here and went away afterwards.
Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 64 in the morning--76 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind fresh from No. Wt. after which it became calm.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--6 Plows were crossing the B. Wheat field for sowing Wheat; one harrow in the Corn.
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The Waggon & Ox Carts were getting in Wheat. The other hands (not with the Carts and at the Stacks) were Weeding and Earthing the Potatoes.
At Muddy hole--The Pease having had a furrow thrown to them, all the Plows, except those belonging to the Plantation, went yeste[r]night to French's. The other hands were getting in Wheat, and threshing out Rye.
At Dogue run--The Oats and Barley being all in, & the other People having got through the Potatoes--all hands were employed in fencing Around the above stacks--repairing the Meadow & other fences of field No. 2 and preparing it for the reception of small stock--Into wch. 3 old Ewes and 4 Calves from the Mansion House were put. The Plows were at Work at French's.
At Frenchs--The Plows belonging to the Ferry--Dogue run and the Plantation, were crossing the East part of Field No. 5 (where Buck Wheat had been plowed in) in order to sow Wheat therein. The hands of the place were getting the Seed from the Flax in order to rot it. The cross plowing of the above ground was done miserably bad--owing to the B. Wheat & Weeds not being rotted and by choaking the Plows every 3 or 4 steps preventing them from penetrating the earth.
At the Ferry--The Plows were employed as above--the Ferry men cleaning the shattered Wheat & other grain in the Yard and the other hands were brushing over some of the foulest of their Corn.
From the Mansion house. Three old Ewes, and 4 Calves were sent to field No. 2 at Dogue run.
Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm morning with a very heavy fog--Wind afterwards at So. Wt.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole--Dogue run--French's and the Ferry.
At the first. The Harrison Wheat, 10 Bushels having been sown in drills and covered in--Three harrows were putting in Wheat adjoining thereto, the Seed of which was brot. from the Neck.
At the other 3 plantations the work was precisely the same as yesterday.
Mrs. Craik, and Miss Craik, came here to dinner.
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning--83 at Noon and 82 at Night. But little wind and that from the So. Wt.
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Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's and the Ferry.
At Muddy hole--Only one harrow remained to cover the Wheat. The other two went to French's--getting in Wheat and Stacking it. The other hands were spreading the trash that was raked together by the Harrows to prevent, by laying in heaps the destruction of the Wheat.
At Dogue run--Getting in and stacking the Wheat from field No. 6. The other hands were repairing the fencing between the Corn field and Meadow by the Ho., inclosing the Hay Stacks--and Wheat yard. Turned 3 old Ewes and 25 Weathers into field No. 2 at this place, for feeding--and brought 28 head of Cattle from French (which had been put into the clover of field No. 1) into the large Meadow at the Mill also 2 Calves. The blind Cow was left at Frenchs. One being killed and another having died makes the number (31) that was sent to the above pasture.
At French's--The Plows from Dogue run, Ferry, & Muddy hole were preparing for sowing Wheat. Three harrows, one pair being added from the ferry were covering the Seed which the Farmer began to sow to day. The Harrow was run over, after the Plows, & before Sowing, to level the ground and rake the grass & Weeds into heaps; but the ground was miserably rough notwithstanding they were to pass twice after sowing. The People at this place were getting the Seed from the flax in order to spread it.
At the Ferry--The Hoe people were brushing over the most grassy Potatoes in the Corn ground--Three Plows at Frenchs.
Mrs. Craik and her daughter went away after dinner to Colo. McCarty's.
Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.--76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with appearances of rain towards evening.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--One harrow was covering the Wheat that had been sown (viz. 12½ Bushels). All the other hands were getting in Wheat, and treading out a bed. Waggn. & 2 Carts employd.
At Muddy hole--One harrow was employed in covering the Wheat, the sowing of which was now finished at this place (except a little of the Cape Wheat wch. is to be sown where the Irish Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes are now growing) and which is as follow in field No. 3 viz.--In the small cut East of the Branch 10 Bls. Next the Pease three pecks of red imported Wheat in drills --3 rows. This grain was much shrivelled & bad. Next to these, in
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drills also, was 10 Bushels of White imported Wheat (called Harrison) large, but not full & plump--then 14 Bushls. of the common Wheat--Seed from the Neck. On the North side of the road leading from the Gate to the Barn 21 bushls. of common wheat also from the Neck was sown--making together--drilled and broad 55 Bushels. The other hands were stripping the Seed from the Flax--getting in and Stacking Wheat.
At Dogue Run--The Waggon from the Mansn. House aided the Cart in getting in Wheat. The Plows were at Frenchs and the other hands were stacking and making fences round the Wheat Yard.
At French's--All the Plows were at Work as yesterday; and would finish crossing all the B. Wht. grd. this afternoon. The part South of the road from the Bars was sown--harrowed and compleated--but in a rough manner. Part on the other, or North side of this road was also sown, and the harrows covering it. The Pease ground at the No. end of this field which had been plowed in were cross plowed--part harrowed (across the last plowing) and a bushel of the plain white Wheat, sent me by Beale Bordley, Esqr., sown thereon in drills--[ ] rows. The hands of this Plantation were beating the seed from the flax in order to spd. it.
At the Ferry. The Plows were at Frenchs as yesterday and the other hands brushing over the Potatoes in the Corn.
John Beale Bordley's wheat seed arrived at Mount Vernon between 1 and 17 Aug. together with some barley and madder. "No Wheat that has ever yet fallen under my observation," GW wrote Bordley, "exceeds the White which some years ago I cultivated extensively; but which, from inattention during my absence from home of almost nine years has got so mixed or degenerated as scarcely to retain any of its original characteristic properties. But if the march of the Hessian Fly, Southerly, cannot be arrested; . . . this White Wheat must yield the palm to the yellow bearded, which alone, it seems, is able to resist the depredations of that destructive insect. This makes your present of it to me more valuable. It shall be cultivated with care" (17 Aug. 1788, MHi: Waterston Papers).
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--67 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Clouds of yesterday evening produced Rain about 9 Oclock last Night, which they continued to do, more or less, through the whole of it and part of the forenoon of this day--Wind remaining at No. Et. and continuing cloudy all day.
Colo. Gilpin dined here, and went away in the afternoon for Colchester.
Monday 8th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Thunder & Rain a little before day--heavy
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Morning with the Wind (tho' not much of it) a little to the East of North in the forenoon and So. Wt. afterwards, & clear.
Brought 12 Ploughs, with all the hands that could be spared from the Wheat yard in the Neck--viz.--all from Muddy hole--all from D. Run except the 2 old Women & two that were sick--and all from Frenchs and the Ferry that were not sick; making in the whole [ ] in order, while the ground was in its present moist State, to get the Corn ground in front of the Mansion house, expeditiously sown with Wheat; began by the White gates, on the South Side of the Road.
The Waggon, and Carts from D. Run, Ferry and Frenchs, were Carting Brick Wood.
Spread all the Flax, wt. the Hay makers, the Seed of which had been taken off at French's.
At French's, Harrowing in Wht. on the No. Cut, where the Harrows were on Saturday; the ground since the Rain harrowing better than it did before--also sowing, with the Barrel Plow, One bushel of the White bearded Wheat sent me by Beale Boardly Esqr. adjoining to the plain Wht. sowed on Saturday--and adjoining this again (likewise in drills) 9 Gallons of the Cape Wheat from that Gentleman also. Note--the Plain White which was sown on Saturday (in drills) was either not covered, or covered so thinly as to have much of it left quite bare by the late rains. This, in a degree, was the case of that sown broad in the same field--South side of the Et. cut.
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 66 at Night. A good deal of distant Thunder and lightng, in the Night, but no rain. Wind this Morning at No. Wt. & pleasant--the same through the day.
Work going on as yesterday in the Corn ground at the Mansion house. About One Oclock the Wheat on the South side of the road was sown and Hoed & plowed in--and the other side begun. Began also to sow the South side with Timothy Seed on the Wheat. Ordered a gallon of clean seed to be allowed to the Acre.
Finished sowing Wheat in the cut at Frenchs where the harrows were at work yesterday. In both sides of this cut (East of the Branch) 32 Bushels of Wheat were Sown. That on the So. side of the road from the Bars, by the Cabbins, to the Gate, was harrowed once before sowing and twice afterwards--but that on the No. side of the said road, was not, at least the No. East end of it, harrowed till after sowing. Finished sowing, in drills, the Wheat by the Gate and Manleys Ho.; & not having enough of the Cape Wheat from
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Mr. Bordley to do this I sent half a bushel of my own to compleat it--which with three pecks more was all the sound & clean seed that was raised of this sort of Wheat last year and added to other circumstances which have been heretofore remarked of it, proves that it is of too precarious a kind to be depended on for a crop--for in the first place it will not stand hard frost--and in the next place it does not fill kindly and is subject to rust.
The Waggon & Carts that were drawing Brick Wood yesterday, were at it again to day. About 12 Oclock to day the Brick layers compleated the 12th. course of Bricks, of the 14 Inch Wall from the second floor in the New Barn.
Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning--68 at Noon and 66 at Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. wch. afterwards shifted (though there was but little of it) to the East veering Northerly--clear & pleasant all day.
Visited the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole and Frenchs Plantations.
At the first--the Waggon and two Carts were drawing in Wheat and People as usual employed and stacking of it--Five plows and one harrow preparing for, and putting in Wheat--one triangular harrow running betwn. the Corn Rows--3 Women picking up Apples & threshing rye. The others at the Corn ground at the Mansion House.
Farm implements shown in La Nouvelle Maison Rustique, Paris, 1798. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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At Muddy hole. All hands were in the Corn field at the Mansion House. The Wheat sowed in drills at this place seems to be coming up very thin. Whether more is to arise, or the ground was not sufficiently seeded cannot as yet be decided on. The latter is to be feared--nor is it perfectly in drills being too much scattered. Note--to do this work well furrows should be opened for the seed to fall in.
At Dogue run--except the two old Women, the rest of the hands were at the Mansn. House.
At Frenchs--Two Women and a boy were spreading the trash which had been raked into heaps in the newly sown Wheat ground and hoeing around the Stumps--all the rest were at the Mansion House.
At the Ferry--all were at the Mansion House. The Carts of the last 3 places were engaged at the Brick yard.
At the Mansion House--finished sowing the Wheat in the Corn ground 35½ bushls. from the Neck on both sides the road up to the last cleared ground. On the South Side of the road 13 gallons of clean timothy seed (mixed with Sand) was sown. More ought to have been sown--24 at least as I directed a gallon to be allowed to the Acre. On the other, or No. Side of the road Orchard grass was sown--viz.--[ ] Bushels. As the whole was not chopped in this afternoon--the hands from Muddy hole and the Ferry were ordered to compleat it to morrow.
Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng.--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear Morning with a breeze from the No. East which cond. through the day.
Mrs. Plater and her two daughters, and Mr. George Digges and his Sister came here to dinner and stayed all night.
Mr. Lear returned home to day.
George Plater, of St. Mary's County, Md., married Elizabeth Rousby (d. 1789) of Calvert County, Md., in 1764. Their daughters were Rebecca Plater (b. 1765) and Anne Plater (b. 1772).
The sister of George Digges who came today was probably his unmarried sister Ann, who apparently lived at Warburton until her death about 1804. George Digges's other two living sisters were married: Elizabeth to Daniel Carroll (d. 1790) and Jane to John Fitzgerald (BOWIE, 258).
Tobias Lear had set out from Mount Vernon sometime in May to visit his family and friends in Portsmouth, N.H. Although he planned to remain in New England six to eight weeks, several matters relating to settlement of his father's estate obliged him to stay longer (Lear to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 May and 6 June 1788, MHi: Lincoln Papers; Lear to GW, 2, 22 June and 31 July 1788, DLC:GW).
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Friday 12th. Thermometer at 62 in the morn. 72 at Night and 72 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind to the Eastward of North in the Morning with clouds & Sunshine alternately thro the day. Wind continuing in the same qr.
Visited all the Plantations. in the Neck. The Ploughs and harrows from the different Plantations were at Work, preparing for, and putting in Wheat--one harrow in the Corn and the Waggon & Carts drawing in Wheat. The other hands were cleaning Wheat (which had been tread out yesterday) and picking up apples.
At Muddy hole--The Cart was drawing in Rye--others spreading Flax the seed of which had been taken of and measured 2 Bushels.
At Dogue run--Two Carts (one from French's) and the Mans[io]n Ho[use] Waggon were drawing in Wheat and those who were not employed in loading & Stacking were getting the Seed of the Flax.
At French's the People were Hoeing round the stumps in the field No. 5 Newly sown with Wheat and taking up the grubs.
At the Ferry the People were about there fencing--the Ploughs as those of the other Places being in the Neck.
Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night. A very thick fog this morning, which continued until 10 'Oclock.
George Plater of Maryland. 1825 copy by Charles Willson Peale after John Wollaston. (Government House, Annapolis, Maryland Commission on Artistic Property)
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Rid with Mrs. Plater and Mrs. Washington to the Mill and New Barn.
Colo. Plater, Mr. Hall & a Mr. Mathews came here (from Mr. Digges's) just after we had dined--stayed all N.
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning--74 at Noon and 71 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. East--clear afterwards but the Wind still remaining at the same point.
Colo. Plater, his Lady & daughters; Mr. Digges & his Sister; and Mr. Hall and Mr. Mathews went away after breakfast.
Monday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--78 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clouds, with the Wind still Easterly in the morning; About noon it shifted to the Southward and there were great appearances of rain but none fell. At Night it got to No. West.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--21 plows and Harrows were employed in preparing for, and putting in Wheat--The Harrow that was in the Corn having finished that Work. The Carts and Waggen were drawing Grain from field No. 3. Some of the People were stacking and others spreading the trash raked together by the Harrows.
At Muddy hole--Getting in and stacking the Rye and threshing it out.
At Dogue run--The Cart from Frenchs, and the Waggon from the Mansn. House were assisting in getting in the grain--some of the people assisting in this and in Stacking. The rest with the People from the Ferry, were getting the Seed from the Flax.
At French's--The People had just finished about 12 Oclock getting the Seed from the flax and spreading it, after which they were ordered to Dogue Run.
At the Ferry--The Plows were in the Neck, and the other People were, as above, at Dogue run.
Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 73 in the Morning--77 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind Southerly and warm, with appearances of rain till Night when the wind got round to the No. W.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French's & the Ferry.
At the first--Having got in the grain, the Cart, after carrying a load of Rye to the Mill went into the Neck to assist with the grain there. Some of the other hands were employed in cleaning the Rye wch. they had threshed and others came to the Corn at the Mansn. Ho. to cut the tops. Note--this Corn, since the working it received to put in the Wheat and grass Seeds, has fired most astonishingly
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except the part which was worked since harvest. This seems rather to be benifitted--tho' after that working it fired a good deal but recovered its colour again. Now it is too to do this by that wch. has lately fired.
At Dogue run--The same hands, with the addition of those from Frenchs were employed as yesterday and in spreading the flax from which the Seed had been taken. Finished getting in all the grain this Evening.
At French's & the Ferry--the Plows People were abroad as already mentioned.
Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning clear and Wind at No. Wt.--pleasant all day.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck--Finished sowing Wheat in No. 8 last Night; and the Plow horses were engaged to day in treading out a bed of Rye, and another of Oats. Some Plows, were engaged in the ground where the bunch homony beans grew. 106½ bushels of Wheat were sown in the above field. The Carts from Muddy hole and French's were assisting here to get in the grain and except those who were employed in loading the Carts and stacking the People were attending the treading out of the above grain.
At Muddy hole--The hands except those who were with the Plows were about the Fodder in the Mansion House Corn field.
At Dogue run--the same hands as yesterday, were employed about the Flax. Some still remained at the Stacks, the grain not being all secured.
At French's and the Ferry the hands were absent as before mentioned, with the flax at D. R.
Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the morning and Southerly afterwards--perfectly clear.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations.
At the first--began with the Plows belonging to it and those of Frenchs to break up field No. 3 for Corn next year, but the ground had got so hard as to oblige them to go twice in the same furrow. The hands of this place (except the Ferry men) still at D. Run about the Flax.
At Frenchs--the Plows were employed as above--the hands at Dogue run.
At Dogue Run--Four of the Plows belonging to the place and
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the 3 from Muddy hole began to break up No. 7 for Corn, next year. All the other people together with those from French's and the Ferry were getting the Seed from, & spreading of the Flax.
The People from Muddy hole except one who was cutting and attending the Tobacco, were about the Fodder at the Mansion House.
Friday 19th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning--76 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at South--towards evening it got to So. Wt. & began to lower.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--The Carts &ca. would have finished (by Night) getting in all the grain. The other people after cleaning up the Oats & Rye which had been tread out--viz.--43½ of the first, & 72 of the latter were employed in pulling the blades of the Corn from which the tops had been taken yesterday--No Plows at Work here to day--nor since the Wheat was Sown.
At Muddy hole--All hands, except those with the Plows and Cart were employed with the Fodder at the Mansion House.
At Dogue run. Seven plows were at Work. The other hands, with those from the Ferry and French's were about the Flax which would be stripped of the Seed & spread to day.
At Frenchs--the Plows and other People were employed as yesterday.
At the Ferry--Five Plows were at Work one from Frenchs wanting repairs.
Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning--70 at Noon And 70 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at No. East. Cloudy all day, with grt. appearances of rain towards night.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run.
At the first--The Plow horses of this place and Frenchs were treading out a bed of Rye--The other hands attending.
At Frenchs--The people were cleaning the flax Seed which had been beat out some days ago 4¾ bushl., & Hoeing the waste ground adjoing. the fences of field No. 5 in which to put Wheat.
At Dogue Run--The Plow horses were engaged in treading out Rye--the People in attending the work, and cleaning flax Seed--which was sent to the Mansn. House--qty. 22½ bushels.
Colonel Harrison, and Colo. Hoe came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 60 in the morning--62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind a little to the East
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of North--after wch. it shifted more Easterly but still continued tolerably clear.
Mr. John Nisbet, & a Mr. Cunningham from the West Indies came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Colo. Hooe returned to Alexandria after dinner.
Monday 22d. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind about North a little Et.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and French's.
At the first the People began to get fodder--aided by the hands from the latter. Six plows were at work, breaking up field No. 3 twice in a Furrow. The Carts (Frenchs joined) were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and Hay stacks.
At French's--Hands employed as above at the Ferry.
At Dogue run--Eight Plows were at Work breaking up field No. 7--twice in a furrow. The other hands were employed in getting fodder.
At Muddy hole--The whole force was about getting in, and securing the fodder at the M. Ho.
Mr. Nisbet, Mr. Cunningham, & Colo. Harrison went away after breakfast. Majr. Powell--Sub. Sheriff came here on business before dinner & dined.
GW today paid Joseph Powell, Jr., £14 5s. 7½d. for the current parish levy on his 153 tithables plus clerk's fees (LEDGER B, 268, 275). Powell was sworn a Fairfax County subsheriff 17 Jan. 1785 and apparently served to the end of 1788 or early 1789 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1783--88, 105, and Fairfax County Order Book for 1788--91, 243, Vi Microfilm).
Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning 72 at Noon and 72 at Night. But little Wind and that Westerly in the Morning--towards evening what there was of it was Southerly.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--Seven Plows began yesterday to break up Field No. 9. The rest of the hands were about the fodder.
At Muddy hole--All hands, and the Cart, were engaged with the fodder.
At Dogue run--The Cart was drawing Rails for a fodder Stack. All the other hands were engaged in pulling Blades. Seven plows were at Work breaking up No. 7.
At Frenchs--The Plows and Cart, and all the hands were at the Ferry.
At the Ferry--Six plows were at Work in field No. 3. The Carts
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were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and the other hands were about the fodder.
Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A heavy fog in the Morning which cleared away between 8 and 9 Oclk. but little wind in the forenoon--in the afternoon a breeze from the So. Et. and lowering.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Dogue run Plantations.
At all of which the same work as yesterday--precisely--so likewise at Muddy hole.
Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A fog in the morning, but clear afterwards, warm all day.
Dined at Mr. Benja. Dulany's but passed through the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
At all of which the same work was going on--both with the Plows and other people--as yesterday.
Friday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the morning--78 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with little or no Wind--So. Et. afterwards with appearances of Rain in the evening which went off by the winds shifting to the No. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck--Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands were engaged about the Fodder.
At Muddy hole--The three Plows belonging here were at Dogue run and the other hands at the Mansion house about the Fodder whh. would be compleated this Night.
At Dogue run--French's and the Ferry the same work as usual both with the Plows and Hoe People was going on.
Mr. & Mrs. Crawford (of Maryland) who came here on Wednesday evening went away this Morning after breakfast.
Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 6o in the morning--68 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. Wt. Calm afterwards, or very little wind from So. Et.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations.
The same work at all three, as in the days preceeding--with the Muddy hole hands in aid at the latter.
Turned the Mares & Colts from the Pasture at the home house into that at the Ferry to day.
Received a Bull calf from Mr. Digges's to day.
Mr. Chas. Lee came here in the afternoon & stayed all Night.
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Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--71 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind (though not much of it) at South where it continued all day, and towards night lowered a little.
Monday 29th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 73 at Night--Wind at South and Morning hazy, or lowering. Cloudy afterwards--and at Night a slow and moderate rain.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--All the tops were cut and blades pulled from the Corn on Saturday last, but not got in being too green. All hands, except 5 people at the Plows, getting them in to day.
At Muddy hole--All hands were at Dogue run.
At Dogue Run--Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands with those from Muddy hole, were getting fodder--except the Carter who was drawing Rails to make the division between fields No. 5 & 6.
At French's--All hands were at the Ferry--and
At the Ferry--Six plows were at work--and the other hands were about the Fodder.
Began to cut with Scythes the Indian Pease at Frenchs in field No. 5.
Put the Rams to the Ewes at all the Planns.
Tuesday the 30th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng. 65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Cloudy Morning with the wind fresh from the Northward. Raining more or less all last Night.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's & Dogue run.
At the first--The Six plows were at Work and all the hands of both Plantations about the fodder which would be all down but not dry enough to secure to day.
At Frenchs--The Plows and other force, were at the Ferry as above.
At Dogue run--Seven plows were at Work. The other hands with those from Muddy hole were about the fodder which would be all down to day--but not got in.
A Mr. Cary (who came here to enquire into his right to Lands under the claim of one Williams his father in law) dined here and returned to Alexandria afterwards.
John Cary (Carey) married Elizabeth Williams, daughter of John Williams, in Lancaster County 23 Aug. 1785. John Williams had served under GW as a lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment Sept. 1755 to June 1757 but had apparently died without receiving his share of veterans' lands. Cary did not
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succeed in making good his father-in-law's claim until 12 Dec. 1792 when the Virginia Assembly passed an act authorizing warrants to be issued to Cary and to Williams's unmarried daughter Martha for 1,000 acres each (HENING, 13:610).
Wednesday 1st. day. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--56 at Noon and 56 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. East. Lowering afterwards till about 2 Oclock when it began to Rain & continued to do so pretty steadily till bedtime--probably all night.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--The Fodder not being dry enough to take in, the People were employed in pulling up the Blackeye pease by the Roots. Seven plows were at work in No. 9.
At Muddy hole--all the hands with the Cart were at Dogue run.
At Dogue run--Seven plows were at Work. All the other hands (that were well) with those from Muddy hole were turning flax.
At Frenchs--the hands of the Plantation, with those from the Ferry, were turning flax & getting Poles & forks for a fodder House.
At the Ferry--Six plows were at Work. The other hands, except one or two who were about their fodder house were as above, at French's.
Thursday 2d. Thermometer at 53 in the Morning--62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Morning very thick & cloudy with the Wind at No. Et.--Clear afterwards and tolerably pleasant.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run, Frenchs and the Ferry.
At the first--All the hands were still at Dogue run--also the Plows.
At Dogue run--in the forenoon the hands (with those of Muddy hole) were employed about a cross fence betwn. fields No. 5 & 6--Afterwards in opening & spreading the fodder. Six Plows only were at work here.
At Frenchs--The Plows & people were, in the forenoon, working at the Ferry. In the Afternoon the latter were engaged about their fodder House except 3 who went to Dogue run.
At the Ferry--Six Plows were at Work. The other hands (with those from Frenchs) were in the forenoon making & compleating
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the Fence between fields No. 3 & 4. In the afternoon they were opening and turning their fodder.
Yesterday before the Rain fell, & partly while it was falling I sowed 19 Rows of the Yellow bearded Wheat between the Rows of the Mangel Wurzel & those of the Carrots--placing the grains about one inch apart.
Friday 3d. Thermometer at 56 in the morning 64 at Noon and 64 at Night. Clear & pleasant Morning with the Wind still at No. Et. Cloudy in the afternoon with appearances of Rain.
Went with Mrs. Washington to Abingdon, to visit Mrs. Stuart who was sick.
Saturday 4th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--64 at Night and 63 at Night. Raining till about 9 or 10 Oclock with the Wind Easterly. Cloudy all the rest of the day. Towards dusk the wind shifted to the No. Wt. and it grew cool.
At Abingdon still.
Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night--Cool, the Wind being at No. Wt. in the morning--North & a little Easterly afterwards with appears. of Rain.
Returned home after breakfast and reached it about 11 ock.
Monday 6th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 52 at Night. Morning very heavy with the Wind a little to the Eastward of North. About Noon it began to sprinkle rain and in the Afternoon (towards Night) it set in to close raining with but little wind and continued so through the night.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the Ferry--Six plows were at work which was done much better since the rain. Some of the hands were stacking blades and the rest were at work at French's.
At French's--all hands were pulling blades from the Corn from which the tops were taken on Saturday last.
At Dogue Run--Seven plows were at Work. All the other hands were getting in and securing fodder.
At Muddy hole. The Plows were at Dogue Run. The other hands were repairing a fence through the Swamp which incloses field No. 4 untill it began to Rain--after which they began to thresh.
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Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night--Wind at No. Et. with unceasing tho remitting rain till Noon and very cloudy the remaing. part of the day.
Did not stir from home.
Wednesday 8th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 63 at Night. A very thick fog till nine Oclock--after which the Sun came out and it was very pleasant till about Noon when there was Sun shine and clouds alternately afterwards--Wind at So. Wt. in the morning which veered more to the northward afterwards.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
At Muddy hole, after pulling up the Early (or Carolina) Pease, the hands about Noon, went to Dogue run to assist about their fodder.
At Dogue run--The people were opening & spreading the fodder. 7 Plows were at work and the Cart as that of Muddy hole, Frenchs and the Ferry also were, were carting brick wood at the New Barn.
At French's--After opening the Tops, the People were employed in taking up the Flax which had been spread and was supposed to be rotten enough.
Sent Mr. Lear to Alexandria to day on business.
Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--63 at Noon and 63 at Night. Clear calm, warm and remarkably pleasant all day. Towards night a light breeze came up from the Eastward.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--the People having pulled up all the Pease that were planted in Hills had begun to dig the Irish Potatoes between the Corn rows in order to Sow Rye. The Carts and Waggon were getting in the Pease and one man was cutting down with a scythe those Pease which had been sown in Broadcast. Six plows were plowing the grd. where the Pease grew in Hills for wheat & 1 pr. of dble. harrows covering it, but finding the ground to work very loose & mellow I directed what remained unplowed of the ground to be sowed before plowing that the Wheat might be plowed in--the harrows to follow after; first as the plows run, & then to cross; that the ground might be made level and fit for the reception of Seeds.
From Muddy hole, all the hands had gone to Dogue run.
At Dogue run--Two Carts, and all the other hands were employed
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in getting in the Fodder which they finished doing in the evening.
With the Ditchers, House People &ca. the Flax at this place was taken up tied in bundles, and heaped to be Housed.
At French's--all hands, together with those from the Ferry were employed in and about the fodder, and sending to the Mansion House the rotted Flax.
At the Ferry--the People were aiding as above at French's.
Cut the young bay Stallion Colts which (at first) were designed for stud Horses--the one rising 3 & the other 2 Years old. Also cut 3 sorrel & a black colt from frenchs. One of the first must have been 3 years old last spring--another of them 2 years old and the third one year old. The black was two years old last Spring.
The Revd. Mr. Keith, and Doctr. Craik dined here and went away afterwards.
Friday 10th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 57 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day and very cloudy. After dark it rained pretty briskly for some time.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
It was this day, and not yesterday, that the above Horses were cut.
At the Ferry the hands were assisting about the Fodder. At French's--all hands were engaged about the Fodder.
At Dogue run--after having got all the Flax which had been taken up the overnight into the Tobacco Ho. the People assisted by those of Muddy hole set about taking up the Irish Potatoes in order to prepare the ground for Wheat. 7 Plows at Work.
Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. all day, and not unpleasant.
Rid to all the Plantation's. In the Neck--Seven Plows and a harrow were at Work in the Pease grd. by the Barn which by Night would be sowed with Wheat. On the South side of this field [ ] bushls. of the Wh. English Seed Wheat was sown. Next to this (a small space being left) was a Wheat sent me by Mr. Jno. Barns--about 3½ bushels and the residue of the grd. was sown with Wheat raised on the Plantation 19½ bushels. The other hands were turning Pease and digging Irish Potatoes. Of the latter, from 23 rows comprehended between the first & last Carrot Rows were taken 135 Bls. & put into the Corn Ho.
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From Muddy hole--all hands were gone to Dogue R.
At Dogue run--The whole force were employed (except the Plows) in getting up & carrying in Potats. Seven Plows were at work.
At French's--The hands of the Plantation, with those of the Ferry, were employed about the fodder; finished at this Place with the House gang & Ditchers, cuttg. down the Pease which had been sown in Broadcast in field No. 6 but, though some of them had been cut down more than a week none were dry enough to stack, or put away.
At the Ferry--Six plows (as usual) were at work in field No. 3 which was nearly broke up.
Cut at the Mann. Ho. to day--the 2 Working Stallions from Frenchs; 1 Year old Mule Colt; 3 Mule Colts of this Spring; and 1 horse Colt belonging to the Black Mare at Frenchs and likewise a spring (sorrel colt with a blaze face) at Dogue run, & one in the Neck.
Mr. Hunter and a Captn. Oudebards (a French Gentleman from the West Inds.) dined here to day and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.
Sunday the 12th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at West in the Morning--abt. No. Wt. at Noon and So. Wt. at Night. Clear warm and pleasant all day.
A Mr. Whiting of Berkeley, on his way from Gloucester (with a letter from Mr. Francis Willis Junr.) called here--& dined, after which he proceeded to Alexandria. This Gentleman was requested to inform Mr. Willis, in answer to his letter to me--dated 24th. of Septr. last--that if the sum for which he sold the Negroes (of which Mrs. Washington the Widow of my deceased Brother Saml. Washington died possessed, & by Will gave to her Son, by him, to whom I am heir) with Interest thereon from the time of her death and my interest therein commenced that I shall neither reclaim the Negros--nor give him any trouble for the illegality of the Act of disposing of them.
Francis Willis, Jr. (1744--1791), of Whitehall, Gloucester County, was the executor of the will of his sister-in-law, Susannah Perrin Holding (Holden) Washington, fifth wife of Samuel Washington. In her will Susannah bequeathed five slaves supposedly given to her by her brother to her only son, John Perrin Washington (1781--1784). When the son died a short time after his mother's death, Willis sold the slaves for £240 not realizing that they were to pass to GW. Willis's letter of 24 Sept. 1788 was the second one that he sent to GW apologizing for his error and asking for instructions on settling
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the matter (DLC:GW). GW requested the £240, not for his own use, but for the use of Samuel Washington's daughter Harriot who had been left only a pittance by her father. However, it was later discovered that Susannah Washington had no legal title to the five slaves, her brother having failed to make a proper conveyance. Her estate actually included only one slave left to her by her mother. For that slave GW agreed to take £100 from Willis, a sum which was to be applied to the "immediate support" of Harriot (Willis to GW, 4 Aug. 1793, DLC:GW; GW to Willis, 25 Oct. 1793, ViMtV).
Monday 13th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning--65 at Noon and 64 at Night. Clear and very pleasant all day with the wind Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations and to Majr. Geo. Washingtons to give him, at his request, my opinion respecting the spot on which to place his Houses.
In the Neck--The Plows began to put in Rye in the Corn ground--the Pease in Broad cast not being removed from the ground, so as to admit the Sowing of Wheat--Turning the Pease which had been pulled up by the Roots in order to cure & Stack them--Pulling Pumpkins and threshing Oats.
Muddy hole hands at Dogue run--the Cart belonging to that place drawing Pease together at French to Stack.
At Dogue Run--Seven Plows were at Work and would, by dinner time, finish (with what was plowed in the Spring) breaking up field No. 7 for Corn next year. The Cart was drawing Rails to fence the Hay Stacks in the middle & upper Meadow. All the other hands, with those from Muddy hole were digging Irish Potatoes. From the short Rows between the first Carrot row on the West side of the Field & the Woods 126½ bushls. of Potatoes were dug. At French's. Two Carts, and all the hands of that & the Ferry Plantation were employed about the Fodder--the Ferry men excepted. The House gang were employed at this place in curing, getting up, & Stacking the Pease which had been cut here.
The Ditchers went into the Neck to cutting the broadcast Pease there.
At the Ferry 5 Plows only were at Work.
THE SPOT ON WHICH TO PLACE HIS HOUSES: George Augustine Washington began to build a house on the Clifton's Neck property a few years later to house his growing family, but after his death in 1793 Fanny discontinued the construction (GW to Anthony Whitting, 9 Dec. 1792 and 3 Mar. 1793, DLC: GW).
Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--64 at Noon and 64 at Night. Wind Southerly with great appearances of Rain all the forenoon but clear afterwards.
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Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations.
At the Ferry, only 5 plows were at Work. The driver of the other got hurt. The other hands were at French's.
At French's, two Carts and all the hands were about the Fodder. Stirring the Pease at this place with the small gang about the Mann. House. 3 Men began to ditch below Manleys houses up to the Ferry road.
At Dogue run--Two Plows and a harrow began to put in Wheat among the Corn (from whence the Potatoes were taken) on the west side of field No. 5. The other 4 Plows began on the South side of No. 3 to break it up for Spring grain next year. All the other hands with those from Muddy hole were digging Potatoes.
A Mr. Brown clerk to Mr. Hartshorn came here on business of the Potomk. Company.
Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 6o in the morning--65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning clear and calm.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck--the Mowers having cut down all the Pease (in broad Cast) in field No. 8 were employed in cuttg. down the grass and Weeds where the flax grew in order that it might be spread and rot. The Hoe People were digging Potatoes, chopping in Rye and wd. go to getting the Pease from field No. 8 in order that Wheat might be sowed therein. Seven plows and two harrows were employed in putting in Rye.
The Muddy hole people were employed with their Plows at D.R. as usual.
At Dogue run--Four Plows were breaking up field No. 3 and three others were plowing in Wheat, but finding more plows necessary for the latter purpose two from the former were added. All the others were digging Potatoes--of which, between the Easternmost and Westernmost Carrot rows came 198½ Bushels from 34 Rows.
At Frenchs--about 1 Oclock--the last of the blades were pulled and some of the Pease ground in field No. 6 got in order for plowing in Wheat.
At the Ferry--5 plows were at work and would by Night compleat breaking up field No. 3. The other hands were at Work at Frenchs.
Colo. Carrington and Mr. Robt. Purviance of Baltimore, and Mrs. Jenifer and Miss Wagener came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Robert Purviance (d. 1806) and his brother Samuel Purviance, Jr., were prominent merchants and civic leaders in Baltimore for many years. Born in
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Ireland, they settled in Baltimore during the 1760s and soon established a prosperous distillery and shipping business. They were active in local Presbyterian affairs and in revolutionary politics. In 1788 Samuel was captured by Indians while on an expedition to the Ohio Country and was never seen again. About this time Robert's fortunes were declining. On 19 May 1789 he wrote GW soliciting a minor post in the Baltimore naval office (DLC:GW). GW appointed him to the position and in 1794 he became collector of the port, an office he retained until his death (SCHARF [2], 54, 299; Md. Hist. Mag., 42 [1947], 27n, 61 [1966], 350, 63 [1968], 16, 71 [1976], 296--99).
MISS WAGENER: probably one of the daughters of Peter Wagener (1742--1798): Sinah, Mary Elizabeth, Ann, or Sarah (Sally). Mary Elizabeth later married her cousin William Grayson (1766--1806) of Prince William County (GRAYSON, 263; KING [4], 62).
Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear morning & day with the Wind pretty fresh from So. Wt.
After breakfast Mrs. Jenifer Miss Wagener and Mr. Purviance went away. Colo. Carrington and myself rid to the Ferry, French's and D. R. Plantations and to the New Barn.
At the Ferry the hands were assisting at Frenchs in getting in the Fodder. The 3 plows belonging to the Plantation were breaking up the head lands in field No. 3.
At Frenchs--two Plows began to cover Wheat in the Pease ground in field No. 6. All the other hands were about the fodder.
At Dogue run--Five Plows and Harrows were covering Wheat in the Corn ground--and two breaking up in field No. 3. All the other hands of this & Muddy hole Plantation were employed in this work also, & digging Potatoes. Turned the Mare & Colts yesterday into the upper Meadows which were opened to field No. 6.
Friday 17th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning--72 at Noon and 71 at Night. Clear and calm in the Morning. Pleasant all day.
Colo. Carrington going away after breakfast--I vis[i]ted all the Plantns.
In the Neck--All the Plows were stopped to tread out Wheat and all the hands were employed about the same.
From Muddy hole all the hands were at Dogue run.
At Dogue run--some hands from the Ferry had joined those of Muddy hole & this place in digging Potatoes, and putting in Wheat. Ordered the two Ploughs which were breaking up in field No. 3 for Spring grain to join those in the Corn field, in order to expedite the Sowing of Wheat.
At French's--5 plows and harrows were putting in Wheat on the Pease ground. The other hands were getting in and securing the
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Fodder. The Ditch would be nearly finished this Evening--the Pease turning with the House gang.
At the Ferry--Five hands were stacking blades and doing other odd jobbs.
Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Cloudy morning with great appearances of Rain all the forenoon and a little sprinkle of it--but clear warm and pleasant in the Afternoon.
Went up to Alexandria agreeably to a summons to give evide, in the Suit between the Estate of Mr. Custis & Robt. Alexander, but the latter not appearing nothing was done & I returned home to dinner.
Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--60 at Noon--and 58 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning & cloudy which it continued to be all day & at Night began to rain.
Mr. OKelly the Dancing Master Mr. O'Kelly the Lawyer, Mrs. O'Conner of Alexandria--Mrs. Peake & her Son Harry & her Nephew Eaglan Dined here, all of whom except Mrs. O'Conner went away after it.
Eliza Harriet O'Connor, wife of the John O'Connor who had visited GW 3 Feb. 1788, opened an academy for young ladies in Alexandria earlier this year and tried unsuccessfully to induce GW to serve as one of the school's official visitors (Eliza H. O'Connor to GW, 17 June 1788, and GW to Eliza H. O'Connor, 20 June 1788, DLC:GW). She was now preparing to leave Alexandria to join her husband, who, she said, had obtained a public office and superintendency of an academy in Edenton, N.C. Wishing to reopen her own school in Edenton, Mrs. O'Connor asked GW to give her a letter of introduction to North Carolina's governor, Samuel Johnston, a request that GW refused on grounds that he did not know Governor Johnston and had never corresponded with him (Eliza H. O'Connor to GW, 7 Oct. 1788, and GW to Eliza H. O'Connor, 17 Oct. 1788, DLC:GW). However, GW did permit her to come to Mount Vernon for "advice upon some matters of very material consequence" concerning her decision to leave town, a decision of which her students' parents did not approve (Eliza H. O'Connor to GW, 18 Sept. 1788, DLC:GW). Mrs. O'Connor did soon leave Alexandria, but if she went to Edenton, she probably did not stay there long; her husband by the fall of 1789 was at Georgetown, Md., still professing his intention to publish his history of the Americas (John O'Connor to GW, 5 Oct. 1789, DNA: PCC, Item 78; O'BRIEN, 45).
EAGLAN: apparently one of the several sons of Mrs. Peake's sister Sarah Stonestreet Edelen of Prince George's County, Md. (BRUMBAUGH, 59; see main entry for 9 May 1770).
Monday 20th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night. Much Rain (with the wind high from No. Et.)
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fell in the Night and continued to do so until past Noon when it moderated and towards Night entirely ceased but continued very cloudy.
At home all day.
Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night. Flying clouds all day, with the Wind very hard from the No. Wt.
Went up to Alexandria to move the Court to appoint Commissioners to settle the Accts. of the Administration of Colo. Thos. Colvills Estate to whose Will I was an Executor. Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr. William Herbert & Mr. Robt. McGrae being nominated for this purpose--any two to act--I dined at Mr. Fendalls & came home in the afternoon.
Wednesday 22d. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning 60 at Noon and 60 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind (especially in the Night) fresh from So. Wt. Sent Mrs. O'Conner to Alexa.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's & Dogue run.
At the latter, the hands from the two first except the Ferry men & Carts, together with their plows as were the Plows of Muddy were all at work digging Potatoes & plowing & Hoeing in Wheat among the Corn.
At Muddy hole--the Hoe People were pulling up their Pease wch. had been planted in Hills. They were in a manner green but the apprehension of a frost induced this Measure. Those Pease which were sent me by Colo. Spaight and planted at this place at the same were quite ripe and had been pulled great part of them many days ago--qty. of these latter about 9 bushels from about [ ] Acres of grd. These are a very forward kind, and must be reserved for Seed.
Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear, Warm & exceedingly pleasant all day, with [wind] (tho' but little of it) at So. West.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck--the Plows had, about Noon, just finished sowing the last of the Wheat in field No. 9 qty., South of the Road leading to the Creek landing, [ ] bushels; which with a small Comer on the No. Side of the Road that had been in Homony Beans make [ ] bushels in all in this field. This compleats the last sowing of Wheat at this Plantation. The Hoe People were digging Potatoes; & for want of having them out of the way of the Plows to be putting in Rye, these were
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obliged to return to field No. 8 to breaking up till the Hoe People should get sufficiently ahead with the potato digging between the Corn Rows.
At Dogue Run--the hands and Plows of all the other Plantations were at Work.
The Ditchers & Mansn. House Gang, with the Waggon & two Carts were getting in and stacking the Pease at French's.
Friday 24th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.--75 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear and warm with but little Wind & that Southerly.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations.
From the Ferry, the Plows were gone to French's to put in Wheat--and the other hands except the Ferry men were at Dogue run digging Potatoes.
At Frenchs 5 plows were at Work putting in Wheat in No. 6. The other hands were at D. Run digging Potatoes.
At D. Run Seven plows and Harrows were covering Wheat among the Corn in field No. 6. All the other hands were following with the Hoes & digging Potatoes before them. Muddy hole people aiding.
Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear calm & warm all day.
Rid to the Ferry, French's and Dogue run Plantation to make a fresh distribution of the Mares Colts and other Horses that do not work but not being able to finish it the relation of it is postponed.
At these three plantations & Muddy hole--the same work precisely was going on as yesterday.
But at Frenchs, all the Wheat except the garden at, and a small spot just by, Manleys Houses was sown with Wheat--plowed & harrowed in once but some part had not received the cross harrowing.
Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 75 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clear, calm, warm & very pleasant.
Went to Pohick Church and returned home to dinner. Found Dr. Stuart at Mt. Vernon--who dined there & returned home afterwards.
Monday 27th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning 76 at Noon and 75 at Night--Clear, calm and very warm.
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Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck 8 plows were covering Rye among the Corn. All the other hands were digging Pots. before them, or Hoeing in Rye in the Step, after them.
The hands from Muddy hole were at D. Run.
At Dogue Run, 7 Plows and Harrows were putting in Wheat as yesterday. All the other hands, consisting of those from the Ferry, Frenchs & Muddy hole, were putting in Wht. in the Step between the Corn behind the Plows--and digging Potatoes before them.
At Frenchs 5 plows and a harrow were putting in Rye, in the Middle part of field No. 6, between the newly, & first sown Wheat, at this Place.
Getting up the Hogs for killing at the Ferry, quantity 25--feeding them with Potatoes.
Made the following distribution of the Mares, Colts and Horses that do not work--viz.--
At Dogue Run in the Upper Meadows. 22 Mares, besides Doctr. La Moyeurs. For breedg. work or Sale.
In the Ferry Meadows, & fields adjoining, under the same Inclosure.
Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 55 at Night. Wind pretty fresh from the No. Et. with encreasing clouds as the Sun rose. About 11 Oclock it began to rain, and continued to do so with intermission till after 2 oclock--from thence till night it remained cloudy & misty.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations.
At the first the Plows & Harrows were putting in Rye at Frenchs in field No. 6. The other hands, except the Ferry men, were at Dogue Run.
At Frenchs putting in Rye as above. The other hands were at D. Run.
At D. Run--Seven Plows and harrows were putting in Wheat and all the hands above mentioned with those of the Plantation and Muddy Ho. were digging Potatoes & covering Wheat in the Step between the Corn.
Wednesday 29th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--53 at Noon and 50 at Night. Clear morning with a frost. Wind at No. West all day & cold.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck--the hands were digging Potatoes but not being able to keep way before the plows, the latter went to breaking up field No. 8. Ordered the Pumpkins at this and all the other plantations to be taken up & secured as a severe frost might be expected.
The hands from the several places were at work as yesterday.
Took up the Mangel Wurzel, or Roots of Scarcity in the Inclosure
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below the Stable. Had those raised from the seeds sent me from Doctr. Rush (coming immediately from Doctr. Letsum) 48 in number--put by themselves; being of the grey or marble coloured sort. And those which approached nearly to this colour from the seed had from Mr. Peters was also put by themselves--both kinds to raise seed from for another year making together 2½ bushl. Those with red leaves, and leaves approaching nearly to this colour were laid aside for eating or giving to the Stock. The largest of these white leaved roots only weighed (after the leaves were taken of) 3 lbs. 6 oz. and altogether [ ] lbs. filling 6 bushels.
Colo. Symm on business respecting the Affairs of Colo. Geo. Mercer and his Mortgagees came here--dined, & returned afterwards.
John Coakley Lettsom (1744--1815) of London, a somewhat eccentric Quaker physician, corresponded with Benjamin Rush on a wide variety of subjects including, besides mangel-wurzel and medicine, the abolition of the slave trade, prison reform, and balloons. Born in the West Indies and educated at Edinburgh and Leyden, Lettsom enjoyed a large and lucrative medical practice in London, but expended much of his income on his elaborate suburban residence and various philanthropies. He was also the author of numerous medical, biographical, and philanthropic works (RUSH, 1:313, n.1). Marble-colored mangel-wurzel was considered to be the best variety (GW to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 27 Sept. 1788, DLC:GW).
On this date GW received, undoubtedly from Charles Simms, £7 18s. 5d., the balance due upon a bond from the estate of James Kirk of Alexandria. At the same time, he paid Simms for bringing suit for the bond and for entering an action against his neighbor Robert Alexander for a long-standing debt (LEDGER B, 275).
The deceased George Mercer's affairs were no longer of much concern to GW. At the beginning of the War of Independence, GW had announced that he would cease acting as one of Mercer's trustees, and in Nov. 1782 the general court ordered all bonds and other papers in GW's hands relating to the 1774 sale of Mercer's lands to be turned over to James Mercer. Nevertheless, an unsuccessful attempt was made about this time to involve GW in some of the continuing legal problems of George Mercer's estate ("The Answer of George Washington to the Bill of Complaint exhibited against him by William Owens," 15 Feb. 1789, ViU).
Thursday the 30th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 42 at Night. Clear Morning and severe white frost. Wind at No. Wt. & cold all day.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue Run, Frenchs & Ferry Plantations.
At Muddy hole--the Hoe people began to dig their Irish Potatoes in field No. 3. The Plows of this place wd. finish sowing Wheat at Dogue run to day, & return & put in their own Rye.
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At Dogue Run--All the Potatoes wd. be dug to day; total qty., besides scattering ones yet to pick up after the plows, 106 ½ bushels. Finished sowing wheat also in field No. 5 among Corn--qty. 64 Bushels.
At French's all the Rye wd. be sown this Evening--qty. [ ] bushels. This must be too thick, as the grd. in which it was put could not exceed [ ] acres. The grd. for this was first plowed, then the Seed sown & harrowed in--afterwards cross harrowed.
At the Ferry (as from Frenchs) the Hoe people were all at D. Run: would return home to Night--as would the Ferry Plows from Frenchs.
Sowed the remainder of the yellow bearded Wheat adjoining the last in the enclosure below the Stable in the ground where the Irish Potatoes grew--6 Rows.
Friday 31st. Thermometer at 34 in the morning--45 at Noon and 44 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Et. in the morning and veering round got to So. Et. by Night with appearance of rain.
Finished pruning the Weeping Willows, & other Trees in the Serpentine walks front of the House and was on the point of Riding when Mr. William Fitzhugh Junr. (of Maryland) came in, about 10 Oclock--after whom, Colo. Henry Lee arrived. Both stay'd dinner and the latter all night.
Remained at home all day.
Henry Lee was returning to his home in Westmoreland County from New York where he had been attending Congress (Lee to GW, 13 Sept. 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Lee, 22 Sept. 1788, Vi).
Saturday the First. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--54 at Noon and 54 at Night. The Wind in the Morning was from the So. Wt. & pretty fresh. About 9 Oclock it clouded up and began to rain for 10 or 15 minutes pretty smartly after which two or three other scuds of rain for a few minutes passed over. Afternoon clear.
Colo. Lee went away after breakfast and I rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck--all the Plows were putting in Rye, and all the Hoes employed in taking up Potatoes & hoeing in Rye between the Corn.
At Muddy hole--The Plows began to put in Rye in field No. 3
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where the Pease grew in hills. The Hoe People continued digging the Irish Potatoes which they began on thursday last.
At Dogue run--The Plows were breaking up field No. 3 and the other hands were employed in taking up the scattering Potatoes & fallen Corn.
At Frenchs--both plows and Hoes were employed in breaking up the bouting Roes along the fence that they may be sowed wth. the grain the field has received.
At the Ferry--The plows were breaking up No. 5. The other people, some were cleaning up the Rye that was tread out yesterday, and some digging Potatoes.
Doctr. Craik was sent for, and came down this afternoon to visit Waggoner Jack, who had been sick two or three days.
The slave Jack, wagoner at the Home House plantation, apparently died in the fall of 1795 (GW to William Pearce, 25 Oct. 1795, NBLiHi).
Sunday 2d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--[ ] at noon and 70 at Night. Wind at No. Et., with clouds, and appearances of rain till about Noon; when it cleared and became pleasant.
One of Madame de Bréhan's miniatures of Washington, made into a ring. (Yale University Art Gallery, The Lelia A. and John Hill Gordon Collection)
Nelly Custis, a miniature painted by Madame de Bréhan on ivory. (Yale University Art Gallery, The Mabel Brady Garvan Collection)
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Mr. George Mason came here to dinner and returned in the Evening. After dinner word was brot. from Alexandria that the Minister of France was arrived there and intended down here to dinner. Accordingly, a little before Sun setting, he (the Count de Moustiers) his Sister the Marchioness de Brehan--the Marquis her Son--and Mr. du Ponts came in.
Eléanor François Elie, comte de Moustier (1751--1817), successor to the chevalier de La Luzerne as French minister to the United States, had arrived at New York in January. Although an officer in the French army from the age of 17, he spent most of his life in diplomatic service. He was appointed minister to the German state of Trier in 1778, was sent to London in 1783 to soothe relations between Britain and France's ally Spain, became minister to Prussia in 1790, and later served Royalist exiles of the French Revolution in negotiations with both the British and Prussians (BIOG. UNIVERSELLE, 29: 482--84). In the midst of this distinguished career, his mission to the United States was a failure almost from the start. "A very well informed man" sincerely desirous of promoting American-French commercial relations, he lacked the tact and insight needed to deal with American republicans (David Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson, 29 Nov. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 14:300--304). "The Count de Moustier," wrote John Jay to Jefferson 25 Nov. 1788, "it seems... expected more particular and flattering Marks of minute Respect than our People in general entertain Ideas of, or are either accustomed or inclined to pay to anybody" (JEFFERSON [1], 14:290--91).
The marquise de Bréhan, an artist and much esteemed friend of Thomas Jefferson, proved to be a further detriment to Moustier's reputation in America. "Appearances (whether well or ill founded is not important)," Jay told Jefferson, "have created and diffused an opinion that an improper Connection subsists between him [Moustier] and the Marchioness. You can easily conceive the Influence of such an opinion on the Minds and Feelings of such a People as ours" (Jay to Jefferson, 25 Nov. 1788, James Madison to Jefferson, 8 Dec. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 14:290--91, 339--42).
For her part Madame de Bréhan was already "furiously displeased with America" (Jefferson to Maria Cosway, 14 Jan. 1789, JEFFERSON [1], 14: 445--46). She came to America hoping to find a climate beneficial to her delicate health and a pastoral utopia where the simple virtues of rural life extolled by French intellectuals of the time really existed. The harshness of the American winters and the realities of American life both in towns and in the country soon gave the lie to those romantic preconceptions, leaving her with a feeling of betrayal (JEFFERSON [1], 14:300--304).
Madame de Bréhan's son, Armand Louis Fidčle de Bréhan (1770--1828), who later became the marquis de Bréhan, had been brought to America with the hope of giving him an education that would be "more masculine and less exposed to seduction" than in France (Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 30 Aug. 1787, JEFFERSON [1], 12:65--66). He was later commissioned a captain in the Royal Lorraine cavalry and accompanied Moustier to Berlin when the comte was appointed minister to Prussia. Although Bréhan joined the Royalist émigrés during the early years of the French Revolution, he returned to France in 1803 and became a baron of the empire under Napoleon. When Napoleon fell from power, he apparently accommodated himself to the new Bourbon regime with little difficulty (DICT. BIOG. FRANÇAISE, 7:196--97; Md. Journal, 11 Nov. 1788).
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Victor Marie du Pont (1767--1827), eldest son of the French economist and diplomat Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (1739--1817), had recently become an attaché to the French legation. When Lafayette became commander of the French national guard in 1789, Du Pont returned home to serve the marquis as an aide-de-camp. He subsequently held several diplomatic posts in the United States and in 1800 joined his father and other members of the family in establishing permanent residence in the new nation. His American business ventures, unlike those of his younger brother Eleuthčre Irénée du Pont (1771--1834), were generally unsuccessful.
MR. GEORGE MASON: probably George Mason, Jr., of Lexington (see entries for 17 Dec. 1773 and 29 Nov. 1785).
Monday 3d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--70 at Noon And 70 at Night. A thick fog untill 8 or 9 Oclock--Clear, calm & exceedingly pleasant afterwards.
Remained at home all day. Colo. Fitzgerald & Doctr. Craik came down to dinner--& with the copy of an address (which the Citizens of Alexandria meant to present to the Minister) waited on him to know when he would receive it.
Mr. Lear went to Alexandria to invite some of the Gentlemen and Ladies of the Town to dine with the Count & Marchioness here to morrow.
Alexandria's address, welcoming Moustier to Virginia and expressing hope for continued close political connections and growing trade between France and the United States, was warmly received by him on 6 Nov. ( Md. Journal, 25 Nov. 1788).
Tuesday the fourth. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Morning clear, calm and very pleasant--as the weather continued to be thro' the day.
Mr. Herbert & his Lady, Mr. Potts & his Lady, Mr. Ludwell Lee & his Lady, and Miss Nancy Craik came here to dinner and returned afterwards.
In MS "Tuesday" reads "Tuesday."
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Very clear, calm, warm & pleast. all day.
The Minister & Madame de Brehan expressing a desire to Walk to the New Barn--we accordingly did so and from thence through Frenchs Plantation to my Mill and from thence home compleating a tour of at least Seven Miles.
Previous to this, in the Morning before breakfast I rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and Muddy hole Plantations.
At the Ferry some of the People were cleaning up the Rye
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which had been tread out the day before. Others were digging Potatoes. The Plows were at work in No. 5.
At French's--the People were preparing the yard to tread out Oats which had remained in shocks at the yard.
At Dogue Run--some hands were cleaning up Rye and preparing to lay down a bed of Wht. and others digging a Cellar to Store Irish Potatoes in--The Plows yesterday & this day being stopped to tread out grain.
At Dogue run--The People were raising Mud for Manure. The Rye would be all in and covered to day.
Thursday 6th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--73 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear, calm, warm and exceeding pleasant.
About Nine Oclock the Minister of France, the Marchioness de Brehan & their Suit, left this on their return for New York. I accompanied them as far as Alexandria & returned home to dinner. The Minister proceeded to George Town after having received an address from the Citizens of the Corporation.
In the Afternoon Mr. Ferdinand Fairfax came in and stayed all Night.
Moustier and Madame de Bréhan originally planned to make a more extensive tour of Virginia including stops at Richmond, the Natural Bridge, and Monticello, home of their friend Thomas Jefferson. They cut short their visit to the state because, in their opinion, "the season was too far advanced" and they already "had so much suffer'd from the cold" on their travels. Nevertheless, they were greatly pleased with GW and Mount Vernon. "Every thing there," they wrote Jefferson, "is enchanting" (29 Dec. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 14:399--400).
Ferdinando Fairfax, a godson of GW, had inherited most of the estate of his uncle George William Fairfax during the past year (GW to Warner Washington, 9 Nov. 1787, NHi: George and Martha Washington Papers).
Friday 7th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning 62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Brisk Wind from the So. Wt. with great appearances of much rain till towards evening when it cleared--Sprinklings now & then through the day.
Went with Mr. Fairfax to my New Barn and to the Plantations at the Ferry, French's, Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At the Ferry--five plows were breaking up Field No. 5. The other force was cleaning Wheat which had been tread out and digging Potatoes.
At French's--Two of the Plows were at the Ferry--the other was stopped. Some of these people were digging Potatoes at the Ferry and others cleaning up Oats.
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At Dogue run--The Plows were at work in Field No. 3: that is five; one of them from Muddy hole. The People were cleaning Wheat.
At Muddy hole--The hands were getting up Mud & some endeavouring to get up Hogs.
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 Children here when I came home.
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 52 at Night. Clear & pleasant without much Wind--that Easterly.
At home all day. One of the Bucks in the Paddock having much wounded the Young woman Dolshy, Doctr. Craik was sent for who came and stayed all Night.
Dolshy, a dower slave, was listed in 1799 as a spinner. She was then the wife of the slave carpenter Joe (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c. June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind Easterly all day & fresh with clouds and great appearances of Rain.
Doctr. Craik went away in the Morning. Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck--the Plows and all hands were putting in Rye and taking up Potatoes--except a few who were threshing out Oats.
At Muddy hole--Two Plows were gone to Dogue Run. The Plowman of the other, and the Overseer were endeavouring to get up some outlaying hogs. The other People were getting up Mud.
At Dogue run. The Plows were at work in No. 3. The other hands were cleaning up the Tailings of Wheat & preparing the Cellar for Potatoes.
At French's--The Overseer & one or two other hands were employed in putting in Wheat in the bouting rows, in field No. 6; especially in that part where the Wht. was sown in drills. The other hand & his plows were at the Ferry.
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At the Ferry--five plows were at Work in No. 5. Part of the hands were cleaning Wheat which had been tread out and part were getting up Potatoes.
The New Barn would nearly if not quite have the Rafters up to day.
Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 52 at Night. In the Night past the Wind shifted more to the Southward and blew most violently. About day it began to rain (which it had done by intervals durg. the Night) and continued to do so till about sun rise when it cleared but still continued to blow very hard at So. West the whole day.
All my People, except those in the Neck were on the public roads repairing of them to day: attended, in some measure, this business myself.
Mr. Lund Washington--Overseer of the Roads--dined here to day.
Lund Washington was appointed by the Fairfax County court on 20 Oct. 1785 to oversee two public roads that ran across the Mount Vernon plantation: from Gum Spring to the mill on Dogue Run and from Gum Spring to Posey's ferry (Fairfax County Order Book for 1783--88, 180, Vi Microfilm). His visit today was apparently an official one made to request GW to repair one or both roads with his slaves.
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day & pleasant--Clear in the morning, but a little lowering towards 3 oclock--clear afterwards.
The force of yesterday was employed in the roads to day.
Mrs. and Miss Stuart went away after breakfast. I rid to the repairers of the Road and to my New Barn--the Rafters of which were all raised about Noon.
Mr. Lund Washington dined here again to day.
GW bought about 100,000 eighteen-inch-long juniper shingles for the barn from Thomas Newton, Jr., of Norfolk at a cost of about £40, but unfortunately the last and largest load of shingles did not reach Mount Vernon until the middle of December (GW to Newton, 1 Aug., 10 Oct., and 17 Dec. 1788, DLC:GW). "The Season," GW wrote the comte de Moustier 15 Dec. 1788, "will be so far advanced before I shall have compleatly finished covering my Barn, that I can be able to do nothing more to it this year" (Arch. des Aff. Etr., Mémoires et Documents, Etats-Unis, vols. 5--6). George Augustine Washington oversaw the completion of the building the following spring (GW to George Augustine Washington, 31 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).
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Thursday 13th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Clear calm, and very pleasant all day.
Began a Survey of the Road leading from my Ferry to Cameren and thence along the Back road by Mr. Lund Washingtons & Mr. Triplett to my Mill, & from thence direct to the Ferry--But meeting Doctr. Craik coming to introduce a Mr. Wilming and another German from Bremin, I turned back with them--after having got as far as Cameren. Dr. Craik retd.
GW wished to replace the public roads running through the Mount Vernon plantation with a single new road. Virginia law forbade the use of gates on public roads; to fence or ditch both sides of a road to keep livestock in or out was expensive. The new road would run from Posey's ferry past the new barn on Ferry plantation to the mill, thence generally with the millrace to the tumbling dam at the head of the race, and then east across Mount Vernon's northern boundary to join the "riverside old road" between Gum Spring and Cameron. The "Back road" on which Lund Washington and William Triplett lived was the main road from Alexandria to Colchester (GW to George Augustine Washington, 31 Mar. 1789, and GW to William Pearce, 28 Sept. 1794, DLC:GW; Fairfax County Order Book for 1788--91, 32, Vi Microfilm; map of roads and fences to be maintained for use of the ferry, [Oct. 1790], Vi; map of roads from Cameron to Posey's ferry and Robert Boggess's, n.d., ViMtV). MR. WILMING: Henrich Wilmans of Bremen, Germany.
Friday 14th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and 56 at Night. Wind Southerly in the forenoon, and thro' the day till evening, when it shifted to No. Wt. All the forenoon was very cloudy with great appearances of rain--some of which in a sprinkle or two, fell about 11 Oclock--afternoon clear.
Mr. Wilming--the German Gentleman above mentioned having offered to engage a Gardener for me and to send him in a ship from Bremen; I requested that it might not exceed the following conditions for him and his Wife (if he brings one)--viz.--Ten pounds sterling for the 1st. year--Eleven for the 2d.--Twelve for the 3d. and so on, a pound encrease, till the sum should amt. to £15. beyond which not to go. That he would be found a comfortable House, or room in one, with bedding, victuals & drink; but no clothes; these for self and wife to be provided at his own expence--That he is to be a compleat Kitchen Gardener with a competent knowledge of Flowers and a Green House. And that he is to come under Articles and firmly bound. His, or their passages to be on as low terms as it can be obtained--The Wife if one comes is to be a Spinner, dairy Woman--or something of that usefulness.
After Mr. Wilming went away as soon as breakfast was over I rid to all the Plantations.
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In the Neck--The sowing of ten Bushels of Winter Barley, East side of field No. 6 between the Corn was just finished (for an experiment)--being delayed till this time for want of the Barley, from Mr. Wayles. The People were employed in digging Potatoes which they wd. finish doing to day. The Plows were, some breaking up No. 8 and others plowing in Rye the sowing of which would be compleated to morrow.
At Muddy hole--the hands were getting up Mud. Plows at D. Run.
At Dogue run--they were cleaning a bed of Wheat which had been tread out yesterday; & compleating the potato Cellar.
At Frenchs--The People were repairing the Fences around field No. 5. The Plows were at the Ferry.
At the Ferry 6 plows were at Work--the People digging Potatoes.
Mr. Lear finished to day what was left undone yesterday of the Survey of the Roads.
Doctr. Logan and Lady of Philaa. and a Monsr. [ ] of Lyons in France came here to dinner and went away afterwards.
Henrich Wilmans sent a gardener named John Christian Ehlers to GW in the summer of 1789. Ehlers, who was later joined by his wife, began work at the rate of 12 guineas a year and received subsequent raises. GW dismissed him in the fall of 1797 (GW to Wilmans, 12 Oct. 1789, Wilmans to GW, 28 Feb. 1790, and GW to James Anderson, 7 April 1797, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 313, 353; LEDGER C, 9).
Andrew Wales (c.1737--1799) operated a brewery in Alexandria for many years. Little barley of any kind was grown or sold in the Alexandria area, and Wales as a brewer was the only local person who maintained a supply of it (GW to Thomas Peters, 4 Dec. 1786, NN: Emmet Collection; GW to William Pearce, 23 Mar. 1794, DLC:GW).
Dr. George Logan married Deborah Norris (1761--1839) of Philadelphia 6 Sept. 1781. Granddaughter of a chief justice of Pennsylvania, she obtained an exceptionally good education for a woman of her times largely as a result of a self-directed program of study at home. Her many social connections in the Philadelphia area and her precise and well-informed mind make her Memoir of Dr. George Logan of Stenton (Philadelphia, 1899), written after her husband's death in 1821, and her extensive annotation of family manuscripts, also undertaken in her later years, valuable sources for historians.
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind at No. Wt. Pleasant all day & clear with less Wind.
Went with my Compass and finished the line of stakes from Dogue run (at the Tumbling dam) to Hunting Ck.; for a road on the border of my land adjoining to Colo. Masons. Also connected
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Jacques (Jean) Pierre Brissot de Warville. From J. P. Brissot de Warville and Etienne Clavičre, The Commerce of America with Europe, New York, 1795. (Rare Book Department, Alderman Library, University of Virginia)
this with the road leading from the Gum Spring to Alexandria and from the former run the courses and measured the distances to my Mill and from the Mill to the Mansion House.
On my return home in the Evening I found Mr. Warville and a Mr. de Saint Tries here--brought down by Mr. Porter who returned again.
Jacques (Jean) Pierre Brissot de Warville (1754--1793), French journalist and reformer, came to the United States in July of this year as an agent for three European financiers who were interested in investing in the American public debt and in public lands. However, Brissot also had reasons of his own for coming. A warm friend of the United States and an admirer of Jean Jacques Rousseau, he was thinking of settling in America, possibly in the Shenandoah Valley and was planning to write a history of the new country (BRISSOT, xi--xxi). It was this last project that brought him to Mount Vernon. Brissot, Lafayette wrote to GW 25 May 1788, "is . . . very desirous to Have a peep at Your papers, which Appears to me a deserved Condescension as He is Very fond of America, writes pretty well, and will set Matters in a proper light" (PEL). How much Brissot used GW's papers during his brief stay, if at all, is not known, but he was well received by GW and was given, he said, "a great deal of information both on the recent war and on present conditions in America" (BRISSOT, 345). From Mount Vernon, Brissot went to New York and sailed for France, where he soon became deeply involved in the French Revolution. He was a prominent member of the Paris Commune and a leader of the Girondist party, but during the Terror he fell from power and was guillotined.
The chevalier de St. Trys (St. Tries, St. Trise, St. Fris), "a Captain in a french Rgt of dragoons," had a letter of introduction to GW from Lafayette (4 May 1788, PEL). He had probably come to America on the ship that
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brought Brissot, but did not return to France with him (Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 1 May 1788, James Madison to Jefferson, 12 Dec. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 13:122--23, 14:352--53; St. Trys to Benjamin Franklin, 25 July 1788, HAYS, 4:377).
Sunday 16th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--52 at Noon and 50 at Night--Lowering all day with the Wind fresh from the So. Wt.--towards Night the Wind shifted to the Eastward, and in the course of it rained.
Monsrs. Warville and Saint Tres returned to Alexandria in my Chariot.
Monday the 17th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 50 at Night. Warm and lowering.
It was this day and not yesterday that Mr. Warville and Mr. Staint trees went to Alexandria. An Officer in the Navy of the United Netherlands came here to dinner and stayed all Night--introduced by Mr. Jas. McHenry of Baltimore--his name Richard Daily.
I remained at home all day.
Tuesday 18th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--48 at Noon and 48 at Night. Warm and pleasant.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
At the Ferry--Six plows were at Work. All the other force of this place & Frenchs were digging Potatoes.
At Dogue run--Seven plows were at Work. The other hands were cleaning up Wheat which had been tread out and grubbing and Sprouting in the field where the Plows were.
The Muddy hole began to gather Corn in the New grd. at the home house yesterday.
Mr. Roger West dined here to day.
Wednesday 19th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning--58 at Noon and 56 at Night. Lowering all day; but little wind and that from the Southward.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck the Plows were at Work breaking up field No. 8. The other hands were stripping the Seed off the flax in order to Spread.
At Muddy hole--gathering & carrying home as on the preceeding days.
At Dogue run Sprouting the meadow--the weather being too heavy to tread Wheat.
At French's & the Ferry the same Work going on as yesterday.
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Thursday 20th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning 56 at Noon and 56 at Night. A very heavy fog--and lowering Weather all day--with a light air from the No. East.
Went to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined with Colo. Henry Lee & Lady at Mr. Fendalls and returned home in the Evening. Found Doctr. La Moyeur here.
Matilda Lee and her mother, Elizabeth Steptoe Lee Fendall, were both very ill. Neither ever fully recovered her health, Mrs. Fendall dying the next spring, and Matilda in the fall of 1790. The Lees stayed in Alexandria until the middle of March (GW to Henry Lee, 30 Nov. 1788, and Lee to GW, and 23 Dec. 1788 and 14 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).
Friday 21st. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning 56 at Noon and 56 at Night. Thick morning and dull through the day--without wind.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry--Frenchs and D. Run.
At the two first--the Plows were at Work as usual. The other hands were digging Potatoes.
At Dogue run 7 plows were at Work--the other hands riddling Potatoes and putting them away in the Cellar which has been prepared for them.
Muddy hole People about Corn. Doctr. Lee came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
RIDDLING POTATOES: removing soil from potatoes with a coarse sieve.
Saturday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning 66 at Noon and 66 at Night. A very thick fog in the Morning--but clear, calm & remarkably pleasant afterwards.
Docter Lee going away after breakfast I rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck--Seven plows began to break up that part of field No. 8 wch. is directly opposite to Mr. [Abednego] Adams's on the point. The other hands having finished spreading the flax were employed in threshing out Pease.
At Muddy hole--finished gathering the Corn in the New ground & Carting it to the Plantation. The Grey Mare slunk her fold.
At Dogue run--Seven Plows as usual were at Work. The other hands were Riddling Potatoes.
At the Ferry & French's (which are now united under one management) Six plows were at Work as usual and the other People began to get Corn from the Ferry field No. part & to husk it.
Began at all the Plantations to feed my fatting hogs with Corn,
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not finding that they throve much on Potatoes altho' they eat them very greedily. This might be owing to their not having sufficient age, for they are all young and growing.
Ferry and French's plantations were put under the management of James Bloxham (GW to George Augustine Washington, 26 Aug. 1787, WRITINGS, 29:263--66; GW's instructions for James Bloxham, 1 Jan. 1789, DLC:GW). GW called this area "the United Plantations" or simply "Ferry & French's" until 1793 when he named it "Union Farm, or Plantation" (GW to Anthony Whitting, 27 Jan. 1793, DLC:GW).
Sunday 23d. Thermometer at 47 in the morning--54 at Noon and 56 at Night. A good deal of rain fell in the course of last Night and this day.
Monday 24th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning--68 at Noon and 68 at Night. A brisk So. Wester with Clouds, Mists & Sun shine, alternately in the forenoon. Clear afterwards till Night, when the wind came out hard from the No. West but shifted to the No. Et. and rained a little in the Night. Visited the United Plantations, D. Run & Muddy hole.
At the first the People were husking Corn and the Plows at work in No. 7 at Frenchs breaking up for B. Wheat & Wheat next year.
At D. Run Seven plows were still at work in No. 3--the other hands riddling & stowing away Potatoes.
At Muddy hole--the Plows were at D. Run. The other hands were getting up Mud and threshing out Rye.
Messrs. Thos. and Ferdinand Fairfax came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
GW today wrote letters of introduction for Ferdinando Fairfax to Samuel Powel and Dr. Thomas Ruston, both of Philadelphia. Ferdinando was preparing to go to that city "for the laudable purpose of compleating his Studies" (GW to Powel, ViMtV; GW to Ruston, WRITINGS, 30:132).
Tuesday 25th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 36 at Night. Wind at No. East with rain in the morning heavy all day and sometimes dripping Rain.
At home all day, intending if the weather would have permitted to have gone up to the Great & Seneca falls by appointment made with Colos. Fitzgerald & Gilpin.
After dinner the two Mr. Fairfaxs went away.
Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night. Raining more or less all day--with the Wind at No. East.
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Thursday 27th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 48 at Night. Clear and tolerably pleasant, with the Wind at So. Wt.
Rid to the Plantations (United) & to D. Run & Muddy hole.
At the first--Six plows were at Wk. and all the other hands were Grubbing in fields No. 7 at Frenchs, where the plowing was going on.
At Dogue Run--The Plows (Seven) were still at Work in field No. 3 and the other People removing Potatoes.
At Muddy hole (the Plows being at D. Run) the People were threshing Rye.
Colo. Blackburn and Mr. Gustavus Scott of Maryland came here to dinner & stayed all Night--as did a Mr. Packet.
Gustavus Scott (1753--1800), of Cambridge, Md., was the youngest son of Rev. James Scott of Prince William County. A lawyer, he was educated at King's College, Aberdeen, Scotland, and at the Inns of Court, London. He represented Somerset County in the Maryland conventions of 1775 and 1776 and was a delegate from Dorchester County in the assembly 1780--81 and 1783--85. During the latter session he played an active role in the creation of the Potomac Company. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1784 but was prevented from attending by bad health. GW appointed him a commissioner for the city of Washington in 1794 (GW to Tobias Lear, 28 Aug. 1794, DLC: GW).
Mr. Packet, who lived at Bushfield with Bushrod Washington apparently as an employee, today brought a letter from Bushrod to GW, dated 20 Nov. 1788, in which Bushrod announced his intention of moving to Alexandria. The demands of his plantation and of his legal career, Bushrod had found, were incompatible. "The life as well as the capacity of man," he wrote, "is insufficient to attain even a competant degree of perfection in more than one Study, and as my inclination is attached to that of Law, I wish not to be diverted from it." Packet was on his way "up to Alexandria to enquire about the Rent of Houses in that place" (ViMtV). This Mr. Packet may be the John Packett whom GW employed in some capacity from Aug. 1789 to Sept. 1791 (LEDGER B, 313).
Friday 28th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--45 at Noon and 45 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day, with heavy clouds and at times thick mists--in the evening it Rained.
Colo. Blackburn & Mr. Scott not going away until towards Noon together with the suspiciousness of the day prevented me from riding.
Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 45 in the morning--54 at Noon and 50 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind at So. Wt. which veering round to the No. Wt. blew very hard & cleared.
Mr. Richd. Harrison, late Consul in Spain, Colo. Ramsay and
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Mr. Snow came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria afterwards.
Rid to the two Plantations (united) to Dogue run, and to Muddy hole.
At the first, the Plows (6) were as usual at Work and all the others were digging Potatoes in the Ferry part.
At Dogue run--Seven plows were at Work. The other hands were digging, topping & stringing Carrots.
At Muddy hole. The Ploughs as usual, were at Dogue run. The other hand were (as yesterday) threshing Oats.
Sunday 30th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night. The Wind was fresh from the No. West in the Morning and the grd., for the first time, this fall, pretty hard frozen. Towards noon the wind lulled; and at Night came out from the So. Wt. and lowered a good deal blowing fresh. It was this day & not yesterday that Mr. Harrison &ca. were here.
Monday 1st. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--55 at Noon and 54 at Night. Wind at So. Wt., & very fresh all day, with clouds but no great appearance of Rain. Towards Night it shifted to No. Wt. & continued to blow hard--turning cold.
Visited all the Plantations on this side the Creek.
At the United ones--The Plows as usual were at Work. The other hands were in part digging the remainder of the Potatoes in the Ferry field No. 2 and would go when they were done, wch. would be about Noon, into French's No. 4 adjoining about the same work. The other part were cleaning Wheat at the Ferry wch. had been tread out before the late wet weather & part of it sprouted.
At Dogue run--The Plow horses, and part of the hands were getting out Wheat. The other part finished taking up the Carrots wch. after topping, stringing and washing turned 86 bushels. These grew on 17 Rows between the Corn--two of which were transplanted & yielded badly--being (generally) small short, & forked--running more into top than root. 34 Rows of Potatoes, also between the Corn & intermixed with the above Carrots, yielded as noted 15th. Oct. 198½ bush. The other mixtures among the Corn were Cabbages, which came to nothing and Turnips (in drills) which at this time, are not much better; five Rows
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of each; making together, of the vegitable tribe, 61 Rows, all of which were intermixed between 60 Rows of Indian Corn which are to be gathered, & measured seperately, to see the yield of each.
At Muddy hole the people were getting up Mud for manure.
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 37 in the morning--47 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear, with the Wind at No. Wt. but not strong.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the People were gathering Beans, corn, and drawing them in. Only 5 plows were at Work--the Waggon being employed in drawing in Corn. That part of the Corn which was intermixed with Carrots, would be gathered (tho' not measured) to day. It amounted to 49 rows--between which 23 rows of Irish Potatoes, yielding 135 bushls. (as observed the 10th. of Octr.) hath already been dug, & 13 rows of Carrots, 12 of Turnips, and one of the Turnip rooted Cabbage now remain.
The Hands from Muddy hole were some at Dogue run with their Plows and about the Carrots and some at Frenchs about the Potatoes.
At the two Plantations United, The Plows were at Work as usual. The other hands were employed, some in cleaning up the Wheat as yesterday and the rest about the Potatoes--where also the Ditchers, & such others of the weak gang from the House were also sent.
At Dogue run, the Plow Horses were getting out Wheat--the other hands in topping & sprouting the Carrots and preparing them for putting away.
Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--33 at Noon and 29 at Night. Clear with the Wind fresh from No. Wt. & cold--ground as yesterday froze hard.
Rid to the two Plantations united and to the New Barn.
The Plows at these places were at work as usual. After sending of the wheat to the Mill--the whole force with some hands from Muddy hole the ditchers &ca. from the House were employed in getting up & securing the Potatoes in field No. 4 at Frenchs in the Barn.
Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 25 this Morning--42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind still at No. Wt. and fresh--but after the Morning the cold was not so severe as yesterday.
At home all day.
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Friday 5th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 42 at Night--Wind Southerly and weather moderate--a few flakes of snow fell in the early part of the Morning--but not enough to whiten the grd. This is the first that has fallen here this fall. Clear & pleasant all day--but the Wind getting to No. Wt. again at Night it turned cold.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck the Plows were stopped by the frost which had frozen the ground quite hard. The greater part of the hands had been working on the public roads the two preceeding days. To day they were removing Potatoes into the Barn from the Corn House.
All the hands from Muddy hole were at Dogue run, & digging Potatoes at Frenchs. No plowing.
At Dogue Run--Plows were stopped. Part of the hands were gathering, drawing & husking corn and part cleaning up Wheat which had been tread out.
At the Ferry & Frenchs Plantations The Plows were at work and most of the other hands were from about 10 or 11 Oclock digging Potatoes. In the Morning, and all day yesterday the ground was too hard frozen to dig them up. Some of the People were cleaning up (at the Ferry) the last tread wheat.
Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 33 in the morning--46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Clear morning and day--first part of wch. was calm--the latter part the Wind was pretty fresh from the Southward.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs Plantn. Lofting Corn at the first--and digging Potatoes at the latter which were much injured and some entirely destroyed by the frost.
Mr. Dulany dined here yesterday.
Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning--57 at Noon and 57 at Night. Clear, warm & pleasant all day.
Monday 8th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Clear warm & pleasant with the Wind at South.
Went up to Alexandria on business of the Estate of Colo. Thos. Colvill to whom I am an Executor. Returned in the Evening accompanied by Colo. Henry Lee.
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind still Southerly and fresh--a good deal of
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rain fell in the course of last Night and the early part of this Morning.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
At the two first the Plows were at work in field No. 7 at French's and all the other hands with the assistance as mentioned last week were employed to day as they were yesterday in getting up Potatoes.
At Dogue run. The Plows finished about Noon, breaking up field No. 3 and the other hands compleated the Husking and measuring the Corn which grew in 60 rows between the Carrots--qty. 46 barrls. of sound Corn and 4 of what is called cow Corn--hence
Mr. Ludwell Lee & Mr. Elliot Lee came here to dinner and in the afternoon with Colo. Henry Lee returned to Alexandria.
Concluded my exchange after dinner to day with Colo. Hy. Lee of Magnolio for 5000 acres of Kentucke Land agreeably to the memo. which he gave to me--which in case it should have been disposed of by Doctr. Skinner (now deceased) is to be supplied by other Lands of equal value. This bargain was made in the presence of Colo. Humphreys, the two Mr. Lees above mentioned Mr. Lear, & my Nephew Geo. Auge. Washington.
GW was willing to part with Magnolia because the stallion was expensive to keep and had brought in little or no money for stud service during the past two and a half years despite frequent advertisement of that service (GW to Henry Lee, 30 Nov. 1788, DLC:GW; LEDGER B, 227). Dr. Alexander Skinner, of Richmond, who served as surgeon of Lee's Legion 1780--83, patented tracts of 2,000 and 3,000 acres on or near the Rough River in Jefferson (now Grayson) County, Ky. Lee obtained a deed for these two tracts by 17 Jan. 1789, and in February or March he conveyed his title to GW (BLANTON, 337; Henry Lee to GW, 2 Dec. 1788, 17 Jan., 6 and 14 Feb., and 14 Mar. 1789, GW to Henry Lee, 12 Dec. 1788, 20 Jan. and 14 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 41 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 43 at Night. Clear, with the Wind fresh at No. Wt. all day.
Remained at home all day. William Gardener--my New Overseer for the Neck, arrived (by Water) with his family to day.
William Garner, of Charles County, Md., today signed a contract with GW, agreeing to serve as overseer of River plantation "with the utmost Industry, Sobriety and Honesty" in return for £36 a year (articles of agreement between Garner and GW, 10 Dec. 1788, DLC:GW). He was employed until 1792 when he was dismissed for the neglectful way in which he conducted
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that year's harvest (LEDGER B, 314; GW to Anthony Whitting, 13 Jan. and 26 May 1793, DLC:GW).
Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 44 at Night--Clear & tolerably pleasant--the Wind being Southerly.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs--Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first, the 6 Plows having finished breaking up No. 7 at Frenchs began yesterday about dinner to plow in No. 4 at the Ferry. All the other hands assisted as before were digging Potatoes in No. 4 at Frenchs.
At Dogue run--the 4 plows at this place, and the 3 belonging to Muddy hole, began in the afternoon of Tuesday to plow in No. 5 at the latter plantation having finished breaking up No. 3 at the first. Some of the hands at this place were cleaning Wheat & the others about the Corn.
At Muddy hole--The Plows began in No. 5 as has been mentioned. Some hands were getting in a Stack of Oats and the rest were at French's.
Friday 12th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--46 at Noon and 46 at Night--Clear in the forenoon with appearances of Snow, in the afternoon but these vanished before Night. Wind Southerly all day.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck 7 Plows were in No. 8 breaking it up. The other hands were pulling and getting in Corn; and topping Carrots.
At Muddy hole--3 plows were at work in No. 5. The other hands were in part threshing Oats and part at Frenchs about the Potatoes.
At Dogue run--the Plow horses were treading Wheat and the hands attending--getting in & husking Corn.
At the Ferry & Frenchs--6 Plows were at work in No. 5 at the Ferry. The other hands were all employed abt. the Potatoes.
Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--52 at Noon and [ ] at Night. Clear, calm & pleasant.
Visited the Ferry & French's, & Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the two first the Horses were getting out the remainder of the wheat--a small damaged stack and the Plow people attending. All the other hands were about the Potatoes which were dug & housed
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to day--quantity in the whole (at Frenchs) 1088 bushels--but many of them having suffered by frost--and all being put up wet, owing to the sloppiness of the ground occasioned thereby--the whole must be taken out, assorted & dried in order to preserve them. It is indispensable that this work should be, next year, & every succeeding one, be compleated before the ground begins to freeze--in short as soon as the tops of the Potatoes begin to fade & while there is Sun to dry them properly.
At Dogue run--treading Wheat again & the other hands employed as yesterday.
At Muddy hole--the Plows and other People were at Work as yesterday.
Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 40 in the morning--[ ] at Noon and 50 at Night--Clear, warm & pleasant all day with the Wind at So. Et.
Monday 15th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning--60 at Noon and 50 at Night. A little lowering in the morning, but clear afterwards--Wind till about 10 'oclock was Southerly after wch. it came out at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and to D. Run and Muddy hole.
At the first two, Six plows were at Work. The other hands were, some of them, digging Carrots in the Ferry field No. 2 and the remainder were taking the Potatoes out of the Barn with a view to dry them but it appeared to be a vain attempt as there were so many watery ones among them--occasioned by the frost--as to render it scarcely possible to save any without seperating them one by one which would be endless. However, to try the effect I had them spread thin in the sun, and stirred to see if they would dry--ordering them to remain out, in heaps if the appearance of wet, or frost shd. not be great and, after again spreading them tomorrow--to remove them into the Barn Cellar tho' they will be exposed there & to lay them thin there.
At Dogue run--some of the hands were cleaning up Wheat and others about the Corn. The 4 Plows of this place were at Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole--Seven plows were at Work--some hands were threshing out Oats and the rest were at D. Run.
Received the remainder of the Carrots which were made in the Neck--quantity 93 bushels.
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Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning--49 at Noon and 48 at Night; Went to Alexandria to day to lay before the Court a plan of the roads as they pass through my Mount Vernn. tract of Land to & from the Ferry with the hardships occasioned thereby and to ask relief agreeably to the alterations which were proposed and submitted by the said plan which was readily assented to.
Dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds and returned home in the afternoon.
The Fairfax County court today granted GW permission to alter and open public roads on his lands (Fairfax County Order Book for 1788--91, 77, Vi Microfilm; GW to William Pearce, 28 Sept. 1794, DLC:GW).
Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind fresh from No. Wt. all the latter part of the Night with a little Snow and great appearances of its continuing in the Morning early--but about 9 oclock (before the grd. got covered) it ceased and before Eleven O'clock was quite clear but cold the Wind continuing fresh from the same point.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the two first--6 Plows were going. The other hands were, some about the Potatoes & others about the Carrots in Frenchs Corn field No. 4 those out of the Ferry field being topped & sent to the M. House quantity 21 bushels from 12 rows.
At Dogue Run--The Plows 4, were at Muddy hole. All the other hands with some from Muddy hole were about the corn.
At Muddy hole 7 Plows were at work. The other hands at home were threshing & cleaning Oats.
Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--26 at Noon and 24 at Night. Not much wind which towards Night was Easterly with Snow after dark.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs only. Got up the Carrots at the latter & had them brought to the Mansion House--qty. 33 bushels from eight rows. The Plows were stopped. The other hands were about the Corn getting it out of the Ferry field.
Friday 19th. Thermometer at 25 in the morning--30 at Noon and 32 at Night--but little wind--ground covered about an Inch deep with Snow.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At all, the Plows were unable to move.
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At the Ferry & Frenchs, all hands were employed about the Corn of the Ferry field.
At Dogue run--The People were also about the Corn, getting in & husking it and about cleaning Wheat which they had threshed out yesterday.
At Muddy hole--Except the hands which were aiding at Dogue run, the rest were employed in threshing & cleaning Oats.
Mr. Madison came here to dinner.
James Madison was going to Orange County to stand for election to the United States House of Representatives from his home district. In the voting, which occurred 2 Feb. 1789, he won by a large majority (Madison to GW, 2 Dec. 1788, and GW to Madison, 16 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW).
Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning--24 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind having sprung up in the Night blew hard & cold all day from the No. Wt.
Remained at home with Mr. Madison. Sent my Carriage to Dumfries for Mrs. Washington of Bushfield & others--but expect it will find difficulty to cross Occoqn.
Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 17 in the Morning 20 at Noon and 16 at Night. Wind hard & cold all day from the No. Wt.
Mr. William Craik, and Mr. [ ] Washington--Son of Mr. Lawrence Washington of Chotanck dined here and returned afterwards to Alexandria.
Lawrence Washington of Chotank had three sons: George Washington (b. 1758), who died young; Lawrence Washington, Jr. (d. 1809); and Needham Langhorne Washington (d. 1833), who inherited his father's home (WAYLAND [1], 333, 339; EUBANK, 20).
Monday 22d. Thermometer at 13 in the Morning--16 at Noon and 20 at Night. The Wind though there was but little all day was Southwardly. In the Night it blew pretty fresh from the So. Wt. This morning the river was closed except holes in places. Yesterday a good deal of Ice was formed as there also was the day before.
At home all day.
The Corn which grew between the rows of Carrots at the Ferry, being in number 38 amounted to 28 barrls. or 140 bushls. Of the above 12 Carrot Rows three were Transplanted, and did not yield more than a peck each, which is an additional proof that this mode of Culture will not succeed.
The Carriage Returned from Dumfries without Mrs. Washington
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& the others for whom it went--but was obliged to head Occoquan on account of the Ice which had impeded the passage. Doctr. Stuart called here dined and contd. to Abing.
Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning--20 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. again, snowing & cold.
At home all day.
Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning--20 at Noon and 18 at Night. Clear & cold. Wind at No. Wt.--ground about 4 Inches covered with Snow.
At home all day.
Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning 24 at Noon and 18 at Night. Lowering in the Morning but clear afterwards and not very cold there being but little wind.
Sent Mr. Madison after breakfast as far as Colchester in my Carriage.
Friday 26th. Thermometer at 19 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 27 at Night. Wind at No. West but not fresh--clear.
At home all day.
Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning--28 at Noon and 29 at Night--Wind at No. Et. and heavy all the fore part of the day; with a sleet at Night.
At home all day.
Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 44 at Night--Wind still at No. Et. with fine rain, & Sleet in the Morning but thawing afterwards--by Night little or no Snow appeared.
Monday 29th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, & till near 11 O'clock--after which clear, moderate & pleasant, with the wind at So. Wt.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the two first all hands had began to gather, get in, & husk the Corn wch. grew at French's. Taking those rows which grew between the 8 rows of Carts. which in number were 28, these Rows yielded 80 bushels of sound & 10 bushls. of Rotten Corn--as the 8 rows of Carrots did 33 bushels of these Roots.
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At Dogue run--The Men were making a farm Pen, and the Women breaking & swingling flax and getting up the shattered Corn.
At Muddy hole--The Men were about a farm pen and the Women threshing Oats.
SWINGLING: swingeing; beating.
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning--52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and weather variable--sometimes threatning rain at other times promising fair weather. About dusk it began to drizzle and by Nine Oclock rained fast. Snow all gone.
Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first the Men were about a farm Pen and the Women threshing.
At Muddy hole the Men were still about the Farm Pen & the Women threshing.
Wednesday 31st. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning--[ ] at Noon and [ ] at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, with the Wind at No. Wt. Clear afterwards but not very cold.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs and to Dogue run and Muddy hole Plann.
At the two first all hands were about the Corn and dreadfully wet & disagreeable this work and proves however improper and injurious it is to have this business on hand so late in the year.
At Dogue run the Men (except those with the Plows) were about the Farm Pen and the Women abt. the flax.
At Muddy hole--Seven Plows were at work, 4 from D. Run and 3 from the Plann. The other hands were repairing fences on the Ferry road around field No. 5.
Thursday 1st. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning--47 at Noon and 47 at Night. Clear Morning and wind tho' not much of it at No. Wt.--clear all day & pleasant.
Went out after breakfast to lay of or rather to measure an old field which is intended to be added to Muddy hole Plantation--after which marked out a line for the New road across from the Tumbling Dam to little Hunting Creek to begin [th]e Post and rail fence on.
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In the Evening Mr. Bushrod Washington & his wife and Miss Polly Blackburn came in.
The new road from Posey's ferry to the Gum Spring--Cameron road was apparently never finished. On 29 Nov. 1790 the Virginia General Assembly passed an act discontinuing the ferry for lack of sufficient patronage. With the ferry closed, there was little or no reason for the public to use the old roads, and GW soon had gates erected on them, an action that the Fairfax County court later questioned but apparently never explicitly forbade (HENING, 13:152; GW to William Pearce, 28 Sept. 1794, DLC:GW; map of roads and fences to be maintained for use of ferry, [Oct. 1790], Vi).
Bushrod and Nancy Blackburn Washington apparently were now living in rented quarters at Alexandria. Their furniture had been sent up from Bushfield on 12 Dec., and on 19 Jan., Bushrod took his oath as an attorney before the Fairfax County court. GW offered Bushrod the use of his town house in Alexandria rent free, but Bushrod declined, the house being out of repair and having no facilities for a lawyer's office (GW to Bushrod Washington, 25 Nov. 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Bushrod Washington, 16 Jan. 1789, Bushrod Washington to GW, 12 Dec. 1788 and 18 Jan. 1789, ViMtV; Fairfax County Order Book for 1788--91, 82, Vi Microfilm).
Friday 2d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 34 at Night. Wind at No. Et.--Drizzling & raining more or less all day.
Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning 40 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind still at No. Et. with the same kd. of weather as yesterday.
Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 40 in the morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at So. West but soon shifting to No. Wt. it cleared and was tolerably & not cold overhead but exceedingly sloppy & deep under foot.
The Revd. Mr. Fairfax came here in the evening and stayed all Night.
Monday 5th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear and cool with the wind at No. Wt.
Mr. Fairfax, and Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife, and Miss Blackburn went away after breakfast.
Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--44 at Noon and 40 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was Southerly--but it soon shifted to No. west.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs Plantations--and to Dogue run and Muddy hole.
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Wednesday 7th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--39 at Noon and 39 at Night. Calm all day, but raw & chilly.
Went up to the Election of an Elector (for this district) of President & Vice President when the Candidates polled for being Doctr. Stuart and Colo. Blackburn the first recd. 216 votes from the Freeholders of this County and the second 16 Votes. Dined with a large company on venisen at Pages Tavn. and came home in the evening.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act 17 Nov. 1788 authorizing election of the state's 12 presidential electors by districts. Fairfax County was in the district which also included Prince William, Loudoun, and Fauquier counties. Voting in all districts occurred on this day at the courthouses with all voters qualified to vote for General Assembly members eligible to participate (HENING, 12:648--53). David Stuart won his district by a margin of 347 votes ( Md. Journal, 20 Jan. 1789). Virginia's electors met in Richmond on 4 Feb. and voted unanimously for GW for president as did electors of all the other ratifying states, who met that day also. GW was formally notified of his election on 14 April (FREEMAN, 6:157--66).
William Page (d. 1790) ran a tavern in Alexandria apparently for only a few years. The local Freemasons met there in 1788 (BROCKETT, 34).
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning--40 at Noon and 40 at Night--But little Wind all day & that Southerly and a little lowering. In the Night it shifted to No. Wt. & blew fresh & cold.
Mess. Lund & Lawe. Washington--Mr. Willm. Thompson & Mr. William Peake dined here. I was at home all day.
Friday 9th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--31 at Noon and 27 at Night. Wind fresh from No. Wt. all day and cold--in the evening calm.
Finished gathering Corn this day only at French's--quantity [ ] Barrels of yellow which is an indifferent sort--much shrivelled & rotten. [ ] Barrls. of White Corn of the kind had in 1787 from Colo. Richard Henry Lee and [ ] Barrls. of rotten or faulty. I remained at home all day.
Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--29 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind Southerly, but cold notwithstanding. At home all [day.]
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--27 at Noon and 27 at Night--Abt. Nine Oclock last Night it began to Snow, and continued to do so, more or less all Night & till about 10 oclock to day when it ceased but did not clear. The ground was covered about 4 Inches deep.
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Monday 12th. Thermometer at 16 in the Morning--25 at Noon and 25 at Night--Clear and cold--with the Wind at No. Wt.--towards Night it lowered again.
This day sowed Clover & Timothy Seed (6 pints of the first & 2 of the latter on an acre) at bothe the Ferry & Muddy hole Plantations-- On the Wheat--beginning at the South end of the field at the Ferry and by the Gate at Muddy hole.
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning--28 at Noon And 29 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. with a mixture of Snow, hail, and sometimes drops of Rain till about Noon when the Clouds broke and the weather promised to be fair.
Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning--32 at Noon and 30 at Night. Variable wind, with a little Snow in the Morning but clear about Noon.
The Sleet, or hail that fell yesterday making a hard crust on the Snow to day, I discontinued sowing grass-Seeds as they could not bury themselves, & were liable to be blown of the surface of the Snow and drifted.
Thursday 15th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning--30 at Noon and 27 at Night--Clear (with the Wind at No. Wt.) till after Noon when the Weather lowered with appearances of Snow.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
Friday 16th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning--26 at Noon and 96 at Night. Clear all day; with the Wind at No. Wt. in the forenoon, & So. Wt. in the Afternoon.
Brought from Dogue run Plantation 15 Mares which were supposed to be with fold; and one that was thought not to be so to the Mann. Ho. Left 3 there to be added to the Plow horses--sent one to Muddy hole--and one to the Ferry for the same purpose And also brot. from the Ferry [ ] Young Horses & Mares to the Mansion House to be fed.
Began to put Ice into the Ice Ho. this day.
Doctr. Craik dined here & returned to Alexandria afterwards.
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning & forenoon with great appearances of Snow--Afternoon clear with the Wind at No. West.
Rid to the Plantations in the Neck and at Muddy hole.
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Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 34 at Night. But little Wind all day and pleasant for the Season.
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--37 at Noon and 40 at Night. Heavy lowering Morning and little Wind--drops of rain afterwards with the Wind at South and thawing.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and to Dogue run and Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole, finding the top of the Snow to be sufficiently softened--I directed the Overseer to renew the sowing of grass Seeds on the Wheat.
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng.--50 at Noon and 50 at Night. Thick morning & raining more or less all the remaining part of the day with the Wind at So. Wt.--which together dissolved all the Snow.
At home all day.
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 42 at Night. Very heavy Morning, tho' last night was very clear--more favourable afterwards but not perfectly clear. At home all day.
Mr. Lund Washington dined here.
Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--36 at Noon and 32 at Night. Snowing, hailing & raining more or less all day--with the Wind at No. Et.
Friday 23d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning--38 at Noon and 37 at Night. Clear & calm in the Morning & continued to be so & very pleasant all day.
Rid to the Ferry & French's Plantations and to Dogue Run & Muddy hole.
At the first began to ditch across the New Meadow to inclose or rather separate fields No. 1 & 2.
At Dogue run the People were fencing in field No. 7.
Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 36 in the morning--40 at Noon and 40 at Night--Morning heavy & lowering with the Wind at So.--Moderate all day with Sun shine at times.
Went into the Neck--measured some fields there and laid off 8 Acres for Tobacco.
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Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon and 40 at Night. Lowering more or less all day with rain after dark.
Colonels Fitzgerald Lee & Gilpin dined here, and returned to Alexandria in the evening.
Monday 26th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning--50 at Noon and 44 at Night. A good deal of rain fell in the course of the Night--Varable Winds & Weather through the day, with rain again at Night.
Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning--42 at Noon and 44 at Night. Much rain fell in the course of last Night--heavy forenoon, with the Wind at No. Et.--At Night a good deal of Rain.
At home all day.
Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--34 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind at No. Et. Raw & cold. About Noon it began to Snow & continued to do so fast for about half an hour, but it soon disappeared--and in the Night rained hard again.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry Frenchs & to those at Dogue run and Muddy hole.
Renewed the Plowing in the two first--in field No. 4 at the Ferry--& finished breaking up field No. 5 at Muddy hole & began abt. Noon to plow No. 4 for Buck Wheat at the same place.
Major Washington set out for Berkley to see his father who had informed him of the low state of health in which he was.
Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning--35 at Noon and 44 at Night. So. Wt. & very lowering all day--towards Night it began to brighten a little and the sun set clear.
At home all day.
Friday 30th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning--35 at Noon and 34 at Night. Heavy morning with the Wind at No.--which afterwards getting to No. Et. brought on a fine Snow which continued.
Visited the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first two added another Plow to their number.
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Saturday 31st. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning--26 at Noon and 27 at Night. The Snow which began yesterday afternoon continued without through the whole of last Night and till about Sun rising this Morning by which it was near a foot deep. Wind blowing hard all day from No. Wt. it became very cold.
Sunday 1St. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning--22 at Noon And 20 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind at No. Wt. where it continued fresh & very cold, all day.
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert--Mr. & Mrs. Young and Mr. George Calvert came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.
Hugh Young, a Baltimore merchant, assisted GW several weeks later by forwarding some Irish gooseberry cuttings that arrived for him in Baltimore (Young to GW, 16 Feb. 1789, and GW to Young, 3 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).
Monday 2d. The Mercury was in the Bail of the Thermometer in the Morning--at 26 at Noon and 20 at Night.
Mr. Herbert and Mr. Young and their Ladies went away after breakfast.
I went up to the Election of a Representative to Congress for this district. [V]oted for Richd. Bland Lee Esqr. Dined at Colo. Hooes & returned home in the afternoon.
On my way home met Mr. George Calvert on his way to Abingdon with the Hounds I had lent him--viz.--
From France
From England
From Philadelpha.
Descended from the French Hounds
All ten of Virginia's allotted representatives were elected today. The district in which Fairfax County was located also included King George, Stafford, Prince William, Loudoun, and Fauquier counties. Everyone qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly was entitled to vote in this election (HENING, 12:653--56). Richard Bland Lee, a Federalist, won and was subsequently reelected twice.
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[16 April 1789] About ten o'clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company, with Mr. Thompson, and colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations.
Although GW evidently kept a diary for at least part of the spring and summer of 1789, the diaries for this period have disappeared. Only two entries for these months are presently available, both in printed form. The entry for 16 April 1789 is taken from MARSHALL [3], 5:154; it also appears in SPARKS, 10:461. The entry for 23 April is from IRVING, 4:505--6.
On 4 Feb. presidential electors of those states which had ratified the Constitution
Charles Thomson, longtime secretary of the Continental Congress, delivered to Washington official word of his election to the presidency. (Mr. Armistead Peter III)
Hannah Harrison Thomson, wife of Charles Thomson. (Mr. Armistead Peter III)
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were scheduled to meet in specified cities to vote for the president and vice-president. The announcement of the results of the election was to be made by the new federal Congress, which was to convene in New York on 4 Mar. On the appointed day Congress failed to achieve a quorum and it was not until 6 April that the electoral votes were counted (DE PAUW, 1:6--11). Throughout the month, however, reports reaching GW from various sources made it clear that his election was virtually a certainty, and he reluctantly began preparations to leave Mount Vernon, feeling, as he informed Henry Knox, not unlike "a culprit who is going to the place of his execution, so
Washington's letter to John Langdon, president pro tempore of the Senate, accepting the presidency. (Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.)
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unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties" (1 April 1789, DLC:GW). On 14 April Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, arrived at Mount Vernon, bringing GW the awaited confirmation of his election. Thomson had "left New York on Tuesday, the 7th of the present month; and though much impeded by tempestuous weather, bad roads, and the many large rivers I had to cross, yet, by unremitted diligence I reached Mount Vernon, the seat of his excellency General Washington, on Tuesday, the 14th, about 12 o'clock. I found his excellency at home; and after communicating to him the object of my mission and the substance of my instructions, I took an opportunity, on the day of my arrival, to address him as follows:
"'Sir, the President of the Senate, chosen for the special occasion, having opened and counted the votes of the electors in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. . . .
"To this his excellency was pleased to make the following reply:
"'Sir, I have been long accustomed to entertain so great a respect for the opinion of my fellow-citizens, that the knowledge of their unanimous suffrages having been given in my favor, scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. Whatever may have been my private feelings and sentiments, I believe I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor they have done me, than by accepting the appointment. . . .
"Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both Houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be to proceed to business, and how deeply the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of doing it immediately, I cannot find myself at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the day after tomorrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your company'" (ASP, MISC., 1:5--6).
For the ceremonies attending GW's journey north and his reception in New York City, see FREEMAN, 6:167--84; BAKER [2], 121--29; BOWEN, 19--36.
[23 April 1789]. The display of boats which attended and joined us on this occasion, some with vocal and some with instrumental music on board; the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the skies, as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations as painful (considering the reverse of this scene, which may be the case after all my labors to do good) as they are pleasing.
Today's diary entry is a fragmentary account of GW's reception in New York City. The New York Daily Advertiser, 24 April 1789, was more explicit. "Yesterday arrived the illustrious George Washington, President of the United States, amidst the joyful acclamations of every party and every description of citizens. . . . The President was received at Elizabeth-Town, by a deputation of three Senators, five Representatives of the Congress of the United States, and three officers of the State and Corporation; with whom he embarked in the barge, built . . . and rowed by thirteen pilots of this harbour, dressed in white uniform; Thomas Randall, Esq. acting as cockswain.
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"No language can point the beautiful display made on his excellency's approach to the city. The shores were crouded with a vast concourse of citizens, waiting with exulting anxiety his arrival. His Catholic Majesty's sloop of war the Galviston, (Mr. Dohrman's) ship North-Carolina, and the other vessels in port, were dressed and decorated in the most superb manner. His excellency's barge was accompanied by the barge of the Hon. Gen. Knox, and a great number of vessels and boats from Jersey and New-York, in his train. As he passed the Galviston, he received a salute of thirteen guns, and was welcomed by an equal number from the battery. . . .
"On his excellencys arrival at the stairs, prepared and ornamented, at Murray's wharf, for his landing; he was received and congratulated by his excellency, the Governor of this State, and the officers of the State and Corporation, and [a] . . . procession was formed . . . followed by an amazing concorse of citizens.
"The procession advanced through Queen street to the house fitted up for the reception of his Excellency, where it terminated, after which, he was conducted without form to the house of Governor Clinton, with whom his Excellency dined. In the evening the houses of the citizens were brilliantly illuminated."
Thursday 1st. Exercised in my Carriage in the forenoon.
The following company dined here to day. viz.--
Mr. Read of the Senate, Colo. Bland and Mr. Madison of the House of Representatives--Mr. Osgood and his Lady Colo. Duer his Lady and Miss Brown Colo. Lewis Morris & Lady--Lady Christiana Griffin and her Daughter and Judge Duane & Mrs. Greene.
Mr. Thomas Nelson joined my Family this day.
Dispatched Many of the Comns. for the Judiciary Judges, Marshalls and Attorneys this day with the Acts.
George Read (1733--1798) was United States senator from Delaware. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Read was a member of the Continental Congress 1774--77 and a delegate from Delaware to the Constitutional Convention where he represented the interests of the small states. He served in the Senate from 1789 to 1793 when he became chief justice of Delaware.
Theodorick Bland had been elected to the House of Representatives from Virginia in 1789.
James Madison had been elected to the House of Representatives from Virginia in 1789 with GW's quiet support. During the early months of his administration GW had frequently called upon Madison for advice on matters pertaining to appointments and protocol and requested his aid in drawing up such official papers as his first inaugural and other addresses and statements to Congress. In these months Madison assumed the role of an unofficial cabinet member and administration whip in the House (see BRANT, 3: 276--89).
Samuel Osgood (1748--1813) had been a member of the Continental Congress
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1781--84 and of the Board of Treasury 1785--89. Although he opposed ratification of the Constitution, GW appointed him postmaster general 26 Sept. 1789, a post he retained until the federal government moved to Philadelphia in, 1790. In 1786 he married Maria Bowne Franklin, widow of Walter Franklin of New York. Upon GW's arrival in New York he occupied a house facing Franklin Square built by Walter Franklin and now owned by Osgood. The house, "square, five windows wide, and three stories high," had previously been occupied by the president of the Continental Congress (DECATUR, 117). Congress had ordered Osgood 15 April 1789 to "put the same, and the furniture therein, in proper condition for the residence and use of the President of the United States, to provide for his temporary accommodation" (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:149--50).
William Duer (1747--1799) was born in Devonshire, Eng., educated at Eton, and served in India as aide-de-camp to Lord Clive. He emigrated to America in 1768 and settled in New York where he became active in business and politics. Duer was a member of the Continental Congress in 1777 and 1778 and in Mar. 1786 was appointed to the Board of Treasury. His appointment as assistant secretary of the treasury in 1789 was one of GW's more controversial appointments since Duet's speculative ventures had already excited the suspicions of the Antifederalists. In 1779 Duet married Catherine Alexander, usually called Lady Kitty, daughter of William Alexander, Lord Stifling.
Anne Brown (Browne), who was born in 1754, was a daughter of William and Mary French Browne of Salem, Mass. (Some members of the family dropped the "e" from the family name.) Her parents died while she was still a child and she was sent to New York to live with relatives. In Dec. 1773 she and her older half brother William Burnet Browne visited Mount Vernon (see entry for 11 Dec. 1773). In 1764 William Burnet Browne married Judith Walker Carter, daughter of Charles Carter of Cleve in King George County. Browne and his family lived at Elsing Green, King William County, Va. In the early 1790s the Brownes' daughter Judith Carter Browne married GW's nephew Robert Lewis. Anne Brown (Browne) was a cousin of Lady Kitty Duer.
Lewis Morris (1726--1798), a half brother of Gouverneur Morris, was born at the family estate, Morrisania, in Westchester County, N.Y., and educated at Yale. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, he served in the Continental Congress 1775--77 and in the New York legislature 1777--81, and as a member of the New York Ratifying Convention he had vigorously supported the Constitution. In 1749 he married Mary Walton, daughter of Jacob and Maria Beekman Walton. At his father's death in 1762 Morris had received the half of the estate of Morrisania lying west of Mill Brook, and in 1789 he was still engaged in restoring his property which had been extensively damaged by the British during the Revolution.
Lady Christiana Griffin (1751--1807) was the wife of Cyrus Griffin (1748--1810), a prominent Virginia jurist and the last president of the Continental Congress. In 1770 Griffin had married Lady Christiana Stuart, daughter of John Stuart, sixth earl of Traquair, in Edinburgh. In Aug. 1789 Griffin had been appointed a member of the commission to negotiate with the southern Indians (see entry for 16 Nov. 1789) and was now absent from New York. In Feb. 1790 GW appointed him federal judge of the district of Virginia.
James Duane (1733--1797), of New York City, was a member of the Continental
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A 1790 print of Federal Hall in New York City during Washington's inauguration. (New-York Historical Society)
Congress from 1774 to 1783 where he was particularly active in financial and Indian affairs. He was mayor of New York City from 1784 to 1789 and a member of the New York Ratifying Convention where he strongly supported the Constitution. In 1759 Duane had married Mary Livingston, daughter of Robert Livingston, third lord of Livingston Manor. GW appointed him first federal judge for the district of New York in Sept. 1789.
Catherine Littlefield Greene (1755--1814), a native of Shoreham, R.I., had married Nathanael Greene in 1774. During the Revolution the Greenes became close friends of the Washingtons. Greene died in 1786, leaving a plantation in Georgia and a legacy of debt to his wife and five children. At
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this time Mrs. Greene was spending part of her time in Newport, R.I., and part in New York City.
Thomas Nelson, Jr., was the son of Gov. Thomas Nelson of Virginia. Governor Nelson had died in Jan. 1789 leaving his wife and children impoverished and with extensive debts. David Stuart wrote GW, 14 July 1789, suggesting that some government position might be found for young Thomas. Since the governor had been an "old friend and acquaintance," GW decided to appoint the young man as one of his secretaries, although "I must confess there are few persons of whom I have no personal knowledge or good information that I would take into my family, where many qualifications are necessary to fit them for the duty of it--to wit, a good address, abilities above mediocrity--secresy and prudence--attention and industry--good temper--and a capacity and disposition to write correctly and well, and to do it obligingly" (GW to Stuart, 26 July 1789; GW to Nelson, 27 July 1789; Nelson to GW, 13 Aug. 1789, DLC:GW). Nelson resigned from GW's family in Nov. 1790 (Nelson to GW, 24 Nov. 1790, DLC:GW).
ACTS: These officers had been appointed under the provisions of "An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States" (1 STAT. 73--74 [24 Sept. 1789]).
Friday 2d. Dispatching Commissions &ca. as yesterday for the Judiciary.
The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this evening were not numerous.
Martha Washington held her levees, lasting about three hours, on Friday evenings at 8:00, and GW usually attended. "She gives Tea, Coffee, Cake, Lemonade & Ice Creams," Abigail Adams noted. "The form of Reception is this, the servants announce & Col. Humphries or Mr. Lear, receives every Lady at the door, & Hands her up to Mrs. Washington to whom she makes a most Respectfull courtsey and then is seated without noticeing any of the rest of the company. The Pressident then comes up and speaks to the Lady, which he does with a grace dignity & ease, that leaves Royal George far behind him. The company are entertaind with Ice creems & Lemonade, and retire at their pleasure performing the same ceremony when they quit the Room." Frequently the receptions were "as much crowded as a Birth Night at St. James, and with company as Briliantly drest, diamonds & great Hoops excepted" (Abigail Adams to Mary Cranch, 9 Aug. 1789, 5 Jan. and 27 July 1790, MITCHELL, 18, 35, 55).
Saturday 3d. Sat for Mr. Rammage near two hours to day, who was drawing a miniature Picture of me for Mrs. Washington.
Walked in the Afternoon, and sat about two Oclock for Madam de Brehan to complete a Miniature profile of me which she had begun from Memory and which she had made exceedingly like the Original.
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John Rammage (1763--1802), a skilled miniature painter and silversmith, had been a lieutenant in the Royal Irish Volunteers in Boston in 1775 and subsequently served in the British army in Halifax and New York, where he settled after the Revolution. Rammage, an Irishman, was "a handsome man of the middle size," a contemporary noted, who "dressed fashionably . . . a scarlet coat with mother-of-pearl buttons--a white silk waistcoat embroidered with colored flowers--black satin breeches and paste knee buckles . . . a gold-headed cane and gold snuff box, completed his costome" (DUNLAP, 1:267--68). Rammage's debts eventually forced him to flee to Canada where he remained until his death. The miniature Rammage was working on today was probably the Betty Washington-Stabler miniature, painted on ivory (see EISEN, 2:487).
The marquise de Bréhan and the comte de Moustier, who had visited GW at Mount Vernon in 1788 (see entry for 2 Nov. 1788) now lived in the Macomb House on Broadway, soon to be occupied by GW. Both Moustier and his sister were widely unpopular in the United States. "We have a French minister now with us," John Armstrong complained, "and if France had wished to destroy the little remembrance that is left of her and her exertions in our behalf, she would have sent just such a minister: distant, haughty, penurius, and entirely governed by the caprices of a little singular, whimsical, hysterical old woman, whose delight is in playing with a negro child, and caressing a monkey" (GRISWOLD, 93; see also John Jay to Jefferson, 25 Nov. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 14:291). The marquise was a skilled miniaturist and had worked on a portrait of GW on her visit to Mount Vernon in 1788. She may have begun the work from one of Houdon's busts in Paris, and continued it at her visit to Mount Vernon and at this sitting. "Her painting was in cameo-relief in blue, white, and black, and looks like carved reliefs, though painted profiles. She made a number of copies" (EISEN, 2:454--55, 591--92).
Sunday 4th. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon. Spent the remainder of the day in writing private letters for tomorrows Post.
St. Paul's Chapel, opened in 1766, was one of two Protestant Episcopal chapels which had been established when Trinity Church needed additional parish facilities (SMITH [4], 136). GW attended St. Paul's regularly in 1789 and early 1790, probably because the rebuilding of Trinity, which had been destroyed by fire in 1776, was not yet completed. When the new building, erected on its original site at Broadway and Wall Street, was consecrated in Mar. 1790, it contained a pew for the president, and GW frequently attended Trinity for the remainder of his stay in New York.
Monday 5th. Dispatched the Commissions to all the Judges of the Supreme and District Courts; & to the Marshalls and Attorneys and accompanied them with all the Acts respecting the Judiciary Department.
Exercised on horse back between the Hours of 9 and 11 in the forenoon and between 5 and 6 in the Afternn. on foot.
Had conversation with Colo. Hamilton on the propriety of my
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St. Paul's Chapel, New York City. (New-York Historical Society)
makg. a tour through the Eastern states during the recess of Congress to acquire knowledge of the face of the Country the growth and Agriculture there of and the temper and disposition of the Inhabitants towards the new government who thought it a very desirable plan and advised it accordingly.
GW had appointed Alexander Hamilton secretary of the treasury on 11 Sept. 1789.
Tuesday 6th. Exercised in a Carriage with Mrs. Washington in the forenoon.
Conversed with Genl. Knox (Secretary at War) on the above tour who also recommended it accordingly.
Signed Letters of Instructions to the Governor of the Western Territory respecting the situation of matters in that Quarter. And authorized him, in case the hostile disposition of the Indians was such as to make it Necessary to call out the Militia, & time would not allow him to give me previous notice of it, to apply to the States of Virginia & Pennsylvania for a Number not exceeding 1500; one thousand of which to be taken from the former and 500 from the latter.
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Henry Knox had been appointed secretary of war by GW 11 Sept. 1789.
LETTERS OF INSTRUCTIONS: Section 5 of "An Act to recognize and adapt to the Constitution of the United States the establishment of the troops raised under the Resolves of the United States in Congress assembled, and for other purposes therein mentioned" (1 STAT. 95--96 [29 Sept. 1789]) authorized the president to call state militia into service if needed to protect the frontier from Indian raids. A copy of GW's letter to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, is in DNA: RG 233, Records of Reports from Executive Depts.--War Dept.
Wednesday 7th. Exercised on horseback; & called on the Vice President. In the afternoon walked an hour.
Mr. Jay communicated the purpt. of the Instructions received by Sir John Temple British Consul from the Duke of Leeds Secretary for Foreign affairs--viz.
Trade. How many foreign Vessels--of what Nations--whether from Europe or their Colonies.
What Tonnage--whether any and what difference between British and others--what on American.
What Port charges on foreign Vessels--whether any and what difference &ca.
What duties on foreign Goods--whether any and what difference as to the Countries producing, and Vessels bringing them--Number of Vessels built where &ca.
Staple Commodities. Whether they encrease or diminish--which--in what degree--and why.
Manufactures--What--Where--Whether and how encouraged.
Emigrations--From Europe in what numbers--from where--whether and how encouraged &ca.
From United States--to British and Spanish Territories &ca.
Population--whether generally, or partially encreasing or diminishing and from what causes.
Justice--Whether there be any, and what obstructions, and where, to the recovery of British Debts according to Treaty.
Upon consulting Mr. Jay on the propriety of my intended tour into the Eastern States, he highly approved of it--but observed, a similar visit wd. be expected by those of the Southern.
With the same Gentlemen I had conversation on the propriety of takg. informal means of ascertaining the views of the British Court with respect to our Western Posts in their possession and to a Commercial treaty. He thought steps of this sort advisable, and mentioned as a fit person for this purpose, a Doctr. Bancroft as a man in whom entire confidence might be placed.
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Colo. Hamilton on the same subject highly approved of the Measure but thought Mr. Gouvr. Morris well qualified.
Vice-President John Adams and his family were now living in a mansion on Richmond Hill, near Lispenard's Meadows at the corner of Varick and Van Dam streets (BOWEN, 18). "The House is situated upon a high Hill which commands a most extensive prospect. . . . You turn a little from the Road and enter a Gate. A winding Road with trees in clumps leads you to the House. . . . You enter under a piazza into a Hall & turning to the right Hand ascend a stair case which lands you in an other of equal dimensions of which I make a drawing Room. It has a Glass door which opens into a gallery the whole Front of the house which is exceeding pleasant. . . . The House is not in good repair, wants much done to it" (Abigail Adams to Mary Cranch, 12 July 1789, MITCHELL, 17--18).
John Jay, secretary of foreign affairs under the Confederation, had been named chief justice of the Supreme Court by GW on 24 Sept. 1789. GW had appointed Thomas Jefferson secretary of state 25 Sept. 1789, but Jefferson was on his way to America from his post as United States minister to France before he could be notified and did not learn of his appointment until his arrival in Norfolk, Va., 23 Nov. 1789. Jay continued in charge of the State Department until Jefferson arrived in New York 21 Mar. 1790 (MALONE [2], 2:243, 254--55).
Dr. Edward Bancroft (1744--1821), a native of Westfield, Mass., studied medicine in England and was living in London in 1776 when he became an unofficial agent for the American commissioners in Paris and remained a confidant of Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane until the end of the war. At the same time, he was pursuing a highly successful career as a spy for the British ministry. Although considered ill-mannered and indiscreet by such contemporaries as John Adams (ADAMS [1], 4:71--74), only Arthur Lee seriously considered his activities treasonable. In 1789 Bancroft was living in London.
Hamilton's suggestion was undoubtedly a welcome one to GW. In addition to his own frequent and pleasant contacts with Morris after the Revolution, Morris's abilities had been prominently displayed at the Constitutional Convention where he had led the fight for a strong and independent presidency. He was already in Europe, having arrived in Paris in early 1789 to attend to the problems arising out of business associate Robert Morris's tobacco contract with the Farmers General and to engage in a highly speculative attempt to purchase the American debt to France. Since the mission to Britain was unofficial, the appointment would not have to run the gamut of the Senate where there was considerable suspicion of Morris's political principles and personal morality. GW wrote Morris two letters 13 Oct. 1789 requesting that he undertake the unofficial mission to London to discuss with the British ministry the possibility of a commercial treaty between Great Britain and the United States and attempt to reach an understanding on the major grievances between the two countries: the failure of American citizens to pay debts owed to British creditors and the retention by the British government of seven frontier posts in American territory (WRITINGS, 30:439--42). On the same day the president sent Morris a personal request that he procure for him "mirrors for a table, with neat & fashionable but not expensive ornaments for them;
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such as will do credit to your taste" and "handsome & useful Coolers for wine at & after dinner" (DLC:GW).
Thursday 8th. Mr. Gardoqui took leave, proposing to embark to morrow for Spain.
The following Company dined with Me to day. viz.
The Vice-President his Lady & Son and her Niece with their Son in Law Colo. Smith & his Lady. Governor Clinton & his two eldest daughters--Mr. Dalton and his Lady their Son in law Mr. Dubois and his lady and their other three daughters.
In the Evening the Count de Moustier & Madam de Brehan came in and sat an hour.
Mr. Madison took his leave to day. He saw no impropriety in my proposed trip to the Eastward; but with respect to the private agent to ascertain the disposition of the British Court with respect to the Western Posts & Commercial treaty he thought if the necessity did not press it would be better to wait the arrival of Mr. Jefferson who might be able to give the information wanted on this head--and with me thought, that if Mr. Gouvr. Morris was employed in this business it would be a commitment for his appointment as Minister if one should be sent to that Court or wanted at Versailles in place of Mr. Jefferson--and Moreover if either of these was his Wish whether his representations might not be made with an eye to it. He thought with Colo. Hamilton, and as Mr. Jay also does, that Mr. Morris is a man of superior talents--but with the latter that his imagination sometimes runs a head of his judgment--that his Manners before he is known--and where known are oftentimes disgusting--and from that, and immoral loose expressions had created opinions of himself that were not favourable to him and which he did not merit.
Don Diego de Gardoqui, Spanish representative in the United States, lived in the Kennedy House at No. 1 Broadway where he entertained lavishly. Accompanied by his son and one of his secretaries, Gardoqui sailed for Bilboa on 10 Oct. on board the snow San Nicholas ( Gaz. of the U.S., 14 Oct. 1789).
Abigail Adams (1744--1818), born in Weymouth, Mass., married John Adams in 1764. From 1784 to 1787 she was in Europe with her husband during his diplomatic service at The Hague and in Paris and London. The Adams family had moved in the summer of 1789 from their home in Braintree to Richmond Hill in New York City (see entry for 7 Oct. 1789). Abigail quickly became Mrs. Washington's staunch social ally in the new capital. "We live upon terms of much Friendship & visit each other often," Abigail noted. "Mrs. Washington is a most friendly, good Lady, always pleasent and easy" (MITCHELL, 30). The Adams's son is either Charles Adams (1770--1800), who had accompanied the family to New York and was studying law
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with Alexander Hamilton, or John Quincy Adams (1767--1848), also living at Richmond Hill. HER NIECE: Louisa Smith, the daughter of Abigail Adams's brother William Smith, lived with the Adamses.
William Stephens Smith (1755--1816) had served as one of GW's aides-decamp 1781--83 and had married the Adamses' daughter Abigail Amelia in London in 1786 while he was John Adams's secretary of legation. After touring Europe he returned to America in 1788 where he soon became heavily involved in land speculation. GW appointed him marshal for the district of New York in 1789.
George Clinton (1739--1812) had been governor of New York since 1777. A vigorous Antifederalist, he led the fight against ratification of the Constitution in the New York Convention. In 1789 he was the victor in a bitterly contested campaign against the Federalist candidate Robert Yates for the governorship. Clinton's two eldest daughters were Catharine Clinton (b. 1770) and Cornelia Clinton (b. 1774).
Tristram Dalton (1738--1817), merchant and farmer of Newburyport, Mass., graduated from Harvard in 1755, served in the Massachusetts legislature 1782--88, and was elected to the United States Senate in 1789. His wife was Ruth Hooper Dalton, daughter of Robert "King" Hooper, a wealthy Marblehead, Mass., merchant. MR. DUBOIS: The Daltons' daughter, Ruth Hooper Dalton, had married Lewis Deblois, a Boston merchant, 21 July 1789 (NEWBURYPORT VITAL RECORDS, 2:125).
Friday 9th. Exercised on horse-back between the hours of 9 and 11. Visited in my rout the Gardens of Mr. Perry and Mr. Williamson.
Received from the French Minister, in Person, official notice of his having recd. leave to return to his Court and intended embarkation--and the orders of his Court to make the following communication--viz.--That his Majesty was pleased at the Alteration which had taken place in our Government and congratulated this Country on the choice they had made of a Presidt.
He added that he should take care to make a favourable representation of the present State of things here to his Master who he doubted not would be much pleased therewith. Hitherto he observed that the Government of this Country had been of so fluctuating a nature no dependence could be placed on its proceedings; whh. caused foreign Nations to be cautious of entering into Treaties &ca. with the United States--But under the present Government there is a head to look up to--and power being put into the hands of its Officers stability will be derived from its doings.
The Visiters this evening to Mrs. Washington were respectable both of Gentlemen and Ladies.
"Perry's garden was on the west side of the Bloomingdale road, west of the present Union Square. [David] Williamson's was a flower and nursery garden,
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and a place of public resort, on the east side of Greenwich Street, extending about three squares up from Harrison Street" (BAKER [2], 149).
The comte de Moustier had written to John Jay on 6 Oct. 1789 requesting an appointment to take leave of the president since he had received permission to return to France to improve his health and attend to private business (DNA: RG 59, Domestic Letters). Moustier sailed for France around 12 Oct. (SMITH [4], 243).
Saturday 10th. Pursuant to an engagement formed on Thursday last--I set off about 9 Oclock in my Barge to Visit Mr. Prince's fruit Gardens & shrubberies at Flushing on Long Island. The Vice President--Governor of the State, Mr. Izard, Colo. Smith and Majr. Jackson accompanied me.
These Gardens except in the number of young fruit Trees did not answer my expectations--The shrubs were trifling and the flowers not numerous.
The Inhabitants of this place shewed us what respect they could, by making the best use of one Cannon to salute.
On our return, we stopped at the Seats of General, and Mr. Gouvernr. Morris and viewed a Barn of which I have heard the latter speak much belonging to his farm--but it was not of a Construction to strike my fancy--nor did the conveniencies of it at all answer the cost.
From hence we proceeded to Harlaem where we were met by
Ralph Izard by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Smith--Dined at the Tavern kept by a Captn. Mariner and came home in the evening.
William Prince's Linnean Botanic Garden at Flushing, Long Island, had been established by his father, also William Prince, in 1787. Although Prince's extensive nurseries for plants and trees had been severely decimated by British depredations during the Revolution, the gardens and orchards had largely recovered by 1789, and GW often ordered fruit for his table from Prince (DECATUR, 62, 93).
Ralph Izard (1742--1804) was born near Charleston, S.C., and owned extensive lands in the state. When the Revolution began Izard was traveling in Europe and in 1777 Congress appointed him commissioner to Tuscany. He was never received at that court and the time until his recall in 1779 was spent in Paris squabbling with Benjamin Franklin over his accounts and his diplomatic prerogatives. He returned to America in 1780, served in the Continental Congress 1782--83, and was United States senator from South Carolina 1789--95. A staunch Federalist, his connection with GW dated from 1780 when he had visited the commander-in-chief at headquarters (see GW to Samuel Huntington, 6 Sept. 1780, DNA: PCC, Item 152).
SEATS OF GENERAL, AND MR. GOUVERNR. MORRIS: Lewis Morris was now living on the portion of Morrisania, the family estate, lying west of Mill Brook, which he had received under the terms of his father's will. On the elder Lewis Morris's death in 1762, the eastern half of the estate and the manor house went to Morris's second son, Staats Long Morris, although Morris's second wife, Sarah Gouverneur Morris, and her children were permitted to occupy the house during her lifetime. Staats Long Morris had remained loyal to the crown during the Revolution and was living in England when, in 1787, his half brother Gouverneur Morris purchased from him his portion of the estate including the manor house, Morrisania (MINTZ, 13--16, 173--75).
Abigail Adams described this outing in a letter 11 Oct. 1789 to her sister Mary Cranch: "We yesterday had a very pleasant party together. The whole family of us dinned with the President on Thursday, and he then proposed an excursion to long Island by water to visit Princes Gardens, but as Mrs. Washington does not Love the water we agreed that the Gentlemen should go by water and the Ladies should meet them at a half way House and dine together, and yesterday we had a most Beautifull day for the purpose. The President, [the] V.P., Col. S[mith], Major Jackson, Mr. Izard &c. went on Board the Barge at 8 oclock. At Eleven the Ladies, namely Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Smith, Miss Custos [Custis] set out in Mrs. Washingtons coach & six & met the Gentlemen at Harlem where we all dinned together & returnd in the same manner" (MITCHELL, 29--30).
William Mariner had been active in whaleboat warfare in the waters around New York during the early part of the Revolution. His tavern, sometimes called the Ferry House, was at present-day 126th Street and First Avenue. He may also have kept a tavern for a time on Ward's Island (DECATUR, 69; BAKER [2], 149).
Sunday 11th. At home all day--writing private Letters.
Monday 12th. Received the Compliments of the Count de Pentheve, commanding his most Christian Majestys Squadron in
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the harbour of Boston--these were sent by the Marquis de Traversy in the Active Frigate; who with all his Officers, were presented by the French Minister about One clock.
A squadron of the French navy consisting of two ships of 74 guns and four frigates, under the command of Henri Jean Baptiste, vicomte de Pontčves-Giens (1738--1799), had arrived in Boston harbor on 3 Sept. Jean Baptiste Prévost de Sansac, marquis de Traversay, and the Active had been dispatched to New York by Pontčves "to present the respects of the Officers of the squadron to the Chief Magistrate of the United States." During the Yorktown campaign the marquis had served with de Grasse's fleet on the Chesapeake. The Active anchored in New York harbor on Sunday 11 Oct. ( Gaz. of the U.S., 14 Oct. 1789; Pa. Packet, 3 Nov. 1789; CONTENSON, 245, 273).
Tuesday 13th. At two Oclock received the Address from the People called Quakers.
A good many Gentlemen attended the Levee to day.
THE ADDRESS: presumably a statement of support for GW by "the Religious Society called Quakers, from their Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and the western Parts of Virginia and Maryland" (NHpR: Collection of Naval and Marine Manuscripts). The meeting was held 28 Sept.--3 Oct. 1789. A copy of GW's undated reply is in NHpR: Collection of Naval and Marine Manuscripts.
Wednesday 14th. Wrote several Letters to France and about 7 Oclock in the afternoon made an Informal visit (with Mrs. Washington) to the Count de Mostier and Madame de Brehan to take leave of them. Into the hands of the former I committed these letters--viz.--to the Count de Estaing--Count de Rochambeau--the Marqs. de la Fayette and the Marqs. de la Rouirie.
Having resolved to write to Mr. Gouvr. Morris, to request, as a private Agent that he wd. sound the intention of the British Ministry with respect to their fulfilment of the Treaty and dispositions towards a Commercial Treaty with us the letters were prepared and lodged in the hands of Mr. Jay to forward.
LETTERS TO FRANCE: These letters, to the comte de Rochambeau, to the marquis de Rouerie, and to the comte d'Estaing, are all dated 13 Oct. in GW's letter books (DLC:GW). The letter to Lafayette is dated 14 Oct. (DLC:GW). For the letters to Gouverneur Morris, see entry for 7 Oct. 1789.
Thursday 15th. Commenced my Journey about 9 oclock for Boston and a tour through the Eastern States. The Chief Justice, Mr. Jay and the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments accompanied me some distance out of the City. About in Oclock it began to Rain, and continued to do so till 11, when we arrived at
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Alexander Hamilton in a portrait by James Sharpies. (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
the house of one Hoyatt, who keeps a Tavern at Kings-bridge1 where we, that is Major Jackson, Mr. Lear and myself, with Six Servants which composed my Retinue, dined. After dinner through frequent light Showers we proceedd. to the Tavern of a Mrs. Haviland at Rye;2 who keeps a very neat and decent Inn.
The Road for the greater part, indeed the whole way, was very rough and Stoney, but the Land strong, well covered with grass and a luxurient Crop of Indian Corn intermixed with Pompions [pumpkins] (Which were yet ungathered) in the fields. We met four droves of Beef Cattle for the New York Market (about 30 in a drove) some of which were very fine--also a flock of Sheep for the same place. We scarcely passed a farm house that did not abd. in Geese. Their Cattle seemed to be of a good quality and their hogs large but rather long legged. No dwelling Ho. is seen without a Stone or Brick Chimney and rarely any without a shingled roof-- generally the Sides are of Shingles also. The distance of this days travel was 31 Miles in which we passed through (after leaving the Bridge) East Chester New Rochel & Marmeroneck; but as these places (though they have houses of worship in them) are not regularly laid out, they are scarcely to be distinguished from the intermediate farms which are very close together and seperated, as one Inclosure from another also is, by fences of Stone which are indeed easily made, as the Country is immensely Stony. Upon enquiry we find their Crops of Wheat & Rye have been abundant
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--though of the first they had sown rather sparingly on Acct. of the destruction which had of late years been made of that grain by what is called the Hessian fly.
1 Caleb Hyatt had purchased this inn from George Dyckman.
Friday 16th. About 7 Oclock we left the Widow Havilands, and after passing Horse Neck [Greenwich] Six Miles distant from Rye, the Road through which is hilly and immensely stoney and trying to Wheels & Carriages,1 we breakfasted at Stamford which is 6 miles further (at one Webbs)2 a tolerable good house, but not equal in appearance or reality, to Mrs. Havilds. In this Town are an Episcopal Church and a Meeting house. At Norwalk which is ten miles further we made a halt to feed our Horses. To the lower end of this town Sea Vessels come and at the other end are Mills, Stores, and an Episcopal and Presbiterian Church. From hence to Fairfield where we dined and lodged, is 12 Miles; and part of it very rough Road, but not equal to that thro' horse Neck. The superb Landscape, however, which is to be seen from the meeting house of the latter is a rich regalia. We found all the Farmers busily employed in gathering, grinding, and expressing the Juice of their Apples; the Crop of which they say is rather above Mediocrity. The Average Crop of Wheat they add, is about 15 bushels to the Acre from their fallow land--often 20 & from that to 25. The Destructive evidences of British cruelty are yet visible both in Norwalk & Fairfield; as there are the Chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet.3 The principal export from Norwalk & Fairfield is Horses and Cattle--Salted Beef & Porke, Lumber & Indian Corn, to the West Indies--and in a small degree Wheat & Flour.
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Ezra Stiles, painted in 1771 by Samuel King. (Yale University Art Gallery. Bequest of Dr. Charles C. Foote, great-grandson of Ezra Stiles)
horses slipped, the coach would tumble 200 or 300 feet down into the valley below" (BRISSOT, 121).
Saturday 17th. A little after Sun-rise we left Fairfield, & passing through Et. Fairfield breakfasted at Stratford, wch. is ten Miles from Fairfield, and is a pretty village on or near Stratford Rivr. The Road between these two places is not on the whole bad (for this Country)--in some places very gal. especially through Et. Fairfield wch. is in a plain, and free from Stone. There are two decent looking Churches in this place--though small--viz.--an Episcopal and Presbeterian, or Congregationalist (as they call themselves). At Stratford there is the same. At this place I was received with an effort of Military parade; and was attended to the Ferry which is near a mile from the Center of the Town, by sevl. Gentlemen on horse back. Doctr. Johnson of the Senate visited me here, being with Mrs. Johnson in this Town (where he formerly resided).1 The Ferry is near half a Mile; and sometimes much incommoded by Winds and cross tides. The Navigation for Vessels of about 75
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Tonns extends up to Darby, ten Miles higher, where it is said there is a pretty brisk trade. At Stratford they are establishing a Manufactury of Duck, and have lately turned out about 400 bolts.2 From the Ferry it is abt. 3 Miles to Milford, which is situated in more uneven and Stoney grd. than the 3 last Villages through wch. we passed. In this place there is but one Church, or in other words but one steeple--but there are Grist & saw Mills and a handsome Cascade over the Tumbling dam; but one of the prettiest things of this kind is at Stamford occasioned also by damming the water for their Mills; it is near 100 yds. in width, and the water now being of a proper height, and the Rays of the Sun striking upon it as we passed, had a pretty effect upon the foaming Water as it fell. From Millford we took the lower road through West haven, part of which was good and part rough, and arrived at New haven before two Oclock; We had time to Walk through several parts of the City before Dinner. By taking the lower Road, we missed a Committee of the assembly, who had been appointed to wait upon, and escort me into town--to prepare an Address and to conduct me when I should leave the City as far as they should judge proper.3 The address was presented at 7 Oclock and at Nine I received another address from the Congregational Clergy of the place.4 Between the rect. of the two Addresses I received the Compliment of a Visit from the Govr. Mr. Huntington5--the Lieutt. Govr. Mr. Wolcot6 and the Mayor Mr. Roger Shurman.7 The City of Newhaven occupies a good deal of ground, but is thinly, though regularly laid out, & built. The number of Souls in it are said to be about 4000. There is an Episcopal Church and 3 Congregational Meeting Houses and a College in which there are at this time about 120 Students under auspices of Doctr. Styles.8 The Harbour of this place is not good for large Vessels--abt. 16 belongs to it. The Linnen Manufacture does not appear to be of so much importance as I had been led to believe--In a word I could hear but little of it.9 The Exports from this City are much the same as from Fairfield &ca. and flax seed (chiefly to New York). The Road from Kings bridge to this place runs as near the Sound as the Bays and Inlets will allow, but from hence to Hartford it leaves the Sound and runs more to the Northward.
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elected United States senator from Connecticut in 1789. At this time he was also president of Columbia College. In 1749 he had married Ann Beach (d. 1796) of Stratford.
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Roger Sherman, by Ralph Earl. (Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of Roger Sherman White)
it as "a cotton-work at the distance of two miles from the town. The spinning engine is put in motion by water; but the dereliction of this manufacture may be foretold, as its success is opposed by all the obstacles common in similar cases. Besides the expence upon the buildings has been far too considerable" (HAMILTON [2], 9:319, 321; LA ROCHEFOUCAULD, 2:322).
Sunday 18th. Went in the forenoon to the Episcopal Church and in the afternoon to one of the Congregational Meeting Houses--attended to the first by the Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Edwards,1 & a Mr. Ingersoll,2 and to the latter by the Governor, the Lieutt. Governor, the Mayor & Speaker. These Gentlemen all dined with me (by Invitation) as did Genl. Huntington,3 at the House of Mr. Brown, where I lodged & who keeps a good Tavern.4 Drank Tea at the Mayors (Mr. Sherman's). Upon further enquiry I find that there has been abt. [ ] yards of course Linnen manufactured at this place since it was established and that a Glass work is on foot here for the manufacture of Bottles. At 7 Oclock in the evening many Officers of this State, belonging to the late Continental Army, called to pay their respects to me. By some of them it was said that the people of this State could, with more ease pay an additional 100,000£ tax this year than what was laid last year.
2 Mr. Ingersoll is probably Jonathan Ingersoll, a member of the Connecticut
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legislature and a successful New Haven lawyer. In 1816 he was elected deputy governor of the state.
Monday 19th. Left New haven at 6 oclock, and arrived at Wallingford (13 Miles) by half after 8 oclock, where we breakfasted and took a walk through the Town. In coming to it we passed thro East haven about mid way; after riding along the river of that name 6 Miles on which are extensive Marshes Now loaded with hay stacks--the ride is very pleasant, but the Road is Sandy which it continues to be within a Mile of the Tavern (Carringtons which is but an ordinary house)1 at Wallingford. This and about five Miles of the Road beyond--that is West of New haven--is all the Sand we have met with on the journey. These Sandy Lands afford but ordinary Crops of Corn--nor has the Crops of this grain East of Stratford River appeared so heavy as on the West side of it. The Lands (Stone being less) are in part enclosed with Posts & Rails. At this place (Wallingford) we see the white Mulberry growing, raised from the Seed to feed the Silk worm. We also saw samples of lustring (exceeding good) which had been manufactured from the Cocoon raised in this Town, and silk thread very fine. This, except the weaving, is the work of private families without interference with other business, and is likely to turn out a benificial amusement. In the Township of Mansfield they are further advanced in this business. Walling ford has a Church & two meeting houses in it, which stands upon high and pleasant grd. About 10 Oclock we left this place and at the distance of 8 Miles passed through Durham. At one we arrived at Middletown on Connecticut River being met two or three Miles from it by the respectable Citizens of the place, and escorted in by them. While dinner was getting ready I took a walk round the Town, from the heights of which the prospect is beautiful. Belonging to this place I was informed (by a Genl. Sage)2 that there was about 20 Sea Vessels and to Weathersfield higher up 22 and to Hartford the like number. Other places on the River have their proportion, the whole amounting to about 10,000 Tonns. The Country hereabouts is beautiful and the Lands good. An average Crop of wheat from an Acre of fallowed Land is estimated at 15 bushels; sometimes
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they get as high as 25 and 30 bushls, to the Acre from their best lands--Indian Corn from 20 to 40 bushls. pr. Acre. Their exports are the same as from other places; together with Pot ash. Having dined, we set out with the same Escort (who conducted us into town) about 3 Oclock for Hartford, and passing through a Parish of Middletown & Weathersfield, we arrived at Harfd. about Sun down. At Weathersfield we were met by a party of the Hartford light horse, and a Number of Gentlemen from the same place with Colo. Wadsworth3 at their head, and escorted to Bulls Tavern where we lodged.
Tuesday 20th. After breakfast, accompanied by Colo. Wadsworth, Mr. Ellsworth1 and Colo. Jesse Root,2 I viewed the Woolen Manufactury at this place which seems to be going on with Spirit. There Broadcloths are not of the first quality, as yet, but they are good; as are their Coatings, Cassimers, Serges and everlastings. Of the first that is broad-cloth I ordered a suit to be sent to me at New York and of the latter a whole piece to make breeches for my servants. All the parts of this business are performed at the Manufactury except the Spinning--this is done by the Country people who are paid by the cut.3 Hartford is more compactly built than Middletown and contains more Souls; the computed Number of
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which amount to about dble. The number of Houses in Middletown are said to be 250 or 60. These reckoning eight persons to a house would make two thousand at least. The depth of Water which Vessels can bring to the last place, is about ten feet; and is as much as there is over Seabrook bar. From Middletown to Hartford there is not more than 6 feet Water. At Middletown there is one Episcopal & two Congregational Churches. In Hartford there is none of the first and 2 of the latter. Dined and drank Tea at Colo. Wadsworth and about 7 Oclock received from, & answered the Address of the Town of Hartford.4
4 The address of the mayor, aldermen, and common council of Hartford and GW's reply are in DLC:GW.
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Wednesday 21st. By promise I was to have Breakfasted at Mr. Ellsworths at Windsor on my way to Springfield, but the Morning proving very wet and the rain not ceasing till past 10 Oclock I did not set out till half after that hour; I called however on Mr. Ellsworth and stay'd there near an hour. Reached Springfield by 4 Oclock, and while dinner was getting, examined the Continental Stores at this place which I found in very good order at the buildings (on the hill above the Town) which belong to the United States.1 The Barracks (also public property) are going fast to destruction and in a little time will be no more without repairs. The Elaboratory, wch. seems to be a good building is in tolerable good repair and the Powder Magazine which is of Brick seems to be in excellent order and the Powder in it very dry. A Colo. Worthington.2 Colo. Williams (Adjutant General of the State of Massachusetts),3 Genl. Shepherd,4 Mr. Lyman5 and many other Gentlemen sat an hour or two with me in the evening at Parson's Tavern where I lodged and which is a good House.6 About 6 Miles before I came to Springfield I left the State of Connecticut and entered that of Massachusetts. The Distance from Hartford to Springfield is 28 Miles--both on Connecticut River. At the latter the River is crossed in Scows, set over with Poles and is about 80 rod wide. Between the two places is a fall and ten miles above Springfield is another fall and others above that again--notwithstanding which much use is made of the Navigation for transportation in flats of about five tonns burthen. Seven miles on this side Hartford is Windsor a tolerable pleasant but not a large Village. Between Windsor and Suffield you pass through a level, barren & uncultivated plain for several Miles. Suffield stands high & pleasant--the Lds. good. From hence you descend again into another plain where the Lands being good are much better cultivated. The whole Road from Hartford to Springfield is level & good, except being too Sandy in places & the Fields enclosed with Posts & Rails generally their not being much Stone. The Crops of Corn, except on the Interval Lands on the River are more indifferent (tho' not bad) in the Eastern than we found them in the Western part of the State of Connecticut. There is a great equality in the People of this State--Few or no oppulent Men and no poor--great similatude in their buildings--the general fashion of which is a Chimney (always of Stone or Brick) and door in the middle, with a stair case fronting the latter, running up by the side of the latter [former]--two flush Stories with a very good shew of Sash & glass Windows. The size generally is from 30 to 50 feet in length and from 20 to 30 in width exclusive of a back shed which seems to be
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added as the family encreases. The farms by the contiguity of the Houses are small not averaging more than 100 Acres. These are worked chiefly by Oxen (which have no other feed than Hay) with a horse & sometimes two before them both in Plow & Cart. In their light Lands and in their sleighs they work Horses, but find them much more expensive than Oxen. Springfield is on the East side of Connecticut River; before you come to which a large branch of it called Agawam is crossed by a Bridge. It stands under the Hill on the interval Land and has only one Meeting house--28 Miles from Hartfd.
2 John Worthington was a Springfield lawyer and a 1740 graduate of Yale University.
3 GW is presumably referring to William Dennison (DIARIES, 4:29).
Thursday 22d. Set out at 7 Oclock; and for the first 8 Miles rid over an almost uninhabited Pine plain; much mixed with Sand. Then a little before the road descends to Chicabi River it is hilly, Rocky & Steep, & continues so for several Miles; the Country being Stony and Barren; with a mixture of Pine and Oak till we came to Palmer, at the House of one Scott1 where we breakfasted, and where the Land though far from good, began to mend, to this is called 15 Miles. Among these Pines are Ponds of fresh Water. From Palmer to Brookfield, to one Hitchcocks;2 is 15 Miles; part of which is pretty good, and part (crossing the Hills) very bad; but when over, the ground begins to get tolerably good and the Country better cultivated tho' the Crops of Corn do not look well and have been injured it is said by an early frost in September. A beautiful fresh water pond & large, is in the Plain of Brookland [Brookfield]. The fashion of the Houses are more deversified than
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in Connecticut, though many are built in their stile. The Inclosures have but indifferent fences--wood or Stone according as the Country abounds with the latter--of which it is full after passing the pine levels. At Brookland [Brookfield] we fed the Horses and dispatched an Express which was sent to me by Govr. Hancock--giving notice of the measures he was about to pursue for my reception on the Road, and in Boston--With a request to lodge at his House.3 Continued on to Spencer 10 Miles further through pretty good roads, and lodged at the House of one Jenks who keeps a pretty good Tavern.4
Friday 23d. Commenced our course with the Sun, and passing through Leicester met some Gentlemen of the Town of Worcester on the line between it and the former to escort us. Arrived about 10 Oclock at the House of [ ] where we breakfasted--distant from Spencer 12 Miles. Here we were received by a handsome Company of Militia Artillery in Uniform who saluted with 13 Guns on our Entry & departure. At this place also we met a Committee from the Town of Boston, and an Aid of Majr. Genl. Brooke of the Middlesex Militia who had proceeded to this place in order to make some arrangements of Military & other Parade on my way to, and in the Town of, Boston; and to fix with me on the hours at which I should pass through Cambridge, and enter Boston.1 Finding this ceremony was not to be avoided though I had made every effort to do it, I named the hour of ten to pass the Militia of the above County at Cambridge and the hour of 12 for my entrance into Boston desiring Major Hall, however, to inform Genl. Brookes that as I conceived there was an impropriety in my reviewing the Militia, or seeing them perform Manoeuvres otherwise
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than as a private Man I could do no more than pass along the line; which, if he thought proper might be under arms to receive me at that time. These matters being settled the Committee and the Aid (Colo. Hall) set forward on their return and after breakfast I followed; The same Gentlemen who had escorted me into, conducting me out of Town.2 On the Line between Worcester and Middlesex I was met by a Troop of light Horse belonging to the latter, who Escorted me to Marlborough (16 Miles) where we dined, and thence to Weston (14 More where we lodged). At Marlborough we met Mr. Jonathan Jackson the Marshall of this State who proposed to attend me whilst I remained in it. A good part of the Road from Spencer to Worcester is Hilly, & except a little nearest the latter, very Stoney. From Worcester to Marlborough the road is uneven but not bad and from Marlborh. to Weston it is leveller with more Sand. Between Worcester & Marlborough the Town of Shrewsbury is passed and between Marlborough and Weston you go through Sudbury. The Country about Worcester, and onwards towards Boston is better improved & the lands of better quality than we travelled through yesterday. The Crops it is said have been good--Indian Corn, Rye Buck Wheat & grass--with Beef Cattle & Porke are the produce of their Farms.
Saturday 24th. Dressed by Seven Oclock, and set out at eight. At ten we arrived in Cambridge According to appointment; but most of the Militia having a distance to come were not in line till after eleven; they made however an excellent appearance with Genl. Brook at their Head. At this place the Lieutt. Govr. Mr. Saml. Adams, with the Executive Council met me and preceeded my entrance into town--which was in every degree flattering &
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A view of the State House in Boston, from Massachusetts Magazine, July 1793. (I. N. Phelps Stokes Collection. Prints Division, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
honorable.1 To pass over the Minutiae of the arrangement for this purpose it may suffice to say that at the entrance I was welcomed by the Select men in a body, Then following the Lieutt. Govr. & Council in the order we came from Cambridge (preceeded by the Town Corps very,, handsomely dressed) we passed through the Citizens classed in their different professions, and under their own banners, till we came to the State House; from which, across the Street, an Arch was thrown; in the front of which was this Inscription--"To the Man who unites all hearts" and on the other--"To Columbia's favourite Son" and on one side thereof next the State House, in a pannel decorated with a trophy, composed of the arms of the United States--of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts--and our French Allies, crowned with a wreath of Laurel was this Inscription--"Boston relieved March 17th. 1776." This arch was handsomely ornamented, and over the Center of it a Canopy was erected 20 feet high with the American Eagle perched on the top. After passing through the Arch, and entering the State House at the So. End & [as]cending to the upper floor & returning to a Balcony at the No. end--three
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cheers was given by a vast concourse of people who by this time had assembled at the Arch. Then followed an ode composed in honor of the President; and well sung by a band of select Singers2 --after this three Cheers--followed by the different Professions, and Mechanics in the order they were drawn up with their Colours through a lane of the People which had thronged abt. the Arch under which they passed. The Streets, the Doors, Windows & Tops of the Houses were crouded with well dressed Ladies and Gentlemen. The procession being over I was conducted to my lodgings at a Widow Ingersolls3 (which is a very decent & good house) by the Lieutt. Govr. and Council--accompanied by the Vice-President where they took leave of me. Having engaged yesterday to take an informal dinner with the Govr. to day (but under a full persuation that he would have waited upon me so soon as I should have arrived) I excused myself upon his not doing it, and informing me thro his Secretary that he was too much indisposed to do it, being resolved to receive the visit.4 Dined at my Lodgings, where the Vice-President favoured me with his Company.
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Sunday 25th. Attended Divine Service at the Episcopal Church whereof Doctor Parker is the Incumbent in the forenoon, and the Congregational Church of Mr. Thatcher in the Afternoon.1 Dined at my Lodgings with the Vice President. Mr. Bowdoin accompanied me to both Churches.2 Between the two I received a visit from the Govr., who assured me that Indisposition alone had prevented his doing it yesterday, and that he was still indisposed; but as it had been suggested that he expected to receive the visit from the President, which he knew was improper, he was resolved at all hazds. to pay his Compliments to day. The Lt. Govr. & two of the Council to wit Heath & Russel3 were sent here last Night to express the Govrs. Concern that he had not been in a condition to call upon me so soon as I came to Town. I informed them in explicit terms that I should not see the Govt. unless it was at my own lodgings.
3 William Heath and Thomas Russell.
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Gov. John Hancock, a miniature by a British artist, Jeremiah Meyer. (Yale University Art Gallery, The Mabel Brady Garven Collection)
Monday 26th. The day being Rainy & Stormy--myself much disordered by a Cold and inflamation in the left eye,1 I was prevented from visiting Lexington (where the first blood in the dispute with G. Britn.) was drawn. Recd. the Complimts. of many visits to day. Mr. Da<l>ton and Genl. Cobb2 dined with me and in the Evening I drank Tea with Govr. Hancock & called upon Mr. Bowdoin on my return to my lodgings.
Tuesday 27th. At 10 Oclock in the Morning received the Visits of the Clergy of the Town--at 11 went to an Oratorio1 and between that and 3 Oclock recd. the Addresses of the Governor and Council--of the Town of Boston; of the President &ca. of Harvard College; and of the Cincinnati of the State;2 after wch., at 3 Oclock, I dined at a large & elegant dinner at Fanuiel Hall, given
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James Bowdoin, from Massachusetts Magazine, January 1791. (Boston Athenaeum)
by the Govr. and Council, and spent the evening at my lodgings.3 When the Committee from the Town presented their Address it was accompanied with a request (in behalf they said of the Ladies) that i would set to have my Picture taken for the Hall, that others might be copied from it for the use of their respective families. As all the next day was assigned to various purposes and I was engaged to leave town on Thursday early, I informed them of the impracticability of my doing this, but that I would have it drawn when I returned to New York, if there was a good Painter there--or by Mr. Trumbull when he should arrive; and would send it to them.4
2 These addresses and GW's replies, 27 Oct., are in DLC:GW.
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Faneuil Hall in Boston, from Massachusetts Magazine, March 1789. (Library of Congress)
from memory and which was eventually presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society (EISEN, 2:427--28). The painter John Trumbull (1756--1843) was in Europe at this time but planned to return to the United States at the end of 1789.
Wednesday 28th. Went after an early breakfast to visit the duck Manufacture which appeared to be carrying on with spirit, and is in a prosperous way. They have manufactured 32 pieces of Duck of 39 or 40 yds. each in a week; and expect in a short time to encrease it to [ ]. They have 28 looms at work & 14 Girls spinning with Both hands (the flax being fastened to their waste). Children (girls) turn the wheels for them, and with this assistance each spinner can turn out 14 lbs. of thread pr. day when they stick to it, but as they are pd. by the piece, or work they do, there is no other restraint upon them but to come at 8 Oclock in the Morning and return at 6 in the evening. They are the daughters of decayed families, and are girls of Character--none others are admitted. The number of hands now employed in the different parts of the work is [ ] but the Managers expect to encrease them to [ ]. This is a work of public utility g: private advantage.1 From hence I went to the Card Manufactury where I was informed about 900 hands of one kind and for one purpose or another. All kinds of Cards are made; & there are Machines for
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executing every part of the work in a new and expeditious manr. especially in cutting & bending the teeth wch. is done at one stroke. They have made 63,000 pr. of Cards in a year and can under sell the Imported Cards--nay Cards of this Manufactury have been smuggled into England.2 At 11 Oclock I embarked on board the Barge of the Illustrious Captn. Pentheve Gion, & visited his Ship & the Superb, another 74 Gun Ship in the Harbour of Boston, about 4 Miles below the Town.3 Going & coming I was saluted by the two frigates which lye near the Wharves and by the 74s after I had been on board of them; as also by the 40 Gun ship which lay in the same range with them. I was also saluted going & coming by the fort on Castle Isld.4 After my return I dined in a large Company at Mr. Bowdoins and went to the Assembly in the evening where (it is said) there were upwards of 100 Ladies. There appearance was elegant and many of them very handsome; the Room is small but neat, & well ornamented.5
4 The fort on Castle Island was Castle William or Fort Adams, later Fort Independence.
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Joseph Pope's orrery. (Harvard University Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments)
every one strove here as every where else, who should pay the most respect. We had a very pretty Desert for Supper with 3 fine Cakes (one for each set) at 150£" (Barrell to Samuel B. Webb, 1 Nov. 1789, WEBB [2], 3:142--44).
Thursday 29th. Left Boston about 8 Oclock. Passed over the Bridge at Charles Town and went to see that at Malden, but proceeded to the college at Cambridge, attended by the Vice President, Mr. Bowdoin, and a great number of Gentlemen: at this place I was shewn by Mr. Willard the President 1 the Philosophical Aparatus and amongst others Popes Orary (a curious piece of Mechanism for shewing the revolutions of the Sun, Earth and
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The new bridge at Charlestown, Mass., opened for public use 17 June 1786. From New York Magazine, September 1795. (New-York Historical Society)
A view of Harvard College, from Columbian Magazine, November 1788. (New-York Historical Society)
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many other of the Planets)2--The library (containing 13,000 volumes) and a Museum. The Bridges of Charles town and Malden are useful & noble--doing great credit to the enterprizing spirit of the People of this State. From Boston, besides the number of Citizens which accompanied me to Cambridge, & many of them from thence to Lynn--the Boston Corps of Horse escorted me to the line between Middlesex and Essex County where a party of Horse with Genl. Titcomb3 met me, and conducted me through Marblehead (which is 4 Miles out of the way, but I wanted to see it) to Salem. The Chief employmt. of the People of Marblehead (Males) is fishing--about 110 Vessels and 800 Men and boys are engaged in this business. Their chief export is fish. About 5000 Souls are said to be in this place which has the appearance of antiquity. The Houses are old--the streets dirty--and the common people not very clean. Before we entered the Town we were met, & attended by a Comee. till we were handed over to the Select Men who conducted us saluted by artily. in to the Town--to the House of a Mrs. Lee where there was a cold Collation prepared4--after partaking of which we visited the Harbour--their fish brakes for curing fish--&ca. and then proceeded (first receiving an Address from the Inhabitants) to Salem. At the Bridge, 2 Miles from this Town, we were also met by a Committee--who conducted us by a Brigade of the Militia, & one or two handsome Corps in Uniform,5 through several of the Streets to the Town or Court House--where an Ode in honor of the President was sung--an address presented to him amidst the acclamations of the People--after which he was conducted to his Lodgings--recd. the compliments of many differt. Classes of People6--and in the evening between 7 and 8 Oclock went to an assembly, where there was at least an hundred handsome and well dressed Ladies.7 Abt. Nine I returned to my Lodgings. The Road from Boston to this place is here and there Stoney tho' level; it is very pleasant: from most parts you are in sight of the Sea. Meads--arable Land and Rocky hills are much intermixed--the latter chiefly on the left. The Country seems to be in a manner entirely stripped of wood. The grazing is good--the Houses stand thick. After leaving Cambridge at the distance of 4 Miles we passed through Mistick--then Malden--next Lynn (where it is said 175,000 pairs of Shoes (womens chiefly) have been made in a year by abt. 400 workmen). This is only a row of houses & not very thick on each side of the Road. After passing Lynn you enter Marblehead wch. is 4 Miles from Salem. This latter is a neat Town and said to contain 8 or 9000 Inhabitants. Its exports are chiefly Fish Lumber & Provisions.
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They have in the East India Trade at this time 13 Sale of Vessels.
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View of the courthouse at Salem, Mass., from Massachusetts Magazine, 1790. (Library of Congress)
Washington) Street, constructed between 1781 and 1785 by Samuel McIntire, and presently owned by Joshua Ward. For GW's stay in Salem, see BENTLEY, 180--31; Gaz. of the U.S., 14 Nov. 1789; RANTOUL, 68:1--19).
Friday 30th. A Little after 8 Oclock I set out for Newbury-Port and in less than 2 Miles crossed the Bridge between Salem and Beverly, which makes a handsome appearance, and is upon the same plan of those over Charles & Mistick Rivers; excepting that it has not foot ways as that of the former has. The length of this bridge is 1530 feet and was built for about £4500 lawful money--a price inconceivably low in my estimation, as there is 18 feet water in the deepest parts of the River over which it is erected. This Bridge is longer than that at Charles town, but shorter by [ ] feet than the other over Mistick. All of them have draw bridges by which Vessels pass. After passing Beverley 2 Miles we come to the Cotton Manufactury which seems to be carrying on with Spirit by the Mr. Cabbots (principally).1 In this Manufactury they have the New Invented Carding and Spinning Machines--one of the first supplies the work; and four of the latter; one of which spins 84 threads at a time by one person. The Cotton is
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prepared for these Machines by being first (lightly) drawn to a thrd. on the common wheel. There is also another Machine for doubling and twisting the threads for particular cloths. This also does many at a time. For winding the Cotton from the spindles, & preparing it for the Warp, there is a Reel which expedites the work greatly. A number of Looms (15 or 16) were at work with Spring shuttles which do more than dble. work. In short the whole seemed perfect, and the Cotton stuffs wch. they turn out excellent of their kind. Warp & filling both are now of Cotton. From this place with escorts of Horse I passed on to Ipswich about 10 Miles--at the entrance of which I was met and welcomed by the Select Men and received by a Regemt. of Militia. At this place I was met by Mr. Dalton and some other Gentlemen from Newbury-port--partook of a Cold Collation, & proceeded on to the last-mentioned place where I was received with much respect & parade, about 4 Oclock. In the evening there were Rockets & some other fire-works and every other demonstration to welcome me to the Town. This place is pleasantly situated on Merimack River, and appears to have carried on (here & about) the Ship-building business to a grt. extent. The number of Souls is estimated at 5,000.2
Saturday 31st. Left Newbury-port a little after 8 Oclock (first breakfasting with Mr. Dalton)1 and to avoid a wider ferry--more inconvenient boats--and a piece of heavy Sand, we crossed the River at Salisbury two Miles above; and near that further about--and in three Miles came to the Line wch. divides the State of Massachusetts from that of New Hampshire.2 Here I took leave of Mr. Dalton and many other private Gentlemen who accompanied me--also of Genl. Titcomb who had met me on the line between Middlesex & Essex Counties--Corps of light Horse and Many officers of Militia--And was recd. by the President of the State of
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New Hampshire--the Vice-President; some of the Council--Messrs. Langdon & Wingate of the Senate--Colo. Parker Marshall of the State, & many other respectable characters;3 besides several Troops of well cloathed Horse in handsome Uniforms, and many Officers of the Militia also in handsome (white & red) uniforms of the Manufacture of the State. With this Cavalcade we proceeded and arrived before 3 Oclock at Portsmouth, where we were received with every token of respect and appearance of Cordiallity under a discharge of Artillery. The Streets--doors and windows were Crouded here, as at all the other Places--and, alighting at the Town House, odes were Sung & played in honor of the President. The same happened yesterday at my entrance into New-buryport--Being stopped at my entrance to hear it. From the Town House I went to Colonel Brewsters Ta[ver]n4 the place provided for my residence and asked the President, Vice-President, the two Senators, the Marshall and Majr. Gilman5 to dine with me, which they did--after which I drank Tea at Mr. Langdons.6
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Sullivan as federal judge for the district of New Hampshire (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:172).
John Langdon (1741--1819) and Paine Wingate (1739--1838) were New Hampshire's two United States senators. Langdon, a former Portsmouth merchant, had seen military service at Saratoga during the Revolution and was a member of the Continental Congress 1775--76, 1783. At this time he was president pro tempore of the Senate. Wingate lived at Stratham, N.H., had served in the Continental Congress 1787--88, and was a United States senator until 1795.
In Sept. 1789 GW had appointed John Parker United States marshal for the district of New Hampshire (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:29--30).
4 The tavern was kept by William Brewster.
6 John Langdon's mansion, built in 1784, was on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth.
November 1st. Attended by the President of the State (Genl. Sullivan) Mr. Langdon, & the Marshall; I went in the fore Noon to the Episcopal Church under the incumbency of a Mr. Ogden and in the Afternoon to one of the Presbeterian or Congregational Churches in which a Mr. Buckminster Preached.1 Dined at home with the Marshall and spent the afternoon in my own room writing letters.2
Monday 2d. Having made previous preparations for it--About 8 Oclock attended by the President, Mr. Langden & some other Gentlemen, I went in a boat to view the harbour of Portsmouth;
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John Langdon, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
which is well secured against all Winds; and from its narrow entrance from the Sea, and passage up to the Town, may be perfectly guarded against any approach by water. The anchorage is also good & the Shipping may lay close to the Docks &ca. when at the Town. In my way to the Mouth of the Harbour, I stopped at a place called Kittery in the Provence of Main, the River Piscataqua being the boundary between New Hampshire and it. From hence I went by the Old Fort (formerly built while under the English government) on an Island which is at the Entrance of the Harbour and where the Light House stands.1 As we passed this Fort we were saluted by 13 Guns. Having Lines we proceeded to the Fishing banks a little with out the Harbour and fished for Cod--but it not being a proper time of tide we only caught two--with wch. about 1 Oclock we returned to Town.2 Dined at Col. Langdons, and drank Tea there with a large Circle of Ladies and retired a little after Seven O'clock. Before dinner I recd. an address from the Town--presented by the Vice-President and returned an answer in the Evening to one I had recd. from Marblehead and an other from the Presbiterian Clergy of the State of Massachusetts & New Hampshire delivered at Newbury Port; both of which I had been unable to answer before.3
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bank at Kittery, or rather Kittery Point, Maine, and made a short call on the Reverend Dr. Stevens, the pastor of the old Kittery Church. The President landed on the old stone dock." Rev. Dr. Benjamin Stevens (1720--1791) had been pastor of the First Church in Kittery, Maine, since 1751. His daughter Sally was married to Rev. Joseph Buckminster whose church GW had attended on 1 Nov. GW's first attempt at deep-sea fishing was apparently even less successful than he intimates. One of the two cod "was hooked by a fisherman named Zebulon Willey, who was trying his luck in a neighboring boat. Getting a bite, he handed his line to the President, who landed the fish and rewarded Zebulon with a silver dollar. When returning to town, the President saw an old acquaintance. This was Captain John Blunt, the helmsman of the boat during the famous crossing of the Delaware" (DECATUR, 84; DEXTER, 562).
3 These addresses and replies are in DLC:GW.
Tuesday 3d. Sat two hours in the forenoon for a Mr. [ ] Painter of Boston, at the Request of Mr. Brick of that place; who wrote Majr. Jackson that it was an earnest desire of many of the Inhabitants of that Town that he might be endulged.1 After this setting I called upon President Sullivan, and the Mother of Mr. Lear2 and having walked through most parts of the Town, returned by 12 Oclock when I was visited by a Clergyman of the name of Haven,3 who presented me with an Ear, and part of the stalk of the dying Corn, and several small pieces of Cloth which had been died with it, equal to any colours I had ever seen & of various colours. This Corn was blood red & the rind of the stalk deeply tinged of the same colour. About 2 Oclock I recd. an Address from the Executive of the State of New Hampshire; and in half an hour after dined with them and a large Company at their Assembly room which is one of the best I have seen any where in the United States.4 At half after Seven I went to the Assembly where there were about 75 well dressed, and many of them very handsome Ladies--among whom (as was also the case at the Salem & Boston Assemblies) were a greater proportion with much blacker hair than are usually seen in the Southern States. About 9 I returned to my Quarters. Portsmouth it is said contains abt. 5000 Inhabitants. There are some good houses (among wch. Colo. Langdons may be esteemed the first) but in general they are indifferent; and almost entirely of wood. On wondering at this, as the Country is full of Stone and good Clay for Bricks I was told that on acct. of the fogs and damps they deemed them wholesomer and for that reason prefered wood buildings. Lumber--Fish and Pot ash with some Provisions compose the principal Articles of Export. Ship building here & at Newbury Port has been carried on to a considerable extent. During & for sometime after the War
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there was an entire stagnation to it; but it is beginning now to revive again. The number of Ships belonging to the Port are estimated at [ ].5
Wednesday 4th. About half after seven I left Portsmouth, quietly & without any attendance, having earnestly entreated that all parade & ceremony might be avoided on my return. Before ten I reached Exeter 14 Miles distance. This is considered as the 2d. Town in New-Hampshire and stands at the head of the tide water of Piscataqua River but Ships of 3 or 400 Tonns are built at it. Above (but in the Town) are considerable Falls which supply several Grist Mills--2 Oyl Mills A Slitting Mill and Snuff Mill. It is a place of some consequence but does not contain more than 1000 Inhabitants. A jealousy subsists between this Town (where the Legislature alternately sits) and Portsmouth, which, had I known it in time, would have made it necessary to have accepted an Invitation to a Public dinner, but my arrangements having been otherwise made I could not. From hence passing through Kingstown (6 Miles from Exeter) I arrived at Haverhill about half past two & stayed all Night. Walked through the Town which stands at the head of the Tide of Merrimack River and in a beautiful part of the Country. The Lands over which I travelled to day are pretty much mixed in places with Stone And the growth
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with Pines--till I came near to Haverhill where they disappeared, & the land had a more fertile appearance. The whole were pretty well cultivated but used (principally) for Grass and Indian Corn. In Haverhill is a Duck Manufactury upon a small but ingenious scale under the conduct of Colo.[ ].1 At this Manufactury one small person turns a Wheel which employs 8 Spinners, each acting independently of each other so as to occasion no interruption to the rest if any one of them is stopped--Whereas at the Boston Manufactury of this Article, each Spinner has a small girl to turn the Wheel. The Looms are also somewhat differently constructed from those of the common kind, and upon an improved plan. The Inhabitts. of this small Village were well disposed to welcome me to it by every demonstration which could evince their joy.
Thursday 5th. About Sun rise I set out, crossing the Merimack River at the Town over to the Township of Bradford and in nine Miles came to Abbots Tavern in Andover where we breakfasted, and met with much attention from Mr. Philips President of the Senate of Massachusetts,1 who accompanied us thro' Bellarika [Billerica] to Lexington, where I dined, and viewed the Spot on which the first blood was spilt in the dispute with great Britain on the 19th. of April 1775. Here I parted with Mr. Philips, and proceeded on to Watertown, intending (as I was disappointed by the Weather & bad Roads from travvelling through the Interior Country to Charlestown on Connecticut River) to take what is called the Middle Road from Boston. The Country from Haverhill to Andover is good, and well cultivated. In and about the latter (which stands high) it is beautiful. A Mile or two from it you descend into a pine level pretty Sandy, and mixed with Swamps; through which you ride several Miles till you begin to ascend the heights on which the Town of Bellarika stands, which is also pleasantly situated 10 Miles from Andover. From hence to Lexington--8 Miles and thence to Watertown 8 More the Country is very pleasant, and the roads in general good. We lodged in this
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A view of the Green in Lexington, a woodcut in the January 1794 Massachusetts Magazine. (Library of Congress)
place at the House of a Widow Coolidge near the Bridge, and a very indifferent one it is.2
2 This tavern was kept by the widow of Nathaniel Coolidge (DIARIES, 4:48).
Friday 6th. A little after Seven oclock, under great appearances of Rain or Snow, we left Watertown, and Passing through Needham (five Miles therefrom) breakfasted at Sherburn which is 14 Miles from the former. Then passing through Holliston 5 Miles, Milford 6 More, Menden 4 More, and Uxbridge 6 More, we lodged at one Tarts 1 Miles further;1 the whole distance of this days travel being 36 Miles. From Watertown till you get near Needham, the Road is very level--about Needham it is hilly--then level again, and the whole pleasant and well cultivated 'till you pass Sherburn; between this and Holliston is some Hilly & Rocky ground as there is in places, onwards to Uxbridge; some of
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wch. are very bad; Upon the whole it may be called an indifferent Rd.--deversified by good & bad land--cultivated and in woods--some high and Barren and others low, wet and Piney. Grass and Indian Corn is the chief produce of the Farms. Rye composes a part of the culture of them, but wheat is not grown on Acct. of the blight. The Roads in every part of this State are amazingly crooked, to suit the convenience of every Mans fields; & the directions you receive from the People equally blind & ignorant; for instead of going to Watertown from Lexington, if we had proceeded to Waltham we should in 13 Miles have saved at least Six; the distance from Lexington to Waltham being only 5 Miles and the Road from Watertown to Sherburn going within less than two miles of the latter (i.e. Waltham). The Clouds of the Morning vanished before the Meridian Sun, and the Afternoon was bright and pleasant. The House in Uxbridge had a good external appearance (for a Tavern) but the owner of it being from home, and the wife sick, we could not gain admittance which was the reason of my coming on to Tarts; where, though the people were obliging, the entertainment was not very inviting.
Saturday 7th. Left Tafts before Sunrise, and passing through Douglas wood breakfasted at one Jacobs in Thompson 12 Miles' distant--not a good House.1 Bated the Horses in Pomfret at Colo. Grosveners,2 distant 11 Miles from Jacobs and Lodged at Squire Perkins in Ashford3 (called 10 Miles, but must be 12). The first Stage with a small exception is intolerable bad Road, & a poor and uncultivated Country covered chiefly with woods--the largest of Which is called Douglass, at the foot of which on the East side
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is a large Pond. Jacobs's, is in the State of Connecticut, and here the Lands are better, and more highly improved. From hence to Pomfret there is some woods & indifferent Land, but in General it is tolerably good and the Farms look well. In and abt. Pomfret they are fine, and from thence to Ashford not bad; but very hilly and much mixed with Rock Stone. Knowing that General Putnam lived in the Township of Pomfret, I had hopes of seeing him and it was one of my inducements for coming this Road; but on enquiry in the Town I found that he lived 5 Miles out of my road, and that without deranging my plan & delaying my journey, I could not do it.4
3 This tavern was kept by Isaac Perkins (CROFUT, 1:65, 2:792).
Sunday 8th. It being contrary to Law & disagreeable to the People of this State (Connecticut) to travel on the Sabbath day1 and my horses after passing through such intolerable Roads wanting rest, I stayed at Perkins's Tavern (which by the bye is not a good one) all day--and a meeting House being with in a few rod of the Door, I attended Morning & evening Service, and heard very lame discourses from a Mr. Pond.2
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idea, that the most venerable and respectable characters of our Federal Legislature, pay such strict attention to the Sabbath." See also Mass. Centinel, 24 Oct. 1789.
2 Rev. Enoch Pond (1756--1807) had been ordained only the year before (CROFUT, 2:827).
Monday 9th. Set out about 7 Oclock and for the first 24 Miles had hilly, rocky and disagreeable Roads. The remaining 10 was level and good, but in places Sandy. Arrived at Hartford a little before four. We passed through Mansfield (which is a very hilly Country and the Township in which they make the greatest qty. of Silk of any in the State) and breakfasted at one Brighams in Coventry.1 Stopped at Woodbridges2 in Et. Hartford where the level land is entered upon & from whence through East Hartford the Country is pleasant, and the Land in places very good--in others Sandy and Weak. I find by Conversing with the Farmers along this Road that a medium Crop of Wheat to the Acre is about 15 bushels--of Corn 20--of Oats the same--and in their strong & fresh Lands they get as much Wheat as they can Rye to the Acre--but in worn, or Sandy Land the latter yields most. They go more however upon grasing than either; & consequently Beef Butter & Cheese--with Porke are the articles which they carry to Market.
Tuesday 10th. Left Hartford about 7 Oclock & took the Middle Road (instead of the one through Middleton which I went). Breakfasted at Worthington in the Township of Berlin, at the House of one Fuller.1 Bated at Smiths on the plains of Wallingford 13 Miles from Fullers, which is the distance Fullers is from Hartford--and got into New Haven which is 13 Miles more, about half an hour before Sun-down. At this place I met Mr. Gerry2 in the Stage from New York who gave me the first certn. acct. of the health of Mrs. Washington.
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Wednesday 11th. Set out about Sunrise, and took the upper Road to Milford, it being shorter than the lower one through West haven. Breakfasted at the former--Bated at Fairfield and dined and lodged at a Majr. Marvins 9 Miles further; which is not a good House, though the People of it were disposed to do all they cou'd to accomodate me.1
Thursday 12th. A little before Sunrise we left Marvins and breakfasting at Stamford 13 Miles distant, reached the Widow Havilands 12 Miles further; where, on acct. of some lame horses, we remained all Night. The badness of these Rds. having been described as I went, I shall say nothing of them now.
Friday 13th. Left Mrs. Havilands as soon as we could see the Road and breakfasted at Hoyets Tavern this side Kings-bridge and between two and three Oclock arrived at my House at New York where I found Mrs. Washington and the rest of the family all well. And its being Mrs. Washington's Night to receive visits a pretty large Company of Ladies and Gentlemen were present.
Saturday 14th. At home all day--except taking a Walk round the Battery in the Afternoon.
At 4 Oclock received and answered an Address from the President & Corporation of Dartmouth College and about Noon sundry visits.
Sunday 15th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon and after returning from thence was visited by Majr. Butler Majr. Meridith and Mr. Smith So. Cara.1 Received an Invitation to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Roosevelt (the wife of a Senator of this State) but declined complying with it--first because the propriety of accepting any invitation of this sort appeared very questionable and secondly (though to do it in this instance might not be improper) because it might be difficult to discriminate in cases wch. might thereafter happen.2
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Carolina at the Federal Convention. He was elected to the Senate as a Federalist in 1789 and served until 1796.
Samuel Meredith (1741--1817), of Philadelphia, was an active Patriot before the Revolution and served in the Pennsylvania militia until 1778 when he resigned to resume his career in business and politics. In 1788 he was appointed surveyor of the Port of Philadelphia, and in Mar. 1789, anticipating GW's election, he wrote him requesting an appointment in the "Impost Department" (Meredith to GW, 23 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW). GW replied 5 Mar. stating that if he assumed the presidency, he had resolved "to go into it, perfectly free from all engagements of every nature whatsoever. A conduct, in conformity to this resolution, would enable me in ballancing the various pretentions of different Candidates for appointments, to act with a sole reference to justice and the public good. This is, in substance, the answer that I have given to all applications (and they are not few) which have already been made" (DLC:GW). See also entry for 20 June 1787.
William Loughton Smith (1758--1812), congressman from South Carolina, had studied at the Middle Temple and also at Geneva. Before the Revolution he practiced law in Charleston and was elected to the state legislature. In 1789 he was elected as a Federalist to Congress where he served until 1797, rapidly becoming one of the administration's most reliable supporters, especially in financial matters.
Monday 16th. The Commissioners, who had returned from the proposed Treaty with the Creek Indians before me, to this City dined with me to day, as did their Secretary Colo. Franks and young Mr. Lincoln who accompanied them.
During the summer of 1789 an increasing stream of reports came from state officials and frontier settlers telling of Indian attacks by war parties from southern tribes, particularly urged on by the Creek chief Alexander McGillivray. The administration in Aug. 1789 appointed Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin, and David Humphreys United States commissioners to open negotiations with the southern tribes on behalf of the government and "establish peace between the State of Georgia and the Creeks" (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:65--68). The commissioners arrived in Savannah 10 Sept. and conducted negotiations with state officials and Indian leaders over the next three weeks. By 10 Nov. they were back in New York. On 17 and 20 Nov. they reported to Knox that the Creek were determined not to make a treaty; however, as McGillivray and the other Creek chiefs "have given strong assurances in their talks, and by writing, that no further hostilities or depredations shall be committed on the part of their nation; and as the Governor of Georgia . . . will prevent the commission of hostilities and depredations upon the Creek nation, on the part of Georgia, the commissioners, in the best of their judgment, report, that all animosities with the Creek nation should henceforth cease." In obedience to their instructions, however, they included detailed information on the Creek country and plans for "offensive and defensive measures" in case hostilities should break out (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:78). The reports and the commissioners' journal containing their correspondence with Creek leaders and Georgia officials are in ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:68--80.
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David Salisbury Franks (c.1740--1793), son of John Franks, a prominent Jewish merchant of Philadelphia, served as aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold 1778--80, with the rank of major, but was acquitted of complicity in Arnold's treason. In 1781 he was designated an official courier by Robert Morris to carry dispatches to John Jay in Spain and served as vice-consul at Marseilles from 1784 to 1787. In 1789 he asked GW to appoint him to a foreign diplomatic post, preferably that of consul general in France, but instead received the minor appointment of secretary to the commissioners (Franks to GW, 12 May, 11 June 1789, DLC:GW; STRAUS, 101--8). After his return from the mission to the Creek, he served as assistant cashier of the Bank of the United States. He died of yellow fever during the 1793 epidemic in Philadelphia (see also WOLF, 158--64).
Tuesday 17th. The Visitors at the Levee to day, were numerous.
Wednesday 18th. Took a walk in the forenoon, & called upon Mr. Jay on business but he was not within. On my return paid Mr. Vaughan Senr. a visit--informal.
Sent a Commission as District Judge of So. Carolina to the Honble. William Drayton of that State.
Samuel Vaughan (1720--1802), formerly a London merchant, had been living in Philadelphia since 1783 where, with his son John, he was conducting the family's mercantile business and was extensively involved in elaborate plans for the planting of trees and shrubs in the city. He was particularly noted for his role in ornamenting the State House Yard. Vaughan had recently corresponded with GW concerning the possibility of a federal appointment for his son Samuel Vaughan, Jr. (GW to Vaughan, 21 Mar. 1789, Vaughan to GW, 28 May 1789, DLC:GW; STETSON [3], 459--74).
Thursday 19th. The following Company dined here today--viz.--Mrs. Adams (Lady to the Vice President) Colo. Smith & Lady & Miss Smith Mrs. Adams's Niece--Govr. Clinton and Lady & Miss Cornelia Clinton and Majr. Butlar, his Lady and two Daughters.
Gov. George Clinton's wife, whom he had married in 1770, was Cornelia Tappan Clinton, a connection of the prominent Wynkoop family of Ulster County, N.Y.
Pierce Butler's wife was Mary Middleton Butler, daughter of Thomas Middleton of Prince William's Parish, S.C.
Friday 20th. The Visitors of Gentn. and Ladies to Mrs. Washington this evening were numerous & respectable.
Saturday 21st. Received in the Afternoon the Report from the Commissioners appointed to Treat with the Southern Indians. Gave it one reading & shall bestow another and more attentive one on it.
See entry for 16 Nov. 1789.
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Sunday 22d. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon--heard a charity Sermon for the benefit of the Orphans School of this City.
Had a good deal of conversation in the Evening with the above Commissioners on the more minute part of their transactions at the Treaty with the Creek Indians and their opinion with respect to the real views of Mr. McGillivry--The principles of whose conduct they think is self-Interest, and a dependence for support on Spain. They think also, that having possessed himself of the outlines of the terms he could Treat with the United States upon, he wished to Postpone the Treaty to see if he could not obtain better from Spain. They think that, though he does not want abilities, he has credit to the full extent of them and that he is but a short sighted politicion. He acknowledges however, that an Alliance between the Creek Nation & the United States is the most Natural one, & what they ought to prefer if to be obtained on equal terms. A Free port in the latter seems to be a favourite object with him.
This benefit was conducted to aid the Charity School operated by Trinity Church. The school consisted of "eighty-six scholars, viz. fifty-six boys and thirty girls. The children are instructed in the principles of the Christian Religion and in Psalmody; they constantly attend divine service at church on week days as well as on Sundays and the greatest attention is paid to their morals. . . . The school is regularly visited the first Monday in every month, and the children carefully examined by a committee of the Corporation of Trinity Church." The sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Benjamin Moore, and £80 8s. 10d. was collected for the Charity School ( N.Y. Daily Advertiser, 16 and 23 Nov. 1789).
Monday 23d. Rid five or Six miles between Breakfast & dinner. Called upon Mr. Vanberkel & Mrs. Adams.
Franco Petrus Van Berckel had succeeded his father as minister to the United States from the Netherlands in Aug. 1788 and presented his credentials in May 1789 (Van Berckel to Jay, 11 May 1789, letter of credence, 1 Aug. 1788, DNA: PCC, Item 126). He was generally popular in New York, although Sen. William Maclay termed him "gaudy as a peacock" (MACLAY, 41).
Tuesday 24th. A good deal of Company at the Levee to day. Went to the Play in the Evening. Sent Tickets to the following Ladies and Gentlemn. & invited them to Seats in my Box viz.--Mrs. Adams (Lady of the Vice-President) Genl. Schuyler & Lady, Mr. King & Lady, Majr. Butler and Lady, Colo. Hamilton & Lady Mrs. Green--all of whom accepted and came except Mrs. Butler who was indisposed.
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The play GW attended was a performance of a comedy The Toy; or a Trip to Hampton Court which, with several shorter pieces, was performed by the old American Company at the John Street Theatre (volta [5], 37--38). The Gazette of the United States noted that "On the appearance of The President, the audience rose, and received him with the wannest acclamations" (28 Nov. 1789)
Philip Schuyler was now United States senator from New York. In 1755 he had married Catherine Van Rensselaer (1734--1803), daughter of John Van Rensselaer of Claverack. Their second daughter, Elizabeth Schuyler (17571854), had married Alexander Hamilton in 1780.
Rufus King (1755--1827) had graduated from Harvard in 1777, studied law with Theophilus Parsons in Newburyport, Mass., and served in the Massachusetts General Court 1783--85. As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention he provided invaluable support in securing the adoption of the Constitution in Massachusetts. He was elected United States senator to the First Congress. In 1786 King had married Mary Alsop (c.1770--1819), daughter of John Alsop, a prominent New York merchant.
Wednesday 25th. Exercised on Horse-back between Breakfast & dinner--in which returning I called upon Mr. Jay and Genl. Knox on business and made informal visits to the Govt., Mr. Izard, Genl. Schuyler, and Mrs. Dalton. The following Company dined with me. viz.
Doctr. Johnson & Lady and daughter (Mrs. Neely)--Mr. Izard & Lady & Son--Mr. Smith (So. Carolina) & Lady--Mr. Kean & Lady and the Chief Justice Mr. Jay.
After which I went with Mrs. Washington to the Dancing .Assembly at which I stayed until 10 Ock.
MRS. NEELY: William Samuel Johnson's eldest daughter Charity Johnson (d. 1810) had married Rev. Ebenezer Kneeland of Stratford, Conn. (GROCE, 39).
In 1767 Sen. Ralph Izard had married Alice DeLancey (1745--1832) of New York. The son who accompanied them today was Henry Izard (1771--1826), George Izard (1776--1828), or, less likely, their youngest son, four-year-old Ralph Izard (1785--1824). Also in the party was the Izard's second daughter Charlotte Izard 1(770--1792), who had married Sen. William Loughton Smith in 1786 (ROGERS [1], 404).
John Kean (1756--1795), of South Carolina, had served in the Continental Congress 1785--87, and in Aug. 1789 GW appointed him one of the commissioners for settling accounts between the United States and the individual states (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:17).
Thursday 26th. Being the day appointed for a thanksgiving I went to St. Pauls Chapel though it was most inclement and stormy--but few people at Church.
On 25 Sept. 1789 the House of Representatives resolved that the president should recommend a day of thanksgiving and prayer to the people of the
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United States acknowledging divine favor and especially the "opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness." The Senate concurred on 26 Sept. (DE PAUW, 3:226; ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:92). The wording of the resolution did not escape comment. Rep. Aedanus Burke of South Carolina objected to the "mimicking of European customs." Thomas Tudor Tucker, of South Carolina, felt that Congress had no right to ask for a day of thanksgiving. Citizens "may not be inclined to return thanks for a Constitution until they have experienced that it promotes their safety and happiness. We do not yet know but they may have reason to be dissatisfied with the effects it has already produced; but whether this be so or not, it is a business with which Congress have nothing to do . . . . If a day of thanksgiving must take place, let it be done by the authority of the several States; they know best what reason their constituents have to be pleased with the establishment of this Constitution" (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:949--50). GW issued the proclamation on 3 Oct., assigning 26 Nov. as the first Thanksgiving Day under the Constitution (DLC:GW). In celebration of the day the president contributed £7 10s. 4d. for "provisions & beer" to prisoners confined for debt in the New York City jail (DECATUR, 91; N.Y. Journal, 3 Dec. 1789).
Friday 27th. Not many Visitors this evening to Mrs. Washington.
Saturday 28th. Exercised on Horseback.
Sunday 29th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Monday 30th. Went to the Play in the Evening and presented Tickets to the following persons--viz.--Doctr. Johnson and Lady--Mr. Dalton & Lady--The Chief Justice of the United States and Lady--Secretary of War & Lady--Baron de Steuben and Mrs. Green.
On 30 Nov. 1789 the Old American Company gave a benefit performance of Cymon and Sylvia, an "Opera or Dramatic Romance," at the John Street Theatre (FORD [5], 40--43). GW noted in his letter of invitation to the Jays that "this is the last night the President proposes visiting the theatre for the season" (NNC: Jay Papers). Sarah Livingston Jay, the lovely and vivacious daughter of Gov. William Livingston of New Jersey, had become one of New York's leading hostesses while her husband was secretary for foreign affairs during the Confederation. Lucy Flucker Knox was the daughter of Thomas Flucker, who had been royal secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Mrs. Knox's social ambitions were occasionally noted derisively by her contemporaries (see Jefferson's "Anas," BERGH, 1:357). Abigail Adams Smith wrote her mother, 15 June 1788, that Mrs. Knox is "neat in her dress, attentive to her family, and very fond of her children. But her size is enormous; I am frightened when I look at her" (GRISWOLD, 95).
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Tuesday Decr. 1st. A pretty full Levee to day--among the Visitors was the Vice President and all the Senators in Town.
Exercised on Horseback betwn. 10 and 12.
Read the Papers relative to our Affairs with the Emperer of Morocco and sent them to Mr. Jay to prepare answers to them.
Presumably GW is referring to papers submitted by Jay 1 Dec. concerning United States relations with the emperor of Morocco (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters). In 1788 the emperor had granted special privileges to American vessels, permitting them to pay only a 5 percent duty on the importation of merchandise into Morocco, and from time to time he had used his good offices to aid American shipping in the area. With his letter to GW, Jay submitted letters of 25 April and 18 July 1789 from Giuseppi Chiappe, United States agent at Mogadore, intimating that the emperor felt that his concessions had not received sufficient recognition from the United States (DNA: RG 59, George Washington's Correspondence with the Secretaries of State). Jay also submitted the draft of a letter from GW to the emperor, 1 Dec., expressing the United States's appreciation (owned by Forbes Magazine). Also included were drafts of letters dated 1 Dec. from Jay to Giuseppi Chiappe and Francisco Chiappe, United States agent in Morocco, attributing the seeming neglect of the emperor to the exigencies of establishing the new government (DNA: RG 59, George Washington's Correspondence with the Secretaries of State).
Wednesday 2d. Exercised in the Post Chaise with Mrs. Washington. Visited on our return the Vice-President and family. Afterwards walked to Mr. Kings--Neither he nor his Lady were at home; or to be seen.
John Adams by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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Thursday 3d. The following Gentlemen & Ladies dined here--viz.--Genl. Schuyler, his Lady & daughter (Mrs. Ranselaer)--Mr. Dalton and his Lady, the Secretary of the Treasury & his Lady--Genl. Knox and Lady & Mrs. Green--Baron de Steuben, Colo. Osgood (Postmaster Genl.) & the Treasurer Majr. Meridith.
MRS. RANSELAER: The Schuylers's third daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Schuyler, was born in 1758. In 1783 she had married Stephen Van Rensselaer (1764--1839), eighth patroon of Rensselaerswyck.
Friday 4th. A great number of Visiters (Gentlemen & Ladies) this evening to Mrs. Washington.
The Governor of New Jersey and the Speaker of the House of Assembly of that State presented an Address from the Legislature thereof and received an answer to it--after which they dined with me.
The letter of congratulation to GW from the New Jersey legislature was signed, 1 Dec. 1789, by Gov. William Livingston on behalf of the council and, 30 Nov. 1789, by Speaker John Beatty for the assembly (DLC:GW). GW's reply is in MHi: William Livingston Papers.
Saturday 5th. Exercised on Horseback between 10 and 12 oclock.
The Vice President & Lady and two Sons--Colo. Smith & Lady & his Sister, & Mrs. Adam's Niece dined here.
The two sons who accompanied the Adamses today were Charles Adams and Thomas Boylston Adams (1772--1832). William Stephens Smith had several sisters. The one who dined with GW today may have been Sarah Smith (1769--1828) who married Charles Adams in Aug. 1795.
Sunday 6th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the Forenoon.
Monday 7th. Walked round the Battery in the afternoon.
Tuesday 8th. Finished my Extracts from the Commissioners Report of their proceedings at the Treaty with the Creek Indians and from many other Papers respecting Indian matters and the Western Territory.
A full Levee today.
GW had received the report of the commissioners appointed to negotiate with the southern Indians on 21 Nov. (see entry for that day). His 18-page extract of material found in the commissioners' reports and journals is in DLC:GW.
Wednesday 9th. Walked round the Battery.
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Abigail Adams (Mrs. John Adams), by Gilbert Stuart. (National Gallery of Art, Gift of Mrs. Robert Homans, 1954)
Thursday 10th. Exercised on Horseback--between 10 and 12 Oclock.
The following Company dined here to day--viz.--Mrs. King and Mrs. Few--Mr. & Mrs. Harrison--Mr. & Mrs. Wolcot--Mr. Duer, his Lady and Miss Brown--Mr. Griffin & Lady and Lady Christiana and her daughter.
Catherine Few was the wife of Sen. William Few of Georgia and the daughter of Comdr. James Nicholson.
HARRISON: probably Richard Harison (1747--1829), a Federalist attorney and Columbia College graduate from New York City whom GW had appointed district attorney for New York in Sept. 1789. His wife was the former Frances Ludlow, daughter of Chief Justice George Duncan Ludlow of New Brunswick.
Elizabeth Stoughton, a daughter of Col. John Stoughton of Windsor, Conn., had married Oliver Wolcott, Jr., in 1785 when he was state comptroller for Connecticut. When GW appointed him auditor of the treasury in Sept. 1789 Wolcott accepted the offer only after repeated urgings from his friends; his reluctance stemmed not only from disappointment at not receiving the post of comptroller of the treasury but also from an apprehension that the salary was not adequate for living expenses in New York City. However, hoping that the "example of the President and his family, will render parade and expense improper and disreputable," he accepted, and the Wolcotts arrived in New York early in November. They were unable to find a house and at this time were lodging at Mrs. Grinnell's, No. 27 Queen Street (Wolcott to Elizabeth Wolcott, 24 Sept. 1789; Wolcott to Oliver Wolcott, Sr., 3 Nov. 1789, GIBBS [2], 1:22--23).
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William Stephens Smith, by Mather Brown. (The Adams National Historic Site, National Park Service, Department of the Interior)
Abigail Adams Smith, wife of William Stephens Smith. (The Adams National Historic Site, National Park Service, Department of the Interior)
Mr. Griffin is Samuel Griffin of Williamsburg (see entry for 11 Sept. 1774). Mrs. Samuel Griffin is Betsy Braxton Griffin, daughter of Carter Braxton. Lady Christiana Griffin's daughter was either Mary Griffin (d. 1851), who later married her cousin Maj. Thomas Griffin, or, less likely, her younger sister Louise Griffin (d. 1859), who in 1799 married Col. Hugh Tenant Weeden Mercer (1776--1853) of Fredericksburg, the youngest son of Hugh Mercer.
Friday 11th. Being Rainy and bad no person except the Vice-President visited Mrs. Washington this evening.
Saturday 12th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the two Children (Master & Miss Custis) between Breakfast & Dinner--went the 14 Miles round.
THE 14 MILES ROUND: A favorite excursion for New Yorkers was the ride around a portion of Manhattan Island, covering a distance of approximately 14 miles. Although the route varied somewhat, the path frequently taken led up the Bloomingdale Road along the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan to the vicinity of present-day 94th Street and then east by a crossroad as far as Kingsbridge. The return journey to the city was south by the Old Boston Post Road (see Mag. of Am. Hist., 19 [1888], 110).
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Sunday 13th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Monday 14th. Walked round the Battery in the afternoon.
Tuesday 15th. Exercised on horseback about 10 Oclock. Called on the Secretary for the Department of War and gave him the heads of many Letters to be written to characters in the Western Country relative, chiefly, to Indian Affairs.
Visitors at the Levee today were not very numerous, though respectable.
Wednesday 16th. Dined with Mrs. Washington and all the family (except the two Children) at Governor Clintons--where also dined the Vice-President, his Lady Colo. & Mrs. Smith--The Mayor (Colo. Varick) and his Lady and old Mr. Van Berkel and his Daughter.
Richard Varick (1753--1831) was born in Hackensack, N.J., and moved to New York City in 2775 to practice law. During the Revolution he was Philip Schuyler's aide-de-camp and in 1780 became aide to Benedict Arnold, a post he was occupying at the time of Arnold's defection to the British. Partly to exhibit confidence in Varick's loyalty GW made him his recording secretary in 1781 and as such he was responsible for the transcription of a large part of GW's military correspondence. In 1784 he was appointed recorder of New York City, was a member of the New York Assembly 1787--88, and attorney general of the state 1788--89. Varick succeeded James Duane as mayor of New York City in 1789 and held the position until 1801. His wife, Maria Roosevelt Varick, was the daughter of Isaac Roosevelt.OLD MR. VAN BERKEL' Pieter Johan Van Berckel (1725--1800), minister to the United States from the Netherlands 1783--88 and father of Franco Petrus Van Berckel, the current minister. His daughter had arrived in the United States in 1785 and had become an active member of New York society. After his son replaced him Van Berckel remained in the United States (BIOGRAPHISCH WOORDENBOEK, 2:128).
Thursday 17th. The following Company dined here--viz.--The Chief Justice of the U. States and his Lady; Mr. King, Colo. and Mrs. Lawrence--Mr. Gerry, Mr. Egbert Benson, Bishop Provost and Doctr. Lynn & his Lady.
John Laurance (1750--1810) was United States congressman from New York. A native of England, he had settled in New York City in 1767, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1772. During the Revolution he served as aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall and as judge advocate general at the trial of Maj. John André. Laurance served in the Continental Congress 1785--87 and in the state legislature 1788--90. Shortly before the Revolution, he married Elizabeth McDougall (d. 1790), daughter of his wartime commander.
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By 1789 Egbert Benson (1746--1833), a New York City attorney, had already had a distinguished political career, serving in the New York legislature 1777--81, 1788, as the state's attorney general 1777--89, and as a delegate to the Continental Congress 1784--88. After his election to the House of Representatives in 1789, he became one of the administration's staunchest supporters in Congress.
Samuel Provoost (1742--1815) a native New Yorker, was the first Protestant Episcopal bishop of New York. Educated at Cambridge, he was ordained by the bishop of London in 1766. Upon his return to America, he served as assistant minister at Trinity Church in New York City, but his Whig sympathies so incensed the Loyalist members of the parish that he was forced to resign in 1771. After the evacuation of New York by the British, the vestry invited him to return as rector. In 1786 he was elected bishop of New York and was consecrated in England in the chapel of Lambeth Palace in Feb. 1787. In addition he still acted as rector of Trinity Church and was chaplain of the Senate.
Rev. Dr. William Linn (1752--1808) was born in Shippensburg, Pa., graduated from Princeton in 1772, and was ordained a minister in the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in 1776. He had become pastor of the Collegiate Church in New York City in 1786 and at this time was also chaplain of the House of Representatives (SMITH [4], 133--34).
Friday 18th. Read over, and digested my thoughts upon the subject of a National Militia, from the Plans of the Militia of Europe--those of the Secretary at War & the Baron de Steuben.
In Aug. 1789 GW had pointed out to both houses of Congress the "national importance and necessity" of a "uniform and effective system for the Militia of the United States . . . . I am particularly anxious it should receive an early attention as circumstances will admit; because it is now in our power to avail ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several States by means of the many well instructed Officers and soldiers of the late Army; a resource which is daily diminishing by death and other causes" (GW to Senate and House of Representatives, 7 Aug. 1789, DLG:GW). On 8 Aug. the House of Representatives appointed a committee to bring in a militia bill (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:714). In preparation for his notes on the militia system, GW probably examined his own statements drawn up in 1783 after a committee of the Continental Congress had requested his views on a peace establishment (see Alexander Hamilton to GW, 9 April 1783, and GW to Hamilton, 2 May 1783, DLC:GW). GW's "Sentiments on a Peace Establishment," 1 May 1783, deals with such matters as a militia system, arsenals, military academies, and provisioning of troops (DLG:GW). Knox's plans for the militia are undoubtedly those which had been submitted to Congress on 18 Mar. 1786 and later published by printer John Dunlap as A Plan for the General Arrangement of the Militia of the United States (New York, 1786). Baron yon Steuben's plan on the militia, A Letter on the Subject of an Established Militia, was published in 1784. GW also had access to lengthy statements on a peace establishment prepared by Knox, 17 April 1783, and Steuben, 15, 21 April 1783 (DLG:GW), and sent to the commander-in-chief in preparation for his own report of 1 May 1783 to the military committee of Congress. GW's written comments on the militia and his letter to Knox (see
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entries for 19 and 21 Dec. 1789) have not been found, but at least some of his suggestions were incorporated by Knox into a Jan. 1790 report to Congress on the militia. On 18 Jan. 1790 Knox wrote GW that "Having submitted to your consideration a plan for the arrangement of the militia of the United States, which I had presented to the late Congress, and you having approved the general principles thereof, with certain exceptions, I now respectfully lay the same before you, modified according to the alterations you were pleased to suggest." GW transmitted Knox's letter and report to Congress, 21 Jan. 1790. Both are in Asp, MILITARY AFF., 1:6--13. "An Act more effectually to provide for the National Defence by establishing an Uniform Militia Throughout the United States" was not finally passed until 8 May 1792 (1 STAT. 271--74).
Saturday 19th. Committed the above thoughts to writing in order to send them to the Secretary for the Department of War to be worked into the form of a Bill with which to furnish the Committee of Congress which had been appointed to draught one.
Sunday 20th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Monday 21st. Framed the above thoughts on the subject of a National Militia into the form of a Letter and sent it to the Secretary for the Department of War.
Sat from ten to one Oclock for a Mr. Savage to draw my Portrait for the University of Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts at the request of the President and Governors of the said University.
The portrait begun today by Edward Savage (1761--1817) was commissioned by the trustees of Harvard to be hung at the college. "It represents Washington in a military coat, with angular opening between coat collar and lapel. On the latter are two large buttons . . . . On the left lapel is the badge of the Order of the Cincinnati." At today's sitting and at those of 28 Dec. and 6 Jan. 1790, Savage may also have made preliminary sketches for his Washington Family Portrait although the latter was interrupted by his sojourn in England 1791--94 and was not finished until 1796 (EISEN, 2:457, 462--63).
Tuesday 22d. A pretty full & respectable Levee to day--at which several Members of Congress, newly arrived, attended.
Wednesday 23d. Exercised in the Post-Chaise with Mrs. Washington to day.
Sent the dispatches which came to me from the Assembly of Virginia and from the Representatives of several Counties therein respecting the State of the Frontiers and depredations of the Indians to the Secretary for the Department of War requesting his attendance tomorrow at 9 Oclock that I might converse more fully with him on the subject of these communications.
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Henry Knox, secretary of war, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
These dispatches included an undated "Address of the General Assembly of Virginia to the President of the United States," expressing the assembly's concern about Indian depredations in the state s western counties and assuring GW of Virginia's financial support if the administration should find it necessary to mount an expedition against the western tribes. A second letter, 12 Dec. 1789, signed by the representatives of the frontier counties of Ohio, Monongalia, Harrison, and Randolph, warned the president of the vulnerability of the counties to Indian attack (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:85--86).
Thursday 24th. The Secretary at War coming according to appointment, he was instructed, after conversing fully on the matter, what answers to return to the Executive of Virginia and to the Representatives of the Frontier Counties.
Friday 25th. Christmas day.
Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this afternoon were not numerous but respectable.
Saturday 26th. Exercised on Horseback in the forenoon. Chief Justice Morris and the Mayor (Colo. Varick) and their Ladies, Judge Hobart, Colo. Cole, Majr. Gilman, Mrs. Brown, Secretary Otis, & Mr. Beckley dined here.
Richard Morris (1730--1810) was elected chief justice of the New York Supreme Court in 1779. His wife was Sarah Ludlow Morris.
John Sloss Hobart (1738--1805) of Fairfield, Conn., was a justice of the New York Supreme Court.
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Isaac Coles (1747--1813) had been elected as an Antifederalist to the First Congress from Virginia. Coles was educated at William and Mary, served as a colonel of militia during the Revolution, and was a member of the Virginia Ratifying Convention. His Virginia plantation was at Coles Ferry on the Staunton River, Halifax County, Va.
Samuel Allyne Otis (1740--1814) had been secretary of the United States Senate since April 1789. A native of Barnstable, Mass., he graduated from Harvard in 1759, served in the state legislature 1776, 1784--87, and was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress 1787--88.
John Beckley (1757--1807), born in England, came to America at the age of 11 and was apprenticed as a scribe to Virginia botanist John Clayton. Under his employer's guidance he quickly became an expert clerk and by 1780 had acted as clerk to at least 12 official bodies in Virginia, including the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. At the same time he read law and devoted at least a portion of his time to his law practice. In 1783 and again in 1788 Beckley was elected mayor of Richmond and in April 1789 became clerk of the United States House of Representatives.
Sunday 27th. At home all day--weather being bad.
Monday 28th. Set all the forenoon for Mr. Savage who was taking my Portrt.
Tuesday 29th. Being very Snowing not a single person appeared at the Levee.
Wednesday 30th. Exercised in a Carriage.
Thursday 31st. Bad weather and close House.
The Vice Presidt. & Lady, Colo. Smith & Lady Chanr. Livingston Lady & Sister--Baron Steuben Messrs. White, Gerry Patridge & Tucker of the Ho. of Representatives--dined here today.
Robert R. Livingston (1746--1813) of New York, one of the Clermont branch of the powerful Livingston family, had been among the most active and influential members of the Continental Congress during his service 1775--76, 1779--81, and 1784--85. In Aug. 1781 he was elected secretary for foreign affairs and served until May 1783. From 1777 to 1801 he held the vaguely defined post of chancellor of New York and by virtue of this position administered the oath of office to GW in 1789. At this time he was a Federalist although by 1791 he was openly supporting Republican candidates for office in New York. In 1770 he had married Mary Stevens (1752--1814), daughter of John and Elizabeth Alexander Stevens and sister of inventor and engineer John Stevens (1749--1838). Although it is uncertain which of the chancellor's five living sisters accompanied the family, it was probably Janet Montgomery (1743--1828), widow of Gen. Richard Montgomery, since she wrote the chancellor in the summer of 1789 that "I have been often at the President . . . who each time is more pleased to see me. Mrs. Washington has asked me to
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Chancellor Robert R. Livingston (1782), by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
visit with her this evening and is to introduce me to Mrs. Adams." (DANGERFIELD, 243).
Alexander White (1738--1804) of Frederick County, Va., was elected a member of the House of Representatives from Virginia to the First Congress and served until 1793. In 1795 GW appointed him a commissioner for laying out the new federal capital. George Partridge (1740--1828) Of Duxbury, Mass., held a number of state offices and served in the Continental Congress 1779--82 and 1783--85. He was elected to Congress in 1789 and served until his resignation 14 Aug. 1790. Thomas Tudor Tucker (1745--1828) of South Carolina, born in Bermuda and a brother of St. George Tucker, had studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and served during the Revolution as a surgeon in the Continental Army. He was elected as a Federalist to the First and Second Congresses.
Repository Symbols
Bibliography
Index
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d'Amérique, 1778--1783. Paris: Editions Auguste Picard, 1934.
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and Friends of George Washington. Albany: Joel Munsell, 1868.
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Manuscripts. 12 vols. Boston: John B. Russell, 1833--37.
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Age of Jackson. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1956.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; identification notes for those which previously appeared in the first four volumes may be located by consulting the indexes for those volumes. A cumulative index will be included in the last volume of the Diaries.
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34, 39, 40, 47, 71, 75, 80, 83, 103, 107, 115, 126, 141, 143, 151, 218, 223, 236, 261, 318, 319, 327, 357, 371, 404, 418, 420, 422, 441; treats GW's workers, 16, 75, 83, 236, 272, 416, 420; treats GW, 33; moves to Alexandria, 65; GW visits, 65, 284, 306; introduces Henrich Wilmans, 422
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marriage, 501; dines with GW, 504
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with GW, 445; commissioner to southern Indians, 498, 499, 500, 504
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218, 360; travels, 217--18, 326, 329, 361; GW dines with, 361
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50, 74, 189, 190, 212, 217, 248, 257, 262, 330; goes to church, 26, 53--52; travels, 38--39, 47; land, 103, 119; child, 131
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459; assemblies and balls, 483, 501; rides the "Fourteen miles around," 506societies, membership in: South Carolina Society for Promoting and Improving Agriculture and Other Rural Concerns, 55; Sons of St. Patrick, 170, 241; Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, 174, 242surveying: in Maryland, 60; Mount Vernon, 73, 103, 105, 112, 116, 213, 257; for roads, 422, 42324, 438travels: Great Falls, 2--3, 47--48, 335; Alexandria, 22, 29, 43, 49--50, 52, 65, 70, 89, 135, 190, 210--11, 213, 216, 248, 256, 257, 259, 260, 284, 286, 290, 301,306, 351, 361, 373, 381, 409, 410, 419, 420, 426, 431, 435, 440, 444; Charles County, Md., 60; Fredericksburg, 144, 339--40; Philadelphia, 153--55, 186--87, 237--47; Valley Forge, Pa., 17879, 243; Trenton, N.J., 180, 244; Germantown, Pa., 181--82, 242, 245; White Marsh, Pa., 181, 245; Georgetown, Md., 205, 252; Colchester, Va., 329; New England tour, 452--53, 460--97; Long Island, 458--59voting, 216, 259, 306, 440, 444
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Donald, 190; writes Elizabeth Willing Powel, 262; visits Mount Vernon farms, 327, 395; visits Mary Ball Washington, 339--40; views father's tomb, 340; health of, 496; receives guests, 451, 457, 497, 499, 502, 504, 506, 510; friendship with Abigail Adams, 456; goes out in New York, 459, 460, 501, 507
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The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume VI
January 1790--December 1799
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt,
and Philander D. Chase
George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR
Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR
DONALD JACKSON AND DOROTHY TWOHIG
EDITORS
UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE
This edition has been prepared by the staff of
The Papers of George Washington,
sponsored by
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
and the University of Virginia
with the support of
the National Endowment for the Humanities
and
the National Historical Publications
an Records Commissions.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA
Copyright © 1979 by the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia
First published 1979
Frontispiece: "Washington Reviewing the Western Army
at Fort Cumberland, Maryland,"
attributed to James Peale. (Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Gift of Col. and Mrs. Edgar William Garbisch, 1963).
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data (Revised)
Washington, George Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
The diaries of George Washington.
Includes bibliographies and indexes.
1. Washington, George, Pres. U.S., 1732--1799.
2. Presidents--United States--Biography. I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919-- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title E312.8 1976 973.4'1'0924 [B] 75-41365
ISBN 0-8139-0807-8 (v. 6)
Printed in the United States of America
Administrative Board
Advisory Committee
Contents
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Illustrations
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Acknowledgments
The editors wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the following staff members to volume VI of The Diaries of George Washington:
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Transcription of the diaries has remained as faithful as possible to the original manuscript. Because of the nature of GW's diary entries, absolute consistency in punctuation has been virtually impossible. Where feasible, the punctuation has generally been retained as written. However, in cases where sentences are separated by dashes, a common device in the eighteenth century, the dash has been changed to a period and the following word capitalized. Dashes which appear after periods have been dropped. Periods have been inserted at points which are clearly the ends of sentences. In many of the diaries, particularly those dealing with planting and the weather, entries consist of phrases separated by dashes rather than sentences. Generally if the phrase appears to stand alone, a period has been substituted for the dash.
Spelling of all words is retained as it appears in the manuscript. Errors in spelling of geographic locations and proper names have been corrected in notes or in brackets only if the spelling in the text makes the word incomprehensible. Washington occasionally, especially in the diaries, placed above an incorrectly written word a symbol sometimes resembling a tilde, sometimes an infinity sign, to indicate an error in orthography. When this device is used the editors have silently corrected the word.
The ampersand has been retained. The thorn has been transcribed as "th." The symbol for per has been written out. When a tilde is used to indicate either a double letter or missing letters, the correction has been made silently or the word has been transcribed as an abbreviation. Capitalization is retained as it appears in the manuscript; if the writer's intention is not clear, modern usage is followed.
Contractions and abbreviations are retained as written; a period is inserted after abbreviations. When an apostrophe has been used in contractions it is retained. Superscripts have been lowered, and if the word is an abbreviation a period has been
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added. When the meaning of an abbreviation is not obvious, it has been expanded in square brackets: H[unting] C[reek]; so[uther]ly.
Other editorial insertions or corrections in the text also appear in square brackets. Missing dates are supplied in square brackets in diary entries. Angle brackets (< >) are used to indicate mutilated material. If it is clear from the context what word or words are missing, or missing material has been filled in from other sources, the words are inserted between the angle brackets.
A space left blank by Washington in the manuscript of the diaries is indicated by a square bracketed gap in the text. In cases where Washington has crossed out words or phrases, the deletions have not been noted. If a deletion contains substantive material it appears in a footnote. Words inadvertently repeated or repeated at the bottom of a page of manuscript have been dropped.
If the intended location of marginal notations is clear, they have been inserted in the proper place without comment; otherwise, insertions appear in footnotes.
In cases where the date is repeated for several entries on the same day, the repetitive date has been omitted and the succeeding entries have been paragraphed.
Because Washington used the blank pages of the Virginia Almanack or occasionally small notebooks to keep his diaries, lack of space sometimes forced him to make entries and memoranda out of order in the volume. The correct position of such entries is often open to question, and the editors have not always agreed with earlier editors of the diaries on this matter. Such divergence of opinion, however, has not been annotated.
Bibliographical references are cited by one or two words, usually the author's last name, in small capitals. If two or more works by authors with the same surname have been used, numbers are assigned: HARRISON [2]. Full publication information is included in the bibliography for each volume. The symbols used to identify repositories in the footnotes precede the bibliography.
Surveying notes and dated memoranda kept in diary form have not been included in this edition of Washington's diaries, although the information contained in them has often been used in annotation.
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Individuals and places mentioned for the first time in this volume have been identified in the footnotes; those which have been identified in the first five volumes may be located by consulting the cumulative index at the end of this volume of the Diaries.
The Diaries of
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Volume VI
January 1790--December 1799
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Friday first. The Vice-President, the Governor--the Senators, Members of the House of Representatives in Town--Foreign public characters and all the respectable Citizens came between the hours of 12 & 3 Oclock to pay the complimts. of the Season to me--and in the Afternoon a great number of Gentlemen & Ladies visited Mrs. Washington on the same occasion.
Abigail Adams noted that New Year's Day "in this state, & particularly in this city is celebrated with every mark of pleasure and satisfaction. The shops and publick offices are shut. There is not any market upon this day, but every person laying aside Buisness devote[ s ] this day to the social purpose of visiting & receiving visits" (Abigail Adams to Mary Cranch, 5 Jan. 1790, MITCHELL, 34).
Saturday 2d. Exercised in the Carriage with Mrs. Washington. Read the report of the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the State of his Department & proposed plans of Finance. Drank Tea at the Chief Justice's of the U. States.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY: In Sept. 1789 the House of Representatives, considering "an adequate provision for the support of the public credit, as a matter of high importance to the national honor and prosperity," had directed Alexander Hamilton to prepare a report on the state of public credit (HOUSE JOURNAL, 1:117). During the succeeding months Hamilton obtained extensive information on the current financial situation of the United States, but the final report went far beyond the original intentions of Congress. Drawing heavily upon precedent and writings on public finance, Hamilton included a sweeping and controversial plan for the reestablishment of public credit by providing for funding the public debt through an orderly system of collecting duties on imports and tonnage--implemented by duties on imported wines, spirits, coffee, and tea and on domestically distilled spirits. The plan also included federal assumption of debts contracted by the states during the Revolution. Hamilton's "Report Relative to a Provision for the Support of Public Credit," 9 Jan. 1790, was presented to the House of Representatives on 14 Jan. 1790 (HOUSE JOURNAL, l:141). The report is in HAMILTON [2], 6:51--168.
Sunday 3d. Went to St. Pauls Chapel.
Monday 4th. Informed the President of the Senate, and Speaker the Ho. of Representatives that I had some Oral communications
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to make to Congress when each House had a Quoram, and desired to be informed thereof--and of the time & place they would receive them.
Walked round the Battery in the afternoon.
Received a Report from the Secretary at War respecting the State of the Frontiers and Indian Affairs, with other matters which I ordered to be laid before Congress as part of the Papers which will be referred to in my Speech to that body.
In the first line of this entry "Senate" reads "Sentate" in the MS.
A letterbook copy of GW's letter of this date to Congress is in DLC:GW. The second session of the First Congress had opened today, but the House of Representatives did not have a quorum until 7 Jan.; the Senate assembled a quorum on 6 Jan. On 6 and 7 Jan. the Senate and House appointed a committee "to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that a quorum of the two Houses has assembled, and will be ready, in the senate-chamber, at such time as he shall appoint, to receive any communications which he may think proper to make" (DE PAUW, 1:213--14, 3:250--51). The "Oral communications" were GW's first annual message to Congress. REPORT: Knox's report, which included "a general statement of the Indian Department, and of the Southwestern frontiers," 4 Jan. 1790, is in ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:59--80. GW sent it to the Senate and House of Representatives on 12 Jan. 1790.
Tuesday 5th. Several Members of Congress called in the forenoon to pay their respects on their arrival in Town hut though a respectable Levee at the usual hour, three Oclock the Visitors were not numerous.
Wednesday 6th. Sat from half after 8 oclock till 10 for the Portrait Painter, Mr. Savage, to finish the Picture of me which he had begun for the University of Cambridge.
In the Afternoon walked round the Battery.
Miss Anne Brown stayed here on a visit to Mrs. Washington to a family dinner.
MR. SAVAGE: See entry for 21 Dec. 1789.
Thursday 7th. About One Oclock recd. a Committee from both Houses of Congress informing me that each had made a House and would be ready at any time I should appoint to receive the Communications I had to make in the Senate Chamber. Named to morrow 11 oclock for this purpose.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz.--Messrs. Langdon, Wingate, Strong and Few of the Senate--The Speaker, Genl. Muhlenberg and Scott of Pensylvania--Judge Livermore and
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Foster of New Hampshire--Aimes & Thatcher & Goodhue of Massachusetts Mr. Burke of So. Carolina & Mr. Baldwin of Georgia.
COMMITTEE FROM BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS: See entry for 4 Jan. 1790. The committee consisted of Nicholas Gilman, Fisher Ames, and Joshua Seney from the House and Caleb Strong and Ralph Izard from the Senate (DE PAUW, 1:214--15).
Caleb Strong (1745--1819), a native of Northampton, Mass., graduated from Harvard in 1764 and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1772. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention and the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention and was elected as a Federalist to the Senate in 1789.
THE SPEAKER: Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg (1750--1801), United States congressman from Pennsylvania, was speaker of the House of Representatives during the First and Third congresses. His brother, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg (1746--1807), who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army 1777--83, had also been elected to Congress from Pennsylvania in 1789.
Thomas Scott (1739--1796) practiced law in Westmoreland County, Pa., and held a number of local offices in Pennsylvania before and during the Revolution. He was serving as justice of Washington County, Pa., when he was elected a member of the state's Ratifying Convention in 1787.
Samuel Livermore (1732--1803) was born in Waltham, Mass., graduated from Princeton in 1752, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1756. He moved to New Hampshire in 1758, where he held several local offices and was elected to the Continental Congress 1780--82, 1785. Livermore was a member of the New Hampshire Ratifying Convention in 1788. He was chief justice of the state supreme court from 1782 until 1789 when he was elected to the House of Representatives.
Abiel Foster (1735--1806) of New Hampshire was born in Andover, Mass., and graduated from Harvard in 1756. Foster was ordained a minister in 1761 and served as pastor of a church in Canterbury, N.H., from that year until 1779. From 1783 to 1785 he was a member of the Continental Congress and was judge of the court of common pleas, Rockingham County, N.H., 1784--88. He was elected to the First Congress in 1789.
Fisher Ames (1758--1808), one of the administration's principal supporters in Congress, was a native of Dedham, Mass., graduated from Harvard in 1774, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1781. In 1788 he was a member of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention and in 1789 was elected as a Federalist to the First Congress.
George Thacher (1754--1824), a 1776 graduate of Harvard, was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1778 and began the practice of law in the District of Maine in the same year. He served in the Continental Congress in 1787 and was elected to the House of Representatives as a Federalist in 1789.
Aedanus Burke (1743--1802), a native of Ireland, was educated in France and immigrated to South Carolina before the Revolution. During the Revolution he held a number of military and legal positions under the state government and was a member of the state legislature 1779--87. He opposed adoption of the Constitution in the South Carolina Ratifying Convention and was an outspoken critic of the Society of the Cincinnati. A representative of
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South Carolina backwoods democracy, he remained suspicious of the powers of the new government, particularly those of the executive.
Friday 8th. According to appointment, at 11 Oclock I set out for the City Hall in my Coach--preceeded by Colonel Humphreys and Majr. Jackson in Uniform (on my two White Horses) & followed by Mesr. Lear & Nelson in my Chariot & Mr. Lewis on Horse back following them. In their rear was the Chief Justice of the United States & Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments in their respective Carriages and in the order they are named. At the outer door of the Hall I was met by the Doorkeepers of the Senate and House and conducted to the Door of the Senate Chamber; and passing from thence to the Chair through the Senate on the right, & House of representatives on the left, I took my Seat. The Gentlemen who attended me followed & took their stand behind the Senators; the whole rising as I entered. After being seated, at which time the members of both Houses also sat, I rose (as they also did) and made my Speech; delivering one Copy to the President of the Senate & another to the Speaker of the House of Representatives--after which, and being a few moments seated, I retired, bowing on each side to the Assembly (who stood) as I passed, and dessending to the lower Hall attended as before, I returned with them to my House.
In the Evening, a great number of Ladies, and many Gentlemen visited Mrs. Washington.
On this occasion I was dressed in a suit of Clothes made at the Woolen Manufactury at Hartford as the Buttons also were.
Robert Lewis was the son of Fielding Lewis and GW's sister Betty Washington Lewis. He was brought up at Kenmore, the Lewis home in Fredericksburg, and educated at the academy there. In Mar. 1789 GW wrote his sister: "Since you were speaking to me concerning your Son Bob, I have thought it probable that I may have occasion for a young person in my family of a good disposition, who writes a good hand. . . . If Bob is of opinion that this employment will suit his inclination, and he will take his chance for the allowance that will be made (which cannot be great) as there are hundreds who would be glad to come in, I should be very glad to give him the preference." The 19-year-old Robert accepted eagerly (GW to Betty Lewis, 15 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW; Robert Lewis to GW, 18 Mar. 1789, Scribners Monthly Mag., 14 [1877], 73). Since Mrs. Washington did not leave Mount Vernon for New York City until mid-May, Robert was instructed by his uncle to accompany her on her journey to the capital (GW to Lewis, 24 Mar. 1789, NN: Washington Collection; Robert Lewis's diary, "A Journey from Fredericksburg Virginia to New York," 13--20 May 1789, ViMtV). Lewis remained with GW as one of his secretaries until 1791 when he resigned to return to Fredericksburg and marry Judith Carter Browne (1773--1830), daughter of William Burnet and Judith Carter Browne of Elsing Green, King
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William County (Lewis to GW, 10 Jan. 1791, ViHi). After his return to Virginia he acted as GW's agent in the management of portions of GW's western lands and served several terms as mayor of Fredericksburg (GW to Robert Lewis, 15 Oct. 1791, DLC:GW; SORLEY, 229--33).
A letterbook copy of GW's first annual address to Congress is in DLC:GW. See also WRITINGS, 30:491--95. William Maclay, who was present in the Senate chamber, noted: "All this morning nothing but bustle about the Senate chamber in hauling chairs and removing tables. The President was dressed in a second mourning, and read his speech well. The Senate, headed by their Vice-President, were on his right. The House of Representatives, with their Speaker, were on his left. His family with the heads of departments attended. The business was soon over and the Senate were left alone. The speech was committed rather too hastily, as Mr. [ Pierce ] Butler thought, who made some remarks on it, and was called to order by the Chair. He resented the call, and some altercation ensued" (MACLAY, 170). The Pennsylvania Packet, 13 Jan. 1790, noted that "the doors of the Senate Chamber were open, and many citizens admitted." SUIT OF CLOTHES: The Pennsylvania Packet for 14 Jan. 1790 noted: "The President of the United States, when he addressed the two Houses of Congress yesterday, was dressed in a crow-coloured suit of clothes, of American manufacture: The cloth appeared to be of the finest texture--the colour of that beautiful changeable blue, remarked in shades not quite black. This elegant fabric was from the manufactory in Hartford."
Saturday 9th. Exercised with Mrs. Washington and the Children in the Coach the 14 Miles round.
In the Afternoon walked round the Battery.
For the fourteen miles round, see entry for 12 Dec. 1789.
Sunday 10th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. Wrote private letters in the Afternoon for the Southern Mail.
Monday 11th. Sent my Instructions to the Commissioners (appointed to Negotiate a Treaty with the Creek Indians) with the report of their proceedings, to the Senate by the Secretary at War previous to their being laid before them and the other House in their Legislative Capacities.
Also communicated to both Houses, transcripts of the adoption & ratification of the New Constitution by the State of No. Carolina with Copies of the Letter from His Excellency Saml. Johnson President of the Convention, enclosing the same. These were sent by my private Secretary Mr. Lear.
For the commissioners appointed to negotiate with the Creek, see entries for 16 and 23 Nov. 1789. GW's letter to the Senate, 11 Jan. 1790, stating that he would instruct Knox to report on the results of the commissioners' negotiations, and his letter of 12 Jan. to the Senate and House enclosing Knox's report on the proceedings, with additional recommendations on Indian affairs in general, are in ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:59--80.
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The North Carolina Ratifying Convention met in the summer of 1789 and ratified the Constitution in November of that year. Copies of the letter dated 4 Dec. 1789 to GW from Samuel Johnston (1733--1816) and of North Carolina's instrument of ratification are in DNA: RG 46, Entry 5. Johnston had been elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate in 1789.
Tuesday 12th. Exercised on Horse-back between 10 and 12, the riding bad.
Previous to this, I sent written Messages to both Houses of Congress informing them, that the Secretary at War would lay before them a full & complete Statement of the business as it respected the Negotiation with the Creek Indians--My Instructions to, and the Commissioners report of their proceedings with those People. The letters and other papers respecting depredations on the Western Frontiers of Virginia, & District of Kentucky All of which was for their full information, but communicated in confidence & under injunction that no Copies be taken, or communications made of such parts as ought to be kept secret.
About two Oclock a Committee of the Senate waited on me with a copy of their Address, in answr. to my Speech, and requesting
Federal Hall and Wall Street, 1798; a watercolor by Archibald Robertson. (New-York Historical Society)
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to know at what time and place it should be presented I named my own House, and thursday next at 11 Oclock for the purpose.
Just before Levee hour a Committee from the House of Representatives called upon me to know when & where they shd. deliver their Address. I named Twelve oclock on thursday, but finding it was there wish that it should be presented at the Federal hall, and offering to surrender the Representatives Chamber for this purpose by retiring into one of the Committee Rooms & there waiting untill I was ready to receive it I would consider on the place, and let them know my determination before the Houses should sit tomorrow.
A respectable, though not a full Levee to day.
NEGOTIATION WITH THE CREEK INDIANS: See entry for 11 Jan. 1790. MY SPEECH: See entry for 8 Jan. 1790.
Wednesday 13th. After duly considering on the place for receiving the address of the House of Representatives, I concluded, that it would be best to do it at my own House--first, because it seems most consistent with usage & custom--2d. because there is no 3d. place in the Fedl. Hall ( prepared) to which I could call them, & to go into either of the Chambers appropriated to the Senate or Representatives, did not appear proper; and 3d. because I had appointed my own House for the Senate to deliver theirs in and, accordingly, appointed my own House to receive it.
Thursday 14th. At the hours appointed, the Senate & House of representatives presented their respective Addresses--The Members of both coming in Carriages and the latter with the Mace preceeding the Speaker. The Address of the Senate was presented by the Vice-President and that of the House by the Speaker thereof.
The following Gentlemen dined here to day. viz.
Messrs. Henry & Maclay of the Senate and Messrs. Wadsworth, Trumbull, Floyd, Boudinot, Wynkoop, Seney, Page, Lee, & Mathews of the House of Representatives and Mr. John Trumbull.
John Henry (1750--1798), a Dorchester County, Md., lawyer, graduated from Princeton in 1769 and studied law at the Middle Temple in London. Returning to Maryland in 1775, he served in the General Assembly and from 1778 to 1781 was a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress where he made a vigorous effort to secure supplies and recruits for the army. He again served in the Continental Congress 1784--87 and was elected to the
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United States Senate in 1789, serving until he resigned in 1797 to become governor of Maryland.
Sen. William Maclay described this dinner in his diary: "Dined this day with the President. It was a great dinner--all in the taste of high life. . . . The President is a cold, formal man; but I must declare that he treated me with great attention. I was the first person with whom he drank a glass of wine. I was often spoken to by him. Yet he knows how rigid a republican I am. I cannot think he considers it worth while to soften me" (MACLAY, 172--73). William Maclay (1737--1804), Antifederalist senator from Pennsylvania, served on the Forbes expedition during the French and Indian War and later studied law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1760, he held a number of local positions during and after the Revolution. He was elected to the Senate in 1789 and served until Mar. 1791. During this time he became something of a gadfly; his journal records his outraged disapproval of what he considered the aristocratic pomp surrounding GW's administration.
GW's former aide-de-camp Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., was elected as a Federalist representative from Connecticut to the First Congress.
William Floyd (1734--1821), a native of Brookhaven, Long Island, N.Y., was a major general in the New York militia and a member of the New York legislature 1777--78, 1784--88. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, he served in the Continental Congress 1774--83.
Elias Boudinot (1740--1821), a member of a prominent colonial family, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1760. One of New Jersey's leading lawyers, he was active in Patriot circles before and during the Revolution and was a member of the Continental Congress 1777, 1778, 1781--83, acting as president 1782--83. GW had frequent contacts with him while Boudinot was commissary of prisoners during the Revolution. He was an active supporter of the Constitution during the ratification process in New Jersey and after his election to Congress in 1789 became a stalwart supporter of most administration measures in the House of Representatives.
Henry Wynkoop (1737--1816) of Bucks County, Pa., a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly 1760--61, held a number of local judicial posts in Pennsylvania before and during the Revolution and served in the Continental Congress 1779--83. He was justice of the Pennsylvania High Court of Errors and Appeals from 1783 to 1789 and was elected to the First Congress from Pennsylvania in 1789.
Joshua Seney (1756--1798), a 1773 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, practiced law in Queen Anne's County, Md., and was a member of the Continental Congress 1787--88. He was elected to the First Congress from Maryland in 1789.
John Page of Rosewell was elected in 1789 as congressman from Virginia. Page, a noted amateur astronomer (see entry for 15 June 1774) served in the Virginia legislature during and after the Revolution and as governor of Virginia 1802--5. In 1789 Page married Margaret Lowther, daughter of William Lowther of Scotland. Richard Bland Lee had been elected from Virginia to the First Congress.
George Mathews (1739--1812), a native of Augusta County, Va., was colonel successively of the 9th and 3d Virginia regiments during the Revolution. After the war he settled in Oglethorpe County, Ga., and was elected governor of that state in 1787. He represented Georgia in Congress 1789--91 and was again governor of the state 1793--96.
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John Trumbull (1756--1843) was the youngest son of Gov. Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut and a brother of GW's former aide-de-camp Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. He showed a precocious ability in painting, but upon his father's insistence he attended Harvard, from which he graduated in 1773. At the outbreak of the Revolution Trumbull served as one of GW's aides but soon sought a more active command. He saw action as a major at Dorchester Heights and in June 1776 was appointed deputy adjutant to Horatio Gates. In 1778 he served as aide to John Sullivan in the Rhode Island campaign. In May 1780 he went to London where he studied painting briefly with Benjamin West. In Nov. 1780 he was arrested by British authorities under suspicion of treason but was soon released. He then went to France where he produced a painting of GW which was widely copied. Returning to the United States, he assisted his brother Joseph in supplying the army 1782--83. In 1783 he again went to Europe where he spent the next five years recording on canvas the events of the American Revolution. After returning to the United States in Dec. 1789, he began several portraits of GW and in Aug. 1790 wrote West: "I have several small portraits of the President . . . one in particular which I have done for Mrs. Washington a full length about 20 Inches hight . . . is thought very like--& I have Been tempted to disobey one of your injunctions & to attempt a large Portrait of him for this City which I am now finishing--the figure is near seven feet high compos'd with a Horse, & the back ground the evacuation of this Place by the British at the Peace:--the Harbour & Fleet with a Part of the fortifications & Ruins of the Town:--How I have succeeded I hardly dare judge:--the World have approved the resemblance" (TRUMBULL [2], 326).
Friday 15th. Snowing all day--but few Ladies and Gentlemen as visitors this Evening to Mrs. Washington.
Saturday 16th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington & the two Children abt. 12 Oclock.
Sent the Report of the Post Master Genl. relative to the necessary changes in that Office to the Secretary of the Treasury that it may be laid before Congress--or such parts thereof as may be necessary for their Information.
The report of Postmaster General Samuel Osgood was probably a draft of Osgood's report on the state of the Post Office Department, including his suggestions for improvement of services and revenues. The final version was sent to Hamilton by Osgood, 20 Jan. 1790, and is in ASP, POST OFFICE, 5--7. The secretary of the treasury sent the report to the House of Representatives on 22 Jan. 1790 (De PAUW, 3:270).
Sunday 17th. At home all day--not well.
Monday 18th. Still indisposed with an Aching tooth, and swelled and inflamed Gum.
Tuesday 19th. Not much company at the Levee to day--but the Visitors were respectable.
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"Lady Washington's Reception," or "The Republican Court," painted in 1876 by Daniel Huntington. (Brooklyn Museum, gift of the Crescent-Hamilton Athletic Club)
Wednesday 20th. A Report from the Secretary at War, on the Subject of a National Militia altered agreeably to the ideas I had communicated to him was presented to me, in order to be laid before Congress.
See entries for 18 and 19 Dec. 1789. On 18 Jan. 1790 Knox submitted his completed report containing detailed plans and estimates of expenses for erecting a militia system "adequate to the probable exigencies of the United States, whether arising from internal or external causes." Knox's letter and report are in ASP, MILITARY AFF., 1:6--13. GW submitted it to Congress on 21 Jan. 1790 (DLC:GW).
Thursday 21st. The above report was accordingly transmitted to both houses of Congress by the Secretary at War in a written message from me.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz.--Messrs. Elsworth, Patterson, Elmer Bassett and Hawkins of the Senate and Messrs. Sherman, Cadwalader, Clymer, Hartley, Heister, Smith (Maryland) & Jackson of the House of Representatives and Major Meridith, Treasurer of the United States.
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William Paterson (1745--1806) was born in Ireland and came to America with his parents in 1747. The family settled first in Pennsylvania, moved to Connecticut, and then to New Jersey where William graduated from Princeton in 1763 and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1768. During the Revolution he held a number of state positions including that of attorney general 1776--83. He vigorously supported the making of the new Constitution at the Federal Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, while representing the interests of the small states. On 15 June 1787 he introduced the "New Jersey Plan," which provided for a unicameral legislature in which each state would have one vote. He was elected as a Federalist to the Senate from New Jersey in 1789, but upon the death of New Jersey Gov. William Livingston in 1790, Paterson was chosen to succeed him as governor of the state by the New Jersey legislature.
Jonathan Elmer (1745--1817) was born in Cedarville, N.J., graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1769, and set up a medical practice in Bridgeton, N.J. He served in the Continental Congress 1776--78, 1781--84, 1787--88 and in 1789 was elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate.
Richard Bassett (1745--1815) was born in Maryland, but after studying law and being admitted to the bar in Delaware he began the practice of law in that state. During the 1780s he served in the Delaware legislature and in 1787 was a member of the Constitutional Convention and the Delaware Ratifying Convention. He was United States senator from Delaware from 1789 to 1793.
Benjamin Hawkins (1754--1816) of North Carolina was attending Princeton when the Revolution began. It has frequently been suggested that young Hawkins's proficiency in French earned him a place on GW's staff, but this has not been substantiated (POUND, 5--6). His other military services during the Revolution are equally obscure, but by 1778 he was back in North Carolina acting as the state's commercial agent. In 1780 he was appointed one of the commissioners on North Carolina's newly formed board of trade. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1781--84, 1786--87. In 1785 Hawkins was appointed by Congress as a commissioner to negotiate treaties with the southern Indians. He exhibited a flair for Indian diplomacy, and his adroitness resulted in the controversial Treaty of Hopewell with the Cherokee in 1785 and treaties with the Choctaw and Chickasaw in 1786. A staunch Federalist, he was elected senator from North Carolina in 1789 and during GW's administration was frequently relied upon for advice on Indian affairs.
Lambert Cadwalader (1742--1823), of Trenton, N.J., attended the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Pennsylvania constitutional convention in 1776. During the Revolution he was lieutenant colonel of the 3d Pennsylvania Battalion and colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania. Captured at Fort Washington, he was on parole until his resignation from the army in 1779. Cadwalader was a member of the Continental Congress 1784--87. He was elected congressman from New Jersey in 1789.
Thomas Hartley (1748--1800) was a native of Reading, Pa., and practiced law in York, Pa. During the Revolution he was a lieutenant colonel in the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion and colonel of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. In 1787 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Ratifying Convention. Hartley served in the House of Representatives from 1789 until his death.
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Daniel Hiester (1747--1804), a Montgomery County, Pa., businessman, served in the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolution and as a member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, 1784--86. Hiester served as congressman from Pennsylvania from 1789 to 1796, when he moved to Hagerstown, Md. He was in 1801 again elected to Congress, this time from Maryland, serving until his death.
William Smith (1728--1814), Federalist representative from Maryland, was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Baltimore in 1761 where he established himself as a merchant. In 1774 he served on the city's committee of correspondence; in 1777--78 he was a member of the Continental Congress. Smith headed the committee of Baltimore merchants that presented GW with a miniature ship, the Federalist, in 1788 (see entry for 9 June 1788).
James Jackson (1757--1806), a leader of antiadministration forces in the House of Representatives, was born in Devonshire, Eng., and in 1772 immigrated to Savannah, Ga., where he was employed in a local law office. He held various state and local offices and served in the Georgia militia during the Revolution, seeing action at Savannah, Cowpens, and Augusta. In July 1782 he led the forces that occupied Savannah after the British evacuation. In 1788 he was elected governor of Georgia but declined to serve, and the next year he was elected to Congress from the eastern district of Georgia.
Friday 22d. Exercised on Horse back in the forenoon.
Called in my ride on the Baron de Polnitz, to see the operation of his (Winlaws) threshing Machine. The effect was--the Heads of the Wheat being seperated from the Straw, as much of the first was run through the Mill in 15 minutes as made half a bushel of clean Wheat. Allowing 8 working hours in the 24. this would yield 16 Bushels pr. day. Two boys are sufficient to turn the Wheel, feed the Mill, and remove the Threshed grain after it has passed through it. Two men were unable, by winnowing to clean the wheat as it passed through the Mill, but a common dutch fan with the usual attendance would be more than sufficient to do it. The grain passes through without bruising and is well seperated from the Chaff. Womn. or boys of 12 or 14 years of age are fully adequate to the management of the Mill or threshing Machine. Upon the whole it appears to be an easier, more expeditious and much cleaner way of getting out Grain than by the usual mode of threshing; and vastly to be preferred to treading, which is hurtful to horses, filthy to the Wheat, & not more expeditious, considering the numbers that are employed in the process from the time the bed is begun to be formed until the grain has passed finally thro' the Fan.
Many, and respectable visitors to Mrs. Washington this Evening.
Friedrich, Baron von Poellnitz, occupied a farm of about 21 acres in the vicinity of Murray Hill on Manhattan, where he carried on a number of
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agricultural experiments. In 1790 he published an Essay on Agriculture, printed by Francis Childs and John Swaine. Later in the year he apparently sold his land to Capt. Robert Richard Randall and sometime before 1795 moved to Wraggtown, S.C. Poellnitz was an occasional correspondent of GW's on agricultural matters (see Poellnitz to GW, 26 Dec. 1789, 20 Mar. 1790, 28 July 1795, and GW to Poellnitz, 29 Dec. 1789, 23 Mar. 1790, DLC:GW; JANVIER, 123--24). In the late 1780s GW became greatly interested in Winlaw's thresher after reading "A Description of William Winlaw's Mill, for Separating the Grain from the Corn, in Place of Threshing," written by Winlaw himself and printed in Arthur Young's Annals of Agriculture, 6(1786), 152--55. GW wrote Young, 1 Nov. 1787, that if the machine "possesses all the properties & advantages mentioned in the description, & you can, from your own knowledge, or such information as you can entirely rely on, recommend it as a useful machine, where labourers are scarce, I should be much obliged to you to procure one for me . . . provided it is so simple in its construction as to be worked by ignorant persons without danger of being spoiled (for such only will manage it here) & the price of it, does not exceed £15" (PPRF). Upon investigation, however, Young found the accounts of the thresher "too vague to be satisfactory; I have too many doubts about it to put you to the expence of purchase and freight" (Young to GW, 1 July 1788, DLC:GW). GW had continued to direct inquiries to American owners of the thresher (see GW to John Beale Bordley, 17 Aug. 1788, MHi: Waterston Papers). The Winlaw thresher was undoubtedly the "new invented threshing machine conducted by Baron Pollnitz and other Gentlemen farmers, in farmers' dresses, grinding and threshing grain" in the parade held in New York City in June 1788 to celebrate the ratification of the Constitution (DUER, 52).
Saturday 23d. Went with Mrs. Washington in the Forenoon to see the Paintings of Mr. Jno. Trumbull.
Sunday 24th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. Writing private letters in the afternoon.
Monday 25. A Mr. Francis Bailey--introduced by Messrs. Scott & Hartley of Pensylvania and Mr. White of Virginia offered a paper, in the nature of a Petition, setting forth a valuable discovery he had made of Marginal figures for Notes, Certificates, &ca. which could not by the ingenuity of Man be counterfeited--requesting I wd. appoint some person to hear and examine him on the Subject, that, if the facts stated by him should appear well founded, he might (being a Printer of Philadelphia) have the Printing of all that sort of the Public business for which this discovery should be found useful--and which he would do on as good terms as any other Printer independent of the discovery above mentioned all the advantage he should expect from which being to obtain a preference.
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Read a letter from George Nicholas Esqr. of Kentucky to Mr. Madison which he put into my hands for information of the Sentiments of the People of that District.
The Sentiments are 2d. Novr.
That in the late Convention held in that District, the most important characters of that Party wch. has always been in favour of a Seperation, oppose the agreeing to it at this time upon a Supposition that the terms have been changed by Virginia so as to make them inadmissible in their present form. Their enemies say this cannot be their true reason: but, be them what they may, the scale is turned against the Seperation.
That he believes no late attempt has been made by either Spain or England to detach that District from the Union--but
That Spain is playing a game which, if not counteracted will depopulate that Country & carry most of the future emigrants to her Territory--That they have established a New Government, Independent of New Orleans at the Natches and sent thither a Man of character & abilities--who would not for unimportant purposes have accepted the appointment.
That this New Governor has put a stop to the reception of Tobacco from the Inhabitants of the United States--declaring that none shall be received in to the Kings Stores (where it used to be purchased and deposited) except from Spanish subjects and that these shall have ten dollars a hundred.
That other great advantages are held out to emigrants from the United States to settle in the Spanish Territory--such as a donation of Lands, and a certain sum in money for each family.
That the consequences of restriction on one hand, & encouragements to settlers on the other are obvious. The difference of Religion & government are all that can make any man hesitate in his choice and perfect liberty in both these the strongest assurances are given.
That the French Inhabitants of that Country, as well as future emigrants from the old States will certainly go there.
That persevering steadily in this conduct will drain the western Settlements.
That these considerations ought to make the Federal Government take (he thinks) the most decisive steps as to the right of Navigating the Missisipi, and induce it to pay particular attention to the gaining the affections of the Western people.
That the Steps hitherto taken with respect to them have had a contrary effect: No support havg. been given by the Genl. Government,
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and the regulation of Indian Affairs having been placed in hands who were interested in a continuance of their depredations on the Kentucky District.
That if a trade is not established with them on such a footing as to supply their wants that they will do this by plunder.
That the management of this business being in the hands of persons No. Wt. of the Ohio, it is inculcated on the Indians of the same side of the River that as the Kentuckians & they are separate People, & in separate Interests they may war with the first and not with them. That of this disposition and conduct there are sufficient proofs wherever it is found that the interests of the two sides clash.
That the Commissioners being always named from Persons livg. on that (No. Wt.) side of the River, and always holding the Treaties there contributes greatly to establish in the Indian Mind this opinion of their being a distinct people.
That the Kentucky District being 20 times as numerous as the Inhabitants of the other side, ought to have as great a share in the management of Indian Affairs as the people on the other side have.
That he is well convinced the bulk of the people in that District are strongly attached to the Union, & that characters might be found there better qualified to manage the business than those in whose hands it is now placed.
That if it is not the desire of the New Government to lose all its friends in that quarter a change must be made on this business. The Indians must be convinced that the Americans are all one people--that they shall never attack any part with impunity and that in future there real wants will be supplied in time of Peace. This is all they ask.
That they deny in positive terms, what the Officers on the No. Wt. side of the River assert--viz.--that hostilities are always commenced by the People of the Kentucky District. Expeditions have and will be carried on across the River in revenge for depredations of the Indians untill the Government takes up the matter effectually.
That Mr. Brown (to whom he has written) can inform in what light they are considered by the Officers on the other side of the Rivr.
That the want of money, he knows, prevents the Government from doing many things wch. otherwise would be undertaken, but that need not stop the necessary steps--because, if sanctioned
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by it they can raise any number of Men and furnish any quantity of provisions that may be wanting and will wait until their finances enable them to make satisfaction.
That he fears the Government have taken up an idea that that Country can be defended by a few Posts along the River. If so it is a most erroneous one for an Army would scarcely supply the Chain that would be necessary.
That the Post at the Mouth of Licking, is considered by many in the District of Kentucky as a check upon the said District. To this he can only say, if they are treated as fellow Citizens, checks are unnecessary but if it is intended to withhold from [them] all the benefits of good Government a little time will shew that, as heretofore they have found the troops useless and faithless as friends, so in future they shall despise them as enemies.
That upon the whole he shall close the subject with assurances that Government are deceived in the Accts. they have had from that Country--and that it is his opinion that the most serious consequences will follow from its persisting in the measures which have been pursued for sometime past.
Francis Bailey (c.1735--1815) was a Lancaster, Pa., printer and journalist. In 1771 he began publication of a long-lived series, the Lancaster Almanac. During the Revolution he published an edition of the Articles of Confederation and the fourth edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense and in 1778 joined with Hugh Henry Brackenridge to publish the United States Magazine. In 1781 he became editor of the Freeman's Journal or the North American Intelligencer and acted as official printer to Congress and the state of Pennsylvania. The paper presented to GW today was undoubtedly a copy of Bailey's petition of 2 Feb. 1790, addressed to the Senate, requesting a Senate committee to examine his invention; GW's description corresponds with the wording of the petition (DNA: RG 46, Petitions and Memorials, Various Subjects). Bailey's petition, received in the Senate 2 Feb., was referred to a committee which recommended that the petition be referred to the secretary of the treasury. The House of Representatives, to which Bailey sent the petition on 29 Jan., also referred it to Hamilton (DE PAUW, 1:235, 245; HORSE JOURNAL, 1:149, 151--52, 162, 164). Hamilton reported to the Senate, 23 Feb. 1790, that "it appears to him difficult to decide, to what extent that Invention will afford the Security against Counterfeiting, which is the Object of it," but "nevertheless he is of opinion, it will be likely to add to the difficulty of that pernicious practice, in a sufficient degree, to merit the countenance of Government, by securing to the Petitioner an exclusive right to the use of his Invention" (HAMILTON [2], 6:277).
George Nicholas's letter to James Madison, 2 Nov. 1789, is in DLC: Madison Papers. Nicholas (c.1749--1799), a graduate of the College of William and Mary and a lawyer, represented both Hanover and Albemarle counties in the Virginia Assembly in the 1780s. He was a member of the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788 where he vigorously supported the Constitution. He had close ties with Harry Innes and James Wilkinson, who
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were at this time deeply involved in land speculation in Kentucky and in the Mississippi trade. After the Ratifying Convention he moved to Kentucky and became a leader in the movement to separate Kentucky from Virginia. In 1792, when Kentucky achieved statehood, he helped draft the state constitution.
LATE CONVENTION: Nicholas is referring to the 8th Kentucky Convention, held in July 1789 to consider the question of impending statehood (see WATLINGTON, 182--85).
The new governor to whom Nicholas is referring is Manuel Gayoso de Lemos (1747--1799), who was born in Oporto, Portugal and educated in England. He entered the Spanish service in 1771 and in 1787 was appointed governor of the District of Natchez. Arriving in Natchez in June 1789 he served with distinction until he replaced the baron de Carondelet as governor general of Louisiana in 1797. Spain was attempting a new experiment in the district--designed to attract and assimilate non-Spanish immigrants to augment the district's sparse population. A proclamation of 20 April 1789 promised that new settlers would not be molested in religious matters, that they might bring in property without paying duty, and that they might expect generous grants of land (HOLMES [2], 34; NASATIR, 11). For the involved situation concerning tobacco in the Natchez district in 1789, see HOLMES [2], 91--94.
John Brown (1757--1837) attended Princeton and the College of William and Mary, served in the Revolution, studied law under Thomas Jefferson, and moved to Kentucky in 1783, settling first in Danville but soon moving to Frankfort. He served in the Continental Congress 1787--88 and in 1789 was elected to Congress as a Virginia representative from Kentucky. In 1792 he became United States senator from the state of Kentucky (WATLINGTON, 79--82). POST AT THE MOUTH OF LICKING: Fort Washington, established in 1789, near Cincinnati.
Tuesday 26th. Exercised on Horse back in the forenoon.
The Visitors at the Levee to day were numerous and respectable--among whom was the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Read a letter handed to me by the Secretary of War, from a Colo. Danl. Smith of Miro Settlement in the State of No. Carolina in reply to one which was an answer to a letter recd. from the said Smith respecting Indian Affairs & State of the Frontier of that part of the Union and giving (as he was required to do) an Acct. of the Navigation of the river Tennessee & its waters--the Communications betwn. these & other Waters and the distances of places--as follow--viz.
The distance between the Settlements of white People South of the French Broad River (French broad is a branch of Holstein River, on the South Side, which is a branch of the Tennessee) and the Indians at and in the vicinity of Chota (a Cherokee Indian Town) is about 12 Miles.
He never passed down the Tennessee himself. That part of it
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The Southwestern Frontier, 1789--1797
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on which Chota stands, is a South Fork of the Holstein. Their Junction is about 20 Miles below Chota from which the whole River is called the Tennessee.
Boats of 7 or 8 tons burthen have frequently gone down the Holstein & the water is sufficient for those of greater burthen; but there is a place call'd the Suck, or boiling pot, where the River runs through the Cumberland Mountain that is somewhat difficult, occasioned by the narrowness of the water & suddeness of the turn that causes a rebound & kind of Whirl-pool, but many boats have passed it and he has not heard of damage to any of them nor has he been informed that there is any material difficulty in the Navigation more than is common in Rivers of that size where there is no tide.
Between the Suck, and the Muscle Shoals he is sure there is not.
Supposes the distance by Water from Chota to the last mentioned place is between 3 & 400 Miles. The width of the river is very unequal--generally about 500 yards except at the Suck where it is not half that width.
The Nature of the River, for the most part, is to have a bluff on one side and low grounds on the other (wch. is liable to be overflowed) alternately; the Banks are woody, and the low grounds thick with Cane.
The Cherokees may be classed into 3 divisions--The Valley settlements on the Tennessee above Chota, Eastward of the Iron Mountain--Those in the Neighbourhood of Chota and those in the neighbourhood of Chickamogga (which is a Creek running into the Tennessee on the South side a few Miles above Suck). They have detached villages besides--but the number of their Towns is unknown to him--nor can he say what number of Souls they may consist of but supposes of Warriors, there may be about 2000 or 2500 and of the three divisions the Chickamaggas are perhaps the most numerous.
Muscle Shoals, have different accts. given of them by people who have passed them. Some say they are 30 Miles, others not 15 in length--but all agree that the river there is about three Miles in width--very shallow and full of small Islands occasioned by drift wood lodging on the Rocks by wch. means Mud & Sand are accumulated. The lowest Shoal is accounted rather the worst. It is not possible for a large Boat to pass them in ascending the river at any Season, nor can they pass down them but in time of a flood.
Occhappo creek he had never heard of--nor has he understd. there was any Creek on the South side of the River near the Muscle Shoals that was navigable unless when the river was high.
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Seven or 8 Miles below the Muscle Shoals, there was formerly a Cherokee Village at the Mouth of Cold water Creek but he never heard that it was Navigable. 15 or 20 Miles below this again is Bear Crk. on which a small tribe of Delawares live.
From the mouth of Cold Water Creek, or Bear Creek, to the highest Navigation of the Mobile he has heard it accounted 60 Miles but cannot say that it is so. The head waters of the Mobile may be about half that distance from the Tennessee.
Miro, is the name of the District on Cumberland that includes three Counties--Nashville the name of the Town where the Superior Court is held. From hence to the lower end of the Muscle Shoals is about 150 miles nearly South.
Duck river, a North branch of the Tennessee, where the path which leads from Nashville to the Chickasaw Nation crosses it is about 60 Miles from the Cumberland Settlemts.--About a South West course. About 100 miles further on the same direction is the nearest Chickasaw Towns. The Mouth of Duck River by water, he supposes may be near 200 miles below the Muscle shoals.
Cumberland Settlements are not very compact. They extend from the mouth of red River a No. branch of Cumberland River up to Bledsoes Creek being abt. 80 or 90 Miles. The strength of the Militia about 800 & increasing fast thinks they may be now, by the late emigrations 1000.
From Nashville to Lexington is, about 200, or 210 Miles by Land and from Nashville to the Falls of Ohio is abt. 140 Miles by Land.
From the Mouth of the Tennessee up to the Muscle Shoals the Navigation is good--equal to that of the Ohio below the Falls--the width of the River near half a Mile, in places almost double--the distance about 400 Miles.
Chickasaws have no towns on the Tennessee. The nighest they have to it is about 60 Miles from, or a little below Bear Creek. Their principal towns he has understood are on the heads of a Fork of the Mobile and on the head of the Yazoos. The number of their Warriors is about 800.
Choctaws lye farther to the Southward than the Chickasaws & are a numerous Nation. They are in alliance with the Chicasaws and he has heard their numbers estimated at 7 or 8000--at least equal to those of the Creeks--tho' not so well armed.
McGillivrays communications with the Cherokees he conceives has a constant tendency to excite them to War against the Frontiers of Georgia & No. Carolina--or at least cautioning them to be on their guard against the White People, & infusing suspicions
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into the minds of them. The Creeks have wanted them to join in a War against the White People but they have refused and would be glad to see them humbled for the Insolence with which they treat them.
It will be highly pleasing to his Settlement--Miro--to hear that Congress will protect it.
Daniel Smith (1748--1818), a native of Stafford County, Va., attended the College of William and Mary, held a number of surveying posts in Virginia before the Revolution, and was an active speculator in western lands. During the war he served as a colonel and, in 1779, as commissioner to survey the Virginia--North Carolina boundary. Around 1783 he moved to Sumner County, now in Tennessee but then part of North Carolina, where he became heavily involved in land speculation. In June 1790 GW appointed him secretary of the newly created Southwest Territory, which included the territory ceded by North Carolina upon its adoption of the Constitution (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:50; ABERNETHY, 29--30, 126; CARTER [4], 4:23, n.44). Smith's correspondence with Secretary of War Henry Knox has not been located.
MIRO SETTLEMENT: The Mero (Miro) District, along the Cumberland River, was formed by the North Carolina legislature in Aug. 1788 out of the counties of Davison, Sumner, and Tennessee. In 1790 its population consisted of 7,042 settlers and 1,151 slaves (MORSE. [2]; ABERNETHY, 96--97). Chota, one of the major fortified Cherokee towns, was on the Little Tennessee River. THE SUCK, OR BOILING POT: sometimes called the Whirl, in the gorge of the Tennessee River, near Chattanooga. It is at the point where the river breaks through the Cumberland Mountains and narrows to about 70 yards. Below the Suck there were rapids for about 38 miles, and the river at this point was generally thought dangerous to navigation (WILLIAMS [3], 34; MORSE [2]). In his paragraph of the diary entry for 26 Jan. the word "damage" reads "dagage" in the MS.
The Muscle Shoals are at a point where the Tennessee River descends over 134 feet from a limestone plateau to the plain near present-day Florence, Ala. The rapids were sometimes called the Elk River Shoals (RAMSEY, 64). The Iron Mountains are a ridge of the Appalachians in northeast Tennessee and southern Virginia. OCCHAPPO CREEK: GW is referring to Occochappo Creek, below the Muscle Shoals (RAMSEY, 64). Coldwater Creek empties into the Tennessee River in present-day Alabama. The Indian town at the mouth of the creek was also called Coldwater by early settlers. BLEDSOES CREEK: probably Bledsoe Lick, "in the state of Tennessee . . . 32 miles from Big Salt Lick garrison, and 36 from Nashville" (MORSE [2]).
Wednesday 27th. Did business with the Secretaries of the Treasury & War--With the first respecting the appointment of Superintendants of the Light Houses, Buoys &ca. and for building one at Cape Henry--With the latter for nominating persons (named in a list submitted to me) for paying the Military Pensionrs. of the United States and the policy and advantages (which might be derived from the measure) of bringing Mr. Alexr. McGillivray Chief of the Creek Nation here being submitted to
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me for consideration I requested that a plan might be reported by which Governmt. might not appear to be the Agent in it, or suffer in its dignity if the attempt to get him here should not succeed.
TREASURY: "An Act for the establishment and support of Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers" (1 STAT. 53--54 [7 Aug. 1789]) provided for the upkeep of all lighthouses on United States territory for one year. Thereafter no expenses for lighthouse support would be defrayed unless the establishment was ceded to the federal government. Section 3 of the act provided for the erection of a lighthouse near the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, and in late 1789 Virginia ceded land for such a lighthouse at Cape Henry (Hamilton to Beverley Randolph, 10 Feb. 1790, HAMILTON [2], 6:261--62).
WAR: "An Act providing for the payment of the Invalid Pensioners of the United States" (1 STAT. 95 [29 Sept. 1789]) provided that the payment of military pensions granted by the states to invalid veterans of the Revolution should be continued by the United States. On 26 Jan. 1790 Knox wrote GW reporting that Hamilton had suggested that the responsibility for making payments should be relegated to the collectors of the customs appointed under the Treasury Department. A list of the collectors was enclosed in Knox's letter (DLC:GW). GW evidently agreed to this solution, for on 30 Jan. Hamilton wrote Jedediah Huntington, collector at New london, Conn., that in regard to invalid pensions, "the President having signified to me his pleasure, that the business in your state may be committed to your management; it remains for me to direct the necessary provision" (HAMILTON [2], 6:232--33).
CREEK NATION: The failure of the negotiations by David Humphreys, Cyrus Griffin, and Benjamin Lincoln with the Creek nation in late 1789 (see entry for 16 Nov.) left the problem of Indian depredations on the southern border still unsolved. It was suggested both in New York and on the frontier that the failure of the negotiations owed something to the ineptitude of the commissioners. Alexander McGillivray maintained that misunderstanding had arisen from "that puppy Humphries report to the president, it being a very unfavorable one and asserted that I would not treat on any terms whatever. . . . So I find that my different notes to them objecting to certain Stipulations were never produced to the president" (McGillivray to William Panton, 8 May 1790, CAUGHEY, 259--62).
On 15 Feb. 1790 Knox wrote to GW that he had conferred with Sen. Benjamin Hawkins of North Carolina, "who is well acquainted with the influential characters among the Creeks." It was Hawkins's opinion that McGillivray was anxious for a reasonable settlement with the United States and had indeed intimated to Hawkins that he might be persuaded to come to New York to open negotiations. Knox recommended that the experiment should be tried. The proposal "shall have the aspect of a private transaction, yet it shall have so much of the collateral countenance of government, as to convince Mr. McGillivray, that he may safely confide in the proposition as it relates to his own and the other Chiefs personal security until their return to their own Country. I have shown Mr. Hawkins the enclosed draft of a letter to Alexander McGillivray, it has received his approbation, and he is willing to copy and sign the same, adding thereto some circumstances relative
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to a former correspondence on some philosophical enquiries" (DLC:GW). Hawkins's letter to McGillivray, dated 6 Mar. 1790, is in CAUGHEY, 256--58.
Thursday 28th. Sent a letter (with an Act of the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island, for calling a Convention of that State to decide on the Constitution of the Union) from Governor Collins, to both Houses of Congress--to do which, was requested by the Act, of the President.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz.--The Vice President the Secretary of the Treasury--Messrs. Schuyler, Morris, Izard Dalton and Butler of the Senate; and Messrs. Smith, (So. Carolina) Stone, Schureman Fitzimmons, Sedgwick, Huger and Madison of the House of Representatives.
RHODE ISLAND: Gov. John Collins's letter, enclosing the act of the Rhode Island legislature authorizing a state ratifying convention, is dated 18 Jan. 1790. Collins expressed his pleasure at the legislature's decision but noted that "The Operation of the Federal Government, according to the existing Laws, will immediately prove greatly injurious to the Commercial Interests of this State, unless a further Suspension of them can be obtained: I do therefore, at the Request of the General Assembly, and in Behalf of the State, make this application to the Congress of the United States, requesting a further Suspension of the Acts of Congress subjecting the Citizens of this State to the payment of foreign Tonnage, and foreign Duties, during the pleasure of Congress" (DNA: RG 46, President's Messages, Entry 5).
James Schureman (1756--1824), a New Brunswick, N.J., merchant, graduated from Rutgers in 1775 and served in the Revolution. In 1783--85 and 1788 he was in the New Jersey legislature and in 1786--87 was a member of the Continental Congress. In 1789 he was elected as a Federalist to the First Congress.
Thomas Fitzsimons (1741--1811) was an Irishman who immigrated to Philadelphia as a young man. By the early 1760s he was well established as a merchant in the West Indies trade. An active Patriot during the Revolution, he served in the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783, in the Pennsylvania legislature 1786--87, and as a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Federalist in 1789 where he became a vigorous supporter of administration measures.
Theodore Sedgwick (1746--1813) was born in West Hartford, Conn., and educated at Yale. He began the practice of law in Great Barrington, Mass., in 1766 and then moved to Sheffield, Mass. During the Revolution he was a member of the 1776 expedition against Canada and in 1780, 1782--85, and 1787--88 served in the Massachusetts legislature. Sedgwick was a member of the Continental Congress 1785--88 and of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention in 1788. In 1789 he was elected as a Federalist to the First Congress, where he became a firm supporter of a strong executive and a spokesman for the Washington administration's fiscal policies.
Daniel Huger (1742--1799), a member of a prominent South Carolina
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family, was born in Berkeley County, S.C., and educated in South Carolina and in England. He was a member of the state legislature in 1778--79, of the governor's council in 1780, and of the Continental Congress 1786--88 and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1789.
Friday 29th. Exercised on horse back this forenn.; during my ride, Mr. Johnston, one of the Senators from No. Carolina who had just arrived came to pay his respects, as did Mr. Cushing, one of the Associate judges. The latter came again about 3 Oclock introduced by the Vice President.
Received from the Governor of No. Carolina, an Act of the Legislature of that State, authorising the Senators thereof, or one of the Senators and two of the Representatives, to make (on certain conditions) a Deed of Session of their Western Territory; described within certain Natural boundaries and requesting that the same should be laid before the Congress of the U. States.
Received also a letter from the Baron de Steuben, declarative of his distresses; occasioned by the Non-payment, or nonfulfilment of the Contract which was made with him by the Congress under the former Confederation and requesting my Official interference in his behalf. The delicacy of this case from the nature, and long labouring of it, requires consideration.
The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this Evening were numerous and respectable.
William Cushing (1732--1810), of Scituate, Mass., graduated from Harvard, studied law with Jeremiah Gridley of Boston, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1755. From 1760 to 1771 he practiced law in Pownalborough (Dresden) in the District of Maine; in 1772 he returned to Massachusetts to succeed his father as judge of the superior court. During the Revolution he adopted the Patriot cause and was retained by the state of Massachusetts as a justice on the Supreme Court. In 1779 he was a member of the Massachusetts state constitutional convention and in 1788 of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention. GW appointed him an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 24 Sept. 1789 (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:29).
Gov. Alexander Martin's letter to GW is dated 24 Dec. 1789 (DNA: RG 46, President's Messages). North Carolina originally passed an act of cession of its western lands to the Continental Congress in April 1784 but repealed it in October of that year. The state adopted the Constitution in Nov. 1789, and in December the legislature passed "An Act for the Purpose of Ceding to the United States of America, Certain Western Lands Therein Described" (N.C. STATE REC., 25:4--6). GW sent Martin's letter and the act of cession to the House and Senate on 1 Feb. (DE PAUW, 1:233, 3:281--82). The North Carolina deed of cession, 25 Feb. 1790, signed by North Carolina senators Samuel Johnston and Benjamin Hawkins, is in CARTER [4], 4:9--13. The
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North Carolina cession, supplemented by a small grant from South Carolina, was constituted as the Territory Southwest of the River Ohio by Congress in May 1790 (1 STAT. 123 [26 May 1790]). The territory became the state of Tennessee in 1796.
When Baron yon Steuben arrived in the United States in 1777, he had agreed verbally with a committee of Congress that he would join the army as a volunteer without rank or pay, but that if the United States succeeded in establishing independence his expenses incurred while in service would be paid. After the war Steuben repeatedly requested Congress to honor what he considered to be a binding contract. Congress delayed, not only from a lack of funds but from a persuasion that Steuben's appointment in May 1778 as a major general with the usual emoluments had abrogated the original agreement. On 14 Sept. 1789 a new petition from Steuben, requesting that his claims "for military services rendered during the late war, may be liquidated and satisfied," was presented to the House of Representatives. On 25 Sept. the committee on claims to which the petition had been referred sent it to the secretary of the treasury with instructions to report on it during the next session of Congress (DE PAUW, 3:206, 233). The petition and its supporting documents are in DNA: RG 46, Petitions and Memorials, Claims. Steuben's letter to GW, 29 Jan. 1790, requesting the president's support for his petition, is in DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters. Hamilton reported favorably on Steuben's petition, 29 Mar. 1790, suggesting both an outright grant and an annuity, but Congress, probably in response to popular opposition to the petition, modified the sum. On 4 June the affair was settled, although not to the baron's satisfaction, by passage of "An Act for finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of Frederick William de Steuben," which granted him a lifetime annuity of $2,500 (6 STAT. 2, HAMILTON [2], 6:310--27; PALMER, 376--78).
Saturday 30. Exercised with Mrs. Washington and the children in the coach, in the forenoon. Walked round the Battery in the Afternoon.
Sunday 31st. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Mr. Wilson, one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court paid his respects to me after I returned from Church.
Spent the Afternoon in writing Letters to Mount Vernon.
James Wilson (1742--1798) was born in Scotland and educated at the universities of St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. He immigrated to America c. 1765 and studied law in Philadelphia with John Dickinson. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in Nov. 1767, he began what was to be an outstanding legal career. He was elected to the Continental Congress 1775--76, 1782--83, and 1785--87. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, he was particularly adept in advancing legal justifications for independence. Wilson was a leading member of the Constitutional Convention and the Pennsylvania Ratifying Convention. In Sept. 1789 GW appointed him an associate justice of the Supreme Court although Wilson had earlier solicited the post of chief justice (Wilson to GW, 21 April 1789, PHi: Society Collection).
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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 concluded that the house owned by Samuel Osgood which he had occupied since his arrival in New York City (see entry for 1 Oct. 1789) was no longer commodious enough to accommodate his family and staff and to maintain the dignity of the presidential office. In spite of the fact that it was expected that Congress might move the capital from New York City, GW decided to lease Alexander Macomb's mansion at Nos. 39--41 Broadway. "It was one of a block of three houses erected in 1787 and was four stories and an attic high, with a width of fifty-six feet. From the rear of the main rooms glass doors opened onto a balcony giving an uninterrupted view of the Hudson River. On entering, one found a large hall with a continuous flight of stairs to the top of the house. On each side of the hall were spacious, high-ceilinged rooms, used for the levees and dinners and always referred to by Washington as 'public rooms'" (DECATUR, 118, 148). Col. John May, who had visited the houses while they were still under construction in April 1788, noted "they are by far the grandest buildings I ever saw and are said to excel any on the continent in one of the entry's I travelld up 5 flights of stairs" (MAY, 28). The Macomb house had been occupied by the comte de Moustier and, after his departure for France, by Louis Guillaume Otto, chargé d'affaires of the French embassy. Otto had served in the United States since 1779, and after his return to France in 1792 he was in charge of the political division of the department of foreign affairs until he lost his position with the fall of the Girondist regime. On 2 Feb. GW paid Samuel Osgood £253 10s. "for 3 quarter's Rent of the House & Tenements occupied by the President" and before he moved paid £665 16s. 6d. to purchase for thenew house furniture and china left by Moustier (CtY: George Washington's Household Accounts, 68--74). GW requested that some alterations and additions be made to outside buildings (see Tobias Lear to Alexander Macomb, 4 Feb. 1790, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). Preparations continued throughout the month, and the presidential household moved to the new residence on 23 Feb.
Tuesday 2d. Exercised in the Carriage with Mrs. Washington.
On my return found Mr. Blair one of the Associate Judges, The Attorney Genl. of the United States and Colo. Bland here.
The Levee to day was much Crowded, and very respectable: among other Company, the District judge and Attorney, with the Marshall and all the Grand jurors of the Federal District Court (and a respectable body they were) attended.
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First presidential residence, New York City. (New-York Historical Society)
Sent (yesterday) the Deed of Session of the Western Lands, by the State of No. Carolina to the United States to both Houses of Congress.
John Blair (1732--1800) was a member of a prominent Virginia family. He attended the College of William and Mary and in 1755 studied law at the Middle Temple. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1766--70 and in the latter year became clerk of the council, serving at least until the mid-1770s. During the Revolution and the Confederation period, he held a number of judicial posts and became widely known in legal circles. As a member of the Constitutional Convention and the Virginia Ratifying Convention he vigorously supported the Constitution. GW appointed Blair an associate justice of the Supreme Court in Sept. 1789. Edmund Randolph had been appointed United States attorney general 25 Sept. 1789 but had remained in Virginia until the end of the session of the Virginia Assembly of which he was a member. He probably arrived in New York City at the end of January (REARDON, 179, 191). DISTRICT JUDGE: James Duane. DISTRICT . . . ATTORNEY: Richard Harison. THE MARSHALL: William Stephens Smith. DEED OF SESSION: See entry for 29 Jan. 1790.
Wednesday 3d. Viewed the Apartments in the Ho. of Mr. Macombe--made a disposition of the Rooms--fixed on some furniture of the Ministers (which was to be sold & was well adapted to
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particular public rooms) and directed additional Stables to be built.
Thursday 4th. Received from a Committee of both Houses of Congress, an Act, entitled "an Act for giving effect to the sevl. acts therein mentioned in respect to the State of North Carolina and other purposes."
The following company dined here, viz,--The Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the United States, Judges Cushing, Wilson, & Blair of the Supreme Court & Judge Duane of the District Court--The Attorney Genl. of the United States (Randolph) the Marshall, Attorney, & Clerk of the District viz. Smith, Harrison & Troup--Mr. Johnson & Mr. Hawkins of the Senate and the Secretaries of the Treasury & War Departmts. to wit Hamilton & Knox.
AN ACT: 1 STAT. 99--101 (8 Feb. 1790). This act extended the provisions of federal laws concerning import duties and tonnage to North Carolina, which had ratified the Constitution in Nov. 1789.
Robert Troup (1757--1832) studied law under John Jay and William Paterson and had a distinguished military career during the Revolution, earning a lieutenant colonelcy for his services in 1777 (JCC, 9:770). After serving on Horatio Gates's staff and participating in the Battles of Saratoga, he was appointed secretary of the newly formed Board of War in 1778. After the war he practiced law in Albany and New York City.
Friday 5th. Received from Doctr. Williamson of No. Carolina a list of names whom he thought would be proper to fill the Revenue Offices in that State. Submitted the same to the Senators of that State for their Inspection and alteration.
Dr. Hugh Williamson (1735--1819) was born in Pennsylvania, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1757, and after a brief career in the ministry, went to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. After his return to America he practiced in Philadelphia until 1773. Around 1776 he established himself as a merchant in Edenton, N.C., and acted as surgeon general of North Carolina troops 1779--82. In 1782--85, 1787, and 1788 he served in the Continental Congress; at this time he was United States Representative from North Carolina. Williamson's letter to GW, 5 Feb. 1790, with enclosure, is in DLC:GW.
Saturday 6th. Walked to my newly engaged lodgings to fix on a spot for a New Stable which I was about to build. Agreed with [ ] to erect one 30 feet sqr., 16 feet pitch, to contain 12 single stalls; a hay loft, Racks, mangers &ca.--Planked floor and underpinned with Stone with Windows between each stall for 65£.
The resignation of Mr. Harrison as an Associate Judge making
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a nomination of some other character to supply his place necessary I determined after contemplating every character which presented itself to my view to name Mr. Iredall of No. Carolina; because, in addition to the reputation he sustains for abilities, legal knowledge and respectability of character he is of a State of some importance in the Union that has given No character to a federal Office. In ascertaining the character of this Gentlemen I had recourse to every means of information in my power and found them all concurring in his favor.
On 28 Sept. 1789 GW had written Robert Hanson Harrison, one of his aides during the Revolution, offering him the post of an associate justice on the Supreme Court (DLC:GW). Harrison replied, 27 Oct., declining the post, partly because of the inconvenience of riding circuit, partly because of family responsibilities and reservations about his health (DNA: PCC, Item 59). On 25 Nov. GW again wrote Harrison, stating that there was a strong possibility that there would be changes in the Judicial Act which might make the post more attractive. "As the first Court will not sit until the first Monday in February, I have thought it proper to return your Commission, not for the sake of urging you to accept it contrary to your interest or convenience, but with a view of giving you a farther opportunity of informing yourself of the nature and probability of the change alluded to" (DLC:GW). Harrison again declined the post. He died in April 1790.
James Iredell (1751--1799) was born in Lewes, Eng., and in 1768 received a royal appointment as collector of the customs at Edenton, N.C. He quickly became a leading citizen of Edenton, studied law with Samuel Johnston, and in 1773 married Johnston's sister Hannah. Although a conservative, he supported the Patriot cause during the Revolution. His legal reputation in North Carolina grew during these years; he served briefly as a superior court judge in 1777 and from 1779 to 1781 he was state attorney general. In 1787 he served on the North Carolina Council of State and between 1787 and 1791 engaged in compiling a collection and revision of North Carolina statutes. GW's letter to Iredell, 13 Feb. 1790, offering him the post of associate justice, is in DLC:GW; Iredell's acceptance, 3 Mar. 1790, is in DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters.
Sunday 7th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Monday 8th. Nominated Officers for the Revenue department in No. Carolina--Mr. Iredall as an Associate Judge; and all those who had been temporarily appointed during the recess of the Senate to fill resigned Offices--likewise Majr. Saml. Shaw as Consul for Canton in China.
Sent the Bill which had been presented to me on Thursday last back to the House of Representatives with my approvg. Signature.
Samuel Shaw (1754--1794), of Massachusetts, served as a lieutenant and captain in the Revolution and saw action at Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine,
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Germantown, and Monmouth. For a time he served as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Henry Knox. In 1784 he was offered the post of supercargo on the Empress of China, the first American vessel to sail to Canton. The experience he acquired in dealing with Chinese merchants resulted in his appointment by the Continental Congress in 1786 as American consul in Canton. He returned to the United States in Jan. 1789. On 2 Jan. 1790 he wrote GW informing him he was about to return to China and requesting that he be reappointed as consul (DLC:GW). Tobias Lear forwarded Shaw's commission on 13 Feb. 1790 (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).
Tuesday 9th. A good deal of Company at the Levee to day.
Exercised on horse-back in the forenoon.
Wednesday 10th. Sat from 9 until 11 Oclock for Mr. Trumbull to draw my picture in his Historical pieces.
Dispatched Commissions, and all the necessary Acts, to the Revenue Officers in No. Carolina.
Thursday 11th. Exercised on horse-back in the forenoon.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz.--Messrs. Leonard & Grout of Massachusetts--Huntington & Sturges of Connecticut--Silvester of New York Sinnickson of New Jersey--Gale of Maryland and Bland Parker and Moore of Virginia.
George Leonard (1729--1819) was born in Norton, Mass. After his graduation from Harvard in 1748 he held a number of judicial posts of increasing importance in his state and was judge of the common pleas court when he was elected to the First Congress. Jonathan Grout (1737--1807), a Petersham, Mass., lawyer, served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives 1781, 1784, 1787 and in the Senate 1788. An Antifederalist, he was elected to the First Congress in 1789. Benjamin Huntington (1736--1800), a Norwich, Conn., lawyer, graduated from Yale in 1761 and, before his election to the First Congress in 1789, served in the Massachusetts legislature and in the Continental Congress. From 1784 to 1796 he was mayor of Norwich. Jonathan Sturges (1740--1819), of Fairfield, Conn., graduated from Yale in 1759 and opened a law practice in Fairfield in 1772. He was a member of the state legislature 1772, 1773--84 and served in the Continental Congress 1774--87. Peter Silvester (1734--1808), a Kinderhook, N.Y., lawyer, was elected to the First Congress in 1789. Prior to his election he was a member of the First and Second Provincial Congresses 1775--76 and judge of the court of common pleas of Columbia County. Thomas Sinnickson (1744--1817), a Salem, N.J., merchant, held the rank of captain with New Jersey troops during the Revolution and was a member of the New Jersey legislature 1777, 1782, 1784--85, 1787--88.
George Gale (1756--1815), a native of Somerset County, Md., was a member of the Maryland Ratifying Convention in 1788. In Mar. 1791 GW appointed him supervisor of the revenue for Maryland. Josiah Parker (1751--1810) was a member of the 1775 Virginia Convention and served as colonel in the 5th Virginia Regiment during the Revolution. In 1780--81 he was in the Virginia
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House of Delegates, and he served as naval officer for Portsmouth, Va., in 1786. Andrew Moore (1752--1821) was born near Fairfield, Rockbridge County, Va., studied at Augusta Academy (Washington and Lee), and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1774. During the Revolution he served in the Continental Army 1776--78, and as a brigadier general in the Virginia militia. In 1780--83 and again in 1785--88 he was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and in 1788 of the Virginia Ratifying Convention.
The New-York Journal, and Weekly Register, 18 Feb. 1790, noted that "the Birth-Day of the President of the United States was celebrated at Philadelphia the eleventh inst." In New York City, however, the Society of St. Tammany held an elaborate celebration on 22 Feb. and "Resolved, unanimously, That the 22d day of February (corresponding with the 11th Feb. old stile) be this day, and ever hereafter, commemorated by this Society as the BIRTH DAY of the Illustrious George Washington." Apparently this year the president's birthday was widely celebrated on 22 Feb. ( New-York Journal, and Weekly Register, 25 Feb. 1790).
Friday 12th. Sat from 9 Oclock untill 11 for Mr. John Trumbull for the purpose of Drawing my picture.
A good deal of Company (Gentlemen & Ladies) to visit Mrs. Washington this afternoon.
Saturday 13th. Walked in the forenoon to the House to which I am about to remove--Gave directions for the arrangement of the furniture &ca. and had some of it put up.
Sunday 14th. At home all day--writing private letters to Virginia.
Monday 15th. Sat between 9 and 11 for Mr. John Trumbull.
Sent to both Houses of Congress a Letter from the President of New Hampshire, enclosing the adopted articles of amendments of the Constitution of the United States proposed by the latter at its last Session, to the States individually.
Perused two letters to Colo. Hawkins of the Senate, sent to me by the Secretary of War for my information--the one from a Lardin Clark dated Nashville, Warren County the 8th. of Septr. 1789--the other from Brigr. Genl. Joseph Martin dated Smiths River Jany. 1790. The first of these letters mentions that the loose and disorderly people that first settled the District in which he is remove as government (by means of the Superior Court) is extended amongst them and supplied by persons of better character & Morals--That the Spanish Governor of Louisiana is holding out every lure to envite the Citizens of the United States to settle under that Government--That a Doctor White who has been sometime at New Orleans does not seem to like the Government
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and discourages our Settlers from Migrating to it till it can at least be seen what measures the Government of the Union will take respecting the Navigation of the Mississippi--That Conventions which it had been proposed to hold in Kentucky, and other Districts of the Western Country for the purpose of addressing the old Congress on this subject had been proposed for the same reason--That there was no appearance of giving up the Post of the Natches to the U. States though it was within their Territory, on the Contrary Roman Catholick Churches were built there & provision made for newly arrived Priests--that the Spanish Governor has said that it is not want of Land that make them oppose our Settlements or which causes them to withhold the Navigation of the Missisipi from us, but because they do not like our advancing in such numbers, & so fast upon them--In short, they act under the operation of fear and Jealousy, though they will not acknowledge these to be the motives for their conduct--That it had been reported through the Western Settlements that Mr. Gardoqui had invited them to put themselves under the Spanish government with assurances of Peace & Trade as consequences of it and that Governor by Proclamation had invited them to become Inhabitants of Louisiana--that any person (he is informed) may take produce to New Orleans paying 15 pr. Ct.
George Washington peace medal, 1792. (Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation)
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Duty to the King--That the Force (Military) in the two Floridas consist of two Regiments of 600 Men each and he is told a third is ordered to be raised to consist entirely of Spaniards by birth--That the District in which he is populates fast and will soon make a State--And as the Navigation of the Missisipi is essential to them, it must be obtained by treaty or by force, or they must connect themselves with the Spaniards--That it is not supposed, the two Floridas & Louisiana contain more than 20,000 Souls--That the distance from Nashville to New Orleans by Land (wch. he has travelled) is abt. 450 or 500 Miles and not a Mountain and hardly a hill in the way--That this year he supposes they will make 300 Hhds. of Tobacco--for wch. 3½d. only is given when the Spaniard gets 10 dollars pr. Hd. wt.
The other letter from Genl. Martin encloses the report of a Comee. of the Assembly of No. Carolina, which had been appointed to examine into a corrispondance between him and Mr. McGillivray, by which he stands acquitted of any intention to injure the U. States or any of them. Enforms him that from tolerable good information he has just heard that the Chicasaw Nation had made a stroke at the Chicamages Indians & were driving all before them--That several women & Children of the latter had run into the Inhabitants of little river for Refuge--That he shall set out for that County in a few days and as soon as the particulars can be known will give information of them. Wishes to know whether Congress approves of this War or not--thinks he can easily stop it if it does not meet their approbation--But adds their wars with one another may be the means of Peace to our frontiers--requests a hint on the subject by way of Richmond, directed to the care of the Postmaster there.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENTS: Proposals for the amendments to the Constitution that were provided for by the fifth article of the Constitution and that were to become the Bill of Rights were introduced in Congress in May 1789. By Sept. 1789, 12 amendments had been agreed upon by the House and Senate, and on 24 Sept. the House resolved that "the President of the United States be requested to transmit to the executives of the several states which have ratified the Constitution, copies of the amendments proposed by Congress to be added thereto; and like copies to the executives of the states of Rhode-Island and North-Carolina" (DE PAUW, 3:84, 229). President of New Hampshire John Sullivan's letter to GW, 29 Jan. 1790, is in DNA: RG 46, President's Messages. Sullivan informed GW that New Hampshire had accepted all of the proposed amendments except the second, which provided that no "law vary[ing] the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened" (DUMBAULD [2], 220). Of the 12 amendments originally submitted to the states, this article and the first article, which increased the
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representation in Congress after the first census had been taken, were not ratified by the states.
The letters submitted by Knox to GW have not been found. Lardner Clark was a leading Nashville merchant. Joseph Martin (1740--1808), of Albemarle County, Va., was a well-known figure on the frontier. He tried unsuccessfully to establish a settlement in Powell's Valley near the Cumberland Gap in 1769 and reoccupied the area in 1775. In 1777 he became Indian agent for Virginia to the Cherokee and established his headquarters on land that afterwards fell within North Carolina's boundaries. For many years he served as Patrick Henry's land agent on the frontier. In the mid-1780s Martin was involved in the proposals for the new State of Franklin, although he later opposed the project, and in the Muscle Shoals speculation. Martin attended the North Carolina Ratifying Convention in 1789 and served at various times in the North Carolina and Virginia legislatures. In June 1790 he became an active candidate for the post of governor of the newly created Southwest Territory ( Southern History Association Publications, 4 [1900], 443--44; REDD, 113--18). At this time he was living in Henry County, Va., on Smith's River (Staunton River), the section of the Roanoke River above its confluence with the Dan River.
For the attempts of Esteban Miró, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, and Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, governor of Natchez, to attract American settlers, see entry for 25 Jan. 1790. Clark's reference to Don Diego de Gardoqui, the Spanish representative in the United States, concerns the plan devised by Gardoqui and Philadelphia speculator George Morgan (1743--1810) in 1789 to entice Americans to settle in Morgan's new settlement, developed under Spanish auspices, at New Madrid. Although at first a few westerners showed interest in moving to Spanish territory, these colonization schemes, and another sponsored by the South Carolina Yazoo Company at Nogales, were undermined by new and stringent economic policies of the Spanish government and by the extension of Spanish military control to the new settlements.
James White (1749--1809), a native of Philadelphia, had attended a Jesuit college in St. Omer, France, and studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1785 he moved to Davidson County, N.C., and represented North Carolina in the Continental Congress 1786--88. While he was in Congress, White became deeply involved with Gardoqui in nebulous plans for persuading frontier areas to separate from the United States and accept Spanish protection. In 1786 White was chosen by Congress as Indian agent for the Southern Department and in the course of his service he traveled widely in the southwest, becoming involved in the so-called Spanish Conspiracy and in the creation of the State of Franklin.
The incident involving McGillivray referred to by Martin concerned a letter written by the latter from Tugaloe, N.C., to the Creek chief in Nov. 1788, enclosing resolves of the Continental Congress "by which you will see that Congress intends to deal out justice to the Cherokees, which gives me infinite pleasure." At the same time Martin expressed his wish that commissioners from Congress to the Creek would soon settle their differences with the United States and asked McGillivray's permission to lead some five hundred families from the United States to settle on Creek land (Martin to McGillivray, 8 Nov. 1788, N.C. STATE REC., 22:787--88). At the time the letter was written Martin was serving as an Indian commissioner for Congress. The letter was intercepted, apparently by members of the Georgia militia, and
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presented to the Georgia legislature. On 24 Jan. 1789 a committee of the legislature reported that Martin's action in "carrying on a correspondence of a private nature with Alexander McGilvary, yet, while this State is at war with the Creek nation, and the said Joseph Martin being in the service of the United States" was highly culpable and complaints should be made to Congress and to the governor of North Carolina (N.C. STATE REC., 21:1006). The report of the committee of the North Carolina Assembly appointed to investigate the matter exonerated Martin. The report was read in the assembly 15 Dec. 1789 and was enclosed by Martin in his letter to Benjamin Hawkins (N.C. STATE REC., 21:691).
Tuesday 16th. Intended to have used exercise on Horse-back but the weather prevented my doing it. Rid to my intended habitation, and gave some directions respecting the arrangement of the furniture.
The Levee to day was thin. Received some papers from the Secretary at War respecting a corrispondence to be opened betwn. Colo. Hawkins of the Senate, and Mr. McGillivray of the Creek Nation for the purpose of getting the latter, with some other Chiefs of that Nation to this place as an expedient to avert a War with them. But, the Commissioning a Person to Negotiate this business with McGillivray without laying the matter before the Senate and the expence of the business appearing to bring in question the Powers of the President I requested to see & converse with the Secretary of War, tomorrow, on this Subject.
PAPERS FROM THE SECRETARY AT WAR: See entry for 27 Jan. 1790.
Wednesday 17th. The Secretary attending; and reference being had to the Act constituting the Department of War, and the Act appropriating 20,000 dollrs. for the expence of Treating with the Southern Indians, seeming to remove (at least in a degree) the above doubts but not in an unequivocal manner, I desired him to take the opinion of the Chief Justice of the United States and that of the Secretary of the Treasury on these points and let me know the result.
"An Act to establish an Executive Department, to be denominated the Department of War" (1 STAT. 49--50 [7 Aug. 1789]) provided that the secretary of war could carry out such tasks regarding Indian affairs as might be entrusted to him by the president. "An Act providing for the Expenses which may attend Negotiations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes, and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same" (1 STAT. 54 [20 Aug. 1789]) authorized expenditure of "a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, arising from the duties on imports and tonnage" for the purpose of "defraying the expense of negotiating and treating with the Indian tribes."
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Thursday 18th. Sat for Mr. Trumbull from nine oclock till 10--after which exercised in the Post Chaise with Mrs. Washington. On our return home called on Mrs. Adams--Lady of the Vice-Presidt.
The following company dined here to day--viz--Judge Cushing and his Lady--The Post Master General & his Lady and Messrs. Boudinot, Griffin, Coles, Gerry and White and their Ladies.
Sent a Message to the Senate with the Copies of a Letter from the Governor of Massachusetts and a resolve of the Assembly of that State, respecting the disputed boundary between them and the British of Nova Scotia.
THEIR LADIES: Mrs. William Cushing was Hannah Phillips Cushing (c. 1754--1834) of Middletown, Conn. Mrs. Samuel Osgood was Mary Bowne Franklin Osgood, the widow of Walter Franklin (see entry for 1 Oct. 1789). Mrs. Elias Boudinot was Hannah Stockton Boudinot (1736--1808), daughter of John and Abigail Stockton of Princeton, N.J., and sister of Signer Richard Stockton. She had married Boudinot in 1762. Mrs. Samuel Griffin was Betsy Braxton Griffin (see entry for 10 Dec. 1789). Isaac Coles, United States representative from Virginia, had married Catharine Thompson, daughter of James Thompson, in Jan. 1790 ( Pa. Packet, 7 Jan. 1790). Ann Thompson (d. 1849), daughter of New York merchant James Thompson and Catherine Walton Thompson, had married Elbridge Gerry in 1786. Mrs. Alexander White (b. 1739) was Elizabeth Wood White, daughter of Col. James Wood, founder of Winchester, Va.
The resolve of the Massachusetts legislature, 1 Feb. 1790, directed Gov. John Hancock to write to the president "informing him that the subjects of his Britannick Majesty have made and still continue to make encroachments on the eastern boundary of this Commonwealth, in the opinion of the Legislature, contrary to the treaty of peace." Hancock wrote GW, 10 Feb. 1790, transmitting a number of documents supporting the legislature's allegations. GW transmitted the resolve of the Massachusetts legislature and Hancock's letter to the Senate, 18 Feb. 1790 (DNA: RG 46, Entry 11). The enclosures consisted of copies of some of the documents that had already been submitted to the Senate by GW on 9 Feb. 1790, in a report to the Senate "relative to differences with Great Britain respecting the Eastern Boundary" (see ASP, FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1:90--99; DE PAUW, 2:359--87). The northeastern boundary dispute concerned some 7,500 square miles of land between the United States and New Brunswick; the boundary had been left unsettled at the Treaty of Paris in 1783 because of uncertainty as to the location of the river St. Croix which appeared on Mitchell's Map and was used as the boundary line by the peace commissioners. Investigation in the area showed there was no St. Croix River in the vicinity of the stream marked on Mitchell's Map. British negotiators held that the boundary line agreed upon at Paris was the Schoodiac River while the United States maintained it was the Magaguadavic, east of the Schoodiac (see MOORE [3], 1:5). The dispute on the location of the St. Croix was settled by arbitration in 1798, a mixed commission agreeing that the Schoodiac was the St. Croix on Mitchell's Map.
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Friday 19th. Exercised on horse-back about 9 oclock. Walked afterwards to my New House.
Received a Captn. Drew, Comr. of a British Sloop of War, sent Express to Sir John Temple Consul General of that Nation in the U. States.
The Visitors this Evening to Mrs. Washington were numerous and respectable.
Captain Drew, in command of the Echo, sailed on his return voyage to Plymouth 6 Mar. ( New-York Journal, and Weekly Register, 11 Mar. 1790).
Saturday 20th. Sat from nine until 11 for Mr. Trumbull. Walked afterwards to my New House--then rode a few miles with Mrs. Washington and the Children before dinner; after which I again visited my New House in my Coach (because it rained).
Sunday 21st. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. Wrote letters respecting my domestic concerns afterwards.
The only private letter found for this day is GW to Samuel Powel, concerning the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (DLG:GW).
Monday 22d. Set seriously about removing my furniture to my New House. Two of the Gentlemen of the family had their Beds taken there and would sleep there to Night.
Tuesday 23d. Few or no visiters at the Levee today, from the idea of my being on the move.
After dinner Mrs. Washington Myself & Children removed and lodged at our New habitation.
REMOVED: See entry for 1 Feb. 1790.
Wednesday 24th. Employed in arranging matters about the House & fixing matters.
Thursday 25th. Engaged as yesterday.
In the afternoon a Committee of Congress presented an Act for enumerating the Inhabitts. of the United States.
AN ACT: 1 STAT. 101 (1 Mar. 1790). This act provided for the taking of the first federal census.
Friday 26th. A numerous company of Gentlemen & Ladies were here this Afternoon.
Exercised on Horse-back this forenoon.
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Saturday 27th. Sat for Mr. Trumbull this forenoon; after which exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington & the Children.
Sunday 28th. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon. Wrote letters on private business afterwards.
Monday the First. Exercised on horseback this forenoon, attended by Mr. John Trumbull who wanted to see me Mounted.
Informed the House of Representatives (where the Bill originated) that I had given my assent to the Act for taking a Census of the People.
Also communicated to both Houses the application from the field Officers of Harrison County (made through the County Lieutenant Colo. Duval) for Assistance as they apprehend the season was near at hand when Indian depredations would be commenced. With these, some other Papers respecting the western Frontiers were sent.
CENSUS: See entry for 25 Feb. 1790. John P. Duvall (Duval) was county lieutenant of Harrison County, Va. Henry Knox sent the application, together with other papers, to Congress (Knox to Congress, 2 Mar. 1790, and Knox to GW, 2 Mar. 1790, DLC:GW). Although Knox's letter to Congress is dated 2 Mar. in GW's letterbooks, the papers were apparently received in the House of Representatives by 1 Mar. (see DE PAUW, 3:310).
Tuesday 2d. Much, and respectable company was at the Levy to day.
Caused a letter to be written to the Govt. of St. Jago respecting the Imprisonment of a Captn. Hammond.
On 20 Feb. 1790 Maria Hammond of New York City wrote GW complaining that her husband, Thomas Hammond, a sea captain, had been captured by the British frigate Pomona in Oct. 1789 "on the Coast of Africa, his Vessel and Cargo seized and sold, and himself and pilot put in Irons and in that situation delivered to the Portugueze Governor of the Island of St. Jago, where they are now closely confined, and in the most deplorable situation." Mrs. Hammond also enclosed a petition from her husband and the pilot of the ship, John Hilliard, complaining of their treatment. She requested GW's intervention with the Portuguese (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters). At the president's request Tobias Lear sent the petition to John Jay, 20 Feb., asking his opinion as to what procedures should be followed (DLC:GW). Jay apparently advised GW to make inquiries of Anseto Antone Freatz, the governor
John Trumbull's historical painting "The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton." (Yale University Art Gallery)
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of St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands, for on 1 Mar. 1790, Lear wrote to him, explaining the circumstances of the capture of Hammond and the sloop Brothers and stating "that the reason assigned for this seizure was, that dollars were found on board the Sloop, which dollars, they say, were taken from wrecks" near the island of Bonavista. "The President is desireous to be informed of the reasons which gave occasion to the treatment which these people have received; and in case your Excellency should not think it consistant with your duty to release them from Confinement, that you would direct them to be treated with such a degree of benevolence as the nature of the Offences with which they stand charged may permit" (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).
Wednesday 3d. Exercised on Horse-back between 9 and 11 Oclock.
Thursday 4th. Sat from 9 until half after 10 Oclk. for Mr. Trumbull.
The following Gentlemen dined here to day--viz.--The Vice-Presidt. Messrs. Langdon, Wingate, Dalton, Strong, Ellsworth, Schuyler, King, Patterson, Morris, McClay, Bassett, Henry, Johnson, Hawkins, Izard, Butlar & Few all of the Senate.
According to an entry for this day in William Maclay's diary, "it was a dinner of dignity. All the Senators were present and the Vice-President. I looked often around the company to find the happiest faces. . . . The President seemed to bear in his countenance a settled aspect of melancholy. . . . At every interval of eating or drinking he played on the table with a fork or knife, like a drumstick" (MACLAY, 201).
Friday 5th. A very numerous company of Ladies & Gentlemen here this Evening.
Saturday 6th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children and in the Afternoon walked round the Battery.
Received a letter from the Govr. of the Western Territory dated at the Rapids of Ohio giving an acct. of the State of Affairs in the Westn. Country.
Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of the Northwest Territory in 1787. His letter to GW from "the Rapids of the Ohio," at present Louisville, Ky., has not been found. However, in a letter to GW, 1 May 1790, written from Cahokia in the Illinois Country, St. Clair stated: "In a Letter, which I had the honor to address to you from the Rapids of the Ohio, I mentioned the Information I had received respecting Mr. Morgan in that part of the Country" (DNA: RG 59, Territorial Papers, Northwest Territory). St. Clair's earlier letter concerned the activities of George Morgan (1743--1810), member of the former Philadelphia trading firm of Baynton, Wharton, Morgan. In 1789 Morgan actively engaged, with Spanish representative
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Washington's sketch for a cipher and crest for his coach. (Library of Congress)
Don Diego de Gardoqui, in a scheme to develop the Spanish settlement of New Madrid in what was then Spanish Louisiana and to entice Americans to settle there.
Sunday 7th. At home all day--writing letters on private business.
Monday 8th. Sent to both Houses of Congress the Resolves of the Delaware State to adopt and make part of the Constitution of the United States the amendments proposed by the General Government except the first article of the said amendments the consideration of which they postponed.
A copy of Gov. Joshua Clayton's letter to GW, 19 Feb. 1790, enclosing the resolution of the Delaware legislature, 28 Jan. 1790, is in DNA: RG 46, President's Messages. For the amendments, see entry for 15 Feb. 1790.
Tuesday 9th. A good many Gentlemen attended the Levy to day; among whom were many members of Congress.
Wednesday 10th. Exercised on Horse-back between 9 and a 1 oclock. On my return had a long conversation with Colo. Willet,
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who was engaged to go as a private Agent, but for public purposes, to Mr. McGillivray principal chief of the Creek Nation. In this conversation he was impressed with the critical situation of our Affairs with that Nation--the importance of getting him & some other chiefs to this City--the arguments justifiable for him to use to effect this--with such lures as respected McGillivray personally & might be held out to him. His (Colo. Willits) going, was not to have the appearance of a Governmental act. He & the business he went upon, would be introduced to McGillivray by Colo. Hawkins of the Senate (from No. Carolina) who was a corrispondant of McGillivrays--but he would be provided with a Pass-port for him and other Indian chiefs if they inclined to make use of it; but not to part with it if they did not.
The letter from Colo. Hawkins to McGillivray was calculated to bring to his, & the view of the Crk. Nation the direful consequences of a rupture with the United States. The disposition of the General government to deal justly and honorably by them and the means by which they, the Creeks, may avert the calamities of War which must be brought on by the disorderly people of both nations, if a Treaty is not made & observed. His instructions relative to the principal points to be negotiated would be given to Colo. Willet in writing by the Secretary of War.
COLO. WILLET: For the government's earlier negotiations with the Creek, see entry for 16 Nov. 1789. In a letter to GW, 15 Feb. 1790, concerning the government's plan to bring Creek chief Alexander McGillivray to New York, Knox had suggested that a person he appointed to carry Sen. Benjamin Hawkins's letter of invitation to McGillivray (see entry for 27 Jan. 1790). "The bearer of the letter ought to be a man of real talents and judgment. Although the ostensible object of his mission should be the charge of the letter, yet the real object should be much more extensive. He should be capable of observing the effects of the proposition, on the mind of Mr. McGillivray and the other Chiefs. . . . The objects therefore of the mission require an important character who although not invested with any apparently dignified public commission ought to have such private powers and compensation as would be a sufficient inducement to a performance of the intended service" (DLC:GW). The choice as emissary fell on Marinus Willett (1740--1830), an Antifederalist New York merchant and veteran of the French and Indian War and the Revolution. Willett's mission proved successful. McGillivray found him "a Candid and Benevolent Character possessing abilitys but without Show or parade" and agreed to accompany him to New York (McGillivray to William Panton, 8 May 1790, CAUGHEY, 259--62).
Thursday 11th. A Letter from Arthur Campbell Esqr. of Washington County Virginia to the Secretary at War was put into my
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hands by the latter containing the following information--the letter dated 6th. Feb. 90.
That half the Cherokee Nation wd. desire to remain Neutre in case of a war between the United States and the Creek Indians--viz.--Those in the Neighbourhood of Chota & all those which are called the Middle Settlements. The Towns on the Tennessee below Hiuassee, & those on the heads of the Caussa would aid the Creeks.
That from the Long Island in Holstein to the Junction of French Broad the Navigation is equal to that of Monongahela between the Mouth of Cheat & Pitsburgh. Below it it is exceeding good to where the River passes through Cumberland Mountain, a distance of about 150 Miles by Water. Here the River runs with great rapidity against a steep rock which forms its bank and makes a short turn & gives this place the name of the Whirl; the River here not being more than the 4th. of its common breadth above below it is very deep but not dangerous with care.
That from this place the river moves with a gentle current Southerly near the foot of the Cumberland Mountn. on the West side for about 100 Miles (something Eastwardly of this distance the Mountain ends) then it begins to turn Northwardly 100 miles more to the upper end of the Muscle shoals.
That these Muscle shoals are gentle rapids for about 30 miles, and the difficulty lays in strangers missing the right Channel--the River being 2 Miles wide & full of small Islands.
That the Creek landing on the Tennessee, is about 80 Miles below the Whirl, from whence there is a good road to the Caussa, on the branches of which, and the Alibama river (both waters of the Mobile) most of the Upper Creeks live.
That below the Muscle shoals a Row boat of any size may ascend the river with almost the same facility it passes downwards.
That from Nashville to the lower settlements on Holstein the New road is computed 180 miles. Miro is the name of the District.
That from Nashville to the Muscle Shoals is 70 Miles.
That it is the upper Creeks generally, the Cherokees of the lower towns to wit Chickamaga, Nickgjack & Crows Town, that give annoyance to the Southern Settlements at Kentucky, the Path through the Wilderness, and the Holstein Settlements.
That the Miro District (which contains all the Cumberland Settlements) can raise 800 good Militia men--total number of Inhabitants may be abt. 4000 besides Slaves.
That Washington District in North Carolina contains 4000
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Mila. and Washington District in Virginia about 2000 Do.--The two latter mostly in Holstein Valley.
That Kentucky District has betwn. Eight & 10,000 Men.
That in his opinion, a Regiment of Militia could be raised to go against the Southern Indians to serve one Campaign in Six weeks after the officers should receive orders for the purpose and that before the expiration of that time 560 Regular Troops could be enlisted to serve three years or better--call them Rangers. The light Infantry Companies & Troops of horse in the different western Counties might be ordered into Service agreeable to the existing Laws of Virga. Out of these a fine Ranging Regiment might be Enlisted.
That the Distances, as computed, from place to place are as follow--viz.
The following Gentlemen dined here to day--viz.
Mr. Read of the Senate, the Speaker, and following Gentlemen of the House of Representatives--viz.--Messrs. Gilman, Goodhue,
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Aimes Wadsworth, Trumbull, Benson, Lawrence, Peter Muhlenberg, Wynkoop Vining, Carroll, Contee, Madison Page & Sumpter--also Judge Bedford and Mr. John Trumbull.
Arthur Campbell (1742--1811) was born in Augusta County, Va., and was active in Indian fighting on the Virginia frontier until c.1777 when he moved to North Carolina and settled near the Holston River in what is now Washington County, Va. He soon became a leading land speculator and spokesman for frontier interests and served frequently in the North Carolina Assembly. He was involved as early as 1782 in the movement to separate the western part of North Carolina from the state and in the mid-1780s became a leading proponent of the State of Franklin. His letter to Knox has not been found.
John Vining (1758--1802), a New Castle County, Del., attorney and a native of Dover, served in the Continental Congress 1784--86. Mr. Carroll is Daniel Carroll (1730--1796), cousin of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who had been elected as a Federalist Representative to the First Congress. Benjamin Contee (1755--1815), a native of Prince George's County, Md., served in the 3d Maryland Battalion during the Revolution, in the Maryland House of Delegates 1785--87, and in the Continental Congress 1788--89. Thomas Sumter (1734--1832) was born near Charlottesville, Va., but moved in 1765 to the area of Eutaw Springs, S.C. He had a notable military career during the Revolution both in the Continental Army where he held the rank of colonel and as a brigadier general in the South Carolina militia, operating with considerable success against Banastre Tarleton and Lord Rawdon after the British invasion of South Carolina. After the Revolution he founded Stateburg, S.C., and became heavily involved in canal ventures and land speculation. Sumter was a member of the South Carolina Ratifying Convention and was elected from South Carolina to the First Congress where he became a spokesman for South Carolina Antifederalists. Gunning Bedford, Jr. (1747--1812), a native of Philadelphia, graduated from Princeton in 1771, studied law in Philadelphia with Joseph Reed, and moved to Delaware shortly before the Revolution. He served in the Continental Congress 1783--85 and as attorney general of Delaware 1784--89. Bedford was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and to the Delaware Ratifying Convention the same year. In 1789 GW appointed him federal judge for the district of Delaware.
Friday the 12th. Exercised in the Post Chaise with Mrs. Washington from 10 Oclock till near 12.
Signed the Passport which was to be committed to Colo. Willet for Mr. McGillivray and other Chiefs of the Greek Nation of Indians, and other Papers necessary for his setting out on this business.
A Pretty numerous company of Visiters this evening to Mrs. Washington Levee.
Saturday 13th. Exercised about 11 Oclock with Mrs. Washington & the Children, in the Coach.
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Sunday 14th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. Wrote letters on private business afterwards.
Monday 15th. Received an Address from the Roman Catholics of the United States presented by Mr. Carroll of the Senate, Mr. Carroll & Mr. Fitzimmons of the House of Representatives, and many others, Inhabitants of the City of New York.
Received a letter from the Executive of the State of Pensylvania, by the hands of a Mr. Ryerson one of the Representatives of that State in Assembly, respecting the exposed state of the County of Washington. This letter I sent to the Secretary of War to be laid before Congress.
I also received from the Speaker of the Assembly of Pensylvania, an Act, adopting the Amendments to the Constitution as proposed by Congress, except the first article thereof.
And Mr. Few, Senator from the State of Georgia, presented me with the Copy of an Address from that State requiring to knw. when it would be convenient for me to receive it in form. Finding it out of the usual style--State politics being blended there with, I informed Mr. Few that as soon as I could make it convenient to receive it He should have notice thereof.
ROMAN CATHOLICS: The undated complimentary address was signed by Bishop John Carroll, representing the Roman Catholic clergy, and by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Daniel Carroll, Thomas Fitzsimons, and Dominick Lynch, in behalf of the Roman Catholic laity (DLC:GW). GW's reply, also undated, is in MdBAr. EXECUTIVE OF THE STATE OF PENSYLVANIA: Gov. Thomas Mifflin wrote GW "in Council" on 10 Mar. 1790, "transmitting to your Excellency a Letter which has been addressed to the Executive of this State by several very respectable Inhabitants of the County of Washington in Pennsylvania; in which they represent 'that many mischiefs have taken place in that County for several years past from the hostile incursions of the Indians, and that from the present aspect of Indian affairs in the western and South western Countries, the same are likely to continue' and request 'the interposition of Council with the President'" (DLC:GW). Knox delivered the letters to the House of Representatives on 16 Mar. 1790, where they were read and ordered to lie on the table (DE PAUW, 3:329). The letters were delivered to GW by Thomas Ryerson, who represented Washington County in the Pennsylvania Assembly. The act of the Pennsylvania legislature, 10 Mar. 1790, ratifying ten of the proposed amendments to the Constitution, is printed, with accompanying documents, in DE PAUW, 3:330--32. Pennsylvania failed to ratify the first two of the proposed amendments (see entry for 15 Feb. 1790). ADDRESS: Presumably this is the address to the president drafted in the Georgia General Assembly 22 Dec. 1789 (DLC:GW). After the usual compliments to GW, the assembly complained of Creek incursions on Georgia's frontiers. "On this subject we wish to be delicate; much has been already said--we have objected, and it has been contradicted; removed ata distance from the centre our actions have been liable to misrepresentation;
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but we trust that by this time, they are better explained. In the meantime while our population has been checked and our agriculture diminished--the blood of our citizens has been spilled, our public resources greatly exhausted; and our frontiers still open to fresh ravages. The failure of the late negociations for a peace with the Creek nation and the circumstances which attended the same, are the best evidence of the necessity of our measures, and a proof of the late hostile dispositions of these People. . . . Another circumstance of additional calamity attendant on our being the south frontier of the Union, is the facility of our black people crossing the spanish line, from whence we have never been able to reclaim them. . . . We take this occasion of bringing this business into view, with a perfect reliance, that you will cause such discussions to be made, as shall be necessary to bring about a remedy." Since Georgia was widely accused of provoking Indian retaliation by permitting settlement on Indian lands and by military excursions into Creek territory, GW's undated reply was carefully noncommittal, promising only to "make such use of the powers vested in me by the constitution as may appear to me best calculated to promote the public good" (DLC:GW).
Tuesday 16th. Exercised on horseback between 10 & 12 Oclock. Previous to this, I was visited (having given permisn.) by a Mr. Warner Mifflin, one of the People called Quakers; active in pursuit of the Measures laid before Congress for emancipating the Slaves. After much general conversation, and an endeavor to remove the prejudices which he said had been entertained of the motives by which the attending deputation from their Society were actuated, he used Arguments to shew the immoralty--injustice and impolicy of keeping these people in a state of Slavery; with declarations, however, that he did not wish for more than a graduel abolition, or to see any infraction of the Constitution to effect it. To these I replied, that as it was a matter which might come before me for official decision I was not inclined to express any sentimts. on the merits of the question before this should happen.
The day being bad, not many Visiters attended the Levee. At it Mr. Smith of South Carolina presented the Copy of an Address from the Intendant and [ ] of the City of Charleston, and was told that I would receive it in form on Thursday at 11 Oclock.
Warner Mifflin (1745--1798), a prominent Quaker abolitionist, was born in Accomack County, Va. His father was a prosperous planter who held over 100 slaves; as a young man Mifflin became interested in the abolition movement and persuaded his father to free the family slaves. Although he generally eschewed political action, abstaining from voting on the ground that participation in government might be construed as support of slaveholding interests, he was instrumental in presenting a series of antislavery petitions to the Continental Congress during the Confederation (MIFFLIN; JONES [3], 326). The journal of the House of Representatives for 11 Feb. 1790 notes
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that "memorials of the people called Quakers, in their annual meetings, held at Philadelphia and New-York, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, were presented to the House and read, praying the attention of Congress in adopting measures for the abolition of the slave trade, and in particular in restraining vessels from being entered and cleared out, for the purposes of that trade." On 12 Feb. the memorial was referred to a committee, together with a memorial from the Quakers' New York meeting. The committee reported, 23 Mar., stating that Congress had no authority to interfere with the slave trade until 1808 when, as the Constitution provided, the trade would be abolished. Furthermore, the report continued, Congress had no authority to interfere with the states in matters concerning the slaves' welfare, although the members "have the fullest confidence in the wisdom and humanity of the Legislatures of the Several States, that they will revise their laws from time to time, when necessary, and promote the objects mentioned in the memorials, and every other measure that may tend to the happiness of slaves." The memorials and report met the fate of most other Quakerpetitions on slavery; it was ordered that they "do lie on the table" (DE PAUW, 3:294--96, 316, 321, 333--37, 340--41). GW wrote David Stuart, 28 Mar., that the "memorial of the Quakers (and a very mal-apropos one it was) has at length been put to sleep, and will scarcely awake before the year 1808" (DLC:GW).
The document transmitted by Sen. William Loughton Smith was "The address of the Intendant [Thomas Jones] and Wardens of the city of Charleston, South-Carolina," dated in the city council 18 Feb. 1790, congratulating GW on his election as president (DLC:GW). GW's undated reply is also in DLC:GW.
Wednesday 17th. Gave Mr. Few Notice that I would receive the Address of the Legislature of Georgia tomorrow at half after ten oclock.
Sent to both House[s] of Congress the Ratification of the State of Pennsylvania of the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the Union.
Thursday 18th. At half past 10 I received the address of the Legislature of Georgia--presented by Mr. Few the Senator & the 3 representatives of the State in Congress.
At 11 Oclock the Address from the Intendent and Wardens of the City of Charleston was presented by Mr. Smith.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz--Messrs. Livermore, Foster, Patridge, Thatcher, Shirman, Fitzimmons, Hartley, Seney, Lee, Burke, Tucker, Baldwin, Jackson & Mathews of the Representatives in Congress and Mr. Otis Secretary of the Senate, and Mr. Beckley Clerk of the House of Representatives.
In the Evening (about 8 Oclk.) I went with Mrs. Washington to the assembly where there were betwn. 60 & 70 Ladies & many Gentlemen.
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ADDRESS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF GEORGIA: See entry for 25 Mar. 1790. Georgia's three representatives were George Mathews, James Jackson, and Abraham Baldwin.
Friday 19th. Exercised on Horseback betwn. 9 and 11 Oclock.
Information being given by Mr. Van Berkel, that Mr. Cazenove just arrived from Holland, and of a principal Mercantile House there had letters for me which he wished to deliver with his own hands and requesting to know when he might be presented for that purpose. It was thought, before this should be done, it might be proper to know whether they were of a public nature, and whether he was acting in a public character. If so, then to let them come to me through the Secretary of State--if not, then for him to send them, that the purport might be known before he was introduced, which might be at the next Levee when he might be received & treated agreeably to the consequence he might appear to derive from the testimonial of the letters. It being conceived that etiquette of this sort is essential with all foreigners to give respect to the Chief Majestrate and the dignity of the Government, which would be lessened if every person who could procure a letter of introduction should be presented otherwise than at Levee hours in a formal manner.
Theophile Cazenove (1740--1811) was born in Amsterdam and from 1763 to 1788 operated a leading brokerage firm in that city. Serious business reverses in the latter year led him to accept a commission as agent in the United States for a number of Dutch bankers, including Pieter Stadnitski & Son and Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, who were interested in the purchase of American securities and in investment in various American enterprises. In 1792 Cazenove was appointed agent in purchasing western lands for the six Dutch banking houses that banded together in 1796 as the Holland Land Company. Cazenove arrived in the United States early in 1790, carrying numerous letters of introduction to American financiers (see EVANS [3], 3--7).
Saturday 20th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children.
Sunday 21st. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon. Wrote private letters in the afternoon.
Received Mr. Jefferson, Minister of State about one Oclock.
Shortly after his return to the United States in 1789 (see entry for 7 Oct. 1789), Jefferson received GW's letter of 13 Oct. 1789 offering him the post of secretary of state (DLC: Jefferson Papers). Jefferson, who preferred to return to Paris, somewhat reluctantly indicated he was willing to serve, "but when I contemplate the extent of that office, embracing as it does the principal mass of domestic administration, together with the foreign, I cannot be insensible
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Thomas Jefferson, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
of my inequality to it. . . my chief comfort will be to work under your eye, my only shelter the authority of your name, and the wisdom of measures to be dictated by you, and implicitly executed by me. . . I do not see that the matters which have called me hither will permit me to shorten the stay I originally asked; that is to say, to set out on my journey Northward till the month of March. As early as possible in that month I shall have the
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honor of paying my respects to you in New York" (Jefferson to GW, 15 Dec. 1789, DLC:GW). For the circumstances of Jefferson's acceptance, see JEFFERSON [1], 16:169--70; GW to Jefferson, 21 Jan. 1790, DLC: Jefferson Papers; Jefferson to GW, 14 Feb. 1790, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters. Jefferson left Virginia early in March and arrived in New York today.
Monday 22d. Sat for Mr. Trumbell for my Picture in his Historical pieces--after which conversed for more than an hour with Mr. Jefferson on business relative to the duties of his office.
Tuesday 23d. A full, & very respectable Levee to day--previous to which I had a conversation with the Secretary of State on the following points, viz--
First, with respect to our Captives in Algiers, in which, after detailing their situation--the measures he had taken for their relief and the train in which the business was in by means of a Genl. [ ] who is at the head of a religious society in France whose practice it is to sollicit aids for the relief of the unfortunate Christians in captivity among the Barbarians, it was concluded betwn. us, that it had better remain in that train a while longer. This person had been authorised to go as far as about £150 Sterlg. each, for the ransom of our Captives; but the Algerines demanding a much larger sum it was conceived that acceding to it might establish a precedent which would always operate and be very burthensome if yielded to; and become a much stronger inducement to captivate our People than they now have, as it is more for the sake of the ransom than for the labour, that they make Slaves of the Prisoners. Mr. Short was to be written to on this Subject, and directed to make enquiry of this General [ ] what his expectations of redemption are at present.
Second--He is of opinion, that excepting the Court of France, there is no occasion to employ higher grades in the Diplomatic line than Chargé des affaires; and that these, by the respectibility of their appointments, had better be at the head of their grade, than Ministers Plenipotentiaries by low Salaries at the foot of theirs. The reason of the distinction, in favor of a Minister Plenipo at Versailles, is, that there are more Ambassadors at that Court than any other and therefore that we ought in some measure to approximate our Representative and besides, its being a Court with which we have much to do.
Third--With respect to the appointment of Consels he refers to a letter on the nature of this business--the places where necessary--and the characters best entitled to appointmts. which he
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had written on the Subject, while in France, to the Secretary of Foreign affairs.
Fourth--That it might be advisable to direct Mr. Charmichael to Sound the Spanish Ministry with respect to the obstacles which had hitherto impeded a Commercial Treaty to see if there was any disposition in them to relax in their Territorial claims & exclusive right to the Navigation of the River Missisipi.
FIRST: The Algerian captives were the 21 officers and men of two American ships--the Maria out of Boston and the Dauphin out of Philadelphia--that had been captured by Algerian corsairs off the coast of Africa in 1785. Fearing that the seamen, already held as slaves in Algiers, might be sold south into the interior of Africa, the United States government made several unsuccessful attempts to ransom them during the Confederation (ASP, FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1:100--104). By Dec. 1788 six of the captives were dead (Thomas Jefferson to Pčre Chauvier, 27 Dec. 1788, JEFFERSON [1], 14:395--97). Pčre Chauvier was the "Général et Grand Ministre" of the Order de La Sainte Trinité de la Redemption des Captifs, usually called the Mathurins. In 1786--88, while he was United States minister to France, Jefferson had discussed with members of the order the possibility that they might assist in redeeming the prisoners, and in Dec. 1788 he opened negotiations with Pčre Chauvier (JEFFERSON [1], 14:401--2). A recapitulation of Jefferson's efforts on behalf of the captives is in his "Report on American Captives in Algiers," 28 Dec. 1790 (JEFFERSON [1], 18:430--36).
William Short (1759--1849), a native of Surry County, Va., and a 1779 graduate of the College of William and Mary, accompanied Thomas Jefferson to Paris in 1784 where he served as his secretary and later as secretary of legation. When Jefferson returned to the United States, Short was left to represent the United States in France with the rank of chargé d'affaires (DE PAUW, 2:8--9).
SECOND: GW was undoubtedly concerned with Jefferson's opinion on diplomatic appointments because of discussion aroused by a bill for "providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations" (DE PAUW, 3:269). Introduced in Jan. 1790, the bill (House Bill No.35) had engendered extensive and sometimes acrimonious debate on the appointment of American diplomats abroad and the manner in which they were to be paid. The bill involved constitutional questions as to whether the president should determine the rank and emoluments for diplomatic appointments or whether this was to be a function of Congress as had been the case during the Confederation (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:1004--5, 1113, 1118--30, 2:1526; MACLAY, 248). On 31 Mar. 1790 "the committee to whom was re-committed the bill 'providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations,' presented an amendatory bill to the same effect, which was received and read the first time" (House Bill No. 52). See DE PAUW, 3:351. Debates in the House and Senate on the amended bill dragged on until the passage of "An Act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations" (1 STAT. 128 [1] July 1790]).
THIRD: Jefferson's letter to John Jay, 14 Nov. 1788, detailed Jefferson's views on a consular establishment and suggested individuals who might fill consular posts in France (JEFFERSON [1], 14:56--66). 52
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William Carmichael (c. 1738--1795), of Queen's County, Md., served in the Continental Congress 1778--79 and as John Jay's secretary in Spain in 1779. In Sept. 1789 GW appointed him chargé d'affaires in Madrid.
Wednesday 24th. Prevented from Riding by the unfavourableness of the Weather.
Thursday 25th. Went in the forenoon to the Consecration of Trinity Church, where a Pew was constructed, and set apart for the President of the United Sts.
Received from the Senate their opinion and advice on the Papers which had been submitted to them respecting the Incroachments on the Eastern boundary of the United States, and the disputes consequent thereof.
And from a Comee. of Congress two Acts--one for establishing the mode for uniformity in Naturalization of Foreigners--the other Making appropriations for the support of Government for the year 1790. By this last was Grantd.
The following Company dined here to day--viz--
The Chief Justice Jay & his Lady Genl. Schuyler & his Lady, the Secretary of the Treasury & his Lady, the Secretary of War & his Lady & Mrs. Greene The Secretary of State (Mr. Jefferson) Mr. Carroll & Mr. Henry of the Senate Judge Wilson, Messrs. Madison & Page of the Ho. of Representatives, and Colo. Smith Marshall of the District.
TRINITY CHURCH: See entry for 4 Oct. 1789. The Senate referred GW's letters of 9 and 18 Feb. (see entry for 18 Feb. 1790) concerning British encroachment on the northeast boundary of the United States to a Senate committee for consideration. The committee reported, 9 Mar., and on 24 Mar. the
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Senate advised that steps be taken to settle the boundary line with Britain as soon as possible, that it should be suggested to the British court that if the dispute could not be otherwise settled, a joint commission should be appointed to consider the matter, and that testimony as to the location of the St. Croix River be collected in anticipation of discussions between the two powers (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:983, 984--85, 989, 994). TWO ACTS: 1 STAT. 103--4 (26 Mar. 1790). Section 6 of the 1790 Appropriations Act provided the above sums for "Jehoiakim M'Toksin, in full compensation for his services as an interpreter and guide in the expedition commanded by Major-general Sullivan, in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine," and for Mathers and Dalley "for services during the late recess of Congress" (1 STAT. 104--6 [26 Mar. 1790]).
Friday 26th. Had a further Conversation with the Secretary of State on the subject of Foreign appointments, and on the Provision which was necessary for Congress to make for them--the result of which was that under all circumstances it might be best to have Ministers Plenipy. at the Courts of France and England (if any advances from the latter should be made) And Chargés des Affaires in Spain & Portugal--Whether it might be necessary to send a Person in this character to Holland--one in the character of Resident--or simply a person well Skilled in commercial matters in any other character being questionable; nothing finally was decided--but it was concluded that the Secretary's information to a Committee of Congress with whom he was to converse on the subject of the Provision to be made, that the Salaries allowed to our Diplomatic characters was too low--that the Grades which wd. be fixed on, to transact our Affairs abroad would be as low as they cd. be made without giving umbrage that therefore, about 36,000 dollrs. might answer as a provision for the characters to the Courts before named--or that it might take forty nine or 50,000 dollars if it should be found that the lower grades will not answer.
The company this evening was thin, especially of Ladies.
FOREIGN APPOINTMENTS: See entry for 23 Mar. 1790.
Saturday 27th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children.
Sunday 28th. Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon.
Monday 29th. Exercised on Horseback in the forenoon and called at Colo. Walton Whites.
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Tuesday 30th. Exercised in the Post Chaise with Mrs. Washington.
The Company at the Levee to day was numerous & respectable.
Wednesday 31st. Exercised on Horseback.
Thursday the First. Received from a Comee. of both Houses of Congress the following Acts. viz--"An Act to accept a Cession of the Claims of the State of No. Carolina to a certain District of Western Territory" and an "Act to prevent the exportation of Goods not duly inspected according to the Laws of the several States."
Communicated to both Houses of Congress a letter from the Govr. of So. Carolina, enclosing the adoption of the amendments by that State agreeably to the recommendation of Congress.
The following Company dined here to day. viz.
Governor Clinton, the Speakers of the Senate & House of Representatives of the State of New York Judge Duane, Baron de Steuben and Mr. Arthur Lee--Mr. King of the Senate, and the following Members of the House of Representatives--Mr. Leonard, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Grout, Mr. Van Rensalaer, Mr. Hathorn, Mr. Clymer, Mr. Heister, Mr. Stone, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Ash, and Mr. Huger.
ACTS: 1 STAT. 106--9 (2 April 1790); 1 STAT. 106 (2 April 1790). LETTER FROM THE GOVR.: Charles Pinckney to GW, 28 Jan. 1790, enclosed a resolution of the South Carolina legislature, 18 Jan. (DNA: RG 233, Journals, 1st Congress). GW sent the documents to the House 1 April (DE PAUW, 3:253).
The speaker of the New York Senate was Isaac Roosevelt. Gulian Verplanck was speaker of the legislature.
Arthur Lee was living at this time on his estate, Lansdowne, in Middlesex County, Va., and at Alexandria. He may have come to New York to see his brother Richard Henry Lee, now a member of Congress, who had been "brought near to my grave by a severe illness" (Richard Henry Lee to Arthur Lee, 19 May 1790, ViU: Lee Family Papers; BALLAGH, 2:510).
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (1738--1810), representative to the First Congress from New York, graduated from Princeton in 1758 and served in the New York Assembly in 1789.
John Hathorn (1749--1825), a Federalist who also represented New York in the House of Representatives, served in the New York militia during the Revolution, in the New York Assembly in 1778--80, 1782--85, 1795, 1805, and in the New York Senate 1786--90, 1799--1803.
John Baptista Ashe (1748--1802) was born in Rocky Point, N.C. Ashe
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served as a colonel in the North Carolina militia during the Revolution and in the North Carolina House of Commons 1784--86. In 1787 he was a member of the Continental Congress and in 1789 was elected as a Federalist to the First Congress.
Friday 2d. Deposited the above Acts in the Secretary of States Office and informed the Houses of Congress thereof.
But a thin company this Evening, on acct. of the badness of the weather & its being good friday.
Saturday 3d. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children.
Gave notice to the Senate House of Congress that I had given my assent to the Act accepting the Cession of No. Carolina & to the other House that I had passed the Bill to prevent the exportation of Goods not duly inspected according to the Laws of the several States--these being the Houses in wch. they respectively originated.
Received from the Governor of the State of New York, three Acts of its Legislature--One adopting the Amendments (except the 2d.) proposed by Congress--another Ceding the Light House at the Hook to the United States and the third authorising & commanding the Goalers throughout the State to receive & safe keep Prisoners committed under the Authority of the United States.
GW's message assenting to "An Act to accept a cession of the claims of the State of North-Carolina to a certain district of Western territory" was read in the Senate on 3 April 1790 (DE PAUW, 1:274--75; see also entry for 29 Jan. and 1 April 1790). GW's message assenting to "An act to prevent the exportation of goods not duly inspected according to the laws of the several States" was read in the House on 3 April (DE PAUW, 3:355).
Gov. George Clinton's letter to GW, 2 April 1790, is in DNA: RG 46, Entry 5, President's Messages. It enclosed "An act declaring it to be the duty of the sheriffs of the several counties within this State to receive, and safe keep such prisoners as shall be committed under the authority of the United States," passed 20 Mar. 1790; "An act for vesting in the United States of America, the light-house, and lands thereunto belonging, at Sandy Hook," passed 26 Mar. 1790; and "An act ratifying certain articles in addition to, and amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress," passed 27 Mar. 1790. The letters and enclosures were read in the House of Representatives 5 April 1790 (DE PAUW, 3:346--47).
Sunday 4th. At home all day--unwell.
Monday 5th. Exercised with Mrs. Washington in the Post Chaize.
Sent duplicates of the Acts received (as above) from the Executive
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of New York to both Houses of Congress for their information; & deposited the originals in the Secretary of States Office.
Tuesday 6th. Sat for Mr. Savage, at the request of the Vice-President, to have my Portrait drawn for him.
The Company at the Levee to day was thin. The day was bad.
The portrait for which GW sat today was painted by Edward Savage for John Adams and hung by the Adamses in their home in Quincy, Mass. (see EISEN, 2:458).
Wednesday 7th. Exercised with Mrs. Washington in the Post Chaise.
Thursday 8th. The following Company dined here viz--of the House of representatives--Mr. Gerry, Mr. Huntingdon, Mr. Cadwalader, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Sinnickson, Mr. Scott, Mr. Gale, Mr. Parker, Mr. Moore, & Mr. Brown--of the Treasury Department, the Comptroller (Mr. Eveleigh) the Auditor (Mr. Wolcot), & the Register Mr. Nourse and of the Commissioners of Accts. Genl. Irvine and Mr. Kean--together with Mr. Gore, Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
Nicholas Eveleigh (C. 1748--1791), of Charleston, S.C., served in South Carolina regiments 1775--78 and in the South Carolina General Assembly in 1781. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress 1781--82 and served as comptroller of the treasury from 1789 to 1791.
Joseph Nourse (1754--1841) was born in England and immigrated to America with his parents, James Nourse (1731--1784) and Sarah Fouace Nourse (d. 1784) in 1769, settling on a plantation near Charles Town in what is now Berkeley County, W.Va. During the Revolution, Nourse served as aide to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee 1776 and clerk of the Board of War 1777--81. On 11 Sept. 1789 GW appointed him auditor of the Treasury (DE PAUW, 2:38--39, 552--53; LYLE, 199--202).
William Irvine (1741--1804), a native of Ireland and a graduate of Dublin University, served as a surgeon in the British navy before he immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1763, settling in Carlisle. During the Revolution he was a brigadier general in the Continental Army and after the war was a member of the Continental Congress 1786--88. John Kean (1756--1795), a Charleston, S.C., merchant, was a member of the Continental Congress 1785--87. On 9 Sept. 1788 Irvine was appointed by the Continental Congress one of three commissioners to settle state accounts with Congress under the terms of "An Ordinance for Settling the Accounts between the United States and the Individual States," 7 May 1787 (JCC, 32:262--66, 34:502). Under the provisions of "An Act for settling the Accounts between the United States and individual States" (1 STAT. 49 [5 Aug. 1789]), the president was empowered to fill vacancies in the board of commissioners, and on 7 Aug. 1789 he appointed John Kean to the position on the board left vacant by Abraham Baldwin's election to Congress (DE PAUW, 2:25--26). Both Irvine and Kean
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Edward Savage's portraits of George and Martha Washington. (The Adams National Historic Site, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior)
were appointed in Aug. 1790 as commissioners of accounts under "An Act to provide more effectually for the settlement of the Accounts between the United States and the individual States" (1 STAT. 178--79 [5 Aug. 1790]; DE PAUW, 2:92).
Christopher Gore (1758--1827), a 1776 graduate of Harvard, practiced law in Boston. He was a member of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention in 1788 and served in the state legislature 1788--89. A leading Massachusetts
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Federalist, he was deeply involved in support of Federalist policies in state politics. In Sept. 1789 GW, V appointed him United States attorney for the district of Massachusetts (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:29).
Friday 9th. Exercised on Horseback in the forenoon.
Received the "Act for the encouragement of Arts from a Comee. of Congress."
The company who visited Mrs. Washington this afternoon was very numerous--both of Gentlemen & Ladies.
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ACT: This statute, the first patent law, provided the administrative machinery for registering patents and granted inventors for any term not exceeding 14 years "the sole and exclusive right and liberty of making, constructing, using and vending to others to be used, the said invention or discovery" (1 STAT. 109--12 [10 April 1789]).
Saturday 10th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children. Walked in the afternoon around the Battery and through some of the principal Streets of the City.
In the Afternoon the Secretary of State submitted for my approbation Letters of credence for Mr. Short as Charges de affaires at the Court of Versailles, & his own Letter to Monsr. Montmorin taking leave of that Court both directed to that Minister--also to Mr. Short on the Subject of our Prisoners at Algiers. And at Night he submitted the Copy of a letter he had drafted to Mr. Carmichael respecting the Governor of the Island of Juan Fernandez who had been disgraced & recalled from his government of that Island for having permitted the ship Washington which had suffered in a storm to put into that Port to repair the damages she had sustained in it, & to recruit her wood & water. This Ship belonged to Barrel & Co. of Boston.
Although the documents submitted by Jefferson, all dated before 10 April 1790, were enclosed in a letter to GW dated 5 April, it is likely that the secretary of state held the drafts and submitted them to the president on this day (see JEFFERSON [1], 16:310n). Jefferson's two letters to Armand Marc, comte de Montmorin Saint-Herem, French minister for foreign affairs, 6 April, announcing his recall, are in JEFFERSON [1], 16:313--15. Jefferson may also have submitted for GW's approbation the draft of a letter from the president to Louis XVI, 6 April, notifying the court of Jefferson's recall (DNA: RG 59, Diplomatic and Consular Instructions). In his letter to William Short, 6 April (JEFFERSON [1], 16:315--17), Jefferson instructed him to continue to press for the relief of American prisoners at Algiers (see entry for 23 Mar. 1790).
Jefferson's letter to William Carmichael, 11 April 1790, is in JEFFERSON [1], 16:329--30. The letter concerned the Columbia, commanded by Capt. John Kendrick, and the Lady Washington, commanded by Capt. Robert Gray, both of which left Boston in 1787 on their way to the west coast of North America to open a fur trade with Russian settlements there. The Lady Washington, damaged in a storm in the vicinity of the Juan Fernandez Islands off the west coast of Chile, had been permitted by Gov. Don Bias Gonzalez to put into one of the islands' ports for repairs. "For this act of common hospitality," Jefferson informed Carmichael, "he was immediately deprived of his government unheard, by superior order, and remains still under disgrace."
Sunday 11th. Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon and [wrote] several private letters in the afternoon.
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Monday 12th. Exercised on Horse-back after which did business with the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments. The latter was directed to authorize the Judge of the Western district Harry Innis to permit the County Lieutenants of that District to employ 4 Scouts in each of the Frontier Counties for the purpose of discovering the movements of the Indians & giving the alarm in case they are about. The other Frontier Counties along the River Ohio Fast side above the Kentucke district was also authorized to keep out the same Number of Scouts.
The Secretary of State submitted the draught of a Report to me, which fie was about to make to the House of Representatives in Congress consequent of a letter & other Papers which had been refered to him on the subject of Coinage--which report appeared to me to be sensible & proper.
Harry Innes (1753--1816) was at this time United States judge for the district of Kentucky, a post he held from 1789 to 1816. Innes was born in Caroline County, Va., and studied law there but moved to Bedford County, Va., where he began practice and held a number of local offices. In 1784 he was state attorney general for the western district and in 1785 moved to Kentucky, where he became involved in the so-called Spanish Conspiracy and in the struggle for Kentucky statehood. Knox wrote to Innes authorizing the scouts, 13 April 1790 (VSP, 5:133). REPORT: On 8 April 1790 the House of Representatives ordered Jefferson to report on a letter from John H. Mitchell of South Carolina to Thomas Tudor Tucker, 22 Mar. 1790, "reciting certain proposals of Matthew Boulton, of the Kingdom of Great Britain, for supplying the United States with copper coinage to any amount that government shall think fit to contract with him for" (DE PAUW, 3:360). Jefferson's "Report on Copper Coinage," 14 April 1790, advised that although Boulton's abilities appeared equal to his proposals, it was imperative that the coinage of the United States be managed at home rather than in a foreign country. For this reason "he is of opinion, the present proposals should be declined." The report was read and tabled in the House 15 April (DE PAUW, 3:368). Mitchell's letter and Jefferson's report are in JEFFERSON [1], 16:342--48.
Tuesday 13th. Exercised on Horseback about 10 Oclock.
A good deal of Company at the Levee to day.
Received from the Joint Committee of Congress "An act furthr. to suspend pt. of an Act entitled, An Act to regulate the Collectn. of the Duties imposed by Law on the Tonnage of Ships &ca. &ca.
According to the journal of the House of Representatives the joint committee for enrolled bills brought the enrolled bill "An act further to suspend part of an act, entitled 'An act to regulate the collection of the duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandizes imported into the United States,' and to amend the said act" to GW on Wednesday, 14 April, rather than Tuesday, 13 April (DE PAUW, 3:368).
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Wednesday 14th. Exercised in the Post Chaise with Mrs. Washington.
Thursday 15th. Returned the above Act (presented to me on Tuesday) to the House of Representatives in Congress in which it originated with my approbation & signature.
The following Company dined here to day--viz--
The Vice President & Lady, the Chief Justice of the United States & Lady, Mr. Izard & Lady, Mr. Dalton and Lady, Bishop Provost & Lady, Judge Griffin & Lady Christina, Colo. Griffin & Lady, Colo. Smith & Lady, The Secretary of State, Mr. Langdon Mr. King, & Major Butler. Mrs. King was invited but was indisposed.
Bishop Samuel Provoost married in England in 1766 Maria Bousfield of County Cork, Ire., daughter of Thomas Bousfield, a member of the Irish House of Commons.
Friday 16th. Had a long conference with the Secretary of State on the subject of Diplomatic appointments & on the proper places & characters for Consuls or Vice Consuls.
After which I exercised on Horseback.
The Visitors of Gentlemen and Ladies to Mrs. Washington this evening were very numerous.
CONFERENCE: See entries for 23 and 26 Mar. 1790.
Saturday 17th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children.
Sunday 18th. At home all day--the weather being very stormy & bad.
Wrote private letters.
Monday 19th. Prevented from beginning my tour upon long Island to day from the wet of yesterday and the unfavourableness of the Morning.
Conversed with the Secretary at War on the formation of the Troops proposed, by the amendments in the Senate to be Established.
The bill "for regulating the military establishment of the United States" was read in the Senate for the first time 26 Mar. 1790 and was sent to committee 30 Mar. The Senate committee reported 6 April and on 16 April it was sent back to committee. The amended bill passed the Senate 21 April (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:995, 996, 998, 1001).
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Tuesday 20th. About 8 Oclock (having previously sent over my Servants, Horses and Carriage I crossed to Brooklin and proceeded to Flat Bush--thence to Utrich--thence to Gravesend--thence through [ ] Jamaica where we lodged at a Tavern kept by one Warne--a pretty good and decent house. At the House of a Mr. Barre, at Utrich, we dined. The Man was obliging but little else to recommend it. He told me that their average Crop of Oats did not exceed 15 bushls. to the Acre but of Indian Corn they commonly made from 25 to 30 and often more bushels to the Acre but this was the effect of Dung from New York (about 10 Cart load to the Acre)--That of Wheat they sometimes got 30 bushels and often more of Rye.
The land after crossing the Hills between Brooklyn & flat Bush is perfectly level, and from the latter to Utrich, Gravesend and in short all that end of the Island is a rich black loam. Afterwards, between [ ] and the Jamaica Road it is more Sandy and appears to have less strength, but is still good & productive. The grain in general had suffered but little by the openess, and Rains of the Winter and the grass (clover &ca.) appeared to be coming on well. The Inclosures are small & under open Post & Rail fencing. The timber is chiefly Hiccory & Oak, mixed here and there
View of New York from Long Island; a nineteenth-century copy by Abram Hosier of a Saint-Mémin watercolor, c. 1794. (New-York Historical Society)
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with locust & Sasafras trees and in places with a good deal of Cedar. The Road until I came within a mile or two of the Jamaica Road, calld the middle road kept within sight of the Sea but the weather was so dull & at times Rainy that we lost much of the pleasures of the ride.
From Brooklyn to Flat bush is called 5 miles--thence to Utrich 6--to Gravesend 2 and from thence to Jamaica 14--in all this day 27 Miles.
Before I left New York this Morning I signed Commissions appointing Mr. Carmichael Chargé des Affaires at the Court of Versailles, & Mr. Short Chargé des Affaires at the Court of Versailles which though not usually given to Diplomatic characters of their Grades was yet made necessary in the opinion of the Secretary of State by an Act of Congress.
ONE WARNE: probably William Warne, who is listed in the 1790 census as living in Jamaica (HEADS OF FAMILIES N.Y., 150). MR. BARRE: The 1790 census for New Utrecht contains no entry for "Barre" but does list a William Barry, whose household consisted of eight whites and five slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.Y., 98).
Wednesday 21st. The Morning being clear & pleasant we left Jamaica about Eight O'clock, & pursued the Road to South Hempstead passing along the South edge of the plain of that name--a plain said to be 14 miles in length by 3 or 4 in breadth witht, a Tree or a Shrub growing on it except fruit trees (which do not thrive well) at the few settlemts, thereon. The Soil of this plain is said to be thin & cold and of course not productive, even in Grass. We baited in South Hemstead (10 Miles from Jamaica) at the House of one Simmonds, formerly a Tavern, now of private entertainment for Money. From hence turning off to the right we fell into the South Rd. at the distance of about five miles where we came in view of the Sea & continued to be so the remaining part of the days ride, and as near it as the road could run for the small bays, Marshes and guts, into which the tide flows at all times rendering it impassible from the height of it by the Easterly Winds. We dined at one Ketchums wch. had also been a public House but now a private one receivg. pay for what it furnished. This House was about 14 Miles from South Hemstead & a very neat & decent one. After dinner we proceeded to a Squire Thompsons such a House as the last, that is, one that is not public but will receive pay for every thing it furnishes in the same manner as if it was.
The Road in which I passed to day, and the Country were more
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mixed with sand than yesterday and the Soil of inferior quality; Yet with dung wch. all the Corn ground receives the land yields on an average 30 bushels to the Acre often more. Of Wheat they do not grow much on acct. of the Fly but the Crops of Rye are good.
ONE KETCHUMS: A number of Ketchams were living in Huntington in 1790 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.Y., 163--65). Fitzpatrick identifies the house as "Zebulon Ketcham's Inn" (DIARIES, 4:117, n.2). SQUIRE THOMPSONS: probably Judge Isaac Thompson's Apple Tree Neck farm in Islip. Thompson (1743--1816) married Mary Gardiner (d. 1786) in 1772, and five years after her death he married Sarah Bradnor, who died in 1819 (THOMPSON, 1:451; WERNER, 4:106). At the time of GW's visit, Thompson's household consisted of five whites and four slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.Y., 165).
Thursday 22d. About 8 Oclock we left Mr. Thompson's--halted a while at one Greens distant 11 Miles and dined Harts Tavern in Brookhaven town ship five miles farther. To this place we travelled on what is called the South road described yesterday but the Country through which it passed grew more and more Sandy and barren as we travelled Eastward, so as to become exceedingly poor indeed but a few miles further Eastward the lands took a different complexion we were informed. From Harts we struck across the Island for the No. side, passing the East end of the Brushey Plains and Koram 8 Miles--thence to Setakit 7 Mi. more to the House of a Captn. Roe which is tolerably dect. with obliging people in it. The first five Miles of the Road is too poor to admit Inhabitants or cultivation being a low scrubby Oak, not more than 2 feet high intermixed with small and ill thriven Pines. Within two miles of Koram there are farms but the land is of an indifferent quality much mixed with Sand. Koram contains but few houses. From thence to Setalket the Soil improves, especially as you approach the Sound; but is far from being of the first quality--still a good deal mixed with Sand. The road a cross from the So. to the No. Side is level, except a small part So. of Koram but the hills there are trifling.
HARTS TAVERN: probably run by Gilbert Hart, listed in the 1790 census for Brookhaven. Hart, whose household consisted of five whites, owned no slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.Y., 160).
Friday 23d. About 8 Oclock we left Roes, and baited the Horses at Smiths Town, at a Widow Blidenbergs--a decent House 10 Miles from Setalkat--thence 15 Miles to Huntington where we dined and afterwards proceeded Seven Miles to Oyster-bay, to the House of a Mr. Young (private & very neat and decent) where we
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lodged. The house we dined at in Huntingdon was kept by a Widow Platt and was tolerably good. The whole of this days ride was over uneven ground and none of it of the first quality but intermixed in places with pebble-stone. After passing Smithstown & for near five Miles it was a mere bed of white Sand, unable to produce trees 25 feet high; but a change for the better took place between that & Huntington, which is a sml. village at the head of the Harbour of that name and continued to improve to Oysterbay about which the Lands are good and in the Necks between these bays are said to be fine. It is here the Lloyds own a large & valuable tract, or Neck of Land from whence the British whilst they possessed New York drew large supplies of Wood and where, at present, it is said large flocks of Sheep are kept.
In the Long Island Sound between Oyster Bay and Huntington Bay, the peninsula known as Lloyd's Neck was divided among four brothers of the Lloyd family when the British attacked Long Island in Aug. 1776. During its occupation of the island, the British army despoiled the extensive stands of timber on the Lloyd farms. The 50,000-cord stand on the farms of Joseph Lloyd (1716--1780) and John Lloyd (1711--1795) was reduced to one quarter its original size (BARCK, 2:777--78) . Henry Lloyd (1709--1795), who remained a loyal subject of the king, received £5,834 14s. Id. for the loss of timber and other damages to his farm (BARCK, 2:828). The farm of James Lloyd (1728--1810) probably suffered similarly.
Saturday 24th. Left Mr. Youngs before 6 Oclock, and passing Musqueto Cove, breakfasted at a Mr. Underduncks at the head of a little bay; where we were kindly received and well entertained. This Gentleman works a Grist & two Paper Mills, the last of which he seems to carry on with Spirit, and to profit--distc. from Oyster bay 12 Miles. From hence to Flushing where we dined is 12 more & from thence to Brooklyne through Newton (the way we travelled and which is a mile further than to pass through Jamaica) is 18 miles more. The land I passed over to day is generally very good, but leveller and better as we approached New York. The soil in places is intermixed with pebble, and towards the Westend with other kind of stone which they apply to the purposes of fencing which is not to be seen on the South side of the Island nor towards the Eastern parts of it. From Flushing to New Town 8 Miles, & thence to Brooklyn, the Road is very fine, and the Country in a higher State of Cultivation & vegitation of Grass & grain forwarded than any place else I had seen--occasioned in a great degree by the Manure drawn from the City of New York. Before Sundown we had crossed the Ferry and was at home.
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Observations
This Island (as far as I went) from West to East seems to be equally divided between flat, & Hilly land--the former on the South next the Sea board & the latter on the No. next the Sound. The high land they say is best and most productive but the other is the pleasantest to work except in wet seasons when from the levelness of them they are sometimes (but not frequently having a considerable portion of Sand) incommoded by heavy & continual rains. From a comparitive view of their Crops they may be averaged as follow. Indian Corn 35 bushels--Wheat 15--Rye 12--Oats 15 bushels to the Acre. According to their accts. from Lands highly manured they sometimes get 50 of the first, 25 of the 2d. & 3d. and more of the latter. Their general mode of Cropping is--first Indian Corn upon a lay, manured in the hill, half a shovel full in each hole (some scatter the dung over the field equally)--2d. Oats & flax--3d. Wheat with what Manure they can spare from the Indian Corn land. With the wheat, or on it, towards close of the snows, they sow Clover from 4 to 6 lb; & a quart of Timothy seed. This lays from 3 to 6 years, according as the grass remains, or as the condition of the ground is, for so soon as they find it beginning to bind they plow. Their first plowing (with the Patent, tho' they call it the Dutch plough) is well executed at the depth of about 3 or at most 4 Inches--the cut being 9 or 10 Inches & the sod neatly & very evenly turned. With Oxen they plough mostly. They do no more than turn the ground in this manner for Indian Corn before it is planted; making the holes in which it is placed with hoes the rows being marked off by a stick. Two or three workings afterwards with the Harrows or Plough is all the cultivation it receives generally. Their fences, where there is no stone, are very indifferent; frequently of plashed trees of any & every kind which have grown by chance; but it exhibits an evidence that very good fences may be made in this manner either of white Oak or Dogwood which from this mode of treatment grows thickest, and most stubborn. This, however woud be no defence against Hogs.
MR. UNDERDUNCKS: Hendrick Onderdonck (Onderdonk, b. 1725) built New York's first paper mill at Hempstead (then South Hempstead) in 1768. Onderdonck may have had a number of partners in the venture, among them his son Andrew, a Henry Remsen, and possibly Hugh Gaine, editor of the New York Gazette and Mercury. At the time of GW's visit, Onderdonck's household consisted of eight whites and seven slaves (BUNKER, 316; BISHOP, 1:200; WEEKS, 37, 60; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.Y., 152).
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Sunday 25th. Went to Trinity Church, and wrote letters home after dinner.
Monday 26th. Did business with the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, & appointed a quarter before three tomorrow to receive from the Senators of the State of Virga. an Address from the Legislature thereof.
The undated congratulatory address of the Virginia legislature is in DLC: GW. GW's reply, 27 April 1790, is in CSmH.
Tuesday 27th. Had some conversation with Mr. Madison on the propriety of consulting the Senate on the places to which it would be necessary to send persons in the Diplomatic line, and Consuls; and with respect to the grade of the first. His opinion coincides with Mr. Jays and Mr. Jeffersons--to wit--that they have no Constitutional right to interfere with either, & that it might be impolitic to draw it into a precedent their powers extending no farther than to an approbation or disapprobation of the person nominated by the President all the rest being Executive and vested in the President by the Constitution.
At the time appointed, Messrs. Lee & Walker (the Senators from Virginia) attended, & presented the Address as mentioned yesterday & received an answer to it.
A good deal of respectable Company was at the Levee to day.
CONVERSATION WITH MR. MADISON: See entries for 23 and 26 Mar., 16 April 1790. Although James Madison and John Jay apparently did not present GW with written opinions, Jefferson's views on the appointment of the diplomatic establishment are expressed in his "Opinion on the Powers of the Senate Respecting Diplomatic Appointments," 24 April 1790 (DLC: Jefferson Papers). That GW also may have consulted John Adams on the question is indicated by the fact that a fair copy of Jefferson's opinion, in his own hand and endorsed by GW, is found among Adams's papers (MHi-A). It was GW's frequent habit to submit the written opinions of one cabinet member to other members for their comments. See also JEFFERSON [1], 16:378--82.
John Walker (1744--1809) was born at Castle Hill, Albemarle County, Va., the son of Dr. Thomas Walker (1715--1794) and his first wife, Mildred Thornton Meriwether Walker (d. 1778), who was a granddaughter of GW's aunt, Mildred Washington Gregory. In 1764 John Walker graduated from the College of William and Mary and became a planter at Belvoir in Albemarle County. During the Revolution he held the rank of lieutenant colonel and in Feb. 1777 was sent by the Virginia legislature to GW's headquarters as an observer, with orders to report to the legislature any events of interest from camp. The appointment proved to be a considerable embarrassment to GW who wrote Gov. Patrick Henry, 24 Feb. 1777, stating that he had appointed Walker an "Extra Aid de Camp" in order "that he may obtain the best information, and, at the same time, have his real design hid from
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the World; thereby avoiding the evils which might otherwise result from such Appointments, if adopted by other States. It will naturally occur to you, Sir, that there are some Secrets, on the keeping of which so, depends, oftentimes, the salvation of an Army. . . . If Mr. Walker's Commission, therefore from the Commonwealth of Virginia, should be known, it would, I am persuaded, be followed by others of the like nature from other States, and be no better than so many marplots" (DLC:GW; General Orders, 19 Feb. 1790, DLC:GW). In 1780 Walker served in the Continental Congress. After the war he practiced law in Virginia and in Mar. 1790 was appointed United States senator to fill the vacancy left by the death of William Grayson.
Wednesday 28th. Fixed with the Secretary of State on places & characters for the Consulate but as some of the latter were unknown to us both he was directed to make enquiry respecting them.
Sent the nominations of two Officers in the Customs of North Carolina, and one in the place of Mr. Jacob Wray of Hampton in Virginia--who has requested to resign his appointment to the Senate for their advice & consent thereon.
Received from the Secretary for the Department of War a report respecting the Sale of certain Lands by the State of Georgia; and the consequent disputes in which the United States may be involved with the Chicasaws & Choctaw Nations; part, if not the whole of whose Countries, are included within the limits of the said Sale. This report refers to the Act of the Legislature of Georgia, by which this sale is authorized and to the opinion of the Attorney General respecting the Constitutionality of the Proceeding--submitting at the same time certain opinions for the consideration of the Presidt.
Today's consultation with Jefferson on consular appointments was in preparation for the list of nominations sent by GW to the Senate on 4 June 1790, when 14 names were submitted for confirmation (DE PAUW, 1:74--78). GW's letter to the Senate, 28 April 1790, nominated George Wray to succeed Jacob Wray as collector of the customs at Hampton, Va.; John McCullough as surveyor of Swansborough in the district of Wilmington, N.C.; and William Benson as surveyor for Winsor in the district of Edenton, N.C. (DLC:GW).
Knox's report concerned the sale in 1789 by the state of Georgia of over 15 million acres of land in western Georgia to three land companies, the South Carolina Yazoo Company, the Virginia Yazoo Company, and the Tennessee Yazoo Company at a projected cost to the companies of approximately $200,000 ("An Act for disposing of certain vacant lands or territory within this State," 21 Dec. 1789, ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:114). Some settlers had already moved into the area under the authority of "An Act for laying out a district of Land situated on the river Mississipi and within the Limits of this State to be called Bourbon," 7 Feb. 1785 (MS "Journal of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia," 212, DLC: Microfilm Collection of Early
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State Records). The land sold conflicted with still unsettled Indian claims in the area, involving the Creek, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Choctaw, and with treaties negotiated by the United States with the tribes during the Confederation. Although neither Knox's nor Randolph's opinions have been found, it is likely that Knox's views were similar to those expressed in his report to GW, 22 Jan. 1791, that "although the right of Georgia to the preemption of said lands should be admitted in its full extent, yet, it is conceived, that, should the State, or any companies or persons, claiming under it, attempt to extinguish the Indian claims, unless authorized thereto by the United States, that the measure would be repugnant to the aforesaid treaties, to the constitution of the United States, and to the law regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes" (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:112--13). In Mar. 1790 as a result of Indian depredations caused by increasing Georgian encroachment on Indian lands, the government sent three companies of federal troops to Georgia to keep the peace(Anthony Wayne to Knox, 10 April 1790, MHi: Knox Papers). Wayne observed that "while these troops are received with joy by part of the Citizens of Georgia, there are others who affect to believe that the troops are designed rather as a curb on Georgia, or to assist the laws of the Union, than to protect that State" ("Summary statement of the situation of the frontiers," 27 May 1790, DLC:GW). The federal government took as strong action as possible during the summer of 1790 to prevent the companies from implementing their claims. During the negotiations for the Treaty of New York in Aug. 1790, Creek chief Alexander McGillivray "protested strongly against the behavior of the new western companies, in the terms in which Georgia has formed them, and I have the word of the government that said companies will be broken up" (McGillivray to Carlos Howard, 11 Aug. 1790, CAUGHEY, 273--76). "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indians" (1 STAT. 137--38 [22 July 1790]) stipulated that "no sale of land or lands made by any Indians, or any nation or tribe of Indians within the United States, shall be valid to any person or persons, or to any state, whether having the right of pre-emption to such lands or not, unless the same shall be made and duly executed at some public treaty, held under the authority of the United States." The signing of the Treaty of New York gave GW an opportunity to issue an additional warning with two proclamations, 14 and 26 Aug., enjoining United States citizens to abide by the treaties (DLC:GW). On 10 June 1790 the legislature of Georgia struck a further blow to the companies' plans by passing a resolution requiring that all payments to the Georgia treasury, except for taxes, be made in specie rather than paper or certificates of Georgia debt, a regulation which madeit impossible for the companies to abide by the requirements of the Dec. 1789 act stipulating payments for the grants within two years (MS "Journal of the House of Representatives" [Georgia], DLC: Microfilm Collection of Early State Records). For the companies' protests, see ASP, PUBLIC LANDS, 1:165--79.
Thursday 29th. Received from the joint Committee of Congress two Acts for my approbation & Signature--viz--one for "Regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" and the other "An Act for the Punishment of certain crimes against the United States."
Fixed with the Secretary of State on the present which (according
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to the custom of other Nations) should be made to Diplomatic characters when they return from that employment in this Country and this was a gold Medal, suspended to a gold Chain--in ordinary to be of the value of about 120 or 130 Guineas. Upon enquiry into the practice of other Countries, it was found, that France generally gave a gold Snuff-box set with diamonds; & of differt. costs; to the amount, generally, to a Minister Plenipotentiary of 500 Louisdores--That England usually gave to the same grade 300 guineas in Specie--And Holld. a Medal & Chain of the value of, in common, 150 or 180 Guineas the value of which to be encreas'd by an additional weight in the chain when they wished to mark a distinguished character. The Reason why a medal & Chain was fixed upon for the American present, is, that the die being once made the Medals could at any time be struck at very little cost, & the Chain made by our own artizans, which (while the first should be retained as a memento) might be converted into Cash.
The following Gentlemen dined here--viz--Of the Senate, Messrs. Strong, Doctr. Johnston, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Morris, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Lee, Mr. Walker, Govr. Johnston, & Mr. Gunn and of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sturges, Mr. Benson, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Scureman, Mr. Vining Mr. Smith Maryland, Mr. Bland, and Mr. Sumpter.
TWO ACTS: 1 STAT. 119--21 (30 April 1790) and 1 STAT. 112--19 (30 April 1790). PRESENT: On 20 April 1790 Louis Guillaume Otto had written to Jefferson suggesting that the United States, in accord with European diplomatic custom, might present former French minister to the United States Anne César, chevalier de La Luzerne, with some token, preferably valuable, in recognition of his services to the United States. Although he opposed such gifts, Jefferson wrote to William Temple Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's grandson and secretary, now in New York, inquiring what practice was followed in other countries and what was "the estimated value and the form" of the gift given Franklin on his departure from France. "Not foreseeing that I might ever have any thing to do with the decision of such a question, I did not inform myself of the usage even in the court with which I resided." Franklin replied, 27 April, that the usual value of the gift depended on the rank of the recipient and the esteem with which he was regarded. "These Presents vary as to their Nature, consisting either of Jewels, Plate, Tapestry, Porcelain, and sometimes Money" (JEFFERSON [1], 16:354--56, 363--66). On 30 April Jefferson instructed William Short at Paris to have the gold medal, which the administration had decided on as the gift for departing diplomats, made in France: "The medal must be of 30 lines diameter, with a loop on the edge to receive the chain. On one side must be the Arms of the United States, of which I send you a written description and several impressions in wax to render that more intelligible, round them as a Legend must be 'the United States of America.' The device of the other side we do not decide on. One
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suggestion has been a Columbia (a final female figure) delivering the emblems of peace and commerceto a Mercury, with the Legend 'Peace and Commerce' circumscribed, and the date of our Republic . . . subscribed as an Exergum. But having little confidence in our own ideas in an Art not familiar here, they are only suggested to you, to be altered, or altogether postponed to such better device as you may approve on consulting with those who are in the habit and study of Medals" (JEFFERSON [1], 16:395--96). For a discussion of the final version of the medal, see JEFFERSON [1], 16:xli--xlii.
James Gunn (753--1801) was born in Virginia but began the practice of law in Savannah, Ga. He served as a brigadier general in the Georgia militia during the Revolution and was elected to the Continental Congress in 1788 and 1789, although he did not attend. In 1789 he was elected to the United States Senate from Georgia.
Friday 30th. Conversed with the Secretary of the Treasury, on the Report of the Secretary at War's propositions respecting the Conduct of the State of Georgia in selling to certain Compa[nies] large tracts of their Western territory & a proclamation which he conceived expedient to issue in consequence of it. But as he had doubts of the clearness of the ground on which it was proposed to build this proclamation and do the other acts which were also submitted in the report. I placed it in the hands of the Secretary of State to consider & give me his opinion thereon.
Returnd. the Bills which had been presented to me by the joint Committee of Congress on Thursday to the Houses in which they originated with my signature, though I did not conceive that the Military establishment Of the one was adequate to the exigencies of the Government & the protection it was intended to afford.
The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this evening were not numerous.
PROPOSITIONS: See entry for 28 April 1790. BILLS: "An Act for regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" (1 STAT. 119--21 [30 April 1790]) provided for an army of 1,216 "non commissioned officers, privates and musicians" enlisted for a three-year period and formed into a regiment composed of three battalions of infantry and one battalion of artillery. GW and Knox had been particularly anxious that Congress should also pass a militia bill (see entries for 18 and 19 Dec. 1789 and 20 Jan. 1790).
May 1st. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington & the Children in the forenoon & on foot in the afternoon.
Mr. Alexr. White, representative from Virginia, communicated his apprehensions that a disposition prevailed among the Eastern & northern States (discoverable from many circumstances, as well
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as from some late expressions which had fallen from some of their members in the Ho.) to pay little attention to the Western Country because they were of opinion it would soon shake of its dependence on this; and in the meantime, would be burthensome to it. He gave some information also of the temper of the Western Settlers, of their dissatisfactions, and among other things that few of the Magestrates had taken the Oaths to the New Government not inclining in the present state of things and under their ideas of neglect to bind themselves to it by an Oath.
Sunday 2d. Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon--writing letters on private business in the Afternoon--Among other letters one by my order to Genl. Moylan, to know if he wd. accept the Consulate at Lisbon, as it was not proposed to give Salaries therewith.
Monday 3d. Exercised on horseback about 9 Oclock.
After my return, the Secretary of the Treasury called upon, and informed me that by some conversation he had had with Mr. King (of the Senate) it appeared that there was a probability the Senate would take up the Sales by the Legislature of Georgia, and the Affairs of the Indians which would be involved therein in a serious manner, and gave it as his opinion that if this was likely to be the case, it might be better for me to let the matter originate there, than with the Executive.
The Secretary of State furnished me with his opinion on these Subjects--see his Statement. The substance of it is, that the State of Georgia by having adopted the Constitution relinquished their right to treat with, or to regulate any matters with the Indians who were not subject thereto--consequently could not delegate a power they did not possess to others and that there was good & strong ground on which to contend this matter but, inasmuch as there was a party in the State opposed to the Sales before mentioned, but which might unite to defeat a Proclamation if one should be issued upon the Plan of the Secretary at War, he suggested the propriety of a representation to the State in the first instance for the purpose of undoing in a manner least hurtful to the feelings of it the impolitic act of the Legislature & in the meantime--at the meeting proposed to be held by the Indians in the Month of June ensuing to make these people perfectly sensible of the Sentiments and intentions of the general Government towards them.
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STATE OF GEORGIA: See entries for 28 and 30 April 1790. Jefferson's "Opinion on Certain Georgia Land Grants," 3 May 1790, is in JEFFERSON [1], 16:406--9.
Tuesday 4th. Exercised in the forenoon on Horse back.
A respectable Company at the Levee to day.
Wednesday 5th. Requested General Rufus Putnam--lately appointed a Judge in the Western Government and who was on the eve of his departure for that Country to give me the best discription he could obtain of the proximity of the Waters of the Ohio & Lake Erie--the nature of their Navigations--Portages--&ca.--Also of the occurrences in the Country--the population of it--Temper of the people &ca. &ca.
Rufus Putnam (1738--1824) was born in Sutton, Mass., and was largely self-educated. After serving in the French and Indian War, he engaged in farming and surveying. During the Revolution he served as a colonel of engineers and as commander of a Massachusetts regiment, ending the war as a brigadier general. In 1785 he was appointed surveyor of western lands by the Continental Congress and was active 1786--87 in the formation of the new Ohio Company, bringing the first party of settlers to Marietta in 1788. In Mar. 1790 GW appointed him a judge of the Northwest Territory (DE PAUW, 2:66).
Thursday 6th. Exercised on horseback in the forenoon. The following, out of several others who were invited, but prevented
Brig. Gen. Rufus Putnam, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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by sickness, dined here--viz.--Mr. Wingate, Mr. Maclay, Mr. Walker (of the Senate) and Messrs. Gilman, Aimes, Genl. Muhlenburg, Wynkoop, Page and Lady, Smith So. Carolina & Lady, and Mr. White & his Lady of the House of Representatives.
William Maclay noted in his diary that today he "went to dine with the President agreeably to invitation. He seemed in more good humor than I ever saw him, though he was so deaf that I believe he heard little of the conversation" (MACLAY, 251).
Friday 7th. Exercised in the forenoon. Endeavoured through various Channels to ascertain what places required, and the characters fittest for Consuls at them.
As the House of Representatives had reduced the Sum, in a Bill to provide for the expences of characters in the diplomatic line, below what would enable the Executive to employ the number which the exigencies of Government might make it necessary I thought it proper to intimate to a member or two of the Senate the places that were in contemplation to send persons to in this Line--viz to France & England (when the latter manifested a disposition to treat us with more respect than She had done upon a former occasion) Ministers Plenipotentiary and to Spain, Portugal & Holland Chargé des Affaires and having an opportunity, mentioned the matter unofficially both to Mr. Carroll & Mr. Izard.
Much Company--Gentlemen & Ladies visited Mrs. Washington This Evening.
CONSULS: See entry for 28 April 1790. DIPLOMATIC LINE: See entries for 23 and 26 Mar., 16 and 27 April 1790. GW and Jefferson had agreed in their meeting of 26 Mar. that the sum required for the adequate support of a foreign diplomatic establishment might range between $36,000 and $50,000, and House Bill No. 35 had stipulated $40,000 for the support of American diplomats abroad. Opposition to so large an amount appropriated "to uses with the propriety of which no gentlemen seemed to be well acquainted" had been a major factor in the tabling of the bill (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 1:1130). The amended bill No. 52 had apparently reduced the appropriation to $30,000. GW's efforts to raise the appropriation were successful. On 23 June, while the bill was still pending, William Maclay, whose views vividly express opposition opinion, noted: "The Intercourse bill, or that for appointing ambassadors, had been referred to a committee of conference so long ago that I had forgotten it, but the thing was neither dead nor sleeping. It was only dressing and friends-making. The report increased the salaries and added ten thousand dollars to the appropriations. I concluded they had secured friends enough to support it before they committed it to the House. This turned out to be the case. The whole appropriation was forty thousand dollars, and they were voted with an air of perfect indifference by the affirmants, although I consider the money as worse than thrown away, for I know not a single thing that we have for a minister to do at a single court
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in Europe. . . . Our business is to pay them what we owe, and the less political connection the better with any European power. It was well spoken against. I voted against every part of it" (MACLAY, 296).
Saturday 8th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington & the Children in the forenoon.
Received from Genl. Knox Secretary Genl. of the triennial Genl. Meeting of the Cincinnati held at Philadelphia the first Monday of this Month, the Copy of an Address from that body to me to which I was to return an answer on [ ] next.
The address of the triennial meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 4 May 1790, and GW's undated reply are in DLC:GW.
Sunday 9th. Indisposed with a bad cold, and at home all day writing letters on private business.
GW's cold rapidly developed into pneumonia. Local physicians Dr. Samuel Bard, Dr. Charles McKnight, and Dr. John Charlton were summoned to the president's bedside, but in spite of their efforts GW grew steadily worse. On 12 May, William Jackson wrote to Clement Biddle in Philadelphia enclosing a letter to Dr. John Jones, a prominent Philadelphia physician, requesting him to attend the president in New York. "The Doctor's prudence will suggest the propriety of setting out as privately as possible; perhaps it may be well to assign a personal reason for visiting New York, or going into the
Maj. Gen. Henry Knox, by Gilbert Stuart. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
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Country" (WRITINGS, 31:41, n.73). By 15 May, however, the seriousness of GW's condition was widely known. "Called to see the President," William Maclay noted in his diary. "Every eye full of tears. His life despaired of. Dr. MacKnight told me he would trifle neither with his own character nor the public expectation; his danger was imminent, and every reason to expect that the event of his disorder would be unfortunate" (MACLAY, 258--59; see also JAY, 3:399). By the next day the outlook was more hopeful. On 16 May Jefferson wrote his daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph: "On Monday last the President was taken with a peripneumony, of threatening appearance. Yesterday (which was the 5th. day) he was thought by the physicians to be dying. However about 4. oclock in the evening a copious sweat came on, his expectoration, which had been thin and ichorous, began to assume a well digested form, his articulation became distinct, and in the course of two hours it was evident he had gone thro' a favorable crisis. He continues mending to-day, and from total despair we are now in good hopes of him" (JEFFERSON [1], 16:429).
Monday 10th. A severe illness with which I was seized the 10th. of this Month and which left me in a convalescent state for several weeks after the violence of it had passed; & little inclination to do more than what duty to the public required at my hands occasioned the suspension of this Diary.
Thursday 24th. Exercised on horse back betwn. 5 & 7 Oclock P.M.
Enter[t]ained the following Gentlemen at Dinner--viz--Messrs. Gerry, Goodhue, Grout, Leonard Huntingdon, Benson, Boudinot, Cadwalader, Sinnickson, Heister, Scott, Contee, Stone, Brown and Moore of the House of Representatives.
Received from the Committee of Enrollment the Act for extending the Judiciary Law to the State of Rhode Island & Providence Planns.
ACT: According to the House of Representatives journal the joint committee for enrolled bills brought this bill to GW on 22 June 1790. On 23 June "A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Lear his Secretary" in the House assenting to the bill (DE PAUW, 3:469, 473; see also 1 STAT. 128 [23 June 1790]).
Friday 25th. Constant & heavy Rain all day, prevented Company from visiting Mrs. Washington this afternoon & all kinds of Exercise.
Saturday 26th. Exercised in the Coach with Mrs. Washington & the Children in the forenoon & by walking in the Afternoon.
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Sunday 27th. Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon and employed myself in writing business in the afternoon.
Monday 28th. Exercised between 5 & 7 Oclock in the Morning & drank Tea with Mrs. Clinton (the Governors Lady) in the Afternoon.
Gov. George Clinton's residence was at 10 Queen Street, near the end of Cedar Street. The house, for which Clinton paid £300 a year rent, had been confiscated from Loyalist Henry White and was "a two-story and attic house, five windows wide, with a sloping tiled roof, containing five dormer windows" (SMITH [4], 31; SPAULDING, 194). It was presumably this residence rather than the Clinton's farm on the Hudson outside the city which GW visited today. GW and Mrs. Washington had frequent social contacts with Clinton and his wife, Cornelia Tappan Clinton, during the Revolution and after the war a friendly correspondence had been maintained, Clinton sending GW trees and various plants for Mount Vernon. In spite of political differences between Clinton and GW after the new government was established, social relations between the two families remained warm. As a rule, partly because of Mrs. Clinton's ill health, the Clintons did little entertaining. Abigail Adams Smith found Mrs. Clinton "not a showy, but a kind, friendly woman" (ROOF, 197; SPAULDING, 192--94).
Tuesday 29th. Exercised between 5 & 7 Oclock in the Morning on horse back.
A good deal of Company, amongst which several Strangers and some foreigners at the Levee to day.
On a consultation with the Secretary of State to day, it was thought advisable to direct him to provide two Medals one for the Marqs. de la Luzerne, formerly Minister Plenipo. from France to the U. States of America, & the other for Mr. Van Berkel late Minister from Holland; & To have the Dies with which they were to be struck in France, sent over here. The cost of these Medals would be about 30 Guineas; but the Chain for that designed for the Marqs. de la Luzerne (on Acct. of his attachment & Services to this Country) was directed to Cost about 200 Guineas--the other about 100 Guins.
MEDALS: See entry for 29 April 1790.
Wednesday 30th. Recd. from the Committee of Enrollment the following Acts. viz. "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations" By which the President of the United States is authorised to draw from the Treasury 40,000 dollars annually, for the suppt. of such persons as
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he shall Commission to serve the U. States in foreign pts. and for the expence incident to the business in which they may be employed. Not more than 9,000 Dollars to be allowed to a Minister Plenipotentiary nor 4,500 to a Chargé des Affaires, except the out fit to each, which shall not exceed one years Salary; nor shall more than 1300 dollars be allowed to the Secretary of any Minister Plenipotentiary. The President is to acct. specifically for all such Expenditures as in his judgement may be made public and also for the amount of such Expenditures as he may think it advisable not to specify, and cause a regular statement thereof to be laid before Congress Annually. "An Act for the relief of Nathaniel Twining" And "An Act to satisfy the Claims of John McCord against the United States." These several Acts were presented to me about 10 Oclock A.M.
For background to "An Act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations," see entries for 23 and 26 Mar., 16 and 27 April, 7 May 1790.
"An Act for the relief of Nathaniel Twining" (6 STAT. 3 [1 July 1790]) remitted a penalty incurred by Twining's failure to abide by his contract to deliver the mail between Charleston, S.C., and Savannah in 1787. "An Act to satisfy the claims of John McCord against the United States" (6 STAT. 2--3 [1 July 1790]) granted McCord $809.71 for supplies furnished the Continental Army in Canada in 1776.
Thursday July 1st. Exercised between 5 and 7 Oclock on Horseback.
Announced to the House of Representatives (where the Bills originated) that my signature had been given to the Acts above mentioned.
Having put into the hands of the Vice President of the U: States the communications of Mr. Gouvr. Morris, who had been empowerd to make informal enquiries how well disposed the British Ministry might be to enter into Commercial regulations with the United States, and to fulfil the Articles of Peace respecting our Western Posts, and the Slaves which had been carried from this Country, he expressed his approbation that this step had been taken; and added that the disinclination of the British Cabinet to comply with the two latter, & to evade the former, as evidently appears from the Corrispondence of Mr. Morris with the Duke of Leeds (the British Minister for Foreign Affairs) was of
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a piece with their conduct towds. him whilst Minister at that Court; & just what he expected; & that to have it ascertained was necessary. He thought as a rupture betwn. England & Spain was almost inevitable, that it would be our policy & interest to take part with the latter as he was very apprehensive that New Orleans was an object with the former; their possessing which would be very injurious to us; but he observed, at the sametime, that the situation of our affairs would not Justify the measure unless the People themselves (of the United States) should take the lead in the business.
Received about three Oclock, official information from Colo. Willet, that he was on the return from the Creek Nation (whither he had been sent with design to bring Colo. McGillivray, and some of the Chiefs of these people to the City of New York for the purpose of treating) that he, with the said McGillivray and many of the head Men, were advanced as far as Hopewell in So. Carolina on their way hither and that they should proceed by the way of Richmond with as much expedition as the nature of the case wd. admit.
It having been reported, upon information being recd. at St. Augustine of Colo. McGillivrays intention of coming to this place that advice thereof was immediately forwarded by the Commandant of that place to the Governor of the Havanna And a Mr. Howard Secretary of East Florida and an influencial character There under pretext of bad health and a Spanish Armed Brig of 20 Guns, ostensibly to bring 50,000 dollars for the purpose of buying Flour, arriving here immediately thereupon, affording strong ground to suspect that the Money & the character abovementioned were sent here for the purpose of Counteracting the Negotiations which was proposed to be held with Colo. McGillivray & the other Chiefs of the Creeks & this suspicion being corroborated by Mr. Howards visit to Philadelphia I directed the Secretary at War to advertise Colo. Willet thereof, that he might, if a meeting should take place at Philadelphia, or elsewhere on the Rd. observe their Conduct & penetrate, if possible, into the object of it. He was desired at the sametime to make suitable provision for lodging, otherwise entertaining Colo. McGillivray & his party.
The following Gentn. & Ladies dined here to day. viz. The Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary at War & their Ladies--Mr. Dalton & Mr. King & their Ladies Mr. Butler & his two daughters--Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Stanton & Mr. Foster & Mr. Izard. The Chief Justice & his Lady, Genl. Schuyler & Mrs. Izard were also invited but were otherwise engaged.
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Chief Justice John Jay, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
In the fall of 1789 GW had requested Gouverneur Morris to open unofficial discussions with the British ministry on outstanding differences between the United States and Great Britain (see entry for 7 Oct. 1789). Among the letters that GW showed to Adams today was probably Morris to GW, 7 April 1790, describing in detail his polite but unsatisfactory interview with the duke of Leeds, British minister for foreign affairs. "On Monday the twenty ninth I waited upon him at Whitehall and after the usual Complements, presented your Letter telling him that it would explain the Nature of my Business. Having read it, he said with much Warmth and Gladness in his Appearance 'I am very happy Mr. Morris to see this Letter and under the Presidents own Hand. I assure you it is very much my Wish to cultivate a friendly and commercial Intercourse between the two Countries and more, and I can answer for the Rest of his Majesty's Servants that they are of the same Opinion.' . . . I assured him of our sincere Disposition to be upon good Terms and then proceeded to mention those Points in the Treaty of Peace which remained to be performed: and first I observed that by the Constitution of the United States which he had certainly read all Obstacles to the Recovery of British debts are removed. . . . He said he was very happy to receive this Information, that he had been of Opinion and had written so to Mr Adams that the Articles ought to be performed in the Order in Which they stood in the Treaty. . . . I took Occasion to observe that the Southern States who had been much blamed in this Country for obstructing the Recovery of british Debts, were not liable to all the Severity of Censure which had been thrown upon them--that their Negroes having been taken or seduced away, and the Payment for those Negroes having been stipulated by Treaty they had formed a Reliance on such Payment for Discharge of Debts contracted with british Merchants both previously and subsequently to the War." Morris then brought up the main questions of British retention of the frontier posts and payment for slaves that had been taken away by the British after the war. Leeds "became a little embarrassed" and could not say how the question of the posts stood. "That as to the Affair of the
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Negroes he had long wished to have it brought up and to have Something done, but Something or other had always interfered. He then changed the Conversation but I brought it back. and he changed it again. Hence it was apparent that he could go no farther than general Professions and Assurances." Leeds was equally noncommittal on the subject of an exchange of ministers between the two countries. "Wherefore as it was not worth while to discuss theWinds and the Weather I observed that as he might probably chuse to consider the matter a little and to read again the Treaty and compare it with the American Constitution. He said that he should and wished me to leave your Letter which he would have copies and return to me. . . . Thus Sir this Matter was began but nine Days have since lapsed and I have heard Nothing farther from the Duke of Leeds" (DLC:GW). Morris's correspondence with the duke of Leeds was enclosed.
A letter of 1 May from Morris to GW, also enclosing correspondence with Leeds, reported little progress in the negotiations. "It seems pretty clear that they wish to evade a commercial Treaty but not peremptorily to reject it, and therefore I have construed into Rejection his Graces abstruse Language. . . . I have some Reason to believe that the present Administration intend to keep the Posts, and withhold Payment for the Negroes" (DLC:GW).
The RUPTURE BETWN. ENGLAND & SPAIN involved a conflict between the two powers at Nootka Sound on the west coast of North America. When the British attempted in 1789 to establish a post in territory claimed but not effectively occupied by Spain, Spanish forces in the area resisted and captured several British ships. By mid-June reports reached the United States from London that the British were preparing for war and that a conflict appeared imminent (see John Rutledge, Jr., to Jefferson, 6 May 1790, JEFFERSON [1], 16:413--15).
For the background of Alexander McGillivray's trip to New York, see entry for 10 Mar. 1790. McGillivray, Marinus Willett, and their party apparently started north in mid-May, "McGillivray and several others on horseback, twenty-six chiefs and warriors in three wagons, and Willett riding in a sulky. All along the way the delegation was greeted with great interest and McGillivray was feted by the more prominent citizens. Particularly was this the case at Guildford Courthouse, North Carolina, at Richmond and Fredericksburg in Virginia, and at Philadelphia" (CAUGHEY, 43). Carlos Howard was an Irish officer who joined the Hibernia Regiment of the Spanish army in 1761. He had attained the rank of captain when in 1784 he was appointed provisional secretary of the captaincy-general of St. Augustine, serving in that post for the next 11 years (LOCKEY, 183--84, n.2). American suspicions about Howard's role were undoubtedly justified. He was sent to New York from St. Augustine ostensibly on sick leave hut actually to keep an eye on the negotiations. John Leslie of the trading firm of Panton, Leslie & Co. wrote McGillivray from St. Augustine, 13 May 1790, concerning "our mutual friend Captain Carlos Howard, who by chance is about to make an excursion, which he has contemplated for some time past to the northern States in order to get for his health a change of climate and the benefits of the sea air." Leslie noted that the two men were sure to meet in New York and since Howard had "seen much of the world" his advice would be useful. "If you meet in New York, it will be in his power to introduce you to the Spanish minister in case you do not carry letters from the Governors. . . . Anyhow you will find him useful in other ways, for I am persuaded that he
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will be most happy to render you every possible service in any affairin which you conceive that he can contribute to further your views or facilitate your wishes, especially in connection with any communications that you may have to make to the Spanish governors or even to the court at Madrid" (CAUGHEY, 264). McGillivray and his party arrived in New York City on to July, and Howard made every effort to insinuate himself into the negotiations. "We are by no means satisfied with the conduct of the Spanish Officer, who arrived lately from the foreign possessions of that Crown," Hamilton stated. "We cannot prove it positively, but have every reason to think, that he has been using endeavours to check or even to frustrate our negotiations with the Creek Indians, and with this view that he has made them large presents in this city; this we consider as perfectly unwarrantable" (HAMILTON [2], 6:547). Howard himself, in his lively account of his activities in New York, stated that the United States government "appointed people to watch and follow my footsteps. . . . McGuillivray was convinced that my presence . . . contributed to the fact that the Americans did not insist on an unqualified recognition on the part of the Indians of the sovereignty of the United States as well as that a secret article concerning the settling of the question of Indian trade was deferred for two years" (Howard to Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, governor of East Florida, 24 Sept. 1790, CAUGHEY, 281--84). The negotiations with the Greek continued in July and early August, and the Treaty of New York was signed on 7 Aug. 1790 (KAPPLER, 25--29).
Joseph Stanton, Jr. (1739--1807), newly elected senator from Rhode Island, had just arrived in New York. He served in the Rhode Island legislature 1768--74 and during the Revolution as a colonel of a Rhode Island regiment and brigadier general in the Rhode Island militia. In 1790 he was a member of the Rhode Island Ratifying Convention.
Theodore Foster (1752--1828), a native of Brookfield, Mass., graduated from Rhode Island College (Brown University) in 1770 and began the practice of law in Providence about 1771. He held several local positions, including judge of the court of admiralty in 1785. In June 1790 GW appointed him naval officer for Providence. At this time he had just been elected to represent Rhode Island in the United States Senate.
Friday 2d. Exercised between 5 & 7 on horse back.
About one oclock, official accounts of the safety of Major Doughty (who was sent on important business to the Chiccasaw and Choctaw Nations of Indians) were received; together with the detail of his proceedings to the Country of the former, and the misfortune that attended him in ascending the River Tenessee to the intended place of meeting the Chicasaws, by the Treachery of a Banditti composed of Cherokees, Shawanese & Creek Indians who to the Number of 40 in 4 Canoes (Doughty's party consisting of no more than 15 Soldiers) under colour of a white flag, & professions of friendship rose, fired upon, & killed five & wounded Six more of his men; obliging him (when within Six miles of Ochappo the place of Rendezvous) to retreat down the Tennessee
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& which he was able to effect by his gallant behaviour & good conduct; notwithstanding the superior force of the enemy & a pursuit of 4 hours and attempts to board the Barge in wch. he was. But being too weak to ascend the Ohio after he had entered it he was induced to follow the Currt. into the Missisippi & thence down the same to a Spanish post A [ ] de grass about [ ] Miles below the Mouth of the Ohio where he was treated with great kindness & Civility by Monsr. [ ] the Commandant. He contrived after this to see the Piemingo & other head Men of the Chicasaw Nation with whom he did the business he was sent on nearly as well as if he had got to Occhappo the place of his destination as will appear by his detail transmitted to the Secretary at War.
Received from the Committee of Enrollment two Acts--One "For giving effect to an Act entitled 'An Act providing for the enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States' in respect to the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations"--The other "An Act to authorize the purchase of a tract of Land for the use of the United States."
Much company of both Sexes to visit Mrs. Washington this Evening.
John Doughty (1757--1826) served in the Revolution as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler and as a captain in the artillery. He was brevetted major 30 Sept. 1783. In 1789 he was appointed with the same rank to the artillery. He helped in the design and construction of Forts Harmar and Washington. He was sent by Knox in early 1790 to carry guarantees of American friendship to the Chickasaw (GW to Chiefs and Warriors of the Chickasaw, 30 Dec. 1790, DLC:GW). His report to Knox on his mission, 7 April 1790, is in MiU-C: Harmar Papers. Henry Knox's account of Doughty's misfortunes agrees substantially with that in GW's diary (see Knox's "Causes of the existing Hostilities between the United States, and certain Tribes of Indians North-West of the Ohio," 26 Jan. 1792, in CARTER [4], 2:364). The secretary of war had earlier mentioned the attack in his "Summary statement of the situation of the frontiers," 27 May 1790 (DLC: GW). The incident occurred on 22 Mar., and on 25 Mar. Doughty wrote to Maj. John P. Wyllys, describing the attack: "We fought them four hours, and then escaped in this distressed situation. I found it impossible to ascend the Ohio, or, after I reached the Mississippi, to ascend it. My wounded men were in so distressed a situation as to require immediate assistance. The only resource left me was to come to this place, where I have met with every civility" (ST. CLAIR PAPERS, 2:134). The commandant of Ansa á la grasa or Ainse ŕ la graisse (New Madrid), to which Doughty and the surviving members of his party had fled, was Pedro Foucher (NASATIR, 285, n.1; THORNBROUGH, 231, n.2). Piomingo was a pro-American Chickasaw chief, OCCHAPPO: Occochappo (see entry for 26 Jan. 1790). ACTS: For the act providing for the census in Rhode Island, see 1 STAT. 129 (5 July 1790). The second act cited
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by GW authorized him to purchase for the federal government "the whole or such part of that tract of land situate in the state of New York, commonly called West Point, as shall be by him judged requisite for the purpose of such fortifications and garrisons as may be necessary for the defence of the same" (1 STAT. 129 [5 July 1790]).
Saturday 3d. Exercised between 9 and 11 in the Coach with Mrs. Washington and the Children.
The policy of treating Colo. McGillivray, & the Chiefs of the Creek Nation who were coming with him, with attention as they passed through the States to this City induced me to desire the Secretary at War to write to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland Pensylvania requesting that they might be provided at the expence with whatever might be deemed a proper respect that they might be kept in good humour.
Nominated, Yesterday, to the Senate, persons for the Judiciary of Rhode Island; and a Person as Naval Officer in the District of Providence, in the place of Mr. Foster, who was sent by the State as one of their Senators--also Surveyors for the smaller Ports in the District & the District of New Port.
CHIEFS: See entry for 1 July 1790. Knox's circular letter to the governors was dated 3 July 1790. The letter sent to John Eager Howard of Maryland is in MdAA.
GW's appointments for Rhode Island included Henry Marchant (1741--1796), federal judge; William Channing (1751--1793), district attorney; William Peck (d. 1832), United States marshal; and Ebenezer Thompson to replace Theodore Foster (1752--1828) as naval officer of Providence. For the appointments to the Rhode Island customs service, see DE PAUW, 2:83.
Sunday 4th. Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon.
This day being the Anniversary of the declaration of Independency the celebration of it was put of until to morrow.
Monday 5th. The Members of Senate, House of Representatives, Public Officers, Foreign Characters &ca. The Members of the Cincinnati, Officers of the Militia, &ca., came with the compliments of the day to me. About One Oclk. a sensible Oration was delivered in St. Pauls Chapel by Mr. Brockholst Levingston on the occasion of the day--the tendency of which was, to shew the different situation we are now in, under an excellent government of our own choice, to what it would have been if we had not succeeded in our opposition to the attempts of Great Britain to enslave us; and how much we ought to cherish the blessings which are within our reach, & to cultivate the seeds of harmony & unanimity
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in all our public Councils. There were several other points touched upon in a sensible manner.
In the afternoon many Gentlemen & ladies visited Mrs. Washington.
I was informed this day by General Irvine (who recd. the acct. from Pittsburgh) that the Traitor Arnold was at Detroit & had viewed the Militia in the Neighbourhood of it twice. This had occasioned much Speculation in those parts--and with many other circumstances--though trifling in themselves led strongly to a conjecture that the British had some design on the Spanish settlements on the Mississipi and of course to surround these United States.
This oration was part of New York's Independence Day celebration. As part of the festivities in the early afternoon, local military units "escorted the Society of the Cincinnati to St. Pauls--where an elegant oration was delivered by Brockholst Livingston, Esq., to a very numerous audience [including] The President and Vice-President of the United States Members of both Houses of Congress--a brilliant assembly of Ladies and of the most respectable citizens" ( Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 7 July 1790). GW may have dined this evening with the Society of the Cincinnati at Bardin's. Henry Brockholst Livingston (1757--1823) was the son of William Livingston, governor of New Jersey. A graduate of Princeton in 1774, he had accompanied his brother-in-law John Jay on the latter's mission to Spain in 1779 and served at various times during the Revolution in the Continental Army. In 1783 he was admitted to the New York bar and became prominent in New York legal circles. Under the new government he became an active Antifederalist.
After the Revolution, Benedict Arnold lived in England with his family until 1785. In that year, finding his inflated claims for compensation for his services to the British government during the Revolution were not successful, he sailed for the Loyalist settlement of St. John, New Brunswick, where he established a mercantile and shipping business (WALLACE [2], 288--92).
Tuesday 6th. Exercised on Horse-back betwn. 5 & 7 Oclock in the Morning. At 9 Oclock I sat for Mr. Trumbull to finish my pictures in some of his historical pieces.
Anounced to the House of Representatives (where the Bills originated) my Assent to the Acts which were presented to me on Friday last--One of which Authorises the President to purchase the whole, or such part of that tract of Land situate in the State of New York commonly called West point as shall be by him judged requisite for the purpose of such fortifications & Garrisons as may be necessary for the defence of the same.
The Visitors were few to day on Acct. of the numbers that paid their Compliments yesterday.
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HISTORICAL PIECES: John Trumbull was continuing the series of paintings depicting the events of the American Revolution that he had begun soon after the war. After considerable preparatory work in Europe, he returned to New York in 1789, "for the purpose of pursuing my work of the Revolution; all the world was assembled there, and I obtained many portraits for the Declaration of Independence, Surrender of Cornwallis, and also that of General Washington in the battles of Trenton and Princeton" (TRUMBULL [2], 88, 92, 164). See also entry for 14 Jan. 1790.
Wednesday 7th. Exercised between 5 & 7 this Morning on Horse-back.
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 as follow.
"Memorandum of the substance of a communication made on Thursday the eighth of July 1790 to the Subscriber by Major Beckwith as by direction of Lord Dorchester"
"Major Beckwith began by Stating that Lord Dorchester had directed him to make his acknowledgmts. for the politeness which had been shewn in respect to the desire he had intimated to pass by N York in his way to England; adding that the prospect of a War between Great Britain & Spain would prevent or defer the execution of his intention in that particular."
"He next proceeded to observe that Lord Dorchester had been informed of a negotiation commenced on the other side of the Water through the Agency of Mr. Morris; mentioning as the subscriber understood principally by way of proof of Lord Dorchesters knowledge of the transaction that Mr. Morris had not produced any regular Credentials, but merely a letter from the President directed to himself, that some delays had intervened partly on account of Mr. Morris's absence on a trip to Holland as was understood and that it was not improbable those delays & some other circumstances may have impressed Mr. Morris with an idea of backwardness on the part of the British Ministry."
"That his Lordship however had directed him to say that an inference of this sort would not in his opinion be well founded as he had reason to believe that the Cabinet of Great Britain entertained
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a disposition not only towards a friendly intercourse but towards an alliance with the United States.
"Major Beckwith then proceeded to speak of the particular cause of the expected rupture between Spain & Britain observing it was one in which all Commercial Nations must be supposed to favor the views of G. Britain. That it was therefore presumed, should a War take place, that the United States would find it to be their interest to take part with G. Britain rather than with Spain."
"Major Beckwith afterwards mentioned that Lord Dorchester had heard with great concern of some depredations committed by some Indians on our Western frontier. That he wished it to be believed that nothing of this kind had received the least countenance from him. That on the contrary he had taken every proper opportunity of inculcating upon the Indians a pacific disposition towards us; and that as soon as he had heard of the outrages lately committed he had sent a message to endeavor to prevent them. That his Lordship had understd. that the Indians alluded to were a banditti composed chiefly or in great part of Creeks or Cherokees, over whom he had no influence; intimating at the sametime that these tribes were supposed to be in connection with the Spaniards."
"He stated in the next place that his Lordship had been informed that a Captain Hart in our Service and a Mr. Wemble and indeed some persons in the Treaty at Fort Harmer had thrown out menaces with regard to the Posts on the Frontier & had otherwise held very intemperate language; which however his Lordship considered rather as effusions of individual feelings than as effects of any instruction from authority."
"Major Beckwith concluded with producing a letter signed Dorchester; which letter contained ideas similar to those he had expressed, though in more guarded terms and without any allusion to instructions from the British Cabinet. This letter it is recollected hints at the Non-execution of the treaty of peace on our part."
"On the subscriber remarking the circumstances that this letter seemed to speak only the Sentiments of his Lordship Major Beckwith replied that whatever reasons there might be for that course of proceeding in the present Stage of the business, it was to be presumed that his Lordship knew too well the consequence of such a step to have taken it without a previous knowledge of the intentions of the Cabinet."
The aspect of this business in the moment of its communication
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to me, appeared simply, and no other than this; We did not incline to give any satisfactory answer to Mr. Morris who was officially Commissioned to ascertain our intentions with respect to the evacuation of the Western Posts within the Territory of the United States and other matters into which he was empowered to enquire until by this unauthenticated mode we can discover whether you will enter into an Alliance with us and make Common cause against Spain. In that case we will enter into a Commercial Treaty with you & promise perhaps to fulfil what they already stand engaged to perform. However, I requested Mr. Jefferson & Colo. Hamilton, as I intend to do the Vice-President, Chief Justice & Secretary at War, to revolve this Matter in all its relations in their minds that they may be the better prepared to give me their opinions thereon in the course of 2 or three days.
The following Gentlemen dined here to day--viz--Messrs. Wingate Strong McClay, Lee, & Johnson (No. Carolina) of the Senate and Messrs. Gilman, Aimes Sturges, Schureman, Fitzsimmons, Wynkoop, Vining, Smith, Madison, Sevier, & Sumpter of the House of representatives.
PORTRAIT: See entry for 14 Jan. 1790.
George Beckwith (1753--1823), a member of a prominent Yorkshire, Eng., family, became an ensign in 1771 in the British army, achieving the rank of lieutenant in 1775, captain in 1777, and major in 1781. During the years of the American Revolution he saw extensive service in America and ended the war as aide-de-camp to Sir Guy Carleton (1724--1808). Carleton, who was raised to the peerage as the first Baron Dorchester in 1786, was made governor-in-chief of the Province of Quebec, also in 1786. When he went to Canada, Beckwith accompanied him. Between 1787 and 1790 Beckwith made four visits to the United States where he acted as an unofficial agent for Dorchester and the British ministry in acquiring information about the United States and where he carried on extensive conversations with such prominent Americans as Philip Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, and John Trumbull (see JEFFERSON [1], 17:35--64).
The memorandum quoted by GW is in Hamilton's handwriting and is in DLC:GW. Canadian officials had already learned of the impending crisis between Britain and Spain over the seizure of British ships in Nootka Sound through a letter from William Wyndham, Lord Grenville, secretary of state for home affairs, to Lord Dorchester, 6 May 1790, marked "Secret." Grenville, who was concerned about the United States' position, particularly in regard to the frontier posts still held by the British, wrote Dorchester that in case war should break out, "I conceive that it would by no means be impossible to turn the tide of opinion and wishes of America in our favor in case of a Contest with Spain on the business now in question. . . . The object which we might hold out to them, particularly to the Kentucke and other Settlers at the back of the old colonies, of opening the Navigation of the Mississippi to them, is one at least as important as the possession of the Forts, and perhaps it would not be difficult to shew, that the former is much more easily
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attainable with the assistance of Great Britain against Spain, than the latter is by their joining Spain in offensive operations against this Country" (P.R.O., C.O. 42/67, f. 93--97). Two additional letters from Grenville of the same date reiterated his concern in regard to the United States (BRYMNER, 1890, 131--33). Grenville also forwarded to Dorchester Gouverneur Morris's correspondence with the duke of Leeds (see entry for 1 July 1790) with the comment that "this communication coming from Genl. Washington however vague and inexplicit it is, seems however to indicate some disposition on the part of the United States to cultivate a closer connection with this country than has hitherto subsisted since their separation from Great Britain."
Beckwith was the logical choice as an agent to present Britain's views unofficially and to sound out the administration on Grenville's, and although he had only returned to Canada from the United States in May 1790, he again set out for New York. Beckwith carried with him two sets of instructions, both dated 27 June 1790. The first instructions, which Beckwith showed to Hamilton, expressed Dorchester's hope that the difficulties between Spain and Britain would not "make any alteration in the good disposition of the United States to establish a firm friendship and Alliance with Great Britain to the Mutual advantage of both Countries; I am persuaded it can make none on the part of Great Britain, whose liberal treatment of the United States in point of Commerce sufficiently evinces her friendly disposition, notwithstanding the non execution of the Treaty on their part, which, and various misrepresentations I have always attributed to an unsettled state of their government, and of the minds of the multitude, influenced perhaps by a power not very cordial even to the United States" (P.R.O., C.O. 42/68, f. 225).
The second instructions, marked "Secret," which the secretary of the treasury did not see, instructed Beckwith to learn as much as possible about the attitudes of both the government and people in case of war but to be cautious about carrying out Grenville's suggestion regarding the navigation of the Mississippi as bait to westerners for a British connection: "You will be cautious in advancing anything specific on that head, but rather lead them to explain the different lines of policy, each party may have in view. . . . In general you may assert it as your own opinion, that in case of a War with Spain you see no reason why we should not assist in forwarding whatever their interests may require" (P.R.O., C.O. 42/68, f. 258--60).
The Indian depredations that Dorchester deplored may have been the attack on Maj. John Doughty's party (see entry for 2 July 1790) or the attacks along the Scioto River (see entry for 9 July 1790). Indian raids on all the frontiers had been widespread during the spring of 1790. CAPTAIN HART: Jonathan Heart (see entry for 9 July 1790). The Treaty of Fort Harmar had been negotiated 9 Jan. 1789 by Gov. Arthur St. Clair with the Wyandots (KAPPLER, 2:18--23).
William Maclay noted that this evening's entertainment "was a great dinner, in the usual style, without any remarkable occurrences. Mrs. Washington was the only woman present" (MACLAY, 310).
John Sevier (1745--1815) was elected United States senator from North Carolina in 1789. Sevier in Dec. 1773 moved from his native Virginia to the North Carolina frontier and settled on the Nolichucky River in an area which in 1796 became a part of the state of Tennessee. During the Revolution he led a force of frontiersmen at King's Mountain and in 1781 and 1782 led several expeditions against Indians who were raiding the frontier. In
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the 1780s he was governor of the short-lived State of Franklin and deeply involved in the Muscle Shoals speculation. From 1796 to 1801 and 1803 to 1809 he served as governor of Tennessee.
Friday 9th. Exercised on Horse-back between 5 and 7 in the morning.
A letter from Genl. Harmer, enclosing copies of former letters; and Sundry other papers, were put into my hands by the Secretary at War. By these it appears that the frequent hostilities of some Vagabond Indians, who it was supposed had a mind to establish themselves on the Scioto for the purpose of Robbing the Boats, and murdering the Passengers in their dissent or assent of the Ohio, had induced an Expedition composed of 120 effective men of the Regular Troops under his (Harmers) command, and 202 Militia (mounted on Horses) under that of Genl. Scott of the District of Kentucky. This force rendezvoused at the Mouth of Lime-stone on the 20 of April; and intended by a detour to fall on the Scioto high up: five Miles above the Mouth of paint Creek (which runs through the finest land in the world, & Surveyed for the Officers of the Virginia line) it accordingly struck the Scioto on the 25th, 50 Miles from its mouth. But the Militia, according to custom, getting tired, & short of Provisions, became clamorous to get home; & many of them would have gone off but for the influence of Genl. Scott; however, the March was continued and on the 27th. the Troops arrived at the Mouth of the Scioto where crossing the Ohio the Militia seperated for their respective homes & the regular Troops proceeded up to their head Quarters at Fort Washington. In this expedition little was done; a small party of 4 Indians was discovered--killed & Scalped and at another place some Bever traps & Skins were taken at an Indian Camp. The detour made was about 128 miles & had the Militia crossed to the East side of the Scioto it is supposed several parties of Indians would have been fallen in with. The Scioto is 65 Miles below the Mouth of Licking.
Among the Enclosures with Genl. Harmers letter, were Captn. Harts report of the Navigations of Big beaver and the Cayahoga, and Country between; & of other waters: also Majr. Hamtrameks report of the distances &ca. from Post Vincennes on the Wabash to Detroit--Copies of which I desired to be furnished with.
Many Visitors (male & female) this Afternoon to Mrs. Washington.
Josiah Harmar (1753--1813), a native of Philadelphia, served as major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel of various Pennsylvania regiments during the Revolution and in Aug. 1784 became commander of the new United States
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Army. From that time until his resignation in 1792, he served mainly on the Ohio frontier, repelling Indian attacks against the area's few settlements. In Sept. 1790 he was to engage in an unsuccessful campaign against the Shawnee in the area of the Miami villages on the Maumee River. The letter that GW mentions was probably Harmar's letter of 9 June 1790 to Henry Knox, although GW must have obtained additional details from other papers submitted by Knox (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:91--92). Lt. Col. James Wilkinson wrote Harmar 7 April 1790 that for "more than one month past a party of savages has occupied the Northwestern bank of the Ohio, a few miles above the mouth of the Scioto, from whence they make attacks upon every boat which passes, to the destruction of much property, the loss of many lives, and the great annoyance of all intercourse from the northward . . . their last attack was made against five boats, one of which they captured" (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:91). On 30 May, Ens. Asa Hartshorne of the 1st United States Regiment reported that he and a small party had been attacked near Limestone; "in the afternoon, myself with five men went up to the place where we were attacked; we found one man, one woman, and three children, killed and scalped. . . . There are eight missing; the whole killed and missing is thirteen souls; they took none of the property but one horse" (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:91). Both of these documents were enclosed in Harmar's letter to Knox. Limestone was a small post town in Kentucky on the south side of the Ohio River "and on the west side of the mouth of a small creek of its name" (MORSE [2]).
Charles Scott (c. 1739--1813) was born in Goochland (later Powhatan) County, Va., and served under GW in Braddock's campaign during the French and Indian War. During the Revolution he was a lieutenant colonel in the 2d Virginia Regiment, colonel of the 5th Virginia Regiment, and in 1777 was commissioned brigadier general in the Continental Army. He was brevetted major general in 1783. In 1785 he moved to Kentucky and represented Woodford County in the Virginia Assembly 1789--90. In 1791 he led Kentucky troops in the St. Clair expedition. Concerning his role in the Scioto expedition, Harmar noted in his letter to Knox that "General Scott detached a small party of horsemen, who fell in with the savages, killed them, and brought four scalps into Limestone" (ASP, INDIAN AFF., 1:91).
Jonathan Heart (d. 1791) of Connecticut entered the Revolution in 1775 as a volunteer, became an ensign in 1776, a captain lieutenant in 1779, and a captain in 1780. He served as a brigade major until Nov. 1783 and in 1785 was appointed a captain in the United States Infantry Regiment. In Sept. 1789 he became a captain in the 1st United States Infantry Regiment and served with Harmar's command on the Ohio frontier. He was killed during Arthur St. Clair's battle with the western Indians 4 Nov. 1791.
John Hamtramck (c.1756--1803), a native of Quebec, served during the Revolution as a major in the New York line. In 1785 he became captain of a New York company serving under Harmar on the Ohio frontier. Joining the United States forces at Vincennes in 1787 he remained as one of the fort's officers for the next six years. His "report of the distances" from Vincennes to Detroit was enclosed in a letter to Harmar of 17 Mar. 1790, and is printed in THORNBROUGH, 225--27.
Saturday 10th. Having formed a Party, consisting of the Vice-President, his lady, Son & Miss Smith; the Secretaries of State,
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Treasury & War, and the ladies of the two latter; with all the Gentlemen of my family, Mrs. Lear & the two Children we visited the old position of Fort Washington and afterwards dined on a dinner provided by Mr. Mariner at the House lately Colo. Roger Morris but confiscated and in the occupation of a common Farmer. I requested the Vice-President & the Secretary at War as I had also in the Morning the Chief Justice, to turn their attention to the Communications of Majr. Beckwith; as I might in the course of a few days, call for their opinions on the important matter of it.
MISS SMITH: probably Louisa Smith. See entry for 8 Oct. 1789. GENTLEMEN OF MY FAMILY: GW's secretaries. Tobias Lear, William Jackson, Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., David Humphreys, and Robert Lewis. Dandridge (d. 1802) was the son of Mrs. Washington's brother Bartholomew Dandridge.
Mrs. Lear, Tobias Lear's wife, was Mary (Polly) Long Lear of Portsmouth, N.H. The Lears were married in April 1790 in Portsmouth, and upon their return to New York they were invited to make their home with the Washingtons. Mrs. Washington in particular apparently became very fond of young Mrs. Lear, who made herself useful to the presidential household in a number of ways. The living arrangements continued after the household moved to Philadelphia. Polly Lear died, at the age of 23, in Philadelphia, 28 July 1793 (DECATUR, 128--29). The two children were Mrs. Washington's grandchildren George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor Parke Custis.
Fort Washington, in the vicinity of present W. 183d Street in Manhattan, had fallen to the British in Nov. 1776. Later Fort Knyphausen had been constructed by the British on the site of the American works. The Morris Mansion (Jumel Mansion), constructed by Lt. Col. Roger Morris in 1765, was confiscated at the end of the Revolution as Loyalist property and was advertised in Mar. 1790 for sale at public auction: "A Farm at the 11 mile stone on New York Island late the property of Col. Roger Morris--the mansion house in point of elegance and spaciousness is equal to any in this state, and from its elevated position not only enjoys the most salubrious air, but affords a prospect extensively diversified and beautiful. The farm contains about 140 acres, the greatest part of which is mowing ground, and extends across the Island from the East to the North river. On the premises are a large coach house and barn, with a garden containing a variety of the best fruits" ( Daily Adv. [New York], 12 Mar. 1790, cited in STOKES, 5:1263). The house was to be sold on 3 May 1790.
Although there are no written communications from GW on the subject of Beckwith's communications (see entry for 8 July 1790) to Adams or Knox, on 9 July Hamilton wrote Jay that "certain Circumstances of a delicate nature have occurred, concerning which The President would wish to consult you." In view of the serious illness of Jay's father-in-law, Gov. William Livingston of New Jersey, "I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it" (HAMILTON [2], 6:488).
On 12 July Jefferson wrote to GW that he "had a conference yesterday with Mr. Madison on the subject recommended by the President. He has the
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honor of inclosing him some considerations thereon, in all of which he believes Mr. Madison concurs" (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters). For the enclosure, "Jefferson's Outline of Policy Contingent on War between England and Spain," see JEFFERSON [1], 17:109--10.
Sunday 11th. At home all day dispatching some business relative to my own private concerns.
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 States."
BILLS; 1 STAT. 130 (16 July 1790) and 1 STAT. 129 (16 July 1790). The Residence Bill, establishing a new federal district on the banks of the Potomac River for the permanent capital, had been under debate in Congress since 31 May, but the struggle over the location for the capital long preceded the bill's advent in Congress. GW's close personal involvement in the matter will be fully treated in the correspondence volumes. Under the terms of the Residence Act the president was authorized to appoint three commissioners who would "under the direction of the President" oversee the surveying and construction of the new city, a provision which guaranteed GW's continued close involvement with the Federal City for the rest of his administration. The act also provided that the capital would move from New York to Philadelphia by Dec. 1790 and remain there until Dec. 1800 when the new Federal City would presumably be finished.
Tuesday 13th. Again sat for Mr. Trumbull from 9 until half past 10 Oclock.
A good deal of Company at the Levee to day.
Wednesday 14th. Exercised on horseback from 5 until near 7 Oclock.
Had some further conversation to day with the Chief Justice and Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the business on which Majr. Beckwith was come on. The result--To treat his communications very civilly--to intimate, delicately, that they carried no marks, official or authentic; nor, in speaking of Alliance, did they convey any definite meaning by which the precise objects of the British Cabinet could be discovered. In a word, that the Secretary of the Treasury was to extract as much as he could from
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Major Beckwith & to report it to me, without committing, by any assurances whatever, the Government of the U States, leaving it entirely free to pursue, unreproached, such a line of conduct in the dispute as her interest (& honour) shall dictate.
BUSINESS ON WHICH MAJR. BECKWITH WAS COME ON: See entries for 8 and 10
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Editorial Note. From the first days of his presidency, GW was determined "to visit every part of the United States" during his term of office if "health and other circumstances would admit of it" (GW to Edward Rutledge, 16 Jan. 1791, ScCMu). A month after GW returned from his New England tour, Gov. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina wrote him suggesting a tour of the southern states (14 Dec. 1789, DLC:GW), and GW replied 11 Jan. 1790 that nothing would give him more pleasure although his time was not his own (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).
By the following summer rumors were circulating in the South that GW would come that fall, but when William Blount of North Carolina called on GW at Mount Vernon in September, he learned that the southern tour would start by spring. "You may shortly expect to hear of pompous Orders for equiping and training the Cavalry," Blount confidently wrote his brother in North Carolina; "and perhaps," he added, news of GW's tour "may induce the Overseers of Roads and Ferry-Keepers to mend their Ways and repair or build new Boats. If the very greatest Attention and Respect is not paid him he will be greatly disappointed and Mortified for to the North the Contention has been who should pay him the most" (William Blount to John Gray Blount, 20 Sept. 1790, BLOUNT, 2:117--20).
Congress adjourned 3 Mar. 1791. Bad roads delayed GW's departure from Philadelphia for a while, but the need to traverse the route before "the warm and sickly months" were upon the South prompted him to leave on 21 Mar. (GW to William Washington, 8 Jan. 1791, and GW to David Humphreys, 16 Mar. 1791, DLC:GW).
Before setting off GW prepared a careful itinerary describing the dates, places, and mileages for his proposed "line of march." His route south was to be an eastern one through Richmond and Petersburg, Va., New Bern and Wilmington, N.C., and Georgetown and Charleston, S.C., to Savannah, and his return by "an
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The World of President Washington, 1789--1797
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upper road" from Augusta through Columbia and Camden, S.C., Charlotte and Salem, N.C., and Fredericksburg. In all he was to be gone more than three months and would travel an estimated 1,816 miles ("Route & Stages of G. Washington in the yr. 1791," GW to Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791, and GW to Alexander Hamilton, 13 June 1791, DLC:GW).
As on the New England tour GW planned to lodge only at public houses and to refuse all offers to stay in private homes. "I am persuaded you will readily see the necessity of this resolution both as it respects myself and others," GW wrote his relative William Washington of South Carolina. "It leaves me unembarrassed by engagements, and by a uniform adherence to it I shall avoid giving umbrage to any by declining all invitations of residence" (8 Jan. 1791, DLC:GW). Nevertheless, lack of suitable ordinaries along several parts of his route was to oblige him to make exceptions to this rule on more than one occasion.
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Monday 21st. Left Philadelphia about 11 O'clock to make a tour through the Southern States. Reached Chester about 3 oclock--dined & lodged at Mr. Wythes--Roads exceedingly deep, heavy & cut in places by the Carriages which used them.
In this tour I was accompanied by Majr. Jackson. My equipage & attendance consisted of a Chariet & four horses drove in hand light baggage Waggon & two horses--four Saddle horses besides a led one for myself--and five Servants including to wit my Valet de Chambre, two footmen, Coach man & Postilion.
MR. WYTHES: Mary Withy's inn (see entry for 13 May 1787). The words "Servants including" were struck out by GW in MS.
The coachman John Fagan, said to be "by birth a Hessian," had been hired the previous December (Robert Lewis to John Fagan, 28 Nov. 1790, DLC:GW; CUSTIS, 424). The postilion Giles proved to be "too much indisposed to ride the journey" by the time the party reached Mount Vernon (GW to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).
Tuesday 22d. At half past 6 Oclock we left Chester, & breakfasted at Wilmington. Finding the Roads very heavy and receiving unfavourable Accts. of those between this place and Baltimore I determined to cross the [Chesapeake] Bay by the way of Rockhall and crossing Christiana Creek [Christina River] proceeded through Newcastle & by the Red Lyon to the Buck tavern 13 Miles from Newcastle and 19 from Wilmington where we dined and lodged. At the Red Lyon we gave the horses a bite of Hay--during their eating of which I discovered that one of those wch. drew the Baggage Waggon was lame and appd. otherwise much indisposed. Had him bled and afterwards led to the Buck tavern.
This is a better house than the appearances indicate.
The Red Lion Tavern, located at the site of present-day Red Lion, Del., was opened sometime after the end of the War of Independence by a Huguenot woman named Elisse Roussier. The Buck Tavern where GW had dined 3 Sept. 1774, was, according to one patron, "indifferent for bed and table--good for horses" (W.P.A. [3], 461--62, 485).
Wednesday 23d. Set off at 6 Oclock--breakfasted at Warwick--bated with hay 9 miles farther and dined and lodged at the House of one Worrells in Chester; from whence I sent an Express to Rock-hall to have Boats ready for me by 9 Oclock tomorrow Morning--after doing which Captn. Nicholson obligingly set out for that place to see that every thing should [be] prepared against my arrival.
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The lame horse was brought on, and while on the Road appd. to move tolerably well, but as soon as he stopped, discovered a stiffness in all his limbs which indicated some painful disorder. I fear a Chest founder. My riding horse also appeared to be very unwell, his appetite havg. entirely failed him.
The Winter grain along the Road appeared promising and abundant.
The village of Warwick, Md., lies in southern Cecil County near the Maryland-Delaware line.
Thursday 24th. Left Chester town about 6 Oclock. Before nine I arrivd at Rock-Hall where we breakfasted and immediately; after which we began to embark--The doing of which employed us (for want of contrivance) until near 3 Oclock and then one of my Servants (Paris) & two horses were left, notwithstanding two Boats in aid of The two Ferry Boats were procured. Unluckily, embarking on board of a borrowed Boat because She was the largest, I was in imminent danger, from the unskilfulness of the hands, and the dulness of her sailing, added to the darkness and storminess of the night. For two hours after we hoisted Sail the Wind was light and a head. The next hour was a stark calm after which the wind sprung up at So. Et. and encreased until it blew a gale--about which time, and after 8 Oclock P.M. we made the mouth of Severn River (leading up to Annapolis) but the ignorance of the People on board, with respect to the navigation of it run us aground first on Greenbury point from whence with much exertion and difficulty we got off; & then, having no knowledge of the Channel and the night being immensely dark with heavy and variable squals of wind--constant lightning & tremendous thunder--we soon grounded again on what is called Homes point where, finding all efforts in vain, & not knowing where we were we remained, not knowing what might happen, 'till morning.
GW's vessel, according to the Maryland Gazette, "did not enter the river Severn until ten o'clock, in a dark tempestuous night. She struck on a bar, or point, within about a mile from the city; and although she made a signal of distress, it was impossible, before day-light, to go to her relief" ( Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791). Greenbury Point marks the entrance to the Severn on the north. Horn Point is on the opposite side of the river, about a mile to the west (now part of the Annapolis suburb Eastport).
Friday 25th. Having lain all night in my Great Coat & Boots, in a birth not long enough for me by the head, & much cramped; we found ourselves in the morning with in about one mile of
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View of Annapolis in 1797, from an extra-illustrated copy of Public Men of the Revolution by William Sullivan, 1847. (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)
Annapolis & still fast aground. Whilst we were preparing our small Boat in order to land in it, a sailing Boat came of to our assistance in wch. with the Baggage I had on board I landed, & requested Mr. Man at whose Inn I intended lodging, to send off a Boat to take off two of my Horses & Chariot which I had left on board and with it my Coachman to see that it was properly done--but by mistake the latter not having notice of this order & attempting to get on board afterwards in a small Sailing Boat was overset and narrowly escaped drowning.
Was informed upon my arrival (when 15 Guns were fired) that all my other horses arrived safe, that embarked at the same time I did, about 8 Oclock last night.
Was waited upon by the Governor (who came off in a Boat as soon as he heard I was on my passage from Rock hall to meet us, but turned back when it grew dark and squally) as soon as I arrived at Mans tavern, & was engaged by him to dine with the Citizens of Annapolis this day at Manns tavern and at his House tomorrow--the first I accordingly did.
Before dinner I walked with him, and several other Gentlemen
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to the State house, (which seems to be much out of repair)--the College of St. John at which there are about 80 Students of every description--and then by the way of the Governors (to see Mrs. Howell) home.
GW was taken to a hostelry operated by George Mann (1753--1795), called Mann's Tavern or the City Hotel. A 1787 travel journal kept by an English visitor to Annapolis described these lodgings: "Mr. Mann keeps an excellent publick house 4 rooms on a floor, & one for company 66 by 21 feet--the second story Lodging Rooms, all wainscoted to the ceiling, might vie with any tavern in England" (VAUGHAN, 60--61). The large room was probably used for GW's dinner with some of the citizens of Annapolis.
The dinner at Mann's began at 3:00 P.M. "with a numerous company of inhabitants" in attendance and continued until 15 patriotic toasts had circulated around the table, each "announced by the discharge of cannon" ( Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791). Like the presentation of laudatory addresses, the rituals of the public dinner would occur often in the coming weeks.
The governor of Maryland was John Eager Howard, and "Mrs. Howell," whom GW stopped to see at the governor's house before dinner, must have been the governor's wife Peggy Chew Howard (see entry for 23 May 1787).
St. John's College, where GW arrived about 10:00 A.M., was chartered by the Maryland General Assembly in 1784 but did not open its doors until Nov. 1789. From the school's faculty on the following day, GW received the first of the many formal congratulatory addresses that were to be pressed on him during his tour. "We the faculty of St John's College beg leave to express the sincere joy; which the honour of your presence in our infant seminary afforded us," wrote Principal John McDowell in this typical address. "In common with all those who superintend the education of youth, we must feel a lively gratitude to the defender of liberty, the guardian of his country's peace and consequently the great patron of literature. . . . Our earnest prayer is, that a kind providence may continually watch over you and preserve a life, long indeed already, if measured by deeds of worth and fulness of honour, but too short as yet for your Country" (26 Mar. 1791, DLC:GW). In reply GW expressed satisfaction with his visit to the college and hopes for its future progress. "You will do justice to the sentiments, which your kind regard towards myself inspires," he concluded, "by believing that I reciprocate the good wishes contained in your address, and I sincerely hope the excellence of your seminary will be manifested in the morals and science of the youth who are favored with your care" ([26 Mar. 1791], DLC: GW). Seven years later GW sent George Washington Parke Custis to St. John's to be one of those youths.
Saturday 26th. Spent the forenoon in my room preparing papers &ca. against my arrival at George Town. Dined at the Governors and went to the Assembly in the Evening where I stayed till half past ten oclock.
In the Afternoon of this day Paris and my other two horses arrived from Rock-hall.
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GW "again dined with a large company" at the governor's house, "and in the evening," reported the Maryland Gazette, "his presence enlivened a ball, at which was exhibited everything which this little city contained of beauty and elegance" ( Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791).
Sunday 27th. About 9 oclock this morning I left Annapolis under a discharge of Artillery, and being accompanied by the Governor a Mr. Kilty of the Council and Mr. Charles Stuart proceeded on my Journey for George Town. Bated at Queen Ann, 13 Miles distant and dined and lodged at Bladensburgh. Many of the Gentlemen of Annapolis (among [whom] was the Chanceller of the State) escorted me to the ferry over So. River.
John Kilty (1756--1811) of Annapolis, apparently a brother of Dr. William Kilty (see entry for 8 Aug. 1788), was a member of the Maryland council 1785--91 and 1792--93. During the first years of the War of Independence he served as a lieutenant in the Maryland line and later as a captain in the Continental dragoons. GW appointed him supervisor of the revenue for Maryland in 1795 ( Md. Hist. Mag., 6 [1911], 357; MD. ARCH., 71:64, 149, 227, 301, 72:58, 153, 235, 300).
The chancellor of Maryland was Alexander Contee Hanson (1749--1806) of Annapolis. In June 1776 he was appointed GW's assistant secretary at headquarters but resigned a few months later because of bad health. A justice of the Maryland General Court for many years, he was appointed chancellor in 1789 and served until his death.
Queen Anne, Md., was described by the English traveler Samuel Vaughan in 1787 as a "pleasant Village" with "12 houses" and a tobacco warehouse from which about 1,100 hogsheads of tobacco were shipped annually (VAUGHAN, 60). At Bladensburg, Md., according to a local tradition, GW lodged at the Indian Queen Tavern, now called the George Washington House (DIARIES, 4:152, n.5; MD. GUIDE, 262).
The South River ferry crossed to Londontown, Md. GW had used this ferry often on his way to and from Annapolis (HOWARD & SHRIVER, Map, No. 60; MD. GUIDE, 232--33).
Monday 28th. Left Bladensburgh at half after Six, & breakfasted at George Town about 8; where, having appointed the Commissioners under the Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. Johnson one of them (& who is chief Justice of the State) in waiting & soon after came in David Stuart & Danl. Carroll Esqrs. the other two.
A few miles out of Town I was met by the principal Citizen[s] of the place, & escorted in by them; and dined at Suters tavern (where I also lodged) at a public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation--previous to which I examined the Surveys of Mr. Ellicot who had been sent on to lay out the district of ten miles square for the federal seat; and also the works of Majr. L'Enfant who had been engaged to examine, & make a draught of the grds.
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in the vicinity of George town and Carrollsburg on the Eastern branch making arrangements for examining the ground myself tomorrow with the Commissioners.
The Residence law, which authorized the establishing of a new capital, also provided for the president to appoint three commissioners to supervise the land surveying, the layout of the Federal City in the district, and the construction of public buildings (see entry for 12 July 1790). The three commissioners, appointed by GW in 1791, were Thomas Johnson of Fredericktown, Md., Dr. David Stuart, of Hope Park in Fairfax County, and Daniel Carroll (1730--1796).
Andrew Ellicott (1754--1820) was appointed by GW to survey the district lines, which he began in the late winter of 1791. Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754--1825), born and trained in engineering and artistic design in France, volunteered as an officer of engineers in the Revolution, entering the American army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge. During the next decade his artistic activity in America included a sketch of GW and several architectural designs in Philadelphia and New York City. In 1791 GW appointed L'Enfant to design a Federal City to be built within the district. Carrollsburg, still only a paper town in 1791, was laid out c.1770 on the neck between James Creek and the Anacostia River for Charles Carroll, father of Daniel Carroll of Duddington.
Tuesday 29th. In a thick mist, and under strong appearances of a settled rain (which however did not happen) I set out about 7 Oclock for the purpose abovementioned--but from the unfavorableness of the day, I derived no great satisfaction from the review.
Finding the interests of the Landholders about George town and those about Carrollsburgh much at varience and that their fears & jealousies of each were counteracting the public purposes & might prove injurious to its best interests whilst if properly managed they might be made to subserve it--I requested them to meet me at Six oclock this afternoon at my lodgings, which they accordingly did.
To this meeting I represented, that the contention in which they seemed engaged, did not in my opinion, comport either with the public interest or that of their own; that while each party was aiming to obtain the public buildings, they might, by placing the matter on a contracted scale, defeat the measure altogether; not only by procrastination but for want of the means necessary to effect the work; That neither the offer from George town, or Carrollsburgh, seperately, was adequate to the end of insuring the object--That both together did not comprehend more ground nor would afford greater means than was required for the federal City; and that, instead of contending which of the two should have it
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they had better, by combining there offers make a common cause of it and thereby secure it to the district. Other arguments were used to shew the danger which might result from delay and the good effects that might proceed from a Union.
Dined at Colo. Forrests to day with the Commissioners & others.
Although the Residence Bill did not specify the size of the capital, the Georgetown and Carrollsburg landholders assumed that the land to be set aside in the federal district for government buildings would consist of at most a few hundred acres. According to an early plan of Thomas Jefferson, the new town would require only about 100 acres (JEFFERSON [1], 17:460--61, 463). The landholders of Georgetown believed that 400 acres located somewhere between Rock and Goose creeks could accommodate the new capital (SCISCO, 128--29). In Jan. 1790 Daniel Carroll, one of the commissioners of the federal district and owner of land in the Carrollsburg area, proposed his 160-acre paper town as an alternative (SCISCO, 132; REPS, 254). At today's meeting, GW makes the first official public pronouncement on the size of the new capital; it would encompass the sites promoted by both the Georgetown and Carrollsburg interests, making the city a project far more ambitious than either group of landholders originally conceived.
Uriah Forrest (1756--1805), of Georgetown, Md., served as an officer in the Revolution and received wounds at Germantown and Brandywine. During the time he was a Federalist member of the United States House of Representatives (1793--94) he had a house built on Ordway Street near Wisconsin Avenue. In partnership with Benjamin Stoddert, Forrest owned nearly 1,000 acres of land north of Georgetown that fell within the newly surveyed federal district boundaries (BRYAN, 413).
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 were designated as necessary for the City to stand with some other stipulations which were inserted in the instrument which they respectively subscribed.
This business being thus happily finished & some directions given to the Commissioners, the Surveyor and Engineer with respect to the mode of laying out the district--Surveying the grounds for the City & forming them into lots--I left Georgetown--dined in Alexandria & reached Mount Vernon in the evening.
GW's directions for laying out the district were based upon his proclamation dated Georgetown, 30 Mar. 1791, establishing a district ten miles square beginning at Jones Point at the mouth of Hunting Creek on the south side of Alexandria. The survey was done by "the Surveyor" Andrew Ellicott, with
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the assistance of Benjamin Banneker (see REPS, 252). The "Engineer" was Pierre L'Enfant. For the agreement dated 30 Mar. 1791, see DNA: RG 42, Proceedings of the Commissioners.
Thursday 31st. From this time, until the 7th. of April, I remained at Mount Vernon--visiting my Plantations every day--and
Was obliged also, consequent of Colo. Henry Lees declining to accept the command of one of the Regiments of Levies and the request of the Secretary of War to appoint those Officers which had been left to Colo. Lee to do for a Battalion to be raised in Virginia East of the Alligany Mountains to delay my journey on this account--and after all, to commit the business as will appear by the letters & for the reasons there-mentioned to Colo. Darke's management.
From hence I also wrote letters to the Secretaries of State--Treasury and War in answer to those received from [them] on interesting subjects--desiring in case of important occurrances they would hold a consultation and if they were of such a nature as to make my return necessary to give me notice & I would return immediately. My rout was given to them & the time I should be at the particular places therein mentioned.
The regiment of which Henry Lee was offered command was one of two regiments of six-month levies that Congress had recently authorized to be raised as part of an expeditionary force that Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was preparing to lead against hostile Indians in the Ohio Valley. Lee's refusal of the command, about which GW did not definitely learn until 31 Mar., was unwelcome news, for it meant delay in officering and recruiting of the regiment's three battalions, one to be raised in Pennsylvania, one in Maryland, and one in Virginia. To minimize the delay Secretary of War Henry Knox suggested in letters of 24 and 27 Mar. 1791 that the command be offered to either Col. Josias Carvill Hall or Col. Moses Rawlings, both of Maryland, and that GW in the meantime appoint the officers for the Virginia battalion (Knox to William Jackson, 24 Mar. 1791, and Knox to GW, 27 Mar. 1791, DLC:GW). Unprepared for Lee's refusal, GW hastily approved offering the command to Hall but was reluctant to take time out of his schedule to secure the Virginia officers (William Jackson to Henry Knox, 30 Mar. 1791, and GW to Henry Knox, 1 April 1791, DLC:GW). GW settled the matter by writing to Lt. Col. William Darke of Berkeley County on 4 April to ask him to appoint the officers for the Virginia battalion and to accept command of the regiment if Hall declined it (GW to Darke, 4 and 7 April 1791, DLC:GW). Hall did decline, and Darke accepted. In the defeat that St. Clair's force suffered at the hands of the Indians near the Wabash River 4 Nov. 1791, Darke was severely wounded and his son Capt. Joseph Darke mortally wounded (William Darke to GW, 9 Nov. 1791, DLC:GW).
The letters that GW wrote from Mount Vernon to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson are dated 31 Mar. and 1 and 4 April 1791, to Secretary
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of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton 4 April 1791, and to Secretary of War Henry Knox 1, 4, and 7 April 1791 (DLC:GW). The instructions for "important occurrances" are in a letter of 4 April 1791 addressed jointly to the three cabinet members. Vice-President John Adams was not included in the consultations only because he was going to Boston (DLC:GW).
Thursday 7th. April. Recommenced my journey with Horses apparently well refreshed and in good spirits.
In attempting to cross the ferry at Colchester with the four Horses hitched to the Chariot by the neglect of the person who stood before them, one of the leaders got overboard when the boat was in swimming water and 50 yards from the Shore--with much difficulty he escaped drowning before he could be disengaged. His struggling frightned the others in such a manner that one after another and in quick succession they all got over board harnessed fastened as they were and with the utmost difficulty they were saved & the Carriage escaped been dragged after them as the whole of it happened in swimming water & at a distance from the shore. Providentially--indeed miraculously--by the exertions of people who went off in Boats & jumped into the River as soon as the Batteau was forced into wading water--no damage was sustained by the horses, Carriage or harness.
Proceeded to Dumfries where I dined--after which I visited & drank Tea with my Niece Mrs. Thos. Lee.
GW's niece at Dumfries was Mildred Washington Lee, daughter of John Augustine Washington. Her husband Thomas Lee (1758--1805), a son of Richard Henry Lee, was practicing law in the town at this time.
Friday 8th. Set out about 6 oclock--breakfasted at Stafford Court House and dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis's in Fredericksburgh.
GW reached Fredericksburg "about 1 o'clock, P.M." The citizens of the town, "not being apprized of his approach, were disappointed in the opportunity of evincing their respect . . . by meeting him previous to his arrival" ( Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791).
Saturday 9th. Dined at an entertained [entertainment] given by the Citizens of the town. Received and answered an address from the Corporation.
Was informed by Mr. Jno. Lewis, who had, not long since been in Richmond, that Mr. Patrick Henry had avowed his interest in
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the Yazoo company; and made him a tender of admission into it whh. he declined--but asking, if the Company did not expect the Settlement of the lands would be disagreeable to the Indians was answered by Mr. Henry that the Co. intended to apply to Congress for protection--which, if not granted they would have recourse to their own means to protect the settlement--That General Scott had a certain quantity of Land (I think 40,000 acres in the Company's grant, & was to have the command of the force which was to make the establishment--and moreover that General Muhlenberg had offered £1000 for a certain part of the grant--the quantity I do not recollect if it was mentioned to me.
"An elegant dinner was prepared at the Town-Hall . . .; at 2 o'clock [GW] was waited on by some of the officers and principal inhabitants of the corporation, conducted to the place of entertainment, received by the Mayor, and introduced to those present" ( Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791). The address delivered by Mayor William Harvey and a copy of GW's response are in DLC:GW.
Patrick Henry was a leading member of the Virginia Yazoo Company (MEADE [3], 422--23; see entry for 28 April 1790).
Sunday 10th. Left Fredericksburgh about 6 Oclock. Myself, Majr. Jackson and one Servant breakfasted at General Spotswoods. The rest of my Servants continued on to Todds Ordinary where they also breakfasted. Dined at the Bowling Green and lodged at Kenner's Tavern 14 Miles farther--in all 35 M.
GW left town "attended by a large company of Gentlemen, of whom he took leave a few miles distant" ( Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791). Dr. George Todd of Caroline County had died during the previous year, but his tavern at the site of present-day Villboro, Va., apparently remained open under his name. Kenner's "Red house" stood about nine miles south of John Hoomes's Bowling Green tavern and about two miles north of Burk's Bridge, where the main road to Richmond crossed the Mattaponi River (RICE, 2:176; COLLES, 189).
Monday 11th. Took an early breakfast at Kinners--bated at one Rawlings's half way between that & Richmd.--and dined at the latter about 3 Oclock. On my arrival was Saluted by the Cannon of the place--waited on by the Governor and other Gentlemen--and saw the City alluminated at Night.
GW arrived in Richmond about 2:00 P.M. and during the evening "viewd the Capitol" ( Va. Gaz. [Richmond], 13 April 1791; James Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). Beverley Randolph served as governor of Virginia 1788--91.
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A view of Richmond from William Wirt's Letters of the British Spy, 1811. (Library of Congress)
Tuesday 12th. In company with the Governor, The Directors of the James River Navigation Company--the Manager & many other Gentlemen. I viewed the Canal, Sluces, Locks & other Works between the City of Richmond & Westham. These together have brought the navigation to within a mile and half, or a Mile and ¾ of the proposed Bason; from which the Boats by means of Locks are to communicate with the tide water Navigation below. The Canal is of Sufficient depth every where but in places not brought to its proper width; it seems to be perfectly secure against Ice, Freshes & drift Wood. The locks at the head of these works are simple--altogether of hewn stone, except the gates & Gills and very easy & convenient to work. There are two of them, each calculated to raise & lower 6 feet. They cost, according to the Manager's, Mr. Harris acct. about £3,000 but I could see nothing in them to require such a sum to erect them. The sluces in the River, between these locks and the mouth of the Canal are well graduated and easy of assent. To complete the Canal from the point to which it is now opened, and the Locks at the foot of them Mr. Harris thinks will require 3 years. Received an Address from the Mayor, Aldermen & Common Council of the City of Richmond at Three oclock, & dined with the Governor at four Oclock.
In the course of my enquiries--chiefly from Colo. Carrington--I cannot discover that any discontents prevail among the people at large, at the proceedings of Congress. The conduct of the Assembly respecting the assumption he thinks is condemned by them as intemperate & unwise and he seems to have no doubt but that
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the Excise law--as it is called--may be executed without difficulty--nay more, that it will become popular in a little time. His duty as Marshall having carried him through all parts of the State lately, and of course given him the best means of ascertaining the temper & dispositions of its Inhabitants--he thinks them favorable towards the General Government & that they only require to have matters explained to them in order to obtain their full assent to the Measures adopted by it.
GW was president of the James River Company 1785--95, but in name only. Edmund Randolph, one of the original directors of the company, acted as president from 1785 to 1789, when another director, Dr. William Foushee, assumed those duties. Besides Foushee, the current directors were John Harvie and David Ross. James Harris continued as manager (see entries for 17 May 1785 and 11 Mar. 1786).
GW and his party began today's tour at Harris's home and ascended the canal "in 2 fine new Batteaus of David Ross, who had his Watermen dressed in red Coaties on the Occasion." The boats, according to Dr. James Currie of Richmond, "took . . . 7 Minutes & 4 seconds by a stop watch" to pass through the canal's two locks (Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). The address from the Richmond city officials and a copy of GW's answer are in DLC:GW. The mayor was George Nicholson (CHRISTIAN, 44).
Edward Carrington, having been appointed United States marshal for Virginia 26 Sept. 1789 and supervisor of the federal revenue for the state 4 Mar. 1791, was now undertaking to perform the duties of both offices (Carrington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1791, HAMILTON [2], 8:240). ASSUMPTION: State debts incurred during the War of Independence were to be assumed by the federal government under terms of a plan established by "An Act making provision for the [payment of the] Debt of the United States" (1 SWAT. 138--44 [4 Aug. 1790]). The Virginia General Assembly objected to this scheme on two principal grounds: that it would enlarge the powers of the federal government at the expense of state powers and that it would oblige Virginia, which had discharged much of its war debt, to pay part of the heavy debts that some northern states still had outstanding. Declaring the act warranted by "neither policy, justice, nor the constitution," the assembly petitioned Congress on 16 Dec. 1790 to revise the act generally and in particular to repeal the part relating to the assumption of state debts (ASP, FINANCE, 7:90--91). EXCISE LAW: "An Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon Distilled Spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same" (1 STAT. 199--214 [3 Mar. 1791]).
Wednesday 13th. Fixed with Colo. Carrington (the supervisor of the district) the Surveys of Inspection for the District of this State & named the characters for them--an acct. of which was transmitted to the Secretary of the treasury.
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Dined at a public entertainment given by the Corporation of Richmond.
The buildings in this place have encreased a good deal since I was here last but they are not of the best kind. The number of Souls in the City are [ ].
The Virginia revenue district was divided into six surveys, each of which was overseen by an inspector of the revenue under the general direction of the district supervisor. Nominations for the six Virginia inspectors were forwarded today to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton by William Jackson (DLC:GW). Tobias Lear sent Hamilton commissions for the appointees on 1 June 1791 (Hamilton to Lear and Lear to Hamilton, 1 June 1791, and Lear to GW, 5 June 1791, DLC:GW).
The dinner given for GW by the citizens of Richmond was held at the fashionable Eagle Tavern on Main Street (James Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). The population of Richmond in 1790 was 3,761.
Thursday 14th. Left Richmond after an early breakfast & passing through Manchester received a salute from cannon & an Escort of Horse under the command of Captn. David Meade Randolph as far as Osbornes where I was met by the Petersburgh horse & escorted to that place & partook of a Public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation and went to an assembly in the evening for the occasion at which there were between 60 & 70 ladies.
Petersburgh which is said to contain near 3000 Souls is well situated for trade at present, but when the James River navigation is compleated and the cut from Elizabeth River to Pasquotanck effected it must decline & that very considerably. At present it receives at the Inspections nearly a third of the Tobacco exported from the whole State besides a considerable quantity of Wheat and flour--much of the former being Manufactured at the Mills near the Town. Chief of the buildings in this town are under the hill & unpleasantly situated but the heights around it are agreeable.
The Road from Richmond to this place passes through a poor Country principally covered with Pine except the interval lands on the [James] River which we left on our left.
The small town of Manchester, established in 1769, was "a sort of suburb to Richmond," lying on the south bank of the James River across from the city (CHASTELLUX, 2:427).
David Meade Randolph (1760--1830), who lived at Presque Isle on the James River near Bermuda Hundred, was a captain of dragoons during the War of Independence. In the fall of this year GW named him to succeed Edward Carrington as United States marshal for Virginia (HENDERSON, 59--62).
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GW's welcome to Petersburg was apparently a tumultuous one. "So great was the desire of the people to see him," reported Edward Carrington, who accompanied GW to the town, "that by the time of his arrival, there were not less than several thousands after him" (Carrington to James Madison, 20 April 1791, DLC: Madison Papers). At the dinner, held at Robert Armistead's tavern on Sycamore Street, "a number of patriotic toasts were drank, attended by a discharge of cannon," and it was probably there that Mayor Joseph Westmore presented GW with yet another civic address ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 29 April 1791). The text of Petersburg's address and of GW's brief reply are in DLC:GW. The evening assembly was at the Mason's Hall in Blandford, which had become part of Petersburg in 1784. The town fathers had decided against a general illumination for fear of fire among the many wooden buildings (SCOTT AND WYATT, 44--47, 133--35). Petersburg's population in 1790 was 2,828.
Plans to link the Elizabeth River, a branch of the James, with the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina by digging a canal through the Dismal Swamp were approved by the Virginia General Assembly in 1787 and by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1790 (HENING, 12:479--94, 13:145--46; N.C. STATE REC., 25:83--93; BROWN [3], 31--39).
Friday 15th. Having suffered very much by the dust yesterday and finding that parties of Horse, & a number of other Gentlemen were intendg. to attend me part of the way to day, I caused their enquiries respecting the time of my setting out, to be answered that, I should endeavor to do it before eight O'clock; but I did it a little after five, by which means I avoided the inconveniences abovementioned.
I came twelve miles to breakfast, at one Jesse Lees, a tavern newly set up upon a small scale, and 15 miles farther to dinner and where I lodged, at the House of one Oliver, which is a good one for horses, and where there are tolerable clean beds. For want of proper stages I could go no farther. The road along wch. I travelled to day is through a level piney Country, until I came to Nottaway, on which there seems to be some good land. The rest is very poor & seems scarce of Water.
Finding that the two horses wch. drew my baggage waggon were rather too light for the draught; and, (one of them especially) losing his flesh fast, I engaged two horses to be at this place this evening to carry it to the next stage 20 Miles off in the Morning, and sent them on led to be there ready for me.
The Nottoway River joins the Blackwater River at the North Carolina line to form the Chowan River, which empties into Albemarle Sound.
Saturday 16th. Got into my Carriage a little after 5 Oclock, and travelled thro' a cloud of dust until I came within two or three miles of Hix' ford when it began to rain. Breakfasted at one Andrews'
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a small but decent House about a mile after passing the ford (or rather the bridge) over Meherrin river. Although raining moderately, but with appearances of breaking up, I continued my journey--induced to it by the crouds which were coming into a general Muster at the Court House of Greensville who would I presumed soon have made the Ho. I was in too noizy to be agreeable. I had not however rode two miles before it began to be stormy, & to rain violently which, with some intervals, it contind. to do the whole afternoon. The uncomfortableness of it, for Men & Horses, would have induced me to put up; but the only Inn short of Hallifax having no stables in wch. the horses could be comfortable, & no Rooms or beds which appeared tolerable, & every thing else having a dirty appearance, I was compelled to keep on to Hallifax; 27 miles from Andrews--48 from Olivers and 75 from Petersburgh. At this place (i.e., Hallifax) I arrived about Six Oclock, after crossing the Roanoke on the South bank of which it stands.
This River is crossed in flat Boats which take in a carriage & four horses at once. At this time, being low, the water was not rapid but at times it must be much so, as it frequently overflows its banks which appear to be at least 25 ft. perpendicular height.
The lands upon the River appear rich, & the low grounds of considerable width but those which lay between the different rivers--namely Appamattox--Nottaway--Meherrin--and Roanoke are all alike flat, poor & covered principally with pine timber.
It has already been observed that before the rain fell I was travelling in a continued cloud of dust but after it had rained sometime, the Scene was reversed, and my passage was through water; so level are the Roads.
From Petersburgh to Hallifax (in sight of the road) are but few good Houses, with small appearances of wealth. The lands are cultivated in Tobacco--Corn--Wheat & oats but Tobacco, & the raising of Porke for market, seems to be the principal dependence of the Inhabitants; especially towards the Roanoke. Cotten & flax are also raised but not extensively.
Hallifax is the first town I came to after passing the line between the two states, and is about 20 Miles from it. To this place Vessels by the aid of Oars & setting poles are brought for the produce which comes to this place and others along the River; and may be carried 8 or 10 Miles higher to the falls which are neither great nor of much extent; above these (which are called the great falls) there are others; but none but what may with a little improvement be passed. This town stands upon high ground; and it
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is the reason given for not placing it at the head of the navigation there being none but low grounds between it and the falls. It seems to be in a decline, & does not it is said contain a thousand souls.
Hicks's (Hix's) ford, now the site of Emporia, Va., was designated the seat of Greensville County when the county was formed in 1780, and seven years later a permanent courthouse was finished on the south side of the river (GAINES [1], 40). The bridge was described by an English traveler during or shortly before the Revolution as being "remarkably lofty, and built of timber" (SMYTH, 1:81). The Meherrin River is a branch of the Chowan.
Halifax was laid out in 1758 as the county seat of Halifax County and during the Revolution was a frequent meeting place for the North Carolina legislature. The falls of the Roanoke River are near present-day Roanoke Rapids, N.C. The river flows into the Albemarle Sound.
Sunday 17th. Colo. Ashe Representative of the district in which this town stands, and several other Gentlemen called upon, and invited me to partake of a dinner which the Inhabitants were desirous of seeing me at & excepting it dined with them accordingly.
"The reception of the President at Halifax," wrote Samuel Johnston of Edenton to James Iredell on 23 May 1791, "was not such as we could wish tho in every other part of the Country he was treated with proper attention." There is a local tradition that the dinner for GW was held at the Eagle Tavern near the river (HENDERSON, 75--76). John Baptista Ashe (see entry for 1 April 1790) served in Congress 1789--93. He was later elected governor of North Carolina but died before his inauguration.
Monday 18th. Set out by Six oclock--dined at a small house kept by one Slaughter 22 Miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tarborough 14 Miles further.
This place is less than Hallifax, but more lively and thriving; it is situated on Tar River which goes into Pamplico Sound and is crossed at the Town by means of a bridge a great height from the Water and notwithstanding the freshes rise sometimes nearly to the arch. Corn, Porke and some Tar are the exports from it. We were recd. at this place by as good a salute as could be given with one piece of artillery.
Slaughter's tavern was probably operated by James Slaughter (died c.1799) of Halifax County, who was listed in the 1790 census as head of a household of 12 whites and 20 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 64).
Tarboro, N.C., seat of Edgecombe County, was settled in 1732 and officially established in 1760. The town gave GW a somewhat feeble welcome, undoubtedly because the citizens learned only at eight o'clock the previous evening that GW might pass through Tarboro, and even then it was not dear
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when he would arrive, if at all (Thomas Blount to Samuel Simpson, 17 April 1791, BLOUNT, 2:168--69).
The Tar River becomes the Pamlico River lower down and flows into Pamlico Sound. Floods on the river had previously carried away several wooden bridges at Tarboro, despite their considerable height and width for the times (SMYTH, 1:101).
Tuesday 19th. At 6 Oclock I left Tarborough accompanied by some of the most respectable people of the place for a few Miles. Dined at a trifling place called Greenville 25 Miles distant and lodged at one Allans 14 Miles further a very indifferent house without stabling which for the first time since I commenced my Journey were obliged to stand without a cover.
Greenville is on Tar River and the exports the same as from Tarborough with a greater proportion of Tar--for the lower down the greater number of Tar markers [makers] are there. This article is, contrary to all ideas one would entertain on the subject, rolled as Tobacco by an axis which goes through both heads. One horse draws two barrels in this manner.
Greenville, N.C., seat of Pitt County, was incorporated in 1771 as Martinsborough; its name was changed in 1786 to honor Nathanael Greene. Allen's tavern was run by Shadrach Allen (born c.1752) of Pitt County, one of the county's delegates to the state legislature 1788--89 and to the state convention of 1789 that ratified the United States Constitution. In 1790 he had 8 whites in his household and 15 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 148).
Wednesday 20th. Left Allans before breakfast, & under a misapprehension went to a Colo. Allans, supposing it to be a public house; where we were very kindly & well entertained without knowing it was at his expence until it was too late to rectify the mistake. After breakfasting, & feeding our horses here, we proceeded on & crossing the River Nuse 11 miles further, arrived in Newbern to dinner.
At this ferry which is 10 miles from Newbern, we were met by a small party of Horse; the district Judge (Mr. Sitgreave) and many of the principal Inhabitts. of Newbern, who conducted us into town to exceeding good lodgings. It ought to have been mentioned that another small party of horse under one Simpson, met us at Greensville, and in spite of every endeavor which could comport with decent civility, to excuse myself from it, they would attend me to Newburn. Colo. Allan did the same.
This town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Nuse & Trent, and though low is pleasant. Vessels drawing more than 9 feet Water cannot get up loaded. It stands on a good deal of
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ground, hut the buildings are sparce and altogether of Wood; some of which are large & look well. The number of Souls are about 2000. Its exports consist of Corn, Tobacco, Pork--but principally of Naval stores & lumber.
The home that GW mistook for a tavern was apparently that of John Allen of Craven County. who was one of Craven's representatives in the legislature 1788--94 and in the convention of 1789. He was probably the John Allen listed in the 1790 census as head of a household of 5 whites and 27 slaves and may have been a brother of Shadrach Allen (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 131--32; BLOUNT, 3:33, n.78; HENDERSON, 80). Allen's military title must have derived from state or local service (N.C. STATE REC., 22:954).
The citizens of New Bern, seat of Craven County and the "place . . . generally reckon'd to be the Capital of North Carolina" despite the fact that the legislature often met elsewhere, were better prepared for GW's coming than their neighbors to the north had been (ATTMORE, 45). Three military units were mustered to welcome him. His escort from West's ferry was the recently formed Craven County Light Horse commanded by a Captain Williams. At the edge of town the New Bern Volunteers, infantrymen commanded by Capt. Edward Pasteur, one of the state's assistant United States marshals, joined the procession, and at GW's lodgings--said to be the John Wright Stanly house at Middle and New streets--"he was saluted by a discharge of fifteen guns from Captain Stephen Tinker's Company of Artillery," followed by "fifteen vollies and a feu-de-joye from the Volunteers. In the evening the town was elegantly illuminated" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791: DILL, 227).
The ferry over the Neuse River, where GW crossed about 1:00 P.M., was West's ferry, also called at various times in its long history Graves's, Kemp's, Curtis's, and Street's ferry (POWELL [3], 479; ATTMORE, 14--15, 21; ASBURY, 1:534, 2:628).
The horsemen who crossed the Neuse with GW were members of the Pitt County Light Horse, commanded by Capt. Samuel Simpson, who served the county in the state legislature in 1792 and 1796--97 (WHEELER, 2:347). This troop was to have met GW in Tarboro, but so short was the notice given of his approach that the men apparently were unable to assemble until GW arrived in Greenville, almost halfway through their county (Thomas Blount to Samuel Simpson, 17 April 1791, BLOUNT, 2:168--69).
John Sitgreaves (1757--1802) , a prominent New Bern lawyer and the town's representative in the state legislature 1786--89, was named United States attorney for the district of North Carolina by GW in June 1790 and was raised to judge of the district the following December. He was a militia officer during the War of Independence, seeing action at the disastrous Battle of Camden in 1780, and served in the Continental Congress 1784--85 (ASHE, 2:398--400).
The Trent River is a relatively short tributary of the Neuse River, which rises in central North Carolina and flows into Pamlico Sound near Ocracoke Inlet, where vessels entered from the Atlantic.
Thursday 21st. Dined with the Citizens at a public dinner given by them; & went to a dancing assembly in the evening--both of
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which was at what they call the Pallace--formerly the government House & a good brick building but now hastening to ruins. The company at both was numerous--at the latter there were abt. 70 ladies.
This town by Water is about 70 miles from the Sea but in a direct line to the entrance of the river not over 35 and to the nearest Seaboard not more than 20, or 25. Upon the River Nuse, & 80 miles above Newbern, the Convention of the State that adopted the federal Constitution made choice of a Spot, or rather district within which to fix their Seat of Government; but it being lower than the back Members (of the Assembly) who hitherto have been most numerous inclined to have it they have found means to obstruct the measure but since the Cession of their Western territory it is supposed that the matter will be revived to good effect.
GW sat down to dinner with the citizens at 4:00 P.M.; he remained at the ball until 11:00 P.M. Earlier in the day he walked around New Bern and during the afternoon received an address from a committee of local freemasons representing St. John's Lodge No. 2. A general address from the town's inhabitants was also given to him apparently at West's ferry the previous day. ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791; HENDERSON, 84--87; both addresses and copies of GW's replies are in DLC:GW).
The palace, built in 1767--70 at the urging of Gov. William Tryon (1729--1788), served as residence for North Carolina's governors until 1780 and as an occasional meeting place for the General Assembly until 1794 (DILL, 110--19, 206, 258). It was "almost in ruins" in 1784 when the German traveler Johann David Schoepf saw it. "The inhabitants of the town," he explained, "took away everything they could make use of, carpets, panels of glass, locks, iron utensils, and the like, until watchmen were finally installed to prevent the carrying-off of the house itself. The state would be glad to sell it, but there is nobody who thinks himself rich enough to live in a brick house" (SCHOEPF, 2:128--29). William Attmore of Philadelphia who visited the palace in 1787 reported that "the Town's people use one of the Halls for a Dancing Room & One of the other Rooms is used for a School Room. . . . The King of G. Britain's Arms, are still suffered to appear in a pediment at the front of the Building; which considering the independent spirit of the people averse to every vestige of Royalty appears Something strange" (ATTMORE, 16).
The question of a new capital had troubled North Carolina politics since 1777. Unable to decide the matter, the legislature referred it to the state's Ratifying Convention of 1788, which rejected the United States Constitution. On 2 Aug. 1788 the convention voted to fix the seat of government within ten miles of Isaac Hunter's tavern in Wake County near the falls of the Neuse, but to let the legislature determine the exact spot within that radius. In 1792 land was purchased and the city of Raleigh was laid out in Wake County; by the end of 1794 a small brick statehouse was erected there (N.C. STATE REC., 22:26--29, 33; LEFLER AND NEWSOME, 243--45).
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Friday 22d. Under an Escort of horse, and many of the principal Gentlemen of Newbern I recommenced my journey. Dined at a place called Trenton which is the head of the boat navigation of the River Trent wch. is crossed at this place on a bridge and lodged at one Shrine's 10 M farther--both indifferent Houses.
GW left New Bern "under a discharge of cannon." He was undoubtedly relieved that the light horse and citizens accompanied him only "a few miles out of town" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791). Some of the strains of traveling were now beginning to tell. "We have, all things considered, come on tolerably well," GW had written Tobias Lear the previous day, "yet, some of the horses, especially the two last bought, are not a little worsted by their journey; and the whole, if brought back, will not cut capers as they did at starting out" (WRITINGS, 31:284--85). At Trenton, N.C., seat of Jones County, GW is said to have dined at a tavern known as "the Old Shingle House" (W.P.A. [8], 286). There also he was greeted by more freemasons, the members of King Solomon's Lodge, who presented him with a short address (DLC:GW). No reply has been found.
Shine's tavern, which a contemporary informant described as "one of the best." was apparently run by John Shine of Jones County. He appears in the 1790 census as head of a household of nine whites and eight slaves ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:380; ASBURY, 2:722; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 144).
Saturday 23d. Breakfasted at one Everets 12 Miles--bated at a Mr. Foys 12 Miles farther and lodged at one Sages 20 Miles beyd. it--all indifferent Houses.
John Everit of Duplin County may have been proprietor of the place where GW breakfasted (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 190). Foy's tavern, described by an informant as "but tolerable," was apparently operated by James Foy of Onslow County, a bachelor who owned 31 slaves ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:380; HEARTS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 143). Robert Sage of Onslow County, whom a traveler in 1786 called "a fine jolly Englishman," had his tavern at Holly Shelter Bay about a mile south of present-day Holly Ridge (WRIGHT, 279; POWELL [3], 233).
Sunday 24th. Breakfasted at an indifferent House about 13 miles from Sages and three Miles further met a party of Light Horse from Wilmington; and after them a Commee. & other Gentlemen of the Town; who came out to escort me into it, and at which I arrived under a federal salute at very good lodgings prepared for me, about two O'clock. At these I dined with the Commee. whose company I asked.
The whole road from Newbern to Wilmington (except in a few places of small extent) passes through the most barren country I ever beheld; especially in the parts nearest the latter; which is no other than a bed of white Sand. In places, however, before we
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came to these, if the ideas of poverty could be seperated from the Land, the appearances of it are agreeable, resembling a lawn well covered with evergreens and a good verdure below from a broom or course grass which having sprung since the burning of the woods had a neat & handsome look especially as there were parts entirely open and others with ponds of water which contributed not a little to the beauty of the Scene.
Wilmington is situated on Cape Fear River, about 30 Miles by water from its mouth, but much less by land. It has some good houses pretty compactly built--The whole undr. a hill; which is formed entirely of Sand. The number of Souls in it amount by the enumeration to about 1000, but it is agreed on all hands that the Census in this state has been very inaccurately & shamefully taken by the Marshall's deputies; who, instead of going to Peoples houses, & there, on the spot, ascertaining the Nos.; have advertised a meeting of them at certain places, by which means those who did not attend (and it seems many purposely avoided doing it, some from an apprehension of its being introductory of a tax, & others from religious scruples) have gone, with their families, unnumbered. In other instances, it is said these deputies have taken their information from the Captains of militia companies; not only as to the men on their Muster Rolls, but of the souls in their respective families; which at best, must in a variety of cases, be mere conjecture whilst all those who are not on their lists--Widows and their families &ca. pass unnoticed.
Wilmington, unfortunately for it, has a mud bank [ ] miles below, ovr. which not more than 10 feet water can be brought at common tides; yet it is said vessels of 250 Tonns have come up. The qty. of shipping, which load here annually, amounts to about 12,000 Tonns. The exports consist chiefly of Naval Stores and lumber--Some Tobacco, Corn, Rice & flax seed with Porke. It is at the head of the tide navigation: but inland navigation may be extended 115 miles farther to and above Fayettesville which is from Wilmington 90 miles by land, & 115 by Water as above. Fayettesville is a thriving place containing near [ ] Souls. 6,000 Hhds. of Tobacco, & 3000 Hhds. of Flax Seed have been recd. at it in the course of the year.
The New Hanover County tavern at which GW breakfasted was probably Jennett's. Its proprietor may have been Jesse Jennett (Jinnett) who appears in Currituck County in the 1790 census, but in New Hanover in that of 1800 ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:380; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 20; N.C. 1800 CENSUS, 118).
The Wilmington Troop of Horse, commanded by Capt. Henry Toomer,
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met GW about 12 miles from town, and the gentlemen of the town, all on horseback, greeted him about six miles farther down the road. Stepping out of his chariot, GW mounted one of his horses and rode the remaining distance to Wilmington, preceded by four dragoons with a trumpet and followed by the rest of his escort. His servants and baggage brought up the rear of the procession.
The federal salute which GW received on reaching the town was a "trippie" one--three rounds of fifteen shots each--fired by a battery of four guns under the command of Capt. John Huske. GW then, according to a newspaper account, was escorted to his lodgings "through an astonishing concorse of people of the town and country, whom, as well as the ladies that filled the windows and balconies of the houses, he saluted with his usual affability and condencension. Upon his alighting, the acclamations were loud and universal. The Ships in the harbour, all ornamented with their colours, added much to the beauty of the scene." GW's lodgings were at Mrs. Ann Quince's house on the east side of Front Street near the river. "Authenick information" of GW's approach had arrived at Wilmington only the previous day, and "the House which was at first intended by the inhabitants for his reception and accommodation not being ready," Mrs. Quince, widow of John Quince (died c.1776), "cheerfully made an offer to the town of her elegant House and furniture for that purpose, which was gratefully accepted." Mrs. Quince lodged elsewhere during GW's stay. The dinner with the seven members of the town's welcoming committee, said to have been at Dorsey's tavern also on Front Street, was short. Afterwards GW "took a walk round the town, attended by them and many other gentlemen" ( Columbian Centinel [Boston]. 11 June 1791; HENDERSON, 104--7, 115).
Wilmington, seat of New Hanover County, and Fayetteville, seat of Cumberland County, were both settled in the early 1730s. Wilmington was incorporated in 1739/40, and Fayetteville, first called Campbelltown, in 1762. The name was changed in 1786 to honor the marquis de Lafayette. Fayetteville's population in 1790 was 1,536 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 9). Wilmington's exact population is not given in the 1790 census. Robert Hunter. Jr., a Scottish traveler who visited the town in 1786, reported: "The inhabitants, white and black, are estimated at 1,200--the proportion four blacks to a white" (WRIGHT, 286--87).
Monday 25th. Dined with the Citizens of the place at a public dinner given by them. Went to a Ball in the evening, at which there were 62 ladies--illuminations, Bonfires &ca.
The town's welcoming committee today presented GW with an address of the inhabitants to which GW replied briefly as usual. The address and the text of GW's remarks are both in DLC:GW. The dinner is said to have been at Jocelin's (Joslin's) tavern, and the ball at the Assembly Hall on Front Street between Orange and Ann streets. A newspaper account of the ball reported that GW "appeared to be equally surprised and delighted, at the very large and brilliant assembly of ladies, whom admiration and respect for him had collected together" ( Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791; HENDERSON, 114--15).
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Tuesday 26th. Having sent my Carriage across the day before, I left Wilmington about 6 oclock accompanied by most of the Gentlemen of the Town, and breakfasting at Mr. Ben. Smiths lodged at one Russ' 25 Miles from Wilmington--an indifferent House.
GW crossed the Cape Fear River in a "Revenue-barge, manned by six American Captains of ships, in which the standard of the United States was displayed." As previously arranged, the gentlemen of the town attended him in "boats from the shipping in the harbour, under their national colours," while in the background could be heard "the firing of cannon, accompanied by the acclamations of the people, from the wharves and shipping" ( Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791).
Col. Benjamin Smith (c.1756--1826) of Brunswick County lived at Belvidere plantation about four miles west of Wilmington on the Brunswick River, an arm of the Cape Fear. Owner of 221 slaves in 1790, Smith was, despite a hotheaded tendency to duel, a prosperous and influential planter. He represented his county in the legislature for many years and from 1810 to 1811 was governor of North Carolina. During the early days of the War of Independence, he apparently served under GW in some capacity--as an aide it is often said--although he was not a commissioned officer in the Continental Army; his rank of colonel was a militia appointment made in 1789 (N.C. STATE REC., 22:358). In forwarding some letters to GW six days after this visit, Smith took the opportunity to profess his great attachment to him--"that Attachment with which I was inspired at New York & Long Island in 1776" (Smith to GW, 1 May 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters; ASHE, 2:401--5; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 190).
From Belvidere GW was escorted for ten miles by the Wilmington troop and Col. Thomas Brown (1744--1811) of neighboring Bladen County, commander of the horse for the district of Wilmington ( Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791). Russ's tavern, run by Francis, John, or Thomas Russ of Brunswick County, was typical of the "very bad" public accommodations that GW had been warned to expect between Wilmington and his next major stop, Georgetown, S.C. ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:380; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 189).
At Russ's this evening Congressman William Barry Grove (1764--1818) of Fayetteville arrived with an address from "the Merchants, Traders, and Principal Inhabitants" of that town. Grove had expected to present it to GW at Belvidere, but reaching that place about an hour after GW's departure, he had been obliged to ride on to Russ's ( Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791). The address dated 15 April 1791 and a copy of GW's reply to it are in DLC:GW.
Wednesday 27th. Breakfasted at Willm. Gause's a little out of the direct Road 14 Miles--crossed the boundary line between No. & South Carolina abt. half after 12 oclock which is 10 miles from Gauses. Dined at a private house (one Cochrans) about 2 miles farther and lodged at Mr. Vareens 14 Miles more and 2 Miles short of the long bay. To this house we were directed as a Tavern, but
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the proprietor of it either did not keep one, or would not acknowledge it. We therefore were en[ter]tained (& very kindly) without being able to make compensation.
William Gause (died c.1801) of Brunswick County also ran a "very indifferent" tavern ("memorandum of distances," N.C. STATE REC., 15:380). Listed as head of a household of 8 whites and 37 slaves in 1790, he later became a strong Methodist supporter and a good friend of Bishop Francis Asbury, who stopped at his place several times (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 189; ASBURY, 2:109, 185, 283, 324). James Cochran of All Saints Parish, Georgetown District, S.C., was living alone in 1790 according to the census (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 50).
Jeremiah Vareen, Sr., of All Saints Parish (now Horry County, S.C.), kept a public house for some years "near the Long Bay, and a little out of the road," but apparently quit the business before this time. His son, Jeremiah Vareen, Jr., was said to be now living in the house, which was described as "a wretched one" ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:381). Both Vareens still resided in this sparsely populated parish in 1800 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 50; S.C. 1800 CENSUS, 543; SCHOEPF, 2:156).
The Long Bay is the part of the Atlantic Ocean that washes the curving Carolina coast between Cape Fear, N.C., and Georgetown, S. C., but on many eighteenth-century maps the name seems to apply specifically to the waters off the 16-mile stretch of sand called the Long Beach, now Myrtle Beach, S.C., and its vicinity (MOUZON, MAP).
Thursday 28th. Mr. Vareen piloted us across the Swash (which at high water is impassable, & at times, by the shifting of the Sands is dangerous) on to the long Beach of the Ocean; and it being at a proper time of the tide we passed along it with ease and celerity to the place of quitting it which is estimated 16 miles. Five Miles farther we got dinner & fed our horses at a Mr. Pauleys a private house, no public one being on the road; and being met on the Road, & kindly invited by a Docter flagg to his house, we lodged there; it being about 10 miles from Pauleys & 33 from Vareens.
Both the Long Beach and the swash, a narrow channel cutting inland from the ocean, had to be crossed at low tide ("memorandum of distances," 1791, N.C. STATE REC., 15:381; VERME, 52--53) . On Henry Mouzon's 1775 map of the Carolinas the name "Lewis Swash" appears at the northernmost entrance to the beach, about two miles south of a house labeled "Varene." The beach itself is labeled "Eight Mile Swash," apparently indicating the fact that the road there was often washed over by the high tide. Johann David Schoepf, who traversed the Long Beach in 1784, noted, "Here for 16 miles the common highway runs very near the shore. Lonely and desolate as this part of the road is, without shade and with no dwellings in sight, it is by no means a tedious road. The number of shells washed up, sponges, corals, sea-grasses and weeds, medusae, and many other ocean-products which strew the beach, engage and excite the attention of the traveller at every step. . . . This beach-road consisted for the most part of shell-sand, coarse or fine. . . . So far as the otherwise
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loose sand is moistened by the play of the waves it forms an extremely smooth and firm surface, hardly showing hoof-marks" (SCHOEPF, 2:161--62).
George Pawley of All Saints Parish was in 1790 head of a household of 4 whites and 15 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 50).
Dr. Henry Collins Flagg (1742--1801), a physician, lived at Brookgreen plantation on the Waccamaw River in All Saints Parish. He came to South Carolina from Rhode Island before the War of Independence and during the war was chief surgeon of Nathanael Greene's southern army. In 1784 he married Rachel Moore Allston, widow of Capt. William Allston (17381781), who developed Brookgreen (ROGERS [2], 172--73, 256; LACHICOTTE, 24, 55).
Friday 29th. We left Doctr. Flaggs about 6 oclock and arrived at Captn. Wm. Alstons' on the Waggamaw to Breakfast.
Captn. Alston is a Gentleman of large fortune and esteemed one of the neatest Rice planters in the state of So. Carolina and a proprietor of some of the most valuable grounds for the Culture of this article. His house which is large, new, and elegantly furnished stands on a sand hill, high for the Country, with his rice fields below; the contrast of which with the lands back of it, and the Sand & piney barrens through which we had passed is scarcely to be conceived.
At Captn. Alstons we were met by General Moultree, Colo. Washington & Mr. Rutledge (son of the present Chief Justice of So. Carolina) who had come out that far to escort me to town. We
Maj. Gen. William Moultrie, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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dined and lodged at this Gentlemens and Boats being provided we [left] the next morning.
William Alston (1756--1839), a veteran of Francis Marion's partisan brigade, bought 1,206 acres on the Waccamaw River in 1785 and developed it into the prosperous plantation that he called Clifton. Below his two-story mansion, his marshy rice lands were cultivated by work gangs from his force of 300 slaves, the largest holding in All Saints Parish and one of the largest in the state (GROVES, 53; LACHICOTTE, 22--24; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 50).
William Moultrie (1730--1805), William Washington (1752--1810), and John Rutledge. Jr. (1766--1819), came to Clifton to escort GW not just to Georgetown but to their own city, Charleston. Moultrie, hero of the defense of Charleston harbor against a British fleet in June 1776, became a Continental major general before the end of the war and served as governor of South Carolina 1785--87 and 1792--94. GW's kinsman William Washington was also a war hero. Born in Virginia, he distinguished himself as an infantry captain in the Virginia line during the northern campaign of 1776. Switching to the cavalry, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and in Dec. 1779 was ordered to take his dragoons to the Carolinas where he proved his personal bravery in a succession of skirmishes and battles. In 1782 he married a South Carolina heiress and settled in an elegant Charleston town house. Young Rutledge, recently returned from a long gentleman's tour of Europe, was representing his father John Rutledge, Sr. (1739--1800), who, having been elected chief justice in February of this year, was now obliged to attend the court's spring circuit (John Rutledge, Sr., to GW, 15 April 1791, DLC:GW: see entry for 3 May 1791). John Rutledge, Jr., later became a controversial Federalist politician, serving in the United States Congress 1797--1803 (COMETTI, 186--219).
Saturday 30th. Crossed the Waggamaw to George town by descending the River three miles. At this place we were recd. under a Salute of Cannon, & by a Company of Infantry handsomely uniformed. I dined with the Citizens in public; and in the afternoon, was introduced to upwards of 50 ladies who had assembled (at a Tea party) on the occasion.
George Town seems to be in the shade of Charleston. It suffered during the war by the British, havg. had many of its Houses burnt. It is situated on a pininsula betwn. the River Waccamaw & Sampton Creek about 15 Miles from the Sea. A bar is to be passed, over which not more than 12 feet water can be brot. except at spring tides; which (tho' the Inhabitants are willing to entertain different ideas) must ever be a considerable let to its importance; especially if the cut between the Santee & Cowper Rivers should ever be accomplished.
The Inhabitants of this place (either unwilling or unable) could give no account of the number of Souls in it, but I should not compute them at more than 5 or 600--Its chief export Rice.
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GW was rowed to Georgetown "by seven captains of vessels, dressed in round hats trimmed with gold lace, blue coats, white jackets, &c. in an elegant painted boat. On his arriving opposite the market he was saluted by the artillery, with fifteen guns, from the foot of Broad-street; and on his landing he was received by the light-infantry company with presented arms, who immediately after he passed, fired thirteen rounds" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 May 1791). A committee of seven gentlemen escorted GW to his lodgings, said to be Benjamin Allston's house on Front Street, and at 2:00 P.M. they presented GW with an address from the inhabitants of Georgetown and its vicinity. Immediately afterwards he received another address from the Masonic brethren of Prince George's Lodge No. 16. Both addresses and copies of GW's replies are in DLC:GW.
At the public dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., GW sat in a chair that "was beautifully ornamented with an arch composed of laurel in full bloom." A similarly decorated chair awaited him in the festooned assembly room where the tea party was held following the dinner, but GW "declined the formality of being placed in a manner unsocial." Instead of sitting in the chair after being introduced to the ladies, he "seated and entertained several of them" there "in succession." The dress of the ladies on this occasion was conspicuously patriotic. "There appeared," said a newspaper account, "sashes highly beautified with the arms of the United States, and many of the ladies wore head-dresses ornamented with bandeaus, upon which were written, in letters of gold, either 'Long life to the President,' or 'Welcome to the hero'" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). A ball apparently followed the tea party.
Georgetown, established 1735, lies at the head of Winyah Bay where the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Sampit rivers converge. A detachment of British soldiers occupied the town from July 1780 to May 1781, but the burning resulted from internecine warfare between Patriot and Loyalist partisans after the British departure: on 25 July 1781 Thomas Sumter sent some of his South Carolina State Troops to plunder the property of Loyalists in the Georgetown area, and a few days later a Loyalist privateer retaliated by attacking and burning the town (BASS [2], 202--3; Nathanael Greene to Continental Congress, 25 Aug. 1781, DNA: PCC, Item 155).
The Santee River, which enters the Atlantic a short distance south of Georgetown, is fed by several large branches extending far into the Carolina piedmont, but its usefulness as a trade route from that rapidly developing region was limited by lack of a good harbor at its mouth. As early as 1770 a proposal was made to build a canal linking the Santee, about 100 miles above its mouth, with the headwaters of the Cooper River, which flows into Charleston harbor, and in Mar. 1786 the South Carolina General Assembly chartered a company to build such a canal. Construction, however, did not begin until 1793, and work was not completed until 1800 (SAVAGE, 240--53; PORCHER).
Sunday--May first. Left Georgetown about 6 Oclock, and crossing the Santee Creek [Sampit River] at the Town, and the Santee
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River 12 miles from it, at Lynchs Island, we breakfasted and dined at Mrs. Horry's about 15 Miles from George town & lodged at the Plantation of Mr. Manigold about 19 miles farther.
GW was rowed across the Sampit River "in the same manner, and by the same Captains of vessels," as he had been rowed to Georgetown the previous day. The artillery again saluted him from the foot of Broad Street, and "on the opposite shore [he] was received by the light-infantry company" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). The Santee River divides near its mouth into two branches, the North Santee and South Santee, between which lies Lynch's Island, a marshy area patented to Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1675--1752), in the 1730s. A causeway about two miles long was built across the island 1738--41 to connect the public ferries on the two branches, and it was rebuilt in the 1770s (ROGERS [2], 23, 43--44, 201).
Harriott Pinckney Horry (1748--1830) of St. James Santee Parish, Charleston District, was the widow of Col. Daniel Horry (d. 1785), who commanded state troops at Sullivan's Island in 1776 and later led a regiment of state dragoons, but was heavily fined by the General Assembly in 1782 for swearing allegiance to the crown during the 1780--81 British occupation (MCCRADY, 145, 298, 305; S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 19 [1918], 177, 34 [1933], 199, 39 [1939], 24--25). Mrs. Horry had written to GW 14 April 1791 inviting him to stop at Hampton, her large rice plantation on the south side of the South Santee (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters). According to one account, GW was greeted at the entrance to the house by Mrs. Horry, her mother and daughter, and several nieces, all "arrayed in sashes and bandeaux painted with the general's portrait and mottoes of welcome" (RAVENEL, 311--12). Mrs. Horry was listed in the 1790 census as holding 340 slaves in St. James Santee Parish and 40 in Charleston, where she apparently had another house (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 37, 40).
Joseph Manigault (1763--1843) of Charleston inherited about 12,000 acres on Awendaw (Auendaw, Owendow) Creek (now in Berkeley County, S.C.) from his grandfather Gabriel Manigault (1704--1781) when he came of age in 1784 ( S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 5 [1904], 220--21, 12 [1911], 115--17, 20 [1919], 205, 208). "This great tract of land," says one South Carolina historian, "was not a beautiful, well cultivated plantation . . . but was almost entirely pine forest and swamps, devoted principally to raising scrub cattle and razorback hogs. The house . . . was an unpretentious structure which was never occupied as a home by its owner. He lived in Charleston in one of the handsomest homes in the city, on Meeting Street" (SALLEY [2], 9).
Monday 2d. Breakfasted at the Country Seat of Govr. Pinckney about 18 miles from our lodging place, & then came to the ferry at Haddrels point, 6 miles further, where I was met by the Recorder of the City, Genl. Pinckney & Edward Rutledge Esqr. in a 12 oared barge rowed by 12 American Captains of Ships, most elegantly dressed. There were a great number of other Boats with Gentlemen and ladies in them; and two Boats with Music; all of whom attended me across and on the passage were met by a number of others. As we approached the town a salute with Artillery
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commenced, and at the wharf I was met by the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Intendt. of the City; The two Senators of the State, Wardens of the City--Cincinnati &ca. &ca. and conducted to the Exchange where they passed by in procession. From thence I was conducted in like manner to my lodgings--after which I dined at the Governors (in what I called a private way) with 15 or 18 Gentlemen.
It may as well in this as in any other place, be observed, that the country from Wilmington through which the road passes, is, except in very small spots, much the same as what has already been described; that is to say, sand & pine barrens--with very few inhabitants. We were indeed informed that at some distance from the Road on both sides the land was of a better quality, & thicker settled, but this could only be on the Rivers & larger waters--for a perfect sameness seems to run through all the rest of the Country. On these--especially the swamps and low lands on the rivers, the soil is very rich; and productive when reclaimed; but to do this is both laborious and expensive. The Rice planters have two modes of watering their fields--the first by the tide--the other by resurvoirs drawn from the adjacent lands. The former is best, because most certain. A crop without either is precarious, because a drought may not only injure, but destroy it. Two and an half and 3 barrels to the Acre is esteemed a good Crop and 8 or 10 Barrls. for each grown hand is very profitable; but some have 12 & 14, whilst 5 or 6 is reckoned the average production of a hand. A barrel contains about 600 weight, and the present price is about 10/6 & 11/. Sterg. pr. 100.
The lodgings provided for me in this place were very good, being the furnished house of a Gentleman at present in the Country; but occupied by a person placed there on purpose to accomodate me, & who was paid in the same manner as any other letter of lodgings would have been paid.
Gov. Charles Pinckney (see entry for 17 May 1787) had written to GW 26 April 1791 inviting him "to make a stage" at Snee Farm, a small tract that he owned in Christ Church Parish. "I must apologise," said Pinckney in his letter, "for asking you to call at a place so indifferently furnished, & where your fare will be entirely that of a farm. It is a place I seldom go to, or things perhaps would be in better order" (DLC:GW).
Haddrell's Point, near present-day Mount Pleasant, was the eastern terminus of the ferry that crossed Charleston harbor to the city (SALLEY [2], 11; NAMES IN S.C., 13:48--49). The recorder of Charleston was John Bee Holmes (1760--1827), a lawyer who held that position 1786--92 and 1811--19 ( S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 29 [1928], 239). Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the governor's cousin, was brevetted a brigadier general in the Continental
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Army near the end of the Revolution after having served most of the war as a colonel (see entry for 4 Nov. 1786; ZAHNISER, 50, 70, n.58). Edward Rutledge (1749--1800), a lawyer like Holmes and the two Pinckneys, served in the Continental Congress 1774--76, was an artillery officer in the South Carolina militia for much of the Revolution, and became governor of the state in 1798. On 24 May 1791, when GW was in Columbia, S.C., he wrote a letter addressed to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Edward Rutledge, offering either of them the seat on the United States Supreme Court that Rutledge's brother John had recently vacated to become chief justice of South Carolina. Both men declined because of distressed finances (GW to Pinckney and Rutledge, 24 May 1791, ScC; Pinckney and Rutledge to GW, 12 June 1791, DLC:GW; ZAHNISER, 111--13).
The 12 captains who rowed GW across the harbor, plus a thirteenth captain who acted as coxswain of the barge, "were uniformly and neatly dressed in light blue silk jackets, and round black hats decorated with blue ribbons on which were impressed the arms" of South Carolina. "During the passage vocal and instrumental music were performed on the water by the Amateur Society, assisted by a voluntary association of singers; and upwards of forty boats attended with anxious spectators, which formed a most beautiful appearance" ( Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791; SALLEY [2], 13; HENDERSON, 159, n.1). The opening stanza of the laudatory lyrics sung by the waterborne chorus--"young gentlemen of considerable vocal powers"--revealed the high pitch to which the patriotic fervor of Charleston's citizens had risen in anticipation of GW's arrival:
He comes! he comes! the hero comes.
Sound, sound your trumpets, beat your drums,
From port to port let cannons roar,
His welcome to our friendly shore
(HENDERSON, 156; Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 and 16 May 1791).
The cannon salute that GW heard as he approached the temporary steps erected for him at Prioleau's wharf were fired by the men of the Charleston battalion of artillery, who on his landing offered "to mount guard" for him during his stay, but GW "politely declined . . . saying that he considered himself perfectly safe in the affection and amicable attachment of the people." Mingled with the sound of the cannon were the ringing bells of St. Michael's Church and "reiterated shouts of joy" from "an uncommonly large concourse of citizens" ( Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791).
The officials who stood with Governor Pinckney at the wharf were: Lt. Gov. Isaac Holmes (1758--1812), Charleston intendant (mayor) Arnoldus Vanderhorst (1748--1815), Sen. Pierce Butler (see entry for 15 Nov. 1789), and Sen. Ralph Izard (see entry for 10 Oct. 1789). The 12 wardens of Charleston (city councilmen) are identified in SALLEY [2], 15. The local Cincinnati turned out in full uniform as did the militia officers of the city and the entire Charleston Company of Fusiliers, who were also present at the wharf ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 May 1791; HENDERSON, 150--52).
The Exchange, an elegant customs house built 1767--71 by the commercially ambitious Charlestonians and used as their city hall until 1818, stood on the harbor at the east end of Broad Street. From its steps GW "received the honors of the procession, to whom he politely and gracefully
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bowed as they passed in review before him." Joining the high officials, Cincinnati, militia officers, and fusiliers in this procession were members of the city's various professions and handicrafts, each group marching in its allotted place ( Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791; Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 May 1791; HENDERSON, 149--51, n.1).
GW lodged on Church Street in the town house of Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746--1809), who had retired in 1789 to his plantation in St. Luke's Parish, Beaufort District (see entry for 11 May 1791). The house, which was currently occupied by Mrs. Rebecca Jamieson, had been leased with its furnishings for a week by the city council at a cost of £60. The council also supplied a housekeeper, several servants, and "a proper stock of liquors, groceries, and provisions" (HENDERSON, 159--60. n.1; Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 27 April 1791). Governor Pinckney's house was on Meeting Street near the harbor (SALLEY [2], 19--20).
Tuesday 3d. Breakfasted with Mrs. Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined with the Citizens at a public dinr. given by them at the Exchange.
Was visited about 2 oclock, by a great number of the most respectable ladies of Charleston--the first honor of the kind I had ever experienced and it was as flattering as it was singular.
John Rutledge's wife was Elizabeth Grimké Rutledge (d. 1792). Their house stood on Broad Street between King and Legare. After the visit of the ladies, the events of the day followed a more familiar pattern. At 3:00 P.M. the city officials presented GW with a welcoming address, and half an hour later the merchants of Charleston "in a body" delivered another address. Both addresses and copies of GW's replies are in DLC:GW. At the public dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., GW ate sitting beneath "a beautiful triumphal
Miniature of John Rutledge, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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arch" and afterwards heard 15 toasts, accompanied by cannon shots. "It is almost unnecessary to add," observed the writer of the next day's newspaper account, "that the day and evening were spent with all that hilarity, harmony, and happy festivity, which was suited to the occasion" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791). The city council had repaired the bells and employed bellmen for GW's visit (HENDERSON, 160, n.1).
Wednesday 4th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati, and in the evening went to a very elegant dancing Assembly at the Exchange--At which were 256 elegantly dressed & handsome ladies.
In the forenoon (indeed before breakfast to day) I visited and examined the lines of Attack & defence of the City and was satisfied that the defence was noble & honorable altho the measure was undertaken upon wrong principles and impolitic.
At the Cincinnati dinner, held in the "long-room" of Edward McCrady's tavern on East Bay Street, "a choir of singers entertained the company with several pieces of vocal music," and there were again patriotic toasts punctuated by the guns of the Charleston battalion of artillery. The evening ball, given by the city corporation, was attended by "a great number of gentlemen," but the "brilliant assemblage of ladies" was clearly the center of attention. "The ladies," said a newspaper account, "were all superbly dressed; and most of them wore ribbons with different inscriptions, expressive of their respect for the President, such as, 'long live the President,' &c. &c. Joy, satisfaction and gratitude illumined every countenance, and revelled in every heart; whilst the demonstrations of grateful respect shewn him seemed to give him the most heartfelt satisfaction, which visibly displayed itself in his countenance. The beautiful arch of lamps in front of the Exchange was illuminated; and over the entrance there was a superb transparency, in the centre Deliciis Patriae, and at the top G.W. The fusileer company was drawn up before the Exchange to maintain order, and exhibited a very pleasing appearance. In short, every circumstance of the evening's entertainment was truly picturesque of the most splendid elegance" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791). A supper at 10:30 P.M. finished the evening's festivities (HENDERSON, 178).
Earlier in the day a delegation from the Grand Lodge of the State of South Carolina Ancient York Masons, headed by Mordecai Gist, called on GW and presented him with their address of welcome. The address dated 2 May 1791 is printed in Md. Journal (Baltimore), 24 May 1791, and Dunlap's American Daily Adv. (Philadelphia), 25 May 1791. GW's reply, which also appears in those newspapers, is in DLC:GW.
The lines of attack and defense that GW toured this morning were constructed across Charleston neck, north of the city, in the spring of 1780 when British forces commanded by Sir Henry Clinton laid seige to American forces in Charleston commanded by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln (BOATNER [1], 205--14; BOATNER [2], 462). At the time of the siege GW was much concerned about Lincoln's decision to commit all of his men to the defense of the city, leaving the rest of the South with little protection. "It is putting much to the hazard," GW wrote Baron yon Steuben 2 April 1780; "I have
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the greatest reliance on General Lincoln's prudence; but I cannot forbear dreading the event" (DLC:GW). The key to the defense of Charleston, GW believed, was control of the harbor (GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 April 1780, DLC:GW; GW to John Laurens, 26 April 1780, PHi: Gratz Collection). Unfortunately, the deteriorating forts guarding the harbor were ineffective against Adm. Marriot Arbuthnot's ships, which crossed the bar in force 8 April 1780. On 12 May the American garrison surrendered. GW, nevertheless, supported Lincoln to the end. "This consolation . . . offers itself," GW wrote him 28 April 1780 when the fate of Charleston was sealed, "that the honour of our Arms is safe in your hands, & that if you must fall, you will not fall without a vigorous struggle" (MH). Lincoln later played a prominent role at Yorktown.
Thursday 5th. Visited the Works of Fort Johnson on James's Island, and Fort Moultree on Sullivans Island; both of which are in ruins, and scarcely a trace of the latter left--the former quite fallen.
Dined with a very large Company at the Governors, & in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at wch. there were at least 400 lad[ie]s--he Number & appearances of wch. exceeded any thing of the kind I had ever seen.
GW visited the two forts in Charleston harbor by boat, accompanied by "several . . . gentlemen of great respectability," including William Moultrie whose courageous defense of the sand and palmetto-log fort on Sullivan's Island 28 June 1776 earned him his status as a hero. Originally called Fort Sullivan, the post was renamed in his honor after the battle, but both it and Fort Johnson on the other side of the harbor failed to stop the British in 1780 ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791; BOATNER [1], 197--205, 750).
Governor Pinckney's dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., was attended by "the principal gentlemen of the civil, clerical and military professions." At the concert "an excellent band of music played in the orchestra, and were accompanied in the vocal strain by the choir of St. Philip's church." For this occasion the Exchange "was decorated with various ornaments--the pillars were ingeniously entwined with laurel, and the following devices inscribed in different parts of the Hall: 'With grateful praises of the hero's fame,' 'We'll teach our infants' tongues to lisp his name.'" Several Latin mottoes were also displayed ( Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791).
Friday 6th. Viewed the town on horse back by riding through most of the principal Streets.
Dined at Majr. Butlers, and went to a Ball in the evening at the Governors where there was a select company of ladies.
Saturday 7th. Before break I visited the Orphan House at which there were one hund. & Seven boys & girls. This appears to be a charitable institution and under good management. I also viewed the City from the balcony of [ ] Church from whence the
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whole is seen in one view and to advantage. The Gardens & green trees which are interspersed adding much to the beauty of the prospect.
Charleston stands on a Pininsula between the Ashley & Cowper Rivers and contains about 1,600 dwelling houses and nearly 16,000 Souls of which about 8,000 are white. It lies low with unpaved Streets (except the footways) of Sand. There are a number of very good houses of Brick & wood, but most of the latter. The Inhabitants are wealthy--Gay--& hospitable; appear happy, & satisfied with the Genl. Governmt. A cut is much talked off between the Ashley & Santee Rivers but it would seem I think, as if the accomplishment of the measure was not very near. It would be a great thing for Charleston if it could be effected. The principal exports from this place is Rice, Indigo and Tobacco; of the last from 5 to 8,000 Hhds. have been exported, and of the first from 80 to 120,000 Barrels.
The Charleston Orphan House, established by city ordinance 18 Oct. 1790, was located in rented quarters on Ellery (now Market) Street until a permanent building for the institution was completed in Oct. 1794 (DUKE ENDOWMENT, 105--6; HENDERSON, 185). GW was greeted today at the orphan house by its six commissioners, who laid out their records for inspection. After receiving GW's approbation of their management, the commissioners escorted him to the breakfast room where the children and attendants waited "in their proper places" to meet him. "On taking leave of the children," said a newspaper account, "he very pathetically pronounced his benediction on them." The visit ended with "a genteel breakfast in the . . . Commissioners' room" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).
GW's panoramic view of Charleston was from the second balcony of St. Michael's steeple.
About 4:30 P.M. the merchants of Charleston gave an elaborate dinner for GW at the Exchange. "Upwards of 300" guests dined on "every delicacy that the country and season could afford" and sipped "wines excellent and in great variety." In the harbor the ship America of Charleston fired a federal salute when GW arrived at the Exchange and a salute of 13 guns following each of the 17 afterdinner toasts. At 8:00 P.M. "fire-works [were] displayed on board the ship, which was illuminated with lanterns; amidst them the letter V.W. ( Vivat Washington) were strikingly conspicuous" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). Today the Charleston City Council passed a resolution asking GW to sit at his convenience for a portrait by John Trumbull to hang in the city hall in commemoration of his visit (resolution in DLC:GW). GW consented, and a portrait was finished by May 1792 ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; GW to William Moultrie, 5 May 1792, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters; TRUMBULL [2], 170--71).
Sunday 8th. Went to Crouded Churches in the Morning & afternoon--to [ ] in the Morning & [ ] in the Afternoon.
Dined with General Moultree.
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GW attended services at St. Philip's Church in the morning and at St. Michael's in the afternoon ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; minutes of the St. Philip's vestry, 3 May 1791, DLC:GW).
Monday 9th. At Six oclock I recommenced my journey for Savanna; attended by a Corps of the Cincinnati, and most of the principal Gentlemen of the City as far as the bridge over Ashly river, where we breakfasted and proceeded to Colo. W. Washington's at Sandy-hill with a select party of particular friends--distant from Charleston 28 Miles.
To reach the Ashley River bridge GW and his escort traveled up Charleston neck, crossing the city boundary line, where they were met by Intendant Vanderhorst and the city wardens. Vanderhorst delivered a brief farewell address, to which GW replied with a few words of thanks. Then "the whole cavalcade, joined by the Intendant, moving on, they were saluted with a federal discharge from the field-pieces of the Charleston battalion of artillery, and a volley of musketry by the fusileer company, who were drawn up at some distance from the skirts of the city" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).
On the bridge, a wooden structure about three-fourths of a mile long with a draw in the middle, "a triumphal arch was constructed, adorned with flowers, laurel, &c." Breakfast was provided by John Freazer (Frazer, Fraser) of St. Andrew's Parish, who apparently kept a tavern near the south end of the bridge ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; S.C. Hist. and Geneal.
Lt. Col. William Washington of South Carolina, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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Mag., 14 [1913], 203--6, 20 [1919], 83--84, 47 [1946], 211--13, 71 [1970--71], 172--73; HENDERSON, 201).
Sandy Hill plantation in St. Paul's Parish, Charleston District, was inherited by William Washington's wife, Jane Reiley Elliott Washington (c. 1763--1830), from her father, Charles Elliott (1737--1781). In 1790 William Washington held 380 slaves in St. Paul's Parish ( S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 10 [1909], 245--46, 11 [1910], 60--61, 66; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 37; SALLEY [2], 22). The select party that accompanied GW to Sandy Hill consisted of Gov. Charles Pinckney, Sen. Pierce Butler, Sen. Ralph Izard, Gen. William Moultrie, and Gen. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).
Tuesday 10th. Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this place (except General Moultree & Majr. Butler--he 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 8 or 20 further on.
Thomas Bee (1730--1812) was nominated judge of the United States district court for South Carolina by GW 11 June 1790 and was confirmed by the Senate three days later. A wealthy aristocratic lawyer, he had played a prominent political role in the Revolution in South Carolina, serving as a member of the council of safety 1775--76, a state judge 1776--78, speaker of the state House of Representatives 1777--79, lieutenant governor 1779--80, and a member of the Continental Congress 1780--82. In 1790 he held 165 slaves on his lands in St. Paul's Parish and 19 more in Charleston, where he had a town house (GADSDEN, 154; S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 37 [1936], 87--88; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 37, 39).
O'Brian Smith (c. 1756--1811) came to South Carolina from Ireland about 1784. He later served in the state legislature and from 1805 to 1807 was a member of the United States Congress. His plantation was in St. Bartholomew's Parish, Charleston District, where in 1790 he owned 146 slaves, and he also had a town house in Charleston, where he kept 8 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 34, 43).
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 Colo. Washingtons is to be ascribed to motives of friendship & relationship; but to Mr. Smiths & Judge Haywards to those of necessity; their being no public houses on the Road and my distance to get to these private ones increased at least 10 or 12 miles between Charleston and Savanna.
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Pocotaligo, an Indian settlement taken over by whites in the early years of the century, was on the Pocotaligo River, a branch of the Broad River (SALLEY [2], 23). The address of the people of Prince William's Parish and a copy of GW's very brief answer are in DLC:GW.
Thomas Heyward, Jr., in whose Charleston town house GW had lodged, lived at White Hall plantation on Hazzard Creek, another tributary of the Broad River. He also owned nearby Old House plantation and on his two plantations in 1790 had a total of 440 slaves. A lawyer educated at the Middle Temple in London, Heyward served in the Continental Congress 1776--78 and fought as a militia officer in 1780 at Charleston, where he was captured. He was elected a state circuit judge in 1779 and held that position until 1789, when he resigned to pursue his serious interest in agriculture at White Hall. In 1785 he helped to found and became first president of the Agricultural Society of South Carolina (SALLEY [2], 16--17, 24).
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. attended. In my way down the River I called upon Mrs. Green the Widow of the decreased [deceased] Genl. Green (at a place called Mulberry grove) & asked her how she did. At this place (12 Miles from Purisburgh) my horses and Carriages were landed, and had 12 Miles farther by Land to Savanna. The wind & tide being both agt. us, it was 6 oclock before we reached the City where we were recd. under every demonstration that could be given of joy & respect. We were Seven hours making the passage which is often performed in 4, tho the computed distance is 25 Miles. Illumns. at night.
I was conducted by the Mayor & Wardens to very good lodgings which had been provided for the occasion, and partook of a public dinner given by the Citizens at the Coffee room. At Purisbg. I parted w' Genl. Moultree.
Purrysburg, S.C., a village first settled by Swiss colonists in 1732, is on the Savannah River about 25 miles upstream from the city of Savannah ( S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 10 [1909], 187--219, 73 [1972--73], 187--88).
The five Savannah committeemen who greeted GW here had all been in the vanguard of the Revolution in Georgia. Noble Wimberley Jones (c. 1724--1805), a physician, was speaker of the Commons House of the Georgia Assembly 1768--70, but because of his vigorous opposition to royal policies, his elections to that post in 1771 and 1772 were disallowed by the royal executive. Jones later played a leading role in the council of safety and the provincial congresses and served in the Continental Congress 1781--82.
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Joseph Habersham (1751--1815), a merchant, was appointed major in a battalion of Georgia state troops in July 1775 and by 1778 was a lieutenant colonel in the Continental service. In 1795 GW appointed him United States postmaster general, a position he held until 1801. John Houstoun (1744--1796), a lawyer, was another prominent member of the council of safety and the provincial congresses. Elected to the Continental Congress in 1775, he attended only a few weeks, but was more active in political affairs at home, serving as governor of Georgia 1778--79 and 1784--85. Lachlan McIntosh (1725--1806), remembered as the man who killed Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence Button Gwinnett in a duel in 1777 in which he himself was wounded, was well known to GW for his military services during the Revolution. Appointed a colonel by the state in Jan. 1776, he became a Continental brigadier general later that year. He was at Valley Forge and in May 1778 was given command of the Western Department. Conflicts with subordinates obliged GW to relieve him the next year, and McIntosh returned south where he fought at the sieges of Savannah and Charleston. Joseph Clay (1741--1804), a merchant and rice planter, was also a leader in the council of safety and the provincial congresses. He was appointed paymaster general for the ContinentalArmy in the South in 1777 and later served as state treasurer. GW also was met at Purrysburg by Anthony Wayne (1745--1796), who, although a native Pennsylvanian, had been living since 1785 in Chatham County, Ga., on a 1,134-acre Savannah River plantation known as Richmond and Kew, which the state of Georgia had confiscated from its Loyalist owner and had presented to Wayne as a reward for his military services in the South (GRANGER, 114--21).
Mulberry Grove, home of Catherine Littlefield Greene (see entry for 1 Oct. 1789), lay near Richmond and Kew and, like Wayne's plantation, was a confiscated Loyalist estate, which Georgia had used to reward Nathanael Greene for his wartime services. Greene settled on this 2,171-acre plantation in 1785 and began to restore its deteriorated rice fields, but made little progress before his death in June 1786, leaving his wife and children in financial difficulties (GRANGER, 71--74).
Savannah officials expected GW and his escort to spend the night at Mulberry Grove. "Indeed," wrote Mayor Thomas Gibbons to Wayne on 11 May, "it seems necessary that the President should be delayed there, because from the uncertainty of his arrival, no satisfactory provision will be made on that day. To land [at Savannah] in the Evening, will be unfavorable to the wishes of the Ladies, Citizens &c who wish to see the procession." If GW was to come on to the city today, Wayne was instructed "to effect a Landing at Mulberry Grove, if only for an hour," and send a warning to the city from there (MiU-C: Wayne Papers).
GW's late arrival this afternoon, however, did little if anything to dampen the festivity of Savannah's welcome. Rowed by the eight captains with a ninth as coxswain, all "dressed in light blue silk jackets, black satin breeches, white silk stockings, and round hats with black ribbons having the words 'Long live the President,' in letters of gold," GW was met "within ten miles of the city . . . by a number of gentlemen in several boats, and as the President passed by them a band of music played the celebrated song, 'He comes, the Hero comes,' accompanied with several voices. On his approach to the city the concourse on the Bluff, and the crowds which had pressed into the vessels',
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evinced the general joy which had been inspired by the visit of this most beloved of men. . . . Upon arriving at the upper part of the harbor he was saluted from the wharves and by the shipping," and at the public wharf where he landed, he was received by Sen. James Gunn (see entry for 29 April 1790) and Congressman James Jackson (see entry for 21 Jan. 1790), who introduced him to Mayor Thomas Gibbons (1757--1826) and the aldermen of the city ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). Gibbons, a wealthy lawyer and plantation owner and a passive Loyalist during the Revolution, served several terms as mayor of Savannah between 1791 and 1801, when he was appointed a federal judge.
After a salute of 26 shots by the Chatham County Artillery Company, GW was escorted to his lodgings in St. James's Square by a long procession which included, besides the city officials, the welcoming committee, the artillery company, the local light-infantry company, officers of the militia, members of the Cincinnati, and "citizens two and two." Dinner was to have been a small private affair either at GW's lodgings or Mayor Gibbons's house. Instead, it turned out to be a rather formal public affair at Brown's Coffeehouse, attended by numerous judges, clergymen, legislators, Cincinnati, militia field officers, and other distinguished citizens. After dinner there were 16 toasts punctuated as usual by artillery fire ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791; Thomas Gibbons to Anthony Wayne, 11 May 1791, MiU-C: Wayne Papers).
The general illumination of the city this evening was elaborately done. One alderman's house displayed "no less than three hundred lights, arranged in a beautiful symmetry, with fifteen lights contained in the form of a W in front" (LEE & AGNEW, 70), and in the river the ship Thomas Wilson "with a great number of lanterns . . . made a fine appearance" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).
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, presented its undated address of welcome to GW ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). During his stay in Savannah, GW received more than the usual number of such addresses. Besides the address of the Georgia Cincinnati, there was an undated one from the citizens of Savannah and its vicinity; one of 12 May 1791 from the Congregational Church and Society of Midway, Ga., a town about 30 miles southwest of Savannah; one of 13 May 1791 from the mayor and aldermen of Savannah; one of 14 May 1791 from the freemasons of Georgia; and another of 14 May 1791 from John Earnst Bergman, minister of the German Congregation of Ebenezer, Ga., a town about 30 miles northwest of Savannah. GW replied to each address, except apparently the one from Bergman, which, unlike the others, was in Latin. All of these addresses and copies of the answers are in DLC:GW; a draft of the Savannah citizens'
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address and GW's signed reply to them are owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing. Pa.; GW's signed reply to the Georgia freemasons is at DMS.
The evening ball was held in the Long Room of the Filature, a large building on Reynolds Square erected in the 1750S and used for silk manufacturing until about 1770 when it became a public assembly hall. GW arrived at the ball at 8:30 P.M., "and was personally introduced," according to a newspaper account, "to 96 ladies, who were elegantly dressed, some of whom displayed infinite taste in the emblems and devices on their sashes and head dresses, out of respect to the happy occasion. The room, which had been lately handsomely fitted up, and was well lighted, afforded the President an excellent opportunity of viewing the fair sex of our city and vicinity, and the ladies the gratification of paying their respects to our Federal Chief. After a few minuets were moved, and one country dance led down, the President and his suite retired about 11 o'clock. At 12 o'clock the supper room was opened, and the ladies partook of a repast, after which dances continued until 3 o'clock" Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).
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 which has taken place in the appearance of the ground by the cutting away of the woods, &ca., is hardly to be done with justice to the subject; especially as there is remaining scarcely any of the defences.
Dined to day with a number of the Citizens (not less than 200) in an elegant Bower erected for the occasion on the Bank of the River below the Town. In the evening there was a tolerable good display of fireworks.
Savannah, which fell to the British 29 Dec. 1778, was attacked 9 Oct. 1779 by an American force under Benjamin Lincoln and a French force under Charles Hector, comte d'Estaing (1729--1794), but the poorly coordinated assault ended in disaster. Lachlan McIntosh, who had commanded the American reserves on 9 Oct. 1779, today gave GW and the accompanying gentlemen "an account of every thing interesting" relating to the attack ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791; BOATNER [1], 980--88; BOATNER [2], 89--91).
The bower where GW dined this afternoon was described in a newspaper account as "a beautiful arbor, supported by three rows of pillars, entirely covered with laurel and bay leaves, so as to exhibit uniform green columns. The pillars were higher than the arbor, and ornamented above it by festoons, and connected below by arches covered in the same manner. The place on which it stood was judiciously chosen, presenting at once a view of the city and the shipping in the harbor, with an extensive prospect of the river and rice lands both above and below the town." GW, as usual, was the focus of
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all attention, and there were many toasts and much firing of artillery in his honor after dinner. A concert, following the fireworks display, concluded the day's activities ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).
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 this Country. It is extremely Sandy wch. makes the walking very disagreeable; & the houses uncomfortable in warm & windy weather as they are filled with dust whensoever these happen. The town on 3 sides is surrounded with cultivated Rice fields which have a rich and luxurient appearance. On the 4th. or back side it is a fine sand. The harbour is said to be very good, & often filled with square rigged vessels but there is a bar below over which not more than 12 Water can be brot. except at Spg. tides. The tide does not flow above 12 or 14 miles above the City though the River is swelled by it more than dble. that distance. Rice & Tobacco (the last of wch. is greatly encreasing) are the principal Exports. Lumber & Indigo are also Expord. but the latter is on the decline, and it is supposed by Hemp & Cotton. Ship timber--viz--live Oak & Cedar, is (and may be more so) valuable in the expt.
Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, by Charles Willson Peale. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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The morning service was at Christ Church on Johnson Square. GW was escorted out of Savannah not only by a large number of the city's gentlemen but also by a detachment of Augusta, Ga., dragoons commanded by Maj. Ambrose Gordon (1751--1804), a Revolutionary War cavalryman formerly of Virginia. On the outskirts of the city GW halted briefly at Spring Hill, site of a British redoubt where much fighting had occurred during the 1779 Allied attack on Savannah. Today at this place James Jackson, as commander of the militia in the eastern district of Georgia, stood at the head of the local artillery and light-infantry companies, and GW received a parting salute: "39 discharges from the field pieces, and 13 vollies of platoons" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).
Before GW left Savannah today, he "politely expressed his sense of the attention shewn him by the corporation & every denomination of people during his stay" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). That attention, however, was burdensome as well as flattering. Writing to Tobias Lear in the midst of his Savannah visit, GW observed that at Charleston "the continual hurry into which I was thrown by entertainments--visits--and ceremonies of one kind or another, scarcely allowed me a moment that I could call my own--nor is the case much otherwise here." Outside the two cities "the abominably Sandy & heavy" low-country roads were the principal inconvenience. "My horses (especially the two I bought just before I left Philadelphia, & my old white horse) are much worn down," GW wrote Lear from Savannah, "and I have yet 150 or 200 miles of heavy sand to pass before I fairly get into the upper, & firmer roads" (GW to Lear, 13 May 1791, MeHi).
Monday 16th. Breakfasted at Russells--5 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 local militia 25 June 1776. Joshua Pearce (Pierce), Jr. (d. 1810), of Effingham County was GW's host for the night. Although his father was a Loyalist during the Revolution, Pearce and two of his brothers fought with the Patriots (MC CALL, 1:72, 139--40, 3:86, 183, 185; CANDLER [1], 1:145, 3:174, 178).
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 Counties.
Waynesboro, Ga., named in honor of Anthony Wayne, was established by an act of the General Assembly in July 1783. The same act, in obedience to a
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stipulation made in Georgia' 1777 constitution that schools should "be erected in each county and supported at the general expense of the State," provided for an academy for Burke County at Waynesboro, an academy for Richmond County at Augusta, and a "free school" for Wilkes County at newly created Washington, Ga. (CANDLER [2], 19:248--56, pt.2; KILPATRICK, 4; COULTER, 11--12).
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 many well dressed Ladies.
The Road from Savanna to Augusta is, for the most part, through Pine barrans; but more uneven than I had been accustomed to since leavg. Petersburgh in Virginia, especially after riding about 30 Miles from the City of that name; here & there indeed, a piece of Oak land is passed on this road, but of small extent & by no means of the first quality.
On coming in sight of the welcoming party from Augusta, Georgia's temporary capital 1785--95, GW got out of Iris chariot, mounted a horse, and rode forward to meet Gov. Edward Telfair. After Telfair "congratulated the President on his near approach to the residence of government," Major Gordon and the Augusta horsemen who had accompanied GW from Savannah joined the distinguished citizens of the town to form the procession that escorted GW to his lodgings on Broad Street. The cannon salute that greeted him was fired by Capt. Howell's artillery (HENDERSON, 234--38; JONES AND DUTCHER, 141).
Edward Telfair (c.1735--1807), a wealthy merchant and early Revolutionary War leader, served Georgia in the Continental Congress frequently between 1778 and 1782 and was governor of the state 1786--87 and 1789--93. For today's 4:00 P. M. dinner at his residence, the Grove, Telfair invited "several federal and state Officers," and as so often before, there were "a number of memorable and patriotic toasts." The ladies came to the governor's house this evening for a ball given by his wife, Sally Gibbons Telfair, but GW only "attended for a short time," apparently just long enough to meet the ladies over tea ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 June 1791).
George Walton (1741--1804), judge of the superior court of Georgia, was, like Telfair, an early supporter of the Patriot cause in Georgia. He attended many sessions of the Continental Congress between 1776 and 1781, was wounded and captured at the seige of Savannah where he fought as a militia colonel, and served as governor of the state 1779--80 and 1789.
Thursday 19th. Received & answered an Address from the Citizens of Augusta; dined with a large Company of them at their
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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 attended the public subscription dinner at the Richmond County courthouse, where again "a variety of the most patriotic toasts and sentiments were drank" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 June 1791; HENDERSON, 241--42).
This evening's ball was held "in the large room" of the Richmond Academy on Bay Street. According to the Augusta Chronicle, the ball was attended by "the largest number of Ladies ever collected at this place" (BELL AND CRABBE, 29).
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 improved, by removing a few rocks only to straighten the passage. Above them there is good boat navigation for many Miles; by which the produce may be, & in some measure is, transported. At this place, i.e., the falls, the good lands begin; & encrease in quality to the westward & No. ward. All below them, except the Interval lands on the River and Rice Swamps wch. extend from them, the whole Country is a Pine barren. The town of Augusta is well laid out with wide & spacious Streets. It stands on a large area of a perfect plain but is not yet thickly built, tho' surprizingly so for the time; for in 1783 there were not more than half a dozen dwelling houses; now there are not less than [ ] containing about [ ] Souls of which about [ ] are blacks. It bids fair to be a large Town being at the head of the present navigation, & a fine Country back of it for support, which is settling very fast by Tobacco planters. The culture of which article is encreasing very fast, and bids fair to be the principle export from the State; from this part of it, it certainly will be so.
Augusta, though it covers more ground than Savanna, does not contain as many Inhabitts. the latter having by the late census between 14 & 1500 hundred Whites and about 800 blacks.
Dined at a private dinner with Govr. Telfair to day; and gave him dispatches for the Spanish Govr. of East Florida, respecting the Countenance given by that Governt. to the fugitive Slaves of
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the Union--wch. dispatches were to be forwarded to Mr. Seagrove, Collector of St. Mary's, who was requested to be the bearer of them, and instructed to make arrangements for the prevention of these evils and, if possible, for the restoration of the property--especially of those Slaves wch. had gone off since the orders of the Spanish Court to discountenance this practice of recg. them.
Forts Grierson and Cornwallis were erected at Augusta after Loyalist forces occupied the town in June 1780. Both works fell in the spring of 1781 when besieged by Patriot militia aided by the Continental troops of Henry Lee's Legion (BOATNER [1], 49--51; BOATNER [2], 75--77).
Under the terms of an act passed by the Georgia General Assembly 13 Feb. 1786, the falls of the Savannah River were to have been cleared for navigation and a lock built at the lower end. This improvement scheme collapsed when the land tax that was to finance the work was repealed the following year (JONES AND DUTCHER, 446; CANDLER [2], 19:534--40, pt.2).
Augusta in 1791 was reported to have 250 houses and 1,100 people within its boundaries (JONES AND DUTCHER, 137).
The private dinner with Governor Telfair may have been the occasion for presenting a congratulatory address to GW that Telfair signed today at the statehouse. Telfair's address and a copy of GW's reply are in DLC:GW.
The fugitive slave problem, which GW discussed at length with Telfair during his stay in Augusta, had troubled Georgia planters for years, but particularly since 1783 when Spain regained the Floridas from Great Britain. Under an old Spanish policy any American slave who crossed the St. Marys River into East Florida was granted freedom, and it was only after many protests from the Georgians that authorities in Spain consented to a change. By a letter of 28 Aug. 1790 from Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, newly appointed governor of East Florida, the American Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson learned that the Spanish monarch had given orders "not to permit, under any pretext, that persons sold in slavery in the United states introduce themselves, as free, into the province of East Florida" (Quesada to Jefferson, 28 Aug. 1790, and Jefferson to José Ignacio de Viar, 27 Oct. 1790, JEFFERSON [1], 17:341n, 638--39).
The new policy, however, did not satisfy Georgia's planters, for it applied only to the future and no mention was made of returning slaves lost since 1783 (Edward Telfair to Thomas Jefferson, 12 Jan. 1790, JEFFERSON [1], 18:491--92). Jefferson was reluctant to push the matter further, considering it a relatively trivial affair that might jeopardize the more important goal of inducing Spain to open the Mississippi River to American traffic, but the final decision was left to GW and Telfair. Jefferson promised the Georgia governor in a letter of 26 Mar. 1791 that when GW reached Augusta "you will have an opportunity of explaining to him the extent of the losses complained of, and how far they could probably be recovered, even were the dispositions of your [Spanish] neighbors favourable to the recovery, and what those dispositions may actually be" (JEFFERSON [1], 19:429--33, 519).
Although GW acquiesced in Telfair's arguments, the instructions he wrote today for James Seagrove, collector for the port of St. Marys, Ga., show that he shared much of Jefferson's cautious attitude toward the matter. Seagrove's "first care" was to insure that the Spanish king's new orders to stop sheltering
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American slaves were fully enforced by Governor Quesada; his second, to seek the return of any slaves who had fled to Florida since the announcement of the new orders; and his third, to recover the slaves lost since 1783. "This last instruction," GW warned, "will require peculiar delicacy, and must be entered on with caution and circumspection, or not to be taken up at all" (GW to Seagrove, 20 May 1791, DLC:GW).
Seagrove, a Savannah merchant whom GW had named to his rather unremunerative post in Aug. 1789, adhered to GW's injunction. While conferring with Quesada at St. Augustine in early August, he apparently brought up only the first two "cares" and succeeded in making detailed arrangements for returning future fugitives to their masters and in convincing Quesada to issue an order to penalize East Florida inhabitants who harbored runaways. Seagrove, however, failed in the request that he made for immediate restoration of slaves who had entered East Florida since the date of the king's orders. Not "even a single Slave," Quesada replied, had come into his province between the date of the royal orders and their promulgation in East Florida. Even if slaves had fled into Florida, however, his instructions would not allow them to be returned (Seagrove to Quesada, 2 and 7 Aug. 1791, and Quesada to Seagrove, 6 Aug. 1791, all enclosed in Thomas Jefferson to Edward Telfair, 15 Dec. 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). Seagrove's skill in carrying out this mission was apparently a factor in his being appointed federal agent to the Creeks in September of this year (SMITH [7], 42--43).
GW's tour of the town today included a stop at the Richmond Academy, where "he honored the examination of the students with his presence, and was pleased to express himself handsomely of their performances" (BELL AND CRABBE, 29; CORDLE, 79--80; HENDERSON, 243--47).
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 a house about 20 Miles from Augusta and lodged at one Oden about 20 miles farther.
GW crossed the Savannah River bridge into South Carolina "under the salute of Major Gordon's horse and Captain Howell's artillery" (BELL AND CRABBE, 29).
The members of the Columbia committee were Wade Hampton (c.17511835), the recently elected sheriff of Camden District; Thomas Taylor (1743--1833), one of the original commissioners of Columbia; and Robert Lithgow (Lythgoe), a newly appointed town commissioner. Hampton and Taylor both distinguished themselves as militia colonels under Thomas Sumter during the latter part of the War of Independence. Earlier in the war Hampton was a junior officer in the South Carolina line, serving until the state fell to the British in 1780. He then took an oath of loyalty to the crown, an oath that he soon broke to join Sumter's partisans. An aggressive
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land speculator, he became one of the wealthiest planters in the state, served in the United States Congress 1795--97 and 1803--5, and participated as a major general in the War of 1812. Taylor, who with a brother provided the land on which Columbia was laid out in 1786, was a member of the state's first provincial congresses 1775--76, served in the militia in 1779, and joined Sumter as a captain in Aug. 1780. After the war he served frequently in the legislature, and although an opponent of the federal constitution in 1788, he raised an influential voice against nullification in 1830 (TAYLOR, 204--11). Robert Lithgow, apparently a Columbia merchant, was a judge of the Richland County court as well as a town commissioner (GREEN [2], 176).
Granby's representative may be Archibald Jamison, who appears in the 1790 census as a resident of the north part of Orangeburg District, which included Granby; Dr. Van de Vastine Jamison, who is also listed in the northern part of the district, lived near Orangeburg well to the east of Granby (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 94, 98; NAMES IN S.C., 13 [1966], 52--55).
The house at which GW dined was the Piney Woods House, a log tavern near present-day Trenton, S.C. The house belonged to Capt. Van Swearingen of Edgefield County, a veteran of the Revolution. Swearingen's daughter Frances Swearingen apparently inherited the tavern about this time and ran it with her husband Ezekiel McClendon (NAMES IN S.C., 11 [1964], 44). ODEN: The census of 1790 lists four families of Odens, three of Odums, and one of Odem in Edgefield County (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 62--63, 65--66). The house is said to have been near present-day Ridge Spring (SALLEY [2], 25).
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 Columbia is a pine barren of the worst sort, being hilly as well as poor. This circumstance added to the distance, length of the Stages, want of water and heat of the day, foundered one of my horses very badly.
Beyond Granby 4 miles, I was met by sevl. Gentlemen of that place & Wynnsborough; and on the banks of the River on the No. Side by a number of others, who escorted me to Columbia.
Breakfast may have been at Lee's Stage Tavern near present-day Batesburg and Leesville (SALLEY [2] 25).
Granby, called Congarees before the Revolution, began in 1718 as an Indian trading post and was at this time the seat of Lexington County. Eclipsed by its newer neighbor, Columbia, the village later disappeared (GREEN [2], 15--22).
GW crossed the Congaree River, a major branch of the Santee, at Friday's ferry, which was started in 1754 by Martin Fridig (Friday) and was purchased in 1785 by Wade Hampton and one of his brothers. On 10 Feb. 1791 the General Assembly authorized the Hamptons to build a toll bridge at the ferry, a project that was to have been completed before GW's arrival, and
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provided that the president of the United States should cross without paying the toll. Work was begun promptly, but a flood destroyed the bridge as it neared completion (GREEN [2], 113--21).
It was "about sun set" when GW reached the ferry. Nevertheless, "the banks of the river at that place were lined with the neighbouring inhabitants, who anxiously waited for the President's arrival." The gentlemen from Granby and from Winnsboro, a town about 28 miles north of Columbia, met GW before he reached Granby and escorted him without stopping through the village to the ferry. The Winnsboro group was headed by Brig. Gen. Richard Winn (1750--1818), the revolutionary soldier for whom the town was named when it was incorporated in 1785 ( Dunlap's American Dailey Adv. [Philadelphia]. 24 June 1791).
As GW approached the statehouse in Columbia, a body of light horse commanded by a Captain Kershaw "formed on the left, near the edge of the woods, and saluted him with much respect; he was then conducted to a house commodiously prepared for his reception, where a few gentlemen, and the officers of the troops were introduced" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791).
Columbia was ordered laid out as the new state capital by the General Assembly in 1786, and the executive offices were moved there in late 1789. The General Assembly first met in the new statehouse 4 Jan. 1790 (GREEN [2], 146--55).
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 received "the gentlemen of Columbia, Granby, Winnsboro', Camden, Statesburgh, Bellville and Orangeburgh, and their vicinity (who were present at Columbia) . . . . . At four o'clock he was conducted to the room of the representatives in the state-house, where were assembled sixty-seven ladies, who upon his entering the room, arose and made an elegant appearance, to whom he was individually introduced. The ladies were then led by the gentlemen (there being present 153) to the Senate room, where they set down together in a well conceived arrangment: to a farmer's dinner, where plenty abounded." GW left the statehouse after several toasts were given, but returned at 8:00 P. M. for a ball that lasted until 11:00 P. M. ( Dunlap's Daily American Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791).
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 building, but unfinished. The Town is on dry, but cannot be called high ground, and though surrounded by Piney & Sandy land, is, itself, good. The State house is near two miles
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from the River, at the confluence of the broad River & Saluda. From Granby the River is navigable for Craft which will, when the River is a little swelled, carry 3000 bushels of Grain--when at its usual height less, and always some. The River from hence to the Wateree below which it takes the name of the Santee is very crooked; it being, according to the computed distance near 400 miles--Columbia from Charleston is 130 miles.
GW dined today "in private with a few gentlemen" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791). The Broad and Saluda rivers meet at Columbia to form the Congaree, which is joined by the Wateree River lower down to form the Santee.
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 each place, goes over the most miserable pine barren I ever saw, being quite a white sand, & very hilly. On the Wateree with in a mile & half of which the town stands the lands are very good--the culture Corn Tobacco & Indigo. Vessels carrying 50 or 60 Hhds. of Tobo. come up to the Ferry at this place at which there is a Tobacco Warehouse.
An address from the citizens of Columbia, Granby, and vicinity, bearing today's date, was presented to GW before he left town by Alexander Gillon (1741--1794), a wealthy merchant and early revolutionary leader who had been embroiled in much controversy as a commodore in the South Carolina navy during the war. Gillon was one of the original commissioners of Columbia, a member of the General Assembly 1783--91, and a member of the United States Congress 1793--94. The address and a copy of GW's reply are in DLC:GW.
The welcoming address from the citizens of Camden and vicinity apparently was presented to GW by the town's intendant and patriarch, Col. Joseph Kershaw (c.1723--1791), a militia veteran of the Revolution. The address and a copy of GW's reply are in DLC:GW.
GW, according to local tradition, lodged in Camden at the house of Adam Fowler Brisbane (1754--1797), a Lancaster County justice, and the public dinner was probably at the house of Col. John Chesnut (1743--1813), a veteran of the South Carolina line and prominent indigo planter, who discussed agriculture at some length with GW during his stay in town. A month later GW sent Chesnut a drill plow from Mount Vernon to try in sowing indigo seed (GW to Chesnut, 26 June 1791, anonymous donor). At the dinner GW "was introduced to the ladies individually. The ladies rose after the 2d or 3d toast, and the President sat till near twelve o'clock" ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 June 1791). In all there were 17 toasts, including 2 given after
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GW retired for the night (KIRKLAND AND KENNEDY, 307--12, 351--52; REYNOLDS AND FAUNT, 186, 196--97, 251).
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 came to the ground where Genl. Gates & Lord Cornwallis had their Engagement wch. terminated so unfavourably for the former. As this was a night Meeting of both Armies on their March, & altogether unexpected each formed on the ground they met without any advantage in it on either side it being level & open. Had Genl. Gates been ½ a mile further advanced, an impenitrable Swamp would have prevented the attack which was made on him by the British Army, and afforded him time to have formed his own plans; but having no information of Lord Cornwallis's designs, and perhaps not being apprised of this advantage it was not siezed by him.
Cambden is a small place with appearances of some new buildings. It was much injured by the British whilst in their possession.
After halting at one Suttons 14 M. from Cambden I lodged at James Ingrams 12 Miles farther.
Camden became an important outpost for the British army when it occupied South Carolina after the fall of Charleston in May 1780, and much fighting occurred in the vicinity during the ensuing 12 months. About 2:30 A. M. on 16 Aug. 1780 a British force under Lord Cornwallis and an American one under Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, both advancing to attack the other at daylight, met by accident in the pine woods north of Camden. Cornwallis, although hampered by swamps on either flank and Saunders Creek less than a mile to his rear, deployed his troops, and at dawn British regulars attacked and routed the Virginia militia at the east end of Gates's position. The battle rapidly became a full-blown disaster for the Americans despite a courageous stand by Maryland Continentals under Johann Kalb (1721--1780), the Bavarian-born French army officer known as Baron de Kalb in America. Kalb, mortally wounded in the fighting, was buried at Camden. On the way out of town today, GW paused "a few minutes" at his grave ( Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 June 1791; BOATNER [1], 159--70, 570--71; BOATNER [2], 456--58).
The fortifications that GW viewed in Camden were built by the British after the battle of 16 Aug. 1780. Incorporated into the defenses were Joseph Kershaw's stockaded house, the local jail, and the town's powder magazine (BOATNER [2], 458--60).
The battle between Nathanael Greene and Francis, Lord Rawdon, the young acting commander of British forces in South Carolina and Georgia, occurred 25 April 1781 at Hobkirk's Hill, a sandy ridge where Greene camped
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with his army to await reinforcements and supplies after finding Camden's defenses too strong for the force that he had on hand. Rawdon in a daring move assembled all available troops in Camden and made a surprise attack on the American camp about 10:00 A. M. on 25 April. Although several Continental units broke, the 5th Virginia Regiment held, enabling Greene to make a short orderly retreat. Rawdon, having failed to destroy the American army, abandoned Camden on 10 May. The British, Greene informed GW 14 May 1781, "left . . . with great precipitation after burning the greater part of their baggage and Stores and even the private property belonging to the Inhabitants. They also burnt the Gaol, mills and several other buildings, and left the Town little better than a heap of rubbish" (MiU-C: Greene Papers; BOATNER [1], 503--8; BOATNER [2], 458--59).
William Loughton Smith of Charleston found Camden when he stopped there on 9 May 1791 to be "a pretty town of about seventy houses and some very good buildings," but at the site of Gates's defeat, he noted, "the marks of balls against the trees" were still visible (SMITH [6], 75).
Jasper Sutton of Lancaster County, stepfather of John Chesnut, settled near Granny's Quarter Creek about 1757. In 1790, according to the census, he held 17 slaves. James Ingrain of Lancaster County lived near Hanging Rock, a geological landmark south of present-day Heath Springs. The 1790 census credits him with 3 slaves (SALLEY [2], 27--28; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 23, 25; KIRKLAND AND KENNEDY, 366; BOATNER [2], 478).
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 that some attempts were making or would be made to deprive them of part of the 40,000 Acres wch. was secured to them by Treaty and wch. is bounded by this Road.
Nathan Barr of Lancaster County kept a tavern a short distance north of the present-day town of Lancaster. During the Revolution he served in the militia as a lieutenant. The head of a household of 11 whites in 1790, he held no slaves (SALLEY [2], 28; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C., 24). Robert Crawford (1728--1801) of Lancaster County, a militia officer during the War of Independence, lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek. His household in 1790 consisted of 11 whites and 15 slaves (SALLEY [2], 28--30; S.C. Hist. & Geneal. Mag., 50 [1949], 57; HEADS Of FAMILIES, S.C., 23).
The Catawba Indians were granted by the Treaty of Augusta in 1763 a tract of land 15 miles square in this part of South Carolina, a total of 144,000 acres embracing the sites of present-day Fort Mill and Rock Hill, S.C. Much of the tract the Catawba leased to white settlers for long terms, but as the settlers grew steadily in number, the Catawbas began to worry about the security of their land. In 1782 Catawba representatives appealed to the Continental Congress to protect their tract from forcible intrusion or alienation "even with their own consent." Congress, deeming the problem to be a South Carolina one, referred it to the state's legislature, which in 1786
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took steps to safeguard the Catawbas' rights (BROWN [4], 250--51, 279--94). GW apparently did not interfere in this matter although the Catawba continued to press their case with him. Writing to Secretary of War James McHenry from Mount Vernon 18 July 1796, GW complained that "I have already, been incommoded, at this place, by a visit of several days, from a party of a dozen Cuttawbas; & should wish while I am in this retreat, to avoid a repetition of such guests" (NhD).
The road on the boundary line between the two Carolinas followed that line for eight miles. It did not form part of the Catawba boundary line but did pass through the eastern corner of the tract before entering North Carolina (SALLEY [2], 28--29).
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 Barfs that I had quit the Piney & Sandy lands--nor until I had got to Crawfords before the Lands took quite a different complexion. Here they began to assume a very rich look.
Charlotte is a very trifling place, though the Court of Mecklenburg is held in it. There is a School (called a College) in it at which, at times there has been 50 or 60 boys.
GW apparently breakfasted with Isaiah Harrison of Mecklenburg County, N.C., who lived between McAlpine and Sixmile creeks a short distance southeast of present-day Pineville, N.C. In 1790 he was head of a household of seven whites and two slaves (RAY, 365, 367, 369, 380--81; HENDERSON, 287, n.2).
Thomas Polk (c.1732--1794) of Mecklenburg County became a justice of the county when it was formed in 1762 and a commissioner and treasurer of Charlotte when it was established six years later. A colonel in the North Carolina line during the War of Independence, he was at Brandywine and Valley Forge but resigned in June 1778 after failing to obtain a desired promotion (Polk to GW, 26 June 1778, DNA: RG 93, Ms. File No. 14498). He was appointed Continental commissary of purchases for the southern army in 1780, and in Feb. 1781 Nathanael Greene designated him brigadier general of militia for the Salisbury, N.C., district. The General Assembly, however, consented to give him only the title of colonel commandant of the district, an action that prompted him to resign in May. Polk lived on a plantation on Sugar Creek near present-day Pineville and in 1790 owned 47 slaves (RAY, 358, 369, 380--81, 414).
Charlotte, reported William Loughton Smith who visited there three weeks before GW did, "does not deserve the name of a town, it consists only of a wretched Court House, and a few dwellings falling to decay. There is a good tavern kept by Mason, where, however, I paid the dearest bill on the road" (SMITH [6], 74). There was a school at Charlotte chartered as Queen's College by the colonial assembly in 1771, and although the charter was subsequently disallowed by the crown, it remained open and was chartered by the state assembly in 1777 as Liberty Hall Academy. By 1780, however, this
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academy was in "an entire state of decay," and four years later it was moved to Salisbury, N.C. (LEFLER AND NEWSOME, 135).
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 April 1776, he was in Continental service from Mar. 1777 to April 1780. His household, according to the 1790 census, consisted of 7 whites and 16 slaves (HENDERSON, 294, n.3; HEITMAN [1], 327; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 161).
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 dismissed them). I was also met 5 Miles from Salisbury by the Mayor of the Corporation, Judge McKoy, & many others; Mr. Steel, Representative for the district, was so polite as to come all the way to Charlotte to meet me. We arrived at Salisbury about 8 Oclock, to breakfast, 20 miles from Captn. Fifers. The lands between Charlotte & Salisbury are very fine, of a reddish cast and well timbered, with but very little under wood. Between these two places are the first meadows I have seen on the Road since I left Virga.; & here also, we appear to be getting into a Wheat Country.
This day I foundered another of my horses.
Dined at a public dinner givn. by the Citizens of Salisbury; & in the afternoon drank Tea at the same place with about 20 ladies, who had been assembled for the occasion.
Salisbury is but a small place altho' it is the County town, and the district Court is held in it; nor does it appear to be much on the encrease. There is about three hundred Souls in it and tradesmen of different kinds.
The Rowan County Troop of Horse was commanded by Capt. Montfort Stokes (1762--1842), a revolutionary veteran who later became a United States senator and governor of North Carolina. The mayor of Salisbury, Spruce Macay (McCay, McCoy, McKay, McKoy), was appointed a judge for the frontier counties of Washington and Sullivan in 1782 and in Dec. 1790 became a judge of the state superior court, a position that he retained until his death in 1808 (N.C. STATE REC., 16:175, 21:854). John Steele (1764--1815)
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of Salisbury served in the United States Congress 1789--93 and was appointed comptroller of the United States Treasury by GW in 1796. All three men were prosperous planters and slaveholders. In 1790 Stokes had 15 slaves, Macay 19, and Steele 16 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 176).
As GW entered Salisbury today, he "was saluted by about forty boys in uniform, who had chosen officers, and arranged themselves for that purpose," and on arriving at his lodgings, he received a salute from the local artillery company. Breakfast is said to have been at Capt. Edward Yarborough's tavern on Main Street, and the public dinner and the tea at Joseph Hughes's Hotel (HENDERSON, 298--99, 302, 305--6; RUMPLE, 178--81). The dinner concluded with the customary patriotic toasts accompanied by the firing of cannon ( State Gaz. of N.C. [Edenton], 10 June 1791; HENDERSON, 303--4). An address from the inhabitants of Salisbury was presented to GW apparently during the morning. It and a copy of GW's reply are in DLC:GW.
GW's impressions of Salisbury are confirmed by William Loughton Smith's remarks about the town in his journal. Salisbury, observed Smith who stopped there 6 May 1791, "consists of about forty or fifty straggling houses in an open pretty plain; it looks like a poor place and has but little business. The Court House is not half finished: the town contains about 300 inhabitants among them a great number of children" (SMITH [6], 74).
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 Salisbury & Salem passes over very little good land, and much that is different; being a good deal mixed with Pine, but not Sand.
Salem is a small but neat Village; & like all the rest of the Moravian settlements, is governed by an excellent police--having within itself all kinds of artizans. The number of Souls does not exceed 200.
From Salisbury GW was escorted by the Rowan County Troop of Horse to Long's ferry on the Yadkin River, where he crossed ( State Gaz. of N.C. [Edenton], 10 June 1791). The Yadkin and the smaller Uwharrie River join in Montgomery County, N.C., to form the Pee Dee River. Young and Reed lived in the part of Rowan County that later became Davidson County. There are several listings for each name in the 1790 Rowan County census (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 169, 172--76; RUMPLE, 118--22).
On the road to Salem GW was met by three Moravian ministers who had ridden out to greet him, Frederic William Marshall, John David Koehler, and Christian Ludwig Banzien. As the party approached the town, "several tunes were played" by some of the community's renowned musicians," partly by trumpets and French horns, partly by the trombones." At the Salem Tavern on Main Street, where GW lodged, he stepped out of his chariot and, according to the town's official diary, "greeted those who stood around in a
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friendly manner, showing his good will especially to the children who were there. Then he talked on various matters with several Brethren who accompanied him to the room that had been prepared for him. At first he said that he was leaving in the morning, but when he heard that the Governor of this State had expressed a wish to wait on him the next day he decided to rest here over one day. He sent word to our musicians that he would like some music during his evening meal, and it was furnished to him" (Salem Diary, 1791, FRIES, 5:2324).
Salem, now part of Winston-Salem, was founded by Moravian settlers in 1776 near two other North Carolina towns previously established by them, Bethabara and Bethania.
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 worship. Invited Six of their principal people to dine with me--and in the evening went to hear them Sing, & perform on a variety of instruments Church music.
In the Afternoon Governor Martin as was expected (with his Secretary) arrived.
Alexander Martin (1740--1807), governor of North Carolina 1782--85 and 1789--92, was a bachelor who lived at Danbury plantation on the Dan River in Rockingham County about 40 miles northeast of Salem. During the War of Independence he served as a colonel in the North Carolina line but resigned in Nov. 1777 after being tried for and acquitted of cowardice at the Battle of Germantown. Guilford Court House was 27 miles east of Salem.
During the morning tour of Salem, GW was especially impressed by the waterworks, a system of pipes that brought water from nearby streams to every house in the town. At 2:00 P.M., a time set by GW, Rev. Frederic William Marshall read and presented him an address from the United Brethren of Wachovia, the official name of the North Carolina Moravians. GW "in the same manner gave his answer, couched in favorable terms" (Salem Diary, FRIES, 5:2324--25; SMITH [6], 73). The Moravian address dated 31 May 1791 is in DLC:GW; GW's answer is in NcWsM, and a copy in DLC:GW.
Governor Martin accompanied GW to the "singstunde [song service] in the evening, the singing being interspersed with instrumental selections, and they expressed their pleasure in it. In the evening the wind instruments were heard again, playing sweetly near the tavern." Music was also furnished for the dinner with the six Brethren (Salem Diary, 1791, FRIES, 5:2325).
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Many people from the neighborhood and the other Moravian congregations came to Salem to see GW during his stay in town, and according to the Salem diary, "the President gladly gave them opportunity to gratify their wish" (Salem Diary, FRIES, 5:2325).
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 Salem1 and dined at Guilford 16 Miles farther, where there was a considerable gathering of people who had receivd notice of my intention to be2 there to day & came to satisfy their curiosity.
On my way I examined the ground on which the Action between Generals Green and Lord Cornwallis commenced and after dinner rode over that where their lines were formed3 and the scene closed in the retreat of the American forces4--The first line of which5 was advantageously drawn up, and had the Troops done their duty properly, the British must have been sorely galded in their advance, if not defeated.
The Lands between Salem and Guilford are, in places, very fine; but upon the whole can6 not be called7 more than midling--some being very8 bad.
On my approach to this place (Guilford) I was met by a party of light horse which I prevailed on the Governor to dismiss, and to countermand his orders for others to attend me through the State.
William Dobson of Stokes County ran a popular tavern at the site of present-day Kernersville, N.C., where he had settled about 1770. William Loughton Smith, who stopped at Dobson's tavern on the morning of 5 May 1791, reported that he "got a very good breakfast" there. Dobson, he added, "has a very decent house; his wife, who sat down to breakfast with me, is a huge fat woman of about eighty, whom he calls 'Honey' " (SMITH [6], 72).
Guilford Court House, established in 1774 as the seat of Guilford County, was designated 11 years later as site of the town of Martinville, but the small community that developed around the courthouse disappeared after 1809 when the county court moved to nearby Greensboro (ARNETT, 18).
The battle at Guilford Court House occurred 15 Mar. 1781. Having evaded Cornwallis's regulars for three weeks, Nathanael Greene took a stand with his army on the road south of the courthouse and invited attack on the favorable terrain there. When the British advanced, the North Carolina militia in the center of the American front line fired one volley and fled in disorder, but the Continentals on the flanks and in the second line fought well, inflicting heavy casualties on the British until Greene ordered a withdrawal later in the day. Two days after the battle, Cornwallis, having won the field but at the cost of 532 dead and wounded out of a force of about 1,900 men, was obliged to begin retreating toward the coast (BOATNER [1], 460--71; BOATNER [2], 350--54).
"Although the honors of the field did not fall to your lot," GW wrote
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Greene 18 April 1781, "I am convinced you deserved them. The chances of War are various and the best concerted measures, and the most flattering prospects may, & often do deceive us, especially while we are in the power of Militia" (owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.).
In the manuscript of the diary for 2 June--4 July GW made many changes and corrections, inserting words between lines and crossing out parts of the text, apparently intending to recopy the diary. The changes consist primarily of corrections in grammar and syntax. Although a few of the changes were obviously made as GW was writing the entry, the majority of the revisions appear to have been made at a later time, probably after his return from his southern tour. GW's changes have been incorporated into the present text and the original wording of the corrected passages is indicated in numbered notes.
1."from Salem" inserted above line.
2."to be" substituted for "of being."
4."in the retreat of the American forces" inserted above line.
5."which" substituted for "the American Troops."
7."be called" added above line.
8."being very" inserted above line.
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 which1 is at least) 17 Miles from Guilford partly in Rain and from my information or for2 want of it was obliged to travel 12 miles further than I intended to day--to one Gatewoods within two Miles of Dix' ferry over the Dan, at least 30 Miles from the Iron works.
The Lands over which I passed this day were of various qualities and as I approached the Dan, were a good deal covered3 with pine.
In conversing with the Governor on the State of Politics in No. Carolina I learnt with pleasure that opposition to the Genl. Government, & the discontents of the people were subsiding fast and that he should, so soon as he received the Laws which he had written to the Secretary of State for, issue his proclamation requiring all Officers & members of the Governmt. to take the Oaths prescribed by Law. He seems to condemn the Speculators in Lands and the purchases from the State of Georgia, & thinks as every sensible & disinterested man must that schemes of that sort must involve the Country in trouble--perhaps in blood.
The Troublesome Iron Works, built by William Patrick in 1770, were on Troublesome Creek in southern Rockingham County, about a mile and a half north of present-day Monroeton (POWELL, [3], 500; BOATNER [2], 371--72).
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William Loughton Smith toured the works on 4 May 1791 and found that "the buildings, large reservoir of water, creek, and the people at work, with the noise of the machinery of the mills and the rapid currents which work them, have a pleasing and singular appearance just as you ascend the hill which overlooks them, after traveling a number of miles through the woods" (SMITH [6], 72). GW apparently lodged with Dudley Gatewood, of Caswell County, who in 1790 had been appointed one of the trustees responsible for extending the navigation of the Roanoke River above the falls (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C., 79; N.C. STATE REC., 25:107).
Dix's ferry, located near the site of present-day Danville, Va., was established in 1766 to run from the land of John Dix (died c.1784) on the north side of the Dan River across to Lewis Green's land. By 1777 John Dix owned the land on both banks, and by 1791 the ferry had passed to Col. William Dix of Pittsylvania County, who also kept a tavern nearby (HENING, 8:193, 9:334--35; SMITH [6], 71). The Dan River is a main branch of the Roanoke.
1."which" inserted above line.
3."covered" substituted for "grown."
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 that1 pine when mixed with Oak, & more especially with2 hiccory is not indicative of a poor3 Soil. From Wisom's to Hallifax old Town the Soil is good, & of a reddish cast.
Having this day passed the line of No. Carolina, and of course finished my tour thro' the three Southernmost States a general4 description of them may be comprised in the5 few following6 words.
From the Sea board to7 the falls of all the Rivers which water this extensive region,8 the lands, except the Swamps, on the Rivers, and the lesser streams which empty into them; & the interval lands higher up the Rivers9 is, with but few exceptions, neither more nor less10 than a continued pine barren11 very thinly inhabited. The part next the Sea board, for many miles, is a dead level & badly watered. That above it is12 hilly & not much better watd. but13 if possible, less valuable on account of its hilliness and because they are14 more inconvenient to Market supposing them15 as capable as the lands below16 of producing17 Beef Porke Tar, pitch & Turpentine. The Lands above the falls of the several18 Rivers from information, and as far as19 my own observation has extended, is of a very superior kind from these20 being of a greasy red, with large oaks, intermixed with hiccory Chestnut
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&ca. producing,21 Corn Tobo., Wheat, Hemp & other articles in great abundance & are generally22 thickly inhabited comparitively speaking with those below.
In the lower Country (next the Seaboard) in the States of So. Carolina & Georgia, Rice, as far up as the low Swamps extend is almost the sole article that is raised for market; Some of the planters of which, grow23 as much Corn as, with the Sweet Potatoes, support their people; The middle Country--that is--between the Rice lands and the falls of the Rivers & a little above them, is cultivated chiefly in Corn & Indigo and the upper Country in Tobacco, Corn, Hemp & in some24 degree the smaller grains.
It is nearly the same in No. Carolina, with this difference however25 that, as not much rice is planted there, especially in the Northern parts of the State, Corn, some Indigo, with naval Stores & Porke, are substituted in its place, but as Indo. is on the decline Hemp, Cotton &ca. are comg. in its place.26
The Inland navigations of the Rivers of these three States, may be improved (according to the ideas I have formed of the matter)27 to a very extensive degree--to great & useful purpose and at a very moderate expence compared with the vast utility of the measure;28 inasmuch as the falls in all of29 them are trifling and their lengths great; (quite to the Mountns.)30 penetrating the Country in all directions by their lateral branches31 and in their present State except at the falls wch. as has been observd before are trifling except that of the Pedee32 navigable for vessels carrying sevl. Hhds. of Tobo. or other Articles in proportion.
The prices at which the Rice lands in the lower parts of the <st.>33 are held is very great--those of them wch. have been34 improved, comd.35 from 20£ to 30£ Sterlg. £50 has been given for some and from £10 to 15 is the price of it36 in its rude state. The Pine barrens adjoining these sell from one to two dollars pr. Acre37 according to Circumstances. The interval Lands on the River below the falls, & above the Rice Swamps also command a good price but not equal to the abe. & the pine barrens less than those below.38 The lands of the upper Country sell from 4 to 6 or 7 dollars according to the quality and Circumstances thereof.
In the upper part of No. Cara. Wheat is pretty much grown, & the Farmers seem disposed to try Hemp but the Land Carriage is a considerable drawback having between 2 & 300 Miles to carry the produce either to Chs. Town, Petersburgh or Wilmington wch. are their three great Marts though of late Fayettesville receives a gd. deal of the bulky Articles & they are39 water borne from thence to Wilmington.
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Excepting the Towns, (and some Gentlemens Seats along the Road from Charleston to Savanna)40 there is not, within view of the whole road I travelled41 from Petersburgh to this place, a single house which has anythg. of an elegant appearance. They are altogether of Wood & chiefly of logs--some42 indd. have brick chimneys but generally the chimnies43 are of Split sticks filled with dirt between them.
The accomadations on the whole Road (except in the Towns,44 and even there, as I was informed45 for I had no opportunity of Judging, lodgings having been provided for me in them46 at my own expence) we found extremely indifferent--the houses being small and badly provided either for man or horse; though extra exertions when it was known I was coming,47 wch. was generally the case, were made to receive me. It is not easy to say on which road--the one I went or the one I came--the entertainment is most indifferent--but with truth it may be added,48 that both are bad, and to be accounted for from the kind of travellers which use them; which with a few exceptions only on the uppr. Rd.49 are no other than50 Waggoners & families removing; who, generally, take their provisions along with them. The people however appear to have abundant means to live well the grounds where they are settled yielding grain in abundance and the natural herbage a multitude of meat with little or no labr. to provide food for the support of their Stock--especially in Georgia where it is said the Cattle live through the winter without any support from the owners of them.
The manners of the people, as far as my observations, and means of information extended, were orderly and Civil. And they appeared to be happy, contented and satisfied with the genl.51 governmt. under which they were placed. Where the case was otherwise, it was not difficult to trace the cause to some demago[g]ue, or speculating character. In Georgia the dissatisfied part of them at the late treaty with the Ck. Indians were evidently Land Jobbers, who, Maugre every principle of Justice to the Indians52 & policy to their Country would, for their own immediate emolument, strip the Indns. of all their territory if they could obtain the least countenance to the measure. But it is to be hoped the good sense of the State will set its face against such diabolical attempts: And it is also to be wished and by many it was said it might be expected--that the Sales by that State to what are called the Yazoo Companies would fall through.
The discontents which it was supposed the last Revenue Act
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(commonly known by the Excise Law) would create subside as fast as the law is explained and little was said of the Banking Act.
GW apparently dined today with Francis Wisdom (died c.1794) of Pittsylvania County (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 42, 99; SMITH [6], 71).
Halifax Old Town, established as Peytonsburg in 1759, lay south of Elkhorn Creek in eastern Pittsylvania County (GAINES [4], 6). "Halifax Old Town," remarked William Loughton Smith who breakfasted there 3 May 1791, "has no other pretension to the name than by containing two or three old houses, inhabited by some wretched old women" (SMITH [6], 71). GW, nevertheless, found a tavern in which to lodge this night (Richard N. Venable Diary, ViHi). The town no longer exists. LATE TREATY WITH THE CK. INDIANS: See entry for 1 July 1790. YAZOO COMPANIES: See entry for 28 April 1790. LAST REVENUE ACT: "An Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon Distilled Spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same" (1 STAT. 199--214 [3 Mar. 1791]). BANKING ACT: "An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States" (1 STAT. 191--96 [25 Feb. 1791]).
1."here that" added above line.
3."a poor" substituted for "the poverty of the."
4."general" inserted above line.
6."following" inserted above line.
7."the Sea board to" added above line.
8."this extensive region" substituted for "these three States, quite to the sea board."
9."than the Rice swamps extend" deleted.
10."neither more nor less" substituted for "no other."
12."That above it is" substituted for "The residue is more."
13."& not much better watd. but" substituted for "and."
15."supposing them" substituted for "if they are."
16."as the lands below" inserted above line.
18."several" inserted above line.
19."as far as" added above line.
20."superior kind from these" substituted for "different kind."
21."yielding" inserted above line, however, GW did not cross out "producing."
22."generally" inserted above line.
23."grow" substituted for "raise."
24."some" substituted for "a."
25."however" inserted above line.
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27."of the matter" inserted above line.
28."the measure" substituted for "them."
29."in all of" substituted for "of."
30."quite to the Mountns." added in parentheses above line.
31."by their lateral branches" inserted above line.
33."in the lower parts of the St." inserted above line.
34."those of them wch. have been" substituted for "that wch. is."
35."comd." substituted for "is."
36."is the price of it" inserted above line.
37."pr. Acre" inserted above line.
38."& the pine barrens less than those below" inserted above line.
39."they are" substituted for "is."
40.Parentheses added before "and" and after "Savanna."
41."I travelled" inserted above line.
42."some" substituted for "many."
43."the chimnies" substituted for "they."
44."in the Towns" substituted for "as before."
45."was informed" substituted for "am told."
46."in them" added above line.
47."when it was known I was coming" substituted for "where I was expected."
48.GW inserted "affirmed" above line but did not mark through "added."
49."on the uppr. Rd." inserted above line.
50."no other than" inserted above line.
52."to the Indians" inserted above line.
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; leaving my Servants and them at one of the usually indifferent Taverns at the Ferry that they might give1 no trouble, or be inconvenient to a private family.
The Banister River, a branch of the Dan River, was apparently crossed at a bridge near present-day Meadville, Va. (SMITH [6], 71). The Staunton River is the main branch of the Roanoke. "Pridie's," where William Loughton Smith spent the night of 2 May 1791, was in his opinion "a sorry tavern; I had for company an idiot, the landlord's brother, who was himself but one remove from it, and I was waited on by an ugly broken backed old negro woman. My fare was indifferent, and . . . I was kept awake a great part of the night by bugs and fleas, and the united groaning and grunting of hogs under the window" (SMITH [6], 71). The landlord may be Richard Preddy (Priddy), of Halifax County, who appears in the census lists of 1782 and
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1785, or Robert Priddy for whom an inventory was recorded in the Halifax County court in 1795 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA., 23, 87; TORRENCE, 345).
Isaac Coles of Halifax County (see entry for 26 Dec. 1789) probably met GW at Coles Ferry about ten miles southeast of present-day Brookneal, Va. Coles, observed William Loughton Smith in May, "is a man of genteel fortune, and has a pretty considerable plantation here, with other estates" (SMITH [6], 70).
1."give" substituted for "be."
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.
Tuesday 7th. Left Colo. Coles by day break, and breakfasted at Charlotte Ct. Ho. 15 Miles1 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 on2 Staunton to Charlotte Ct. Ho. are in genl. good; & pretty thickly settled. They are3 cultivated chiefly in Tobo. wheat & Corn, with Oats & flax. The Houses (tho' none elegt.) are in genl. decent, & bespeak4 good livers; being for the most part weatherboarded & Shingled, with brick Chimnies--but from Charlotte Ct. Ho.5 to Prince Edward Ct. Ho. the lands are of an inferior quality with few6 inhabitants7 in sight of the Road.8 It is said they are thick settled off it, the Roads by keeping the Ridges pass on the most indifferent ground.
Richard N. Venable (1763--1838), a Peytonsburg lawyer who was at Charlotte Court House on 6 June 1791, noted in his diary the "great Anxiety in the people to see Genl. Washington. Strange is the impulse which is felt by almost every breast, to see the face of a Great good man & one of whom we have heard much spoken" (Richard N. Venable Diary, ViHi). Established in 1765, Charlotte Court House remains the seat of Charlotte County (GAINES [2], 7).
Prince Edward Court House, established 1754, was at the site of present-day Worsham, about six miles south of Farmville, the present county seat (GAINES [3], 41). Venable was at Prince Edward Court House today and reported that the way where GW was expected to pass was crowded with people "anxious to see the Saviour of their Country & object of their love" (Richard N. Venable Diary, ViHi).
1."15 Miles" inserted above line.
2."Coles ferry on" inserted above line.
3."They are" substituted for "&."
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4."bespeak" substituted for "indicative of."
Wednesday 8th. Left Prince Edward Ct. Ho. as soon as it was well light, & breakfasted at one Treadways 13 Miles off.1 Dined at Cumberland Ct. Ho. 14 Miles further and lodged at Moores Tavern within 2 miles from2 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, & from Treadways to Cumberland Ct. Ho. they were equally well settled on better land, less mixed, and in places not mixed at all,3 with pine. The buildings appear to be better.
Cumberland Court House (now Cumberland, Va.) was established as the seat of Cumberland County in 1777. GW probably dined at the Effingham Tavern, a popular establishment opposite the courthouse (GAINES [5], 39--41; W.P.A. [4], 490).
Carter's ferry became the site of Cartersville in Oct. 1790, when the Virginia General Assembly authorized trustees to lay out the town on 27 acres of land that John Woodson (d. 1793) owned at the south landing. Established in 1744, the ferry was originally designated to run between "the land of Ashford Hughes, on the north side of James river," and "the land of Robert Carter" (apparently the deceased Robert "King" Carter) on the opposite shore, but by 1763 the land on both banks, including the ferry, belonged to the Hughes family, the family into which John Woodson married (HENING, 5:250, 6:16, 13:155, 171; WMQ, 1st ser., 11 [1902--3], 52--53).
2."from" substituted for "of."
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 horses1 & crossways the Boat on planks. Breakfasted at a Widow pains 172 Miles on the No. side of the River, and lodged at a Mrs. Jordans a private house where we were kindly entertained and to which we were driven by necessity having Rode not less than 25 miles from our breakfasting stage though very bad Roads in a very sultry day witht. any refreshments3 & by missing the right road had got to it.
From the River to the Widow Pains, & thence to Andersons bridge over the North Anna Branch of Pamunky, the Lands are
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not good, nor thickly settled on the Road but are a good deal mixd. w. Pine;4 nor does the Soil & growth promise much (except in places) from thence for several miles further; but afterwards, throughout the County of Louisa, which is entered after passing the Bridge, the River over which it is made dividing it from Goochland they are much better & continued so with little exception quite to Mrs. Jordons.
GW apparently breakfasted with Jane (Jean) Smith Chichester Payne of White Hall, Goochland County, widow of Col. John Payne (1713--1784), whom she married in 1757 ( Va. Mag., 6 [1898--99], 315--16, 427--38, 31 [1923], 174). GW's lodgings were at Jerdone Castle, home of Sarah Macon Jerdone of Louisa County, whose husband Francis Jerdone (1720--1771) had been a prominent merchant ( Va. Mag., 62 [1954], 208; WMQ, 1St ser., 6 [1897--98], 37--38).
GW was mistaken about Anderson's bridge. It was on the South Anna River near the mouth of Deep Creek and lay entirely in Louisa County, being about a mile northeast of the Goochland County line. The South Anna roughly parallels the boundary between Louisa and Goochland but forms no part of it. The North Anna River, which GW crossed the next day, forms Louisa's northern border with Orange and Spotsylvania counties. Both the South and North Anna are branches of the Pamunkey River.
1."without horses" added above line.
3."witht. any refreshments" inserted above line.
4."but are a good deal mixd. w. Pine" inserted above line.
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 & more inclined to black Jacks.
GW reported to Tobias Lear that he arrived at Fredericksburg "in good health, but with horses much worn down" (GW to Lear, 12 June 1791, CSmH). BLACK JACKS: Quercus marilandica, blackjack oak, is adapted to barren and sterile soils.
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.
Sunday 12th. About Sun rise we were off--breakfasted at Dumfries and arrived at Mt. Vn. to D.
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From1 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 receiving2 many visits.
1."From" inserted at the beginning of the line.
2."in receiving" substituted for "during it had."
Monday 27th. Left Mount Vernon for George town before Six Oclock; and according to appointment met the Commissioners at that place by 9--then1 calling together2 the Proprietors of the Lands on which the federal City was proposed3 to be built who had agreed to cede them on certain conditions at the last meeting I had4 with them at this place but from some misconception with respect to the extension of their grants had refused to make conveyances and recapitulating the principles upon which my comns. to them at the former meeting were made and giving some explanations of the present State of matters & the consequences of delay in this business they readily waved their objections & agd. to convey to the utmost ex[t]ent of what was required.
After their meetings with GW in late March 1791 five of the landholders protested the large size of the proposed Federal City. GW called this meeting today to warn the owners, some of whom were speculators, that there might not be a capital there at all if they did not abide by their agreement (see entry for 30 Mar. 1791).
1."at that place by 9--then" substituted for "and."
2."together" inserted above line.
3."proposed" substituted for "intended."
Tuesday 28th. Whilst the Commissioners were engaged in preparing the Deeds to be signed by the subscribers1 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 how2 a line which was to leave out a Spring (commonly known by the name of the Cool Spring) belonging to Majr. Stoddart should be run.
THE SPOTS: GW accepted L'Enfant's suggestions for placing the Capitol "on the west end of Jenkins heights which Stand as a pedestal waiting for a monument," while the president's house, "situated on that ridge which attracted your attention . . . will see 10 or 12 Miles down the potowmak," thus "adding to the sumptousness of a palace the convenience of a house and the agreableness of a country seat" (L'Enfant to GW, 22 June 1791, DLC: L'Enfant Papers).
1."to be signed by the subscribers" added in place of "for signing."
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Original plan for the city of Washington (1800) from Kenneth W. Leish's White House, New York, 1972. (Boston Athenaeum)
Wednesday 29th. The Deeds which remained unexecuted yesterday were signed to clay and the Dowers of their respective wives1 acknowledged according to Law.
This being2 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 Plan3 was also laid before them of the City in order to convey to them general ideas of the City--but they were told that some deviations from it4 would take place--particularly in the diagonal Streets or avenues, which would not be so numerous; and in the removal of the Presidents house more westerly for the advantage of higher ground. They were also told that a Town house, or exchange wd. be placed on some convenient ground between the spots designed for the public buildgs. before mentioned. And it was with much pleasure that a general approbation of the measure seemed to pervade the whole.
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On 22 June 1791 L'Enfant sent GW "the plan here anexed, for the Intended federal city," regretting that "due to the shortness of time . . . together with the hurry with which I had it drawn" it was neither complete nor entirely accurate (DLC: L'Enfant Papers).
1."of their respective wives" substituted for "of the several different."
4."from it" inserted above line.
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 town1 in Maryland & York & Lancaster in Pennsylvania & accordingly.
Breakfasted at a small village called Willamsburgh in which stands the Ct. House of Montgomerie County 14 M. from George Town. Dined at one Peters's tavern 202 miles further and arrived at Frederick town about Sun down--the whole3 distance 43 miles.
The road by wch. I passed4 is rather hilly, but the lands are good, and well timbered. From Monocasy to F. T. 4 Miles they are very rich & fine.5 The Country is thicker6 settled and the farm Houses of a better kind7 than I expected to find. This is8 well calculated for small grain of wch. a good deal is now9 on the grd. but thin--owing as the farmers think10 to the extreme drought of the Spring11 though more, it appeared to me, to the frosts & want of Snow to cover their fds. during the Winter.
Williamsburg (now Rockville), Md., was established in 1784 but had been the site of the Montgomery County courthouse since 1777. Peter's tavern was on Bennett Run near present-day Urbanna, Md. Its proprietor may have been Enoch or Richard Peter of Frederick County, Md. (HOWARD & SHRIVER, MAP; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 68, 72).
GW arrived in Frederick at 7:25 P.M. "So sudden and unexpected was the visit of this amiable and illustrious character," declared a newspaper account, "as to leave it entirely out of the power of the citizens to make the necessary preparations for his reception. On notice being given of his arrival, the bells of the Lutheran and Calvinist churches were rung--fifteen rounds from Cannon-Hill were discharged--and a band of music serenaded him in the evening. He was politely invited to spend the succeeding day in town; but answered (as an apology for not accepting the invitation), that public business obliged him to hasten to Philadelphia" ( The Mail, or Claypoole's Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 9 July 1791, BAKER [2], 224--25). GW is said to have lodged at Brother's tavern (DIARIES, 4:201, n. 3); Henry Brother was a tavernkeeper in Frederick in the 1790s (SCARF [3], 1:486--87).
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3."the whole" inserted above line.
4."by wch. I passed" added above line.
5.This sentence inserted above line.
6."is thicker" substituted for "better."
7."and the farm Houses of a better kind" added above line.
8."This is" substituted for "it, being."
9."is now" substituted for "was."
10."think" substituted for "thought."
11."of the Spring" inserted for "but."
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 me1 in the Morning. Tawny town is but a small place with only the Street through wch. the road passes, built on. The buildings are principally of wood. Between Cookerly's & this place we crossed the little & great Pipe Cks.--branches of Monocasy.2 The latter (about half way betwn. them)3 is a considerable stream and from its appearance capable of Navigation. The lands over wch. we travelled this day are remarkably fine--but, as was observed yesterday the fields were4 thinly covered with grain--owing, as I conceive, to the cause already mentioned. The farm houses are good mostly of Stone5 and the settlers compact with good Barns & meadows appertaining to them.
The address of the Frederick inhabitants and a copy of GW's answer are in DLC:GW. Cookerly's tavern, located at the site of present-day New Midway, Md., may have been operated by Jacob or John Cookerly of Frederick County, Md. (HOWARD & SHRIVER, MAP; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 59, 61). Taneytown, Md., was founded about 1740.
2."branches of Monocasy" inserted above line.
3."betwn. them" and parentheses inserted above line.
4."the fields were" added above line.
5."mostly of Stone" inserted above line.
Saturday 2d. Set out a little after 4 Oclock and in1 abt. 6 Miles crossed the line wch. divides the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania--2 the Trees on wch.3 are so grown up4 tht. I could not perceive the opening5 though I kept a lookout for it. 9 Miles from Tawny town, Littles town is past, they are of similar appe.
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but the latter is6 more insignificant than the former. Seven Miles farther we came to Hanover (commonly called McAlisters town) a very pretty village with a number of good brick Houses & Mechanics7 in it. At this place, in a good Inn, we breakfasted and in 18 Miles more reached York Town8 where we dined and lodged.
The Country from Tawny Town to York town9 is exceedingly pleasant thickly inhabited10 and well improvd. The dwelling Houses, Barns & meadows being good. After dinner in company with Colo. Hartley & other Gentlemen I walked through the principal Streets of the Town and drank Tea at Col. Hartleys. The Ct. Ho. was illuminated.
Littlestown, Pa., was founded in 1765 by the German settler Peter Klein; Hanover, Pa., was founded about 1763 by Col. Richard McAllister (d. 1795), a Scotch-Irish innkeeper who served in the Continental Army during the War of Independence.
GW arrived at York about 2:00 P.M. and lodged at Baltzer Spangler's tavern on Market Street. He was greeted by the ringing of bells and a salute from the Independent Light Infantry Company commanded by Capt. George Hay. "In the evening," reported one citizen, "there was a general illumination, and in the court house in each pane was set a light" (JORDAN, 46--48).
3."on wch." inserted above line.
5."the opening" substituted for "it."
6."they are of similar appe. but the latter is" inserted above line.
7."go Mechanics" added above line.
8."Town" added at end of line.
10."thickly inhabited" inserted above line.
Sunday 3d. Received, and answered an address from the Inhabitants of York town--& there being no Episcopal Minister present1 in the place, I went to hear morning Service performed2 in the Dutch reformed Church--which, being in that language3 not a word of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming4 a proselyte to its religion5 by the eloquence of the Preacher.
After Service, accompanied by Colo. Hartley & half a dozen other Gentlemen, I set off for Lancaster. Dined at Wrights Ferry where I was met by Genl. Hand6 & many of the principal characters of Lancaster7 & escorted to the town by them, arriving8 abt. 6 oclock.
The Country from York to Lancaster is9 very fine, thick settled, and well cultivated. About the ferry they are extremely10 rich.
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The river Susquehannah at this place is more than a mile wide and some pretty views on the banks of11 it.
The address from the citizens of York and a copy of GW's reply are in DLC: GW. The church service was at the German Reformed Church on Market Street that burned six years later (JORDAN, 47).
Wright's ferry, established by the Quaker settler John Wright after his arrival in 1726, crossed the Susquehanna River to Columbia, Pa., the town laid off by his grandson Samuel Wright in 1788. This area was one of several proposed in 1789 as the site of the new national capital (ESPENSHADE, 42, 201--11).
Edward Hand (1744--1802), physician, politician, and former major general in the Continental service, was appointed an inspector of revenue earlier this year by GW (Hand to GW, 18 April 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).
The time of GW's arrival in Lancaster, according to one of the town's residents, was 6:30 P.M. "The colors," she reported, "were fixed in the cupola of the Court House, and all the Bells rung at his entrance" (LANDIS [2], 222).
1." present" inserted above line.
2."performed" added above line.
3."that language" substituted for "Dutch <illegible>."
4. "becoming" substituted for "being ad."
5."religion" added above line.
6."Genl. Hand" inserted above line.
7."Lancaster" substituted for "that place."
8."arriving" substituted for "whence I arrived."
10."extremely" inserted above line for "very."
11."the banks of" added above line.
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 about1 the town. At half passed 2 oclock I received, and answered an address from the Corporation and2 the complimts. of the Clergy of different denominations. Dined between 3 & 4 Oclock. Drank Tea with Mrs. Hand about
"This morning before day the cannon was fired, the drums beat and fifes played" (LANDIS [2], 222). The address from the inhabitants of Lancaster is in DLC:GW, and GW's answer is in PHi: William Smith Papers. A copy of the reply can also be found in DLC:GW. The dinner was held in the Lancaster County courthouse. The tea given by Catharine Ewing Hand (d. 1805) was apparently attended by a number of the town's ladies (LANDIS [2], 222).
With this entry GW's account of his southern tour ends. He returned to Philadelphia on 6 July 1791, his approach being announced as it had been so often during the past weeks "by the firing of cannon, and the ringing of bells" ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 7 July 1791).
1."about" substituted for "down."
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Editorial Note. GW's brief journal for 30 Sept.--20 Oct. 1794 records his journey from Philadelphia to western Pennsylvania with the militia raised to suppress the so-called Whiskey Insurrection that erupted in the fall of 1794 in the Pennsylvania counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington, and Allegheny. The Excise Act, passed by Congress 3 Mar. 1791, had imposed substantial duties on domestically distilled spirits and provided an elaborate system for efficient collection.1 Under the law the United States was divided into fourteen districts or surveys, each under a supervisor of the revenue. Inspectors were to be appointed for each district to serve under the supervisor and an elaborate system of penalties and forfeitures was devised to deal with infractions of the law. Considered as a necessary revenue measure by the Federalists, the legislation did not have an easy passage through Congress. Such antiadministration congressmen as Josiah Parker maintained that the excise would "convulse the Government; it will let loose a swarm of harpies, who, under the denomination of revenue officers, will range through the country, prying into every man's house and affairs, and like a Macedonian phalanx bear down all before them." In Sen. William Maclay's view the measure was "the most execrable system that ever was framed against the liberty of a people. . . . War and bloodshed are the most likely consequence of all this."2
Public opposition to the collection of the excise was evident before 1794. Popular enough with affluent easterners, the laws
2 ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 2: 1891--92; MACLAY, 375--76, 377.
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evoked only sullen compliance in western counties of the southern and middle states where small distilleries abounded and there were large numbers of individually operated stills. Already disenchanted with the course of events under the new government--the drain of specie to the east, an Indian policy considered ineffectual by frontier areas, the operation of the militia laws, failure to open the Mississippi to western trade--westerners made the excise law the focus for dissatisfaction.
Sporadic outbreaks of opposition in 1792 prompted GW to issue a proclamation, 15 Sept. 1792, condemning activities that tended "to obstruct the operation of the laws of the United States for raising a revenue upon spirits distilled within the same."3
Over the next two years opposition continued to grow, with much of the agitation centered in the four western counties of Pennsylvania--Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Allegheny--constituting the state's federal Survey No. 4. Beginning peacefully enough with petitions and memorials requesting repeal, in July 1794 the situation suddenly erupted into violence. The immediate cause of the outbreak was the attempt by federal revenue officers to serve processes issued by the United States District Court at Philadelphia against distillers who had not registered the previous year. One of the provisions of the excise law which westerners found most obnoxious was the requirement that such cases be tried in a district court, usually held at a considerable distance from the residence of the accused. Although legislation was pending to remedy the situation, United States Marshal David Lenox was sent to western Pennsylvania to serve the processes under the original law. He presented the documents without incident in Fayette, Cumberland, and Bedford counties, but in Westmoreland on 15 July 1794 while he was accompanied on his rounds by Col. John Neville, inspector of the revenue for Survey No. 4, he met armed opposition. Quickly serving as many of his processes as possible, he retreated to Pittsburgh. Somewhat later in the day, Neville's house on Bower Hill was attacked by
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Title page of Hugh H. Brackenridge's account of the Whiskey Insurrection, from Washington's library. (Boston Athenaeum)
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a group of armed men and Neville appealed for state militia to put down the rioters. On 17 July the house was again attacked and this time burned.4
Word of the violence quickly reached Philadelphia, and on 2 Aug. GW and members of the cabinet met with Gov. Thomas Mifflin and state officials Jared Ingersoll, attorney general, Thomas McKean, chief justice, and Alexander Dallas, secretary of the commonwealth, to consider whether the situation warranted calling out the Pennsylvania militia--a step the state officials plainly opposed.5 According to an account by Secretary of State Edmund Randolph, the cabinet advised GW to present information on the violence in Westmoreland to one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court or to the district judge of Pennsylvania. "This step was urged by the necessity of understanding without delay all the means, vested in the President for suppressing the progress of the mischief. A caution, however, was prescribed to the attorney--general, who submitted the documents to the judge; not to express to him the most distant wish in the President, that the certificate should be granted." GW decided the documents should be presented to Associate Justice James Wilson. Hamilton advised that if Wilson issued the required certificate, "it will follow that a competent force of Militia should be called forth and employed to suppress the insurrection and support the Civil Authority." A "competent force" appeared to Hamilton to be 12,000 militia. Since Mifflin had stated in the 2 Aug. conference that Pennsylvania's militia forces would be inadequate, Hamilton advised that New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia also be requested to furnish troops. Associate Justice James Wilson issued the required certificate on 4 Aug. stating that the evidence laid before him indicated that "in the counties of Washington and Alleghany in Pennsylvania, Laws of the United States are opposed, and the Execution thereof obstructed by Combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary
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Course of judicial Proceedings, or by the Powers vested in the Marshal of that District."6
On 7 Aug. GW issued a proclamation recapitulating the events in Pennsylvania's western counties and, citing as his authority the 2 May 1792 Militia Act, stated his determination "under the circumstances of the case, to take measures for calling forth the Militia . . . and I have accordingly determined to do so, feeling the deepest regret for the occasion, but withal, the most solemn conviction, that the essential interests of the Union demand it." All persons "being insurgents, as aforesaid," were commanded "on or before the first day of September next, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes."7 Gov. Thomas Mifflin issued a similar proclamation on the same day, promising full support of the state government, and Henry Knox sent a circular letter, also dated 7 Aug., to the governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, requesting those states to supply a total of 12,950 militia.8
In a final effort to restore order, GW appointed three federal commissioners to meet with the insurgents--Atty. Gen. William Bradford, Federalist Sen. James Ross of Washington County, and Jasper Yeates, associate justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.9 On 21--23 Aug. the commissioners met at Pittsburgh with a committee of conference representing the western Pennsylvania
7 PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4:105--8.
8 PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4:104--5, 108--10.
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counties, followed by a second meeting 1--2 Sept., and received some assurances that the committee would work toward restoring order. It was soon evident that the committee of conference's conciliatory attitude was not shared by their constituents. During September the commissioners' reports to Philadelphia grew more pessimistic.10 Incidents of violence increased, and it appeared that resistance was spreading to western Virginia and Maryland and even eastward in Pennsylvania.11 On 24 Sept. after their return to Philadelphia the three federal commissioners submitted a detailed report on conditions in western Pennsylvania, reaching the ominous conclusion that "there is no probability that the acts for raising a revenue on distilled spirits and stills can at present be enforced by the usual course of civil authority, and that some more competent force is necessary to cause the laws to be duly executed. . . . This opinion . . . is confirmed by that which is entertained by many intelligent and influential persons, officers of justice and others resident in the western counties, who have lately informed one of the commissioners that whatever assurances might be given, it was, in their judgment, absolutely necessary
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that the civil authority should be aided by a military force in order to secure a due execution of the laws."12
In the view of the administration, further conciliatory measures would be useless. On 25 Sept. GW issued a proclamation stating that since he had hoped that "the combinations against the Constitution and the Laws of the United States, in certain of the Western counties of Pennsylvania would yield to time and reflection, I thought it sufficient, in the first instance, rather to take measures for calling for the militia, than immediately to embody them; but the moment is now come, when the overtures of forgiveness, with no other condition, than a submission to Law, have been only partially accepted--when every form of conciliation not inconsistent with the being of Government, has been adopted without effect . . . when, therefore, Government is set at defiance, the contest being whether a small portion of the United States shall dictate to the whole union, and at the expence of those, who desire peace, indulge a desperate ambition; Now therefore I, George Washington, President of the United States, in obedience to that high and irresistible duty, consigned to me by the Constitution, 'to take care that the laws be faithfully executed;' deploring that the American name should be sullied by the outrages of citizens on their own Government; . . . but resolved . . . to reduce the refractory to a due subordination to the law; Do Hereby declare and make known, that with a satisfaction, which can be equalled only by the merits of the Militia summoned into service from the States of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I have received intelligence of their patriotic alacrity, in obeying the call of the present, tho' painful, yet commanding necessity; that a force, which, according to every reasonable expectation, is adequate to the exigency, is already in motion to the scene of disaffection; . . . And I do, moreover, exhort all individuals,officers, and bodies of men, to contemplate with abhorrence the measures leading directly or indirectly to those crimes, which produce this resort to military coercion. . . . And lastly, I again warn all persons, whomsoever and wheresoever, not to abet, aid, or comfort the Insurgents aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril."13
12 PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4:293--302.
13 Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 25 Sept. 1794.
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GW decided to accompany the troops at least as far as Carlisle and to decide later whether to continue further on the march.14
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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 by Colo. Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury) & my private Secretary. Dined at Norris Town and lodged at a place called the Trap--the first 17, and the latter 25 Miles from Philadelphia.
At Norris Town we passed a detachment of Militia who were preparing to march for the rendezvous at Carlisle--and at the Trap, late in the evening, we were overtaken by Major Stagg principal Clerk in the Department of War with letters from Genl. Wayne & the Western Army containing official & pleasing accounts of his engagement with the Indians near the British Post
Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., Washington's secretary, by John Trumbull. (American National Bank and Trust Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee)
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at the Rapids of the Miami of the Lake and of his having destroyed all the Indian Settlements on that River in the vicinity of the said Post quite up to the grand Glaize--the quantity not less than 5000 acres--and the Stores &ca. of Colo. McGee the British Agent of Indian Affairs a mile or two from the Garrison.
PRIVATE SECRETARY: Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., Mrs. Washington's nephew, had succeeded Tobias Lear as GW's secretary in mid-1791.
The Trappe was the name given to a small German settlement and to the area surrounding it. It was on the Germantown Road about nine miles from Pottsgrove.
John Stagg (1758--1803), of New York, had served during the Revolution in Malcolm's Additional Continental Regiment, in Spencer's Additional Continental Regiment, and as brigade major of Conway's Brigade. He was now chief clerk in the War Department. The message he brought GW was a letter of 28 Aug. 1794 from Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne to Secretary of War Henry Knox describing his decisive victory over some 2,000 Indians at Fallen Timbers near the Maumee Rapids on 20 Aug. After their defeat the Indians, with Wayne's army in close pursuit, had fled to Fort Miami, a small British garrison at the rapids of the Maumee. Although to the Indians' consternation Maj. William Campbell, the fort's commanding officer, did not open the gates to Britain's Indian allies, he and Wayne engaged in an acrimonious exchange of letters concerning Wayne's approach to the fort, copies of which were submitted with Wayne's letter of 28 Aug. Wayne's dispatch had been received in Philadelphia 30 Sept., and in view of its importance Edmund Randolph immediately sent Stagg to carry news of the victory to GW (Randolph to GW, 30 Sept. 1794, "½ past 1 o'Clock," DLC:GW). MCGEE: Alexander McKee (see entry for 20 Oct. 1770) was now British deputy agent for Indian affairs in the area of Detroit. McKee was with the Indians during their retreat from Wayne's victorious army.
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]). Quartermaster John Hugg Clunn found it "a fine Village, some elegant buildings and the Streets broad" (CLUNN, 47). During the Revolution, GW had his headquarters at Pottsgrove 21--26 Sept. 1777.
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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 admirably constructed. Reached Lebanon at Night 28 miles.
Womelsdorf (Middletown) in Berks County, Pa., was a "flourishing town . . . containing about 40 dwellings, and a German Luthern and Calvinist church, united" (SCOTT [2]). Clunn counted "about 50 Houses mostly built of log. The Church was built by the Lutheran's & Presbyterian's for their joint use" (CLUNN, 48).
Myerstown, Dauphin County, Pa., was about 77 miles from Philadelphia on the north side of Tulpehocken Creek, a few miles below the canal. The canal was part of a construction project of the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Navigation Company and connected Quitipihilla Creek and Tulpehocken Creek ( Pa. Mag., 71 [1947], 48, n.25). Quartermaster John Hugg Clunn of the New Jersey militia, visiting the area on 8 Oct. 1794, found Myerstown to be "a Village built of Log. Rode on by the Canal. The Lock is remarkably curious. An Irishman . . . very humbly pulld of his Hatt and asked if I knew the Custom when Gent. came to see the Works. I saw plainly it was 2/ out of my pocket & without further ceremony gave it him--took another look thought it worth 4/" (CLUNN, 48). Another New Jersey officer noted that the "canal is already dug ten miles, in which are five locks, to embrace thirty feet; that they are executed in a masterly manner--that in the distance already done there is a great number of elegant arched bridges over the canal, wherever it goes across the road. There are now employed 600 hands at it, and every prospect of succeeding in this part of the bold enterprise" (FORD [6], 81). Lebanon, in Dauphin County, at this time consisted of 2 churches and about 40 houses, mostly built of log (CLUNN, 48).
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 years). The Susquehanna at this place abounds in the Rockfish of 12 or 15 Inches in length & a fish which they call Salmon.
Hummelstown, Dauphin County, ten miles east of Harrisburg, had around 90 buildings and a German Lutheran church (scott [2]).
Harrisburg at this time "is regularly laid out, and contains upwards of 300 houses; several of these are neat, commodious dwellings; some of brick, and
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others of stone; a handsome brick court houses, a stone jail, & a German church" (SCOTT [2]).
TURNER: The 1st New Jersey Regiment was under the command of Lt. Col. Francis Davenport (COULD, 181). Apparently no Colonel Turner accompanied the New Jersey troops. GW may have meant to write "Forman." Lt. Col. Jonathan Forman was in command of the 3d New Jersey Regiment, infantry, and New Jersey militia (CLUNN, 58, n.80). Captain Gould notes this day that he, Colonel Forman, and another militia officer "accepted an invitation from the President to take a glass of wine with him (COULD, 178).
After his arrival in Harrisburg, a group of the town's citizens presented GW with an address supporting the government. GW replied before his departure early on 4 Oct. (DLC:GW; Gaz. of the U. S., 16 Oct. 1794).
4th. Forded the Susquehanna; nearly a mile wide, including the Island--at the lower end of wch. the road crosses it.
On the Cumberland Side I found a detachment of the Philadelphia light horse ready to receive, and escort me to Carlisle 17 miles; where I arrived at about 11 Oclock. Two miles short of it, I met the Governors of Pennsylvania & New Jersey with all the Cavalry that had rendezvouzed at that place drawn up--passed them--and the Infantry of Pennsylvania before I alighted at my quarters.
Traveling the same route in 1783--84, Johann David Schoepf observed that the Susquehanna at Harrisburg was "three quarters of a mile wide, but in the summer months so shallow that only canoes can cross; horses and wagons ford over. In the middle are a few small islands, called Harris's and also Turkey Islands" (SCHOEPF, 1:212). Captain Gould noted today that the troops "suffered much with the cold in crossing [the Susquehanna], it being a very cold morning. The President, General Washington, forded the river in a coach--drove it himself, &c." (GOULD, 179).
The detachment of the Philadelphia Light Horse had left Carlisle at 3:00 A. M. and met GW just after he crossed the river ( Dunlap's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 17 Oct. 1794).
At Carlisle, GW found a town "regularly laid out, consisting of several parallel streets, crossed by others at right angles. It contains upwards of 400 dwellings, chiefly of stone and brick. The public buildings are, a college, a jail, a handsome brick court-house, which stands in the centre of the town; and four houses for public worship" (SCOTT [2]). During the Revolution, Carlisle Barracks had been an ordnance depot and in 1791 had been designated as a general rendezvous for federal troops and supplies. It is estimated that during the insurrection between 10,000 and 15,000 troops encamped on the common (TOUSEY, 164--65).
There was "the greatest vieing between the New Jersey and Pennsylvania horse," Captain Ford of the New Jersey troops noted, as to "who should be first on the ground to receive the President. At ten o'clock, the signal for mounting came, and away went the horse" (FORD [6], 85). At 12 o'clock it was announced that the president was approaching. "Immediately the 3 troops from Philadelphia, Gurney's and Macpherson's battalions, and the artillery paraded. The horse marched down the road about two miles, followed
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by the Jersey cavalry in great numbers. We were drawn up on the right of the road, when our beloved Washington approached on horseback in a traveling dress, attended by his Secretary, &c. As he passed our troop, he pulled off his hat, and in the most respectful manner bowed to the officers and men; and in this manner passed the line. . . . As soon as the President passed, his escort followed, we joined the train, and entered the town whose inhabitants seemed anxious to see this very great and good man; crowds were assembled in the streets, but their admiration was silent. In this manner the President passed to the front of the camp, where the troops were assembled in front of the tents; the line of artillery, horse and infantry, appeared in the most perfect order; the greatest silence was observed" ("Notes on the March from September 30, until October 29, 1794," PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4:361).
While at Carlisle, GW and his party occupied two houses belonging to Ephraim Blaine (1741--1804), former commissary general in the Continental Army. Blaine and his family not only provided lodging but also meals and hostelry service for the president and his staff (FREEMAN, 7:202, n.212).
Governor of New Jersey Richard Howell (1754--1802) was born in Newark, Del., but moved with his family to Cumberland County, N.J. He studied law there and was admitted to the bar. In 1775 he joined the 2d New Jersey Regiment as a captain, served as brigade major with Stark's Brigade in 1776, and again with the 2d New Jersey Regiment until his resignation in 1779. He became an active Federalist and was elected governor of New Jersey in 1793, serving until 1801. Something of a poet, Howell is credited with having composed the stanzas in honor of GW for the president's reception at Assanpink Bridge on his way to New York in April 1789 (see also AGNEW, 221--30).
5th.--Sunday. Went to the Presbiterian Meeting and heard Doctr. Davidson Preach a political Sermon, recommendatory of order & good government; and the excellence of that of the United States.
The First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle was on the northeast corner of the town's center square. In 1785 Dr. Robert Davidson (d. 1812) had been called to the church's pulpit (NEVIN, 238). Dr. Davidson was an outspoken critic of the rebellion. In a sermon of 28 Sept. 1794 he had railed against the "sinners" who had taken up arms against their government. "But if they will resist, and involve themselves in the guilt of rebellion, they deserve not to be pitied nor spared" (BALDWIN [3], 226).
6th. to the 12th. Employed in Organizing the several detachments, which had come in from different Counties of this State, in a very disjointed & loose manner; or rather I ought to have said in urging & assisting Genl. Mifflin to do it; as I no otherwise took the command of the Troops than to press them forward, and to provide them with necessaries for their March, as well, & as far, as our means would admit.1
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To effect these purposes, I appointed General Hand Adjutant General on the 7th.2
On the 9th. William Findley and David Redick--deputed by the Committee of Safety (as it is designated) which met on the 2d. of this month at Parkinson Ferry arrived in Camp with the Resolutions of the said Committee; and to give information of the State of things in the four Western Counties of Pennsylvania to wit--Washington Fayette Westd. & Alligany in order to see if it would prevent the March of the Army into them.3
At 10 oclock I had a meeting with these persons in presence of Govr. Howell (of New Jersey) the Secretary of the Treasury, Colo. Hamilton, & Mr. Dandridge: Govr. Mifflin was invited to be present, but excused himself on acct. of business.
I told the Deputies that by one of the Resolutions it would appear that they were empowered to give information of the disposition & of the existing state of matters in the four Counties above men[tioned]; that I was ready to hear & would listen patiently, and with candour to what they had to say.
Mr. Findley began. He confined his information to such parts of the four Counties as he was best acquainted with; referring to Mr. Reddick for a recital of what fell within his knowledge, in the other parts of these Counties.
The substance of Mr. Findleys communications were as follows
Rembrandt Peale's portrait of Congressman William Findley of Pennsylvania. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
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--viz.--That the People in the parts where he was best acquainted, had seen there folly; and he believed were disposed to submit to the Laws; that he thought, but could not undertake to be responsible, for the re-establishment of the public Offices for the Collection of the Taxes on distilled spirits, & Stills--intimating however, that it might be best for the present, & until the peoples minds were a little more tranquilized, to hold the Office of Inspection at Pitsburgh under the protection--or at least under the influence of the Garrison; That he thought the Distillers would either enter their stills or would put them down; That the Civil authority was beginning to recover its tone; & enumerated some instances of it; That the ignorance, & general want of information among the people far exceeded any thing he had any conception of; That it was not merely the excise law their opposition was aimed at, but to all law, & Government; and to the Officers of Government; and that the situation in which he had been, & the life he had led for sometime, was such, that rather than go through it again, he would prefer quitting this scene altogether.
Mr. Redicks information was similar to the above; except as to the three last recitals--on wch. I do not recollect that he expressed any sentiment further than that the situation of those who were not in the opposition to government whilst the frenzy was at its height, were obliged to sleep with their Arms by their bed Sides every night; not knowing but that before Morning they might have occasion to use them in defence of their persons, or their properties.
He added, that for a long time after the riots commenced, and until lately, the distrust of one another was such, that even friends were affraid to communicate their sentiments to each other; That by whispers this was brought about; and growing bolder as they became more communicative they found their strength, and that there was a general disposition not only to acquiesce under, but to support the Laws--and he gave some instances also of Magistrates enforcing them.
He said the People of those Counties believed that the opposition to the Excise law--or at least that their dereliction to it, in every other part of the U. States was similar to their own, and that no Troops could be got to March against them for the purpose of coercion; that every acct. until very lately, of Troops marching against them was disbelieved; & supposed to be the fabricated tales of governmental men; That now they had got alarmed; That many were disposing of their property at an under rate, in order to leave the Country, and added (I think) that
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they wd. go to Detroit. That no person of any consequence, except one, but what had availed themselves of the proffered amnesty; That those who were still in the opposition, and obnoxious to the laws, were Men of little or no property, & cared but little where they resided; That he did not believe there was the least intention in them to oppose the Army; & that there was not three rounds of ammunition for them in all the Western Country. He (& I think Mr. Findley also) was apprehensive that the resentments of the Army might be productive of treatment to some of these people that might be attended with disagreeable consequences; & on that account seemed to deprecate the March of it: declaring however, that it was their wish, if the people did not give proofs of unequivocal submission, that it might not stop short of its object.
After hearing what both had to say, I briefly told them--That it had been the earnest wish of governmt. to bring the people of those counties to a sense of their duty, by mild, & lenient means; That for the purpose of representing to their sober reflection the fatal consequences of such conduct Commissioners had been sent amongst them that they might be warned, in time, of what must follow, if they persevered in their opposition to the laws; but that coercion wou'd not be resorted to except in the dernier resort: but, that the season of the year made it indispensible that preparation for it should keep pace with the propositions that had been made; That it was unnecessary for me to enumerate the transactions of those people (as they related to the proceedings of government) forasmuch as they knew them as well as I did; That the measure which they were not witness to the adoption of was not less painful than expensive--Was inconvenient, & distressing--in every point of view; but as I considered the support of the Laws as an object of the first magnitude, and the greatest part of the expense had already been incurred, that nothing Short of the most unequivocal proofs of absolute Submission should retard the March of the army into the Western counties, in order to convince them that the government could, & would enforce obedience to the laws--not suffering them to be insulted with impunity. Being asked again what proofs would be required, I answered, they knew as well as I did, what was due to justice & example. They understood my meaning--and asked if they might have another interview. I appointed five oclock in the After noon for it. At this second Meeting there was little more than a repeti[ti]on of what had passed in the forenoon; and it being again mentioned that all the principal characters, except one, in the Western counties who had been in the opposition, had submitted
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to the propositions--I was induced, seeing them in the Street the next day, to ask Mr. Redick who that one was?--telling him at the same time I required no disclosure that he did not feel himself entirely free to make. He requested a little time to think of it, and asked for another meeting--which was appointed at 5 oclock that afternoon--which took place accordingly when he said David Bradford4 was the person he had alluded to in his former conversations.
He requested to know if a Meeting of the people, by their deputies, would be permitted by the Army at any given point, on their March into that Country (with fresh evidence of the sincerity of their disposition to acquiesce in whatever might be required). I replied I saw no objection to it, provided they came unarmed; but to be cautious that not a gun was fired, as there could be no answering for consequences in this case. I assured them that every possible care should be taken to keep the Troops from offering them any insult or damage and that those who always had been subordinate to the Laws, & such as had availed themselves of the amnesty, should not be injured in their persons or property; and that the treatment of the rest would depend upon their own conduct. That the Army, unless opposed, did not mean to act as executioners, or bring offenders to a Military Tribunal; but merely to aid the civil Magistrates, with whom offences would lye. Thus endd. the matter.
On the 10th. the light & legionary Corps under the immediate Command of Majr. McPherson5--The Jersey Regiment Guirney's6 from Philadelphia commenced their March under the Orders of Governor Howell; and the day following the whole body of Cavalry (except the three Troops of Phila. Horse commanded by Captn. Dunlap,7 as part of the legion above mentioned) under Genl. White8--a new formed Corp of Independant uniform Companies under [ ] & several other Corps under the Command of Govt. Mifflin Marched--all for the rendezvous at Bedford.
The Rank of the principal officers of the Army being first settled by me, as follow.
First--Govr. Lee of Virginia to be commander in chief if I do not go out myself.
Second--Govr. Mifflen.
Third--Govr. Howell.
Fourth--Majr. General Danl. Morgan,9 or Majr. Genl. Irvine,10 according to the dates of their <Militia> Commissions.
The Brigadiers in like manner, according to seniority.11
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town, "having early in the morning waited on the President to deliver the papers, and obtained an appointment for an interview, we withdrew in a short time. This was to have been expected; it was about seven o'clock; but before ten the report was current through both the town and the army, that the President had driven us out in six minutes, and was not to see us again; and notwithstanding the President's established character for discretion and politeness, and the frequent interviews to which we were admitted, this ridiculous story was believed by many in the army" (FINDLEY, 140--42). When they met GW to deliver the resolutions, he was alone and received them well. After a short conversation he informed them he had some pressing duties and after breakfast "was going to see a division of the army march" but would see them at ten. For Findley's account of the succeeding meeting, much more detailed than GW's, see FINDLEY, 169--89. As the second meeting drew to a close, the representatives expressed a wish that GW would remain with the army if it continued on its western march. "He replied on this occasion, that if when at Bedford he discovered that his presence would be necessary, and he was not under the necessity of returning to Philadelphia, he possibly would stay with the army, if it advanced into the western country.
"I do not pretend that we were treated with attention, from any peculiar attachment to us, whether that was so or not is a matter of no importance in this case. The attention however that he paid to us was the result of sound discretion. He was anxious to prevent bloodshed, and at the same time to enforce due submission to the laws, with as little trouble as possible. . . . The President was very sensible of the inflammatory and ungovernable disposition that had discovered itself in the army before he arrived at Carlisle, and he had not only laboured incessantly to remove that spirit and prevent its effects, but he was solicitous also to remove our fears. As often as we suggested apprehensions of danger from that quarter, he consoled us with assurances of good discipline and subordination to the laws being enforced, and of the disorderly corps being dispersed among such as were more orderly, or if that would not do, that they should be discharged with infamy. Orders were actually given to this effect, and at least in some instances punctually executed" (FINDLEY, 187--88).
For a description of various incidents involving the behavior of the soldiers toward the civilian population, see BRACKENRIDGE [2], pt.2, 30--33; FORD [6], 84; FINDLEY, 143--44.
Findley was correct in believing that other, and contradictory, versions of the meeting were circulating. Capt. David Ford of the New Jersey militia noted that the "committee consisted of the damned scoundrel Finley, who most certainly was the first founder of the opposition to law in the four western counties, and of a Mr. Reddick. . . . The President received them; coldly told them he was determined . . . to march the army to the seat of rebellion, and told them, if they met with the least resistance, he would not answer for the consequences. This stern reply seemed to discompose the old villan, and to please every federalist" (FORD [6], 86).
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after order was restored, eventually fled to Louisiana (PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4: 333--34; MULKEARN AND PUGH, 322).
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began their march and was reviewed with a critical eye, by the President. They were followed by the train of artillery, and were to have been followed by the Jersey horse, but by some mistake or other the wagons for transporting our baggage were not provided. This default was severely censured by the President" (FORD [6], 86).
12th. Octr. Having settled these Matters, seen the Troops off, as before mentioned; given them their rout & days Marching; and left Majr. Genl. Irvine to organise the remainder of the Pennsylvania detachments as they might come in, & to March them & the Jersey Troops on when refreshed, I set out from Carlisle about 7 Oclock this Morning--dined at Shippensburgh 21 miles further & lodged at Chambersburgh 11 M. farther where I was joined by the Adjt. Genl. Hand.
Chambersburg, in Franklin County, about 150 miles west of Philadelphia, consisted of "one long street, on which are erected about 200 dwellings, two Presbyterian churches, a stone jail, and handsome brick court-house, a paper and a merchant mill" (SCOTT [2]). According to local tradition, GW may have lodged tonight with Dr. Robert Johnson, a surgeon in the Pennsylvania line during the Revolution (EGLE [2], 1st--2d ser., 1:225).
13th. Breakfasted at Greencastle 10 Miles, & lodged at Williamsport, 14 Miles further.
Having now passed thro' the States of Pennsylvania & Maryland, Williamsport being on the Banks of the Potomac, at the Mouth of Conogocheaque; I shall summarily notice the kind of land, State of improvements, along the Road I have come.
From the City of Philadelphia, or rather from Norris Town to Reading the road passes over a reddish, & slaty, or shelly kind of land, through a very open and hilly Country, tolerably well cultivated by the farmers. The farm houses are good, and their Barns above mediocrity--The former chiefly of Stone. The whole Road indeed from Philadelphia to Reading goes over Hilly & broken grounds--but very pleasant notwithstanding.
From Reading to Lebanon, along what is called the Valley, the Country is extremely fine--The lands rich--The Agriculture good--as the buildings also are, especially their Barns, which are large & fine; and for the most part of Stone. This settlement is chiefly of Dutch, and upon the Tulpahocken.
From Lebanon to Harrisburgh, along the same Vale, the Lands are also good; but not in so high a state of cultivation as between Reading & Lebanon.
From Harrisburgh to Carlisle the lands are exceedingly fine,
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but not under such cultivation & improvement as one might have expected.
From Carlisle along the left Road, which I pursued, to be out of the March of the Army, and to avoid the inconvenience of passing the Waggons belonging to it; the Lands are but indifferent until we came within a few miles of Shippensburgh--The first part of a thin and dry Soil, succeeded by piney flats (not far from the South Mountain). For a few miles before we arrived at Shippensbg. the Lands were good, but uncultivated. The improvements along this road were mean; the farms scattered; the houses but indifferent; and the husbandry apparently bad. Along the Road which the Troops Marched, both the land & the Improvements I was told are much better. The Roads came together again at the East end of the Town.
From Shippensburgh to Chambersburgh, the Road passes over pretty good land; better, (but not well) cultivated than that betwn. Carlisle & Shippensburgh.
From Chambersburgh to Williamsport the Lands are fine, and the Houses and improvements amended, considerably.
Greencastle was 11 miles southwest of Chambersburg, in Franklin County, and consisted of about 80 houses and 2 churches (SCOTT [2]).
From Shippensburg to Bedford the army was able to make use of a wellkept state road, generally following the route of Forbes Road, constructed during the French and Indian War (CLUNN, 50, n.38).
14th. About Seven oclock, or half after it, we left Williamsport; and travelling upon the Maryland side of the River, we breakfasted at one [ ] 13 miles on our way--& crossing the Potomac a mile or two below Hancock Town lodged at the Warm Springs; or Bath; 16 miles from our breakfasting stage--and 29 from Williamsport.
Johann David Schoepf described his trip through this region as a journey "through fertile valleys and over a few barren hills, consisting wholly of limestone soil and growing almost nothing but white-oaks. I came to Hancocktown on the Potowmack; a small place begun shortly before the war and numbering only a dozen houses. It belongs to Maryland which province here runs very narrow, for but a mile and a half from the town I crossed the boundary-line" (SCHOEPF, 1:308).
15th. Left Bath by seven oclock; & crossing the Cacapohon Mountain, & the Potomack River by a very rough road, we breakfasted at one Goldens--distant about 7 Miles--Bated our horses at a very indifferent place abt. 13 Miles further on--and lodged at the Old Town 33 or 34 Miles. This distance from the extreme
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badness of the Road, more than half of it being very hilly, & great part of it Stoney, was a severe days Journey for the Carriage horses; they performed it however, well.
16th. After an early breakfast we set out for Cumberland--and about 11 Oclock arrived there.
Three miles from the Town I was met by a party of Horse under the command of Major Lewis (my Nephew) and by Brigr. Genl. Smith of the Maryland line, who Escorted me to the Camp; where, finding all the Troops under Arms, I passed along the line of the Army; & was conducted to a house the residence of Major Lynn of the Maryland line (an old Continental Officer) where I was well lodged, & civily entertained.
Cumberland, Md., was the rendezvous for the militia from Maryland and Virginia; the Pennsylvania and New Jersey militia were to rendezvous at Bedford, Pa.
George Lewis (see entry for 3 April 1785) was now a captain in command of the Fredericksburg Troop of Volunteers. He was promoted to major on 17 Oct. The troops under Lewis's command had left Fredericksburg on 22 Sept. (WELLFORD, 2, 8; SORLEY, 154).
Samuel Smith (1752--1839), Baltimore merchant, was born in Pennsylvania but in 1759 moved with his family to Baltimore. During the Revolution, Smith served with Maryland regiments from 1776 to 1779, resigning in 1779 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. From 1790 to 1792 he served in the Maryland House of Delegates. In 1793 he was elected as a Democrat to the Third Congress and served until 1803 when he was elected to the Senate. At this time he was a major general in the Maryland militia (CASSELL, 58--59).
David Lynn (d. 1835) served in various Maryland regiments from 1776 to 1783.
Dr. Robert Wellford of Fredericksburg, who was with the Virginia troops, noted in his diary GW's arrival at Cumberland: "Between eleven & twelve o'clock this day arrived the President of the United States escorted into the town & to Head Quarters near the Fort by three troops of light dragoons, every man of whom cheerfully left ye encampment to pay the President a compliment, every regiment was drawn up in excellent order to receive him, & as he passed the line of Infantry he deliberately bowed to every officer individually. The Artillery at the same time announced his arrival" (WELLFORD, 7).
17th. & 18th. Remained at Cumberland, in order to acquire a true knowledge of the strength--condition--&ca. of the Troops; and to see how they were provided, and when they could be got in readiness to proceed.
I found upwards of 3200 Men (Officers included) in this Encampment; Understood that about 500 more were at a little
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Village on the Virginia side, 11 Miles distant, called Frankfort, under the command of Majr. Genl. Morgan; that 700 more had arrived at that place the evening of the 18th. undr. Brigr. Mathews and 500 more were expected in the course of a few days under Colo. Page and That the whole were well supplied with Provns., Forage & Straw.
Having requested that every thing might be speedily arranged for a forward movement, and a light Corps to be organized for the advance under the command of Major Genl. Morgan, I resolved to proceed to Bedford next Morng.
At this place a deputation was received from the County of Fayette consisting of a Colo. Mason [ ] Terrence and [ ] Clinton who came to give assurances that deposits for the Army might safely be made in that County, and any person sent from it for this purpose would be safe in doing it.
They were desired to get there wheat ground up, and their Oats threshed out, to be in readiness to be drawn to any place, or places that might be required after the Army had crossed the Mountains.
From Colo. Mason (who has been a uniform friend to Government) and from a variety of concurrant accounts, it appears evident that the people in the Western Counties of this State have got very much alarmed at the approach of the Army; but though Submission is professed, their principles remain the same; and that nothing but coercion, & example will reclaim & bring them to a due & unequivocal submission to the Laws.
On 17 Oct., Dr. Wellford of the Fredericksburg troops reported that he "was this day invited to dine with the President, and with a number of Officers, dined under Genl. Lee's Marque, and was treated very affably by the President, who was pleased to express his approbation of my conduct" (WELLFORD, 8). TERRENCE: probably Joseph Torrence of Franklin Township, Fayette County, Pa. Clinton may have been Charles Clinton of Union Township, Fayette County.
19th. In company with Genl. Lee, who I requested to attend me, that all the arrangements necessary for the Army's crossing the Mountns. in two columns might be made; Their routs, & days Marches fixed, that the whole might move in Unison--and accompanied by the Adjutant General and my own family we set out, abt. eight oclock, for Bedford, and making one halt at the distance of 12 Miles, reached it a little after 4 oclock in the afternoon being met a little out of the Encampment by Govr. Mifflin--Govr. Howell--& several other Officers of distinction.
Quarters were provided for me at the House of a Mr. Espy.
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Prothonotary of the County of Bedford--to which I was carried & lodged very comfortably.
The Road from Cumberld. to this place is, in places, stoney but in other respects not bad. It passes through a Valley the whole way; and was opened by Troops under my command in the Autumn of 1758. The whole Valley consists of good farming land, & part of it--next Cumberland--is tolerably well improved in its culture but not much so in Houses.
On 19 Oct., Dr. Wellford noted in his diary that "this morning the President of the United States set out for Bedford on his return to the right wing of the Army, & from there to the seat of Government. . . . The Cavalry this morning escorted the President about five miles from (camp), when he requested the Troops to return, & taking leave spoke to Major George Lewis as follows: 'George, You are the eldest of five nephews that I have in this Army, let your conduct be an example to them, and do not turn your back until you are ordered.' Major Lewis made a suitable reply, but from this address of the President it was conjectured that the Troops would not be entirely disbanded at the end of the three months' service.
"Mem: The President's five nephews are Major George Lewis, Commandant of the Cavalry. Major Laurence Lewis, Aid de Camp to Major Genl. Morgan. Mr. Howell Lewis, in Capt. Mercer's troop, and Mr. Saml. Washington (son of Col. Ch's Washington), and Mr. Laurence Washington (son of Col. Saml. Washington), both of whom are light horsemen in the troop lately commanded by Capt. Lewis" (WELLFORD, 8--9). At this time Bedford, some 110 miles west of Philadelphia, contained 41 log and 9 stone dwellings, a brick market house, a stone jail, a courthouse, and a brick building for keeping the records of the county (SCOTT [2]). "The President's reception at Bedford on his return to the seat of Government was affectionate and interesting," Dr. Wellford continued. "When it was announced that He was approaching, the troops & the artillery paraded, the Cavalry marched down the road two miles, & drew up on the right of the road. As General Washington passed he pulled off his hat, & in the most respectful manner, bowed to the officers & men, and in this manner passed the line, who were affected by the sight of their Chief, for whom each individual seemed to show the affectionate regard that would have been to an honoured Parent. As soon as the President passed, his escort followed the Troops, joined the train, & entered the town, whose inhabitants seemed anxious to see this very great and good Man. Crowds were assembled in the streets, but their admiration was silent. In this manner the President passed in front of the Camp, where the troops were assembled in front of the Tents. the line of Artillery Horse & Infantry appeared in the most perfect order, the greatest silence was observed. Genl. Washington approached the right uncovered, passed along the line bowing in the most respectful & affectionate manner to the officers--he appeared pleased" (WELLFORD, 9--10).
David Espy was one of Bedford's first settlers. His house was "a two-story stone structure with three windows across the front and a high hipped roof giving almost a full floor in the attic." The house had been used by Arthur St. Clair when he was prothonotary of Bedford County (MULKEARN AND PUGH, 130, 139). ROAD: For GW's route to join Gen. John Forbes for the march on Fort Duquesne in 1758, see FREEMAN, 2:324--33.
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20th. Called the Quarter Master General, Adjutant General, Contractor, & others of the Staff departmt. before me, & the Commander in chief, at 9 Oclock this morning, in order to fix on the Routs of the two Columns & their Stages; and to know what the situation of matters were in their respective departments--and when they wd. be able to put the Army in motion. Also to obtain a correct return of the strength--and to press the commanding Officers of Corps to prepare with all the Celerity in their power for a forward movement.
Upon comparing accts., it was found that the army could be put in motion 23d.--and it was so ordered, by the Routs which will be mentioned hereafter.
Matters being thus arranged I wrote a farewell address to the Army through the Commander in Chief--Govr. Lee--to be published in orders--and having prepared his Instructions and made every arrangement that occurred, as necessary I prepared for my return to Philadelphia in order to meet Congress, and to attend to the Civil duties of my Office.
I should have mentioned before that I found (on my arrival at Bedford) the judge, and Attorney for the district of Pennsylvania attending, as they had been required to do, the Army.
I found also, which appeared to me to be an unlucky measure--that the former had issued his warrants against, and a party of light horse had actually siez'd, one Harman Husband & one Filson as Insurgents or abetters of the Insurrection. I call it unlucky because my intention was to have suspended all proceedings of a Civil Nature until the Army had united its columns in the Center of the Insurgent Counties & then to have ciezed at one & the same all the leaders and principals of the Insurrection and because it is to be feared that the proceeding above mentioned will have given the alarm and those who are most obnoxious to punishment will flee from the Country.
STAFF DEPARTMT.: It is uncertain in some instances to which officers GW was referring. Henry Miller was quartermaster for the militia army as a whole; Clement Biddle was quartermaster for Pennsylvania. Edward Hand was adjutant general. The contractor was probably Elie Williams who was in Bedford at this time. Ephraim Blaine of Carlisle was responsible for wagons, horses, forage, and fuel. George Gale, supervisor of the revenue for Maryland, was responsible for supplying the Maryland militia; Joel Gibbs was contractor for the artillery (RISCH, 110, HAMILTON [2], 17:150--52).
GW's farewell to the army was contained in his letter of this day to Henry Lee expressing "the very high sense I entertain of the enlightened and patriotic zeal for the constitution and the laws which has led them chearfully to quit their families and homes and the comforts of private life to undertake and thus far to perform a long and fatiguing march and to encounter the
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hardships and privations of a Military life." He warned every officer and soldier, however, that he had come to western Pennsylvania to support the laws and "that it would be peculiarly unbecoming in him to be in any way the infractor of them. . . . The dispensation of . . . justice belongs to the civil Magistrate and let it ever be our pride and our glory to leave the sacred deposit there unviolated" (DLC:GW). Lee included the letter in his General Orders of 21 Oct. 1794 (PA. ARCH., 2d ser., 4:350--53).
GW's instructions were submitted through Alexander Hamilton in a letter from Hamilton to Lee, 20 Oct. 1794: "I have it in special instruction from the President of the United States . . . to convey to you on his behalf, the following instructions for the general direction of your conduct in the command of the Militia army." The instructions directed Lee to march the army in two columns in the direction of Parkinson's Ferry and suggested that upon the army's arrival in the insurgents' area a proclamation should be issued exhorting all citizens to abide by the laws. Armed insurgents should be turned over to the civil authority and the rest sent home. When the insurrection was suppressed the army was to withdraw "detaching such a force as you deem adequate; to be stationed within the disaffected Country. . . . You are to exert yourself by all possible means to preserve discipline among the troops, particularly a scrupulous regard to the rights of persons and property and a respect for the authority of the civil magistrate; taking especial care to inculcate and cause to be observed this principal, that the duties of the army are confined to the attacking and subduing of armed opponents of the laws, and to the supporting and aiding of the civil officers in the execution of their functions" (HAMILTON [2], 17:331--36).
JUDGE, AND ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA: Richard Peters (1744--1828), judge of the United States district court of Pennsylvania and a native of Philadelphia, served as secretary of the Board of War 1776--81 and as a member of the Continental Congress 1782--83. William Rawle (1759--1836) of Philadelphia studied law in London at the Middle Temple. After his return to the United States in 1783 he practiced law in Philadelphia. GW appointed him United States attorney for the district of Pennsylvania in 1791. Peters and Rawle accompanied the army on its march west from Bedford.
Herman Husbands (1724--1795) was living at Coffee Springs Farm in Somerset County, Pa., in 1794. Born probably in Cecil County, Md., he moved to North Carolina around 1755. About 1759 he returned to Maryland but moved back to North Carolina in 1761. He soon became a spokesman for frontier rights and was a leader of the Regulators in North Carolina in the backwoods attack on Gov. William Tryon's taxation policies. He was forced to flee to Pennsylvania in 1771. Settling in Somerset County, he served in the Pennsylvania legislature 1777, 1778, and 1790, where he was particularly interested in the development of the iron industry in Pennsylvania (MULKEARN AND PUGH, 290). Johann David Schoepf encountered this frontier eccentric. "barefoot and dressed in dirty clothes," on his journey west in 1783--84. After his flight from North Carolina, Schoepf observed, Husbands "betook himself hither into the mountains, where under a changed name and wearing strange clothing, he contrived to avoid further persecution. . . . Instead of matters of state he concerns himself now with prophecies of which several have appeared in Goddard's Maryland Calendar under the name of Hutrim Hutrim, or the Philosopher of the Alleghany. In one of these he
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had calculated the time of his death, but has already lived some years beyond the term" (SCHOEPF, 1:292--97). When the revolt against the excise erupted, Husbands not surprisingly assumed a leading role.
Robert Philson was a storekeeper in Berlin, Bedford County, Pa. Husbands, Philson, and two other prisoners taken at approximately the same time were sent to Philadelphia for trial, and GW wrote Hamilton 31 Oct. that they "were safely lodged in this City on Wednesday afternoon" (DLC: Hamilton Papers).
On his return to Philadelphia, GW apparently followed a route from Bedford to Chambersburg, from Chambersburg to York, and then to Lancaster, from which place he proceeded to Philadelphia. On Tuesday evening 21 Oct. he wrote Hamilton from "Hartley's" (DLC:GW). This was William Hartley's stone house, some four miles east of Bedford (MULKEARN AND PUGH, 141). By 26 Oct. he had reached Wright's ferry on the Susquehanna. From there he wrote Hamilton that "thus far I have proceeded without accident to man, horse or Carriage, altho' the latter has had wherewith to try its goodness; especially in ascending the North Mountain from Skinners by a wrong road. . . . I rode yesterday afternoon thro' the rain from York Town to this place, and got twice in the height of it hung, (and delayed by that means) on the rocks in the middle of the Susquehanna, but I did not feel half as much for my own situation as I did on acct. of the Troops on the Mountains, and of the effect the rain might have on the Roads through the glades" (DLC: Hamilton Papers). On 31 Oct. he wrote Hamilton from Philadelphia that "by pushing through the rain (which fell more or less on Saturday, Sunday and Monday) I arrived in this City before noon on Tuesday [28 Oct.]; without encountering any thing so unpleasant than the badness of the ways, after the rains had softened the earth and made them susceptible of deep impression of the Wheels" (DLC: Hamilton Papers).
After GW's departure from Bedford, the army, unruly and poorly disciplined, continued on the march to the Pittsburgh area and to Washington County, reaching the disaffected counties early in November, and by 17 Nov. Hamilton, who had accompanied the army, wrote GW that "the list of prisoners has been very considerably increased, probably to the amount of 150. . . . Subsequent intelligence shews that there is no regular assemblage of the fugitives where it is supposed--there are only small vagrant parties in that quarter affording no point of Attack. Every thing is urging on for the return of the troops" (DLC:GW). On 19 Nov., Hamilton wrote that "the army is generally in motion homeward" (DLC:GW). A regiment of infantry, with nine months' enlistment, was raised by Lee to maintain order in the counties involved in the insurrection (Hamilton to GW, 8 Nov. 1794, NjP: De Coppet Collection). The insurgents' trials dragged on through much of 1795 and most of the accused were acquitted for lack of evidence, GW issuing a proclamation 10 July pardoning most of those who were not sentenced or under indictment (PHi: Wallace Papers).
In his Sixth Annual Address to Congress, 19 Nov. 1794, GW recapitulated the course the government had taken to suppress the insurrection and gave his own views as to its cause: "During the session of the year 1790, it was expedient to exercise the legislature power, granted by the constitution of the United States, 'to lay and collect excises.' In a majority of the States, scarcely an objection was heard to this mode of taxation. In some indeed, alarms were at first conceived; until they were banished by reason and
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patriotism. In the four western counties of Pennsylvania, a prejudice, fostered and embittered by the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. It is well known, that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints which were presented; and to relieve them, as far as justice dictated, or general convenience would permit, But the impression, which this moderation made on the discontented, did not correspond, with what it deserved. The arts of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the laws; and associations of men began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief, that, by a more formal concert, their operation might be defeated; certain self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts of excise; a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It was now perceived, that every expectation from the tenderness which had been hitherto pursued, was unavailing, and that further delay could only create an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the government. Legal process was, therefore, delivered to the Marshal, against rioters and delinquent distillers" ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 19 Nov. 1794).
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Editorial Note. In Feb. 1795 GW resumed making notations on the calendar pages of his almanacs and continued to do so until the end of 1798. In some cases the notations are clear. For example, in Jan. 1797, he temporarily kept some daily temperature readings on that month's calendar, and during 1795 and 1796 he occasionally recorded stops on his journeys between Mount Vernon and Philadelphia, apparently after the fact. On the April 1795 calendar the notation "Bla" in the margin next to the 17th corresponds with his regular diary entry for that date: "Arrived at Bladensburgh." Other travel notes appear in the "Remarkable Days, &c." columns, such as in July 1795 when "Wilmington" is written to the right of the 15th and "Spurriers" to the right of the 18th, days on which he lodged at those places according to his fuller entries on another page. And in October of that same year, the entire record for his trip home from Philadelphia is kept under "Remarkable Days, &c." The fact remains, however, that the meaning of many of GW's calendar notations for these years, as in previous ones, are obscure, for they consist of letters, circles, dashes, x's, and personal names that have no clear connection with the rest of his diary. The names may be names of slaves, and the letters and abstract marks may relate to the administration of his household or plantation, for some of them are connected with names of Mount Vernon farms--Home House, Dogue Run, and Union Farm--on the July 1795 calendar. See illustration on 1:328 in the present edition of GW's diaries.
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Tuesday 14th. Left Phila. for Mt. V.
Reached Wilmington.
15. Do. Roger's Susqa.
ROGER'S SUSQA: John Rodgers (see 7 May 1775) had died in 1791 and his wife, Elizabeth Reynolds Rodgers (c.1743--c.1816), was continuing to run her husband's old stone ferry, house at Perryville, Md., on the east bank of the Susquehanna River.
16. Baltimore.
17. Bladensburgh.
18. George Town.
19. Mount Vernon & remained there until the 26th.
26. Game to George Town.
27. In the federal City.
28. Arrived at Bladensburgh.
29. Baltimore.
30. Rogers's--Susquehanna.
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May--1st. Came to Wilmington.
2. Arrived at Philadelphia.
15. Thunder, lightning & rain--cool.
16. Wind Northerly in the Morng.
17--18. Cool & cloudy, with the Wind easterly. Same till the 21st.
21. Wind at So. Wt. Warm & very heavy rain.
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22. Cloudy all day--Wind So.
23. Raining moderatly till Noon--W[in]d S. W.
24. Clear with the Wind Westerly--rather cool.
25. Clear, & rather cool. Wd. East[er]ly.
26. 27. Wind Southerly & Warm.
28. Do. Do. Do. cloudy.
29. Do. Do. Rain.
30. Raining in the Night--do. about Noon--and at Night.
31. Wind Westerly & clear.
1st. Wind hard at No. Wt. & cold--all day.
2. Do. at So. Wt.--fresh--& heavy showers--Aftern[oon].
3. Clear & pleasant Wind Easterly.
4. Clear wind Westerly.
5. Do. fine air--Wind at So. W.
6. Do. Wind at Do. & fresh. Warm.
7. Do. Do. Easterly. Do.
8. Do. Do. Do. do.
9. Do. Wind fresh at S. W. all day.
10. Do. Do. Do. Do. Rainy night.
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11. Wind at N. Et. Raining all day.
12. Do. do. Raing. more or less.
13. Do. do. Cloudy & cool till aft[ernoon].
14. Clear forenoon but cloudy afterwd.
15. Cold & disagreeable Wind N. E.
16. Wind at So. Wt. Showers & variable.
17. Do. at No. Et. Cloudy forenoon clear aft.
18. Wind at So. Wt. Clear & growing warm.
19. Do. Do. Clear & very warm.
20. Do. Do. Clear forenoon--rain afterwd.
21. Do. Do. Very warm Morng. & day.
22. Do. So. Wt.--warm.
23. Do. Do. Warm with showers.
24. Do. Do. Showers--heavy--rain all N[ight].
25. Do. Do. Rain in the morng. & afternn.
26. Do. No. Wt. Clear & cooler all day.
27. Do. Westerly--clear & getting warmr.
28. Do. Westerly. Clear & pleast.
29. Do. So. Wt. Clear & warm.
30. Do. Do. Cloudy forenoon. Rain after.
1. Wind at So. Et. Raing. more or less all day.
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2. Do. at East--cloudy more or less.
3. Do. do. Clear & growing warm.
4. Do. do.--heavy morng. but clear afterwds.
5. Do. do. in the morning West in the aftern.
6. Do. So. Wt. & fresh--Warm also.
7. Cool morning--fresh No. Wind all day.
8. Southerly & warm--but little Wind.
9. Much as yesterday.
10. Very sultry, with little or no Wind.
11. Wind at No. Et. & fresh but very wa[rm].
12. Do. Easterly--very warm--clear.
13. Do. So. Wt. Sultry.
14. Do. Northerly & fresh--cooler.
15. Do. Easterly. Cloudy all day.
16. Do. Do. but clear & warmer.
17. Southerly & growing warmer.
18. Do. & very warm.
19. Do. Do. Do.
20. Do. Do. Do.
21. Do. Still warmer.
22. Do. Very warm.
23. Do. Appearance of Rain.
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24. No, Wt. but very warm, Rain.
25. No, Wt. but warm.
26. West--warm--then East.
27. Easterley--a great deal of Rain.
28. Wind at No. West--clear--pleast.
29. Wd. variable. Showers abt.
30. Do. variable much rain.
31. Do. Showery. Do. Do. in the Night.
July
15th. Left Philaa. with Mrs. Washington & my family for Mt. Vernon. Dined at Chester & lodged at Wilmigton.
LEFT PHILAA.: "President Washington about eight o'clock this morning set out for Mount Vernon in a two-horse phaeton for one person, his family in a coach and four horses, and two servants on horseback leading his saddle horse" (HILTZHEIMER, 215).
16. Breakfasted at Christa.--dined at Elkton & lodgd at Susquehanna. One of my horses overcome with heat.
CHRISTA.: GW probably breakfasted at the village of Christiana Bridge (now called Christiana), Del., on the road from Wilmington to Charlestown, Md., rather than at Christina (Christiana) ferry, which crosses the Delaware River at Wilmington.
On this journey GW probably stopped at Havre de Grace on the west bank of the Susquehanna River. The tavern, formerly run by John Rodgers, was at this time under the management of John H. Barney, a brother of the naval hero Capt. Joshua Barney.
17. Breakfasted before I set out. Dined at Hartford & lodged at Websters. Brot. on the sick horse led.
HARTFORD: Harford Town, Md., now called Bush. The town was the county seat of Harford County from 1744 to 1782. WEBSTERS: probably the tavern at the head of Bird River that earlier was called Skerrett's and also Cheyns's.
18. Breakfasted in Baltim[or]e--dined & lodged at Spurriers where my sick horse died.
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SPURRIERS: This is probably the same tavern that GW on 21 Sept. 1787 had called "the Widow Balls (formerly Spurriers)." Either Spurrier had again taken over as proprietor or the tavern was still known by his name.
19. Breakfasted at Vanhorn--dined at Bladensburgh & lodged in Geo. Town.
VANHORN: Gabriel P. Van Horne ran a post-stage line from Philadelphia to Alexandria and operated several taverns on the road, including this one in Prince George's County, 14 miles from Spurriers and 9 from Bladensburg. The location was known as Van Ville at the time. Van Home had been captain of a company of militia in Harford County, Md., during the Revolution, and GW refers to him after the Revolution as Colonel Van Horne. Van Home also rented his carriages and horses for private trips; GW solicited his services in transporting Mrs. Washington and her party to New York in May 1789 (SCHARF [5], 1:311--12; BRUMBAUGH [2], 2:366; GW to Elizabeth Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV; Van Home to GW, 13 June 1789 and 22 Aug. 1795, and Van Home to George Augustine Washington, 12 May 1789, DLC: GW).
20. After doing business with the Comrs. of the fedl. City I proceeded on my journey & got home to dinner.
The commissioners of the Federal City at this time were Gustavus Scott, William Thornton, and Alexander White. There had been endless disputes arising from the planning and development of the city. This meeting with the commissioners, however, dealt with an especially serious matter. Robert Morris and John Nicholson, who had bought hundreds of lots in the city for speculation and development, had failed to make their scheduled payments on the land. GW promised to try to get Morris and Nicholson to live up to their contract (FREEMAN, 7:266--67). He wrote Edmund Randolph two days later: "I should be glad if you would call upon Messrs. Morris & Nicholson . . . and in earnest & strong terms represent to them, the serious consequences which must inevitably result to the public buildings in the federal City, if the deficiency, or part thereof, due on their contract, is not paid. Besides arresting the work in the present critical state, & compelling the discharge of some valuable workmen, who may never be recovered; it would throw such a cloud over the public & private concerns of the City, & would be susceptible of such magnified & unfavorable interpretations, as to give it a vital wound. . . . If to pay the whole deficiency is not, at present, within the means of Messrs. Morris & Nicholson, a part thereof, & to keep pace with the current demand, might possibly enable the Commissioners to proceed without much embarrassment in the principal work. Between forty & fifty thousand dollars, I am informed, is now due on the Contract" (22 July 1795, DLC:GW).
1. Wind at No. Wt.--flying clouds, warm.
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2. Do. Easterly--violent Rain & wind aftn.
3. Do. No. Wt. Much rain fell last night.
4. Sml. Westerly breeze--quite clear.
5. Do. Do. Do. Clear.
6. Clear, still & warm.
7. Wind Southerly & very warm.
8. Same as yesterday with R[ain] af[ternoon].
9. Still very warm with clouds.
10. Very warm rain afternoon.
11. Cloudy & showery more or less.
12. Wind Easterly cloudy & someti[mes] R[ain].
13. Do. Do. Do. Rain in the Night.
14. Do. Do. Do. Cooler.
15. Do. No. Easterly--cool & clear.
16. Do. Do. Clear & pleast.
17. Do. Southerly Rain in the Afn.
18. Do. Do. Growing much warmr.
19. Do. Do. Very warm.
20. Do. Do. Do. Rain in the Eveng.
21. Do. No. Et. Cool & raing. more or less.
22. Do. Do. Do. Thick mist all day.
23. Do. Do. Cleared abt. noon & grew W[arm].
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24. Do. Do. with sunshine & showers.
25. Do. Southerly & growing warm.
26. Do. Do. Clear & rather warm.
27. Do. Do. Clear & warm.
Plan of Bladensburg, Md., drawn during the Revolution. (Map Division, Library of Congress)
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28. Cloudy forenoon clear afterwds.
29. Thick morning clear & hot afterwd.
30. Fresh So. Westerly wind--warm & clear.
31. Wind same. Showery all day & a good deal of rain in the night.
For August
6th. Left home on my return to Philadelphia. Met the Potok. Co. at Geo. Town & lodged there.
GW had expected to leave for Philadelphia on 3 Aug., stopping in Georgetown for the meeting of the Potomac Company on that date. However, several weeks of rainy weather culminated in a bad storm and heavy rains on 2 and 3 Aug. which swelled the streams and washed out roads and bridges. GW then planned to attend the rescheduled meeting of the Potomac Company on 6 Aug. and leave on 8 Aug. for Philadelphia. However, the first post to get through from Philadelphia to Alexandria after the storm arrived on 5 Aug. and brought news that made him change his plans. He wrote hurriedly to David Stuart the same day: "By the Mail which came into Alexandria this day, I have received letters, advising me of the recall of Mr. Hammond; & some other matters which have induced me to determine to proceed from Georgetown to Phila." (PPRF). Among the "other matters" referred to was a reference in Secretary of War Timothy Pickering's letter which arrived on that day. Pickering wrote: "On the subject of the [Jay] treaty I confess I feel extreme solicitude; and for a special reason which can be communicated to you only in person I entreat therefore that you will return with all convenient speed to the seat of Government. In the mean time, for the reason above referred to, I pray you to decide on no important political measure in whatever form it may be presented to you" (31 July 1795, DLC:GW). Pickering was undoubtedly referring to the intercepted dispatch from the French envoy Fauchet that seemed to incriminate Secretary of State Edmund Randolph in a bribery plot.
GW lodged at Suter's tavern in Georgetown, which, since John Suter's death in 1794, had been run by his son John Suter, Jr. (ECKER, 28--29; GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB). GW had maintained his interest in the Potomac Company during the presidential years but had been unable to attend the meetings. This general meeting was an important one, and Tobias Lear, now a director of the company, had urged GW to attend, or, if he could not, to send his proxy. At the meeting it was decided to open the books for 100 additional shares in the company, 60 to be subscribed by the state of Maryland and the remaining 40 by individuals. The locks and works at Little Falls were reported to be completed, with all impediments in the river between there and Great Falls removed. A decision
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was reached to start collecting tolls above Great Falls (BACON-FOSTER, 90; Lear to GW, 3 Aug. 1795, DLC:GW).
7. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh--din. at Vanhornes & lodged at Spurriers.
The roads in Maryland were still in very bad condition after the recent torrential rains. The journey from Bladensburg, where GW breakfasted, to Van Horne's, where he dined, was only nine miles. It was probably on this stretch of road that the horses became mired and GW had to pay £1 7s. 6d. to have them extricated (GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).
8. Breakfasted at Baltimore and dined and lodged at Websters.
9. Breakfasted at Hartford dined at Susquehanna and lodged at Charles town.
On this day GW probably stopped at John H. Barney's tavern on the west bank of the Susquehanna River. On 17 Aug., GW's cash memorandum notes "By a Bank bill of five dollars, sent Mr. Barney of Havre de grace, out of wch. to rec[eiv]e the ferriage I forgot to pay when I crossed on my last journey from Virga. the bal[anc]e to be returned to me--or paid when I call there again. Note, this Bill was returned in a letter from Mr. Barney informing me that I had paid the ferriage" (29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).
10. Breakfasted at Elkton--Dined at Newcastle and lodged at Wilmington.
11. Breakfasted at Chester and dined in Phila.
1st. Wind westerly--some rain--A good deal fell in the Night. Cool.
2. Wind Northerly cloudy & springling till Noon.
3. Do. No. W. Fine, clear & pleast, all day.
4. Do. Do. Much such a day as yester.
5. Do. Do. Cloudy in the morng., clear.
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6. No. Et. Showery and Cool.
7. Do. Do. Do. Do. Much rain in N.
8. So. Wt. with mists in the forenoon.
9. Do. Clear & very warm.
10. Same as yesterday.
11. Do. Do.
12. Wind at No. Et. Cool & cloudy.
13. Do. at So. Wt. with Showers. Warmr.
14. Do. Clear & very warm.
15. Do. Do. Do. Do.
16. Do. Do. Do. Do.
17. Do. Do. Do. Do.
18. Do. Do. With rain at Night.
19. Do. No. Wt. & cold.
20. Do. Do. Do.
21. Do. Do. Do.
22. Do. Do. Do. Frost slight.
23. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do.
24. Do. Southerly warmer.
25. Do. Do. and warm.
26. Do. No. Et. & lowering. Equinoctial gale all night.
27. Raing. till noon, with high wind from No. Et. & So. Et.
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28. Clear & warm--wind Wester[ly].
29. Wind at No. Wt. & cool.
30. Do. in same place but warmer.
September
8th. Left Phila. for Mt. Vernon. Dined at Chester & lodged at Wilmington.
9. Breakfasted at Christiana dined at Elkton & lodged at Charlestown.
10. Breakfasted at Susquehanna (Mrs. Rogers's) dined at Hartford & lo[d]ged at Websters.
11. Breakfasted at Baltimore. Dined & lodged at Spurriers.
12. Breakfasted at Van Horns. Dined at Bladensburgh & lodged at George Town.
13. Breakfasted in George Town and reached Mt. Vernon to dinner.
25. Went to Alexandria. Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Lear.
Tobias Lear's first wife, Mary Long Lear, had died in 1793, and Lear in early August 1795 married Fanny Bassett Washington ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 6 Aug. 1795), widow of GW's nephew George Augustine Washington, who had also died in 1793.
26. Returned home to dinner.
1. Little or no wind & very pleasant.
2. Wind Easterly--clear & pleasant.
3. Do. Southerly & warm.
4. Do. Do. Do.
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5. Do. Easterly good deal of Rai[n].
6. Do. N. Wt. clear cooler.
7. Do. Do. and still cool.
8. Do. Do. and cold.
9. Do. Easterly.
10. Do. Lowering & a little R.
11. Wd. at So. Wt. Light Showers.
12. Do. Do. Clear & growg. warm.
13. Calm clear & very warm.
14. Lowering--not much wind.
15. Rain & very high Wd. So. Wt. & N. W.
16. Clear & Cool--Wind at No. Wt.
17. Rain in the Morng. Clear afterwds.
18. Clear Wind pretty fresh. No. W. & S. W.
19. Do. & pleasant.
20. Lowering.
21. Rain in the night. Wd. at East.
22. Misty morning.
23. Clear.
24. Variable--sometimes cloudy.
25. Clear & pleast. Wd. Westerly.
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26. Same as yesterday.
27. Do. Do. Do.
28. Do. Do. Do.
29. Do. Do. Do.
30. Do. Do. Do. Warmer.
31. Very thick fog--rain afterwds. & fresh Westerly wind.
[October]
Set out for Phila.
Entries for 12--20 Oct. appear on the printed almanac page.
13. Stayed at Geo. Town.
14. Lodged at Spurriers.
16. Lodged at Websters.
17. Do. at Hartford.
18. Do. at Elkton.
19. Do. at Wilmington.
20. Arrived at Phil.
1. Cool & variable--Wind Easterly.
2. Clear till evening then cloudy.
3. Very threatning forenoon & variable.
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4. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly.
The whole Month of November has been remarkable pleasant. The ground has never been froze--but few white frosts, and No Snow.
The words "turned away" appear on the printed almanac page under 18 Nov.
1. Mild & pleast. Wind Southerly.
7. A good deal of rain fell last night with the wind at East.
12. Rain, with the Wind at East.
13. Misting and Raining a little through the day.
20. Snow, about 2 Inches deep.
24. Raining.
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1. Remarkably mild and pleasant--perfectly clear.
Received the National Colours from Mr. Adet the Minister Plenipo. to day.
Much company visited.
Pierre Auguste Adet, French minister plenipotentiary, had arrived in the United States on 13 June 1795 to replace Fauchet. He brought with him a French flag, a gift of the French Committee of Public Safety, and an accompanying speech of warm friendship for the United States. His awareness of the anti-French bias in the American government, however, caused him to delay presenting the flag. In Dec. 1795 he finally notified GW that he desired to make the presentation, and GW chose New Year's Day for the ceremony. GW answered the French address in a friendly manner, but he included the statement that the French flag would be placed in the archives. Adet took violent exception to this. An American flag presented earlier by James Monroe to the French National Convention was on prominent display in the French chamber, and Adet had expected the French flag to be accorded a conspicuous place in the halls of Congress. The Federalists, however, felt that Adet's presentation was a flagrant attempt to sway American feeling during the discussion of the Jay Treaty (DECONDE, 424, 435--36).
2. Equally fine with yesterday. Saw the Stem of the Frigate raised.
On 27 Mar. 1794 Congress passed "An Act to provide a Naval Armament," providing for the construction of six frigates, to be built in various shipyards around the country. This measure was designed to protect American shipping from marauding Algerines (1 STAT. 350--51 [27 Mar. 1794]). The frigate mentioned here was being built at Southwark, near Philadelphia. It was the United States, 44 guns, and was to be commanded by Commodore John Barry. After the treaty with the Dey of Algiers in 1795, three of the frigates, including the United States, were ordered to be completed immediately, and work on the other three was to be put off for an indefinite period (ASP, NAVAL AFF., 1:6, 18, 25). The visit to the shipyard with GW that George Washington Parke Custis later recalled was probably this one: "I well remember visiting with Washington the United States Frigate at Southwark, when her Keel was laid, & stem & starnpost only up. The Chief expressed his admiration at the great size of the Vessell that was to be. Commodore Barry was present, & Mr. [Joshua] Humphreys [naval constructor] explained to the President, several of his cabinet, and other persons who were present, the great principle which he had originated & was now by consent of the authorities putting into successful practice, all of which met with Washington's
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approbation, & he expressed himself on the return in his coach, much gratified with all he had seen & heard in this, his First visit to an American Navy Yard" (HUMPHREYS, 391).
3. Rain in the night--foggy till Noon--then clear. Wind S.W.
4. Remarkably mild--clear & pleasant. Wind So. Wt.
5. Very white frost--Southerly Wind & lowering sun.
6. Rain in the Night and violent Storm--variable wind & a little Snow.
7. Clear forenoon--lowering afternoon. Wind No. Wt.
8. Clear but cool. Wind at N.W.
9. Clear & cold. Wind at Do. lowering towards night.
10. Lowering all the forenoon--about 2 oclock begun to Snow. Wind at So. Wt.
11. Snowing very moderately till Noon with the Wind at No. Et. Then Rain--wch. carrd. all off.
12. Clear with the Wind at West and moderate.
13. Clear in the forenoon, lowering afterwards. Wind at No. Et.
14. Raining all day moderately & Steadily. Wind at No. Et. but warm.
15. Cloudy most part of the day. Wind Westerly.
16. Similar to yesterday in all respects.
17. Snowing more or less all day with the wind at No. Et.
18. Cloudy, & now and then Snowing. Wind Westerly.
19. Clear in the forenoon, cloudy afterwards with great appearances of Snow.
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20. Some Snow fell in the night and at intervals & with a mixture of rain through the day. Wind Easterly.
21. Clear with the Wind Westerly.
22d. Clear--wind westerly. Mercury in the morning at 16 degrees.
23. Perfectly calm, clear and pleastant. Mercury 18 in the morning.
24. Clear in the forenoon--a little lowering afterwards. Wind at So. West. Mercury at 30 & falling.
25. Lowering all day with appearances of Rain. W[in]d No. Et.
26. Thick weather, but mild & thawing. Wind at So. Wt.
27. Rain fell in the night. Fine Snow all the forenoon. Wind Easterly.
28. Light Snow in the morning. Clear afterwards & mild. Wind So. Wt.
29. Clear & turned much colder. Mercury at 18. Wind at No. Wt.
30. Quite clear--mercury at 8 degrees. Wd. at No. Wt. but not strong.
31. Very cold. Mercury at 4 degrees--very clear with little wind but a piercing Air.
Feb. 1. Clear all day. Wind westerly in the forenoon & So. Wt. after wards.
2. A sprinkle of Snow in the morning--cloudy afterwards with appearances of Rain. Wind So. W.
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3. A slight Snow fell in the Night. Clear day. Mild in the forenoon--Cooler afterwards. Wind at N.W.
4. Clear and rather cold. Not much wind & that N.W.
5. Very clear & pleasant with but little Wind from the No. Et.
6. A Slight Snow, not an Inch deep fell last night, clear without wind.
7. Clear all day with but little wind from the Eastward.
8. Cloudy all day. Wind Westwardly--moderate.
9. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. and rather cold--but fine notwithstanding for the Season.
10. About 7 Oclock it began to Snow and kept steadily at it until 11, then changd. to rain & contd. all the day afterwards. Wind Easterly.
11. Raining in the Morning. Clear afterwards and as mild as April. Wind at So. Wt.
12. Wind from No. Wt. & cool, but fine notwithstanding.
13. Clear & pleasant with but little wind and that from the Southward.
14. Warm in the forenoon with the Wind Southerly. Cooler afterwards--Wind getting r[oun]d to the No. Wt.
15. Cool, & clear all day, but not unpleasantly cold, Wind continuing at No. Wt. but not hard nor disagreeable.
16. A little variable with the wind westerly.
17. Clear, & remarkably fine with the Wind Southerly.
18th. Wind at No. Et. and raing. all day. In the Night Snow abt. one inch thick fell.
19. Clear with the wind at West & rather cool.
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20. Clear & cool--Wind westerly.
21. Clear in the forepart of the day but lowering afterwards. Wind So. Wt.
22. Snow abt. 2 Inches deep fell in the Night--forenoon cloudy; afternoon clear. Wind westerly.
23. Wind at No. Wt. pretty fresh & cold.
24. Cold & towards evening lowering & likely for Snow. Wind at No. Wt.
25. Thick foggy morning with appearances of Wet, but none fell. Wd. at West.
26. Much such a day as yesterday--but Wind more Southerly.
27. Very thick morning again, but clear afternoon. Wind Southerly.
28. Very clear and remarkably fine & pleasant.
29th. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Fine Rain all day with the Wind at East.
1. Thick heavy morning with the Wind at North. The afternoon not much better.
2. Same kind of day, & Wind as yesterday--with spitting of Snow.
3. A little Snow fell in the Night--heavy and thick all day. Wind abt. North.
4. Again a little Snow fell in the Night--but not eno' to cover the ground.
5. Heavy morning with clouds all day. Wind at North, a little Easterly.
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6. Thick morning but very pleasant afternoon with but little wind.
7. Cloudy morning but clear afternoon. Wind West--shifting more Northerly & Easterly, & clouding towards Night.
8. Snow 4 Inches deep fell in the Night & continued Spitting until 10 or 11 Oclock--then cleared & grew cold. Wind at No. Wt.
9. Cold & clear. Wind No. Wt. & Westerly.
10. Cold & cloudy in the forenn. but clear & mild afterwds. Wind getting to the So. Wt.
11. Clear & pleasant all day. Wind getting more Westerly.
12. Clear and warmer than yesterday--Wind more South.
13. Forenoon clear & still. Afternoon very windy from the So. West.
14. Lowering < > likely to rain with the Wind in the same place. Cloudy more or less all day.
15. Tuesday clear and warm. Wind still Southerly and pretty brisk.
16. A good deal of Rain fell last night and this morning. About 7 P. M. it cleared & blew violent from abt. No. Wt. all day & Night.
17. Clear with the Wind from the same point.
18. Dull & heavy forenoon with light falls of Snow from the No. Et. Clear afternoon.
19. Clear & cold all day with the Wind fresh from No. W.
20. Clear morning. Wind Westerly--pleasant all day.
21. Morning lowering--but clear afterwards. Wind So. Et. growing warm.
22. Heavy morning but clear afterwards and warm. Wind still at So. Et.
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23. Clear and warm Wind fresh from So. Wt.
24. Cloudy morning & cooler. Wind at No. Wt. and clear afternoon.
25. Wind in the Same place. Clear & cool all day.
26. Wind Easterly--but clear & very pleasant notwithstanding.
PLEASANT: MS reads "pleasand."
27th. Clear all day. The Wind at East & pleasant tho' a little cool.
28. Thick, foggy morning with moderate rain about Noon, with the Wind at East. About 3 Oclock it cleared & was pleast. but afterwds. grew cloudy & cold.
29. Very pleasant all day with the Wind westerly but variable.
30. Clear in the forenoon with the wind mostly at west--cloudy afternoon.
31. Clear and warm but little Wind & that Easterly.
1st. Thick morning but clear afterwards & warm--very little wind & that No. Et.
2. Hazy & smoaky--very little wind & that westerly. In the night a little rain.
3. Clear with the Wind No. Easterly--somewhat cooler.
4. Same wind & weather as yesterday.
5. Clear and still cooler. The Wind, tho' not fresh, at No. W.
6. Clear & rather cool--Wind being at No. Et. in the Morning. Warmer in the Afternoon wind being at So. W.
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7. Cool in the morning, but warmer afterwards wind getting to South West.
8. Warm with appearances of Rain. Wind at So. W.
9. Thick morning, but clear afterwards with a brisk So. Westerly wind--ground very dry. Smoaky.
10. Again very thick and Smoaky in the morning. Wind Easterly & fresh last night--afterwards Northerly.
11. Wind at No. Wt. and cold all day.
12. Thick morning, but clear afterwards, rather cool wind Easterly in the morning & westerly afterwards.
At the top of the diary page for 1--15 April is the notation in GW's handwriting: "Mr. Washington Craik joined as private Secrety. 12th. April 1796." George Washington Craik, Dr. James Craik's youngest son, held the position for about a year.
13. Just such a day as yesterday & Wind the same.
14. Wind at East in the Morning and very thick light Rain about Noon.
15. Very thick morning--with but little wind. Clear Noon and rain in the Afternoon.
16. Wind at No. Et. and from Nine until 11 a close and constant rain--clear afterwards.
17. Wind at East & clear all day--a little cool.
18. Clear & serene with very little wind.
19. Clear forenoon--with the wind pretty fresh from the So. Wt.
20. Clear all day with little Wind--that from So. W.
21. Clear with the wind at No. Et. but warm & pleast. notwithstanding.
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Portraits of George and Martha Washington, by James Sharples, c. 1796. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
22. Clear morning with the wind at East, wch. shifted in the afternoon to So. Wt. & grew warm.
23. Clear morning with the Wind fresh from No. Et. wch. continued so through the day & weather cooler.
24. Thick heavy morning with drops of Rain, Wind at So. W. In the afternoon there was pretty good Shower--Cool.
25. Cloudy morning but clear afterwards & cool all day. Wind at No. Et.
26. Cloudy morning & evening clear mid day. Cool all day with the Wind at No. Et.
27. Wint at No. Et. About 8 Oclock in the morning it began a fine Rain and continued till Noon. Towds. Night there was a very fine rain for an hour or two.
28. Clear and pleasant with the Wind Westerly.
29. Wind at No. Wt.--fresh--cold & disagreeable all day.
30. Wind and weather the same as yesterday.
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1. Clear and cool all day. Wind at No. Wt.
2. Much such as yesterday: both in wind & weathr.
3. Wind at So. Wt. and warmer.
4. Clear morning. Wind variable from So. Et. to South.
5. Wind at So. Et. and fresh with Clouds in the forenoon, mostly thro the day.
6. About 6 oclock it began a moderate rain, with the wind from East and continued raining moderately but steadily until 7 oclock in the evening.
7. Wind in the same quarter with a little rain in the forenoon. Clear afterwds.
8. Wind still at East with Clouds & sprinkling rain.
9. Cloudy with appearances of Rain--some of which fell in the night. Wind Easterly.
10. Cloudy with the Wind Westerly.
11. Weather variable, with small Showers. Wind abt. So. Wt. growing warm.
12. For the most part dear but at times threatning rain. Wind Westerly.
13. Wind Westerly--shifting to So. W. & getting warm. Clear very pleasant.
14. Wind at So. Et. and lowering more or less all day.
15. Wind in the same quarter, with clouds, & sometimes Sprinkling of Rain; in the afternoon a pretty heavy Shower with Sharp thunder.
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16. Wind Westerly & So. West.
17. Cloudy more or less all day with light drippings now & then of Rain. Wind at S. Et.
18. Wind at East. A thick Mist till 7 Oclock--then a steady rain till ten. Variable afterwards with a Shower abt. 6 oclock & Wind--N.W.
19. Wind at East in the forenoon with constant rain from 6 till 12 Oclock. Wind westerly afterwds.
20. Wind Southerly & weather. Rain in the afternoon.
21. Clear with little or no Wind--until the afternn.
22. Clear with hard wind from So. Wt. & South.
23. Brisk Wind from South all day with great appearances of Rain.
24. Wind Northerly and cool and for the most part of the day clear.
25. Wind at No. Et., & fresh with constant rain until 4 O'clock--thick & mistg. afterwds.
26. Wind in the same place with constant rain till abt. 4 oclock when it ceased & began at Night.
27th. Thick morning, with some drops of Rain. Wind Easterly. About 9 Oclock the Wind Shifted to So. Wt. cleared & grew warm.
28. Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning--varying to West and No. Wt. with changeable weather & a Shower.
29. Clear forenoon--lowering afternoon with Wind at So. Wt.
30. Rain in the Night--wch. continued steadily till Noon when it cleared. Wind still at So. West.
31. Variable--with rain at times and wind at So. West.
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1. Clear, with the Wind varying, but chiefly Westwardly.
2. Clear all day with the wind at So. West & Warm.
3. Clear & warm with but little wind and that Southerly.
4. Warm with but very little Wind. In the afternoon there was appearances of Rain but none fell.
5. Clear morning & showery afternoon--with variable wind from So. W. to N. Et.
6. Raining a little in the forenoon--clear afterwards. Wind Easterly.
7. Wind Easterly--very heavy morning and raining more or less all day with the Wind at East.
8. Heavy morning with the Wind at East, variable afterwards & Wind South.
9. Tolerably clear all day with the wind at So. & Warm but rain in the Night.
10. Wind at East in the Morning with Rain. In the Evening and Night a great deal fell.
11. Wind at East with a little Rain. Very warm.
12. Cloudy all day with great appearances of Rain. Wind Easterly in the Morning and Westerly afterwards.
13. Cloudy for the most part of the day--but no Rain.
GW left Philadelphia for Mount Vernon on 13 June and remained there until 17 Aug.
14. Clear Morning--but Rainy afternoon. Wind vary[ing].
15. Cloudy but no Rain and tolerably cool.
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16. Thick heavy Morning & heavy Showers of Rain in the afternoon.
17. Clear all day and very warm--especially in the afternoon.
18. Clear & very warm all day with sprinkling Rain in the Afternoon.
19. Very warm with very little wind.
20. Slight rain in the Morning but fair before and after noon.
21. Clear and warm all day and but little wind.
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1. Clear--Wind Westerly. Went to church. [23]
The information in brackets (indicating morning temperatures for the days in January) appears as marginal notes on one diary page and one almanac page.
2. Cloudy forenoon--wind westerly. Much company to complement the Season. [18]
New Year's Day having fallen on Sunday this year, the New Year's celebration was postponed until today.
3. Snowing from 10 oclock until 4--Wind westerly. Went to see Davenports Duck Manufy. [18]
Pages from Washington's diary for 1797. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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After the Revolution there was a continuing demand in the United States for canvas, or duck, for sails. James Davenport (d. 1797) installed in 1794 at the old Globe Mills on the Germantown Road water-powered machinery of his own invention for "spinning and weaving flax, hemp and tow" (NEEDLES, 298). His patent, procured in 1794 for "weaving and beating sail duck," was the first one issued in the United States for any kind of textile machine (21st Cong., 2d sess., House Doc., No. 50, p. 140; BAGNALL, 222). The work was done by a few boys, one of whom could in a 10- to 12-hour day weave 15--20 yards of sailcloth or spin 292,000 feet of flax or hempen thread. According to a later newspaper advertisement, GW, accompanied by several members of Congress and others, was visiting the manufactory by invitation. After the death of James Davenport later in the year the machinery was sold and the business broken up (BISHOP, 2:71--72).
4. Wind Southwesterly, and cold moderating; a large Company of Gentlemen PC ladies dined with me. [10]
5. Clear--Wind still So. Westerly and more moderate tho' cold. A large Compy. of Gentn. dined. [12]
6. Clear & moderate--Wind still at So. Wt. Road out between 10 & 12 Oclock. A good deal of company in the evening. [22]
7. Wind at No. West and cold with clouds. Road to German Town with Mrs. Washington to see Mr. Stuarts paintings. [14]
Gilbert Stuart (1755--1828) had recently returned to America after a long stay in England and Ireland, first as a student and then as a successful painter of portraits. He painted three portraits of GW from life between 1794 and 1796. From each of these life-portraits he made numerous copies to answer the great demand from both Americans and foreigners for likenesses of the first president. In the summer of 1796 Stuart had moved his studio from Philadelphia to a stone barn in Germantown.
8. Clear & Cold--wind at No. Wt. Went to a charity Sermon in Christ Church. Alarmed by a cry of fire while there. [6]
9. Clear & very cold--wind in the same place. Went to the Theatre, for the first time this Season. The Child of Nature & The Lock & Key were performed. [2]
WENT: GW has inadvertently written "Wind" in the MS. The New Theatre on Chestnut Street above Sixth Street had opened in 1794, and was said to be the finest theater in America at this time. It was copied after the theater at Bath, Eng., and seated 2,000 people. A stock company had been formed by Hugh Reinagle and Thomas Wignall, and they spent money lavishly to procure costumes and scenery and to obtain a supply of good actors, many from England (SCHARF [1], 2:970--71). The Child of Nature was a comedy in four
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Self-portrait by Gilbert Stuart, painted in London 1786--88. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fletcher Fund, 1926)
acts, and The Lock and Key, a comic opera in two acts. The latter had been a resounding success in London, where it had played at Covent Garden Theatre for about 130 nights ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 5 and 9 Jan. 1797). The performance this evening was by request, and a local newspaper proclaimed that "the President of the United States, and Family, will honor the Theatre with their company" ( Claypole's Adv. [Philadelphia], 9 Jan. 1797; Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 9 Jan. 1797).
10. Clear. Wind Westerly--or rather Southerly & moderating. [o]
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11. Wind at No. Et. Sprinkling of Snow in the Morning and raining soberly afterwds. [24]
12. Clear & pleasant all day. Wind at So. Wt. All the Diplomatic Corp (except France) dined with me. [34]
The absence of the French minister, Pierre Auguste Adet, from GW's dinner party was undoubtedly a reflection of the strained relations existing between France and the United States at this time.
13. Wind still Southerly. Exercised on horseback, on the River Delaware Crossing to Cowpers Tavern & recrossing below. [24]
COWPERS TAVERN: probably the ferry house erected by Samuel Cooper (1744--1812) in 1770 at Cooper's Point in what is now Camden, N.J. Samuel's son William was running the ferry by this time. There were actually several ferries within a short distance of each other, all owned by the Cooper family and all crossing the Delaware to Philadelphia ( N.J. Documents, 542). December 1796 had produced unusually cold weather, and the Delaware River at Philadelphia was completely frozen over for several weeks. Jacob Hiltzheimer recorded on 8 Jan. that "from Race Street wharf I walked on the ice to Cooper's Ferry and back; saw thousands of people horses and sleighs, and booths on the ice" (HILTZHEIMER, 237).
14. Wind Southerly. Morng. very heavy, with rain from Noon. Company dined with 5 Gent[leme]n. [32]
15. Wind at So. Wt. mild & pleasant. [36]
16. Wind Westerly with Sunshine & Clouds alternately thro' the day. [34]
17. Clear with the wind at No. Wt. [36]
18. Snowing until abt. 11 Oclock then clear & pleast. wind at So. Wt. [27]
19. Wind Westerly, & clear & cold. [21]
20. Wind at No. Wt. Colder than yesterday--clear until evening then cloudy.
21. Three or 4 Inches of Snow fell last Night. Cloudy all day Wind at No. Et. Large compy. dined here. [26]
22. Several Inches of Snow fell last Night. Variable weather with the wind at No. Et. [26]
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23. Wind at So. Wt. & thawing. Small compy. dined here. [21]
24. Wind in the same quarter & thawing fast. Went to the Pantheon in the evening. [26]
WENT TO THE PANTHEON: The following advertisement appeared in a Philadelphia newspaper on 23 Jan.: "Pantheon, and Ricketts's Amphitheatre. Mr. Ricketts takes the liberty of announcing to his friends and the public, that to-morrow evening there will be a variety of performances, at the Pantheon by desire of the president of the United States" ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 23 Jan. 1797). Ricketts's Amphitheatre, or Circus, was devoted principally to equestrian performances and slack and tightrope walking. John Bill Ricketts, a Scotsman, had come to Philadelphia in 1792 and had shortly afterwards built his large, circular amphitheater at the corner of Chestnut and Sixth streets. Ricketts and his son were the two main equestrians, performing dangerous feats of riding and acrobatics on horseback. The amphitheater burned in 1799, and Ricketts, bankrupt, returned to England (SCHARF [1], 2:952--53).
25. Wind more westerly--clearer & somewhat cooler. Lar. company dined here. [24]
26. Wind Northerly--then So. Westerly. Clear. Large Compa. dined. [24]
27. Wind Southerly--thawing fast. [30]
28. Do. Do. Do. Rain last Night [42]
29. But little wind, dull and variable weather; misting. [34]
30. Clear, & somewhat cooler than yesterday &ca. [28]
31. Snowing in the Morning & raining the remainder of the day or rather misting. Wind at No. Et. [22]
1. Wind No. Easterly in the Morning--So. Westerly afterwards and raining more or less all day. Mercury at 34 in the morning.
2. A good deal of rain fell last [night]. Cloudy Morning but clear & very pleasant afterwards. Wind westerly. Mercury 42.
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3. Much such a day as yesterday but rather cooler. Wind same place. Met. 30.
4. Wind at So. West--weather pleasant. Mercury at 32 in the morning.
5. Clear & pleasant with the Wind Westerly. Mery. 28. Morn.
6. Fine Rain most part of the day. Wind So. Wt. Mer: 48. Went to the Play of Columbus in the evening.
Columbus; or a World Discovered, a historical play, was presented at the New Theatre at six o'clock this evening "BY PARTICULAR DESIRE." Also on the bill was a farce called Barnaby Brittle; or a Wife at Her Wit's End. The production of Columbus was an unusually ambitious one. The theater had been closed for several days before the first performance on 30 Jan., "on account of the extensive preparations" necessary for the new scenery, machinery, and decorations. Included in the production were a representation of a storm, an earthquake, a volcano eruption, and "A PROCESSION OF INDIANS and the first Landing of COLUMBUS" ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 23 Jan. and 6 Feb. 1797).
7. Clear & cool. Wind at No. Wt. Mercury 34 in the Morn.
Benjamin Latrobe's watercolor of a view from the lawn at Mount Vernon, 1796. (The Papers of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Maryland Historical Society)
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8. Clear & pleasant but Cool. Wind westerly. Mercury at 26.
9. Cloudy all day. Wind Southerly. Mercury 34.
10. Morning Rainy & stormy afterwards--Wind at So. Wt. Mercury at 50 in the Morn.
Clear after the morning & Wind Westerly Mer: 35.
Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly--Mercury at 35.
13. Cloudy morning, and fine rain all day afterwards. Wind Easterly-- Mery. 38.
14. Fine Rain--Wind in the same quarter. Mercury 38.
15. Cloudy forenoon with flakes of Snow--clear afterwards. Wind Westerly. Mercury 34. Large Compy.
16. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly. Mercury at 28. Large company dined here.
17. Wind still westerly. Cloudy forenoon & rainy afternoon & Night. Mercury at 38. A very crouded drawing Room.
A VERY CROUDED DRAWING ROOM; That the drawing room, or levee, was particularly crowded on this day was undoubtedly the result of a rumor that this was to be Mrs. Washington's last levee before the Washingtons retired to Mount Vernon. John Adams was to be inaugurated as the new president on 4 Mar., and GW's last weeks in office were marked by a hectic round of visits and addresses from various groups including congressmen, merchants, the Pennsylvania governor and legislature, the Society of the Cincinnati, and army officers. There were also elaborate dinners and entertainments given in his honor. The Washingtons themselves on 3 Mar. gave a farewell dinner followed by Mrs. Washington's last drawing room. On 4 Mar. at noon GW attended the inauguration of the new president.
18. Heavy morning & variable all day--Wind West. Mercury at 30. One third of the Pennsylvania Ho. of Representatives dined here.
Jacob Hiltzheimer, one of the members of the Pennsylvania legislature, listed in his diary Speaker George Latimer and 20 other members as present. "Our Speaker sat between the President and his lady, and I on the left of the President" (HILTZHEIMER, 240).
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19. Clear, Wind Westerly in the Morning but cloudy afterwards. Mer: 30. Went to church.
20. Cloudy with a little rain in the forenoon--variable afterwards. Wind So. West. Mercury 39. Another third of the Penna. Reps. dined here.
21. Wind westerly & remarkably pleasant in the forenoon--but lowering afterwards. Mery. at 30.
22. Rain in the Night cloudy forenoon with the Wind at East--afterwards at S. W. clear & very fine. Went in the evening to an elegant entertainmt, given on my birth night. Mery. 38.
The "elegant entertainment" took place at Ricketts's Amphitheatre and was followed by dinner and a ball "which for Splendour, Taste and Elegance, was, perhaps, never excelled by any similar Entertainment in the United States." This entertainment was the culmination of a whole day of celebration which had begun by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon ( Claypoole's Adv. [Philadelphia], 23 Feb. 1797). See the description of the events of the day in MCREE, 2:493.
23. Clear & pleasant forenoon. Wind brisk at So. Wt. lowerg. aftds. W. at So. Et. Mer. 36. The last third of the Pennsa. Assembly dined with me.
24. Rain fell last Night & a little this Morng. Cloudy until afternoon Wind Westerly. Mery. 50.
25. Wind pretty fresh from the No. W. and cool with lowering clouds towards evening--Mercury 32.
26. Clear & cold all day Wind at No. Wt. & Mercury 19. All the Military & Naval Officer[s] dined with me yesterd. Mercury at 19 degs.
27. Wind at So. Et. & lowering but no fall, Mer: 36. Went to the theatre in the Evening.
Playing at the New Theatre were a comedy, The Way to Get Married; a farce, Animal Magnetism; and "a new Pantomime Ballet Dance . . . called Dermot & Kathleen," composed by Mrs. Byrne, a member of the theater company ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 27 Feb. 1797; SCHARF [1], 2:971).
28. Wind variable and grt. appearances all day of Snow. Mer.
35. Went to Mrs. Grattons concer[t] in the Evening.
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" Mrs. Grattan Respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of the City, that the 5th LADIES' CONCERT will be on TUESDAY, the 28th day of February, at the Assembly-Room." The concert was to begin at 6:30, and "at half past eight, the music will attend for the ball." The program, part instrumental and part vocal, consisted of selections by Haydn, Handel, and others. Mrs. Grattan was among the vocalists. This may be the same Mrs. Grattan who opened a linen and muslin warehouse on North Sixth Street ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 28 Feb. 1797).
1. Mercury at 24. Wind Westerly and cold all day.
2. Wind as yesterday; cloudy, cold & Raw all day. Towards night it began to Snow. Mercury at 26.
3. Mercury at 34. Morning very lowering & threatning but clear pleasant afterwards. Wind fresh from the So. Wt.
4. Much such a day as yesterday in all respects. Mercury at 41.
5. Not unlike the two preceding days. M. at 50.
6. The wind Shifted to the No. Wt. and turned Cold M: 24.
7. A hard No. Wt. [wind] all day. Hard frost this morning & but little [sun] all day--snowing at times. Mer. at 24.
8. Very thick morning with sprinkling rain clear afterwards with a brisk So. Westerly wind. Mer. 52.
9. Wind changed to No. Wt. blew very hard & turned very cold. MeR. at 28. Left Phila. on my return to Mt. Vernon--dined at Chester & lodged at Wilmington.
Accompanying GW and Mrs. Washington on the trip home to Mount Vernon were Nelly Custis and the marquis de Lafayette's son, George Washington Motier Lafayette (1779--1849), accompanied by his tutor, Felix Frestal. George Washington Parke Custis was in school in Princeton, and Tobias Lear and Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., had been left in Philadelphia to supervise the packing and moving of the Washingtons' belongings and the cleaning of the presidential house. Lear was to follow them to Mount Vernon, but Dandridge would leave shortly for The Hague where he was to be secretary to the United States minister, William Vans Murray. Young Lafayette had fled France with his tutor in 1795, three years after his
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father's arrest and imprisonment. The young man's arrival in America had been an embarrassment to GW. As much as he wished to have this only son of his close friend come to live in his family, he wanted to do nothing to offend the French government or the French partisans in this country. He therefore arranged for the boy and Frestal to live in New York under his family name, Motier. Finally, in April 1796, in spite of warnings by some members of the government, GW invited young Lafayette and Frestal to Philadelphia for a visit with his family. The visit lengthened into a permanent residency (GOTTSCHALK, xxi--xxiii; FREEMAN, 7:304, 323, 359--60, 388--99, 403--12). DINED AT CHESTER: "At Chester, Mr. Anderson keeps such a house now, as Mrs. Withy did formerly; and that is encomium enough. At Wilmington, twelve miles further, Mr. O Flin's (sign of the Ship) is a quiet Inn, with good Beds, and a tolerable good Table" (GW to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV).
10. Dined & lodged at Elkton. Tolerably pleasant all day.
"At Elkton . . . Hollingsworth's is a quiet orderly Tavern, with good beds, and well in other respects" (GW to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV). "We encountered no adventures of any kind, & saw nothing uncommon, except the light Horse of Delaware, & Maryland, who insisted upon attending us through their states" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 18 Mar. 1797, ViMtV).
11. Snowing from day light until 10 Oclock--in the Afternoon a little rain. Breakfasted at Susquehanna--dined & lodged at Hartford.
"At the Ferry, on both sides, are good Taverns: Mrs. Rogers' on the East, & Mr. Barney's on the West. From thence to Hartford (commonly called Bushtown) twelve miles from the ferry, a good house used to be kept but . . . it was to be sold the Wednesday after we passed it" (GW to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV). GW stopped at both Mrs. Rodgers's and Barney's on this day (GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).
12. Lowering, but tolerably pleasant. Breakfasted at Websters. Dined & lodged in Baltimore. Met & escorted into town by a great concourse of people.
WEBSTERS: "Thirteen miles from thence [Harford] a pretty good Inn is kept by one Webster. From that to Baltimore is 14 Miles" (GW to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV).
GW's entrance into Baltimore was described in a contemporary account: "At a distance from the city he was met by a crowd of citizens, on horse and foot, who thronged the road to greet him; and by a detachment from capt. Hollingsworth's troop, who escorted him in thro' as great a concourse of people as Baltimore ever witnessed. On alighting at the Fountain Inn, the general was saluted with reiterated and thundering huzzas from the spectators" ( Gaz. of the U. S. [Philadelphia], 16 Mar. 1797). Mayor James Calhoun
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A primitive view of Mount Vernon, painted in 1792. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
read an address from the council of Baltimore which GW answered (FREEMAN, 7:446). The Fountain Inn, where GW lodged, had been sold by Daniel Grant in 1795, and the present owner was a Scot, James Bryden (ANDREWS, 60--63).
13. Breakfasted at Spurriers & dined & lodged in Bladensburgh. Morning lowered but clear afterwards.
Spurrier's was "much resorted, not because it is well kept but because there is no other; the lodging is bad--the eating tolerable . . . better for lodging than eating. At Bladensburgh nine miles beyond a good house is kept by one Ross (sign of the Indian Queen)" (GW to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 26 Mar. 1797, ViMtV).
14. Dined at Mr. Laws & lodged at Mr. Thos. Peters. Day warm.
MR. LAWS: Thomas Law (1759--1834), son of Edmund Law, bishop of Carlisle, was in India from 1773 to 1791 in the service of the East India Company, where he held several important administrative positions and acquired a sizable fortune. Apparently sometime during his stay in India, Law was married, for when ill health forced his return to England, he brought his three Indian sons with him. In 1794 Law and his children came to America. He met James Greenleaf in New York and purchased from him a large section of lots in the new Federal City. Law came to the Federal City on 23 Feb. 1795 to inspect his newly acquired property, located south of the Capitol between the Potomac River and the Eastern Branch (Anacostia
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River). In 1796 he married young Eliza Parke Custis, Martha Washington's eldest grandchild. Law built numerous houses in the city for speculation and for his own use, but at this time he was probably living at the northeast corner of Sixth and N streets, S.W., near Greenleaf Point (DOWNING [3], 27). The Englishman Thomas Twining, who visited the Laws in 1796, wrote of his difficulty in finding the isolated house several miles from the Capitol: "His house, built by himself, was only a few yards from the steep bank of the Potomac, and commanded a fine view across that river, here half a mile wide. In the rear of the house Mr. Law was building a street, consisting of much smaller houses than his own. . . . The position at least was favorable, being on a point of land between the Potomac and a tributary stream called 'the eastern branch,' thus offering a double waterfront" (TWINING, 104). Thomas Law, aside from his land activities in the capital, was a strong advocate of the need for a national currency and wrote numerous addresses and pamphlets promoting it. Law lost much of his fortune in his land speculations and spent his later yearsin relative poverty. Always eccentric, he became more so with age, and his marriage to Eliza Parke Custis ended in a much publicized separation and divorce.
MR. THOS. PETERS: Thomas Peter was the son of Robert Peter, a prominent merchant and first mayor of Georgetown. In Jan. 1795 Thomas Peter married Martha Washington's granddaughter Martha Parke Custis. The couple lived in Washington in a house located near Rock Creek on the south side of K Street between 26th and 27th.
15. Recd. the Compliments of the Citizens of George Town as I had done the day before of those of the City of Washington. Stopped in Alexa. & got to Mt. V. to dinner.
CITY OF WASHINGTON: The Washington Gazette on this day reported that "Yesterday George Washington (God bless him) passed through the city on his way to Mount Vernon. When he reached the Capitol the company of Artillery, under the command of Captain [James] Hoban, welcomed him by a discharge of cannon. After dining in the City, he was escorted to George Town by several of our most respectable Citizens. As he passed the President's house, a salute of 16 guns was fired by the said company and followed by repeated huzzas, dictated by hearts sensibly alive to his merits" (DIARIES, 4:255, n.l). Nelly Custis wrote a friend that "The gentlemen of George Town also attended us to the River, & four of them rowed us over in a barge" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 18 Mar. 1797, ViMtV). ALEXA.: "Yesterday General Washington accompanied by his Lady, the son of the Marquis de la Fayette, &c. passed through town on their way home. The General's desire to reach Mount-Vernon that evening prevented the citizens of Alexandria from offering those public marks of their gratitude and esteem, which they were now more than ever solicitous of manifesting for their illustrious neighbour. . . . We are informed that Gen. Washington has accepted of an invitation to a public dinner, to be given in this town on Thursday" ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 16 Mar. 1797). MT. v.: They arrived at Mount Vernon at 4:00 P. M. (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 18 Mar. 1797, ViMtV). Of the journey from Philadelphia and the conditions prevailing at Mount Vernon when he arrived, GW wrote: "We got home without accident. & found the Roads drier, & better than I ever
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Plan of the town of Alexandria, 1798, engraved by T. Clarke. (Map Division, Library of Congress)
travelled them at that Season of the year. The attentions we met with on our journey were very flattering, and to some whose minds are differently formed from mine would have been highly relished, but I avoided in every instance where I had any previous knowledge of the intention, and c[oul]d by the earnest entreaties prevail, all parade, or escorts. . . . I find myself in the situation, nearly, of a new beginner; for although I have no houses to build (except one, which I must erect for the accommodation & security of my Military, Civil & private Papers . . .) yet I have not one or scarcely anything else about me that does not require considerable repairs. In a word I am already surrounded by Joiners, Masons, Painters & ca." (GW V to James McHenry, 3 April 1797, NN: Washington Collection).
16. At home all day alone. Wind at East & very cloudy all day.
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17. Wind in the same place with rain from 10 oclock until 12--clear afterwards.
18. Clear--with the Wind fresh from So. Wt. in the forenoon and at No. Wt. in the afternoon.
9. Wind at No. Wt. and fresh after the morning continuing so all day & cold.
20. Cool in the morning with the wind still at No. W. but very moderate afternoon.
21. Wind Southerly and fresh all day--clear.
22. Wind still Southerly and fresh with appearances of Rain. In the Afternoon wind came out brisk at N. W.
23. Cool in the morning but clear & very pleasant afterwards with but little Wd.
24. Wind at So. Et. with Rain more or less all day.
25. Wind for the most part Southerly--and clear.
26. Wind varying from No. Et. to So. Et. and blowing very fresh.
27. A little rain fell last Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning & violently all day afterwards & night from No. Wt.
Omitted to enter the Acct. of the Weather & Occurrences the remainder of this month.
Omitted keeping any Acct. of the Weather and Occurrences in this Month.
1. Went to Alexandria to settle some matters at the Bank. Day warm--wind at So. Wt.
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MATTERS AT THE BANK: "To Cash recd. from the Bank of Alexa. dividend on 10 Sh:--100 Dollrs." (GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).
2. Blew violently hard all day from the No. Wt. & grew very Cold.
3. A frost in the morning--Weather variable & cold. Wind So. Wt. & fresh.
4. Warm, with very little Wd. and that So. Wt.
5. Warm in the forenoon with the wind at So. Wt. Rain in the Afternoon. Went to Alexa. on business. Retd. in the afternoon.
ON BUSINESS: GW had "Dinner &ca." at Gadsby's tavern today (GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).
6. Warm with the Wind at So. Et.--but not hot.
7. Wind, after the morning very fresh from the N. W. & turning very cold.
8. Wind No., a little Easterly and Cool with a shower of Rain abt. 1 Oclock & squally.
9. Disagreeably cool--tho' the Wind was shifting to the Southward.
10. Very pleasant--warm & clear.
11. Brisk So. Westerly Wind & warm.
12. Wind in the same quarter but not so much of it but very warm.
13. Wind No. Westerly and much cooler with appearances of Rain.
14. Wind at No. Et. & rather Cool--indeed quite so.
15. Very pleasant, & but little wind--that however was from the No. Et.
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16. Wind No. Easterly, & then to the westward of No. but not much of it. Appearances of Rain but none fell.
17. Wind Easterly all day and pretty fresh & cool.
18. Very cloudy all day with the Wind at So. Et. Showers with thunder & lightening in the afternoon.
19. Wind at No. Et. & cloudy all day with moderate Rain from ½ after 10 until near two.
20. Wind from the So. Et. with appearances of Rain but none fell--very warm.
21. Wind more Southerly with great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
22d. Morning rather cooler but warm afterwards with but little wind.
23. Wind Easterly & rather Cool.
24. Wind Southerly and warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.
25. Very brisk Southerly wind & still great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
26. Wind at No. W. & fresh in the morning, but less of it & at So. Wt. in the Afternn. Cool till evening.
27. Wind at So. Wt. Clear and warm all day. In the evening Sultry.
28. Wind in the forepart of the day very high, from the No. W. and cold.
29. Clear & rather Cool with but little Wind.
30. Cloudy & much like rain all day with the Wind at No. Et. In the afternoon g: night a little rain fell.
31. Wind at No. Wt. and cool.
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1. Wind at No. Et. in the morning and at So. Wt. in the afternoon but not much of it--Cool.
2. Wind at So. Wt. with great appearances of rain but very little fell--rather cool.
3. Wind in the same quarter tho' not much of it. Warm.
4. Very warm with the Wind at So. Wt.; much appearances of Rain, but very little fell.
5. Cool again with the Wind fresh from No. Wt.
6. Wind at So. Wt. and warm.
7. Ditto-- Do. Do.
8. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning--but Southerly afterwards and warm.
9. Very warm with the wind at So. Wt. and great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
10. Very warm with a Southerly wind and great appearances of rain but none fell here.
NONE: MS reads "not."
11. Wind at No. Wt. All day but neither hard nor cold.
12. Wind Southwesterly--clear & warm.
13. Very Warm with a brisk Southerly wind--a slight Shower of Rain. Mercury 83.
14. Very Warm with the [wind] Southerly. Mercury 84. Weather extremely dry.
15. Same Wind, & heat as yesterday.
16. Wind in the same quarter Mer. at 87. Clear.
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17. Mercury at 90--day Sultry with the wind Southerly--a scud of Rain for a minute or two.
18. A refreshing Rain fell in the Night and a tolerable good shower about 3 Oclock this day. Wind variable. Mercury at 83 only.
19. Cool in the morning with the wind at No. Wt. Mercury 69 only.
20. Wind Southerly but cool Mercury 71. Two showers in the Afternoon.
21. Wind at No. Et. but variable. Mercury 74. Cloudy in the afternoon with appearances of Rain but non fell.
22. Wind Southerly & growing warmer. Cloudy & likely for rain all day. Began Wheat harvest at Union & Dogue R. Farms.
GW wrote a friend on 26 June, "Until last week, I had no suspicion that the Hessian fly was among my Wheat, but upon examination I found there were many. They have come too late, this year, however, to do me much damage; but . . . I view them as the harbingers of those who will visit me
Washington's map of the farms comprising his Mount Vernon estate, 1793. (The Henry E. Huntington Library)
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next year." He added, however, "Where this calamity has not visited the Wheat, the grain is remarkably fine, and the quantity not to be complained of" (GW to Richard Peters, PHi: Peters Manuscripts).
23. Cloudy morning with light showers, & wind Southerly until Noon then clear with the wind from No. W. M. 77.
24. Wind Westerly, but very little of it. Mery. 73.
25. Clear & tolerable pleasant with the Wind Westerly. Mer. 77.
26. Wind southerly & clear. Mer. 78.
27. Wind Easterly with some appearances of Rain but none fell. Mer. 79.
28. Wind Southerly and Warm. Mer. 78.
29. Clear & Warm--Wind So. Mer. 79.
30. Clear & warm--Wind Southerly. Mercury 80.
1. Warm with variable Wind--sometimes East & sometimes West of So. M. 80.
2. Wind Southerly with a slight Shower 2 Oclock. Mer. 88 before the Rain.
3. Clear in the forenoon with a slight shower for a few minutes about 2 Oclock; afternoon Wind Southerly Mer. 81.
4. Wind Westerly all day with appearances of Rain but none fell. Mercury at 81.
5. Cool in the morning with the Wind at No. Wt.--calm afterwards. Mery. 79.
6. Clear until the Afternoon with but little wind then hazy clouds with the Wind at So. Et. Mer. 80.
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Silhouette of George Washington. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
Silhouette of Martha Washington drawn in 1796 by her granddaughter, Nelly Custis. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
7. Heavy morning with Rain more or less from 7 in the Morning until 2 Oclock in the afternoon but very moderate. Wind So. Easterly--Mer. 74.
8. Clear after the morning & warm. Wind Southerly Mer. 82.
9. Wind pretty fresh from No. Wt. all day. Weather clear and Mercury at 82.
10. Clear with the Wind Southerly. Mery. at 84.
11. Wind at No. Wt. all day a little rain having fallen in the Night but not on my Farms. M. 81.
12. Little or no wind. Mercury at 83.
13. Calm and clear all day--Mery. at 85.
14. Very little wind and clear--Mery. 91.
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15. Last Night extremely warm--clear & calm--Mer. 88.
16. Very warm with the Wind at So. Mer. 90. Fine Rain in the Afternoon--suff[icien]t to wet the g[round].
17. Appearances of Rain most part of the day but none fell--pleasant. Went up to the Fedl. City.
18. Warm with appearances of Rain in the Afternoon--but none fell. In the City all day.
19. Went by the bridge at the little falls to the Gt. Falls & returned home in the Afternoon.
BRIDGE AT THE LITTLE FALLS: Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original plan for the Federal City called for a bridge over the Potomac River at Little Falls and one over the Eastern Branch (Anacostia River). In 1791 the Georgetown Bridge Company was chartered and subscriptions taken. On 1 July 1795 the company's books were opened for 400 shares at $200 per share. Timothy Palmer was to undertake the erection of the bridge at Little Falls. The bridge, which opened for use on 3 July 1797, was a "wooden roofed-in structure" with high stone and iron abutments (BRYAN, 1:243, 491--92; National Intelligencer [Washington], 16 Mar. 1808; Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 12 Aug. 1797).
20. Clear & warm. Mercury at 83.
21. Much such a day as yesterday--M. 83.
22. Warm morning & cloudy with very fine Showers from 11 Oclock in the Morning until near 3 oclock wetting the grd. thoroughly. Mery. 80.
23. Cloudy forenoon but clear afterwards--but little Wind. Mer. 81.
24. Clear & warm--Wind Southerly. A little rain in the Night. M. 85.
25. Great appea[ra]nces of Rain in the morning clear & warm afterwards--Mer. 83.
26. Clear all day with but little wind and that So. Mer. 84.
27. Wind Southerly & warm. A fine rain about 3 Oclock for an hour. Mercury 81.
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28. Mercury at 82. Clear forenoon but Showers in the Afternoon.
29. Clear all day--Wind Easterly. Mer. 79.
30. Mercy. 79--A Slight Shower abt. 2 Oclock rather cool afterwds.
31. Mercury at 76. Wind Easterly--and frequent Showers of Rain in the Afternoon.
1. Wind Southerly--heavy shower in the afternoon & much rain fell in the Night. Mer. 78. Mr. Boiling & Mr. L. Washington of King George came here.
Robert Boiling (born c.1759) of Centre Hill, Petersburg, was the son of Robert Boiling (1730--1775) and Mary Tabb Bolling of Bollingbrook. He married in 1796 his third wife, Sally Washington, daughter of Lawrence Washington of Chotank. Boiling had served in the Virginia militia during the Revolution (DAVIDSON, 154--56; Va. Mag., 4 [1897], 330--31). L. WASHINGTON OF KING GEORGE: probably Bolling's brother-in-law, Lawrence Washington, Jr. (see entry for 27 July 1785).
2. Wind Easterly. Showers in the Morng. & Afternoon. Mer. 77. B. & W. went away.
3. Raining more or less from 10 Oclock--M. 77.
4. Wind at So. Et. & Easterly--appearances of Rain but none fell. Warm Mer. 85. Mrs. Peake & Miss Evelin dined here.
MISS EVELIN: GW undoubtedly means Fanny Edelen (see entries for 28 Dec. 1771 and 7 Nov. 1785). Mrs. Peake is probably Humphrey Peake's widow, Mary Stonestreet Peake.
5. Warm & sultry in the forepart of the day with great appearances afterwards & a slight Shower in the evening--Mer. 85. Doctr. Stuart & daughter Nancy came here.
Dr. David Stuart (see entry for 3 Jan. 1785) was appointed by GW as one of the three original commissioners for the Federal City but resigned that office in Sept. 1794. The settlement of a long-standing dispute with Robert Alexander (see entry for 27 Mar. 1788) over the nearby Abingdon property
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(see entry for 12 Mar. 1785) had necessitated the Stuart family's removal from there about 1792. They were at this time living at Hope Park, a 2,000-acre estate about 10 miles west of Abingdon in a more isolated area of Fairfax County. Stuart's daughter Ann Calvert (Nancy) Stuart was about 14 years old at this time.
6. Showery in the morning & cloudy most part of the day. Mer. 76. Wind at No. Et.
7. Appearances of Rain until 10 Oclock & a sprinkle at Night. Mer. 76. Dr. Stuart & daughter returned home. I went to the annual Meeting of the Potk. Co. at George town. Dined at the Union tavern g: lodged at Mr. Thos. Peter's.
POTK. CO.: Work on building locks and clearing the Potomac River and its tributaries for navigation had been under way for more than a decade. When money was plentiful, the work progressed rapidly, with the employment of many Irish and German indentured servants and hired laborers; but from 1788 until the present year, funds for the work on the river gradually became harder to procure. Efforts were largely bent on obtaining enough money to complete the locks at Great Falls, the only part of the Potomac River at which a portage was still necessary. There were repeated calls on shareholders for additional contributions; the legislatures of Maryland and Virginia were petitioned at various times for the sale of more shares to be added to the capital stock; attempts were made to force delinquent subscribers to pay their quotas. Despite all efforts to raise money, funds were at this time entirely exhausted. At the 1797 annual meeting in Georgetown the shareholders of the Potomac Company found it necessary to agree to sell the indentures of the servants and discharge the company's laborers. Among the attempts to raise more money was an order to the directors to sell or mortgage all shares belonging to the company; to open the books for 30 additional shares at £130 each; to petition the Virginia and Maryland legislatures for permission to collect tolls at Great Falls; and "to mortgage the tolls for the amount of $16,000, all monies to be applied to the works at Great Falls" (BACON-FOSTER, 95). For further information on the activities of the Potomac Company during the period 1788 to 1797, see BACON-FOSTER, 82--100 and 169--71.
The Union Tavern, built in 1796 by the subscription of a number of Georgetown citizens, was a three-story brick structure located at the corner of Washington (30th) and Bridge (M) streets. It boasted an elegant assembly, or ball, room which was a favorite accommodation for birthday balls and other social assemblies (BRYAN, 1:280; EBERLEIN & HUBBARD, 10--12).
8. Returned home to dinner. Drizling at times until one Oclock--clear afterwds. Mer. 75. Wind No. W. in the Aftern.
9. No rain, but appearances of it in the afternoon. Wind Northerly--Mer. 73.
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10. Clear & cool all day with the wind varying from No. Wt. to No. Et. Mery. at 70. Miss Fanny Henley came.
Frances (Fanny) Henley (b. 1779) was the eldest child of Martha Washington's sister Elizabeth and her second husband, Leonard Henley, of James City County. Fanny later became the third wife of Tobias Lear.
11. Morning & evening cloudy but no rain--Wind shifting from No. Et. to So. Wt.--Mer. 73.
12. Fair until evening, when it began to rain moderately. Wind at So. West & Mer. 79. Genl. Lee, Lady & daughter came.
GENL. LEE: Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee's first wife, Matilda, died in 1790 and in 1793 Lee married Anne Hill Carter (1773--1829), daughter of Charles Carter of Shirley and his second wife, Anne Butler Moore Carter. The daughter who accompanied the Lees was Lucy Grymes Lee (1786--1860), a child of Lee's first marriage.
13. Wind rather variable with Showers in the afternoon. Mer. 79. General <L.> & ca. went away & Mr. Bourne and Mr. Lear came.
Anne Hill Carter Lee, second wife of "Light Horse Harry" Lee. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
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MER.: GW has inadvertently written "Mer." twice in the MS. Mr. Bourne may be Sylvanus Bourne, who was vice-consul in Amsterdam about 1794 and in June 1797 was appointed consul general to the Batavian Republic. A notice in the Alexandria newspaper on 7 Nov. stated that he and his wife "sailed from Chester on Sunday last, in the ship Phoenix, for Amsterdam" ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 7 Nov. 1797).
Tobias Lear, whose second wife, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear, had died in late Mar. 1796, seems to have been living in Washington City. Lear, now a merchant in the Federal City, was also president of the Potomac Company and was on his way to the Great Falls on company business (Lear to GW, 16 Aug. 1797, DLC:GW). Lear wrote GW a few weeks later that he was resolved to take up residence in the fall at Walnut Tree Farm, a section of Clifton's Neck which GW had given to Fanny and George Augustine Washington in 1787 (see entry for lo Feb. 1787). There he would take up farming and direct the studies of his "Charming boys"--Fanny Lear's two orphan sons, George Fayette Washington 1790--1867) and Charles Augustine Washington (b. 1791), and his own child, Benjamin Lincoln Lear (c. 1791--1832), the son of his first wife, Mary Long Lear. He had hoped to rent GW's adjacent River Farm for the coming year, but the season was too far advanced and GW had already made other arrangements to farm the land himself (Lear to GW, 8 Sept. 1797, DLC:GW; GW to Lear, 11 Sept. 1797, NN: Washington Papers).
14. Wind at No. Wt. & Cool all day. Mer. 70. Mr. Bourne & Mr. Lear went away & Mr. Ferdd. Fairfax came.
Ferdinando Fairfax (see entry for 31 May 1769) inherited from his uncle George William Fairfax in 1787 all his property, including the Belvoir estate in Fairfax County and tracts of land in Berkeley (later in Jefferson) County. Ferdinando's home, Shannon Hill, on the Shenandoah River was about halfway between Key's ferry and Snickers' ferry. During this visit to Mount Vernon, Fairfax discussed with GW the possibility of hiring one of GW's jackasses to stand at Shannon Hill for the season and of GW's purchasing or hiring a cook to replace one who had recently run away (Ferdinando Fairfax to GW, 22 Aug. 1797 and 2 Mar. 2798, DLC:GW).
15. Clear & Cool--wind at No. W. Mer. 71. Mr. Fairfax went away.
16. Clear wind varying from No. W. to S. W. Mer. 73.
17. Wind inclining to the Westward--Mer. 73. Weather clear. Went with the family to Alexa. Dined with Mr. Potts. Doctr. Stuart came home with us in the evening.
Mr. Potts is John Potts, Jr., formerly of Pottsgrove (Pottstown), Pa. (see entry for 11 Sept. 1785).
18. Wind Southerly--Clear--Mer. at 79. Doctr. Stuart went away.
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Edward Savage's portrait of the Washington family, painted in 1796. (National Gallery of Art, Gift of Henry Prather Fletcher)
19. Wind Southerly all day. Mer. at 82. Some app[earanc]e of Rain.
20. But little wind & that variable. Weather clear. Mer. 79.
21. Clear with little or no wind. Mer. at 80.
22. Clear & warm. Wind small & variable. Mer. 79.
23. Very little wind rather inclining to the Westward. Mer. 80. Mr. Richd. Randolph & Mr. Carter Beverly came to dinner & Captn. Blackburn & lady in the Afternoon. Clouds but no R.
Richard Randolph, Jr. (c. 1758--1799), of Curles in Henrico County was married to Maria Beverley Randolph (1764--1824), daughter of Robert Beverley (1740--1800) and Maria Carter Beverley (1745--1817) of Blandfield. Randolph's brother-in-law, Carter Beverley (1774--1844), was a justice of Culpeper County. CAPTN. BLACKBURN & LADY: Richard Scott Blackburn (died c.1804--5), the eldest son of Thomas and Christian Scott Blackburn of Rippon Lodge near Dumfries, had been appointed to a captaincy in the United
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States Army in 1794. Earlier, in 1790--91, he served one term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Blackburn was married first to Judith Ball and then, sometime after Oct. 1796, to Ann Blause (c.1760--c.1804).
24. The latter Gentn. & lady went away after breakfast & the former after dinner. Calm. Mer. at 80.
25. Very warm with but little Wind in the forenoon--Met, at 82. Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Ramsay--Mr. & Mrs. Potts & two daughters dined here.
Mr. Wilson is William Wilson, merchant, of Alexandria (see entry for 17 April 1785). Mrs. Ramsay is Mrs. Elizabeth Ramsay, mother of Eliza Ramsay Potts and widow of Patrick Ramsay, a Scottish merchant of Blandford, Prince George County. At the beginning of the Revolution, Patrick Ramsay returned with his family to Glasgow, where he died. His widow and children came back to America in the 1780s and settled in Alexandria (SLAUGHTER [3], 211). William Wilson may have been married to one of Mrs. Ramsay's daughters (deed of Elizabeth Ramsay to John Potts, Jr., and William Wilson, Fairfax County Deeds, Book T-1, 7--11, Vi Microfilm; WMQ, 1st ser., 14 [1905--6], 211--13). John Potts, Jr., and his wife, Eliza Ramsay Potts (see entry for 18 Nov. 1787), had at least three daughters: Sophia W., Anna, and W. D. Potts (SLAUGHTER [3]' 211).
26. Mrs. Washington dined here and in the afternoon Genl. & Mrs. Spotswood--Captn. Spotswood Miss Spotswood & Miss Thornton came. But little wind & great appearances of Rain. Mer. 81.
Mrs. Washington is undoubtedly Lund Washington's widow, Elizabeth Foote Washington, of nearby Hayfield.
Alexander Spotswood of New Post and Nottingham, both in Spotsylvania County, and his wife, Elizabeth Washington Spotswood, were accompanied by two of their children and a niece; Capt. John Augustine Spotswood, a son, was captain of a schooner probably involved in the West Indies trade (see entry for 30 April 1785; John A. Spotswood's statement of his property, 1798, DLC:GW). Miss Spotswood was probably the eldest daughter, Mary; Miss Thornton was one of the four daughters of Mrs. Spotswood's sister Jane Washington Thornton (born c.1752) and her husband, Col. John Thornton, son of Col. Francis Thornton (d. 1784) of Society Hill.
27. Clear, with the wind at No. W. all day. Mer. at 78.
28. Clear--Mercury at 80. Wind Southerly.
29. Clear--Wind Southerly. M. at 80. Mr. Bushd. Washington Mr. Fieldg. Lewis & Wife and Miss Dade dined here & went away afterwards.
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Bushrod Washington had moved his law practice from Alexandria to Richmond in 1790. Fielding Lewis, Jr., was married to Nancy Alexander, daughter of Gerard and Mary Dent Alexander of Fairfax County. The Miss Dade who accompanies the Lewises is undoubtedly one of Mrs. Lewis's relatives; there were numerous marriages between the Alexander and Dade families over several generations.
30. Clear, with the Wind, tho little of it Southerly. Mercury 80. Ludwell Lee Esqr. & Lady & Miss Armistead dined here.
Richard Henry Lee's eldest son, Ludwell Lee (1760--1836), served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1787--90 and was now speaker of the Virginia Senate. His first wife, Flora Lee, had died, and he was married again on 30 May 1797 to Elizabeth (Betsey) Armistead, daughter of Bowles and Mary Fontaine Armistead. The Miss Armistead who appears with the Lees is undoubtedly one of the bride's sisters.
31. Appearances of rain in the Morning--clear & warm afterwards. Mer. at 84. Genl. Spotswoods family & ours dined with Mr. Ludwell Lee. And Mr. Nichs. Fitzhugh & his wife came here to dinner & Mr. Lawe. Lewis in the evening.
DINED WITH MR. LUDWELL LEE: at Shuter's (Shooter's) Hill, Lee's home just outside Alexandria. Nicholas Fitzhugh (1764--1814), one of 14 children of Henry Fitzhugh (1723--1783) of Bedford and Sarah Battaile Fitzhugh (1731--1783), lived at Ravensworth in Fairfax County. He served in the House of Delegates 1790--91 and 1800--3, and then was appointed judge of the United States circuit court for the district of Washington. He married in 1788 Sarah Ashton, daughter of Burdett Ashton and his wife, Ann Washington Ashton, GW's niece.
Lawrence Lewis, son of GW's sister Betty, had been invited by GW to reside at Mount Vernon to help with the entertainment of the many guests. GW informed Lewis, however, that he would "expect no Services from you for which pecuniary compensation will be made. I have already as many on wages as are sufficient to carry on my business and more indeed than I can find means to pay, conveniently. As both your Aunt and I are in the decline of life, and regular in our habits, especially in our hours of rising & going to bed; I require some person (fit & proper) to ease me of the trouble of entertaining company; particularly of Nights, as it is my inclination to retire (and unless prevented by very particular company, always do retire) either to bed, or to my study, soon after candle light. In taking these duties (which hospitality obliges one to bestow on company) off my hands, it would render me a very acceptable service, and for a little time only, to come, an hour in the day, now and then, devoted to the recording of some Papers which time would not allow me to complete before I left Philadelphia, would also be acceptable" (4 Aug. 1797, ViMtV).
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1. Clear & extremely warm being calm--Mer, at 90.
2. Calm in the forenoon & very warm--Mer, being at 91. In the afternoon a little rain fell here for a few minutes & apparently a good deal elsewhere.
3. A sprinkle of rain for a few minutes--Wind at No. Wt. Mer. at 79. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzhugh went away after breakfast & Mr. Lear came to dinner.
4. Wind at No. Wt. & clear--Mer. 77. Genl. Spotswood & family went away after breakfast.
5. Clear--Mercury at 79.
6. Clear--Do. --72.
7. Do.--Do. 70. Dined, with all the family, at Mr. Willm. Wilsons & returnd in the Even.
8. Clear--Wind varying from No. Et. to So. Et. Mercury at 68.
9. Very great appearances of Rain in the Morning with some mist--but not to lay the dust. Mer. at 68. Wind at No. Et. all day.
10. Clear & Cool Wind at No. Et. Mer. 68. Mr. Jno. Bassett--wife & 3 Childn. came here to Dinnr.
Martha Washington's nephew John Bassett and his wife, Elizabeth Carter Browne Bassett, had at least four children at this time.
11. Wind at No. Et. & Cool. Mer. 70--Colo. Sam Griffin and Lady came to dinner.
12. Wind at So. Et. Mer. 70. Appearances of Rain in the Eveng. but none fell. Col. Otway Byrd, Doctr. Barraud came to Dinr. & Mr. Saml. Washington in the Afternoon.
Francis Otway Byrd (1756--1800), son of William Byrd III (1729--1777) and his first wife, Elizabeth Hill Carter Byrd, resigned his post in the British navy at the beginning of the Revolution to take the position of aide to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. He later was appointed a lieutenant colonel of
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dragoons. After the Revolution, Byrd was sheriff and clerk of the court of Charles City County. On 24 Nov. 1797 he was appointed collector of the port of Norfolk (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:251).
Dr. Philip Barraud (1757--1830), son of Daniel Cary and Catherine Curle Barraud, practiced medicine in Williamsburg. He was on the board of visitors at the College of William and Mary and on the court, or board, of directors of the asylum in Williamsburg. In 1799 he moved to Norfolk where he practiced for 30 years (BLANTON, 343--44; VSP, 9:13).
Samuel Washington (c.1765--1832), the younger son of GW's brother Charles and Mildred Thornton Washington, lived in or near Charles Town, Berkeley County. Samuel, who had become responsible for his ailing father's debts and had suffered two disastrous years in which he lost his crops, wrote GW on 7 July requesting a loan. GW was short of money himself but agreed to let his nephew have $1,000 in order to prevent him from having to sell his land; at the same time he gave him a stern lecture on the evils of borrowing (Samuel Washington to GW, 7 July, 1797, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.; Samuel Washington to GW, 29 July 1797, ViMtV; GW to Samuel Washington, 12 July 1797, DLC:GW). On 13 Sept. Samuel gave GW a promissory note for the money (ViMtV).
13. Some appearances of Rain in the evening but none fell. Wind southerly. Mer. 72. All the company went after breakfast.
14. Wind at So. Wt. Mer. at 74, a Shower for abt. 6 Minutes in the afternoon.
15. Great appearances of R. with light drippings in the forenoon--Mer. 78. In the Afternoon abt. 6 Oclock it began a sober rain & cond. till 11 Ock.
16. Clear, with the wind at No. W. but neither hard, nor cold. Met. at 68. Mr. Lear came to dinner.
17. Clear & calm. Mercury at 72. Mr. Lear went away after breakfast.
18. Raining in the forenoon and afternoon--Mer, at 69. Wind Southerly.
19. Clear all day and Wind fresh from No. Wt. Mer. 66. Mr. Geo. Lee of Loudoun dined here.
George Lee (c. 1768--1805) was a son of Thomas Ludwell Lee (1730--1778).
20. Clear with little or no wind. A slight white frost. M. 64.
21. Clear & very pleasant--slight white frost. Wind Easterly. Mer. 68.
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22. Cloudy all day, with the Wind at No. Et. Mer. 67.
23. Just such a day as yesterday. Mer. at 64. Wind at No. E.
24. The same. Wind in the same quarter with a little sprinkling of Rain. Mer. at 62. Went to Church in Alexa.
25. Wind at No. West and clear. Mer. at 72. Went to Alexandria on business.
26. Clear in the forenoon lowering afterwards & turning cold. Wind brisk from the No. Wt. The Attorney Genl. Lee & Lady & Mrs. Edmund Lee dined here.
Charles Lee was appointed attorney general of the United States in 1795. He served in this post until 1801, then returned to his law practice. His last years were spent at his Fauquier County home near Warrenton. Lee was married in 1789 to Anne Lee (1770--1804), daughter of Richard Henry Lee, and later to Margaret Scott Peyton (1783--1843), a widow. MRS. EDMUND LEE: In MS this reads Mrs. Edmund Leed. Mrs. Lee was Sarah (Sally) Lee (1775--1837), daughter of Richard Henry Lee and his second wife, Anne Gaskins Pinckard Lee. She had married her cousin Edmund Jennings Lee in 1796.
27. Cold No. Wt. Wind in the Morning--more moderate afterwards. Mer. at 62. Mr. H. Peake & a Romh. Priest--Mr. Caffray dind here.
Mr. H. Peake is Henry (Harry) Peake, son of Humphrey and Mary Stonestreet Peake. MR. CAFFRAY: Anthony Caffrey (McCaffrey), a Catholic priest who came from Ireland in 1792, was the founder and first pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Washington. In 1794 he bought the lots on which the church was built. Caffrey deeded the land to Bishop Carroll in 1804 and returned to Ireland the next year (O'BRIEN, 143; DOWNING [2], 44--45).
28. A small white frost; clear, Calm & very pleasant. Mer. at 65. Mr. Edmd. Lee Mr. Scudder--Doctr. English & brother dined here.
Edmund Jennings Lee (1772--1843) was the fifth son of Henry Lee of Leesylvania. He and his wife had settled in Alexandria where he practiced law. Mr. Scudder may be a son or brother of Nathaniel Scudder (1733--1781) Of Monmouth County, N.J., who had been a member of the Continental Congress and a colonel of New Jersey militia. Dr. English is probably Dr. James English of Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County, N.J.
29. A very thick & heavy fog with appearances [of rain] but none fell. But little wind & that at No. Wt. Mer. 65. Col. Gilpin & Mr. Hartshorne dined here.
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30. Cloudy all day with the wind at No. Et. Mer. at 65. Mr. Carter of Shirley & Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham came to Dinner.
MR. CARTER OF SHIRLEY: Charles Carter (1732--1806) Of Shirley in Charles City County. MR. FITZHUGH OF CHATHAM: William Fitzhugh (1741--1809) Of Chatham. The Fitzhughs planned to move to Alexandria, and the Fitzhugh home, Chatham, in Stafford County, was put on the market in 1796 (MOORE [1], 203). Martha Washington wrote her friend Elizabeth Powel in July that the Fitzhughs "expect to be living in alexandria in october, but not fixed their before november" (14 July 1797, ViMtV). In fact they did not take up residence in Alexandria until early in December (Martha Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 18 Dec. 1797, ViMtV).
1. Began raining in the Night and contind. to do so, more or less, until Noon--when the Wind got to the Westward & cleard--Mer. 63.
2. Clear, warm & pleasant. Mer. at 66. Mr. Carter & Mr. Fitzhugh went away & Mr. Washington 8: Mr. Foot came to dinr. & returned afterwards.
Mr. Washington undoubtedly is Lawrence Washington (1740--1799) Of nearby Belmont, brother of GW's cousin and wartime manager, Lund Washington (see entries for lo Mar. and 27 July 1785). MR. FOOT: probably William Hayward Foote, usually called Hayward Foote. He was the son of Richard Foote (d. 1779) and Margaret Foote and was the nephew of both Catherine Foote Washington, Lawrence's wife, and Elizabeth Foote Washington, the widow of Lund Washington. Elizabeth Washington called Hayward Foote her "adopted son"; he evidently lived with her and helped her manage the farm after Lund's death (Fairfax County Wills, Book K-1, Vi Microfilm; Lund Washington's Account Book, MdAN).
3. Clear & very warm. Wind Southerly--Mer. at 68. Doctr. Stuart came hear to Dinner. Washington Custis came home.
George Washington Parke Custis was home after an unsuccessful year at the College of New Jersey at Princeton. His academic career was distinctly checkered and caused GW much concern. During the early years of the presidency, GW had sent the boy to a small private school in New York run by Patrick Murdoc (HAMILTON [2], 7:25--26n). When the seat of government was moved to Philadelphia he enrolled young Custis at the "College, Academy and Charitable School" associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Even at this early date there was dissatisfaction with his progress (DECATUR, 102, 169--70, 219--20). In 1796 young Custis matriculated at Princeton and, armed with much good advice from his grandfather, seemed for a time to be doing well. GW's letters to him during the fall and early winter are full of
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admonitions to exert himself in his studies and avoid bad habits; Custis's replies give repeated assurances of his good intentions and progress (see CUSTIS, 73--83). Soon after Custis's return to Princeton from his spring vacation, however, GW received a letter from the president of the college, Samuel Stanhope Smith (1750--1819), which, GW wrote Smith, "filled my mind (as you naturally supposed it would) with extreme disquietude. From his infancy I have discovered an almost unconquerable disposition to indolence in everything that did not tend to his amusements; and have exhorted him in the most parental and friendly manner often, to devote his time to more useful pursuits" (GW to Smith, 24 May 1797, CUSTIS, 83--84). Custis himself a few days later wrote GW a letter full of apologies and promises for improved conduct, and GW replied that he would "not only heartily forgive, but will forget also, and bury in oblivion all that has passed" (Custis to GW, 29 May 1797, and GW to Custis, 4 June 1797,CUSTIS, 84--87). However, despite much good advice from GW and frequent assurances of good conduct from Custis during the next few months, Washington Custis's homecoming on 3 Oct. marked the end of his schooling at Princeton. On 9 Oct., GW wrote Smith, acknowledging several recent letters regarding Custis's deportment. GW expressed regret at "the conduct and behaviour of Young Custis" and made arrangements to pay his grandson's outstanding accounts at Princeton (DLC:GW).
4. A Shower of Rain in the Morning & the wind very high from No. Wt. afterwards--Mer. at 65. Mr. B. Bassett & Mrs. Dunbar & Mr. McCarty came to dinner. The latter returned afterwards.
Mrs. Dunbar may be Elizabeth Thornton Dunbar, wife of Robert Dunbar, a Scots merchant of Falmouth. She was a sister of Charles Washington's wife, Mildred Thornton Washington. Mr. McCarty is Daniel McCarty, Jr. (1759--1801), son of GW's former neighbor Daniel McCarty of Mount Air. The younger McCarty had served in the Revolution as a lieutenant in Grayson's Additional Continental Regiment. He was now living at his grandfather Denis McCarty's old home, Cedar Grove, and was married to Sarah Eilbeck Mason McCarty, daughter of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall. McCarty was interested in moving west and tried to negotiate with GW for an exchange of his Loudoun County Sugar Lands for GW's Kanawha lands, but he decided that he would prefer to have property in the Louisiana area. For the correspondence regarding the negotiations, see Daniel McCarty, Jr., to GW, 2 and 6 Nov. 1797 and 19 Sept. 1798, DLC:GW; GW to McCarty, 30 Oct. 1797, ViMtV; GW to McCarty, 3 and 13 Nov. 1797, NN: Washington Papers.
5. Clear & very pleasant with but little Wind--Mer. at 62. Mr. Basset & Mrs. Dunbar wt. away after breakfast.
6. Warm & pleasant. Wind So. Mer. 65.
7. Calm, clear & warm in the forenoon with appearances of Rain afterwds. Mer. 66. Mr. La Colombe & a Doctr. Flood came here
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to Dinner. The last returned. Mr. T. Peter & Mrs. Peter came in the Afternoon.
Louis Saint Ange Morel, chevalier de La Colombe (1755--c.1800), had come with Lafayette to America in 1777 as an aide-de-camp. He was later made a captain of the King's Dragoons and retired as a major in 1783. He also served in the French army in France, becoming colonel of an infantry regiment in 1791 and aide to the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, in 1792. He was arrested and imprisoned, but in 1794 escaped and came to the United States. Except for a brief return to France he lived in the United States the rest of his life (CONTENSON, 197). George Washington Lafayette, during the early part of his exile in the United States, probably stayed in La Colombe's home (George Cabot to GW, 16 Sept. 1795, DLC:GW). Dr. Flood may be William Pinckard Flood, son of Dr. William Flood and nephew of Dr. Nicholas Flood of Richmond County. William Pinckard Flood was married in 1793 to Ann Peyton (Nancy) Washington and probably resided in King George County.
8. Clear, brisk Southerly Wind. Mer. 65. Mrs. Stuart & two of her daughters came to dinner as did Mr. Lear. Mr. La Tombe went awy.
MR. LA TOMBE' GW means Louis Saint Ange Morel, chevalier de La Colombe, who came on the previous day. He has confused the name with that of Philippe André Joseph de Létombe, the current French minister plenipotentiary to the United States.
9. Wind brisk from the No. Wt. & turning cold--Mer. 64. Mr. Lear & Mr. Peter went awy.
10. The Wind continuing at No. Wt. it brew colder--Mer, at 58.
11. Wind at No. Wt. & fresh after the Morning. Mer. at 56--Mrs. Stuart & Daughters & Mrs. Peters went after breakfast.
12. Cold & frosty Morning, Mer. 54. Mr. G. W. La Fayette & Mr. Frestal left this for Geo. Town to take the stage for New York to embark for France. I accompanied them to the Fedl. City.
Young George Washington Motier Lafayette had received reports from correspondents in Hamburg that his father, together with his mother and sisters who had voluntarily joined him in prison, had been released from Olmütz and were on their way to Paris. GW was unable to persuade him to wait until the reports were confirmed. He and his tutor, Felix Frestal, sailed from New York for Havre de Grace on 25 Oct. on the brig Clio. Definite word of the release of the Lafayette family reached GW several weeks later (GW to chevalier de La Colombe, 3 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW; Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtV). There followed two years of exile for the Lafayette family in Hamburg, Holstein, and Holland (GOTTSCHALK, xxiii).
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George Washington Motier Lafayette, by a member of the Sharples family. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, Robert E. Lee IV and Mrs. A. Smith Bowman Collection)
13. I returned home to dinner. Captn. Huie dined here & went away afterwards. Mer. at 5< >. Wind Southerly.
Captain Huie may be Capt. James Huie of the Dumfries firm of Smith, Huie, Alexander & Co. (DIARIES, 4:261, n.3).
14. Great appearances of Rain--but none fell. Wind Southerly--Mer. 54. Mr. McDonald & Mr. Rich Brith. Com. came to dinner. Christopher set out for Lebanon.
MR. MCDONALD & MR. RICH: Thomas Macdonald and Henry Pye Rich, British commissioners under Article VI of the Jay Treaty. Article VI provided that the United States make full compensation for losses owed to British merchants and others "in all such Cases where full Compensation for such losses and damages cannot, for whatever reason be actually obtained had and received by the said Creditors in the ordinary course of Justice" (BEMIS [2], 460). Five commissioners were to be appointed; two British, two American, and the fifth by "unanimous voice of the other Four" (BEMIS [2], 461). The four commissioners met at Philadelphia and, after much disagreement, were forced to appoint the fifth member by lot. This choice fell upon an Englishman, and since the principles subsequently laid down by the commission majority proved unacceptable to the Americans, the commission disbanded. A compromise was finally reached in 1802 by which the United States agreed to pay the British government a lump sum of £600,000 sterling in three annual installments (BEMIS [2], 438--39).
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In August Thomas Macdonald wrote from Philadelphia informing GW that he was forwarding him a volume of reports sent by the British Board of Agriculture and entrusted to his care by Sir John Sinclair. He informed GW of the proceedings of the commission, stating his belief that an honorable agreement could be reached. He expressed the hope that he and his colleague Rich would be able to pay their respects to GW at Mount Vernon (19 Aug. 1797, DLC:GW). GW replied on 29 Aug. thanking him for the reports and assuring Macdonald that he and Rich would be welcome at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). CHRISTOPHER: GW's body servant, Christopher (sometimes called Christopher Sheels), was "on Monday last . . . Bit by a Small Dog belonging to a Lady in my house, then as was supposed a little diseased. And Yesternight died (I do think) in a State of madness. As soon as the Boy . . . was Bit application was made to a medical Gentleman in Alexandria who has cut out so far as He could, the place Bit, applyed Ointment to keep it open, And put the Boy under a Course of Mercury" (GW to William Henry Stoy, 14 Oct. 1797, WRITINGS, 37:581). GW, upon hearing of the miraculous cures performed in such cases by Dr. William Henry Stoy (1726--1801) of Lebanon, Pa., sent Christopher to him for further treatment. Stoy wrote GW on 19 Oct. that the servant was in no further danger since he had taken his medicine (DLC:GW). Stoy's remedy consisted of "one ounce of the herb, red chickweed, four ounces of theriac and one quart of beer, all well digested, the dose being a wine glassful" (KELLY [2], 1177). Christopher survived Dr. Stoy's treatment and lived to attend GW during his final illness and death.
15. Clear & pleasant calm in the morning--wind at No. Wt. afterwds. Mer. at 58. Mr. Potts & Mr. Keith dined here & returned.
James Keith became a director of the Potomac Company in 1793 (see entry for 15 Aug. 1786).
16. Clear & moderate with but little Wind--Mer. 55. Mr. Macdonald & Mr. Rich went away after breakfast. Mrs. Nichols & Mr. Nichols & wife & Doctr. Stuart came to Din. The 3 first returnd after it.
Mr. Nichols and his wife are probably James Bruce and Mary Nichols of Fairfax County. Nichols may be the J. B. Nickolls who advertised in the Alexandria newspaper in 1797 as a broker "for the purchase of real and personal Estate, (negroes excepted) and procuring money on loan, &c." ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 8 June 1797). The Nichols family lived on land adjoining Thomson Mason's Hollin Hall farm (SPROUSE [2], 53).
17. Clear and pleasant. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Law & Cap: Turner came in the Aftern. Mer.--58.
CAP: TURNER: probably Thomas Turner, a son of Col. Thomas Turner (d. 1797) of Westmoreland County.
18. Clear & pleasant--Wind West. Mer. 61. Mr. Law & Cap. Turner went away after breakfast & Mr. Geo. Calvert came to Dinnr.
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Don Carlos Martinez de Yrujo y Tacon, attributed to one of the Sharples family. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
19. Calm & very pleasant--M. 58.
20. Cloudy morning with the wind at No. Et. Abt. Noon it began to Rain & contd. to do so more or less all day. Mer. at 56.
21. Wind still at No. Et. & misting all day. Mer. at 56. Mr. Calvert went away after breakfast.
22. Clear all day. Wind at No. Wt. M. 57. Mr. Potts & wife & Mr. Smith & wife & Mr. Lear dined here.
Mr. Smith may be Augustine Jaquelin Smith (1774--1830), son of Augustine Smith (1739--1774). Augustine Jaquelin Smith represented Fairfax County in the Virginia legislature 1796--98 and 1821--22. In 1796 he was married to Susannah Taylor, the daughter of Jesse Taylor, Sr., of Alexandria.
23. Very clear & pleasant--M. 56. Went with the family to dine with Mr. Potts in Alexandria.
24. Constant Rain from 8 in the Morning until 4 in the aftern. with the Wind at No. Et. then No. W. Mer. 42. Spanish Minister & Mr. Barry came to dinner.
SPANISH MINISTER: Don Carlos Martinez de Yrujo y Tacon (1763--1834) had come to America as Spanish minister in 1797, succeeding Don José de
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Jáiudenes. In a previous visit, in 1796, Yrujo had spent two days at Mount Vernon at GW's invitation, and GW described him at that time as "a young man, very free and easy in his manners; professes to be well disposed towards the United States; and as far as a judgment can be formed on so short an acquaintance, appears to be well informed" (GW to Timothy Pickering, 4 July 1796, MHi: Pickering Papers). In 1798 Yrujo married Sally McKean, daughter of the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Mr. Barry was James Barry, an Irishman and a partner of Thomas Law in the East India trade. Barry had earlier acted as Spanish agent and Portuguese consul for the states of Maryland and Virginia. He was a heavy investor in lands in the new Federal City (O'BRIEN, 141--43)' Barry had attempted to aid Yrujo in obtaining from the commissioners of the District of Columbia a site in the Federal City to put up housing for the Spanish representative, and GW had written the commissioners urging them to accommodate Yrujo. He thought such a move might persuade other countries to follow suit and thus stimulate the growth of the city (GW to Commissioners, 18 Sept. 1796, DLC:GW).
25. Wind moderately from So. Wt.--clear. Mer. at 52. The above gentlemn, went away after breakfast & Mrs. Craik & two sons & Mr. & Mrs. Harrison came to dinner.
Mrs. Mariamne Ewell Craik, wife of Dr. James Craik, had three sons living at this time--James, Jr., William, and George Washington Craik; Adam Craik seems to have died earlier. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were Mrs. Craik's son-in-law and daughter, Richard and Ann (Nancy) Craik Harrison, who were married in 1791 (see entry for 14 Oct. 1773).
27. Clear & pleasant--Wind Southerly--Mer. 56. Mrs. Crk. &ca. went away before dinner.
28. Lowering in the Morning, but clear & pleasant afterwards. Wind Southerly. Mer. at 60.
29. Clear & pleasant tho' cool Wind getting to the No. Wt. Mer. at 55. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner.
30. Wind brisk from No. Wt. & cold. Mer. at 54. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Cottineau & Lady, Mr. Rosseau & Lady, the Visct. D'Orleans, & Mr. De Colbert came to Dinner & returned to Alexa. afterwards. A Mr. Stockton from N. Jerseys came in the afternoon.
MR. COTTINEAU & LADY: Denis Nicholas Cottineau de Kerloguen (c.1745--1808) was a Breton officer who had served with the Continental navy during the Revolution. He had commanded the United States frigate Pallas, serving under John Paul Jones's command during the fight between the Bonhomme Richard and Serapis, and had himself fought and captured the Countess of
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Scarborough in the same battle. After the Revolution, Cottineau returned to his plantations in Saint Domingue but was forced to flee because of the insurrection there. He settled in Philadelphia and for a time became a shareholder and settler at the French Royalist colony of Asylum (Azilum) on the Susquehanna River. Later, he moved to Savannah. Although Cottineau was not qualified for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, he had been made an honorary member of the Pennsylvania Society in 1795. Cottineau was married to Luce Moquet, a sister of the marquis de Montalet (HUME, 412; MOREAU DE SAINT-MÉRY, 3:1470; Cottineau to GW, 7 Sept. 1788, HUME, 335--37; chevalier d'Annemours to GW, 15 Feb. 1789, HUME, 340--42). MR. ROSSEAU & LADY: Fitzpatrick says this is Jean Rosseau, a volunteer on the Bonhomme Richard (DIARIES, 4:263). VISCT. D'ORLEANS: GW may mean Louis Philippe, duc d'Orleans 1773--1850) or one of his brothers, Antoine Philippe d'Orleans, duc de Montpensier (1775--1807), or Louis Charles d'Orleans, comte de Beaujolais (1779--1808). The three Princes of the Blood were in exile in America and had visited GW at Mount Vernon for four days in April 1797, before starting on a three-month tour through the wilderness of Tennessee, Kentucky, western Virginia, and Pennsylvania. GW had at that time given them letters of introduction and a map of the roads they were to follow on their journey. The duc d'Orleans in 1830 became King Louis Philippe of France (see LOUIS-PHILIPPE [1], xxi--xxxiii, and LOUIS-PHILIPPE [2]). MR. DE COLBERT: This is probably Édouard Charles Victurnin, chevalier Colbert de Maulevrier 1758--1820). Colbert later became comte de Colbert de Maulevrier. He entered the French navy in 1774 and served in America during the Revolution. At the beginning of the French Revolution he commanded a French vessel, but he lost his command and was eventually forced to flee France. He spent a part of his exile in America, returning to France in 1814 at the restoration of the Bourbons (BIOG. UNIVERSELLE, 8:562).
31. Wind still at No. Wt. but moderate. Mer. at 55. Mr. Stockton went away after breakfast and Mr. Ford & Lady & a Mr. Richards came to dinner & proceeded on their Journey to So. Cara. afterwards.
Mr. Ford may be Timothy Ford (1762--1830), formerly of New Jersey. He served briefly in GW's bodyguard during the Revolution and later studied law under Robert Morris. In 1785 he moved to Charleston, S.C., where he was a member of the legislature and a trustee of the College of Charleston. He was married first in 1793 to Sarah Amelia DeSaussure and later to Mary Magdalen Prioleau. MR. RICHARDS: GW may mean a member of the prominent Richardson family of South Carolina.
1. Calm, clear & extremely pleasant. Mer. at 60.
2. Calm, clear & pleasant as yesterday--Mer. at 60. Mr. Thomson Mason & Lady and Mrs. Nichols dined here.
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Thomson Mason (1759--1820), son of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall, lived at Hollin Hall, just north of GW's River Farm. The house had been built on land given Thomson by his father. He was a justice of Fairfax County and later served as a state senator (1801--4) and a delegate (1808--9) from Fairfax to the Virginia General Assembly. Mason married in 1784 Sarah McCarty Chichester, daughter of GW's neighbor Richard Chichester.
3. Calm, Clear & pleasant--Mer, at [ ].
4. Cloudy Morning, drisling afterwards until Night when it rained closely. Mer. 70.
5. Clear in the forenoon & raing. afterwards until Sun down by showers--when the Wind came out strong & cold at No. Wt. & the Mer. fell from 72 to 52 degrees.
6. Variable in wind & weather Mer. Cold. 42. Wind in the afternoon at No. Wt.
7. Cold Morning--ground froze Wind at No. Wt. Morng. Southerly afterwards. Cold 41 deg[ree]s.
8. More moderate--wind still at No. Wt. clear. Mer. 48.
9. Calm, clear & remarkably pleasant. Mer. 52.
10. Wind at No. Et. & great appearances of a fall of weather but it held up. Mer. at 46. Dr. Keith & a Mrs. Forest came to dinner & stayed all night.
DR. KEITH: GW may mean James Keith. He calls the man "Mr. Keith" when he leaves Mount Vernon on the next day.
11. A thick heavy fog all day but no rain till night, when it began to rain very fast. Mer. at 50. Mr. Keith &ca. went away & Mrs. Ratcliff & Son came to Dinner.
MRS. RATCLIFF: may be either Louisiana (Lucian) Bowling Ratcliffe, wife of Richard Ratcliffe (c.1750--1825), or her daughter-in-law, the wife of Richard's son John Ratcliffe (b. 1766). Richard Ratcliffe was a justice and coroner of Fairfax County, served as a commissioner of the tax, and was deputy sheriff for Fairfax. John Ratcliffe was a merchant in Alexandria.
12. Raining all the forenoon with a strong So. Et. Wind. Clear afterwards--Mer. 55.
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13. Clear, calm & remarkably fine & pleasant--Mer. 55 a 65. The British Envoy Mr. Liston & his Lady--Mr. Marchant & his lady & her Son Mr. Brown and Mr. Athill Speaker of the Assembly of Antigua came to Dinner as did a Doctr. Pinckard. The last went afterwards.
Robert Liston (1743--1836) served as British minister and ambassador at several important posts before being appointed in 1796 as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States. He served in this capacity until 1800. In Feb. 1796, just before coming to this country, he married Henrietta Merchant, "daughter of the late Nathaniel M. esq. of Antigua" ( Gentleman's Mag., 66 [1796], 254). Nelly Custis characterized Mrs. Liston as having "kind & friendly manners" and seemed fond of her, but she refused an invitation to spend part of the winter with the Listons in Philadelphia because of her reluctance to leave Mount Vernon and especially her grandmother (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtV). MR. MARCHANT: Mrs. Liston's brother, Dr. Nathaniel M. Marchant (d. 1804)of Antigua. His wife was Mary Marchant. According to Nelly Custis, Mrs. Marchant was "a sweet beautiful engaging Woman, her husband very pleasing & entertaining. I am really sorry that his health is so very precarious. . . . Mr. Brown is a very genteel young man, I am sorry he has left Philadelphia, as I am sure the Belles will feel his loss--he was in my opinion one of the most elegant & pleasing young men last Winter" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtV). Mr. Brown was Frank Brown, Mrs. Marchant's son by a former marriage. Mr. Athill is James Athill, Speaker of the Antigua legislature (Information from Mrs. Alexandra Lee Levin, Baltimore, Md.) Nelly Custis thought him "a sensible agreeable man." The Listons were to accompany the Marchant family and Mr. Athill by water as far as Norfolk, from whence the Marchants, Brown, and Athill were to embark for Antigua (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtV).
14. Remarkable fine morning but lowering & windy from No. W. in the afternoon. Mer. 58 & 42. Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. & Mrs. Potts Mr. Wilson, Mr. Harrison & Da[ughter] & son dined here. In the afternoon Majr. Pinckney & Lady arrived.
Maj. Thomas Pinckney (1750--1828), of South Carolina, was the son of Charles and Eliza Lucas Pinckney and brother of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Reared and educated in England, Pinckney attended the Inner Temple and was admitted to the bar in 1774. He returned to America and served in the Continental Army, receiving a promotion to major of the 1st South Carolina Regiment in 1778. From 1792 to 1796 he served as minister to Great Britain and from 1794 to 1795 was in Spain as special commissioner and envoy to settle the outstanding differences between the United States and Spain. In 1796 Pinckney was the Federalist candidate for vice-president. At the present time he was a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina. Pinckney's first wife, Elizabeth Motte Pinckney, had died while he was in England, and on 19 Oct. 1797 he had married her sister, Frances Motte Middleton, widow of John Middleton. The Pinckneys were undoubtedly on their way to Philadelphia for the new session of Congress.
15. Cold & windy with a little Snow just to whiten the grd. in the morning--clear afterwards. Mer.--38 & 48.
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16. Very hard frost--Wind at No. wt. & clear. Mer. at [ ]. All the Compy. above mentd. went away & Mr. B. Bassett came to dinner & a Mr. Augs. Woodward came in the Evening.
Augustus Woodward, of Greenbrier Court House, stopped at Mount Vernon on his way to Philadelphia with a "draft" from George Alderson, sheriff of Kanawha County, for taxes due for the years 1791--96 on four tracts of GW's land lying on the Kanawha River in Kanawha County (Alderson's draft to GW, Aug. 1797, NjMoNP). Since his knowledge of the county's tax laws was sketchy, GW declined to pay until he could make further inquiry. Woodward informed him that the necessary information could be obtained from the treasury or auditor's office in Richmond, and GW requested his nephew Bushrod Washington, then living in Richmond, to investigate (GW to Bushrod Washington, 18 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW). On 9 Jan. 1798 Bushrod informed his uncle that Sheriff Alderson was substantially correct, but that some of these lands and two lots in Berkeley County had also been returned for nonpayment of 1788 taxes and 1795 taxes, respectively, "with a view under a late Law, of subjecting them to forfeiture and future appropriation by any other person, or to be sold by the public." This, he urged GW, was the more urgent matter, and payment should be made at the treasury or the auditor's office promptly. The taxes due for the last six years should be paid directly to the "Sheriff or Collector of the County where the Lands lie" (ViMtV). Woodward stopped at Mount Vernon on 14--15 Jan. 1798 on his way home from Philadelphia and received the full amount of the taxes requested by the sheriff of Kanawha County. GW sent the amount due at the auditor's office promptly to Bushrod Washington for payment (GW to Bushrod Washington, 19 Jan. 1798, DLC:GW). See also GW to Bushrod Washington, 30 Jan. and 7 Feb. 1798, DLC:GW; Bushrod Washington to GW, 9 Feb. 1798, ViMtV; schedule of GW's western lands, Jan. 1798, DLC:GW.
17. Snowing very fast from So. Et. until 9 Oclock when it ceased--grd. covered abt. 2 Inchs. Mer. 44. 36.
18. Very pleasant, & clear after the morning. Wind moderate Mer. 48 & 42. Mr. Woodford went.
MR. WOODFORD: GW means Augustus Woodward, who came on 16 Nov.
19. Clear & very pleasant--Wd. Southerly. Mer. 50 & 44--Mr. White came.
Mr. White is Alexander White, commissioner of the Federal City (see entry for 31 Dec. 1789).
20. Wind shifting to No. Easterly, it grew cold & threatned Snow. Met. from 32 to 42. Mr. White went away & I went to Alexandria & returned.
21. A little Snow in the morning with a very heavy sleet all day.
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Mer. from 36 to 48. A Mr. Lister introduced by Mr. Robt. Morris came here dined & returned.
Robert Morris wrote GW that Daniel Lister was "an English young Gentn." on a tour of the United States and "could not return contentedly without seeing the Saviour of this country, Thus you see that your well earned Fame subjects your time & attention to be taxed by Strangers" (6 Nov. 1797, DLC:GW).
22. Misting, & at times raining all day. The sleet was so heavy as to break down all the Willow Trees. Mer. 48 & 34.
23. Such a day as yesterday but more rain. Mer. as above. Mr. Bassett & Fanny Henly went away.
Mr. Bassett is probably Burwell Bassett, Jr. He wrote GW from Richmond three days later indicating that he had recently talked to GW about a cook and housekeeper for Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). FANNY HENLY: Nelly Custis wrote a friend, "My cousin left me this morning for her Home. I regret the loss of her society much, as she was great company for me, she is an affectionate amiable girl" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtV).
24. Clear & cold. Wd. at No. Wt. Mer. as above--A Mr. Welch from Greenbrier dined here.
James Welch of Rockingham County, now living in Greenbrier County, arrived at Mount Vernon armed with a cautious letter of introduction from Daniel Morgan. He had no money but had a grandiose scheme for leasing GW's 23,000 acres of land on the Kanawha River and dividing it into small farms for sublease. On 29 Nov., Welch submitted a definite proposition for leasing the land with an option to buy. GW wrote Dr. James Craik in Alexandria to try to find out more about him before carrying negotiations any further (COOK, 71--73; PRUSSING, 119, 464--65).
25. Moderate with the Wind Southerly--Mer. 41 a 49. Mr. Russel came here abt. 9 Oclock A. M.
MR. RUSSEL: probably William Russell (1740--1818), a merchant and reformer of Birmingham, Eng., who engaged in an export trade from Birmingham and Sheffield to Russia, Spain, and the United States. In 1795 he came to the United States to clear up matters dealing with his American trade and to check on a family estate in Maryland. He stayed for five years. On 8 Sept. 1798 Russell wrote GW from Middletown, Conn., thanking him for the hospitality shown him at Mount Vernon and promising to send the ram and the recently completed chaff machine he had promised as soon as appropriate shipping could be had (DLC:GW). Owing to various delays, the sheep and the chaff machine did not arrive until May 1799. Russell also sent GW a gift of a new type of hoe and a new implement called a ground borer, designed for digging fence post holes but which could be put to military use making
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chevaux-de-frise (GW to Russell, 28 Sept. 1798, 6 Jan. and 26 May 1799, and Russell to GW, 11 May 1799, DLC:GW; Russell to GW, 20 Dec. 1798, ViMtV).
26. Wind fresh from No. West all day & clear. Mr. Russel went away after breakfast. Mr. Lear came to dinner & Mr. & Mrs. Law at Night.
27. Wind in the same place & cold. Mer. [ ] No acct. taken.
28. Wind still at No. Wt. & cold. Mer. neglected again.
29. Wind in the same quarter & equally cold and spewing frost. Mer. 22 a 32.
30. Wind & weather as yesterday--Mer. 24 a 34.
1. More moderate--wind still at No. Wt. Mer. 29 & standing there.
2. Wind at So. Wt.--raining and misting all day. Mer. from 32 to 33. Doctr. Fendall came in the afternoon.
3. Wind hard and cold all day from No. Wt. Mer.--From 28 to 18.
4. Excessively Cold wind in the same quarter--Mer. 10 to 18. All the creeks & great part of the River froze.
5. Wind shifted Southerly but still very cold. Mery. as above.
6. Mer. 18--32. River all most closed. Mrs. Forbes our House keeper arrived here this day. Wd. South.
The steady stream of visitors to Mount Vernon put quite a strain on Mrs. Washington. There was no steward or housekeeper at Mount Vernon, and to make matters worse, their slave cook, Hercules, had run away sometime in the early fall. GW wrote several friends requesting them to help him find either a housekeeper or a steward and a cook, either slave or for hire. He also inserted an advertisement in the newspaper for a housekeeper "competent to all the duties of that office in a large family--for such, one hundred and fifty dollars per annum will be allowed, OR In place of a HOUSE-KEEPER,
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a HOUSEHOLD STEWARD, well acquainted with the duties of a Butler, and skilled in the art of cookery (the manual part of which would not be required of him) would be employed at the above, or greater wages, if his qualifications entitled him to them" ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 12 Aug. 1797). The choice fell upon Mrs. Eleanor Forbes, a 50-year-old English widow who had served as housekeeper for Robert Brooke during his term as governor of Virginia. Mrs. Forbes was, according to Brooke, "active & Spirited in the execution of her business--sober & honest--well acquainted with Cookery & . . . capable of ordering & setting out a table . . . her appearance is decent & respectable & such is her general deportment" (Bushrod Washington to GW, 8 Nov. 1797, ViMtV). Mrs. Forbes was due to come to Mount Vernon immediately but was unable to come until December (GW to Bushrod Washington, 22 Nov. 1797, DLC:GW; Bushrod Washington to GW, 8 and 26 Nov. 1797, ViMtV). She proved satisfactory and remained at Mount Vernon until after GW's death.
7. Wind Southerly but still cold. Mer. from 26 to 32. Doctr. Fendall went away, & Docr. Stuart came.
Dr. Benjamin Fendall of Cedar Hill in Charles County, Md., was a dentist. He probably came to see Mrs. Washington, who was to have some new teeth made. GW wrote Dr. Fendall several months later, "Mrs. Washington has been long in expectation of receiving what you took away unfinished, and was to have completed and sent to her; and prays that it may be done with out further delay, as she is in want of them, & must apply elsewhere if not done" (6 Mar. 1798, DLC:GW). Over a year later Fendall wrote GW that he had been able to finish Mrs. Washington's teeth and was sending them by a servant. Whether these are the same ones GW had inquired about is not known. Fendall wrote, "They are--as nearly as I can now recollect, like the old ones--as there are so many ways, to make, & shape Teeth--'twoud be almost impossible, to make 'em, exactly alike--after some time, without having the old ones present. The Model, I took, has, also, by accident, sustain'd some injury. I am extremely sorry, indeed, yr. Lady has been obliged to wait so long owing to my long absence from home and my Illness after I had arriv'd at Cedar-Hill" (10 Aug. 1799, DLC:GW).
8. Lowering, but moderate--Wind Southerly. Mer. 32.
9. Wind cold again from the No. Wt. Mer. 24 a [ ]. Mr. Law & family & Doc. Stuart went away after breakfast & Mr. Welch came to Dinner & returned afterwards.
James Welch had come to Mount Vernon to deliver his final proposal for the Kanawha lands. There had been correspondence back and forth since his original proposal on 29 Nov., and GW had received some rather disquieting reports about Welch. However, Welch's offer of his 99,995-acre tract on Elk River in Randolph County (now W.Va.) to be held in trust by GW as security for payment induced GW to agree to Welch's latest proposal. He wrote James Keith the next day to draw up the necessary papers. Welch was to have a 30-year-lease on GW's four tracts of land on the
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Kanawha River "to commence on the 1st. day of January next (1798) at the Rent of $5,000 for the first year . . . for $8,000 the next year, and from thence untill the expiration of the 30 yrs. for $11,143 annually, and for 99 years thereafter on an annual Rent of $22,286" (GW to Keith, 10 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW). If he so desired, Welch was to have the right to purchase the land in fee simple in four yearly installments beginning in 1804. The land was to be divided into tenements of 50 to 300 acres, with the usual specifications regarding improving the land (PRUSSING, 119--20, 466--71).
10. Wind variable--Mer. 26 a [ ]. Mr. Burwell came to dinner.
Mr. Burwell is probably either Lewis Burwell, Jr., son of Col. Lewis Burwell (1716--1784) of Kingsmill, or Lewis Burwell (1764--1834) of Richmond, son of Lewis Burwell (1737--1779) of Fairfield, Gloucester County.
11. Calm & pleasant--Wind Southerly--Mer. 98 a 34. Mr. Burwell went away after breakfast & a son of Colo. D. Henley came to dinner.
Col. David Henley was at this time War Department agent to the Southwest Territory. He and his wife Sarah Hesilrige Henley (d. 1786) had two sons, Arthur Hesilrige Henley (b. 1782) and David Henley (b. 1784). For information on the Henley family, see WYMAN, 1:493--94.
12. Lowering Morning, but fine afternoon, Mer. 32 a 42. Mr. Henley went up to Alex. Revd. Mr. Fairfax dined he<re>.
Late in 1789 Bryan Fairfax had been ordained a minister in the Episcopal church, and on 25 Mar. 1790 he was inducted as rector of Fairfax Parish. He served as rector for only two years, retiring on 16 July 1792. In 1790 he moved his residence from Towlston Grange to Mount Eagle, a home he built on 329 acres he had purchased near Alexandria. There is some evidence that GW may have named Fairfax's new residence (KILMER, 39--42).
13. Soft & moderate--Wind Southerly. Mer. 42. a 46. Mr. Lear dined here & Mr. Lawe. Lewis returned.
14. Just such a day as the preceeding one. Mer. 46 a 52.
15. Little or no Wind in the forenoon brisk So. Easterly & constant Rain afternoon. Met. 38 a 50.
16. Wind at No. Wt. but not very hard or cold. Mer. 26 a 40.
17. Moderate with very little wind Mer. from 30 to 34. Gen. Huntingdon came to dinner.
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GEN. HUNTINGDON: Maj. Gen. Jedediah Huntington (see entry for 18 Oct. 1789, n.3) had recently built a home in New London, Conn., which he called Mount Vernon (CROFUT, 2:729).
18. Wind shifted to No. Wt. in the Night & grew cold. Mer. from 18 to 32. Went up to Alex. & finished my business w. Mr. Welch.
GW and James Welch signed the papers drawn up by James Keith for the Kanawha lands (PRUSSING, 471). See entry for 24 Nov. 1797.
19. Wind got to the Southward again but was very cold not with standing. Mer. 26 to 34. Genl. Huntingdon went away after breakfast.
20. Wind Southerly in the Morng. with appearances of Snow No. Wt. in the afternn. & Gold Mer. 28 a 38. Doctr. Stuart came to Dinn.
21. Very cold--Wind at No. W. Mer. 9 a 28. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.
22. Very cold Wind fresh at No. Wt. Met. 8 a [ ].
23. Wind in the same quarter but not so hard. Met. 10 a 26.
24. Calm but still cold. Mer. 8 a 28.
25. Appearance for Snow in the Morning but clear afterwards & moderate--Mer. 24 a 32. Mr. W. Dandridge came.
William Dandridge was a son of Martha Washington's brother Bartholomew Dandridge (1737--1785) and Mary Burbidge Dandridge (d. 1809). Young Dandridge had purchased garden seeds for GW at Georgetown (GW's Gash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799, RPJGB).
26. Cloudy morning, & rainy afternoon--wind at So. Et. as it was yesterday. Mer. 32 a 36. Mr. Dandridge went away.
27. Clear--wind having got to No. Wt. again. Mer. 20 to 25. Mr. Lear & Mr. W. Dandridge came to dinner.
28. Clear with but little Wind. Mer. from 15 to 34. Mr. Lear went away after breakfast. Began to fill my Ice house.
29. Clear with very little wind. Mer. from 20 to 41.
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30. Just such a day as yesterday--Mer. 20 to 40. Mrs. Washington came here and Mr. Wm. Dandridge to do business for me in the way of writing.
William Dandridge probably did not stay long at Mount Vernon. The only mentions of him in the accounts after this date are an entry for $25 on 3 Feb. 1798, "By Cash given to Mr. Win. Dandridge," and a similar entry on 11 April (GW's Cash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799, RPJCB). GW probably did not approve of the young man's requests for such sizable sums of money in so short a time after his employment.
31. Clear & pleasant all day with but little Wind. Mer. at 30 or thereabouts.
GW has written this last entry for 1797 on a page inadvertently headed "January."
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1. Much rain fell last night & a thick fog, with a Southerly Wind continued all the forenoon, clear afterwards. Mer. abt. 32.
2. Clear with the Wind (tho' not much of it) at No. Wt. Mer. abt. 30. A Mr. Elliot came to dinnr. and stayed all Night.
MR. ELLIOT: Barnard Elliott, Jr. (c.1777--1806), only son of Lt. Col. Barnard Elliott (d. 1778), a former member of the King's Council in South Carolina and an officer of the South Carolina Regiment of Artillery in the Revolution. Young Elliott was at Mount Vernon to solicit GW's aid in securing a claim against the government for land for his father's service in the war. GW wrote a letter to Secretary of War James McHenry on this day asking him to aid the young man if possible in pressing his petition. A claim for seven years' half pay was finally approved in 1810 (GW to McHenry, 2 Jan. 1798, DLC:GW; S.C. Hist. & General. Mag., 17 [1916], 150--51, 50 [1949], 70, 63 [1962--63], 128).
3. Mrs. L. Washington & Mr. Elliot went away after breakfast, & Mrs. Washington, myself &ca. went to Alexandria & dined with Mr. Fitzhugh. Morning clear but lowering afterwards. Mer. about 28. Wind No. Easterly.
4. Wind at No. Et. and constant Rain all day, with a Sleet; Mer. at 30 in the morning, & continued thereat all day.
5. Little or no wind all day. In the evening it sprung up at No. Wt. Mer. from 30 to 36. A Mr. Fisk who came here on Wednesday evening went away this morning. Last night there fell about three Inches of Snow. Thawing all day.
6. Wind pretty brisk from No. Wt. Mer. from 33 to 40 and thawing.
7. Morning calm & clear. Met. at 28; in the evening it lowered with the wind at No. Et. Mer. at 34.
8. Wind at So. Et. in the Morning and lowering. Mer. at 28. Abt. Noon it began to rain & contd. to do so all afternn. Mer. 30 at
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Night. A Mr. Marshall Music Master came here--Tuned Nelly Custis's Harpsicord & returned after din<ner>.
9. Very foggy with little or no Wind in the morning. Mer. at 32--at the highest 42 and at Night 30 the Wind having got to No. Wt. abt. Noon.
10. Clear fine morning--Mer. at 29. At Noon it lowered very much & towards night Spits of Snow fell. At night the Mer. was at 30 & its greatest height 34.
11. Clear, with the wind fresh all the forenoon from No. Wt. Mer. at 25 in the Morng.--36 at its greatest height & 27 at Night. Mr. Lear dined here & returned.
12. Clear, & wind Southerly. Mer. at 24 in the morning--42 greatest height and 32 at Night.
13. Clear & no wind in the morning. Mer. at 28--greatest height 48--in the evening at 43. Calm & pleasant all day.
14. A little lowering all day with but little wind and that Southerly. Mer. at 36 in the Morning 46 at Night & 48 when highest. Mr. Lewis Burwell came to dinner & Mr. Woodward in the evening.
Burwell requested a letter of introduction for a trip to inspect land in the Genesee country of western New York State (GW to Charles Williamson, 19 Jan. 1798, WRITINGS, 37:581).
15. Southerly Wind--Soft morng. thin clouds. Mer. at 46 at Sunrise--50 at Noon & 50 at Night. Slow rain from 12 oclock with the wind Southerly. Mr. Burwell & Mr. Woodward went away & I went to Alexandria to a meeting of the Stockholders of that Bank to an Election of Directors.
GW on this day, "By Cash (in a check on the Bank of Alexa.) paid George Alderson Sheriff of Kanhawa Cty., his draught in favour of Augustus Woodward, taxes on four tracts of Land lying on the Kanhawa River for the years 1791. 2. 3. 4. 5 & 1796 pr. the said Woodwards receipt--£101.10. 3¾" (GW's Cash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799, RPJCB). See entry for 16 Nov. 1797.
GW attended a meeting to elect nine directors of the Bank of Alexandria for one-year terms under the charter granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1792 ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 4 Jan. 1798; HOWE, 1--9).
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16. Clear morning & brisk Southerly Wind. Mer. at 43 in the morning--53 at its highest and 51 at Night. Day clear throughout & very pleasant.
17. Clear & pleasant wind Southerly. Mer. 30 in the Morng.--56 at the height and 48 at Night. Abt. noon the Wind came out at No. Wt. but died away. Very clear & pleast.
18. Lowering, with the wind pretty fresh from the Northward in the morning. Mer. then 38-32 at Night g: 38 at its highest. Cold, raw g: cloudy all day.
19. More lowering & likely to snow than yesterday. Wind still Northerly--And Mer. at 26 in the morning--the same at Night & only raised two degrees in the course of the day. Afternoon threatned Snow much.
20. Still likely for Snow--A small sprinkle, but not enough to cover the ground in the Morning. About 10 Oclock it cleared & became remarkably pleasant wind Southerly. Mer. at 26 in the Morning--40 at highest & 32 at Night. Mr. G. W. Craik came here to dinner.
21. Morng. clear & wind at No. Wt.--Mer. at 30. Clear all day. Mer. at 40 & fallen to 39 at night.
22. Very cloudy & heavy. Wind Southerly. Mer. 32 in the Morn.--40 at Noon & 42 at Night. About two oclock it began to rain & continued to do so about 2 hours when it ceased but remained cloudy.
23. Snow, just sufft. to cover the ground, fell in the Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning & Mer. at 30--at Noon 25 & at night 20. Wind fresh all day. Mr. Howell Lewis came to Dinner.
Howell Lewis (1771--1822), of Culpeper County, was the youngest child of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. In 1793 he served GW as an interim manager of Mount Vernon until GW found and hired William Pearce.
24. Wind at No. Wt. in the morning--at noon 28 and at Night 22. Clear all day & afterno[o]n the wind was Southerly. Mr. Jno. Hopkins & Mr. Hodgden came to dinner.
MR. JNO. HOPKINS: probably John Hopkins (c. 1757--1827), commissioner of continental loans for the state of Virginia (1780--c.1794) and a merchant and
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banker of Richmond. In 1806, after moving to Alexandria, Hopkins married Cornelia Lee (1780--1815), a daughter of William Lee of Greenspring.
25. Wind Southerly all day & much like Snow in the forenoon--clear afterwards. Mer. 26--32 & 32. Mess. Hopkins & Hodgden went away after Breakfast.
26. Mer. at 30 in the morning. Wind Southerly & raining until Noon, when it ceased but continued cloudy with the Wind in the same place. Mer. rising to 37 by Night.
27. Raining with the wind at No. Et. Mer. at 32 in the morning--33 at Noon & 28 at Night. About 4 O'clock the Wind came out at No. Wt. & the Rain changed to Snow.
28. Snow about an Inch deep. Clear & wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 20 in the Morning--33 at its highest & 20 at Night. Mr. Craik & Mr. Howell Lewis went away after breakfast.
29. Cold, raw & likely for Snow in the Morning. Mer. at 20 & wind at No. Et. Clear Afternoon with but little wind. Mer. 31 at highest & 27 at Night.
30. Lowering--in the Morning, Wind still at No. Et. Mer. 24. Afternoon calm, clear & pleasant. Mer. at 42 at its height & 37 at Night.
31. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. and Mer. at 31 in the Morning--lowering towards night. Mer. 45 when highest and 35 at Night.
1. Clear wind about So. Wt. & Mer. 28 in the Morning. Pretty brisk from No. Wt, about Noon & calm towards night & clear all day. Mer. 40 at Night & 45 when highest. A Mr. Lad & a Mr. Gibbes from Rhode Island dined here & returned to Alexandria.
John G. Ladd was a merchant in Alexandria. Of Mr. Gibbes from Rhode Island, Nelly Custis later remarked: "I do not know what subjects he discusses with gentlemen . . . as I have seen too little of him, to fathom his scull, yet his conversation to Ladies is composed of . . . Hearts, darts, hopes, fears,
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heart achs, & all the etcetera superfluous of the tender passion" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 20 Mar. 1798, ViMtV).
2. Clear, moderate & pleasant all day with but little wind & that Westerly. Mer. 32 in the Morning--56 at highest & 52 at Night.
3. Wind brisk from No. Wt. & Mer. 42 in the Morning--clear and but little of it afterwards. Mer. 44 at highest & 38 at Night. A Mr. Adamson from Hamburgh & Doctr. Stuart came to Dinner.
William Adamson wrote GW a letter on 5 Feb. 1798 thanking him for "the polite & kind reception" that he had received at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW).
Dr. David Stuart was at Mount Vernon to discuss with GW what was to be done with Washington Custis. After young Custis's return from Princeton in October (see 3 Oct. 1797), GW made out a schedule of study with the intention of having the boy pursue his education at Mount Vernon (7 Jan. 1798, DLC:GW). The results, as may have been expected, were not satisfactory. GW wrote to Stuart on 22 Jan. to see if he and Custis's mother could find out what the boy wanted to do (MH: Autograph File). Stuart replied on 26 Jan. that Custis himself "found his habits of indolence and inattention so unconquerable, that he did not expect to derive any benefit from the plans pursued in [a college]." Stuart promised GW that he would be at Mount Vernon soon to talk over the situation (DLC:GW). He came again on 18 Feb.
4. Wind Southerly, & weather lowering. Mer. at 31 in the morning. 44 at Noon, & at Night. Afternoon clear. Mr. Adamson went away after breakfast & Mr. Craik & Mr. Marshall came to dinner--the latter returned after it.
5. Wind violent at No. Wt. in the morning g: Mer. at 40--46 at highest & 37 at Night. Clear all day & wind ceasing towards Night. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.
6. Clear, with a brisk Southerly Wind. Mer. at 29 in the morning--46 at highest & 41 at Night.
7. Wind Southerly in the Morning but shifted before 10 oclock & turned very cold. Mer. 31 in the Morng. Went to a meetg. of the Potomak Co. in George Town. Dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds & lodged at Mr. T. Peters.
This was a special meeting of the Potomac Company shareholders, called to try to shore up the crumbling financial condition of the company (see entry for 7 Aug. 1797). The president (Tobias Lear) and directors (James Keith, John Mason, and John Templeman) were authorized "to borrow not more than 100 shares from the proprietors to mortgage for loan, said stock
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Thomas Peter in an early nineteenth-century portrait, by William Williams (Mr. Armistead Peter III)
to be returned on or before August, 1800." A report was read which told of unsuccessful attempts to procure further aid from the Virginia and Maryland legislatures. However, the two legislatures had passed a law allowing the company to collect additional tools, and the time for completion of the work had been again extended until 1802. Although the president and directors had obtained "on their notes, for the use of the Potomac Company, from the Bank of Columbia, $4500, and from the Bank of Alexandria $1500," in order to carry on the work at Great Falls, the financial condition of the company became increasingly precarious (BACON-FOSTER, 95--97).
8. Visited the Public buildgs. in the Morng. Met the Compy. at the Union Tavern & dined there--lodged as before. Weather very cold. Wind Northerly.
Visitors to the Capitol and the president's residence in Feb. 1798 found the buildings well along. At the Capitol the superintendent reported "the free-stone work on the outside is raised as high as the top of the Corinthian capitals all round the building. . . . The brickwork is also raised as high as the roof, and the naked flooring of the building is almost entirely laid." At the "President's House" the stone work was almost finished, the chimneys were up to the roof, which was finished except for the laying of the slate, and the doors "of the two principal stories" were all framed, "and some of them are panelled" ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 27 Feb. 1798).
9. Returned home to Dinner--hard freezing the three last
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Nights. Weather still cold. Wind No. Easterly. Mer. at night 20. Found Mr. Geo. Calvert here.
10. Clear morning with but little W. Mer. at 18. Pleasant all day. Mer. 28 at Night. Mr. Calvert left this after breakfast. Wind freshened from the Southward.
In MS "left" is written "let."
11. Clear--Mer. at 30, & wind Southerly in the Morning. 47 at highest & 40 at Night. Towards Night the Wind shifted to the No. Et. & the weather became lowering.
12. Clear--Mer. at 35 and Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning--little or none afterwards--& at Night lowering. Went with the family to a Ball in Alexa. given by the Citzen[s] of it & its vicinity in commemoration of the Anniversary of my birth day.
Feb. 11 was GW's birthday according to the Julian (Old Style) calendar, but in 1752 the corrections of the Gregorian (New Style) calendar were adopted by England, Ireland, and the colonies, and GW's birthday became 22 Feb. The citizens of Alexandria chose to celebrate GW's birthday on the Old Style date, but it fell on a Sunday in 1798, and consequently the ball was held on Monday, 12 Feb. (see entry for 11 Mar. 1747/48 for a discussion of the transition from the Julian to Gregorian calendar). Nelly Custis accompanied GW's party to the ball, where she found her old music "master for singing" from Philadelphia who "performed with the band . . . and his clarinet sounds as sweetly as ever." She also found "the room . . . crouded, there were twenty five or thirty couples in the first two setts . . . we danced until two o'clock" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 20 Mar. 1798, ViMtV).
13. A sprinkle of Snow fell in the Night. Wind at No. Et. Raw & threatning a fall of Weather all day. Returned home to dinner. Mer. 30 at Night.
14. About an inch deep of Snow fell last Night. Weather cloudy & cold. Wind at No. & Mer. 25 in the morning--Clear afterwds. Mer. 33 at Night. Mr. Alexr. Spotswood & Wife & Mr. Fieldg. Lewis & Mr. Lear came to dinner. The latter returned afterwards.
15. Clear morning--wind still at N. W. & Mer. at 24--the evening--32 & at highest 36. Afternoon clear & evening lowering. Mr. Fieldg. Lewis went away after dinner.
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16. Cloudy, & Wind No. Westerly & Mer. at 30 in the Morning. No. Easterly afterwards. Mer. 28 at Night & 32 at highest. Cloudy most part of the day. Mr. & Mrs. Spotswood left us after breakfast.
17. Mer. at 24--Wind at No. cold & fresh in the morning & all day. Mer. 30 at Night & 36 at highest--clear.
18. Quite clear & little wind, Mer. 21 in the morning--Wind at No. Et. afterwards. Mer. 24 at Night & 34 at highest. Doctr. Stuart came in the evening.
19. Mer. at 22 in the morning. Wind at No. Et. & extremely cloudy. About 4 O'Clock it began to Hail. At Night Mer. was at 21 & at highest 24. Doctr. Stuart went away after Breakt.
20. An extremely heavy Sleet--with little or no wind. Mer. at 28. A mixture of Hail & rain had fallen in the Night. Abt. noon the Wind came out, but not hard at No. W. Cloudy all day. Mer. 32 at Night--as high as it had been in the day.
21. Mer. at 32 in the Morning & very cloudy--the wind at No. Et.--where it remained all day. In the evening it began a steady rain. Mer. stood at 32 all day.
22. About an inch of Snow fell last Night--Mer. 32--morning clear. Wind So. Westerly till 10 Oclock--then No. Wt. & fresh. Mer. 42 at Night & 50 at highest.
23. Heavy morning--no wind. Mer. 32 very cloudy all day--wind at So. Et. & in the aftern. fine Rain. Mer. 36 at Night & not more all day.
24. Very foggy Morng. & Mer. at 36. Cloudy all day without Wind. Mer. at 40 at Night & at highest.
25. Rain fell last Night. Morning cloudy & heavy--Wind Easterly & Mer. at 36. No. Wt. in the afternn. Mer. 44 at higt. & 40, Night.
26. Morning calm & heavy--clear afterwards. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning & Mer. 36. Clear the remainder of the day & a little cool. Mer. 40 at Night & 43 at highest.
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27. Morning clear. Wind at No. Wt. but not fresh--grd. a little froze & Mer. at 30. Clear & pleasant all day. Mer. 40 at Night & 44 at higt.
28. Clear morning & very white fr. No wind--Mer. at 30. About 10 Oclock the wind came out at No. Et. clouded up immediately & at 12 began to snow & contd. to do so until night, by which the grd. was covered about 4 Inches. Mer. contd. at 30 all day.
1. Wind at East--Morning heavy. M. at 30. About 9 or 10 Oclock began a slow foggy rain which continued through the day. Mer. remained at 30.
2. A very thick fog & very little Wind. Mer. at 31 in the morning. In the afternoon the weather cleared & towds. Night the Wind came out fresh at No. W. Snow all gone. Mer. 33 at Night 40 at high.
3. Cloudy with appearances of Snow. Wind at No. a little Easterly. Mer. 29 & ground frozen in the morning. Abt. noon it cleared, & the wind shifted to the Southward. Mer. 30 at Night & 34 at highest. Mr. G. W. Craik dined here & returned.
4. Morning clear & calm--White frost--Mer. 26 grd. frozen. Clear & pleasant all day with the Wind at So. Mer. 41 at night 43 at highest. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner.
5. Calm morng. with Indications of a change in the weather. Mer. at 30. Doctr. Stuart left this, to accompany Washington Custis to St. Johns College at Annapolis. Messrs. Bowne & Lawrence from New York & young Hartshone dined here & retd. Mer. 40 at N. 46.
After much thought GW had finally decided to enroll Washington Custis in St. John's College, a small nondenominational school opened in 1789 in Annapolis. Custis's uncle George Calvert had recommended the college. GW thought the boy might like it better than a school farther from home and also he felt "there is less of that class of people which are baneful to youth, in that City, than in any other" (GW to David Stuart, 26 Feb. 1798, NN: Washington Papers). GW sent by Dr. Stuart's hand a letter to John McDowell, president of the college, in which he warned McDowell of Custis's
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indolence. He added, however, that he knew of no vice in the boy. "From drinking and gaming he is perfectly free and if he has a propensity to any other impropriety, it is hidden from me. He is generous, and regardful of truth" (5 Mar. 1798, NN: Washington Collection). YOUNG HARTSHONE: may be William Hartshorne, Jr. (SPROUSE [2], 2:50).
6. Morning clear--Wind No. Easterly M. 32. Afternoon wind South Easterly. Mer. 38 at Night & 46 at highest. Doctr. Craik dined here & went away afterwards.
7. A very white frost--heavy fog. No wind & Mer. at 32 in the morning. Clear & at So. Et. afterwards though but little of it. Mer. at 46 at Night and 50 at highest.
8. Cloudy, with the wind at No. Et. but not much of it & Mer. at 40 in the Morng. Clear afterwards & wind Southerly. Met. 50 at Night & 60 at the highest. Colo. Heth--Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Patten dined here. The two last left it after dinner.
Col. William Heth (see entry for 22 Feb. 1788), of Virginia, was one of the officers GW preferred for the army formed in 1798 in response to the threat of war with France.
9. Morning--Sun rose red--thin gauz Clouds--Wind No. Et. Mer. 38. Clear afterwards & wind at So. Wt. Mer. 50 at Night 52 at height. Colo. Heath went away after breakfast.
10. Morning--clear & smoaky--Wind at South & Mer. at 50. Clear all day & wind in same quarter. Mer. 62 at Night & 66 at highest. Ludwell & Geo. Lee Esqrs. & Mr. Robt. Beverly dined here & returned & Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Nelly Custis came after dinner.
Ludwell Lee was a first cousin of George Lee of Loudoun, who appears at Mount Vernon also on this day. ROBT. BEVERLY: may be either the father or the brother of George Lee's wife, Evelyn Byrd Beverley Lee. The elder Robert Beverley (1740--1800) lived at Blandfield in Essex County; his son Robert Beverley (1769--1823) inherited the estate upon the death of his father.
11. Morning--thin clouds--brisk South wind Mer. at 57. In the afternoon Rain with thunder & lightening--Mer. at 55 & 63 at highest. Colo. Ball & Doctr. Stuart came to Dinner.
Col. Burgess Ball moved from his Spotsylvania estate in 1791 and was at this time living at Springwood in Loudoun County.
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12. Morning--High No. Wt. Wind--Mer. at 33. Clear all day. Mer. 42 at Night & 44 at highest. Calm evening. Colo. Ball & Dr. Stuart went after Bt.
13. Morning--Cloudy, & but little Wind--Mer. at 40. Clear afterwds. with the wind at No. Wt. but not hard. Mer. 40 at Night & 46 at hig. Mr. Peter went away after breakt.
14. Morning--Clear & pleasant--Wind Southerly--Mer. 38. Wind increased from same quarter--and in the evening lowered. Mer. rose to & stood at 56.
15. Morning cloudy with but little Wind. Mer. at 46. Abt. Noon the Wind came out strong at No. Wt. & sprinkled Rain--after wch. it cleared & became calm. Mer. at 40 at Night & 46 at its height.
16. Morning--clear, Wind at No. Wt. Mer. 38. Clear all day & wind pretty fresh. Mer. 41 at Night & 46 at the height.
17. Morning cloudy--Wind at East & Mer. at 35. Clear afterwards with but little wind and that Easterly. Mer. 44 at Night & 49 at highest. Mr. Snow of Massachusetts dined here & returned to Alexa.
Mr. Snow is probably Gideon Snow, who settled in Boston, Mass. (see entry for 17 Sept. 1786).
18. Morning--thick--Wind at No. East--Mer. at 38. Clear about Noon cloudy & much like rain afterwards wind still at No. Et. Mer. 39 at Night & 43 at highest. Mr. Steer Sent. & Junr. Miss Steer & Mrs. Vanhaver dined here & returned to Alexa. afterwards. Mr. Peter came in the afternoon.
Henri Joseph Stier (1743--1821), member of the States General of the Province of Antwerp, Belgium, fled the wars of the French Revolution in 2794 and brought his family to America, settling in Annapolis, Md. With him at Mount Vernon today were his son, Jean Charles Stier, his daughter Rosalie Eugenia Stier, and another daughter, Isabel, wife of Jean Michel Van Havre, who appears in the diaries 20 June 1799.
19. Morning--Raining slow--Wind at No. Et. Mer. at 37. Cloudy until late in the afternoon without rain, when it cleared; Mer. at 42 at Night, & no higher all day. Horns of the New Moon up. Dined with Mrs. Washington &ca. at Mr. Thomson Mason's.
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20. Morning--Soft & cloudy without Wind--Mer. at 42. Raining at times from about noon with the Wind at No. Et. Mer. contd. at 42 all day. Mr. Lawe. Washington of Chotanck & Mr. Lawe. Washington of Belmont came to Dinner. Albin Rawlins came to live with me as Clerk.
GW, upon "finding it impracticable to use the exercise on horse back which my health business and inclination requires, and at the same time to keep my acots., and perform all the writing, which my late Public Occupations have been the means of involving me in, I resolved to employ a clerk," preferably "a single man . . . on very moderate wages . . . [to] be content to eat with, and live in the same manner the Housekeeper does, having a room to himself to write in, and another to lodge in, over the same" (GW to William Augustine Washington, 27 Feb. 1798, DLC:GW; GW to Albin Rawlins, 31 Jan. 1798, DLC:GW; WRITINGS, 36:150--51, 171--74). The clerk's "principle employment" would be "to copy and record letters and other Papers, to keep Books (if required) and an account of articles received from and delivered to the Farms . . . to go . . . to such places as my business may require, to receive grain, and attend to the measurement of it, and other things when it is necessary to send a trustworthy person to see it done" (GW to Albin Rawlins, 12 Feb. 1798, DLC:GW; WRITINGS, 36:164--66). After some dickering GW hired Albin Rawlins, of Hanover County, for $150 per year (see Rawlins to GW, 26 Jan. and 7 Feb. 1798, DLC:GW).
21. Morning--hard rain with thunder & lightening--wind at East & Mer. at 41. Showery until 3 Oclock when the wind came out violently at No. W. & cleared. Mer. 40 at Night & 46 at its height. Mr. L. Washington Belmont went away.
BELMONT: GW wrote "Vermt.," apparently a slip of the pen.
22. Morning--Clear--Wind at No. Wt. Mer. at 35. Clear all day & wind hard until evening at same point. Mer. 40 at Night & 48 high.
23. Morning--Clear & calm--Mer. 33. Lowering afterwards with a brisk So. Easterly Wind. Mer. 46 at Night & no higher all day. Mr. L. Washington of Chotanck & Mr. Peter went away after breakfast.
24. Morning--Storming with Rain & Wind at So. Et. Mer. 48. Abt. Noon the Rain ceased, & the wind shifted to the West of South. Mer. 50 at Night and 51 at highest.
25. Morning--clear & Wind So. Wt. Mer. 42. Squally afternoon, Wind shifting to No. Wt. Mer. 42 at Night & 48 at high. Mr.
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Nichols & wife & Mr. Lear & family dined here. Mr. Peter returnd.
MR. LEAR & FAMILY: Besides his son Benjamin Lincoln Lear and stepsons George Fayette Washington and Charles Augustine Washington, the Lear family may have included Lear's mother, Mary Lear, who had come to care for the boys after Fanny Lear's death. Lear's stepdaughter, Anna Maria Washington (1788--1814), had gone to live with her uncle Burwell Bassett, Jr., at Eltham.
26. Morning--Clear--Wind at No. Wt. & Mer. 40. Afternoon wind shifted to So. W. & lowered. Mer. 50 at Night 51 hight.
27. Morning--Clear & pleasant with but little Wind from So. Wt. Mer. 46. Wind more westerly afterwards clear & still very pleasant and warm. Mer. at 53 at Night & 56 at highest. Mr. Charles Carroll Jun. & Mr. Willm. Lee came to dinner.
Charles Carroll, Jr. (b. 1775), of Homewood, was the son of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. His attentions to Nelly Custis at an Alexandria ball the previous spring set off rumors of romance that were discounted by Nelly, who, although finding Carroll "a pleasing young man," was left with the impression that he "unfortunately has been told too often of his merit and accomplishments, and it has given him more affectation than is by any means agreeable" (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 30 May 1797, ViMtV). With this visit by Carroll the romantic rumors resumed, and to Nelly's brother, George Washington Parke Custis, GW wrote: "Young Mr. C[ ] came . . . to dinner, and left us next morning after breakfast. If his object was such as you say has been reported, it was not declared here; and therefore, the less is said upon the subject, particularly by your sister's friends, the more prudent it will be until the subject develops itself more" (15 April 1798, CUSTIS, 102).
WILLM. LEE: probably William Lee (1775--1845), of Frederick County, Md., third son of Thomas Sim Lee and Mary Digges Lee.
28. Morning clear & calm--Mer. 42--So. East afterwards. 53 at Night & 56 at highest. Mr. Carroll & Mr. Lee went away after breakfast & the family here went to dine with Mr. Nichols.
29. Morning--heavy without wind. Mer. 50. Clear afternoon & Calm. Mer. 53, greatest 54.
30. Morning tolerably clear Wind abt. South Mer. 49. Clear warm all day, wind in the same place. Mer. 64 at Night & 67 at highest. Doctr. Flood dined here.
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31. Morning--Hazy & a little cloudy. Wind pretty fresh from South. Mer. 58. Clear afterwards--Wd. same place. Mer. 65 at Night 68 at highest. A Mr. Fevot--a French Gentleman recomd. by Count de Rochambeau dined here & a Mr. Freeman Member in Congress from N. Hamps. came in the afternoon & returned.
Paul Ferdinand Fevot (b. 1756) was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, the son of Jean Samuel Fevot. Lausanne was at this time ruled by the Canton of Berne, and Fevot was "Lawyer at the Soverign Council of Berne." He was, however, in ill favor with the French whose influence was strong in his country at this time and had come to the United States with a cautious, unsigned letter of introduction from Rochambeau, whose own position in France was extremely precarious. Fevot wrote GW a long, rambling letter a few days after this visit expressing disillusionment in general with people and conditions in America, and particularly dissatisfaction with GW's reception and entertainment at Mount Vernon. "I was not surprised in beholding your reserved Countenance at first meeting, but I entertained a chearfull hope that it would clear up when I should have made myself better Known. I respectfully presented to You my note of recomandation, & Your Excellency told me You did not read French; upon which I took the Liberty to Express my hope that You Knew the hand writing; & Your answer was You rather thought it was! If I am still acquainted with the English language this expression is to carry with it if not a thourough doubt of an allegation at least a strong shade of it injurious in this instance to any honest man, and very ungenerous, very cruel indeed to a Stranger of a genteel appearance & behaviour; 1200 leagues distant from his native Country, who having ex. posed himself to run 400 more at a grievous expence for him, relying on a recomandation, does not get by it the least token of interest or protection but not even a Kind word" He continued, "If to obtain in life a high Situation, if the worship of the Multitude is to be captivated by divesting oneself of humanity & generosity there is much more comfort in my [lowly] position than I thought." Fevot added, however, that he found Mrs. Washington a civil and polite lady. GW was nonplussed by Fevot's letter and replied on 15 April: "Not perceiving what has been your object in addressing such sentiments as your letter of the 4th inst. contained--and not being conscious of having merited the reprehension you have judged it expedient to inflict on me, I shall not give you the trouble of reading an answer in detail. I can not forbear observing however that as it is not usual with me, to treat any Gentleman with incivility or even with indifference (especially under my own Roof) I am unable to recollect any part of my behaviour which could give rise to such misconception of my motives" (Fevot to GW, 16 Oct. 1797 and 4 April 1798, and GW to Fevot, 15 April 1798, DLC:GW; Fevot's certificate from the magistrate of Lausanne, 14 April 1797, MHi-A: Adams Family Papers).
Jonathan Freeman (1745--1808) lived in Hanover, N.H., where he farmed and served as treasurer of Dartmouth College for over 40 years. After holding a number of local and state offices he was twice elected as a Federalist to the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1797 to 1801.
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1. Morning--Smoaky & a little cloudy with the wind fresh from the Southward. Mer. 60--at night 66 & not higher all day. Mr. Law, a Mr. Taylor Lieutt. Walton of the Navy & young Mr. Barry came to dinner & Chs. Alexander junr. came at Night.
Young Mr. Barry is probably James David Barry, nephew and adopted son of James Barry. Charles Alexander, Jr. (d. 1812), was the oldest son of Charles Alexander (1737--1806) of Preston.
2. Morning--very heavy--Wind at No. Et. Mer. 56. Raining more or less from 10 oclk. Wind more Northerly. Mer 40 at Night. Mr. Law & the Gentlemen who came with [him] left this about noon.
3. Morning--Raining--Wind fresh from No. Et. Mer. 39. Raining all day--wind in the same quarter. Mer. 38 at Night 42 highest.
4. Morning very thick and misting. Wind high from No. Et. Mer. 38. Misting & sometimes raining through the day. Wind in the same quarter. Mer. 39 at Night & 42 at highest. Mr. Alexander went away after breakfast.
5. Morning--Heavy & misting, Wind at No. Et. Mer. 42--The same through the day. Mer. 46 at Night & no higher.
6. Morning--Sun rose clear, but cloudy notwithstanding. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 46. Clear afterwards Wind still Easterly but moderate; Mer. 54 at Night--58 at highest.
7. Morning thick & misting. Wind easterly Mer. 48. Clear at Noon & cloudy afterwards. Mer. 50 at night & 58 at highest.
8. Morning--Began to rain about 6 Oclock--Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 48. Ceased before 8 oclock & became a fine clear day with the wind moderately from No. Wt. Mer. 58 at Night & 63 at highest. Cap. John Spotswood & Mr. Lear came to dinner--the last went away after it.
9. Morning--clear, calm & extremely pleasant. Mer. 46. Clear all day--wind first at No. Et. then Southerly. Mer. 53 at Night, &
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56 at highest. Mr. Peter went away after breakfast--leaving Mrs. Peter behind him.
10. Morning--Calm & clear Mer. 47. The wind springing up from the Eastward it lowered in the Afternoon & began to rain at Night. M. 52 at Night and 53 at highest.
11. Morning--Very cloudy havg. rained through the Night. Wind at So. Et. & Mer. at 52.
12. Morning--Clear--Wind Southerly & Mer. 45. Wind variable and weather apparently unsettled. Mer. 47 at Night 52 at highest. Mr. Peter ret[urned].
13. Morning heavy & lowering. Wind Southerly & Mer. at 44--variable appearances of weather thro the day. Mer. 48 at Night & 50 at highest. Genl. Lee came to dinner & Colo. Heath & son in the afternn.
Col. William Heth had two sons, William M. Heth and Henry Gray Heth (d. 1816).
14. Morning--Clear & but little Wd. & that at No. W. Mer. 46. Wind varying from No. W. to So. W. & then back again with squalls without Rain. Mer. 45 at Night & not higher than 46. Genl. Lee & Colo. Heath went away after breakfast & Dr. Stuart came to D.
To D.: probably means "to dinner" or "to dine."
15. Morning clear & cool, but no frost. Wind abt. West & Mer. 38. Clear & Cold all day wind getting to and blowing cold from the No. Wt. Mer. at 40 all day. Mrs. Fitzhugh & her daughters & son came in the afternoon.
Mrs. Anne Randoph Fitzhugh, wife of William Fitzhugh of Chatham, had one son, William Henry Fitzhugh (1790--1830), who later lived at Ravensworth, the vast Fitzhugh estate in Fairfax County. Her two daughters were Anne Fitzhugh (b. 1784), who later married Dr. Craik's eldest son, William Craik, and Mary Lee (Molly) Fitzhugh (1788--1835), who was to marry Martha Washington's grandson, George Washington Parke Custis.
16. Morning Calm & clear Mer. at 40. Afterwards Wind at No. Wt. & variable & weather also, Cold and disagreeable. Mer. at Night 32.40 at highest. Doctr. Stuart went away. I went to Alexa. to an Election of Delegates for the Cty. of Fairfax--voted for
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William Henry Fitzhugh, only son of William Fitzhugh of Chatham; portrait attributed to Cephas Thompson. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection)
Messrs. West & Jno. Herbert--returned to Dinner. Mr. Fitzhugh came in the Afternoon.
Roger West (d. 1801), son of Col. John West, and John Carlyle Herbert (1777--1846), elder son of William Herbert of Alexandria, were elected.
17. Morning--Wind at No. Wt. & disagreeably cold--Mer. at 28. Clear and cold all day. A very severe frost--ground hard frozen. Ice sufficient to bear. Fruit supposed to be all Killed--leaves of trees bit &ca. Mer. 36 at night 37 highest.
18. Morning--Clear & more moderate--Wind still at No. Wt. Mer. at 32. Clear all day & but little wind after morng. Mer. 50 at Night & no higher all day. Peaches not killed, & hoped other fruit not hurt. Points of the New Moon upwards. Mr. Fitzhugh & family left this after breakfast. Began to plant Corn at Union farm.
19. Morning--clear & calm & continued so through the day. Mer. 4 in the Morning--53 at Night & 54 at highest.
20. Morning--lowering--wind Southerly & Mer. at 54. Variable weather all day. Mer. 62 at Night, & 64 at highest. Mr. Peter went
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away after breakfast and Mr. Townshend Dade & Mr. Nichs. Fitzhugh came to Din.
Nicholas Fitzhugh's sister Susannah Fitzhugh Dade (1757--1808) was married to Col. Townshend Dade of King George County.
21. Rained the greater part of last Night. Wind still Southerly & fresh. Mer. 58 in the morning 62 at Night & 64 at highest. A very heavy shower of Rain & high wind abt. 2 Oclock. Mr. Dade & Mr. Fitzh. went after breakf.
22. Morning--calm & clear--Mer. 55. Clear all day with the wind at No. Wt. but not hard or cold. Mer. 62 at Night & 65 at height. Doctr. Craik came on a Visit to Eleanor Peter.
Martha Eliza Eleanor Peter (1796--1800) was the eldest child of Thomas and Martha Parke Custis Peter.
23. Morning lowering & calm--Mer. 52. Clear afternoon--wind at No. Wt. Mer. 66 & at its highest. Mr. Peter returned--sent for.
24. Clear with but little wind, from No. W. Mer. 51 morning. Calm mid day & wind at So. Et. at Night. Mer. 56 then & 62 at highest. Doctr. Craik came in the afternoon to visit Mr. Peter's Children.
Thomas Peter and Martha Parke Custis Peter had two children at this time; the younger was named Columbia Washington Peter (1797--1820).
25. Morning--Lowering--Wind at S. E. Mer. at 52. Clouds heavier towds. Night. Mer. 59 at Night--60 at highest. Doctr. went away after breakf.
26. Morning very heavy--Wind at S. E. Mer. 53. Clear afterwards & turning very Warm. Mer. at 67 at Night & not higher all day. The Revd. Mr. Fairfax and Doctr. Craik (to visit Mr. Peter's children) came to dinner. The first returned afterwards.
27. Morning, & the day throughout clear. Wind at So. Et. Mer. 56 in the M. & 68 at Night & no higher all day. Doctr. Craik went away after breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. Law and a Mr. Ghan, a Swedish Gentleman came to dinner.
MR. GHAN: Henry Gahn (d. 1834), a young Swede from Stockholm, was established in New York where he carried on "a very lucrative commerce"
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with Spain. He later served as a commercial agent for Sweden (NIEMCEWICZ, 17, 299, n.49).
28. Morning clear--wind Southerly. Mer. 64. Some appearances of Rain in the afternoon but none fell. Mer. 66 at Night 68 at high.
29. Morning--clear, wind still Southerly--Mer. 61. Calm all day with appearances abt. 2 Oclock of Rain but none fell. Mer. 70 at Night & 73 at height. Mr. Ghan wt. away after breakfast.
30. Morning--Clear, wind Southerly Mer. at 62--70 at Night & 74 at highest. Mr. Law & Mr. Peter went away after breakfast--and Doctr. & Mrs. Craik & Son--Mr. & Mrs. Harrison--and Mrs. Jenifer & a Miss Barnes came to dinner & returned afterwards.
Mrs. Jenifer is probably Dr. and Mrs. Craik's daughter Sarah, wife of Dr. Daniel Jenifer. Miss Barnes is probably a member of the Barnes family of Charles County, Md. The 1790 census included several heads of households by that name (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD., 47--48).
1. Morning--clear--wind at South & Mer. at 63. Clear & warm all day--wind in the same place. Mer. 71 at Night--75 at highest.
2. A light sprinkling of Rain & cloudy in the morning--Mer. 66. Clear afterwards & very warm. Mer. 71 at Night & 75 at highest. Mr. Law returned to dinr.
3. Morning--clear--wind Southerly Mer. 60 very little wind & appearances of Rain in the afternoon. Mer. 74 at Night & not higher.
4. Morning--Clear & wind Southerly Mer. at 66. Appearances of Rain abt. Noon but none fell. Mer. 81 at Night & 82 at highest. Mr. and Mrs. Law went away after breakfast & Nelly Custis went up to Hope Park.
5. Clear Morning & little Wind--Mer. 70. Between 2 & 4 Oclock fine showers at intervals. Mer. 70 at Night & 81.
6. Morning--perfectly clear with a light breeze from the Westward--Mer. 62. High wind from No. West afterwards--Mer. 67
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A Sharples portrait of Nelly Custis, circa 1796. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, Collection of the heirs of Stephen Decatur, Jr.)
thro' the day. A Mr. Tayler & a Mr. Crips--introduced by Mr. Potts dined here as did Mr. T. Peter & Mr. Lear. All except Mr. Peter went away after dinner.
7. Morng. Cloudy with a little drippg. of Rain. Mer. at 60. Clear Afternoon. Mer. 64 at Night.
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8. Morning perfectly clear & pleasant--Calm--Mer. at 64. Lowering afternoon. Mr. Peter, Mrs. Peter & their Children left this and the Revd. Mr. Lewis from Connecticut came in the Afternoon.
REVD. MR. LEWIS: probably Zechariah Lewis (1773--1840), son of Rev. Isaac Lewis of Greenwich, Conn. Young Lewis had graduated from Yale in 1794 and studied theology under Dr. Ashbell Green in Philadelphia. During this time he had also acted as a tutor to George Washington Parke Custis. In 1796 Lewis was licensed to preach at Fairfield West Association, and later in the year became a tutor at Yale College, a position he held until his health failed in the summer of 1799. He then became editor of the New York Spectator and the Commercial Advertiser but retained his theological interests, becoming involved in various religious societies (SPRAGUE, 1:662--68; Zechariah Lewis to GW, 17 June 1797, CtY).
9. Morning clear with but little Wind. Mer. at 58. Wind afterwards fresh indeed hard from the Westward until Night when it ceased. Mer. at 64 at Night. Mr. Lewis went away after breakfast. I went to the Proclamn. Sermon in Alexandria.
SERMON: On 23 Mar. 1798 Pres. John Adams issued a proclamation recommending that "as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly disposition, conduct, and demands of a foreign power [France] . . . the 9th of May next, be observed throughout the United States, as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer" (ADAMS [2], 9:169).
10. Morning--clear & calm--Mer. at 52. Lowering all the afternoon with the Wind Southerly, but no Rain fell.
11. Morning--clear & but little wind--Mer. at 54. Great appearances of Rain abt. 2 Oclock with the Wind at No. Et. but none well. Eveng. Clear Mer. at 56 & no higher.
12. Morning--clear & cool--Wind Northerly & Mer. at 44. Clear & Cold all day--a White frost this Morning. Mer. 56 at Night.
13. Morning--clear & cool--Wind No. Easterly--Mer. at 50. Lowering towards evening. Mer. 56 at N. not much higher all day. Mr. White & Doctr. Craik dined here. The latter went away after dinr.
14. Morning--Clear & cool, Calm--Mer. at 49. Some appearances of Rain abt. noon but they went off. Wind No. Et. & Mer. at 60 at Night. Mr. White left this after breakfast.
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15. Morning--clear, with but little Wind & that No. Easterly Mer. 52--same through the day. Mer. 64 at Night.
16. Morning perfectly clear--Wind northerly & Mer. at 58. Wind fresh after morning & cool all day. Mer. 60 at Night.
17. Morning--Clear & calm--Mer. 52. Very lowering & likely for Rain afterwards with the Wind at So. Wt. Mer. 66 at Night.
18. Clear Morning--no rain fell--clear all day. Mer. 60 in the Morning & 66 at Night. Horns, or points of the Moon upwards.
19. Morning--Clear, Wind Southerly and Mer. at 55. About 8 Oclock in the forenoon Mrs. Washington & Myself sat out on a visit to Hope Park & the Federal City. Got to the former to Dinner and remained there until Morning when we proceeded to the City. Dined at Mr. Thos. Peter's & remained there until Wednesday, and then went to Mr. Laws & remained there until friday when we sat out on our return home & called at Mount Eagle to take our leave of the Revd. Mr. Fairfax who was on the point of Embarking for England.
The weather during this time was as follow--20th. a brisk Southerly wind & Cool. 21. Appearances of Rain & very warm. 22. Warm & still greater shew for Rain but none fell. 23. Wind still Southerly--Clouds gathering from all quarters and in the Afternoon a very fine Rain. 24. Warm--Southerly Wind & moderate Rain in the Afternoon.
Another guest of Thomas Law was Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz (1758--1841) who visited Mount Vernon on 2 June. Niemcewicz was a Polish literary and political figure who came to America in 1797 as the companion of Tadeusz Kościuszko, leader of the Polish insurrection against Russia. Upon their release from a Russian prison the two Poles had come to America where Kościuszko had earlier gained fame as a colonel of engineers in the Revolution. GW and Mrs. Washington came to the Law home on 23 May for a two-day stay while Niemcewicz was still there. "The whole time he [GW] was courteous, polite, even attentive; he talked very little, now and then on agriculture, on natural history, on all that one would wish, except politics, on which he maintains an absolute silence and reserve." During this visit GW renewed his interest in billiards. "He plays with a mace and although it is 25 years since he has played, his attention and skill made up for the lack of practice" (NIEMCEWICZ, 86--87). A billiard mace is a cue with a knob on the end.
REVD. MR. FAIRFAX: GW wrote the earl of Buchan that "ill health and advice of Physicians have induced him [Bryan Fairfax] to try the effect of Sea Air, & his inclinations have led him to give a voyage to England the preference" (15 May 1798, DLC:GW).
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25. Very brisk So. Westerly wind with misting showers at Intervals from about Noon. Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. Peaks fam. dined here.
26. Clear all day, with the Wind at No. Wt. Mer. at 60 in the Morning & 62 at Night.
27. Clear Morning & Calm--Mer. at 54. Wind brisk from the Eastward abt. 8 Oclock & appearances of Rain in the Evening. Mer. at 60 at Night. Mr. Lear dined here.
28. Morning--Misty & sometimes raining--Mer. at 59, & growing Warm with the wind Easterly. Mer. 65 at Night.
29. Morning warm & cloudy--Mer. 60, & wind No. Easterly at which pt. & Easterly it contind. all day with appearances of Rain but none fell. Went up to Alexa. on business & returned home to dinner.
30. Morning--a thick Mist with the wind at No. Et.--Mer. 62. A good deal of Rain afterwards, before One oclock and a very heavy shower mixed with hail about 5 oclk. Colo. Morris, Lady & 4 children came here after dinner.
Colonel Morris is probably Lewis Morris (d. 1829), who had visited Mount Vernon with his brother Jacob Morris on 6 Nov. 1786. Morris had settled in South Carolina after the Revolution, and was an original member of the South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati. Morris, with his wife and children, was probably on his way to or from the Morris family home in New York.
31. Cloudy more or less through the day but no rain fell here. Wind Southerly. Mer. 64 at Nigt. Colo. Morris & family left this after breakfast--and Mr. Herbert & Son--the Revd. Mr. Addison a Mr. Rogers of Baltimore--Mr. Delius of Bremen & a Mr. Pekmoller of Hamburgh dined here & returned afterwards.
Mr. William Herbert became president of the Bank of Alexandria in 1798. His two sons were John Carlyle Herbert (1777--1846) and William Herbert. Rev. Mr. Addison was Rev. Walter Dulany Addison (b. 1769), eldest son of Thomas Addison (d. 1775), of Oxon Hill and Rebecca Dulany Addison. In 1792 Walter married Elizabeth Dulany Hesselius, daughter of the artist John Hesselius (1728--1778), of Bellefield, Prince George's County, Md.
Mr. Delius may be Arnold Delius, who was appointed by GW in May 1794 as United States consul to Bremen, Germany (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:157, 158). MR. PEKMOLLER: For the mid-nineteenth-century memoir of "a German gentleman" who visited Mount Vernon in May 1798, see CUSTIS, 460n.
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1. Morning--clear & pleasant--Wind Southerly, & Mer. at 62. Cloudy more or less all day. Mer. 70 at Night. Mr. Hartshorne & Mr. Lear dined here.
2. Morning clear & warm--With but little wind. Mer. 62--at Night 70. Mr. Law & a Polish Gentleman, the Companion of General Kosciaski came here to dinner, as did Miss Lee of Greenspring with Nelly Custis who returnd to day.
A POLISH GENTLEMAN: See entry for 19 May 1798. Neimcewicz made a full report of his Mount Vernon visit in his journal, including a detailed description of the Mansion House, farms, gardens, and something about the daily lives of the Washingtons. He immediately became infatuated with Nelly Custis: "This was one of those celestial figures that nature produces only rarely, that the inspiration of painters has sometimes divined and that one cannot see without ecstacy . . . she plays the harpsichord, sings, and draws better than any woman in America or even in Europe" (NIEMCEWICZ, 97).
Although GW refers to Portia Lee (1777--1840) as being of Greenspring, the home of her deceased father, William Lee (1739-1795), she was at this time living with her cousin Richard Bland Lee at Sully, his home in the neighborhood of Hope Park where Nelly Custis had been visiting.
3. Morning--Calm & Warm Mer. 65. Warm all day with very little wind & that Southerly. Mer. 76 at Night, & in the Night Thunder Lightning & Rain. Mrs. Law came down to dinner & Mr. & Mrs. McClanahan dined here, & returned afterwds.
Niemcewicz said that GW wrote letters all day. In the evening there was no music or games; it was Sunday and everyone retired at 9:00 P.M. On the following day Thomas Law took the guest to see the distillery. "If this distillery produces poison for men, it offers in return the most delicate and the most succulent feed for pigs. They keep 150 of the Guinea type, short feet, hollow backs and so excessively bulky that they can hardly drag their big bellies on the ground" (NIEMCEWICZ, 100).
4. Morning heavy--wind southerly--Mer. 64. In the afternoon Easterly & a great deal of Rain. Met. 70 at Night.
5. Morning, Mer. 65--but little wind & that Southerly. Appearances of Rain in the afternoon but none fell.
6. Morning--Mer. at 65. Calm & thin clouds; thunder abt. 10 Oclock & Showers at a distance. In the Afternoon Rain for near an hour. Mer. 64 at Night. Mr. Law went away this morning & Dr. Stuart Mrs. Stuart & three daughters came to breakfast & dinner.
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Tadeusz Kościuszko, by Julian Rys. (Independence National Historical Park Collection)
According to Niemcewicz, the Stuarts arrived in a coach and four with two postilions and two men on horseback (NIEMCEWICZ, 103). The Stuarts' three daughters were Ann (b. 1784), Sarah and Arianne (b. 1789).
7. Morning clear--Wind westerly Mer. 60. Appearance of Rain in the afternoon but non fell. Mr. 70 at Night. Wind West[erl]y.
8. Morning--Clear & calm. Mer. 65. Clear most of the day & towards evening appearances of Rain but non fell.
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9. Morning--clear calm & Warm. Mer. 66. Much the same through the day. Mer. 74 at Night.
10. Morning--Wind pretty fresh from No. Et. but clear--Mer. 70. Very lowering in the Evening--Mer. 66. Doctr. Stuart returned, & Mr. Lear dined here.
11. Morning very heavy & misting. Wind at No. Et. No rain had fallen. Mer. 64. Fine Rain from 8 Oclock through the day. Mer. 64 at Night. Mr. Tracy came in the evening.
Thomas Tracy was a local music master whose students included Nelly Custis (GW's Cash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799: entry for 20 Dec. 1798, RPJCB).
12. Morning Misty. Mid day clear & afternoon moderate Rain. Wind Easterly all day. Mer. 64 in the Morning & 70 at Night. Mr. Law returned in the Evening.
13. Morning, Mer. 68 & clear. Clouds but no rain all day. Mer. 72 at Night. Mr. Fitzhugh, Lady & daughter--Mrs. Beverley Randolph, with her daughter & Son in Law Randolph & his Sister dined here.
Beverley Randolph married Martha Cocke of Williamsburg; their daughter Lucy Randolph married William Randolph (born c.1769) of Chitower, son of Thomas Randolph of Tuckahoe, Goochland County, and his first wife, Anne Cary Randolph. William Randolph's sister is probably one of his two youngest sisters, Harriet Randolph (b. 1783) or Virginia Randolph (b. 1786).
Returning from a fishing trip, Niemcewicz found a "notable and unexpected company from Alexandria." He said the table in the great hall was set out with porcelain service for 20. "The General, in high spirits, was gracious and full of attention to everybody." Of the young Randolphs, he wrote, "I do not know whether both their ages would add up to 38, and already they are the parents of three children" (NIEMCEWICZ, 106--7). In the evening Nelly Custis played the harpsichord and sang for Niemcewicz, who was leaving the following morning.
14. Morning Clear--Mer. 64. Wind at East--So. Westerly afterwards. At N. Mer. 76. Mrs. Stuart & her family & Mr. Law Mrs. Law and Mr. Niemcewitz (the Polish Gentn.) went away after breakfast.
"The next day, after having risen before dawn, I walked, now for the last time, about the green groves of Mo[u]nt Vernon. . . . Then at six in the morning . . . I took my leave of the honorable Washington, his worthy wife and the beautiful, good and kind Miss Custis" (NIEMCEWICZ, 107--8).
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15. Morning--clear, calm & warm. Mer. at 70--80 at Noon & 78 at Night. Calm all day. Mrs. Lund Washington dined here.
16. Morning--Calm, clear & Warm. Mer. at 72. Clear all day & calm till the afternoon then a brisk Easterly Wind. Mer. 80 at N. & 72 at N.
17. Morning--Wind fresh from No. Et. and cloudy Mer. at 66. Clear afterwards. Mer. 66 at Night. Mr. [ ] sent by Mr. Pearce to attend my Cradlers in harvest arrived.
On 6 May 1798 GW wrote to his ex-manager, William Pearce, who was now living in the wheat belt of the Eastern Shore in Kent County, Maryland: "In cradling my Wheat the coming Harvest I wish to catch it in the hand, in the manner practised on the Eastern Shore and other places; but as none of my People have been in the habit of cutting in this way, they might need an Instructor. Would it be in your power to engage a person who understands this business perfectly, as fixing the Cradles, to be here by the 25th. June, to be paid by the day while here and for coming & returning, and his reasonable travelling expences?" (NBLiHi). Pearce's reply of 16 June 1798 introduces "Mr. John Costalaw . . . the person who I have Sent to you to make and Fix Cradels for you, and to Instruct your people In Cradeling wheat In the manner practised here" (DLC:GW).
18. Morning--lowering, wind Easterly & Mer. at 62. Afternoon slow Rain--Mer. 70.
19. Morning Wind still at East & Mer. at 70. Slow rain on & off all the forenoon--then clear--afterwds. cloudy & misting--Mer. [ ].
20. Morning--heavy, a good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Wind at East Mer. 70. Variable through the day. Mer. 76 at Night--80 at highest.
21. Morning--Mer. 72--but little wind and that Southerly. Tolerably clear all day & wind fresher from South. Mer. 78 at Noon & Night. Mr. Lear & Mr. Tracy dined here--the first returned afterwards.
22. Morning clear--wind Southerly--Mer. at 72. Clear & warm all day--fresh breeze from So. Mer. 83 at height & 80 at Night. Mr. Tracy went away [after] dinner.
23. Morning very lowering with the Wind at So. Wt. & light sprinkling of Rain. Mer. 74--at Night 80.
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24. Morning Clear, Wind So. Wt. Mer. 76. About 3 oclock a very heavy rain for 15 or 20 Minutes and more, but moderate at Night. Mer. at 82 Noon & 74 Night.
25. Morning very heavy & cloudy with the wind at So. Wt. and Mer. 72. Cloudy all day & sprinkling now and then. Mer. 78 at Noon & 73 at N.
26. Morning Cloudy, & contd. so all day with the wind at So. Mer. 70 in the Morng. 75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Mr. Law & two French Gentn.--viz. Mr. La Guin & Mr. Clarmont.
Anna Maria Brodeau Thornton wrote in her diary on 24 June 1798 that "Mr. La Guin & Mr. Flamand two French Gentlemen from New York came" (DLC: William Thornton Papers). Nelly Custis recorded that they were "old friends" of Thomas Law's (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 1 July 1798, ViMtV). MR. LA GUIN: probably the Frenchman Louis Le Guen, who came to the United States in 1794, went into trade in New York City and Philadelphia, and invested in land in eastern Pennsylvania.
27. Morng. Cloudy--Wind No. Westerly Mer. 67. Clear afterwards & calm. Mer. 75 at Noon & 74 at Night.
28th. Morning--clear, Wind at So. Mer. 70. Cloudy & likely for Rain all the afternoon but none fell. Mer. 75 at Noon & 74 at Night. Col. Simm dined here.
29. Morning cloudy, & raining moderately between 7 & 9 Oclock. Clear afterwards & warm Wind Westerly. Mer. 74 in the Morng. 80 at Noon & 76 at Night.
30. Morning & day clear & calm. Mer. 76 in the Morning, 80 at Noon & 78 at Night.
1. Morning--Clear & wind Southerly Mer. 74. Day clear & very warm. Mer. 86 at Noon & 84 at Night. Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham & Doctr. Welford dined here--as did Dr. Fld.
Dr. Robert Wellford (1753--1823), originally of Hertfordshire, Eng., came to America as a surgeon with the British army under Gen. William Howe in 1776. While stationed in Philadelphia, Wellford distinguished himself for his treatment of sick and wounded American prisoners, and in 1781, after
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resigning his commission, he established a practice in Fredericksburg. In 1794 GW chose him as surgeon general of the army called out to put down the Whiskey Rebellion, and in June 1799 GW, recommending him for the provisional army, wrote: "Doctor Wellford ranks high in his profession, and his Character as a friend to the Government and as a man of integrity, is, I believe, unimpeachable" (GW to James McHenry, 6 June 1799, DLC:GW; BLANTON, 356--57). DR. FLD.: GW probably means William Pinckard Flood. He may, however, be referring to either Richard Feild (1767--1829) or his brother Alexander Feild, both of whom received medical degrees from the University of Edinburgh.
2. Clear with very little wind & that southerly in the Morng. Mer. 79 at Noon 88 & at Night 86--clear.
3. Clear morning & but little wind--Mer. at 80--90 at Noon & 82 at N. Abt. 7 Oclock a Cloud arose wch. produced a good shower of Rain & pretty severe Thunder. Mrs. Fairfax, her Sister, daughter & widow Price Mrs. [ ] Mr. Ferdd. Fairfax & Lady, and Mr. Jno. Herbert & his two Sisters dined here & returned.
MRS. FAIRFAX: After the death of his first wife, Elizabeth Cary Fairfax, Bryan Fairfax married Jane (Jenny) Dennison (sometimes Donaldson), who died in 1805, and who bore him a daughter, Anne, who appears here with her today. Mrs. Fairfax's sister is probably the Miss Dennison who appears with her elsewhere in the diaries.
WIDOW PRICE: probably Mrs. Mary Price, widow of David Price (d. 1785). In 1797 she was renting land in Fairfax County from Nicholas Fitzhugh, and in 1799 she was involved in a suit in Fairfax County court for nonpayment of tobacco (will of David Price, Fairfax Wills, Book E-1, 62--63, Vi Microfilm; SPROUSE [2], 2:54, 63).
Ferdinando Fairfax's "Lady," whom he married in 1796, was Elizabeth Blair Cary Fairfax (b. 1765), daughter of Col. Wilson Miles Cary (1734--1817) of Rich Neck, Ceely's, and Carysbrook and his wife Sarah Blair Cary.
These two sisters of John Carlyle Herbert were possibly the two oldest, Margaret and Sarah.
4. Morning clear--breeze from the No. but light--Mer. 78. 80 at Night. Went up to the Celebration of the anniversary of independence and dined in the Spring Gardens near Alexa. with a large Compa. of the Civil & Military of Fairfax County.
THE CELEBRATION: "The auspicious morning was ushered in by a discharge of sixteen guns . . . Gen. Washington was escorted into town by a detachment from the troop of Dragoons. He was dressed in full uniform, and appeared in good health and spirits. At 10 o'clock . . . uniform companies paraded . . . the different corps were reviewed in King street by General Washington, and Col. Little, who expressed the highest satisfaction at their appearance and manoeuvering; after which they proceeded to the Episcopal Church, where a suitable discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Davis.
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"A dinner was prepared at Spring Gardens by Mr. John Stavely; which, considering the number of citizens and military that partook of it (between 4 and 500) was conducted with the greatest propriety and decorum. Ludwell Lee, esq. presided at the head of the table--the foot was honored by Col. Charles Little . . . the troops went through a number of military evolutions during the day, with all of which the General was particularly pleased, and bestowed many encomiums on their martial appearance" ( Claypoole's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 19 July 1798).
Spring Gardens, a modest building surrounded by gardens set in the fields south of Alexandria, was a popular setting for large gatherings (see MOORE [1], 197--98; POWELL [1], 134--35).
5. Morning lowering, with heavy rain about 3 Oclock for near half an hour. Mer. 74 in the M. & 73 at Night.
6. Morning Clear -- Mer. 70 Wind Northerly. Pleasant & clear all day. Doctors Thornton & Dalson -- Mr. Ludwell Lee, Lady & Miss Armistead, & Mr. David Randolph & a Son of Colo. R. Kidder Mead came here to Dinner. The two last proceeded to Alexa. afterwards.
William Thornton (1759--1828), born in the Virgin Islands, raised in England, and educated in medicine in Scotland, came to America in 1787 and became a United States citizen the following year. Among his many
Dr. William Thornton, by Robert Field. (National Collection of Fine Arts, Smithsonian Institution)
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talents was architectural design, and in 1789 he won an award for his design for the Library Company of Philadelphia building. In 1793 his design, preferred by both GW and Jefferson, was accepted for the United States Capitol and, although later modified, was the basis for that building. In 1794 GW appointed Thornton a commissioner for the District of Columbia, where he soon settled. From 1802 until his death he was director of the United States patent office. Most of Thornton's subsequent architectural work, primarily residential, grew out of his associations with GW and his connections, particularly GW's double town house (1798--99), John Tayloe's Octagon House (1798--1800), Woodlawn (c.1805) for Lawrence and Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, and Tudor Place (c.1805--15) for Thomas and Martha Parke Custis Peter. DOCTORS THORNTON & DALSON: Anna Maria Brodeau Thornton records in her diary that on this day her husband Dr. William Thornton and Dr. Dawson went to Mount Vernon. She had identified Dr. Dawson when he came to visit their home at the beginning of February as "of Tortola" in the British Virgin Islands (DLC: William Thornton Papers).
After the death of his first wife, none of whose children survived infancy, Richard Kidder Meade married, in 1780, Mary Grymes Randolph, widow of William Randolph of Chatsworth. Among their eight children were three sons who survived infancy: Richard Kidder Meade (1784--1833), William Meade (1789--1862), later the third bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, and David Meade (1793--1837).
7. Morng. Clear & but little Wind. Mer. at 68 in the Morng.--clear all day. Mr. R. Bland Lee & Mr. Hodgden came here to dinner & Mr. Ludwell Lee & Lady went away after Din.
MR. HODGDEN: GW probably means William Hodgson.
8. Morning clear with the Wind brisk from the Southward. Abt. 3 oclock a heavy Shower of Rain for half an hour. Mer. at 70 in the Morng. 75 at Night. Mr. Lee & Miss Portia Lee Mr. Hodgden, & Doctr. Stuart who came in the afternoon of yesterday went away after breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. Potts, Miss Fitzhugh Mrs. Conway Miss Brown Mr. Wm. Wilson Mr. Wm. Ramsay & Mr. Lear came to Dinner & returned.
Portia Lee and William Hodgson were married 2 May 1799.
Dr. William Ramsay had died c.1795 (Arlington County Complete Records, Book A, 169--70, Vi Microfilm). The William Ramsay who appears today at Mount Vernon is probably the son of Patrick and Elizabeth Ramsay and the brother of Eliza Ramsay Potts, who is also a Mount Vernon guest. William and his twin brother Andrew Ramsay were merchants in Alexandria (SLAUGHTER [3], 211; Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 21 Oct. 1797 and 15 Feb. 1799).
9. Clear morning wind at No. West Mer. 66--72 at Night--clear all day.
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10. Clear morning--Wind, tho' little still No. Westerly, Mer. 64--Southerly afterwards & at Night 74. Doctr. Craik, Wife & Son--a Mr. Craig of Alexa. & Mr. Hunter of Baltimore--Mr. Jno. Herbert--Mr. de Bourg Presid. of the College at George Town another of the Professors & two of the Studts. Viz.--a Son of Mr. Laws & a Neph. of Barrys dined here & all retd.
Mr. Craig is probably Samuel Craig, who in 1799 was the treasurer for the Alexandria Library ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 10 Jan. 1799).
Louis Guillaume Valentin DuBourg (1766--1833) was born in Santo Domingo and raised and educated a Roman Catholic priest in France. In 1794 he migrated to the United States and two years later was appointed president of Georgetown College (later Georgetown University), the first Roman Catholic college in the United States, founded in 1789 (see DALEY).
11. Morning lowering--Wind fresh from the So. Mer. 72. Rain in the afternoon. Mer. 74 at Night. Mr. Fitzhugh & his oldest daughter dined here. He went away afterwards & Mr. McHenry--Secy. of war came in the evening.
James McHenry, the secretary of war, brought GW's commission as "Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief" of the provisional army then being raised in expectation of a war with France. GW's commission, dated 4 July 1798, is in DLC:GW. GW accepted the commission with the proviso that he would not enter active service until the army was in the field, which never occurred. The army was disbanded in 1800.
12. Morng. Clear & Calm--Mer. at 69. Clear through the day. M. 72 at [ ]. The following Compy. dined here Colos. Fitzgerald & Simms Mr. Herbert & Son--Doctr. Craik & Son--Mr. L. Lee Col. Ramsay--Cap. Young & Lt. Jones Mr. Potts Wm. Wilson Mr. Porter Doctr. Cook Mr. Riddle Mr. Lear--Mr. Tracey--& six Ladies & 4 Gentn. from Mr. Rozers.
CAP. YOUNG: Capt. Robert Young (1768--1824) of the Alexandria Dragoons. By 1800 Young and Philip Richard Fendall were "merchants & partners" in the Alexandria firm of Robert Young & Co. This probably is the same man who was a general of militia in the War of 1812 ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 12 June 1798; SPROUSE [2], 2:65; POWELL [1], 363).
Lieutenant Jones is probably Walter Jones (c.1773--1861), an attorney in Alexandria and Washington City, who studied law with Bushrod Washington and later married a daughter of United States Atty. Gen. Charles Lee (BROCKETT, 169). DOCTR. COOK: possibly Dr. Stephen Cooke who emigrated from Bermuda to Alexandria after 1788 and later settled in the Leesburg neighborhood at his farm called The Forest.
Mr. Riddle was probably the merchant Joseph Riddle whom GW credited on 20 July 1798 for rent received for a house owned by GW in Alexandria (GW's Cash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799, RPJCB).
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Washington's commission as commander-in-chief of the army, 4 July 1798. (Library of Congress)
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13. Lowering in the Morng. No Wind Mer. 70. Clear afternoon Mer. 66.
14. Clear Morng. Mer. 62 but little Wd. 68 at Night--wind westerly. The Secy. of War left this after dinner.
15. Morning clear but little wind Mer. 68. Clear & cool all day with the [wind] So. Easterly Mer. 70 at Night. Mr. Law dined here & returned afterwds.
16. Raining or Misting all day--with but little w. & that Southerly. Mer. 68 all day.
17. Hea[v]y Morng. & even.--clear midday. Mer. 70. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzhugh & their Younger daughter & son & Mr. Lear came to dinner. The last retd. after.
18. Rain with thunder in the morng. Mer. at 70. Clear afterwards and Wind Northerly. Mer. 72 at N. Mr. Fitzhugh & all his family went away after dinner.
19. Morning--clear--Wind North. Mer. 60. Clear all day. Wind blowing fresh from No. Wt. Mer. 66 at Night. Miss Digges & her niece Miss Carroll dined here.
MISS DIGGES: Ann Digges (died c.1804) of Warburton was a sister of Elizabeth Digges Carroll (1743--1845), whose daughter Ann is probably the "niece Miss Carroll" accompanying Ann Digges today.
20. Morning--clear & Cool--Wind brisk from No. W. Mer. 60 in Morning 68 at Night. Went up to Alexa. with Mrs. W. & Miss Cus. dined at Doctr. Craiks retd. in the Aftn.
21. Morning & throughout the day clear with very little Wind. Mer. 63 in the Morning & 74 at Night.
22. Morning quite clear--Wind Southerly--Mer. at 68. Clear all day--Mer. 76 at Night. Mr. Mrs. Dalton & their two daughters came here to dinner.
Tristram and Ruth Hooper Dalton had six daughters, three of whom lived to maturity.
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23. Morng. clear--Wind Southerly Mer. 70. Remained so all day. Mer. 76 at N. Mr. Lear came in the M[ornin]g--stayed all day.
24. Morng.--clear & still--Mer. 72. Clear thro' the day with a southerly Wind. Mer. 80 at Night. Doctr. Stuart & Mr. Geo. Graham dined here. The last went away afterwards.
Graham is probably George Graham (c.1772--1830), who grew up at Gunston Hall with the children of George Mason. He was a son of Richard Graham, merchant of Dumfries, and his wife, Jane Brent Graham. Young Graham had come to live at Gunston Hall in 1780 when his aunt, Sarah Brent, became the second wife of George Mason in 1780. After graduation from Columbia College, Graham studied law and practiced in Dumfries. He married Elizabeth Mary Ann Barnes Hooe Mason, the widow of his friend George Mason (1753--1796) of Lexington.
25. Morng. Clear--Wind Southerly Mer. 74. In the Afternoon Rain below us--but none fell here. Mer. 78 at Night. This family & Mr. Daltons dind with Mr. Le[a]r.
Tristram Dalton was a business partner of Tobias Lear (Fairfax County Deeds, Book B-2, 39--42, Vi Microfilm).
26. Mer. at 76 in the Morning very little wind. Rain pretty smartly abt. 3 Oclock for 5 or 6 Minutes. Mer. 80 at Night. Mr. Herbert wife 2 daughters son & Mr. & Mrs. Whiting dined here--as did the Count Inznard & Mr. Merchant--all went awy.
William Herbert and his wife Sarah, eldest daughter of John Carlyle, had two sons and five daughters. Sarah's sister, Anne Carlyle (1761--1778), married Henry (Harry) Whiting (1748--1786), son of Francis (Frank) Whiting. She died during the delivery of their only child, Carlyle Fairfax Whiting (1778--1831), later of Morven, who appears here with his bride, Sarah Little Whiting (1776--1835), daughter of Col. Charles and Mary Manley Little.
COUNT INZNARD: This may be Joseph M. Yznardy (Iznardi), Jr., American consul at Cadiz, or his father Josef Yznardy, a merchant of Cadiz who was acting consul during his son's absences from the city.
27. Morng. clear & calm--Mer. 77. Clear all day & but little W. Mer. 87 at [ ].
28. Clear Morng. but rain in the Afternoon at a distance from us. Mer. 80 in the M. 90 at noon & 86 at Night.
29. Mer. 80 in the Morng. 90 at N. & 86 at Night. Clear all day Wind Southerly. Doctr. Craik dind he[re].
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30. Morning lowering--wind brisk from South & Mer. at 79. Clouds gathered & Rain fell in difft. quarters before Noon. Abt. 3 oclock we had a fine shower for half an hour with a little more at Night. Mer. 72 at N.
31. Morng. clear--afternoon appearance of Rain but none fell. Mer. 68 in the Morng. 76 at Night. Very little wind. Mrs. L. Washington--Mr. Foot & a Majr. Parker dined here & returned.
MAJR. PARKER: probably Maj. Alexander Parker (died c.1820), who had served as an officer in the 2d Virginia Regiment throughout the Revolution. He was the son of Richard Parker (1729--1813) and Elizabeth Beale Parker of Westmoreland County. In 1790 Parker was appointed a major in the United States Army (EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:45--47).
1. Clear Morning & day--Mer. 72 in the Morning & 80 at Night.
2. Morning clear & calm--Mer. at 74. Clear all day--Wind Southerly. M. 80 at Night. Mr. Lear dined here & Mrs. Washington of Bushfield & her G. daughter Ann Washn. came in the Afternn.
Ann Aylett Washington (1783--1804), daughter of Jane Washington (1759--1791) and William Augustine Washington (d. 1810), was the granddaughter of Jane's mother, Hannah Bushrod Washington of Bushfield, widow of GW's brother John Augustine Washington (1736--1787).
3. Morning cloudy, & Showers of rain about in the afternoon, but none here. Mer. 74 in the morning 80 at N.
4. Morning--Clear & but little wind & that So. Easterly. Mer. at 76. Appearances of Rain all the forenoon. In the Afternoon heavy clouds and rain all around us but none fell here. Mer. 77 at Night.
5. Morning clear--Wind at So. Mer. 74. Clouds around us in the Afternoon & rain--but none here. Mer. 79 at N. Washn. Custis came home fm. College.
Washington Custis had been at St. John's College just over four months when GW received a letter from him asking whether he should pack only for the coming vacation or to come home to stay (21 July 1798, CUSTIS, 109). GW was astonished and outraged and wrote young Custis that "it would seem as if nothing I could say to you made more than a momentary impression" (24 July 1798, CUSTIS, 110). It was by this time evident, however,
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that sending the boy back to school would serve no useful purpose. After some correspondence with David Stuart on the subject (GW to Stuart, 13 Aug. 1798, PHi: Dreer Collection; Stuart to GW, 22 Aug. 1798, DLC:GW), GW decided to keep Custis at home and have him tutored by Tobias Lear, who at this time was acting as GW's military secretary (GW to Stuart, 10 Sept. 1798, WRITINGS, 36:435; for correspondence regarding Custis's college career see CUSTIS, 73--116). GW's final attempt to solve the problem of what to do with Washington Custis was made in December of this year: he had the young man appointed a cornet in a troop of horse (GW to David Stuart, 30 Dec. 1798, ViMtV; CUSTIS, 51).
6. Morning heavy with great appearances of Rain but none fell. Mer. at 74 in the morng. & 80 at N. Went to Alexa. to a meeting of the Poto. Co. Mr. Bur: Bassett came home with me.
In May 1798 the president and directors of the Potomac Company had been authorized by the shareholders "to mortgage as many shares as could be obtained and to borrow as much stock as could be had" to the amount of $10,000. At the August annual meeting the president announced that loans had been made by Daniel Carroll of Duddington "of $2,500 of six per cent. stock of the United States, and by General Washington of $3,498 of the same" and an additional amount might be had of Carroll. Although over $2,000 had been collected in tolls in the last year, the superintendent and overseer were discharged and horses and wagons sold because lack of money had brought the work on the project to a virtual standstill (BACON-FOSTER, 97--98).
7. Morning--clear & calm Mer. 76. Clear all day. Mer. 85 at Noon & 80 at Night. Mr. Lear & the boys dined here & with Mr. Basset went afterwards.
8. Morng. clear, but the Sun rose red. Calm & Mer. at 74 in the Morning 88 at Noon & 84 at N.
9. Morning clear & calm M. 78. Clear all day. Mer. 90 at Noon & 84 at Night. Clear & calm all day. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner.
10. Morning--clear & calm Mer. 78. Pretty fresh from the Southward afterwards. Mer. 90 at highest 86 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Thornton & Jno. Herbert & G. W. Craik came to dinner. The two last returned.
11. Morng. perfectly clear & calm. Mer. at 78--at Noon 90--and at Night. Fine Showers appeared all around us--but none fell here. Genl. & Mrs. & Miss Spotswood & two younger daughters came in the Afternoon.
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Gen. Alexander Spotswood and Elizabeth Washington Spotswood had five daughters; the four younger ones were Elizabeth, Anne, Henrietta, and Martha.
12. Morning clear--Wind Westerly Mer. 73. 78 at Night.
13. Morng. cloudy & so it contd. thro the day. In the afternoon a shower for a few Minutes. Mer. [ ] in the morning & 76 at Night.
14. Morning cloudy--raing. a few Minutes about 8 Oclock. The same about one. Showery from about 4 until after dark. M. [ ] in the Morng. and 73 at Night. Mr. Booker came in the afternn.
William Booker erected a threshing machine of his own design for GW at the Union Farm in July 1797. The machine's performance had been disappointing, and Booker was back at Mount Vernon to make repairs (GW to Booker, 15 April 1798, DLC:GW; GW's Cash Memorandum, 29 Sept. 1794--17 Aug. 1797: entry for 6 July 1797, RPJCB; GW's Cash Memorandum, 1 Sept. 1797--20 Feb. 1799: entry for 18 Aug. 1798, RPJCB).
15. Morning--Cloudy, wind southerly Mer. [ ]. A slight shower in the evening. Mer. 78 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Ludwell [Lee] & Miss Armistead & Mr. Fielding Lewis dined here & returnd.
16. Morning Cloudy--Wind Southerly Mer. 78. Clouds & showers about in the afternoon--but none fell here. Mer. 80 at Night.
17. Morning clear & calm M. 77. At Noon 88 & at Night 78. Clouds all round & rain in places but none fell here. Wind variable. Mr. Tracy came in the Morng. & Mr. Harper at Night.
18. Morng. clear--Mer, at 76--Noon 88 and at Night 84. Clear all day. Mr. Tracy went away after dinner & Mr. Booker in the Morng.
19. Morning clear & Calm Mer. 80 at noon 89 and at Night 79. Showers around us in the Afternoon but none fell here. Colo. Simms & lady, & Mr. Herbert & Son dined here.
Charles Simms's wife, Nancy Douglass Simms, was the daughter of William Douglass of New Jersey.
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20. A heavy fog. Mer. at 76 Morn. 82 at Night. Thunder in the forenoon & rain around us but none fell here. Mr. Harper went away after Breakfast.
No acct. kept of the Weather &ca. from hence to the end of the Month--on acct. of my sickness which commenced with a fever on the 19th. & lasted until the 24th. which left me debilitated.
On the 28th. there was a very refreshing Rain but not sufft. to go to the Roots of Indian Corn which was suffering very much for want of it.
MY SICKNESS: GW suffered a severe fever for about a week, for which he received quinine treatments, but lost about 20 pounds. On 14 Sept. he was still "recovering my flesh fast--nearly a pound, & half a day" (GW to Alexander Spotswood, 14 Sept. 1798, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa., on deposit at PPAmP; see FREEMAN, 7:527).
1. Morning--A little lowering with appearances of rain in the Afternoon but not fell here. Mer. 68 in the Morn. & [ ] at N.
2. Morning--Clear--Mer. 68. Clear all day--wind fresh at East. Mer. 72 at Night. Mr. White came to dinner.
3. Morning Calm & lowering--Mer. 65. Lowering all day with a little misting rain in the afternoon. Mer. 70 at N. In the Morning to breakfast came Genl. Marshall & Mr. Bushrod Washington and to dinner the Atty. Genl. Chas. Lee Mr. Herbert Mr. Keith & Doc. Craik. The last went away.
John Marshall, after serving as one of the three American peace commissioners to France in 1797 had recently returned home to Virginia. GW had invited Marshall to Mount Vernon to urge him to run for Congress as a Federalist for the district around Richmond.
4. Morng. Cloudy--Mer. at 69. Clear afterwards. Mer. 80 in the Aftern. & 74 at Night. In the Afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Parks of Fredericksbg. came here.
Mr. and Mrs. Parks were Andrew Parks, a merchant in Fredericksburg, and his wife, Harriot Washington Parks (1776--1822), youngest child of GW's brother Samuel Washington and his fourth wife Anne Steptoe Allerton Washington. When the topic of their marriage arose in 1796, GW, acting in place of Harriot's deceased father, assured Parks that if he were "a gentleman
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of respectable connexions; and of good dispositions," and able to support her decently, he would assent to the marriage, declaring: "my wish is to see my niece happy" (GW to Parks, 7 April 1796, DLC:GW; Betty Washington Lewis to GW, 27 Mar. 1796, ViMtV). GW sent his niece "a great deal of good advice which," Harriot replied, "I am extremely obliged to you for." The wedding took place in July 1796 (Harriot Washington Parks to GW, 17 July 1796, DLC:GW).
5. Morning clear & Cool--Afternoon clouds, & a light shower. Met. at [ ] in the Morning 62 at Night. Genl. Marshall & Mr. B. Washington went to a dinner in Alexa. given to the former by the Citizen's there & returned.
DINNER IN ALEXIA.: "Every preparation and arrangement for the day was elegant and patriotic. The dinner was served in the best style, and the good humor and conviviality of the company, which was numerous and respectable, gave a zest to the wines, which were of the best quality. The Toasts . . . were accompanied by a number of patriotic songs, and discharges from the train of Artillery, together with repeated huzzas and plaudits from the Citizens both within and without doors." The first of the 19 toasts was to "The United States, free, Sovereign and Independent forever"; the fourth to "Lieut. General George Washington"; the thirteenth, "God speed the plough"; the eighteenth to Marshall, and the last to the other honored guest, United States Atty. Gen. Charles Lee, of Alexandria ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 6 Sept. 1798).
6. Morning Clear--Met. 65--at Night 66. Clear all day. Mr. Marshall & Mr. B. Washington went away before breakfast. Mr. Wm. Craik came to Breakfast & returned afterwards and Mr. Jno. Herbert & Mr. Robt. Burwell came to dinner. The latter returned after it. The former stayed all Night.
7. Morning--thunder & Rain for about an hour--Mer. 58--at Night 59. Clear afternoon. Mr. Herbert went away after dinner.
8. Morning clear Mer. at 58--70 at Noon and 66 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Parks left this after breakfast.
9. Morning clear--Met, at 59. Wind though but little of it Westerly--clear all day. Mer. 70 at Night.
10. Omitted to take any Acct. but the weather was clear & warm.
11. Morning a little cloudy, but clear afterwards. Mer. at 65--at Night 74--but little wind & that Southerly.
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12. Morning lowering & calm--M. 68. Wind brisk from the Eastward--Mer. 70 at Night.
13. Morning Clear except a fog and but little wind through the day. Mer. 68 in the Morning 70 at Night. Mrs. Fairfax and daughter--Miss Dennison and a Mrs. Tebbles dined here.
14. Morning clear--wind Southerly--Mer. 64--78 at Noon & 72 at Night. Clear all day.
15. Morning & throughout the day clear--Mer. 68 in the warm mid day & 76 at Night So. & then Easterly. Mr. White came to dinner.
16. Morning clear--Wind Southerly--Mer. 71. Doctr. Stuart & Doctr. Craik came to dinner. Day warm.
17. Mer. at 75 in the Morning 85 at hight & 80 at Night. Day clear--wind Southerly. Mr. White & the Doctors went away this Morning.
18. Morning cloudy--Wind Southerly & Mer. at 75. After 2 Oclock there were showers with intervals till Night, when it had the appearance of a settled rain. Mer. 75 at N.
19. Morning cloudy--wind South--Mer. [ ] and at Night 80. Doctr. Craik came in the Morning to visit Mr. L. Lewis & stayed all day & Night.
20. Morning clear--wind Southerly--Mer. at 75. Went up to the Federal City. Dined & lodgd at Mr. Thos. Peters.
21. Great appearances to Rain & some fell about 8 Oclock A.M.--clear afterwds. Examined in company with the Comrs. some of the Lots in the vicinity of the Capital & fixed upon No. 16 in [square] 634 to build on. Dined & lodged at Mr. Laws.
Lot 16, square 634 was on the west side of North Capitol Street between B and C streets, about the middle of the block. GW was to pay $535.71 for it in three annual installments, the first of which was paid in 1798. The construction of a double town house on the lot, which GW hoped would "promote the necessary improvements in the City," was begun that fall (GW to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, 27 Oct. 1798, DLC:GW; DIARIES, 4:284).
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22. Came home with Mr. T. Peter wife & 2 Children to Dinner. Mer. at 70 at Night and evening cool.
23. Morning clear--Wind Easterly & Mer. at 63. Lowering in the evening Mer. at 72. Mr. & Mrs. Nichols & his brother & Mrs. Swanwick dined here.
Mrs. Swanwick is undoubtedly the widow of John Swanwick who had died the previous month. Swanwick was James B. Nichols's brother-in-law (John Swanwick to GW, 22 April 1789, DLC:GW).
24. Morning clear--Wind Southerly Mer. at 64. No. West afterwards.
25. Morning Mer. 60. Wind hard at No. W. all day. Mr. Geo. Steptoe Washington who came to dinner yesterday returned to day & Mr. Peter set off for New Kent. Mer. 64 at Noon and 58 at Night.
George Steptoe Washington was now living at Harewood with his wife, Lucy Payne Washington, sister of Dolley Madison.
George Steptoe Washington and his wife, Lucy Payne Washington, painted by C. P. Polk. (Dr. and Mrs. John A. Washington)
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26. Morning--Clear--Wind at No. Wt. but little of it. Mer. at 48. Wind shifted to the Southward & blew fresh. Mer. 62 at N. Mr. Tracey came here to dinner.
27. Morning cloudy--wind fresh from So. Wt. with a scud or two of Rain in the afternoon. Mr. Jno. Herbert came to dinner and a Major Simons of Charleston in the afternn.
MAJOR SIMONS: Simons is Maj. William Simons (1761-1815) who had served under William Washington during the Revolution. Simons was appointed colonel in 1782 but preferred to call himself "major.". The rank of major was probably from service in the militia. Simons brought a letter of introduction to GW from William Washington of South Carolina. GW returned an answer by Simons in which he urged Washington to accept a commission in the army during the diplomatic crisis with France and also asked him to recommend officers for the regimental ranks from South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. "It has been said . . . that the twelve Regiments, under the Act for augmenting the force of the United States, will be proportioned among them; whereof Virginia, the two Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee & Kentucky, will be called upon for four; & perhaps the additional Troops of Cavalry. If this plan should be adopted, I presume each of these states will be called upon for a certain part. I do not mean the authority of the State will be required to furnish them--but that, so many Men will be recruited in each, & furnish Officers in proportion thereto" (GW to William Washington, 27 Sept. 1798, DLC:GW).
28. Morning clear & cold--wind fresh from No. Wt. Mer. at 51. Wind high all day. Majr. Simons went away in the Morning & Mr. Herbert & Mr. Tracey in the Afternoon.
29. Morning & whole day clear and very cold. Mer. at Night 48.
30. Morning clear & calm--Mer. at 44. Clear all day. Went to church in Alexa. Mer. 59 at N.
1. Morning clear, Wind Southerly and Mer. at 50. Wind in the same place all day & clear. Mer. 60 at N.
2. Morning clear--wind at So. Et. Mer. at 55. Clear & warm all day.
3. Day clear & warm. Wind Southerly. Mer. 65 at Night.
4. Very thick fog in the Morng. Clear & warm afterwards--wind Southerly. Mer. 68 at Noon & 66 at Night. Mr. Jno. Herbert &
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Mr. G. W. Craik dined here & returnd & Cap. Jno. Spotswood came in the evening.
5. Clear all day. Mer. 60 in the Morning. Doctr. Thornton--Mr. Law and a Mr. Baldo a Spanish Gentleman from the Havanna came to Dinner.
6. Morning clear--Very little Wind Mer. at 60. Clear all day. Met. 65 at Night. Mr. Bushrod Washington & Captn. Blackburn came to dinner & Mr. Thos. Peter returned in the afternoon from New Kent.
Bushrod Washington had, just a week earlier, been appointed by John Adams to the Supreme Court of the United States to fill the vacancy left by the death of James Wilson. The appointment was confirmed in December, and he served on the bench until his death 31 years later.
7. Morning Mer. 58. Wind brisk & thro' the whole day at No. Wt. with clouds & appearances of Rain. M. 64 at Night. Mr. B. Washington & Captn. Blackburn went away after Breakft.
8. Morning cloudy--wind at No. W. M. 58 and fresh all day.
9. Morning a little cloudy Wind still at No. Wt. Mer. at 55. 9th.
10. and eleventh absent--in the Federal City--Weather warm & dry the whole time. Mr. Welch & Mr. Tracy came in the afternoon.
James Welch's visit was for the purpose of persuading GW to accept some of Welch's other lands in place of a portion of the Elk Creek tract as security for his payment on GW's Kanawha lands. Welch thought he had a buyer for some of the Elk Creek lands, and he needed the money to make his first payment of $5,000 due 31 Dec. for the Kanawha lands. GW was agreeable to the exchange provided the lands were of equal value (PRUSSING, 471--72). See entries for 24 Nov. and 18 Dec. 1797.
12. Morning lowering Wind Southerly--Mer. 62. Brisk from East afterwards & very cloudy. Mer. 64 at Night. Mr. Welch & Mr. Tracy went away in the Forenoon & Mr. Win. Craik came to dinner.
13. Morning--Misty, but not sufficiently so to lay the dust--cloudy all day. Genl. Lee, Captn. Presley Thornton & Mr. T. Peters came to dinner. Wd. Easter[ly].
14. Morning very heavy & likely for rain. Wind at East--Mer. 56. Very cloudy all day but no Rain--Mer. at 56. Genl. Lee &
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Captn. Thornton went away after breakfast & Mr. Booker came at Night.
15. Very Cloudy & likely to Rain in the Morning but clear afterwards--Wind getting to No. Wt.
16. Clear & pleasant all day & very little wind. Mer. 51 in the Morning & 66 at Night. The Attorney Genl. of the United States Lee and Lady & Mr. Wm. Craik dined here & retd.
17. Morning clear & calm M. at 56--very warm midday. Mr. Law--a Mr. David Barry and a Mr. Shedden came to dinner & staid the Night.
David Barry may be James Barry's nephew James David Barry.
MR. SHEDDEN: Robert Shedden (1741--1826), a native of Scotland, immigrated to America at the age of 18, settling in Portsmouth, Va. In 1767 he married Agatha Wells Goodrich, daughter of John Goodrich who was, like Shedden, loyal to the British. Shedden's illegal trade with British merchants brought about his arrest and the seizure of his property in 1776. Upon release he fled first to Bermuda, then to New York, and finally to London when the British evacuated in 1783. There he raised four sons and prospered at the head of a successful commercial house. Shedden's affairs in Virginia were still unresolved as late as 1789. He or one of his sons may have returned to America to settle old debts and establish new commercial ties, not an uncommon practice among displaced merchants.
18. Morning clear & calm Mer. 56 day very warm. Mr. Law & his Company went away after breakfast.
19. Morning very lowering. Mists afterwards and rain at Night. Mer. 55 in the Morning. Wd. No. E.
20. Raining by Intervals in the forenoon Wind at No. Et. & Mer. 54--afternoon clear. Mer. 54 at Night.
21. Morning Cloudy--Wind still at No. E. Mer. at 52. Clear all day--warm & smokey. Mer. 63 at Night.
22. Morning clear Mer. 52. Calm. Wind afterwards Southerly & in the afternoon appearances of Rain. Mer. 66 at Night.
23. Morning very cloudy with appearances of Rain--Wind Southerly--And Mer. 62. No. W. afterwards blowing hard & turning cold.
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24. Morning clear & calm M: 42. Light wind afterwards from No. W. Mrs. Washington--Mrs. Peake and Doctor Stuart dined here. The two first went away afterwards. M. 56 at Night.
25. Morning clear & calm--Mer, at 58. Calm & clear all day--towards night Southerly Wind. Doctr. Stuart & Mr. Booker went away after breakfast. M. 65 at N.
26. Morning clear & calm--Mer. 54. Very clear & pleasant all day. Mr. & Mrs. Law, with Govr. Crawford (late of Burmuda) & Lady came to dinner.
James Craufurd was governor of Bermuda from 1794 to 1796, after which he left Bermuda for New York, where he met and married Alice Swift Livingston (1751--1816), widow of Robert Cambridge Livingston.
27. Morning Cloudy--Wind North East & cold. Mer. at 39 in the Morning & 40 at Night. From about 8 oclock slow Rain by Intervals.
28. Morning clear & pleasant & continued so all day. Mer. 39 in the Morng. & 40 at Night. The Atty. Genl. U.S. Mr. Jno. Hopkins & Mr. Chs. F. Mercer dined here & returned.
Charles Fenton Mercer (1778--1858), younger son of James Mercer (1736--1793), graduated from Princeton in 1797 and eventually settled at Aldie in Loudoun County. Mercer, who had a distinguished political career, later became the first president of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company after it succeeded the Potomac Company in the 1820s.
29. Morning a little cloudy M. 32. Wind No. Wt. and afterwards blew hard & cold from thence. Mr. & Mrs. Law--Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Govr. Crauford & lady all went after breakfast.
30. Morning clear & Cold Mer. 27. Wind Southerly & fresh all day afterwards. At Night M. 37.
31. Clear--wind shifting in the Night to the No. Wt. & blowing hard--Mer. at 30. Clear and blowing fresh all day. Doctr. Craik visited Patients at Union farm & dined here.
1. Morning--Wind Easterly & lowering Mer. at 30. About 8 Oclock it began to snow but soon changed to rain & contd. a slow rain all day. Mer. 30 at Night.
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2. Morng. Clear, calm & pleast. Mer. 34. Wind afterwards North Easterly. Mr. Law Mr. Hasler of Demarara & Lady came to dinner.
3. Morning very heavy--Wind in the same place and M. 35.
4. Clear--but cool. Mr. Fitzhugh Mr. David Randolph & Mr. Alexr. White came to dinner, & the two first went away afterwards. Mr. Hasler & Lady went away after breakfast & Mrs. Law came at Night.
5. Mr. White went away before breakfast. I set out on a journey to Phila. about 9 Oclock with Mr. Lear my Secretary--was met at the Turnpike by a party of horse & escorted to the Ferry at George Town where I was recd. with Military honors. Lodged at Mr. T. Peters.
GW was going to Philadelphia to make plans for the provisional army then being raised in case of an invasion by the French. The "military honors" began as he entered Alexandria where, at about 11 o'clock, "his Excellency Lieutenant-General George Washington, accompanied by his Secretary Colonel Lear . . . was met at West End and escorted into town by Colonel Fitzgerald's and Captain Young's troops of cavalry, and the company of Alexandria blues. . . . When the General alighted at Gadsby's tavern, the blues fired a continental salute of 16 rounds. The troops of horse escorted the General to the ferry at George Town where . . . five gentlemen of George Town, in uniform, received him into a yawl and passed the river while the infantry and artillery on the Maryland side, by several discharges, honoured their illustrious chief. The George Town troop of horse and the other military companies then escorted him into the city of Washington and after firing a number of rounds, they and the whole assemblage of spectators retired" ( Claypoole's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 Nov. 1798).
6. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh--dined & lodged at Spurriers. Escorted by horse.
7. Breakfasted at Baltimore--dined at Websters, & lodged at Hartford. Met at Spurriers by the Baltimore horse & escorted in and out by the same. Viewed a Brigade of Militia at Balte.
"This morning arrived in town, the Chief who unites all hearts. He left Spurrier's pretty early, and lighted at Bryden's about 8 o'clock, escorted in by captains Hollingsworth's and Bentalou's troops, who went out last evening for that purpose. About 10 [ o'clock ], the 5th and 17th regiments (as many as from the shortness of the notice could get ready,) had the gratification of being reviewed by him, in Market street, much to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spectators, who thronged around him . . . the City Company . . . made open ranks for him to pass through as he came out to review the troops" ( Claypoole's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 Nov. 1798).
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8. Breakfasted at Susquehanna escorted by the Hartford horse. Dined at Elkton and lodged at Christiana bridge.
HARTFORD HORSE: A cavalry unit from Harford County, Md.
9. Breakfasted in Wilmington & dined & lodged at Chester--waitg. at the latter the return of an Exps. At this place was met by sevl. Troops of Phila. horse.
10. With this Escort I arrived in the City about 9 oclock & was recd. by Genl. McPhersons Blues & was escorted to my lodgings in 8th. Street (Mrs. Whites) by them & the Horse.
"November 12. Lieutenant General Washington, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States, arrived here on Saturday morning last, escorted by the different troops of horse--and, notwithstanding the short notice which had been given the Blues, almost the whole of that corps, with an alacrity which does them honor, were drawn up on the commons, to receive their beloved General. On his arrival, the cavalry and infantry were drawn up, and the General . . . passed in review down their front . . . the procession then moved from the commons, the General accompanied by his secretary Mr. Lear, in the centre of the cavalry. On his arrival at his lodgings in Eighth-street, he was saluted by the acclamations of the citizens who had collected once more to behold their Chief. The General was dressed in his uniform" ( Claypoole's American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 12 Nov. 1798). MCPHERSONS BLUES: William MacPherson's battalion, largely Federalist in its composition, had been reorganized and enlarged in June 1798 to include units of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. LODGINGS IN 8TH. STREET: Mrs. Rosannah White, a widow, kept a boardinghouse at 9 North Eighth Street.
11, 12, & 13. Dined at my Lodgings receiving many Visits. Weather clear & pleasant.
14. Dined at Majr. Jacksons.
15. Dined at Mr. Tench Francis's. Rain at Night.
16. Dined at the Secrety. of the Treay.
Oliver Wolcott, Jr., of Connecticut, was appointed by GW in 1795 to succeed Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the treasury. He served through most of John Adam's presidency, finally resigning late in 1800.
17. Do. at Mr. Willings.
18. Do. at my lodgings. Weather cloudy & heavy.
19. Do. at Doctr. Whites--Bishop. Raining.
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Oliver Wolcott, Jr., secretary of the treasury, painted by Gilbert Stuart. (Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of George Gibbs, M.A. 1808)
20. Dined at the Secretary of Wars. Violent Snow Storm from No. Et.
21. Dined at Majr. Reeds--Senator's.
Jacob Read (1752--1816) was a Federalist United States senator from South Carolina for one term (1795--1801).
22. Dined at Mr. Binghams.
23. Ditto at Mr. Saml. Meridiths. Treasurer.
24. Ditto at the Secretary of States.
Timothy Pickering, a leading Massachusetts Federalist, was appointed by GW as secretary of state in 1795. Reappointed by Pres. John Adams in 1797, he continued in that office until dismissed by Adams in May 1800.
25. Ditto at my Lodgings.
26. Dined at the Presidents of the U. States.
27. Dined in a family with Mr. Morris.
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John Adams, by William Winstanley. (The Adams National Historic Site, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior)
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Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia.
(Library of Congress)
Robert Morris was at this time confined to the Prune Street Prison, the section of the Walnut Street Prison used for debtors. Morris had overextended himself in land speculation so that with the financial problems caused by the war in Europe he could not meet taxes on his lands or interest on loans. He was to remain in prison until 1801, when he obtained his release under the federal bankruptcy law.
28. Dined with Judge Peters.
29. Do. with the British Minister.
30. Do. with the Govr. of the State. Govr. Mifflin.
Dined with Mr. Rawle.
2. Ditto with Bingham. From hence until my leaving the City on the
13. I dined at my lodgings.
14. After dinner set out on my journey home. Reached Chester.
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15. Breakfasted at Wilmington bated at Christiana and dined and lodged at Elkton.
16. Set out after a very early breakfast; and was detained at Susquehanna from 10 Oclock until the next morning, partly by Ice and Winds but principally by the Lowness of the tides occasioned by the No. Westerly Winds.
17. Breakfasted at Barneys--bated at Hartford. Dined at Websters and lodged at Baltimore.
18. Breakfasted at Spurriers--dined at Rhodes's--and lodged at Mr. Laws in the Federal City.
RHODES'S: Rhodes tavern was a three-story building about six miles north of Bladensburg near the present town of Beltsville (W.P.A. [2], 311).
19. Stopped at Doctr. Thorntons and Mr. Peter's & dined at home. Snow having fallen about 3 Inches deep in the Night.
20. Appearances of more Snow but none fell. Wind at No. W.
21. Clear & pleasant, with but little wind--that at No. Wt.
22. Snowing the whole day, without much wind, Snow 8 or 10 Inches deep.
23. Clear--wind at No. West. Mercury at 20 in the Morning.
24th. Clear all day with the Wind flesh from No. Wt. & Snow driving. Mer. 25. Doctr. Craik came to D. & Judge Cushing & lady in the afternoon--as did a Mr. Dinsmoor Agent in the Cherokee Country on his way to Philadelphia--with a Mr. [ ].
Silas Dinsmoor (Dinsmore), son of John and Martha McKeen Dinsmoor of Londonderry, N.H., graduated from Dartmouth College in 1791. In 1794 he received an appointment as lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Artillery but resigned after only a few weeks (NOYES, 421; EXECUTIVE JOURNAL, 1:159--60; CARTER [ 4 ], 4:362n). Late in 1794 Dinsmoor was sent as an agent to reside among the Cherokee Nation to keep the peace. In 1805 he was one of the United States commissioners who signed treaties with the Chickasaws and Choctaws (ASP, INDIAN AFFAIRS, 531--32, 639--40, 697, 749).
25. Perfectly clear, Calm & pleasant in the Morning--Mer. at 18. Genl. Pinckney, Lady & daughter came to dinner--and Captain Jno. Spotswood in the afternoon.
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GENL. PINCKNEY, LADY & DAUGHTER: Charles Cotesworth Pinckney in July had been appointed a major general in the army, ranking just below GW and Alexander Hamilton. The daughter accompanying Pinckney and his wife was Eliza, the youngest of Pinckney's three daughters.
26. Clear & not much wind. Mer. at 14 in the Morng.
27. Clear morning, but spitting of Snow in the Evening little however fell. Mer. at 25 in the Morning. The following Gentlemen dined here the 27th. viz. Messrs. Wm. Fitzhugh--Wm. Herbert Potts--Wilson--Doctr. Craik & son Geo: Washington Craik, Heath & Doctr. Greenhow of Richmond.
Mr. Heath is possibly John Heath (d. 1810), son of Capt. John Heath (d. 1783) of Northumberland County. The younger Heath was a member of the Virginia General Assembly in 1782 and 1784--85 and first president of Phi Beta Kappa after its founding at the College of William and Mary in 1776. He was living in Richmond about this time. In 1803 he married Sarah Ewell, niece of Mrs. James Craik.
Dr. Greenhow is young James Greenhow who had graduated from the University of Edinburgh the previous year.
28. Clear morning but a little lowering afterwards. Mer. at 29 in the Morng. & thawing afterwards. Genl. Pinckney--Lady & daughter left this after breakfast.
29. Rain in the Night--a thick fog, & thawing in the morning--Mer. at 34. In the afternoon wind high from the No. Wt.
30. In the morning wind very high from the same point. Mer. at 30--in the eveng, at 35. Calm & pleasant afternoon.
31. Calm & pleasant--thawing. Mer. higher than yesterday.
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Benjamin Latrobe's 1796 watercolor of the Mount Vernon piazza, depicting members of the Washington family. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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Jany. 1. Raining Slowly until the Afternoon when it cleared. Wind southerly. Mer. 38. Ih.
Diary entries for 1--21 Jan. 1799 are from a diary page at PHi: Gratz Collection. The first part of this section of the diary has a number of cryptic abbreviations in GW's handwriting, some of which appear to have been added at a later date. See editorial note to the 1795 diary.
2. Clear. Wind at No. Wt. but moderate. Mer. at 30--W--little Kx.
3. Cold. A little Snow fell. Mer. 28.
4. Very cold. Wind at No. and Mer. 24.--V--x
5. Extreme cold. Mer. at 10. Wind at No. Wt. and in the Night a considerable fall of Snow.
6. Clear but very cold. Wind still at No. Wt. & Mer. at 9.
7. Clear. Mer. at 8. Wind at No. Wt.
8. Clear in the forenoon but lowering afterwards. Raining in the Night but Not much. Mer. at 16.--Gr.--Wind Southerly.
9. Cloudy Morning but clear afterwards. Wind Southerly. Mer. at 30.
10. Lowering. Wind Southerly. Mer. 32. Left home for the City of Washington W--x. Dined at Mr. T. Peters.
11. Very heavy fog but little wind and that Southerly. Clear after the fog went off & very warm. Quite a Spring day--Petr. A--dined at Doctr. Whorntons.
12. Heavy fog. Nearly calm. Clear after morning & warm Sun. Returned home to dinner. Snow all gone.
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13th. Mer. 42. Wind at No. Et. and misting in the forenoon & raining afterwards--and faster at Night.
14. Heavy Morning but No Rain & but little wind. Mer. at 38. Foggy & thick through the day.
15. Perfectly clear & calm in the Morning. Mer. at 36. Wind afterwards fresh but not hard at N. W.
16. Clear. Mer. 38. Wind at No. W. in the Morning but moderate calm and exceedingly pleasant afterwards.
17. Clear & calm in the Morning & a white frost. Mer. 30 in the Morning & 40 at Night. Clear all day with very little wind--that Easterly.
18. Heavy morning (a fog). Little or no Wind & that Southeasterly. Afternoon clear. Mer. 36.
19. Morning misting--afterwards Slow rain at Intervals. Wind what there was of it in the same quarter. Nelly Custis accompanied by Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart and their three daughters came to Dinner. Mer. 36.
20. Morning dull. Mer. at 35. Wind but little, & that Southerly. Clear afterwards.
21. Morning clear. Mer. at 32. Wind hard & cold from the No. Wt. till Noon, when it moderated. Went up to Court, and to an Election of Bank Directors in Alexandria--was chosen Guardian by Miss Eleanor Parke Custis & gave in my Suffrage for Directors. Dined at Mr. Fitzhughs.
On 23 Jan., GW wrote Lawrence Lewis of his errand to Alexandria, "whither I went to become the guardian of Nelly, thereby to authorize a license for your nuptials on the 22d of next month" (CUSTIS, 45).
22. Clear morning. Mer. at 30. Wind from the Southward. Lowering afternoon & likely for rain. Turning Warm.
The entries for 22 Jan.--9 Feb. 1799 are from a diary page at PHi: Dreer Collection.
23. Lowering. Mer. at 40. Wind (tho' but very little of it) Southerly. Lowering through the day. Mr. Bushrod Washington came to dinner.
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24. Mer. at 33. A sprinkling of Snow fell in the night--succeeded by R which continued steadily thro' the day, though not hard.
25. Mer. at 28; with a very heavy Sleet. Thick heavy day throughout. Sleet continuing. No wind but an air from the No. Et. Doctr. Stuart & family & Mr. Bushd. Washn. went away after breakfast.
26. Mer. at 30. Sleet increased & weather very thick & foggy all day.
27. Mer. at 36 in the Morning. Cloudy all day with the Wind at No. Wt. & turning cold.
28. Morning clear. Mer. at 26 and wind at No. Wt. where it remained all day but not hard tho' cold. Mer. 26 at Night.
29. Mer. at 23 in the Morning wch. was lowering with the wind what there was of it at No. Wt.
30. Mer. at 29. Morning clear. Wind southerly and a remarkable large hoarfrost. Remained at So. all day & fresh. Mer. 44 at Night.
31. Clear Morning. Mer. at 33 and wind at No. Wt. Afterwards calm & remarkably pleasant.
February 1. Mer. at [ ]. Brisk southerly Wind all day & towards Noon lowering with appearances of rain. Mer. 44 at Night.
2. Mer. at 42 in the Morning. Wind Southerly & raining. 37 at Night and raining also. From ten oclock in the forenoon until near 5 in the afternoon it ceased raining but was thick & foggy.
3. Wind shifting to No. Wt. in the Night. It cleared--blew hard turned cold. Mer, at 27 in the Morning. Wind Moderated in the day wch. was clear throughout.
4. Lowering in the Morning. Wind at the same place. Mer. 24. Calm clear & pleasant afterwards.
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5. Wind at No. Et. Mer. at 28--and commenced Snowing about 7 OClock, left off about Noon--grd. slightly covered.
6. Clear. Wind at No. Wt. Mer. 22. Calm & moderate in the Afternoon.
7. Clear & pleasant all day. Mer. at 20 in the Morning but little Wind and that Easterly. Doctr. Thorn. & Majr. Turner came to dinner.
Major Turner is probably Dr. William Thornton's good friend George Turner. Turner, originally from South Carolina, had served as a lieutenant and captain in the 1st South Carolina Regiment during the Revolution and in 1778 became an aide to Maj. Gen. Robert Howe, with the rank of major. In 1789 Turner was appointed judge of the western territory but resigned the office in 1798.
8. Wind Easterly. Morning heavy & Mer. at 28. Dripping rain now & then through the day. Wind shifting to the southward & fresh. Mr. Thos. Digges dined here & returned. Mr. Tracy came to dinner.
Thomas Atwood Digges (1742--1821) was the sole surviving son of William Digges of Warburton. Thomas and his brother George (d. 1792) had been in school in England when the Revolution broke out, and although George soon returned home to Maryland, Thomas remained in England. There he followed a controversial and frequently discreditable career. During the Revolution he undoubtedly worked to alleviate the sufferings of American prisoners of war in Britain, but he also seems to have pocketed a large portion of the money sent him for this purpose and was accused of being both a double agent and a thief (WMQ, 3d ser., 22 (1965), 486--92; Pa. Mag., 77 (1953), 381--438). Thomas Digges arrived back in America in 1798 and took up residence at Warburton.
9. A heavy storm of Wind from the So[uth]ward & rain in the night--also in the Morning but clear afterwards. Wind getting to the Westward. Mer. at 54 in the Morning & 50 at Night. Thornton & Turner went away abt. Noon.
10. Wind shifted in the Night to N.W., blew fresh & turned cold. Mer. at 30 in the morning & 34 at Night. Clear all day.
11. A little lowering--W. in the Morning--Wind Southerly and Mer. at 27. Went up to Alexandria to the celebration of my birth day. Many Manoeuvres were performed by the Uniform Corps and an elegant Ball & Supper at Night.
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Participating in the maneuvers were the Alexandria Silver Grays, the "Volunteer Troop of Light Dragoons," and the Alexandria Dragoons ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 9 Feb. 1799). The ball was held at Gadsby's tavern, which was located on Royal Street at the corner of Cameron. John Wise in 1792 had built a large three-story building adjoining the old City Tavern which Wise boasted as having "twenty commodious, well-furnished rooms in it" ( Va. Gaz. and Alexandria Adv., 14 Mar. 1793). In 1794 Wise leased both this new building and the old City Tavern to John Gadsby, an Englishman. Gadsby combined the two buildings into one tavern which for many years provided some of the best accommodations in the country.
12. Wind Westerly & day clear and pleasant. Returnd home. Mr. N. Fitzhugh & brother & Mr. Hen. Wash. came to dinnr.
N. FITZHUGH: Nicholas Fitzhugh had ten brothers. HEN. WASH.: probably Henry Washington (1765--1812), son of Lawrence Washington (b. 1749) and Susannah Washington, both of whom were distant cousins of GW. He may be the same Henry Washington who had earlier been sheriff of Prince William County.
13. Morning clear--wind Southerly. Mer. 34. Wind very fresh all day. Mer. 46 at Night.
14. Mer. 33--morning clear and Wind at South and very pleasant forepart of the day--Lowering afterwards.
15. Wind shifted to the No. Wt. in the Night. Blew hard and turn cold. Mer. 30 in the Morning & 26 at Night.
16. Hard frost--clear and calm--Pleasant after the Morning. Mer. at 18 in the Morning and 26 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Peters came to dinner.
17. Morning Snowing with little or no wind. Snow abt. 4 Inches deep. Mer. at 24. Before Noon it cleared & became a fine day with very little Wind. Mer. 30 at Night.
18. Morning clear and calm. Mer. at 30. Wind fresh, but not hard, from No. Wt. afterwards. Mrs. Stuart and her 3 daughters came here in the afternoon. Mer. at 24 at Night.
19. Mer. at 30 in the Morning and at Night. Very Cloudy in the forenoon and spitting Snow from 8 Oclock until Noon--clear afterwards.
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Nelly Custis in her wedding gown, painted by James Sharples. (Woodlawn Plantation, Mount Vernon, Va.; a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation)
20. Morning very thick & Misting; Wind Easterly. Mer. at 30 Morng. & Evening with Rain at Intervals through the day. Doctr. Baynham dined here.
21. Mer. at 30 in the Morning--very little wind & that Easterly. Heavy & misting all day. Mer. 30 at Night. Mr. Chs. Carter wife & daughter came to dinner & Mr. Robt. Lewis in the Afternoon.
The Carters' daughter was Maria Ball Carter (1784--1823).
22. Morning Raining--Mer. at 30. Wind a little more to the Northward. Afterwards very strong from the No. Wt. and turning clear & cold.
The Revd. Mr. Davis & Mr. Geo. Calvert came to dinner & Miss Custis was married abt. Candle light to Mr. Lawe Lewis.
REVD. MR. DAVIS: Thomas Davis, Episcopalian clergyman of Charles City County, was an usher at the College of William and Mary 1768; was ordained in London 1773; and served as rector of Elizabeth City Parish in Norfolk County 1773--76, St. Stephen's Parish, Northumberland County 1779--92, Fairfax Parish, Fairfax County 1792--1806, Elizabeth City Parish 1806--8, and Hungar's Parish, Northumberland County 1808. During the Revolution, Davis served as chaplain to several Virginia regiments. Davis later this year presided at GW's funeral.
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23. Morning clear & very cold. Mer. at 12 & wind at No. Wt. which afterwards shifted to the Southward but still continued cold. Mr. Davis retd. after dinner.
24. Mer. at 18 in the Morning and Wind Southerly--but it soon shifted to the No. Wt. & blew fresh. Weather clear and very cold.
25th. Clear & very cold in the Morning, and through the day. Mer. at 12 in the Morning and 22 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. River nearly closed with Ice. Mr. L: Lee, Mrs. Lee & Miss French--Mr. Herbert, Mr. Jno. Herbert & Miss Herbert--Doctr. Craik & Mr. G. W. Craik--Miss Fitzhugh Miss Moly Fitzhugh & Miss Chew & Colo. Fitzgerald dined here & returned.
Mrs. Lee was Ludwell Lee's second wife, Elizabeth Armistead Lee, whom he married in 1797. Miss FRENCH: GW may be following the custom of referring to elderly widows as "Miss," in which case his visitor might be Penelope Manley French, aged widow of Daniel French (d. 1771) of Rose Hill, Fairfax County.
Miss Chew is perhaps Harriet Chew, of Philadelphia, who married Charles Carroll, Jr., of Homewood in July 1800.
26. Morning cold & cloudy with the Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 22 Morng. & Eveng. Abt. 3 Oclock it began to snow, & continued steadily to do so. Mrs. Potts--Mrs. Fendall--Mr. Andw. Ramsay & Wife--Mr. Wm. Ramsay--Mr. Edmd. Lee & Sister Lucy--and Mr. Hodgden dined here & returned--and Mr. Bushrod Washington came in the afternoon.
Mrs. Fendall was Philip R. Fendall's third wife, Mary Lee Fendall (born c.1775), a sister to Edmund, Charles, and Light Horse Harry Lee.
Andrew Ramsay was married in 1795 to Catherine Graham (d. 1844), daughter of Richard Graham (d. 1796) and Jane Brent Graham of Dumfries.
Lucy Lee (b. 1774), a daughter of Henry Lee of Leesylvania, was Mrs. Fendall's sister.
27. The Snow which fell in the afternn, was about 4 Inches deep this morng. Morning heavy & but little wind. Mer. 22 and at Night 26. Mr. Thomson Mason & Wife and Mr. Nicholls & Wife dined here & returned.
28. Clear--wind at No. Wt. but not hard. Mer. at 28 in the Morning and 32 at Night. Evening lowering & calm.
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1. Snowing fast. Mer. at 30. More or less snow through the day with the wind though but little of it at No. Et. Snow 6 In. deep.
2. Morning very heavy & likely for more Snow. Mer. at 25 and Wind at No. Et. Mer. 26 at Night.
3. Morning moderate with little or no wind & Mer. at 26. Towds. Sundown it came out at No. W. & turned cold. Mer. 28 at Night. Mrs. Stuart & her 3 daughters (Stuarts) and Mr. & Mrs. Peters went away after breakfast.
4. Clear, hard frost. Mer. at 24 and wind at No. Wt. at which it continued all day and very cold. Mr. & Mrs. Carter went away after Breakfast.
5. Wind still at No. Wt. and Mer. at 8 in the Morning & 17 at Night. River almost closed with Ice. Clear all day. Mr. Lawe. Lewis & Wife went up to the Fedl. City.
6. Clear with a light breeze from the South. Mer. at 15 in the Morng. River closed--except in holes--32 at Night & Lowering. Mr. & Mrs. Law went away to day.
Maj. Thomas Pinckney, by John Trumbull. (Yale University Art Gallery)
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7. Morning--Mer. at 31, & a little cloudy with a light breeze from No. Wt. Clear & pleasant afterwards. Mer. 35 at N.
8. But little wind & that No. Westerly. Morng. clear & Mer. at 28. Southerly in the afternoon--clear all day & Mer. 40 at Night. Mr. Mrs. & Miss Carter returned this afternoon.
9. Morning clear but lowering, and, at times raining through the day. Major Pinckney came in the Evening. Mer. 40 and wind Southerly.
Thomas Pinckney was returning home to South Carolina from a session of the United States Congress in Philadelphia. He was interested in experimental farming, and during this visit one of the topics of discussion was GW's jackasses, two of which were for sale (GW to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 31 Mar. 1799, DLC:GW).
10. Mer. at 40 in the Morning. Wind and Weather very variable after 12 oclock with squalls & Rain by intervals. Mr. Carter & family and Major Pinckney left this after breakfast and young Mr. Barry--with a Spanish officer--a Mr. O'Higgens came to dinner & returned afterwards.
Mr. O'Higgins may be Capt. Thomas O'Higgins of the Spanish navy (DIARIES, 4:300n).
11. Mer. at 32 in the Morning and Wind at No. Wt. Afterwards So. Et. & very lowering. Mer. 34 at Night.
12. In the Night the wind shifted to No. Wt. again, and blew very hard & continued to do so through the day turning very cold. Mer. 22 in the morning & 18 at Night when it grew calm.
13. Mer. at 17 in the Morning and 20 at Night. Snowing all day--sometimes fast, at other times slow with very little wind.
14. Mer. at 15 in the Morning & quite Calm. Wind at So. Et. afterwards & lowering. Mer. at 30 at Night.
15. Mer. at 30 Morning & Evening. Wind (though not much of it) Easterly. Raining more or less all day.
16. A very thick Fog, with the wind Southerly. Mer. at 30 in the Morning & 40 at Night. At Night it shifted to No. West. Snow all gone. A Mr. Boyd & his Brother from Boston dind here.
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17. Wind about North & mer. at 30 in the morning & lowering. At Night No. Wt. clear & Mer. at 24.
18th. Mer. at 22 in the Morning. Wind hard all day at No. Wt. and clear. Mer. at 24 at Night.
19. Calm in the Morning, & somewhat lowering afterwards, Wind Southerly & Mer. at 34 at Night.
20. Raining & drizling all day with the Wind at South. Mer. at 32 in the morning and 40 at Night.
21. Mer. at 50 in the Morning and at Night--higher at Noon. Raining by intervals all day with the Wind at South.
22. Morning Cloudy, with but little wind (that No. Westerly). Mer. at 42 in the Morning and 44 at Night.
23. Mer. at 35 in the Morning and 34 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day and cool. Mr. & Mrs. Lawe. Lewis returned from the Federal City.
24. Mer. at 32. Wind westerly--clear and pleasant. Mr. Robt. Stith came to dinner & stayed all N.
25. Calm & clear in the Morning. Wind Southerly & lowering in the afternoon. Mer. at [ ] in the Morning & 52 at Night. Doctr. Craik & Mr. Foot dined here & returned in the afternoon.
26. A very light breeze from the Eastward in the morning. Clear & Mer. at 42. Very lowering towards evening. Mer. 52 at Night. Mr. Stith went away after breakfast.
27. Storming from N. a little Easterly. Mer. at 46 in the Morning. Raining more or less all day. Towds. Night the wind came out Violently at No. Wt. & began to clear. Mer. at 44.
28. Morning clear, Mer. at 32 in the Morning--ground a little froze. Wind high all day at No. Wt. until sundown. Mer. 34 at Night.
29. Mer. at 32 in the Morning & the Wind Southerly & Lowering. Clear afterwards. Wind towds. Night shifting to West. Mer. 50 at [ ]. Mr. Burwell Bassett came in the Evening.
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30. Mer. at 45 in the Morning. Wind Southerly. Weather hazy & Smokey but otherwise pleasant. Mer. 56 at Night.
31. Clear Morning except being very smoky. Mer. at 48 and Wind Southerly. 62 at Night. Mr. Bassett went away after breakfast.
1. Clear (except being smoky). Mer. at 46. Wind Northerly--afterwds. Easterly and towards Night lowering.
2. Very thick mist--afterwards Raining with the Wind at East & Mer. at 48 in the Morning. In the afternoon the wind shifted to No. Wt. Blew fresh & turned cold.
3. Extreme cold (but forgot to see what the Mercury was). Wind very high from the No. Wt. and continued so all day. Went up to four mile run to run round my land there. Got on the grd. about 10 Oclock and in Company with Captn. Terret and Mr. Luke commenced the Survey on 4 mile run & ran agreeably to the Notes taken. In the evening went to Alexa. & lodged myself at Mr. Fitzhughs.
MY LAND THERE: This plot of about 1,200 acres on Four Mile Run, bought by GW in 1775, lay about four miles north of Alexandria on the road to Leesburg. It had been losing timber to trespassers for years, and GW particularly suspected the owners of adjoining lands, among whom were Capt. William Henry Terrett, Jr. (d. 1826), and John Luke (see entry for 27 Jan. 1775; STETSON [1], 57--59, 72--73, 78--79). Terrett was the son of William Henry and Margaret Pearson Terrett. Luke was the son of the John Luke who bought this 330-acre tract in 1773 from Mrs. Susanna Pearson Alexander, daughter of the original patentee, Simon Pearson (STETSON [1], 78--79).
4. The No. Wt. [wind] contd. through the Night & all this day & cold. Recommenced the Survey at the upper end where we left off in Company with Colo. Little--Captn. Terret and Mr. Willm. Adams & contd. it agreeably to the Notes until we came to 4 Mile run again which employed us until dark. Returnd to Alexa. and again lodged at Mr. Fitzhughs.
Col. Charles Little and William Adams both owned land adjoining GW's land being surveyed this day. William Adams (1723--1809), son of Gabriel Adams, Sr. (d. 1750), and Priscilla Pearson Adams, had served as a colonel of militia, vestryman of Truro Parish, justice of the peace, and sheriff of
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Fairfax County. His home, Church Hill, adjoined GW's land on the southwest. Adams was an early Methodist convert, and his home was headquarters for Bishop Francis Asbury when he was traveling in the area (STEADMAN [2], 223--24).
5. Returned home to Breakfast. But little wind in the forenoon & quite calm in the afternoon--cool notwithstanding. Mer. 42 at Night.
6. Mer. at 38 in the Morning. Very cloudy & wind at No. Et. Clear afterwards with but little wind. Mer. 46 at Night. Mr. White the Fedl. Commr. came to dinner and Colo. Ball after dinner.
7. Clear & calm in the Morning. Mer. at 41. Wind moderately from the No. Wt. the remainder of the day. Mer. 52 at Night.
8. Hazy & smokey with a light breeze from the Southward in the Morning & Mer. at 46. Wind fresh from the same point afterwards. Mer. 62 at Night. Colo. Ball & Mr. White went away after breakfast.
9. In the morning Mer. at 56. Wind very fresh from South & very likely for Rain. Shifted abt. 9 Oclock & blew violently at No. W. turned cold. Mer. 32 at Night. Mrs. Washington of H: came.
MRS. WASHINGTON OF H: Elizabeth Foote Washington of Hayfield.
10th. A hard frost--morning clear and Cold. Wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 28.
11. Mer. at 32 in the morning and 49 at Night. Wind Southerly and towards evening the Weather was a little lowering. Mr. Foot dined here & with Mrs. Washington returned home in the afternoon.
12. Morng. Calm & Heavy. Mer. 45. Wd. afterwards, first Southerly & then Easterly but not fresh. Weather clear. Mer. 54 at Night. Doctr. Wade came this Aftn. Spread Plaster of Paris this Morning on the circle & sides before the door & on the Lawn to the Cross Path betwn. the Garden gates & on the Clover by the Stable.
Dr. Robert H. Wade had been to Mount Vernon three times during March and April to attend sick slaves (Wade's account with GW, 13 Mar.--12 April 1799, PU: Early American Letters).
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Mount Airy in Richmond County, the home of John Tayloe. (Virginia Historical Society)
13. A little rain fell last night. Wind at No. Wt. & Mer. 45 in the Morning--contd. at No. Wt. all day--but not hard. Mer. 50 at Night.
14. Clear Morning; Mer. at 30, Wind at No. Wt. but light. Calm afterwards & lowering; Mer. 58 at Night.
15. Clear & Calm morning. Mer. at 43. Clear & calm all day. Mer. 62 at Night.
16. Calm & clear in the Morning. Brisk Southerly wind afterwards. Mer. 48 in the Morning & 62 at Night.
17. Lowering morning--brisk Southerly wind. Mer. at 58 in the morning and 66 at Night. Jno. Tayloe Esqr. & Mr. Jno. Herbert came here to dinner.
John Tayloe (1771--1828) was one of the most notable owners of racehorses in Virginia at the turn of the century. He divided his time between his family home, Mount Airy, in Richmond County and his town house--the Octagon House--built for him in the Federal City.
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18th. Calm & pleasant--a refreshing Rain fell in the night. Mer. at 60 in the morning & 66 at Night. About 9 Oclock the wind sprung up from No. Wt. but did not blow fresh nor cold. In the afternoon it shifted to So. Wt. Mr. Tayloe & Mr. Jno. Herbert went away after breakfast.
19. Mer. 54 in the morning. Wind Northerly & cool, & beginning to lower. Clear afterwards wind encreasing. Mer. 46 at Night & blowing.
20. Mer. at 32. Wind still fresh from No. Wt. & having blown (it is believed) throu the Night. It is hoped the fruit has escaped, altho' there Ice had formed. Mrs. Washington of Hayfield--Genl. O'Donald, Mr. Barry, Mr. Oliver Mr. Thompson & a Doctr. [ ] dined here & returned. Mer. 47 at N.
GENL. O'DONALD: probably John O'Donnell (died c. 1805), eldest son of John O'Donnell (1715--1780) of County Clare in Ireland. O'Donnell ran away from home as a young man and became bookkeeper to the captain of an East Indiaman. He later amassed a fortune while in the employment of the East India Company but was robbed of most of it on his way back to Europe. O'Donnell became master and owner of a merchant ship trading between Bombay and Baltimore and brought the first direct importation of goods from Canton to Baltimore in 1785. He settled in Baltimore probably about 1780 and became colonel of the 27th Regiment of militia and a member of the Maryland legislature. His estate, Canton, was near Baltimore (BURKE [1], 533; WILLIAMS [4], 135n; GW to O'Donnell, 4 Sept. 1797, NN: Washington Papers).
Mr. Oliver is probably either John Oliver or Robert Oliver (c.1757--1834), both of whom were merchants in Baltimore.
21. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 42. But little wind all day & that No. Westerly. Mer. 54 at Night. A B. Heppesley Coxe Esqr. recomd. by Mr. Bingham came here to dinnr.
B. HEPPESLEY COXE: probably John Francis Buller Hippisley Coxe of Stone Easton, Somerset, Eng. He was the son of James Buller of Devon and his wife, Mary Hippisley Coxe Buller, of Somerset. In 1793 Young Buller by royal license had assumed the surnames of Hippisley Coxe (BURKE [2], 3:459).
22. Morng. clear & Wind Easterly. Mer. at 44 in the Morning & 49 at Night. Mr. Coxe went awy. after breakfast & Mr. Vanstapherst came to dinner & Doctr. Craik to see Mr. Lear afterwards.
MR. VANSTAPHERST: probably a connection of the Amsterdam banking firm of Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst. The Van Staphorst brothers, in connection with the Amsterdam firm of Jan and Wilhem Willink and a third partner, Nicholas Hubbard, had acted as the bankers of the United States in
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Amsterdam during the Confederation and early federal period. MR. LEAR: On 18 Mar. Dr. William Thornton wrote GW from the Federal City: "Col. Lear complained of one of his Legs very much. I examined & found it in a very bad state, but promised if he would stay with me for a week to attempt to render him some Service" (DLC: William Thornton Papers). On 24 April Thornton wrote GW: "we lament exceedingly the relapse of our Friend Colonel Lear and wish he could have staid a little longer with us; but I must own he is in some respects not a very patient Patient" (DLC:GW).
23d. Morning very heavy & cloudy with the wind at East & the Mer. at 46. About 6 oclock in the afternoon a fine rain began & continued for an hour. Mer. 54 at Night. Doctr. Craik went away before breakfast & a Majr. Jones--a british Officer came to dinner & Mr. George Peter at Night.
George Peter (1779--1861), youngest brother of Thomas Peter of Georgetown, had come to Mount Vernon soliciting a commission in the provisional army. GW wrote him a recommendation, describing "the young Gentleman. . . [as] likely, well grown, and of good behaviour," and added, "all of the family of them are warm Federalists" (GW to James McHenry, 1 Feb. 1799 and 24 April 1799, DLC:GW). After participating in western exploration in the early years of the nineteenth century, Peter returned to Maryland, settling in Georgetown and Montgomery County, where he represented his district in Congress as a Democrat (ECKER, 150--51).
24. Mer. at 52. Morning clear no Wind--afterwards at No. Wt. & high. Mer. 46 at Night. Gentlemen who came yesterday went away after breakfast and I went up to Alexa. to an Election of a Representative from the District to Congress & from the County to the State Legisla[tur]e.
FROM THE DISTRICT: GW voted for Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee, who won election to the United States House of Representatives for the Sixth Congress, which was the only term he served. Three weeks after the first session opened, on 26 Dec. 1799, Lee spoke for the whole Congress on the death of GW and reminded his fellow Americans that while GW was "First in war--first in peace--and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life" (ANNALS OF CONGRESS, 10:1310). FROM THE COUNTY: Richard Bland Lee and Thomas Swann were elected to the Virginia House of Delegates from Fairfax County.
25. Mer. at 50 in the morng. & 58 at Night. Calm Morning g: evening & a light Southerly wind abt. Midday. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner.
26. Mer. at 50 in the Morning and Wind at No. Et. which afterwds. shifted to So. Et. Mer. 58 at Night. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast and Mr. & Mrs. Law. Lewis came from Hope Park in the afternoon.
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27. Mer. at 57 in the Morning. Rain last Night--wind at So. Et. and from abt. 8 oclock in the Morning continual Rain until Night--with thunder & lightning after dark. Mer. 62 at Night.
28. Morning clear--with a light breeze from the Southward. Mer. at 60 & at night 68. About 9 Oclock the Wd. came from the No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh but not cold. Doctr. Craik & a Mr. Halsted dined here & returned.
29. A little cloudy & Wind about North in the Morning. Mer. 62. Clear afterwards. Went up to run round my land on 4 Mile run. Lodged at Colo. Littles.
Although GW mentions no one else as being present this day, he had met all of the major owners of the lands adjoining his Four Mile Run land at the election in Alexandria (24 April). At that meeting, GW later wrote, "all the parties . . . engaged to meet me at the beginning Corner . . . by nine o'clock" on this morning to "ascertain all the Corners and . . . re-mark any of the lines" around GW's 1200-acre plot (GW to Ludwell Lee, 26 April 1799, DLC:GW; and see entry for 3 April 1799).
30. Engaged in the same business as yesterday & returned home in the afternoon. Morning clear & fine. Wind Easterly--afterwards fresh from the Southward. Clouded up and between 2 & 3 began to rain. Conti[nue]d to do so steadily until I went to bed. Mer. then at 50.
1. Morning Cloudy & very heavy. Wind Easterly & Mer. at 50. After dark a heavy squall of Wind & Rain from the No. Wt. Mer. 52 at Night.
2. Clear & calm in the Morning. Mer. at 52. Brisk So. westerly wind afterwards--still clear. Mer. 58 at Night.
3d. Wind fresh from No. Et. & very Cloudy. Mer. at 50 in the morning. About 9 Oclock it began to rain & contd. to do so until near 2 Oclk. when it ceased & became a clear afternoon. Mer. 43 at night.
4. Morning clear & pleasant, but cool. Mer. at 40. Wind, what there was of it--North westerly. Mer. 46 at night. Messrs. Wm. & Washington and a Mr. Jeffries dined here & returned.
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MESSRS. WM. & WASHINGTON: GW probably meant William and George Washington Craik.
5th. Morning calm & pleasant. Mer. 46. Wind afterwards at No. Wt. but not hard or cold. At night Mer. 54.
6. Morning clear, Wind brisk from the Southward. Mer. at 50. At Night it lowered. Mer. 62. Mr. & Mrs. Lewis set out on their journey.
Nelly and Lawrence Lewis left Mount Vernon on a prolonged round of visits to the homes of various members of Lawrence's family. They were away from Mount Vernon most of the time until late October or early November (Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis to Elizabeth Bordley, 14 Nov. 1799. ViMtV).
7. Morning clear--wind still Southerly & Mer. at 56. About 9 Oclk. it shifted to No. Wt. & blew hard--but did not turn suddenly cold. Mer. 59 at Night.
8. Clear, but cool--wind still at No. Wt. and Mer. at 46. Calm in the Evening and Mer. at 54.
9. No clouds, but smokey; Wind (tho' not much of it) at No. Wt. Mer. at 56 and at Night 60. Genl. Lee Messrs. Rd. B. Lee & Wm. Ludwell Lee--Mr. Fitzhugh Mr. Page Mr. T. Turner dined here & returned in the Evening.
Mr. Page is probably William Byrd Page (1772--1818), brother-in-law of Henry and Richard Bland Lee. Page, eldest son of Mann and Mary Mason Seldon Page (1754--1787) of Fairfield, Clarke County, was married c.1793 to Anne Lee, daughter of Henry Lee of Leesylvania.
Mr. Turner is probably Capt. Thomas Turner, "highly spoken of as a horse Officer, and a very respectable character," who wished a calvary commission in the provisional army (GW to James McHenry, 23 April 1799, WRITINGS, 37:192; GW to James McHenry, 6 June 1799, DLC:GW; Bushrod Washington to GW, 10 April 1799, ViMtV).
10th. Morning lowering & Mer. at 60. Clear afterwards with a brisk Wind from So. Wt. which in the Evening veered to No. Mer. 72 at Night. Mr. Thos. Digges & Mr. Jas. Welch dined here & retd.
The due date for Welch's first payment on the Kanawha lands (31 Dec. 1798) had gone by without GW receiving any word from Welch. GW wrote several times requesting the money due him. He not only needed the money, but as he finally wrote Welch on 7 April 1799, "I have heard too much of your character lately, not to expect tale after tale, and relation after relation, of your numerous disappointments, by way of excuses for the noncompliance of your agreement with me . . . however you may have succeeded in imposing
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upon and deceiving others, you shall not practice the like game with me, with impunity" (DLC:GW). Welch protested his good intentions and promised to come to Mount Vernon in May. Welch was still unable at this time to come up with the money, and although GW gave him a further extension until November, he never received a penny from Welch for the lands. After GW's death, his executors seem to have canceled the contract and permitted Welch to keep his Elk River lands (PRUSSING, 120--21, 472--75). See entries for 24 Nov. and 18 Dec. 1797 and 10 Oct. 1798.
11. Morning clear--wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 60--at Night 56. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner & a Mr. Small afterwards. Both stayed all Night.
MR. SMALL: GW is somewhat confused on the man's name (see entry for 12 May 1799). He probably means Peyton Short (1762--1825), son of William and Elizabeth Skipwith Short of Spring Garden, Surry County, and brother of William Short, former chargé d'affaires to France and minister to The Hague and to Spain. Peyton Short, who attended the College of William and Mary where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, moved to Kentucky in 1790 and from 1792 to 1796 represented Fayette County in the Kentucky Senate. GW carried on a correspondence with Short for a year regarding his Kentucky lands on Rough Creek. GW was concerned about the status of his taxes on the land, and was also interested in buying some adjoining property that might be for sale. GW wrote Short on 31 July 1799 that he would avail himself of Short's "obliging offer (when last in Virginia) to serve me in Kentucky, by requesting the favour of you to have the Deed, herewith sent admitted to Record in the County of Kentucky" (WRITINGS, 37:321; GW to Short, 16 July 1798, and Short to GW, 22 July 1798, DLC: GW; Short to GW, 1 Nov. 1798, NbO; TYLER [3], 261--62; TYLER [1], 237--39).
12. Morning clear & cool. Mer. at 48 and wind at No. W. Doctr. Stuart went away after Breakfast & Mr. Short after dinner. Mr. White came to dinner.
13. Clear & calm all day. Mer. at 47 in the Morning and 60 at Night. Mr. White went away before breakfast.
14. Morning clear & very smoaky. Mer. at 52 and but little wind--that Southerly. Mery. 62 at Night. Majr. Wm. Harrison came here to dinner.
William B. Harrison, of Loudoun County, owned land adjoining Mount Vernon. GW, who believed Harrison's tenants were stealing timber and livestock from Mount Vernon, wished to lease or buy Harrison's land to rid himself of those particular neighbors. On 10 April 1799 GW wrote to Harrison: "if you will come & take a bed at my house, I have a Clerk (living with me) who Surveys very well & shall do it for you without cost, the next day" (DLC:GW).
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15. Clear & warm. Mer. at 60, and Wind brisk from the Southward especially towards Night when it lowered. Mr. Thomson Mason came here to breakfast and attended Majr. Harrison & me on the Survey of the latters land & both dined here, as did a Mr. Season. Mer. 72 at Night.
Thomson Mason owned land adjoining Harrison's, which lay near GW's mill on Dogue Run.
MR. SEASON: John Searson (b. 1750), of Ireland, New York City, and Philadelphia, sometime merchant, teacher, and poet, wrote GW on 17 April 1799 of his intention "of waiting on your Excellency, so as to Obtain an Adequate Idea of mount Vernon" (DLC:GW). Searson, "wishing to compose a poem on that beautiful seat," planned the visit "to enable me to make an exact poetical description of it" (SEARSON, iv, V). The book of poems he published later in 1799 included several inspired by this visit. In the title poem, "Mount Vernon, a Poem," a 372-line paean to nature, Searson described some aspects of his visit: he was "invited to dine," after which he visited the gardens, the greenhouse, and the fish landings, and took a view from the cupola (SEARSON, 10, 22).
16. Mer. at 65 in the morning. Wind fresh from the Southward, but variable--great appearances of Rain & some sprinkles. Went up to Alexandria to the Purse Race, & returned in the Evening. Mr. Law & Doctr. Thornton here. Mer. at 70 at N.
PURSE RACE: At 3:00 P.M. there was to be run "a Purse of Fifty-five pounds, the best two in three, 4 mile heats, free for any horse, mare or gelding" ( Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 11 May 1799).
17th. Morning a little clouded but calm. Mer. 66 in the morning & 60 at Night. Great appearances of Rain all the latter part of the day (and distant thunder) at Night.
18. Some rain fell last night & two or three hours of Slow rain this forenoon. Wind abt. North--clear afternoon. Mer. at 56 in the Morning & 55 at Night. A Mr. Boies & Lady from Boston dined here g: returned to Alexa.
19. Morning clear & calm. Mer. 50--but little wind afterwards and that So. Easterly. Mer. 60 at Night. Mrs. Peak Miss Eaglin & a Mr. Brent dined here and went away afterwards--as did Mr. Law & Doct. Thornton.
20. Morning clear & wind abt. So. Et. Mer. at 56 in the Morning & 58 at N. A Mr. Hancock from Boston & a Mr. Smith from Portsmouth dined here.
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21. Morning cloudy with appearances of Rain. Mer. at 52 & wind at South. Clear afternoon & Mer. 63 at Night. Mr. Fitzhugh & two daughters--Mr. Mrs. & Miss Turner Messrs. W. & Washington Craik & Mr. Jno. Herbert dined here. The last & Mr. Turners family stayed the night.
22d. Morning a little cloudy. Wind at South & Mer. at 58--78 at Night. Mr. Mrs. & Miss Turner and Mr. Herbert went away after breakfast.
23. Morning a little lowering. Mer. at 70 & wind at So. Very warm all day--about Noon a moderate shower. Mr. Thos. Adams, third son to the President & Mr. Joshua Johnson, Lady & son came to dinr.
Thomas Boylston Adams (1772--1832) was the third son of Pres. John Adams. Joshua Johnson (b. 1742), a brother of Gov. Thomas Johnson of Maryland, served as an American agent in France during the American Revolution and was later appointed by GW as the first American consul at London. Joshua and his wife, Catherine Nuth Johnson, had one son, Thomas Baker Johnson. The families were related by the marriage of a daughter, Louisa Catherine Johnson (1775--1852), to John Quincy Adams, eldest son of President Adams.
24. A good deal of Rain fell last Night; day warm, & Wind Southerly. Mer. 78 abt. Noon & 70 at Night. Rain in the afternoon by Showers. Colo. Ball came to breakfast, and went away after dinner. Mr. T: Peter & Mrs. Peter & young Powell came to dinner.
Young Powell may be William H. Powell (d. 1802), who asked GW for a recommendation for an officer's commission in the provisional army (GW to James McHenry, 30 June 1799, DLC:GW).
25. Morning clear, wind Southerly & Mer. at 67. In the afternoon a light Shower & Mer. at 68. All the company except Mr. & Mrs. Peter went away after breakfast.
26. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. but not cold. Mer. at 64 in the Morng. and 66 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Peter went away after breakfast. Mr. & Mrs. Nichols came to dinner & Majr. Geo. Lewis & Doctr. Welford came in the afternoon.
27. Morning perfectly clear. Wind rather fresh at No. Et. but died away. Mer. at 59 in the morning & 66 at night. Captn. Presley Thornton & Lady came to dinner--as did Mr. Lear.
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Elizabeth Thornton, daughter of Francis and Sarah Fitzhugh Thornton of Society Hill, King George County, married her cousin Presley (Presly) Thornton of Northumberland County about 1783 (WMQ, 1st ser., 5 [1896--97], 58).
28. Morning Calm & Mer. at 60--at night 68--clear thro' the day. All the strangers went away after breakfast.
29. Morning perfectly clear--wind brisk from the Southward & contd. so all day. Mer. 60 in the Morning & 72 at Night.
30. Morning clear--Wind Southerly and Mer. at 64. Great appearances of Rain all the forenoon & a fine shower (of an hour) in the afternoon. Mer. 64 at Night.
31. More rain last night. Morning clear--wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 60--blowing hard all day. Went up to the Fedl. City--dined & lodged with Mr. Peter.
1. Wind still fresh from No. Wt. & cold for the Season--sd. to be a frost. Dined & lodged at Mr. Laws.
2. Growing warmer, & cloudy--likely for Rain, but none fell. Returned home to dinner--takg. Church at Alexa. in my way. Found Doctr. Stuart here.
3. Mer. at 60 in the Morning and 64 at Night. Wind Easterly--great appearances of Rain without any falling. Doctr. Stuart went away after Breakfast.
4. Wind still Easterly with clouds. Mer. at 62 in the morning & 67 at N. Clear afternoon.
5. Wind So. Easterly--Mer. 62. Morning lowering as the Evening also was. Mer. 66 at Night. A Mr. Chs. Newbald from New Jersey dined here & went away afterwds.
CHARLES NEWBALD: GW paid Charles Newbold $12.00 on 27 Nov. 1799 for a plow (GW's Cash Memorandum, RPJCB). Newbold had received on 26 June 1797 the first patent for a plow issued in the United States (21st Cong., 2d sess., House Doc., No. 50, p. 46).
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6. Morning cloudy--wind Southerly and Mer. at 64 & at Night 66. Towards night the wind got more to the Eastward & the clouds had more the appearance of Rain.
7. Morning calm & very heavy--Mer. at 66. Very likely for rain all day--with thunder about Noon & showers to the So. ward & Eastward of us. Mer. 68 at Night.
8. Morning still heavy & cloudy. Mer. at 65 and wind at So. Et. but variable. Sprinkling at times through the day--but no rain to wet the grd. Mer. at 62 at Night.
9. Clear through the day. Wind fresh and cool from No. Wt. Mer. 58 in the morning & 63 at Night. Mr. Alexr. White came to dinner.
10. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 60. Southerly wind afterwards. Mer. 73 at Night. Mr. Page & Mr. Seldon dined here, & went away afterwds.
Mr. Seldon is probably a relative of William Byrd Page. Page's mother, a member of the Seldon family, married Wilson Cary Seldon after the death of her first husband.
11. Morning clear & calm. Evening a little cloudy with the wind Southerly. Mer. 62 in the morning & 76 at Night. Bishop Carroll, Mr. Digges & his Sister Carroll--Mr. Pye & Doctr. Craik all dined here.
Bishop John Carroll (1735--1815), son of Daniel Carroll (1696--1750/51) of Upper Marlboro, was born in Upper Marlboro, Md., studied for the priesthood at the Jesuit College at Liege, and returned to Maryland in 1774. While sympathetic to the American revolutionaries his only major activity in the Revolution was in accompanying the American mission to Canada in 1776. After the Revolution, Carroll became the first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States. HIS SISTER CARROLL: Although GW may have meant Bishop Carroll's unmarried sister Elizabeth Carroll, he probably meant Thomas Digges's sister Elizabeth Digges Carroll (1743--1845), widow of Bishop Carroll's nephew Daniel Carroll, Jr., of Rock Creek (d. 1790).
Mr. Pye is probably one of the members of the Pye family of Charles County, Md. A Mr. Charles Pye had been entrusted by Thomas Atwood Digges with a box of seeds sent GW by a London seedsman during the previous year (Digges to GW, 10 April 1798, DLC:GW).
12. Clear & calm all the forenoon--a light So. Westerly breeze in the afternoon. Mer. at 70 in the Morning & 80 at Night.
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13. Clear, with very little wind in the Morning. Mer. at 74 brisk Southerly wind afterwards. Mer. 82 at Nig. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax & Miss Denison dined here.
14. Morning--calm, but the wind soon came out at No. Wt. & blew very hard all day--appearances of Rain in the forenoon but clear afternoon. Mer. at 80 in the Morning g: 72 at Night.
15. Mer. 66 in the Morning--clear with the wind at No. Wt. and fresh in the forenoon. Captn. Geo. S. Washington & Mr. Robt. Lewis came in the afternoon.
George S. Washington had received a commission in the provisional army in Jan. 1799. He was married in 1793 to Lucy Payne, sister of Dolley Madison. Later he moved to South Carolina and died in Augusta, Ga.
16. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 62--calm all day. Mer. 74 at Night. Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart & their 3 daughters came here to dinner.
17. Morning Mer. at 69--Wind Southerly & perfectly clear--calm afterwards & Mer. 83 at Night. Captn. Washington & Mr. Lewis went away early this morning & Dr. Stuart aft. B[reakfast].
18. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 74. So. Wt. wind afterwards. Mer. 91 at Noon & 84 at Night. Mrs. Washington came to dinner.
19. Morning clear, calm & very Warm. Mer. at 79 in the Morning 92 abt. 2 oclock and 82 at Night. About 5 oclock in the afternoon a moderate shower for 10 minutes. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax, & Mr. Donaldson and Mr. Foote came to Dinner & went away afterwards--as did Mrs. Washington.
Mr. Donaldson may be a relative of Mrs. Jane Dennison (Donaldson) Fair fax.
20. Morning cloudy--Mer. at 76 and Wind So. Easterly and fresh all day towards night appearances of Rain. Mer. at 71 only. The following company dined here--Chief Justice of the U.S. Ellsworth Mr. & Mrs. Steer Senr.--Mr. & Mrs. Steer Junr. Mr. Van Havre--Mr. & Mrs. Ludwell Lee--Mrs. Corbin Washington Mr. & Mrs. Hodgson & Miss Cora. Lee Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Calvert and a Captn. Hamilton & Lady from the Bahama Islands.
GW's dinner guests today included: Oliver Ellsworth, whom GW appointed in 1796 to the United States Supreme Court as chief justice of the United
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States; Henri Joseph Stier and his wife, Marie Louise Peeters Stier; their son Jean Charles Stier and his wife, Marie Van Havre Stier; Marie's brother Jean Michel Van Havre, an emigré from Belgium; Ludwell Lee and his second wife, Elizabeth Armistead Lee; William Hodgson and his bride, Portia Lee Hodgson; Portia's younger sister Cornelia; and George Calvert and his bride of nine days, Rosalie Eugenia Stier (1778--1821), daughter of Henri and Marie Stier (see HOYT [2]). MRS. CORBIN WASHINGTON: Hannah Lee (1766--c.1801), second daughter of Richard Henry Lee, married Corbin Washington in 1787.
21. Cloudy morning & wind at South. Mer. 70 appearances of Rain all day, but none fell. Mer. 80 at Night.
22. Morning clear--brisk Southerly wind. Mer. at 72. Very much like Rain in the Afternoon but none fell. Mer. at 86 at its highest & 82 at Night. Doctr. Stuarts family & Mr. & Mrs. Calvert went away after breakfast.
23. Morning clear--Wind Southerly & Mer. at 76. Distant thunder & appearances of Rain in the afternoon but none fell. Mer. at 90 (highest) and 84 at night.
24. Calm & very warm. Mer. at 80 in the morning--92 at highest & 86 at Night. Thunder in the So. Wt. quarter but no rain.
25. Calm & very warm. Mer. at 80 in the morning--93 at highest & 88 at Night.
26. Morning clear--wind fresh from the So. W. Mer. at 82. Fresh from the same quarter all day, with a good deal of rain to the Eastward but a sprinkle only fell here. Met. 91 at highest & 79 at Night.
27. Brisk Southerly wind in the morning & cloudy. Mer. at 74 & the same at Night. Great appearances of Rain in the afternoon and showers around us but none fell here.
28. A little breeze from the Southward in the morning & Mer. at 72 84 at highest & 76 at Night. Great appearances of Rain & considerable quantities fell No. & East of us--but none here.
29. Morning lowering--Wind Southerly and Mer. at 74. A great deal of rain appeared to fall all around us, but none here. Mer. 75 at Night.
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Washington owned this copy of John Beale Bordley's popular book on Husbandry. (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union)
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30. Morning cloudy--Wind Southerly & Mer. at 72--84 at highest & 80 at night.
1. Morning clear--wind fresh from the So. Wt. and Mer. at 76--89 at highest and 76 at Night. A fine shower for about 15 minutes abt. 5 oclock & light rain afterwards until bed time 9 oclock. Doctr. Tazewell & Mr. Burwell Bullett came to dinner.
Dr. William Tazewell wrote GW six weeks later to request that he be put in charge of a proposed marine hospital in Norfolk. His qualifications included a five-year attendance at hospitals in Edinburgh, London, and Paris (Tazewell to GW, 14 Aug. 1799, DLC:GW). Tazewell practiced medicine in Williamsburg during the War of 1812 and later practiced in Richmond. MR. BURWELL BULLETT: Benjamin Bullitt (d. 1766), of Fauquier County, had nine sons, one of whom was named Burwell.
2. Mer. at 74 in the Morning and 79 at Night. Clouds & appearances of rain, but none fell. Doctr. Tazewell & Mr. Bullett went away in the Morning & a Captn. Moore from East Indies & a Mr. Teal from Phila. came to dinner & returned to Alexa. in the afternoon.
3. Mer. at 74 in the Morning and 76 at Night. Wind brisk from the So. Et. Doctr. Stuart, & a Parson Lattum from Pennsylvania dined here & left it in the afternoon.
PARSON LATTUM: probably Rev. James Latta (1732--1801), Presbyterian minister of Chestnut Level, Lancaster County, Pa., or one of his sons. James Latta was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish parents who emigrated to America and settled near Elkton, Md. Latta's two elder sons, Francis Alison Latta (C. 1767--1834) and William Latta (c.1768--1847), were both ordained ministers at this time and had churches in Pennsylvania (SPRAGUE, 3:199--208).
4. Morning heavy. Mer. at 74 and Wind So. Et. Clouds in every qr. & sprinklings of Rain. Mer. 80 at Night. Went up to Alexa. and dined with a number of the Citizens there in celebration of the anniversary of the declaration of American Independe. at Kemps Tavern.
KEMPS TAVERN: Peter Kemp ran the Globe Tavern at the northeast comer of Cameron and Fairfax streets. The tavern had had several earlier proprietors, including George H. Leigh, John Abert, and Henry Lyles. John Wise, who built the newer of the two buildings now comprising Gadsby's tavern
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had also been the proprietor at one time (POWELL [1], 129, 133; Alexandria Journal, 19 April 1787; Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 15 Oct. 1799; BROCKETT, 54, 76).
5. Morning clear--wind fresh from the Southward. Mer. 74--at highest 88--and at Night 84. Appearances of Rain with distant thunder & lightning in the No.
6. Morning very heavy with great appearances of Rain--but little Wind & Mer. at 80--87 at highest & 84 at Night. Doctors Tazewell & Thornton came in the evening.
7. Morning Cloudy--Wind altho' but little of it, No. W. Mer. 76--83 at highest and 78 at Night. Mr. Willm. Booker came in the evening.
On 3 Mar. 1799 GW wrote the agricultural mechanic William Booker that "a Mill grinding from 15 to 20 bushls, a day, with two homes, would nearly, if not entirely, answer all my purposes; with the occasional aid of the Water Mills which in the driest Seasons, grinds a little" (NN: Washington Papers). Booker was at Mount Vernon to build GW a horse-powered grist mill (GW's Cash Memorandum, 20 Feb.--3 Dec. 1799: entry for 12 July, RPJCB).
8. Morning clear with very little wind. Mer. at 71--84 afterwards at highest, & 78 at Night. Wind Southerly & weather clear.
9. Clear, with a very light air from the N.W. Mer. at 70 in the evening & Morning both. Much appearances of rain--but a sprinkling only fell. Doctors Thornton & Tazewell went away before breakfast.
10. Morning perfectly clear with very little wind. Mer. at 66--clear all day. Mer. 74 at Night. Mr. and Mrs. Law and a Mr. Dunn came here to dinner.
11. Morning clear, with a light breeze from the No. Et. Mer. at 68 & at Night 75--breeze fresher from the same quarter.
12. Fresh Southerly wind in the morning; clear; Mer. at 68. After noon a little lowering. Mer. 82 at Night. Doctr. Tazewell & Mr. G. W. Craik came here in the afternoon. Mr. Booker went away.
13. Morning a little cloudy--wind from the So. Wt. and Mer. at 76--85 at highest & 80 at Night. Great appearances of Rain towds. Evening--but they went off.
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14. Morning a little Cloudy--Wind Southerly & Mer. at 77. Great appearances of Rain but none fell. Mer. 79 at Night. The Atty. Genl. Lee & Mr. W. Craik dined here. Doctr. Tazewell went away after dinner.
15th. Morning clear--Wind at No. Wt. and Mer. at 80--at highest 88 & at Night 83. Wind fresh after the Morning from the above point.
16. Morning calm. Mer. at 74. Wind brisk from the No. W. till the afternoon when it grew calm again. Mer. 78 at Night. Mr. Dunn left this after breakfast.
17. Morning clear--Wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 72 and at night 78. Colonels Powell & Simms and Mr. Herbert and Judge Washington Captn. Blackburn & Mr. H. Turner dined here. The three first went away in the afternoon.
Capt. Richard Scott Blackburn was interested in an appointment in the provisional army (GW to Bushrod Washington, 31 Dec. 1798, DLC:GW). MR. H. TURNER: probably Henry Smith Turner (1770--1834), of Smith's Mount, Westmoreland County, who married (1796) Capt. Richard Scott Blackburn's sister Catherine Blackburn. They later settled at Wheatland in Jefferson County.
18. Cloudy, with drippings now and then till about 4 oclock, when it commenced a constant slow rain with the Wind at So. Et. & contd. until I went to bed at 9 oclock. Mer. 71 at Night. Captn. Blackburn went away after breakfast.
19. A good deal of rain fell in the Night and the ground made sufficiently wet. Morning heavy with the wind at No. Et. and Mer. at 72. Misting, & sometimes pretty smart rain [at] Noon. Mer. 70 at Night. Judge Washington & Mr. H. Turner left this after dinner.
20. Morning a little cloudy--Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 66--at Night 74. Appearances of Rain. Mr. Law went away after breakfast.
21. Morning cloudy--Wind at No. Et. and Mer. at 70. After One Oclk. several fine showers. Mer. 72 at Night.
22. Morning clear--Wind still at No. Et. & Mer. at 68. Serene all day. Mer. 74 at Night. Mr. Law returned this afternoon.
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23. Morning clear with but little Wind all day. Mer. 68 in the Morning--80 at highest & 76 at Night. Mr. Needham Washington came in the afternoon.
Needham (Nedham) Langhorne Washington (d. 1833), eldest son of Lawrence Washington (b. 1728) of Chotank and Elizabeth Dade Washington, inherited his father's plantation in the Chotank neighborhood of King George County.
24. Morning perfectly clear. Mer. at 68 and a light breeze from the Eastward. Calm afterwards. Mer. 82 at highest & 77 at Night.
25. Very little wind and very warm--but being unwell, no acct. was taken of the Mer. Visited by Doctr. Craik.
26. Mer. at 74 in the Morning--85 at highest & 84 at Night. Doctr. Craik went away after breakft.
27. Morning calm. Mer. at 76. Calm all day. Mer. 88 at highest & 85 at Night.
28. Wind Southerly, with appearances of rain all the forenoon but none fell. Mer. 79 in the morng. & 80 at Night.
29. Morng., Mer. at 74--But little wind, and that Southerly. Weather clear thro' the day. Mer. 87 at highest & 83 at Night.
30. Morning perfectly clear and calm. Mer. at 78--at highest 85 at Night--a breeze from So. Wt. latter part of the day. A Major Riddle (a British Officer) Colo. Fitzgerald, & Mr. James Patton--and Mr. B. Bassett came to Dinner. The first three went away afterwds.
James Patton (Patten) took an oath of citizenship and was licensed as a merchant in Alexandria in 1791 (SPROUSE [2], 2:29).
31. Clear, & wind lightly from the Southward. Mer. at 76--at its height 90 and at Night.
1. Morning clear--wind Southerly, & Mer. at 74--hot about midday & 72 at Night. A moderate & fine Rain began about 4 oclock & contd. more or less until 6.
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2. Rain in the Night, & Clouds very heavy abt. sunrise. Mer. at 74--at its highest 76 and at Night 75. Captn. Blue of the Amn. Army who came here yesterday to dinner returned to day after breakft.
Capt. William K. Blue (d. 1802), of Virginia, had been appointed cornet of light dragoons in 1793 and lieutenant in July 1794 and was honorably discharged on 1 Nov. 1796. On 12 July 1799 he was appointed captain of the 7th Infantry and was again honorably discharged 15 June 1800. He was killed in a duel in 1802 (HEITMAN [3], 1:226).
3. Morning cloudy, but clear afterwards. Mer. at 72 in the Morning--80 at Noon & 77 at Night.
4. Morning a little cloudy and very little wind. Mer. at 70 Noon, and afternoon, wind Easterly with heavy Clouds in the North, South & East, and light sprinkling rain here. Mer. 70 at Night. Doctr. Stuart & his brother Richard & Mr. Foot dined here & returned afterwards.
5. Clear & Warm. Went up to George Town, to a general Meeting of the Potomac Company--dined at the Union Tavern & lodged at Mr. Law's.
In July 1799 a letter had been sent to each shareholder in the Potomac Company, outlining the financial plight of the company and soliciting assistance. The president (James Keith) reported that tolls were down from the previous year and work had been at a standstill for the past two seasons. However, a new machine for hoisting cargo over the Great Falls had been installed, replacing an earlier one, and there was still hope that the state of Maryland would lend further assistance. This was the last meeting GW was to attend. The Potomac Company survived until 1828, when it was incorporated into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.
6. Clear & warm. Returned home to dinner--found Genl. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina & Son here. Wind Southerly.
William Washington was one of GW's particular choices for the officering of the provisional army. He was appointed brigadier general of the United States Army on 19 July 1798 and retired on 15 June 1800. William Washington had an only son, William Washington (1785--1830).
7. Mer. at 72 in the Morning, and 80 at Night. Wind Southerly. The following Gentlemen dined here--viz. Colo. Fitzgerald--Doctr. Craik & Son--Mr. Wm. Craik--Mr. Herbert & Son Jno. C. Herbert--Colo. Ramsay--Mr. Potts--Mr. Edmd. Lee--Mr. Keith--Lieut. Kean of the Marines--and Mr. Chas. Fenton Mercer.
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Edmund Jennings Lee. (The Society of the Lees of Virginia)
LIEUT. KEAN: probably Newton Keene (b. 1768), son of Capt. Newton Keene and Sarah Edwards Keene of Northumberland County (WMQ, 1st ser., 18 [1909--10], 131--32). Keene was appointed second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on 22 Dec. 1798 and was promoted to first lieutenant 1 Nov. 1800. He resigned his commission 1 Nov. 1805 (CALLAHAN [3], 689).
8. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 77--88 at highest & 80 at Night. About 4 o'clock their was a moderate rain for about 10 minutes--but the grd. was not wet by it. Genel. Washington & son went away after breakfast & Doctr. & Mrs. Jenifer came to dinner.
9. Mer. at 73 in the Morning & a light breeze from No. Wt.--82 at Night. Clear & warm all day. Doctr. & Mrs. Jenifer went away after breakfast--as did Mrs. Law.--Mr. Law havg. left it on Monday last.
Morning perfectly clear. Wind from So. Wt. and Mer. at 75--at highest 87--and at Night 74. In the afternoon heavy clouds & fine rains all around us but none fell here.
11. Morning clear--wind Southerly--and Mer. at 73; 83 at highest--& 80 at Night--clear all day--& wind pretty fresh.
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12. Morning quite clear--wind westerly--and Mer. 70 at sunrising--82 at highest & 80 at Night. Clouds & some rain to the Southward--but none fell here.
13. Morning perfectly clear and quite calm. Mer. at 73--82 at Night & close--thunder, lightning & rain in the West & No. Wt. but none fell here.
14. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 71 and at night 83. Wind Southerly & Fresh after the Morning--with clouds to the West.
15. Morning Calm & clear. Mer. at 80. Wind Southerly afterwards & Mer. at 85--and 82 at Night. Mr. Thos. Digges dined here.
16. Mer. at 71 in the Morning--No wind & clear--82 at highest and 78 at N. Young Mr. McCarty dined here.
YOUNG MR. MCCARTY: probably Daniel McCarty (d. 1811), son of Daniel McCarty (1759--1801) of Cedar Grove (SPROUSE [4], 15--20).
17. A Slow, & moderate rain for an hour or more fell About Middle of last night--but not sufft. to wet the grd. more than an Inch or two. This morning a little cloudy. Mer. at 70--& 68 at Night. Clouds at day & wind fresh from No. West & cool.
18. Morning--Mer. at 64--and 69 at Night. Wind No. & No. East and cool great appearances of Rain but none fell here.
19. Morning Cloudy Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 65--at highest 75 and at Night 69. Wind brisk at No. Et. all day.
20. Mer. at 69 in the morning. About ½ after 5, it began a fine, rain, with the wind at No. Et. & continued to do so until near 11 oclock when it ceased, but recommenced about ½ after 3 & contd. raining slow & fine until 9 oclock when I went to bed. Mer. 65 at Night.
The rain this day must have been welcome to GW, who wrote to Robert Lewis 17 Aug. that the drought had caused his oat crop to fail and now endangered his corn crop. He added that "my Meadows, at this time, are as bare as the pavements" (ViMtV).
21. Heavy morning, with the Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 64--at highest 66 & at Night 65. The same slow & fine rain fell with
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Intervals after 12 oclock & early in the morning. Ground now fully wet.
22d. The sun rose clear, but very cloudy notwithstanding. Very little wind from the No. Et. Mer. at 64--afterwards & Clear. Mer. 72 at highest & 70 at Night.
23. Morning quite calm & tolerably clear. Mer. at 68--80 at highest & 66 at Night. Wind Southerly & clear after the Morning. Mr. & Mrs. Law came here to Dinner.
24. Morning clear--a light breeze from the Southward and Mer. at 70. Clear all day & warm. Mer. 80 at Night. Mr. White came to dinner--as did 4 Gentlemen from Phila. viz.--young Mr. Meridith (son of the Treasurer) Mr. Clifton, a Mr. Walter & --. The 4 last returned after dinner.
YOUNG MR. MERIDITH: a son of Samuel Meredith, treasurer of the United States, and his wife, Margaret Cadwalader Meredith.
25. A shower of rain in the Night with lightning & distant thunder. Morng. calm & clear. Mer. 76. Wind Southerly afterwards and Mer. 80 at Night.
26. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 76--at highest 86 and at night 75. A fine shower of Rain in the afternoon. Wind Southerly in the forenoon & northerly after the Rain.
27. Morning clear & pleasant & Wind at No. Wt. Mer. 75--at highest 72. Pleasant all day. Wind westerly until the afternoon then Calm.
28. Morning perfectly clear and Calm. Mer. at 66--76 at highest & 70 at Night. Clear all day with hut little wind.
29. Morning very lowering with a brisk Southerly wind, Mer. 70 & at Night 76. A good deal of rain fell to the No., & No. Wt. of us, with thunder & light[ning]. A few drops fell here--but not more than enough to lay the dust.
30. Morning cloudy--Wind Northerly and Mer. at 70--82 at highest & 78 at Night.
31. Morning clear. Mer. at 76. Calm--82 at highest & 78 at Night. Messrs. Willm. & George Craik dined here & returned.
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1. A brisk Southerly wind in the Morning--clear & Mer. at 70 and at night 83. Cloud, thunder, lightning & Rain to the Northward of us but none fell here. Doctr. Craik dined here--sent for to Mrs. Washington who was sick.
2. Morning very likely for Rain being very cloudy with a brisk Southerly wind. Rain all around us but only [a] sprinkle here. Mer. 76 in the Morning 84 at highest and 83 at Night.
3. Morning Cloudy--about noon a very black cloud to the West & No. Wt. and a good deal of rain in appearance but little or none fell here. Mer. 79 in the Morning--84 at highest & 77 at Night. Mrs. Washn. & her grd. Dr. of Bushfd. & B: Washn. & wife & Dr. Stuart came here.
4. A moderate shower of rain in the night with a good deal of lightning & distant thunder. Morning very heavy--a breeze from the No. Et. and Mer. at 72. About 4 Oclock it began a moderate settled rain, which continued until I went to bed. Mer. then at 67.
5. Morning very heavy & Mer. 66--the same through the day. About 5 oclock it began to rain & contd. until bed time. Wind tho' very little of it, at No. Et. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.
6. Much rain fell in the Night, without wind, thunder or lightning--making the ground wetter than it has been since March. Mer. 65 in the Morning--68 at highest and at Night 68. Cloudy & heavy with a light breeze from the No. Et. At Night began a drizling rain. Mr. B. W. & wife went after breakfast. Doctr. Craik who was sent for in the Night to Mrs. Washington came early this Morning.
DOCTR. CRAIK WHO WAS SENT FOR IN THE NIGHT: GW wrote Thomas Peter on 7 Sept. that "Mrs. Washington has been exceedingly unwell for more than eight days. Yesterday she was so ill as to keep her bed all day, and to occasion my sending for Doctr. Craik the night before, at Midnight. She is now better, and taking the Bark; but low, weak and fatiegued--under his direction. Her's has been a kind of Ague & fever--the latter never, entirely, intermitting until now. I sent for the Doctor to her on Sunday last, but she could not, until he came the second time--yesterday morning--be prevailed upon to take anything to arrest them." After sealing the letter, GW added a postscript
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saying that the fever had returned "with uneasy & restless symptoms." He requested that Mrs. Eliza Law also be informed (ViMtV). Mrs. Washington's illness persisted for several weeks and not until late October did GW write that she was "tolerably well" (GW to William Augustine Washington, 22 Sept. 1799, ViMtV; FREEMAN, 7:602--6).
7. Much rain fell last night. Very heavy morning with very little Wind. At times after noon the sun appeared. Mer. at 65 in the morning--76 at highest & 72 at Night. Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Genl. Washington came in the afternoon.
William Washington brought GW a "model of an improvement made on Gun Carriages" from Edward Rutledge of South Carolina. GW wrote Rutledge that he saw many advantages in the improvement and thought something of the sort should be adopted (8 Sept. 1799, ViMtV).
8. Morning very heavy & wind at No. Et. & Mer. 68 in the Morning & 70 at Night. Cloudy all day. Some rain fell last night and a slight sprinkling this afternn. Genl. Washington went away after breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. Law came to dinner.
9. Morning heavy & at times raining. About noon the Sun came out warm and the weather appeared to be clearing but in the afternoon it rained again as it did last night. Mer. 70 in the morning & 73 at night. Wind still Easterly.
10. Morning heavy again--but abt. Noon the weather broke away warm, and had the appearance of being fair. Wind still Easterly. Mer. 70 in the Morning 75 at highest & 72 at Night. Mrs. Washington & her granddaughter went away after breakfast. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner, & Doctr. Craik (sent for) came in the afternoon.
11. An extremely heavy fog--no wind--and Mer. at 68 in the morning--79 at Highest & 75 at Night. Clear with a southerly wind after the Fog. Doctors Craik & Stuart, & Mr. Peter went away after breakfast.
12. Morning clear--wind brisk from the Southward and Mer. at 72--84 at highest & 80 at N. Clear all day. Cap: Truxton came to dinner.
Thomas Truxton (1755--1822) was owner and master of several privateers during the Revolution and later was a merchant trading with the Orient. In 1794 he was appointed captain in the United States Navy. In Feb. 1799 Truxton, commanding the
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frigate Constellation, met and captured the French frigate L'Insurgent in a battle in the West Indies; he returned to America to find himself acclaimed a hero. At the end of June, Truxton sailed his vessel to New York for refitting, recruiting, and provisioning. On 1 Aug. he resigned his commission in a dispute over rank but reconsidered and sailed for the West Indies on 24 Dec. 1799. Truxton was at Mount Vernon by GW's invitation (FERGUSON, 176--87).
13. Morning clear--wind Southerly. Mer. at 76--at highest 84 and at Night 76. Wind Southerly & clear till afternoon. Then cloudy & about 6 Oclock Rain, with a good deal of Lightening & thunder, but none severe. Mr. & Mrs. Law went away after breakfast & Doctor Thornton came to dinner.
14. Morning clear--Mer. at 72. Wind Westerly through the day & clear.
15. Day omitted through mistake.
16. Morning clear--no wind. Mer. at 64 at highest 76--and at Night 73. Clear & but little wind all day.
17. Morning clear--but little wd. & that No. Westerly. Mer. 66--calm all day. Mer. 80 at highest & 74 at Night. Doctr. Thornton went away after breakfast & Mr. Thos. Peter & his brother Lieutt. Peter came to Dinner.
LIEUTT. PETER: George Peter had been appointed a second lieutenant in the 9th Infantry on 12 July 1799 (HEITMAN [3], 1:786).
18. Morning very heavy--Wind Easterly and Mer. at 70. Towds. Night the appearance of a Storm increased. Mr. George Peter went away after breakft.
19. Raining in the Morning early and by 8 oclock storming with a heavy fall of rain. Mer. at 70--wind at So. Et. Afterwards shifted to the No. Wt. and cleared. Mer. 70 at highest and 64 at Night.
20. Morning cloudy--Wind at No. W. and Mer. at 60--at Night 66 & clear. Mr. Ludwell Lee, and Messrs. Stanton & Parker from the Eastern shore of Virginia and a Mr. Hilton dined here & went away afterwards.
STANTON & PARKER: probably John Stratton and Thomas Parker. Stratton, of Elkington, near Eastville in Northampton County, was in the salt business on the Eastern Shore in the 1790s, while Parker (d. 1819) was an Eastern
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Shore merchant based at Pungoteague, in Accomack County (WHITELAW, 1:147, 174, 698).
GW received word this evening of the death of his last remaining brother, Charles Washington.
21. Morning cloudy--Wind Northerly--and Mer. at 63. Variable all day. Mer. 66 at Night. Mr. Alex. White came to dinner.
22. Morning a little cloudy. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 62. Wind shifted to No. Wt. Mer. 62 at Night.
23. Morning clear--wind No. Wt. & continued so all day. Mer. at 60 in the morning--and 58 at night. Mr. White went away after breakfast.
24. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 50. A small white frost--dear all day with but little wind. Mer. 63 at highest & 58 at Night. Mr. Thos. Peter went away after break[fas]t.
25. Clear & calm. Mer. at 52 in the Morning--but little wind all day. Mer. 66 at highest and 63 at N. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax & Miss Dennison dined here & returned & Doctr. Stuart came in the Evening.
26. Clear & calm in the Morning. Mer. at 63--at highest 70 and at Night 64. But little wind all day.
27. Clear, with the wind Northerly; Mer. at 62 in the morning--70 at highest & 66 at Night. Governor Davie on his way to the Northward to Embark as Envoy to France called, dined & proceeded on. Mr. T. Peter came.
William Richardson Davie (1756--1820), a distinguished veteran of the southern campaigns in the American Revolution and a strong Federalist, was elected governor of North Carolina in 1798. He recently had been commissioned by President Adams to join Oliver Ellsworth and William Vans Murray in a mission to France to settle the two countries' differences (SMITH [5], 2:994--1003, 1010--16).
28. Clear & calm. Mer. at 60 in the morning--70 at the highest & 66 at night. Clear & calm all day.
29. Morning cloudy--Wind at So. W. & Mer. at 62. Wind changed to No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh. Mer. 65 at night. Doctr. Craik came to dinner on a visit to Mrs. Wash. & stayed all night.
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30. Morning clear wind Northerly and Mer. at 50--at highest 66 and at night 60. Clear all day wind in the same place. Doctr. Craik went away after Break.
1. Morning a little lowering. Mer. at 55 and air from the No. West. Clear afterwards. Mer. 65 at high. Mrs. Fairfax sister & daughter and Mrs. Herbert & Mrs. Nelson--Mr. Jno. Herbert & two of Mrs. Washington of Fairfields Sons dined here. Mrs. Fairfax &ca. went away after dinner--the others remained.
Mrs. Herbert was Sarah (Mrs. William) Herbert, mother of the John Carlyle Herbert mentioned here.
Mrs. Nelson is Catharine (Catherine) Washington Nelson (1769--1845), daughter of Warner Washington and his second wife, Hannah Fairfax Washington. In 1789 Catharine married Dr. John Nelson, son of Roger Nelson of Frederick, Md. Mrs. Hannah Washington of Fairfield had two sons, Fairfax and Whiting Washington.
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.
3. Morning lowering & calm. Mer. at 66--at highest it was 73 and at Night 72. It continued lowering & calm all day.
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 (1811--23) in the United States House of Representatives, and was United States minister to Spain 1823--24. In April 1799 he married John Walker's granddaughter Eliza Kinloch (1781--1834) and, after Walker's death in 1809, resided at the Walker home, Belvoir, in Albemarle County (BRYDON, 155--60).
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.
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This pair of engraved pastoral landscapes originally hung at Mount Vernon. (George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association)
6. Morning clear. Wind abt. No. Wt. & Mer. at 60. Clear all day & the Wind pretty fresh. Mer. 62 at highest & 57 at Night.
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.
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
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raining but continued cloudy more or less all day. Mer. 65 at Night.
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.
10. Much rain fell last night. Morning very cloudy with the Wind moderate from No. W. & Mer. 64. About 10 oclock it began
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to Rain & contd. to do so without intermission until night. Mer. then 60. Mr. T. Peter returned tonight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & Bourdieu. The Bourdieus were a settled Huguenot family, probably seventeenth-century immigrants to England. The third partner, Samuel Chollet, was a Swiss, a former clerk in the business who had become a partner c.1769. Bourdieu, Chollet & Bourdieu remained in business at the same address in London from the 1740s to the 1840s. Their main interest was in trade with France, but their widespread concerns reached to many other areas, including North America and the West Indies. In the 1760s the company had been London agent for the French East India Company and from c.1771 until at least 1791 was agent of the French government in making large purchases of wheat and flour in North America to supplement scarce French supplies. During the 1770s and 1780s the company engaged in a protracted struggle with other important British firms for the contract to supply tobacco to France. The importance of the Bourdieu firm began to diminish after 1800 (PRICE [2], 2:687--88, 739--40, 798--800, 1066).
John Gill, whom GW termed "late of Alexandria," came to Mount Vernon
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to discuss his rental payments for GW's land on Difficult Run (GW to Charles Little, 20 Nov. 1799, DLC:GW).
16. Morning clear & calm. Mer. 52. A brisk So. westerly Wind afterwds. Mer. 62 at Noon & 63 at Night--appearances of Rain.
17. Clear--wind at No. Wt. & Mer. 46 in the Morning. Clear all day & wind in the same place. Mer. 43 at night.
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.
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.
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.
21. Morning clear--wind Southerly. Mer. at 60. The forepart of the day variable. The latter part clear warm & pleasant. Mer. at 64.
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.
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 (SPROUSE [2], 2:87). Mrs. Patton was probably a daughter of Mrs. Ann Clifton Slaughter. MR. GILMAR: probably either the Baltimore merchant Robert Gilmor (1748--1822) or his son Robert Gilmor, Jr. (1773--1848). During the Revolution, when the ports of Charleston, Norfolk, Philadelphia, and New York were blockaded or captured, trade from Baltimore remained relatively unhindered and the prospering city attracted the older Gilmor from Maryland's Eastern Shore. In 1782 the young Baltimore merchant entered a
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partnership with the wealthy and powerful William Bingham (see entry for 21 May 1787). As a result of the death of one of the other partners, the firm was reorganized under the name of Robert Gilmor & Co. two years later ( Pa. Mag., 61 [1937], 396--97). Gilmor's ensuing success led a member of the famous Baring family to remark in 1799 that the older Gilmor was "by far the best merchant in the United States" and "the family looks likely to last" (ALBERTS, 415). That same year the business did become a family concern when Gilmor's sons, including Robert Gilmor, Jr., became partners in the firm and its name changed to Robert Gilmor & Sons. The younger Gilmor became famous for his philanthropy and support of the arts in Baltimore, but he also used his wealth to put together a valuable autograph collection. This hobby may be the reason why Jared Sparks sent Gilmor the page from GW's diary containing the above entry (obituary in the Baltimore American, 2 Dec. 1848, quoted in Md. Hist. Mag., 17 [1922], 231; Pa. Mag., 14 [1880], 182; see also illus., I:xliii.
24. Morning clear--Wind at No. Et. and Mer. 39. Calm afterwards. Mer. 46 at Night. Mrs. Swanwick dined here. Mrs. Stuart & family went up to Alex.
25. Morning a little lowering--brisk wind from South and Mer. at 46. At Night it was 59. Mr. & Mrs. Liston and Mr. Gilmar left this after breakfast and Mr. Lawe. Washington Junior came here at night.
26. Morning very heavy with drippings now & then of Rain. Wind Southerly & Mer. at 58. Clear afterwards--wind in the same place & Mer. 61 at Night. Doctr. Stuart & family, and young McCarty returned here to Dinner.
27. Morning heavy, with the Wind at No. Et., and Mer. at 54. Same weather & wind thro' the day. Mer. 52 at Night. Doctr. Stuart & family and Mr. Lawe. Washington & young McCarty all went away after breakfast.
28. Morning very cloudy with the wind at No. Wt. & Mer. at 52. Clear afterwards and Mer. at 53. A Mr. Ridout an English Gentleman and his Lady dined here as did Mr. G. W. Craik. Mr. Lear set out for Harpers Ferry to make some arrangement with Colo. Parker respecting Cantoning the Troops.
Col. Thomas Parker (d. 1820) was in charge of establishing the winter quarters for three of the new United States Army regiments, which were to be located in the neighborhood of Harpers Ferry (GW to Gov. Benjamin Ogle, 28 Oct. 1799, DLC:GW).
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29. Morning perfectly clear and Calm. Mer. at 44. Extremely pleasant all day. Mer. 52 at Night. Colo. Griffen Mr. Law and a Mr. Valangin (an Engh. Gentleman introduced by Mr. Barthw. Dandridge). The latter went away afterwards.
Charles W. Valangin, the son of Dr. de Valangin of London, came to the United States with the intention of making it his permanent residence. He planned to travel throughout the states before deciding where to buy a farm. A man "of liberal Education," Valangin had "made Law & Physic his more particular Studies" and was especially interested in agriculture. Dandridge had written him a letter of introduction to GW because he knew of GW's desire "to encourage improvement of our husbandry by the introduction of farmers of good character" and felt Valangin's information on modern English farming methods would make him a welcome visitor to Mount Vernon. Dandridge wrote that Valangin brought with him samples of many varieties of English seed which Dandridge "advised him in the first instance to entrust to yr. care & which he will do with pleasure" (Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to GW, 1 July 1799, DLC:GW).
30. Morning again clear & calm, Mer. at 43. Calm all day, and Mer. 50 at Night.
31. Clear morning--wind at So. Et. & Mer. at 48. Afterwards the wind got to So. Wt. & blew pretty fresh. Mer. 56 at Night. Colo. Griffen & Mr. Law went away after breakfast and Mr. William Craik came here in the Afternn.
1. Morning clear. A little breeze from the northward. Mer. at 55. Clear all day, & calm in the Afternoon. Mr. Craik went away after Breakfast. Mer. 49 at Night.
2. Morning clear. Mer. at 45. Wind at So. Wt. Afternoon a little hazy with indications of Rain. Mr. Jno. Fairfax (formerly an overseer of mine) came here before dinner and stayed all Night.
John Fairfax resigned from GW's employ in Dec. 1790 and settled in Monongalia County, where he became a justice of the peace in 1794 and later represented that county in the Virginia House of Delegates (1809--10, 1814--15). His first wife, Mary Byrne, of Virginia, bore him two sons, and his second wife, Anne Lloyd Franklin, of Charles County, Md., bore him two more, one of whom was named George Washington Fairfax.
3. Morning Cloudy. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 42. Clear Evening. Mer. at 42. Mr. Valangin came to dinner.
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4th. Morning clear--Wind (though but little of it) No. Wt. and Mer. 34. A very large & white frost--remarkably clear & fine all day and nearly calm. Mer. 50 at Night. A Mr. Teakle from Accomack County dined here & returned as did Doctr. Craik. Mr. Lear returned from Berkeley.
MR. TEAKLE: There were several families named Teackle in Accomack County. This is probably either John Teackle of Kegotank or John Teackle of Craddock.
5th. Morning and the whole day calm--clear & pleasant. Set out on a trip to Difficult-run to view some Land I had there & some belonging to Mr. Jno. Gill who had offered it to me in discharge of Rent which he was owing me. Dined at Mr. Nicholas Fitzhughs and lodged at Mr. Corbin Washingtons.
DIFFICULT-RUN: On his 15 Oct. visit John Gill offered to sign over some of his own land on Difficult Run to pay back rents he owed to GW (GW to Gill, 19 Oct. 1799, NN: Washington Papers; GW to Charles Little, 20 Nov. 1799, DLC:GW).
Corbin Washington had lived for many years at Walnut Farm, originally a part of the Bushfield farm in Westmoreland County, but by October 1799 was living at a home called Selby in Fairfax County (WAYLAND [1], 125).
6. Set out from thence after 8 Oclk. being detained by sprinkling Rain, & much appearance of it until that hour. Reached Wiley's Tavern near Difficult Bridge to Breakfast and then proceeded to Survey my own Land. The day clearing & the weather becoming pleasant.
WILEY'S TAVERN: James Wiley was licensed by Fairfax County to keep a tavern from as early as 1790 until at least the second decade of the nineteenth century. For many years his tavern was located on the south side of the bridge over Difficult Run. This tavern may be the "Shepherd's Tavern" referred to by GW in 1784 (SPROUSE [2], 2:35; HARRISON [1], 570; see entry for 1 Sept. 1784, n.1). My OWN LAND: See entry for 1 Sept. 1784, n.1.
7. Weather remarkably fine. Finished Surveying my own Tract & the Land belonging to Gill--returning, as the Night before to Wileys Tavern.
John Gill's land lay on both sides of Difficult Run near the bridge. For this surveying GW brought along a surveyor and several local residents to help find old boundary markers (GW to John Gill, 12 Nov. 1799, DLC:GW).
8. Morning very heavy and about 9 oclock it commenced Raining which it continued to do steadily through the day--notwithstanding which I proceed to ascertain by actual measurement the
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qualities. This being finished betwn. 12 & 1 oclock I returned to Wiley's Tavern & stayed there the remainder of the day.
THE QUALITIES: GW was unimpressed by Gill's land. The 85 acres Gill specifically was offering GW were "not only extremely hilly & broken, but much worn and gullied. The (uninhabited) house thereon, is tumbling down, the Fence around the field is in ruins; and . . . no part of the land within less than 80 rod of mine" (GW to John Gill, 12 Nov. 1799, DLC: GW). GW made a counterproposal but died before any agreement was reached.
9. Morning & whole day clear warm & pleasant. Set out a little after 8 Oclock. Viewed my building in the Fedl. City. Dined at Mr. Laws & lodged at Mr. Thos. Peter's.
10. Still remarkably fine, clear & pleasant; Wind Southerly; Returned home about Noon. Mr. Law, Mr. Barry Mr. White & Doctr. Thornton came to Dinner & stayed all Night. Mer. 55 at Night.
11. Morning a little lowering & wind Southerly. Mer. 55 at Night. The Gentlemen above mentioned went away after breakft.
12. It rained a little in the Night & this Morning. Mer. at 50--But the Wind getting to No. Wt. it turned cold but did not clear (although it ceased raining about 10 Oclock), until afternoon. Mer. 42 at Night.
13. Morning clear--Wind at No. W. and Mer. 36. Clear all day & Wind fresh, but not cold. Mer. 42 at N.
14. Morning foggy--or rather Smoaky. Wind (tho' but little of it) Southerly and Mer. at 40. About 9 it came out at No. Wt. & blew pretty fresh. Mr. Valangen came to dinner & stayed all night.
15. Morning very smoaky--but little wind and Mer. at 39. Calm all day. Rode to visit Mr. now Lord Fairfax who was just got home from a Trip to England. Retd. to dinner.
While in England, Bryan Fairfax applied for certification as eighth Baron Fairfax of Cameron, succeeding his deceased cousin Robert Fairfax (d. 1793), seventh Baron Fairfax of Cameron. In May 1800 his claim was accepted by the House of Lords.
16. Clear & calm all day. Mer. at 42 in the morning & 52 at Night. Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon on a visit to sick people.
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17. A very heavy & thick fog--morning calm, & Mer. at 41. About 2 oclock the Sun came out and the afternoon was pleasant. Went to Church in Alexandria & dined with Mr. Fitzhugh. On my return fd. young Mr. McCarty here on his way back from the Federal City. Young McCarty came to Dinr.
18. Morning clear with the Wind very fresh from the Southward and Mer. at 48. Cloudy afterwards, with Rain from No. Wt. abt. 3 or 4 oclock. Mer. 58 at highest and 50 at Night.
19. Morning clear & wind fresh & cold from No. Wt. Mer. at 40--at highest 46 and at Night 33.
20. Morning clear & cold. Wind at No. Wt. and Ice. Mer. at 27. Calm in the afternoon & Mer. 34 at Night. Mr. McCarty went away after breakfast and Mrs. Summers--Midwife for Mrs. Lewis came here abt. 3 Oclk.
21. Morning perfectly clear & calm. A remarkably white hoar frost and Mer. at 30--but little wind all day. Mer. 41 at Night. Mrs. Stuart and the two eldest Miss Stuarts came here to dinner.
22. Morning a little lowering & raw, with appearances of Snow. Mer. at 41 and Wind Southerly. Clear afternoon & calm. Colo. Carrington & Lady came in the afternn.
Lt. Col. Edward Carrington was married to Elizabeth Jaquelin Ambler Brent (1765--1842), daughter of Jaquelin Ambler (1742--1798) and Mary Burwell Ambler. She was the widow of William Brent, Jr. (c.1755--1786), son of William Brent (1733--1782) of Richland, Stafford County.
23. Early morning, had much the appearance of Snow; Wind Southerly and Mer. at 40. Clear & mild afterwards. Mer. 54 at Night. Colo. Carrington & Lady went away after Breakfast. Doctr. Craik came to dinner & Doctr. Stuart at Night.
24. Morning calm & clear. Mer. at 41. Fresh Southerly wind afterwards with great appearances of Rain. Mer. 58 at Night.
25. A little rain had fallen in the night. Morning cloudy. Wind brisk from the Southward and Mer. at 52. After 10 oclock the Clouds dispelled, and it became a clear & pleasant day. Mer. 50 at Night. Doctr. Craik & Doctr. Stuart both went away after Breakfast.
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26. Morning clear. Mer. at 31--wind at No. Wt. Cold & fresh all day. Mer. 30 at Night.
27. Morning clear--Wind Southerly and Mer. at 30. Wind, and appearances of Clouds afterwards, variable. Mer. 34 at Night. Doctr. Craik who was sent for to Mrs. Lewis (& who was delivered of a daughter abt. [ ] oclock in the forenoon) came to Breakfast & stayed [to] dinner. Mr. Dublois dined here, and both went away afterwards.
Eleanor Parke (Nelly) Custis Lewis's daughter was named Frances Parke Lewis (d. 1875). DUBLOIS: probably Lewis Deblois.
28. Morning Cloudy--Wind Southerly and Mer. at 32. About 2 oclock it began to rain & continued to do so all the afternoon. Mer. 33 at Night. Colo. & Mrs. Carrington came to Dinner.
29. Morning until about 9 Oclock Snowing--but not to lay on the grd. Mer. at 33 and wind at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold. Afterwards it increased & turned colder. Young D. McCarty came to dinner and Mr. Howell Lewis & wife after dinner.
Howell Lewis's wife was Ellen Hackley Pollard Lewis (1776--1859).
30. Morning cloudy--but no appearance of Rain. Wind So. W. but soon Shifted to No. Wt. Mer. at 24 in the morning & 31 at Night. Colo. & Mrs. Carrington went away after B[reakfas]t.
1. Morning clear & but little Wd.--that Southerly. Mer. 26. Lowering towards evening. Mer. 36. Mr. Foot dined here.
2. Rained in the Night. Morning heavy. Wind Southerly and Mer. at 36. Afternoon calm, & less clouded. Mer. 38. Lord Fairfax, Lady, Daughter & Miss Dennison dined here.
3. Morning extremely foggy. Mer. at 38 and wind what there was of it Southerly. Abt. 2 oclock the fog dispelled and it became extremely pleasant. Mrs. Stuart & daughters went away after breakfast.
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4. Morning clear--wind at No. Wt. and Mer. at 36. From 10 oclock until 2 very like for Snow. It then cleared & became mild & pleasant. Mer. 38 at N.
5. Morning raining and it continued to do so moderately through the day with the Wind at So. Et. Mer. 38 in the Morning & 36 at Night.
6. Morning heavy, with appearances of clearing now & then, but about 2 oclock it set in to raining. Mer. 34 in the morning & 37 at Night.
7. Rainy morning, with the Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 37. Afternoon clear & pleasant wind westerly. Mer. 41 at Night. Dined at Lord Fairfax's.
8th. Morning perfectly clear, calm and pleasant; but about 9 oclock the wind came from the No. Wt. and blew fresh. Mer. 38 in the morning and 40 at Night.
9. Morning clear & pleasant, with a light Wind from No. W. Mer. at 33. Pleasant all day--afternoon Calm. Mer. 39 at Night. Mr. Howell Lewis & wife set off on their return home after breakfast and Mr. Lawe. Lewis and Washington Custis on a journy. to N. Kent.
10. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 31. Afternoon lowering. Mer. at 42 and wind brisk from the Southward. A very large hoar frost this morng.
11. But little wind and Raining. Mer. 44 in the Morning and 38 at Night. About 9 oclock the Wind shifted to No. Wt. & it ceased raining but contd. Cloudy. Lord Fairfax, his Son Thos. and daughter--Mrs. Warner Washington & son Whiting--and Mr. Jno. Herbert dined here & returned after dinner.
12. Morning Cloudy--Wind at No. Et. & Mer. 33. A large circle round the Moon last Night. About 1 oclock it began to snow--soon after to Hail and then turned to a settled cold Rain. Mer. 28 at Night.
13. Morning Snowing & abt. 3 Inches deep. Wind at No. Et. & Mer. at 30. Contg. Snowing till 1 Oclock and abt. 4 it became
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Doctors James Craik and Elisha Cullen Dick. (Richmond Academy of Medicine)
perfectly clear. Wind in the same place but not hard. Mer. 28 at Night.
On 12 Dec. in the midst of the day's severe weather GW rode out to supervise winter activities at the various farms, becoming wet and chilled in the course of his ride. On the 13th, in spite of a developing cold and sore throat, late in the day he went out on the front lawn to mark some trees for cutting. During the night he awoke with an inflammation of the throat but dissuaded Mrs. Washington from waking any members of the household until morning. Through the day of 14 Dec. he received various treatments commonly in use for such an illness, and he was attended by doctors James Craik, Gustavus Richard Brown, and Elisha Cullen Dick. On the evening of 14 Dec. GW died in his bed at Mount Vernon (see FREEMAN, 7:618--25).
Chamber clock originally owned by GW's physician, Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M., Alexandria, Va.)
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2d. Planted 3 French Walnuts & 8 English Walnuts in new Garden. Note the French Walnuts next the Schoolhouse & 8 steps asundr.
This undated fragment from PHi: Gratz Collection is from one of the early diaries, possibly 1763.
7. Sowed 50 pints of Clover Seed & 20 pints of Timothy at the Mill.
17. Began to Sow at Muddy hole and on
20. Finished--Sowing 59 Bushels--Oats. Note John Alton had sowed 14½ Bushls. Do.
29. Grafted sevl. kinds of Fruits as pr. Memm. at the Latter part of this Book.
30. Began to Sow Lucern below Garden.
31. Finished Sowing of Ditto after Collo. Landon Carters direction's contained in a Letter to Collo. P-- T--.
Col. Landon Carter (1710--1778) of Sabine Hall in Richmond County was the son of Robert "King" Carter and his second wife, Elizabeth Landon Willis Carter. Landon Carter held many county and parish offices, including that of county lieutenant. From 1752 to 1768 he served as one of the most active and influential members of the House of Burgesses, becoming one of the chief defenders of its rights and actions in a steady flow of pamphlets and essays. Carter strongly supported the prosecution of the war against the French during the French and Indian War and just as strongly opposed later British efforts to encroach on the rights of the colonists. COLLO. P-- T--: GW is almost certainly referring to Presley Thornton (1721--1769) of Northumberland House in Northumberland County. Presley Thornton, a son of Col. Anthony Thornton and Winifred Presley Thornton, served in the House of Burgesses 1748--60 and on the council 1760--69.
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[March]
13. Put up 3 lambs to fatten.
16. Sowed Tobacco Seed at Doeg Run. Also sowed Clover, Timothy & Lucerne by Garden gate--1st. Row Clover, next Timothy, & then Lucerne.
Sowed Tobacco Seed at Muddy hole. Note out of a Peck of Timothy Seed in the Chaff was got 5 pints of Clean Se<ed.>
17. Sowed Tobo. Seed at all Quarters.
Repository Symbols
and Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
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Times to the Present. 8 vols. Greensboro, N.C.: C. L. Van Noppen, 1905--17.
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Bloomington and London: Indiana University Press, 1967.
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Society Proceedings, 8 (1859), 76--88.
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of the City of Savannah. Savannah: J. H. Estill, 1869.
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A New Guide to the Old Line State. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1976.
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and the Globe Mills, Philadelphia." Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 8 (1884), 279--99.
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Trades. 2 vols. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1973.
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with the Extent, Boundaries and Population of Their Respective Counties, Also, an Exact Account of the Cities, Towns, Harbours, Rivers, Bays, Lakes, Mountains. Philadelphia: Lund R. Bailey, 1795.
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Various Denominations. 9 vols. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1859.
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Wabash, 1787--1791. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society, 1957.
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University Press of Virginia, 1969.
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This is a comprehensive cumulative index for the six volumes of
The Diaries of George Washington.
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217, 259, 358, 360, 375--76, 379; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:215, 259, 358, 372, 374; at Dogue Run, 5:217, 219, 356, 358, 360, 382--83, 388; at Muddy Hole, 5:356, 358, 360, 371--72, 374--75barley, planting of, 1:261, 267, 313, 4:124, 133, 5:301, 310; at Dogue Run, 2:192, 4:312--14, 5:133, 134--36, 138--39, 299--302, 314--15, 323, 328; at Muddy Hole, 4:308, 310, 322, 5:130--32, 286, 288, 290, 593, 301--2, 305--6, 308; at the Neck (River Farm), 4:311, 313, 316, 319, 5:295, 300--301, 303, 307; at Union Farm (Ferry and French's, United plantations), 5:127--29, 133, 295, 297, 299, 300, 308--9beans (common), 5:288, 325--26, 396, 410; id., 5:150; experiments with fertilizer on, 5:150, 207, 253; harvesting, 5:214, 225, 254, 258, 430; planting, 5:284--85, 320, 323, 352; condition of, 5:302, 318, 344; preparing ground for, 5:313bird ("Birding") grass, 4:135, 5:137, 140, 141; id., 4:119"Borden grass," 4:326buckwheat: planting, 1:304--5, 4:314, 5:310, 311, 314, 315, 317, 318--19, 321--23, 325--34, 343--44, 358, 368--69, 381; id., 1:305; preparing ground for, 4:314, 5:203, 218, 250, 253, 305, 308--9, 312, 314--16, 319, 322, 324--26, 343, 345, 352, 355, 357, 427, 443; harvesting, 5:196, 202--3, 206, 208, 210, 250--51, 253--55, 368; effects of weather on, 5:196, 250, 322, 381; spreading straw of, 5:219; effects of fertilizer on, 5:253; experiments with, 5:253, 381; condition of, 5:302, 322, 344--45, 345; plowed under, 5:367, 370--72, 374, 376--77, 379--81, 384, 387--88, 390burnet, 4:301, 311, 313, 316, 321, 327; 5:219, 299, 309cabbage, 5:61, 349; id., 4:334; planting, 4:334--35, 335, 348, 5:286, 322--24; condition of, 4:340, 5:303, 305, 374, 429; preparing ground for, 4:341, 5:4, 8, 285, 315, 323; weeding, 4:348, 5:37, 354carrots, 5:146--47, 323--24, 333, 349, 354, 402, 406, 430, 436--37; experiments with dung on, 4:309--10, 313, 336, 5:90, 207, 225--26, 253; planting, 4:309--10, 313, 336, 5:136--37, 140, 142, 229, 280, 284, 314, 327--18, 322--24, 328, 337, 348--49, 430, 436; id., 4:310; preparing ground for, 4:310, 5:129, 318--19, 323--24; fertilizing, 4:313, 336, 5:139; condition of, 4:328, 5:90; weeding, 5:29--30, 348--49, 352--54, 356; harvesting, 5:89, 224--26, 229, 429--30, 433--35, 437; yield of, 5:90, 225--26, 229, 429, 432, 434--35, 437; laying out fields for, 5:126clover, 5:307; fertilizing, 1:256, 4:215, 5:20, 32, 309; condition of, 1:263, 4:126--27, 5:124, 243, 147, 151, 219, 309, 344--45; preparing ground for, 1:265--67, 4:331, 5:130, 309; experimenting with, 1:313, 4:322; weeding, 4:169; GW purchases seed of, 5:91; inventorying seed of, 5:92, 96; id., 5:121; effects of weather on, 5:126; mixture with grass recommended, 5:149clover, harvesting of, 1:338; at the Neck (River Farm), 1:311, 5:219, 341; at Home House, 4:341, 344--45; at Dogue Run, 4:346, 354; at
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Muddy Hole, 4:353, 5:5, 114--16, 123--25; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:305, 334, 342--43clover, planting of, 1:269, 275, 294, 2:146, 4:317, 5:92, 6:382; at Home House, 4:119, 209, 5:129, 149, 298, 6:341; at Muddy Hole, 4:119--20, 5:126--28, 131--32, 208, 254, 302, 306; at Dogue Run, 4:214--15, 321, 5:129--30, 132--33, 135, 143, 145--46, 295, 297, 302, 314--15, 317--18; at the Neck (River Farm), 4:320, 5:127, 134, 203, 206, 251, 289, 290, 303; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:114, 120, 129, 274, 287, 294, 304, 322, 325, 441; at the Mill, 6:381corn, 5:35, 70, 137, 317, 323, 328, 331, 339, 374, 376, 379, 387, 407, 412--13, 415, 426--27, 429, 433--36, 438; id., 1:279; yield of, 1:308, 2:125, 5:54, 66, 67--68, 72--75, 77, 79, 81, 85, 213, 221, 224--25, 229, 231, 257, 430, 432, 436--37, 440; condition of, 1:313, 2:53, 113, 125, 267--68, 3:51, 4:326, 328, 332, 340, 5:147, 321, 377, 395--96; plowing and hoeing, 2:18, 80, 163--64, 3:37, 44, 4:327, 345--46, 351--53, 355, 5:1, 4--8, 11--12, 17--18, 20, 24, 54, 114, 341, 346--51, 353--54, 356--57, 362, 364--66, 371, 374--85; preparing ground for, 2:50, 57, 139, 156--57, 232, 3:36--37, 4:310--11, 320, 325--26, 358, 335, 337, 352, 5:44, 85, 88, 94--95, 97, 109, 115--16, 123, 129, 134, 140--41, 143, 145--46, 151, 506--7, 253, 286, 291--92, 297, 299, 301, 307--8, 310--18, 323, 396--97, 406; experiments with, 4:320; fertilizing, 4:329--30; weeding, 4:348--49, 352--54, 5:16, 20, 22, 329--33, 337--39, 341--43, 345--46, 348--50, 353--55, 365, 373--74; suckering, 4:354--55, 5:4; infested with chinch bug, 5:13, 15--16; eaten by birds, 5:147, 150; effects of weather on, 5:261, 366--67, 6:314, 361corn, harvesting of: at the Mill, 1:344, 2:113, 5:73; at Muddy Hole, 2:113, 5:7, 51, 59, 65, 69, 73--74, 76, 78, 81, 220--24, 426; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:54, 66, 70, 73, 78, 221, 223, 225, 430, 433; at Dogue Run, 5:64, 69, 73, 76, 78--81, 83, 226--28, 416, 431--33, 438; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:66, 69, 78, 80--81, 213, 219--23, 426--27, 431, 437, 440; at Home House, 5:212, 257, 425corn, planting of, 1:297--98, 301, 4:319; at Bullskin Run, 1:226; at the York County plantations, 1:273; at Claibornes, 1:309; at Muddy Hole, 2:14, 17, 23, 50, 146, 233, 243, 3:24, 4:320--21, 328--29, 332, 335, 343--44, 346, 5:135, 138, 141--42, 146, 150, 5:324--25; at the Mill, 2:14, 17, 25, 146, 3:24, 51, 4:337; at the Neck (River Farm), 2:14, 17, 26, 146, 233, 244, 4:325, 357, 333, 336, 339, 344--45, 5:135--36, 138, 141, 146, 150, 311, 313--15, 317, 330--31, 333, 345, 387, 395; at Dogue Run, 2:14, 23, 67, 533, 244, 3:24, 36, 4:321, 324, 331, 333--34, 343--44, 346, 5:54, 146, 150--51, 187, 314, 317--18, 323--25, 333; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 3:59, 4:325, 331, 334, 341, 343, 345, 353, 5:43, 145--47, 187,
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314, 316--19, 321--25, 327--30, 332--33, 339, 341, 343, 350, 370, 376, 388, 6:292; at Home House, 5:151, 327, 329--30, 347--48cotton, 4:329cowpea (black-eyed peas, crowder peas), 5:96, 328, 330, 401; id., 2:7flax, 5:308, 379, 437; id., 1:341; retting, 1:341, 2:1, 5--6, 23, 98, 5:35, 42--43, 45, 263, 388, 391, 394--97, 401, 403--4, 407, 425--26; harvesting, 2:5, 23, 80--81, 5:8, 11--12, 366--67, 369--71, 376, 404, 438; planting, 2:14, 17, 56--57, 4:320, 5:129, 303, 306, 308, 314, 323--25; condition of, 4:327, 346, 5:13, 134, 137, 142, 151, 309, 313, 323, 344, 346; preparing ground for, 5:299--300, 302--3, 305, 307, 309--12, 321; effects of weather on, 5:344, 360, 367--68; takes seeds from, 5:389--90, 394--95, 397, 425grain (unspecified), 5:29, 345, 359--62, 368--69, 373, 375, 379, 395grass (unspecified) and fodder: effects of weather on, 1:314, 2:5, 5:337--39, 360; weeding, 4:153, 155; preparing ground for, 5:123--24, 145, 150--51, 189, 208, 248, 254, 300--301, 303, 309, 317--18; condition of, 5:306, 309; fodder house built, 5:401grass (unspecified) and fodder, harvesting of, 1:305, 312, 314, 329, 332, 341, 2:7, 49, 4:348, 5:332; at Muddy Hole, 1:306, 314, 334, 341, 2:7, 106, 185, 3:141, 166, 5:40--43, 45, 47, 141--43, 188, 229, 247, 286, 398; at Dogue Run, 1:334, 341--42, 2:5, 77, 106, 172, 185, 249, 252, 3:37--38, 141, 4:166, 168--69, 355, 5:5, 42--43, 45, 47, 49, 125, 190, 249, 281, 299, 398, 400--404, 406; at the Neck (River Farm), 1:334, 341--42, 2:8, 106, 185, 192, 3:141, 166--67, 5:11--13, 42--43, 45, 49, 141, 188, 203, 248, 250, 266, 268, 291, 297, 369, 397--400; at the Mill, 1:341, 2:105, 185, 260, 3:44, 123, 140, 5:47; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 3:140, 4:349--51, 353--54, 5:45, 47, 49, 51, 83, 85, 103, 142--43, 281, 337, 398--402, 404--5, 407--9grass (unspecified) and fodder, planting of, 4:116--17, 137, 5:301, 441; at Muddy Hole, 4:222, 5:89, 290--93, 307--8, 442; at Dogue Run, 4:322, 5:133--34, 136--37, 297, 299, 300--301, 303; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:120, 128, 131--32, 137, 294--95, 297, 299, 300--301, 309, 319; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:291, 294--95, 297, 300, 302; at Home house, 5:293, 295, 299, 308Guinea grass: id., 4:118; planting, 4:118, 185--86, 189, 5:129, 137; condition of, 4:127, 135, 154, 161, 217, 304; effects of weather on, 4:217, 223, 322hemp, 1:337, 340--42, 2:1, 4, 6, 8, 14, 18; id., 1:340hops, 4:320Jerusalem artichoke: id., 5:132; preparing ground for, 5:132--33, 307; planting, 5:133, 310; experiments with fertilizer on, 5:207, 211, 253, 256; condition of, 5:323, 331, 389; weeding, 5:380lucerne (alfalfa): id., 1:250; preparing ground for, 1:250, 260--61; fertilizing, 1:256; experiments with, 1:260--61; planting, 1:260--61, 269, 275,
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294, 296, 329, 334, 338, 5:333, 6:381; condition of, 1:263, 265; Jethro Tull on cultivation of, 1:282millet, 4:327, 345; id., 4:327"New River" grass, 5:92, 96, 123, 131--32, 137, 143, 322; id., 5:92oats, 5:58, 285, 295, 303, 309, 322, 344; condition of, 1:266, 4:301, 308, 316, 320, 339--40, 348, 5:13, 114--16, 118, 120, 141--42, 148, 295, 301--302, 343--46, 371; experiments with, 1:283, 4:285, 5:117--18, 125--26, 209, 255; preparing ground for, 1:293, 2:139, 4:293, 295, 297--98, 5:44, 61, 97, 101, 104, 107--8, 110--41, 121, 123--24, 136, 145, 286--88, 290, 297, 299, 303--304, 309, 317--18, 324; effects of weather on, 1:332, 5:18, 124, 130, 310, 321, 6:361; yield of, 2:126, 5:17--18, 79, 209, 222, 226, 255, 261, 381, 397; fertilizing, 4:311, 5:124--26, 285, 309; infested with insects, 4:328; id., 5:115, 308oats, harvesting of, 5:219--20, 359; at Dogue Run, 5:11, 219--23, 225, 360--64, 385, 387--88; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:11, 16, 43, 225, 261, 266, 358, 371, 374, 379, 381, 385--86, 396, 406, 420; at Muddy Hole, 5:16, 363--65, 382--83, 429, 433--36, 438; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:206--8, 211, 219--21, 223--26, 231--34, 236, 252--54, 358--60, 362--63, 367, 370--71, 375, 378. 80, 383--84, 419oats, planting of, 1:261, 267--69, 275, 296, 2:146, 5:115--16, 120, 6:381; at Muddy Hole, 1:337, 4:305--7, 5:125--26, 295, 300; at Dogue Run, 4:293, 298--99, 301, 5:11, 111, 114, 118, 123--24, 127--29, 133--37, 139, 141, 143, 289--91, 293--94, 309, 328, 331--32, 337; at the Neck (River Farm), 4:299, 331, 5:107, 109, 112, 114, 116--17, 119, 123, 287--92, 294, 302--3, 307, 333; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:111, 113--14, 118, 120, 123, 126--29, 131--32, 137, 287, 291--95, 304, 309, 319, 321, 332--33; at Home House, 5:149, 293, 308orchard grass: id., 4:116; preparing fields for, 4:116, 5:305, 309; fertilizing, 4:116, 123, 5:309; planting, 4:119--21, 124, 126--28, 153, 203, 297--98, 315, 5:92, 114, 120, 128--29, 131--33, 135, 139, 143, 145--46, 149, 208, 254, 288, 306--8, 322, 5:325, 393; condition of, 4:126--27, 135, 211--12, 322, 5:219; harvesting, 5:1, 13; compared with timothy, 5:13; inventorying seeds of, 5:92, 96; recommended to GW, 5:149parsnips, 5:146--47; id., 5:146peas, 5:288, 319, 387, 389, 415--16; id., 2:6, 5:294; harvesting, 2:6.7, 4:168, 5:41, 49, 53--54, 61, 192--93, 196, 204, 206, 208--10, 214--15, 224--25, 234, 249--53, 255, 258--59, 261, 263, 265--66, 400, 403--7, 409--11, 426; planting, 4:119, 122, 309, 311, 314, 319--20, 322, 325, 332--35, 343--44, 5:231, 284--85, 293, 299, 302, 318, 320, 326, 330, 338--39, 341--42, 347--49, 352--54; condition of, 4:128, 135, 316, 326, 328, 331, 339, 5:192--93, 249, 295, 302, 309, 321, 344, 346, 355; preparing ground for, 4:310, 5:4, 8, 94, 115, 126, 151, 187, 203, 250, 313, 317, 321--23, 325, 329, 333, 343, 345--47, 350--53, 386; effects of
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weather on, 4:316, 340, 5:58, 64, 196, 203, 250, 259, 266, 269; experiments with, 4:330, 5:150, 207, 253; weeding, 4:348, 5:348, 352, 357, 369--71, 376, 381--82; yield of, 5:49, 58, 62, 64, 209, 215, 225--26, 255, 259, 261, 266, 269, 410; inventorying seeds of, 5:92, 96; fallowing, 5:196; plowing, 5:357, 377--79, 387--88potatoes, 5:133, 179, 218, 272, 338, 344, 379, 415, 426, 430, 433; id., 2:14; experiments with, 4:202, 204, 207, 254, 350, 434; preparing ground for, 4:310--12, 314, 5:4, 8, 94, 104, 126, 151, 187, 206--7, 253, 306--7, 330--33, 337--38, 341--42, 345, 348--49; fertilizing, 4:312, 320, 5:62, 202, 207, 323; effects of weather on, 4:319, 340, 5:131, 196, 250, 431, 434; weeding, 4:348, 5:347--48, 363, 379--85, 387--89; plowing, 5:6, 342, 365, 376--77, 379--82, 390, 430; yield of, 5:57, 62, 66, 89--90, 202, 204, 207, 212--16, 226, 228, 251, 253--54, 256--57, 259, 406--7, 412, 415, 429--30, 432potatoes, harvesting of, 5:219; at Muddy Hole, 5:57, 203--4, 207, 211--15, 217, 219--20, 251, 253, 256--59; at Dogue Run, 5:59, 212--15, 258--59, 385, 388, 404--8, 410--11, 415--16, 419, 426--28; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:61, 64--65, 210--11, 255--56, 403--4, 407, 410--13, 415, 420, 431; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:211--13, 215, 218, 256--59, 416, 419, 425--26, 429, 430--34potatoes, planting of: at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 4:332, 353, 5:66, 333, 337, 339, 341, 349, 350--51, 353, 354--55; at the Neck (River Farm), 4:333, 337, 341--42; at Muddy Hole, 4:348, 5:310--11; at Dogue Run, 5:133, 331--32, 337, 341, 350, 352, 354pumpkins: id., 4:317; planting, 4:322, 329, 5:151, 187, 314, 326, 319, 321--23, 331, 333; condition of, 4:329; inventorying seed of, 5:92; effects of weather on, 5:196, 250; preparing ground for, 5:319; weeding, 5:341--43, 365--66, 382; plowing, 5:364; harvesting, 5:406, 413ribgrass (plantain, ribwort), 4:311, 313, 316, 327; 5:208, 219, 254; id., 4:301root of scarcity (mangel--wurzel), 5:298, 309, 323, 328, 333--34, 402, 413--14; id., 5:298"row grass," 5:306, 307, 310rutabaga ("turnip rooted cabbages"), 5:285, 430; id., 5:285rye, 5:112, 123, 128; fertilizing, 1:256; condition of, 1:263, 4:341, 344, 355, 5:118, 134, 147, 343--45, 349; effects of weather on, 1:295, 4:343, 5:5; id., 1:305; diseased, 4:355, 5:345--46; yield of, 5:11--14, 64, 76, 79, 397; preparing ground for, 5:32, 35, 37, 42, 45, 51, 62, 78, 403; infested with insects, 5:51rye, harvesting of, 1:311, 5:4, 9--10; at Muddy Hole, 1:311, 5:8, 11, 13--14, 40, 79--80, 111, 355--56, 360, 376, 388, 394--95, 427--28, 428; at Dogue Run, 1:311, 5:43, 64, 143, 354--56, 358, 374--76, 381, 397, 419; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 4:355, 5:36, 62, 64, 188, 247, 338, 349, 351, 353--56, 375, 397, 416, 418--19; at the Neck (River Farm),
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5:16, 40, 43, 50, 61, 338, 356, 392, 396--97; at the Mill, 5:17.rye, planting of, 1:290--91, 295, 305, 313; at Muddy Hole, 1:306. 314, 4:191, 5:35--37, 41, 43, 58, 61, 63, 414--16; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 4:191, 5:35--36, 41, 51, 188--90, 247--48, 412--13, 415; at the Neck (River Farm), 5:35--37, 39, 52, 53--54, 58--59, 406--7, 410, 412, 415, 420; at the Mill, 5:37, 65; at Dogue Run, 5:43, 63, 66, 145--46, 189--90, 248, 419; at Home House, 5:293rye grass (ray grass, perennial rye grass), 1:290--91, 5:208, 219, 254, 325; id, 1:291sainfoin, 5:203, 250; id., 1:334; planting, 1:334, 338, 2:146, 4:189--90, 192, 200--201, 208, 248--50, 252--53, 306, 313, 316; preparing ground for, 4:301, 305; condition of, 4:321, 327, 5:219spelt, 1:343, 5:61, 65, 67, 134, 219, 220; id., 5:134sweet potatoes, 5:137--38, 145, 250, 301--2, 307, 311, 341; id., 5:138timothy, 5:126, 149; id., 1:291; planting, 1:291, 294, 296, 307, 4:216, 220, 319, 329, 5:37, 39, 40, 92, 101--2, 124, 116--17, 120, 223, 126, 129, 132--33, 135--36, 139, 143, 145--47, 190, 248, 260, 274, 289--90, 294--95, 297, 302--4, 314, 325, 337, 391, 393, 441, 6:381--82; harvesting, 1:311--12, 330, 338, 2:5, 23, 74, 82, 91; condition of, 4:212, 329, 331, 5:306, 309; preparing ground for, 4:218, 321, 5:132, 136; compared with orchard grass, 5:13; inventorying seed of, 5:96tobacco, 1:226, 273; condition of, 1:228; id., 1:229; preparing ground for, 1:282, 5:442; planting, 1:293, 296, 299--301, 5:346--47, 6:382; number of hills planted, 1:298, 309--10; harvesting, 1:306, 332, 397; effects of weather on, 1:324, 5:366; fertilizing, 5:346trefoil: id., 1:260; preparing ground for, 1:260; experiments with, 1:260--61; planting, 1:260--61, 290--91, 296, 305, 338, 5:190, 201, 203, 248, 250, 252--53, 306; condition of, 1:265, 5:219turnips, 5:61, 215, 259, 293, 296; id., 1:290; condition of, 1:289, 5:429; planting, 1:289--90, 305, 312, 330, 334, 338, 340--41, 343, 2:5--6, 23--24, 83, 91, 3:44, 4:184, 353, 5:16, 34, 61, 207, 254, 369, 372, 374, 387, 430; Jethro Tull on cultivation of, 1:290; experiments with, 4:194, 334--35, 5:207, 253; harvesting, 4:233, 5:210, 224--25, 255--56, 272; preparing ground for, 5:11--22, 16, 20, 32, 58, 104, 126, 151, 187, 374; plowing, 5:29, 37; thinning, 5:30; weeding, 5:387; infested with insects, 5:387vegetables (unspecified), 5:429--30watermelon, 5:316, 342; id., 5:317wheat, 1:226, 2:74, 163, 3:40, 4:207, 5:11, 20, 54, 88, 126--27, 131--32, 203, 208, 250, 254, 261, 274, 322, 331, 337--38, 397, 441--42; yield of, 1:255, 2:5, 43, 4:183, 5:14, 24, 64, 76, 79, 229, 386; id., 1:267--68; condition of, 1:275, 2:18, 26, 156, 163--64, 4:137--38, 188, 212--13, 217, 242--43, 261, 316, 320, 340--41, 343--44,
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355' 5:109, 118, 124, 134, 148, 302--3, 318, 333, 343--45, 393; fertilizing, 1:329, 4:136, 5:36, 305, 380; diseases of, 1:340, 2:80--82, 163, 3:37, 50, 5:345--46, 392; effects of weather on, 2:50--51, 73, 125, 260, 3:37, 4:126, 182--83, 336, 5:5, 8, 10, 229, 334, 345--46, 366, 392; experiments with, 4:243, 297; weeding, 4:273; infested with insects, 4:328, 5:13, 51, 390, 6:245--46; plowing, 5:8, 39, 51, 188, 247, 407; plan to cut early, 5:9--10; preparing ground for, 5:11, 30, 32, 35, 189--90, 218, 248, 372, 374, 380, 389, 393, 397, 403--4, 407; inventorying seeds of, 5:76, 92; making yard for, 5:369, 371; description of cradling, 6:302wheat, harvesting of, 1:301, 2:5, 36, 43, 81--82, 171, 5:8, 219--20, 359; at Dogue Run, 1:311, 2:5, 43, 77, 81--82, 91, 98, 164, 260, 3:122--23, 4:159--60, 166, 169, 5:7, 51, 190, 205--6, 211--12, 212, 249, 252, 256, 257, 337, 355, 361, 362, 363, 364, 371, 372, 389, 390, 394, 420, 425, 429, 430--31, 433--34, 436, 6:245; at Muddy Hole, 1:311, 2:5, 76, 80--81, 91, 166, 260, 3:122--23, 4:166, 169, 332, 5:4--5, 11, 14, 16--17, 24, 40, 78, 83, 126, 337, 358, 360--61, 363, 369, 371--72, 379--81, 385, 388, 390; at the Mill, 2:5, 75, 80--81, 90, 166, 260, 5:17, 430; at the Neck (River Farm), 2:5, 81, 90, 92, 252, 259--60, 3:44, 4:159--60, 166, 169, 5:5--6, 8, 16, 40, 83, 337, 358, 366, 372, 374, 381--82, 384--85, 388--89, 392, 394, 408; at Home House, 2:81; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 4:159--60, 166, 169, 5:6, 16, 51, 188, 224, 226--29, 247, 337, 355--56, 358, 360--62, 367, 370, 372, 374, 384, 388, 398, 419, 421, 429--31, 6:245wheat, planting of, 1:232, 267, 305, 306, 313, 314, 332, 340, 341, 343, 344, 2:105, 267, 4:309, 319--20, 5:402; at Dogue Run, 1:232, 314, 332, 343--44, 2:6, 8, 24, 26--27, 98, 172, 185, 275, 3:123, 127--28, 128, 4:310--11, 5:28, 35--36, 42--43, 51--52, 58, 128, 133, 143, 145--46, 188, 247, 344, 407--8, 410--13, 415, 419; at Muddy Hole, 1:313, 332, 334, 338, 344, 2:6--8, 23--24, 26--27, 91, 99, 172, 185, 3:44, 51, 123, 128, 135, 4:120, 124, 185, 5:25, 29, 30, 34--36, 39, 204, 208, 210, 252, 254--55, 381--83, 385, 387--89, 393, 414; at the Neck (River Farm), 1:338, 340, 343--44, 2:6, 25--27, 92, 98, 105, 185, 3:51, 123, 128, 5:24, 35, 40, 50--51, 53--54, 59, 192, 200--201, 206, 249--50, 252--53, 389, 392, 394--96, 403--4, 406, 410; at the Mill, 1:338, 343--44, 2:6, 26, 105, 3:123, 135; at Home House, 1:344, 3:135, 4:187, 189, 209, 5:391, 393, 415; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 3:51, 127--28, 135, 307--8, 5:20, 24--25, 31, 35, 38--39, 41--42, 58, 120, 188, 196, 247, 250, 288, 381--86, 389--92, 408, 411--12, 420winter vetch, 5:203, 206, 219, 250, 251; id., 5:203experiments, 1:256, 260--61, 263, 267, 283; 2:82; 4:115, 329, 334--35, 338fertilizers, 1:xxvii, xxxi, 236, 259, 261, 266--67, 296, 2:2, 106, 192, 4:97, 100, 115--16, 127--28, 135, 218--19, 268--69, 5:59, 67, 69, 110, 123, 125, 130, 141--42, 187,
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231, 278, 300, 311--12, 419--20, 430fields, clearing and preparing, 1:248, 256--57, 259--60, 301--2, 329, 2:17, 5:62, 111, 438, 442; at Dogue Run, 2:17, 163, 4:340, 5:116, 120, 188, 210, 231, 233--34, 260--62, 264--65, 274, 283--84, 286, 290, 310--11, 425; at the Neck (River Farm), 2:18, 43, 5:85, 91, 109, 276, 280, 282--84, 302; at Muddy Hole, 2:57, 125, 225, 4:34, 333, 5:36, 116, 264, 276, 278, 280, 282--83, 288, 427; at the Mill, 2:163--64, 164, 4:87; at Home House, 4:298, 341, 5:97--98, 263, 266, 268--69, 274, 278; at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 4:340, 5:37, 73, 75--76, 85, 90--91, 93, 97, 116, 121, 143, 145, 188, 210, 213, 227--29, 231--32, 234--35, 247, 255, 258, 260--61, 264--65, 281--83, 308, 309, 322, 319, 341, 394, 428observations by GW during travels on Barbados, 1:87--89at Constitutional Convention, 5:173; effects of plaster of paris, 5:167--68, 240; buckwheat, 5:179, 243--44at Falls of the Potomac, 4:175--76in Great Dismal Swamp: condition of land, 1:321--26on Long Island (N.Y.): corn, 6:63, 65, 67; rye, 6:63, 65, 67; wheat, 6:63, 65, 67; oats, 6:63, 67; clover, 6:63, 67; grass and grain, 6:64, 67; condition of land, 6:64--65, 67; effects of manure, 6:66--67; flax, 6:67; plowing, 6:67on New England tour: pumpkins, 5:461; corn, 5:461--62, 467--68, 470--71, 473, 492, 494, 496; rye, 5:461--62, 473, 494, 496; wheat, 5:461--62, 467--68, 494, 496; condition of land, 5:470--71, 473, 483, 491--95; buckwheat, 5:473; grass, 5:473, 492, 494; oats, 5:496on southern tour: condition of land, 6:111--13, 118, 123, 127, 139, 141--42, 145, 147, 150--52, 154--56, 161--63, 166--68, 194; oats, 6:113; tobacco, 6:113, 116, 119, 139, 142, 147, 156--57, 161; flax, 6:113, 119,, 161; cotton, 6:113, 139, 157; wheat, 6:113, 151, 156--57, 161; corn, 6:114--16, 119, 147, 156--57, 161; rice, 6:119, 123--24, 127, 138--39, 142, 157; hemp, 6:139, 156--57; indigo, 6:139, 147, 157; sweet potatoes, 6:157; effects of weather, 6:166--67western journey (1747/8), 1:7western journey (1770): condition of land, 2:288--92, 294--96, 298--315, 317, 318, 322, 323western journey (1784): condition of land, 4:14, 20, 27--28, 38--39, 44--45during Whiskey Rebellion: condition of land, 6:190--91, 194; wheat, 6:193weather, effects of, 2:126, 171; 4:121, 327, 339; 5:20, 34, 390
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agent for GW, 3:104; accompanies Martha Washington, 5:45
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69, 188, 230, 272, 3:15, 20, 21, 31, 70, 71, 76, 103, 107, 155, 171, 187, 193, 231, 238; business with GW, 2:52, 272, 3:71, 107; and Robert Adam & Co., 3:2; fox hunting with GW, 3:83
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175, 2:226; accompanies GW on expedition, 1:175, 2:261, 277, 278, 282, 286, 288, 292, 294; medical services rendered, 2:278, 287, 3:312, 4:182, 183, 184, 185, 187, 188, 190, 234, 275, 330, 339, 5:5, 16, 33, 75, 83, 416, 420, 6:343, 358, 363, 375, 377, 379; travels to Winchester, 3:12; account with GW, 3:221; accompanies GW on western journey, 4:1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 16, 25, 32, 36, 52, 68; writes report for GW, 4:68, 69; sends fruit trees to GW, 4:89; sends GW Chinese seeds, 4:160; as agent for GW, 4:192; and GW's nephews, 4:241; moves to Alexandria, 5:65; GW visits, 5:65, 284, 306
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73, 189, 217, 248, 292, 293; lives with grandparents, 4:109, 6:37; visits Mount Vernon, 4:115, 158, 264, 289, 343, 5:84, 306, 330, 361, 420, 6:285, 294, 299, 331, 344, 346, 370; portrait of, 4:130; education, 4:158, 219, 5:41, 164, 217, 6:301; attends church, 4:166, 200, 5:52; travels, 4:168, 194, 5:50, 459, 507, 6:93, 236, 309; rides with GW, 5:506, 6:5, 9, 25, 37, 38, 40, 45, 49, 54, 56, 60, 62, 72, 76, 77, 85; correspondence with Elizabeth Bordley, 6:239, 268, 270, 279, 282; and Charles Carroll, Jr., 6:288; and Julian Ursyn Neimcewicz, 6:299, 301; GW as guardian, 6:331; marriage of, 6:335; goes to Federal City with husband, 6:337, 339; child, 6:376, 377
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recommends John Ballendine to, 3:107; acquires whaleboat for GW, 3:115; as governor of Maryland, 3:173, 200; and brother, Thomas, 3:179; in Philadelphia, 3:179, 180
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85, 94, 110, 119, 120, 157, 167, 182, 207, 223, 235, 255, 329, 3:1, 2, 21, 33, 71, 103, 114, 119, 171, 178, 188, 192; accompanies GW and Mrs. Washington to Warm Springs, 2:27; GW visits, 3:46
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for fences, 5:263, 274, 278, 282, 305; surveying for, 5:438; in New England, 5:467, 470, 472; on Long Island, 6:63, 66, 67. See also Horticulture; Mount Vernonat Dogue Run, 5:16, 36, 100, 120, 137, 141, 143, 187, 270--71, 273, 281--82, 308--9, 312, 316, 390, 401, 442; fences repaired, 5:97, 311, 361, 388--89; cutting and gathering lumber for fences, 5:113, 226--27, 229, 231--32, 236, 264--66, 268, 270, 279, 400, 406; bottom rails laid out, 5:142; pole fence made, 5:319, 337at the Mill, 2:51, 4:75at Muddy Hole, 4:298, 5:27, 69, 107--9, 207, 227, 229, 231--34, 275, 281--83, 285--86, 288, 297; cutting and gathering lumber for fences, 5:111,236, 261, 264, 266, 268; repairing fences, 5:111, 284, 361, 402; cutting treenails, 5:234in the Neck (River Farm), 2:36, 4:81, 5:11, 112, 125, 134, 136, 141, 143, 150, 278, 280, 282--84, 286, 291, 301, 313, 319, 406; fence for boundary, 5:103, 124, 270; cutting and gathering lumber for fences, 5:105, 111, 232, 234, 261, 266, 268, 282, 315--16, 321; fences surveyed for, 5:105; old fences pulled down, 5:278; fences repaired, 5:297, 299, 367at Union Farm (Ferry, French's, United plantations), 5:100, 102--3, 110, 119, 121, 123, 136, 140, 142, 283--85, 287--89, 30910, 339, 375, 394, 401--2; cutting and gathering lumber for fences, 1:268, 5:101--2, 102, 233--36, 260--61, 264, 266, 268--69, 282, 322, 331, 333, 371--72, 398. 99; fences blown down, 5:121; fences repaired, 5:121, 269, 300--301, 313, 337, 361, 368, 376; cutting and using tree-nails, 5:133, 137--38, 141, 260, 265--66, 268; fence to be removed, 5:232
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Pamunkey River: Brick House, 3:27; Claiborne's, 2:61, 101, 148; Dansie's, 1:274, 2:101; Ruffin's, 2:148, 193, 238, 3:21, 40, 63, 94, 102, 165, 250, 264; Williams's, 1:270, 272, 2:54Pasquotank River: Ralph's, 1:323Perquimans River, 1:323Potomac River: Addison's, 3:327; Clifton's (Johnston's), 1:238, 3:248--49, 327 4:192, 262, 293; Harpers, 4:173--74, 175, 176, 178, 179; Hooe's, 1:270, 274, 2:64, 92; Johnston's ( see Clifton's); Laidler's, 2:87, 3:39--40, 165; Luckett's, 4:180--81; Noland's, 4:179--80; Posey's, 1:21 1, 269, 270, 2:142, 3:7, 29, 33, 327, 4:73, 96, 5:386, 439; Smith's, 4:180--81Rappahannock River, 4:57; Hunter's, 3:102; Layton's, 1:37, 116; Southern's, 1:270Schuylkill River: Gray's, 5:155'56, 186, 237; Middle, 6:156, 160Shenandoah River: Berry's, 3:12; Key's, 1:277, 4:4--5, 54, 58; Snickers's, 3:13; Vestal's, 1:176, 277Stratford River, 5:463--64Susquehanna River, 3:327--28; Wright's, 3:186, 6:168--69Wateree River, 6:147Yadkin River: Long's, 6:152York River, 3:97
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410; commands troops escorting GW, 6:322
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79; Irish goose, 1:34; potatoes, 1:34; tripe, 1:34, 79; Guinea corn, 1:37; pilot fish, 1:45; dolphin, 1:45, 46, 64; bread, 1:62, 238; fruit, 1:78, 87, 3:210; tea, 1:238, 3:32; coffee, 1:238; cakes, 3:74; cold cut, 3:141; wine, 3:210, 4:32, 170: condiments, 4:32; cherry bounce, 4:32, 36; spirits, 4:32, 170; rum, 4:33, 241, 242; corn, 4:45; turtle, 4:235; cheese, 4:241, 242
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ash, white, 4:75, 97, 135, 220; id. ( Fraxinus americana), 4:75asparagus, 4:89, 90; id. ( Asparagus officinalis), 4:90aspen, 4:94, 96, 107, 109, 220; id. ( Poputus tremuloides), 4:94Barbadian fruit, 1:27, 33, 73, 78, 87black alder or winterberry, 4:81, 97, 109, 300; id. ( Ilex verticallata), 4:81black gum, 4:96, 167, 220; id. ( Nyssa sylvatica), 4:96black haw ( Viburnum prunifolium), 4:97, 136, 300botany and botanists referred to, 2:60; 3:256, 277--78; 4:152, 350, 354; 5:160, 166--67, 168--69, 240; 6:299, 351box ( Buxus sempervirens or arborescens), 4:118, 135, 302buckeye. See horse chestnutbuckthorn, id. ( Rhamnus alaternus), 5:1catalpa, 4:98, 99, 154; id. ( Catalpa bignonioides), 4:98cedar, 1:xxxi, 4:91, 99, 167, 326; id. ( Juniperus virginiana), 4:99cherry, 1:295, 2:46, 4:97, 113, 121, 126, 127, 184, 274; id. ( Prunus avium, P. cerasus and P. avium regalis), 1:315; grafting stock of, 1:327; grafts of, 4:107; Car. nation and Morello, 1:295, 315 (id.), 336, 3:319, 4:214, 274, 286; Duke, 1:327, 337, 3:319, 4:111--12, 222, 233, 273--74, 286; Heart (black, bullock, ox, white), 1:295, 315 (id.), 327, 336, 337, 3:319, 4:111--12, 113, 273, 274; unidentified May, 1:295, 315, 327--28, 336, 3:319chestnut, 1:315, 4:123, 154; "common" ( Castanea dentata), 4:206, 298, 320; Spanish, 4:120, 206, 297, 354; id. ( C. sativa), 4:120chinaberry or pride of China, 4:152, 153, 167, 197, 303, 308, 309--10, 354, 5:295; id. ( Melia azedarach), 4:153Chinese seed, received from Craik and Porter, 4:160; sowed, 4:161; listed, 4:261--63; seedlings of, 4:167, 182; failure to germinate, 4:304cobb nut, 4:137corn, in north garden, 5:337covering plants, 4:169, 222, 233, 234, 304crab apple, 1:317, 2:106, 4:75, 80, 81, 91, 98, 135, 136, 167, 246, 247, 5:67; id. ( Malus coronaria), 4:75cypress, 4:354, 355, 5:1; id. ( Cupressus sempervirens), 4:355"Cytise." See golden chain tree dogwood, 4:75, 91, 94, 95, 97, 121, 124, 126, 128; id. ( Cornus florida), 4:75elm, 4:75, 80, 98, 109, 220; id. ( Ulmus americana), 4:75euonymus, 4:118, 119; id. ( Euonymus americana), 4:119filbert or hazelnut, 4:122, 137; id. ( Corylus americana), 4:122flower fence, Barbados, 4:152, 153, 154, 304; id. ( Poinciana pub cherrima), 4:153fringe tree, 4:75, 80, 81, 97, 109, 145; id. ( Chionanthus virginica), 4:75gardener, for Mount Vernon, 1:216, 217, 338; 3:76--77; 4:111, 113, 341; 5:280, 422, 423gardens visited by GW, 3:216; 5:159, 166--67, 172, 176, 240, 45758; 6:305golden chain tree, id. ( Cytisus anagroides), 5:1grafting of fruit trees, 1:338, 4:273, 274, 6:381; apple, 1:317, 327. 28, 337; apricot, 1:295; cherry, 1:295, 315, 327--28, 336--37, 2:46, 3:319, 4;111--12, 113; mulberry, 1:335; pear, 1:317, 327, 337, 4:112, 113; plum, 1:315, 327; quince, 1:317grapevine, 1:295, 317, 2:46, 52; cuttings of, 1:315, 2:39, 3:73, 80; seeds of, 4:302; Madeira,
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1:315, 2:39; summer, 3:80; winter, 3:73, 74, 80grass, lawn: sows, in gardens, 1:256, 263, 4:185--86, 5:129, 137, 293, 295, 308; fertilizing with gypsum or ashes, 4:100, 116, 127--28, 135, 219--20, 5:111, 209, 255, 6:341; sows, on lawn, 4:127--28, 137, 145, 194, 202, 203, 205, 215; cutting of, 4:154, 155, 156, 339, 344, 5:383, 384; preparing ground for, 4:190, 193, 199, 203, 215, 5:32greenbrier. See sweetbriarguelder rose, 4:109, 111, 138; id. ( Viburnum opulus roseum), 4:109hawthorn, "imported," 4:303hazelnut. See filberthemlock, 4:100, 101, 107, 109, 135, 160, 164, 167, 169, 221, 268, 354; id. ( Tsuga canadensis), 4:100hickory: shellbark, 4:120, 121, 126; id. ( Carya ovata), 4:121; scaly bark, of Gloucester, 4:295, 296, 321, 322holly, 4:80, 81, 91, 98, 99, 109, 135, 302; sowed seeds of, 4:114, 115, 117, 125, 126, 127, 129; id. ( Ilex opaca), 4:81honeysuckle: Virginia scarlet (illus., 4:110), 4:111, 269; id. ( Lonicera sempervirens), 4:111; wild, 4:114, 135, 138; id. ( Lonicera periclymenum), 4:114horse chestnut, 4:118, 119, 135, 220, 5:295; id. common ( Aesculus hippocastanum), 4:118; id. buckeye ( A. glabra), 4:119ivy, id. ( Hedera helix), 4:91ivy. See mountain laureljasmine. See Persian jasminejessamine, Carolina yellow ( Gelsemium sempervirens), 4:303Kentucky coffee tree, 4:118, 119, 233, 5:293; id. ( Gymnocladus dioica), 4:119laurel, 4:308, 321, 354lilac, 4:94, 97, 109, 121, 273; id. ( Syringa vulgaris), 4:94linden or lime, 4:92, 135, 220; id. ( Tilia americana), 4:92locust, 4:141, 145, 167, 296; black, id. ( Robinia pseudo-acacia), 4:75; honey, xxxvi, 97, 99, 300, 354, 5:337; honey, seeds of, 4:213, 295--97, 322, 5:142, 145magnolia: seeds and plants from S.C., 4:143, 144, 233, 304, 306, 308, 321, 354; id. ( Magnolia grandiflora), 4:144magnolia or sweet bay (swamp laurel), umbrella tree, or cucumber tree, 4:81, 98, 109, 300; id. ( Magnolia glauca, m. tripetala, or m. acuminata), 4:81mahogany, 4:142, 143; id. ( Swietenia mahogani), 4:143maple, 4:75, 81, 95, 96, 121, 220, 299; id. ( Acer sp.), 4:75medlar, 4:286, 287; id. ( Mespilus germanica), 4:287mint ( mentha sp.), 1:295, 336mock orange, id. ( Philadelphus coronarius), 4:94mountain laurel (illus., 4:91), 4:91, 92, 93, 135, 147; id. ( Kalmia latifolia), 4:91mulberry, 1:335, 4:95, 96, 113, 167, 220; English, 1:335, 336; id. English ( Morus nigra), id. paper ( Broussonetia papyrifera), id. White ( Morus alba multicaulis), 1:336nut, physic or Barbados, 4:152, 153, 154, 308; id. ( Jatropha curcas), 4:153nut, pig, 3:319oak: acorns of, 4:104, 118, 119, 120, 135, 152, 320, 322, 5:293; seedlings of, 4:104, 107, 109, 114, 135, 143, 144, 167, 306; live, 4:104, 107, 109, 114, 118, 119, 120, 135, 143, 144, 152, 167, 306, 320, 322; id. live ( Quercus virginiana), 4:104; id. post ( Q. stellata), 4:119; water ( Q. nigra), 4:320, 322; white ( Q. alba), 5:293
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orange, Seville or sour, 4:143, 144; id. ( Citrus aurantium), 4:144paliurus or Jerusalem thorn, 4:354, 355; id. ( Paliurus spinachristi), 4:355palmetto royal, 4:144, 152, 153, 165, 197, 233, 234, 300; id. ( Sabal palmetto or S. umbraculifera), 4:144pawpaw, 4:99, 109, 167, 233, 5:293; id. ( Asimina triloba), 4:99pea, everlasting, 4:119--20, 137, 322, 334, 5:309; id. ( Lathyrus latifolius), 4:120pea, sweet, 5:293, 294; id. ( Lathyrus odoratus), 5:294peach, 2:134, 332, 3:319, 4:87, 102, 121, 196, 273, 274--75, 286; orchard, 1:243, 245, 246, 269, 295, 298, 312, 313, 329, 341; Portugal, 4:101 (id.), 102, 274, 298; Heath, 4:286, 287 (id.)pear ( Pyrus communis), 1:317, 327, 328, 337, 4:87, 113, 126, 127, 286, 287, 297; bell (summer bell or Windsor), 4:286, 287 (id.); Bergamot, 1:317, 327, 329 (id.), 337, 4:89, 111--12, 273, 286; beurre or butter, 1:317, 4:89, 90 (id.), 222, 233; black, of Worcester, 1:317, 327, 328--29 (id.), 337; bon Chrčtien, 1:317, 318 (id.), 327, 4:286; Catherine, 4:286, 287 (id.); Chantilly, 4:286, 287 (id.); Pope's, 4:286, 287 (id.); pound, 4:286, 287 (id.); St. Germain, 4:89--90 (id.), 222, 233; Spanish, 1:317, 327pecan, id. ( Carya illinoensis), 3:319, 4:321, 322pepper, 4:152, 153, 157, 188; bird pepper, id. ( Capsicum frutescens), 4:153; cayenne, id. ( C. frutescens longum), 4:153Persian jasmine, 4:109, 111; id. ( Syringa persica), 4:109 Phillyrea latifolia, 5:1pine, 1:263, 269, 4:75, 91, 99, 104, 107, 108, 135, 167, 218, 220, 232, 247, 269, 272; id. ( Pinus virginiana), 4:75; Mediterranean, 1:306, 315; id. ( Pinus pinea), 1:315pistachio, 4:322, 354; id. ( Pistacia vera), 4:322planting and transplanting, 1:263, 315, 317, 2:44, 4:101, 111, 117, 164, 206, 223, 5:293, 337; in gardens, 1:256, 260, 263, 269, 306, 314, 317, 3:319, 4:87, 89, 102, 112, 113, 118, 142, 144, 214, 233, 269, 273--74, 275, 321, 322; in nurseries and botanical garden, 1:315, 317, 4:102, 103, 114, 119--20, 151--52, 164, 185--86, 275, 294, 295, 296, 300, 308, 309--10, 320, 321, 322, 5:129, 137, 293, 295, 328; in vineyard enclosure, 3:73--74, 4:114, 118, 5:142, 145; in shrubberies and serpentine walks, 4:75, 80, 81, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 104, 107, 118, 220, 221, 233, 246--47, 269, 274, 294, 300, 301, 303, 304, 321, 326, 5:1; in front of house, 4:87, 97, 111, 114--15, 125, 127--28, 137, 153, 202--3, 205, 214, 215, 218, 269, 293--95, 306; on circular bank, 4:99, 108; in wildernesses, 4:104, 107, 135, 232, 269, 272; in groves at ends of house, 4:109, 304, 306; in enclosure by hop patch, 4:119--20, 122, 126, 129, 137, 320, 5:67; in greenhouse, 4:233; in new fruit garden, 4:263, 274, 286--87, 296--97, 303; back of garden, 4:297--98, 354plum ( Prunus domestica), 1:295, 327, 4:113, 127, 286, 287, 296; Amber, 4:286, 287 (id.); Damson, 4:296; Green Gage, 4:286, 287 (id.); Chickasaw ("wild or Cherokee"), 4:297 (id.), 354; Magnum Bonum, 1:315 (id.), 327poplar: Lombardy, 1:xxxi, 5:328; id. ( Populus nigra italica), 5:328; tulip, 4:75, 91. 95, 96, 97,
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167, 220; id. ( Liriodendron tulipifera), 4:75pride of China. See chinaberryprivet, 4:152, 153, 304; id. ( Ligustrum vulgare), 4:153,pruning of trees and shrubs, 1:338; 4:103, 154, 296; 5:415quince, 1:313, 317; id. ( Cydonia oblonga), 1:313redbud, 4:75, 94, 97, 121, 124, 126, 128, 300; id. ( Cercis canadensis), 4:75rhamnus tree. See buckthornrhubarb, 5:295, 296; id. ( Rheum rhaponticum), 5:296sandbox tree, 4:152, 164; id. ( Hura crepitans), 4:152sassafras, 4:75, 94, 97, 121, 124, 126, 128, 167; ( Sassafras albidum), 4:75seeds, unidentified, 4:118serviceberry or Juneberry, 4:97, 98, 121, 125; id. ( Amelanchier obovalis), 4:97service tree, English, id. ( Sorbus domestica), 4:97snowball. See guelder rosespice bush, id. ( Benzoin aestivate), 4:124spruce, 4:160, 164, 169staking trees, 4:102, 104, 106, 108, 112swamp red berry. See black aldersweetbriar, 4:115, 116, 127, 218, 344; id. ( Rosa englanteria), 4:116sweet shrub or Carolina allspice, id. ( Calycanthus floridus), 4:321thorn, "large berried," 4:97thorn, "small berried," 4:97, 129, 136thorn, white, id. ( Crataegus crusogalli), 4:75trees, unnamed, at Mount Vernon, 2:44; 4:147, 274, 303Virginia creeper, id. ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia), 4:91walnut, English or French, 1:314, 2:226, 4:87, 102, 154, 273, 286, 6:381; id. ( Juglans regia), 2:226watering of plants, 4:154, 181weeding, 1:278; 4:206; 5:337wild rose. See sweetbriarwillow, 1:xxxi; weeping, 4:101, 103, 121, 293, 294, 295, 296, 299, 5:293, 301, 415; id. ( Salix babylonica or S. alba vitellina), 4:101; yellow or bay-leaved, 4:97, 101, 103; id. ( Salix pentandra), 4:97woodbine. See honeysuckleyew, 4:107, 109
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de Brčhan and comte de Moustier, 5:417, 419; visits GW in N.Y., 6:49, 53, 62, 80, 87; on diplomatic appointments, 6:52, 54, 60, 62, 68, 69, 75; announces recall as minister to France, 6:60; on relations with Spain, 6:60, 143; "Report on Copper Coinage," 6:61; on gifts to foreign ambassadors, 6:71, 78; on the Yazoo land fraud, 6:73, 74; writes of GW's illness, 6:77; and Anglo-American relations, 6:89, 93, 94; travels with GW, 6:92; and the Federal City, 6:105, 306
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229, 259, 291, 292, 295, 298, 299, 304, 2:164, 3:226, 246, 4:114--15, 199, 202, 292, 5:332--33; coachman, 6:99; contractor (undertaker), 1:258, 268, 2:183, 4:114, 142--44, 199, 291--92; cook, 6:252; dairymaid, 5:70, 422; farmer, 4:315, 337, 5:4, 13, 42, 64--65, 66--67, 132, 233, 285, 317, 322, 427; gardener, 1:216, 217, 229, 338, 3:76--77, 4:113, 135--36, 341, 5:422; housekeeper or household steward, 2:115, 4:190--91, 198, 5:26, 6:271--72; joiner, 1:229, 300, 341, 342, 343, 3:246, 4:114--15 136, 142--44, 199, 202, 249, 292; mason, 2:228, 229, 243, 3:51, 59; miller, 2:332, 333; millwright, 1:252, 265, 334, 2:204, 4:21, 5:92, 101; plasterer, 1:258, 4:291--92, 313--14, 319, 345, 5:292; plow and hurdle maker, 5:66--67; ropemaker, 3:226; shoemaker, 4:340, 341, 343; spinner, 5:70, 422; stonemason, 2:217, 225, 232, 233, 3:259, 4:190--91, 26465, 268, 335; stucco worker, 4:291--92, 313, 319; tailor, 2:213, 4:340; wagoner, 2:234, 3:80; wagon builder, 5:66--67; washer, 5:70; well digger, 5:362, 364, 370; wheelwright, 5:66, 67slave: observations on, 2:172, 5:910, 39slave: occupations, 2:165, 4:277--83; blacksmith, 1:248, 255, 311, 312; body servant, 2:70, 278, 4:1, 3, 6, 125, 260, 31011, 319, 348, 6:99, 100; bricklayer, 1:297--98, 299, 304, 4:19091, 5:131; brickmaker, 4:349, 5:310, 331; carpenter, 1:214, 232--34, 254, 256, 265, 291, 295, 298--99, 301, 302, 304, 311, 334, 341, 342, 343, 2:36, 43, 57, 67, 73, 74, 83, 3:42, 44, 231, 4:84, 262, 301, 327, 343--44, 5:32, 220, 304, 332; carriage driver, 5:263; cooper, 4:338, 5:332; footman, 6:99; house servant, 1:306, 5:281, 6:252; jobber, 4:100, 108, 156; miller, 1:264--65; postilion, 6:99; seedsman, 5:42; shoemaker, 4:265, 290; stabler, 5:263; stonemason, 4:190--9; wagoner, 5:416. See also Billy (Will, William Lee; slave) and Slaves
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GW visits, 2:4, 54, 132, 134, 193, 203--4, 236, 249, 261, 262, 3:21, 41, 53, 63, 91, 102, 130--31, 138, 144, 210, 219, 249, 256, 264, 269, 316--17; with GW, 2:54, 58, 101, 102, 134, 221, 264, 269, 3:52, 53, 69, 120; at Samuel Washington's with GW, 2:64, 87; at Mount Vernon, 2:126, 127, 221, 269, 3:119, 120; as trustee of George Carter's estate, 2:133, 134; money transactions with GW, 2:148, 190, 272; with GW at Eltham, 3:25, 69; acts as agent for GW, 3:53, 69, 130, 144, 186, 302, 4:13; his family, 3:185, 322
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3:27; Robert Carter's mill (Westmoreland County), 3:27; George Lambkin's mill at Wolf Run (Fairfax County), 3:199; Daniel Jenifer's mill (Goose Creek, Loudoun County), 3:199; Bull Run mill, 3:239; Daniel Morgan's mill (Shenandoah Valley), 4:5; James Rumsey's sawmill (Berkeley Springs), 4:12, 13; GW's mill (Washington's Bottom, Pa.), 4:20, 21, 23, 25, 137; Adam Wickerham's mill (Washington County, Pa.), 4:31; snuff mill on Pohick Creek, 4:100; mill ruins on Four Mile Run, 4:125; Robert Adam's mill (Chubb's, Four Mile Run), 4:125, 126; Thomas Beall's mill (Montgomery County, Md.), 4:170, 172; Spring Mill (Schuylkill River, Montgomery County, Pa.), 5:177, 243; grist mills, oil mills, slitting mill, snuff mill (Exeter, N.H.), 5:491. See also Mount Vernon
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6:270; imprisoned, 6:326
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garden walls, 1:298, 304; 3:319; 4:91, 92, 98, 161, 164, 193, 233, 271, 307greenhouse, 4:87, 143, 233, 277grounds: laying out, 2:120, 125, 4:75, 78, 79, 88, 95, 96, 103, 107, 129, 145, 263; serpentine walks or roads, 4:92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 104, 118, 167, 188, 218, 220, 267, 273, 294, 296, 304, 321, 5:293, 301, 305, 415; bowling green, 4:97, 190, 193, 194, 199, 202, 203, 205, 215; courtyard, 4:100, 101, 108, 116, 138, 155, 184; lawn, 4:114, 115, 116, 125, 127, 154, 181, 190, 193, 194, 202, 203, 205, 206, 218, 219--20, 267, 269, 306, 339, 344, 5:32, 111, 137, 209, 255, 298, 383, 384, 6:341; gates, 4:114, 116, 127, 129, 153, 154, 165, 218, 233, 234, 5:1; mounds, 4:267, 275, 293, 294, 295, 299groves, 4:79, 99, 103, 107, 109, 304, 322hedging and fencing, 1:243, 244, 245, 246, 248; 4:101, 102, 115, 117, 127, 129, 138, 152, 153, 154, 218, 295, 354; 5:127, 287hospital, refers to, 4:152icehouse, 4:336; building or repairing, 4:74, 213, 214, 215, 218, 221, 228, 234, 235, 236, 244, 245, 246, 247; gathering ice for, 4:76, 148--49, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 5:263, 264, 265, 441, 6:274kitchen, 1:258, 268, 298; 4:101mansion, 1:xxxviii, 258, 2:135--36, 3:188, 246, 4:247, 264, 298, 354, 5:262, 6:240; piazza and colonnade, 4:111, 136, 143, 190, 192, 313, 334, 335, 336; new room, 4:114--15, 143, 144, 291--92, 313--14, 319, 5:36--37, 292; roof, 4:199, 200, 202, 214miller's house, 3:44, 51, 59mills, 1:227, 5:424; repair and construction, I:252, 254, 256, 257, 334, 2:36, 57, 67, 204, 217, 218, 221, 222, 225, 228, 229, 232, 233--34, 243, 244, 245, 252, 260, 261, 275, 3:3, 4, 6, 7, 26, 45, 59, 128, 235, 4:252, 337, 338, 343--44, 348, 5:32, 92, 101, 304, 312, 313, 318, 367, 6:356; operation, 1:255, 264--65, 269, 2:276, 332--33, 335, 3:18, 24, 33, 36--37, 46, 62, 90, 118, 120, 140, 162, 210, 4:102, 215, 261, 262, 263, 346, 5:51, 57, 120, 395, 430necessaries, refers to, 4:89, 94, 101, 111salt house, refers to, 4:152, 222; 5:129, 295school house, 4:87; 5:66; 6:381servants hall, refers to, 4:101, 296, 301shrubberies, 4:94, 95, 97, 99, 101, 102, 106, 107, 108, 135, 138, 167, 181, 206, 220, 221, 233, 246, 247, 268, 300, 302, 303, 304, 321, 326; 5:1, 295slaves (mansion), 4:85, 277--78; 5:263, 281; 6:271spinning house, 4:151--52, 296; 5:295stable, refers to, 4:263, 303; 5:142; 6:341tobacco house, refers to, I:289; 2:1; 5:204, 212, 226, 404vineyard enclosure, 3:73, 74, 80; 4:114, 118, 122, 187, 189, 209, 217, 242--43; 5:142, 145, 298, 299, 308, 309, 337walks, other than garden, 4:94, 101, 111walls, other than garden, 1:258, 268; 4:86, 89, 101, 117, 336washhouse, 1:258wells, 5:362, 364, 365, 366, 370wilderness, 4:103, 104, 206, 107, 108, 135, 232, 246, 269, 272
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Pearce, William; Washington, George Augustine; Washington, John Augustine; Washington, Lund; Whitting, Anthony
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231, 264. See also South Branch of the Potomac River and South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River
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Conference, 4:106; GW visits 4:134, 318; attorney general of Va., 4:318; at Mount Vernon, 5:41; as governor of Va., 5:152, 157, 292; at Constitutional Convention, 5:156, 158, 171, 172, 185, 237, 241, 247; visits GW, 6:26, 28; appointed attorney general of U.S., 6:27; on Yazoo land fraud, 6:69, 70; and James River Company, 6:110; and Whiskey Insurrection, 6:173, 174, 187; and the Federal City, 6:205; implicated in bribery plot, 6:208
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Justification, Is a French Forgery, and Falsely Ascribed to His R--I H--s, 1:168
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York (River Farm); Giles; Greg; Gunner; Guy; Hannah; Harry; Harry (d. 1760); Hercules; Isaac; Jack (cook); Jack (cooper, mill); Jack (Dogue Run); Jack (Muddy Hole); Jack (wagoner, Home House); Jack, Long (Muddy Hole); Jack, Mulatto; James; James (Home House); Joe (body servant of John Parke Custis); Joe (cradler, Home House); Joe (postilion, Home House); Judy; Jupiter (carpenter); Jupiter (Muddy Hole); Kate; Kit; Lilly; London; Lucy; Lydia; Michael; Mike; Mima; Moll; Myrtilla; Nancy (Muddy Hole); Nancy (Simpson's plantation); Nat (child, River Farm); Nat (Home House); Nat (River Farm); Ned (carpenter); Ned (River Farm); Ned Holt (Home House); Neptune (bricklayer); Neptune (River Farm); Nokes, Tom; Oliver; Paris; Paschal; Peter; Peter (blacksmith); Peter, Lame (Home House); Phillis; Richmond; Robin (Dogue Run plantation); Robin (River Farm); Roger; Sall Brass; Sam (carpenter); Sam (Home House); Sambo; Schomberg; Simms; Simon; Sinah; Tom (belonging to George A. Washington); Tom (carpenter); Tom (cooper, mill plantation); Tom (Home House); Virgin; Will; Will (carpenter); Will (Doll's, overseer); Will (Mink, Muddy Hole); Will, Old (overseer at French's); Will (plowman); Will (River Farm); Winney
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GW on survey of Four Mile Run, 4:125, 324; and Custis estate, 4:141, 5:291, 315; GW visits, 4:170; attends Pohick Church, 4:200; sends seeds and grain to GW, 4:209, 270, 5:315; and Potomac Company, 5:27; education of children, 5:307, 6:280, 284, 312; commissioner of Federal City, 6:103, 104, 105, 164, 166, 249
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(Charles County), 3:165; Lindsey's Coffeehouse (Baltimore), 3:419; Mann's (City Hotel; Annapolis), 6:101, 102; Mountain's, 4:18, 19; Rawlins's (Rollins's; Anne Arundel County), 3:205; Ramsay's (Stevens; Anne Arundel County), 3:186, 327; Rhodes, 6:327; Rodgers's, 3:328, 6:200, 211, 237; Ross's (Sign of the Indian Queen; Bladensburg), 6:103, 238; Skerrett's (Red Lion Tavern, Cheyns's, Webster's; Baltimore County), 3:328, 5:154, 186, 237, 247, 6:204, 209, 213, 237, 322; Slade's (Baltimore County), 3:186; Stephenson's (Perryville), 3:328; Suter's (Georgetown), 4:170, 6:208; Tomlinson's (Red House; Little Meadows), 4:16, 17, 18, 19; Union Tavern (Georgetown), 6:250, 359; Van Horne's, 6:209, 211Massachusetts: Abbott's (Andover), 5:492; Coolidge's (Watertown), 5:493; Ingersoll's (Boston), 5:475; Jacob's, 5:494, 495; Jenk's (Spencer), 5:472; Parson's (Springfield), 5:470, 471; Taft's, 5:493, 494New Hampshire: Brewster's (Portsmouth), 5:487, 488New Jersey: Bullion's (Liberty Corner), 3:416; Cooper's (Camden), 6:231New York: Barden's (New York City), 6:86; Barre's (New Utrecht), 6:63; Blidenberg's (Smithtown), 6:65; Hart's (Long Island), 6:65; Haviland's (Square House; Westchester County), 5:461, 462; Hoyatt's, 5:461, 462; Hull's (Sign of the Bunch of Grapes; New York City), 3:181, 182; Ketchum's (Long Island), 6:64; Mariner's (Ferry House; New York City), 5:459; Platt's (Huntington), 6:66; Roe's (Long Island), 6:65; Simmonds's (South Hempstead), 6:64; Thompson's (Long Island), 6:64; Warne's (Gravesend), 6:63North Carolina: Cause's (Brunswick County), 6:121, 122; Dobson's (Stokes County), 6:154; Dorsey's (Wilmington), 6:120; Everit's (Dulpin County), 6:118; Foy's (Onslow), 6:118; Harrison's (Mecklenburg County), 6:150; Jennett's (New Hanover), 6:119; Hughes's Hotel (Salisbury), 6:152; Jocelin's (Joslin's; Wilmington), 6:120; Old Shingle House (Trenton), 6:118; Reed's (Rowan County), 6:152; Robert's ordinary, 1:325, 326; Russ's (Brunswick County), 6:121; Sage's (Onslow County), 6:118; Salem Tavern (Salem), 6:152; Shine's (Jones County), 6:118; Slaughter's (Halifax County), 6:114; Smith's Mecklenburg County), 6:151; Yarborough's (Salisbury), 6:152; Young's (Rowan County), 6:152Pennsylvania: Anderson's (Chester), 6:237; Bevan's (Philadelphia), 3:285--87; Burns's (Byrns's, Burns's in the Fields; Philadelphia), 3:286, 330, 333, 335, 336; City Tavern (New Tavern, Daniel Smith's; Philadelphia; illus., 3:274), 3:27476, 278--80, 284--87, 328--31, 334, 335, 5:17, 163, 165, 169, 185, 238--40, 242, 244, 246, 247; Conestoga Wagon (Philadelphia), 3:330; Daugherty's, 4:18, 19; Duff's, 3:180; Epple's (Sign of the Rainbow), 5:174; Graydon's (Philadelphia), 3:180, 185; Great Meadows, 4:18; Harp and Grown (Carson's;
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Philadelphia), 3:276, 278; Indian Queen (Philadelphia), 5:166, 173, 239, 241; Mullen's (Vauxhall; Philadelphia), 3:336; Mullen's Beefsteak House (Philadelphia), 3:285, 336; Myers's (Pittsburgh), 2:280; Semple's (Pittsburgh), 2:292, 325; Ship Tavern (Parke's; Chester County), 3:185, 186; Sign of the Buck (York County), 3:186; Sign of the Bull, 3:186; Sorrel Horse Tavern (Horse and Groom Tavern; Radnor Township), 3:185, 186; Spangler's (York), 6:168; Withy's (Chester), 5:155, 6:99; Worrell's, 6:99; Wright's ferry (York County), 3:186South Carolina: Barr's (Lancaster County), 6:149; Crawford's (Lancaster County), 6:149; Freazer's (St. Andrew's Parish), 6:133; Ingram's (Lancaster County), 6:148, 149; Lee's Stage Tavern, 6:145; Oden's (Edgefield County), 6:145; Piney Woods House, 6:145; Sutton's (Lancaster County), 6:148, 149; Vareen's (All Saints Parish), 6:121, 122Virginia, 4:56; Andrews's, 6:113; R. Coleman's, 1:253; Kenner's (Red House), 6:108; Lee's, 6:112; Moore's, 6:162; Neville's, 1:6, 264; Oliver's, 6:112; Snodgrass's, 4:9; Winston's (Winslow's, Winster's), 4:134Alexandria: Alexandria Inn and Coffeehouse (New Tavern, Henry Lyle's), 4:198, 311, 312, 5:16, 17; Arell's, 3:53, 54, 70, 124, 125, 131, 132, 227, 260; Chew's, 1:238; Coffeehouse, 4:232; Fountain Tavern (Wise's), 4:232, 5:22, 352, 373; Gadsby's, 6:355, 356; Hawkins's, 3:227; Kemp's (Globe Tavern), 6:355; Leigh's (Bunch of Grapes), 5:210, 211, 256, 257; Lomax's, 8:74, 4:140, 242, 5:52, 89; Page's 5:440Berkeley Springs: Liberty Pole and Flag (Rumsey and Throckmorton's, Throgmorton's), 4:12Caroline County: Bowling Green Tavern (Hoomes's), 4:134, 317, 319; Buckner's (Port Royal), 3:165; Coleman's, 2:203, 238, 3:91; Coleman's, 2:238, 249; Clarke's (James Head Lynch's, Rawlins's), 4:134, 317, 319; Hubbard's ordinary, 2:54, 147, 249, 3:21, 41, 63, 69, 102, 138, 144, 211, 219, 256, 264; Parker's ordinary, 2:101, 193; Roy's, 3:249, 264, 269, 314, 316; Todd's, 2:153, 3:69, 6:108Colchester: Bailey's, 3:107Culpeper: Kemp's, 4:57Cumberland: Effingham, 6:162Dumfries: Courts's, 3:3; Graham's, 3:313, 314Essex County: Webb's, 2:62Fairfax County, 1:175; Newgate (Lane's, Triplett's), 3:12, 292; Shepherd's (Shepperd's), 4:1, 3; Wiley's, 6:374, 375Frederick County: Campbell's, 1:11Fredericksburg: Julian's, 2:203; Rising Sun, 2:261; Weedon's, 2:133, 262, 3:41, 63, 91, 130, 144, 249, 316, 317Halifax: Eagle Tavern, 6:114; Preddy's (Priddy's), 6:160, 161Hanover County, 3:314, 4:317; Norval's ("Nevil's"), 4:317--19Harpers Ferry, 4:179James City County: Doncastle's, 3:165King and Queen County: Todd's ordinary, 1:270, 3:21, 41, 63,
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69, 91, 102, 138, 165, 166, 211, 256, 269King William County, 2:108, 238; Ruffin's, 3:40, 63, 250, 264Leesburg: Roper's, 4:3Loudoun County: Moss's, 3:238, 239, 295; West's ordinary (Lacey's), 1:23, 2:135, 180, 324, 326, 3:110, 239, 292, 293, 5:336Morgan town: Morgan's, 4:42Northern Neck: Newgate (Eagle), 2:168, 169Pittsylvania County: Wisdom's, 6:156, 159Shenandoah Valley: Alexander's, 3:292, 293, 295; Berry's, 3:12; Golden Buck Inn (Philip Bush's; Winchester), 3:13; Key's (Keyes' ferry, 4:4; Snickers's, 3:13, 110, 239, 292, 293Stafford County: Peyton's ordinary, 2:132, 143, 146, 3:52, 130, 210, 256; Tyler's, 3:256, 264, 269; Taylor's, 4:134Richmond: Anderson's, 4:132, 133; City Tavern (Galt's), 3:315, 316; Cowley's (Coley's, Cooley's), 3:314, 315; Eagle Tavern, 4:318, 6:111; Formicola's, 4:317, 318Whitehall: Payne's, 6:162, 163Williamsburg: Anderson's, 3:25, 68, 97, 216, 217, 255, 256; Ayscough's (illus., 2:107), 2:106, 150; Campbell's (illus., 3:101), 1:307, 2:58, 107, 148, 150, 151, 153, 194, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 238, 245, 246, 247, 248, 3:25, 26, 40, 63, 68, 69, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 143, 165, 166, 219, 250--52, 266, 268; Carter's, 3:63, 65, 67; Edward Charlton's, 3:94--97, 101, 141, 142, 143, 165, 166, 211, 213, 216, 219, 250--52, 266, 268; Richard Charlton's 2:58, 3:94, 143, 255; Coffeehouse, 3:142, 143, 211, 21517; Hay's (see Raleigh); King's Arms (Vobe's), 3:141, 142; Raleigh Tavern (Hay's; Southall's), 2:148, 150, 151, 152, 195, 196, 201, 202, 239, 3:25, 26, 40, 96, 100, 101, 141, 142, 143, 211, 213, 216, 217, 219, 250, 251, 252, 255, 256; Southall's (Wetherburn Tavern), 2:201, 202, 3:25; Vobe's, 2:193, 3:25, 68; Wetherburn Tavern ( see Anderson's and Southall's)York County: Halfway House, 3:422
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3:52, 77, 162, 208, 249, 271, 297; GW visits, 3:77, 83
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advises GW on tax matters, 6:269; appointed to United States Supreme Court, 6:319
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clergy (New Haven, Conn.), 5:464; committee of Connecticut legislature, 5:464, 465; Hartford, Conn., mayor, aldermen, and common council, 5:469; Societies of the Cincinnati, 5:477, 478, 6:76, 137, 234; Boston citizens, 5:477, 478; Massachusetts executive, 5:477, 478; Harvard College, 5:477, 478; Salem, Mass., citizens, 5:483; Marblehead, Mass., citizens, 5:483, 489, 490; Massachusetts and New Hampshire Presbyterian clergy, 5:489, 490; Portsmouth, Mass., citizens, 5:489, 490; New Hampshire executive; 5:490, 491; Dartmouth College, 5:497; New Jersey legislature, 5:504; Virginia legislature, 5:510, 6:68; Congress, 6:6--7, 197; Roman Catholic clergy and laity, 6:46, 47; state of Georgia, 6:46, 47; intendant and wardens of Charleston, S.C., 6:47, 48, 129, 133; legislature of Georgia, 6:48, 49; faculty of St. John's College, 6:102; corporation of Fredericksburg, Va., 6:107, 108; city of Richmond, Va., 6:109; city of Petersburg, Va., 6:112; freemasons of St. John's Lodge No. 2 (New Bern, N.C.), 6:117; freemasons of King Solomon's Lodge (Trenton, N.C.), 6:118; inhabitants of Wilmington, N.C., 6:120; inhabitants of Fayetteville, N.C., 6:121; Masonic brethren of Prince George's Lodge No. 16 (Georgetown, S.C.), 6:125; inhabitants of Georgetown, S.C., 6:125; merchants of Charleston, S.C., 6:129; Grand Lodge of the State of South Carolina Ancient York Masons (Charleston), 6:130; people of Prince William's Parish (S.C.), 6:134, 135; freemasons of Georgia, 6:137; Congregational Church and Society of Midway, Ga., 6:137; mayor and aldermen of Savannah, Ga., 6:157; German congregation of Ebenezer, Ga., 6:137; citizens of Savannah, Ga., 6:137--38; citizens of Augusta, Ga., 6:141, 142; Gov. Telfair of Georgia, 6:143; citizens of Columbia and Granby, S.C., 6:147; citizens of Camden, S.C., 6:147; inhabitants of Salisbury, N.C., 6:152; United Brethren of Wachovia(N.C.), 6:153; inhabitants of Frederick, Md., 6:167; inhabitants of York, Pa., 6:168, 169; inhabitants of Lancaster, Pa., 6:169; inhabitants of Harrisburg, Pa., 6:181; inhabitants of Carlisle, Pa., 6:187; farewell address to army, 6:195--96; French minister (Adet), 6:215; Pennsylvania governor and legislature, 6:234; officers of the army, 6:234; council of Baltimore, 6:237--38amusements: theater, 1:33, 81, 2:94, 95, 239, 247, 248, 3:3, 25, 41, 56, 63, 64, 67, 68, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 136, 137, 5:175, 176, 242, 243, 500--1, 502, 6:229, 230, 232, 233, 235; barbecues, 2:154, 261, 3:203, 204, 248, 271; sleight of hand, 2:181; concerts, 3:100, 5:163--64, 169, 239, 240, 477, 478; 6:131, 139, 153, 235--36; wax works, 3:143; puppet show, 3:145; boat race, 3:248, 249; fireworks, 3:255, 6:132, 139; turtle feast, 4:235; Gray's Ferry Gardens, 5:158, 159, 176, 185, 186, 238, 241, 246; Bartram's Botanical Gardens, 5:166, 168, 240; Chovet's Anatomical Museum, 5:174, 242; exhibition at Alexandria Academy, 5:210--11, 256; ratification celebration in Alexandria,
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5:351; Mr. Perry's and Mr. Williamson's gardens, 5:457--58; Mr. Prince's Linnean Botanic Garden, 5:458--59; "Fourteen Miles Around," 5:506; portrait exhibition, 6:13. See also Balls and assemblies, Cardplaying, Fishing (pleasure), Horse racing, Huntingbirthdays, 1:244; 5:276; 6:31, 235, 282, 333bookplate, 3:76church going: Christ Church (Barbados), 1:84; Pohick Church (Fairfax County, Va.), 1:216, 2:51, 68, 76, 77, 100, 109, 121, 128, 141, 154, 158, 167, 221, 226, 236, 253, 263, 328, 332, 3:3, 20, 34, 45, 77, 107, 113, 114, 123, 132, 149, 249, 259, 261, 269, 271, 290, 303, 310, 313, 320, 4:200, 5:209, 411; Anglican church (Alexandria), 2:231, 2:77, 3:25% 264, 291, 5:302, 6:258, 296, 318, 350, 376; Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg, Va.), 2:174, 2:295, 247, 254; unspecified church, 2:53; Warrenray Church (New Kent County, Va.), 2:59, 60; Nomini Church (Westmoreland County, Va.), 2:63, 88; St. Paul's Church (Stafford County, Va.), 2:64; Warm Springs, Va., 2:276, 280; St. George's Church (Fredericksburg, Va.), 2:261, 5:340; St. Barnabas Church (Prince George's County, Md.), 3:129; Christ Church (Philadelphia), 3:284, 286, 5:170, 242, 6:229; St. Mary's Church (Philadelphia), 3:285, 5:263, 238; Presbyterian meetinghouse (Philadelphia), 3:285, 5:242; St. Paul's Chapel (New York City), 5:452, 500, 502, 504, 507, 509, 510, 6:1, 5, 13, 25, 29, 87, 38, 46, 49, 54, 85; Trinity Church (New York City), 452, 6:53, 60, 68, 73, 78, 85 Episcopal church (New Ha yen, Conn.), 5:466; Congregational meetinghouse (New Haven, Conn.), 5:466; Trinit Episcopal Church (Boston) 5:476; Brattle Street Congregational Church (Boston), 5 476; North Congregational Church (Portsmouth, N.H.) 5:488; St. John's Episcopal Church (Portsmouth, N.H.) 5:488; Ashford, Conn., 5:495 St. Michael's Church (Charles ton, S.C.), 6:232--33; Christ Church (Savannah), 6:139 240; Moravian church (Salem N.C.), 6:253; German Re formed Church (York, Pa.) 6:268; First Presbyterian Church (Carlisle, Pa.), 6:182 Philadelphia, 6:228, 235court attendance: 2:46, 69, 94, 109 225, 128, 242, 142, 259, 160 167, 181, 288, 209, 224, 225 221, 228, 254, 263, 264, 272 329; 3:3, 14, 15, 20, 46, 47, 53 54, 70, 203, 208, 214, 124, 125 132, 238, 149, 261death of, 6:379diaries, discussion of, 1:xvii--xix, xx, xli--liii; surveying diary 0748), 2:5; Barbados, 1:30 34--37; 1753 diary, 1:160--62; 2754 diary, 2:166--67, 171--73; cryptic symbols in, 1:329--30; diary of the Constitutional Convention, 5:152--53gifts: Masonic ornaments, 4:78; books, 4:78, 243; birds, 4:104, 5:68, 72, 73; food, 4:122, 241, 242, 286, 287, 296, 322; dogs, 4:186; jackasses, 4:214, 5:68, 73; miniature ship, 6:12; farm implements, 6:270--72illnesses, 2:29, 33, 36--37, 82, 83, 290; 2:44, 181; 5:33, 153, 260, 477; 6:9, 56, 76--77, 314, 379land transactions: 2:222, 227, 245, 276; in Pennsylvania, 1:20, 292,
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245, 2:51, 277, 278, 280, 282, 290, 4:1--2, 16, 23, 24, 25, 37, 223, 5:74, 148, 149; Dogue Run, 1:293, 3:12, 110, 4:84--85; inheritance from Lawrence Washington, 1:118; Bullskin, 1:226, 2:136, 3:37, 88, 155; with John Posey, 1:235--36, 241, 251, 254; Brent's land, 1:237, 238, 243; in Clifton's Neck, 1:237, 238, 243, 246--47, 250, 252, 254--55, 258, 259, 260, 281--82, 289, 2:43, 157, 269, 5:102; growth of Mount Vernon property, 1:239--42, 2:3031; with Sampson Darrell, 1:245, 298; Ohio and Kanawha lands, 1:245, 2:51, 277, 298, 303--4, 3:61, 62, 200, 312, 4:295, 5:371, 432, 6:270, 272--73, 274, 346--47; Trenn's land, 1:251, 254; Frogg's land, 1:263--64; Simon Pearson's land, 1:268, 4:80; Williamsburg, 1:274; Ashford's plantation, 1:293; proposed purchase of western lands, 2:51; Carter land in Loudoun, Frederick, and Fauquier counties, 2:133, 134, 139, 4:251; with George Mason, 2:142, 189; with John West, 2:143, 246, 271, 3:131; with John Parke Custis, 2:151; in Alexandria, 2:182--83; with Thomas Hanson Marshall, 2:188, 245, 255, 4:80--81; Alexander land, 2:189--90; Harrison's Patent, 2:221; in Maryland, 2:245, 255--56, 4:192--93, 5:54, 60--61; with George Croghan, 2:282; with Valinda Wade, 2:331, 3:3, 14; in Fredericksburg, 3:52, 69; disposal of Ferry Farm, 3:52--53, 144, 249; at Little Falls, 3:53; in Berkeley, Loudoun, and Fauquier counties, 3:88--89, 110, 239, 4:4--5, 250, 262--63; in King and Queen County, 3:255; Mercer lands, 3:292, 304, 4:5, 124--26, 250, 251, 316, 318; on Difficult Run, 4:3, 249, 250, 6:370--71, 374, 375; in Bath, 4:10--11, 13; with George and John Ashford, 4:80; with Lund Washington, 4:80--81, 90, 92, 93; with Benjamin Dulany, 4:84, 5:290; French's, 4:84--85, 93, 5:32--33, 37,38, 40, 43, 52, 57, 60--61, 88--89; with Adam, Dow & McIver, 4:84--85, 113, 192--93; with William Triplett, 4:90, 92, 93, 141, 5:33, 34, 37, 38, 43, 52; in Frederick County, 4:251; Sheridine's Point, 4:331; Sanford's, 5:43; with Gilbert Simpson, 5:102; with George Augustine Washington, 5:103--4; Virginia military reserve lands (Ohio), 5:371--72; with Henry Lee (Kentucky lands), 5:432; in Federal City, 6:316, 319. See also Virginia Regimentlegal involvement: Ballendine fraud, 1:217--18; Darrell-Smith land, 1:239; Colvill estate, 2:11, 32, 3:78, 81, 84, 87, 88, 4:122, 332, 5:70, 410, 431; John Posey's affairs, 2:30, 258, 189; arbitrator in Alexander-West-Ellzey-Mason suit, 2:69; arbitrator in Dade-Payne suit, 2:128; trustee for George Carter estate, 2:133, 134; trustee for Savage estate, 2:181--82, 228, 3:81, 88, 89; Robert Alexander, 2:255; arbitrator in Ross-Semple suit, 2:264, 3:3, 4, 16, 19; arbitrator in Graham-Macrae suit, 2:331, 334, 3:8; John Mercer estate, 3:292, 293; dispute over Millers Run tract, 4:21, 22--23, 28--29, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 52, 5:74; suit by Robert Scott against GW, 4:256; George Mercer estate, 4:316, 318, 5:414; trustee for William Aylett Booth, 5:223; John Perrin Washington estate,
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5:405--6; guardian of Nelly Custis, 6:331. See also Custis estatemarriage, 1:xxii, 214military services: adjutant of southern district, 1:118; 1753 expedition, 1:118--61; adjutant of Northern Neck, 1:162; 1754 expedition, 1:162--210; command of Independent companies, 3:291, 303, 313, 314, 323; assumes command of Continental Army, 3:338; Yorktown campaign, 3:356--438; Whiskey Insurrection, 6:170--98; lieutenant general and commander in chief in Quasi-War, 6:307plans to go to sea, 1:4political activitiesin House of Burgesses, 1:280, 281, 2:202--3, 3:250; elected, 1:245--46, 280, 289, 2:113, 114, 180, 3:74, 94, 260--61; committees, 1:259, 2:150, 151, 194, 196, 201, 247, 3:94, 95, 99--100, 165; attendance, 1:295, 307, 2:103, 202, 248, 3:39, 40, 251--52justice of the peace, 2:94and nonimportation, 2:143--44, 152, 168, 239, 245, 249, 256, 263and Virginia Resolves, 2:151--52and Virginia Regiment, 2:256--57, 261, 277, 308; 3:12, 13, 61, 62, 63, 67, 68, 130, 141, 142, 144and Fairfax Resolves, 3:260, 261, 262Fairfax Committee of Correspondence, 3:262, 296, 297, 303and Virginia conventions, 3:266, 309, 314, 315, 316, 322in Continental Congress, 3:268, 275, 282, 284--87, 329, 330, 331, 334, 336Constitutional Convention: description of diaries, 5:152--53, 187; diaries of, 5:152--87, 236--47; elected to represent Virginia at, 5:158; elected president of, 5:162, 238; receives journals of, 5:185; signs Constitution, 5:185, 247portraits, 5:478, 490; Charles Willson Peale, 3:108, 109, 5:173, 174, 175, 242; Robert Edge Pine, 4:130, 131, 5:173, 241; of Houdon's statue, 4:200--201, 202, 204, 209; marquise de Brčhan, 5:451, 452; John Rammage, 5:451, 452; Christian Gülager, 5:478--79; Edward Savage, 5:509, 6:2, 57; John Trumbull, 6:9, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 40, 51, 86, 87, 94, 132; Andrew Ellicott, 6:104; Gilbert Stuart, 6:229presidency: diaries, 5:445--512, 6:1--198, 215; election, 5:445--47; reception in New York, 5:447--48; official residences, 5:449, 6:26, 27--28, 31, 35, 37proclamations, 5:502; 6:70, 171, 197secretaries. See Craik, George Washington; Dandridge, Bartholomew, Jr.; Dandridge, William; Humphreys, David; Jackson, William; Lear, Tobias; Lewis, Lawrence; Lewis, Robert; Rawlins, Albin; Shaw, Williamsocieties, membership in: Freemasons, 1:270, 4:78, 89; Philosophical Society for the Advancement of Useful Knowledge (Williamsburg), 2:256; Society of the Cincinnati, 4:83--84, 88--89, 216, 246, 247, 6:130, 137; American Philosophical Society, 4:350; South Carolina Society for Promoting and Improving Agriculture and Other Rural Concerns, 5:55; Sons of St. Patrick, 5:170, 241; Philadelphia
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Society for Promoting Agriculture, 5:174, 242surveying: early experience and training, 1:1, 4--5; surveying diary, 1:6--23; for George Neville, 1:6; for Isaac Pennington, 1:9; for James Caudy, 1:22; Mount Vernon, 1:248, 249, 2:31, 32, 140, 142, 223, 226, 227, 228, 3:14, 62, 83, 89, 90, 114, 124, 137, 4:90, 92, 93, 199, 257, 264, 5:73, 103, 105, 112, 116, 213, 257; Trenn's land, 1:251; Posey's land, 1:251, 2:187; for Richard Stephenson, 1:276; for roads, 2:40, 5:422, 423--24, 438; Fauquier lands, 2:134; Bullskin, 2:135; Harrison's patent, 2:221; wasteland near Dogue Run, 2:222; purchase of surveying instruments, 2:222; plotting and measuring surveys for Virginia Regiment, 3:62; Bryan Fairfax's land, 3:110; for John West, 3:125; Charles West's land, 3:132; for William Triplett, 4:90, 92, 93; Four Mile Run land, 4:124, 125, 322, 324, 340, 341, 345; in Maryland, 5:60; William B. Harrison's land, 6:348; John Gill's land, 6:374; Difficult Run land, 6:374travels: Northern Neck, 1:6--23; Barbados, 1:24--117; Port Royal, 1:222--26; Williamsburg, 1:269--75, 307, 2:4, 54, 57--64, 100--103, 106--8, 143, 144, 146--53, 156, 190, 193--97, 199--204, 236--41, 345--49, 3:21, 25--29, 39--41, 44, 63--65, 67--69, 73, 91, 9497, 99--102, 138, 141--44, 165--66, 210--11, 213--17, 219, 249--52, 254--56, 264, 266--69; Colchester, 1:280--81, 2:264, 268, 331, 3:8, 5:329; Frederick County, 1:289, 306, 3:292--93, 295; Westmoreland County, 1:295; Dismal Swamp, 1:319--26, 2:4; Warm Springs, 2:26, 27--28, 168--69, 173--77, 179--80, 4:9, 13; Boyd's Hole, 2:64; Caroline County, 2:70; Fredericksburg, 2:70, 256, 260--62, 3:52--53, 130--31, 5:144, 339--40; Stafford Court House, 2:74; Cameron, 2:83, 154, 227; Chotank, 2:87, 88, 92; Nomini, 2:87, 92; Fauquier County, 2:133, 3:239; Georgetown (Montgomery County, Md.), 2:219, 3:84, 291, 4:170, 207, 5:205, 252, 6:250, 280--81, 359; Ohio Country, 2:277--326, 328; Little Falls, 3:329; Dumphries, 3:3, 4, 16, 19; Winchester, 3:12; Annapolis, 3:54--57, 136--37, 172--73, 205--6, 208; Loudoun County, 3:109--10, 112--13; Prince George's County, Md., 3:128, 129; New York, 3:178--83, 185--86, 6:93--93; Berkeley County, 3:238, 239, 4:4; Philadelphia, 3:272, 274--81, 282--88, 327--38, 5:153--55, 237--47, 6:322--27; Province Island, 3:277, 286, 331; Richmond, 3:313, 314--16, 4:131--34, 316--19; west of Appalachian Mountains, 4:1--71; Falls of the Potomac, 4:170--81, 195--97, 207--9, 269--70, 287--89, 347, 5:2--3, 47--48, 335, 6:248; Charles County, Md., 5:60; Valley Forge, 5:179, 243; Trenton, N.J.,5:180, 244; White Marsh, Pa., 5:181, 245; Mount Vernon, 5:186--87, 6:200, 204, 205, 208, 211, 236--40; Germantown, Pa., 5:242, 6:229; New England tour, 5:460--97; Long Island, 6:63--66; southern tour, 6:96--169; western Pennsylvania, 6:178--97; Federal City, 6:248, 261--62, 280--81, 297, 316--17, 330, 350, 359, 375and Truro Vestry, 2:11, 17, 28, 52, 76, 93, 111, 132, 140, 167, 168, 181; 3:39, 71, 113 see also Custis estate; Virginia Regiment
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4:80, 92, 168, 218, 5:20, 33, 49, 228, 343; his children, 4:187, 188; overseer of public roads, 5:421
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393--96, 398--401, 406; in Yorktown, 3:422--24British intelligence of American plans, 3:367, 375--76, 399, 411,413--14British naval movements: in Virginia waters, 3:358, 365, 376, 378, 406--9, 419--20, 436; in New York harbor, 3:362, 365, 367, 376, 407--9, 418, 420, 435; on Hudson River, 3:365, 393--94, 396; in Rhode Island waters, 3:369, 374, 407French naval movements: de Grasse's fleet, 3:364, 372, 403, 409, 414, 417--20, 423--25, 436; Barras's fleet, 3:374, 392, 403, 409, 418, 420New York City area: enemy threat to Sussex Court House, N.J., 3:359--60; Long Island harbors, 3:360; troops sail from, 3:362, 365, 367, 376, 435; skirmish at Croton Bridge, 3:364--65; enemy shipping near Fort Lee, 3:365; rumor of British evacuation, 3:371, 374; enemy strength and positions, 3:374--75, 394--96, 398'400; French army approaches, 3:382; enemy raid up Hudson River, 3:393--94, 396; terrain between Hudson and Bronx rivers, 3:406; troops arrive at, 3:408--9northern frontier, 3:367, 371, 376, 378, 381--82, 405South Carolina and Georgia, 3:380, 384, 391, 401, 424Virginia: Arnold's offensive, 3:358--59; Cornwallis arrives in, 3:376; Cornwallis's offensive, 3:378--80, 387, 402; Cornwallis's retreat, 3:390--91, 402; battle at Green Spring, 3:401; enemy troops embark at Portsmouth, 3:406--8; enemy troops sail to Yorktown, 3:409, 411; damage to enemy works at Yorktown, 3:425prisoners, 3:365, 380--81, 387, 401, 427, 429, 432--33, 436--37recruiting and reinforcement: Continental recruits needed for campaign, 3:356, 369--70, 391, 397, 404--6, 410; British reinforcements, 3:362, 365, 374, 376, 378, 384, 387, 401, 406, 408--9, 423, 435; French reinforcements, 3:363--64, 423--24; New England recruits, 3:368, 370, 382, 391, 397, 404; militia reinforcements, 3:370, 377, 381, 384, 397, 403--8; American reinforcements for northern frontier, 3:371, 376, 381--82, 384; Continental reinforcements for Detroit expedition refused, 3:379; New York levies, 3:381, 384, 404, 407; Continental reinforcements for, 3:388; arrangement of Continental Army for 1782, 3:408strategy and tactics: GW prefers offensive to defensive campaign, 3:356, 406; Wethersfield conference and plan, 3:363--64, 367--70, 377, 397, 403; New York strategy compared with southern strategy, 3:369--70, 375, 377--78, 385, 397, 404--5, 409--10; use of French fleets, 3:369.70, 374, 376--77, 384--85, 392, 397, 403, 409'10, 419--22, 425, 433, 435--36; plan for expedition against Detroit, 3:379; plans for attacking northern Manhattan Island, 3:385--89, 398--99; plan for attacking Lloyd's Neck on Long Island, 3:392; attempts to conceal strategy from enemy, 3:405, 411, 413--14; proposed naval attack on Newfoundland, 3:409--10; GW elects southern strategy, 3:409--10; Yorktown plans, 3:410--11, 419--22, 424--25; expedition against Charleston
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considered, 3:433; plan for expedition against Wilmington, N.C., 3:433, 435--36supply: clothing: for southern army, 3:357, 436; money for, 3:371; captured by British, 3:393; American dress at Yorktown surrender, 3:432impressing, 3:356--57magazines and armories, 3:356--57, 359--61, 436money for, 3:357, 361, 363--64, 371ordnance: arms for southern army, 3:357; powder loaned, 3:370--71; money for arms, 3:371; artillery supplies for New York operation, 3:373, 404; cannon at Tarrytown, 3:393--94; cannon at Dobbs Ferry, 3:396; cannon from Pennsylvania, 3:397; from New England, 3:404; for southern campaign, 3:405, 423, 436; captured at Yorktown, 3:430; for Wilmington, N.C., expedition, 3:435provisions: shortage of, 3:356, 359--62; requested from states, 3:356, 360, 362, 370; sent to posts in upstate New York, 3:359--61; for French army, 3:359--61; from Connecticut, 3:360--61; from Sussex Court House, N.J., 3:360--61; prospects for obtaining, 3:368, 378, 382, 391, 397; from Pennsylvania, 3:390; captured by British, 3:393; for southern campaign, 3:405; for Wilmington, N.C., expedition, 3:435public stores at Richmond moved to safety, 3:358stores transported on southern campaign, 3:416--19, 423, 435--36transportation: lack of regular system, 3:356; money for, 3:357, 361; states requested to supply, 3:360, 370; impressed, 3:361; southern campaign, 3:369, 405, 411, 413--14, 416--19, 421--23, 435--36; boats, 3:373, 376, 380, 391--92, 401--2, 404, 413, 418; Pennsylvania to New York, 3:390, 397
